Wishing You and Your Family a Happy Holiday

Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year!  Thank you for the support throughout the year! I look forward to assisting you this upcoming year!

How to Decorate Your Home for the Holidays on a Budget?

The holidays can be an expensive time a year and establishing a budget is key.  When you create your budget it usually consists of gift buying, food, entertainment, and lights for the outdoors but generally not decorations for the home.  Here are some budget-friendly tips to help keep the money in your wallet and your holiday guests happy.

1.     Check Your Inventory- Look for leftover items or extra throws that can be used for decorating.  Collect candles, leaves, branches, and sticks to create a centerpiece for your guests.  Core some apples and stick candles in them to add to your centerpiece. Put extra throws on your couches to give your home a cozy feel.

2.     Look in Nature- Collecting items from nature is not only free but it can add pine scent to your home or you can create your own wreath with your findings. In nature, locate pinecones, pine tree branches, and red berries. 

3.     Find Mismatched Dinnerware- One challenge when it comes to hosting a party is finding enough dinnerware for everyone to use.  Pick up used dinnerware at a local thrift store to help accommodate for all of your guests.  Try sticking with the holiday colors.

4.     Get Help From Your Kids- Have your kids help you collect items from nature, decorate and even clean your house to help you save money and time.  Even have your kids make a centerpiece for your guests.

5.     Create a Storage Place- Create space in your home that is in good condition and well maintained to ensure your decorations do not get ruined.  Invest in good storage bins and wrap all decorations properly before storing them.

When is it time to replace your roof?

Roofs are meant to last for many years, but how do you know when is the right time to replace it.  Weather can play a huge part in the lifespan of your roof from the heat to the winds to the hail.  Repairs can be costly but replacements can be even more.

Your roof needs to be replaced when….

• Your roof has missing shingles.
•  Shingles are cracked or peeling.
• There are stains or watermarks on your ceiling.
• Shingles are discolored.
• Your roof is old.

How long will your household appliances, fixtures, and accessories last?

Each year there are items in a home that need to be replaced because they are either outdated or broken. However, it can be difficult to discern when a major household feature needs to be replaced. One way, you can predict when you will need to replace the items is by the typical lifespan.

Fortunately, the major appliances and fixtures such as garage doors, gas fireplaces, linoleum floors are expected to last for at least 25 years with bathtubs and sinks lasting about 20 years.

• Other Appliances and Fixtures
• Washing Machine, dryers, refrigerators- 13-15 years
• Food Disposals- 12 years
• Plasma TVs- 11 years
• Lawnmowers and carpet- 10 years
• Microwaves and dishwashers- 9 years
• Air conditioners and mattresses- 7 years
• Rugs- 5 years
• Laptops- 4 years
• Coffee makers- 2 years

Don’t worry about your doorbell that will last for about 45 years!

How to Update Your Kitchen in Five Easy Steps?

Renovating your entire kitchen can be quite expensive, however, when it comes to selling you can get about 66% return on your investment. But a smaller kitchen renovation investment can lead to even more return!

1. Cabinet Refacing- Keep your existing cabinet but give them a facelift! Changing out the fronts of your cabinets and draws will make them look like they are brand new for a fourth of the cost.

2. New Lighting- Brightening up your kitchen welcomes people and creates a functioning space. Replacing recessed lights with impactful pendant lighting will brighten up your kitchen. They also offer a stylish solution for the space over the island and sink.

3. Cabinet Painting- If you are on budget painting your cabinets is a great temporary kitchen remodel idea until you have the budget to reface them.

4. Upgrade Appliances- The majority of remodelers are incorporating stainless steel appliances into their projects. However, most people tend to take the appliances with them when they move, it’s important to keep them in the residence when you are selling your home. You will get a return on your investment and the appliances will appeal to buyers.

5. New Countertops- Countertop styles can range from granite to quartz to even stylish laminate. Installing the right kind of countertop depends on the type of home you live in. Pick a style that suits your home and the best option you will see a return on.

