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Buying a home can be stressful. But it can be even more stressful if you’re a first-time homebuyer who is unfamiliar with the process. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, so you want to be sure you’re making the right choices along the way. Although it’s common to feel anxious when you’re buying a home, there are steps you can take to feel more at ease. Here are the best strategies we’ve encountered to overcome your home-buying anxiety.

Make a budget

When you start looking at homes, it’s easy to get carried away. You may believe you’ve just found your dream home, but the mortgage payments may be more than you can handle. Before you begin your search, determine how much you can reasonably afford to pay for a home. Use this as your guide when house-hunting, and avoid the temptation to get in over your head.

Learn about mortgage options

Knowledge is power. Take time to educate yourself about the types of mortgages that are available. Not only can you look into a traditional mortgage, but you may also qualify for an FHA or a VA loan, among others. You should treat a mortgage as you would any other large purchase. Shop around for the best deal and the best terms.

Practice paying a mortgage

Are you worried that your mortgage payment is going to be more than you can handle? Then you should practice making that payment for a few months. Once you know how much you can afford each month, set that money aside as if you were paying the mortgage. You’ll get a good sense of whether or not that number is appropriate so you can make a more informed decision when the time comes.

Know what you want

When you begin your home search, you’ll discover there are so many choices out there when it comes to homes. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then it can make the situation very stressful. Sit down and make a list of what you need in a home, and what it would be nice to have. Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? Would you like a home located in a specific school district? Are you hoping for a big backyard where the kids can play? When you determine what you really need, it will make it easier to know when you’ve found the right home.

Be flexible

Once you’re out shopping for a home, you’ll soon realize that no home is going to meet every single one of your needs. It’s important that you remain flexible. Buying a home is a complex process, and the more that you can keep an open mind and be willing to compromise, the better.

Work with a trusted professional

Finally, the best decision you can make to ease your home-buying stress is to work with a trusted real estate professional. When you partner with an agent who is an expert in your market, you can rely on them for guidance throughout the entire process. Chances are they’ve encountered every type of problem or setback imaginable, and they can help you navigate or avoid those same problems.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re preparing to put your home on the market, you want to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. But what you do – or don’t do – can either get buyers excited or turn them off. Knowing what buyers don’t want is crucial when it’s time to sell your home. Here’s a list of the most common homebuyer turnoffs that you need to avoid.

Bad smells

Nothing turns off potential homebuyers more than unpleasant odors inside or outside your home. The most common smells that buyers find offensive are pet odors and cigarette smoke. But they may also be turned off by the smell of a damp basement or lingering cooking odors. If bad smells permeate your home, then it’s essential you take steps to wipe them out. Thoroughly clean and open windows to let in some fresh air before any potential buyer views your home.

Dirt and grime

Another big turnoff for potential buyers is walking into a home that’s dirty. This is especially true in the bathroom or kitchen. Nobody wants to buy a grimy home. Before you list your home, you need to clean it from top to bottom until it’s sparkling. If the task seems daunting to you, then hire a professional cleaning service. The added expense is worth it.

No curb appeal

Potential buyers will form their first impressions of your home based on its exterior appearance. After all, it’s the first thing they’ll see when they arrive for their showing. If you want to sell your home for a good price, then you must spruce up your curb appeal. At the very least, clean up the yard and make sure all walkways and the driveway are clear.

Pets

We know you love your dog, but not everyone will share that sentiment. Not only do pet odors turnoff potential buyers, but also the presence of pets at the showing. You must remove your pets from the home before showing it to buyers. Pets are distracting, and you never know which buyers may be allergic to or even afraid of them. You should also remove all pet-related items such as beds, feeding dishes, and litter boxes.

Outrageous or outdated décor

No matter how much you appreciate your personal décor, it can be a major turnoff for a potential buyer. This is particularly true if you have unusual taste or haven’t updated the interior since the 1980s. Remember – you want potential buyers to be able to imagine living in the home. Make is easier for them to do that by neutralizing the home’s interior.

