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Have you found a lump, bump, or hole in your lawn? This is a common problem for most homeowners. Lawns can settle over time and become less-than-perfect no matter what type of grass you have. The good news is — you can fix an uneven lawn and amp up your curb appeal in the process. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done.

Determine what’s causing the problem

Before you begin leveling out your lawn, you should get to the bottom of why it’s uneven in the first place. For example, if you have an indentation in the lawn near water pipes that is causing drainage issues, then you should see drainage solutions Lenexa and consult a professional to repair the pipes. Other things that can cause your lawn to become uneven include:

• Ground settling because of seasonal freeze/thaw cycles.
• Diseased grass.
• Buried objects, like dead tree roots that decay and sag.
• Animals burrowing under the grass.

Choose the right time

If you’re going to fix your uneven lawn, then you need to choose the proper time. The best time to fix your lawn is during the active growing season. In most locations this is from spring to mid-autumn. Try to avoid repairing the lawn in the heat of summer when it is already stressed from lack of water and high temperatures. Choose a cooler stretch of weather when your grass will have a better chance of recuperating. Lawn treatment as well as doing soil stabilization is also important for improving grass growth and protecting soil from environmental stressors such as rain and drought.

Fixing shallow holes with topdressing

The easiest way to fix a shallow hole in your lawn is by topdressing. It’s best to choose a topsoil that matches the area you’re trying to repair. If possible, take topsoil from another area of your yard, perhaps a garden bed. In cases where topsoil is not available, sand can also be used. Prepare your grass by doing some lawn mowing, just do it with the mower on the lowest setting. Aerate and dethatch or rake the area. Apply the topdressing with a shovel a little bit at a time. Avoid completely covering the grass and rake to even out the topdressing. Then water the grass. You can also reseed the area at this time if you like. Be sure to keep it watered throughout the season. If the topdressing settles and there’s still a depression, repeat the process.

Fixing shallow holes with dirt

Another popular technique to fill shallow holes is to lift up the turf and sweep dirt underneath. Cleanly cut the turf around the area that is sunken and carefully remove. Spread a layer of topsoil or potting soil to level the area and water to remove air pockets. Then replace the turf and press into place. Keep an eye on the patch and water as needed.

Fixing deeper holes

If you’ve got a hole that is deeper than two inches, then your best bet is to fill the hole with soil mix and reseed. It will be easier to get new grass to grow in this area than to try to topdress the existing grass. Make sure to compact the soil so it settles to the right height and keep the area watered throughout the season.

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Moving — it’s one of those things that’s fun once you get settled in your new destination, but stressful when you’re in the midst of it. Deciding how to get your stuff from Point A to Point B can be overwhelming given how many different options you have. One of the most popular choices is self-servicing moving. But what does that mean, and it is right for you? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

What is self-servicing moving?

Self-service moving can be described as the halfway point between hiring movers edmonton to do everything and doing everything yourself. When you opt for self-service moving, you pack and unpack the boxes as well as the truck. But a professional truck driver who undergone heavy vehicle driver training drives the truck to your new location. When you opt for self-service moving you’re basically paying for the truck and the driver while you do all the other tasks yourself.

Pros of self-service moving

There are many advantages to choosing self-service moving and it is a popular option for those who want to relocate. The pros of self-service moving include:

• Control over timing — When you choose self-service, you get to control the process of moving as well as the timing. You can decide to try to get the bulk of your packing completed in one day. Or you can spread it out over a couple of weeks or even months. If the idea of completing everything in one day is daunting, then self-service moving can be a good choice.
• Control over packing — A full-service moving company will pack your belongings for you. They assume the liability and will ensure that your items arrive intact. But when you do a self-service move, you will pack your own boxes. You can be as careful or as haphazard as you like.
• Save money — This is perhaps the biggest advantage of choosing a self-service move. It costs less than full-service moving. If you’re on a budget, then this is a good option. Just remember to factor in the cost of supplies like boxes and tape as well as any time off of work you may need to take.

