When is the right time to sell your house? – CSMonitor.com

Knowing the right time to sell your home can help you get the most value on the market. But it’s also important to know other contributing factors that can give you the best selling price.

Want to get top dollar for your home? One way is to know the best time to sell. Every situation is different, but to get the best price for your property, you’ll want to match a good selling situation with good market conditions. Here are six ways to know the time is right.

 1. You have some equity in your home

Your equity is the value of your home minus any home loans. So if your property’s worth $250,000, and the mortgage balance is $200,000, you’d have $50,000 in equity.

If your home’s sale price would be enough to pay off your mortgage and related selling costs, and you wouldn’t need to pay any additional money out of pocket to close the deal, it could be a good time to put your home on the market.

 But if not, it might be better to wait until your home increases in value, you pay down the mortgage, or both.

According to real estate research firm CoreLogic, in the third quarter of 2015 about 8% of residential homes with mortgages were underwater, meaning the amount an owner owed on the mortgage was greater than the home’s market value. But that’s an improvement from the same period in 2014, when the figure stood at around 10%. It suggests that many homeowners are increasing their equity and could soon be in a good financial position to sell.

 2. You can afford to move

When you sell, there will be costs. You’ll probably have to pay real estate commission of around 6% of the sale price. Moving expenses can easily exceed $1,000, and your buyers may even ask you to pay some of their closing costs. If you plan to buy your next home and apply for a mortgage, you’ll also need to have enough cash after you sell the house to make a down payment.

If you’re short on funds and might have problems paying for some of these expenses, even after you sell your home, it might be better to wait and save up before you put it on the market. And you might also build equity as you pay down your mortgage.

 3. You know there are potential homebuyers.

You’ll want to list your home when buyers in your area are looking. In a recent five-year period, 39% of homes with spring listings went under contract within 30 days, and 15% sold above list price, according to real estate brokerage firm Redfin. But the winter season was nearly as busy, with 38% of homes snapped up within 30 days, and 14% selling above list.

That said, sunnier days and milder temperatures can make house hunting easier, so many buyers begin their search during those times of year. If you list your home when there’s more demand, you’ll have a better chance of getting the best price possible.

Better weather also can help your home’s curb appeal, as you’re more likely to enjoy lush landscapes with blossoming flowers and trees. This can help your home seem more attractive to shoppers.

Just know that other sellers might have the same idea, so there’s likely to be competition. You’ll want to make sure your home looks its best and is priced competitively when you put up a “for sale” sign.

 4. Home-improvement projects are complete

You’ll want to wrap up any unfinished remodeling jobs before you put your home on the market. The investment can be worth your while. Smaller projects, including painting kitchen cabinets or upgrading a bathroom sink, sometimes come close to paying for themselves by increasing the value of your home, which can translate directly into a higher asking price when you sell.

As for larger projects, you probably don’t want to complete a full renovation before selling your home, because your tastes might not match a buyer’s style. But if you need to do major work to make your home functional, such as repairing an HVAC system or replacing a roof, it might be better to focus on financing and completing those projects before listing your home for sale. Prospective buyers might not expect to have a completely new kitchen or bath, but they’ll want to know the home’s in good condition.

 5. Your home no longer matches your life

Are you expecting a child — or other relative — to be a part of your family in the near future? You might need more space. Or, if you’re an empty-nester, you might decide your house is too big, requires too much upkeep and that you could benefit from downsizing. Maybe you’re satisfied with your property, but it’s in an inconvenient location and too far from friends and family.

Whatever your situation, if your home and neighborhood no longer fit your needs, the time is probably right to sell and find a location that’s better for your lifestyle.

 6. You don’t have to sell your house fast

If you’re a motivated seller — say, you have to relocate within two months — and the buyer finds out, he might offer you less for your home than it’s worth because he’d know you’re burdened to close the deal.  But if you’re willing to wait for the best offer, you have an advantage. You might be able to sell your home for the highest possible price.

Easy Home-Staging Tips to Sell Your Place Faster and for More – Page 13 – MainStreet

If you’ve put your home on the market, you’re probably hoping for two things: a quick sale and as much money as possible. Of course, to achieve those goals you have to impress potential buyers who stop in for a tour or view photos of your home online. Winning over picky house hunters will take a lot more than simply making the beds, vacuuming the living room and stashing your kids’ toys in the closet, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. That’s where home staging comes in.

Home staging is a way of reorganizing and redesigning your home to prepare it for showings. The objective is to highlight your home’s beauty and function to the fullest extent, but without cluttering it with too many personal touches that will prevent house hunters from envisioning it as their own.

Although professional home stagers are available if you can afford to hire one, sellers on a tight budget can certainly stage their own home without spending a ton. Here are 13 simple do-it-yourself tips from real estate and design experts to help make your home as appealing as possible

 

Paint With a Neutral Palette

 

If your home features bright walls of color, it’s time for a new painting job—this time with neutrals.

