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You’ve probably heard that the real estate market hits it peak in spring and summer, when kids are out of school and families have time to make the transition. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t be in the market and score a great deal during the other times of the year. If you’re thinking of buying a home in winter, here’s what you need to know.

Less inventory, better deals

There’s no denying that you’ll find the most homes on the market in the spring and summer months when families are relocating. As a result, you’ll discover there are fewer homes to choose from in the fall and winter. But don’t let that deter you. Even though you won’t have as many open houses to attend, you will find better deals overall. While there are fewer sellers in the winter, there are also fewer buyers. This means that those sellers will be more likely to make a deal with you. These deals could come in several ways including a lower price, longer closing time, and more room for contingencies. If you find a home that’s been on the market for a few months, you may find the seller is more than willing to negotiate with you.

Less competition

As stated above, there are fewer serious buyers in the winter. No buyer wants to get involved in a bidding war, and you’re less likely to experience that during the winter season. Fewer buyers means less competition, so you’re more likely to be able to make an offer and have it accepted. And if you’re in a buyer’s market where the inventory of homes for sale is high, there’s a good chance you could find a great deal at this time of year.

Best test for the home

When you buy a home, you want to ensure that it’s in good shape and is ready to withstand the weather. What better time is there than in the dead of winter to see whether or not the house has any issues? During the winter, you will be able to see how well the home is insulated, if it’s protected from moisture and leaks, and if it can withstand the howling winds. Putting https://cladding-coatings.co.uk/ can prevent water leaks. You’re more likely to notice drafts, or where water may be pooling and freezing. Since many trees will have lost their leaves, you get a better overall picture of the house, including the roof. You may even check if there are any concealed roofing damages. Without the trees in the way, you’re better able to see if there are any issues that may need to be addressed before you buy.

More attention from your agent

Finally, one of the best reasons to buy in the winter is that your agent will have more time to spend with you. Lower activity in the winter months means agents aren’t as busy. They’ll be more available to answer your questions and can work harder to negotiate on your behalf.

So don’t let the winter weather keep you from house hunting. Winter can be one of the best times of the year to buy a house. Why not start your search today?

Compliments of Virtual Results

Happy New Year! It’s 2019 – are you ready for a home décor re-boot? It’s that time of year when many homeowners want to declutter, get organized, and try out new looks in their living spaces. Are you one of them? Then read on to find out what experts are predicting will be the hottest home design trends of 2019.

Amazing bathtubs

Life can be a challenge, right? What better way to relax at the end of a hard day than in a magnificent bathtub? Apparently, many homeowners are on board with this idea. According to the Houzz Bathroom Trend Study for 2018, more than 80 percent of homeowners replace major features like bathtubs when they renovate their master bathrooms. Soaking tubs are on the top of the bathtub wish list, and many homeowners are expanding their bathrooms before they purchase hot tubs to accommodate the extra size.

Black and white kitchens

White kitchens have long been popular with homeowners, but 2019 may see a spike in black accents. These can be added to a white kitchen in the form of black appliances, island accents, and cabinetry. Black is a great choice if you have kids and pets, as it hides dirt and smudges better than white.

Fireplaces

Another “hot” trend of 2019 will be fireplaces and fire pits. Fire features can add a cozy ambiance to any living space, whether indoor or outdoor. They can also become a focal point instead of a television, giving you a quiet place to relax and unwind.

Mix-and-match furniture

If you love an eclectic mix of styles, then you’ll be happy to hear that mix-and-match furniture will be big in 2019. Decorating your living room or bedroom with a suite of furniture designed to look the same is on the outs this year. Instead, you’ll see a greater use of furniture from a mix of time periods. Don’t be afraid to pair that family heirloom with these great trestle tables. In 2019, anything goes.

Velvet

Who doesn’t love the look and feel of velvet? It will be making a serious comeback in 2019. You’ll find it everywhere from sofas to bed linens. Picking the right sofa is important as the centrepiece of any room. Velvet adds a wonderful textural dimension to any room and makes it look cozy and rich. If you’re not sure just how to incorporate this luxurious fabric, start small. A lovely throw blanket or a couple of pillows for your sofa can add that touch of sophistication you’re looking for.

