Blogs

3/27/2018

“How to remove a popcorn ceiling” is one of those questions you’ll ponder if, well, you find yourself afflicted with popcorn ceilings—a home decor trend which had its heyday in the 1950s and ’60s but has since fallen far out of favor. If you dream of smoothing over that unsightly, bumpy texture, you can hire a pro to remove the popcorn ceiling for an average national price of $1 to $2 a square foot. But that adds up quickly.

So before you hire anyone, make sure your popcorn removal includes all the cleanup, because boy is it messy.

The other option is to learn how to remove a popcorn ceiling yourself. The good news is that this DIY route is not difficult in a technical way; it requires no special knowledge and only a few tools. The bad news is that it’s hard work. But isn’t it worth a day or two of backbreaking labor for gloriously smooth ceilings? Here are the tools you need and steps to take to remove a popcorn ceiling.

1. Check for asbestos

If your popcorn was applied before 1977, there’s a chance there could be a small amount of asbestos mixed in with the chalk and wallboard compound used to create this material.

“Before you do anything, buy a home kit and test it,” advises Danny Lipford of Today’s Homeowner. Even if you find that your ceiling contains asbestos, you can probably still DIY the removal (check for any local laws about asbestos removal and disposal). You’ll just need to be careful with the dust and wear a disposable crawl suit, respirator, and goggles.

Not sure if you’re cut out for this kind of work? Lipford suggests starting small, with a bathroom or other smaller area, to give yourself the opportunity to bail if things go bad.

2. Get your tools and make a plan

Here are the tools you’ll need:

• Clothes that can be destroyed: “Don’t wear the clothes you’re planning to wear to a wedding,” says Lipford. A disposable crawl suit with a hood that you can just strip off afterward is a good choice ($7.60, Amazon). Lipford also recommends wearing a hat and eye protection to keep yourself from getting hit with falling glop.
• A sprayer: You’ll need a garden sprayer ($9.97, Amazon) and some fabric softener.
• A scraper: Any 6- to 10-inch drywall knife will work, but to make life easier, Lipford suggests a special popcorn scraper tool from Homax ($21.99, Homax), which has a loop to attach a garbage bag, so you can scrape right into the bag instead of onto the floor.
• Drywall joint compound and putty knife:  The compound is also known as “mud” ($5.48, Lowe’s). You can use your scraper as a putty knife.
• A sander: The easiest is a drywall pole sander ($19.98, Lowe’s), which has a pivot and a pole that let you sand the ceiling while standing on the floor.
• Paint and roller: “Most ceilings are painted flat white latex,” says Lipford. Get enough for two coats and feel free to buy the kind with primer included.
• Light and fan: Not absolutely necessary, but it’s nice to have some extra light pointed at the ceiling to see what you’re doing and a fan to help things dry in between tasks.
  

  3. Clear and cover everything

  If you can move out the furniture, do it. Otherwise, cover up everything in the room like it’s going to have globs of wet plaster falling onto it, because that is what is going to happen. Lipford suggests a plastic-lined dropcloth ($6.98, Lowe’s) to protect your furniture and floors from the hailstorm of wet popcorn above.

  4. Spray it down

  Fill your garden sprayer with the hottest water you possibly can (just boiled is best), and add some fabric softener (about a quarter cup per quart of water). The fabric softener will help it adhere to the ceiling. Start by wetting down a 6-square-foot  area of the ceiling.

  “Spray more than you think you need,” advises Lipford. Let it sit for a minute or two to get fully wet.

  

  5. Remove the popcorn ceiling

  The cathartic moment: scraping off the wet popcorn. Feels good, doesn’t

  it? Use your scraper to carefully remove the texture, trying to minimize gouging or damage to the ceiling beneath. Either drop it into the bag if you’re using the Homax scraper or right onto the floor. Work in 6-square-foot sections until the ceiling is done. You don’t have to scrape off every last scrap; you can get the rest during the sanding phase.

  

  6. Take a break

  Once all the drywall on the ceiling has been removed, walk away for an hour to let the goop on the floor dry, then shake it into the trash and replace the dropcloths. You’re done for the day. Let the ceiling dry overnight before moving onto the next step. A fan blowing on the ceiling will accelerate drying.

