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Whether you’re buying a new home or you’re hoping to refinance, getting a mortgage can be a big job. It’s doubly so right now as we adjust to the “new normal” caused by the global pandemic. While the real estate market is still quite strong and interest rates are at record lows, it can be more complicated to qualify. Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for success.

Rates have dropped

First things first – interest rates for mortgages are at record lows. These are the lowest levels we’ve seen in a long time. That means it’s a great time to take out a new loan if you’re planning to buy a house. It can also be an excellent time to refinance your existing loan to get a better deal and save money on your payments.

Getting a mortgage is more complicated

However – it’s important to know that the pandemic has caused the mortgage process to become more complex. It is more difficult for lenders to complete the underwriting process, because many of the firms they work with, such as title companies, have reduced their services because of the pandemic. In addition, many of the steps of the closing process that normally happen in person are now happening online. This includes getting documents notarized, completing a home appraisal, and even signing documents at closing.

Your employment status is crucial

During normal times, your lender will want to verify your employment status before closing on the loan to make sure you can afford your payments. Due to record levels of unemployment caused by the pandemic, you will be required to prove to your lender your ability to pay several times during the process. Typically, a lender will check your employment status two or three times when processing your loan application. Now you can expect your lender to verify your employment and financial health up to ten times during the process. You will need to show that you are currently employed. If you are furloughed during that time, then your closing will be delayed until you return to work. Be patient and have your documents ready at all times to expedite the process. Sun Cash offers best payday loan and cash advance rates if you need cash fast.

Your credit score is more important than ever

Your credit score has always been an important factor when determining your eligibility for a home loan. It also factors into the rates and terms you qualify for. In the past, you could get an FHA loan with a credit score as low as 580. Right now, the number is closer to 620. The economic downturn we’re experiencing as a result of the pandemic has made lenders more nervous. This means that some are making their requirements stricter. The bottom line is that if you want to buy a home, then you should work on improving your credit score first.

Consider a refinance carefully

If you’re a current homeowner who wants to refinance for a lower rate, then you should carefully consider your situation. Are you planning to stay in your home for a long time? Then refinancing can be a smart financial move. But if you’re not sure you’ll be there for more than a few years, a refinance could end up costing you money. Remember to factor in closing costs and fees when you’re making your decision.

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Did you know that June is National Homeownership Month? This designation is meant to celebrate all the benefits of owning a home. And the timing couldn’t be more appropriate now that we realize just how important our homes are during the global pandemic. Let’s take a closer look at how this celebration began, and how homeownership enriches our families and our communities.

The origins of National Homeownership Month

Back in 1995, President Clinton’s administration created National Homeownership Week to bring attention to the benefits of homeownership in America. Then in 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the observance to encompass the entire month of June. By increasing the duration of the celebration, President Bush essentially highlighted just how important homeownership has become to our health, happiness, and prosperity in the United States.

Homeownership builds wealth

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership today is the opportunity to build wealth. In 2019, home prices rose approximately four percent year-over-year from 2018. And although the coronavirus has brought with it some uncertainty in the real estate market, there is still good news. There have been record-breaking numbers of refinances on home loans because of historically low-interest rates. In addition, housing values have increased during the pandemic. Although purchase volume did drop during the lockdown, more buyers are entering the market and volume is picking up, too. If you prefer to build your dream home, make sure to hire reputable contractors, builders and utility inspection consulting specialists.

Homeownership provides safety

If it wasn’t obvious before, then it became clear during our months of self-isolation. Homeownership provides safety. As we sheltered in place, most of us could see how having a home helped to protect us from the worst of the pandemic. And features like a security system, a safe installation, and surveillance cameras will definitely help make you feel safe and secure.

The CARES Act enacted by the federal government helped to ensure that homeowners could stay in their homes during the worst of the crisis. Homeowners with loans backed by the federal government could take advantage of forbearance plans, allowing them payment relief for up to a year. Unfortunately, renters did not have the same protection, and many have faced eviction as a result of job losses and decreased income.