“The best thing to do for your home is to paint a neutral tan or light gray color depending on the style of home you have,” says Josh Christensen, general manager of Five Star Painting in Dallas. “The last thing you want to do is have vibrant colors in any part of the home, which will impede the potential buyer from being able to visualize living there.”

Clean and Declutter

House hunters certainly don’t want to walk into a home and see signs of dirt, stains and clutter. To make your home sparkle for potential buyers, start by collecting all of the excessive “stuff” that has built up in your abode.

“If you don’t need it in your home, remove it, such as old toys, winter clothes and Christmas decorations,” says real estate agent Will Johnson, founder of the Sell and Stage Team, a real estate company in Hendersonville, Tenn. that offers free home staging services for clients. “Rent a storage unit and keep everything in there because a cluttered house can turn away a buyer.”

 

 

Once you’ve gotten rid of all your junk, it’s crucial to do a deep-cleaning of every room in your home. Aside from vacuuming the carpets and mopping the floors, don’t forget to scrub countertops, wash windows, clean the toilets and remove dust from furniture and all surfaces.

 

Organize Closets, Drawers and Cabinets

You might think no one will notice what’s hidden away in your closets, drawers and cabinets, but the truth is that potential buyers will probably open these spaces to check out their storage potential. It’s a good idea to organize all closets, drawers and cabinets and remove any unnecessary clutter.

“Use patterned baskets or boxes to organize toiletries and cleaning products, and consider adding organizational tools to your closet to make it seem like there’s as much space as possible,” says Johnson.

Depersonalize Your Home

Through the years you’ve probably decorated your home with personal mementos like family photos, diplomas, trophies and medals. While these items may have been meaningful to you and your loved ones, they won’t have the same effect on potential buyers.

 

 

“Depersonalize the home so potential buyers can see themselves in your home and won’t be distracted looking at your family vacation rather than the home,” says realtor Kim Moucka of Joe Cloud & Associates in Dallas.

Add Small Touches of Comfort

On days that your home is being shown, consider adding small touches of comfort throughout your abode to create a homey, welcoming feel.

For instance, consider placing a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers on your kitchen table and leaving out cookies and bottled water for people to enjoy. If it’s cold out, lighting a fire can create a cozy feel.

“These little touches will make your home stand out from the rest,” says Moucka.

Repair Broken Parts

If you’ve been putting off repairing parts of your home that are malfunctioning, now is the time to get them fixed. If buyers think that your home has been neglected, it could be a big turnoff.

“A leaky faucet or piece of missing baseboard may not seem like a big deal, but when your home is in good repair it sends the message that your home is well cared for,” says Sheila Schostok, founder of Your Home Matters Staging & Redesign in Wadsworth, Ill.

Light Up Your Home

 

A key element of home staging includes making your home as bright as possible. This means turning on all of the lights and opening the blinds and curtains to allow ample sunlight to flood in.

Amy Bell, an interior decorator who runs Red Chair Home Interiors in Cary, N.C., says that a well-lit home gives off a cheerful vibe rather than one that is cold and uninviting.

Use Tricks to Make Small Rooms Seem Larger

While there’s no magic way to increase the dimensions of a room, there are clever tricks to make a room appear larger than it really is.

For instance, a large wall mirror can help “give the illusion of more space,” says Stephanie Scanlon, owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Pittsburgh. However, just make sure that whatever the mirror is reflecting is a pleasing sight.

Also, too much furniture can make a room feel cramped, so just include a few great pieces of furniture in each room that help define the space. And unless your dining room is especially large, consider removing table leaves and extra chairs from your dining room table to make the room appear more spacious, Bell suggests.

Add Texture to Create a Cozy Feel

 

Adding texture to your rooms is a great way to make your home seem warm and cozy. Scanlon suggests decorating with throws, tasseled pillows or even an inexpensive area rug. Check out stores such as Target, HomeGoods, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls for great low-cost options.

Make Cheap Aesthetic Updates

Some easy and relatively inexpensive cosmetic updates throughout your home can make a big difference, such as replacing light fixtures, doorknobs, shower curtains and faucets.

Also, because the kitchen is a major selling point, consider updating your kitchen cabinets on the cheap.

“A couple of coats of white paint and new hardware will turn old, ugly cabinets into classic, clean-looking ones,” says Maria Samuels, marketing and materials specialist for InStyleModern.com, which sells contemporary furniture pieces.

Stage a Setting in Key Rooms

In order to show off your home’s appeal, consider staging a setting in key rooms, suggests Rachel Hillman, owner of Hillman Homes, a full-service boutique real estate firm based in West Newton, Mass. For instance, if you have a formal dining area, set it for a dinner party—complete with china, glassware, silverware and cloth napkins. Hillman also suggests adorning your master bathroom with fresh towels, jars of bath salts and unscented candles to make it feel like a spa-like retreat.

Remove Signs of Your Furry Friends

 

We get it, your pet is a beloved member of the family, but the sights and smells of your furry friend throughout your home could be a big negative for buyers.

