Shopping for a home? Pay attention to the neighborhood

Homebuyers enter the home shopping process with one of two mindsets. There are those who know what kind of house they want – the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the type of kitchen and maybe whether or not they want a yard.

Then there are those who know where they want to live, such as a specific school district or neighborhood, but haven’t completed a wish list of home features.

Seldom does a homebuyer tell her real estate agent that she wants a “3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a gourmet kitchen, a fireplace and a pool in the backyard, located on J Street in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood.”

While the features you want in a home are important information for your real estate agent, “location, location, location” is just as important, important, important.

Even if you’re among the group of homebuyers who know exactly what you want in a house and perhaps have one picked out, it’s important to scope out the neighborhood before committing fully to buying.

Don’t Believe What You Hear

Especially when you are new to an area, it’s easy to believe what residents tell you about the various neighborhoods.

“When I was getting ready to move to Las Vegas 10 years ago I went online and read about the various neighborhoods,” recalls Veronica Thomas. “The consensus seemed to be that Green Valley and Summerlin were the best places to live.”

On a weekend trip to check out the areas in person, Thomas found that neither area suited her. “Green Valley was far too congested for me,” she said.

“Summerlin was way too far from my job on the Strip. I’d heard that both had low crime rates but they weren’t that much lower than some other areas I found much more attractive,” she concludes.

There is nothing quite like first-hand information. If good schools are important to you, do the research yourself instead of relying on what others consider “good.” GreatSchools.org lists schools’ test scores and features reviews from parents.

Crime statistics can also be found online. The FBI offers a nationwide Sex Offender Registry on its website and Neighborhood Scout boasts that they “reveal the safety from crime for every neighborhood in America.” Finally, call the police or sheriff’s department in the area for more information on crime statistics.

Google Maps will allow you to map a route from the new house to your job, to a particular school or to the nearest shopping center and kick back the mileage and a rough estimate of the time it will take to get there.

A lot of your preliminary neighborhood research can be done online, but it’s not a substitute for actually checking out the neighborhood in person.

Drive It

Number three on the list of the 5 biggest mistakes homebuyers make when choosing a neighborhood is underestimating or ignoring the commute, according to MSN Real Estate. Their advice is to actually make the commute during normal commute hours to see if it fits your lifestyle.

Drive through the neighborhood at different times during the day and evening, on both weekdays and weekends, looking for anything that may be considered an annoyance.

Music blasting from a teenager’s open bedroom window when you’re trying to unwind after work may make you wonder why you bought a house in that neighborhood in the first place. Is the house under the airport’s flight path? Kids – and all that they imply – may be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you feel about them.

If you don’t drive, walk the neighborhood. Locate the nearest public transportation stop and see for yourself what the walk is like to the store and other local conveniences.

Check Municipal Records

Finally, check the neighborhood and surrounding area for anything that may impact the home’s value. Look for:

  • A high number of foreclosures nearby
  • Developments in the works
  • Upcoming zoning changes

Sure, it’s important to fulfill those dreams of the perfect house for you. But the bigger picture – a suitable neighborhood in an area that fits your lifestyle is what will, according to MSN Real Estate’s Melinda Fulmer, “determine whether you’re living the American dream or just living.”

The 3 Most Important Real Estate Documents You’ll Sign

The process of purchasing a home can be summed up in five words: a huge pile of paperwork. Despite promises of becoming a paperless society, it seems the real estate industry hasn’t yet caught up and both buyers and sellers spend a lot of time with pen in hand.

It’s easy to allow your mind to wander and your eyes to glaze over when your real estate agent sticks yet another form full of legalese in front of you. It’s also dangerous – especially when confronted by one of the three most important real estate documents in the home purchase process.

Let’s take a look at these nasty’s and why you should pay close attention to them.

The Purchase Agreement

Invariably, the first question a homeowner has when handed a purchase agreement is: “How much?” Sure, the offering price is important, but there’s a lot more lurking in the purchase agreement – and some of it is just as important as the money.