As a First Time Homebuyer, What Should You Take into Consideration When Selecting the Perfect Home?

When you are ready to buy your first home, it can be overwhelming and scary. There are many different options to choose from including the area, neighborhood, school district, and location. To start you must determine the budget you are willing to spend on a home and stick with it.

• Location is a key factor when determining where you want to live and the amount you are willing to spend. You don’t want to
walk-through homes in an area you simply can’t afford.

• Determine the neighborhood and school district you want to live in is essential to narrowing down your search.

• Research the area you are most interested to see if there are plans for expansion in the neighborhood, new shopping center developments or even new apartment developments.

• Determine if you are planning on staying in your home for a few years, 10+ years, or even forever. If you are planning on staying in your home for a long time, is there room for your family to grow? Is there space available to add onto the home?

What are Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom to a New Trendy Bathroom for a Quick Sale?

Upgrading your bathroom can be the perfect way to change the curb appeal in your home. Although it can be pricey, adding a few upgrades and ideas can help you ensure your home sells quick.

1. Skylights- A skylight can provide natural light and ventilation. They have a major “wow” factor and are very practical.
2. Lighted Vanity Mirrors.
3. Double-flush Toilet- Dual flush toilet only uses the water you need to get the job done.
4. Towel Warmers- Adding wall-mounted or free standing towel warmers will provide a cozy, warm towel every time you bathe.
5. Shower Foot Rest.

How to Easily Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

It’s true what they say, over the years we tend to accumulate unnecessary stuff and find the only place for it to collect is in our kitchen cabinets and drawers. You may think shutting the drawers and cabinets will make the mess go away, but in reality it’s only hiding that mess. The mismatched Tupperware, random odds and ends, stacks of plastic bowls still remain behind those doors.

1. It’s time to say good-bye. Preparing yourself for that day you get the itch to organize is just the start into getting rid of the unused items. To start you have to prepare yourself to get rid of the used items. If you haven’t used that item in a year it’s probably time to part ways.

2. Schedule time on a weekend afternoon. Dedicate time within your busy schedule to clean out your kitchen cabinets and draws. The key is to stick with the time you have set aside and not reschedule it.

3. Pump up the jams! Create a playlist with your favorite jams! Make organizing a fun task while listening to your favorite artists.

4. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. Leave nothing behind- remove everything from your cabinets and drawers. Sort your items into different piles from “commonly used,” “sometimes used,” and “never used.”

5. Wipe down the inside of your cabinets and drawers. Disinfect your cabinets and drawers to make sure nothing is left behind. Tear out the old shelf paper and add new paper in there.

6. Throw out what you don’t use and organize. Throw out your “never used” pile and go through your “sometimes used” pile to see if there are items you probably won’t use again. Once you have completed that, place your items into the cabinets and drawers in a neat fashion.

7. Admire your hard work! Pour yourself a celebratory drink- you’ve conquered the kitchen!

What Are Some Tips and Tricks When Completing a Final Walk-Through?

With the hot market for first time homebuyers, it’s important not to rush into a home that may not be fit for you and your family or overlook items in the walk through that can in the end cost you money. The final walk-through is one of the most important steps when buying your home. You must inspect everything from top to bottom and not miss anything in between.

1. Have all documents handy when performing the walk-through., including your contract, inspection report, and any seller disclosures. These documents will point out any repairs that need to be made or any issues the inspector found during the inspection process.

2. Inspect everything! Inspect the inside and outside of your home. Pay close attention to the areas the seller agreed to fix.

3. Test everything! Make sure you test all of the appliances, HVAC system, power outlets, turn on all of the faucets, and even flush the toilets.

4. When the walk-through is complete ask for all working keys, garage code, alarm code, garage openers, and any manuals that relate to appliances/systems in the home.

How to Give Your Patio a Makeover?

With the beautiful weather here, it’s time to start enjoying the outdoors, especially after a long winter. Your patio is the perfect place to start! Creating a livable outdoor space will make you never want to return inside, even on those rainy days.

