Top Five Home Improvements For Return On Investment!

As we are seeing the housing market continue to improve we are also seeing a turnaround in remodeling and home improvement projects. As a homeowner you understand the importance of every cent you put into your home. That is why we have developed a list of the top five home improvement projects when it comes to the return on your investment. 1.)   Upgrade Your Kitchen: Upgrading a kitchen is always a great idea and this type of home improvement requires special attention. The kitchen is the hub of home and upgrading it will pay off for sure when done correctly. The kitchen is the first place in your home where you should start investing your money because an upgraded kitchen tends to be the first thing potential buyers look for. 2.)   Add Or Upgrade A Bath: Typically, adding or upgrading a bath will pay off nicely when you go to sell your home as long as its done right. Aspects and elements that experts say are the most popular in a new or upgraded bath include abundant storage, natural light, and ceramic tile. However, be sure to consult an expert before you proceed with this type of home improvement. 3.)   A Fresh Paint Job: Very few home improvements can transform a home and deliver so much appeal as a fresh new paint job. This is true for both the interior and exterior of the home. However, just be sure to utilize a unified color scheme with neutral shades in order to create the most appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. A fresh paint job will pay off well when you sell your home. 4.)   Spruce Up The Front Door: Sprucing up the front door of you home is a great home improvement project because it increases its curb appeal. Which will help improve the first impression potential buyers develop about your home. This can be anything from replacing or painting the door itself to trading out old...

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The Homebuyer’s Home Inspection!

Sometimes just the words “home inspection” will send shivers down a homebuyer or seller. However, if you are a homebuyer it is imperative that you consider utilizing this homebuying tool. So if you are looking to buy a home, here are some great answers to many common home inspection questions. 1)    What Is A Home Inspection? – A home inspection is a complete and in-depth examination of the current condition of a home. An inspection will only tell you the condition and potential issues of a home not its value. Your inspection should only be done by a trained and certified professional. 2)    What Does A Home Inspection Include? – A standard home inspection report will include the information on the current condition of the heating system, central air system, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic, foundation, walls, ceilings, basement, structural, and even the windows and doors of your home. 3)    How Much Will An Inspection Cost? – Much like home prices the cost of a home inspection will vary geographically and can also be affected by a variety of other things like the home’s size and age. Plus any other services requested such as well, septic, or radon testing. 4)    How Do I Find The Right Home Inspector? – There are a variety of ways that you can go about finding a home inspector. A good place to start is with a family member, friend, or college that has recently used one and was completely satisfied. Another great choice is to check with your friendly real estate agent. 5)    What If The Inspection Revels Issues? – The first thing you need to understand is that no home is going to be perfect. If issues are found you can use this information to ask the seller to make repairs, lower their price, or if things seem to damaged you can just move on to a new home. 6)    Why Can’t I Do The Inspection My Self? – Even the most seasoned...

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Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Tips And Tricks!

Your home’s curb appeal is crucial when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Your curb appeal is what develops the first impression your potential buyers will have about your home and you want it to be the best impression it can be. So here is a list of six great pieces of advice sure to help you create some very desirable curb appeal for your home. 1.)   Freshen Up Your Front Door: Your home’s front entry is the focal point when it comes to curb appeal. Freshening up the front door is a great way to make a statement and improve your homes overall appeal. The entry should also reflect the interior so choose a swag or wreath that compliments its interior. 2.)   Swap Out Old Hardware: A quick and easy fix when it comes to curb appeal is to swap out your old hardware. This can also be a fun way for you to add some style and appeal to your home. Consider swapping everything out from the overhead light fixtures to the lockset in your door. 3.)   Give Your Mailbox A Makeover: Your mailbox should compliment the style and feel of your home. If yours doesn’t consider giving it a makeover to improve your curb appeal. Consider planting similar flowers from around your home around your mailbox to really tie them together nicely. 4.)   Incorporate Some Outdoor Art: Incorporating some outdoor art will deliver your yard with some flare and pizzas boosting your homes curb appeal. Be sure you choose a piece that compliments your home best. Great options include birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and water features. 5.)   Give Your Home A Fresh Paint Job: Giving your home an exterior facelift like a fresh new paint job will really boost its curb appeal and desirability. A fresh paint job automatically transforms the look of a home and will increase its appeal to potential buyers. 6.)   Include Some Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting is a great way to accent...

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Mortgage Advice!

Buying a home is one of the most important things a person will ever do in their lifetime and unless you plan on paying cash you will need a home mortgage loan to help you pay for it. So here is a list of five pieces of advice that will help you make it through your home mortgage experience successfully. 1.)   Be Sure Your Credit Is Golden: Credit standards are extremely tight currently and so it is very important your credit is as good as it can be. In order for you to get the best possible interest rate for your home loan it is crucial that you are sure your credit is golden and then keep it that way until you close. 2.)   Document Your Finances: It is critical that you document your finances because lenders are extremely diligent these days when it comes to underwriting home loans. This is due to new rules and regulations that pressure mortgage lenders to verify borrowers have the ability to repair their loan. 3.)   Get Pre-Approved For Your Loan: It is imperative that you get pre-approved for a loan. Not only does this help you better understand what you can afford in a home, most sellers won’t even set up a showing unless you have been pre-approved for a home loan already. 4.)   Be Careful Until You Close: You may have been pre-approved for your loan but that does not mean you are sitting pretty. Be sure to follow up with your lender at least once or twice a week until you have closed on your new home. Do not do anything that can affect your credit or your standing with your lender. 5.)   Keep Constant Communication Going: It is important that even after you close on your home you keep constant communication going with your lender. Especially if you are struggling to make your payments because there are new programs available for those having trouble paying their mortgage.   These...

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Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Home!

Typically, buying a home is the biggest and most important things a person will ever do in their lifetime. Plus the home buying experience can be one of the most stressful and difficult things you will ever go through. So it is important not to make any mistakes that can make the home buying process any more challenging than it has to be. That is why we have developed a list of the top five biggest mistakes a potential home buying could make. 1.)   Hiring The Wrong Real Estate Agent: Using the wrong real estate agent is by far one of the worst mistakes you can make when home buying. You will need to rely on the expertise and experience of your real estate agent throughout the home buying process. So it is vital that you take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring the right real estate agent for you and your situation. 2.)   Getting Too Attached To A Home: I know you are looking for your dream home but in a competitive market you may need to look at several potential options. You might even be forced to put offers in on multiple potential properties before one gets accepted so it is extremely important that you keep an open mind and not get too attached to just one home. 3.)   Choosing To Skip The Inspection: Even when a home looks like it is in pristine like new condition it is a very risky mistake to skip the inspection. It is imperative that you hire an experienced and knowledgeable home inspector to go through your potential home with a fine-toothed comb. They are trained to find things you would never be able to or even know to look for. 4.)   Putting In Too Many Contingencies: A big mistake that you should avoid making at all costs is overdoing the contingencies in your offer. While there are some acceptable and even recommended contingencies that you...

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