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We’ve all done remarkably well adjusting to life during the pandemic, all things considered. But while the summer months have allowed us to venture outdoors more often for errands and socializing, colder weather is approaching. With an expected uptick in Covid-19 rates this winter, it’s more important than ever that we stay home as much as possible. It’s also important to have proper ventilation in your home by using Air filtration systems to improve air quality and to help clear out virus particles in your home faster. In addition, prepare your heating system by hiring professional hvac services technicians. With regular heating services, you can ensure that your heating system will be functioning at its maximum efficiency.

Extend your outdoor season

Having outdoor living space has been a top priority for many homebuyers this year. With many of us staying home most of the time, it’s great to have outdoor living space. But what happens when the temperatures start to drop? By investing in a few simple upgrades you can extend your outdoor season by a few weeks or even months. Create a cozy fire pit, and have durable outdoor blankets at the ready. Consider buying a patio heater for dining al fresco as the temperatures dip. And don’t forget how warming it can be just to sip on some hot chocolate while enjoying time outdoors this fall and winter.

Create a dedicated WFH space

Will you be working from home in the coming months? If you haven’t already created a dedicated working space in your home, then now is the time to do. It’s essential to your well-being to create a clear division between your working and living space. Spare bedrooms are great for home offices. But if you don’t have the luxury of a room to yourself, you can carve out a space in the basement, in the corner of the living room, or even in a converted closet.

Turn on the lights

One of the biggest challenges in the winter months is the lack of natural light. Seasonal depression is a real thing, and it’s likely that even more of us will suffer from it this year. Give yourself a leg up by making your home as light and bright as possible during the darkest days. Light helps to alleviate depression and can help make you feel calm, warm, and relaxed. Make sure to turn on the lights during the day, and invest in some dimmable lights to create the perfect ambiance for your home.

Create an indoor garden

Gardening has been one of the biggest hits of the summer. Since we all spent more time at home, many of us have been trying our hand at gardening and learning new gardening hacks. You don’t have to stop just because winter is approaching. Indoor plants and flowers are a great way to extend your gardening season. They also make a room feel cozier and more alive. There are many types of low-maintenance plants that are easy to keep alive during the winter. You can also invest in a few grow lights to help keep your plant babies healthy.

Pay attention to comfort

Finally, comfort is key this winter. Make your home the kind of place you enjoy relaxing in. This can take the form of luxurious velvet throw pillows, soft faux-fur blankets, flannel sheet sets, or even heavenly scented candles. It’s OK to splurge on some comfort items this winter until it’s safe for us all to be together again.

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Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges of buying a home. In fact, it might actually be the biggest check you will write during your lifetime. For this reason, many homebuyers are nervous about their down payment. It’s normal to have questions about the process of making a down payment and what it actually entails. Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get about down payments.

What is a down payment?

In a nutshell, a down payment is the initial sum of cash that you pay towards your home purchase. You will typically see down payments represented as a percentage of the purchase price. For example, if your down payment were 20 percent of the purchase price, then you would make a $20,000 down payment on a $100,000 home. Most homebuyers will pay out of pocket for the down payment and finance the remainder of the purchase price with a mortgage.

Why do I need a down payment?

Making a down payment gives you a head start on building equity in your home. Most home loans require some type of down payment in order to qualify. It shows your lender that you are committed to the purchase and gives them a certain level of security. In their eyes, you are less likely to default on your loan when you make a down payment.

How much do I need for a down payment?

How much you need for a down payment will vary depending on the type of loan you secure for your home purchase. If you opt for a conventional loan, then be prepared to pay 20 percent of the purchase price for your down payment. However, if you qualify for a loan backed by the federal government, such as an FHA loan, you can make a significantly lower down payment – as little as three percent. Some government-backed loans, such as VA loans, require no down payment at all.

Is a down payment paid all at one time?

In most cases, you do not pay the full amount of the down payment all at one time. However, it is advisable to have the full amount saved and ready to pay. Typically, you will first pay an earnest money deposit. This is usually up to three percent of the purchase price and is paid when you sign the purchase agreement. You would then pay the remaining amount of the down payment at closing.

How do I save for a down payment?

Homeowners who have equity in their current homes will often use that equity to make the down payment on their next home purchase. But what do you do if you’re a first-time homebuyer? Be aware that it can take several years to save enough for a home, so it’s good to make a game plan and exercise discipline. Down payments can also be made as a gift from family or friends, but there are strict regulations for these types of payments. They can also come from a financial windfall, such as an inheritance.