It isn’t just enough to make sure your animal is out of the house during showings. Ross Ellis, a real estate agent for Halstead Property in Manhattan, suggests removing all “telltale signs of pets in your home” by vacuuming away all pet hair and dander and removing kitty litter boxes and bowls of food and water. It’s also a good idea to remove your pet’s toys and beds from the home.

Spruce Up Your Yard and Exterior

Home staging isn’t just about fixing up the inside of your home—it’s also about beautifying your yard and your home’s exterior.

“One thing you don’t want to underestimate is the power of great curb appeal,” says Mark Taylor, owner of the landscaping and lawn care company The Grounds Guys of Central Virginia Beach. “If potential buyers are not impressed with the outside, getting them to be impressed with the inside might be difficult.”

 

 

When it comes to your lawn, Taylor suggests “mowing and trimming and defining its edges to show off a green, vibrant and healthy lawn.” He also says to re-seed or re-sod areas that may appear brown or barren, and to enhance any flowerbeds with seasonal flowers.

 

Taylor says you can add beauty to your front entryway with colorful potted plants, clean patio furniture (if you have the space) and new doormats. Also, be sure to touch up any paint that has chipped or worn over time, and consider replacing or repainting your house numbers and mailbox if they’ve seen better days.

What Does it Take to Buy a Home Without Credit? | Credit.com

What Does it Take to Buy a Home Without Credit?

Having bad or no credit can be a huge obstacle in many situations, perhaps none more difficult than when you’re trying to buy a home. In fact, homeownership can be one of the biggest reasons people set out to build good credit to begin with. But, while establishing a strong credit history is the most common route to homeownership, it’s not the only way there.

Like anything else, you can buy a home with cash. In 2015, all-cash transactions made up 30.1% of single-family home and condo purchases (down from a peak of 36.3% in 2012), according to real estate data company RealtyTrac. Someone may want to buy a home using cash for many reasons, but if you have bad or no credit, it’s probably your only option.

The Pros & Cons of Paying Cash

“Some people have terrible credit and they’re afraid they won’t qualify for a mortgage,” said Diane Saatchi, a senior broker with Saunders & Associates, a real estate company in the Hamptons. Then there are the cash buyers who don’t want to deal with the credit world. “They don’t want to be subjected to the scrutiny of a bank. … They like to live under the radar.”

Even if you live in a very inexpensive part of the country, buying a home with cash requires saving a lot of money — or making a lot of money. The median home sale price in the U.S. is $183,500, according to real estate data company Zillow, but a home priced well below that would still require a person to have significant resources to buy it without a loan.

“If you’re paying $100,000 cash, you’ve either saved for a very long time or you’re coming from some money,” said Doris Phillips, chief operating officer of Lake Homes Realty and a real estate broker in Alabama and Georgia. Oftentimes, people who buy homes in cash are purchasing luxury or secondary homes, she said.

Beyond the fact that buying a home in cash doesn’t require you to have good (or any) credit, it can save time and money.

“A lot of times [in] cash deals there’s only one Realtor involved, so you can really negotiate down the commission,” Phillips said. Closing costs tend to be much lower, as well. “You don’t have to have mortgage insurance, you’re not paying mortgage tax, you’re not paying lenders’ costs and underwriters’ costs, you’re not paying points to the lender.” She said a cash purchase could take about five days from start to finish, rather than the several weeks that a mortgage requires. As far as logistics go, you sign a handful of documents and wire the money from your bank account to the title company.

 

Cash-Only Offers Trump All?

Cash purchases certainly have disadvantages, though. You can get a tax deduction for paying mortgage interest, and interest rates are very low right now, so borrowing is relatively cheap and allows you to do something else with all that cash. And cash offers aren’t always going to win a bidding war. It really depends on the seller.

“We go up against cash buyers all the time and a common theme with those people is that [they think] they’re better than everybody,” said Scott Sheldon, a senior loan officer with Sonoma County Mortgages in California. “They tend to be very low-ball oriented offers that we tend to beat out regularly.”

On the other hand, it’s low-risk for the seller.

“A cash deal is pretty much a sure deal,” Phillips said. “Mortgages can fall through the crack with one simple thing.”

Buy vs. rent: Pay yourself or stay flexible | www.myajc.com

It’s the eternal dilemma: Should you rent a house or an apartment or should you take the plunge into homeownership and buy a house?

The reality is that there is no simple answer. What’s right for your friends may not be right for you.

 

 

Here are some common questions that I am asked frequently:

Q: How can we know when it’s best to rent and when it’s best to buy a house or a condo?

A: If you have to ask that question, it’s probably best to rent.

The decision to buy a house is typically motivated by common sense financial analysis, and if you haven’t yet reached that point, keep renting.

Q: So, are there any reasons to rent?

A: Yes, there are a number of good reasons to rent your home:

Cash flow — Renting may leave you with more leftover cash each month, allowing you to build your savings to a comfortable level before making a large cash commitment to buying real estate.

Flexibility — While renting, you retain the ability to make a major change in your living situation easily and without major cost. At the end of your lease, you can move to another community or even another city!

Building credit — If your credit has been damaged, making on time rental payments can help build and improve your credit score, allowing you to eventually qualify for a lower cost borrowing experience.

