Tips for homebuyers Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Bruzzese Home Improvements

To Sea or Not to Sea

Most people can only imagine hearing the sound of waves crashing against the shore or watching as the tide pulls within a few feet of their back door, and it’s safe to say that waking up to this kind of scene would be a dream for many. It is important, however, that the beauty of a beach home not distract you from other considerations that should be kept in mind when you decide whether to buy waterfront property. Here are three important things to remember when considering living on the beach.

Effects of Salt Water

You are bound to have beautiful views from your oceanfront home, but you need to be prepared for some of the property damage inherent with living so close to the ocean. The salt in the air is highly reactive because it carries an electrical charge. This electrical charge allows it to penetrate a variety of different materials, taking hold for years, and eventually causing corrosion and structural damage to property if not treated properly. You might even be unfortunate enough to get salt into your electrical wiring. This corrodes the metal and leads to short outs, broken electrical equipment, and in some cases, a fire.

Salt can also eat away at concrete. Too much exposure to salt will eventually lead to structural problems with your foundation, sidewalks, and pillars. Salt can also have the same effect on brick, mortar and plaster.

Furthermore, salt can eat away at wood in a process called delignification, where saltwater penetrates the wood and causes a formation of fuzzy crystals on its surface. These crystals pull out part of the cellular wall of wood. Delignification won’t cause significant damage in a one time flooding event, but after repeat exposures to salt, wood can wither away and become unstable.

Insurance

One other factor to keep in mind is homeowners insurance. Do your research on different insurance requirements. You’re likely to pay more for your insurance as you live closer to the water. You also want to look closely at the different insurance policies and what they cover. Every insurance policy is going to cover something different, and you’ll want to make sure that events like strong winds, tides, rain, hail, and any other types of destructive weather are covered under your plan.

Research

While living on a beach sounds ideal, this dream location can come with some nightmare weather. When you live on the ocean, you are going to have to be aware of the tides, as well as severe weather storms including hurricanes, and potentially, tsunamis. It is best to do plenty of research about the area you will live in, so you can decide if you are prepared to handle everything that can come with owning an oceanfront home.

If you find doing all this research on your own a little overwhelming then it would be a good idea to call a realtor in the area you want to buy a home. They should have all the information about weather, insurance, and any other details you might need to know before you buy a home on the ocean.

This article was provided by Chase Roberts, home and garden expert who dreams of an ocean-side home. If you’re a Texan looking for sturdy roofing perfect for seaside weather conditions, Chase recommends checking out a company that specializes in roofing in Katy, TX.

This article provides some great info for those of us in the Northeast who are considering becoming snow birds! ~Gary

sold sign owners — Source: inoutmovingdelivery.net

For some people, the move from an apartment to a house is one that they’ve been dreaming about for years. Finally being able to free themselves from landlords, rent, and creepy wall-sharing neighbors is certainly a goal worth pursuing. However, while you’re preparing to make that jump from tenant to homeowner, you’ll need to be aware of some things. Many first time home buyers find themselves facing bigger problems and stresses than they ever experienced in an apartment, and the shock of it all can really ruin the excitement and joy of owning your own place. Don’t let that happen to you. Here are a few tips to help make your move from apartment to house a successful venture.

1. Know your responsibilities

In an apartment, your particular responsibilities as a renter are limited. You’re not expected to make home repairs because it’s the responsibility of the landlord to take care of that. The same goes for plumbing, heating and cooling issues, and grounds-keeping. These are all costs that most renters are happy to avoid. However, when you purchase a piece of property, these concerns are now unequivocally yours. You may not have known or cared how to work the sprinkler system back at your old apartment, but you’ll need to know how to use them at your new house. Simply put, if you own the home, you own the problems. So, as a homeowner, it pays to consider just how much extra these added responsibilities are going to cost on average per month, both in terms of time and money. Likewise, as a renter, you would probably simply wait for something to fail before urging your landlord to get it fixed. As a homeowner, you’ll want to regularly inspect and perform maintenance on your home’s various systems so that you can catch any minor issues before they become big problems.

2. Get your finances in order

Buying a home isn’t just about scraping some money together and signing some papers; a house is a decades-long commitment that requires careful scrutiny of your income and finances. You’ll need a high credit score if you want to get the best possible interest rates. If your credit score has some room for improvement, consider waiting on purchasing a house until you can build it up a bit. Also, when you’re planning your budget, be sure to include more than just the monthly mortgage payment, as you’ll also need to consider the cost of maintenance, heating and cooling, water, waste removal, electricity, taxes, and possibly even Homeowner Association (HOA) fees. These expenses can really build up fast. Some expenses homeowners forget to consider are small things like pest control services, changing the air filters regularly, maintaining the water softener unit, monthly or annual home automation or security system costs, lawn care and fertilization, to name a few. These small expenses add up quickly and, if you’re not careful, they could put your budget in the red. A few ways you could prepare your pocketbook for these expenses is by checking out online reviews, such as, home security reviews or lawn care reviews, before making a decision. Look at the services for individual companies and the products that they offer, often times they will have sales or promotions that you can take advantage of.

