tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66201356281023197302024-03-14T02:23:09.237-07:00Neighborhood IQ Home ReportAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14888425434719059743noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-67002139437762445602015-03-30T09:27:00.002-07:002015-03-30T09:27:41.386-07:00Simple Spring Lawn Care Tips
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV6zXJFm6xyUf83bCFOorNnAg_ny495yfRW3azwU2TRvTwi7eRWndbbZUvBwR4DarNOy97cYvTxEG3hD2p4bPegQ_AotG8HUgVMlBh345cR4dkKX_dV1pg8fmr3T9sYtjL6ZwOkV2trMG/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBV6zXJFm6xyUf83bCFOorNnAg_ny495yfRW3azwU2TRvTwi7eRWndbbZUvBwR4DarNOy97cYvTxEG3hD2p4bPegQ_AotG8HUgVMlBh345cR4dkKX_dV1pg8fmr3T9sYtjL6ZwOkV2trMG/s1600/untitled.png" height="91" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
this year’s chilly winter temperatures and dormant growth, spring lawns need
some extra care. If you take care of your lawn the right way during spring, you
will be rewarded with a beautiful, healthy summer lawn. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether
you want to spruce up your new home or add curb appeal in order to sell your
home, now is the time to give your lawn some well-deserved TLC! Here are some
simple lawn care tips will convert your lawn into something you will be proud of
and add value to your home:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mow your lawn<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
most important thing you need to do focus on to make your lawn look fantastic is regular
and correct mowing. Cut the grass whenever it grows, which will likely be a
weekly task or even more frequent as the weather keeps warming up in spring.
Try to keep grass at the same height throughout spring. 2.3-4 cm high would be
ideal for most lawns, but if your lawn takes lots of wear and tear, then you
can raise the height to 5cm. If the area is extremely shaded then 7.5 cm would
be the right height. Be careful while mowing, because if you mow too short you will
weaken the grass and increase chances of moss and weed development.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Feed your lawn<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
next important thing you need to do during spring is to feed the grass. If you
feed your lawn with a good fertilizer, it obviously will make your grass green,
but more importantly, it will help your grass grow thicker. Fertilizing your lawn also increases its health
and strength, and makes it better prepared to compete with moss, weeds, and
any stress from weather conditions. During spring you should opt for a
granular feed that will offer your lawn with regular amount of nutrients through
several weeks. Make sure you apply your granular lawn feed evenly over the
entire lawn, and the best way to do so will be to use a lawn spreader.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Aerate your lawn<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With
time, your lawn’s soil becomes compacted, and this reduces the air pockets that
allow water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. If you want to
tackle this problem, you must aerate your lawn annually. Spring is the best
time for lawn aeration and once the process is complete, your lawn will again
get its proper share of water and nutrients. Before long, your lawn will spring back to life
and stay healthy all the year round.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Treat weeds<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lawn
weeds are little culprits that can prevent you from enjoying a healthy
full-grown lawn. Early spring is the best time to apply herbicide, as it
prevents weeds from developing. It is a lot easier to get rid of weeds even
before they develop than to deal with them once they have completely matured.
So make sure you apply a pre-emergent weed killer in the spring and it will offer
you great results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over-seed to cover bald patches<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As
the lawn ages, the reproduction rate also slows down. Nobody likes bald patches
in their lawns! Apart from looking bad, these areas also increase chances of weed and moss development. As soon as the last snow disappears, spread
grass seeds all over your lawn at the recommended rate. New grass will start
developing soon filling in those bare areas. This will help to make your lawn look healthy
and beautiful once again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-38205728908518735592015-02-27T15:07:00.001-08:002015-02-27T15:07:52.191-08:00Buying a Short Sale Home
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixb6VwsKcsIBNvCdyVwWjkKp9yxcalC_fKt500fDipABNt2wrBQcywtg_VSYzm3aKjB27CSRenQyXXKHzQ_5pF8-9QhEVwskpMbrEYlQsBivL56ybBCkr9E6GF9NXSG-AoP1_OFPfnmNW/s1600/Buying+a+Short+Sale+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixb6VwsKcsIBNvCdyVwWjkKp9yxcalC_fKt500fDipABNt2wrBQcywtg_VSYzm3aKjB27CSRenQyXXKHzQ_5pF8-9QhEVwskpMbrEYlQsBivL56ybBCkr9E6GF9NXSG-AoP1_OFPfnmNW/s1600/Buying+a+Short+Sale+Home.jpg" height="156" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
buying a home, you may notice that some properties are listed as short sales.
When a listing is labeled as a short sale, it means that the seller’s lender is
willing to accept a discounted payoff in order to release the existing mortgage
on the property. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
such a transaction, the lender agrees to accept an amount that is less than
what is owed on the mortgage. The sale benefits the lender because it allows
the lender to avoid repossessing the property in foreclosure as this is not
only expensive, but also time-consuming. The seller also benefits from the sale
as it allows them to avoid creating a poor credit record that may come with a
foreclosure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
buying a short sale home, there are several important things a homebuyer needs
to know:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How short sales work<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
lender does not own the home in a short sale. However, it will seem as if the
buyer is buying the property from the bank because the bank will approve the
sale. Although buying a short sale home is similar to a traditional purchase,
there are some few differences in how the purchase agreement between the buyer
and the agent is drafted. While the only party who needs to approve the sale in
a normal transaction is the seller, a short sale contract has to specify that
the terms are subject to the lender’s approval. Additionally, the contract has
to state that the home is being purchased “as-is”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
buyer is also allowed to include language in the agreement that allows him/her
to back out of the deal if an inspection of the property reveals considerable
problems. However, the general rule is that the buyer should not expect the
lender to reduce the price in order to account for any repairs. It is also
unlikely that the bank will make any repairs, and the seller is even less
likely to assist because they are often short on cash. The buyer needs to make
that they have enough money for the closing costs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The waiting game<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you’re buying a short sale property, be prepared to play the waiting game.
Banks/lenders are notorious for taking a long time—up to several months in some
cases—to respond to an offer on a short sale. In order to limit the wait time,
experts recommend that a buyer should give the lender a deadline. Although it’s
not clear if the strategy will push the bank to act fast, it is worth trying
for those who can’t stand the stress of waiting for months to get a response.
Nevertheless, if the bank has not approved the short sale at the time the buyer
is making the offer, it will be useless to implement a deadline because it may
take a couple of months just for the lender and the seller to reach to an agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weighing the benefits<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 61.35pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Experts can’t agree on whether a short sale is a good deal
for the buyer. Some believe that short sales are often priced below the market
value, which creates an opportunity for the buyer to get a good deal or for a
first-time home buyer to own a home when they otherwise might not be in a
position to afford one. Others say that lenders don’t have an interest in
selling property below market value and will conduct a comparable analysis
before accepting a price for short sales.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-54322010713804791642014-12-12T11:29:00.000-08:002014-12-12T11:29:21.603-08:00Staging Your Home During The Holidays <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyVrZmyn6-mKMYyEJe2oRlXsI6Uoqqqz1cnzmfnYgtI5-N05hewWrmaIhfV7eFeDxIPpXYfiwt1J-TDncq95crEUr50phbPsGhwx1T3X9AeVz07gDOMnkxFyNkXa-eIyrzIYkPlahrNmi/s1600/Staging+Your+Home+During+The+Holidays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyVrZmyn6-mKMYyEJe2oRlXsI6Uoqqqz1cnzmfnYgtI5-N05hewWrmaIhfV7eFeDxIPpXYfiwt1J-TDncq95crEUr50phbPsGhwx1T3X9AeVz07gDOMnkxFyNkXa-eIyrzIYkPlahrNmi/s1600/Staging+Your+Home+During+The+Holidays.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
you're selling your home, first impressions always matter. However, the holidays
require special attention when it comes to staging. The more well-staged your
home is, the higher the price it will fetch, and the faster it will be off the
market. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply put, home staging means uncluttering your home, removing certain
personal items and enhancing your décor to appeal to buyers. Do not allow the
thought of selling your house during the months of winter dampen your holiday
moods. With just a little effort, you can create a festive and buyer-friendly
environment using the following timeless staging tips:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use neutral holiday adornments<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
key to holiday home staging is to accessorize smartly. If you are used to being
overboard with elaborate décor every holiday season, you need to tone it down a
little. A recent study has revealed that majority of realtors recommend sellers
to use non-religious holiday décor during an open house, to avoid putting off
some potential buyers. You can keep your décor festive without going all out,
with simple non-religious touches such as an evergreen wreath, a pinecone
centerpiece, or a few eye-catching ornaments above your fireplace. All holiday
accessories must complement your usual décor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get your lighting right<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No
doubt, outdoor holiday lights are especially beautiful in the winter season,
and really add to the appeal of your home, but only if you do them right. So
rather than hanging up every string of multi-colored lights in your possession,
map out a plan. Only use light colors that will enhance your home’s appearance.
You do not have to throw up lights on every corner of your home. You could
simply highlight a gorgeously designed roofline or shed light to a beautiful
tree in the compound. Warm colors give your house a welcoming feel during the
dark nights of December, which is when buyers are more likely to see your
home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blaze up your fireplace<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During
the cold winter holiday, it is essential to keep your home warm day and night.
