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If you’re purchasing a home and you’re an active military service member, a veteran, or a surviving spouse, then you may qualify for a VA loan. These loans are provided by private lenders but are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This makes it easier for lenders to provide veteran homebuyers with better terms. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of a VA loan.

You don’t need a down payment

Saving for a down payment can be the biggest obstacle to homeownership for many people. But if you qualify for a VA loan, then you can purchase a home without any money down. The entire purchase price of the home can be financed, which means you won’t need to save for years to afford a home.

You won’t pay PMI (private mortgage insurance)

With conventional loans, buyers are required to pay for PMI, or private mortgage insurance, if you don’t put down at least 20 percent on a home. But with VA loans, you aren’t required to make those monthly insurance payments. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

You can get a great interest rate

Another reason why VA loans are so advantageous is that borrowers can often get great interest rates. These lower rates can save you money every month on your mortgage bill. Most VA loans have rates that are at least 0.5 percent lower than conventional mortgage interest rates.

You don’t need perfect credit

Has your credit score suffered recently as a result of the pandemic? Those with low scores may think that homeownership is out of reach. And if you were applying for a conventional loan that could be true. But VA loans don’t require perfect credit. In fact, the VA does not enforce a minimum credit score requirement. Most lenders will require some kind of minimum score, but it is generally far lower than the requirement for a conventional loan.

You won’t pay as much in closing costs

When you buy a home, you’re going to be on the hook for closing costs. This can include homeowners insurance, prepaid taxes, and agent fees. Many buyers don’t anticipate these costs and are surprised at how much they’ll need upfront in order to close on a home. But when you get a VA loan, the amount of the closing costs that are charged to veterans is limited.

You can qualify more than once

VA loans aren’t a one-and-done kind of thing. You don’t get one shot at using a VA loan and that’s it. If you qualify, then you can get a VA loan as many times as you like. The benefit has no expiration. You may even have more than one VA loan simultaneously.

You won’t be penalized for prepayment

Finally, when you get a VA loan, you won’t be charged if you pay off your loan early. With conventional loans, if you pay off a loan ahead of schedule you may be charged extra fees. This is because the lender will be missing out on all those extra interest payments. But when you pay off early with a VA loan, you won’t be penalized.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Selling your home over the holidays doesn’t need to turn you into Mr. Scrooge. In fact, the holiday season can be a wonderful time to sell. Holiday decorating makes a home feel cozy and can create a welcoming vibe that buyers will love. That is, as long as you don’t go full-on Clark Griswold. If you’re planning to sell your home over the holidays, then follow these staging tips.

Clean and declutter

We always recommend that you clean and declutter your home before staging no matter the season. You may rent some dumpsters from professional storage container rentals to remove unwanted items. Removing unwanted items will make your home feel more spacious. And taking out personal items like family photos is a must. Create a neutral environment where buyers can imagine themselves living. Once you’ve decluttered, clean your home until it’s sparkling.

Create a welcoming entrance

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see. Create a welcoming entrance that will make buyers want to see more. You can add a bit of holiday festivity to your front door with a pretty wreath. Evergreen arrangements flanking the door are also a nice touch. Opt for holiday elements that have a winter theme as opposed to items with a religious theme, as these might not appeal to all buyers.

Dress up your mantel

Are you lucky enough to have a fireplace mantel in your home? Then you’ll definitely want to make this a focal point. You don’t have to go overboard here. A simple evergreen garland with a few candles or ornaments can make your fireplace pop. You can also hang stockings to really set the holiday mood.

Put up a tree

Some people may be on the fence about putting up a tree when they’re selling during the holidays. But as long as your tree is tasteful and is the right size for the room, it can really make your home feel cozy. Opt for tree decorations that match the style of your room, and avoid lights that blink.

Stage your dining room table

Want a tip that will really entice your buyers? Then set your dining room table for a holiday feast. Show buyers how wonderful it will be to host holiday parties in your home by busting out your best formal tableware.

Add poinsettias

Nothing says “holiday spirit” quite like poinsettias do. If you do nothing else then place a few poinsettias around your home, you will still create a wonderful holiday vibe. Choose poinsettias in colors that match your decor or opt for the bright red variety that really pops. Best of all, poinsettias are available everywhere this time of year and are very affordable.

