Posts for Syndication

Is there a decision in life that is more nerve-wracking than choosing which house to buy? You know it’s a major financial decision, and any reasonable person wants to ensure they’re making the right choice before jumping in. But how can you tell when you’ve found “the one”? We’ll lay it out for you.

It fits your budget

One of the most important things to remember when buying a home is to buy what you can afford. Nothing is more heartbreaking than not being able to make your monthly payments. You’ll know you’ve found the right house when it fits easily within your budget. If you want to live in a house that suits not only your budget but also your design preferences, you may want to hire custom home builders and build your dream home instead. Afterwards, you may decorate the house using decor pieces from a home goods store. If you find construction defects in your home, consult with a construction lawyer to determine your best course of action.

It’s in a great location

Once you find a house you love, consider its location. Remember – you’re not just buying the house, but you’re also buying the neighborhood. If you visit the home and find a lot to love about the location, then that’s a great sign.

You’re excited to see it in person

It’s easier than ever to begin your house-hunting search online. You can learn so much about what’s on the market, browse listings, and get to know a neighborhood. You’ll probably discover that there are a few houses that you really want to see in person, and maybe one or two in particular that really interest you. Pay attention to which houses call out to you, hop over to this site to see more.

Once you get inside, you get more excited

So many homeowners have admitted that they knew a house was meant to be theirs the moment they stepped inside. When you walk inside a home, how does it make you feel? Is it warm and inviting? Is it easy to imagine your furniture there, or what color you’d paint each room?

You can walk into the bathroom

Here’s a great gauge to know if a house is right for you – can you walk into the bathroom? If you find that you just can’t bring yourself to cross the threshold into the bathroom, it is probably not the right house, unless you’re committed to major renovations, some people even design to create the house from the ground, using even duplex designs to create two houses, Duplex Designs are helping property owners to build two properties on the one block of land.

It fits your needs

While the house might not (and probably won’t) check off every item on your wish list, it will certainly fulfill your basic needs. The house should have the number of bedrooms you need and any other additional space that’s important. It might require a little imagination or creativity on your part, but that’s okay.

You’re telling everyone about the house

Do you find it difficult to get the house out of your mind? Are you telling everyone you talk to about it? It’s starting to become crystal clear that this is the house for you.

Your intuition tells you “this is it”

Ultimately, you can crunch the numbers and double-check your lists, but it will all boil down to your intuition. What does your gut tell you? If your mind is obsessing over the house, your emotions are in overdrive, and your gut is telling you this is the one, listen. Choosing a home isn’t just about making a financial transaction. It’s also about making a connection. You’ll know “this is it” when your gut tells you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

You can’t beat the ease of applying for a mortgage online, rather than going to a bank in person. But is it the best decision for you? Here are the pros and cons of online mortgage lenders that you should consider when you’re buying a home.

Pro: It takes less time

If you’re busy or need to move quickly, then applying for a mortgage online may be a great choice for you. You won’t have to travel to the bank, find all your documents, and copy and fax all those documents. Instead, you’ll simply upload everything you need right on the website. The time saved can be significant.

Con: It’s easier to make mistakes

While filling out forms online can be a great time-saver, it can also lead to more errors. You could misunderstand a question and provide the wrong information. It’s also more difficult to get answers to any questions you may have while you’re filling out the forms. You may have limited access to customer service, which is generally only available during business hours.

Pro: It’s easy to shop around

Because it’s so easy to access information from online lenders, shopping around is a breeze. Shopping for a mortgage is just like shopping for anything – you should do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Each lender will have its own rates and terms, and when you shop around online, you can easily compare them.

Con: There are more scams

Scams are prevalent all over the Internet, and it’s no different with online mortgage lenders. When you’re shopping around, you may come across a deal or two that seem too good to be true. That’s a red flag. Mortgage scammers will entice you with low rates or insist on some kind of fee or prepayment. If you have any doubt in your mind, do some research on the company to make sure they are legitimate, or it could cost you.