1. Don’t start from scratch; work with the space you have. Don’t spend money renovating your yard and outdoor living space- work with what you have. Sketch out your desired space and take measurements to see what you are working with. Set a budget.

2. Take into consideration the environment you live in and what surface would work best for your space.

3. With the heat from the summer sun, it’s important to plan your shade especially if you plan on entertaining guests. Considering adding a few umbrellas or a pergola for extra shade.

4. Add landscaping and plants around your new space to add a colorful touch to your space.

5. Determine where you want to add your furniture and seating. Take into consideration the budget you have set for yourself. If your budget doesn’t allow new furniture consider stopping by a few local garage sales.

How to clean up a spill before it becomes a stain?

Having your friends over for dinner, enjoying a glass of wine with your significant other, or even giving your child juice can all lead to messy spills but if you aren’t careful they can lead to stains. Before you get to work on preventing that spill from turning into a stain, start by scraping away any spilled material- do not run in or spread the mess. Finally, blot with paper towels and water before moving to other remedies.

Red Wine- Red wine can be the most common and damaging stain to your carpet or table clothes. If you spill, blot the area with clean towels and apply a home remedy of white vinegar followed by water.

Candle Drippings- Scrape up the drippings; lay down paper towels and run and iron set to low heat over the area.

Berry Juice- Blot the area with 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply that three to four times with a clean cloth then rinse with cold water.

Makeup and Nail Polish- Carefully scrape off the excess with a blunt edge like a knife or spoon, apply a little rubbing alcohol or non-acetone-based nail polish remover to the stain and blot with a clean cotton swab. Rinse with warm water.

What are Four Ways to Heighten Your Homes Style?

Heightening the style of your home can help you sell that home quicker and cane be more visually appealing to the potential buyers. Here are 4 ways to heighten that style:

1. Gallery Walls- creating a style and a room that is uniquely yours by adding a array or frames or objects in a well thought-cluster on your wall will perfectly showcase your framed family portraits, sketches, postcards, and mirrors.

2. ‘60s Mod Inspiration- the new trend for 2015 is retro mod or taking yourself back to the ‘60s where the designs were curvy forms with vibrant colors and eccentric patterns. This décor will perk up rooms with soft, sculptural lines, woven upholstery and bright accessories in geometric shapes.

3. Copper Touches- copper is on the rising this year! Adding small copper pieces can make a big statement by adding copper light fixtures, planters or table setting. Even displaying your copper cookware in the kitchen will add a touch of glamour

4. Organic Elements- adding mounted antlers to your mantel or creating centerpieces with shells, metallic leaves, or branches will add an organic element to your home.

What do you need to know before you become a homeowner this year?

To purchase a home there are many steps and preparations you must go through before the buying process. While mortgage rates are at the low right now it is important to complete all of the steps before you start looking at homes.

1. Get preapproved- Meeting with a loan specialist to see if you can get preapproved is a proactive way to stay ahead of the game. If you aren’t sure if you have been preapproved- check your credit report to see if your application was submitted to an underwriter. If it has been, then you are good to go!

2. Don’t alter your credit habits- Avoid opening/closing credit cards and keep all balances with normal range.

3. Avoid Moving Funds- Put off moving funds until after you’ve closed on the home. Do not cash in on any investments, retirement accounts or CDs. Do not use your savings to pay off any debts or fund a CD.

4. Get Your Down Payment Gift Early- If a family member is willing to help you put a down payment on your home, deposit the money into your account more than two months prior to applying for a loan.

5. Create a PDF of all documents0 Include all bank statements for checking, savings, and investment accounts, pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns and canceled rent checks.

6. Be prepared to write letters- If there are frequent movements in short amount of time or substantial monetary gift- be prepared to explain that in a letter to your loan officer before your loan gets approved.