Natural finishes

Finally, one of the biggest trends you’ll see in home design in 2019 is the use of natural finishes. Some of the materials you’ll see in showrooms and living rooms include copper, concrete, stone, granite, bamboo, brick, and reclaimed wood. These natural elements will add an instant warm and cozy feel to any room in your home. Finish off your use of these natural elements by bringing in more of nature with plants and other greenery. Buy houseplants that can live well indoors and even filter toxins out of your air. Or keep it simple with some faux plants that look just like the real thing. What you’ll end up with is a living space that feels grounded and serene.

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Are you exhausted from trying to live your best, most perfect life? Then maybe it’s time to embrace the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. So what exactly is wabi-sabi, and how can you apply it to your life at home? Here are some practical tips.

What is wabi-sabi?

Wabi-sabi is a concept that originated with Zen Buddhism in Japan. It is the celebration of everything in life that is imperfect. It is an idea that embraces flaws, blemishes, and natural objects. Wabi-sabi acknowledges that everything in life changes and grows older, always in a state of flux. If you’re tired of trying to maintain the illusion of having the perfect home all the time, then wabi-sabi is definitely for you.

Collect objects you love

Forget about trying to make your home look like the latest West Elm catalog. Instead, focus on filling your home with objects that you love, whether they’re considered trendy or not. Don’t be afraid to shop at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores to find weathered items that tell a story. Try to look at things with different eyes. Instead of looking for the shiniest, newest object, start looking for the beauty in objects that have a history.

Celebrate the mismatched

It’s not imperative that all your dishes match, or all the furniture in your bedroom. In fact, in can be far more visually interesting if they don’t. Wabi-sabi celebrates character, and nothing builds more character in your home than a collection of mismatched furniture and décor. It’s much more important that you love each of the items than it is that they all match each other.

Keep it simple

Part of the beauty of wabi-sabi is its simplicity and elegance. Keeping your home décor simple allows more space for you to appreciate the objects you have. It also gives you more time to relax, since you aren’t constantly cleaning and organizing. Who couldn’t use a little more down time in their lives?

Bring nature inside

There is no better teacher of the ways of wabi-sabi than Mother Nature. The natural world is constantly changing and there is beauty in aging and decay. That beautiful tree that you love in the springtime when the leaves first begin to bud is the same tree you love in autumn when the leaves change color and drop to the ground. Bring some of this energy into your home with plants and flower arrangements. Branches make excellent centerpieces arranged in an earthenware vase. Don’t worry about getting too fussy with your styling – that’s a big part of the beauty of wabi-sabi.

Learn to live with wrinkles

Who wants to iron their pillowcases? OK – maybe there are some people out there who find it relaxing. But if you’re like most people, it’s not a chore that is cherished. Don’t be afraid to live with your wrinkles. Wrinkled bedding or curtains are perfectly acceptable. There’s no need to try to make it look like nobody lives in your house or uses your things. Wrinkles are a part of life.

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The New Year is here! For many homeowners, that means cleaning and organizing to start 2019 off on a good foot. Although you may have the best of intentions, you could be making some common cleaning mistakes. By trying to take shortcuts, you may actually be creating more work for yourself. Let’s take a look at what those bad cleaning habits may be and offer some solutions for how to tackle them.

Using toxic products

We know you want to get the job done well and quickly, but heading straight to the harshest products isn’t necessarily good in the long run. Many of those products can be toxic to you, your family, your pets, and the environment, especially if you’re exposed to them often. Unless you have an extreme situation, switch to gentler, natural products that are safer to use.

Using too much product

Extra product makes things extra-clean, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. When you use more product than is necessary, like laundry detergent, you end up spending more time cleaning the product off. If you don’t, you leave a residue behind that actually attracts more dirt and grime. Pay attention to labels for the recommended amounts, and use that amount or less.

