The Weather Outside is Frightful - Keep Your Gas Meter Free of Snow & Ice

We have all heard the phrase, "the weather outside is frightful." Extreme weather conditions causes extreme problems! We spend our days and nights just trying to keep our walks clear, our gutters running smoothly, and our roofs free from extreme snow loads. But it is also important not to forget to keep your GAS METER FREE FROM SNOW AND ICE!

Your GAS METER NEEDS TO VENT TO WORK PROPERLY. So do the VENTS TO YOUR GAS HOT WATER HEATER, FURNACE AND APPLIANCES. When they can't vent, they won't work causing you a fright you can do without! Who needs the additional headache of having your furnace or electricity not functioning when it is preventable with a few minutes time!

When REMOVING SNOW from your meter, GENTLY BRUSH AWAY SNOW. DO NOT USE SHOVELS OR KICK YOUR METER as it could cause damage that could result in a gas leak! Also, remember that when large amounts of snow or ice fall on your meter from your roof, it can damage your meter.

ICE IS ALSO AN ENEMY TO YOUR GAS METER AND ELECTRIC METER. If your meters are encased in ice, call your utility company right away. They will come clear it for you. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE ICE YOURSELF. And remember, the utility service personnel will need a path to access your meters in deep snow.

If you should SUSPECT DAMAGE or hear a hissing sound and/or smell gas, CALL YOUR UTILITY COMPANY IMMEDIATELY FROM A PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR HOUSE. DO NOT GO INSIDE TO USE THE PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE. DO NOT TURN ON/OFF LIGHTS.

So, please take a few minutes to check your meters and pass this on to friends, family and clients! The old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," certainly applies so you can stay warm and safe through these difficult weather conditions.

"Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

Beasley Realty

Tips for buying your Pullman WA home

My name is Lori Cofer of Beasley Realty and I am licensed in both WA & ID serving Whitman and Latah Counties. I enjoy helping clients find the house that says home. Here are a few tips you might find helpful as you begin your journey to buying your new home.

GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER
Credit scores, your overall income, and your debt are all important factors in determining whether or not you will qualify for a loan and what the terms of your loan will be. Don't be afraid to shop around. But do shop for mortgage rates all at once. Rates change daily, so make sure you are comparing apples to apples. It is true that too many credit card applications can lower your credit score, but several inquires from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if done in a short period of time. So be prepared to do your shopping around as quickly as you can.

WORK WITH A REALTOR
Find a REALTOR®. They are the experts in buying and selling real estate. You may buy or sell a few homes in your lifetime, but REALTORS® deal with real estate transactions on a daily basis. Furthermore, real estate law varies from state to state and are not static. Real Estate is an ever changing business, and you need someone who is well informed to guide you through the complex process of a real estate transaction.

GET PREAPPROVED
This is a tremendously important step. Your want to begin your home search understanding your price range. You don't want to fall in love with a home you can't afford. Your REALTOR® will show you properties that are within your price range and that fit your needs. Also, start looking at the low end of your price range. You never know what you may find!
What if you don't qualify at this time? There are things you can do to improve your situation for the future. Don't get discouraged! You can do it!! Make a budget and stick to it. Save for your down payment and closing costs. Pay down credit card debt. Check your credit report. And if you possibly can, wait on major purchases like automobiles which can increase your debt to income ratio considerably.

BE REALISTIC
Make a list of needs versus wants. Start with your needs. Then make a list of wants or desires. Often buyers begin the process of looking at home, only to find out their perception of needs versus wants change. Be realistic about your list. And make sure you communicate that to your REALTOR Do, however, keep an open mind. Remember, there is no perfect property. Focus on the top priorities of your list, and let the more insignificant ones or things that you can easily change go. Let's begin that journey!

Questions? Feel free to contact me. I am here to help!
Lori Cofer, REALTOR® 509.330.0086
http://www.mypullmanhome.com/