A few of the clauses you should scrutinize:

Earnest money deposit: As a seller, you’ll want this amount to be high and as a buyer, you will want to pay as little as possible. The amount of the deposit, however, not only proves that the buyer is serious about completing the transaction but also his or her financial solvency.

As Trev E. Petersen of the Knudsen Law Firm in Lincoln, Neb. says, as a seller, would you “even consider selling to a person who does not have $1,000 to put down on the house?” On the flip side, as a buyer “If you cannot afford a $1,000 earnest money deposit, should you even be considering the purchase?”

Financing contingency: The financing contingency allows the buyer to exit the transaction with no penalty if he or she can’t obtain financing at the stated rate and terms. The contingency, like all of them, is time-sensitive, meaning that the buyer has a limited amount of time to secure a promise from a lender.

The promise is typically based on underwriting, so it is different from the pre-approval process the buyer may have gone through prior to submitting the offer.

Sellers want to scrutinize the time element in this part of the contract. Since you’ll be taking the home off the market during this period, ensure that it isn’t protracted.

Dates: Every contingency in the purchase agreement has a corresponding time limit. There is also a stated date for closing and for possession of the home. Both parties should pay close attention to all of these time limits bearing in mind that “time is of the essence” in a real estate transaction.

Seller’s Property Disclosure

Arguably one of the most commonly litigated real estate processes is the seller’s property disclosure. Rules vary by state and even by region, but generally, a seller has a duty to fully disclose “the condition and information concerning the property known by the Seller which materially affects the value of the property.”

For the buyer, this form is a road map to future repairs. For the seller, if done honestly and thoroughly, it’s a “CYR,” (cover your rear-end).

Buyers also have a duty during the process and it’s known as “due diligence.” Part of this diligence involves becoming as informed as possible about the investment you are about to purchase.

This means you simply must read the seller’s disclosure forms. If you don’t, and a pre-existing condition later rears its ugly and costly head, you have no legal recourse after the sale closes.

Remember, that fresh coat of paint may just be a seller’s way of increasing the home’s curb appeal – or the paint could be acting as a bandage to cover water damage. Check the disclosures carefully.

Homeowners Association Documents

Purchasing a home that is governed by a homeowner’s association brings a whole new pile of paperwork to the process. The governing documents, known as the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, or CCRs for short, are extremely important reading material.

These documents will tell you if you can paint your house and, if so, what color. They contain pet restrictions, landscaping restrictions, parking rules and even whether or not you can fly a flag on your property. In essence, although you own your home, the CC&Rs dictate how you can use it.

Other documents in the package that bear scrutiny are the HOA meeting minutes, the budget, insurance information and the financial statements.

These documents don’t exactly make for light, enjoyable reading, but it is vital that you read them thoroughly. Keep in mind that if the HOA isn’t run properly, they may not have enough money in the reserve fund to pay for large repairs or maintenance projects.

In these cases, they will levy an assessment on all homeowners. This assessment is mandatory and failure to pay may result in fines, property liens and even foreclosure.

Consult with an attorney if there is anything in the paperwork you don’t understand.

While every piece of paper put in front of you for your signature is important in a real estate transaction, these three deserve special scrutiny. A home is a lot more than four walls and a roof, it’s an investment that requires due diligence on your part before agreeing to the purchase.

DIY: Clean out that dryer vent

If you’ve ever seen those photos of the nastiness that comes out of a dryer vent, and you love DIY projects, you’ll love knowing that it’s not that difficult of a job.

You don’t have to hire a vent cleaning company because it’s a simple (and satisfying) DIY project.

You’ll need some tools, but other than that, the job is a snap.

Why clean it?

All that stuff in the vent is a safety hazard. Between “… 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average …” of 13,820 home fires involving clothes dryers, according to Marty Ahrens with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

“One-third (32 percent) of dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean. This appears to be mainly lint build-up,” Ahrens concludes.

Aside from the safety issue, all that rubbish in the vent causes the dryer to work harder and, thus, less effectively, wasting energy.

Gather your tools and get to work

You will need a dryer vent cleaning brush and a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment.