Pro: You’ll likely find lower rates and fees

In general, it’s not unusual for online mortgage lenders to offer lower rates and fees. After all, they don’t have the same kinds of operational costs that brick-and-mortar banks have. They can then pass those savings on to consumers. Even a slight reduction in your rate could save you serious cash over the long haul, which makes online lenders very attractive to many buyers.

Con: You many not qualify for those low rates after all

Online mortgage lenders attract new customers with promises of low rates, fees, and closing costs. But it’s important to read all the fine print. While they originally promise you a low rate, after you’ve filled out all your forms it may turn out that you don’t qualify. This could waste weeks of time and cause serious frustration. And you may be at the point where there’s no turning back if you want to close on the house, so you end up paying more.

In the end, online mortgage lenders can be a great choice for many homebuyers. By understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of securing a loan online, you can be more confident in your ultimate decision.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is it time to put your vacation home on the market? Maybe you just don’t visit it as often as you thought, or it’s time to downsize. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to be strategic about selling your vacation home. These are our best suggestions for optimizing your vacation home sale.

List in the busy season

If you’re not in a hurry to sell, then the best time to list your vacation home for sale is in the busy season. This will expose your house to the largest pool of potential buyers. In most cases, the busy season is the summer. But if your home is located in a ski resort, then you’d obviously want to list in the winter. While you’ll have more competition from other sellers, you’re also more likely to sell quickly and for the best price.

Focus on curb appeal

While curb appeal is important for any home sale, it is vitally important for selling your vacation home. Vacation homes are retreats from our everyday lives, and making your home look like a little slice of paradise will make it that much more appealing to buyers. First impressions are key, so pay special attention to the exterior, the landscaping, and maybe even consider getting lake home window tinting with the help of professional window tinting services.

Stage the inside of the home to reflect the kinds of activities that are popular in the area. For example, if you’re trying to sell a beach house, decorate with a beach or nautical theme.

Be upfront about home’s history

If your vacation home has been used as a rental property, you’ll want to disclose this. Some buyers may be interested in renting out the home when they’re not using it. Showing that the house has a solid history of rentals can work in your favor. Be sure to let buyers know where the vacation rental is listed online, who is currently managing the property, and what kind of income it generates. You might also include projected income for the next six months to demonstrate the investment potential.

Sell the location

Potential buyers of your vacation home aren’t just interested in the property itself, they’re also buying the location. What are some of the great reasons to own a vacation home in your area? What activities and amenities are nearby? Who are the neighbors? Are there great shops or restaurants in the area? Make a list of all the perks of living in that neighborhood, and include them in your marketing materials.

Work with an experienced agent

Finally, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who has experience with selling vacation homes in your area. Your agent should be knowledgeable about the local market, new developments in the works, and comps for the area. They’ll know how to best advertise your home, where to find interested buyers, and how to price the home competitively. They can advise you on the details that are specific to selling a second home, and help you navigate the process. An experienced agent will be your partner from the beginning stages right up through closing day, and will be an invaluable resource for getting a speedy sale at a great price.

Compliments of Virtual Results

House hunting can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. That’s why it can be a wise move to attend open houses with your realtor when you begin your search. Open houses are a great opportunity to learn more about the local housing market and to define exactly what you’re looking for. Use these tips to make the most of open houses when you’re buying.

Learn about the neighborhood

Open houses offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the neighborhoods where you’re interested in buying. Chat with the agent about the area and get their take about what its best features are. After having a look at the house, take a stroll through the neighborhood and notice what you see. Do residents keep their yards looking nice? Are there any vacant properties? How close are amenities? What’s the street parking situation like?

Develop your priorities

Another great reason to attend open houses when you’re house hunting is to develop your priorities. Take a look at different size houses and layouts, and make notes about what you like and what you don’t like. You’ll begin to see patterns emerge, and they will help you to narrow down just what kind of house you’re looking for. Do you want a big yard or a small one? Do you respond to open concept homes, or do you prefer a smaller, cozier layout? Is it better to have a home that’s all on one level, or do you like having a second-story window to admire the view?

