Posts from February 2015
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12
8 ways first-time homebuyers can make themselves mortgage-ready
(BPT) - It's rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even among those with an understanding of the overall process, the report found that many first time homebuyers still had significant knowledge gaps in important areas such as available mortgage rates, closing costs, down-payment requirements and income required to qualify for a loan.
'Not having all the information available could lead to consumers paying a higher interest rate or...
10
5 Inexpensive Steps to a Speedy Home Sale
If you're a homeowner considering a move, you may be wondering what's next. Do I need to renovate the kitchen? Repaint the exterior? Replace the flooring? Before taking on a costly remodel, consider this: these measures don't always recoup the highest percentages in return. Many sellers have much more success by investing in upgrades that boost their home's value in the process. The best part? Both sides of the transaction profit.
Consumer Reports recommends completing these updates:
1. Paint key rooms.
In the grand scheme of things, painting is one of the least expensive ways to freshen up your home for sale, but it can cost up to $300 a room if you're hiring a pro to do your entire home. Save big by painting just a few select areas: high-traffic rooms, like the kitchen and bathrooms, a...
6
5 projects to recreate your basement
(BPT) - Have you ever wished you had more space in your home? Maybe you'd use the space to pursue a hobby, host out-of-town guests or just spread out and get some quiet time to yourself. The space you desire could already be in your home in your basement. If your cellar is nothing but a series of unfinished areas used for storage, you're not getting all the benefits you could be from the space.
Making the most of your basement doesn't have to mean costly contractors and expensive remodeling scenarios. Several easy DIY projects that you can take on alone, with the aid of the right tools, can help you gain that extra space you wish for.
Ready to get started? Give these projects a try:
* Build walls. Adding drywall to your basement has a big impact on the space immediately. Use 2-by-4s to mark...
6
Home Buying Tips for New Parents
Many expectant parents upgrade to larger homes when baby's on the way. If you're thinking of buying a new home to accommodate your growing family, it's important to assess certain factors you may not consider otherwise, including:
Master Bedroom Proximity – Is the master bedroom on a separate floor from the others? Will you want to be adjacent to your baby's nursery, or are you comfortable with sleeping down the hall? Always consider the layout of the bedrooms before buying.
Pool Safety – If you're seeking a home with a pool, keep in mind that your child will likely venture outside before he or she knows how to swim. Is the pool appropriately gated, with no holes or gaps in fencing? Are all latches and locks in proper working order? Is the door leading outside secure?
...
3
Easiest Home Fixes with the Most ROI
Whether you're planning to sell your home, or you simply want a more updated look, there are any number of cheap, simple fixes, from new paint to new curtains, that will improve its overall appearance. But, said home contractor Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV's Income Property, these seven relatively inexpensive fixes can give you more return on investment (ROI) than many – both in terms of home improvement value and easy-on-the-eye enhancement you can enjoy.
Start with these, McGillvray blogged:
Kitchen hardware – Today's drawer and cabinet pulls come in dozens of styles and finishes. Installing a style that appeals to you can immediately make a dated kitchen look more modern and functional.
Refinished hardwood deck – An attractive deck is high on the list of improvements wi...