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MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTER

PenFed Mortgage with Confidence

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CONVENTIONAL LOANS

Rates starting at % (APR %)¹

 

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

  1. Home
  2. Mortgage Knowledge Center
  3. 10 Fall Chores to Keep Your Home in Top Shape

MORTGAGE

10 Fall Chores to Keep Your Home in Top Shape

EXPECTED READ TIME:4 MINUTES

June 4, 2021

As fall sets in and we move indoors, it's time to shift your focus from your home's outdoor spaces to its indoor ones. Colder temperatures are coming. So, taking time now to do a few seasonal chores will help ensure you and your family have a cozy, stress-free fall and winter. Let's start with some interior tasks that should be on the top of your list.

Interior Fall Chores

1. Store all summer clothes and bedding, and bring out winter items.

The key to a cozy fall is warm clothing and bedding. You won't be needing those shorts and tank tops anymore. So, store them in a safe, airtight box where they can be out of the way during the winter. In their place, bring out your warmer clothes and thicker sheets. To make sure everything smells fresh and is wrinkle-free, throw them in the laundry first. Switch out your bedding with thicker sheets if you have them. Doing these simple tasks will keep you warm and also reduce your heating bill.

2. Have your heating system checked.

You'll be glad you've done this once winter rolls around! Either every year or every other year, hire an inspector to look over your heating system and the furnace for any damages. Clean out any lint from heating grates. Make sure to move furniture and flammable items away from heating units.

3. Clean your heating ducts.

Since you'll be spending more time indoors, the air you're breathing must be free of pollutants. The best way to achieve that is to have your air duct system cleaned. Dust, pollen, and animal dander can build up in your ducts and recycle into the air you're breathing. Ask your HVAC contractor if they offer that service.

4. Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector and fire alarm.

In addition to being the season of warm fires, fall and winter are also times where many people have their windows closed, making for stagnant indoor air. Ensure you and your home are safe by keeping your carbon monoxide detector and fire alarms up to date. Change out old batteries and test each device, replace any malfunctioning ones with new units.

5. Check home appliances.

Along with colder weather come endless holiday gatherings, parties, and dinners with loved ones. To ensure your holidays are filled with relaxation and fun, think ahead to any appliances you might need and make sure they are in good shape. Kitchen appliances are especially relevant, from standing mixers to blenders, crock pots, and air poppers. If your appliances need repairs, get them done now ahead of the holiday rush. If you realize there's something you need but don't have, this is also a good time to make a plan to buy or borrow it from a friend.

6. Reseal your windows and doors.

Improperly sealed windows and doors can negate all the work you've done to make sure your heating system is ready for colder weather. After all, nobody's interested in paying to heat the outdoors. When you're looking for leaks, a simple way to find them is to run your hand along the edges of the window and door frames. If you feel cold air or a particularly chilly section of the frame, it may be worth resealing. In more severe situations, you may even be able to see gaps in the frame. If you're in a position to, it's worthwhile to invest in double pane windows to prevent heat loss.

Here are our top tips for exterior chores you'll be glad you did when the cold weather hits.

Exterior Fall Chores

7. Winterize any outside plumbing and pipes.

Before temperatures plummet, take action to prevent freezing or bursting pipes in the winter. In some cases, this may look like insulating pipes from the cold. Whereas in others, you might need to shut off and drain the water pipes entirely.

8. Clean the chimney and make any repairs.

As we move indoors for fall and winter, it's the season of warm fires. If you have a chimney, a good rule of thumb is to get it inspected annually. If you didn't have it checked out in the spring, then it's essential to get it done before you start lighting fires in the fall and winter. Make any repairs, clean out the chimney flue thoroughly, and remove old ashes from the fireplace.

9. Trim trees and remove dead branches.

Walk around the outside of your home and look for trees hanging over your roof. Also, make a note of any trees leaning too close to the house.  Especially look for dead branches. Having these branches and trees trimmed back can avert disaster and higher emergency fees.

10. Put away patio furniture and summer toys.

Fall can bring about some chilly and windy days. Now that summer is coming to an end, make sure that outdoor furniture — including umbrellas — is secure or completely put away. Children's toys — like beach balls or sandboxes — should also be tucked away for the coming months.

We hope you've found these fall chore tips helpful. And speaking of help, remember that the mortgage professionals at PenFed are here to assist you. Whether you're refinancing or buying a new home, we have the product to fit your needs.

