News Bites

Welcome our New Team Members!

We recently added two new COCIC Team members!

Please welcome David Ford and Christina Harris as Program Specialists. David will coordinate the home warranty process during the first year after closing and Christina will work with homeowner inquiries and will focus on our Welcome Home Stewardship Program.

COCLT's Impact on the Community

The COCLT was featured on ABC 6 on Your Side regarding affordable housing in Franklin County. One of our homeowners was interviewed for the story. The article and video can be found HERE.

Thinking About Doing a Home Improvement Project?

Learn how to select licensed and bonded contractors

Now that you have purchased a home you may consider doing some home improvements. The use of a licensed and bonded contractor will save you money and time. First, start out by checking with the Secretary of State website, which can help you search and verify if a company has registered their business with the state of Ohio. The Secretary of State website can be found HERE. Then, check to see if they have a company website or social media page (i.e. Facebook, Instagram) that may feature some of their past projects. Word of mouth referrals also help to narrow down your choice of contractor. Most contractors also offer estimates, and it is recommended you get at least three written estimates to compare pricing. Researching cost estimates for your project also helps to ensure you are being quoted a fair market price. Remember to ask the contractor as many questions as possible to make a sound decision and feel comfortable walking away if they are not willing to provide adequate answers.

Per your COCLT Land Lease, the following language must be included in all home improvement contracts: "Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the contractor acknowledges that Homeowner holds only a leasehold interest in the property which is the subject of this contract. Homeowner is not the agent or the owner of the property, and no lien resulting from work performed under this contract shall attach to the interest of such owner." You can find out more information about remodeling by clicking HERE.

Homeowner Tips

How to Safely Get Rid of Small and Big Critters in the Yard

Owning a home means dealing more directly with nature, especially when it comes to your yard space. Rabbits, deer, groundhogs, carpenter bees, and other smaller animals may try to invade your peaceful oasis. Here are some practical tips to keep your family, yard, and pets safe from wildlife.

Maintain your yard by cutting your grass every week, but no more than two weeks apart

Keep your yard free of major debris like tree branches and over grown weeds, which helps avoid animals nesting in your yard

Search around your property for burrows or holes and fill them with dirt or gravel

Use repellent specific to the animal(s) coming into your yard

Carpenter bees are a common summer pest. Almond oil and citrus oil are carpenter bee repellents. A good way to deter bees from nesting is to spray a layer of almond oil and water mixture on any susceptible areas

Seek professional help when needed if the problem becomes more than you can handle on your own

Call animal control if you feel the animal(s) are more of a threat to your household after trying out other options

Keep track of the type of animals you may encounter in your yard so you have a better understanding of the wildlife within your neighborhood

Make a Summer

Checklist, Part 2

As temperatures continue to rise in the summer, there are some other tasks to consider when maintaining your home.

Make sure to power wash the outside of your home.

The heat and humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow faster on your home’s exterior. Use a power washer with a mildew remover compatible with your siding.

Inspect your attic and basement/crawlspace.

Check these areas for evidence of pests, insects, water damage, mold, or mildew.

Tune up your lawnmower.

The grassy buildup in your lawnmower can invite rust and clog the discharge chute, leaving clumps on your lawn. Routine cleaning can help ward off possible future problems, so take time this month to do a checkup.

Wash your windows and replace window screens as needed. Washing your exterior and interior windows are key to maintaining the long term use of your windows. Remove your window screens and gently scrub them with hot, soapy water. If your screens are too dirty to be cleaned, you may want to consider replacing them.

Inspect your indoor hoses to appliances, such as, your washer, dehumidifier, dishwasher, icemaker, toilets, and refrigerator for any signs of wear or tear. Hoses should be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

Budgeting 101

Creating a monthly household budget is a key financial tool towards maintaining your home.

The 50/30/20 budgeting approach is a solid foundation, where 50% of your household income goes to necessities, 30% to wants and 20% to debt repayment and savings.

Plan for new expenses. As a homeowner, there are expenses that are often overlooked in your monthly budget. Costs for purchasing lawncare items such as a garden hose, lawn fertilizer, and mulch can add up quickly. Adding home maintenance as a line item in your budget can help you better plan for the true cost of homeownership.

Open a savings account if you don't already have one. Having a savings account allows for you to save for emergency home expenses or future renovations. Consider creating an automatic savings plan with your bank account that can be set up based on your pay periods.

Track your monthly budget over time to see what spending areas you can improve or take away. This will allow you more room to modify your discretionary spending.

Completing a yearly review of your income and expenses can also provide a visual snapshot of your positive financial changes.

Create a financial support system to help share ideas on budgeting and finances.

Community Resources

Check out this link to all the local farmers markets in Central Ohio that can be found HERE.

Farmers Markets, Home Grown

Local farmers markets allow residents a chance to connect in person with the growers of produce and other household favorites. You may even find new items or household goods that are sometimes not always found in the grocery store. Many vendors often offer great deals depending on the amount of an item you purchase. Some market events may even have food trucks on site.