Bad photos

Finally, you should remember that most homebuyers begin their home searches online. The first time they see your home will be in the photos that are posted to listing sites. If you have bad photos or no photos at all, this will give potential buyers a bad impression. If possible, hire a professional photographer to take your listing photos. At the very least, make sure that the photos don’t feature a pile of unwashed laundry or a sink full of dirty dishes.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re selling your home and moving it’s time to declutter. Removing clutter makes it easier to stage your home so it’s more appealing to potential buyers. And getting rid of that clutter before you settle into your new place makes moving so much easier. Who wants to pack and move boxes of things you no longer need? Here are some great tips on how to sell all that stuff for top dollar. Who knows – you may make enough to pay for your entire move!

Host a yard sale

Everyone loves a great yard sale. Hosting a big moving sale before you leave is an efficient way to get rid of all those things you no longer need. Be sure to give yourself enough time to organize and price all of your items before the big day. Let your neighbors know you’re having a sale. They may want to join in on the fun. Neighborhood garage sales attract even bigger crowds. Don’t be afraid to lower prices throughout the day. Remember – you don’t want to take any of this stuff with you to your next place.

Take your stuff to a consignment store

If you don’t want the hassle of organizing a yard sale, then a consignment store can be a great choice for you. Consignment stores do all the work for you and take a percentage of the profit. The types of items that are appropriate for consignment stores include clothing, accessories, and furniture.

Trade in electronics

If you have older electronics you no longer need, then you can trade them in for money or gift cards. There are many places out there where you can trade-in your electronics, including Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, eBay, and Nextworth. The kinds of electronic devices that are suitable for these trade-ins include cameras, game consoles, phones, tablets, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and computers.

Sell online

There are so many places to sell secondhand goods online that you can move your stuff quickly this way. Craigslist is one of the most well-known places to sell your stuff. But there are many others out there including LetGo, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Nextdoor, and Chairish, just to name a few.

Tell your friends

Want to know one of the easiest ways to sell your stuff? Simply let your friends and family know what you have for sale. Chances are you know someone who has been eyeing that amazing lamp in your foyer. Let them know it’s for sale, and that you’ll give them a good price to act fast. You can send out an email to friends and family or post a few things on social media. This can be a win-win situation for all parties.

Plan a “raid my closet” party

Finally, another quick way to unload your unwanted stuff is to host a “raid my closet” party for friends and family. Invite people over to your house and let them choose what they’d like to buy from you before you move. Give it a party atmosphere with some good music, food, and drinks. By the end of the night, you will have seriously lightened your load.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

When you’re buying a home, you may come across terms that are unfamiliar. One of those terms may be “earnest money.” Exactly what is earnest money, and how does it help you buy a home? In order to save you some time and frustration, here are the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about earnest money.

What is earnest money?

First of all, let’s be clear about what an earnest money deposit actually is. It is the money you put down towards a home that signals to the seller you are serious about your offer. It is also sometimes called a “good faith deposit” because it shows that you really do want to buy the house.

How much is an earnest money deposit?

You can expect to pay between 1-5 percent of the purchase price of the home as an earnest money deposit. The amount of your deposit will depend on where you live and how competitive the real estate market is. When in doubt, consult with your real estate agent about how much to offer. Their expertise and knowledge of the local market can help guide you to offer the appropriate amount.

When do you make the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is paid after your offer is accepted and you have signed a purchase agreement.

What happens to the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is not paid directly to the seller. Instead, it is deposited in an escrow account until closing. At that time, the earnest money deposit is typically applied to the down payment and closing costs for the buyer.

When is earnest money refundable?

There are several situations where an earnest money deposit would be refundable if contingencies are stated in the purchase agreement. They include:

• During an option period – The option period is the timeframe where a buyer can cancel the purchase agreement and get the earnest money deposit back.
• Home appraisal contingency – If the home does not appraise for the agreed-upon selling price and the buyer backs out of the contract as a result, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Title contingency – If a title search uncovers a lien on the title or a dispute of ownership, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.
• Home inspection contingency – If the home inspection reveals serious problems that force a buyer to back out of the purchase agreement, then the money is refundable.
• Financing contingency – If your financing for the home falls through, then you can cancel the contract and get your earnest money returned.
• Seller backing out – If the seller gets cold feet and terminates a contract, then the earnest money deposit is refundable.

When is earnest money not refundable?

As a buyer, if you pull out of a contract for a reason that is not clearly stated in the agreement, then you will forfeit your earnest money deposit to the seller.

Should I remove contract contingencies?

