Have you been browsing homes online, dreaming about the day when you can finally have a place you can call your own? But the thing is, you think you're not quite ready to buy anytime soon, especially if you haven’t saved up as much money for a down payment as you’d like. Even if you're still a few years away from buying a home, there’s a key step you can take that can be incredibly valuable: talking to a mortgage lender. Here are three great reasons you should be having a conversation with a lender even before you begin the house-hunting process.   While you can do your research about various types of home loans online, talking to a mortgage professional is still the best way to widen your knowledge. Even if you're still months or years away from buying a home, a lender can help you understand the complicated jargon surrounding mortgages. They can also help you start thinking about which type of loan is best for your situation. A lender can also educate you on the different home buyer grants and programs you may be eligible for, especially if you’re a first-time buyer.   When applying for a mortgage, lenders may look at your credit report, credit score, income statements, and other documents that are relevant to your financial situation. If your financial picture is less than perfect, meeting with a lender can get you a headstart so you can make the necessary improvements. You may need months or years to repair your credit, pay your debts, or save up for a down payment, so the earlier you start, the better. Improving your credit score can help you lock in a lower interest rate and qualify for loan programs. Moreover, remember that aside from a down payment, there are several upfront costs you'll need to prepare for when you’re buying a home. Working with a lender can give you a clearer idea of what else you’ll need to budget for and how much they’ll cost, including lender fees, title and insurance, appraisal fees, and other closing costs.   There's nothing worse than finding the perfect property, only to find out that it’s outside your price range. So don’t wait until the last minute to talk to a lender to know what you may or may not qualify for. A lender can help you understand exactly how much you can afford, based on current interest rates, your down payment, and other factors. This way, you can avoid wasting time, energy, and money looking at homes that aren’t within your financial reach. This little pre-work can go a long way to help you be aware of your purchasing power and the competition within the local real estate market.

Completing the sale of a home is a significant accomplishment for any homeowner. After what could be months of preparing, staging, home showings, and negotiating, it can feel like a significant weight is finally off your shoulders. It's finally time to move on and celebrate, right?  However, even after you close on your home sale, there are important steps that sellers still need to take. In this blog, we discuss some of the crucial things sellers should accomplish post-sale — a checklist to help you avoid potential legal or financial issues and ensure a successful transition so you can move on to the next chapter of your life with ease.   1. Organize your paperwork. Although this isn't a fun task, keep your paperwork in order. Save every single piece of paperwork relating to the sale of your home because you’ll need the documentation when it comes time to do your taxes. Your post-sale paperwork typically includes home maintenance receipts and warranties, seller disclosures, listing agreements, and purchase offer, among others. And remember that even after your tax return is filed, you will still want to keep these records in case you’re audited.   2. Know the tax laws. Since tax laws constantly change, you may want to stay on top of your tax laws to avoid losing money. And hire a trustworthy accountant if you haven't got one yet. You’re definitely going to need their services come tax time.  An example of a tax benefit is if the house is your primary residence and you have lived in it for two out of the last five years, you’re eligible for a $250,000 exemption on capital gains tax if you’re single, or $500,000 for married people.   3. If you aren't purchasing a new home right away, consider putting your proceeds in a money market fund. If you sell your house and don't immediately buy a new one, you’ll need a safe place to put your money. Consider investing your proceeds in a money market mutual fund, which offers safety and gives a reasonable rate of return. It also allows access to your money if you need it, such as when you’re buying your next home. Money market mutual funds are an attractive option for many people who sold their homes.   4. Consider carefully whether you'll hire your listing agent when buying your next home. Buying and selling a home requires a different set of skills and approaches, which is why most agents prefer to specialize as either a buyer's or seller’s agent. Your agent who helped sell your home may have done an excellent job, so you may be tempted to save yourself some stress and just rehire them to help you with buying. But if you’re relocating to an entirely new neighborhood and looking for a different type of property, you may want to find an agent who is knowledgeable in that area. If you think your listing agent can also be a good buying agent and you’re moving within the community and in a similar type of property, you may interview your trusted listing agent as one of the three agents you’re considering hiring to help buy your next home.   5. Send change-of-address notices. Changing your address is a critical task once you're confident that your home sale will close.  To have your address changed, simply go to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) website. It is recommended that you do this 30 days before you move to ensure timely forwarding of mail after the date of the move. Moreover, don’t forget to also alert the following parties about your change of address: IRS Social Security Administration State Motor Vehicle Office State Election Offices Billing companies (credit and charge cards, cell phones, loans, among others) Places of employment Magazines or publications subscriptions Family and friends   6. Cancel and transfer all of your utilities. You do need to allot some time to cancel or transfer your utilities, but make sure you do this the day after your home has closed. Turning off utilities on the day the buyers do their final walk-through may cause your closing to be delayed and could even mess up the sale. So wait until a date after closing to call all of your utility companies and request that all services be turned off and transferred out of your name so the buyer can take them over.

The euphoria that comes with purchasing and moving into your first home is unlike no other. You will soon be able to personalize your bedroom, cook in your dream kitchen, or create your version of a backyard oasis. But oftentimes, the excitement can get the better of you.  And while you have every reason to be ecstatic as a new homeowner, a whole lot can also go wrong if you don't take the time to think things through. From failing to improve your home’s security, to unwanted paint colors and mismatched furniture pieces and designs, watch out for these five mistakes that first-time homeowners typically make after moving into their new homes, and simple but practical tips on how to avoid them.   It's such a joyous moment to finally get your hands on the keys to your new home. But before you consider renovating your dream space, there’s one thing you need to do which many first-time homeowners often neglect: changing the locks.  Since you don’t know who else might have the keys to your property, consider replacing any old or damaged locks with new ones that are more secure. You can also add deadbolts and reinforced strike plates to your doors for added protection. It’s an added expense, yes, but it will provide you peace of mind knowing that there’s less security risk for you and your family. Soon thereafter, you might also want to invest in a security system, which can include features such as video cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that will alert you if there is any suspicious activity in and around the home.   Many new homeowners may be unfamiliar with the various systems in their house, such as the heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. These systems are crucial to the functioning of your home, and it's important to know how they work to avoid costly repairs down the line.  For example, understanding your heating and cooling system can help you to save on energy costs and prolong the life of your HVAC system. You should know how to change the air filters and adjust the thermostat settings to ensure that your system is working efficiently. Additionally, understanding your plumbing system can help you to prevent leaks and water damage. Electrical systems can also be complex, and it's essential to know when to call a professional if you experience any electrical issues. By understanding these systems, you’ll know when to call an expert if something goes wrong so you can confidently enjoy your new home.   There's nothing more exciting than putting your personal touches on your new space, and one thing you might be considering is adding a fresh coat of paint. After all, it will be so much easier to paint your room when it’s still empty or uncluttered before you move in. However, it's advisable to hold off on painting for a while for a variety of reasons. You may want to wait as you may need time to adjust to your new home's lighting. The lighting in your new home may be different from your previous one, and this can affect how colors appear on your walls. It's also important to consider how your furniture and decor will look with the new paint color. It’s also possible that there are cracks, holes, or any water damage that you need to address first. These underlying issues with your walls can affect the quality and longevity of your paint job, so it's important to tackle them before you paint. Additionally, painting can be a messy and time-consuming process. If you move in and start painting, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed. Also, remember that you might want to use decent-quality paint to prevent wear and tear issues, so this is another expense that needs careful planning and consideration.   A new house means new stuff, right? It's completely understandable to want to fill it with furniture and decor that reflects your style and personality. But purchasing new furnishings to create a fresh look in your new home without having some sort of a plan can be a costly mistake.  First, major furniture (bed, couch, dining table and chairs, etc) can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for quality pieces that you can enjoy for years to come. And if your budget is already tight after covering the down payment and closing costs, it can lead to financial stress. Consider keeping your old furnishings for a while as you settle into your new home. After living in it for several months, you can get a better feel for what you want and prioritize those furniture and appliances that you really need without draining your bank account.   Whatever renovation projects you've been thinking of doing once you’ve moved, resist the urge. Hold back and live in the house for a while to learn all about its perks and quirks. See how the light is reflected in different rooms at different times of the day, how a room is being used as opposed to its original function, or just get to know your home in general. There’s a good chance that the changes you want to make after several months may not even resemble the ideas you had when you first moved in. Besides, making rash decisions can be expensive and pretty stressful. So make sure you don't rip out those kitchen cabinets or rush to the store to buy lush trees and shrubs for your bare yard without doing some research first and creating a solid plan. Taking a measured and thoughtful approach to any renovation project will ensure that each decision you make fits your overall vision for your home. And if you’re planning to DIY, know the limits of your skills, and don’t hesitate to hire a good contractor or professional to get the job done.

Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of a real estate transaction. Even if you're more than prepared to get your property on the market with a trusted real estate agent, you probably just can’t get down to business without doing this critical step: signing a listing agreement. Signing any contract can be nerve-wracking and intimidating. But it doesn't have to be if you understand what the document means. Your agent should also walk you through each part of the service agreement. In this blog post, we’re giving you a headstart to help you understand what a listing agreement entails, and how it plays into selling your property.   A listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a homeowner and the real estate agent or broker who will be listing the property for sale. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions under which the agent or broker will market and sell the home, lays out a framework of duties and expectations between the seller and the agent, and includes several essential details about the upcoming sale. Only home sellers need to sign a listing agreement. For potential buyers, they will have to sign a buyer's agency agreement before an agent will represent them. You’ll only sign the listing agreement after you and the agent have agreed on all the details of the home sale. You can think of it as an employment contract, as you are officially hiring the agent for the job of selling your house. No money should be required upfront when you sign, as agents are paid with commission fees at closing. The listing agreement is meant to protect both parties. It protects the seller by defining the agent’s responsibilities and what to do if he or she doesn't meet them, preventing you from being tied to an agent that is not fulfilling their end of the service agreement. Meanwhile, it also ensures that the real estate agent is fairly compensated with a guaranteed commission once they execute a successful home sale.   Before we explore the necessary details usually included in a listing agreement, here are the most common types of listing agreements. Your agreement type is often listed at the top of the document itself. The terms can also vary based on the area where you live, so it's a must to read the agreement closely to understand the specific contract you have with your broker or agent. Exclusive right-to-sell This is the most common type of listing agreement. As defined by the National Association of REALTORS®, an exclusive right-to-sell listing agreement is a contractual agreement under which the listing broker acts as the agent or as the legally recognized non-agency representative of the seller, and the seller agrees to pay a commission to the listing broker, regardless of whether the property is sold through the efforts of the listing broker, the seller, or anyone else.  To put it simply, you’ll be working exclusively with one agent to sell your house within a definite period of time. The broker is entitled to their commission regardless of who sells the property, as long as the listing agreement is in effect. Exclusive agency listing This type of listing agreement, it’s similar to an exclusive right-to-sell listing where the broker acts as the agent and any agent in the agency may sell the property and collect the commission. But in this case, the seller still reserves the right to sell the home on their own if they choose. And if the property is sold solely through the efforts of the seller, he or she is not obligated to pay a commission to the listing broker. Open listing This is a non-exclusive agreement that allows the seller to use multiple real estate agents to sell their home, but the agent who sells the home is the only one who gets a commission. If the homeowner succeeds in selling the home themselves, the agents walk away empty-handed, which is why these kinds of agreements are less common and are generally less favored by agents.   Here are the main components of a listing agreement: Contact information - includes names, phone numbers, addresses, and other information for the seller and the real estate broker or agent. Property description - the listing agreement will include a complete and accurate description of the property. The property description also specifies any fixtures that will be left behind after the property is sold, and which items will not be included in the sale and you'll be taking with you when you move. List price - You and your agent will discuss the listing price ahead of time, which is based on market data, comparable homes that have sold in the area, and the condition of the home. The price should be written in the agreement to match your earlier discussions. Agreement duration - a listing agreement usually covers a duration of between three and six months, although it can last for any amount of time you and your agent agree on.  Agent duties - the agent’s responsibilities and detailed plan of action will be specified in this section, together with the activities the listing agent is authorized to conduct on your behalf. This may include holding open houses, listing your home on the MLS, posting a yard sign, etc. Understanding the agent’s responsibilities will give you a clear idea of what they will (and will not) do during the selling process. Agent commissions - the commissions, fees, and other compensation need to be added to the agreement. Agent commissions are usually between 5 percent and 6 percent of the proceeds of the sale, and are usually split halfway with the buyer’s agent. Mediation and conflict resolution details - this part of the document states how any potential disputes between the property owner and agent will be resolved. It will specify whether conflicts will be settled using mediation or arbitration, lowering the risk of escalating conflict into a legal dispute. Protection clause - when the agent shows the house to a potential buyer during the listing agreement period, but that person doesn’t buy the property until after the listing agreement has expired, the protection period clause in the agreement will protect the real estate agent from losing their commission.   While the listing agreement is legally binding, you can make changes to it as needed, which means everything is negotiable. The most common points of negotiation are the listing type, agreement duration, agent duties and commission, and list price, among others. When you make changes to the document, your listing agent will send an addendum highlighting which sections are changed. Both parties will need to sign the addendum for it to be valid. It will then be attached to the original document. Take the time to review the listing agreement to ensure that all provisions of the contract are correct and include things you and your agent agreed on earlier. Also, make sure that you understand all your agent's obligations to you, as well as your duties and responsibilities as a seller.   The decision to sell your home is one of the most significant decisions you have to make — both financially and emotionally. The worst-case scenario is that the relationship between you and your agent didn't work out. Before signing a listing agreement, make sure you are clear on your rights to get out of it if you need to.  You can terminate the listing agreement if you decide that you no longer want to sell your property. Likewise, you can also end the agreement if you do not want to work with your agent or broker anymore and they haven’t found a buyer for your home. Most agents will agree to cancel a listing agreement if the client is unhappy, as long as they don’t have an existing buyer yet.  This is why it’s important to choose a top and trusted real estate agent to help you sell your home. Do your research, interview at least three agents before hiring, and review the fine print before signing a listing agreement with them.

As the weather starts to warm up and the flowers begin to bloom, you might be itching to maximize your outdoor living space. Your backyard is an extension of your home and with the right additions, it can become a functional and relaxing oasis where you and your family can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.  From practical but stylish options such as shade and outdoor lighting to fun and cozy additions like a grilling station and an outdoor bar cart, we're here to provide you with plenty of inspiration to help you create the backyard of your dreams.   1. Exterior lighting Outdoor lighting not only enhances the aesthetics of your space but also improves its functionality. It's an excellent addition if you aim to create a warm and inviting atmosphere so you can enjoy your backyard even after the sun goes down. It can also highlight certain features, such as a tree or plant, a garden or water structure, or any other architectural elements. Various types of exterior lighting options include string lights, lanterns, and even pathway or ground lights. Lovely and warm string lights are a popular choice as they add a whimsical touch to your backyard while also providing ambient lighting. Meanwhile, pathway lights or solar ground lights can guide you and your guests safely through your yard while also adding a decorative element. Lanterns can also provide a warm, cozy glow and are perfect for creating a relaxing ambiance. In addition to enhancing the ambiance, outdoor lighting can also improve the safety and security of your backyard. By illuminating dark areas, you can prevent accidents and tripping hazards. A well-lit backyard is also less attractive to burglars and potential intruders.   2. Hammock If you're looking for a cozy but affordable seating addition, a hammock is just the perfect idea. It can be a relaxing spot to unwind, relax and recharge, and enjoy the outdoors while having your favorite book or hugging a warm cup of coffee. When purchasing a hammock, make sure you choose a high-quality variety that is durable, weather-resistant, and can support your weight. Then you can choose to hang them between two trees or posts or get a standalone hammock with its own frame.   3. Bird feeders and houses Welcome the new spring season into your yard by setting out some bird feeders and houses that will attract a variety of bird species to your backyard, which can be magical to watch and listen to. Since there are many different types of bird feeders and houses to choose from, and each type of feeder attracts different types of birds, it's a good idea to research which would best suit the birds in your area or those you want to attract.  Aside from having a fun and relaxing activity watching the birds as they come and go from your yard, providing food and shelter for these animals can help support the local ecosystem and promote biodiversity in your area.   4. Canopy or shade Since the weather outdoors won't always be ideal — too much sun can be uncomfortable while an unexpected downpour can ruin the fun — creating shade in your backyard is essential. You might want to add an outdoor umbrella, a pergola, or a shade sail to refresh your outdoor living space and keep the area cool.  Outdoor umbrellas are a simple and affordable option that can be easily moved to provide shade where needed. On the other hand, pergolas are a more permanent and stylish option that can add a unique touch to your patio. A shade sail is also an excellent option if you want a modern and sleek look while providing ample shade in specific areas.   5. Privacy screen If the lack of privacy is what's hindering you from enjoying your backyard oasis, consider installing privacy screens or outdoor drapery panels to add style and a little extra seclusion from the outside world (and even from nosey neighbors).  There are many options when it comes to adding privacy screens to your backyard. If you want to keep it simple, go with a self-standing screen with vertical or horizontal wood slats, which you can also decorate with trailing flowers or herb pots. Creating a private and comfortable space allows you to enjoy your backyard to the fullest, especially this spring and summer.   6. Grilling station The warmer weather provides the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors, with grilling and barbecues on the side. Setting up a dedicated grilling area spices up your patio and allows you to enjoy outdoor cooking and dining with your family and friends.  Whether you choose to have a simple portable grill or a more elaborate grilling station, it entirely depends on your needs, budget, and yard space. Having an outdoor grill can also provide a fun and enjoyable activity for all ages, with kids helping out in food preparation and adults socializing while the food is cooking. With such a functional addition, expect your backyard to be your new favorite cookout spot filled with wonderful aromas and awesome memories.   7. Outdoor bar cart Elevate your backyard entertaining game even more by adding an outdoor bar cart. It's a fancy and stylish way to mix up drinks without using up precious table space or going inside so you can fully enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  Moreover, it’s mobile and convenient to be moved around your backyard, patio, or pool area as needed, making it easy to serve your guests drinks and snacks wherever they are. Or take it even further by setting up a DIY cocktail station where your guests can mix and customize their drinks, adding a playful and social aspect to your backyard gathering.