In fact, according to statistics, it’s one of the fast things potential buyers
will notice. The trick is to make your home cozy by cranking up the heat by a
few degrees, so that when buyers enter, they can immediately feel the warmth
after being out in the cold. However, a simple yet alluring way to maintain the
warmth is to light your fireplace. The warmer buyers will feel, the longer they
will remain in your home admiring its homeliness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Entice with winter fragrance and tasty
bribery<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most
realtors advise home sellers to use winter home fragrances before opening up
their homes to potential buyers to make it smell lovely and desirable. You can
also get buyers to stick around a lot longer and endear yourself to them by
serving delicious snacks and drinks. You can kill two birds with one stone by
serving freshly baked cookies with hot chocolate. The aroma from these tasty
treats will create a comfortable and homely experience, and help potential
buyers picture their future in the house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-32849348082834035102014-11-04T12:24:00.000-08:002014-11-04T12:24:19.638-08:00Should You Buy a Historic House?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6Om7tAxAgb5bg8FFf7PRGv8_IMRdyRZvJ3-2AYtaWwWQVrFoKA9OyGtgNzkkmY1cY5F28JVsExUu8U8Z6N8jdLBLDSe_IFDvaCbAL-MPFLzbreeuMQhLvcFqtklM-rmZTwiSccxjFaws/s1600/Should+You+Buy+a+Historic+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6Om7tAxAgb5bg8FFf7PRGv8_IMRdyRZvJ3-2AYtaWwWQVrFoKA9OyGtgNzkkmY1cY5F28JVsExUu8U8Z6N8jdLBLDSe_IFDvaCbAL-MPFLzbreeuMQhLvcFqtklM-rmZTwiSccxjFaws/s1600/Should+You+Buy+a+Historic+House.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is nothing quite like the quaintness and uniqueness of
a historic home. Many homebuyers and investors fall in love with historic
houses because they are richly attractive pieces of historical beauty. They are
also known for their established neighborhoods. But are historic homes worth
the purchase? </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have been considering buying a historic home, there
are some things you should consider. This </span><a href="http://www.totalmortgage.com/blog/general/is-buying-a-historic-house-worth-it/26021"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">article
from Total Mortgage</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> discusses factors that you need to think about before making an offer. Some of these factors include higher property taxes, possible repairs, and the cost of keeping the historic home looking authentic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to the article, you may pay more for a historic home in the long run, but your home value will be higher. Plus, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of your historic home!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-66518120275971365962014-10-17T12:25:00.001-07:002014-10-17T12:25:54.125-07:00How to Sell Your House Without a Real Estate Agent
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHaVeMpq3atuhY6P-4a4gUOUc8STyvh9wATLUbrc957Yl43AzG-4m_k2x8TPmUXOYLcQTnpQsGRX-zLdNC3-VEp5M8xRmFTJQRP8huYc1ROIyHhjIpcZL-1KDUhvy4k-bQWU7gagQOhRk/s1600/How+to+Sell+Your+House+Without+a+Real+Estate+Agent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHaVeMpq3atuhY6P-4a4gUOUc8STyvh9wATLUbrc957Yl43AzG-4m_k2x8TPmUXOYLcQTnpQsGRX-zLdNC3-VEp5M8xRmFTJQRP8huYc1ROIyHhjIpcZL-1KDUhvy4k-bQWU7gagQOhRk/s1600/How+to+Sell+Your+House+Without+a+Real+Estate+Agent.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most people rely on a real estate agent when they want to
sell their house, but it is possible to get a buyer on your own. It may take a
little more effort but you will end up saving the commission you would have
paid to the agent. Here are a few tips to help you make the sale:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your research<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first step towards a successful house sale is to know
about real estate operations. Master the language used during the transactions
by reading through your home’s contracts and other documentation. You need to
have all the paperwork required to make a sale including legal documents,
disclosures, and insurance documents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You also need to identify professionals who will help you
with the sale process such as appraisers and estate attorneys. A title company
may also be necessary in some situations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is also important to determine how you will structure the
sale. Do you intend to offer any incentives to attract buyers such as
lease-to-own or owner financing. Learn how each incentive option works to
determine how it will apply in your situation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Organize your
house<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you have completed your research, you need to organize
your house and make sure it is ready for a sale. Fix any functional problems in
your house. Paint the entire house in bright colors, refinish floors, and
replace your carpeting. Identify any items that need to be repaired or replaced
such as heating, roof, appliances, and air conditioning. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is also essential
to get rid of clutter and stage the house. Your objective should be to make the
house appear spacious and dazzling. There are certain things you may be unable
to change such as the location and neighbors and this have to be factored in
the price. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Set your price<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most homeowners set a very high price, putting off potential
buyers. Check home prices in the neighborhood and come up with something
reasonable. You can also use an appraiser to help you set an appropriate
price. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Advertise, advertise<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Advertise the house on several online listings. It is
advisable to use sites that feature sales by owners. The sites you select
should get a lot of traffic. You can also rely on social networking sites and
print media to advertise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Negotiate the offers<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get ready for offers and counteroffers. A real estate
attorney can help you negotiate if you find it difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make the sale<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Organize all the closing paperwork and have it ready for a
sale including documents required by federal and state laws. There may be some
delays in the sale process even when you get a good offer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-1230129011077539122014-10-02T12:17:00.000-07:002014-10-02T12:17:53.479-07:00Paying off a Mortgage before Retirement
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoR6jQdHOkH5XkDFllemziSX_LU_9YtT4tdM3FTNfA_2HjgP1DIdnfV-ioOZyTcoYL6MmOHEF19OmQiMyjEoFZysZFZz99L3zIGGs5O_z70YZJ4p1ST_jHltfr3MpXe61E-qz0tu_AxTf/s1600/Paying+off+a+Mortgage+before+Retirement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoR6jQdHOkH5XkDFllemziSX_LU_9YtT4tdM3FTNfA_2HjgP1DIdnfV-ioOZyTcoYL6MmOHEF19OmQiMyjEoFZysZFZz99L3zIGGs5O_z70YZJ4p1ST_jHltfr3MpXe61E-qz0tu_AxTf/s1600/Paying+off+a+Mortgage+before+Retirement.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we get
older and closer to a retirement age, it is important to have a comprehensive
retirement plan in place. This includes a steady flow of income of which you
will survive on after retiring. To achieve this, it often requires you to
reduce outstanding dues, debts, loans, or mortgages as much as possible.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mortgage
payments that are high will eat into your retirement plan, and this may lead to
a financial future that is not as secure as you intended. This is why most
people prefer to pay off their mortgages before retiring, or reduce the
outstanding balance to manageable levels. <br />
<br />
There are various ways in which one can successfully pay off their mortgage
before retirement is apparent. You will still need to pay associated fees like
home owners associations and property insurance taxes. However, eliminating the
principle and interest from you list of bills before retiring will
significantly improve your income. Paying off a mortgage depends on a lot of
factors including:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">• Current
budget and income<br />
• How deep into payment you have reached<br />
• Loan terms and balances <br />
<br />
It is important to clearly map out your budget and income to see places you can
adjust to provide increased payments towards the mortgage. This usually results
in increasing monthly payments so that the duration is shortened. <br />
<br />
Refinancing is a possible option for reducing the period of repayment. Refinancing
for a shorter term may reduce your paying period by five or more years
depending on the amount you are capable of comfortably paying. Refinancing does
have additional closing costs and transaction fees. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people
will be better off paying extra costs in their current payment scheme rather
than refinancing and then incurring closing costs. One of the most effective
ways of paying off mortgages before retirement is through extra payments. Add
extra payments during the course of payments or better yet, pay lumps of money
after receiving reliefs like tax-deductions or refunds. This will have a big
difference in your overall interest. Your outstanding balance will also be
significantly reduced. Adding extra payments will definitely give you the
liberty of being mortgage free a few years before the original plan. It also
goes a long way in reducing the total amount of interest you end up paying.<br />
<br />
It is important to contextualize your mortgage payoff decision. This does not
only set defined targets and commitments but also clearly exposes impractical
solutions. Eliminate other side-debts that are not tax-deductible before you
begin paying off a mortgage. You may want to see an experienced financial
planner and lender to discuss your status and options. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paying off
mortgage interests and principle before retiring is very important. The steady
income used in payments during working years is no longer available, and paying
mortgage from your pension plans may be strenuous on your budget. It is also
important to ensure you make all the necessary payments in time to avoid rising
interests and penalty fees that may extend your owing period.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-65701710799204239762014-09-15T12:58:00.000-07:002014-09-15T12:58:01.921-07:00Mortgage Applications and Trigger Leads<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk1TeP2P3IvBw-rO9PAkeFd1e_zA9fcUpOlPtG4um9V_K2hIAHTOuYjISExS_yAV9ydaypEJxG4nmTdORKLr0hVnb9FF6m2E4lxD8Bj3eGxN6LSetSCrkfQrDl35peCX0bPwfHg5K83ua/s1600/Mortgage+Applications+and+Trigger+Leads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk1TeP2P3IvBw-rO9PAkeFd1e_zA9fcUpOlPtG4um9V_K2hIAHTOuYjISExS_yAV9ydaypEJxG4nmTdORKLr0hVnb9FF6m2E4lxD8Bj3eGxN6LSetSCrkfQrDl35peCX0bPwfHg5K83ua/s1600/Mortgage+Applications+and+Trigger+Leads.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You applied for a mortgage loan from a lender and suddenly, out of
the blue without any initiative from your end, another lender calls. Now why
did this happen? Well, you became a trigger lead. Read on if you don’t want to
get caught off guard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is what
happens: You decide to buy yourself some property, so you get in touch with a mortgage broker whom a friend or family
member recommends. In all probability, this mortgage lender is very reputable and
you may have even done past business with him. You make a loan application and get
your preapproval letter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Suddenly, another
mortgage lender calls. He might say his company is affiliated with some credit
bureau or put forth another random reason for calling. You get suspicious and
wonder how he knew you’re going in for a mortgage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When you make
a mortgage application, your lender first wants to ascertain your credit
rating. So he gets ahold of your credit report. As soon as he does this, an
inquiry is triggered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very often, the
credit bureau goes ahead and sells your details to different mortgage
companies. Since it's not illegal for bureaus to make money by passing on your details
to other vendors, they make the most of it. This is known as a trigger lead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></h3>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since you’re
at the threshold of what is possibly your life’s biggest transaction, you
surely wouldn’t want loan reps calling up and offering phony rates of interest.
