7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Season

On November 9, 2023November 9, 2023 By Maggie S.In Budget-Friendly Ideas, Lifestyle

Winter is coming and with it some chilly temperatures are on their way. The cold can put a serious dent in your heating bill – especially if your home is insulated poorly. However, it may not be practical for your family to repair or install proper insulation at this time. If that’s the case, there are some things you can do to keep your home warm regardless.

Give Me Insulation Options!

Check out the list below! You might find an easy solution

Keep your oven door open after use – If you’ve got little kids or animals that will mess with the oven door, then don’t try this one. However, if you don’t, try this one out! The oven gives off some good heat that can circulate your home instead of staying stored up. Practice safety and don’t leave it wide open, just slightly ajar after you’ve turned it off.

Open blinds or shades during the day – Letting the sun in will warm your house significantly. Open them in the morning to ensure that the sun gets most of the day to heat up your home.
Put a rug or door mats down – If you’ve got laminate, try placing a large rug down in your main living space or where ever you don’t have carpet. It will keep heat from escaping and is warmer to walk on. They are also a welcomed treat after a shower to have a warm, cozy place to step!
Use flannel sheets or a thick comforter — This one is simple. If your bed is warm, you’re warm. You can also just layer up and that should help.
Invest in heavy curtains or black out curtains – Windows are where a majority of heat escapes and cold air seeps in – seal the barrier with curtains made to keep your home warm.
Turn bathroom fans off – These are designed to pull hot air out, which is fine to keep your mirror from getting foggy, but in winter months it will make you cold when you get out of the shower.
Flip the switch on your fan – Reversing your fan helps circulate warm air instead of cold.

Here’s to a cozy winter without all the cost! Keep things updated in your home and check out our winter maintenance checklist!

3 Reasons to Create an Account on Vmfhomes.com

On November 7, 2023October 31, 2023 By Maggie S.In Featured, Homebuyer Education

Our aim with vmfhomes.com is for it to be easy to navigate – from our search bar to looking through our detailed listings. We want finding your pre-owned, manufactured home to be as simple as possible. Whether you’re hoping for a home to move to your land, a land and home package, or for a home set up in a community.

You don’t have to have an account to use our site, but with the perks it offers – you’ll likely want one! Especially if you need some time to browse and consider the options. Our account is a great way to keep up with our inventory and highlight the homes within your budget. We hope that an account can help you enjoy using our site even more!

Let’s jump into the 3 reasons we think having an account will make your life easier:

You can keep track of offers you’ve made on our site. Properties that you have made an offer on will be displayed as well as the status of the offer.
You can keep all your favorites in one place. As you navigate through our listings you can “favorite” homes by clicking the heart on the upper right hand corner. When you “favorite” a home, it will be added to the list of all to your favorites for you to come back to and filter through.
You can save your home searches. Looking for a home within a certain area? Trying to stay in a particular school district? Or wanting less of a commute? Name and keep your home searches on file. That way you can easily return to homes you want to keep an eye on and have the context surrounding your unique search.

Does an account sound like the perfect fit for you? Head on over to vmfhomes.com and create an account! Just look for the green outlined button that says “My Account” and look for “Create an account”.

How Escrow Accounts Work

On October 24, 2023October 20, 2023 By vmfhomesblogIn Financial, Homebuyer Education

If you have a mortgage, then chances are you’ve heard the word escrow thrown around a time or two. But what is it exactly?

An escrow account is a helpful tool built into your mortgage. It allows for funds to be collected monthly to pay for your homeowner’s insurance and/or property taxes. By your mortgage collecting escrow, it ensures that your insurance and property taxes are paid in a timely manner. The benefit to you is you don’t have to worry about fronting hundreds or thousands of dollars all at once for your homeowner’s insurance or property taxes.

The formula is typically simple for finding the amount owed. Let’s say both insurance and taxes are escrowed from each monthly payment. The monthly payment is found by taking the total amount paid to both insurance and taxes for the year and then divided by 12. (The 12 is for 12 months.) That’s it! That would be your monthly payment in addition to your mortgage! Please keep in mind, some lenders may use another calculation that varies slightly and is also permitted by the law. Be sure to contact your lender if you have further questions as to how your escrow is calculated.