Using dirty tools

You may think your cleaning tools are clean because you use them for cleaning. But chances are those tools are pretty dirty. In fact, your kitchen sponge is a hotbed of bacteria. If you’re not careful, you could just be spreading more bacteria around when you use it. The same goes for your vacuum cleaner. If it’s filled with dust and debris, you’re just blowing it around your home when you use it. Also keep an eye on your washing machine. If it gets a funny smell, you’re likely using too much detergent and causing bacteria to build up.

Not vacuuming last

If you’re vacuuming your rooms before you dust them, then you’re not cleaning as well as you could be. When you clean up dust, it tends to float into the air and eventually reaches the ground. If you vacuum before you dust, then those dust particles will remain on the floor until the next time you clean. The best rule of thumb is to clean rooms from the top down, and finish by vacuuming.

Make sure that your vacuum is in good condition before using it. People who are facing errors in Roomba vacuum shouldn’t be worried as these errors can be fixed with little effort.

Not closing the shower curtain

Don’t you hate having a moldy shower curtain? You can keep it from attracting mildew by closing it after you shower. When you leave your shower curtain open, the water in the folds doesn’t dry quickly. Over time, mold and mildew will develop. The same goes with your bath mat. Hang it up to dry after each use so that it doesn’t get moldy.

Waiting too long to clean

Finally, one of the worst cleaning habits we all have is waiting too long to clean. It’s so much easier to tackle a little bit of cleaning every day instead of waiting until the task becomes so overwhelming that you don’t want to do it. Do yourself a favor, and make a resolution for 2019 that you’ll clean a little every day instead of waiting to clean the whole house at one time. Furthermore, if you wait too long to clean your home, it gives pests like termites a chance to invade your home and you’ll likely need to contact a termite control company for professional termite control services. If this happens to you, although you should indeed hurry, do your research and hire termite control professionals that are up to the task.

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If you bought a home in 2018, it’s time to celebrate! Why not throw a New Year’s Eve party to both welcome in the New Year and show-off your house to your friends and family? You don’t need tons of money or time to prepare in order to host an unforgettable celebration. You can rent tables and chairs from party hire Melbourne. Here are some quick tips to get your house ready for a champagne toast at midnight on January 1^st!

Start with a manageable guest list

It’s tempting to invite every single one of your Facebook friends to your party. But keeping your list manageable is the key to a stress-free event. Limit your invitations to close friends and family. You’ll spend less money and have more time to enjoy with each of your guests.

Make it BYOB

One of the most expensive aspects of hosting is keeping a well-stocked bar. Instead, ask your guests to bring a bottle of their favorite libation. Most people are eager to help, and this gives them a concrete way to chip in. Plus – you’ll know that they’ll have something to drink that they enjoy.

Let people help

Your guests will inevitably ask you what they can do to help when they arrive to the party. Helping out a little makes people feel at ease and welcome. Make it easier on yourself by creating a list of tasks that guests can do for you when they arrive. Then when they ask, simply assign them a job from your list.

Set the tone

A huge part of the fun of hosting at home is creating the perfect ambiance. New Year’s Eve parties are a great time for the twinkle of string lights and votive candles. The soft glow makes everything (and everyone) look that much more beautiful. Set up party zones so that people can help themselves. Have a separate drink station and food station. Clear the main gathering room of clutter so your guests can get comfortable. Make sure to take everyone’s coats when they arrive and either hang them in your foyer closet or keep them on your bed.

Plan games

Parties are more fun with games – even if everyone attending is an adult. Here’s a fun game from Real Simple – print out cards that require guests to fill-in their wishes for 2019 and have everyone guess who wrote what. Check out more party game ideas here.

Create the perfect playlist

No party is complete without the perfect playlist. Create a festive atmosphere with an expertly curated selection of songs to play throughout the night. You can search for New Year’s Eve playlists on Spotify or browse stations on Pandora that will set the right mood. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, create your own. Here’s a great list of New Year’s Eve songs to get you started.