When it comes to applying for a mortgage, remember that there's no such thing as a little “white lie.” Saying fibs that you think are harmless, as well as exaggerating, playing down, or failing to disclose certain information, can all jeopardize your chances of getting approved for a loan. Unfortunately, though, about 1 in 131 applications contained some form of fraud, according to the 2022 Mortgage Fraud Report from CoreLogic. Industry experts and risk managers are particularly on the lookout for an increase in income fraud risk. Here we've touched on some of the things borrowers might think it’s okay to lie about during their mortgage application, and why it’s not worth risking your chance to finally buy a home.   1. Your source of down payment funds For many first-time home buyers, especially younger ones, saving for a down payment is one of the most challenging. Most lenders need to see that you have genuine or regular savings towards a deposit.  If you've received help from your parents or any family member for your house deposit, whether it was a gift fund or you borrowed it and plan to pay it back, don’t ever think it’s harmless to declare it as part of your genuine savings. You will have to disclose the source of your down payment to avoid the risk of being questioned, or worse, being denied on your loan.  For down payment gift funds that don't need to be repaid, lenders may ask for a letter signed by that person, saying that the money doesn’t need to be paid back. But if you’re short on cash and the fund is a loan, lenders will want to know about it because it’s part of your other financial obligations, even if it’s a personal agreement between you and your family member or friend.   2. Who will be living on the property Unfortunately, occupancy misrepresentation, or lying about who will be living in the property, is common in mortgage applications. You may think it's okay to claim that the property will be your primary residence when you actually plan to rent it out as an investment property. After all, a loan is a loan and you will be responsible to pay for it, so what difference does it make? The problem with this, though, is that if you have an investment property, you need an investment home loan instead of an owner-occupied home loan, which comes with lower interest rates and fees. Lenders deem investment properties to be higher risk than residential, as people will usually work harder to repay the mortgage if their own home is at risk. Minimum down payments are also significantly bigger on rental properties. From the lender’s point of view, you’re stealing money from them by making them take on more risk than they agreed to. So spill the beans on who will be living on the property, as it could amount to occupancy fraud which has serious consequences.   3. Income and employment details Most lenders require proof of at least two years of stable, long-term employment before granting borrowers a mortgage. So don't be tempted to say you’ve been working at a company for longer than you do or claim to be employed even when you’re not. Likewise, don’t exaggerate your income to make yourself look more financially stable, or switch employers at any point in the buying process.  Lenders will easily find out because, during the application process, they will request various proof of income documents, including a couple of recent paycheck stubs or tax returns. If something doesn’t add up, be prepared to have to explain. You might still be able to go ahead with your application if you’ve simply made a genuine mistake. But if they’ve found out you’ve downright lied, expect your application to be declined. 4. Credit cards, loans, and other debts Whether it's a car loan, credit card debt, or student loan, you need to be upfront about all of your current debts. This is because lenders need to know all your financial burdens to properly assess your financial situation. Failing to disclose your debts, no matter how small, could prove to be a problem later and can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage.   5. Financial history Lenders will want to make sure that you've been consistent with your past payments to deem you trustworthy and make sure you can handle another financial obligation. But if you’ve got a history of late payments, whether it’s missed credit card payments or late loan bills, it’s a must to share that information. Late payments will also remain on your credit report, which the lender will pull during the application process. Likewise, you also need to disclose any bankruptcy, even if it was from years ago.   Even if you think those lies may seem harmless, they come with some serious and expensive consequences. So what happens if you're found out? Here are some scenarios you might face: The lender could downright deny your application. If you’re already under contract, your earnest money deposit could be forfeited. If the truth comes to light after the deal is done, the lender could decide to call the loan payable. This means you have to pay the full amount of the mortgage, or face foreclosure. The lender could increase your rate as a penalty, leading to higher interest and monthly mortgage payments. Worst case scenario: you’ll be charged with mortgage fraud, with a penalty that can include a maximum of 30 years prison time and a $1 million fine. The biggest lesson: Just be honest from the start so you’ll have a better chance of getting approved for a mortgage.

Hiring a qualified and trustworthy contractor is one of the most crucial elements of a successful home remodeling project. But finding one isn't easy. Sure, you can ask for recommendations from friends and neighbors, even check online for reviews, but once you’ve put together a list of companies, where do you go from there?  Your home is your haven and one of your biggest investments, so you want to ensure the quality and timeliness of the work. To make a sound decision on which company is the best fit for your project, here are some key questions you can use as a guide during the interview process.   1. How long have you been in this business/industry? You'd want to get a sense of how much experience the company as a whole has with the work that needs to be done. A contracting business that has been in operation in the area for five or 10 years already has a local reputation to uphold and is more likely to have an established network of subcontractors and suppliers, which makes them a safer bet. They typically have a traceable record, and have created systems and controls to ensure their work is on time and of the highest quality. But you don’t want to immediately shrug off a new company either, if the company owner or job foreman has years of experience working in the industry, either for other companies or as independent contractors. If you’re impressed with their credentials, you can start by hiring them first for a small repair to check their quality of work. Just remember to do your research ahead of time and verify the credentials of any contractor you’re considering hiring for the job.   2. Are you licensed and insured? Aside from knowing their years of experience in the industry, you'll want to make sure that your contractor has gone through all of the necessary certifications to handle the job. And having a business license alone isn’t enough, as it only allows them to operate a business, but it doesn’t guarantee that they are licensed. A reputable contractor should have any required state license, workers’ compensation insurance, and liability insurance for the type of work they do. Moreso, they should have that documentation on hand and be more than willing to let you take a look. Regulations may vary from state to state and even county to county, so this is a good question to ask to learn more about the contractor and your state’s specific requirements. Doing so will give you peace of mind knowing that they are licensed and certified in their field of expertise.   3. Who is the designated point of contact and how would you like me to get in touch? Whether it's the company owner, a project manager, or the job foreman, be sure that you identify a designated point of contact, as well as the best way to reach that person. Ask what times he’ll be available to respond to you, and how quickly you should expect a reply. Remember that communication is necessary for a positive and less stressful remodeling experience, so establishing a defined process with the contractor’s team is critical.   4. Will you obtain the necessary permits and set up the required inspections for the job? While not every home improvement project requires permits or inspections, it's a must for large jobs, such as major renovations and anything that involves structural changes. A dependable contractor should not only know what kind of permits you need for the job and how to get them, but they should also be willing to arrange them on your behalf. No work should begin until the permit has been obtained to ensure everything is done to code and your homeowner's insurance can cover your claim if something goes wrong.   5. Who exactly will be doing the work? Since contracting companies often work on multiple projects at a time, it's important to know if they have the workforce to complete the job on time. You should be clear on whether the contractor and their employees will be doing the work or if they’ll be using subcontractors to carry out the project. If they’re using services from another company, you need to know which business they’ve partnered with and who is liable for the work being done, and if the workers are also covered by their liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Also, clarify whether you can expect to see the same people working on your house to handle the job from start to finish. It’s essential that you can be assured about the consistency of the work, and that you can trust the people you will be working with at all stages of the process.   6. What precautions will you take to protect my property? While this may be a touchy topic, asking in advance is necessary. Your contractor should be willing to take reasonable measures to keep your property and belongings damage-free. Depending on the scope of work, be sure to inquire about what specifically he'll do. Are the workers going to wear shoe coverings when they enter the home? Will they use tarps to cover furniture items and surfaces in work areas? They should also be able to recommend certain items that need to be moved to other areas of the house to avoid damage. Moreover, a good contractor will make sure that the end-of-day and end-of-project clean-up is always taken care of.    7. What will be the payment terms and schedule? Another important detail to discuss with your prospective contractor is the payment terms. You should be aware beforehand of exactly how much is due and when. Payments can be organized by due dates or based on completed stages of the project. Be honest and ask what happens if you are late or need more time to make a payment, as well as the available payment methods. One thing you need to remember is that a reliable contractor should never ask you to completely pay upfront. Cash payments are impossible to track and are often requested only by questionable contractors. Safer options include checks, loan financing, and credit cards.