  7. Sand off imperfections

  Using your sanding pole (or even just a handheld sander and ladder) carefully shave off any bumps or remaining popcorn.

  “You shouldn’t have to do a lot of sanding, just knock off anything you missed,” says Lipford. Take care not to tear the drywall ceiling if possible. It should be “like scrubbing a floor to make sure it’s clean,” says Lipford.

  8. Repair any gouges

  Skim out any imperfections or gouges you see on the ceiling with your drywall compound. You’re going for a flat, clean ceiling. Let that dry completely, inspect it, and do any sanding or touch-ups as necessary.

  “Do a close visual inspection,” advises Lipford, because this is what your ceiling is going to look like. That little bump that will bug you every time you see it? Fix it now.

  9. Time to paint

  Finish your ceiling off with two coats of paint, trimming around the edges with a brush and filling in with the roller. Welcome to a popcorn-free existence.

 

The other option is to learn how to remove a popcorn ceiling yourself. The good news is that this DIY route is not difficult in a technical way; it

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3/20/2018

• The first day of spring is called the vernal equinox. The term vernal is Latin for “spring” and equinox is Latin for “equal night.”_[14]
• According to a Facebook study, couples are most likely to break up in the spring and two weeks before Christmas. The lowest breakup time was Christmas Day and from August through October._[12]
• The fall and spring equinoxes are the only two times during the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west._[14]
• On the first day of spring, a person at the North Pole would see the sun skimming across the horizon, beginning six months of uninterrupted daylight. A person at the South Pole would see the sun skimming across the horizon, signaling the start of six months of darkness._[14]
• Spring almost always arrives on March 20 or 21, but sometimes on the 19th. The reason the equinoxes and solstices don’t always come on the same day is that Earth doesn’t circle the sun in exactly 365 days._[9]
• If Pope Gregory XIII would not have established the Gregorian calendar, which most of the world now observes, in 1582, then every 128 years the vernal equinox would have come a full calendar day earlier, eventually putting Easter in midwinter._[9]
• Spring babies are at a greater risk of developing several ills
• While springtime brings flowers and warmer weather, it may be the worst time for human babies to be born. A large-scale study found that babies born in the spring are more likely to develop schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and anorexia._[5]
• The first day of spring in the Southern Hemisphere is the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere._[10]
• Holidays that occur in spring include Easter, Passover, April Fool’s Day, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and Holi (festival of colors in India)._[11]
• One long-term study found that, at least in the Colorado Rocky Mountain region, spring begins, on average, about three weeks earlier than it did in the 1970s._[9]
• If Earth rotated on an axis perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun rather than on a 23.4º tilt, there would be no variation in day lengths and no variation in seasons.m_[14]
• The first day of spring marks the beginning of Nowruz (“The New Day”), which is the Persian New Year. The celebration lasts 13 days and is rooted in the 3,000-year-old tradition of Zoroastrianism. It is celebrated in Iran, the North Caucasus, Kurdish parts of Turkey and Northern Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other scattered populations in Central Asia._[11]
• Easter always falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox._[14]
• The first spring flowers are typically lilacs, irises, lilies, tulips, daffodils, and dandelions._[10]
• There is a growing movement to call the vernal (spring) equinox the March Equinox or Northward Equinox to avoid “Northern Hemisphere bias.”_[14]
• While the spring equinox typically occurs on March 20 or 21, meteorological spring begins on March 1, a month when average temperatures increase by 10 degrees over the month._[14]
• At Chichen Itza, Mexico, the Mayan celebrate the first day of spring with “The Return of the Sun Serpent.” On the evening on the spring equinox, the setting sun creates a triangular shadow on the El Castillo pyramid that looks like a descending snake, or the feather serpent god Kukulkan._[11]
• The myth that it is possible to balance an egg on its end on the spring equinox is just that: a myth. Trying to balance an oval-shaped object on its end is no easier on the spring equinox than on any other day._[14]
• While some people prefer not to feed birds in spring and summer, during the spring migration, a feeder might be a useful source of food for traveling birds._[10]
• The onset of menopause is significantly higher in winter than in spring or autumn, with a smaller peak in summer._[4]