Make sure not to buy over a phone call. Instead of dealing with some
telemarketer, try to deal with trusted professionals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here are some
tips to stop harassment due to trigger leads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enlist your phone
number and name on the Do Not Call List at the national level. You could
also register using a cell phone number. Make sure to do this a complete month
before applying for a loan since it becomes effective after 31 days. This
order will be valid for 5 years, so ensure that you re-register after the
period ends.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you don’t
want mortgage lenders to send direct mails, you need to register yourself at
the Direct Mail Association. This will cost you a dollar whether you
register via email or online, and you can use your credit card for the
payment. The registration is valid for five years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DMA puts out its lists quarterly and it’s
better to register early. It may take a while for your registration to become
effective. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you register
for Opt Out Prescreen, you are assured that 4 credit bureaus do not sell
your details in the form of a trigger lead. The names of the bureaus are:
Experian, Innovis, Equifax and TransUnion. As per the Fair Credit
Reporting Act your name can be sold, but when you opt out, trigger leads are
stopped for five years. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s been
heard from lenders that when you choose to opt out, you can up your credit
score by 10 - 15 points. To get permanent relief, you could email your
registration. This is also available at the OptOut Web website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-11962117372246923722014-08-27T11:41:00.000-07:002014-08-27T11:41:41.948-07:00How to Find the Right Tenant for Your Property
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiretBEmmGu0imzJovxXjHqNQ1CJZFiI3JWDDJD8LI9i1XPY2mkitra8ZqqTEz3d_Dk_1IBSHP94jM604N1YhfN1ajBL8fHHXvZQxbvdBYUdBa6bmTVLF5tV85z-ln7VKS3PbQMsNpyVayx/s1600/How+to+Find+a+Good+Tenant+for+Your+Property.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiretBEmmGu0imzJovxXjHqNQ1CJZFiI3JWDDJD8LI9i1XPY2mkitra8ZqqTEz3d_Dk_1IBSHP94jM604N1YhfN1ajBL8fHHXvZQxbvdBYUdBa6bmTVLF5tV85z-ln7VKS3PbQMsNpyVayx/s1600/How+to+Find+a+Good+Tenant+for+Your+Property.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s
not easy finding a good tenant who will pay their rent and take care of the property.
In order to protect the home you are renting out, it’s important to take your
time when finding a tenant. This way, your property will be well-maintained,
reducing a lot of costs involved in repairs. There’s nothing worse than putting
your trust in a tenant who winds up ripping you off and damaging your home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
what can you do to find a good tenant for your property? We’ve got some tips:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get a credit check<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It
is important check the financial status of the prospective tenants in order to
make sure that they are financially responsible. Such a tenant will be able to
pay the rent and security deposit because they have income coming in. You can
verify this by requesting a look at their pay stubs, or you can call their
employers to confirm their employment status. It is also good to look at the
amount of debt they have by running a credit check. You can alter the amount of
the security deposit based on their credit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carry out a criminal background check<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You
don’t want a tenant who is involved in criminal activities. By performing a
criminal check, you will be able to find out if the tenant is involved in minor
or major crimes. All you need is the name of the tenant and date of birth to
get this information. Note that those with criminal records may not give you
the right information, so ensure they provide you with valid ID for verification
purposes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a look at their rental
history <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To
verify that you do not get a problematic tenant, talk to their former
landlords. This will help you understand how they pay their rents, how they
handle themselves in the property, their cleanliness level and whether they
follow the rules set in the property. Also, if the prospective tenant is a
first time renter, make sure you have a cosigner for the lease. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consider their lifestyle <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On
the tenant application form, you should check the tenant addresses and employment
history. Check to see whether they have a tendency to move from one job to the
other or move from one property to the other. This can help you to know whether
they are likely to be long term tenants. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bottom line<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By
considering the above factors, you will get good tenants who will rent your
property for a long time and ensure that your property is maintained properly.
You will also end up saving money and time involved in evictions, nonpayment of
rent, and damages to your property. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-61284745321229589212014-08-04T09:56:00.000-07:002014-08-04T09:56:44.807-07:00Buying a Foreclosed Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOfWQYvcjW4yiNbWMGjbQ4_6vAdoNDxc-YjE6uHEGTo57vmqpGbPmYcI-GpjXUG3uVKHtsgB7z831nb1GcVGe6ZdVAr38FxoM4TXGFHOtADXEsgGERh4ypkM1Bn5htuhExsyZwJhaNnvQ/s1600/Buying+a+Foreclosed+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOfWQYvcjW4yiNbWMGjbQ4_6vAdoNDxc-YjE6uHEGTo57vmqpGbPmYcI-GpjXUG3uVKHtsgB7z831nb1GcVGe6ZdVAr38FxoM4TXGFHOtADXEsgGERh4ypkM1Bn5htuhExsyZwJhaNnvQ/s1600/Buying+a+Foreclosed+Home.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Purchasing property
can be costly, yet it can prove to be worth the expense in the long run. Many
people have turned to renting their home, and the current economic situation
isn’t likely to make matters easier. It’s probably for this reason that
foreclosures are gaining such popularity.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Foreclosures
are those properties whose owners couldn’t afford to make mortgage payments and
which they were forced to surrender to meet their debt obligations. Foreclosures
are popular because they are usually a cheaper investment. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are
some tips to help you find a foreclosed home and begin the buying process:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Locate some foreclosed property scheduled
for sale. </b>You can find properties by scanning the classified section of a
newspaper or utilizing the internet.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Utilize the services of an attorney or real
estate agent. </b>Their expertise will help you to gain an understanding of the
foreclosure proceedings in the area before taking any action.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Research the property.</b> It will prove
necessary to investigate the property at hand to determine its condition and
market value, taking the time to research previous ownership and any potential
problems such as existing liens.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Figure out the financing.</b> You will need
to communicate with the trustee of the foreclosure sale to determine the
minimum bid before figuring out how you intend to finance the property. You
might consider assuming the current loan.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Attend the foreclosure auction and make an
offer. </b>It is possible to submit a sealed bid after the sale.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Purchasing
foreclosures can prove to be quite complicated, especially if you are unaware
of the regulations governing the area on the matter. The following are some
tips to help you in the foreclosure buying process:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It is important to scrutinize your budget
carefully.</b> Too many people make rash decisions about foreclosures because
of the small price tags. It is necessary to take into account various factors
that might encroach on your finances, such as any repairs that might prove
necessary.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t make any decisions before inspecting
the property yourself.</b> It is never advisable to buy a property you haven’t
seen, this allowing you to determine if the condition of the house is worth the
value being presented.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Consider the neighborhood. </b>A home is
more than the house in question and the right home should exist within the
right neighborhood, one expected to take factors like crime into account before
making this crucial investment.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Take into account how long the house was
empty.</b> This will determine the amount of damage it has incurred and the
repairs that will prove necessary.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Remember that acquiring a profit out of
such an investment will take time.</b> It is common for buyers to purchase
foreclosures with the aim of selling them off quickly for a profit. However
this is unlikely to happen, especially taking into account the various states
quick to penalize individuals that neglect their property. If you want to buy
foreclosures for purposes of selling, you’ll need to take into account the
considerable time required for repairs and maintenance. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-68273928239665030012014-07-21T13:07:00.000-07:002014-07-21T13:07:30.887-07:00Here’s What Not to Do When Refinancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdIH8f2OguimXHUxieaxA-KGuoaYTtTJ11joJVECEto044KelgtOJosL8X9pmIUefC6aWgMqj32FAFtzZhLUMVt4AvmagEqNgIhY-CtYYj8rjp7NF2U8eVfHRMBg_cpX5NPKcaAEV2KPj/s1600/Here%E2%80%99s+What+Not+to+Do+When+Refinancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdIH8f2OguimXHUxieaxA-KGuoaYTtTJ11joJVECEto044KelgtOJosL8X9pmIUefC6aWgMqj32FAFtzZhLUMVt4AvmagEqNgIhY-CtYYj8rjp7NF2U8eVfHRMBg_cpX5NPKcaAEV2KPj/s1600/Here%E2%80%99s+What+Not+to+Do+When+Refinancing.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you
considering a refinance for your current mortgage? Then you need to be sure
that you understand the mistakes that you need to avoid before you refinance
your mortgage with any lender. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s what
NOT to do when refinancing your mortgage:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not checking out all of your refinancing