Cons of self-service moving

As with anything in life, there are disadvantages to self-service moving as well. These include:

• Working up a sweat — Packing and unpacking boxes and a moving truck can be pretty taxing. You’re going to work up a sweat. Some boxes may be heavy, so you may also be lifting and carrying heavy items. And let’s not even talk about stairs. If you’re going to move all your items by yourself, make sure you know how to lift heavy items properly so you don’t hurt yourself.
• Dealing with problems — No matter how much you plan, you’re going to encounter some problems along the way. When you choose a self-service move, you’re going to have to troubleshoot those problems yourself. This could include figuring out how to get your extra-long couch around a tight curve, researching where the truck can be parked while you unpack, and setting up your furniture.

Is self-service moving right for you?

If you want more control over your move, hope to save a little money, and are reasonably fit, then self-service moving can be a good option for you. But if you’re willing to spend a little more and don’t want to worry about logistics, then consider hiring full-service movers. And when looking for a range of transport and logistics solutions to offer you a unique advantage to grow your business faster than ever before, then you can check out this logistics company Brisbane webpage here for more info! In addition, if you have cars that need to be transported to your new home, you may use the services of car shipping companies like https://www.rcgauto.com/services/shipping/.

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Just because we’re in a seller’s market doesn’t mean it’s not important to stage your home for sale. Staging will make your home stand out among the competition and could lead to more and better offers. And while you probably know you should declutter, clean, and neutralize your space, there are some pitfalls you should avoid. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, then don’t fall prey to these common mistakes.

Not thinking about proportions

Many homebuyers in today’s market are looking for more space. So when you stage your home for sale, you want it to look as spacious as possible. That means using furniture and art that are in proportion to the size of the room. While you may love that huge sectional sofa that lets your whole family lounge in front of the TV, it might not be a good fit when you’re staging. Avoid using large furniture pieces in smaller rooms. On the flip side, don’t skimp on size, either. If you have a large wall, for example, then avoid using a small piece of framed art. It will look out of place and actually make the wall look smaller.

Not understanding your buyer

When you’re staging, you need to think about who your potential buyers will be. Is your home a good fit for young families? Or perhaps your neighborhood caters to empty nesters or young professionals? Know who your buyer will likely be so you can stage your home to their needs. Young professionals may want a home office, so stage that second bedroom with a desk. Empty nesters, on the other hand, may be eager to have adult children visit, so stage that second bedroom for guests. Or if a young family may be your potential buyer, that extra bedroom could be staged as a nursery. Think about who is likely to buy your home so you can make smart staging decisions.

Being too neutral

You’ve no doubt been told that one of the secrets to successfully staging a home is to neutralize your decor. But there is such a thing as being too neutral. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in the home — you don’t want to put them to sleep as soon as they enter. You can choose neutral shades for walls and furniture, but don’t be afraid to add some personality in other ways. You can do this with colorful throw pillows, pretty bed linens, interesting art, or even one or two beautiful flower arrangements in the space. Adding a touch of seasonal decor can also do the trick, such as an autumnal wreath on the front door or a swag of evergreen garland on the staircase in winter.

Forgetting the outside areas

Finally, outdoor living spaces are just as important when selling as your interior rooms. So don’t leave them out of the equation when you’re staging to sell. Inspect your roof with the help of a roofing contractor to determine if you need a commercial roof replacement before listing your home for sale. Turn that small patio into a breakfast nook with a cafe table and two chairs. Or show how the backyard can be used as an entertainment space with outdoor furniture and/or a dining table. Additionally, you may consider hiring a driveway contractor who can put some mud-setting agent for concrete overlays to revamp and improve the appearance of your concrete overlay. You want to demonstrate to buyers how the whole property can be used, not just the inside.

Nothing updates your home like a fresh coat of paint! A new residential painting project can be just the thing to amp up your curb appeal, especially when you’re selling. But choosing just the right color can provoke anxiety in even the calmest of homeowners. What color will look best and fit into the neighborhood? Will other people like it? And how do you decide? Let’s take a look at what you should consider when choosing a new color for your exterior home painting.

