DIY those drywall cracks and holes in the wall

When getting your home ready to sell, or doing minor repairs on one that you’ve purchased, you’ll inevitably run into drywall issues.

From cracks to holes, they’re unsightly, but, thankfully, easy to fix.

How do they happen?

New homeowners tend to be a bit more alarmed than the experienced about cracks in the walls of their home. Take a deep breath – there are three common reasons for these cracks:

Settling – Over time, homes “settle.” “This is simply a result of the downward force of gravity on physical structures,” according to the pros at Edens Structural Solutions in Bixby, OK. As they settle, cracks may form.

Humidity affects wood-framed homes by causing the wood to expand and contract. “This in turn puts stress on the plaster or drywall in front of it,” according to the experts at HJ3 Composite Technologies, LLC in Tucson, AZ.

Old homes typically have plaster walls, instead of drywall. Over time, plaster becomes loose, causing it to crack.

Problem drywall can be a problem

If your home was built between 2001 and 2009, you may have what is known as “problem drywall.” Not all do, but enough homes have it to be aware that yours might too.

If you do, you’ll want to take remediation steps before working on the wall. Learn how at cpsc.gov, the website for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Repairing standard drywall

Once you’ve determined that your home doesn’t contain problem drywall, you can get to work fixing those cracks and holes.

If this is your first time, check out some of the instructional videos on YouTube, like these from Howdini, Buildipedia and This Old House.

  • Cracks – Smaller cracks are a cinch to repair. Apply drywall compound, let it dry completely and then sand the area until it’s smooth and level.

For larger cracks, use the drywall compound and then apply fiberglass tape over it while it’s still wet.

  • Small holes – Use painter’s putty to fill the hole and level it using a putty knife or drywall knife. Allow it to dry, sand it down and then apply spackle. When that dries, give it another sanding.
  • Medium-sized holes –The ideal material for a hole that is too large to patch with putty is a drywall patch, available at home improvement and hardware stores.

 Stick it to the wall and then apply joint compound over it. Allow the compound to dry and then sand down the high spots.

Large holes – Even out the irregular shape of the hole by using a saw to cut around the edges. Cut a piece of new drywall to fit inside the hole and apply fiber reinforcing tape or fiberglass tape around the edges.

Slap some joint compound over the area, sand it smooth when it dries and then apply another layer of the compound (the video at Buildipedia will walk you through this entire process).

Once you’ve sanded your repairs, it’s time to paint over them. Use a heavy nap roller to ensure that the texture of the repaired area blends with the rest of the wall.

Before you DIY your home sale or purchase: Learn about services only a real estate agent can offer

Many industries offer unique services. Sure, you can cut your own hair, but can you make it look like this year’s hot, sleek bob?

You can also repair your own roof. Keep in mind however that 36 percent of all fatalities result from falls – from roofs.

Some jobs are better left to professionals, especially those jobs that impact your safety, pocketbook and, yes, even your looks.

We know what you’re thinking: Why should you give up some of that hard-earned home equity to some real estate agent when you are perfectly capable of selling the home yourself?

Read on. 

Real estate agents do far more than show homes

Many consumers feel that all a real estate does is tour homes all day, showing them to potential buyers. While that is a big part of many agents’ jobs, it is in no way all they do.

Each transaction that an agent is involved in contains a myriad of small details. A transaction can fail if any one of these falls through the cracks; they are that critical.

And, these details are something the average homeowner can’t possibly know about unless he or she has sold real estate as a professional.

So, aside from showing homes and marketing homes for sale come all the details that must be juggled by someone who is an expert detail juggler. That someone is a professional real estate agent.

Real estate agents clear up all the jargon and confusion

Yes, a real estate attorney can help you decipher a home purchase contract, but at a hefty price and with no guarantee you’ll walk away from the conversation with a better understanding of what the contract means.

Then, there are the common terms you’ll need to understand, inherent in all real estate transactions.

From mortgage jargon, like “DTI” and exactly what is included in closing costs to real estate terms, such as “contingencies” and “chain of title,” your real estate agent has all the answers.

Are you aware of a buyer’s duty of “due diligence” and how not knowing about this duty can negatively impact not only the purchase, but your future enjoyment of the home and your finances?