Use lights tastefully

We don’t think you should decorate the outside of your home like the Griswolds, but you can add some tasteful holiday lights to your home’s exterior. Simple white or multi-color strand lights in a favorite tree or around the windows can make your home look especially cheerful this time of year. If your neighbors decorate their homes too, then that’s even better. Remember to turn on the outside lights if you are showing your home after dark.

Painting your home’s interior is a wonderful way to refresh a room or get your home ready for sale. It’s also a fairly simple task that you can complete yourself! But beware that there is some bad advice out there that you should avoid and there are painting jobs that really need professionals just like the Calgary Painters. It is recommended to prepare the walls through sandblasting and then hire a painting company to get the best results for your property. That’s why we’ve put together a list of six painting myths that you should not believe!

You can paint over wallpaper

We’re not sure where you’re getting your advice, but you should not paint over wallpaper. While wallpaper can be a wonderful way to cover your walls, it should be removed if you decide to paint instead. Otherwise, it’s unlikely you’ll get a smooth, even finish. And what happens if the wallpaper starts to peel down the line?

Dark colors make a room appear smaller

Some people will tell you that light colors make a room feel bigger, while dark colors make it feel smaller. But this isn’t always the case. When you’re choosing a paint color for a room, think about how you want the room to feel. Dark accent colors add variety and can make a small room feel larger. Dark colors can also make a large room feel cozier. Hire professional interior painting contractors from Pittsburgh because they know the right dark colors that’ll look good.

You don’t need a primer

Just because your current paint is smooth with no chips or cracks doesn’t mean you can get away with not using primer. If you want your paint job to look professional and last a long time, then you must prime the walls first. Primer helps the paint adhere to the walls and leads to a smooth and polished surface. Painters Grand Prairie always prime first hence a flawless paint job every time.

Always paint your trim white

Yes, white trim is a very classic look that goes well in most spaces. But that doesn’t mean you need to follow the crowd. The trim is a great way to show off your personal tastes. Instead of painting your trim white, consider painting it the same color you paint the wall. That can make the room appear taller than it actually is. We recently painted our house and we used these. You can also choose a color that complements the wall color for something unique. Another classic choice is to paint the trim black.

It doesn’t matter which brand of paint you choose

While it’s tempting to just buy a gallon of the cheapest brand of paint, you should know that you’ll get what you pay for. There is a big difference in quality between brands of paint. You should research what brands of paint are of the highest quality and choose the best one you can afford. When in doubt, ask a professional at the store. They can help you find just the right paint for your specific project.

You always need at least two coats of paint

Finally, there is a persistent myth that you must use at least two coats of paint regardless of what it is you’re painting. But honestly, it just isn’t true. The number of coats you need for your painting project depends a lot on the condition of the surface and the quality of the paint you’re using. If you’ve used primer and a top-quality paint as we have recommended, then in some cases you will only need one coat. Think of the time and money you’ll save!

Compliments of Virtual Results

While many people like to offer advice about being a good host on Thanksgiving, we thought we’d try something a little different. Being a thoughtful guest at Thanksgiving is just as important. It shows your host that you appreciate the effort they’ve put into hosting a wonderful dinner — and it will ensure that you get invites in the future! Here’s what you need to know to be the best Thanksgiving guest this year.

RSVP early

Wait — you haven’t RSVP’d to your Thanksgiving invitation yet? What are you waiting for? Your host will be spending quite a bit of time planning and preparing. That means it’s important for them to know exactly how many guests to expect. You should aim to respond to the RSVP at least a week or two in advance. So if you haven’t already reserved your spot, get on it!

Ask what you can bring

When you RSVP to your invitation, ask your host what you can bring. It can be so helpful for guests to bring appetizers, desserts, or even a side dish to the meal. Your host may tell you to bring nothing, but it’s always wise to ask.