House-hunting is no easy journey, especially once you find that there's a limited inventory of previously-owned homes in the housing market.  If you’re a first-time home buyer, you might find that a new construction house is one of your viable options to finally achieve your homeownership dream. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a full one-third of inventory on the market is now new construction homes. But if your knowledge of these newly-built homes is still clouded with a lot of misconceptions, we might be able to help set the record straight so you can make a wiser choice based on facts, and decide on the home that's best for you and your family.   The truth: While they technically cost more upfront, if you look beyond the price tag, you can take into account what you can save by not having to replace, upgrade, or bring to code elements of the home anytime soon. After all, new construction homes will have brand new roofs, plumbing, flooring, heating and air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, and other major systems. It's normal for previously owned homes to have undergone wear and tear of these crucial components. With new homes, it will be years before you have to worry about making any repairs, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars. They also typically come with a warranty, which will cover most repairs in the unlikely event there is a problem.   The truth: Financing a new home can often be easier and simpler. Many reputable builders maintain relationships and/or partnerships with lenders, who tend to be more flexible when it comes to a newly-built home since it translates to less risk compared to a previously-owned home. The lenders they work with are familiar with the company and the quality of their work so they can quickly get buyers into new homes. Similarly, new construction companies usually have their own lending companies that will offer you several incentives when you do business with them instead of an outside lending source. This can make it easier for you to secure financing and help you get a better deal on your mortgage.   The truth: While they do take time to be built—about seven months on average, according to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Construction, this does not mean you’ll need to wait that long. Many home builders often start building long before they have a buyer. Construction on speculative homes, or spec homes, might already be well underway or even completed before you even start a transaction. You can easily find a move-in ready home if you’re looking to invest as soon as possible.  But still, it would be helpful to do some planning in advance. Make sure to ask how far along the home is in the building process, and if it can be completed within a reasonable time frame. It’s also worth keeping in mind that the build time will vary widely depending on the supply chain, the availability of labor and materials, municipality permitting times, and other factors.   The truth: It might be true for a car, which loses a lot of its value the instant it is driven off. It isn't applicable to a new construction home, though.  In fact, a new home easily appreciates in value because of price increases as the builder sells more homes. You may even find that you’ve built equity even before you moved in, as more and more homes are sold within the area and the entire community is completed.   The truth: No matter what kind of house it is, the building construction principles generally stay the same.  Regardless of their amenities and features, new homes are still going to be built to a requisite standard and are even subject to the latest in building codes, which have become more demanding over time.    The truth: Home inspections, including new construction properties, are a standard and critical component of buying a home. While a reputable builder will conduct their own inspection, you can also hire a third-party inspector to ensure the property was built according to the local building code. You can even periodically inspect the home throughout the construction process so you and the inspector can have a better understanding of the home's condition, and help them to see things they probably wouldn’t once the home is completed. As a matter of fact, any builder who refuses to allow you to perform a home inspection is a major red flag, since a new build doesn’t necessarily mean it’s free of flaws. New construction houses are also inspected by local municipalities throughout the build, and they’re also the ones who provide a final certificate of occupancy before move-in is allowed.   The truth: You may not be required to have a real estate agent when entering a new construction deal, but there's no way you’d want to miss out on having your own representation, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer.  As with any real estate transaction, you’d want a knowledgeable and trusted real estate professional who will work in your best interest to negotiate for you on the best possible price, contract terms, add-ons, warranties, target completion dates, and other incentives. Having an agent can help you get the most value for your money and ensure that the transaction is completed properly.  Builders will be happy to work with your agent when you include them early in the process, even before you start searching for new construction homes. When it comes to their commissions, the cost is often part of the builder's marketing budget when they’re determining the sales price of a home. Besides, not choosing to work with an agent won’t make them offer you a better deal.

If you're looking to sell your home, an extra step you can take to make a good first impression and get more potential buyers to fall in love with your property is through home staging.  Here's our guide if you want to explore what home staging is and how it works, whether it’s worth doing to boost your home sale, what options you have when it comes to staging your home, and loads more! We’ll walk you through it all.   Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale with the intent to showcase it to potential buyers. It involves rearranging or adding furniture and decor, upgrading curb appeal, clearing out clutter, and depersonalizing the home to make it look its best, especially for listing photos, showings, and walkthroughs. It's also considered a marketing strategy as it can transform even the most outdated and drab space into one that’s cleaner, more relaxing, and homey. Visualization is a key concept in staging. In fact, according to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), 82 percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.  By creating a neutral yet stylish space, particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms, buyers can imagine themselves living in the home. If they have an idea of how they can make use of the space, it’ll help them to develop an emotional attachment to the house, which hopefully leads to them submitting a generous offer. Why does home staging matter? Let's look at the different ways sellers can benefit from home staging: It makes it easier for buyers to envision themselves in the home. No matter how much you love your home, once you decide to list it for sale, you’ll want to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see your space through their eyes. You’ll find that your favorite gallery wall, or those purple walls in the primary bedroom, may not seem so appealing. By taking away those personal photos and repainting your walls in neutral colors, you’re removing any sign of your lifestyle from the home, making it neutral and full of possibility for prospective buyers. By observing how the rooms are staged and arranged, buyers can draw inspiration for their future setup, especially when it comes to the strategic arrangements of furniture and decor. A well-staged room can make a small space look bigger, or a dated room look modern. If you’re selling an otherwise dark and empty property, staging creates a more spacious and inviting atmosphere that will entice buyers.   Staging can increase the amount of the offer. The NAR report revealed that 23 percent of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between one and five percent, compared to other similar homes on the market that are not staged. Once the home has made a memorable impression with the buyers, they are more likely to be more committed and possibly willing to increase their offer. It improves buyers’ first impressions. Nearly all buyers start their search online nowadays, which means your listing photos need to look stunning to make a good first impression. A well-staged home looks better and more eye-catching when shared on social media and property websites. The home spends less time on the market. A staged home typically sells faster. According to NAR, 31 percent reported that staging a home greatly decreased the amount of time the home was on the market. Staging can turn around a sale that wasn’t moving. Especially for homes that are difficult to sell, staging is necessary to draw more buyers in. The home will appeal to a larger audience, making it easier to market.   Although home staging and interior design both intend to show the home in its best possible light, they differ when it comes to their purpose and target audience.  Home staging aims for the property to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible so it can be sold faster and for more money. To achieve this, the tweaks must be kept impersonal and generic. The current homeowner's preferences don’t matter so as to create a neutral space that looks inviting to a broader audience. Interior design, on the other hand, caters to the specific aesthetics of an individual or family. It aims to create a comfortable space for the client, so there’s a lot more creative control to make sure the design meets their needs. Whether you're just getting ready to sell your home or are trying to add new life to a stagnant listing, know that you have three options when going about home staging. You can also do a combination of all three to help your home sell faster, depending on your specific situation and your budget. Do it yourselfThis is your go-to option if you have the time, you want to save some cash, and you’re confident that you can present your property in the best way possible. Tasks you might need to perform include: decluttering and a whole lot of cleaning on the interior and exterior parts of the home, rearranging furniture and decor, removing personal photos and other items, repainting and touching up the walls, adding new curtains and throw pillows, among other things. You can also bring some warm touches like fresh flowers and plants, and decor items such as candles and a diffuser, that will also make sure your house smells amazing.One caveat is that most homeowners are personally connected to their properties so they may feel overwhelmed to rearrange their homes. But once you decide to sell, remember that it’s no longer your “home” but a product on the market that needs a new owner. You need to see objectively, from the perspective of a buyer, so ask for honest opinions from your agent, family, and friends, about what needs to be changed. Get your real estate agent to help youWhile it isn’t your real estate agent’s job to professionally stage your home, they might provide recommendations or be more hands-on in the process, especially if they strongly believe in staging’s ability to boost a home sale. With their extensive experience and industry knowledge, they will be able to look at your property with an objective eye so you’ll know what needs to be done to spruce it up. Hire a professional staging companyIf you have the budget for it, your agent can help you find a professional home staging company, also known as Accredited Staging Professionals (ASPs), to either do a consultation or a staging service. In most cases, they have an inventory of decor, furniture, and artwork that they can use to stage your home. They will assess your home and provide suggestions on what should be done to increase the home’s appeal or showcase more efficient use of the space. Their services can also extend to the exterior and outdoor spaces to help improve your home’s curb appeal.   The numbers show that home staging can be a considerable advantage when selling your home. However, whether it's worth it or not still depends on several factors, including: Your timeline Your budget The total cost of staging (either professionally or DIY) The value it could add to your property How quickly you’re hoping to sell  What the local market is like for sellers If you’re still wondering whether staging is in your best interest, talk to your real estate agent. They know the market and can tell you if you need to show off your home in the best possible way. They’d want you to get the most out of selling your home, which means a quick closing at a good price.

