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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

Selling a home can be a time of big change. And although you may be excited about your upcoming move, it can also bring with it a little sadness. After all – your home is where you make some of your best memories. If you’re beginning to feel the home selling blues, then here are some of our top tips on how to overcome them.

Acknowledge your feelings

You don’t have to pretend that you don’t have some apprehensions about leaving your current home. It’s completely natural to feel sad when you’re selling your house. Acknowledge your feelings and know that they are temporary.

Focus on the positive

Even though you may experience feelings of sadness from time to time as you complete the home-selling process, try not to dwell on them. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your move. Remind yourself why you are moving and find reasons to be excited about it. Maybe you’re upgrading to a bigger house or a better location. Or perhaps you’ll be closer to family members that you’ve missed.

Change your perspective

When you’re selling your home, you’re going to be completing one of the biggest financial transactions of your life. Try to think of it in business terms instead of emotional terms. Remember – you want to get a great return on your investment. It’s difficult to do that if you get too emotional. So try to distance yourself and focus instead on working to get potential buyers interested in your home.

Depersonalize your home

One of the most important things you can do when you’re getting ready to sell your home is to remove all your personal items. Not only will this help you detach from your home, but it will also make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. If possible, try to take things with you that have sentimental value – even if it’s just a cutting from the rose bush you planted when you moved in. Knowing that you have a piece of your home to take with you can help lessen the anxious feelings you have about moving.

Take pictures

You probably already have tons of photos of your home, but it doesn’t hurt to take more. Digital photography allows us to take as many photos as we want without filling up too much space, so don’t limit yourself. If there is a certain view you’ve always loved, take pictures of it at different times of day. Photograph the kids standing next to the growth chart on the wall. Take a picture of your garden in full summer glory. This way, you will always have all those memories with you.

Take breaks

You don’t have to be in home-selling mode 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Take whatever time you need to relax and unwind. Take the family out for a pizza party or for an afternoon matinee at the movies. Go to the spa and get a massage or a pedicure. Even taking time to read a good book before bed will help you disconnect from the stress of moving.

Work with an agent

Finally, the best way to beat the home-selling blues is to work with a professional real estate agent. An agent is there to answer all your questions and to help you with the entire real estate process. Knowing that you have a professional on your side can help sideline much of the stress.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

If you’re looking for a new nest for your family, then you may be feeling a little pressure. On top of finding a home that meets your needs, you also need to choose a location that is both safe and meets the social and educational needs of your kids. But how do you know if your new neighborhood is family friendly? Read on for some tips on how to find a great new neighborhood that everyone in your family will love.

If you are looking for a new school for your child your child’s strengths, interests and specific needs will be the best guides for making the right decision. You want to find a school in which your child can learn, grow, and develop their own potential. This all has to happen in a caring, safe environment that will meet much more than your child’s basic needs. Nowadays we have many option online as OpCentral, a learning management system you can access online.

Check out the local schools

Obviously, one of the first ways to find out if a neighborhood is family friendly is to check out the local schools. You can find a wealth of information on websites such as greatschools.org. Here you can see what kind of classes are offered, the school’s test scores, parent and student living reviews, and more. You may also check if there are great student housing options in the area built and designed by student life architects.

Look for playgrounds and parks

Another way to determine if a neighborhood is good for families is to see how many playgrounds and parks are in the area. It’s especially helpful if those parks and playgrounds are within walking distance of the homes you are interested in. If you have the opportunity, then visit these places to see their condition and what types of activities they provide. Does the park seem busy? Remember, parks and playgrounds aren’t just great places for kids to enjoy. They are also a wonderful place for parents to meet other parents in the neighborhood.

See if there are kids playing outside

When you schedule appointments to visit possible homes, be sure to leave some extra time to check out the neighborhood. Notice if there are kids playing outside. If possible, visit at different times of the day, especially on weekends or after school.

Access to kid-friendly amenities

Find out what types of activities and programs are available to kids living in your neighborhood. Is there a Little League or other types of youth organizations like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts? Does the library have story time every day? Does the local movie theater advertise matinee specials that feature kid-friendly films? Does the YMCA offer programs that are geared for kids of all ages? Does the local community center offer camps and other events in the summer that are appropriate for kids?

Research the crime rates

You know that your job as a parent is to keep your child safe. So you should definitely research the crime rates in a neighborhood before you make an offer on a home. Click here for a great round-up of websites that will provide you with specific crime rate information about the neighborhood you are moving to.