options - </b>Before you decide to refinance, you have to shop around and learn
what your options are. You don't want to make the mistake of not shopping
around and simply staying with your current lender. This can lead to the wrong
refinancing option for you in particular. Shopping around will help you ensure
that you are definitely getting the best deal possible for your needs.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Signing any loan documents without first
carefully reading over them –</b> It’s wise to review every document for
refinancing before you close the deal. Otherwise, you will easily find that
there was some essential information that was missed.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not understanding what your break-even
point will be for refinancing - </b>Are you aware of how much time you will
need to recoup from the upfront transaction costs? You need to know when you
will break even and even when you will start getting ahead so you can make sure
that you are not going to be in trouble with your mortgage if the break-even
point is too far into your future. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not providing the mortgage company with the
refinance documents on time -</b> If your lending institution is requesting
that you provide them with additional documentation like verification of
employment or income and expense statements, then you have to be sure that you
get them to them right away. Delaying in providing these can lead to costly
delays that you could have avoided if you had just gotten them in on
time. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Not having the estimate of your mortgage
refinance put down on paper -</b> Lenders and brokers are required by law to
give you a written statement for the fees will be for refinancing. You want to
get this so you can have it with you at the closing to ensure you get the deal
that you agreed to. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ignoring your credit history-</b>The most common
mistake that homeowners make is ignoring their credit history. You should be
aware of your exact credit history before refinancing. Many people do not know
whether some mistakes were made on their credit reports and ends up taking high
interest rates. This high loan and credit fees ends up disqualifying them from
mortgages or even missing their chance of buying new homes or refinancing. The
best way to avoid this is to always know your credit score as well. Also, check
your credit report regularly to make sure there are no mistakes.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-70088026065159294702014-07-03T13:27:00.001-07:002014-07-03T13:27:25.858-07:00When Should You Drop Your Selling Price?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4a9dsjrd86bVKuzTDs_FKKCNZE4myfJ1D7C0IVjM10BOjRsz9UqirXTYJyZU0PTHyXNqFdbQfA5jQmjcfHO1-7zk5ZHauGdPR06wctXwX0to4Uy3fp2kRZ_3AYR3xd-vQcwqUXoWJyf/s1600/When+Should+You+Drop+Your+Selling+Price.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4a9dsjrd86bVKuzTDs_FKKCNZE4myfJ1D7C0IVjM10BOjRsz9UqirXTYJyZU0PTHyXNqFdbQfA5jQmjcfHO1-7zk5ZHauGdPR06wctXwX0to4Uy3fp2kRZ_3AYR3xd-vQcwqUXoWJyf/s1600/When+Should+You+Drop+Your+Selling+Price.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You want to get the best price for your
home, naturally. You’ve put it up for sale, focused on things like curb appeal
to make a good first impression, and done research for other prices in your
location. But despite all of your efforts, what if your home has been sitting
on the market and/or you have no showings scheduled? It may be time to evaluate
your selling price.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you initially list your house,
it will be a new listing that may get lots of attention at first. But that can
change quickly, and as the weeks go on, you might consider the price.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many reasons to lower your
selling price:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There
are fewer buyers looking at your home. </b>If the house has been on the market
and there have not been any interested buyers inquiring about your property, it
may be time to reduce the price a bit. Many potential buyers may think that
your home is overpriced a bit, and taking it down can bring in new buyers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
have to sell because of a looming deadline. </b>Maybe you’re moving to another
state and need to sell before you leave. Consider lowering your asking price to
get potential buyers interested. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
don’t have any offers coming in. </b>Maybe you’ve given many tours of your home
to potential buyers but no one had made you an offer. It’s possible that the
only thing stopping them is the too-high price, so you may want to take it
down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
can’t afford any upgrades.</b> If you were planning to do some improvements
like painting, new carpet, etc. but now you simply can’t put out the money for
these things, you may want to consider lowering the price. You want the price
to be fair considering what the home may be lacking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Your
price is too high for the competition.</b> If your home has been on the market
for a month or so and you don’t have any potential buyers, it’s time to give
the price a second thought. Staying in touch with the competition will ensure
you get the best price for your property.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s understandable that you want to
get a certain price for your home, but you must be realistic about the market
and the condition of the house. It’s a good idea to keep in close contact with
your agent throughout the entire process so that you know where the sale of
your home stands.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-50645107994022856562014-06-16T08:50:00.000-07:002014-06-16T08:50:14.829-07:00Summer Landscaping Tips
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRAyFKskNwWhznraGqGEjbUO7qxgy0hniLShr62qKF_jzbge6aE-UGcCZ0K6SN3mtPrp7cBoBW6JyrZ4IGemu__Tm0t62MLPaerOxovYa1e0IEmkTSqQ227ZPIV9e80xYD8drXWvmEdSJ/s1600/Summer+Landscaping+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRAyFKskNwWhznraGqGEjbUO7qxgy0hniLShr62qKF_jzbge6aE-UGcCZ0K6SN3mtPrp7cBoBW6JyrZ4IGemu__Tm0t62MLPaerOxovYa1e0IEmkTSqQ227ZPIV9e80xYD8drXWvmEdSJ/s1600/Summer+Landscaping+Tips.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Now that summer is here, it’s a
good idea to look at the landscaping around your home. Depending on what part
of the country you live in, summer can be one of the most challenging seasons
for maintaining landscaping and lawns. The hotter it gets, the more detrimental
it is for your plants and lawns because the soil dries up. Plants have the
tendency to wither if they are not hydrated properly. This can be a challenge
if you live in an area where water restrictions are imposed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Why is landscaping so important?
It creates curb appeal that can help you to sell your home. It can also add
value to your property, which is always a good thing. However, the wrong
landscaping and/or unattractive, withering, and dry landscaping can prove to be
detrimental to the sale of your home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Consider the following tips to
keep your home’s landscape hydrated and looking lush and beautiful during the
summer months:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Look for signs
of plant and lawn dehydration early.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> It is
essential to determine whether or not your landscaping is showing signs of
dehydration. If plants are wilting and growth is slow, you should tend to your
landscaping immediately. Other signs of dehydration include yellowing leaves,
browning leaf edges, and the upward curling of grass blades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Mow the grass
frequently.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Also, mowing the grass as tall
as you can allows the grass to draw moisture from a bigger volume of soil,
resulting in the need for less watering. Mowing the grass to heights of three
to three and a half inches means that the lawn has a better chance of surviving
a long drought period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Water your lawn
and plants during the appropriate times. </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The best time
to water a lawn is from 6am to 8am when water pressure is highest and water
evaporation is lowest. You should not water your lawn during the middle of the
day and windy conditions. When you know the best time for irrigation, you can
conserve water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Keep the dirt
near the foundation of your house moist. </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">When the dirt
is dry, the foundation can have the tendency to crack. This can be very costly
to repair, so make sure the dirt is semi-wet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Control the
growth of weeds.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> First, inspect for weeds to spot
any growth early. Next, look into lawn treatments for weed control. You will
need a pre-emergence weed control treatments and post-emergence treatments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">You can still have a beautiful
lawn and landscaping that will wow potential buyers this summer. Be smart about
your solutions to keep your landscaping looking great during the hot months!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-50890609102169388312014-05-20T10:57:00.000-07:002014-05-20T10:58:07.325-07:00Should You Buy a Cul-de-Sac House?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ0B1sKNeXdHRIKPsL_sJsgENy9EpP0rkxywrMSo4PR3mfJHOf8JaL1Wry0lZJa4yTayg-kDZWGGAyUfn3W8DulcI38kFpYGzxcW7L8GrekqGwMW1u6C6QM6znfCiSI1icFL1aWY4JOoX/s1600/Should+You+Buy+a+Cul-de-Sac+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ0B1sKNeXdHRIKPsL_sJsgENy9EpP0rkxywrMSo4PR3mfJHOf8JaL1Wry0lZJa4yTayg-kDZWGGAyUfn3W8DulcI38kFpYGzxcW7L8GrekqGwMW1u6C6QM6znfCiSI1icFL1aWY4JOoX/s1600/Should+You+Buy+a+Cul-de-Sac+House.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cul-de-sac home has been a
symbol of traditional suburban life for decades. While cul-de-sacs have been
built for centuries in the form of dead-end streets, they are commonly built
nowadays for other reasons—one of which is to alleviate vehicle traffic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Basically, a cul-de-sac is a
street that has only one inlet/outlet. They became popular in America cities
after World War II, and they are a classic symbol of suburban life. However,
lately cul-de-sacs have been viewed in a negative light by some urban planners.
