Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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23
Is there anything I should know about closing day?
Yes. The following to-do list can help save you a few headaches and keep the closing on track:
- Keep extra money in your account. Something unexpected can pop up during the closing that will require more money out of your pocket. Take your checkbook. Even better, find out how much you will need to pay and write a certified check for the total amount.
- Take your loan commitment letter. Use it to verify loan approval in case of a mistake or misunderstanding with the lender.
- Take your contract to purchase. Pull it out if something a little suspicious comes up.
- Take your personal ID. A driver's license or other personal identification will due.
- Do a before-closing inspection. It is always a good idea, when possible, to walk through the property to make a l...
20
Wood or Wood-Like Flooring: What's the Difference?
Traditionally, hardwood floors added warmth and natural beauty to the home. These days, hardwood competes with copycat laminates and engineered wood floors, which can cost less. The differences between wood and wood-like flooring, according to Melissa Maker, host of the Clean My Space channel on YouTube:
Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is made of solid, natural wood. Costing between $6 and $15 per square foot, it is typically made with a tongue and groove system for easy installation. It is simple to sand and refinish, but is easier to damage and requires a healthy amount of maintenance to keep it looking great.
Laminates – The core of laminate flooring is made of high density fiber (HDF), as opposed to actual slabs of wood. The top layer is a photographic layer that mimics the look of hardwood. It won't fool a discriminating eye, but at about half the cost of hardwood flooring, it will take...
18
5 Misconceptions About Composite Decking
(Family Features)—Composite decking has been an option for homeowners for over 20 years—yet misconceptions about it still exist. Decking and railing brand Trex Company and HGTV's "Decked Out" stars Paul Lafrance and Kate Campbell debunk the most common composite myths below.
Myth #1: Composite decking looks unnatural.
"Composite decking has evolved tremendously since its beginnings more than 20 years ago," says Campbell.
Products today mimic natural wood well, Campbell says, with a range of grains and finishes that replicate woods naturally found all over the world.
Myth #2: Every composite deck is manufactured from the same material.
"Since composite decking was invented in the early 1990s, the market has been flooded with competitive offerings varying widely in quality, aesthetics and value," Lafrance says. "For my projects, I use what is categorized as 'high-performance' composite ma...
16
Buying or Renting: Which Is Right for Me?
Housing is on the up and up, with demand high and sales robust. Still, for those new to homeownership, it may be difficult to determine which route—buying a home or renting one—is the most sensible.
"Millennials should weigh a number of factors before committing to any lease or mortgage," said Corey Carlisle, executive director of the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation, in a statement. "With the cost of living continuing to rise, they must be prepared to handle the demands of their housing choice—whether that's a rental property or homeownership."
First to consider, according to the ABA Foundation, is your savings. Do you have enough money for a down payment for a home or a security deposit for a rental—and enough saved for emergencies?
Next, weigh all of your debt obligations—student loan...
12
Beat the Heat: Tips to Cut Cooling Costs
Cooling your home is costly—even more so if your system is inefficient. There are several, inexpensive ways to cut back on energy consumption and costs.
The first step is to have the air conditioning unit serviced—preferably before temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels. According to the experts at New Jersey-based Gold Medal Service, the technician will clean the unit's coils, filters and fins so that the system operates at peak performance throughout the season.
"Temperatures are finally starting to heat up, and we want to help homeowners stay comfortable this summer and avoid steep increases in their utility bills," says Mike Agugliaro, co-owner of Gold Medal Service. "We also want to make sure homeowners have their A/C ready to go when they need it. Now is the best time to schedule your annual air conditioning unit tune-up to ensure fast service and a cool house all summer."
Another way to keeping cooling costs unde...