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NJ Roof Repair – Avoid Water Stains & Damage

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Replacing a roof costs thousands of dollars. So having repairs made when problems are noticed will save you a lot in the long run.

The roof is an essential part of your home’s structure – but it won’t last forever. Most asphalt shingle roofs tend to last 20 years or up to 30 years at most. If your roof begins to fail, and you don’t notice, this can lead to costly water damage, mold, and other serious issues. But how do you know when it is time for roofing repairs?

Visible Patches of Damaged Shingles on Your Roof

If your roof is beginning to wear out, one of the most easy-to-recognize signs is if multiple shingles in an area are damaged, loose, or have fallen away from your roof completely. It’s common for patches of shingles to fail together because water can more easily wear down surrounding shingles once a single shingle is damaged.

You don’t have to go up to your roof to look for damaged shingles, either. Using a pair of binoculars, scan the roof and look for any obvious signs of damage. These sections can be replaced in some cases, but if you have lots of damaged shingles, it may make more sense to replace the entire roof.

Asphalt Granules In Gutters or Near Downspouts

Asphalt shingles have a layer of granules on top of them that help protects the shingles from the elements. Over time, though, the adhesive that holds these granules together will begin to deteriorate. If you start to notice lots of granules in your gutters, near your downspouts, or in other areas of your yard, you may need to start budgeting for a new roof.

Water Stains in Your Attic or On Your Ceiling

When your roof starts to fail and leak, the first sign inside your home is usually water stains on your ceiling or in your attic. It would help if you made it a habit to go up in your attic at least once per year to look for signs of water damage and leaks.

In particular, you should look around pipe vents, chimneys, openings for skylights, and any other openings that may exist in your roof – these are the parts of the roof structure that are the most vulnerable to water damage.

Large Patches of Moss or Algae On Your Roof

A little bit of moss or algae is common on a roof and can be cleaned away with a quick power wash of the roof and an antimicrobial treatment.

But if there are large patches or sections of your roof that seem always to be covered with moss or algae, this may indicate a problem with the roof – a lot of moisture is likely gathering underneath the shingles leading to the continued growth of moss and other vegetation.

NJ Roof Repair

At Gateway Realty & Home Services, we are always here to help homeowners in New Jersey with home inspections and repairs. If you think your roof may need some repair, contact us online now, or give us a call at (732) 749-8700 to set up a roof inspection right away – and get the help you need.

APR? DTI? Home Buying Terms You Need to Know

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We have compiled a list of the most commonly used terms in real estate to make things clearer for you as a buyer and help you make a more informed decision.

If you are new to buying a home and have already started looking for properties, you might have come across certain real estate terms that can be confusing. While it’s not necessary for you to suddenly become an expert in the real estate market, knowing the basic terms can give you a big advantage as a buyer.

11 Common Home Buying Terms

We have compiled a list of the most commonly used terms in real estate to make things clearer for you as a buyer and help you make a more informed decision. Here are some of the terms you might come across.

  1. APR (Annual Percentage Rate): represents the annual cost you pay for borrowing money, and it’s expressed as a percentage of the amount you are borrowing.
  2. ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage): a mortgage loan with a variable interest rate, depending on a certain variable of the market. The interest rate will vary throughout the life of the loan.
  3. Closing Costs: the total amount of money you will pay as a buyer, including the actual cost of the property and adding lender’s fees, credit check fees, inspection costs, attorney’s fees, and so on. Your budget should be calculated by taking the closing costs into account.
  4. Credit Score: it expresses the risk level of someone applying to credit, and it will influence the amount of money you can get, the duration of a loan, and other variables.
  5. DTI (Debt to Income Ratio): this variable is determined by a lender to establish the threshold of the amount the borrower can receive. It’s calculated based on the borrower’s income to ensure that they afford to pay the loan.
  6. EMC (Earnest Money Deposit): a buyer’s deposit to assure the seller of their good faith.
  7. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: a mortgage loan that has a fixed interest rate throughout its life.
  8. PITI (Principal Interest Taxes Insurance): the total amount of money to be paid monthly on the house. It includes costs like taxes, interest rates, insurance, and it’s used to determine the DTI.
  9. PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance): insurance covers the lender if the borrower stops making payments on the loan.
  10. PPP (Prepayment Penalty): while not so common anymore, this penalty is applied when the borrower pays off the loan earlier than its due date.
  11. VOR/VOD/VOM/VOE (Verification of Rent, Mortgage, Deposit, Employment): documentation needed to prove the state of a borrower’s finances when they are applying for a loan.