Whether you have a modest closet or a luxurious walk-in, you just have to be smart and creative when it comes to maximizing your closet storage. You also don't need to spend thousands of dollars to create a more decluttered, more manageable space for your clothes that add confidence to yourself every day.  These simple but practical organization techniques can go a long way, and some of them won't cost you anything but your time and effort.   The first step to organizing your closet is to go through your belongings and purge your clothing, shoes, accessories, and any other items. See if any of them match these criteria: anything that's out of style anything that doesn’t fit anymore anything you haven’t worn in a year (‘cause you likely won’t be wearing them again) anything uncomfortable when worn; anything that no longer works for you. If your items match any of the descriptions above, it may be time to donate, sell, recycle, or toss them away. Experts recommend doing an edit of your closet at least twice a year: before spring and summer, and again before fall and winter. This allows you to streamline your wardrobe and stay on top of what you already have, especially if you’ve only got a minimal space to work with.  Also, have designated storage for those that you want to donate or sell later on, especially for clothes that are still in good shape. Otherwise, any clothing that has stains or holes can be repurposed into old rags or tossed into the trash.   If you're thinking of a new way to make your clothes look neater and tidier while saving up valuable closet space, try the file-folding method made famous by world-renowned tidying expert Marie Kondo. Instead of stacking your folded clothes on top of each other, fold them in half once more and stack them up vertically so they’re side-by-side like files in a filing cabinet. It’s an efficient way to arrange your clothes as they’re folded the same way. Also, no more ripping through your drawers in search of your favorite shirt because it’s now easier to find what you’re looking for.    Space-saving hangers can be a godsend for closets with limited hanging space. If you haven't already, swap your mismatched wire and plastic hangers with slender hangers that will allow you to fit more onto rods. It’s even better if you want them in similar colors, or assign a color for each type of clothing, to add more style. Just save the wooden hangers for heavier items and also padded hangers for winter sweaters. Vertical hangers or those with tiers are fabulous for stacking lighter pieces of clothing and even for hanging several pairs of pants. It’s a small and inexpensive investment that can greatly impact on the overall look and functionality of your wardrobe.   If you have a smaller closet and decluttering isn't enough, you need to think of clever ways to create more storage space. One trick is to use larger suitcases to store items you don’t necessarily need daily. It’s ideal for off-season clothes, especially those bulky, cold-weather items you won’t be wearing in warmer months, or resort wear and other travel items you might not need right away. You can also use rolling storage bins that fit under your bed so your closet will have more space for the part of your wardrobe you're wearing regularly.   Lastly, speaking of making the most of all of your closet space, why not use the front of your closet door as well as the back? Consider adding hanging organizers, but instead of the usual clear plastic pouches, opt for more stylish options that are pretty enough to hang outside the closet, as well as the inside. These storage solutions are perfect for keeping your shoes, accessories, wallets, and all your favorite daily items organized for easy access so you don't have to go digging through your closet to find them. Plus, they also make good use of otherwise unused door space.

When you started your home buying journey, you might have only considered the financial perks that homeownership could give, including a more stable monthly housing costs and building equity. But when you think about it, it's love that drives you to provide a safe and comfortable environment for yourself and your loved ones. To have a place designed for your needs and desires is enough to fuel you when searching for a home you can call your own. This love month, let’s highlight the equally powerful emotional and non-financial benefits of owning a home.   Bottom line Make sure you consider not only the financial perks of homeownership but the many amazing emotional and psychological benefits it has to offer. And when you're ready to find your forever home, find and connect with the right matchmaker—a trusted real estate agent who will guide you to the home of your dreams.

Whether you're embarking on your first house-hunting journey or it’s time to sell your beloved home, one thing is certain: you’re likely to encounter the term MLS, which stands for Multiple Listing Service. But exactly is it? Even though the real estate industry is highly competitive, the business is unique in such a way that competitors need to cooperate with each other to ensure a successful transaction. And MLS is just the tool to facilitate that cooperation.   A multiple listing service or MLS is a database of all properties currently for sale in a particular geographic region. While it's usually being referred to as “the MLS,” making it look like one large national database, the MLS is actually a network of local databases for areas around the country. Meaning, there isn’t one single, overarching MLS. Each MLS is created, maintained and paid for by participating real estate professionals in that local area. It’s where brokers and agents share their listings, upload pictures and detailed information of each property, and update them on a regular basis with the goal of connecting home buyers to sellers.  Brokers and real estate agents pay dues or a membership fee for access to each MLS. If a broker wants to list or view homes in an area that isn’t covered by the MLS they’re currently part of, they’ll need to join the MLS for that area as well. So, it’s possible and sometimes necessary for brokers to participate in multiple MLS databases. Each database has its own prices, fee schedules and rules.   According to the National Association of Realtors®, the concept of a multiple listing service dates back to the late 1800s. In those times, real estate agents regularly met at their offices to share information about properties they were trying to sell. They agreed to compensate other brokers who helped sell those properties. The first MLS was born based on this fundamental concept: Help me sell my inventory and I'll help you sell yours.  Essentially, the multiple listing service was created to foster better cooperation among real estate agents when they realized each brokerage could sell their houses more effectively and serve their clients better by going outside their own brokerages' listings. In 1908, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges (now the NAR®) endorsed the use of this system by all agents. This information sharing first took place via books, index cards, and catalogs, but has quickly evolved into the modern system in use today—online and fully searchable by price, neighborhood, and home features.   How many MLSs are there? As of 2020, there are about 600 MLSs throughout the United States, according to the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO). However, the number rises and falls year-to-year “due to regional consolidation,” or when neighboring databases come together to form larger, regional ones. There are also rare markets that do not have an MLS, such as New York City.   When a homeowner decides to sell their home, they'll typically enlist the help of a local and experienced real estate agent. The agent will gather some information about the property. They’ll use real estate comps to compare the home to other similar properties that have recently sold to come up with a list price. Once they have all this information, they’ll upload it into the MLS as a listing. MLS listings include photos of the home, information such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as additional home features (garage, community features, etc.) But aside from this basic information, MLS listings will also typically include private remarks meant only for other agents. This is to protect the privacy and safety of the seller. These notes can include things like seller contact information, showing instructions (such as the best time for showings, information about pets in the home, gate codes, etc.), and even seller disclosures and homeowners association (HOA) regulations. Each property is assigned an MLS number, a serial number created to make it easier to differentiate properties and find properties quickly.   For sellers Once a seller has their home listed on the MLS, it will be visible to all other agents and brokers who use that MLS, significantly increasing their chances of finding a buyer. In fact, access to the MLS is one of the main benefits for homeowners who hire an agent to help sell their home, compared to going the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) route.   For buyers Similarly, prospective home buyers gain access to numerous listings through the MLS. When a buyer works with an agent to purchase a home, an agent will ask where they'd like to live and what type of home they’re looking for. They’ll also discuss with the buyer their ideal price range, what size home they need, their needs vs wants, which features are important to them, and so on. The agent will then use these criteria to search for homes in the MLS that suit the buyer’s preference. When the buyer eventually finds homes they are interested in, they can use the information in the MLS to schedule showings or inform the buyer of upcoming open houses.   For agents and brokers Multiple listing services provide increased exposure to the selling broker and numerous options to the broker representing the buyer.  In most cases, the MLS listing also contains private contact information and details about showing times. MLSs level the playing field by allowing small and large brokerages to compete with one another. With the help of these services, property information is consolidated rather than fragmented, and there's no need for brokers to create their own separate systems of cooperation. An MLS allows competing brokers to work together toward a common goal of helping buyers find their desired properties and helping sellers sell their homes. In return, both brokers receive a commission on the sale.   Only brokers can be a part of the MLS, while agents cannot unless their broker does so first. Homeowners who are selling their property can work with agents or brokers to have their home added to the MLS, but cannot add homes to the MLS on their own. Only a licensed real estate professional can list and view homes directly on the MLS. Some regional MLS databases may have a ‘public-facing side', which means anyone can view MLS listings without professional assistance. However, the agent side contains a little more information about showings, property access, how to submit offers, agency and commission cooperation and the ability to run a market analysis, among others. Many real estate firms also feature MLS feeds on their websites to advertise the homes they’re selling.   Exceptions While the vast majority of homes available for sale are included on the MLS, there are definitely exceptions. Firstly, strictly FSBO homes won't be found on the MLS database. Likewise, off-market listings, also known as quiet or pocket listings, which are homes that are not marketed in the typical ways, will not be included on the MLS since the seller keeps the property quietly “in their pocket”, hence the name. It’s when sellers desire to test the waters, maintain privacy, or create a sense of exclusivity that could drive up a home's selling price.

