Things to consider before buying:

Purchasing a home can be challenging for a newbie. All things considered, there are countless advances,
undertakings, and necessities, and you might be restless about committing a costly error. Be that as it
may, first-time homebuyers partake in a few exceptional benefits made to support new contestants in
the housing market. Here is a summary of what you want to consider before you purchase and what you
can anticipate from the purchasing system itself, in addition to tips to make life more straightforward
after you purchase your most memorable home.

6 Questions to Consider Before You Buy
Your initial step is to figure out what your drawn-out objectives are and how house-buying finds a place with
those objectives. Maybe you’re just hoping to change every one of those “squandered” lease installments
into contract installments that give you something unmistakable: value. Likewise, purchasing a home can be
wise speculation. Reducing your higher perspective homeownership objectives will point you in the correct
heading.

The following are six inquiries to consider:

1. How’s Your Financial Health?
Before navigating pages of online postings or falling head over heels for your fantasy home, do a serious
review of your funds. You should be ready for both the buying and the continuous costs of a home.

2. What Type of Home Will Best Suit Your Needs?
You have various choices while buying a private property: a customary single-family home, a duplex, a condo,
a townhouse, a co-usable, or a multifamily working with two to four units. Every choice has its upsides and
downsides, contingent upon your home ownership objectives, so you want to conclude which kind of
property will assist you with arriving at those objectives. You can save money on the price tag in any

classification by picking a project, yet be cautioned: how much time, sweat value, and cash expected to
transform a project into your fantasy home may be significantly beyond anything you expected.

3. Which Specific Home Features Do You Want?
While it’s great to hold some adaptability in this rundown, you’re making maybe the greatest acquisition of
your life. Your rundown ought to incorporate fundamental cravings, similar to estimate and neighborhood,
right down to more modest subtleties like restroom design and a kitchen fitted with sturdy machines.
Filtering land sites can assist you with getting a feeling of the valuing and accessibility of properties offering
the elements that mean a lot to you.

4. The amount of Mortgage Do You Qualify for?
Before you begin shopping, it’s vital to find out how much a moneylender will give you to buy your most
memorable home. You might figure you can manage a $300,000 home, yet moneylenders might believe

you’re just great for $200,000 because of variables like how much other obligation you have, your month-to-
month payments, and how long you’ve been at your present place of employment. What’s more, numerous

realtors won’t invest energy with clients who haven’t explained the amount they can bear to spend.
Make a point to get pre-supported for credit before putting a proposal on a home. In many cases, merchants
won’t engage a deal that is not joined by a home loan pre-endorsement. You do this by applying for a home
loan and finishing the essential desk work. It is useful to look for a bank and to look at loan costs and charges
by utilizing an instrument like our home loan number cruncher or Google look.

5. The amount Home Can You Afford?
At times a bank will give you a credit for more houses than you truly need to pay for. Since a bank says it will
loan you $300,000 doesn’t imply that you ought to get that much. Some first-time homebuyers commit this
error and end up “house poor” with minimal passed on after they make their month-to-month contract
installment to take care of different expenses, like a dress, utilities, excursions, diversion, or even food.
House shopping with a more modest spending plan than you are supported for won’t just make your
monetary life more adaptable, however, it can likewise assist you in the present hot lodging with promotion.
At present in many business sectors houses are selling for over their asking cost. On the off chance that you
shop with sufficient space for error, you may not wind up losing an offering battle on your fantasy house.

6. Who Will Help You Through the Homebuying Process?
A realtor will assist you with finding homes that address your issues and are in your cost range, then meet
with you to see those homes. Whenever you’ve picked a home to purchase, these experts can help you in
arranging the whole buying process, including making a deal, getting credit, and finishing desk work. A decent
realtor’s skill can shield you from any entanglements that you could experience during the cycle. Most
specialists get a commission, paid from the merchant’s returns.

Things to consider before buying

Purchasing a home can be challenging for a newbie. All things considered, there are countless advances,
undertakings, and necessities, and you might be restless about committing a costly error. Be that as it
may, first-time homebuyers partake in a few exceptional benefits made to support new contestants in
the housing market. Here is a summary of what you want to consider before you purchase and what you
can anticipate from the purchasing system itself, in addition to tips to make life more straightforward
after you purchase your most memorable home.