Occasionally, your escrow payments may increase or decrease. If that happens, either your insurance or taxes have changed. This will affect what you pay monthly. In most loan types, this is the cause of increase or decrease for monthly payments.

All in all, escrow accounts allow for your insurance and property taxes to be paid on your behalf without much extra work on your end!

Researched and created by Rachel Mersinger

Take This Graphic With You!

Cleaning Gutters on Your Mobile Home In a Snap

On September 19, 2023September 28, 2023 By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance

I started to notice there were water marks and leaves stuck to the side of my house and couldn’t figure it out. It hadn’t stormed badly, it wasn’t fall, and there weren’t any trees against the house. The culprit? We hadn’t cleaned the gutters!

Cleaning your gutters is so important because clogged gutters, broken gutters, or lack thereof mean your home isn’t being protected from potential water damage. When water flows down the side of your home without any redistribution process – it goes straight to your foundation, or to the ground underneath your skirting. This can cause your home to need to be releveled. Clogged gutters also can damage your entire gutter system by dry rotting your fascia, going behind it, or pulling it away from your home which will mean you’ll need to replace segments.

There are a few different strategies to cleaning out gutters, the most important part is to practice ladder safety by firmly planting the ladder and having a spotter hold the ladder in place from the bottom as you work. Be sure to read your ladder’s instruction manual as well.

Set up your ladder. The most recommended ladder across home websites, is an extendable ladder. With a mobile home though, you probably won’t need that unless yours is built on a basement or you have a pitched roof.
Next, find your gathering method. You can place a tarp below, hold a bucket (or strap it to your gutter), or use an alternative bag method. Choose the one that is the safest for your expertise, or based off if the materials your scoping are wet or dry.
Select your tool. Now that you know where the mess is going, what will you use to get it there. You can go classic with gloves, choose a small shovel devise from a hardware store, or an alternative tool.
Wear clothes with protection that you can get messy. Likely debris will get on you – that’s why goggles can be a good option as well. Wear something that washes easily or that your okay getting dirty.
Notice and fix repairs while you’re up there. Tighten brackets or add screws as needed. You may even want to add gutter guards.

Be sure that you practice safety and have help when cleaning your gutters. Wear clothes that can get dirty and gloves. Protective eye gear isn’t a bad idea if you expect the leaves/debris to be wet. This maintenance will save the side of your house and prevent damage to your gutters and keep filtering the water away from your home.

Gravel Driveway Repair and Preventative Care

On September 5, 2023August 31, 2023 By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance

Gravel driveways are a great, budget friendly option. Like everything else, they’ll need some maintenance and upkeep. There are plenty of things you can do to both avoid and fix problems as they arise. I’ll be looking at some of the options.

Drainage is the most important component of a gravel driveway. If your driveway has major drainage issues – you may need to do some back tracking. It could be that your driveway wasn’t put together correctly. More than likely though, the repair and upkeep addressed in this post will help you fix most issues.

Preventative –

Making a crown – most expert sites recommend this strategy to keep drainage moving downward. All you have to do is rake gravel to a peak in the center of your driveway. It doesn’t need to be super high, just enough to encourage the water to flow down the middle instead of down the sides.

Trenches and edging – These are great ideas that will give water a safe place to go. You can try digging shallow trenches on both sides of your driveway. You may also try doing a little rain garden or any type of edging that will keep your gravel in place and move the water to the end of your driveway.

Drains – Some people also put drains on either side of their driveway, these are more involved, but may be a perfect solution for you. Some people will install them on the sides as edging with metal or plastic grids overtop the thin drains. The most common drains are culvert pipes or French drains which are both dug underground (usually) to redistribute water.