Imagine yourself living there

As you’re walking through homes, imagine yourself living there. Think about what your routine is like each day. Does the layout of this home support the kind of lifestyle you imagine yourself having in your new home? Does the home feature the kind of amenities you’d like to have, like a laundry room that’s easy to access or an area where you can wash your dog? Think about what it’s like while you get ready for work in the morning, and also how you like to spend your time on the weekends. Will this house provide what you need to have a happy life there? Tenet residents can access more facilities at the New Tampines Hub, home to a regional library, sports facilities, club facilities, and many other amenities.

Use your senses

Sellers stage their homes to make them appealing to potential buyers, but don’t let them fool you. Yes, the smell of cookies baking is wonderful – but is it hiding another, more unpleasant odor? The soft music playing might add to a sense of peacefulness, but is it covering noise coming from outdoors? How are the views out of the windows? Does the bedroom face the neighbor’s backyard where young children are playing? Use all your senses to discover what it might be like from day to day living there. This could also help you find potential issues with the property. For instance, if there are trees near the house, you may need to schedule more regular roof inspections with a local roofing contractors. How the plumbing system was set up may also give you an idea of the amount of work to be required for Home Plumbing Maintenance.

Refine expectations

Visiting open houses will also help you to refine your expectations. After seeing many houses, you’ll have a much better understanding of how much house your money will buy. You’ll see where you may need to make some compromises and what kinds of features will be deal-breakers for you. It will ensure you’re that much more confident about making an offer when you find the house you truly love.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Do you want to make your home look like a million bucks without spending a fortune? You can, with a little bit of creativity and know-how. Here are the best tips we’ve gathered from designers and stylists to make your home look more luxurious on a budget.

Banish clutter

The first step to making your home look more luxurious won’t cost you a dime. In fact, you might even make a little money off the challenge. By de-cluttering your home, you’re drawing attention to your favorite pieces and allowing space for your eyes to rest. You can re-organize your decorations to fit a theme in each room, which will also add a layer of luxury.

Add crown molding

What is it about crown molding that makes a room look more sophisticated? It’s the finishing touch that adds architectural interest to any room. It signals sophistication and elegance, yet can be installed very inexpensively. Even a simple style of crown molding will elevate any room and make it look more upscale.

Install ceiling medallions

Along with crown molding, ceiling medallions add a touch of class to a room. These decorative additions were common in Victorian homes to draw attention to light fixtures. While price points vary, you can find a beautiful medallion that is easy to install for $20 or less.

Decorate with plants and flowers

A simple way to add some life to any room is with plants and fresh flowers. In fact, any kind of natural element will elevate a room, including a bowl of fruit, a vase of twigs or even a bowl of acorns. For a few dollars, a bouquet of fresh, colorful flowers pack a powerful punch and make everything look more expensive. The best way to pull off the look is to either have a very full vase, or a single, elegant stem. Avoid sparse bouquets that don’t quite fill the vase you’re using.

Update lighting

Nothing kills a good vibe faster than terrible lighting. If you’re relying on overhead lights, it’s time to switch it up a little. Floor and table lamps arranged around the room create a nice, flattering ambience. For overhead lights, choose fixtures that add a decorative touch and install dimmers on light switches so the light doesn’t overpower the room.

Choose large-scale art

Luxurious rooms have a focal point, and this can easily be achieved by having a piece of large-scale art. Whether it’s a large canvas or a sculptural piece, a sizable piece of art will create a wow factor in your room that simply can’t be duplicated with several smaller pieces. Look for a Canvas Retailer that has various options.

Coordinate finishes

If you really want to create a pulled-together look, then coordinate all the finishes in a room. This works especially well in a bathroom or kitchen and can make a room much more luxurious for just a little bit of cash. Replace hardware, faucets and other accessories with coordinating finishes that will make your room look both polished and luxurious.