 

6 Questions to Consider Before You Buy

Your initial step is to figure out what your drawn-out objectives are and how house-buying finds a place with
those objectives. Maybe you’re just hoping to change every one of those “squandered” lease installments
into contract installments that give you something unmistakable: value. Likewise, purchasing a home can be
wise speculation. Reducing your higher perspective homeownership objectives will point you in the correct
heading. The following are six inquiries to consider:

1. How’s Your Financial Health?
Before navigating pages of online postings or falling head over heels for your fantasy home, do a serious
review of your funds. You should be ready for both the buying and the continuous costs of a home.

2. What Type of Home Will Best Suit Your Needs?
You have various choices while buying a private property: a customary single-family home, a duplex, a condo,
a townhouse, a co-usable, or a multifamily working with two to four units. Every choice has its upsides and
downsides, contingent upon your home ownership objectives, so you want to conclude which kind of
property will assist you with arriving at those objectives. You can save money on the price tag in any

classification by picking a project, yet be cautioned: how much time, sweat value, and cash expected to
transform a project into your fantasy home may be significantly beyond anything you expected.

3. Which Specific Home Features Do You Want?
While it’s great to hold some adaptability in this rundown, you’re making maybe the greatest acquisition of
your life. Your rundown ought to incorporate fundamental cravings, similar to estimate and neighborhood,
right down to more modest subtleties like restroom design and a kitchen fitted with sturdy machines.
Filtering land sites can assist you with getting a feeling of the valuing and accessibility of properties offering
the elements that mean a lot to you.

4. The amount of Mortgage Do You Qualify for?
Before you begin shopping, it’s vital to find out how much a moneylender will give you to buy your most
memorable home. You might figure you can manage a $300,000 home, yet moneylenders might believe

you’re just great for $200,000 because of variables like how much other obligation you have, your month-to-
month payments, and how long you’ve been at your present place of employment. What’s more, numerous

realtors won’t invest energy with clients who haven’t explained the amount they can bear to spend.
Make a point to get pre-supported for credit before putting a proposal on a home. In many cases, merchants
won’t engage a deal that is not joined by a home loan pre-endorsement. You do this by applying for a home
loan and finishing the essential desk work. It is useful to look for a bank and to look at loan costs and charges
by utilizing an instrument like our home loan number cruncher or Google look.

5. The amount Home Can You Afford?
At times a bank will give you a credit for more houses than you truly need to pay for. Since a bank says it will
loan you $300,000 doesn’t imply that you ought to get that much. Some first-time homebuyers commit this
error and end up “house poor” with minimal passed on after they make their month-to-month contract
installment to take care of different expenses, like a dress, utilities, excursions, diversion, or even food.
House shopping with a more modest spending plan than you are supported for won’t just make your
monetary life more adaptable, however, it can likewise assist you in the present hot lodging with promotion.
At present in many business sectors houses are selling for over their asking cost. On the off chance that you
shop with sufficient space for error, you may not wind up losing an offering battle on your fantasy house.

6. Who Will Help You Through the Homebuying Process?
A realtor will assist you with finding homes that address your issues and are in your cost range, then meet
with you to see those homes. Whenever you’ve picked a home to purchase, these experts can help you in
arranging the whole buying process, including making a deal, getting credit, and finishing desk work. A decent
realtor’s skill can shield you from any entanglements that you could experience during the cycle. Most
specialists get a commission, paid from the merchant’s returns.

What to avoid with loan applications

Following a loan application, avoid these things.

 

There are several important considerations to make when you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home. Even though it’s thrilling to begin considering moving in and decorating, use caution when making any significant purchases. Following your loan application, there are a few things you should probably avoid.

 

Avoid making large cash deposits. 

 

Cash is hard to track down, and lenders need to know where you got your money. Talk with your loan officer about how to properly record your transactions before you deposit any money into your accounts.