If you're thinking of selling your home this year, one of the many things you might be considering is whether or not you should hire a real estate agent. You think you know a few potential buyers, so you’re being tempted to try to sell your home yourself and just pocket the cash you would otherwise pay an agent. But at the end of the day, will it be worth it? Knowing a few buyers isn’t the end of a real estate transaction. There are other rigorous steps and processes involved, many of which can be stressful and costly especially when not handled properly. A good real estate professional does much more than just show your home to people. They’ll do everything from paperwork to networking, and make sure they are looking out for your best interests. In order for you to save time and effort, we've listed down five major reasons why you should hire a local and trusted real estate agent to guide you in your home selling journey.   Part of your due diligence before putting your home for sale is to at least have a good understanding of your local housing market. Such insight will help you in many ways, including knowing what buyers are looking for in a home, whether your area is a buyer's market or a seller’s market, recent sale prices in your neighborhood, listing prices vs selling prices, and so on.  Since the housing market conditions are constantly changing, you need all the help you can get. This is where you can tap into the knowledge of a local real estate agent. Aside from having the latest information about national housing trends and your local market conditions, they can explain what all of this means for you as a seller, so you can make better decisions that maximize your profits through the sale. You know your primary goal is to sell your home for the best price, in the shortest time possible. But the question is, do you have any idea how you are going to price your property? Since it's one of your biggest investments, you’re more likely to think that your home is worth more and thus, overprice. Such a move is risky because it can deter buyers from checking your property seeing that it is out of their price range. This could lead to your house sitting on the market for longer, losing you precious time and money. An experienced real estate agent can provide an unbiased eye when they help you determine the right listing price for your house. They conduct a so-called comparative market analysis to study what similar homes in the area sold for. This also includes checking the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, and comparing it to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price. Since pricing can make or break the sale of your home, your agent can help you come up with a number that’s fair but also appealing to prospective buyers. A good real estate agent has a large variety of tools at their disposal, including but not limited to their social media followers, agency connections and resources, and best of all, access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database used by real estate agents and brokers where they can share information about properties for sale. This ensures that your property gets in front of people looking to make a purchase. Without access to these tools, your buyer pool and your home's selling potential will be limited. Before putting your house on the market, there are things you need to do to get it ready for sale. Among those include decluttering, deep cleaning, and even making necessary updates, to make it more appealing to prospective buyers, especially for listing photos and during showings.  If you are overwhelmed or wondering what home improvements you're supposed to make, you can count on your real estate agent to give you insightful suggestions. They can point out which parts of your house need sprucing, and which ones are fine just the way they are. You’ll be more informed about which home improvement projects don’t cost much, but will deliver the best return on your investment. Moreover, a reliable agent will also highlight any upgrades on your listing to make it stand out in your market. Selling a home means you will have to deal with a ton of paperwork, including real estate documents, reports, and contracts laden with industry jargon that can be overwhelming. Not to mention that each state has its own requirements when it comes to things like seller forms, disclosures, appraisals, among others.  A reliable real estate agent will take the time to explain the purpose of each document before you fill them out, clarify the terms before you agree and sign on them, and answer any questions you may have. By reviewing all the necessary documents with the help of your agent, you can avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own. Aside from thinking about the asking price you want for your house, you also need to address other terms of the sale, such as contingencies, closing costs and other fees, as well as moving date. You'd be going head-to-head with not only the buyer, but also other parties involved, including the buyer’s agent, real estate attorney (if the buyer has any), home inspector, and appraiser. Even if you’re a skilled negotiator yourself, having a real estate agent who will protect your best interests is critical. Since they have studied your property with all its details and features, and know what buyers are looking for in your area, it’ll be a lot easier to sell your house on your terms knowing that you’ve got a trusted real estate agent representing you at the negotiating table.

With the new year comes new milestones to reach. And if this year you'd want to go beyond the usual promises to focus on your health and wellness, read more, and finally achieve a grand dream like buying your first house, remember that preparation is key.  Here are six practical resolutions for you to consider so you can have a better chance of achieving your homeownership goals and finally have a place you can call your own.   There's no time like the present to start practicing good saving habits, especially if you plan to get a home loan this year. Start by getting a clear view of your expenses. Determine how much you spend on necessities, such as food, rent, utilities, transport, and other bills, including debts you’re paying off. Once you have tracked your monthly spending, you’ll know where you can cut costs and how you can boost your savings.  Saving as much money as you can also mean sacrificing some things that aren’t essential to your daily lifestyle. This may include limiting your nights out at restaurants or bars, reviewing your current monthly subscriptions or memberships, removing your credit card from online shopping sites to cut down on impulse purchases, and other little expenditures that can actually add up to as much as thousands of dollars per year. While it may sound like a no-brainer, any money you can save is valuable for your home savings plan, especially if you want a better deal on your mortgage.   Another number you'll need to give attention to before you go house-hunting this year is your credit score. Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Your score is a significant factor that lenders use to determine a borrower’s eligibility to buy a home. The better your credit score, the better your chances to qualify for more loan options and lower interest rates. And if applying for a conventional mortgage is what you’re aiming for, you need to have a credit score of 620 or higher. If this is something you still haven’t given attention to, resolve to get a copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com to get an idea of your score. Remember that you are entitled to a free credit report every year from each of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. By pulling your credit report, you can review if there are any errors on it that could be bringing your score down. If you find any, report them to the credit bureau to be investigated. If needed, check out tips to improve your credit, such as making timely payments on your bills and not opening new credit accounts or closing current ones. It takes months to improve your credit, so make sure you have a game plan to feel at ease going into the home buying experience.   If you're looking to buy a home for the first time, avoid making large purchases, such as a new car, jewelry, furniture, or any other big-ticket yet non-essential items. While buying these things aren’t necessarily bad, doing so even before your home buying journey begins can affect your credit score. In addition, using up cash reserves can impact your ability to qualify for a loan. Save those purchases for a date after closing to ensure there will not be any unexpected hiccups during the process.   You will need all your financial documents in order to apply for a mortgage, and this new year is the perfect time to have all your important papers ready. Create a comprehensive list of what you should collect and organize, and have them handy. Among these are pay stubs, tax returns, income statements, bank statements, check stubs, credit card statements, and other paperwork.   While preparing financially for your home buying journey is laborious, deciding where you want to put down roots and what home you specifically want to buy can also be challenging (but definitely fun!) You may have to be very specific about your goals, so resolve to determine what you're looking for and be realistic about it.  Research the areas you are looking at buying in to understand the type of properties available, as well as the price range. If you’ve found out that you currently live in a high priced market, is relocating a possibility? If it isn’t, can you bear the longer commute just to become a homeowner? You’d also want to see what neighborhoods fit your lifestyle by visiting during different times of the day to see what it’s like to live there. Walk around, visit stores or restaurants, and feel the general vibe of the place. Moreover, create a list of must-haves and would-be-nice-to-haves for your dream house. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want to have? Is having a backyard a massive factor for you? Knowing where you can compromise and what might be a deal-breaker will be significant once you begin your search in earnest. Also, having a specific goal in mind will make it easier for you to achieve it.   As soon as you've decided that you want to buy your first home, resolve to find a good real estate agent that will be very valuable in achieving your goal. Purchasing a home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make, so it is crucial to have a trusted agent who will educate you and guide you through the whole process.  Your agent can also help you build your homeownership dream team. You may check their recommendations on real estate attorneys, mortgage professionals, and home inspectors. Choosing your agent wisely can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with the complex and sometimes stressful real estate transaction. 