Make your dietary restrictions known

Are you vegan, lactose intolerant, or allergic to any foods? Then you need to let your host know ASAP. This way, they can plan to have some dishes available that you can eat. This is especially true for Thanksgiving since so many of the traditional dishes include meat, dairy, and other potential allergens. In fact, you can offer to bring a dish that you know you can eat, which will relieve some of the pressure from your host.

Be mindful about the dish you’re bringing

It takes a lot of planning and preparation to pull off a great Thanksgiving dinner. That’s why if you’re bringing a dish, then you should also bring a serving dish and utensils. Don’t assume your host will have the necessary items. Also, if your dish requires fridge or oven space, you should let your host know ahead of time. These spaces tend to get maxed out on Thanksgiving, so they need to be prepared.

Don’t crowd the kitchen

We all want to socialize with the host on Thanksgiving — that’s part of the pleasure of the holiday. But give them some space, especially the hour before the meal is served. That last hour requires a lot of concentration, so avoid crowding the kitchen. This will distract your host and make it difficult for them to complete their tasks. Even better — ask how you can help!

Socialize with everyone

Are there any unfamiliar faces at the party? Then make an effort to introduce yourself. This helps take the burden off your host to initiate all the socializing. Plus, you may end up meeting someone you really like!

Don’t forget a host gift

Finally, you can be your host’s favorite guest by bringing a small gift as a token of appreciation for all their hard work. This can be as simple as a bottle of wine or a scented candle. You can also opt for something more personal like a beautiful cookbook, a bottle of their favorite liquor, or even a gift for their pet!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Did you just buy a home — and got roped into hosting Thanksgiving, too? While it can be so much fun to have family over for the holidays, we understand how stressful it can be — especially if you’re still unpacking. That’s why we’ve compiled our best tips for hosting Thanksgiving in your new home. And if you’re looking to make the celebration even more memorable, consider exploring las vegas party rentals. Hopefully, these ideas will help make your holiday festive and fun!

Make it a housewarming party, too

If you were already planning to have a housewarming party, then why not combine it with your Thanksgiving celebration? There’s no need to have two separate parties, especially if you’ll be inviting the same people. Perhaps you can even get your guests to help you unpack or hang some pictures while you’re at it!

Plan a potluck

Your guests will understand that you’ve got a lot on your plate right now. So if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, then plan for it to be a potluck. Create a menu for the meal and ask each guest to bring a dish. This way, you can still enjoy hosting without all the stress of preparing the entire meal as well.

Choose make-ahead dishes

Trying to cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner in one day can be challenging. That’s why we recommend creating a menu with many dishes that can be made ahead of time. You can pre-make casseroles that just need to be baked on the day of the event. Chop vegetables and prepare ingredients ahead of time. You can even make gravy before the big day!

Opt for catering

You’re not cheating if you decide to outsource Thanksgiving this year. Moving in is a big job, and having someone else prepare your Thanksgiving feast will relieve so much of your stress. Focus instead of getting moved in and spend your extra time setting a pretty table. This will also give you a chance to try out a restaurant in your new neighborhood.

Ask for help

There is no shame in asking for a little extra help this Thanksgiving. You can get friends and family to come over a few days ahead of time to help you clean and organize for the party. You can hire a photo booth service at https://photomebooth.co.uk/ so guests can get great photos during the party at the booth. You can also create tasks for your guests to do on Thanksgiving day. This could include helping to serve drinks, clearing the table at the end of the meal, or assisting with dishes at the end of the night. Your guests will be more than willing to help you, and it will be easier on you if you figure out how they can help ahead of time.

Prep for overnight guests

Will your Thanksgiving celebration include overnight guests? Then be sure to prepare for that. If you have a guest bedroom, then put fresh linens on the bed and set out towels. Stock the bathroom with things they may need, like extra toothbrushes or toothpaste. And make sure they know where the coffee is in the morning!

Relax and have fun

The most important thing you can do when you’re hosting Thanksgiving in your new home is to relax and enjoy yourself! Your guests will have more fun if they see you having fun, too. And what better way to celebrate your new home than to fill it with the people you love! Research on the topic of escape rooms indicates the experience of these rooms appeals almost evenly among women and men, making it an appealing choice when any makeup of folks are looking for a fun group activity to do together, click here to read more.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Entertaining during the holidays can be stressful. There’s so much to manage — from cleaning and decorating the house to organizing and cooking a meal. That’s why it’s such a thoughtful gesture to bring a small gift to your host. It’s a terrific way to say thank you for all the hard work they put into creating a wonderful event. While a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers are always a good choice, there are many other suitable gifts out there as well. These are our top picks for host gifts this holiday season.

