Blog

Many people live where power outages occur quite often. Some neighborhoods have more problems than others. This can be caused by storms or simply an unreliable power grid. If you experience regular power outages, you may be wondering if you need a backup generator. Here are some considerations for you to think about before you buy.

You May Need a Back-up Generator if……

· You store large amounts of frozen/refrigerated food – Do you have a storage freezer or regularly keep large amounts of food on hand?

· You have life-saving medical equipment on-site – Are you or a loved one reliant on medical devices that require power?

· You need electricity to stay warm in winter – Do you  rely on power to generate heat?

· You have essential equipment on site – Do you have systems that must run constantly to prevent damage? A good example is a sump pump that prevents flooding.

If you do need a generator, there are still options you must investigate.

How much power do you need and for how long? Generators need fuel and regular maintenance. They also are loud and emit fumes, so placement is
very important. You can also choose from a permanent whole house backup generator or a portable version.

Power outages can cause serious issues and a home backup generator is a great way to safeguard from loss.

Do you need a backup generator? Consider why you want one and then do some homework. Generators are an expensive investment but may be important for your family.

Our military veterans have given so much to this country. To make it easier for these special families to qualify for and purchase a home, Veteran Affairs has a unique loan offer reserved only for retired and active military.

The VA loan offers mortgage options unavailable to the general public.

• No Down Payment – While zero down loans disappeared in the real estate bubble of the last decade, VA loans allow our military to buy a house without the stress of trying to save the down payment.
• Easier to Qualify – Most loans require a credit score of 650 or higher. Qualifying for a VA loan only requires a FICO score of 620.
• No PMI – PMI (private mortgage insurance) is required for any loan where the loan-to-value falls below 80%.
• Limits on Fees – VA borrowers are protected by strict limits to fees and closing costs. Lenders financing a VA loan cannot charge more than 1% for loan costs whereas typical financing can run as high as 2.4–3%.
• Appraisal Assistance – At times homebuyers run into problems when the appraisal does come back high enough to purchase the home at the agreed-upon price. When this happens, the VA can help by diligently reviewing the report and comparable properties and then asking the lender to adjust the appraisal if it determines that the value is not accurate.

The VA loan is a special loan program offered only to our active and retired military. These families have sacrificed so much for their country, the VA loan might be the only way these families can buy a home of their own.

Any kind of construction project is loud and dirty. For homeowners starting
their project, they have the anticipation of the finished product to look
forward to. But what if the project isn’t your own but your neighbor’s? You
have all the hassle with none of the excitement of the result. Having
construction going on next door is never fun, but you can mitigate the
negative aspects by following a few tips.

Talk to Your Neighbor, then Talk to the Contractor

In a perfect world, your neighbor will come to you first, but this isn’t always
the case. At the first sign of construction, get in touch with the owners and
discuss the scope and timeframe of the project. Discuss any specific issues
or occasions you have planned that the project could impact, such as
family illness, new baby, or backyard celebration

Noise and Dust

Plan to be away as much as possible during the project. Keep doors and
windows closed to prevent particles from entering your home, that can
cause health issues. Check with your local building department to
understand the hours that a construction company can work and work with
your neighbor to hold them accountable.

Finally, remember that this will end. You may need to live next door to the
owner for years to come and maintaining a good relationship with your
neighbors is more important than a few weeks of hassle.

If you are selling your home, no doubt you’re getting lots of advice about how to stage your home to appeal to potential buyers. Maybe you’ve spent time online reading about curb appeal, maybe your friends have given you advice about how to make your home brighter, or maybe the advice has even come from your listing agent; regardless of the source, here are a few outdated staging tricks you should NOT be using.

• Baking – While it’s a nice idea to have treats available, buyers know that the smell of freshly baked bread is a trick, and they may be suspicious of any odors you’re trying to mask.
• Fresh Scents – Of course, it’s important that the home smells fresh; however, using overpowering candles or room fresheners can be overwhelming. It’s better to open windows to allow a crisp breeze to enter the space, or perhaps place freshly cut flowers.
• Elevator Music – It might seem like a home filled with smooth jazz would lend a relaxing feel, but it could have the opposite effect. Not only is it difficult to gauge the right volume, but it’s outdated and corny.
• Matchy-Matchy – Matched sets and uniform color palettes will make a home feel dated. Mix up the colors and patterns of pillows, bedspreads, and window treatments.
• Holiday Decorations – If your home is listed during a holiday, keep decorations to a minimum. Less is more for decorations of any kind; keep the home clean and as much of a blank slate as possible.

Staging a home is an art. The best strategy is to consult with an expert. Your agent can offer some suggestions for  staging which will make sure your home presents itself in the best possible light.

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, even in normal times. Right now, when the housing market is moving at a frenetic pace, both buyers and sellers are making quick decisions and are feeling extreme pressure. As the tension rises, it can be easy to overlook the end goal; right-sized home, relocation, dream home, etc. Try not to lose focus!

Buyer Challenges

Facing a very tight inventory of available properties, buyers have limited time to arrange to tour homes and knowing they must make a quick decision once they have. Buyers do not have the luxury of a second look or hesitation and often are competing against multiple offers, adding to the pressure.

Seller Challenges

Sellers are also feeling the challenge of the frantic pace. While it is nice to have multiple offers from which to choose, the fact that the offers are at times being made sight-unseen means that some of the offers may not be the buyer’s first choice and they could lose a “real” offer by choosing to work with the wrong one. In addition, if the seller intends to buy another home, then they will be in the same position as the buyers once they enter that side of the competitive market.

The bottom line in each case, however, is to stay focused on the end goal. Why are you looking to buy or sell? Working with your agent, and relying on their experience, keep your eye on the prize and recognize that the goal will be worth the effort.

New construction home developments have sprung up across the country. They show beautiful new designs in both living spaces and exterior details. It’s appealing to have the ability to choose your flooring, countertops, cabinets, lighting and other features—moving into a home no one has ever lived in. Yet, there are also good reasons to consider a resale home as well. Understanding the advantages of each, you can decide if new construction is right for your needs.

Brand New Construction Home

The first advantage for new construction is that everything is new, fresh, modern, and includes the latest design trends. Appliances and windows will be energy efficient and include all the newest features. Homebuyers will also find no need to budget for repairs since everything is new and should include a warranty.

Resale Home

A resale home can offer great value to homebuyers. The home will already have landscaping and upgrades installed, saving out-of-pocket costs. Resale homes also tend to have larger lots in established neighborhoods. Property taxes may also be lower because the infrastructure is already in place. Finally, the buyer can easily research schools, safety and amenities which may still be under construction in new developments.

Both new construction and resale homes have benefits. If you are in the market for a new home, consider the options in your area and compare real costs and benefits. Knowing the difference can save you money and help you find the right home for your needs and lifestyle.