 

Avoid Making Any Major Purchases 

 

You could lose your loan if you make purchases that are not strictly related to your home. Lenders may raise concerns about any sizable purchases. Debt-to-income ratios are higher for those with new debt (how much debt you have compared to your monthly income). Because riskier loans have higher ratios, borrowers might no longer be eligible for their mortgages. Avoid the urge to make any significant purchases, including those for appliances or furnishings.

 

Loans shouldn’t be co-signed for anyone.

 

You take on responsibility for the loan’s success and repayment when you co-sign for it. Higher debt-to-income ratios result from that obligation. Your lender will have to count the payments against you even if you pledge that you won’t be the one making them.

 

Avoid changing bank accounts. 

 

Lenders must locate and keep track of your assets. When all of your accounts are consistent, that work is significantly simpler. Speak with your loan officer prior to making any financial transfers.

 

Maintain All Accounts 

 

Many purchasers think that being authorized means they are less risky and have less accessible credit. This can’t be. Your credit history’s length and depth (as opposed to just your payment history) and the proportion of credit you’ve used overall to total credit available make up a significant portion of your credit score. Both of those parts of your score are negatively impacted by closing accounts.

 

In conclusion, be honest with your lender when discussing any changes. Any changes to your income, assets, or credit should be carefully considered and handled so that your home loan can still be approved. Inform your lender as well if your employment situation has changed recently. In the end, it’s always preferable to be completely honest and open with your loan officer before making any financial decisions.

 

5 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighborhood and Local Market

5 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighborhood and Local Market

 

Finding quality leads and generating new business, as any real estate agent knows, begins with cultivating pre-existing relationships. However, generating new leads can be difficult if you do not already have a large referral base or if you are new to the area.

 

While new agents tend to focus on open houses and cold calling or spend a lot of money on print advertising, successful agents are able to cultivate referrals by working alongside neighbors and collaborators.

  • Please introduce yourself

 

Choose three community leaders you’d like to meet more closely and either ask for introductions or send an email introducing yourself. Have trouble coming up with something to say? You can send them a link that you believe is relevant to their work, congratulate them on a recent accomplishment, or simply let them know you’ve noticed they’re making a difference in the community.

  • Keep in touch

When was the last time you communicated with a previous client? If you don’t already have a spreadsheet or tracking system in place to remind you of birthdays, holidays, and regular checkpoints, make one now and be proactive about staying in their lives.

  • Demonstrate that you care

While you cannot attend every community event, choosing a few to attend throughout the year will help you meet people and build rapport. If you don’t already have a community volunteer event planned, visit your community’s website or social media pages to find an upcoming cause that fits your passion and your schedule.

  • Change notes

Because real estate professionals succeed more when they understand their market, find a partner in your market with whom you can share notes—and vice versa. Connecting with other agents, even if they are technically your competition, is a great way to learn from their successes and establish yourself as a peer.

  • Consider yourself a journalist.

Information about your market can come from a variety of sources. As if you were an investigative journalist, approach your market. Sign up for community newsletters, compile a list of neighborhood newspapers, and see if there are any upcoming town hall meetings where you could learn something new or form a new relationship.

 

Repairs You Shouldn’t Try on Your Own: DIYs That Could Hurt Your Lease

Repairs You Shouldn’t Try on Your Own: DIYs That Could Hurt Your Lease

 

The feeling of success you get when you finish a DIY project in your apartment is unparalleled. Some maintenance, on the other hand, should be left to your landlord or property manager. 

 

You can tackle simple repairs like changing a lightbulb on your own, but if you’re not careful, you could find up breaking your lease terms. You also run the risk of losing your security deposit. Here are a few maintenance issues you should leave to the professionals.

 

APPLIANCES THAT ARE BROKEN OR MALFUNCTIONING

Perhaps your dryer broke down when you were doing your first load of washing, your refrigerator isn’t cold, or the air conditioning ran out in the summer. Avoid the temptation to look for DIY solutions online, as appealing as they may seem. 

 

Appliances are expensive, so you don’t want to make matters worse by attempting to repair it yourself and further harming them. An expert will be able to precisely diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.

 

ELECTRICAL SOCKETS THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Although no one wants to get electrocuted, some renters make the mistake of attempting to repair electrical issues alone. Although a little fracture in an electric outlet may not appear to be a big issue at first look, leave it alone and get maintenance as soon as possible.