After weeks or months of searching, you’ve finally found the house you love. While it’s an exciting time, it can also be stressful because suddenly the home buying process gets serious. It’s important to be prepared if you want your offer to be accepted. Here’s what you need to know when you’re getting ready to make an offer on a house.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

If you’re serious about buying a home, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage before submitting an offer. This is especially true in a competitive market where the seller may get many offers. Getting pre-approved shows the seller that you’re not just window-shopping – you are seriously in the market for a home.

Determine your price

It isn’t always necessary to offer the listing price of the home. There are several factors that will weigh in on your decision. Find out what the comps are for the area, and seek advice from your real estate agent. It’s possible to get discounts on the selling price if you’re paying with all cash, if you limit your contingencies, or if the home has been on the market for a period of time. However, if the market is hot, you’ll want to make an offer for the full amount and do it as quickly as possible.

Prepare the paperwork

Once you’ve gotten your pre-approval and determined your price, your real estate agent will help you prepare a written offer. This purchase agreement will become a sales contract if the offer is accepted. It should include:

• Description and address of the property
• Price being offered for the home
• Terms of the deal, for example whether or not you’re offering cash or obtaining a mortgage
• The amount of the down payment
• Details of the escrow
• Target closing date
• Contingencies such as financing and home inspection
• Date of possession
• Other requirements determined by the state, such as seller disclosures and attorney review
• Expiration date of the offer

Submit earnest money

In addition to the purchase agreement, you will submit earnest money when you make the offer. This is a cash deposit that is a sign of good faith. If your offer is accepted, the earnest money will be placed in escrow and used towards your down payment. This money is forfeited if you decide to back out of the agreement at a later date.

What happens next

Once the document is complete, your agent will submit the offer to the seller or the seller’s agent. The seller will have one of three responses: they’ll accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer. If a counteroffer is made, the seller will make suggestions about changes to the offer such as a modified sales price, date of possession, or removal of contingencies. Once you’ve received the counteroffer, you can accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer of your own. This continues until either the buyer and seller agree on the terms of the sale or the offer is refused. Once the offer is accepted and both parties sign, it becomes a legal contract.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you have a dog, then you’ll no doubt be spending more time outside together in the coming months. One of the great reasons to own a home is to have a big backyard you can share with your pets, you can even install grass to help dogs go potty which is sold online. But what if your dog is a little destructive? Or worse, what if your dog likes to get into things that might not be safe? Here are our best tips for creating a backyard oasis that is friendly to your best friend, lets not forget that first step will be to get concrete walls from B&D Rockeries.

Avoid toxic plants

It goes without saying that you should avoid using plants in your yard that are poisonous to dogs, especially if your dog is curious. But it isn’t always easy to know which plants are safe and which you need to stay away from. Some of the most common plants you should avoid include:

• Foxglove
• Mums
• Lily-of-the-Valley
• Hosta
• Iris
• English Ivy
• Morning Glory
• Clematis
• Begonia
• Boxwood

Check out this great article for a more exhaustive list of plants to avoid.

Create play areas

Nobody wants their dog trampling their beautiful flowerbeds. Although there are several types of deterrents out there, the best way to keep dogs out of beds is to provide interesting play areas. Does your dog love to dig? Then install a sand box that lets him dig until his little heart is content. Consider adding a water feature that your dog can play in on hot, sunny days. Is your dog a runner? Then make sure there’s a comfortable turf for your dog for burning off all that extra energy. Aside from you own play areas, do you know that there is a dog daycare here to where you can live your dog while you are away on vacation or working during the day?

Use canine-friendly materials

Let’s face it – even with the best design your dog is still likely to wander into areas you’d rather they stay out of. You can help yourself out by choosing plants and materials that will stand up to a little bit of abuse. Ornamental grasses are both soft and forgiving and can take a bit of a beating without looking shabby. In play areas and on paths choose materials that are safe for your dog’s paws, like bark mulch or flagstone. Avoid using cocoa mulch, which has the same chemical that makes chocolate toxic to dogs.