  • Disconnect the dryer from the power supply or, for a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply.
  • Drag the dryer away from the wall to give yourself enough room to get behind it.
  • Disconnect the duct connected to the back of the dryer.
  • Insert a vent cleaning brush (available at Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com) into the opening at the back of the dryer and “… gently twist it around, pulling out any lint,” suggests Jenny McFarlane and Sarah Warwick at RealHomes.com.
  • By this point, you should have a nasty pile of lint on the floor which you can then vacuum up.

Next, move on to the vent duct (the part that connects to the wall).

  • Disconnect the duct from the wall.
  • Use your hands to remove the lint.
  • Use the vacuum with the crevice attachment to carefully clean inside the vent.

There may be some lint stuck in the dryer vent tubing. Insert the brush into the tubing and push it forward and pull backward. Repeat this several times, at both ends of the tubing,

Don’t neglect the exterior vent

Do you know where your dryer’s exterior vent is? “For most dryer models, you can’t run the exhaust duct more than 25 feet from the dryer to the exhaust port,” according to the experts at MrAppliance.com.

They go on to suggest that if you can’t find it nearby, “… check the basement wall or the attic/roof.”

  • Remove the vent cover
  • Use the brush to loosen the lint inside the duct, and the vacuum to remove it.
  • Replace the cover and you’re finished!

Before you call it a day and a job well-done, check behind the dryer to ensure you’ve cleaned up all the lint off the floor. Otherwise, a fire hazard still exists.

Test your handiwork

  • Reconnect the dryer to the power outlet or turn the gas back on.
  • Push the dryer back into place.
  • Run the dryer for about 15 minutes on the air cycle (often called the “fluff” cycle) to ensure everything is working as it should.

 

 

Have you considered a newly-built home? Maybe you should

Homebuilders are paying attention. “Homebuilders are downsizing the American Dream to lure in entry-level buyers frustrated by the resale housing market,” according to Dani Romero at Yahoo Finance.

They’ve already increased housing starts, which reflects their aim to meet the wants and needs of homebuyers who are frustrated by the paltry number of existing homes for sale.

This is huge news for you if you’re among that group. Would you ever imagine that you could buy a brand-new home? No greasy smells from someone else’s cooking, no nasty carpet. Everything, down to the last detail, is brand new.

But wait … there’s more

Have you ever met a homeowner who threw in a pricey country club membership as an enticement to purchase his home? We haven’t either, yet we have met home builders who do just that.

It’s called an incentive and in slow-moving real estate markets, it takes more than offering a choice of countertops and sexy landscaping to sell a home. In some luxury home communities, in fact, huge incentives are the norm.

Incentives from builders run the gamut from appliances to gift cards to mortgage rate buydowns. The latter should be particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers.

If you aren’t familiar with rate buydowns, learn more at CNBC.com.

Incentives aren’t the only reason, however, that many Americans are touring new home communities.

Shop smart and you’ll save money in the long run

Most new homes are energy efficient. If you go a step further and buy a house that bears the ENERGY STAR label, you’ll use 20 to 30 percent less energy every year than you would had you purchased an existing home without ENERGY STAR labeling.

Considering that the average American spends $2,368 on utility bills every year (NerdWallet.com), this reflects substantial savings. What would you do with an extra $473 to $710 a year?

Add that to any incentives you’re offered and you may save a significant chunk of money, not only on the purchase, but down the road with less expensive power bills.

While all of this is good news for homebuyers there are aspects of the new-home purchase that should be considered.

Don’t shop without representation

The builder is represented by a real estate agent. As such, he or she owes a fiduciary duty to the builder, not the buyer.

To protect your interests, use a real estate agent while shopping for and purchasing a newly constructed home. It will cost you nothing, as the builder pays all real estate brokerage fees.

Try to ignore the bling

Model homes are alluring – it’s easy to fall head over heels in love with them. The builder knows this and loads the models with her top-of-the-line options and upgrades.

So, while you dream of having a replica of the model home, the builder dreams of giving it to you – at tens of thousands of dollars over the original price of the home.