No repair costs — In most cases your landlord is responsible for repairs, freeing you from the financial drain of a new roof, a burned out water heater, or a faulty furnace or air conditioner. These expenses are real and they are major. Building them into your rent can save you cash.

Q: So you are saying that it’s usually best to rent your house or apartment?

A: Not necessarily. In fact, there are a number of compelling reasons to consider buying a house or condo right now. Here are some of the best:

Building equity — When you pay rent, you are paying your landlord’s mortgage. However, when you have a home mortgage, you increase your degree of ownership in your home with every payment.

A good rule of thumb is that if you intend to stay in your property for at least four to five years, the costs of purchasing are more likely to be offset by accrued equity and increased value. If the equity grows to more than 20 percent of your loan balance, you may be able to borrow against it. This can provide capital for major expenses.

If interest rates drop, you can refinance your mortgage at lower rates, or, once you’ve paid the entire mortgage off, borrow against the equity in your home to fund major purchases such as a second home or your child’s education.

Tax deductions — You can deduct mortgage interest as well as your property taxes against your income. Uncle Sam doesn’t give renters this bonus.

In addition, if you meet certain requirements the IRS won’t apply a “capital gains” tax on profits from the sale of your home. You can keep the first $250,000 you make if you’re single, or twice that amount if you’re married.

In addition, those who work from home may be eligible to take deductions for their home office and portions of utilities.

Creative control — You like lots of pictures on the wall? Well, hammer away – you own the walls now. Go ahead and paint them orange! Wish you had another room? Add one.

Maintenance choices — If you live in a house, you get to decide how to approach maintenance, either taking it on yourself or picking your own contractor. If you live in a condominium or are covered by a homeowners’ association, you may pay a monthly fee to have maintenance work covered by the association’s contractors. Either way, you’ll have a say in who does what.

Pay yourself — Finally, you have to live somewhere. That being the case, you might as well pay yourself to live in your house as pay your landlord.

The bottom line is that there is no perfect choice. Only you can decide what’s right for you. My advice is to explore your options, understand the likely outcomes, then take action as you see fit.

Home ownership is not right for everyone. The recent recession proved that decisively.

But I am convinced from personal experience that, for most folks, the best investment they ever make is in their own home.

30-Year Mortgages Hold at 3.65% This Week | Realtor Magazine

Mortgage rates stayed low again this week, remaining near their 2015 lows, and offering home buyers and refinancers another chance at lowering their home financing costs.

“After another week of financial market oscillations driven by rumors of potential limits on oil production, the 10-year Treasury yield edged up 5 basis points, and the 30-year mortgage rate remained unchanged at 3.65 percent,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Despite this week’s uptick in Treasury yields, the 10-year is still 54 basis points lower than it stood at the end of 2015, while the mortgage rate has dropped only 36 basis points over the same period.”

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Feb. 18:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgage: averaged 3.65 percent, with an average 0.5 point, holding the same average as last week. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 3.76 percent.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 2.95 percent, with an average 0.5 point, also holding the same as last week. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.05 percent.
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.85 percent, with an average 0.4 point, rising from last week’s 2.83 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.97 percent.

How to increase value of home: DIYs from Scott McGillivray – TODAY.com

Anyone who has ever embarked on a home renovation has the same question: How likely am I to get my money back when I sell?

Fortunately, there are several projects that will pay off in the long run. Scott McGillivray, host of DIY Network’s “Income Property,” is sharing renovation ideas that won’t break the bank, but will be sure to bring in some extra dollars.

Bathroom fixtures

New hardware in a bathroom instantly updates the look and feel of the space, so have your faucets, showerheads and lights complement your bathroom fixtures. Just make sure to check how effective the faucets and showerheads are BEFORE purchasing, and check the length of the warranty.

Disguising radiators quickly

Quickly re-vamp an eyesore like a radiator in a room by creating a simple cover to disguise it. A custom DIY cover can be designed to fit your space OR you can order a generic one. They come in a variety of styles and colors. A cover can be used as an added piece of furniture. If purchasing one, they are affordable starting at $60.

Develop room features

Consider adding flooring to a wall. This unconventional idea adds character to a room and offers an immediate feature wall. You can use engineered planks for easy installation, and also look into peel-and-stick options. Flooring comes with glueless instant-click installation systems, making it simple and fast.

Remove popcorn ceilings

By removing popcorn ceilings, you are increasing your home value and ridding your home of the “outdated” look. One important note: If the popcorn was added before 1979, get it tested for asbestos.

To remove the popcorn, first prepare the room by removing furniture and placing a drop cloth on the floor. Spray the ceiling with water (garden sprayer works best), and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrap the ceiling with a ceiling scraper or putty knife· Using long, even strokes, it should scrape right off!

Bulk up on trim

Here’s a favorite trick: Add trim to plain window casing. It will add value, enhance the look of the room and help the house sell faster.

Measure your window —and measure again. Purchase MDF moldings (size and styles vary). Trim out the biggest windows first, then reuse miscuts for the smaller windows. Always fill in nail holes before painting.

