It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering 60 percent of homebuyers buy with a down payment of 6 percent or less, according to the National Association of Continue Reading ...
Archive for the ‘ home inspection ’ Category
2018 Remodeling Trends That Boost Your Home’s Value
A strong housing market is giving homeowners the confidence to invest in remodeling. In fact, homeowner spending on improvements and repairs will approach $340 billion in 2018, an increase of 7.5 percent from estimated 2017 spending, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Remodeling can add value to your home while also making it more livable, but not all remodeling projects are created equal. While Continue Reading ...
Live-Edge Wood In Home Design
Helpful Information from your friends at Atlantic Building Inspections Live-edge hardwood, in which the sides of the slab are left unmilled to retain the natural profile of the tree trunk, is an increasingly popular decorative trend in today’s residential interiors. The technique is not only used for pieces of stand-alone furniture such as tables and benches but also for built-in elements like shelving, mantles, countertops, bars and kitchen islands. “Most mills cut off Continue Reading ...
Reducing Risks : Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving
The pace of business never seems to stop, and thanks to the convenience of cell phones, many people work on the go, even while they’re driving. Yet cell phone use is one of the most common types of distracted driving, and it claims thousands of lives and causes thousands of more injuries every year. More than a quarter of all car crashes involve cell phone use, both hand sets and hands-free, the National Safety Council (NSC) reports. In 13 percent of fatal crashes, the drivers were using Continue Reading ...
4 Tips To Keep Your Home Warm And Energy Efficient
With winter comes the holiday season, a time that's supposed to be associated with "comfort and joy." But how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable. "Drafts and heat loss are common problems in the winter, and they affect homes of every age, size and construction," says Gary Parsons, fellow at The Dow Chemical Company. Continue Reading ...
10 Smart Ideas To Heat Your Home For Less
As cooler temperatures begin to sweep the nation, homeowners are turning on their heat for the first time in months. With every degree increase on the thermostat, utility bills follow suit. A warm, comfortable home shouldn't cost you a small fortune. Luckily, there are some simple strategies for combating the chill while lowering heating costs at the same time. Change the filters The summer and fall months are a prime time for airborne allergens and microbes, which can clog furnace filters Continue Reading ...
4 Important Tips From Miami Home Inspectors For Planning A Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen upgrades can seem daunting. From full renovations to hardware updates, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your dream kitchen. To make the process as smooth as possible, Delta Faucet compiled key tips to keep in mind as you embark on the remodeling journey. These quick guidelines will help you focus on the end result and ensure the overall experience is enjoyable. Storage solutions Determine storage needs based on how you work. Take inventory of kitchen tools and Continue Reading ...
DIY Projects From Home Inspector Miami To Increase The Value Of Your Home
Whatever you're passionate about, you know hobbies cost money. People who haven't shaken the travel bug need to negotiate time off work, pay for lodging, airfare and more. If you're a big football fan, the amount you spend on food, snacks, game tickets and clothing adds up during the course of a season. Even simple hobbies like fishing can require a seemingly endless number of gadgets and electronics. Fortunately, for anyone who likes to roll up their sleeves and isn't afraid of taking on a Continue Reading ...
3 Reasons Why Winter Is A Smart Time To Buy A House With Miami Home Inspectors
Don't give up on buying a home as winter nears. In fact, December through February may be better for buyers than the busy season in spring and summer. Enjoy less competition and lower prices. Fewer properties are typically available during the winter, as sellers and buyers aim to complete transactions before the school year begins. You can turn that to your advantage. "In winter, there are fewer properties, but it's less competitive, with fewer buyers per property," says Greg Jaeger, president Continue Reading ...
Autumn And Early Winter: The Best Times To Be A Homebuyer According To Miami Home Inspectors
The long-held belief that summer is the only time to buy a home is fading fast. Savvy home-buyers are learning that when temperatures drop, numerous benefits emerge that simply aren't available other times of the year. "With warm weather and many homes on the market, summer is generally the busiest real estate season. However, autumn into early winter can be opportune times for people who are serious about buying a home, too" says Geoff Lewis, RE/MAX, LLC President. "This time of year has big Continue Reading ...