 

PESTS

Despite the fact that there are simple, temporary solutions for ants, mice, roaches, and other pests, it is normally the landlord’s responsibility to exterminate them, unless the infestation is the consequence of tenant neglect. Traps can help slow down an infestation, but your landlord or property manager will need to appoint a specialist to completely eradicate the bugs.

 

GAS LEAK

A gas leak is a maintenance emergency that should be handled by your landlord alone. A gas leak could result in a fire or an explosion, so report it right once. Gas exposure can result in significant physical injury, including death, therefore contact maintenance immediately.

 

BLOCKED GUTTERS 

 

Clogged gutters can cause more serious problems, such as roof damage and vermin infestation if you rent your home. It may appear like clearing gutters is as simple as grabbing a ladder and sweeping out the leaves, but this is not the case. As you fall to the earth, you may lose your equilibrium, grab the gutter, and rip it off. It’s preferable to leave it to the maintenance crew because it’s dangerous and may do further damage.

 

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS

 

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in a home are referred to as HVAC. Landlords are required by law to provide renters with safe and sanitary living conditions, which includes handling HVAC maintenance. Although all jurisdictions require landlords to supply heat, not all states require air conditioning, so knowing your local and state rules is critical.

 

5 Tips you’ll need when moving during COVID-19

5 tips you’ll need when moving during COVID-19

 

In these times, health is the number one priority, and we always want to ensure that we follow extra safety precautions and minimize social contact. Moving requires tons of work and people involved during your move out.

 

With the recent surge of COVID-19, everyone needs the extra step to be careful. If you plan to move, you can still put it off and make a little extra planning and a few precautionary steps. 

 

But if you will be moving, here are some tips to help you progress as safe, seamless, and stress-free as possible.

 

  1. Make it DIY if possible

 

Even though most states have their own moving services considered “essential when moving,” with the impending COVID-19, you can try to manage the move yourself. Most companies have reduced their staff, and some closed businesses entirely, so you can try to cut down the number of people you come in contact with/ 

 

If you really need your help, know the companies operating in your area. Ask them about sanitation procedures, know if suppliers have the essential supplies (like masks, gloves, and booties), and for their reasonable cancellation policy in the case of an event and need to cancel your plans.

 

  1. Minimize your Contact

 

Moving day involves plenty of people. If you’re working with a moving company, ask for a virtual quote and ask if the company offers fully contactless services.

 

You can give a smile and generous tips that you can send through a contactless digital platform like PayPal and Venmo.

 

  1. Take extra caution when moving

 

Taking extra sanitary precautions is essential for you and the moving company. Always wear your mask, gloves, and booties. And disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs and handles.

 

You can also place soap and paper towels near your sinks and a hand sanitizer or disinfect alcohol by the doors. And buy new boxes. The coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so this might not be the time to pick up used moving supplies from recycling stores. You can also use boxes that you already have in your home. 

 

  1. Be transparent and flexible

 

Before your moving day, reach out to your neighbors – especially if you live in an apartment building. This is to let them know your date when you’ll be moving to give them a head-up and avoid unnecessary contact and let you know if the timing will be a problem.

 

If you or any family members are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, postpone your moving plans. Though rescheduling is a pain, the health and safety of your community come first. 

 

  1. Help those who are in need and lighten your load.

 

There are millions of people who are struggling with this COVID-19 pandemic. You can donate your shelf-stable items to a local food bank or a national organization that works with professional moving companies and their customers to feed those in need.

 

Moving is hard, but with the current situation, it’s extremely tough. Take extra precautions when you move and you’ll be able to get past this struggle. 

5 Renovation Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

5 Renovation Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

Itching for a fresh take on your home this season? Spring is (almost) in the air. And spring fever brings with it…home renovation fever. But what if your budget isn’t as free as your enthusiasm? Well, here are 5 renovation ideas for less to allow you to let that creativity free. And you won’t break the bank in the process.