Curb appeal

You want buyers to love your home from the outside in. If your front door’s hardware is outdated, consider painting it. Updated hardware offers an open and inviting feel.

DIY storage unit

Home buyers are constantly looking for ways to maximize their space. By creating your own storage units in sparce places, it offers new uses of space for look and for functionality. Pick up bead board in pre-cut sheets, add pre-made drawers and extension rod. They’re an easy way to create your own mudroom cubby.

8 Budget Curb Appeal Projects | Landscaping Ideas and Hardscape Design | HGTV

8 Budget Curb Appeal Projects

Learn how you can add some oomph to your home’s outward appearance without breaking the bank.

 

Curb Appeal

Glam the Front Door

Adding pizzazz to your home’s front entrance is an easy, low-cost way to up your home’s curb appeal. Try painting your door a pretty hue that coordinates with your home’s color. “Make sure there is a contrast between the front door and the facade of the home,” says Kristine Ginsberg, owner of Elite Staging and Redesign in Morris County, N.J. If your house is gray or white with black shutters, consider painting the front door red, she suggests. Other ways to beautify your home’s exterior are adding appealing house numbers to your entrance and hanging a pretty wreath on the door. For extra pop, place a potted plant or two by the front entrance.Approximate cost: A gallon of paint for the front door will cost as little as $25. Metal house numbers can be purchased for less than $4 each, while a potted mini evergreen like boxwood or a dwarf Alberta Spruce could run you less than $20.

 

 

 

Glam the Front Door

Adding pizzazz to your home’s front entrance is an easy, low-cost way to up your home’s curb appeal. Try painting your door a pretty hue that coordinates with your home’s color. “Make sure there is a contrast between the front door and the facade of the home,” says Kristine Ginsberg, owner of Elite Staging and Redesign in Morris County, N.J. If your house is gray or white with black shutters, consider painting the front door red, she suggests. Other ways to beautify your home’s exterior are adding appealing house numbers to your entrance and hanging a pretty wreath on the door. For extra pop, place a potted plant or two by the front entrance.

Approximate cost: A gallon of paint for the front door will cost as little as $25. Metal house numbers can be purchased for less than $4 each, while a potted mini evergreen like boxwood or a dwarf Alberta Spruce could run you less than $20.

Manicure the Lawn

If you need to green your lawn in a hurry for an open house or for showings to potential buyers, you can spray your lawn with a green lawn spray paint that’s especially formulated for grass, is nontoxic and is environmentally safe.

Manicure the Lawn

Tending to your lawn is a do-it-yourself task that can add instant curb appeal to your home. Get out the lawn mower, cut the grass regularly and conquer those weeds. “I think it’s always a great idea to edge your lawn for a professional look,” Kristine suggests.

If you need to green your lawn in a hurry for an open house or for showings to potential buyers, you can spray your lawn with a green lawn spray paint that’s especially formulated for grass, is nontoxic and is environmentally safe. You can do it yourself, or hire a professional lawn painting service.

Approximate cost: No cost to you, unless you bring in a professional to cut or green your lawn. If you artificially green your lawn on your own, you can get a quart of lawn paint, which covers up to 1,000 square feet, for less than $30. Lawn sprayers are available at a variety of price levels, but some are sold for less than $20.

Tend Those Beds

Groomed garden beds tell buyers that a home has been well maintained. Start out by weeding your planting beds and removing any debris. Buy a few bags of mulch and spread enough of it to cover the width and length of your home’s front beds. The mulch will give your landscaping a fresh appearance and will keep weeds to a minimum while retaining moisture for your plants.Try planting some annual flowers like pansies, black-eyed Susans, impatiens and petunias for quick and long-lasting color. The flowers can be bought already in bloom in low-cost flats of 12 to 48 flowers at garden and home improvement stores. “Annuals grow quickly, are inexpensive and bloom longer,” Kristine says.Consider planting brightly colored annuals in the spring and summer and plant flowers with autumn hues (reds, oranges and yellows) in the fall, suggests Joanna Seidler Farber, a Realtor associate with Davis Realtors in East Brunswick, N.J. “Changing it up every so often gives a fresh new feel and look,” she adds.Approximate cost: A 2-cubic-foot bag of mulch can be purchased for $3 or less. Online mulch calculators, like the one available from the National Gardening Association, will help you calculate how much mulch you need to purchase. Meanwhile, a flat of annuals could cost you less than $20, depending on the type of flowers purchased.

 

 

 

Tend Those Beds

Groomed garden beds tell buyers that a home has been well maintained. Start out by weeding your planting beds and removing any debris. Buy a few bags of mulch and spread enough of it to cover the width and length of your home’s front beds. The mulch will give your landscaping a fresh appearance and will keep weeds to a minimum while retaining moisture for your plants.

Try planting some annual flowers like pansies, black-eyed Susans, impatiens and petunias for quick and long-lasting color. The flowers can be bought already in bloom in low-cost flats of 12 to 48 flowers at garden and home improvement stores. “Annuals grow quickly, are inexpensive and bloom longer,” Kristine says.