• In China, the coming of spring coincides with celebrations for the Chinese New Year. The holiday falls on the first day of the first lunar month, in January or February._[11]
• According to tradition, if a groundhog does not see his shadow after emerging from his burrow on Groundhog Day (February 2), spring will come early; if he sees his shadow, winter will last for 6 more weeks. The day has its roots in the Neolithic Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marks a seasonal turning point and also involved animal prognostication._[11]
• For the Japanese, the opening of the cherry blossom, Japan’s national flower, in March or April signals the start of spring._[11]
• The term “spring fever” refers to a both psychological and physiological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring, including restlessness, daydreaming, and increased sexual appetite. While the exact cause is unclear, scientists believe that increased light, more exercise, and more bare skin influence hormone levels._[4]
• Hades carrying the goddess of spring, Persephone, to the underworld
• According to Greek myth, the return of spring coincides with the return of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, who is the goddess of plants and fertility._[11]
• In the Southern Hemisphere, springtime lasts from August until November._[14]
• During the spring, birds are more vocal as they sing to attract mates and warn away rivals._[10]
• The word “season” is from the Latin sationem meaning “sowing” or “seed time.”_[10]
• While December is the most popular time to get engaged, late spring (June) and fall (September) are the most popular months to get married._[11]
• According to the National Association of Realtors, spring is the most popular season to sell/buy a house. Buyers are usually hesitant to move during the winter when the weather is colder and kids are in school. So, while there are lots of houses to choose from in the spring, property prices are at their highest then._[2]
• Studies show that there is regular seasonal variation in sperm quality. Specifically, sperm concentration was highest in the spring and lowest in the autumn._[3]
• A “spring tide” has nothing to do with the season of spring. Rather, it connotes a “springing forth.” Spring tides happen twice each lunar month all year long, regardless of the season._[10]
• Children actually grow faster in the spring than during other times of the year._[10]
• The early Egyptians built the Great Sphinx so that it points directly toward the rising sun on the spring equinox._[11]
• Studies show that suicide rates peak during the late spring and not during the holidays, as is commonly believed._[8]
• A National Academy of Sciences study found that babies conceived in the spring are more likely to be premature. Scientists hypothesize that their mothers were nearing full term in January and February when seasonal flu cases spike—and pregnant women who contract the flu in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters have a slightly increased risk of premature labor._[7]
• Multiple sclerosis relapses are more likely to occur during the spring and are least common in the fall._[5]
• Tornadoes are most common in the spring and least common in winter._[12]
• Every year, allergies constitute over 17 million outpatient office visits, mostly in the spring and fall._[1]
• Some Baltic and Slavic countries burn an effigy of winter as a way to welcome spring
• Every year on the first day of spring, people in Poland gather to burn an effigy and throw it in the river to bid winter farewell._[11]
• While the term “spring” is useful to describe one of the four conventional temperate seasons, in subtropical and tropical climates, other terms are used to describe varying seasonal changes, such as dry or wet and monsoonal or cyclonic._[11]
• Honeybees are more likely to swarm during the spring. They swarm as a way to start new colonies from successful ones. Surprisingly, swarming honeybees are very docile and the most friendly they will ever be all year._[13]
• The U.S. spring season is culturally interpreted to be the day after President’s Day, which is the Tuesday after the third Monday in February, and ending on the Friday before Memorial weekend._[11]
• March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, this month signaled the beginning of warfare season._[6]

Source:

https://www.factretriever.com/spring-facts

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03/13/2018

Whether you are using your home office for running your own business, working from home on certain days or just as a place for paying bills, you want to make sure it’s a productive space that you feel comfortable in. Check out these six ways to get the perfect home office.

Pick a Good Location

You will be spending lots of time in your home office, so make sure that you don’t limit yourself to a space that is small, dark and devoid of natural light. Make sure that your home office isn’t in a high-traffic area where you will find yourself distracted. Depending on how you work best, you may need a room that is completely silent, or you may want a room that has some background sound.