Give them a shady spot to rest

Dogs can get sunburned just like people do. So it’s important to give them a shady spot where they can relax and get out of the sun. Dogs can also overheat easily, so it’s a must if you live in a hot climate. Give them some room under a shady tree, install a pretty arbor, or invest in a fun doghouse. And always make sure they have fresh water available to drink any time they are outside, and if you have a frenchie dog, you can also find the best frenchie harnesses don’t have to be expensive so you can take him to walks as well.

Keep them safe

Finally, install dog fencing to prevent your dog from escaping from your yard. Sometimes, a fence alone will not be enough, if your dog is a jumper or likes to tunnel. Some innovative ideas to keep dogs inside where they belong is to create an underground barrier with chicken wire, line the ground in front of the fence with river rocks that are hard to dig, or use a slippery material for your fence like plywood. You may hire a professional fencing contractor to do the dog fencing for you.

Compliments of Virtual Results

We get it – moving is stressful! In fact, it’s considered one of the most stressful life events you can experience. So what do you do if you feel like the stress is getting to you? Follow these helpful tips to make the transition a little easier on you and your family.

Give yourself plenty of time

If you’re not staring down the barrel of a sudden and unexpected move, give yourself plenty of time to prepare. While it’s easy to procrastinate knowing you have weeks before moving day arrives, the more you get done early, the less stressed you’ll be. A good rule of thumb is to begin preparing at least eight weeks ahead of time.

Get organized

The key to a successful and stress-free move is planning and organization. Make a master list of all the tasks that must be completed before moving day, and work them all into a schedule. This includes everything from packing up the garage to informing your job of your new address. Not sure what to include? Here’s a great list to get you started.

Give yourself a time-out zone

Living amongst the chaos of a move can make you more stressed. So do yourself a favor and leave an area in your home that doesn’t get packed up until the very end. This can be your “time-out zone” when you really need a break. Have a comfortable place to sit, get yourself a scented candle and have some good books to read. We all deserve a break now and again.

Get some exercise

Wait a minute, doesn’t packing boxes count as exercise? Although it can be laborious, it doesn’t really take the place of your regular exercise regime. So be sure to make time to take the dog for a walk, go for a bike ride, or head to the gym. It will help you blow off steam and clear your mind, which will do wonders for keeping stress levels in check.

Ask for help

We all need help now and again, and asking for help during your move is totally acceptable. In fact, it’s probably essential for your well-being. Although helping with a big move is nobody’s favorite activity, you’ll find that the people who care about you are more than willing to lend a hand. This can be anything from helping to pack boxes to watching the kids for a couple of hours while you run errands.

Plan time for goodbyes

Even if your move is a positive one, it’s always hard to say goodbye to the people you care about. So make sure to set aside time you can spend with your favorite people before you go. You’ll find that even people you don’t see very often will want to have a little time with you, which can quickly add up. Carve out time in your schedule for these get-togethers.

Be good to yourself

Finally, be good to yourself. Understand that moving is hard, and it’s bound to bring up all kinds of emotions. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed or to have bad days. Know that this situation is only temporary, and take comfort in the fact that it will be over soon.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you want to lower your household expenses, take a look at your water bill. Does it seem high? Do you feel like you’re spending too much money on something so basic?

Here are some of the best ways we’ve found to save money on your monthly water bill.

Install a low-flow showerhead

If you haven’t replaced your showerhead since 1992, you’re literally washing money down the drain. Since the federal Energy Policy Act of 1992, showerheads are required to have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less. If your current model was made before that year, it’s using at least twice the amount. When you switch, you’ll save up to a hundred gallons of water or more per shower.

Use your dishwasher

It may seem counter-intuitive, but washing dishes by hand actually uses more water than the dishwasher – up to six times more. To save even more water, only run the dishwasher when it’s full. If you don’t have a dishwasher, plug the sink and fill it with water to wash your dishes instead of letting the water run.

Replace older appliances

If your washers are more than a few years old, they could be guzzling much more water than needed. Now is a great time to invest in more energy-efficient models. Look for appliances that carry the Energy Star or WaterSense seal. These often use up to 50 percent less water and energy per load. You might also consider buying a front-loading washing machine, which by design uses much less water than top-loaders.