But the popularity and charm of the cul-de-sac will always be present with
homebuyers, and for good reasons.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’re thinking about buying a
cul-de-sac home, here are some pros and cons that you should consider:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pros<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Privacy</b>- Cul-de-sac homes offer more privacy than others because
most of the traffic will come from the people that live in the cul-de-sac
itself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good for families-</b> Less traffic means a safer play area for
children. Plus, many families who live in the same cul-de-sac often become
tightly knit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Good resell opportunities-</b> Buyers will pay 20% more for cu-de-sac
homes. (Hopefully you won’t have to when you initially buy!) But this is good
news if and when you decide to resell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">More driving- </b>It’s rather difficult to get anywhere without driving
when you live in a cul-de-sac because you have to funnel the roads to get to
the main road. Traffic can be a challenge once you get to the main trunk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Less privacy-</b> While you have more privacy from other traffic and
pedestrians, you are basically living in close proximity to at least five other
homes when you buy a home in a cul-de-sac. All of your neighbors will know a
great deal about you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vehicles turning around-</b> Many cars will drive to the cul-de-sac to turn
around, and this extra traffic can pose safety issues for children who are
playing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-16977744338523011662014-05-01T11:10:00.000-07:002014-05-01T11:10:09.655-07:00Costs Involved With Homebuying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtckT-GVRrvpJ7TjYBiCVDOc7rR_jok0YmWANhPOWaoK_KRl_RX3dwqItAjuHeaGRHlmbV8dZip-_wRPx-mnOj5u6A4Q-yjKtmFt_vNQ3DOBmmf_GGb0h4NRAnm_9ljAWjwR-ttiGFgATD/s1600/Costs+Involved+With+Homebuying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtckT-GVRrvpJ7TjYBiCVDOc7rR_jok0YmWANhPOWaoK_KRl_RX3dwqItAjuHeaGRHlmbV8dZip-_wRPx-mnOj5u6A4Q-yjKtmFt_vNQ3DOBmmf_GGb0h4NRAnm_9ljAWjwR-ttiGFgATD/s1600/Costs+Involved+With+Homebuying.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So you’ve decide
to buy a home. Congratulations! Before you go shopping for the home of your
dreams, you should know that homebuying involves more than simply picking out a
home and paying for it. There are many costs and expenses you need to know
about before you sign on the dotted line. It is wise to be prepared and know
the costs ahead of time so that you can budget accordingly. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a list of
expenses that every new homeowner should expect and budget for:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Homeowner’s insurance- </b>While many home
buyers don’t think about it initially, insurance is necessary to protect your
property in case of fire and inevitable disasters. The cost varies from company
to company, and it also depends on type of policy that you need.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moving expenses- </b>As you probably may
already know, moving can be very expensive. From packing supplies to a moving
van, the expenses can run well into the hundreds of dollars. The cost will be
higher if you need to hire a moving company, and it also depends on how far you
are moving. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Upgrades-</b> Your new home may not come
with the appliances and features that you desire. The base price may not
include the finishes and flooring that the model home. Countertops, cabinets, marble
flooring, crown molding and other fixtures may not be included with the house
that you fell in love with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Necessities- </b>You may need to have
things like window coverings, fences, gates and doors installed that weren’t
included on the property. Even smaller expenses like mailboxes and having the
locks changed can add up for a new homeowner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Landscaping and gardening-</b> While perfectly
cut green grass and flowers are beautiful, they can be a big expense that adds
up. If you can handle the workload, you will save money, but you still need the
appropriate equipment. It should go without saying that the bigger your yard
and lawn are, the more money it will cost in the upkeep and maintenance. Fertilizer
alone is quite expensive, not including the tools. You can hire someone to do
the job on a regular basis, but naturally it is much cheaper to do it yourself.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cable, phone and internet services- </b>Many
people don’t account for the transfer of these services, and there are
additional costs for companies to set up your services in your new home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Décor and furniture- </b>Of course you will
want to decorate your new home as soon as you move in to give a personalized
look and feel. You’ll need items such as blinds, draperies and rugs to create a
lived-in environment. Chances are good that you are moving to a bigger home, so
you will probably need to fill it with more furniture. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-23185572080455929702014-04-22T10:15:00.000-07:002014-04-22T10:15:18.173-07:00Safety Tips for Online Mortgage Refinancing
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlduDcvCPjOMZEDLO-xY8fpc-hUQyLPDM66uwHa9xqCr_T3XaU5dVUX2o098GIN9PP7Ze2P5YMEKDzF417sx52RZuz9ZFo8GTyKt2J1ojGckgL7S_-rNJQd_4VezrtVvxt6AgBDoneVwQ/s1600/Safety+Tips+for+Online+Mortgage+Refinancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlduDcvCPjOMZEDLO-xY8fpc-hUQyLPDM66uwHa9xqCr_T3XaU5dVUX2o098GIN9PP7Ze2P5YMEKDzF417sx52RZuz9ZFo8GTyKt2J1ojGckgL7S_-rNJQd_4VezrtVvxt6AgBDoneVwQ/s1600/Safety+Tips+for+Online+Mortgage+Refinancing.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mortgage refinance loans are a fast pacing trend in
today’s consumer loan markets. Home prices almost always stay high. So many
homeowners use the option of refinancing their mortgages or opt for a home
equity loan. Online mortgage lenders have used quite a few innovative methods
to make the application process easier and simpler. But as you know, shopping
online can be quite a tricky business at times. Risks are always involved. To
keep your transactions and personal information secured online, our market
experts have provided some helpful suggestions and guidelines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Know whom
are you dealing with<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before you click on the “apply now” button for a
mortgage refinance loan, check and verify the respective lender’s credentials.
As a worldwide common practice, websites usually post this information on an
“About us” page. This page will mostly provide details such as company
background, management hierarchy, certifications, and other mortgage sales experiences.
If you are unable to verify any lender’s certifications, directly contact them
or check with any of the mortgage related government agencies for verification.
Genuine lenders will gladly provide all the relevant information for you to
verify their credentials and certifications. They are aware of consumer’s
concerns over online transactions.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The brand
name<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In online shopping, the branded firms get most of
the business. People usually trust familiar and known names. Popular sites are
known for providing excellent security features, which results in generating
more traffic on their portals. The more recommended your online lender is, the
better security they’ll have to offer. This does not mean that small time
merchants are a taboo. They have secured connections and possibly lower rates
too. So, do lookout for brand names, but also keep an eye on the small dealers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “S” of
security<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While applying online, look for two highly
important and easy-to-identify security features on the web pages. A closed
padlock or an icon of a key signifies that security options are enabled for the
website. Also, on the address bar where you type the website name/URL, instead
of “http” there will be “https”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example: https://www.lenderxyz.com</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These sites use an encryption service and have a
link or a page dedicated to show the details about the connection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But still, always be careful while filling
out application forms; especially, the ones which ask for information such as your
date of birth. These little pieces of personal information can be used by
credit card scammers and other illegal activities. If you’re suspicious about a
particular website, but they have been highly recommended, then contact them
and ask for an executive to discuss their privacy policies. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep
yourself updated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep checking for articles to educate yourself and
to stay updated on the latest information about the online mortgage refinancing
process. There a lot of websites which guide you through the process of home
equity loans, mortgage loans and mortgage refinancing. Professional lenders are
prompt with helpful advices and up-to-date information. They even conduct
seminars and provide active online assistance to answer your queries.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Initially, taking precautionary measures might feel
to be a little time consuming but, as the saying goes, better be safe than
sorry. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, keep these suggestions in mind while applying
and working with online lenders for mortgage refinancing, and have a safe and
satisfactory web experience.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-41060389590463822682014-04-17T12:28:00.000-07:002014-04-17T12:28:46.067-07:00Summer Home Improvement Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ylpirx3OiZA5Bm998nfDjM2M2vA0xUW0iQ3tpHsJxtRY5Isl7HkPtw-HGUpLOn1SXAViykc8AVHiQzFcjZX_h4OQUoJ4joD-MskL-1oQsWOClw4aikLxR1KWlw7cAxU0sKVk19wXOFWe/s1600/Summer+Home+Improvement+Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ylpirx3OiZA5Bm998nfDjM2M2vA0xUW0iQ3tpHsJxtRY5Isl7HkPtw-HGUpLOn1SXAViykc8AVHiQzFcjZX_h4OQUoJ4joD-MskL-1oQsWOClw4aikLxR1KWlw7cAxU0sKVk19wXOFWe/s1600/Summer+Home+Improvement+Ideas.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that the
weather is finally getting warmer, it’s time to think about what kind of summer
home improvements you’d like to make. Not only can summer additions and
improvements add to the value of your home, they can make your house much more
desirable to potential buyers should you decide to sell in the next few years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s take a look
at some cool summer home improvement ideas that are sure to make your home more
enjoyable for years to come:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pool<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What could be
better than a new pool for summer? It’s a fact that pools are extremely
desirable home features for buyers. Be sure to figure out your budget as pool
additions can get pricey, especially when it comes to pools that are below the
ground.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New roof<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The installation
of a new roof should be done in warmer weather, and the summertime is perfect!
The sun’s rays are warm enough to melt the tar paper so that it bonds. A new
roof can give you peace of mind plus add great value to your home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunroom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy the sun’s
warm rays with the addition of a cool sunroom. Glass walls with screen options
are a good idea when considering sunroom addition. The sunroom can even act as
a family or reading room during the winter months.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Exercise room<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t pay for the
gym anymore! Take that spare bedroom <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
transform it into a calorie-busting gym. Your health will appreciate it, and so
will potential buyers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Backyard deck<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A deck addition
is most likely that biggest remodel that you can make for the summer. This is
true whether you are remodeling an existing deck or building a new one from
scratch. Keep in mind a deck addition takes a great deal of planning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-23792840270547876572014-04-15T14:10:00.001-07:002014-04-15T14:10:52.261-07:00Common Refinancing Myths<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6or66L826oAXxFiYkfh2DGgmAcFh6DNN2uFMWkmTaSxqncwBX2mtVbIJFUuQ5ezQVWh_VUgEGshV3hcjUhUPXGQTMnuh-sf-dlm5NwPwr6jjYihbYP0Ayo-KuMJUw6yIyXhxwrprH-u1/s1600/Get+a+Clearer+Picture+on+Refinancing+Your+Mortgage.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6or66L826oAXxFiYkfh2DGgmAcFh6DNN2uFMWkmTaSxqncwBX2mtVbIJFUuQ5ezQVWh_VUgEGshV3hcjUhUPXGQTMnuh-sf-dlm5NwPwr6jjYihbYP0Ayo-KuMJUw6yIyXhxwrprH-u1/s1600/Get+a+Clearer+Picture+on+Refinancing+Your+Mortgage.gif" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Refinancing
is increasingly getting difficult and this trend is expected to prevail for a
while before rates climb down and homeowners return to the market. Refinancing
qualifications have become rather challenging. Conventional credit profiles are
being scrutinized more. People with little or no home equity are at a loss on how
to put their refinance plans into motion.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here,
we discuss some basics of refinancing. More importantly, we clarify some common
refinance myths:</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Myth:
Refinance Eventually Leads to Losing Equity<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Truth:</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> This is a common misconception.
Refinance doesn’t eat into your equity. In fact, it helps you save more over a
longer period. This is true unless you opt for cash-out refinance where the
loaned principal amount is raised. Secondly, some folks don’t understand the
concept of building equity. Refinancing requires some strategy if you are
serious about increasing your equity. More equity doesn’t mean getting a gift
check from your lender or paying progressively lesser on your original loan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mortgage
payments are made up of two parts. One part goes to your principal and the
other towards the interest. If you find a refinancing option with no prepayment
penalty, additional payments to decrease the principal helps. It allows you to
create more equity. The refinance allows you to pay off the home loan in lesser
time than the original loan period with negligible changes to your monthly
payment pattern—these are significant savings!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Myth:
Refinancing Before Reaching Breakeven Doesn’t Make Sense<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Truth:</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> This refinancing myth is the result
of incorrect interpretations of breakeven period. Sometimes, rates drop to an
irresistible low, luring people into refinancing aggressively. Some people
start questioning the wisdom of refinancing when the breakeven of the previous
loan hasn’t been fully realized.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">People
don’t look at the bigger picture. If the interest rate can be lowered to such
an extent that you can absorb the new breakeven period and still get more
equity, you should go for it! To avoid such confusions, follow the simple rule
of keeping your refinancing decision one dimensional. If you can lower your
rate without the need to repay more, you stand to gain. Please note that the
best rate for you might not be the lowest rate in the nation. It is simply the
best available option among the many mortgage quotes you receive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Myth:
Refinance Always Leads to Higher Closing Costs<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Truth:</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Yes, refinancing helps you get some
equity in times of crisis. Equally true is the fact that refinancing brings
along some additional costs that aren’t always visible. Refinance calculations
work out better in the customer’s favor when the credit amount is big. A
slightly longer, bigger refinance helps to neutralize the high closing costs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before
jumping on to conclusions work out the true cost of your refinancing proposal.