A beautiful cookbook

Does your holiday host love to cook? Then a beautiful new cookbook can be a perfect gift! Think about the kinds of meals or treats that your host loves to make. Did they get on the sourdough bread bandwagon during the pandemic? Or do they tend to make dishes with exotic spices and flavors? There are so many wonderful new cookbooks out there — from southern barbecue to vegan. Here’s a great list to get you started.

A fun or challenging puzzle

Puzzles have long been a great way to relax and unwind — especially when it’s too cold to go outside. Puzzles even made a huge comeback during the pandemic, helping to keep us occupied why we all stayed inside during lockdown. If your host is known as a puzzle aficionado, then bring them one as a gift. You can choose a puzzle with a theme that they enjoy (say, kittens or gardens) or challenge them with one of the most difficult puzzles you can buy.

Extra-virgin olive oil

Instead of that bottle of wine, why not bring a bottle of your favorite extra-virgin olive oil as a gift for your host? This is another great choice for home chefs. Olive oil is used in so many recipes, and there’s a big difference between a really good bottle and those you find on the grocery store shelves. You don’t even need to spend a fortune to score a good bottle. Here’s a wonderful list of the best olive oils that you can buy at every price point.

Garden essentials

Gardening is another hobby that seriously took off during the pandemic. If your host has a green thumb, then we promise they would love to get garden essentials as a gift. There really is so much to choose from. You can gift them with several packets of seeds from your favorite supplier, a pair of classic herb snips, or even a sturdy pair of gardening gloves. Here’s an excellent selection of gardening gifts that we promise your host will appreciate.

Gifts for their pet

Finally, if your host is a pet parent, then gifting a little something to their best friend can make you their favorite guest. For dogs, you can buy them a fun toy or even a cute outfit for the holidays. Those with cats would enjoy toys stuffed with catnip, a soft bed, or even a custom portrait. Many folks adopted pets during the pandemic, and bringing your host something they can use to pamper their newest family member will surely be a big hit.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you just not ready to say goodbye to your garden for the season? Having a lush, green outdoor space is certainly one of the pleasures of being a homeowner. But just because the temperatures are turning colder doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to all your little plant friends. Why not let 2021 be the year you finally bring your garden indoors? If this sounds like a dream come true, then here’s what you need to know to get your indoor garden started this fall.

Decide what you’ll grow

You have many choices when it comes to creating an indoor garden to enjoy during the colder months. You can choose to grow your own herbs or vegetables so that you’ll always have something fresh to include in your meals. Or you can simply create a wonderful garden with a selection of houseplants that can thrive indoors.

Consider the lighting

Plants need light to survive. It’s very important to consider how much light is available when choosing what you’ll grow inside. North-facing windows get little direct light, especially in winter. East-facing windows enjoy morning light, while west-facing windows get their light in the afternoon. South-facing windows get the most light, especially in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky. If your home doesn’t have enough light to support plants, then you can supplement it with indoor grow lights, which are readily available online.

Think about humidity

Another important consideration when growing an indoor garden is the amount of humidity in the air. Winter tends to be very dry in most locations, which can stress plants. The air can dry out even more once you turn the heat on, or if you have a fireplace. You can boost the humidity in the air by misting your plants, clustering them together, or placing plants on pebble trays filled with water. Another easy choice is to use a humidifier in the room with your plants to keep moisture levels up.

Learn how to water

Obviously, plants also need water to survive. But not all plants need the same amount of water, and many plants needs less water when they go dormant in the fall and winter. Find out how much water each kind of plant will need so that you don’t under- or over-water your plants. A good rule of thumb is to water plants when the top of the soil becomes dry. And make sure to evenly saturate the soil. Use planterss with drainage holes so excess water can be released. Otherwise, the roots could rot.