Make the Space Functional

Your shelves, desk and storage should be easily accessible but not overwhelming. Consider your workflow and what items you need handy at your desk before investing in specific furniture for your home office. Your home office furniture should complement the rest of your home’s décor. Make the space your own by adding personal touches.

Invest in a Comfortable Chair

You will spend countless hours at your desk, so make sure that you treat yourself to a comfortable and ergonomically correct office chair. Every penny you spend on a chair that keeps you comfortable while working will be worth it. The last thing you want is to develop back problems because you chose a chair that has poor back support.

Give Yourself Access to Light

Make sure that your home office has plenty of natural light, which will allow you to cut down on eyestrain and headaches. Position your computer monitor so that there is no glare from any windows or overhead lighting. Place a small lamp on your desk to give yourself extra light.

Choose a View

Place your desk in a space with a view of more than just a blank white wall. You’ll want something to fix your eyes on while you’re taking a break from work. It would be ideal if your desk could face a window, but if you can’t find an efficient way to position your desk near a window, make sure to decorate with a pleasant painting or other items you would enjoy seeing above your desk. An inspiring quote is another great option.

Manage Your Technology

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to glamorize your computer, printer and speakers, but you can hide the cords. Make sure your equipment is close to outlets for easy access. Encase the cords on your desk in a nice fabric cord cover, and feed the cords into a desk grommet. Then tame the jungle of cords on the floor with tubing or a wire organizer that is attached to your desk and lifts the cords off the floor.

Keep these tips in mind when designing your home office. Doing so will ensure that you are left with a space that you will enjoy working from.

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3/08/2018

As you’ve no doubt heard, the U.S. tax code got an overhaul—so what does that mean for the 2017 return you’re filing right about now? It means that this is your last chance to take advantage of tax deductions from the old tax code. Yikes!

So, if you aren’t sure if you’ve milked every last drop of tax break goodness out of your returns, it’s time to squeeze, hard.

To help you out, here’s a rundown of four major tax breaks that are disappearing after this filing year, and how to take full advantage of them before they go bye-bye.

1. Home office

With the increasing popularity of telecommuting and working from home, the home office tax deduction is one that many people opt to take. If you’re full-time self-employed, this deduction will continue in 2018. But for all you office workers who work in your “home office” on the occasional Friday? The gig is up.

“In 2018, for non-self-employed people, the home office deduction is going away entirely,” says Eric Bronnenkant, CPA, CFP, and Betterment’s head of tax.

So if you’re a W-2 employee, start saying your tearful goodbyes to your home office deduction—but not after you’ve had one last hurrah filing your 2017 return. The home office deduction falls under what’s called “miscellaneous deductions,” and includes business expenses that are not reimbursed by your employer. Miscellaneous deductions can’t exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income, but if you meet the requirements, you can take the deduction in 2017.

Here’s more info on how to take a home office tax deduction.

2. Unlimited property tax

One of the biggest changes for homeowners in the new tax bill is the cap on deducting property taxes.

“Before, regardless of the amount, all property taxes were tax-deductible,” explains Bronnenkant. Yet going forward in 2018, “the maximum you can deduct is $10,000, and that includes state and local income tax, property tax, and sales tax.”

That means if you pay more than $10,000 a year between your state and local income taxes, property tax, and sales tax, anything exceeding that amount is no longer deductible—which is all the more reason to rake it in right now. For your 2017 return, make sure every penny you pay in property taxes is deducted, along with your state and local taxes—or, if you’re in a state without income tax, a portion of the sales tax you paid.

3. Moving expenses

If you moved in 2017, lucky you: You’re the last to take advantage of the ability to deduct your moving expenses, provided your move meets certain requirements (e.g., your new job is at least 50 miles farther away than your old job was from your old home).

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3/05/2018

Homeowners may question why their property taxes keep going up, and some owners may be shocked by just how much. Property taxes are crucial funds for schools, libraries, police and fire departments, roads and parks, and more within a community. There are several factors that could cause property taxes to go up; home renovations and revaluations are the two most common reasons, according to an article at realtor.com®.

If homeowners renovate the home and add to its worth, they’ll likely see their property taxes increase. Converting a basement into livable space or a walk-up attic into a new room can all trigger an automatic reassessment, says Rita Patriarca, a real estate professional with RE/MAX Encore in Wilmington, Mass.

