Here are a few items you can do to help your home run smoothly this winter. Print out this winter home maintenance checklist here for easy reference.

Prevent pipes from freezing

Insulate pipes near windows, doors and in areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet and keep temp above 55 degrees.

Test & clean your sump pump

Slowly pour a few gallons of water into the pit to make sure the pump turns on. Clean debris from bottom with a wet vac.

Reverse ceiling fan blades

Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down.

Protect your air conditioner

Place a sheet of plywood held down by a few bricks on top and your AC should be ready to work again in the spring

Flush hot water tank

Flush your hot water tank to remove sediment

Ready shovels, service blower

Move your snow shovels to an area near the door where they will be within easy reach. Change the oil in your snow blower and replace the spark plug if needed.

Stock up on salt or sand

Purchase some salt, ice melt or sand before the first snowfall. This will give you some extra traction when it's time to shovel the sidewalk and driveway.

Check and service fireplace and chimney

Run the tip of a fireplace poker along the interior of the chimney wall. If you find a thick, shiny, tar-like buildup it’s best to call a professional (get in touch with us if you need a recommendation).

Check and replace smoke alarm batteries

More heating appliances are being used during the winter months, which could increase fire hazards. Replace batteries at needed.

Protect outdoor furniture

Cover outdoor furniture or consider moving to indoors.

Divert water

Add extensions to downspouts so that water runs at least 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation.

"Thanks again for all your help!"

Spread a little holiday cheer with this holiday activity sheet! 

Download here: Holiday Activity Sheet

Written by: Tina Martin with Ideaspired

Image via Pexels

After years of dreaming, saving, and planning, you’ve finally achieved your goal of starting a home-based business. However, you’re quickly realizing that your house is too small for running a business and raising a family. Does that mean it’s time to move?

Whether you need more storage or room for your first employees, there’s more than one way to get the space your home business needs. This guide will help you design your ideal home office, whether you stay put or upsize with the Tim Murray Team.

4 ways to create your ideal home office

The first question to answer when building your home office is where to put it. These are the best options for building a home office:

1. Redesign a flex space

Repurposing an existing room is the fastest and cheapest way to create a home office. Storage, lighting, and electrical outlets are the basic upgrades necessary to convert a spare room into an office.

2. Build an addition

Without room to spare, homeowners turn to construction to meet their space needs. You can convert a raw space like a garage, basement, or attic; build a room above the garage; or construct a freestanding addition.

3. Upsize your home

Additions are costly and they don’t pay off in every market. If your real estate agent advises against an addition, look into what it would cost to upsize instead. It’s possible to upsize your home without increasing your budget by making a larger down payment, moving to a cheaper area, or buying a fixer-upper.

4. Build a custom home

Can’t find what you need on the housing market? A custom build gives you exactly what you want in a house. Just remember you have to sell someday! Work with a team of architects and real estate professionals to design a home with resale value.

Any major investment in your home calls for expert input. Whether you’re deciding between a garage conversion and an attic remodel or wondering what your home is worth, don’t make a decision without talking to a real estate agent.

Everything you need for a productive workspace

Once you’ve found your space, it’s time to design a fully-equipped home office. While every business is different, there are some things all home offices need:

• Convertible desk: Sitting all day is bad for your health. A convertible sit-stand desk pulls double duty so you can alternate as needed.
• Ergonomic seating: Pair your desk with an ergonomic chair that includes adjustable support for your back and arms. Include an anti-fatigue mat for when you’re on your feet.
• Storage: Bookcases, cabinets, and floating shelves are stylish alternatives to traditional office storage.
• Desktop or laptop computer: Decide if you need a desktop, laptop, or all-in-one PC. Then, optimize your workstation’s ergonomics.
• Internet connectivity: A speedy and stable internet connection prevents downtime. Consider upgrading to business-class internet for improved connectivity and customer service.
• Network security: Cybersecurity is easy to overlook, but it’s an important addition to any home office. Stay abreast of cybersecurity threats and invest in antivirus software, a password manager, and online backup service.

