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Renovating Your Home? Check Out Our FAQ’s!

June 10, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

How do I choose a contractor?

Ideally, you should build a relationship with your contractor that is similar to the one you have with your real estate agent. It should be based on trust and make you want to return to them for future needs. Your contractor should be very good at listening and communicating. You want your contractor to “get” what you want for your home and to keep in touch with you every step of the process. Do your research by checking out the reputation of contractors, speaking with other clients and looking at their previous work before making your choice.

How much will my project be?

The answer will depend on the scope of the project. However, to ensure that your contractor is able to provide you with the best estimate, it’s important to write down all the details of your plan. Renovations often take longer and cost more than expected. This is because homeowners make changes or additions along the way or don’t realize they may need to reroute outlets and electricity if they move a wall. You have to consider each item individually.

How long will it take to finish the renovations?

This depends on how much work is done and how many changes you make along the way. The more planning you do before you start, the better estimate you can get from your contractor.

How do I prioritize my projects?

You may want to plan your project in phases if you live in your home while renovations are taking place. This will allow you to live in some rooms and work in others. You may need to phase projects depending on the cost and available funds.

Where do I start?

Start by doing a lot of online research. Start a look book for your home. You can do this in a notebook, or online. Collect pictures of the finishes and looks you like. Visit kitchen, bathroom, flooring, appliance and flooring showrooms, and talk to different contractors to get ideas and pricing.

Do I need permits?

Your contractor will be able to tell you which projects require permits. Be sure to follow all permitting regulations. Failure to do so can lead to further work being required.

How much will renovating my home increase its value?

Homeowners often believe that improvements will increase the value of their home. However, sometimes, what they consider improvements can be liabilities for future buyers. Don’t spend so much on your house that it is more expensive than other houses in the neighborhood. Be careful not to add style preferences that are difficult to change, such as ornamental fixtures, radical architectural features, or unusual landscaping.

How do I pay for renovations

If you can afford to pay cash for your renovations then that is a great option. If you don’t have the cash, you could consider a home-equity loan with a manageable payment or a revolving credit line that you can use to pay for renovations and any emergencies that may come up later.

June Real Estate Market!

June 8, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The June real estate market is expected to be a bit slower than the previous month, but still strong overall. There are a few factors that are contributing to this, including rising mortgage rates and inflation.

Mortgage rates have been rising steadily in recent months, and this is making it more expensive for buyers to afford a home. Inflation is also on the rise, which is reducing the amount of disposable income that buyers have available to spend on housing.

Despite these challenges, the June real estate market is still expected to be strong. There is still a lot of demand for homes, and inventory levels are still low. This means that buyers will still be able to find homes, but they may have to make some concessions, such as waiving contingencies or paying over asking price.

Here are some tips for buyers and sellers in the June real estate market:

For Buyers:

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show sellers that you’re serious about buying and that you have the financial means to do so.
Have a good understanding of the market. Know what homes are selling for in your area and what kind of features are in demand.
Be prepared to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the price or terms of the sale.
Be patient. The June real estate market may be a bit slower than previous months, so be patient and don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if it’s not right for you.

For Sellers:

Get your home ready to sell. Before you list your home, make sure it’s in good condition and staged to show its best features.
Price your home competitively. The right price is essential for a quick sale.
Market your home aggressively. Use a variety of marketing channels to reach as many potential buyers as possible.
Be prepared to make some concessions. Buyers may ask for repairs or concessions, so be prepared to negotiate.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in the June real estate market.

Is it Smart to Refinance?

June 6, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

A mortgage refinance is a smart way to manage your investments if you use it in the right circumstances. Here are some things to consider about refinancing your mortgage.

When you refinance, you take out a new mortgage to pay off your old mortgage. The first question you should ask yourself is whether there is a better option than the one you started with.

Refinancing lets you borrow against the equity in your home to get cash that you can use for other debts, home improvements or retirement investments. Let’s say, for example, that you have $70,000 in equity, but still owe the $175,000 mortgage. You can take out a $200,000 mortgage to pay off your first mortgage. Then, you will receive $25,000 cash. You may have enough equity if you have been paying your mortgage regularly for at least five consecutive years.

Refinancing can also be done to reduce monthly payments, giving you more flexibility with your budget. You are basically starting all over again on your 30-year mortgage commitment when you refinance. However, if you do not take cash out, the new mortgage amount is lower and your payments will decrease.

If you took out a mortgage for 15 years, switching to a 30 year term will reduce your monthly payment.

You can also do the opposite, and switch from a 30 year loan to a term of 15 years. You will probably have to pay more in monthly payments, but your loan will be paid off sooner and you will pay less interest.

Refinancing is also done to switch from an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) into a fixed rate. This will eliminate fluctuations in your mortgage payment and allow you to take advantage of lower rates.

Do your homework before you decide to refinance. You should do an audit of your budget, evaluate your short- and long-term goals, check your score, monitor interest rate fluctuations and consider the costs associated with refinancing.

12 Tips for an Easier Move

June 2, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

While moving into a new house is exciting, few people enjoy the actual day of moving. Moving is stressful, whether you’re moving across town or the country. Here are a few helpful tips from moving experts to make your big day more manageable.

1. Plan your move in advance. Don’t wait to the last minute before scheduling your move. Moving companies are booked weeks in advance. Be sure to let them know in advance if there are any large or heavy objects you need moved. You don’t want the movers showing up without enough staff or a truck too small to safely move your items.

2. Consider having the moving company package your belongings. It may be worth it to hire packers if it is within your budget. Packers are generally very efficient, and they take the time to carefully wrap fragile items. Packing is usually done the day before the move. This means that you won’t need to worry about packing away items you might need on the moving day.

