Nov 15, 2013 | Around The Home
Updating home decor used to be more than just a small task and a lot of work. Fear no more if you have a flair for home decoration projects you are in luck. Nowadays there are so many resources and outlets to use. There are no more excuses for not being to afford a home decor project.
DIY Is The New Black
There a billion home decor and DIY magazines and websites out there but the best way to receive fresh and unique ideas Pinterest has become the new Google in DIY projects. Not only does it provide inspiration and it’s easy to browse and search projects.
If you are looking to get involved in re-purposing or recycling existing furniture and other home goods, not only can your costs stay low, but it’s likely that you have the required project materials in your home already.
A Sampling Of Some Projects Include:
- Making bathrooms more private using stenciled window patterns
- Creating slip-covered, upholstered headboards
- Disguising less-than-perfect cabinet/cupboard doors with prints
- Transforming old mirrors and windows into functional message boards
- Decoupaging retro posters to revitalize old furniture
- Reusing old glass jars and creating light fixtures
- Old potato sacks can be wrapped around canvas to create tack boards
- Used tires can be repainted and used as flower pots
- Raggedy old shirts can be cut up and used as new pillow cases
- Painting an accent wall adds a new energy into any room
The projects range in difficulty from basic to advanced. Some require nothing more than scissors and glue; others require advanced skills in woodworking and sewing. One thing is for certain is that there is something for everyone.
These are just a few ideas to add some spice in your home decor, the Holidays are around the corner and what a great way to get involved than doing a DIY project together. Which ones will you incorporate into the decor of your home? For more information about DIY projects and home ownership, feel free to contact your trusted real estate professional.
Nov 14, 2013 | Home Building Tips
You’ve found the perfect new development and think your children would love swimming in the community pool and riding bikes on the wide streets. The new construction’s sales agent gave you a price and made a strong pitch urging you to buy immediately.
The question is, should you sign on the dotted line or bring in a real estate agent to handle the contract and negotiations?
The first thing you need to realize is that the new construction sales agent represents the developer and has their investment in mind. A real estate agent is someone who will be on your side. They’ll represent your interests and can help you.
Go Through The Process
If you’re looking at a specific development, the sales agent might offer you a discount if you sign without using a real estate agent. This is because the sales commission for the real estate agent usually comes out of the seller’s pocket.
However, most developers have this figure built into their price, so you might as well enlist a real estate agent’s help and advice — it’s free after all.
Decide If It’s A Smart Investment
Developers are invested in the property they’re trying to sell. They need to unload every lot in order to make a return on their investment, so it’s likely they don’t have your best interests in mind. A real estate agent will know what homes sell for in the area, what the school district is like and if it’s a good neighborhood. They’ll be able to recognize if it’s a good fit for your family.
Negotiate With Insider Knowledge
A real estate agent knows their market and usually the local gossip. If they’ve heard that a developer is willing to entertain low offers, then they might have clients that could buy in a neighborhood thought to be out of their price range. Also, they’ll know which upgrades a developer is likely to include in order to make the sale.
Decipher Confusing Paperwork
Buying property comes with a lot of paperwork. Contracts can be extremely confusing, so it’s always a good idea to have a seasoned veteran read over yours. A real estate agent has a great deal of experience with complicated contracts and knows what phrasing should be included and where sellers slip in sneaky wording.
From making sure the new construction is right for you to ensuring you get the upgrades you want and examining the contract with a fine-toothed comb, a real estate agent will represent your interests and get you the best deal.
Nov 13, 2013 | Around The Home
Summer has been over and Fall is really here, temperatures are beginning to drop, and you’re dreading having to turn the heat on for the first time. Firing up the furnace can burn a hole in your pocket, but there’s something you can do about it. Consider these tips to help lower your heating bill.
Replace Your Air Filters
Get new air filters for your central heating and cooling. The filters get clogged and it takes more and more energy to keep your house warm. Be sure to clear out any dust bunnies or cobwebs from behind the filter. Use a vacuum if necessary.
Does Your Attic Need Insulation?
Heat rises, and if your attic is not adequately insulated, then your central heating system will be stuck sending all your hot air (and your heating bill) straight through the roof. There are three options for attic insulation: roll on insulation, spray on insulation, or polyurethane foam. Roll on insulation is the best option for the do-it-yourselfers out there, but you might consider using polyurethane foam if you plan to turn that attic space into a bedroom.
Caulk Up The Windows
Cold air is constantly sneaking into your house through the cracks in your window. Use a temporary silicone caulk to seal up your windows during the winter. When you’re ready to open them up again in the spring, the silicone caulk will crack right off without damaging the paint.