Find good sources for plants

Once you know the basics, you can start collecting your plants! Local garden centers and florists are great places to get plants that can grow in your area. Do you have any friends or family who have indoor plants? Then see if they will share divisions or cuttings with you. This is a great way to increase your collection without spending a lot of money. You may also find free or inexpensive plants on local sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Of course, many people sell plants online. Look for suppliers that have good reviews so that you’ll know the plant will arrive healthy and ready for its new home.

Compliments of Virtual Results

One of the greatest joys of being a homeowner is welcoming guests to your home during the holidays. While holiday hosting is certainly fun, it does require some preparation — including cleaning. Sure, you’d love to deep-clean your entire place before the first guest arrives. But with an ever-growing to-do list, that may not be possible. Instead, focus on some key areas that will make your home look clean and inviting.

Declutter

It seems like every cleaning list starts with decluttering, but that’s only because it’s so important. If you don’t have a chance to do any other cleaning for holiday guests, you should at the very least declutter your home. While your guests may not notice a little dust here and there, they will notice that pile of laundry on the couch or all the kids’ toys on the floor of the living room. Focus on the areas where your guests will be gathering and make sure everything is put away. If the carpets are visually dirty, you should consider hiring a carpet cleaning company to have them cleaned before your guests arrive. A residential carpet cleaning service can help you bring your carpet back to good as new, which is great if your visitors might have allergies, as well as to help your home smell better overall.

Clean the bathrooms

Whether you’re just having guests for dinner or you’re welcoming family for an overnight stay, there’s one place you should definitely clean — the bathrooms. If you have more than one bathroom in your home, chances are they will all be used. So this is an area you’ll want to deep clean. Stock extra toilet paper, hand towels, and hand soap. Transfer the liquid hand soap into an amber glass soap dispenser for a nice bathroom decor. Clean all the surfaces and wash towels, rugs, bath mats, and shower curtains.

Scrub the kitchen

Your holiday hosting no doubt involves food. Even if it’s just take-out, you should still scrub your kitchen. People tend to congregate in the kitchen, and a messy kitchen can make your whole home look — and smell — bad. Clean off counterspace, put away lesser-used appliances, scrub surfaces, and toss expired food from the fridge. Empty the trash and clean the floor. You should also do a drain cleaning before the big day to avoid mishaps.

Give your entryway some love

All your guests will be coming through your door, so make a good first impression by giving your entryway some love. Wipe down the front door, vacuum the welcome mat, and make space for shoes and coats. Add some decorative touches like a wreath on the front door. If you would like your guests to remove their shoes, then consider handing out cozy socks as gifts they can take home.

Make sure there’s enough seating

You may have discovered you don’t have enough seating for everyone, even after you’ve decluttered the living room. If needed, move seating in from other rooms or rent or borrow some folding chairs. Have spaces available for guests to set down their food and drinks. And have a few cozy throw blankets available in case anyone gets cold.

Prepare the guest bedroom

Finally, if you have overnight guests staying, then make sure they have a nice comfortable place to sleep. If you have a guest bedroom, then make sure it’s dusted and put fresh linens on the bed. For those without guest bedrooms, create a nice place to sleep in another room with an inflatable mattress or cot. Provide cozy extras for guests like plush towels, bathrobes, and extras pillows and blankets. And make sure they know where coffee is in the morning!

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re in the market for a new home, then you may have come across some listings for homes that are being sold “as-is”. But what does that mean, and should you be concerned? Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect when you’re buying a house in as-is condition.

What “as-is” means

When someone sells their home as-is, it means that they do not want to complete any repairs before they close on the home. As a buyer, there are no guarantees that everything in the home will be in working condition. If you discover any problems with a home that you’ve purchased as-is, then you will be responsible for those repairs and the costs associated with them.

What “as-is” doesn’t mean

Just because a home is being as-is doesn’t mean it’s in terrible condition. You aren’t necessarily buying a home that needs major renovations to be livable. In many cases, the seller may simply not want to deal with minor issues or they may not have the money to make repairs. The sellers may also need to move quickly and can’t wait for contractors to finish repairs.