Every refinanced mortgage comes with a GFE—Good Faith Estimate where the total
closing cost is mentioned. This figure can be slightly confusing. Usually, it
includes many components for which a borrower would be paying anyway. This
includes partial or prepaid month interests, escrow property taxes, and escrow
homeowner insurance. Besides these, other components such as documentation
fees, application fee, credit report fees, and title insurance make up the true
cost of refinancing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Myth:
Repeated Refinancing Approvals are Simply Impossible!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Truth:</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Refinancing isn't refused just
because a borrower had refinanced in the recent past. There are no mortgaging
or federal laws which limit lenders from lending to people who repeatedly refinance.
Yes, the success rate for such refinancing applications might be lower, but the
market understands that whenever lending rates are lower, refinancing will be
in demand.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Some lenders prefer profiles where the customer has waited for a certain
period before seeking another refinance. Some borrowers prepay on their
existing loans to get a low rate refinance. Though there is nothing wrong with
this strategy, it could lead to some losses. We recommend keeping a check on
the prepayment penalties that have huge regional fluctuations. Prime mortgages
are usually without substantial prepayment penalties.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-17868109160996944062014-04-10T12:52:00.001-07:002014-04-10T12:52:26.787-07:00How to Fix Squeaky Floors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J9Dz35-zVatWXQSkiY6QrXBfHETunHi7kq41NFeFwmM_Cw1vFlkUEvPX7QiS0qKZ2nHKQuZ1qSR-M8hKyjv70RTdv6kXENRhOMjnLQpGre4bxOtaZJvR_aYh4gd2K7mG7NlEUrXc_axG/s1600/How+to+Fix+Squeaky+Floors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J9Dz35-zVatWXQSkiY6QrXBfHETunHi7kq41NFeFwmM_Cw1vFlkUEvPX7QiS0qKZ2nHKQuZ1qSR-M8hKyjv70RTdv6kXENRhOMjnLQpGre4bxOtaZJvR_aYh4gd2K7mG7NlEUrXc_axG/s1600/How+to+Fix+Squeaky+Floors.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Squeaky
floors can be quite irritating. Also, they will reduce the value of your home
when it is time to sell. When the floor sheets rub against one another, they
produce an irritating noise. This is the reason behind squeaky floors. If you
can prevent the panels from moving, you can stop the noise. That is the only
remedy.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
noisy floors have been destroying the peace and quiet at home, you should try
these simple steps to restore peace instantly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What causes noisy floors?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Noisy
floors are a common problem. This is almost always caused by improper
installation of the panels. If floors are not installed properly, they can
buckle or squeak. Nails might even pop. Fortunately, preventing these problems
is relatively easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to fixing noisy floors.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose the right materials<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any
lumber that you use for flooring must be dry. Green lumber is not dimensionally
stable. Its size may shrink when it dries. As green lumber dries, it may cause
nail pops. This creates ugly bumps under the flooring and also causes
squeaking. In addition it accelerates wear and tear. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Engineered
wood dries up during just the production stage. When these wooden panels are
properly installed, they will not cause nail pops. While selecting the panel for
your floors, you should consider finish flooring, joist spacing, applied load,
and floor system.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allow proper panel spacing<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Engineered
wood is dry when it leaves the factory. However, these panels will eventually
absorb moisture and expand. While installing them, ample space should be left
between the panels to allow for expansion. If there is no room to expand, the
panels may buckle and then you will hear the noise. According to APA, <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></sup>/<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sub>8</sub><sup>th</sup></span>
of an inch should be left at all end joints and sheathing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ideally,
you should let the panels acclimatize before they are installed. This will
further reduce the potential for buckling. You can acclimatize panels by letting
them stand on their edge for a few days. This arrangement allows ample air
circulation.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose the right adhesives<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you use glue to keep panels in their place, you should choose an adhesive that
meets the APA Performance Specification ASTM D3498 or AFG-01. The adhesive can
dry out faster, so you should spread only enough adhesive to lay 1 or 2 panels
at a time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before
applying the adhesive, you should wipe away dust, debris and water. This is
necessary to ensure that the boards will be properly secured to their joists.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use
ample amount of glue. Glue should be applied in a serpentine fashion in wide
areas. All tongue and groove joints should be glued together by spreading the
adhesive in the groove.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each
panel should be nailed before the adhesive sets. Note that adhesives tend to
set faster in warm weather. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nail panels correctly<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choosing
nails of the right size is essential. The correct spacing and nail size depend
on the thickness of your panel and joist spacing. You should also take into
account the unique nature of the panel product you use. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Noisy
floors are a headache, but by taking some simple steps you can easily solve
this problem.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-4559314297566636682014-04-08T11:57:00.000-07:002014-04-08T11:57:20.988-07:00How Much Home Insurance Should You Get?
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEteGeuG8Ml1_1jNndJ51qo-jEwWiI5aaD2dqut6hLUj4ebNlQQLOZJuWRSA_XQcm60EEZ53y2bz6_wxMz7YV1gJrlx22M3AbmruXK33mHgAx_dp_UVLCjPFt5nNvJ2CWQ3Epl1YE8jSA/s1600/How+Much+Home+Insurance+Should+You+Get.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEteGeuG8Ml1_1jNndJ51qo-jEwWiI5aaD2dqut6hLUj4ebNlQQLOZJuWRSA_XQcm60EEZ53y2bz6_wxMz7YV1gJrlx22M3AbmruXK33mHgAx_dp_UVLCjPFt5nNvJ2CWQ3Epl1YE8jSA/s1600/How+Much+Home+Insurance+Should+You+Get.jpg" height="299" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homeowners seek to cover risks
associated with damage to their property by buying homeowners insurance.
However, not many homeowners have clarity regarding how much home insurance
they should purchase. Most of them buy too much while some undervalue the risk
proposition. There are no one-size-fits-all packages for the home insurance
niche. The reason is simple—every home presents a totally different
demographic. This includes parameters like overall safety associated with the neighborhood,
geographic and climatic conditions, structural aspects, and household incomes.
Here, we will help you understand the finer aspects of buying adequate and
relevant home insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Understand Your
Home Insurance Premium<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most home insurance premiums are the
collective sum of payments charged for the following type of coverage:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dwelling—this means paying for
different types of damage to the main structure, the home, and some
attached constructions like a garage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Loss of Utility—this part of
premium partially covers your living costs when the home is rendered
uninhabitable. For instance, widespread mold growth can leave your house
dangerous to inhabit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personal possessions—here, you
pay for household items of value which can be stolen or damaged.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personal Liability—this payment
ensures coverage in case you are held responsible for injury to someone on
your property.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Medical Expenditures—along with
personal liability coverage, this takes care of medical bills of the
person injured on your property.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other Important Structures—this
payment is to cover damage to external, non-primary structures like
fences.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among these, dwelling coverage and
personal possession coverage together form the biggest part of the premium.
Dwelling coverage is the most basic, critical aspect of home insurance. Most
households want a dwelling coverage sufficient to replace their entire home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personal
Possessions: How much is good enough?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coverage for personal possessions is
often an argued part of home insurance. Though important, approximating the
right value for various things in your home can be challenging. If you have
lots of electronics items and valuable like paintings, expensive furniture,
etc. ensure that the possessions coverage is close to the dwelling coverage. We
suggest you keep the personal possessions coverage at about 50 percent of the
dwelling coverage. This can go up to 60 percent in some cases.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coverage that
Compensates for Inflation: Ever thought about it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at the last decade and it will
become clear that nearly everything has become expensive. However, people
forget that the same applies to the cost of construction. Supplies and
professional labor is getting expensive with every passing year. So, what if
you ever need to rebuild your home? Is your home insurance capable to cover for
the rising cost of construction? Rather than thinking only about the current
and near-future market value of your home, calculate the construction costs
too. Your home insurance should be sufficiently spread to cover hikes in prices
of property construction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Standard Homeowners
Policy Sounds Good? Think Again!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most standard home insurance policies
don’t cover damage to property caused by floods! Though a natural cause,
floods-related damages remain outside the realm of standard coverage. Check if
your home insurance policy provides coverage against flood—don’t assume you
have it. If not, ask for this coverage that is usually sold as an
additional/add-on policy to the package. However, don’t be blinded by what
insurance agents say about natural calamities. Do some basic research about
flood-related susceptibility in and around your area. It is possible that you
inhabit an area without any history or probability of floods.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Liability
Coverage: Do you really need it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Liability coverage is among the most commonly
neglected aspects of home insurance. It seems people ignore the possibility of
someone getting hurt on their property. This approach can have disastrous
results. If sued, the financial damages can ruin you. It is better to pay a bit
beyond your level of comfort to protect yourself. High net worth households are
often recommended buying an umbrella policy. This comprehensive form of
liability coverage covers most types of injuries sustained on any part of the
property.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-52785534120484071142014-04-03T10:59:00.000-07:002014-04-03T11:00:07.090-07:00How Landscaping Improves Curb Appeal <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtpS6trM04JPmgcjXcIIP66QMtoErXMTSfDFHCXPqT4l-jxIF7ymKxQtINo3fM7mTybXBa2kz4eHLKSdA7A7gtTdGtjzJihZSTCM0v9IYH8yW-lL8P9w2rNNm7zToLTKMr1nX0H5EhrbF/s1600/How+Landscaping+Improves+Curb+Appeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtpS6trM04JPmgcjXcIIP66QMtoErXMTSfDFHCXPqT4l-jxIF7ymKxQtINo3fM7mTybXBa2kz4eHLKSdA7A7gtTdGtjzJihZSTCM0v9IYH8yW-lL8P9w2rNNm7zToLTKMr1nX0H5EhrbF/s1600/How+Landscaping+Improves+Curb+Appeal.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your landscaping should add functionality and enhance the curb appeal
of your property. Good landscaping can increase the resale value of your
property by up to 7%. It will also facilitate a quick sale. But don't landscape
with the sole objective of improving your home's value. When you landscape,
your main concern should be increasing your own enjoyment of the space. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this article, we will share the vital elements of good landscaping
that adds value and provides enjoyment to the owner and potential buyers.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trees<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trees provide shade. They keep your home cool during the hot summer
months and reduce your energy bills. Trees also improve the air quality. They
absorb the carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. They also prevent
soil erosion and retain the fertility of your soil. Trees are also known to
reduce stress levels. Your trees may even increase the value of your neighbor's
property.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In order to add resale value, the tree has to be healthy and mature.