A revaluation can also prompt higher property taxes. Communities will periodically reevaluate properties to figure out the current assessed value of homes. These are conducted to ensure the tax burden is spread equitably and accurately. Assessors will factor in a home’s location, size, type, any changes since the last evaluation, as well as other variables like home sales and valuations in the neighborhood and changes in the economy. A revaluation does not mean your taxes will always go up, but it certainly can be one reason behind a rising bill.

Other reasons for an uptick in property taxes may involve new schools. The construction of a new school can come with a high price tag for a community, and an area may increase taxes in order to help pay for school projects.

Homeowners who believe their property taxes are too high can appeal their home’s property assessment.

“Most municipalities have a process to contest your property tax bill,” financial planner David Rae, president and founder of DRM Wealth Management in Los Angeles, told realtor.com®. “I’ve contested the value of my home in the past, and the assessor shaved $150,000 off the taxable value of the home. Definitely worth the effort.”

It’s important for homeowners to ensure property records reflect their home’s amenities accurately, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. For any mistakes, notify the assessor’s office.

Source: “5 Common Reasons Why Property Taxes Go Up, No Matter Where You Live,” realtor.com® (Feb. 26, 2018)

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3/01/2018

Curb appeal is the first impression that any potential buyer receives, so you should ensure that the front of your home, from the curb to the front door, is in the best shape possible—even if you don’t have the budget to splurge on huge upgrades and services.

With these easy and cost-effective suggestions, you can improve the curb appeal of your home, while giving yourself a lovelier residence to enjoy right now.

Paint your front door
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the overall appeal of your house. Make sure that it’s a shade that contrasts with the color of the house so that it really pops. This makes a home feel more welcoming, not to mention more stylish and appealing.

Spice up your front porch
After painting your door, don’t neglect your front porch. Add small, inexpensive luxuries like metal house numbers or other decorations. Make sure everything is spotless as well. Sparkling windows and a freshly swept porch make for a more welcoming home, and a more welcoming home often sells quickly.

Get your lawn in order
Tidying up your lawn is a given. Making sure it’s spick-and-span, regardless of the season, is a great way to improve your curb appeal without spending too much money—or any money at all! An unkempt lawn can make the house seem less appealing overall, so before showings, make sure your lawn has been mowed and edged for a more professional appearance. Also, try to ensure that weeds are pulled. The healthier the lawn looks, the healthier the house looks.

Plant flowers
Having a garden with flowers can really make a home stick out in a buyer’s mind. The pops of color can improve even the most immaculately manicured lawn, and a healthy garden can make any house feel more welcoming. It’s an inexpensive way to improve your home’s overall aesthetic.

Hose off the front of your home and sidewalks

No need to buy a pressure washer—your standard garden hose is usually sufficient to get most of the gunk and grime off your house. You want your house to be as clean as possible for potential buyers and guests.

Touch up your driveway
Repairing the cracks in your driveway can go a long way toward making your house more accessible in the mind of a buyer. Even superficial flaws such as driveway cracks can really sour someone’s opinion of an otherwise beautiful house. And a smoother driveway is easier on your car’s tires and suspension.

Implement these simple and cost-efficient ideas to help spruce up your home’s exterior and attract potential buyers.

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02/27/2018

Sellers are looking to get the maximum amount for their home, and some have an inflated idea of what to expect when finding the value of their home. Do home renovations truly give you a big return on the investment? Take a look at these important factors that impact your home’s value.

Location: Place Is Everything

You know what they say – “location, location, location!” The location includes factors such as the price of nearby homes, the quality of the school district and the sense of community. Many people seek out communities with walkable amenities. For millennials, it is important for them to be in the center of the action and within walking distance of the places they need to get to.

Layout and Size

Homebuyers used to compete for homes with ample square footage, but many have fallen out of love with large homes. With larger homes come more housework and more maintenance to keep up the home’s grand appearance. The layout is a big factor because even if you don’t have a 3,300-square-foot home, an open concept can make your 2,000-square-foot home look just as spacious.
The number of bedrooms has a big influence on a home’s value, so think hard before you put up a wall to separate one room into two. Fewer but larger bedrooms increase the value of homes.