      Looking for things to do in Downtown St. Petersburg? Here are 5 things within your current walking distance! Visit the top of the St. Pete Pier - The St Pete Pier located in Downtown St. Pete. After three years of construction, The Pier opened to the public on July 5 2020. The project started out with a $50 million budget but ended up costing about $93 million to complete. The pier boasts 26 beautiful acres and is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, a beach and much more. The Rooftop Bar on the St. Pete Pier, Pier Teaki is just one of the 6 Restaurants and Bars located here at the Pier. There is a fit for everyone’s taste here ranging from a more fine dining experience at Teak, with their 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows giving picturesque views of the Downtown Skyline and Tampa Bay, to a more casual, family-friendly experience like Spa Bistro, offering outdoor seating right by Spa Beach.  Grab a drink at The Canopy - This is St. Pete's premier destination for Boutique Lodging, Unique Dining, and Rooftop Lounging. Located at 340 Beach Drive. The rooftop bartenders are fantastic! Excellent service industry specials on Sundays and the view is killer. Great for brunch or just slacking off for the day. Catch a show at Janus Live - The Dali Museum - Visit an unparalleled collection of works by renowned artist Salvador Dalí, from iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols. Take a stroll in Vinoy Park - One of the most talked about and visited park in St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront, Vinoy Park is named after the Vinoy Park Hotel, which once sat adjacent to the park. The park has some of the most scenic views in St. Petersburg and is a popular place to rent for hosting events, such as festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Besides its popularity for events, it’s also a popular place for fitness and offers recreation trails along the waterfront of avid walkers, runners and bikers.

If you're starting to feel the stress of the holidays, just know it’s normal since this season demands a lot for most of us. Thankfully, here are some practical strategies to keep stress under control and make it a truly enjoyable season. ","url":"https://vimeo.com/784034139","width":240,"height":240,"providerName":"Vimeo","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/1574217837-bea710076dd78121e63794919396796891d21b8896a2b2f750b6b120dfbc68b8-d_200x150","resolvedBy":"vimeo"}" data-block-type="32"> ">

It's the season of gifts, food, decorations, a lot of festivities, and of course- burglaries. Wait, what? Unfortunately, it’s the less cheerful reality of the holiday season. According to the FBI, 18 percent of home burglaries happen in December, and police only solve 13 percent of them. And if you’re going away on a holiday vacation, the last thing you’d want is to find that your place has been ransacked, with your valuable items missing. Criminals are already on the prowl, so it won't hurt to be extra cautious. We’ve compiled a list of simple but savvy ways to safeguard your property against theft and break-ins during the holidays.   While you're out having the time of your life somewhere, burglars can have the time of their life looting your place. So if you’re planning to travel this holiday season, keep your plans off your social media networks. Burglars can be technologically savvy nowadays, and divulging too much information online about your trip compromises your home security and makes you an easy target for them. They can quickly identify you or your family and search for your home address, even if you think you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or Instagram accounts. No matter how excited you are, wait until you are home before posting about your vacation so you won’t broadcast your absence. If you want to give updates to your family or close friends, give them a call. Also, adjust your privacy settings and confirm your location services are in manual mode so you won’t broadcast your location.   It's a sight many of us are probably looking forward to this time of year—a wonderful Christmas tree all lit up, with lots of pretty wrapped gifts underneath. But putting these festive decorations next to a window or other areas that are highly visible to the street is also a sight good enough for burglars to window-shop. It’s a visual invitation for them to size up your home and break in, especially once you’re away. Minimize temptation by making sure you set up the tree and gifts away from windows or other places with a view. If the front room is your best choice, use thick curtains or blinds to conceal your home’s interior and block the view from the outside. You may also consider hiding gifts temporarily, only taking them out in time for the opening of presents.   ‘Tis the season of gift giving and holiday shopping. And we know how joyful it is to get that spectacular flatscreen TV you've been saving for months, the latest laptop model, or any other big-ticket items that come in branded packaging and boxes. However, make sure you pay attention to how you dispose of your trash. Never leave empty boxes on the curb, unless you want to unintentionally advertise to everyone who drives down your block (including opportunistic burglars) that you’ve got a new TV. If you’re not mindful, burglars don’t need to see the inside of your home to know what valuables you have and what they can get their hands on. So wait until garbage day until you can discard boxes of expensive items. Or better yet, see if you can break down the boxes into smaller pieces and conceal them in an opaque trash bag. Burglars are always on the lookout for such garbage items, so don’t send them an invitation to go in.   If you're expecting packages this holiday season but won’t be home to receive them, don’t make the mistake of sticking a note on your front door telling the delivery company to just leave the packages on your porch. Doing so only gives burglars the assurance that you’re gone. A report revealed that almost 1 in 7 Americans have fallen victim to package theft or what they call “porch pirates.” A smart move would be to contact the shipping company directly and give them special instructions about where to leave packages. If you’ve done all your holiday shopping and will be receiving lots of deliveries, you may also want to invest in a secure parcel drop box to keep on your porch.   With family and friends coming and going this holiday season, it's tempting to have a spare key hidden in an inconspicuous place around your home to make it easier for them to let themselves in. Did we mention under the potted plants or inside a fake outdoor socket? Well, that is a huge no-no! Experienced home invaders know all the best key-hiding spots, and you’re giving them an easy way to get in once they get their hands on your key. So stop hiding your spare keys around the house, or better yet, get rid of them altogether.   Are you going out of town for the holidays? Make your home look like someone is there, even if it's empty. Take advantage of smart home technology to control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere. Having lights on a timer is also preferable because you can turn them on automatically at specific times. Or better yet, invest in a monitored home security system, which can work perfectly with motion sensor lights. Maintaining a presence even when you’re gone will help reduce the chances of your home being the next target.   Even with all the aforementioned precautions in place, a lack of visible activity in the home, especially for a long time, is likely to raise a burglar's suspicions sooner or later. This is why it’s best to make arrangements with a trusted friend or neighbor and have them drop by to check in on your home. You can ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity while you’re gone. Depending on what applies to you, you can also pay someone to shovel your walkways if it snows, collect your mail and packages, take out the trash, and more.

You have been in the market for a while now searching for your forever home. You thought that none of the homes suit you right now. Until you see this listing: a charming four-bedroom abode with a huge backyard ideal for your family, near a bustling neighborhood, and well within your price range. It is your idea of perfection, so you want to view it as soon as you can, texting your real estate agent to schedule a showing. You checked for further details about the property and saw someone mentioned flooding in the area. Could your dream home be at risk of flood damage? According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Their historical data says 99 percent of U.S. counties were impacted by a flooding event (1996-2019). And since the risk of flooding is only increasing with climate change, it is critical to have a good understanding of your prospective property and its flood risk. Here is what you need to know before buying a house in a flood-prone area.   The best way to determine a prospective home's flood risk is to check out official flood maps. You can visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, type in the address, and the map will show you where the flood zones are located in the area. The maps offer a risk calculation based on past events and flood patterns and are continually updated. While there is no such thing as a no-risk zone, buyers can see how prone their property is to flooding using flood maps. They have designated two main types of flood areas: Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas (NSFHA). Homes in the SFHAs have a 1% or higher chance of experiencing flooding each year. During the span of a 30-year mortgage, these areas have at least a one-in-four chance of flooding. Meanwhile, NSFHAs are considered low- to moderate-risk flood zones that are not in immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing bodies of water or hard rains. It is best to research this information early in the homebuying process, even before you tour or visit the home. Flood risk can significantly affect the property price, and you may need to purchase flood insurance (more on this later).   Once you have identified the floodplain, take your research further to learn more about the home's flood history. You may take a close look at the seller’s property disclosure statement, which is a legal form designed to share all facts related to the physical condition of a property that may not be obvious. Currently, no federal statutes require sellers to disclose information about flood risk or prior flood damage. However, according to the Flood Risk Disclosure report from FEMA, as of July 2022, 35 states have enacted some form of a legal or regulatory mechanism requiring property sellers to disclose factors related to flood risk about their property. But it is important to note that only current owners are obligated to disclose their first-hand knowledge. This means if the flooding happened before they took over the home, they may not know or may not disclose that information. You can ask the sellers if and when a flood event has led to an insurance claim. Or you may check the flood history through the insurance carrier. If records indicate a previous flood, verify the reason and the resulting impact on the property. Since you are buying more than just the house but also the neighborhood, try to look back at flood history in the area, especially if near a body of water. Ask your neighbors or search online archives from local news outlets. It is critical that you know what you are getting into before making an offer.   If your desired home is in a flood zone, you may be required to get flood insurance aside from a general insurance policy, especially if you need a mortgage to purchase it. Why? Because homeowners insurance does not cover damage due to flooding. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents of a building, or both. After all, a single inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. There are two basic types of flood insurance available: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is a government-backed option, and private flood insurance. Note that NFIP is only available in 23,000 communities. For borrowers in communities without NFIP coverage, the best option is a private insurer. According to Forbes Advisor, the average cost of flood insurance from NFIP is $995 a year. Remember that you will pay for this on top of your other mortgage costs, so think long and hard about the numbers and remember to factor these premiums into your monthly budget before purchasing.   Your agent is your knowledgeable partner Yes, your real estate agent isn't a flood map expert. But they can help you make a well-informed decision before buying your biggest investment. If you are starting your home search, you can ask your agent if the prospective home is within a designated flood zone. They can also tell you what the designation means, and the risk associated with it. If it is in a flood-prone area, be upfront about how much flood risk you are comfortable with. They are also the best resource when it comes to seller disclosure forms, which can be very complicated, especially for first-time home buyers. Your real estate agent can also help you discover what steps the local government has taken in terms of its floodplain management to protect the community from the area’s flood risks. They can help you decide if best to consult a local floodplain manager. A floodplain manager will further explain FEMA maps, answer flood risk-related questions, and advise you to talk to a reputable insurance agent if you are set on buying a home and living in a flood zone.   Weigh the pros and cons carefully before buying a property in a flood-prone area Deciding where to buy a home is an entirely personal decision based on many factors. People are considering purchasing a property in a flood zone because this usually means they are just a short walk away from beautiful bodies of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. A charming house close to nature, how alluring is that? Moreover, even if it is risky to own and expensive to insure, you might be able to get one for a good price. So aside from learning as much about the property as possible, think about your level of comfort with risk, your financial ability, and whether you are prepared to take action to mitigate flood damage, before making a decision.