Work with what you have

If your home or property has existing elements such as stone or brick, then work with those colors when choosing your exterior shade. You’ll want to choose a color that pairs well with the underlying tone of what you’re working with. Feel stuck? Then try using a color that has the opposite tone. For example, let’s say your home is constructed with warm, red bricks and you aren’t planning to paint over them. For the parts you want to paint, choose a color with a cool tone, such as blue or gray. Also, think about how the color you’re choosing will work with the color of your roof. If you’re planning to give your siding a makeover, work with a local siding company and discuss your color and style preferences.

Think about your home’s architectural style

You’ll also want to consider your home’s style when choosing an exterior paint color. After all, the colors that would be appropriate for a midcentury modern home may not look good on a Colonial. Spend some time online researching traditional colors for homes that are the same architectural style as yours. For special Outdoor Surface Painting, you can visit outdoor-surface-painting.co.uk.

Consider current trends

The choice of exterior color of your home is impacted by current trends as much as anything else. Look around your neighborhood. What colors are currently popular? Which ones do you like? You don’t have to always stick with neutrals. Are any other neighbors experimenting with color? Take a walk or a drive around just to see what others are up to and don’t be afraid to copy something that you like. Painters in Middleton wi know the current trends and the right color combination for your home’s style.

Work for harmony in your landscape

Unless you’re also planning to overhaul your landscaping, then you should choose a color that works well with the plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees that are in your yard. Your curb appeal will skyrocket when you choose a color that harmonizes with your landscape, keeping your landscape nice can be hard but with a lawn dethatching tool this cab be easier . Keep in mind that light colors tend to pop while dark colors recede.

Try samples

Just like you might paint swatches on your interior walls to test out different colors, you should do the same with your exterior color. Sunlight will have a dramatic impact on how the colors appear, so testing a few out before you dive in can help you narrow down your choices.

Don’t forget about trim and accents

Remember that when you’re painting the exterior, you also need to choose colors for your trim and for accents like doors. White is a safe choice for trim and accents. If you want to experiment, then try a color that’s a few shades lighter than your main color. For something truly bold, hire cladding installers Melbourne to install cladding that contrast with your main color.

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Your credit history and credit score are key components that lenders will evaluate when you apply for a mortgage. The better your credit score, the better your terms will be on your home loan. But what happens if your credit score is lower than you’d like it to be? It can certainly affect not only the rate your receive, but whether or not you qualify at all. If you’d like to repair your credit so that you can buy a home, then here’s what you need to do.

Check your credit report

The very first thing you should do when you’re ready to work on your credit score is to get a copy of your credit report. This report shows you your credit history for the past ten years, which is used to calculate your credit score. Unfortunately, there are sometimes mistakes in your credit report. Even worse, you may discover that you’ve become a victim of identity theft and someone has taken out a line of credit in your name. If you find information on your credit report that is not yours, you will need to dispute errors to have them removed. You should also report your identity theft to the FTC and the police.

Make payments on time

Your payment history figures heavily into your credit score — 35 percent to be exact. If you have a history of late or missed payments, it will lower your score. The best way to increase your score is to always make your payments on time. Choose to have your bills automatically paid online. If that’s not an option, then pay your bills as soon as you receive them.

Improve your credit utilization ratio

Your credit utilization ratio is how much money you owe compared to how much available credit you have. If you are using a large amount of your available credit, then it can have a negative impact on your score. You want to aim for a credit utilization ratio of 30 percent or less. Pay down your balances to help improve your ratio.

Don’t close accounts

It’s tempting to close credit card accounts when you’ve paid them off. But if you’re preparing to buy a home, then keep them open. These cards not only help you establish a longer credit history, but they can also improve your credit utilization ratio, as described above.

Don’t take out new loans

This one is very important — if you’re trying to repair your credit to buy a home, then don’t be tempted to take out and other new loans. When you apply for a new line of credit, the creditor will do a hard check on your credit, which can drop your score. And if you open a new account, it will lower your average account age, which also figures into your score.