7. Cut Costs on Mortgage Insurance- With the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage programs only requiring around 3% for a down payment can lead to higher insurance premiums through the FHA. Consider opting for private mortgage insurers who generally have cheaper premiums.

What are three tips all first time home buyers need to hear when submitting their tax return for the first time?

Buying your first home is exciting and something you can check off your bucket list, but it comes with the headaches of owning a home including filing your taxes for the first time. Here are some tips to help you files your taxes:

1. Don’t procrastinate- Waiting until April 4th to file your taxes is not a great idea and can cause typos or overlooked information. Working with an online tax service you are able to start and stop your filing at any time with their save as you go feature.

2. Compare tax products before using them- Just because a tax product is free or cheaper than the other ones is not always the best solution when it comes to filing your taxes. Make sure you compare a few products before starting your taxes to ensure it is the right product for you.

3. Gather all of your forms and documents including Form W-2 from your employer, Form 1099 if you are self employed, Form 1098E from your lender for student loans, Form 1098-T for tuition paid scholarships or grants received, statements for retirement savings accounts and receipts for charitable donations.

Are you ready to invest in real estate?

Here are 6 tips to help you see if you are ready to invest in real estate.

1. Make sure you are financially ready. Ensure you have enough money to put down on the home and enough for emergencies in case something goes wrong on the home.

2. Set long-term goals that you can achieve. Set a clear and precise goal that can be achieved but is flexible depending on events that may occur.

3. Do your research. Make sure you know the neighborhood you are about to invest in to ensure you can foresee the coming trends and possible changes to the community. If you are planning to invest in a home you want a family to rent, make sure it is close to a good school and the commute is not long.

4. The location draws an audience. Selecting the correct location is key- ensure the area you are looking at is either an up and coming neighborhood or has attractions that draw people in.

5. Find an agent you can count on.

6. Research local differences in the property market. Whether you are going to turn your house into a rental property or an office space, make sure you are fully aware of all of the cultural differences you may encounter.

Should I exceed my budget for the right house?

First you need to determine what your budget is for your home based on your yearly income, debt, and other expenses. You will also have to determine what kind of debt you have- is it good debt or bad debt. Good debt is an investment; you’ll get back the interest you pay and then some (i.e. car loan, student loans, or even a mortgage). Bad debt doesn’t raise your earning potential in the long run. You’re financing today’s happiness at the expense of tomorrow’s security.

Next you need to determine how much you should save for the down payment on a house. It is recommended you save about 20% of your income and allocate it to a “rainy day fund,” pay off high interest debts, ax out your 401K/IRA, and investments.

Finally, ask yourself “how much should I spend on a home?” It is recommended you spend about 25% of your income on mortgage payments. Finding the right home on your budget is ideal but exceeding that budget may be dangerous. A home that fits into your budget may be the correct and safe answer but it may not be the right home for you. Considering asking yourself if you want to live comfortably or if you want your all of your hard earned money to go towards your mortgage each month. The right house can be found within your budget or can be remodeled to be the perfect home for your family.

What are the three features that drive curb appeal?

When you are looking to purchase a home or considering selling you want everything inside and out to look great. A potential buyer starts viewing the home even before they enter. If a home has driveways that are cracked or pitted with potholes, damaged front doors, and scuffed mailboxes it can significantly detract from a the overall curb appeal.

If your driveway is scuffed, cracked and has holes in it you may want to consider repairing or resurface it. The driveway is one of the largest visual elements along with siding, roof, and lawn. If a driveway is covered in debris it can also drive a potential homeowner away.

Although your mailbox may be one of the first things a potential homeowner will notice. Having a scuffed and damage mailbox may also drive them away, considering sprucing it up. A mailbox can also help identify your home when you are helping your guests find it. Consider painting your mailbox or even swap it out for something that compliments your exterior.

The front door is last feature that drives your curb appeal. If your front door is full of scuff marks consider giving it a fresh coat of paint, but don’t forget about giving the trim around your door a fresh coat. Adding new lighting and hardware can also change the look of your front porch.