Stock up on party favors

Finally, make sure your guests have all the confetti and noisemakers they will need when the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. You can stock up on favors at your local dollar store without spending too much money.

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Is there anything cozier than a wood-burning fireplace on a cold winter’s night? Maybe it’s what sold you on our current house. Or perhaps it’s a wish list item for the house you’d like to buy in 2019. Although a fireplace installation can be charming and cost-saving features, specially this ones from confortline, they do require regular maintenance to keep them working safely and efficiently. Here’s what you need to know.

Safety first

Fireplaces add wonderful warmth and ambiance to your home, but let’s be honest – they can also be a potential source of a house fire. Keep these safety tips in mind when operating your wood-burning fireplace:

• Don’t leave a fire unattended in your fireplace, especially when children are around. In case an unattended fire damages a part of your home, make sure to contact a fire deodorization and restoration contractor.
• Open a window when using the fireplace to keep the room free from smoke.
• Use a screen in front of the fireplace to keep embers from landing on surfaces in the room.
• Use a fireproof hearth rug in front of your fireplace to ensure that it won’t catch on fire or melt if a spark or ember lands on it.
• If you have glass doors on your fireplace, be sure they are open when the fireplace is in use. It allows cool air to be drawn in and up the chimney.
• Use fireplace tools when handling burning logs or coals.
• Make sure you have a chimney cap to keep animals, debris, and water out of your chimney.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home and make sure they always have fresh batteries.
• Only burn seasoned hardwood like birch, ash, maple and oak that has been dried under cover for at least six months. This wood burns long and hot and causes less creosote buildup. Green wood and soft woods will not burn as well and will create more creosote buildup.

Maintain your fireplace

In order to keep your fireplace working safely, it requires regular maintenance. This includes:

• Removing ashes from the firebox when they become deeper than an inch. Wait at least three days before removing them, as coals can remain hot for that long. They should go directly in the trash, or they can be sprinkled on flowerbeds to add essential nutrients to your soil. Never vacuum the ashes and always wear a mask and gloves.
• Monitoring your fireplace throughout the season for signs of creosote and soot If you notice more than 1/8 inch of buildup, you need to call in a professional to have it cleaned.
• Test your fireplace each time you make a fire by lighting a few small pieces of wood. Check to see if the smoke rises vertically up into the chimney. If not, check that the damper is open. If smoke still fills the room, have the chimney inspected and cleaned or call restoration services including smoke damage restoration in Twin Falls, ID.

Essential annual chores

Finally, in addition to the regular maintenance you perform throughout the season, you should also complete these essential annual chores:

• Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. A basic cleaning will cost anywhere from $150 to $350. This should be done every year at the end of the burning season, more often if you use your fireplace regularly. The Birmingham Roofers are one of the best roofers in Birmingham, offering flat roofing, roof repair, guttering services, roof replacement, new roof installation, chimney sweeps, and more for residential and commercial properties.
• Inspect your chimney cap and repair or replace as necessary.

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If you’re buying a home, then you’ve probably heard the terms “title” and “deed.” While these words are often used interchangeably, they are in fact different. And it’s important to understand the distinction when you’re getting ready to purchase a home. Let’s take a look at these two common terms.

What is a title?

In real estate, the “title” refers to the concept of ownership of a piece of property. It’s a term that gives you legal rights and ownership as well as responsibilities. Either individuals or groups can hold titles. For example, a married couple can jointly hold the title to a home. Groups such as corporations or trusts can also hold titles. In these cases, everyone in the group shares the rights, ownership, and responsibilities to the property. When you hold the title, you have access to the land and can make modifications to it. In addition, when you hold title, you can transfer the portion that you own to others.

What is a deed?

Unlike a title, which is a legal concept, a deed is an actual legal document. When you hold a title to a property, you transfer it to another person or group with a deed. It is a physical document that is signed by both the seller and the buyer. The person who is transferring or selling the rights to the property is called the grantor. Conversely, the person who is obtaining the rights to the property is called the grantee. When you buy a property, you will receive a signed document called a deed. This deed proves you hold the title to the property. In most states, deeds become part of the records of the assessor’s office or courthouse.