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Benefits of Having Your Carpet Cleaned This Winter

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When temperatures begin to drop and the snow starts to fall, carpet cleaning might not seem like the best idea. However, several benefits come with having your carpet cleaned during winter.

You likely had carpet installed in your home because of its appearance and comfort. However, while the carpet is a good choice for flooring, you must care properly for your carpet with routine maintenance. You no doubt vacuum and spot-clean it regularly, but it’s just as important to have your carpet professionally cleaned.

When temperatures begin to drop and the snow starts to fall, carpet cleaning might not seem like the best idea. However, several benefits come with having your carpet cleaned during winter.

Benefits of Having Your Carpets Cleaned

Improved Health – Like most people, you and your family will spend a lot of your time indoors this winter. During the spring and summer months, pollutants and allergens may have built up in your home, affecting your indoor air quality. Carpet is notorious for collecting dust particles, allergens, and bacteria. These particles can contribute to asthma and allergy problems. While vacuuming does help reduce some of these, it doesn’t completely remove all of the things accumulated in your carpet.

Having your carpet professionally cleaned will remove dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens. This can help you and your family breathe more easily and reduce the risk of colds and other health issues.

Airflow Improved – You may not know this, but dirty carpeting can impede the airflow throughout your home. When your carpet becomes clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, the airflow is compromised, especially in the areas along the walls. Also, when your carpet is dirty, the rooms in your home are more likely to be stuffy and unpleasant.

Improved Look and Feel – Carpeting that is filled with dirt and dust looks old and worn out and feels flat and rough. When your carpet is professionally cleaned, the dirt and dust are removed, improving the look and feel.

Prolongs the Life of Your Carpet – Having your carpeting regularly cleaned by a professional will prolong your carpet’s life and longevity.

Benefits of Winter Carpet Cleaning

Consider having your carpet cleaned this winter. Some of the added benefits include:

  • Faster drying times – winter generally means less humidity, which will help your carpet dry faster. Also, the air inside will be warm because your heater is on, which will help it dry faster.
  • Easier booking – Most people don’t think of the benefits of having their carpets cleaned in the winter, so it makes booking an appointment a little easier!
  • Future protection – The winter season means that dirt and moisture are more likely to be tracked into the house. Your carpet will be harder to get clean if spots are allowed to become stains.
  • Cleaner for guests – If you are going to be hosting for the holidays or having visitors staying for another reason, you will want your carpet to be clean and fresh. It will look nice, remove unpleasant indoor air, and remove pollutants and bacteria that can cause your guests’ allergies.

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Kitchen Repairs You Don’t Have Time to Deal With

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Let us help! We offer cost-effective repair solutions, which in the long run, will save you time and money.

Let’s face it, we’re all busy. We sometimes struggle to get the necessary things, such as work, school, cooking, cleaning, and family time accomplished. When something small like a kitchen repair is hanging over you, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we can help!

At Gateway Realty and Home Services, our dependable and experienced handyman services can get the job done for you. We are equipped to handle those minor kitchen repairs that you don’t have either the time or know-how to complete.

Kitchen Repair Services

When things in your kitchen break, we can fix it. We have the experience to repair the minor issues in your kitchen. We specialize in small kitchen repair projects, such as:

  • Cabinet repairs
  • Flooring repairs
  • Light fixture installation and repairs
  • Window repairs
  • Faucet installation and repairs
  • Sink installation
  • Fire alarm installation
  • Pest control solutions

All of the above aspects are essential to the function and feel of your kitchen. When one of these is broken or not working properly, it needs to be fixed. But that is often easier said than done. Let us help! We offer cost-effective repair solutions, which in the long run, will save you time and money.

Not only are kitchen repairs essential for function, but they also ensure a safe kitchen environment. When items are broken, they can present a safety hazard. For instance, kitchen cabinets are heavy and bulky. If your cabinets were originally hung incorrectly and need to be reinforced, it’s essential to have that repair made to avoid potential injuries.

Contact Us Today

A kitchen has so many components that need to be repaired or replaced from time to time. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, countertop installation or repair, or tile that needs to be replaced or fixed, we can help. Having your kitchen repaired or updated is a great way to improve your home’s beauty, function, and value.

We are home repair specialists in New Jersey. We can do anything, including home repair, replacement, and installation services. Whatever your project, trust Gateway Realty and Home Services to get the job done.