Whether you are renovating to make your space more comfortable, to increase your home's value, or just trying the style you always wanted from Pinterest, one of the biggest obstacles you can face when updating your home is staying within your budget. Budgeting for any remodeling project can be challenging. In fact, in the 2021-2022 study by Houzz, 34 percent of homeowners exceeded their budget, and they did so for a variety of reasons. The top two reasons they cited include finding that the products or services were more costly than expected and that the project was more complex. Want to avoid these mistakes made by homeowners? We have listed these four expert tips to help keep your project as close to budget as possible.   It can be tempting to do the legwork yourself, so you can save money, especially if you know you have got enough time on your hands. However, the DIY route may not be cheaper than you thought it would be. Your lack of know-how can be costly, and you could spend more on a botched job. Especially for plumbing, electrical, or structural work, it will be safer and cheaper to pay a licensed and experienced professional to do the job right. Also, trust that professionals know the best brands to work with and can achieve the look you are aiming for while still getting the most bang for your buck. But while it is better to leave the job to the pros, there are some things you can do to prepare your space before a crew comes, especially if you are paying them per hour. Depending on the remodel, you can tidy up the area and clean surfaces, pack up and move furniture and other decors out of the construction zone to make their job go more smoothly.   Experts recommend hiring a general contractor for medium- to large-scale remodeling projects. A general contractor knows who will do the best work for the best price, and they will know when to schedule them to avoid wasting dollars on inefficient use of time. Plus, sticking to a single contractor ensures the quality of work and materials will be consistent. To get the best deal, obtain bids from at least three different traders. While it is not unusual for their quotes to differ in certain areas, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about their good and bad points and different approaches to the same work. Moreso, you can be wary if a bid is too good to be true, which could be a red flag that the contractor is either lying to you or is inexperienced. If you decide not to choose a general contractor and hire individual workers yourself, get at least three quotes for each service performed so you can better compare their prices and scope of work.   No matter how big or small the remodeling project is, careful and detailed planning is the best way to avoid expensive problems down the road. Remember that the cost of renovations does not only include the materials and contractor/labor fees. Further, consider the little things, such as the costs for any necessary permits, sales tax, delivery charges, shipping charges, and even cleaning materials. Getting a detailed breakdown of the costs upfront means you can see how the different elements of your project add up to the total price. If you are working with a good contractor, expect that you will get a detailed quote. They will also take the time to sit down with you and discuss the entire project, creating a step-by-step plan. This is also the best time to make all the decisions, especially regarding the materials and finishes you want. And once the plan is complete, stick to it so you will not make last-minute changes when you are stressed, which is a surefire way to get your budget out of control.   Even if you are an optimistic homeowner, part of the planning stage is to have a plan for the unexpected. According to the Houzz study, one of the biggest reasons homeowners went over budget was because the project turned out to be more complex than expected. When your contractor opens a wall, they could find some necessary electrical work. If you have an older home, there is a critical risk of getting things that need updating, including plumbing, electrical, and wall material issues or even discovering mold and asbestos, that could jeopardize your family's health and safety. Hence, regardless of the budget you arrive at, it is safer to have an additional 10-25 percent buffer to cover any surprise expenses and delays. You will get peace of mind knowing that you have the funds just in case you need money to fix whatever is discovered wrong at short notice. Besides, experts say this cash cushion, more often than not, comes in handy.

When you decide to put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward in preparing it to look its best for prospective buyers. Besides, the better your home shows, the more offers you'll likely get, right? Next, you make a to-do list of what things to fix and update around your home, only to realize that the list could go on forever. That’s when you realize: Do I have to do everything? For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home's value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it's actually up to you.  The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.   Having state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be appealing and is a nice bonus. But not having them is seldom a deal breaker. Especially in hot seller's markets, old but working appliances may not need replacing or upgrading. All that you need is to give the appliances a good cleaning. If your older model appliances are worn, broken, or missing some parts, that's the time to think about replacing them. However, brand-new appliances can cost a fortune and are not worth buying only to get your home sold. So instead of splurging on top-of-the-line models (that you won’t be able to use much, anyway), consider buying used or floor models that can still add a lot of value to your home without draining your bank account.    Should you renovate the kitchen and bathrooms? That's probably one of the biggest questions sellers have when they decide to sell.  It’s important to note that a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can be costly and time-consuming. A kitchen remodel (midrange) will only recoup about 56 percent of the value, while remodeling a bathroom will only recoup about 59 percent, according to the 2022 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects. Likewise, your vision of a perfect kitchen or bath may differ from those of a potential buyer. And given all the home decor styles to choose from, trying to second-guess what they want and giving it to them when they visit your home is just plain unrealistic. It’s a risk when renovating these areas because they’re some of the things buyers look forward to when they can finally call it home. If your kitchen or bathroom looks dated but functional, you only need to ensure it’s clean and clutter-free. Present it as a space with potential that is easily customizable to the buyer’s preferences.    If your home already has hardwood floors, there's no need to tear out the existing flooring and replace it for the market. What’s important is to have your floors shined and polished before the staging or showing. The next homeowner may rip it out anyway and replace it with their choice of flooring, which could be wood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpet. If you have older carpets, you only need to spend a few bucks and hire a professional cleaning company rather than investing money into replacing them. The only time to consider ripping it all out is if there is a terrible odor from pets or if there are impossible stains that would deter a buyer from submitting an offer.   While improving your home's curb appeal is crucial in enticing buyers to knock on your door, your home's exterior needs not be perfect. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common, and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking.   Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “cool” now can become dated in a heartbeat, or what may be trendy for a specific slice of the population may be off-putting for others. When you decide to sell, your goal is for a wider pool of potential buyers to come to your showings. By providing them with a blank slate, it'll be easier for them to envision themselves in your home. If you’re repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, pick neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. Should you choose to fix any broken or damaged things like light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, never replace them with something too obnoxious or trendy. Always choose common fixture styles that can appeal to almost all buyers. They’d be happy to do their renovations once the house belongs to them!   Show off your home's potential Don't get overwhelmed by the idea that you need to fix everything you think is wrong with your house to get more offers. You’ll only waste valuable time and money on unnecessary upgrades that you could use to cover closing costs. You aren’t going to get a return on your investment if your house becomes “too much for the neighborhood” and yours is the only one that stands out. Aim to show your home's potential instead of trying to achieve perfection. And if you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent so you’re guaranteed to make the most out of your home sale.