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With so much uncertainty in 2020, we can understand how everyone wants to make their dollars stretch. While investing in your home makes financial sense, there are some features that are worth more in the end than others. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or simply upgrading your current home, it’s good to know which renovations bring the biggest bang for your buck. Here are our top choices for home features that are worth the investment.

Outdoor living space

Since we’ve spent so much time at home this year, it’s no surprise that outdoor living space has become a feature worth investing in. With many of us still working and going to school from home, it’s great to have an outdoor space to go to where you can relax. The good news is that upgrading your outdoor space doesn’t have to break the bank. Think about adding features like a deck, a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and comfortable places to sit and dine.

If you’re thinking of adding a deck to beautify your outdoor living space even further, you should contact a professional deck builder now. You may start looking for a professional deck builder online or contact a local professional near you.

Paint

Nothing perks up a space like a new coat of paint. But not all paints are created equal. In fact, choosing the cheapest paint will often give you unfavorable results. Not only will the coverage be streaky, but you may also end up using more paint – which will end up costing you more money. It’s best to invest in high-quality paint when tackling any painting project. Not only will it give you a streak-free finish, but you may also only need one coat which will save you time.

New windows

Another home feature that’s worth the investment is new windows. This is especially true if your current windows are original to the home. There have been major improvements in the quality of windows in recent years, and it can save you big. In fact, a new window installation not only makes your home more comfortable, but it can also net you up to 15 percent more for your home when it comes time to sell. Purchase perfect fit blinds too from Newblinds. While new windows may not seem like the most exciting home improvement project, they are well worth the money.

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Some room renovations have a better return on investment than others; think about having a water softener installation, installing new fixtures, etc. That is certainly true for kitchens and bathrooms. If you really want to overhaul a room, then these two should be at the top of your list. Keep in mind that it’s important to invest in materials and appliances that will stand the test of time. These two rooms see a lot of activity and need to withstand constant use.

Good contractors

Finally, one of the most important things you can spend money on when it comes to upgrading your home is a good contractor. If you’re going to invest serious money in a home improvement project, then you want to know that it will be done right. Choosing the perfect contractor is a big decision and can impact how happy you are with the finished product. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations, and be sure to research any contractors you are considering.

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If you’re one of the millions of Americans in search of a new home, then you may be frustrated by the lack of inventory. There are more buyers in today’s market then there are sellers. This means fierce competition when it comes to making an offer on an existing home. Which is why now is such a great time to consider buying a newly constructed home as long it is from a trusted contractor such as house lifting camp hill. Let’s take a look at the clear advantages of buying a brand-new home right now.

Builder confidence at all-time high

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been tracking builder confidence for the last 35 years. In September, builder confidence hit an all-time high. The NAR index reports what builders expect in terms of sales for the next six months, and the news is good. New construction is on the rise as a result of this confidence, and buyers will more easily find new construction opportunities in their markets. You can read more about it here.

The home is brand new

In an age where we are so worried about germs, it can be incredibly comforting to know that you’re the very first owners of a home. You don’t have to worry about what the previous owners may have left behind, and you don’t have to perform a deep clean. You won’t need to be concerned about imminent repairs, since everything in the home is brand new. If you’re ready to hunker down and simply enjoy your new home, then a brand new home is a clear winner.

Homes are optimized for today’s lifestyles

Today’s homebuilders have their fingers on the pulse of what current Americans want in a home. Designs for new homes continue to adapt to how we live and take into consideration how new technology affects our daily lives. Newly constructed homes give you increased flexibility and often include rooms that can be adapted to fit your families changing needs. They also tend to use the most up-to-date and efficient materials, making them better for the environment.

You get exactly what you need

Trying to find an existing home that fits your needs to a “T” can be a challenge. This is especially true if you have a unique situation, such as a multi-generational family or someone in your family with special needs. With a newly constructed home you get to choose exactly what you need. This includes smart-home technology and luxury finishes like high ceilings or custom fixtures. If you’ve discovered that no existing home is checking enough boxes on your “must-have” list, then it’s time to look into new home builders. Plus, if you get involved in the construction planning, you may be able to suggest the kind of materials you want to be used in your home and which Construction Materials Company will supply them.

You can choose the perfect location

Finally, buying a new construction home means you can also choose the perfect location. The best builders in dublin can be found at OSHolding. You will be able to choose the kind of lot you’d like to have and the features of that lot. This could include having a yard that borders a wooded location or being within walking distance of culture and nightlife. You can also choose from new ranch homes in a neighborhood that offers perks such as walking trails, a public pool, lakes, or ponds with timber bridges and family-friendly parks.