Keep at it

You won’t be able to improve your credit score overnight. It can take time to pay down balances, dispute errors, and recover from problems in the past. Give yourself ample time to fix your credit before you apply for a home loan. You’ll have an easier time qualifying for a loan, and you’ll surely be offered better rates, which will save you money in the long run.

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Having your identity stolen can be an extremely challenging experience. Whether you’re the victim of a data breach, lost your wallet, or had your financial information stolen in some other way, recovering from identity theft can be stressful and time-consuming. But it can feel even more overwhelming if you’re trying to buy a house. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to repair the damage that has happened. Here’s what you need to know.

Check your credit reports

In some cases, you may not even know that you’ve been the victim of identity theft until you go to apply for a mortgage. Before you begin your house-hunting journey, get a copy of all three of your credit reports. Check them for errors or for signs that someone may have opened a line of credit in your name.

Contact companies where fraud happened

Next, you should contact the companies where the fraudulent activity occurred. Ask to speak with their fraud department and close any accounts associated with the fraud. Work to have charges removed and ask to get documentation about the fraud.

Change logins

Once a criminal has some of your information, it is easier for them to access more of your accounts. For this reason, you should change the login and password for all of your accounts. This will prevent the criminals from striking again.

Report the fraud

If you discover that someone has stolen your identity, then you need to report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. You can report your identity theft at identitytheft.gov. You should also contact the credit bureaus to report the fraud. Use the documentation you were provided including the report from the FTC. You may also wish to file a police report.

Show your documentation to your lender

Just because you’ve been the victim of identity theft doesn’t mean you can’t buy a home. Mortgage lenders understand that identity theft happens. In fact, there were nearly 1.4 million reports of identity theft in 2020. Be prepared to show your documentation to the lender including your FTC report and a police report. You should also prepare a letter of explanation detailing the fraud.

Unfreeze your credit

When you report your fraud, your credit may be frozen. Once you’ve addressed the situation, you need to unfreeze your credit when you apply for a mortgage. Otherwise, underwriters will not be able to assess your application.

Ask for manual underwriting

When a lender evaluates your application, the underwriting process is often automated. Ask your lender about manual underwriting because of your specific situation. You will likely need to explain some of the findings, and when the underwriting is done manually you will have an opportunity to explain yourself.

Shop around

Finally, your credit score may have taken a hit because of the identity theft. It can take time to have the fraud removed from your account, so your score may be lower than what it might otherwise be. That’s why it’s so important for you to shop around for a mortgage. Compare different lenders and their rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal under the circumstances.

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It’s that time of year when we see stories on the news of communities negatively impacted by severe weather. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, or Derechos, at some point, every homeowner will experience extreme storms. That’s why it’s so important to get ahead of the game and protect your home before the forecast calls for storms. Here’s what you need to do to get prepared.

Check your insurance policies

Not all insurance policies are created equal. If you’re unsure what would be covered in the case of extreme weather, then review your policies. Damage that is caused by extreme weather may not be covered. This could include sewer back-ups, flooding, or toxic mold caused by water damage. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather, then you should consider buying additional coverage from your provider. And if your home has recently suffered from a water damage, make sure to contact a water damage restoration specialist immediately for professional services.

Having water damage in your home can cause a lot of problems. A professional damage restoration company can help you get your home back to normal.

Keep your roof in good shape

One of your best lines of defense in a bad storm is your roof. At some point you may find you need their expert assistance however. Professional roofing contractors can prepare your roof so it can prevent damage from occurring to your home’s interior during intense weather. Keep your gutters free of debris. Look for a Timber Roof Truss Supplier and buy the materials you need. If leaves are clogging your gutters or downspouts, then the water will spill over the sides. This can soak into your foundation and cause flooding in your basement or other damage. You should also seal cracks around vents and chimneys to prevent water from seeping in. If you want to have Roof repairs in New Richmond, Wisconsin Roofing Contractors can help you with all your roof repair needs.