Age and Condition

Older, historic homes and new, modern homes are traditionally more valuable than homes built in the middle of that timeline. As homes get older, they generally lose value, but there is also that point where homes become so aged that they have historical value. Along with the age of the home, the condition of the home also matters. Buyers are more willing to pay $20,000 more for a home that is in excellent condition than they are for a house that needs $5,000 worth of work.

Putting in the Right Upgrades

Renovations can positively affect your home’s value, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Although, if your home is over-the-top improved compared with other homes in the neighborhood, it can actually hurt your property’s value. Hire an appraiser to prepare a feasibility analysis to help you determine the impact renovations will have on your home’s value.
Unless you live in an upscale neighborhood where built-in wine cellars and chef’s kitchens are considered normal, you may want to save the money on expensive finishes and go for the more basic options. You should also be sure to keep a record of the repairs and upgrades to show potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained and taken care of.

Reach out to me today for more helpful tips to increase your home’s value.

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2/19/2018

Buying a home can be a very exciting process, but it is also one that can be riddled with unexpected expenses. Saving up for the down payment is only the first entry on a long list of expenses. Even once the home is purchased, the long-term increase in costs can come as a surprise to some.

Read on to learn some of the commonly overlooked costs that can shock new buyers.

1. Home inspection. Once you have made an offer on a home, you will be required to have the home inspected. This is mostly for the benefit of the buyer — an inspection can uncover problems that can be costly down the road — but it is a $200-$600 expense that comes right on the heels of your down payment.

2. Home appraisal. At the same time as you have the home inspection done, you will need to have the home appraised by a lender-approved, independent certified home appraiser. This individual will assess your property’s value based on several factors, including your home’s specific features as well as the sale price of similar properties in the area.

3. Property taxes. Sure, everyone knows about these, but the amounts can vary wildly from one locale to another, so don’t make assumptions. Check your rates early in the process. Once you agree to a mortgage, you will typically be required to set up an escrow account. Into this account, you will deposit a monthly amount that covers your mortgage in addition to 1/12 of your anticipated property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. This helps to assure the lender that you will be adequately protecting and insuring their investment, but it is an extra monthly amount that you might not be prepared for.

4. Utility costs. Like taxes, these can vary wildly. If you are moving from an apartment into a home for the first time, you might be shocked by the discrepancy in your monthly utility bills. In general, it is cheaper and easier to keep an apartment heated or air conditioned since it is surrounded on every side by other units of a similar temperature. A stand-alone home does not have this luxury, so make sure you anticipate higher-than-usual utility bills after relocating.

5. Homeowners’ association fees. If you live in a community that is overseen by a homeowners’ association, you will usually be expected to pay annual dues. Be sure to anticipate this expense, because it can easily come in the form of a several-hundred-dollar bill at the end of the year.

6. Flood insurance. If you live in an area that is prone to floods or hurricanes, make sure you purchase an additional insurance policy; standard homeowners’ insurance will not cover these natural disasters. Speak with your insurance agent about the need for flood insurance.

7. Long-term maintenance costs. New homeowners in particular tend to forget that they are solely responsible for all maintenance costs. While you might only encounter an expensive repair once every five to 10 years, it is important to have a long-term savings account dedicated to home repairs. Experts recommend allocating 1 percent of the home’s value toward home repairs each year. For example, if your house is worth $300,000, you should try to save $3,000 annually toward home repairs.

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2/15/2018

Once you have found a Realtor with whom you’re comfortable, it is time to start looking around at properties. It is important that you and your Realtor establish a solid, professional relationship for a smooth home-buying process. Keep reading for some tips to keep in mind when working with a Realtor. Following these guidelines will ensure that you and your Realtor have a mutually beneficial relationship and everyone’s goals are met.

Keep scheduled appointments 

This might seem obvious, but it is important to keep appointments with your Realtor and that you be on time for them. Realtors work with many clients at a time, so their days are packed with meetings, showings and appointments. If you don’t show up for an appointment or you are late, it greatly impacts the Realtor’s schedule for the rest of the day. An agent will want to work with you more if you are trustworthy and punctual.