Although it may be tempting to remove contract contingencies to make your offer more attractive, it can seriously cost you. Unless you are 100 percent certain you will be able to close on the home, don’t give up your right to cancel the purchase agreement.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

We’re nearing the end of the summer season. This means that many homebuyers have already put in an offer on a house and finished the closing process. But if you’re still house hunting, does that mean you’re out of luck? Fortunately, buying a home at the end of the summer can be a great benefit for those who are still looking. Here’s a look at what you should keep in mind when you’re out there house hunting right now.

There are fewer buyers

The spring and summer real estate market can be very competitive, especially in places with great school districts. When you’re looking for a home in May, there are going to be many buyers looking at the same time. You could put offers in on several homes, only to be outbid by another buyer. But when you’re searching for a home at the end of the summer, there are fewer buyers, which means less competition for you.

Sellers are more motivated

If you’re looking for a bargain, then the end of the summer can be a great time to look for a home. With fewer buyers in the market, many sellers will be more motivated to accept your offer so they can close before the end of the year. And you may be able to find a great deal on a home you love. Be sure to look at listings that have been on the market for more than a month. Those sellers may be more motivated to offer a price reduction or to negotiate on other terms. In many cases, these sellers priced their homes too high to begin with, which caused them to stay on the market for too long. This is a great benefit for end-of-summer homebuyers.

Have patience

One of the disadvantages of house hunting at the end of summer is that there can be lower inventory. Other buyers have snatched up many of the homes that were on the market. But don’t worry – new homes come on the market all the time. If you haven’t found the home that’s right for you, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Have a little patience and keep checking in with your real estate agent. Chances are, more new houses will come on the market each week. Stay persistent with your search.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

No matter what time of year you are looking for a home, it’s essential that you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This signals to the seller that you are serious about your offer to buy their home. During the end of the summer, you should have your mortgage pre-approval letter ready so that when you do find a home you love you’re ready to make your offer.

Know that it isn’t too late

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not too late to be looking for a home at the end of summer. If you want to complete your home purchase before the end of the year, then you still have plenty of time. On average, it takes approximately 50 days to close on a home. This means you could be celebrating the holidays this year in your new place!

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Are you getting ready to put your split-level home on the market? While once a mainstay of builders for several decades, they are a less common design for newer homes. Because of this, you may be concerned about how attractive your home will be to potential buyers. Fortunately, it is entirely possible to sell your split-level home quickly and for a good price. Here’s everything you need to know about selling your split-level home.

What is a split-level home?

First of all, let’s get clear about what a split-level home actually is. Split-level homes first became popular in the 1950s. Buyers liked their innovative design that allowed a larger home on a small lot. In a split-level home, the floors are staggered. They have more levels than a traditional home, usually three, that are connected with short flights of stairs.

Types of split-level homes

When most people think of a split-level home, they conjure up images of The Brady Bunch house. But split-level homes can have a variety of layouts and designs. Many split-level homes are visible from the front, where half of the home is one story and the other half is two stories. However, you can also have a home that appears to be one story in the front, but the back is two stories. Most split-levels homes are three levels. But some can contain as many as five or six levels.

Emphasize the unique floor plan

For many years now, homebuyers have shown a preference for homes with open floor plans. But many experts believe that buyers are starting to become less interested in open-concept homes and their lack of definition. Split-level homes are a great compromise between an open-concept home and one with a more traditional layout. They still retain an open feeling but areas are defined and have more privacy. They also make great homes for entertaining, as the rooms are large enough to hold a crowd, but various areas allow people to enjoy different things at the same time.

Make some cosmetic updates

Some buyers may think of split-level homes as outdated. That’s generally because the ones they remember were decorated with a distinctly 1970s vibe. If you’re getting ready to sell your split-level home, it’s worth it to make some modern cosmetic upgrades. This could include replacing kitchen linoleum with hardwood or ceramic tile or removing the wood paneling from the family room. If you’ve made these updates, be sure to highlight them in your listing photos.

Upgrade your curb appeal

Finally, take some time to update the curb appeal of your split-level home before listing it for sale. Some buyers feel the front door is too difficult to see, so add some visual interest such as a canopy. You can use this timber canopy kit for your canopy windows. You may also add potted plants and flowers. Consider painting the front door a strong contrasting color so it stands out from the rest of the house. You may also improve your roofing system by hiring roofing contractors to conduct some repairs. Beautiful plantings around the front can also help to take attention away from the garage, which is often quite prominent in a split-level home.