Appraisals and home inspections: you may need an adviser to deal with the results

There are two steps in the home sale and purchase process that are common yet produce the most anxiety (other than waiting for loan pre-approval): the appraisal and the home inspection.

Most real estate consumers don’t understand that results of either inspection that are less than optimal don’t necessarily kill the deal.

There are ways to deal with a low appraisal or a less-than-perfect home inspection report that can keep everything on track. But, again, most homebuyers and sellers aren’t aware of these procedures. Real estate agents deal with them often and are experts at finding a solution to benefit all parties.

This valuable knowledge is something you won’t receive if you don’t have a real estate agent representing you.

Your final chance

Homebuyers have several chances to view the home after signing the purchase agreement. They will often attend the home inspection and, sometimes, the sellers permit them an additional visit to take measurements or to oversee requested repairs.

One visit is set in stone, however, and that is known as “the final walk-through.” The purpose of this visit is to ensure that the home is in the same condition it was when you agreed to purchase it and it typically takes place within the week leading up to closing.

The final walk-through is not an additional opportunity to negotiate.

In other words, if you notice something objectionable during the walk-through that you hadn’t noticed before, it’s too late to bring it to the seller’s attention (which is another reason you need your agent’s second set of very experienced “eyes” during the early phases of the process).

Far too many buyers treat the final walk-through casually, breezing through the home, blissfully unaware of what they should be on the lookout for. Without a real estate agent by your side, you will have no idea.

These are only a handful of the unique services that agents provide.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pointed out features of a home (both bad and good) that my clients didn’t notice, how many times I’ve negotiated even minute contract terms for clients when they weren’t around to witness, how often I’ve recommended trusted tradespeople, inspectors and lenders to my first-time buyers to ensure they don’t get ripped off.

As mentioned earlier, there are so many details that real estate agents deal with daily that most consumers have no way of knowing about. But now you know about at least a few of them.

 

 

 

Easy holiday season safety tips

Shopping, cooking, crackling fires and twinkling lights – all essential elements of the winter holiday season.

It’s a time of celebration and, often, distraction. All of those essential elements can turn into hazards when we let our guard down. With knowledge and planning, however, they don’t have to be.

For parents, child safety should be top-of-mind

The youngest among your brood may need repeated safety reminders (“Don’t speak to strangers,” for instance) while you’re out and about this time of year.

Prepare them before you leave the car and again upon entering the mall, for what to do in the event you are separated.

Remind them to remain inside the mall, preferably at a spot that you’ve predetermined and pointed out. Show them a security guard so they know who to approach if they’re lost and can’t locate the meeting spot.

Keep their safety in mind while decorating the home for the holidays as well. Place the menorah up high and hang ornaments and anything with a cord, out of their reach.

Game pieces and other small items, such as dreidel, are choking hazards for the tiny ones.

Let’s get back to shopping

Two types of crimes become more prevalent during the winter holiday season, robbery and personal larceny, according to Janet Lauritsen, professor of criminology and criminal justice. These include a high incidence of vehicle break-ins and purse snatchings.

Here are some tips lower your risk of becoming a victim while shopping:

  • Before you leave your car, think ahead to when you’ll be returning. If it will be after dark, park as close to a source of light as possible.
  • Check the car to ensure you’ve left nothing of value on the seat or floor.
  • Put your phone away, keep your keys in your hand (with the ends pointing outward to use as a weapon) and walk briskly and with purpose. The less distracted you appear, the better your chances of not becoming a victim.
  • Don’t enter the car until you’ve checked under and behind the car and the backseat. These are all popular hiding places for perps.

Avoid home fires

Holiday trees can dry out quickly and become fire hazards. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association claims that “a dry tree can catch fire and burn faster than newspaper.” See for yourself at YouTube.com.

  • Water your tree every day over the season.
  • Place the tree at least three feet from heat sources.
  • Check light strings for frayed or exposed wires and broken light sockets.
  • Don’t run extension cords under carpets or rugs and never overload them.
  • Avoid the use of real candles on the tree.

Holidays are risky for pets, too

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers tips to keep your pets safe over the holidays:

  • Some holiday plants, such as holly, poinsettias and mistletoe are toxic for dogs and cats.
  • Holiday tree water, standing in the reservoir, may contain fertilizers so don’t allow your dog to drink from it.
  • Ensure that the tree is secured to the stand so that a curious, climbing cat doesn’t topple it over.
  • Chocolate and raisins are toxic for dogs.
  • Foil ingested may mean a trip to the emergency vet. Foil candy wrappers and tinsel should be placed out of your pets’ reach.