What to know about deducting home office improvements

As a home business owner, you’re eligible to claim the home office tax deduction. This deduction lets business owners write off home-related expenses like mortgage interest, insurance, and utilities as well as repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. This includes long-term improvements like renovating a room or building an addition.

Careful record keeping is key for claiming the home office deduction. This includes creating separate accounts for business and personal expenses. Before opening a business bank account, you’ll need to register your business as a corporation or LLC. Most small business owners opt for LLC status due to the simple documentation and low fees.

A successful home business starts with a great place to work. If you’re tired of running your business from a cramped home office, contact the Tim Murray Team to discuss your options. With a smart investment guided by a professional real estate team, you can access the space your growing business needs to thrive. Call 574-286-3944.

1118 Stanfield St South Bend, IN

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202047370/

Charming Harter Heights home. Just south of campus, this 2 bedroom home features all the beautiful details of an early 1900s home including hardwood floors, 9' ceilings and wood doors. Enter into the warm and gorgeous sun room with rich wood ceilings and windows all around - perfect spot for your plants, an office, or an art studio! Large living room has a great wood-burning fireplace and is open to the formal dining room with built-in storage. Eat-in kitchen features an island with storage. 2 bedrooms share the full bath with updated tile shower with glass door. Front bedroom has two doors and would make a nice office as well. Lots of light throughout the home! Full basement has 9' ceilings and could be finished for more living space. Brick patio in the backyard lead to the extra deep lot and garage. Convenient to campus, downtown, East Bank Trail, and the toll road in a highly sought-after neighborhood.

*near Notre Dame

*Air BnB opportunity

*1920s home

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

1118 Stanfield St South Bend, IN

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202047370/

52060 Tara Dr, South Bend, IN 46628

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202046304/

Traditional home located on a spacious plot in a country neighborhood. Convenient to the bypass, Michigan, and downtown South Bend, this charming 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on 3 lots totaling 1.69 acres. Possibility to split and sell one or two lots for new home construction (buyer should verify). Grand entry leads to a welcoming foyer with access to the large formal living room and dining room, family room with wood-burning fireplace, and eat-in kitchen with plenty of cupboard space. Pocket doors separate the kitchen from the family room and dining room. Lots of space lends itself to the possibility of a first floor office space or play room. 1/2 bath, outside access, attached garage, and basement stairway off kitchen. Upstairs you'll find 4 generously sized bedrooms including a master with en suite bathroom and walk-in closet. Hardwood floors throughout bedrooms and living, dining, and family rooms. Clean and dry basement could be finished or leave for storage. Huge yard has an additional detached garage with overhead door and a half basketball court (could use new backboard). Quiet country location conveniently located close to shopping.

*Acreage

*hardwood floors

*4 bedrooms

*formal dining room

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

52060 Tara Dr, South Bend, IN 46628

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202046304/

411 Shepherd's Way, Osceola, IN

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202046167/?addrs=1

Brand new home within the Penn School System on city water/sewer in popular Shepherd's Cove. This spacious ranch home is built by 4 Corners Construction and Development, featuring 1847 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Open concept great room features 9' ceilings, lots of natural light, and a beautiful kitchen with granite counters, buffet, island and walk-in pantry. Dinette area has access to the back patio. Split bedroom floorplan has two bedrooms sharing a full bath and a master wing off of the great room. En suite master bath has dual vanity sinks, tile shower with bench, and walk-in closet. Laundry room and 1/2 bath just off garage door entry. Full basement is framed with possible 4th bedroom with egress window and rough in for another bath. Very livable floorplan with flexibility for growth. Finishing extras include professional landscaping and irrigation system, Ring video doorbell, and mobile device control of garage door and HVAC system.