Clean up the yard

Another way to protect your home from extreme weather is to keep the yard clean and tidy. Tree limbs can pose a significant threat, so be sure to remove any branches that are dead or dying. Your home can also be damaged by flying objects, such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden ornaments. If a storm is coming, then take these items inside or ensure they are completely secured. High-speed winds can cause even the smallest object to become hazardous.

Consider back-up power

It’s not unusual to lose power during a strong storm. And if the damage is widespread, then it could be hours — or even days — before your power is restored. If extreme weather has knocked out your power in the past, then consider purchasing a backup power supply such as a home generator. It can help keep the important stuff running, like your refrigerator, until full power is restored and you can hire electricians to help you with this, Reyff Electric has been providing Award Winning Electricians and services for over 40 years and they are a good option for the job. Sportsman generators’ specialty lies in its portability. While being portable, it packs a lot of power to supply electricity to even the most demanding gadgets.

Be ready to shelter in place

There’s no avoiding extreme weather, and sometimes we just have to ride out the storm. Know where you will go inside your home to best protect yourself against strong winds. Keep an emergency kit stocked and ready. It should include flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and tarps. Also, consider stocking up on other essentials like non-perishable foods and water, click here to read more about this.

Know where to go in an evacuation

Finally, sometimes the weather is so extreme that local authorities will call for an evacuation. Have a plan for where you will go in a case like this. Make arrangements to stay with family or friends or even a hotel that is outside the danger zone. Take with you important papers and your valuables. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you safe and calm during a weather emergency.

A critical step in buying a home is making the down payment. And for many homebuyers, saving for the down payment can be the biggest obstacle to overcome. But how much do you really need for a down payment? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a down payment?

A down payment is the money that a buyer pays to a seller in order to secure the home purchase. Down payments are usually calculated as a percentage of the total price of a home. The remainder of the purchase price is either paid in cash or through a home loan. Most lenders require that homebuyers make some kind of down payment in order to buy a home.

Down payment requirements

While a general rule of thumb is to pay at least 20 percent of the purchase price for your down payment, this can vary by the kind of loan you receive. Here’s a look at the down payment requirements for some of the most common types of home loans:

• FHA loans – FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. You can pay as little as 3.5 percent for the down payment on an FHA loan. But be aware that if your credit score is between 500 and 579, you’ll pay at least 10 percent for a down payment.
• VA loans – VA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. In order to qualify for a VA loan, buyers must either be active members of the military or a surviving spouse. No down payment is required for a VA loan.
• USDA loans – USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These loans are for both suburban and rural buyers who meet certain eligibility requirements such as income. USDA loans also require no down payment.
• Conventional loans – Conventional loans that follow the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require as little as three percent for a down payment.

Making a larger down payment

For many homebuyers, saving the money for a down payment can take months or even years. That’s what can be so enticing about loans that require a low or no down payment. Smaller down payments allow you to buy a home more quickly. However, it’s important to know that making a larger down payment has many advantages. If you make a larger down payment you’ll qualify for better interest rates on the loan. You’ll also have lower fees and a lower monthly mortgage payment. And you’ll have more equity in your home from the very beginning. Also keep in mind that any down payment less than 20 percent will require you to purchase private mortgage insurance since lower down payments mean bigger risks for the lender.

What’s the best strategy for you?

Deciding how much to pay for a down payment really depends on your unique financial situation. It’s affected by your age, your income, how much debt you already have, and how much you have saved. There are online tools you can use to determine how the down payment will affect your monthly mortgage payment. And be aware that you can use monetary gifts from family members, which can help you reach your down payment goals faster.

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Are you getting a little tired of looking at your stuff at home? Is it time for a change? Well, here’s a secret – you don’t have to leave the house or spend any money to rejuvenate your home’s style. It just takes looking at your things with a fresh perspective. Check out these tips to spruce up your home with items you already own.

Pare down

First of all, let’s start with the basics. It’s hard to love your home when it’s cluttered and untidy. Before you begin any redecorating project, declutter your home. If an item doesn’t have a use or you don’t love it, set it aside to donate later. Visual clutter makes you tune out your environment – it’s just too much to take in. When your home is tidy, then you’re able to enjoy each item more.