3. Schedule services. Don’t forget to have services transferred or started at your new home. You may need: internet, tv, phone, gas, lawn, pool service, and security system monitoring

4. Your new home should be professionally cleaned. You can arrange for the cleaning of your new home to be done by a professional if you are not receiving any prior notice from the seller.

5. Pack a moving box. You should pack a moving supply box with items that you will need to unpack and settle in at your new house, including:

Toilet paper, paper towels, sponge, all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, furniture, moving pads, scissors, cordless screwdriver, picture hanging kit, bottled water, snacks, pet food, paper plates, cups, disposable utensils, hand and dish soap. Make Your Bed. Once your mattress and bed frames are off the truck and have been assembled by the movers, you can make up the beds. Pack all your blankets, pillows, and sheets in a box that is clearly marked so you can easily find them. You’ll appreciate that the beds will be ready for you to sink into when you are tired at the end.

7. Do the same with your bath towels and soap. You can also pack your soap and towels with your bedsheets so that you don’t have to look for them when you go into the shower.

8. Plan for your pets. You don’t want your pet to be stressed out on moving day, or even worse, escape in an unknown neighborhood. Plan for your pets day to be spent with family, friends, a sitter, or boarding facility until you feel ready to bring them into their new home.

9. Accept helpers. It can be difficult to accept help from friends or family if you don’t know what they are capable of. You can delegate the following tasks:

Lay shelf liner in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers Unpack and put away your kitchen items (you can rearrange later!) Babysit or keep your children occupied Make up your beds, place towels in the bathrooms Wipe down cabinets and counters Break down packing boxes Hang clothes in closets Organize tools and equipment in the garage Pick up lunch or dinner

10. Hire a Sitter. If you have little ones, they will be very excited about their new home, new rooms, and yard. They will want to be with you, but they will not be interested in unpacking boxes! Make plans for someone to be available just for them, so you can concentrate. A family member, friend or hired sitter can help them explore their new surroundings, build a box fort, or organize their toys in their new rooms without you worrying about where they are.

11. Hire someone to hang art. If you don’t like to do it yourself, consider hiring a handyman to install your window treatments and wall art. You can save a lot of time by having a handyman come in and hang your wall art. A decorator is a good choice if you need assistance deciding how to hang portraits or art. They can assist you in deciding on the placement of items and either hang them themselves or instruct a handyman to do so.

12. Leave the old home. You should have filled out a form at the post office to change your address before closing. Remember to leave any keys, garage door openers or gate openers. Also make sure that the movers do not pack loose items like ceiling fan remotes or other items that remain with the home. Do not forget to clean the attic, sheds in your backyard, crawlspaces or other hidden spaces where you may have stored things. It’s always nice to have the home professionally cleaned for the new owners, and, if you feel inclined, leave a list of recommended local vendors for household services.

June is National Homeownership Month!!

June 1, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The home is more than just a roof or four walls. It’s a place of comfort, security and value. Owning a home is a great investment for both individuals and their communities. However, both renters as well as homeowners are faced with challenges in securing affordable and stable housing.

According to the National Association of Realtors(r) the net value of an average homeowner is almost 40 times that of a non owner. Homeownership can also be a great way to build wealth for future generations and personal financial security. People who own their home are more likely to invest in the community.

What is National Homeownership Month ?

National Homeownership Month provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges that aspiring homeowners face, to raise awareness about illegal housing discrimination and to recognize the importance of fair Housing for everyone.

Beginning in the 1990s, President Bill Clinton declared a National Homeownership Week from June 7 through June 13. The week commemorated a nationwide push to make homeownership more accessible for all by creating market conditions that lowered mortgage rates, created more jobs and increased family incomes.

In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the week to the entire month of June, to both celebrate the benefits of homeownership and call attention to the ongoing racial disparities among American homeowners.

The White House issued a new Proclamation last year to celebrate National Homeownership Month and reaffirm its commitment to housing equity. The proclamation reads: “Whether owning, renting, or aspiring to do either, we renew our commitment to lowering costs and expanding access to safe, affordable homes that all Americans need and deserve,” reads the proclamation.

We’re here to help you if you have any questions about buying a house or are a new homebuyer.

Original Blog: https://www.bairdwarner.com/2023/06/01/june-is-national-homeownership-month/#:~:text=National%20Homeownership%20Month%20is%20an%20opportunity%20to%20address,Homeownership%20Week%20from%20June%207%20through%20June%2013.

What to Look For on Your Final Walk-Through

May 25, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The final walkthrough of your new home can be a very exciting experience. You have completed all the necessary steps, including negotiations, inspections and financing approval. Now you are ready to sign your closing papers. Most buyers have already thought about paint colors and furniture placement before the final walk-through. The walk-through is more than just ensuring that your favorite chair fits by the fireplace. Do your due diligence and make sure that there are no issues you need to resolve before the closing table. The final walk-through will ensure that the home is in the same condition as when you purchased it.

Check for the following:

1) Check that there is no damage to the house that the sellers should be responsible for. The weather or careless movers may cause damage. Old and forgotten damage can be discovered when the sellers’ possessions are removed.

2) Make sure that all appliances are in good working order and that no new electrical or plumbing issues have appeared. You don’t need to do a full home inspection but you can check visually for obvious issues that should be fixed before you move in.

3) Verify that all items conveyed by contract are present. If the sellers agreed that certain furniture, decor or equipment would be left, make sure it hasn’t been removed.

4) Verify that the sellers have removed their belongings. You don’t need to arrive at the property with your moving truck to discover that the sellers have left behind a variety of unwanted furniture and trash. The sellers are responsible for clearing out anything that does not go with the sale.