If you’re ready to sell your split-level home, then don’t stress! These charming houses are making a comeback, and putting a little extra effort into your home’s appearance can pay back big when it comes time to sell.

Buying a home can be a stressful process. But if you and your spouse can’t agree on which house to buy, your stress levels can go through the roof. In a competitive market, you need to act quickly when you find a home you love. So what do you do if you both can’t agree? Check out these valuable tips on how to compromise when you and your spouse disagree about which home to buy.

Make lists

Before you begin your search, you should each sit down independently and make your own lists of what you need to have in a home. Once you’ve both finished your lists, rank each item in order of importance. Compare lists to see which items you both agree on. This could include the location, the number of bedrooms, or even the size of the yard. When you begin your search, look for homes that feature these items that you both agree are important.

Don’t let your emotions rule

Yes, buying a home can be a very emotional decision. After all, this is the place where you will make many memories. It’s easy to get swept up and forget that this is also one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Make a pact with your partner that you will each do your best to keep your emotions in check. Even if you fall in love at first sight, remember to take the financial aspects into consideration. Does the home cost more than you can afford? Are you going to have to put thousands of dollars into renovating it? Will you have trouble selling it down the line? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should seriously rethink whether or not it is the home for you.

Be willing to walk away

If you love a home but your partner has serious reservations, is it worth trying to make your case? Try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes. Do you want them to live in a home that they don’t like? Honestly, fighting over a home purchase can put a serious strain on even the most steadfast partnership. Be willing to walk away if your spouse says this home isn’t the one for them.

Take time off

If you continue to have disagreements with your spouse about which home to buy, then it may be time to take a break. New homes are always coming onto the market. Unless you have a hard deadline, such as moving for a job, you can afford to take a little time off from your home search. This will allow you and your partner some more time to reflect on what your needs and wants really are. The time off may be just what you need to reaffirm why you want to move and to get more specific about what each of you wants.

Work with a professional

Finally, the best thing you can do when you and your spouse don’t agree is to work with a professional real estate agent. An expert agent will have invaluable advice about the neighborhood and the local market. Their expertise can help you and your partner find common ground so that you can both be satisfied with your home purchase.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Is that outdated wallpaper getting you down? Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’re getting ready to sell, removing old wallpaper can seriously refresh an otherwise dated room. While removing old wallpaper can be a time-consuming job, it is actually not that difficult. With a little bit of know-how and some elbow grease, you can easily remove that wallpaper yourself. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done right.

Prepare the area

First things first – you need to prep the area where you’ll be removing the wallpaper. This means protecting the floors, trim, woodwork and furniture in the room. Removing wallpaper requires a good amount of water, so you’ll want to protect all your surfaces with drop cloths and painter’s tape.

Start peeling

Once you’ve prepped the room, you can begin peeling off the wallpaper. In some cases, the wallpaper may already be pulling away from the wall. Start there and see how much you can remove by hand without water. Newer wallpapers are easier to strip than older ones. If you’re lucky, you may be able to remove whole sheets of wallpaper this way.

Use water

After you’ve pulled off as much as you can by hand, it’s time to use some water. Spray the wallpaper with warm water. At this point, you can also add a liquid stripper concentrate to the water. This is particularly helpful if the wallpaper is firmly stuck to the wall. Apply the water solution liberally to patches of wallpaper – about much as you can tackle in 15 minutes. You don’t want the paper to dry out before you have a chance to remove it. Let the solution soak into the paper.

Scrape it off

Once the wallpaper is soaked, you can use a taping or joint knife to scrape off the wallpaper. If the wallpaper still isn’t coming off, spray it again and let it soak in. When you’re scraping, be careful that you don’t scratch the wall or remove the top layer of drywall. It’s possible you may find another layer of wallpaper under the top layer. Remove one layer at a time. Keep a trashcan handy so you can easily dispose of the wallpaper you have removed.

Remove paste

After you’ve removed all the wallpaper, you’ll still have bits of paper and paste left behind. The best way to remove this residue is with a sponge. Dip it in the water solution and give the walls a good wash. You may have to repeat this step a few times to make sure all the residue is completely gone. If you don’t, then you may have problems later when you try to paint or apply new wallpaper.