Our homes are the center of our lives

While our homes have often been thought of as our sanctuaries, they have truly become the center of our lives. Millions have begun working from home, and some may be telecommuting permanently as a result. Our homes have also become our schools, with millions of school-age children now attending classes from their kitchen tables or bedroom desks. The homes we live in reflect who we are, and they are a source of pride, accomplishment, and peace of mind.

Homeownership is attainable

Don’t let the pandemic scare you away from your dreams of homeownership, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. There are many programs available to help you achieve your dream of buying a home. From there, hiring home inspection services and working with contractors along with anything you can do on your own will ensure your home stays in good condition. In doing so you will be able to enjoy your home fully, and sell it for a comfortable price once you feel its time to move another home that better fits your needs. There are loan programs with low or no down payments, such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans. And it’s safer than ever to navigate the buying process, with many of the steps moving online, including closing. Talk to a professional real estate agent today to find out what options are available to you!

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With swimming pool season upon us, you may be wondering how the coronavirus will affect your ability to enjoy a cool dip on a hot summer’s day. We know that the virus can last up to three days on some surfaces. But can it be transmitted in your pool? Are you and your family safe inside of your pool or walk-in tub?

Here’s a few recommendations from fibreglass pool installers Geelong that you need to know.

No evidence it spreads in water

First things first – the CDC has stated that there is no evidence the coronavirus can be spread through the water in pools or hot tubs. In addition, they say that the proper operation of pools and disinfecting the water with bromine or chlorine should kill the virus. Scientists concur that the virus can’t reproduce in water and that COVID-19 is not a water-borne illness.

Proper maintenance is important

The important thing to understand from the CDC’s statement is that proper pool maintenance is essential. You need to keep on top of regular maintenance if you own a pool or you’re selling a home with a pool. You should check both the chlorine and pH levels at least once a week, especially if you’re using the pool regularly. Of course, if you or anyone in your family is feeling sick, then you should avoid the pool completely.

Don’t just focus on the pool

In a residential pool, it’s not just the water that you should be focusing your attention on. You need to be sure to clean, disinfect, and sanitize the entire pool area. This means regularly sanitizing pool chairs and toys. Wash down the pool deck with chlorinated water. This is especially important in any area where puddles may form. In addition, wash all your pool towels after each use in hot water. And don’t use a pool towel that someone else has just been using. While the coronavirus does not spread in water, coming into contact with other surfaces around the pool can spread it.

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Practice social distancing

If you’re planning on hosting friends or family that don’t live with you, then you should continue to practice social distancing while you’re in and around the pool. Keep the number of guests limited. Avoid coming within six feet of anyone that doesn’t live in your home. If you’re simply soaking in the pool and not going underwater, wear a facemask. Keep pool chairs and loungers six feet apart.

Good hygiene is a must

In addition to following all the advice given above, you and your guests need to practice proper hygiene. Anyone that will be getting into the pool should shower before swimming. Any contaminants that people bring into the pool on their bodies can use up the chlorine in the pool. This makes less chlorine available to kill bacteria and viruses like the coronavirus. You should also shower after you leave the pool, in case you’ve come into contact with the virus on any surfaces.

By using a little caution and regularly maintaining your pool, you can enjoy the water all summer long. In fact, if you’re planning to stay home as much as possible over the coming weeks, then your pool can become a real oasis and a great way to relax, recharge, stay fit, and entertain the kids. Also, keep in mind that seeking professional advice from pool contractors can help ensure your pool is in top condition for optimal enjoyment and safety during your extended stays at home.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve watched as the pandemic has wreaked havoc on industries such as travel, tourism, and hospitality. Many have been left to wonder if the housing market would also suffer the consequences of the spread of the coronavirus. What may surprise you is that although the market has felt the effects of the pandemic, housing prices have not plummeted. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening.

Inventory down, house values up

According to Zillow, the number of homes on the market has decreased by about 20 percent from this time last year. However, home values have risen by 4.3 percent and the average home is valued at more than $250,000. The National Association of Realtors has also reported that although home sales plunged in April, the price of homes increased.