How are they different?

In short, though the two terms are closely related, the title is the concept of ownership whereas the deed is a physical document. The deed is the record of the transfer of title from one person or group to another.

How does the process work?

When you’re buying a property, the lender will perform what is called a title search. A title search is an essential part of the home buying/selling process. The title search will let you know if there are any existing liens or back taxes owed on a property. A title search will protect you from taking on additional debt that you were not aware of. A title search will also uncover whether there are any easements on your property. Typical easements would include the right of a utility company to erect poles to install power lines.

What is title insurance?

Finally, even though the lender researches the title, there are times when an issue can arise down the road, such as a missed lien. For that reason, you purchase owner’s or lender’s title insurance. Owner’s title insurance protects you from being responsible for anything that has happened in the past, such as fraud or unpaid liens. Lender’s title insurance protects the lender in case any of these issues arise. You continue to pay lender’s title insurance until you pay off your mortgage in full.

While titles and deeds are closely related, it is important to know the legal differences when you’re buying a home. When in doubt, seek the advice of your real estate agent.

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The holiday season usually brings with it additional expenses. In fact, if you’re not careful, you may discover that you’ve overextended yourself. Perhaps you’re wondering what would happen if you skipped a mortgage payment this month. While we don’t recommend missing a mortgage payment, it isn’t something that you can’t recover from. But you need to be aware of the consequences and the steps you should take to avoid penalties.

Grace periods

First of all, most mortgages have some type of grace period. This means that even if you are late with your payment, if it falls within the grace period you will not incur any late fees. Most loans have a 15-day grace period. If you’re unsure what your grace period is, check with your lender.

Late fees

If you pay your mortgage after the grace period, you will likely incur late fees. These fees are based on the agreement you have with your lender and are calculated as a percentage of your payment – typically between three and six percent. Be aware that even if you don’t include the late fee in your payment, it will add up until that fee is paid. It’s important to pay off those late fees as soon as possible.

Credit consequences

If you miss a mortgage payment, it can affect your credit score. Mortgage lenders will usually report a late payment after it becomes 30 to 60 days past due. Just one late payment can have a big impact on your score. In fact, one late mortgage payment will negatively impact your score more than most other late payments, such as a car loan or credit card. If you have an excellent credit score that’s around 780, your score could drop by as much as 100 points for that late payment. If your score is lower, you may see it drop 60 – 80 points. Remember – that late payment stays on your credit report for seven years.

Foreclosure

One of the biggest worries for most homeowners who miss a mortgage payment is the fear of foreclosure. Although this is a concern you should take seriously, it’s unlikely that your lender will foreclose that quickly. After a period of three to six months of non-payment, your lender will send you a Notice of Default. This puts you on notice that you could be facing foreclosure if your loan isn’t brought current.

What to do

If you’re concerned that you’re going to miss a mortgage payment, then it’s best to be proactive. Contact your lender and explain your situation. You may qualify for a forbearance, which means you get a temporary break in your payments. The terms of the forbearance will vary from lender to lender, but they usually include either a suspension of or a reduction in your payments. During forbearance, your lender will not begin foreclosure proceedings. Once the forbearance period ends, you agree to make your payments in full, including catching up with the past-due amounts. Make sure you get your agreement with your lender in writing, and pay attention to any additional fees that will be charged as a result.

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Is selling your home on your to-do list for 2019? While selling a home can be a big undertaking, it’s much easier if you strategize and set goals. If you’re planning to put your home on the market in the next few months, why not use the New Year to help you get started? Here are seven New Year’s resolutions to make if you’re selling your home next year.

Resolution #1: Make repairs

If you want to list your home in 2019, then make the resolution to finish minor repairs. It’s easy to let small jobs fall off your to-do list. But it’s essential to tackle them before potential buyers view your home. Patch holes in drywall, fix leaky faucets, and replace burned-out light bulbs.