Keep the holidays safe by preparing and by not allowing yourself to become distracted to possible danger.

3 critical first steps for the first-time homebuyer

It’s tough being a newbie at anything, right? Learning new lingo, how things are done and how you’ll do them is a little confusing at first. Once you get the hang of it, though, everything becomes clear and you can relax into whatever it is you’re learning.

The same holds true for the home-buying process; when you’ve never bought a home before it can be challenging to know where to start and tempting (but not wise) to jump into the process by looking at homes for sale.

So, let’s get you off to a good start – one that will lead to success when buying your first home.

The money stuff

Waiting for loan preapproval is brutal for those who have no idea where they stand on the credit scale. Those in the know, however, are far more confident, understand the loan process better and still have fingernails when the preapproval decision comes in.

Be a member of the latter group by ordering your credit from the “Big 3” credit reporting agencies, Trans Union, Experian and Equifax. By law, you are entitled to a free copy from each agency every year or if you’ve been turned down for credit.

Make sure you order your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only company authorized by the government to provide these free reports.

When you get your reports, read over them carefully, keeping track of any problems you find. Each report will tell you how to file a dispute, so if you do find errors, even seemingly insignificant ones, file one. Even a small discrepancy can cause a big impact on your credit score.

Go over your finances, figuring out how much money comes in every month and how much goes out, paying close attention to recurring debt payments. The lender will do the same when it figures your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI.

If you want to calculate where you stand now, you’ll find information on how to determine your DTI on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website.

If your DTI is high, work on bringing it down by either bringing in more income or paying off some debt.

Stash some cash for your down payment, closing costs, home inspection fees and earnest money deposit. The National Association of Realtors recommends setting aside between 2 and 7 percent of the purchase price of a home just for closing costs, although I think 7 percent is rather high.

Shop for a mortgage

I’m happy to refer you to some of the lenders my clients commonly work with, or ask friends, family and colleagues for a referral to someone they enjoyed working with.

You’ll typically need the following documents when you meet with a lender to apply for a mortgage:

  • If you are self-employed you’ll need tax returns otherwise, gather up your pay stubs and W2s.
  • Copies of the bills you pay every month.
  • Bank statements (including blank pages).
  • I.D.

Document requirements vary depending on your personal situation and the lender, so ask for a complete list of what you’ll need to supply.

Make your wish list

Yay! The fun part. Now you can start thinking about that new home. What exactly do you want? Use these considerations when trying to figure it out:

  • Nail down the location. Do you need to live near schools, downtown, public transportation? Do you want a neighborhood with lots of activity or something more serene? Kids nearby or few kids?
  • What type of home do you want? Is there a particular architectural style? New or old?
  • What are your must-haves when it comes to the interior of the home? Include things such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage of the house.
  • Describe your dream home. Once we know your budget, we can pare it down, but for now list everything you want in a home. Carpet or hardwood, gourmet kitchen, an office, a media room, gym, space to garden and views are something that might go on this list.
  • Finally, name three features that you simply must have in your new home. These items are non-negotiable and they’ll be at the top of the list.

These are the basic steps in the home-buying process. Take steps 1 and 2 and then call us for help with your wish list.

Take the steps in order and you’ll be moving in no time!

Isn’t it time to take a look at those VA benefits?

As we celebrate Veterans Day in November, I would be remiss to not mention one of the most misunderstood and overlooked veteran’s benefit, the VA home loan.

  • Of the more than 20 million U.S. military veterans, only 10.5 percent utilize their home loan benefits.
  • When those who aren’t using this benefit were asked why, more than 33 percent responded that they didn’t know about the VA loan guarantee (2010 National Survey of Veterans). Another large group claims that FHA loans are easier to obtain.
  • The largest groups of respondents to the National Survey of Veterans who were unaware of the program’s existence were older veterans and unmarried surviving spouses.

While not at all flag-waving worthy, these statistics can, and should change. It starts with the real estate/mortgage industry taking responsibility for educating veterans and their spouses about the VA home loan program and its benefits.

The loan, in a nutshell

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a home loan guaranty, promising the veteran’s lender that the veteran will repay the loan.