Demand is high, but sellers are reluctant

Data supplied by Redfin suggests that demand is rising for homes and that right now, demand is outpacing supply. When the pandemic hit, many sellers across America decided to pull their listings or they are waiting to list until the worst of the crisis has passed us and markets have stabilized. The idea of having dozens of people in and out of their homes during a pandemic seemed too risky.

Activity picking back up in hard-hit areas

The pandemic did not hit all areas of the country equally. In those locations where infection rates were high and lockdowns strict, mortgage lock activity (where lenders and borrowers agree on the interest rate for a certain period of time) plunged between 15 and 50 percent in late March and April. Since then, activity has picked up, though, in hard-hit areas where the markets took the biggest hits, the rebound is slower.

Buyers returning at a faster rate than sellers

Though some buyers left the market in March in April because of job losses or income uncertainty, they are again returning to the market. In fact, buyers are returning to the market at a faster rate than sellers. This means inventory is falling, but the home prices are not.

History can guide us

While trying to predict the future in this kind of climate is tricky at best, we can look to history to see what may happen to the market in the coming weeks and months. During previous pandemics such as SARS, housing prices held steady while transaction volume plunged. It’s also important to remember that while even though housing prices plunged during the last economic downturn, we are not in the same situation. The housing market and the easy availability of credit were the main reasons for the Great Recession. Our situation today is much different. It is more difficult to qualify for the credit, and those who are buying homes are more likely to be in a position to afford them.

The federal government’s role

It’s also important to note that the decisive action of the government has also been responsible for the market’s stability. The CARES Act provides protections for those with federally backed mortgages. Lenders are not able to foreclose on a home until June 30 at the earliest, and homeowners can request forbearance for up to 360 days.

What happens next?

While experts can make educated guesses about what will happen in the coming months, much depends on what happens with the coronavirus. Some believe urbanites will decamp for the suburbs. Available treatments or vaccines can also affect the market. Some economists believe the market will bounce back quickly, while others think a rebound may take months or years. The only thing we can say for certain is that only time will tell.

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With all the time you’ve recently spent at home, have you gotten a little tired of your décor? After looking at the same paint, the same art, and the same knick-knacks for the last few weeks, are you yearning for something different? The good news is you don’t have to invest a huge amount of time or money to makeover an area of your home. And one of the best places to start is arguably one of the rooms we all spend the most time in – the bedroom, so having a good bed is important, and you can get a good mattress too from Best Mattress in a box online. Here are some tips to give your bedroom a makeover in just one weekend.

Remove clutter

This first step is the most important step. Take a look around your bedroom. How much stuff is in there that doesn’t need to be? If you’re trying to create a peaceful oasis where you can get some quality sleep, then it’s time to edit. Are you storing anything in your bedroom that can be relocated? Is there anything in your room that makes it feel cramped or uncomfortable? Take it out. Is there a lamp that has never really quite worked in the room? Swap it out with a lamp from a different room. Also, think about what you really love in your bedroom. These are the items you want to keep in there and highlight – the ones that make you feel relaxed and recharged.

Rearrange

Now that you’ve edited down the contents of your bedroom so that it only contains the things you love, it’s time to take a critical look at the arrangement. Does the room work with the way you have the furniture currently arranged? If not, then it’s time to move things around. One rule of thumb to think about – it can be best to place your bed on the longest wall or the wall opposite the door and then position all the other pieces around it.

Add a coat of paint

What’s the biggest bang for you buck when it comes to making over your bedroom? Giving the walls a fresh coat of paint in a new color. Your choice of color can influence your mood. Think about how you want your bedroom to feel. Would you like it to be glamorous? Then go with a darker color, like dark blue or dark grey. Would you prefer it to feel light and cheerful? Then choose a soft yellow or green. You can easily paint the walls in one weekend on your own. If the thought of painting seems like a big job, then limit it to one accent wall, typically the one where you position the bed. Even painting just one wall can make a big difference.

Another great and unique idea is placing murals on your wall to give your room a more modern look. If you’re looking for high-quality printed murals, you can buy at muraledesign.com.

