Spring Parade of Homes Announced

The Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association has announced that they will host a Parade of Homes this spring. The event will take place April 16-18 and finish up in time for homebuyers to take full advantage of the extended and expanded Federal Tax Credit program. Recipients of the tax credit must have all contracts on a new home purchase signed by April 30 and closed on or before June 30, 2010.

Lowder will participate in the Parade of Homes this spring. Complete details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Posted on Jan 15, 2010 | 10:42 AM

Seven Freezing Weather Tips for your New Home

With sustained freezing temperatures in Montgomery, Prattville and Millbrook forecasted for the next week or more, it is imperative that homeowners take extra care in weatherizing your new home.
1. Disconnect all garden hoses from the water source and drain them fully. Make sure all outside faucets are insulated and if there is a shutoff to the outside faucet, use it. Otherwise, leave a small, steady stream of water running during hours of hard freezing temperatures.
2. Your furnace will be working overtime in the days ahead, so make sure the filter is fresh and ready for the extra haul.
3.  Keep your home warm even during the day and even if you are not present. Open all vents, doors and even cabinets to keep internal pipes from freezing.
4.  If you have installed gutters on your home, be sure to clean all debris. Clogged drains can cause water to collect and freeze, eventually even possibly seeping into the house. 
5. If you use a small electrical heater, never leave it unattended and make sure to clear away all paper, fabric and other items from the immediate area.
6. Make sure that the multiple smoke detectors in your home are all in working condition.
7.  Locate the shutoff valve for the plumbing in your house. This is usually located near the street at the curb. If your pipes do freeze, you may be able to thaw them with a hair dryer. But if a pipe breaks, ruptures or bursts, turn the shutoff valve as soon as possible and call a trusted plumber.

Posted on Jan 5, 2010 | 10:33 PM