Now this guaranty doesn’t cover the entire loan amount. Should the veteran default on the loan, the VA guaranty covers from 40 to 50 percent, depending on the size of the loan.

VA home loans can be used to:

  • Buy a single-family home or a condominium unit in a VA-approved project.
  • Build a home.
  • Simultaneously purchase and improve a home.
  • Improve a home’s energy efficiency.
  • Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

VA loan advantages

Today there are only two easy ways to finance a home with no down payment: through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program and through the Veterans Administration.

Thinking of a FHA-backed or conventional loan? If you put down less than 20 percent, you’ll be subjected to the required monthly payment for MIP (mortgage insurance premium) for the former and PMI (private mortgage insurance) for the latter.

This insurance, which benefits the lender should the borrower default on the loan, can add quite a chunk to your monthly mortgage payment.

The amount you’ll be required to pay depends on how much you borrow and the loan-to-value ratio. You’ll find an FHA MIP rate chart at LendingTree.com.

The VA loan, on the other hand, has no monthly mortgage insurance premiums, there are limitations on how much you’ll spend on closing costs, and the loan has no prepayment penalty.

If you choose a newly constructed home, the builder is required to purchase a 1-year home warranty for you.

How to get one of these bad boys

As with anything that comes from the government, eligibility can become complicated (wait until you see the appraisal requirements!).  You are eligible for a VA-backed loan if:

  • You have what the VA considers “suitable credit.”
  • You have sufficient income to pay your bills and your mortgage payment.
  • You plan on occupying the home.
  • You have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

The latter is easy to obtain. In fact, a VA-savvy lender should be able to get your COE through the online ACE system. Learn how to choose the right lender for your VA loan at Military.com.

If for some reason your records can’t be accessed, you’ll need to apply to the VA for your certificate. We can help you with that.

Remember, you’ll be applying for this mortgage through traditional lender and each has its own guidelines so you’ll need to meet the lender’s requirements as well.

Yes, your credit score and overall financial picture will be examined, but the lending process for veterans isn’t quite as stringent as it is for civilians.

Should I sell my home during a recession?

It’s inescapable. Discussions about a possible upcoming U.S. economic recession have become daily media fodder.

Speculation and reality, as we all know, are two entirely different things.

What many Americans don’t understand is that the U.S. economy runs through four periods, or phases.

  • Expansion
  • Peak
  • Recession
  • Trough

Movement of the economy through the four periods is known as “the business cycle.” Although no two cycles are identical, they look a bit like this:

Source: Congressional Research Service

The Congressional Research Service claims that “the average expansion has lasted about 58 months (about 4.8 years), and the average recession has lasted about 11 months.”

On July 1, 2019, our economy reached a milestone: 11 straight years of growth, marking this as the longest expansion in the country’s history.

What goes up must come down, right? Which explains the media’s frenzy over a supposed coming recession.

Just today we read an article promising a recession in 2021 from a news outlet who swore in 2018 that it would happen in 2019. Moving the goal post seems to be a favorite pastime of many journalists.

Of course, a recession is coming. It’s part of our business cycle. Pinpointing when it will happen, however, is a bit of a challenge. But it doesn’t take a genius to conclude that a recession is coming. There is always one “coming.” Eventually.

While we urge you to use common sense when reading or listening to the news, especially lately, we understand the power of the media to create fear and doubt in the minds of Americans.

So, on to today’s questions: Is it wise to buy or sell a home during a recession?

Do you need to buy or sell?

The “best” time to buy or sell a home is when you need to. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

But it’s true. The market could be red-hot for sellers but if you don’t need or want to sell, what difference does it make? It’s not the best time for you.

Confusion reigns among the public during recessionary periods and, as we see lately, even when there’s merely speculation about an impending recession.

Everything seems so uncertain and it’s easy to feel paralyzed. Should I turn this way or that?

There really is no clear course, no crystal ball to let us know when a recession will begin or end. Everybody sort of plays it by ear, or by gut.

The truth, at least statistically, is that aside from the last recession, when home prices hit rock bottom and interest rates were the lowest they’d been in a very long time, home prices typically increase during a recession.

Surprised?

Recessions typically present an ideal time to sell a home. If you are selling your current home and hope to purchase another one, however, that can present a problem.

