Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
Coldwell Banker American Homes Blog
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August
8
8
Buying a Home: 5 Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent
Buying a home is an incredibly important decision. We recommend working with a CENTURY 21 ® American Homes real estate professional who can provide insights and advice throughout your home buying process.
There are lots of questions you can ask your real estate agent but here are five starters.
1. Should I even buy at all?
Perhaps you're not ready to buy yet, and renting is a smart plan at the moment. Discuss the varying costs, how long you plan to stay in the area, and whether a rent-to-own plan (where you begin a lease with the option to buy down the road) i...
There are lots of questions you can ask your real estate agent but here are five starters.
1. Should I even buy at all?
Perhaps you're not ready to buy yet, and renting is a smart plan at the moment. Discuss the varying costs, how long you plan to stay in the area, and whether a rent-to-own plan (where you begin a lease with the option to buy down the road) i...
August
6
6
How to Hang a Hammock
Whether you're spending your summer curled up with a favorite book, listening to music or just enjoying the view, hammocks are the perfect spot for outdoor lounging. They require almost no maintenance once they're hung up, but hanging one is no easy task. String your hammock up quickly by following these steps:
1. Weigh your options before purchasing. There are two common types of hammocks: traditional, which are designed to hang loosely, and ones with spreader bars, which keep the hammock taut. Spreader bar hammocks keep the hammock open, so no one gets wrapped up in the material.
2. Select your support. Choose two, sturdy trees that show no signs of rot. Maple, oak or beech varieties work best. Traditional hammocks must be hung 6 to 8 feet above the ground, to accommodate the...
July
31
31
Down Payments for First-time Buyers
Fewer first-time homebuyers are finding a way to buy a house with a relatively low down payment as their options shrink and lenders' down payment requirements rise.
From April through June 2014, about 67 percent of first-time buyers made a down payment of 6 percent or less, down from 74 percent in 2009, according to the latest Realtor Confidence Index report from the National Association of REALTORS®.
One reason the average down payment is growing may be that more and more first-timers are choosing conventional over FHA financing, which requires only 3.5 percent down.
Underwriting standards have been getting tighter and borrowers' costs are going up. Tight underwriting standards are especially challenging for first-time buyers, who generally need mortgage financing with low down payment terms, w...
July
31
31
Five Tips for Air Conditioner Maintenance
The season's warm weather means homeowners will be increasingly reliant on air conditioning to make the long, hot days more tolerable. Keep in mind these five maintenance tips to keep air conditioners running smoothly through the summer months.
Combat moisture - Air conditioning systems should not have moisture within the refrigeration system. Most systems have moisture indicators located on the high or low-pressure lines. Once the system is running and the compressor has started, a color indicator on the pressure line will show if moisture is present. If moisture is in the refrigeration system, a trained air conditioning technician will have to vacuum the line and make any necessary repairs.
Clean air condition...
July
28
28
How to Prep for an Exterior Paint Job
Summer is the perfect time to update your home's exterior. Adding a fresh coat of paint will create a whole new look and instant curb appeal. Ideally, the home should be painted in warmer seasons, when the temperature falls between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Before painting, keep in mind these tips:
1. Clean – Whether you do it yourself or rent a power washer, be sure to thoroughly clean your home's exterior. For really tough stains, scrub the surface with a wire brush. Use a commercial grade cleaner or chlorine bleach to eliminate any mildew. Allow several days for any remaining moisture to dry completely.
2. Prep – Scrape away cracked caulk from windows, peeling paint or rotted areas. If the entire board is rotted, replace it. Re-caulk where needed. Fill holes wit...