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Home Sellers •
February 5, 2023
Budget Projects to Transform the Look of Your Home
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Budget projects that transform the look of your homeWhether you’re preparing to move into a new home, or looking to zhuzh things up before you sell, try one of these high-impact projects that are easy on the wallet.
Fresh PaintA new color story is transformative. Each hue in the color wheel catches the light differently, altering the look and feel of a room. Once you’re done, you’ll feel extra motivated to tackle other improvements. Plus, the right paint can add value to the home. Add Crown MoldingCrown molding adds a touch of sophistication and polish to the room. Because it draws the eye to the ceiling, it has an enlarging effect. Tip: Add a chair rail and you can create a two-toned room!
Build a Laundry CenterAdding a counter and shelving units brings order and much-needed storage to cluttered up washer-dryer spaces. New FaucetsThe gleam of on-trend metals catches the light and instantly modernizes the bath or kitchen. It’s one of those super simple fixes with high returns. Take it a step further and add new cabinet handles and drawer pulls.
Add StorageShelves, pullouts and racks for closets, mud rooms and cabinets add functional elements while lending a sense of order to a space. Bottom line: These small projects offer a big payoff without breaking the bank! |
Home Buyers •
January 27, 2023
4 Steps: Getting Your Financials in Order Before You Buy
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4 Steps in getting your financials in order before you buyBuying a house takes more than a down payment: You need financial readiness. Stick to the plan, and you’ll start making real progress toward your goal. 1. Know how much home you can affordIdeally, your housing payment is no more than 30% of your take-home pay. Look for an online “How much house can you afford” calculator, enter your ideal payment and work from there. Then play around with it. What happens if you add $50, $100 or $200 to the monthly payment? 2. Create a homeowner budgetTo help you plan and adapt, work out a monthly budget that factors in your expected mortgage payment. Don’t forget to include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities and a cash fund for various household supplies and expenses. 3. Know the scoreUse the free credit score feature on your online bank account to see where you need improvement, then keep track of monthly progress. Focus on good credit hygiene like on-time payments, paying down debt and refraining from opening (or closing) credit accounts. A higher credit score indicates to lenders you’re a good credit risk, which increases your eligibility for a competitive interest rate. For a mortgage, even a quarter of a percentage can translate into tens of thousands of dollars. 4. Save for a down paymentStart squirreling away extra cash each month to build your down payment. If you find yourself short of funds, examining your spending habits, shopping for deals and looking for opportunities to boost your income will accelerate your progress. |
Home Sellers •
January 27, 2023
Checklist: Upgrade Your Exterior
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Checklist to upgrade your exteriorLooking to spruce up your curb appeal before you put your home on the market? Taking on a few of these weekend projects can transform your exterior from ho-hum to inviting. Paint the DoorMost homes have neutral hues, but a pop of color on the front entrance creates a welcoming focal point. Add a new storm door, door fixtures and a pretty wreath and your work is done. Swap Out the MailboxChange the government-issued box for something decorative and unique. Whether you opt for vintage or mod, it’s sure to make the place look more inviting. Update Your Light FixturesNew fixtures can add sparkle and polish even to an older home. Install Solar Landscape LightingThese small fixtures are unobtrusive by day, but bring some yard ambiance by night.
Pressure Wash for a Deep CleanMake your concrete and masonry look like new with a good cleaning. Bring on the PlantersBoxes or large pots filled with foliage bring a welcoming touch of nature, not to mention some lively colors. To make it look polished and professional, choose a thriller, filler and spiller. Have a Seat!Nothing says welcome home like a front yard conversation corner! Add a bench, a pair of Adirondack chairs or if you’re feeling whimsical, a hanging swing from the front yard tree. Achieve the Manicured LookNow’s the time to get fussy with your lawncare and landscaping. Keep the grass neatly clipped, watered and the walkway swept clean. Trim dead and hanging branches from trees and prune the bushes. For a finishing touch, pop a few in-season annuals into the ground and add a fresh layer of mulch to the beds. |
Home Buyers •
January 27, 2023
Buying a Fixer-Upper? The Pros and Cons
Buying a fixer-upper? A look at the pros and cons
A house that needs TLC can be a great investment. That is, if you’re up to putting in the sweat equity.
Pro: Great deals!
Buying a house that needs work can help you save big on your house payment. An as-is property can be had for a lower price point than a newer property that’s move-in ready.
Con: Endless construction
DIY home rehab is a lifestyle – are you willing to go all in? Your house will be a work in progress for months, possibly years. Parts of your house will be unusable for periods of time, and the pressure to get it done can be a source of stress.
Pro: You may qualify!
Check your area for homeowner programs. Some cities, towns and counties offer low-interest loans and grants that make home repairs more affordable. The federal government also has renovation mortgage programs for certain borrowers.
Con: Unexpected problems
Get ready – some projects are cursed. For example, you rip out the fiberglass shower, only to uncover serious problems with the plumbing and mold. Before your start each project, you’ll want to think ahead to plan B if things don’t go to plan.
Pro: The satisfaction of doing it yourself!
When it’s all done, nothing beats the satisfaction of transforming a house from dreary to dazzling. You’ll pick up new skills along the way, and it will be customized to your preferences and hobbies. And if you’re fortunate, you’ll achieve a nice uptick in home value when you’re ready to sell.