Problem areas –

Potholes – These can be tricky. Essentially, they are an issue of trapped water. A great do it yourself site, suggests a helpful process.
- First, they recommend digging the hole out wide and deep enough, so the edges are solid. This way the gravel hole will hold for the filler.
- Once it’s clear, you can fill with thinner/ crushed gravel.
- Next, tamp/push down the gravel with a steel or wooden tool.
- To finish, fill the remaining area with regular gravel to the top off the hole, plus some extra to blend it out.
- Lastly, smooth out the gravel so everything blends well.

Clogged culverts– Sometimes debris and rocks can clog your pipes which prevent its whole process. There are plenty of tools you can purchase for this, or you can rig your own system. This home site recommends using something to push the debris while also spraying water down the pipe.

Start Your Gravel Driveway Today!

I hope this helps get you started in planning how to maintain and take care of your gravel driveway. Ask a professional for help if you find a big issue or just want help making sure you do things well. May your driveway stay in good shape with this information!

8 Things to Consider in a Manufactured Home Park

On August 17, 2023August 17, 2023 By Maggie S.In Homebuyer Education

Living in a mobile home community can offer many perks, as well as a support system. Whether you own your home or rent it – living in a community can make your everyday life easier and more peaceful. Parks are a great way to get perks you want without having to spend a lot of money on land, and they allow you access to things you may not have enough money for in your own backyard.

Let’s look at what amenities you can find commonly in parks and what you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

1. Laundry units in home – manufactured homes should have both hook ups but look for this if it’s something you’re wanting. Many homes in parks may come with units already in your home, but they may not be included depending on the park. If there isn’t a washer and dryer in your home, there still could be a laundry mat on the grounds of your community.

2. Cost/ fees – Your park may not be different than some site-built communities that have Homeowner Association fees. There could be additional cost for trash pickup or yard maintenance if the park mows and tends to the land. This cost is likely worth the perk it provides, but you’ll want to consider this in your monthly bills, so you aren’t caught off guard.

3. Residents’ opinion – Just like when you move into any neighborhood, asking neighbors you see out or reading reviews can give you a good idea of if the place is a fit for you. Keep in mind what others prioritize may not be the same as you – so take it with a grain of salt.

4. Parking – Parking can be a nice perk in a park. Typically, parks will have one or two spaces wide for you to park your car near your home, sometimes the parking may be covered. Some parks will have a shared lot on the property. You’ll want to discover what the setup is.

5. Community facilities – From pools to playgrounds – communities can offer outlets for play and socializing. You can also enjoy less crowded and closer amenities. Parks may also have a clubhouse or workout facility for your use.

6. Events – This is probably rarer, but some parks may have events throughout the year for things like back to school to summer, etc. They may also have meetings for feedback and questions in the community.

7. Maintenance – Part of living in a community is that you often get things repaired by someone else. This may be different if you own the home in the park, but it’s worth asking about. Knowing your park owner and their process for maintenance is important. Additionally, some parks may mow the lawn, so that’s a good thing to check in on.

8. Pets – Lastly, a lot of parks may allow pets. They may have some weight or breed restrictions, so be sure to look at that. Living with animals can improve your daily life greatly.

We hope that has you thinking if you are planning on finding a park to live in! Or it may have you thinking you’re interested in a park where you weren’t before. Get in contact with some local parks and see what options there may be. Visit vmfhomes.com!

Goal Ideas to Kick-Start a Great School Year

On August 3, 2023August 1, 2023 By Maggie S.In Lifestyle

You’ve bought the school supplies, wiped out the backpack, and your child (or children, are) is headed back to school. With this change of pace, comes an opportunity to grow. Before you drop them off at school, send them on the bus, or set them up at the kitchen table for home school – sit down with you child, teenager, etc. and help them set some goals.

Let them make their own goals, but help them document them on paper and offer ideas while brainstorming. Encourage them to work towards their goals with rewards. Help keep them accountable by checking in bi-weekly or monthly.

For younger kids ask them to set a goal or two that are for themselves and/or for their school year. Explain goals to them and give them a simple example of your own goal.