New home specialists suggest that you choose options and upgrades that appeal to you and will make living in the home more pleasant, rather than trying to copy the model home’s features.

Ask the builder’s representative if you will be held financially responsible for installed upgrades should you need to cancel the sale.

Finally, if you absolutely must have an expensive upgrade, find out how much it would cost to have an outside contractor purchase and install it after the close of escrow. You may be surprised how much money you can save by going this route.

Inspect to protect

“Buy a new one [home], and you’re essentially the guinea pig testing how well the HVAC system works and whether the basement floods during a storm,” cautions Lisa Kaplan Gordon at Realtor.com.

There are several other reasons you should have the new home professionally inspected by an independent third party prior to closing escrow.

Experts with the California Real Estate Inspection Association take the inspection process one step further, suggesting that the home should be inspected during construction. This helps “… ensure that the work completed is in compliance with plans, specifications, and the construction schedule.”

Finally, real estate legal experts suggest that you purchase a new home warranty that takes up any slack in the builder’s warranty.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your real estate agent (that would be us, by the way!) and head out to tour the new homes under construction. You may be surprised by what you find.

 

It’s storm season: Protect yourself and your home from lightning strikes

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of storm season and the time when electrical storms are most likely to occur. “About 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the United States each year,” according to the National Weather Service.

These lightning strikes resulted in 51 fatalities, on average. This is why they call lightning “The Underrated Killer.”

It’s time to take it seriously and learn what to do, from the experts, during a thunderstorm.

Protect electronics

With the advances in technology, we’ve come a long way from the days of looking at the sky to determine if a storm is coming. Today, we often learn days ahead of a coming hurricane or tropical storm.

As it looms closer, however, we have work to do. First, if you lack a whole-home surge protector, buy one now.

Otherwise, unplug your electronics, such as televisions, computers, routers, etc. Why?

“… an average [lightning] stroke carries about 30 million volts,” according to the experts at StrikeCheck. Our electronics are accustomed to receiving 120 or 240 volts.

This excess voltage, when it hits a tree, power line or other structure, then travels to nearby homes (plural, if they are connected).

Back to that surge protector we mentioned earlier. There are two types, according to the editors at Dell.com. The most common device contains a metal oxide varistor (MOV) which absorbs all that overflow of voltage and redirects it to the ground.

The second type of surge protector contains a gas discharge arrestor (GDR), which is a bit harder to describe. Check out the description at Dell.com. Both, by the way, work just as effectively.

And, no, that power strip is not a surge protector. You’ll need one surge protector for each device you are going to protect.

When shopping for surge protectors, “… check the joule rating, which tells you how much energy the surge protector can absorb before it fails … The higher the rating, the better,” according to the editors at Progressive.com.

They go on to caution that we should “Avoid joule ratings under 1,000.”

OK, so there was no strike, but you lost power

This is another situation you should get out in front of. Do you know anything about your home’s circuit breakers? Do you know where they are located, for instance? What it looks like when a breaker is tripped?

The first step is to locate the box, which is typically on an exterior wall, near the garage, but not always.

Open the box. Are the breakers labeled as to which breaker controls which circuit? You may see a numbered list on the interior of the box’s door. The number typically refers to the circuit breaker (they are numbered, if you look closely) and which circuit it controls is typically written next to the number.

If the power goes out during an electric storm, you will need this information to determine if a circuit breaker was tripped or if the problem is more extensive, such as at the substation, with the transformers or because of downed power lines.

You’ll find a walkthrough of how to reset the circuit breakers in this YouTube video.

Do you need backup power?

Backup generators have been all the rage in the past few years and, if there is someone who uses medical equipment in the home, a generator may be a lifesaver during an outage.

At the very least, a generator will run essential appliances, such as the refrigerator. “A generator with 2000 watts of power will be sufficient to operate the freezer and refrigerator without any difficulties,” according to Erik Watson at PowerAll.

When lightning strikes your house

“It may start a fire. In some cases, the fire may start in areas that aren’t immediately obvious, such as in your attic insulation,” according to the pros at PennyElectric.com.