Consider planting brightly colored annuals in the spring and summer and plant flowers with autumn hues (reds, oranges and yellows) in the fall, suggests Joanna Seidler Farber, a Realtor associate with Davis Realtors in East Brunswick, N.J. “Changing it up every so often gives a fresh new feel and look,” she adds.

Approximate cost: A 2-cubic-foot bag of mulch can be purchased for $3 or less. Online mulch calculators, like the one available from the National Gardening Association, will help you calculate how much mulch you need to purchase. Meanwhile, a flat of annuals could cost you less than $20, depending on the type of flowers purchased.

Clean up the Exterior

When fall rolls around and the trees shed their leaves, your home becomes more exposed, making its exterior appearance extra important. Before putting your home on the market, pressure wash the exterior and clean the windows. If the paint is chipped or faded, applying a fresh coat will do wonders to revive your home’s appearance.

Wash Off Dirt

Turn the nozzle on your garden hose to its strongest setting and use the water to blast dirt and debris off sidewalks, your driveway and the front of your home. Be careful not to dislodge or get any water underneath your home’s siding. You could rent a power washer at an extra cost, but you probably don’t need to go to the trouble — a simple garden hose can do the job, and a power washer can be too powerful and could damage siding.

“If you do use a power washer, don’t put it close to windows or doorways,” suggests Stephen Boehler, owner of Mr. Handyman of NE Monmouth County in New Jersey. “The pressure can remove caulk and other materials sealing your home.”

Cost: Absolutely nothing (minus the cost of water), if you use a garden hose. Renting a power washer will run you about $40 to $75 a day depending on your location and the quality of the equipment. If you’d like to purchase a pressure washer, there are various options available for between $120 and $150 at big home improvement stores.

Traditional American Home with Garage

Traditional American Home with Garage

Tidy Up the Driveway

Buyers won’t be impressed by your garbage or recycling containers, so store those on the side of the house (preferably behind a bush, a small fence or a screen) or in the garage. Take care of minor cracks in your driveway by patching or resealing it yourself. Determine how much sealant you’ll need by using the length and width of your driveway to calculate its square footage. Then match that up against the product’s use recommendations. “Plan on getting 10 percent extra because some areas will absorb more than others,” Stephen says. “You can always return unopened pails of sealer.”

Stash your car in the driveway or down the block to give your driveway and the approach to your home a neater appearance.

Approximate cost: To DIY seal an average 1,000-square-foot asphalt driveway should cost about $100 to less than $150, depending on the quality of the sealant used.

Clean Your Windows and Make Them Sparkle

If your home’s windows tilt out, it’s quite simple to wash exterior windows. Otherwise, you might need a friend or family member to steady a ladder while you do the work. Try washing outside windows by spraying them with a garden hose to remove dirt and cobwebs. Then sponge them down with a small amount of vinegar or detergent diluted in warm water and rinse. If you need to wash your windows from the outside and your windows don’t tilt out, try using a long-handled brush. Approximate cost: Next to nothing, if you wash the windows yourself. But if your windows are high up and you need to rent a ladder, a 14-foot ladder will cost about $25 to rent for four hours from a big-box home improvement store.

 

 

 

Make the Windows Sparkle

Clean windows inside and out to make your home sparkle. If your home’s windows tilt out, it’s quite simple to wash exterior windows. Otherwise, you might need a friend or family member to steady a ladder while you do the work. Try washing outside windows by spraying them with a garden hose to remove dirt and cobwebs. Then sponge them down with a small amount of vinegar or detergent diluted in warm water and rinse. If you need to wash your windows from the outside and your windows don’t tilt out, try using a long-handled brush.

Approximate cost: Next to nothing, if you wash the windows yourself. But if your windows are high up and you need to rent a ladder, a 14-foot ladder will cost about $25 to rent for four hours from a big-box home improvement store.

Update Light Fixtures

Removing builder-grade or outdated front door or garage light fixtures will instantly brighten your home’s curb appeal. “This is often done by homeowners with a great success rate,” Stephen says. “Make sure the breaker inside the electric panel is shut off for where the light is being installed.” Before touching any wires, test them with a live-wire testing device, he suggests.If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying new light fixtures, you could try painting or spray-painting your old ones for a fraction of the cost. “If you have outdated light fixtures like 1980s gold, the quickest fix is to paint the light fixture black,” says Cindy Lin, general manager/founder of Staged4More Home Staging in South San Francisco.Approximate cost: A 12-ounce can of spray paint costs less than $8, while attractive wall-mounted exterior lights can be purchased for less than $30 each. A live-wire tester costs less than $20.

 

 

 

Update Light Fixtures

Removing builder-grade or outdated front door or garage light fixtures will instantly brighten your home’s curb appeal. “This is often done by homeowners with a great success rate,” Stephen says. “Make sure the breaker inside the electric panel is shut off for where the light is being installed.” Before touching any wires, test them with a live-wire testing device, he suggests.