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Demand is high in today’s real estate market. With record-low interest rates and a shortage of inventory, we’re in a seller’s market. That means it can be tough to purchase a home when so many other buyers are competing. With limited options, house hunting may fee like a lost cause. But don’t count yourself out just yet! One thing you may want to try is to put in an offer on a home that isn’t currently listed. While it can be a challenge, it isn’t impossible. Here’s what you need to know about buying a home that isn’t for sale. If you are looking for a new property to own, the Lentor Hills Residences is surrounded by the park is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery and facilities for families.

Figure out exactly what you want

If you’re going to put in offers on homes that aren’t for sale, then you need to be perfectly clear about what you want. You certainly don’t want to waste anyone’s time by looking at homes you aren’t seriously interested in buying. Make a list of your needs and wants and determine your budget. That way you can target your search to your specific criteria.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

As with any home search, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage first. Getting pre-approved shows a seller that you are a serious buyer. In order to convince a homeowner that you are both willing and ready to buy their property, you need to have your financial ducks in a row.

Check out specific neighborhoods

Once you’ve nailed down your pre-approval and know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start exploring neighborhoods. Take a drive and write down the addresses of homes that you would be interested in viewing. Give that list to your agent, who can then follow up with the owners to see if they would be open to talking about a sale.

Do some digging

In addition to driving around neighborhoods, you should also do research on homes in that area. Check online for expired or withdrawn listings. These are homes that were once on the market but have been removed or the listing expired before they sold. There are a variety of reasons why a home may no longer be for sale, and the owners may still be open to offers. If you find any expired listings you’d like to see, see if your agent can set something up with the owner. You can also check tax records to see if the owner of a property has a different address on their tax returns. This could suggest the home is an investment property and the owner may be willing to sell for a good price.

Understand the owner’s mindset

If an owner of a home is interested in talking to you about a sale, then don’t assume you’re in the clear. Knowing there is interest in their home could mean more potential buyers may be just around the corner. They understand they might be able to get more money if there is more competition. As a buyer, be ready to make an attractive offer immediately. If the owner knows that the sale will be hassle-free, then they’ll be more likely to accept.

Work with a pro

Finally, the best way to find a homeowner who may be open to your offer is to work with a professional real estate agent. When interviewing agents, ask if they are willing to take the extra steps needed to find your perfect house – even if it isn’t on the market. With a little luck and a lot of digging, you may just find yourself the new owner of the house of your dreams!

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If you’re buying or selling a home, then you’re going to come across the term MLS, or Multiple Listing Service. But just what is the MLS and why is it so important to both buyers and sellers? Let’s take a closer look at this essential tool.

The MLS explained

In a nutshell, the MLS is a huge database of homes for sale. While it may seem like the MLS is one national database, it is actually comprised of hundreds of regional databases. Real estate agents use the MLS as a tool to help buyers and sellers find each other, even for homes they do no represent. The MLS helps to facilitate cooperation between agents by consolidating information in one place. Real estate agents pay to have access to their regional database. In many cases, agents may pay to have memberships to more than one MLS.

How the MLS works

The MLS is an online service that allows agents to search homes by price, features, and neighborhoods. Sellers cannot post their properties directly on the MLS – it is only accessible to those agents and brokers who have paid memberships. Agents collect all the important details about a home including the size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other amenities. They then create a listing with this information as well as photos of the home on behalf of their client. Agents can also upload and download important documents on the MLS like HOA regulations and seller disclosures. Listings on the MLS are then exposed to thousands of agents as well as real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com.

How the MLS benefits buyers

We are in a seller’s market. That means it’s critical for buyers to have up-to-the-minute access to new home listings. Homes are added to the MLS in real time giving agents information about new homes for sale almost instantly. Agents are notified when new listings fitting their criteria are added to the database. As a buyer, having this information at your fingertips is critical in a competitive market.

How the MLS benefits sellers

As a home seller, the most important marketing tool is exposure. You are more likely to have multiple offers on your home when it reaches the widest possible audience. When your home is listed on the MLS it not only reaches the agents who have access to the database, but also the third party websites that aggregate this data. This means your home will be seen by exponentially more potential buyers than just a sign in your front yard or an ad in the local newspaper.

How to make the most of the MLS

When interviewing real estate agents, be sure to ask them if they have MLS access. Also inquire if they are members of more than one MLS, which will increase your reach to potential buyers or sellers. If you’re house hunting, then ask your agent to create a buyer portal. This will create email alerts that are sent to you when a home matching your criteria hits the market. As a seller, make sure that you agent has correct information about your home so that details in your listing are accurate. And, of course, be sure to use high-quality photos to make your home stand out from the competition.