They go on to say that, to avoid being electrocuted, you should not use a landline phone during an electrical storm. Other ways to protect yourself include:

  • Avoid using a desktop computer (you unplugged it, right?). Use a tablet or laptop instead.
  • Avoid bathing (shower or bath) or swimming in a pool during an electrical storm.
  • Stay away from any windows that have metal frames.

It may be tempting to leave the home, but it’s not wise unless you are in danger, such as a fire or even if you smell smoke. “You are safer in your house in the center of a room than outdoors,” say the folks at Penny Electric.

Do call the fire department as soon as possible if lightning strikes your home. They will come out and look for fire in areas of the home not visible to you.

While severe electrical storms can occur any month of the year “September is the month during which most storms strike the U.S.,” according to research from NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.

Stay safe this storm season!

 

 

Selling your home? What to look for in a listing agent

If you’re thinking that finding the perfect real estate to help you sell your home is akin to finding a white cat in a snowstorm, you’re not alone. In fact, ask Google “how to find a listing agent” and you’ll get 151,000 answers.

The task isn’t quite as challenging as it seems when you understand that the listing agent’s primary job is to market your home. So, yes, you want to find an agent you feel comfortable with and one with experience listing homes. Beyond that, there are three important qualities to look for as you interview agents (and please interview more than one) for the job of selling your home.

Communication

One thing I hear most often from my clients is that their last agent was unresponsive. I understand that selling your home is stressful and that you’ll have questions along the way. It’s a pity that not all agents feel the same, so ensure that the one you choose will respond to your calls in a timely manner and keep you updated on the progress of the sale.

Experience and Expertise

Look for a listing agent with a proven track record in the local market. An experienced agent is more likely to have a deep understanding of current market trends, pricing strategies, and effective marketing techniques. A seasoned professional will also have the negotiation skills necessary to maximize your profit.

Scrutinize the Agent’s Suggested List Price

Yes, determining an accurate market value for a home and suggesting a strategic listing price is very much a part of an agent’s marketing plan. Homes priced right sell faster and the quicker your home sells, the more money you’ll get for it.

Beware of the agent who suggests a price considerably higher than others you interview. This is an old, dishonest trick known as “buying the listing.” Thankfully, not many agents attempt this but those who do will price your home high at the outset and then continually ask you to drop the price.

Marketing

Homeowners hire a real estate agent to not only list their homes but market them as well. The listing aspect is merely sticking a sign in the yard and information in the Multiple Listing Service database.

Marketing it is how he or she will get the word out about your home to other agents and unrepresented homebuyers.

Ask the agent to explain his or her approach to marketing homes and exactly how your home will be marketed. And, since most homebuyers start their search online, clear, compelling photographs act as bait to get them off the couch and into your home.

Additional marketing tools that attract homebuyers include floor plans and 3D virtual tours.

In today’s digital age, an agent who leverages technology and online platforms effectively can significantly increase your home’s visibility to potential buyers.

Personality Fit

Selling a home can be an emotional process, and it’s important to find an agent whose personality aligns with yours. A compatible working relationship can help reduce stress and facilitate effective collaboration throughout the selling process.

Hiring the right listing agent is critical to the successful sale of your home. Take your time and don’t rush the process.

Get Your Wood-burning Fireplace Ready for Fall

While slogging through a snowy commute, is there anything more comforting than envisioning your cozy home, complete with a crackling fire?

Now, imagine that picture also includes a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of your favorite wine. It’s something to look forward to, isn’t it?

There are just a few things you need to do to make that dream a safe winter reality.

Before You Call a Chimney Sweep

Chimney sweeps handle one of the dirtiest, most unpleasant home maintenance tasks. But, (usually) they only work with fireplaces that don’t need other maintenance or repairs. You don’t want to call out a chimney sweep if what you really need is a mason … or pest control.