If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying new light fixtures, you could try painting or spray-painting your old ones for a fraction of the cost. “If you have outdated light fixtures like 1980s gold, the quickest fix is to paint the light fixture black,” says Cindy Lin, general manager/founder of Staged4More Home Staging in South San Francisco.

Approximate cost: A 12-ounce can of spray paint costs less than $8, while attractive wall-mounted exterior lights can be purchased for less than $30 each. A live-wire tester costs less than $20.

Trim Trees and Bushes

Your home needs to be visible from the curb in order to have curb appeal, so cut overgrown bushes and trees, removing branches that block walkways, windows, the driveway and views of the home from the street. “People need to see the front of the house,” says Kristine.Except for very large tree limbs, you most likely can use a pair of hedge or pruning shears for the job. If you don’t have your own pair of shears, look into borrowing a set from a friend or neighbor to keep costs down.Approximate cost: Nothing, if you own a pair of shears, have extra time or have friendly friends or neighbors. If you need to purchase your own shears, expect to pay between $10 and $50.

 

 

 

Trim Trees and Bushes

Your home needs to be visible from the curb in order to have curb appeal, so cut overgrown bushes and trees, removing branches that block walkways, windows, the driveway and views of the home from the street. “People need to see the front of the house,” says Kristine.

Except for very large tree limbs, you most likely can use a pair of hedge or pruning shears for the job. If you don’t have your own pair of shears, look into borrowing a set from a friend or neighbor to keep costs down.

Approximate cost: Nothing, if you own a pair of shears, have extra time or have friendly friends or neighbors. If you need to purchase your own shears, expect to pay between $10 and $50.

Is Buying a Fixer-Upper Worth It? : Business

These days, true fixer-uppers are few and far between. A more exuberant housing market has severely depleted the post-recession inventory of foreclosures and distressed homes. Still, there’s a chance you’ll stumble upon a property whose appearance is not quite as dreamy as its price tag. Here are some things to consider if the affordable home you’re eyeing needs some work.

1. Location, Location, Location

The first thing to consider when buying a home is location. If you’re considering a home in a favorable location, don’t immediately be turned off if the property needs some work. Instead, determine if this work is cosmetic. Potential repairs indicative of a good value home include, but are not limited to:

• landscaping
• new roof
• new appliances
• new paint
• updating the interior

These repairs can add up quickly, but are not fundamentally unsafe to live in. You want to avoid houses that need major structural work (which are more reflective of distressed sales properties which, remember, the market has very little of.)

2. Price vs. Cost Of Repairs

Making a low-ball offer on a house that needs a new roof, for example, might not be the best approach. The market might otherwise support the list price of the house, especially if there are other interested parties. All homes will need a new roof at some point. It’s one ulterior cost you will incur as a homeowner over the longer term.

Other repairs can hit your pocketbook. How bad are the repairs? Say the roof has an economic life of five more years. The price of the home is very affordable, and the front yard needs a bit more upkeep and the interior of the home is dated. Look beyond the cosmetic repairs. Is the home quiet? Does it have a big yard? What’s the neighborhood like? What is the school district like? Can you live in the property and make the repairs over time as your finances allow and permit?

 

If the answers to these questions are predominantly “no” it would probably be best to pass on the home, as you’ll probably be biting off more than you could chew. However, if you can make the repairs over time and the property is safe and inhabitable, the house may be worthwhile.

3. Taking Out a Construction Loan

Though not as popular as they were pre-housing crisis, construction loans allow you to finance the repairs of the property. Of course, you’ll need to be able to support your mortgage as well as the debt associated with the repairs. Construction loans also generally have tighter credit requirements — lenders typically look for good credit scores and require down payments of at least 20%.

You can see where you credit stands by viewing your two free credit scores each month on Credit.com.

4. Lowering Your Down Payment

If the cost of the repairs of the property can be cash-financed, you always have the option of buying the house with less money down. Let’s say you’re buying a home and you have $50,000 for the down payment. The house needs repairs totaling $20,000. Instead of buying the home using $50,000 for the down payment, you use $30,000. The difference in the mortgage payment would be about $100 per month, depending on the house location and term of the loan.

 

Small Space Living: 8 Ideas Stolen From Hotel Rooms – Life at Home – Trulia Blog

Enjoy that vacation vibe year-round with these clever design tips. – See more at: http://www.trulia.com/blog/8-small-space-living-solutions-stolen-from-hotel-rooms/#sthash.TnQQMei5.dpuf

 

At the end of a vacation, it’s always sad to leave your hotel room behind. After all, life is so much easier when you know that you can return to a bed that is already made for you, and a room that is sparkling clean every day. However, our love for hotel rooms goes far beyond our appreciation for those who tidy up after us. We can’t help but notice just how well-designed these spaces are, whether we’re staying in a standard room or a junior suite.

Think about it: They have to accommodate hundreds of guests (and their things) every year, so rooms have to be planned with maximum efficiency in mind — without sacrificing style. Why not take inspiration from these designs for our own small-space living?

Keep in mind these tips and tricks that can be adapted for any room when you’re browsing those apartments for rent in San Francisco or Boston rentals — that studio might start to look larger than you thought.