It isn’t just your home that is higher priced, so if you wait for a recession to sell, be prepared to pay more for the new home than you would were we not in a recession.

The first thing to consider is how much, if any, equity you have in your current home. When all is said and done, after the lender has been paid, the real estate broker has been paid, how much do you stand to make from the proceeds?

Is that enough money to put you into your next home?

Consider, as well, any repairs or upgrades you would like to perform on the new place. Perhaps, if you can’t do them immediately, you are willing to wait until finances aren’t quite as tight.

If the foreclosure rate is high, understand that there may be more and cheaper competition for your home, the buyer pool will naturally shrink as folks lose jobs or tighten their belts. The time it will take to sell your home may be significantly longer than it is today.

If you are at all considering selling your home, we urge you to do so soon. Trying to time the market is a recipe for financial disaster.

Should I sell my home during a downturn in the economy? It’s a common question among homeowners who plan to sell, but it requires some careful thought.

Besides, you will most likely get the highest price possible right now, while there are few homes for sale and lots of buyers wanting one.

Finally, whether or not to sell your home during a recession is question that you should probably run by your accountant, if and when the time comes.

Is it time for you to buy a bigger home?

Houses a bit like your kids’ shoes – before you know it, they don’t fit anymore.

And, while we never hear folks say they regret having children, we often hear that they wish they’d bought a larger home.

While a growing family is one good reason to think about moving up, there are other aspects to upsizing that offer bonuses you may not have considered.

Larger Homes Offer More

That sounds a bit like a “well, duh” comment, but bear with us.

We aren’t just referring to the extra square footage here. Think about roomier closets, glorious amounts of storage space, the ability to comfortably house out-of-town guests and more elbow room in which to find a bit of privacy when you need it.

If you made a priority list to refer to when you shopped for your current home, you no doubt ended up making compromises. When you upsize, however, you’ll find that both of you (and maybe even the kids) will finally get some of the options you dreamed about but had to give up.

Finally, a larger home offers the option of growing into it. You may not be currently thinking of having another child or offering a room to an aging parent, but isn’t it nice to not have to consider moving again should either of these come to pass?

The financial benefits of a larger home

Depending on the equity you have in your current home, you may be able to keep your house payment quite close to what you’re paying now. After all, that equity will go a long way to cutting down on the initial cost of the new home.

Then, consider this: money has rarely been cheaper to borrow than it is right now. If you make the move now, before interest rates increase, you’ll save significantly when it comes to your monthly mortgage payment.

Then, consider the resale value of the new home. In 2016, for instance, the average American home included 2,400 square feet of living space, according to the Census Bureau.

And a National Association of Homebuilders survey finds that most older members of our largest generation, the Millennials, prefer living in a home with at least 2,475 square feet of living space with either three or four bedrooms and a minimum of two bathrooms.

So, look to the future, because it looks quite rosy for owners of larger homes. Demand should be high enough to mean more money in your pocket when you decide to sell.

Upsizing: Get clear on your goals

You already know you want a larger home, but it’s important to understand your other goals. As discussed earlier, the amount of room you need right now will change if you plan on growing your family or take in an older family member.

And, if you have children, consider how close you’ll need to live to schools.

Other goals to consider include:

  • Your commute time to work
  • Desired nearby amenities
  • The type of floor plan you’ll need to accommodate your family’s lifestyle

Need to save money? Shop strategically

The more move-in ready a home is, the more competition you’ll encounter when shopping for homes, and competition drives up home prices. If you’re on a tight budget, overlook those turnkey properties and search for a home that many need some simple upgrades.

Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood or two, buying one of the worst homes on the block can be a good financial strategy. It’s the old “rising tide” adage – the surrounding homes will lift the prices of all the homes in the neighborhood.

If a home is sitting on the market because of cosmetic issues, and priced accordingly, consider looking at it to see if it meets your needs.

Sure, there’s a lot to consider about upsizing. But, take the process one step at a time and you’ll not only get rid of some of the stress, but find that moving up is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

Here they come! Is your guest room ready?

The winter holidays are when we tend to get the most use out of our guest room. Other than that, and perhaps a summer weekend or two, it sits empty, just another room to dust.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, now is the time to ensure that it’s whipped into shape, updated if needed and made cozy for family and friends who visit.