Talk to an agent

Finally, one of the best ways to find a family-friendly neighborhood is to talk with your real estate agent. Choosing an agent who is an expert in your market can help you narrow down your choices. Your agent can be an invaluable resource when it comes to schools and family-friendly amenities in your area. They can advise you where to look – and which neighborhoods to avoid. In the end, they can help you choose both the home and the neighborhood that will fit the needs of everyone in your family.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

If you are buying or selling a home, then you may have come into contact with some real estate lingo that isn’t familiar to you. In fact, some of these terms may not only be unfamiliar, they may also be downright confusing. But as someone who is entering into the real estate market, it is essential that you understand the language. Here are some of the most common terms you’ll encounter when buying or selling a home as well as their definitions.

Buyer’s Agent

As the term suggests, the buyer’s agent is the real estate professional who is representing the buyer during a home purchase. A buyer’s agent is responsible for helping buyers find homes to visit and assisting during the entire closing process. The seller typically pays the commission for the buyer’s agent.

Listing Agent

A listing agent is the real estate professional who is representing the seller in a real estate transaction. They help the seller prep their home for the market and assist with the closing process. The seller also pays the commission for the listing agent.

Pre-approval letter

If you are a buyer, then you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you determine how much you can afford and will signal to a seller that your offer is serious. When you obtain a pre-approval from a lender, they will provide you with a letter that you can submit with your offer.

Earnest money

Earnest money is the money that the buyer pays to the seller when an offer has been accepted on a home. It is usually between one and three percent of the purchase price. Earnest money helps to protect the seller should the buyer walk away from the deal. When the deal is closed, the earnest money is usually applied to the down payment.

Escrow

When a home is “in escrow” it means that it is under contract and a third party is watching over the entire transaction. The escrow agent is responsible for holding all money, documents, and instructions until closing. During closing they disburse all money and supervise the transfer of the deed.

Inspection

An inspection is part of the closing process. The buyer schedules the inspection, and a home inspector prepares a report stating the condition of the property and recommended repairs. This allows buyers to determine if they want to move forward with the purchase or negotiate with the seller because of issues that need to be addressed.

Appraisal

An appraisal also happens during the closing process. An appraiser is a third party hired by the lender who assesses the value of a home. This helps the lender to determine whether or not the home is worth the amount of the loan being offered.

Closing

The closing is the point at which the sale of the home is finalized. A closing date is set that allows the buyer to conduct their inspection and the lender to perform the underwriting process including the appraisal. During the closing, both the buyer and the seller sign all the final paperwork and the buyer receives the keys to the house.

Courtesy of Virtual Results

As much as we’d like to have picture-perfect weather on Open House day, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate. If rain is in the forecast, then you may be tempted to reschedule your Open House for another day. But don’t throw in the towel so fast. There will always be people on the hunt for their next home, and a little bad weather won’t deter many of them. In fact, you can bet that those who do show up are serious buyers and not just there to browse. Here’s what you should do to have a successful rainy day open house.

Prepare for umbrellas

If it’s raining outside, then you should be prepared to deal with wet umbrellas. Park a basket outside your door if you have a covered patio or just inside the door if you don’t. Then buyers can leave their wet umbrellas at the door so they don’t get water everywhere inside the house. In addition, if you’d like buyers to see your outdoor area, then have a few extra umbrellas on hand. That way, they can grab one of your umbrellas and have a look around outside without getting too wet.

Have plenty of mats and rugs

You don’t want anyone getting your perfectly clean floors dirty, so be sure to have some mats and rugs on hand. Station one outside and one inside the front door so that people can wipe their feet before they enter. You might even consider asking visitors to remove their shoes before touring the house. Another option is to provide disposable shoe covers in case some people are not comfortable removing their shoes. You can also place mats along all the walkways in the house to keep dirt to a minimum. This shows buyers that you care about the cleanliness of the house and that they can expect the house to be clean when they move in.

Keep the lights on

Rainy days can be deceptively dark, even in the middle of summer. Don’t be afraid to turn on all the lights inside. This will make the house feel cozy and inviting, which is especially important if it’s dark and wet outside. You should turn on all the outdoor lights as well.

Cheer it up

In addition to keeping all the lights on, you can fill your home with fresh flowers. On a rainy day, fresh flowers are a welcome touch and make your home feel cheerful. Limit the flowers to one or two big vases, which will have much more visual impact than several small vases. If possible, buy flowers that have a light fragrance, especially if the rain brings with it a musty smell.

When to call it off

If the forecast calls for more than just a little rain, then it might be time to call off the open house. You should consider rescheduling if dangerous weather is predicted, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, or if flooding is possible. You don’t want to find out during the open house that your basement floods when there is excessive rain, or that water pools in a low spot in the yard. When in doubt, postpone your home showing for a better day.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’ve never purchased a home before, then you may be wondering exactly how long the process takes. Although every situation is unique, there are certain average timelines for each phase of the home-buying process. But if you consider to Purchase a relocatable home in Auckland, it won’t take that long.