Wrap Your Pipes
Wrapping your pipes will insulate them from the cold to prevent freezing, as well as saving you money on energy bills. Use a special insulation sleeve from the hardware store or do it the old fashioned way with heat tape. This is especially important if you have pipes in an crawlspace or basement that isn’t insulated.
Let The Light In
You don’t have to buy special panels to take advantage of solar power. Open the curtains on south-facing windows, and heat up your house the natural way. With the sun’s help, you won’t need to bump your thermostat up as often.
Be Smart With The Thermostat
Don’t be afraid to turn your thermostat down a little bit. If you’re leaving the house for a while, bump it down a few degrees and give your system a rest. Try throwing an extra blanket on the bed and dropping a few degrees before bed. You’ll only see a difference on your bill. You might try a programmable thermostat as well!
Now that it’s getting cold, you can finally make some hot chocolate and put on your brand new coat, but you shouldn’t have to wear it inside. With these easy tips you can learn to keep your house warm without having to crank up the thermostat.
Nov 12, 2013 | Personal Finance
How do you know what happens to your documents when you put a piece of paper in the trash? It can be difficult to know who is seeing it and what they are doing with it. It isn’t very common to burn trash anymore; therefore you can be sure that your paper garbage or recycling is likely to pass through several hands on its way to a landfill or recycling center.
Step–By–Step, Your Documents Can Get Pilfered
Every step that occurs once the trash leaves your control has risk that someone will find personal information they can use to cause you harm. One way to safeguard personal information is to shred it before it goes into the trash.
Shredding devices are available at most office supply stores. Cross-cut shredders provide more security than strip-cut shredders. You may want to consider one depending on your level of concern. Shredding services or shredding events are often offered by financial institutions or community organizations.
Properly destroying sensitive personal information is a key step in helping to keep your identity secure. You really should shred any documents containing personal information, but be cautious not to shred financial documents that you may still need.
To Shred Or Not To Shred, That Is The Question…Or Maybe It‘s When To Shred
The Better Business Bureau offers these guidelines on when to shred:
- Deposit, ATM, credit, and debit card receipts can be shredded once the transaction appears on your statement
- Canceled checks, credit card statements, and bank statements with no long-term significance can go through the shredder after one year; if used to support tax returns, keep them for seven years
- Monthly bill statements can be shredded one year after receiving, to allow for year-to-year bill comparisons (another good way to monitor your budget!)
- Credit card contracts and loan agreements should be saved for as long as the account is active
- Pay stubs can be shredded yearly after reconciling with your W-2 or other tax forms
- Documentation of investment purchases or sales should be kept for as long as you own the investment and then seven years after that; shred monthly investment account statements annually after reconciling with a year-end statement
- Always shred documents with Social Security numbers, birth dates, PIN numbers or passwords, financial information, contracts or letters with signatures, pre-approved credit card applications, medical and dental bills, travel itineraries, and used airline tickets.
Nov 8, 2013 | Around The Home
Your living spaces are the most important rooms in your home. They’re where you read bedtime stories, have family dinners and make many memories.
However, most of these rooms wouldn’t be as inviting or function well without their valuable out-of-sight storage spaces — their closets.
Imagine clothes thrown across bedrooms and toys scattered all over the living room. Closets are essential to keeping your home organized, clean and livable.
So set aside one weekend this month to tackle your mini storerooms and turn them into orderly spaces with the tips below.
Designate A Theme For Each Closet
Every closet in your home should have a specific purpose, such as a space for only linens, cleaning supplies or coats. Don’t cheat and put the vacuum in the hall closet just because it’s the nearest.
Make sure you return items to their proper closet, so you always know exactly where tools or shoes can be found.
Create Specific Spaces
Whether this means adding shelving or dividers, you’ll want to designate a space for each item. To do this, take everything out of the closet and prioritize it by importance. Then place the most important things within easy reach.
This might require a trip to purchase a closet storage system or bins. If there’s anything at the bottom of your priority list left over, get rid of it.
Make It Look Good
If it’s a space you utilize daily, such as a walk-in closet, then make it a pleasure to be in it. Every closet should have good lighting; so install bright bulbs that allow you to see what you’re selecting. If you have a large walk-in closet, you could glam it up and add functionality with funky chandeliers, a built-in ironing board and a specified shoe cabinet.
Divide And Conquer
If you have children who need to share a closet, then get creative. Assign them different colored hangers and bins with labels. From bedroom and toy closets to craft and coat closets, you’ll reduce confusion and frustration when everyone has their own space.
Reduce your clutter confusion by giving everything in your house its own home. By following these tips you’ll soon have well-organized closets that serve specific purposes and make it easy for anyone in your family to find what they need.