Before calling a sweep, check for:

  • Cracks in your fireplace, or on the exterior of your chimney. You’ll need a powerful flashlight and possibly a ladder. If you notice any cracking, call a licensed mason as fireplaces need special materials. If you suspect that faulty flashing is causing leaks, call a roofer.
  • Branches hanging over your chimney. These become dangerous if a spark flies out the top. It’s unlikely that your fireplace has a steel cap. Even then, branches can restrict the chimney draft causing problems inside.
  • Animal nests inside the chimney. If critters have moved into your chimney, there’s a good chance you’ve heard them arranging their nest. But you should still take a look from both sides (inside the fireplace and down the chimney). If you spot the tell-tale signs of birds or animals, you may need to call animal control.

Get the chimney cleaned

Over time, creosote, a flammable substance, can accumulate inside the chimney, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.

Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean out any creosote and ensure that your chimney is clear of debris and obstructions.

Most experts recommend a professional cleaning of your chimney about once a year (or every 80 fires). The Chimney Safety Institute of America offers advice on how to hire a chimney sweep. Also, be sure to check reviews on Yelp.com and similar review sites.

Clean the firebox

The firebox is the area where the fire burns. A clean firebox not only improves the aesthetics but also provides a better surface for the wood to burn efficiently.

Remove the grate and scoop out the burnt wood chunks, ash and other debris. Use a small hand broom to sweep down the walls and floor of the firebox.

Finally, use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to suck up any remnants that remain.

Don’t light that fire yet!

Take a tour of your home to test your smoke detectors and, if you have them, carbon monoxide detectors.

“You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper method of testing your smoke detector and fire alarm,” cautions the editors at AllState.com. Use Google to search for the model number, which is listed on the alarms.

Now all you need to do is stock up on firewood. And, during the winter, don’t forget to clean out the ashes about once a week, or whenever they’re about an inch thick.

If you’re up for it, why not store those ashes in a bucket until summer? They make a delicious treat for flower and vegetable beds, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service.

3 FAQs from home sellers and the answers you need

You have questions and we have the answers. If you’re considering selling your home, read on.

Is one season better than another to sell a home?

I know – it seems like summer only just started and here we are on the cusp of autumn (it starts September 23). And, while we’re all trying to wring out every last drop of this glorious summer, I am starting to get what I call the “seasonal selling” questions from homeowners.

Long ago, “Spring is the best time to sell a home” became the media’s mantra. And, to be fair, they’re partially correct. The media are also fond of telling us that winter is a terrible time to sell. There, they are wrong.

Home sales in November do tend to fall around 8 percent, nationwide. By January, the number of homes sold tumbles further, to 27 percent. But what the media gets wrong is the fact that so many homeowners choose not to sell their homes in the winter. With fewer homes on the market, naturally, fewer homes will sell.

For my friends who love statistics, the official tally is that 40 percent of any year’s home sales will occur in May, June, July and August, according to research from the National Association of REALTORS.

These same numbers tell us, however, that homes put up for sale in the winter actually sell one week faster, bring in more money and there is a 9 percent better chance that the home will sell than at any other time of year.

And, lest you think this isn’t true for regions with frigid winters, think again. The numbers held, whether the home was located in Fairbanks, Alaska or in Hilo, Hawai’i.

According to the NAR, fall is the second-best home-selling season, and for good reason:

  • The weather is still conducive for house hunting
  • Folks who want to buy a home and are thinking of tax breaks will be incentivized to move now
  • Many want to be in their new home before the winter holidays

If you think you may be putting your home on the market this fall or winter, let’s get some exterior photos of it now, while everything is still green and the sun is shining. Think how much your listing will stand out in the MLS, compared to those with dormant trees and lawns.

2. How will you determine what our price will be?

If there is one aspect of selling a home that confuses home sellers more than anything else it’s the evaluation process. It doesn’t help that there’s so much misinformation online, so I get the befuddlement.

In a nutshell, your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it – known as “market value.” And, no, we don’t read minds to find out how much buyers are willing to pay. That amount is reflected in the prices they’ve paid (in the recent past) for homes similar to yours.

So, we’ll study recent sales in close proximity to your home, and compare your home to each of these to come up with a list of what we call “comparables.”