Switch out lamps and shades

Have you always used the same lamps in the same rooms? Why not switch it up? Take a lamp from the living room and swap it out with the one on your bedside table. You might even just switch out the shades. If you’re using lamps in pairs, but they’re different heights, then set the smaller one on a stack of books. This creates visual symmetry without being too matchy-matchy.

New uses for old things

While stools are made for sitting, that doesn’t mean you have to follow that rule. Why not use a stool for an end table? Or take one of your favorite teacups that just sits in the cupboard and use it to corral jewelry in your bedroom. And before you toss that pretty wine bottle into the recycling, why not use it to display some spring flowers from your garden?

Switch out frames

Most people have framed photos scattered around their homes. When was the last time you really looked at them? Take an afternoon and switch out all the photographs that are in the frames. It can be fun to take a little walk down memory lane by searching through your old photos or hire a photographer such as a Raleigh child photographer for new ones. You can also bring them to a custom picture framing shop to put them in customized frames and make them look new again.

Restyle your shelves

Do your shelves contain a mix of books and knick-knacks? Then spend some time restyling those shelves. First, take all the items off and give everything a good cleaning. It can be surprising how much dust can collect on shelves. Then find a new way to organize your objects so you can appreciate them more. You may even bring in new items from other rooms to showcase them.

Group similar things together

By doing a style refresh on your home, you may suddenly realize you have a collection you didn’t know you had. Maybe you like items that have elephants on them, or you tend to gravitate towards a certain color. Take these similar items and display them together, either on your shelves or in vignettes on tables. They will pack a greater visual punch when displayed together and remind you of the things you really love.

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Is buying a home your New Years resolution for 2019? Are you unsure where to start? While buying a home can be a complex process, there are steps you can take now so that you’re more prepared when the time comes. Here’s how to get yourself ready (and excited!) to find your dream home in 2019.

Check your credit report

If you’re planning to finance your new home, then you’re going to need to apply for a mortgage. Mortgage lenders rely on your credit report to establish the terms and interest rates for your loan. For this reason, it is imperative that you request a copy of your credit report well before you apply for a loan. You can find out your credit score and take steps to improve it over the coming months. You’ll also see if there are any errors on your report, which will give you time to have them removed.

Pay down your debt

Taking on a mortgage is a big financial responsibility. As much as possible, you should begin paying down your other debt, including car loans and credit card balances. The fewer monthly bills you have to worry about once you’re a homeowner, the better. Decreasing your debt will also improve your credit score, which will net you a better deal on your home loan. In addition, avoid taking out any new debt as you prepare to buy a home.

Save for a down payment

Depending on the type of home loan you qualify for, you’ll need to have anywhere from three to 20 percent of the purchase price of the home saved for a down payment. In addition, you’ll need money for closing costs so it’s best to start saving as early as possible. The larger the down payment you have, the more you’ll be able to spend on a house. Create a savings plan and stick to it.

Determine your budget

Now is also a good time to set a realistic budget for the home you’d like to buy in the New Year. While we all have champagne wishes and caviar dreams, it’s essential that you buy a home you can reasonably afford. There’s nothing worse than stressing out each month about having enough for your mortgage payment. A good rule of thumb is to have approximately 30 percent of your monthly income set aside for housing costs. This includes insurance, taxes, and maintenance so budget accordingly.

Start researching homes

Finally, once you’ve determined how much you can spend on a home, make a list of your needs and wants. Then begin researching neighborhoods and browsing listings. You’ll get a feel for what the market is like in each area and narrow down where you’d like to conduct your search. Get clear on what’s important to you – whether it’s location, number of bedrooms, or whether or not you’ll consider a fixer-upper. The clearer you can be going into the process, the less likely you’ll feel overwhelmed by all your options. The bonus is that it’s fun to begin looking at homes that are available and envisioning what your life will look like as a new homeowner. So have some fun and enjoy the process!

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