Trees that are native to the region have higher value because they don't
require much maintenance. According to the US Department of Energy, two or
three trees that are properly placed can save up to $250 in annual energy
bills.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By planting windbreaks, you can also reduce your heating bills. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Native plants<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are planning to add plants, trees or shrubs to the yard, opt for
the native ones. They thrive well in their natural habitat. Native plantings
can increase your home's value. They are also beneficial for the wildlife
because they create a natural habitat for birds and butterflies.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rain gardens<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rain gardens featuring native trees and plants are attracting buyers
because they offer protection from extreme weather that plagues many states.
These gardens can prevent rain water from seeping into the basement. Rain
gardens can even reduce flood insurance premium.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Outdoor lighting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good outdoor lighting is one of the most desirable outdoor features. It
is also a great landscape essential.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thoughtful lighting enhances the aesthetic value of your house at
night. It has several other benefits, too. Outdoor lighting makes your yard
usable at night. It prevents falls. It also keeps intruders away. If your
outdoor areas are well-lit at night, thieves will think twice before trying to
break in. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fencing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fencing sets boundaries and creates privacy. It will keep intruders out
and pets in. Fencing is unlikely to improve resale value, but it has several
other benefits. However, nice fences do have some value.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Retaining walls<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Retaining walls help reclaim sloped yards. They control soil erosion by
slowing the flow of rain water down the slope. They also add color to vast
stretches of green. If done correctly, terracing and walls can increase the
curb appeal of your property and add resale value. However, walls can be quite
pricey.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walkways<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walkways welcome visitors to your home. They also increase the overall
curb appeal of your property. You can use pavers or solid stone walkways. When
it comes to walkways, getting too fancy can be counterproductive. On the other
hand, if your walkways don't meet the standard of your neighborhood, you will
see a drop in the value of your property.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-43542095857881477992014-04-01T08:25:00.000-07:002014-04-01T08:25:58.131-07:00What You Should Consider While Shopping for an Adjustable Mortgage
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD12UpU4RY8v3m-dgcl8h1qXk5iE6OuSXUeDRuTmv_zpHRzuNiFj6Ofu5IPwxNwAUrAQmNcU-ZROxkMncqk5OfmVzmWu2zR8KG2dxoW6aIAfH8M6_6L2VoQ9MTb_0P59BXa56hqOdTw8N/s1600/What+You+Should+Consider+While+Shopping+for+an+Adjustable+Mortgage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD12UpU4RY8v3m-dgcl8h1qXk5iE6OuSXUeDRuTmv_zpHRzuNiFj6Ofu5IPwxNwAUrAQmNcU-ZROxkMncqk5OfmVzmWu2zR8KG2dxoW6aIAfH8M6_6L2VoQ9MTb_0P59BXa56hqOdTw8N/s1600/What+You+Should+Consider+While+Shopping+for+an+Adjustable+Mortgage.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The interest rate on an adjustable mortgage (ARM) can change at every
adjustment. Actually, this is the main difference between a fixed rate mortgage
and an adjustable mortgage. ARMs are also called flexible rate mortgages.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All adjustable mortgages have an initial period during which the rate
of interest is lower than fixed rates. In fact, these low initial rates are the
biggest USP of ARMs. They make mortgage payments affordable, at least during
the initial period. But things can change for the worse when the rates adjust
after the initial period.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Advantages of adjustable
mortgages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Interest rates are low during the initial
period. In fact, the rates on an ARM can be lower than fixed rates by 2 – 3%.
This will translate into significant savings for the borrower. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting an ARM is easier than getting a
fixed-rate mortgage. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Payments can drop if index rates fall.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Processing times are quicker and lenders are
more willing to offer ARMs.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most ARMs do not have a prepayment penalty.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drawbacks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monthly mortgage payments can increase when interest rates rise. On the
other hand, when you have a fixed-rate mortgage, you are immune to rate
changes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is the risk of negative amortization. Adjustable mortgages have
rate and payment caps. That means your monthly payment can't go beyond a
certain amount. As a result, sometimes your payment may not cover the whole of
the interest costs. In this case, the difference will be added to the principal
amount. If this happens even after making several mortgage payments, you will
still owe more money than you did when took the loan. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who should consider getting an
ARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People who are purchasing a starter home should consider getting an ARM
because they are more likely to sell that home and move into a bigger home
during the initial period itself.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People who are likely to get a transfer in the next two - three years
also make good candidates for ARM.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who should not consider getting
an ARM?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Homeowners who plan to live in the same house for the rest of their
life should consider getting a fixed rate mortgage, not an adjustable mortgage.
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">People who don't expect their income to increase in the immediate
future, too, should not get an ARM.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While shopping for an ARM, you should ask the following questions to
the lender.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the initial interest rate?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the annual percentage rate?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What index does the lender use to adjust the
loan? The borrower should also ask how this index performed over the last few
years.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the lender's margin? (The lender will
add margin to the index rate to calculate the ARM interest rate. The margin
will be the same throughout the life of your loan.) </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How long does the initial period last?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will the rate go up at the first adjustment even
if the benchmark index hasn't moved? </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is there a rate cap?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How often will the rate change?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does the mortgage require private insurance? If
so, how much will it cost?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is there a prepayment penalty?</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does the loan carry the risk of negative
amortization?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting an ARM is
not a wise idea if you intend to get an educational or an auto loan in the
future. </span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-65258365322311458492014-03-27T14:14:00.001-07:002014-03-27T14:14:59.121-07:00Advantages of Getting a Mortgage Refinance
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1vmtCsY2dBq4tj62MDc3J93Ug5apYxuLV_CxJurDUO-tHXjsAnoyxQcQ_mRCCXFaCBovUXJ_3ufB3xt9aiSHzIRUh9e0FVX9Jm2oErraF-fJv_6N8JHy43b7eJePsUOEt0hJI5nLrTGy/s1600/Advantages+of+Getting+a+Mortgage+Refinance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1vmtCsY2dBq4tj62MDc3J93Ug5apYxuLV_CxJurDUO-tHXjsAnoyxQcQ_mRCCXFaCBovUXJ_3ufB3xt9aiSHzIRUh9e0FVX9Jm2oErraF-fJv_6N8JHy43b7eJePsUOEt0hJI5nLrTGy/s1600/Advantages+of+Getting+a+Mortgage+Refinance.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When homeowners decide to refinance their mortgage, their
chief concern is to get lower interest rates. It is true that refinancing is a
great way to get lower rates, but there are several other benefits as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the interest rate on your existing mortgage is 6 percent
and you can reduce it to 5 percent by refinancing, you should definitely go for
it. Besides reducing your monthly mortgage payments, mortgage refinancing is ideal
for long term cost savings. Here are some of the benefits of getting a refinance.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can reduce the
term of the loan</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you refinance, you get to reduce the term of your home
loan. You can, for example, go from a 30-year term to a 15-year term. And when
you reduce the term, you get lower interest rates. This will also reduce your
interest costs. Your monthly payments will go up, but you will be able to pay
off the loan faster. As a result, you can build up equity faster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You get to switch from
an adjustable mortgage to a fixed interest rate mortgage</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is true that ARMs have low interest rates during the
initial period. But the rates can go up significantly when the loan resets.
Worse still, there is no way you can predict what the rates will be five or ten
years from now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have an adjustable mortgage, you will be able to
switch to a fixed interest rate mortgage when you get a refinance. This will
also ensure your piece of mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cash-out refinancing</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you get a cash-out home loan refinance, you will be able
to turn your home's equity into cash. The value of your home may have
appreciated over the years. If you feel that you have accumulated considerable
equity, you can refinance the home at its current value and pocket the difference.