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

*Penn PHM Schools

*Shepherd's Cove

*New construction

*Great room

*Granite kitchen

*Master Suite

*First floor laundry

411 Shepherd's Way, Osceola, IN http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202046167/?addrs=1

JUST LISTED 55151 Holmes St, South Bend, IN 46628

Homes for Sale in South Bend, IN

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202043815/

Wonderful opportunity to create your dream home in a country neighborhood close to city amenities. Located on a spacious, private, and wooded lot, this ranch home has plenty of living space. Hardwood floors in many of the rooms will gleam when refinished. Nice sized living room leads to large kitchen (all appliances stay) and convenient mudroom/laundry. 3 bedrooms with a master that could have a half bath. Enjoy the arched doorways, large family room, and a clean basement for storage. The huge fenced backyard has a separate fenced garden area to keep animals out, a greenhouse, and large shed. Plenty of space for a chicken coop! Enjoy time outside with the basketball court, covered side porch, or in the 3-season room that even has a wood-burning fireplace. 2-car attached garage. Roof 10 years old, new furnace, water heater, and well. You love and eye for design will bring this home back to life!

*Country living

*Private lot

*Wooded *Ranch

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

JUST LISTED 55151 Holmes St, South Bend, IN 46628 | Homes for Sale in South Bend, IN

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202043815/

57295 Pine View Dr, South Bend, IN 46619 | Homes for Sale in South Bend, IN http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202043748/

You will love this incredibly well-maintained (and pre-inspected) traditional home in a quiet country neighborhood that's close to city conveniences. Built by Luko Builders, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has a large welcoming front porch for all your seasonal decorations! Formal living room and dining room off the foyer have newer carpet and lead to the large eat-in kitchen with granite counters and island, and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen is open to the family room with gas log fireplace with newer insert. The backyard is a perennial paradise! Enjoy BBQs on the spacious deck or take your meal into the screened in porch for shade and protection! The yard is fully fenced for safety. Convenient half bath and main floor laundry complete the main level. Upstairs, you'll find all four bedrooms and a full bath. Large master suite with walk-in closet and full bath with dual sink vanity. Beautiful woodwork throughout. The full basement features a TV room and huge storage space. New: garage door opener, dishwasher, AC, water softener, paint. This home also has choice of New Prairie or South Bend schools. Average utilities $50 AEP, $97. Recent updates in past ~3 years includes HVAC, water softener, dishwasher, well tank, and more. Lovingly cared for by the original owners, this house is now waiting for you to call it HOME.

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

57295 Pine View Dr, South Bend, IN 46619 | Homes for Sale in South Bend, IN http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202043748/

53082 Bracken Fern Ct, South Bend, IN 46637

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202042260/#

Tucked away on a wooded cul-de-sac in popular Fernwood, this custom built home is full of opportunity to create your dream home. The options to accommodate different living situations are endless with the multiple finished areas. The welcoming front porch leads you to the foyer with storage closet and half bath. Large living room could also include a dining area. The kitchen has vaulted ceilings, breakfast bar, plenty of cabinets, and windows overlooking the wooded yard. Convenient dining area could hold a large dining table and has access to the backyard deck and laundry area with pantry. Breezeway off the kitchen leads to side entry, oversized 2-car garage, and bonus bedroom above garage. This extra large (25x30) bedroom has vaulted ceilings and a private entry from the breezeway and would be a great studio for extended family with a possible office and an area that is roughed in for a bath. Master suite on main floor and a convenient office for working from home or e-learning. Two additional bedrooms upstairs, both with huge walk-in closets, and a family room that could easily be converted to another bedroom. Walk-up attic is carpeted and drywalled - just add heat for functioning living space. Basement has rec room and storage space. This home has so many ways for you to make this your dream home. Make your appointment to see it today!

*Fernwood at Cleveland

*Split bedroom floor plan

*Near Notre Dame

Presented by : Tim Murray, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

tim@timmurray.com 574-286-3944

53082 Bracken Fern Ct, South Bend, IN 46637

http://www.michianahomesandland.com/property/202042260/#