Here’s how long you can expect it to take when you’re buying a house so that you can plan accordingly.

Getting ready to buy a home – six months

Buying a house is typically not something you can just jump into. If you want to get the best deal on the home that’s just right for you, then you need to spend some time preparing. The more time you can spend getting ready before you begin your search, the better. One of the things you’ll need to do when you’re getting ready to buy a home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

This includes shopping around for the best deal and getting all your financial documents in order. Though the idea of purchasing Thunder Bay houses may sound great, it’s always better to look into your financial condition before making any big decisions. You may also need time to improve your credit score or fix errors on your credit report. You should also include the time it will take to save for the down payment on the house. Expect this phase of the process to take as long as six months.

Searching for a home – at least three weeks

Once you’ve secured your down payment and gotten pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s time to begin your search. You can begin online to find out what’s available in your market. A real estate agent can also help you find properties like waterfront homes for sale that fit your criteria. Also have a look at some areas of Spain as there are some amazing places to live there, this explains why buying property in Alhurain EL Grande is so popular and why so many folks are flocking to areas like that. Once you’ve found some homes you want to see in person, it’s time to schedule visits.

Looking for an excellent place to move into? Marina View Residences is near to shopping and lifestyle destinations including China Square, Esplanade Mall, Funan Digitalife, The Central, and People’s Park Centre are right at the corner.

On average, most buyers need to see at least 10 homes before they find a home they like. This part of the process can take shorter or longer depending on your needs, the amount of inventory in your market, and how available you are for home showings. But you can expect this part of the process to take at least three weeks and up to several months.

Closing on a home

Once you’ve found a home you like, it’s time to make an offer. If the seller accepts your offer, then the process of closing on the home begins. There are many steps involved when closing on a home. If you are financing the purchase of the home with a mortgage, then the process will take longer than if you are paying cash. During this time, you will need to schedule a home inspection, and you’ll be submitting many documents. At times you will feel like there is too much to do in a short amount of time. At other points during this part of the process, it will feel as if nothing is happening. On average, you can expect the closing process to take approximately 50 days from when you make the offer until you obtain the keys to the house.

While this is a general guideline to give you a sense of how long your home-buying journey will take, understand that it could be different for you. You can help the sale move along by knowing what to expect, staying organized, and working with an agent who is an expert in your market.

Compliments of Virtual Results

We are entering into the dog days of summer and cities across America are feeling the heat. It also happens to be the time of year when many people are moving into new homes. While summer is the most popular time to move, it can also be physically demanding — especially if there’s a heat wave. If you’re getting ready to move and the weather reports are forecasting soaring temperatures, then follow these important tips.

Start early

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat when you’re moving is to get an early start. Try to schedule your move as early in the morning as possible. Once the clock hits 11 a.m., temperatures will be at their peak and they will stay there for several hours.

Take it slow

Hot summer days are not the best times to be working hard and fast. Although you want to get the move over with as soon as possible, you need to take it slow. Allow for extra time so that you don’t have to rush. Take breaks often – you will need them. Keep an eye on older folks who may react more strongly to the heat.

Stay hydrated

Nothing will sap your energy faster on a hot day than being dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your move. On the day of the move, always have cold water at the ready, and take frequent water breaks. Avoid drinking beverages with caffeine or sugar as they can make you more dehydrated. Also, you may want to install a home water treatment system in your new home to ensure you’ll have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Wear the right clothes

On the day of your move, dress in light clothing that is made of a breathable fabric like cotton or linen, if you decide to do some exercies then you can try wearing something like black fine ribbed biker shorts. Try to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon, as they don’t breathe. Choose light colors that will reflect the heat as dark colors will absorb heat and make you hotter. And don’t forget to wear sunglasses and a hat. You can also check out these Peaches Boutique short dress for prom if you find a full-length gown too fussy.

Wear sunscreen

Along with wearing the right clothing, you need to also protect your skin from the sun. Make sure to completely cover any exposed skin with sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen often. Let’s face it – you’re going to be sweating. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, and apply it before you head outside.

Be careful with certain items

The items that you load into the truck first are going to be in there the longest. Be aware that the inside of the moving truck can get very hot in the summer sun. Don’t pack sensitive items such as electronics or anything that could melt at the beginning of the day.

Use cold towels

Another great way to beat the heat is to have cold towels on hand. Fill a cooler with ice and pack it with washcloths and small towels. Whenever you need some relief, grab a cold towel for around your neck.