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There are many benefits of buying a home, but one of the biggest is building equity. But what exactly is home equity, and how can it be used to your advantage? Let’s take a closer look at home equity and how it can be such an advantageous financial tool.

Home equity explained

In a nutshell, home equity is the amount you owe on your mortgage minus what your home is worth in today’s market. So let’s say you still owe $150,000 on your home and that it’s worth $200,000. That means you have $50,000 worth of equity in your home.

How equity increases and decreases

There are a couple of ways that you can increase your home equity. The first is to pay down your mortgage. The more you’ve paid, the more equity you have in your home. The second way is for your home value to increase. The more that value jumps, the more equity you have. On the flip side, your equity can decrease if your home decreases in value faster than you’re paying down your mortgage.

Calculating your equity

In order to understand how much equity you have in your home, you need to know its current value. The best way to determine your home’s value is to talk with a professional real estate agent. Once you know how much your home is worth, subtract the balance of your mortgage and any other home-related debts you’re carrying. The resulting number is your home equity.

Using equity to buy another home

If you currently own your home and you’re looking to upgrade, then you can use your equity to help finance the purchase. When you sell your home, your equity will be the profit you make on the sale (minus fees and closing costs). You can then use that profit to make the down payment on your next home. Find out how long does equity release take. For many homeowners, this can mean making a sizable down payment, giving you the ability to afford a larger, more expensive home and still have a smaller mortgage.

Taking out a home equity loan

You can also borrow against your home equity. One way is to take out a home equity loan, which is like a second mortgage. If you have $50,000 in equity, you may qualify for a $40,000 loan. You would receive that money in a lump-sum payment from your lender to use however you like. You would then make monthly payments on that loan, just like you would with your primary mortgage.

Using a home equity line of credit

You can also get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to use like a credit card. If you qualify for $40,000 worth of credit, then you can use that money for things like a kitchen renovation. In this scenario, you only pay back what you borrow.

Refinancing for more than you owe

Finally, with your equity you may also qualify for a cash-out refinance. In this case, you would refinance your mortgage for more than what you owe. You would receive the extra money in cash to do with as you please. You would then repay the new amount in monthly installments with interest.

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By all accounts, the real estate market hasn’t taken any hits as a result of the pandemic. In fact, the market is extremely strong right now and poised to help lead the economy out of a pandemic-induced recession. Homes are in high demand, and there is a shortage of inventory – which means we’re in a sellers’ market. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you can price your home sky high. On the contrary, you need to be smart about determining just the right asking price for your home. Here’s why it matters.

The problems with pricing too low

One of the main problems with pricing your home too low is that you’re leaving money on the table. In today’s market, you have the potential to make a handsome return on your investment. There’s no sense in pricing too low and potentially missing out on thousands of dollars – or more. In addition, potential buyers may think something is wrong with your home if it is priced below the competition. And if you’re using your home sale to help finance your next home purchase, you’re decreasing your buying power by pricing low. On the flip side, however, it’s better to price too low than too high. That’s because the price can be driven over your asking price if you receive multiple offers on your home. But there’s no guarantee your home will cause a bidding war, so why risk it?

The problems with pricing too high

Some sellers may be tempted to price high because of the current demand for homes. But this is a huge mistake. For one thing, buyers can see that your home is priced more than the competition. In today’s world, it’s easy for buyers and their agents to research comps in the area and it will be obvious there’s something off about your asking price. As a result, your home could sit on the market for too long. This can send the message that there’s actually something wrong with your house. That message can be compounded if paired with price reductions. And don’t forget about the appraisal. Your buyer could have a problem closing on their home loan if their offer is higher than the appraised value of the home. This is why it’s so essential that you price your home correctly from the start.

How to find just the right price

So just how do you find the right price for your home for sale? There are several key things to consider:

• Look at comps in your area. By researching recently sold homes, expired listings, pending sales, and active listings for homes that are similar to yours, you can get a good sense of what your home is worth.
• Ask a professional real estate agent to perform at CMA, or Comparative Market Analysis. Your agent will pull data from your local market to help determine how to best price your home.
• Take the current market into consideration. As we stated above, we’re in a sellers’ market. You may have the wiggle room to increase your asking price by as much as 10 percent over recent comps if the market is very competitive.

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One of the questions we get most often from sellers is, “How long will it take to sell my house?” While this is true in normal times, it’s even truer now. Sellers want to have some idea of how long the home-selling process is going to take, beginning with how long the house will be on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in the market today and what steps you can take to get a great offer sooner.