Update your bedding and accessorize

Finally, take a look at your bed. New sheets and a comforter can seriously update the look of the room and make you feel refreshed. Browse online at retailers like Target or Amazon to find just the right style for you. It’s also time to add back in all those accessories that you love and decided to keep in your room, including mementos from your travels, framed photos of loved ones, or a pretty dish for corralling your jewelry.

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Millions of Americans in large cities have spent the last couple of months cooped up in small apartments while they wait out the pandemic. It’s always been tough to make the most of a small space. But when you don’t have the option to leave, the small space can start to feel claustrophobic quickly. According to a recent Harris Poll survey, almost one-third of Americans are thinking about moving to less densely populated areas because of the pandemic. If you’re one of those people, then here’s what you should ask yourself.

Does the suburban lifestyle fit my needs?

While it’s understandable to want more space after enduring months of living in close quarters, you should consider whether a suburban lifestyle fits your needs. The suburbs can be a major change of pace for urbanites that are used to having everything they need close by and available 24/7. Research the towns where you might consider moving and visit them to see what the vibe is like. Spend time in the stores, restaurants, and parks that would become home for you. Talk to the locals. Get a feel for the place before making a major decision.

How will it change my work life?

Another thing to consider is how moving to the suburbs would change your working life. Would you need to get a new job? If so, are there opportunities in the area for someone with your skillset? If you’ll be keeping your current job, then what would your commute be like? Remember – studies show that your commute time influences your happiness levels. The longer your commute, the more unhappy you will likely be. Will you be able to permanently work from home? If so, then you’ll need space for a home office. Keep in mind that working from home in the suburbs can be more isolating than working from home in the city, where distractions of all shapes and colors are right outside your door.

Will I need to buy a car?

Most city dwellers don’t need cars in order to get around. In dense urban centers, public transportation is available on virtually every corner. That may not be the case in the suburbs. Would you need to live near a train line so you can get to work more easily? Or will you need to purchase or Lease Your Car? How far away are amenities like grocery stores? Think about the added cost of owning a car when making your decision about moving out of the city. You’ll not only need to pay for the car itself, but you’ll need to factor in insurance costs, gas, oil changes, maintenance, and parking fees. Some GPS trackers with no-monthly fees do not have the same features. Some are designed to only show you the location of a vehicle, while others have additional monitoring features. With no-monthly fees, these products are an excellent option for monitoring a vehicle.

How are the schools?

Finally, be sure to research the schools in the area before making your decision. If you have school-age children at home, then you’ll obviously want to move to a neighborhood that has a good school district. How well will your kids transition to a new school? If you don’t have kids, then it’s still important to look at the quality of the school district. Homes that are located in good school districts typically sell for more money down the line.

If the coronavirus pandemic has put your house hunting on hold, then now is a good time to get your priorities in order. One of the best things you can do for yourself when searching for a new home is to be very clear about what you want. Knowing what you need and what you can be flexible about will help you find the right home more quickly with less stress. Creating your list now will give you head start when you begin your search in earnest. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what you want in your next home.

What do you like – and not like – about your current home?

The best place to begin your questioning is by looking at what you already have. What do you like about where you live right now? What is your current home’s best quality? On the flip side – what do you like least about your current home? Do you like the style, or would you prefer something else? Where do you spend the most time? Does your home get enough natural light? Would you like a home that has more windows?

How much space do you need?

Do you feel cramped in your current home? If so, what kind of space could you really use that you don’t have right now? On the other hand, do you feel like you have too much space? Where could you make cuts without feeling like you’re compromising too much? Do you like the layout of your home? If not, what would you change? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Would you prefer a single-story or a multi-story home? Would you like to have space for a special reason, like a craft room, a home office, or a home theater?

Do you need an outdoor space?

Many Americans are discovering how essential it is to have an outdoor living space – especially when sheltering in place. If your current home has outdoor space, what do you like about it? Do you spend time outside? If not, why? If you don’t currently have outdoor living space, do you feel like you’re missing out? Are you willing to take care of the yard or pay someone else to do it? Does your current home have curb appeal? If it doesn’t, what would you like to see improved? Do you have a garage, and does it suit your needs? Can you park your car in the garage in addition to having extra storage space? Does the exterior of your home require excessive maintenance? What would you change about it?