Example: Mom or Dad will join the gardening club in town so they can improve their landscaping and meet new friends. They will redo one section of the garden bed with the skills they learn.

Personal / Behavioral – These goals can be something your child wants to learn themselves. It may be a skill or practice. It can also be to improve a negative aspect of their attitude, or to be patient, honest, or considerate. One goal could be to practice thankfulness, encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal.

Example: Instead of being frustrated when I don’t get my way, I will ask about other options for something I can do or have.

Consider making goals that include chores, quality time, or that you can hold with your child.

Example: Thursday nights we vacuum and sweep together and Fridays we play board games together or watch a show together. Maybe your underlying goal behind this is that you want less dog hair in the house and to teach your kid(s) to think about chores other than in their own room. Perhaps you also want to teach them balance and spend more quality time with them.

Educational – These goals can be related to grades, improving a skill, or trying something new. The don’t have to be related to curriculum at school either.

Example: I will read for an hour each week, and chart my time.

For teenagers:

Financial – If your teen has a job or receives an allowance, help them budget to meet their goal.

Example: I will save half my earnings in a college fund.

Career – If your teen knows what they want to do when they graduate, let them make goals in that direction. Think classes, trade schools, trainings, etc.

Example: I will find a mentor at the body shop to show me how to work on motors.

Don’t forget those rewards and remember to celebrate! Even if the goal isn’t met, offer them a smaller reward and focus on the improvement they made. If this practice was helpful, try it for yourself! Get some inspiration to set your own goals. Have great school year!

Try These Challenges!

Household Safety Check Points for Your Kids and Pets

On July 25, 2023July 19, 2023 By Maggie S.In Homeowner Maintenance, Learn

Having pets or kids in the house is a blessing. It also requires attention to what’s in your home and what you bring into your space. We’ll help you think though potential hazards in the home and how to address them. Providing safety and comfort in your home is so important. Let’s jump into household safety precautions you can take in your home for peace of mind.

Children:

You’ll definitely want to do a good amount of research when prepping your home for kids. We aren’t an exhaustive voice on this, just one of many that can help you discover tips for safety. Check out our resource on baby proofing your home to get started.

I like the way the National Health Council has you think through child safety. They highlight 4 high-risk zones:

Water
Heat/Flame
Toxic substances
Potential for a fall

A lot of issues stem from these dangers listed above and thinking about where they are in your home is important. Thinking about how they play out uniquely in your home is the key to preventing injury or harm to your child. Take some time to evaluate your home and adjust according to your space and children in the home.

Typical trouble spots in your home that need covered or to be locked are: electrical outlets, cabinets with chemicals and/or medication in them, sharp edges of tables/other items in the home, door knobs, dressers, or tippable furniture, toilet seats, blind cords, long drapes or things hug on the wall that can be pulled from a child’s height, areas with sharp kitchen tools or weapons, etc. Here are some more in-depth safety home measures to integrate into your action plan.

Beyond thinking about the layout of your home and making dangerous things safe or untouchable for babies or children, you’ll also want to consider what you use in your home around your child.

Think through your cleaning materials, you may want to switch to an ecofriendly cleaner or use something natural to reduce harsh chemical use in your home. Or if you do use deep cleaners ensuring that you close the door so kids don’t go in and also ventilate the space with a fan or by opening a window.

Here’s to a safe home for your kiddos! Be sure to check out more resources on the subject! Now we’ll look at some pet safety in the home.

Pets:

Let’s start with some pet and children together safety tips.

Be sure to constantly monitor children below the age of 5 around pets. Teach them how to safely interact with animals: to be gentle, not invade their space (no forced petting), and learn to read the animals body language. Teach kids to wash their hands after playing with animals, taking them outside, or feeding them.

Keep your animals healthy with clean environment, taking them to the vet regularly, and giving them necessary medications. Watch kids around litter boxes, keep them out of reach of small children and pick up animal poop from your yard where kids play to protect from worms and other issues. Read more about keeping your kids and animals safe in the same home here.