1. Pick your remedy for the kitchen

Instead of redoing the entirety of your kitchen (talk about a pretty penny), pick a project. Update one aspect of your kitchen that needs some TLC. It’ll give a fresh look to the whole room but save you big time. Consider the countertops, especially if the cabinets are in pretty good shape. Countertops are a heavily worked surface so replacing these is a great investment as well as a nice design choice. If your countertops seem good, what about the backsplash or the cabinet doors or hardware? Choose something to upgrade that’s a little worse for wear and watch your kitchen perk up.

2. Highlight the light

Update window treatments for an instant facelift. This could include fabric styles and colors, or new blinds or both. Reuse curtain rods and hardware where you can to save a little. But refreshing the windows will draw your eyes there and highlight the light coming into your home.

3. Perk up your artificial lighting

Once you’ve spruced up the windows, it might be time to update some artificial lighting throughout the home. If your overhead lights are hideous or so bright, they hurt your eyes, you could do a couple different things to help. First, add in lamps for softer, ambient lighting. This is a great option to add character and charm too in the lamps you choose. If lamps don’t do the trick or you don’t have the space or outlet capacity for this route, another option is dimmers. Installing dimmers for overhead lighting gives you the option for bright or cozy, depending on the tasks you’re doing and the mood. Change out lightbulbs to more energy efficient and cozier colored bulbs to help out with ambiance as well.

4. Refresh hardware

If your bathroom is feeling dingy and stale, what about installing a new shower head? This is usually a fairly easy DIY but can make a big difference. Choose a fancier shower head to up the spa vibes. Change out bathroom or kitchen sink faucets as well to refresh these rooms a bit. Update doorknobs or cabinet knobs too for a fresh and new accent.

5. Install a headboard in the bedroom

Installing a new headboard can update the whole look in a master bedroom. If you didn’t have one before, it will add drama and energy. If you have an old and dated headboard, update this to add modern flare.

Which fun and budget friendly renovation project catches your eye for this spring?

4 TIPS FOR MOVING INTO A NEW HOME

4 TIPS FOR MOVING INTO A NEW HOME

 

Moving into a new home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. You’ll be eager to unpack, decorate, and invite loved ones over for a housewarming party. While you’re getting settled, keep these tips in mind.

 

1. Change The Locks

Even if you’re not worried about the previous owner, there’s no way to know who may have a copy of your house keys. As a safety precaution, I recommend changing our your locks and making new keys. Nothing beats the feeling of being safe at home and knowing no one out there has your keys except for you.

 

2. Make A Plan For What Goes Where

Moving is already a stressful process, so a good way to avoid further frustration is to determine where your belongings will go in your new home. Measure your furniture and use painters tape to map out items in your new space. This will help you know exactly where everything goes and save time once the movers have pulled away.

 

3. Make Repairs A Priority

Your home inspection should give you a general idea of what needs to be repaired in your home, but it’s a good idea to do your own walk-through and take photos. You probably won’t get to all the repairs right away, but you can prioritize the more important projects and keep a running list of items to complete over time.

 

4. Get To Know Your Neighbors

Meeting your neighbors is a lot less awkward when done soon after moving in. While you don’t need to knock on every door with a dozen cookies, be sure to say hello when you see your neighbors in passing. Who knows, you may make some great new friends!

 

While there’s so much to do when moving into a new home, prioritizing these items can help to make the process a little easier.

4 Essential Ways to Prep Your Home for Winter

4 Essential Ways to Prep Your Home for Winter

 

The chilly days are becoming more frequent as we’ve entered November. Fall is a really excellent time of year to take stock of how your home is doing. All homes need TLC to keep them healthy and happy. This means staying on top of regular maintenance as well as seasonal projects. By staying on top of these winter prepping tasks, you’ll keep your home happier and less likely to break down in the really cold months.

 

1. Check the furnace and HVAC systems

A good place to start is with your heating system. Check on this now to prevent real stress when it’s freezing outdoors. Change your filters for sure. And then also look into hiring a professional to come inspect your heating system for any malfunctions. This way you know you’re in good shape heading into the frigid months.