Homes are flying off the shelves

According the National Association of Realtors (NAR) August 2020 Confidence Index, homes typically sold in 22 days in August. In addition, 68 percent of homes were on the market for less than a month. This is a record-breaking timetable. Buyers are eager to find a home and put in an offer, especially because there is currently a huge shortage of inventory. Simply put, in today’s market you can expect to move from listing to pending sale in less than a month. There has never been a better time in recent history to sell your home.

Set a realistic asking price

Just because we’re in a sellers’ market doesn’t mean that you can set an unrealistically high price on your home. Pricing your home right from the beginning is key in getting an offer quickly. Work with an agent who has experience in your market to help determine the best asking price for your home. When you overprice your home, it can sit on the market for too long. This can lead buyers to think there’s something wrong with it. Setting the right price is key. Another great option is to sell your home to House Buyers of America, they buy houses for cash regardless of their condition. You may also be wondering about how do I sell my house after a fire. There are companies that buy damaged homes with a fair price.

Make it sparkle

Being in a sellers’ market also doesn’t mean you can get lazy about showing your home. You need to make it sparkle! First, pack up your extra belongings and large pieces of furniture and keep them in storage. Include anything that is personal, such as framed photographs of family or décor from a specific sports team. Organize what’s left, keeping in mind that buyers will be looking in drawers and closets so they need to be tidy. Once you’re organized it’s time to clean every room in your house. This includes places you tend to neglect, such as baseboards, windows, cabinets, and floors. If you’re short on time, then consider hiring professional cleaners.

Address home repairs

In addition to cleaning and de-cluttering, you should attend to minor repairs. This includes patching drywall, touching-up paint, repairing loose doorknobs, and tightening leaky faucets. You should also consider giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint, installing new hardware in bathrooms and kitchens, and upgrading lighting fixtures. These small repairs can go a long way. But if a major plumbing repair is needed, never hesitate to call a plumber just like this plumber in Adelaide.

You should also look out for major damages. For instance, if your metal roof needs to have a roof replacement or repair work done immediately, you may order the materials you need from a metal roofing supplier and work on the roof before listing your home. You may contact an expert roofing contractor for professional roofing services.

Stage and add curb appeal

More and more buyers are doing their preliminary shopping online. Make your home stand out amongst the competition by staging it to sell. Determine what the best feature is of each room and stage your furniture and décor to highlight it. You could also hire a professional stager who will bring in new furniture and décor to make your home look polished. Give some attention to the outside of your home as well. Clean up the yard, replace broken lights, and add some seasonal décor.

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The global coronavirus pandemic has had serious financial consequences for many Americans. High unemployment caused by the shutdown has made it difficult for some to make their monthly payments. Unfortunately, missing payments can have a negative affect on your credit score, which can impact your ability to buy a home in the future. If your credit has suffered as a result of the pandemic, then here’s what you need to do begin rebuilding it.

Check your credit report

First things first – if you’re concerned about your credit, then get a copy of your credit report. By looking at your report, you can see firsthand what factors are negatively impacting your credit. This will help you prioritize how you tackle repairing your credit. Consider what will make the biggest impact. Your payment history makes up the largest portion of your score, so this is often where you’ll want to start.

Make payments on time

Late payments can stay on your report for up to seven years. Making your payments on time will help you to keep your credit score up. It also helps to eliminate late fees, which can quickly eat up extra funds. If you’re able, then sign-up for automatic payments. This helps you to avoid forgetting to make a payment. Look into ways to reduce your spending, such as cooking at home or finding ways to lower your Internet or cell phone bill.

Don’t dig a deeper hole

Avoid taking on new debt while you’re repairing your credit. Another factor that determines your credit score is your credit utilization ratio. This is the ratio of how much credit you’re using divided by how much revolving credit you have. You want to keep this number as low as possible. The only type of loan that you should consider getting is a debt consolidation loan. This kind of loan helps you to pay off and close your existing credit.

Keep your accounts open

Your credit history also plays into your score. You should keep your accounts open even if they are paid off. Just remember to keep your accounts active by periodically making small purchases. Make sure to pay off those purchases in full each month.

Check into deferment plans

You’re not the only one experiencing financial problems as a result of the pandemic. For this reason, many lenders are extending deferment plans for credit cards and mortgages. This can be a good way to protect your credit while still being able to miss payments. Just be sure to check your credit report occasionally to ensure that it’s being reported correctly, or it could negatively impact your score.

Ask for lower interest rates

You don’t get what you don’t ask for. And this is often true with low interest rates. Did you know that you can simply call your lender to ask for a lower rate? While there is no guarantee it will work, it is always worth a try. The money you save on interest payments can then be applied to the principal balance, which will allow you to pay it off faster.

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