What would you like in a neighborhood?

Our quality of life is not just dependent on our home. It is also influenced by the neighborhood we live in. What do you like or not like about your current neighborhood? Are you friendly with your neighbors, or do you prefer privacy? Are there places to enjoy nearby that are within walking distance, like restaurants and parks? Do you have access to necessities like doctors’ offices, gas stations, and grocery stores? How far are you willing to travel for your commute to work?

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Many Americans have been searching for ways to pass the time while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. If you’re a homeowner who has some outdoor space, then why not start a victory garden? Gardening is great for your physical and mental health. It can also be an excellent source of fresh fruits and vegetables if you plant some of these fruit trees for sale. Here’s a look at how to start a coronavirus victory garden of your very own. To make things easier, we are going to share some simple yet effecting tips and ideas on how to maintain garden at home and keep it clean and healthy easily. Just follow this link https://whatforme.com/ and you will find tricks and you will be able to see your home garden blooming, especially if you love nature. You may also work with professionals to come up with a beautiful landscape design that fits your property. There are a lot of landscape design to choose from like adding landscaping rock and stone, fruit-bearing trees, etc. For those nature enthusiast that a garden may not be enough to satisfy their need to be close to nature can check out this eco adventure for an options to get away from the busy city life and feel more connected to earth.

Health benefits

First of all, let’s talk about the health benefits of gardening. Putting your hands in the earth and connecting to nature during these challenging times can help you manage stress. Gardening is a calming activity that can also help you blow off steam. And at the end of the season, you will enjoy the literal fruits of your labor by harvesting fresh-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables.

Find the best site

When you’re first starting out on your gardening adventure, it’s best to think small. While you may have the enthusiasm now to tackle a big project, that energy could wane as the summer wears on and the tasks pile up. Try starting with some herbs and vegetables in containers or in raised beds. However, as suggested by Rich’s Tree Service, Inc designing your landscape can be a very exhausting process but with the help of professionals it can be way more interesting.

According to the Premier Gardens website, it’s much easier to begin a garden in a container of some sort than it is to dig up the lawn and amend the soil so that it’s ready for planting. Ideally, you’ll want to position your garden in an area that gets a good amount of sun every day. And be sure that your garden is close to a watering source. If your garden doesn’t get enough water from rain, you’ll need to supplement with a drink from the hose or watering can.

Choose easy plants

There are some plants that are easy to grow, and some that require the knowledge of an experienced gardener. When you’re starting your first garden, choose varieties of herbs, vegetables, and fruits that are easy to grow with little intervention from you. Most herbs grow easily in containers and they don’t need to be harvested whole. You can snip off leaves as you need them. Good herbs to try include basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Fruits and vegetables that are easy for beginners include tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, beans, and peas.

Consider adding perennials

If you think you’ll be gardening for at least a few more years, then consider adding perennials to your coronavirus victory garden. Perennials are plants that grow back every year. They’re a great bang for your gardening buck because you plant them once and enjoy them for years to come. As they mature they require less work and attention from you. Some wonderful edible perennials to plant include raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, rosemary, asparagus, rhubarb, and tarragon. And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, why not plant a tree that bears fruit? While it will take a few years for your tree to produce in abundance, it’s definitely worth it in the long run. Some great varieties to plant include apple, pear, plum, peach, persimmon, orange, lime, and lemon. Be sure you choose a type of tree that will survive and thrive in your climate. Tree root barriers are a type of root barrier specifically designed to control the growth of tree roots and can also be used to protect trees themselves.

The global pandemic has affected nearly every part of our lives. As we adjust to this new normal, it’s important for homeowners to consider all the ways in which the coronavirus may affect you. This includes your homeowners’ insurance. While the pandemic has not caused major shifts to most policies, you should look at your circumstances closely to see where you may need to make adjustments. Here’s what you should know.