Be the guest

One of the best ways to gauge what your guests will experience when they stay in your home is to actually bed down in the guest room for a night or two.

Is the bed comfy? Does it need new sheets and more blankets? Do the curtains provide enough privacy? Read a book in bed to ascertain the lighting situation, sit in the chairs, watch TV.

In other words, use the room in exactly the same way as your guests might, then get to work improving their experience.

Freshen the bed

Laundering the bed linens just before your guests’ arrival ensures that they’re crisp and fresh-smelling.

Decorating pros recommend that the bed have both a lightweight and heavier blanket plus the comforter or bedspread.

Stacking pillows isn’t exactly a science; choose an arrangement that appeals to you. For instance, stack king pillows against the headboard and then arrange three Euro pillows (26”x26”) in front.

Or, use the Euro pillows as the backdrop and stack the king pillows in front. You’ll find additional ideas on pillow arrangement at Mantouk.com.

Lighten up

If the room lacks any lighting other than an overhead light, consider adding a few lamps. A reading lamp next to the bed is a necessity, or use wall-sconces on each side of the bed.

Ensure that the lamps or other lighting solutions you choose are in scale to the rest of the room. Big guest rooms need big lamps whereas the smaller room would look overwhelmed by a large lamp.

Find additional lighting tips at DestinationLighting.com and Pinterest.com.

Amp up the resort feel

If you travel, even occasionally, you understand the frustration when you realize you’ve forgotten something. When staying in a hotel, essentials such as shampoo and soap are provided.

And, they should be in your guest bedroom or bathroom as well. Many grocers and most big-box department stores carry travel-size toiletries, so creating a “guest essentials” kit is easy and inexpensive.

Use baskets or bins and fill them with some of the following:

  • Soap or body wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower cap
  • Disposable razors and shaving cream
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Hair spray
  • First aid supplies (bandages, antibiotic ointment, OTC pain medication)
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Facial moisturizer
  • A small flashlight
  • A notepad and pen
  • Toys, coloring books, crayons
  • Favorite DVDs

Leave a note for your guests that includes any of your home’s particulars of which they should be made aware. For instance, your Wi-Fi password, the home’s security system password, instructions on using smart-home devices, your emergency contact information (work number, etc.).

Ensure there are enough hangers in the closet, stack some fresh fluffy towels on a shelf, clean the bathroom thoroughly and you’re done!

Find additional tips to help you get ready for holiday guests at Pinterest.com, CountryLiving.com and GoodHousekeeping.com.

 

3 Things your cat can teach you about house hunting

Whether you’re a crazy cat lady with a house full of felines or you prefer the company of just one kitty, if you watch closely you can learn a lot about successful house hunting.

Of course, you never want to rub up against a homeowner’s couch or destroy the roll of toilet paper in their bathroom, but there are three cat characteristics in particular that you might put to good use when searching for a home.

1. Be a hunter

Cats are serious hunters. Even when the prey is a stuffed mouse, they practice their stealth and hunting prowess.

Watching a cat hunt is a lesson for home buyers. If a cat were house hunting instead of mouse hunting, she would stalk the latest MLS listings tenaciously, pouncing immediately on those that look tasty.

Don’t give up the hunt because it seems too challenging. Crouch, crawl, stare hard and then twist, curl and pounce when that perfect home is within striking distance.

Ok, so you don’t need to go through the physical gyrations that cats do when you’re on the hunt for the perfect house, but you do need to use that same laser-focus, remain flexible and be oh-so-tenacious.

Keep in mind that the absolute perfect home for any one person probably doesn’t exist, unless it’s custom-built. Decide what your priorities are and aim for fulfilling at least three of them.

Then, be flexible enough to compromise on the others if they conflict with your partner’s priorities.

2. Don’t be distracted by shiny objects

Staged homes are attractive, there’s no doubt about it. Especially if the staging was performed by a professional, it’s so easy to see yourself living there.

Homes with features you’ve been dreaming of (a fireplace in the master bedroom, that to-die for Wolf® range or the perfectly-perfect-for-entertaining backyard can blind you to other, perhaps undesirable aspects of the home.

Don’t be like your cat – easily distracted by shiny objects.

But do be like kitty in that you should be curious. Look beyond the sexy paint colors and amazing décor to the bare bones of the home. Don’t be distracted – be curious.