Hire an agent only if you’re serious about buying

Do not seek representation from a buying agent if you’re not serious about buying. It’s okay to look around and see what’s out there, but you should do this by attending open houses and contacting the listing agent to view properties. Since Realtors work on commission, their time is very valuable, so it costs them money when they meet with individuals who aren’t serious buyers.

Sign a buyer-broker agreement

Once you have settled on a Realtor to see you through your home purchase, you will be asked to sign a buyer-broker agreement. Doing so means that you are hiring this person to represent you. These agreements are important because it establishes the guidelines both parties must follow. That being said, those guidelines can change, depending on the type of buyer-broker agreement you use: non-exclusive not for compensation, non-exclusive right to represent or exclusive right to represent. You will need to do some homework, researching the kind of contract you’re looking for and finding the right Realtor to represent you.

Be conscientious of the seller’s wishes

Many times, sellers have interests other than money when selling their home. If it’s the home they raised their family in, they might want to be sure they are selling it to someone who will preserve it and love it as much as they did. Your Realtor will keep you abreast of the seller’s wishes, and you should be respectful of these factors. Your Realtor is there to make sure that you are the perfect buyer for the home you’re interested in — that means appealing to all of the seller’s wishes, not just the monetary ones.

Never converse with the seller without your agent present

Although you are all working toward a common goal — the seller to sell and the buyer to buy — you still want to be careful about what you disclose to the seller and their agent. You’ve hired your Realtor for a reason: to represent you and your interests, so your agent should be present for any conversations you have with the seller. Don’t give the seller any information about your financial situation or motive to buy without discussing it with your Realtor first.

If the seller counters your offer, don’t lowball 

If the seller gives you a counteroffer, be strategic about your next move. It is not in your best interest to lowball a seller’s counteroffer, because they might get frustrated and you could lose the deal entirely. Your agent is aware of these stakes, so if the seller presents you with a counteroffer, let your Realtor guide you on your next offer.

If you are ready to start house hunting, do not hesitate to call me today!

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2/12/2018

While you may be eager to start searching for your dream home right away, the first step in preparing to buy a home is understanding how much home you can afford. To figure this out, you should get prequalified or preapproved by a lender, who will tell you the maximum amount you can mortgage. This will help you start searching within your price range. Next, it’s time to prep for your meeting with a lender. Make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

Do you have reported stable income?

Without a regular income, it is very difficult to get a loan of any kind. For a mortgage, it is important to be able to prove that you have a steady income by providing proof of income. This can be in the form of a pay-stub. The number of pay-stubs the lender would like to see can vary, but be sure you know how to access these documents so you can provide them. Also, if you are getting paid “off the books” or “under the table,” you may have a difficult time getting a mortgage.

Who will be on the mortgage?

If you are searching for a home not just for yourself, it is important to understand whether just one of you or both of you will go on the mortgage. In some cases, one partner may have better credit or financial standing than the other, so it may be beneficial to have just that one person on the mortgage. On the other hand, combining two good credit scores and incomes can help increase the amount of the loan.

What does your current debt look like?

Take an assessment of what current debt you have and how much it takes away from your income monthly. The lender will look at this to get your debt-to-income ratio, which can determine the confidence the lender has in you as a borrower. If there is a debt you can easily pay off, then do it to free up more monthly income to put toward your future house and mortgage. It is also important to not take out any additional loans until after you close on your house, as this could change the amount of the mortgage you can get.

What is your monthly budget?

It is important to understand what your monthly budget will be when owning a home. While you may qualify for a certain dollar amount on a mortgage, the monthly payment may be more than you can really afford. That is, it would leave you cash poor. Remember that you want to buy a house but also maintain a lifestyle you are comfortable with. Have in mind a monthly payment amount that would achieve this, then determine what mortgage amount that will get you.

Also, it is important for negotiation purposes to know how much an extra $1,000 on the mortgage would add to your monthly payment.

If you’re ready to start the mortgage preapproval process, reach out to me today and I will refer you to one of the great lenders I work with.

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