Removing stubborn wallpaper

There are some wallpapers that just won’t budge, even after you’ve tried the steps above. In those cases, you can try removing the wallpaper with a steam stripper. This device uses boiling water to soften that stubborn glue. This can be a strenuous job, so it’s helpful to have two people.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

Are you one of the millions of Americans who financed the purchase of your home? Taking out a mortgage is a great way to become a homeowner. But if you’re able to pay off that debt quickly, you can free up money for other things such as an early retirement or a dream vacation. While it may seem impossible to pay off your mortgage early, it can be done. Here are some expert tips on how to pay off your home loan faster.

Buy an affordable home

While it may go without saying, we will say it anyway. The easiest way to pay off your mortgage faster is to buy a home you can afford. Stretching to make your mortgage payments each month is stressful. It can also make it tough to put any extra money towards those payments. Instead, stay well within your budget.

Pay bi-weekly

Instead of making your full mortgage payment once a month, pay half of it every two weeks. Because there are 52 weeks in a year, this results in making one extra monthly payment a year. Believe it or not, that can reduce your 30-year loan by as much as six years. Check with your mortgage company to see if they have a bi-weekly payment plan. Some will allow you to enroll in these plans for a small fee.

Make extra payments

If you’re not able to set up a bi-weekly payment plan, there are still options for you. You can make an extra payment each quarter, for example. This could shave up to 11 years off the term of your loan and save you thousands of dollars in interest. If that is too steep for you, consider making one extra payment each year. Be sure to earmark the payment to be used toward the principal balance. This could reduce the time of your loan by as much as seven years.

Use your tax refund

If you don’t have the extra money from month to month to swing an additional payment, there is another way to find that money. Are you expecting a tax refund next year? Then use that money to make the extra payment toward your mortgage. Since the average tax refund in 2018 was $2,899, you could end up paying off your mortgage several years early.

Make a bigger down payment

If you have the means, then make a bigger down payment when you purchase your home. You can save money on private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down at least 20 percent. The more money you put down, the smaller your monthly payments will be. If your payments are manageable, it will be much easier to pay extra and pay off your mortgage faster.

Pay down other debts first

You may not realize it, but you may be able to pay off your mortgage faster if you pay down your other debts first. This is especially true if you have high-interest credit cards. If you can pay those debts off first, you will save yourself from making high interest payments. Those savings can eventually be applied toward payments on your mortgage.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

The first day of school is always a little tough on kids. It’s doubly so when you’re the new kid in town. If you moved to a new school district over the summer, then you may be wondering how to help your child transition into their new school. For instance, parents in Katy or Woodlands Tx can still use this Spring Private School.

Here are some of the most helpful tips we’ve found when it comes to helping your child get settled in.

Stay in touch with friends

First of all, moving to a new school doesn’t have to mean giving up all your old friends. In fact, it’s the idea of moving away from friends that is often most difficult for kids. With our digital age, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with anyone, no matter how far away they live. Schedule regular FaceTime or Skype dates with your kid’s friends from their old school to help make the transition easier. It will be helpful for them to have someone to talk to and support them on their new adventure.

Take a tour

Walking into a new school on the first day can be very intimidating. Help make it a little less so by scheduling a tour of the school before classes begin. Most schools are happy to accommodate these types of requests. Your child may even get the opportunity to meet their teacher and other school staff. This can certainly help to alleviate a little of the anxiety your child may be feeling about their new school.

Practice getting there

Another way to help your child get settled faster is to practice the route to school. Even if your child is going to take the bus or be driven to school, they should become familiar with how to get there and back. In the case of an emergency, they will be more confident if they know the way.

Plan a special first day

Do you remember what it’s like to wake up on the first day of school with the jitters? It might help to plan a special breakfast for that morning to start the day on a positive note. You can also plan a special dinner for the first day so that your child has something to look forward to. Consider packing a special lunch that includes a note telling your child just how brave they are.

Become involved

There’s no better way to get to know a new place than to get involved. This goes for both kids and parents. Kids can join special clubs at school or at a local community center to make new friends quickly. Parents can get involved by chaperoning field trips or volunteering for the PTA.

Give it time

Finally, it’s important to remember that there will most likely be some bumps in the road. Even the most well adjusted kid may take some time to get used to a new school. Don’t worry too much if your child’s grades suffer in the beginning. Most kids need time to make new friends and get a feel for a new school. Soon enough, their new school will feel like home.

Courtesy of Virtual Results