Know the signs of trouble

Overdoing it in the summer heat can cause health problems, so know what the symptoms are for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you are feeling dizzy, weak, nauseated, or confused, take a break. Lie down and take a cold shower if needed.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re the kind of person who loves a good deal, then there’s no reason you can’t get a good deal on a home. Although you won’t be clipping coupons to save on that home purchase, there are ways you can save big. Here are some of the best tips we’ve found to score the best deal on a new home.

Shop around for a mortgage

As with any big purchase, you should shop around for a home loan to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You should ideally start shopping for a mortgage between three and six months before you begin house hunting. Compare the rates of different lenders. By choosing the right mortgage, you could potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

Buy a fixer-upper

When you’re house hunting, you may find listings that describe a home as a “fixer-upper” or one that is being sold “as-is.” If you’re hoping for a bargain, these homes are often the places to find them. Although you will need to put money and time into the repairs to make the home livable, you will undoubtedly get a big break on the purchase price.

Look for homes with price reductions

In addition to finding fixer-uppers, you may also come across “price reduced” listings. These are homes that have been on the market for a long period of time. The longer a home languishes on the market, the harder it can be to sell. It’s possible the seller may be willing to cut you an even better deal than the reduced listing price.

Ask the seller to pay closing costs

Some sellers may not be open to negotiating on the price of the house. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save money on the deal. In some cases, sellers don’t want their home sale to be less successful than a neighbor’s sale. They don’t want the public numbers to be less than their asking price. But you may be able to negotiate with them to pay the closing costs instead. These numbers aren’t as public, and can save you a few thousand dollars.

Offer to pay all cash

If you have the means to pay for the home with cash, then you have a great bargaining chip. All-cash offers are very appealing to sellers because they don’t have to worry about the sale falling through because of a mortgage denial or an appraisal issue. Cash offers can close faster as well, which could entice the seller to give you a break on the purchase price.

Work with the best agent

Finally, the best way to get a great deal on a new home is to find a good real estate agent. Working with an experienced agent who is an expert in your market will help to ensure that you get the best price on your home. They will have experience negotiating the best deal, which could save you money on the purchase price or on closing costs. Get recommendations from family and friends, and interview several agents before making your decision.

Compliments of Virtual Results

As a first-time homeowner, you may not know exactly how to care for that green lawn surrounding your new home. Even long-time homeowners can be a bit mystified by the process. Though it seems easy – you just turn on the sprinkler – when and how much you water your lawn can have a big effect on its overall health. According to lawn care company servicing Wellington, FL, Here is what you need to know about watering your lawn so it looks great all summer long.

Why you should to water your lawn

Although it may seem like watering your lawn is unnecessary, it’s actual quite important. When your lawn doesn’t get enough water, it grows shallow roots. In order to have healthy grass, it needs to have deep roots. Deeper roots make it easier for your lawn to withstand periods of drought or intense heat. When your lawn isn’t getting any water at all, it can turn brown. The ground will dry out and become hard. This makes it more difficult for it to absorb moisture when it does get watered. At this point, you will likely need to reseed the lawn or replace patches of grass.

When you should water your lawn

Many people aren’t aware that there are certain times of the day when it is most beneficial to water your lawn. The best time of the day to water your lawn is in the early morning. This allows the water to absorb before it evaporates. Watering during the hottest parts of the day will cause the water to evaporate before it penetrates the lawn. And watering at night can cause the moisture to linger on the grass for too long, which can cause disease. It is best to water your lawn 2 – 3 times a week instead of every day. Watering for longer periods of time allows the water to penetrate deeply, instead of watering for shorter periods of time every day. The more deeply the water penetrates, the deeper the roots will grow.

How much you should water your lawn

You want to water enough so that your lawn gets between one and one-and-a-half inches of water per week. If you are unsure how much water your lawn is getting, install a rain gauge. This will also help you to determine if you’ve gotten enough rainfall so that you don’t need to water. Another good test to know if you’re giving your lawn enough water is by pushing a screwdriver into the ground. If you cannot push it in at least six inches, your lawn is not getting enough water.

Watering with sprinklers

If your home has installed sprinklers, then much of the work is done for you. However, you will need to determine how long to run them. Use a rain gauge or even empty tuna cans spread around your lawn and let the sprinklers run for 15 minutes. Once you’ve finished watering, measure how much is in each can to see if you need to run the sprinklers for a longer period of time. If you need help with sprinkler repairs, make sure to contact a sprinkler repair specialist for expert help.

Watering by hand

If you don’t have installed sprinklers, you can water with a rotating sprinkler attached to your hose. In addition, if your hose isn’t long enough when watering plants, you may connect another one using a Layflat Hose Coupler. Again, gauge how much water is being delivered to make sure you’re giving your lawn enough water. Move the sprinkler around the lawn to ensure even distribution. You may need to allow extra time for particularly sunny and dry areas of your yard.

Compliments of Virtual Results