You should insist on a home inspection

If you’re thinking about buying a home that is listed as-is, then you should definitely get a home inspection. An inspection will uncover any issues in the home so that you will know what to expect. For instance, you might discover that the property requires drain cleaning services and other plumbing repairs. But what if your seller refuses an inspection? This could be a red flag. It could mean that they know there are major issues and they want to hide them in order to complete the sale.

Pest extermination is necessary to keep our homes and businesses free of pesky insects, rodents, and spiders. Although chemical treatments are often used to exterminate pests, there are also non-chemical methods that can be employed. Some common non-chemical pest removal methods include traps, baits, and heat treatments. If you need pest control or bed bug treatment services, you may inquire what type of methods or materials they’re going to use.

Disclosures are still required

When you purchase an as-is home, you still have the right to seller disclosures. There are laws in every state that dictate what a seller must tell you about a home before selling. As noted by this company these regulations differ from state to state, but they can often include pest infestations, mold problems, or water damage that needs immediate water damage restoration or 24-Hour Emergency Water Damage Floor Restoration services. However, be aware that a seller must always disclose if there has ever been lead paint in the home as it is a federal regulation.

“As-is” might not mean the whole home

Sometimes, sellers may only specify some components of the home to be in as-is condition, not the entire home itself. Some common components that may be sold as-is include fireplaces, pools, garages, sheds, and major appliances. Find out exactly which elements of the home are being sold in as-is condition because you may be able to request repairs on those that are not.

You may have limited financing options

Not all lenders are willing to offer to finance a home sold in as-is condition. As a buyer, you need to understand what your options are. You may be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage, but you’ll need to shop around for a lender for your specific situation. Some lenders may only allow minor issues and many not finance a home in poor condition. Homes that are sold as-is usually do not qualify for mortgages backed by the federal government, such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Staging your home can make a big difference when it comes time to sell. The more attractive your home is to potential buyers, the faster you can close and the more money you can make. While many sellers think home staging is expensive, that isn’t always the case. In fact, you can successfully stage your home without spending much cash at all. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Banish clutter

The first thing you should do if you want to stage your home on a budget is to get rid of all the clutter. Today’s buyers are looking for space, and clutter makes your home look smaller. It also makes it appear that you don’t care about your home. So when you’re selling, you need to pack up all that clutter and keep it in storage.

Remove personal items

In addition to getting rid of clutter, you should also remove personal items when you’re selling your home. This includes family photos, sports team memorabilia, travel souvenirs, and the like. Buyers will want to envision themselves in the home, which can be tough to do when surrounded by someone else’s personal stuff.

Clean

Once you’ve de-cluttered, it’s time to give your home a deep clean. Most buyers want to buy a home that’s move-in ready, which includes being sparkling clean. This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms. If you don’t have the time or energy to do a thorough cleaning, then consider hiring a professional cleaning crew to do the job.

Rearrange furniture

Refresh your home’s interior by making the best use of the furniture you already have. That could mean moving furniture from one room to another. You don’t want any room to feel cramped. So if that extra armchair in the living room is making the space feel smaller, think about relocating it to a bedroom or office. When arranging furniture, make sure it’s easy to move around the room and take traffic patterns into consideration.

Shop your own home

You probably already have plenty of lovely items that you can use to take your home to the next level when you’re staging. Do you have a beautiful set of dishes that you only use for special occasions? Then use them to set the dining room table. Put out your nicest towels, display a collection of cookbooks in the kitchen, or get a fabulous flower arrangement for that crystal vase you got as a wedding gift.

Give each room a purpose

Do you have a room or space in your home that doesn’t have a defined purpose? Then you should create one when you’re staging. You want buyers to see your home’s full potential. So take that spare bedroom you use for storage and create a home office or child’s playroom. Or use the awkward space next to the back door as a functional mudroom.

Think like a buyer

Finally, if you want to save money on your staging, then it pays to think like a buyer. Who would a typical buyer for your home be? For example, if you have a large home with several bedrooms, then you’re most likely to get potential buyers who are families with kids. Knowing who your buyers are will help you cater the space to what they’re looking for.

Compliments of Virtual Results