 

2. Paint and caulk exterior wood and trim

Typically the wood around doors and windows isn’t rot resistant and is only a 1-inch thick piece of wood. Rot sets in easily if you don’t stay on top of weatherizing this wood. And rot is an expensive thing to fix. In order to prevent rot, first inspect the exterior wood around your home for paint chipping or caulk cracking. If you see spots like this, set aside time one weekend to re-caulk and repaint those areas.

And while a deck doesn’t need to be restained and resealed every year, it’s a good idea to periodically check this as well. Pour some water on the deck. If it beads up, it’s still protected. If it absorbs right in, time to seal and stain it again before the snow and winter.

 

3. Tend to water drainage

First check for drainage close to your foundation. If soil is saturated right around the foundation of the home, this can cause major problems down the line. Install downspout extenders if necessary to direct water away from the home’s base. Next, check on the state of your gutters. Remove any leaves or other debris. Then flush out the gutters with a bucket of water or a garden hose. You want all your gutters to be free and clear before the wetness of winter. If these are blocked, water can’t drain so it runs down the side of your home, causing it to deteriorate quicker.

 

4. Clean out chimneys and fireplaces

Last but not least, clean out the fireplace and chimney before you start gearing up for those cozy evenings in front of a fire. Hire a good chimney sweep company to come in and inspect and clean your fireplace. They will be able to let you know about any glaring maintenance issues and ensure it’s safe for use. Stock up on firewood as well so you’re ready for those chilly nights.

 

Take time in the next few weeks to complete these winterizing tasks to help your home deal with the cold winter months. If you’re looking to buy or sell this winter, contact me today to learn how I can help!

Remote, In Person, or Hybrid? Buying a Home For Your Work Needs.

Remote, In Person, or Hybrid?

Buying a Home For Your Work Needs.

 

The pandemic has changed a lot of things about our present world. Remote working, for instance, seems to be here to stay, at least in some cases. In other situations, people are doing a hybrid system where they go into a workplace part time and stay home to work part time. And of course, for many people, remote jobs aren’t an option. We are so grateful to all those who have been working in person this whole time to help our world keep turning.

But if you are working remotely part or full time, it’s worth it to consider how your home can better meet your work needs. Here are some questions to think about.

 

Will I be working from home for the foreseeable future?

 

The first question to ask is if this working from home situation is here to stay for you. At least, is it here to stay as far as you can tell? If this last year and a half has taught us anything it’s that nothing is certain. But if you do know that your job has given permission to work remotely for now, it’s good to start thinking about what set up will best suit you.

And even if your situation is hybrid and you’ll be staying home to work only part time, this still effects what kind of space you need at home.

 

What options do I have for a home office?

 

If the answer to the first question was yes, then it’s time to think about what set up you need. Many of us had to make do over the last year and a half as far as home office space goes. Perhaps you had to share working space with a spouse or partner. Or maybe you have kids who also were stuck home and the house became an all purpose office and classroom. Maybe you were fortunate to have a designated office space at home already, in a spare room or off to the side somewhere. But you also might have found yourself working from a noisy dining room table or shut up in your bedroom all day without a proper desk.

 

Should I move?

 

One option you may be considering is to move altogether. Some of us find that with working remotely, we have more options on where to live. Without needing to be so close to a workplace location, maybe you want to move farther to the suburbs or country. Perhaps you just want more square footage and can financially manage that now. Maybe you’re taking care of a family member in your home as well, or your spouse’s job has also gone remote. It’s ok to want a home with enough space so that you’re not all crammed on top of each other. We all can make things work for a short time. But now that you know how your job situation is shaking out, maybe a move is in your best interest. If you’re looking to move this fall, it’s a great time to consider a home with an office or at least office nook.

 

Can I make this home more versatile?

 

If moving isn’t a viable option for you at present, how can you make your current home work smarter for you and your needs? Is there a guest bedroom you could multipurpose to turn into a dual functioning office/spare room? Or maybe there’s a vanity or bulky dresser in your bedroom you could replace with a streamlined desk setup. What about a nook under the stairs or off to the side in a living space? Having a designated office area will help tremendously in your productivity and concentration. So even if it’s not a completely private room, do your best to create an intentional space for working.

 

Use this guide to start determining what kind of home office situation you want moving forward. If the answer is to move, I’m here to help with all your real estate needs.

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