3. Remain aloof

Many cats are mysterious, somewhat aloof and can keep you guessing about why they even allow you in their presence.

Once you find a home that you’re excited about, don’t EVER show it — at least not around the homeowner or the homeowner’s agent (or the homeowner’s Nest Cam).

Maintain that cat-like aura of coolness, disinterest or, at the very least, neutrality.

The worst thing you can do is gush over the home, expressing your love for it and your overwhelming desire to own it – at any cost.

Nope, this is the time to be very cat-like and back off, as aloof as possible. When how you feel about the home is inscrutable to the homeowner, you’re in a stronger negotiating position.

Oh, one other thing your cat can teach you – when we win the battle for the home of your dreams you are allowed to purr in contentment

 

5 of our favorite DIY home improvement/maintenance blogs

What did we DIY project folks do before the internet? Make a lot of huge mistakes, for certain.

Today’s DIYers have it made, with step-by-step instructions and videos on everything from planting the perfect lawn to installing their own windows.

If you’re searching for home improvement or maintenance projects that you can tackle by your lonesome, we’ve found some sites you should visit.

1. PrettyHandyGirl.com

If you need to be empowered to “create it, build it, fix it and do it yourself,” PrettyHandyGirl.com is a good place to get started.

Brittany, the handy girl, is, among other things, a licensed general contractor so she knows her stuff.

Her projects include building, plumbing, electrical, home repairs, home maintenance, landscaping and more.

One of our favorites is 16 DIY Built In Storage and Shelving Ideas but all of her projects include a list of the supplies you’ll need and easy-to-follow DIY instructions. You’ll even find a list of what’s in Brittany’s toolbox.

2. Remodelaholic.com

Cassity, the beauty and brawn behind Remodelaholic.com is an interior decorator by trade, although she doesn’t work in the industry. Instead, she and her husband (who apparently remains nameless – at least on the blog) putter around their home, fixing, repairing and remodeling stuff.

DIY projects and tutorials are the name of this blog’s game and, if you’re on a tight budget, this is the blog for you.

“Our motto is reduce, reuse, recycle, re-purpose, remodel. We try to use old things in creative ways and reuse our old building supplies in other projects,” Cassity says on the blog.

It’s challenging to find a favorite project but we finally settled on a unique Ikea hack. You know that cupboard over the refrigerator? Many of us don’t use it. It’s impossibly high and hard to get-to.

If you use yours, you’ll love this hack: DIY Over the Fridge Cabinet Organizer for Cookie Sheets and Cutting Boards.

3. FamilyHandyman.com

This is our go-to site whenever a DIY repair project comes up. Since the site is known as the “DIYers’ Best Friend,” I think others feels as we do.

Owned by the same company that owns Readers’ Digest, they’ll hopefully be around for a long time.

It’s challenging to come up with one reason we love this site, but we’ll try. No matter what we need to fix, build or plant, we typically find out how at TheFamilyHandyMan.com.

For instance, in the “Parts of the House” section, you’ll find advice and information on:

  • Ceilings
  • Masonry
  • Roof
  • Siding
  • Tiling
  • Walls
  • Windows

With plenty of videos to supplement the text walk-throughs there is no way you can come away from a project without a thorough understanding.

The most recent project we’ve learned about is 10 Interior House Painting Tips & Painting Techniques for the Perfect Paint Job.

4. OldHouseWeb.com

For home remodeling, repair and improvement of your historic or just-plain “old” house, head over to OldHouseWeb.com.

Nearly half of the site’s users who responded to a poll claim that their homes were built between 1900 and 1945. Surprisingly, more than one-third of the respondents are the proud owners of homes built between 1800 and 1899.

Our only wish is that they posted to their blog more often. As it is, they haven’t posted since 2016. But, the information and advice is brilliant.

Post we love: Finding the History in your Home

5. DIYNetwork.com

Part of the Discovery family of companies, DIYNetwork.com has the bucks to do it right. From the slick website to the hiring of celebs for many of their videos, the site is full of DIY information for the novice to the pro.

Outdoor spaces loom large on the site. Recent topics include how to choose the right groundcover to a yummy display of backyard gazebo ideas.

They even offer DIY projects for kids, like this one on how to build a floor lamp.

Post we love: 6 Creative ways to Freshen up your Front Porch (on a budget!)