You will be able to use that money for a home remodeling project or something
similar. Make sure that you do not use this amount to splurge on unnecessary
items. If you are not a disciplined borrower, a cash-out refinance will land
you in even deeper debts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Consolidate two loans</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you get refinance, you can consolidate your main home
loan and a home equity loan. This will allow you to get an even lower monthly
payment. In addition, you will need to make only one payment per month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recover from divorce</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You and your spouse may be co-owners of the property. While
there is nothing wrong with that arrangement, problems can arise if you decide
to divorce. If, after divorce your ex-spouse doesn't contribute his/her share
of the monthly payment, you will be in trouble. In this case, if you get
refinance, you will have sole ownership over the property if you decide to keep
the home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If at least one of the above reasons appeals to you, you
should consider the possibility of getting a refinance. Call your current
lender and ask if they are willing to offer you lower rates. If they aren't,
you should consider other lenders. You can search for lenders online. You
should also consider contacting community banks. Whether you stick with your
current lender or not, you can save a lot of money by getting a refinance
provided that you have got the right reasons.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-45633565791720738912014-03-20T11:13:00.000-07:002014-03-20T11:13:53.926-07:00How to Determine Whether Your Visitor is a Serious Buyer<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D3AFDCt6Dp_urZ1nF-UVljoU_ovt5jLx9erPx9kbykxGYmsisbH7bGLFiK_03ameky2Vaa9GKxJ7DdihnIUFc9vUD3MJWSfQdK0g1blATYxmVQ5ma1O-s4P_et-EdRvAEVcRyLTKmZwB/s1600/open_house_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D3AFDCt6Dp_urZ1nF-UVljoU_ovt5jLx9erPx9kbykxGYmsisbH7bGLFiK_03ameky2Vaa9GKxJ7DdihnIUFc9vUD3MJWSfQdK0g1blATYxmVQ5ma1O-s4P_et-EdRvAEVcRyLTKmZwB/s1600/open_house_sign.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have listed your home for sale, and now you are getting a
lot of visitors. But don't expect each one of them to make an irresistible
offer. Many people who visit a property are not serious buyers. They simply
want to take a look at the house and leave. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This can frustrate the seller, but remember that showings are
a normal part of the home selling process. If you really want to sell your
property, you should be ready to show it to a number of potential buyers. You
must be wondering if there is a way to determine whether a buyer is serious or
not. Yes, you can decide whether a buyer is serious by simply asking them a few
questions before they turn up to see the house. If the answers aren't satisfactory,
you can refuse the visit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are the questions you need to ask:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you think that my
home will meet your needs?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ask the prospective buyer if they have reviewed your listing
thoroughly. And if so, do they think that your home will meet their needs? If
they want three bedrooms and you have only two bedrooms, chances are things
won't work out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When do you intend to
move in?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You should know when the buyer intends to move in. If the
buyer wants to move in quickly and you are not ready to vacate the home in six
months, then it isn't a good match.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you looking for
'extras'?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some buyers expect 'extras'. For example, they might assume
that you will sell your home appliances with the property. If that is not the
case, you should let them know. Clearly state what items are included and what
items are not included in the sale.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have the
financial means to buy a home?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ask the buyer if they have got a mortgage pre-approved for
the price of your home. If so, it is a clear indication that the buyer is serious.
Serious buyers will explore the possibilities of getting finance even before
they start looking for properties. However, just because a visitor doesn't have
a pre-approved mortgage, you cannot assume that they are not serious. It is
possible to get a mortgage approved after making an offer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hold an open house</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you feel that buyer visits are consuming too much time,
you can consider holding your house open once a week. Ask everybody who has
expressed an interest in your property to come and see it during this occasion.
An open house will attract many visitors and at least one of them will
hopefully come up with a great offer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Selling a property can be a time consuming process. Don't
expect to find a buyer overnight. There are, however, a few things you can do
to sell your house quickly and profitably. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of all, make sure that your asking price is right. If
you quote an astronomical sum, finding a buyer will be very difficult. You also
need to ensure that your home is in good condition. Even minor issues like
leaking faucets and dysfunctional light bulbs need to be fixed before listing
the property for sale.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-72909324923162931272014-03-18T09:44:00.000-07:002014-03-18T09:44:39.827-07:00Minor Oversights That Can Land You In an Undesirable Mortgage<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cVgrRSMPsEtB8u2qGUZS3_Hvnr0B0m63-QPQkyVpYkSW19jglD-KjhAPLaEXf8agUaa7HeirNkOCM4E_Fj_nxyu-eC4d2YPahkbx4gEABFfkd83LV93TeT7TBOGZNrNIbFP79rx6JpQj/s1600/Minor+Oversights+that+Can+Land+You+In+an+Undesirable+Mortgage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cVgrRSMPsEtB8u2qGUZS3_Hvnr0B0m63-QPQkyVpYkSW19jglD-KjhAPLaEXf8agUaa7HeirNkOCM4E_Fj_nxyu-eC4d2YPahkbx4gEABFfkd83LV93TeT7TBOGZNrNIbFP79rx6JpQj/s1600/Minor+Oversights+that+Can+Land+You+In+an+Undesirable+Mortgage.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are not an all cash buyer, you will definitely need to
get a home loan. The home loan application process can be both stressful and
time consuming. A minor oversight can lead to big headaches in the future. So
take your own sweet time to review your loan documents. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your research </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do your research to keep yourself informed about the process.
You should be crystal clear about the terms and conditions before signing the
loan document. If you come across terms that you do not understand, ask about
them. Don't assume that things will work out fine. They probably won't. This
doesn't mean that your lender is trying to cheat you. They aren't, but you
might assume that your mortgage will work in a certain way. And when you later discover
that your assumptions were wrong, you will be in for an unpleasant surprise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An inability to understand the terms specified in the loan
document will land you in trouble. Some mortgages, for example, come with
prepayment penalties. These penalties limit the repayment options you have. If
the mortgage comes with a prepayment penalty, you will have to pay additional
fees if you pay off the loan in 1- 3 years. Now that interest rates are pretty
low, you will definitely not want to choose a mortgage with a prepayment
penalty. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is a glossary of terms you might come across in your
document. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amortization<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The word amortization is used to refer to the process of
reducing an amount of money owed by making regular payments. During the initial
years of your mortgage, the major chunk of your monthly payments goes towards
the interest. Towards the end of the term, you pay more principal and less
interest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Comparables<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The term comparables refers to comparable properties in your
area. While appraising your home, an appraiser will consider the price at which
similar homes in the locality were sold. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Escrow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every month, a certain percentage of your mortgage payments
goes to your Escrow account. Escrow will hold this amount to pay your yearly
bills such as mortgage insurance, property tax, and homeowner's insurance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Federal Housing
Administration (FHA)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FHA is a US government agency. It sets the mortgage
underwriting standards and insures home loans made by banks and private
lenders. FHA loans make homes more affordable because they allow people to
borrow with less equity or lower down payment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lien<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The word lien means that somebody has a legal right to
somebody else's property. The mortgage is a kind of lien. It gives the lender
the right to seize the borrower's property if terms specified in the mortgage
are not met.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are some of the terms you will come across during your
home loan application process. There are several others, too. Here is a quick
overview of some missteps you must not make.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Your credit score determines your chances of
getting a loan, so review it frequently. Avoid opening any new line of credit
as it may affect your score. Do not change jobs in the months before applying
for a home loan. If you must change jobs, wait until you get the sanction
letter.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6620135628102319730.post-3214015291613106132014-03-13T12:02:00.001-07:002014-03-13T12:02:09.016-07:00The Best Time of Year to Buy a Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaNBHCFxgef9cMCvmhjTLT-HRzDieNBx2W5NNJsZj7oJN0IPsYyNHJ1AVctytzhDlFBmraVy32f1NpEMPdb5zbB032_bplU8NhSlRuiUgrgAVaehHyPKTjaLdkzQ9TObtoy-jMDE5l1Qu/s1600/The+Best+Time+of+Year+to+Buy+a+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaNBHCFxgef9cMCvmhjTLT-HRzDieNBx2W5NNJsZj7oJN0IPsYyNHJ1AVctytzhDlFBmraVy32f1NpEMPdb5zbB032_bplU8NhSlRuiUgrgAVaehHyPKTjaLdkzQ9TObtoy-jMDE5l1Qu/s1600/The+Best+Time+of+Year+to+Buy+a+Home.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ah spring time!
When flowers are young, the air is fresh, and people are in a home buying
frenzy. This frenzy is not limited to age, gender, or marital status - it grips
all classes of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When tender
tulips start showing up through melting snow in cold climates and the rain
stops falling in the rainy areas, prospective buyers start hitting the streets
looking for homes. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Typically during
the spring, the real estate market booms throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reasons Home Buyers Choose Springtime <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Barring some
exceptions, most home buyers select spring to begin house hunting. Here are
some probable reasons why:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Winter is over and spirits are high.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Families get together more often with long awaited holidays in March-April.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The school year is closing soon. Buyers plan to begin moving soon after the school ends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are more inventories available in the market since many sellers decide to go for spring listings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a part of pre-vacation planning. Buyers prefer to move during vacation time.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Which Day of the Year is the Worst to Buy a Home?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can say it's
the very last Friday in the month of May. Many people might think that
Christmas is possibly the worst day, but that’s not true. There are very few
interested buyers at that time and competition is low. People are in good
spirits and feel more generous, and home sellers might extend this generosity
when they accept your offer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The time when home
buyers start scouting for a home is not an issue. The time they eventually
finalize the home they’re going to buy might create a problem. This often
happens in April. After that, very often a closing date of the last Friday of
May is decided during the signing of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>the purchase offer. All
at once, there are a huge number of closings scheduled for that very day of
May.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Why You Should Avoid the Worst Day <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The reasons are
plentiful, beginning with competition offered by other buyers and concluding with
the actual moving in.</span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">From the available inventory, the best new
listings are lapped up first at higher prices. Neighborhoods play an
important role. Homes in good condition with appealing prices and
desirable neighborhoods get many offers. Because of the competition,
buyers often end up with a higher price than planned.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There’s often a peak of pending sales in April
which results in a large quantum of May closings. Regular workloads of
real estate workers sometimes triple during this period and there are backlogs
which might delay your closing.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Otherwise exemplary services can be weakened
by the Memorial Day holiday. Due to long weekends, workers take off for
holidays and cannot process your transaction. High volumes also delay
processing of loan documents.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Higher interest rates might result from
delayed closing if the locking period of your loan ends. There is a good
probability of this if there is a rising demand of properties in your area
and you might be stuck with higher mortgage payments.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since many people shift residences at May end,
movers hike their rates. So your moving costs escalate. You might find it
difficult to even find a mover in peak seasons. Many movers get booked well
in advance for all weekends right through July.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Make sure you don’t sign the deal
during the worst time to buy a home! It’s best to start your home hunting process early.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10145532434716108071noreply@blogger.com0