We’ll then analyze these homes – features, size, age and more – to determine if your home’s market value is more or less until we arrive at a figure that we believe represents the market value of your home.

Next, we’ll need to figure out a list price for your home. While the homeowner has the last word with regards to the asking price, we will offer our expert opinion. By the way, we offer a free evaluation of your home’s current market value. No strings attached. . .no obligation.

3. How long will it take to sell my home?

While this question is common, because there are many variables to consider, it’s not one that has an easy answer.

The first of these variables is the current state of the local housing market. In a sellers’ market (when there are many buyers but few homes on the market), the home may sell quickly. That’s the market we’re in right now.

In a buyers’ market, where there is a large inventory of homes for sale and few buyers competing for them, the home may take longer to sell.

Your list price will also impact how long your home sits on the market. Price it too high and you’ll have few people view it, thus lengthening the time it will take to sell. There is a very good chance that you will end up taking less for the home than you’d hoped.

The agent you choose can make or break the sale of your home. A novice, or an agent who lacks a marketing budget, won’t be able to market your home in ways that will make buyers snatch it up. With a marketing-savvy agent, your home will spend less time on the market.

Finally, the offer to purchase will contain timelines that the buyer must meet for tasks such as loan approval, home inspections and others. These timelines, or contingencies as they are known, are negotiable, however, so you will have a say in how long the buyer has to complete them.

There are other variables to consider as well and we’re happy to discuss these with you. Feel free to reach out to us.

Avoid these 7 common mistakes when hiring an exterior home painter

When it comes to giving your home a fresh new look, few things can make a bigger impact than a fresh coat of paint on the exterior. Hiring a professional exterior home painter can save you time, avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and give you peace of mind that the job was done right (or a warranty in case it wasn’t!).

However, not all painters are created equal, and making the wrong choice can lead to costly mistakes and disappointment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring an exterior home painter to ensure a successful painting project and a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Mistake #1: Not researching the painter’s reputation

One of the most critical steps in hiring an exterior home painter is to research their reputation. Don’t simply hire the first painter you come across. Take the time to read reviews, ask for references from friends or neighbors, and check their online presence.

Look for a painter with a track record of positive customer experiences and a portfolio showcasing their past projects.

A reputable painter should be fully insured and licensed, giving you peace of mind in case of any unforeseen accidents during the job.

Mistake #2: Choosing the cheapest option

We all love to save money, but going for the cheapest painting contractor is often a recipe for disaster. Low-cost painters may cut corners on materials, use inexperienced labor, or lack the necessary insurance.

While it’s essential to find a reasonably priced painter, prioritize quality and reputation over a discounted price tag. Remember, a quality paint job can enhance your home’s curb appeal and protect it from the elements for years to come.

Mistake #3: Not getting multiple quotes

Getting quotes from multiple painters will help you gauge the average cost of the project and identify any potential red flags. Each painter may have different techniques, timelines, and material choices, so comparing quotes will give you a better understanding of what to expect.

Aim for at least three quotes from different painters, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process and recommendations for your home.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the contract details

A written contract is a crucial safeguard when hiring an exterior home painter. It should outline all the essential details, such as the scope of work, timeline, paint colors, specific materials to be used, and payment terms.

Be cautious of any painter who hesitates to provide a written contract or avoids discussing important details. Review the contract thoroughly before signing and seek clarification on any unclear points.

Mistake #5: Paying the painter up-front

Some painters may require a down payment. If the amount they are asking seems high, either try to negotiate or don’t hire the painter.

Never pay for the entire job up-front.

Mistake #6: Not asking what type of paint will be used

The type and quality of paint used can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of the paint job. Ask for the brand and type of paint that will be used on your home. Get that information in writing.

Make sure the pain that he or she will use is high-quality exterior paint that is appropriate for your specific climate and conditions.

Cheaper paints may save you money upfront, but they are more likely to fade, crack, or peel over time. A reputable painter will be knowledgeable about different paint options and recommend the best one for your home.