For more information about PenFed Mortgages:
 

PenFed Mortgage: 

800-970-7766

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10 Things to Do If You Plan to Buy a House in 6 Months

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10 Spring Chores to Keep Your Home in Top Shape

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Spring is the best time of the year to buy a house. Discover our spring real estate market buying tips like when the season starts and its busiest months.
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image

CONVENTIONAL LOANS

Rates starting at % (APR %)¹

 

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

Home Buying Steps

  • Getting Started
  • Finding a Home
  • Getting a Mortgage
  • Home Ownership

Mortgage Topics

  • VA Loans
  • Conventional Loans
  • First Time Homebuyer
  • Home Equity
  • Homebuying 101
  • Checklists
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages
  • PenFed Top 10
  • Refinance
  • Jumbo Loans
  • FHA
  • Videos

Mortgage Products

  • Mortgage Center
  • Refinancing
  • Home Equity

PenFed HELOC

Rates as Low as % APR* with flexible use of funds

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

Disclosures

1Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on discount point, which equals percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $400,000; loan-to-value ratio of 75%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.

*Prime Rate is % as of . The APR for this Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on prime plus a margin and can change monthly. Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term, with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin, and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than % for primary residences and second homes.

  • Annual Fee: Notwithstanding the foregoing, an annual fee of $99 will be assessed on each account anniversary.
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are variable rate loans and the interest rate is subject to increase after consummation of the loan on monthly basis. Closing costs range between $500 and $8,500 for credit lines of $500,000. Contact a representative for additional details.

Appraisals: PenFed will attempt to establish value via an independent method. If that method is unsuccessful, or the value is not sufficient for the amount requested, an appraisal will be required regardless of CLTV. An appraisal is always required in the following circumstances:

For all loans with a loan amount greater than $400,000.

If an appraisal is required, it must be ordered by PenFed. You will be contacted for authorization and payment prior to ordering. Appraisal fees average $550 to $850 (some run higher).

  • Closing Cost Credit: PenFed will pay most closing costs associated with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which includes credit report, flood certification, settlement/closing, property ownership and encumbrances search, recording, property search, and quick close. Member is responsible for any city, county, and/or state taxes if the subject property is located in FL, LA, MD, MN, NY, TN, or VA. If an appraisal is required, the member, who is responsible for the fee whether or not the loan closes, will pay the cost.

Interest may be tax deductible, consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges.

Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Draw Period. During your Draw Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.

Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than % for primary residences and second homes and 4.75% for investment properties.

Property Insurance: Property insurance is required.

Multiple PenFed Loans: Multiple PenFed Equity loans and HELOCs are available as long as the member and collateral qualify (except Texas). For Equity loans and HELOCs the total indebtedness cannot exceed $500,000 for all PenFed Equity and HELOCs combined.

PenFed does not lend on:

  • Mobile homes
  • Co-ops or time-shares
  • Properties that are currently listed on the market for sale
  • Commercial property or property used for commercial purposes, even if a residence is part of the property
  • Undeveloped property (land only)
  • Properties with more than 4 units

Properties that are currently under major construction/renovations: Property must be fully livable, with no safety issues. (Examples: no missing rails from stairs/decks, no open walls with wires showing, missing kitchen appliances/counters, missing bath fixtures or unfinished pool).

  • Additional limitations may apply

Home Equity Line of Credit:

  • This Account has a Draw Period of 10 years, followed by a repayment period of 20 years.
  • If only minimum payments are made during the draw period, the loan balance will not decrease.
  • In Texas, the maximum CLTV available is 80% on owner occupied properties. Additional restrictions apply in Texas, so please ask a representative for details.
  • In all other states, the maximum CLTV is 85% on owner occupied properties and second homes. Additional restrictions or requirements may apply based on application characteristics.
  • Property type of Condo has a maximum CLTV of 80%.
  • The maximum CLTV available is dependent on credit qualification.
  • Rates vary depending on owner occupancy and CLTV and other loan criteria.

Minimum Loan Amount Requirements in all States:

  • For an owner occupied property or second home the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $500,000 with a CLTV of 85% or less of the fair market value.

Other terms and conditions apply; call 844-918-4307 to speak with a representative for details. All rates and offers are subject to change without notice. To receive advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed.

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This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of October 2023 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate


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You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party Website that is not a part of Pentagon Federal Credit Union.


The content you are about to view is produced by a third party unaffiliated to Pentagon Federal Credit Union. PenFed takes no responsibility for the content of the page.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party site. PenFed Realty, LLC is wholly owned by PenFed and this referral may provide PenFed a financial or other benefit.


For more information about the relationship between PenFed and PenFed Realty, LLC, see the Affiliate Business Arrangement Disclosure.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party Website.


The content you are about to view is produced by a third party website that is unaffiliated to Pentagon Federal Credit Union. PenFed takes no responsibility for the content of the page.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party site. PenFed Title, LLC is wholly owned by PenFed and this referral may provide PenFed a financial or other benefit.


For more information about the relationship between PenFed and PenFed Title, LLC, see the Affiliate Business Arrangement Disclosure.


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