Repair leaky faucets and water line

Did you know you can waste up to 2000 gallons of water a year because of a leaky faucet? Not convinced? Check out this online drip calculator that will show you exactly how those individual drips add up. Leaky faucets are fairly easy to repair yourself. Head to the hardware store and pick up a repair kit that walks you through the process. You may also check if you need a water line repair. If you don’t have the time to do the repairs yourself, remember that you can always contact professional plumbers to do the plumbing work for you. If you need immediate plumber services, then you may need to contact an emergency plumber.

Water at the correct time

When you water your lawn, you can lose a significant amount to evaporation if you water in the middle of the day when it’s hottest. Instead, water first thing in the morning or at dusk to cut back on water wasted to evaporation.

Install rain barrels

In addition to watering at the correct time, install rain barrels to capture rainwater. These containers allow you to gather runoff from roofs and gutters and store it for later use. Most of these containers come with an attachment that allows you to hook up a hose, making watering a breeze.

Use a compost bin

Finally, have you ever considered how much water you are wasting by using your garbage disposal? They require a vast amount of water in order to properly function. Instead, start a compost pile. Those kitchen scraps you might normally send down the drain can be saved and composted. A few months later, you’ll have rich compost that can be used in your yard. Not only is this a way to save on your water bill, but it will also give a healthy boost to your garden.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or investing in a property to flip, it’s important to be smart about home design and renovations. While certain projects can definitely increase the value of the property you want to sell, there are some challenges to consider. Here’s a rundown of the mistakes you should avoid on your rehab project.

Underestimating costs

There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through your rehab project only to run out of money. A smart rule of thumb of when estimating costs is that everything will always cost more than you think it will. Be sure to allocate enough funds to each step of the process, and have about ten percent extra saved, just in case.

Choosing the wrong contractor

Before hiring any contractor, get recommendations from family and friends. Collect quotes from several contractors and research them online. Don’t just go with the first contractor you meet. The wrong contractor can make or break a project. Be sure to thoroughly vet general contractor services before signing on the dotted line. Seko Construction is the best general contractor for construction in Calgary so make sure to check them out.

Not having a plan

You may be ready to attack the walls with the sledgehammer, but don’t do it before you have a plan. Find out if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed before beginning anything cosmetic. You don’t want to have to tear out that new drywall you just installed in order to fix an issue with the pipe behind it.

Not getting permits

If your rehab involves more than just a few minor repairs, you need to check if any permits are required. Failing to get permits can net you steep fines, and cause problems down the line with your sale.

Using cheap materials

It can be tempting to always choose the least expensive materials, but your rehab project will suffer. Remember – you get what you pay for. If you want a quality job, spring for quality materials that will last.

Making the wrong renovations

If you’re rehabbing for an upcoming sale, you’ll want to consider what kind of return you’ll get on the investment. Some renovations can add sale value to your home, for instance, an ADA accessible bathroom remodeling project, while others don’t. In general, upgrades to the kitchen, bathroom and curb appeal add value to potential buyers. However, spending on basements or pools isn’t always a great idea. When in doubt, check with your real estate agent.

Making too many renovations

In addition to making the wrong renovations, you don’t want to make too many renovations. Having the nicest home on the block isn’t necessarily great for your resale value. Depending on the comps in your area, you may not get the return you’re hoping for, even if your upgrades are fantastic.

Overestimating value

Lastly, when it comes time to sell, don’t overestimate the value of your renovations. We understand that you may have put quite a bit of time and energy into the upgrades you’ve made. You may be tempted to compensate by listing for higher than the comps in your area. Unfortunately, listing too high could make your home languish on the market and eventually you’ll be forced to reduce the price. Take advantage of the momentum you have at the beginning and list at the correct price. A professional real estate agent who is an expert in your market will be your best ally when it comes to determining just the right price.

Compliments of Virtual Results