Now, let’s check out some specifics for pet safety:

Many safety precautions you take for kids will overlap for pets: block access to chemicals, foods, medicine, gum, certain essential oils, etc. Check out more ways to pet proof your home by room.

You have to think more about the exterior of your home with pets as we don’t typically watch them as closely. Be mindful of the following:

Oil or antifreeze leaks from your car. Clean them up quickly as they toxic to your pet.
When you spray for bugs, plant something new, or use landscaping chemicals. Try to be pesticide free and use pet/child safe sprays. Look up plants to ensure they aren’t poison to pets.
Look for holes made by rodents to fill or fill holes your pet dug.
Check your yard periodically for trash, food bits, harmful items that may have blown or been tossed into your yard.
Give your pets access to water outside in the hot weather, especially if they are outside for long stretches of time or live outside.

We hope this helps you prep your home for pets, or improve pet safety in your home. For further reading check out this pet safety in the home resource.

Pet Owner Cleaning Hacks We Love

On July 11, 2023June 26, 2023 By Maggie S.In Lifestyle

My pets add so much love and comfort to my life, and I’d take any mess that came my way to have them. However, if you’re new to having a pet or having a pet that lives indoors then you’ll need some help adjusting. Having animals means sharing your space and sacrificing that spic and span dream you may have had for your home. But depending on how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to the process, you can still have a pretty clean home, too!

Tips in the home:

The best place to start is with a schedule. Likely, you’ll want to maintain your floors at least once a week, with a deep clean every two weeks. It also depends on if you have hardwood or carpet or a mix. If you have carpet, you may want to maintain it more frequently.
I recommend getting a flat, mop-like tool with dry and wet attachment pads for your in between cleans and invest in a good vacuum. Do your research, not everything that claims to be ‘for pets’ works well. I started with a cordless stick vacuum meant for pet hair and it didn’t work well at all. I now have a corded, super powerful vacuum that picks up even the clingiest fur!
When it comes to furniture, it’s your preference. With our first couch, we let our two dogs lay on it and didn’t keep great maintenance of it. It quickly became their couch (we still sit on it, but not without being covered in hair). Now, it’s upstairs and the new couch downstairs is dog free. One of my dogs sheds terribly and other moderately, so together it was bad.
- If you’re having a hard time deciding if you want them on the couch you might try an old chair or piece of furniture that they can strictly lay on or just put their bed in your shared space so they can rest, too. You can also try using a sheet or cover if you have a well-trained dog that will only lie in that spot and just put it in the laundry every couple of weeks.

Another great tool to have in your home is a hair removal tool. Tape or sticky rollers really aren’t powerful enough, so I’d get a silicone or fabric-based one. Some people use squeegee tools. The goal is to scrape off the hair instead of sticking to it like tape, which usually works much better.
Make sure you also have an odor eliminating cleaner for those bathroom messes in the house. This is a must for puppies! They smell that spot and think it’s okay to pee there again, grab an odor eliminating clearer to take out the confusion and help them learn to go outside.
Keep a few towels you don’t care about to wipe your pets’ paws if they go in and out of your home. This will save your floors, blankets, and furniture.
Launder your pets’ fabric items or set them outside and spray them with an odor eliminator from time to time to keep them fresh.
Make an organization station Whether you purchase bins or shelving, or a bag that you can wash – having a place for toys, your pets medications, and accessories keeps everything tidy and makes for a tidier home!

A few tips for the car:

Use a seat cover this will protect your seat from tears and block a good amount of hair from getting on your vehicle. Plus, if your dog drools in the car or throws up it much easier to clean up.
Bring wipes/small towel for messes. Keeping wipes in your car or bag will help with any muddy paws or mishaps that may need a quick clean in the car while traveling.

We hope that whether you’re a new pet owner, or a seasoned one looking for cleaning inspiration – that this gave you a few ideas. Having pets in your home is such a gift, but it can be messy and unpredictable. However, you can still have comfort in your home and a clean place! You just might need some training and to set yourself up for success.

Here are a few more tips to take with you!