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Common Pests That You May Find in Your Home This Winter

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As the temperature outside begins to drop, many pests start looking for a warm place to wait out the winter, and an ideal place may be in your home.

As the temperature outside drops, we tend to move indoors to find warmth. Unfortunately, so do many different types of pests. Therefore, to protect your family from unwanted guests this winter, contact Gateway Realty and Home Services.

The Most Common Winter Pests

  • Mice – Mice are a prevalent nuisance in the winter. They can enter through very tiny openings in search of a place to nest. Mice are often destructive because they chew on wires, drywall, and insulation. They can also cause illness by contaminating food supplies.
  • Rats – Like mice, rats can slip in through tiny openings to find food and shelter. They often make their nests in basements, attics, and other dark areas to find a cozy place to live.
  • Wildlife – Some pests can cause problems to other parts of a property in the winter. Certain types of wildlife can be destructive when searching for shelter and food. Raccoons and possums can make their way inside a home through chimneys, open doors, or they may hide out under porches or in sheds. While they wait out the cold weather, they end up chewing on wires, insulation or die in areas that are very hard to reach.
  • Ants – Most people think ants are just a problem in the summer, but ants can sneak into a home through holes and cracks while looking for food. Many ants have what they need outside when it’s warm. But once temperatures begin to drop, they often end up moving indoors to find what they need to survive.
  • Stink bugs – Stink bugs aren’t harmful; in fact, they’re a lot like ladybugs and beetles. But they do search for warm places to live when it’s cold and can sometimes become a nuisance. Plus, as their name suggests, they emit a very unpleasant odor when crushed, which can be an annoying issue to deal with.
  • Spiders – Unless you have brown recluse or black widows hiding in your home, most spiders are not dangerous. That being said, many people do not want them in their homes. Spiders do look for warm places to live when it’s cold outside. Many spiders like to hide in low-traffic, dark places like attics, basements, and storage areas.

Pest Control for Your Home this Winter

At Gateway Realty and Home Services, you will find the answer to all of your pest control needs. You can expect the best protection for your home or business because of our customized services created by our highly trained pest management technicians. Our technicians will formulate service plans that are backed by science and solid technical knowledge to ensure complete protection all year long.

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Your Bathroom is Much More Than Just Another Room in Your Home

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Whether your bathroom remodeling goals are considerable or moderate, Gateway Realty and Home Services provides full and partial remodels that fit your style, budget, and schedule.

The bathroom in your home is essential. It is often a sanctuary, giving us a momentary place of solitude where we can unwind and destress with a nice hot shower or a warm bath. Therefore, our bathroom is much more than just another room in our home.

From broken tiles and cabinets to a leaky shower, creating your own relaxing space is a significant reason why people decide to update or remodel their bathrooms. And since your bathroom is so important, you need one that works, as well as looks beautiful.

Updating Your Bathroom – We Can Help

There is a lot to contemplate when updating your bathroom. When considering your choices, you have the opportunity to update your faucets, vanity, countertops, walls, toilet, flooring, shower, tub, lighting, storage, and paint. Whether your bathroom remodeling goals are considerable or moderate, Gateway Realty and Home Services provides full and partial remodels that fit your style, budget, and schedule.

Many homeowners choose to update or remodel their bathroom because tiles or cabinets have broken, or because the sink, toilet, and shower are outdated. Your bathroom’s aesthetics are just as important as it’s functionality. When considering what new features to purchase to make your bathroom complete, you will base your decisions off of the:

  • Durability
  • Look
  • Feel
  • Cost

There is a wide range of choices when it comes to bathroom fixtures and appliances. The style varieties are as wide as the costs. At Gateway Realty and Home Services, we can help you select which materials to purchase for your project. We will work with you on the design to ensure that your bathroom is exactly what you want and that the cost is within your budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Services

If your bathroom is tired and outdated, call us for a complete bathroom renovation and remodel. From painting to minor plumbing, we are the one-call solution for your bathroom and remodeling project. Some of the services we offer include:

  • Installation of grab bars/towel bars
  • Repair or replace sink/vanity
  • Caulk or grout sink, shower, or tub
  • Hang medicine cabinet or mirror
  • Repair or replace toilet
  • Fix leaks and slow-moving drains
  • Replace switch and outlet covers
  • Light fixture installation and repair

Choose Gateway Realty and Home

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Click to Call (732) 749-8700