When you’re buying a home

Although Americans have continued to buy and sell homes during the pandemic, the process has changed somewhat. While buyers will still need to get a home inspection to close on a home, inspectors have adjusted this process. Before social distancing guidelines were enacted, inspectors would perform an on-site evaluation of both the interior and exterior of the home. This helps them to determine your coverage and if the rate needs to be adjusted. Now, many inspectors are only evaluating the exterior. As a buyer, you will still be covered; however, the interior inspection may be scheduled for a later date when it is safe to do so.

When you own a short-rental property

If you own a property that you rent out on sites like Airbnb or VRBO, then it’s likely you aren’t welcoming renters at this time. If your homeowners’ insurance policy offers home-sharing protection, then you may want to temporarily halt this coverage. It will help you save money while your rental property is vacant.

When you’re working from home

Millions of Americans have begun working from home during the pandemic. In fact, many workers may discover that their jobs will permanently become working-from-home situations. Have you had to move any business equipment into your home as a result? While most homeowners’ insurance policies cover business equipment, the coverage is low – usually around $2,500. If your business property is of higher value, then you may want to increase your coverage.

When you’re filing a claim

The way you file a claim on your homeowners’ insurance policy may change during the time of the coronavirus. Most insurance adjusters are not making in-person visits at the moment unless you are filing a very large claim. Contact your insurance company for instructions about how to file a claim online and submit proof. In most cases, insurance companies are accepting virtual proof for your claim.

When you can’t make your payment

The pandemic has caused financial hardship for many Americans, who suddenly find themselves without the income needed to pay all their bills. If you are among them, then you should contact your insurance company. Most insurance companies are making adjustments to help consumers who are facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus. You may be able to adjust your coverage or work out a different payment plan that works within your means. It’s important that you contact your insurance company as soon as you know that you’re having trouble. They will be more willing to work with you to come up with a solution that is beneficial to both parties.

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As a home seller, curb appeal has always been important. The way the outside of your home looks will influence whether or not a potential buyer would like to see more. But as a home seller during the COVID-19 pandemic, curb appeal is absolutely essential. Many home buyers will be unable to see your home in person and will rely on pictures and the exterior to make their decisions. Here’s what you should focus on so that your home stands out among the competition.

Spruce up your yard and garden

The easiest and most inexpensive thing you can do to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to keep your lawn and landscaping groomed. Freshly mowed grass and trimmed trees and bushes show potential buyers that the seller cares about the home. You can take it a step further and make the yard look colorful and lush with the addition of annual plants and flowers. Even a few pots of flowers arranged around the front door or in the yard will create a favorable impression and won’t cost much.

Clean the driveway and sidewalks

When was the last time you really cleaned your driveway or sidewalks? Even if they’re made of concrete, you can make them look good. Be sure to weed all the cracks in the driveway and the sidewalk and repair with caulk. Take it a step further and use a power washer to clean the concrete. If you don’t own one, you can rent one from a home improvement store. If you really want them to shine, apply a clear, glossy seal.

Include the garage

In many homes today, the garage is a prominent feature. Is yours doing everything it can to make your home look inviting? Give your garage door updated with a fresh coat of paint. Consider painting the garage door the same color as the trim on your home. If your garage door has seen better days, then consider replacing it. Your garage door can account for up to 40 percent of your home’s exterior, so pay attention to this important space.

Update your front door

In addition to your garage door, your front door makes a major impact on your home’s curb appeal. Does it look inviting? If not, then it’s time to give it some love. If you have it in your budget, consider replacing your front door. Doors with windows make a home feel both warm and welcoming. If you want to save some money, paint your existing door. Choose a color that pops and draws the eye. A vibrant front door will give the impression that the sellers have put time and thought into the home.

Add lights

You know your home looks great during the day. But how does it look at night? Most potential buyers who are serious about making an offer on your home will drive by at different times of the day. Make your home look inviting in the evening by adding warm lights. Swap out any cool-colored lights you already have outside that cast a blue glow. You might even consider adding some inexpensive solar lights down the walkway to create a welcoming ambiance.

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