Idea #1: Swap your nightstand for a desk

If you’ve always wanted a home office but lacked room, try this idea from The Betsy South Beach. Here, petite Parsons-style tables can be used as a desk by day and a nightstand in the evening hours. At home, take the idea one step further by incorporating bookends, which keep journals, notebooks, and page-turning reads organized and within reach.

Idea #2: Opt for floating nightstands

Sleek, wall-mounted cubbies at the Saratoga Arms in Saratoga Springs, NY, present a solution for those of us in tiny homes who don’t have enough room for traditional nightstands. Additionally, the bold striped wall pattern shown in this photo by Jumping Rocks Photography makes the ceiling in this cozy room feel much higher, creating the illusion of a larger space.

Idea #3: Mount your TV

At the new Aloft South Beach, invisible wall mounts help hide the visual chaos of TV wires (and keep the screen at a comfortable viewing angle). Mounting also frees up the space below the television for a table or desk. You could take advantage of the open surface by using decorative totes, trays, or baskets to contain clutter — all the better when you’re paying a premium for that chic apartment for rent in Miami!

Idea #4: Use a bed skirt to hide under-bed storage

At the Brass Lantern Inn in Nantucket, MA, every decorative accent has a simply charming New England vibe. Tailored bed skirts are one of those details — and they can also be used at home to hide under-the-bed storage boxes for out-of-season clothes and extra bed linens. Also, take note of the bench in this photo by Jumping Rocks Photography, which opens to reveal storage that can be used for blankets and pillows.

Idea #5: Choose dual-purpose storage pieces

A modernized version of a classic secretary desk is positioned under the television at Loews Regency San Francisco. The smaller doors on top can hide items that tend to clutter the top of bureaus (such as jewelry boxes, clutches, etc.), while the larger doors disguise storage shelves that can be used for clothes and linens.

Idea #6: Mount towel bars on your vanity

Hand towels stay within reach when placed on towel holders that are mounted to the vanity, like the one shown here from the Loews Boston Hotel. This frees up counter (and wall) space, while the hardware adds a glam touch. This is a great solution for apartments for rent in New York, for example, where space is always at a premium.

Idea #7: Swap out your soap dispensers

The bathroom at Dunton Hot Springs boasts a bevy of space-saving features: an under-the-counter shelf for towels, a combined farmhouse sink (eliminating the need for a two-sink oversized vanity), and hanging baskets for soap and lotion dispensers.

Idea #8: Free up floor space with pendant lamps

When you’re trying to maximize space, every square inch matters. Pendant lamps and sconces, such as these sculptural fixtures spotted at the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Resort, illuminate the room without having to take up room on a table.

How to Get the Best Deals When Purchasing a Home – Saving Advice Articles

Although purchasing a home is likely to be one of the biggest expenses you will ever have, there are some tips and tricks that you can employ to get the best possible price on the home as well as your mortgage rate. Home prices fluctuate throughout the market all of the time but there has never been a better time to purchase in recent years than right now.

 

 

 

Many individuals who are interested in buying a home may be concerned about the various cost aspects of doing so, such as the down payment, any closing fees, as well as the cost of the mortgage as well. There is no doubt that people are concerned about affordability especially given the recent housing market crash. Thankfully though, there are some things you can do to keep your sense of perspective and purchase and move into the new home that you want this year. Follow these pieces of advice if you intend to purchase a home.

 

Hire an Expert

Everyone picks up an area for expertise for a reason, because we just cant be good at everything and so we count on other experts to do something for us. However Elionora Dudayeva, Founder of Chance Realty, warns us that we shouldn’t be to quick to pick a realtor because they don’t all have the same level of  expertise. “It is a mistake to assume that the first real estate agent you meet is necessarily the right fit for you. This can be a big mistake because you need to interview several different agents who work in your neighborhood that you are interested in and ensure that they have the right expertise for assisting you” she says. You need to find the right fit of knowledge and personality in order to feel comfortable.

 

The Sooner You Purchase, the Better

Of course it is imperative to identify a home that has access to school districts and other amenities that you are looking for but you also need to make a move quickly if you identify a place that is within your price range and has all of these items as well. The longer you wait, the more you risk the chance that someone else will snap up this home.

Understand the Market

A good real estate agent will be able to indicate to you whether a listing price is misleading or not. An agent might also be able to tell you what homes and types of homes tend to be the most popular and can therefore lead you to being in a bidding war.

Be an Attractive Buyer and Know Your Finances

You should know from the outset of looking for a home what you are able to afford. This doesn’t always necessarily mean the same thing as what your mortgage broker tells you that you are eligible to purchase. Think about the monthly mortgage payments in conjunction with your overall budget. Being pre-approved for your mortgage before you begin shopping can make things a lot easier if you do identify the home of your dreams.

Look at All Possible Neighborhoods

The first neighborhood you spot may not be the ideal one for your specific needs. This is why you should consider other neighborhoods and again this where an experienced real estate, who has your best interest is mind, can be extremely helpful.