Mistake #7: Not asking about warranties or guarantees

A professional exterior home painter who stands behind their work will often provide warranties or guarantees on their services.

Inquire about the painter’s warranty policy and what it covers. A reliable painter will be willing to fix any issues that arise due to their workmanship or the quality of the paint used.

Oh, and don’t forget to obtain a copy of the warranty for your records.

The national average cost of an exterior home painting job is $3,000, according to Brionna Farney and Lowe Saddler at Forbes.com.

For many, that’s a huge amount of money, making hiring an exterior home painter a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Do your research, get multiple quotes, prioritize quality over cost, and make sure to have a detailed contract in place.

By paying attention to these essential factors, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your home’s exterior and boosting its curb appeal for years to come.

How to pay off a 30-year mortgage in 15 years

The news of quite possibly yet narrowly escaping a nationwide recession was eagerly accepted by most Americans. The problem is, however, that while the S&P is up and jobs are being added, “… millions of individual recessions are playing out all across America,” according to Andrew Lisa at Yahoo Finance.

These mini “recessions” include the nearly-17 million folks who have lost their jobs since the beginning of 2023, according to research at Statista.com.

Then, there are those Americans who were on the margins financially, now paying inflated prices at the gas pump, facing huge grocery bills and paying skyrocketing home energy bills.

Suffice it to say that these folks probably aren’t in a position to begin the journey to paying off their mortgage early.

If you are among those who can, read on for some tips.

It’s all about financial freedom now, not in 30 years

If you’re looking to gain financial freedom faster, paying off a 30-year mortgage (or however many years are left on yours) in 15 years, there are several strategies from which to choose.

Refinance to a shorter-term loan

One of the most effective ways to accelerate mortgage repayment is by refinancing to a shorter-term loan, such as a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. If you bought when rates were low, however, you may be shocked by what you’ll be asked to pay for even a 15-year mortgage.

Consult with your financial adviser to determine if this is a good route to follow, financially.

Increase your monthly payments

Paying more than the minimum monthly requirement can significantly speed up your mortgage payoff. Even a small increase each month can make a big difference over time.

Make bi-weekly payments

If, like a lot of us, you can’t stomach a bigger chunk of money going out, consider cutting it up into bite-sized bits. This is especially helpful for those who get paid bi-weekly.

Divide your monthly mortgage payment in half and pay that amount every two weeks instead. By doing this, you’ll make 26 half-payments each year, which equals 13 full payments. This extra payment each year can cut years off your mortgage term and all that interest you’d end up paying on it.

Take Advantage of Windfalls

If you receive any unexpected windfalls, such as an inheritance, work bonus, or a sizeable tax refund, consider using a portion of it to make an extra mortgage payment. Remember, every additional dollar you put toward your principal reduces the amount of interest you’ll pay in the long run.

Cut unnecessary expenses

Review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. It may mean cooking at home more often, canceling unnecessary subscriptions or finding cost-effective alternatives for entertainment. Redirect the money saved into your mortgage payments.

Consider mortgage recasting

Mortgage recasting is a lesser-known strategy that allows you to make a substantial lump-sum payment to your lender, which in turn reduces your monthly mortgage payments.

This can be useful if you come into a large sum of money but want to maintain a lower monthly payment for flexibility.

Learn more about mortgage recasting and its amazing benefits at RocketMortgage.com.

Refinance if interest rates drop

Keep an eye on interest rates and consider refinancing your mortgage if rates significantly drop below your current rate.

Refinancing can help you secure better terms and potentially lower your monthly payments, which can be redirected toward your principal.

Seek professional advice

If you’re unsure about which strategies suit your financial situation best, consider consulting with a financial advisor or a mortgage specialist. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Remember, the journey to becoming mortgage-free requires patience and perseverance. Celebrate your milestones along the way, and don’t be too hard on yourself if unexpected expenses arise. Keep your eye on the prize, and you’ll soon enjoy the peace of mind that comes with owning your home outright.

We are not attorneys, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this blog post is not a substitute for professional advice. It is for educational and informational purposes only.