Resolution #2: Clean and de-clutter

When you’re selling, you want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in your home. Help them by cleaning, de-cluttering, and de-personalizing. Go through your belongings and purge what you no longer need or use. Box up personal items and keep them in storage until you move. Thoroughly clean the house, including floors and windows. Contact local dumpster rental services if you have collected a large amount of trash or items you want to purge.

Resolution #3: Set a timeline

If you’re ready to sell, then it’s time to make a plan. Set a listing date well in advance so that you can make a timeline and coordinate your efforts. There are many steps involved with selling a home. When you set listing date, it’s much easier to manage your time and be methodical with your approach.

Resolution #4: Stick to a budget

While you may have dreams of completely renovating the kitchen before you sell, it may not be in your best interest. There are some repairs and renovations that will bring a return on your investment – and some that won’t. Take the time to research which renovations will actually improve your bottom line.

Resolution #5: Research comps

Understanding your local market is key when you’re selling your home. Look at recently sold homes that are similar to yours to see what the selling price was. Setting the right price is key to a speedy sale that will make both you and the buyer happy.

Resolution #6: Be realistic

Resolve to be realistic about the selling process. Every seller wants to sell quickly for a high price. But it’s important to know what you can honestly expect in your market. Set a realistic timeline for your sale as well as a realistic listing price. Having unrealistic expectations can cause unneeded stress and worry.

Resolution #7: Partner with a trusted agent

Finally, when you’re preparing to sell your home, resolve to partner with a trusted real estate professional. A real estate agent that is an expert in your local market can help ease the burden of the process and offer suggestions and guidance along the way. An agent will understand the details of your market and can help you set the best listing price for your home. They’ll know how to market it to the right buyers, and can be a trusted partner all the way through the closing process. Interview several agents so that you can choose the one that best fits with your goals and personality.

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Are you worried about having your sensitive financial information stolen over the holidays? Then you may be considering a credit freeze. But if you’re also preparing to buy a home, a credit freeze could become problematic. Here’s what you need to know about credit freezes and how they can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage.

What is a credit freeze?

A credit freeze is a free tool that consumers can use to restrict access to their credit reports. A credit freeze can be a great idea if you’ve been the victim of identity theft, as it makes it difficult for criminals to open a new line of credit in your name. Since most creditors use your credit report to qualify you for an account, the credit freeze makes it unlikely that you’ll have to deal with fraudulent purchases made in your name.

How do you freeze your credit?

After the Equifax security breach in September of 2018, Congress passed new legislation that requires all the major credit bureaus to allow consumers to freeze their credit reports for free. Previously, a fee was levied each time a freeze was initiated. In order to freeze your credit, you must contact each of three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. They are required by law to respond to your request within one business day if you contact them by phone or online. They have three days to respond if you mail in your request.

How does it affect a mortgage application?

Although a credit freeze can help keep you from becoming the victim of a crime, it also prevents legitimate inquires. This means if you’re applying for a mortgage, a lender will not be able to access your credit report. If they can’t verify your credit history, they can’t estimate your rate or terms. This means when you’re applying for a mortgage and closing on a house, you need to unfreeze your credit. In the past, this could slow down the mortgage application and closing process significantly.

How do you unfreeze your credit?

Fortunately, the new legislation makes it much easier and faster to freeze and unfreeze your credit. When you know you need to unfreeze your credit because the lender will need to pull your report, you will once again contact each of the three credit bureaus. By law, they are required to respond to your request within one hour if you call or contact them online. Be aware that you must be the one to contact each credit bureau. Otherwise, your lender will not be able to access the information they need to proceed with your home purchase. Also be aware that lenders will need to pull your credit history twice – once during the application process and again right before closing.

Should you freeze your credit?

The bottom line is that a credit freeze should not impair your ability to qualify for a home loan. You simply need to be knowledgeable about the process and understand that it’s your responsibility to contact each of the credit bureaus to both freeze and unfreeze your report. Because of the changes in the law, it should no longer significantly slow the home buying process. And you can have the peace of mind knowing that you’ll have the added safeguard against identity theft during the holiday season.

Compliments of Virtual Results