3. Look for the right home; not simply the biggest

When it comes to real estate, we currently find ourselves in a “buyer’s market.” This means that there are fewer people looking to purchase a home than there are trying to sell one. This can result in low house prices and great interest rates for the new home buyer. However, it can also mean that certain house hunters—especially ones who are sick of the tight fits and small storage space associated with apartments—may end up pushing the limits of their affordability by jumping at the chance to purchase a mansion for a really good deal. These homeowners often end up regretting their decision, when they find themselves spending sometimes as much as 50% of their income or more just on monthly payments for a home that’s too large for their needs. Find something that’s the right size and price for you. Having a gigantic building isn’t worth it if you end up house-poor as a result.

New Home — Source: www.aspenrentalsmn.com

4. Decorate and remodel gradually

For many ex-renters, the realization that you now actually own your own property can lead to an almost feverish urge to personalize everything. Light fixtures, landscaping, paint colors, etc., all feel as though they need to be replaced as quickly as possible. But while any one of these projects could probably be accomplished relatively quickly and inexpensively, all of them together will create time and budget concerns that you may not be ready to deal with. Instead, work on individual projects one at a time and make sure that you’re not overextending your ability, or your bank account.

5. Have fun!

You’re becoming a homeowner! Don’t let the stress or concerns ruin it for you. As long as you take things slow, keep an eye on your finances, and behave responsibly, everything should work out just fine. So grab your keys, swing wide your new front door, and revel in the fact that you don’t have to pay rent anymore. Now, if you could just figure out how to work that sprinkler system…

Author Bio: David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home automation and making your home more green. Check out Vivint’s home automation systems for state of the art home automation.

Moving is never easy, but adding kids to the mix adds an entirely new level of potential complications. From procrastinating packers to tearful tots who loathe the idea of leaving their bedrooms, friends and neighborhoods behind, there’s an endless variety of kid-related problems during a move. The wisdom contained in these fifteen blogs, however, can make an arduous process a bit less harrowing and even a bit fun.

Dealing with Leaving

Children get emotional at the best of times, it’s a given. But when they have to leave their lifetime home, you never quite know how they’re going to react. Younger children will likely see it as an adventure, whereas older children feel that you are taking them away from a life they know and love. Either way, it is up to you to protect your child’s emotional well-being, so make sure you read these three blogs before speaking to your child about the big move.

Keeping Kids Busy

When it comes time to pack up your house, make sure your children are occupied. This is going to be a difficult time for everyone, which means that entertaining everyone is paramount. Children, especially, will feel the brunt of the move. Younger children may think moving is an exciting new experience, whereas older children will see the move as a way to separate them from their friends and will, as a result, probably drag their feet and complicate the process. In either scenario, it is paramount that you make a decision before packing day on whether the kids are going to be a help or a hindrance. Regardless of your children’s’ age, these three blogs will help you make the best decisions when planning a move.

Packing Kids and their Stuff

There comes a time in every kid’s life when he has to let go of the past. Yes, speak to your child about moving, but when it comes to packing up, he needs to get on-board. At this stage you should have reached an agreement on moving, so it’s now a matter of getting the job done. Kids will, given the chance, start pulling their favorite toys out of carefully packed boxes. To avoid having to constantly repack, make sure to set aside a few items that are designated as moving-day toys. In these three blogs you will find the best tips on packing, when moving with kids.

On the Road

When you’ve done everything else, you still have to get on the road. Traveling with kids is tough, but with the right attitude you can survive the journey. Whether you are traveling by land, air or sea, entertainment is a must. Long trips can become terribly tedious for kids, so anything that will distract them will make the journey much more bearable for everyone. There are plenty of games that all the family can play, and bringing along a few electronic games and books is a good idea, too. If you’re struggling for ideas on how to keep your kids occupied while on the road, check out these three blogs.

After the Move

Arriving, unfortunately, is not your journey’s end. You will have to unpack, and once that is done you will begin the settling in process. There are neighbors to meet, school meetings to attend and parks to find. This part of the process is where the kids become useful. Children are naturally inquisitive and will quickly seek out new friends, neighbors and places. Take the kids for a walk around the neighborhood when you arrive. Doing so will give everyone a chance to feel out your new home. This will also give you the opportunity to seek out potential play-dates, so that the kids can quickly settle into their new surroundings. For the best advice on settling in after a move, read these three blogs.

Article courtesy of Whitefence.com
(http://savings.whitefence.com/articles/15-best-blogs-how-handle-move-kids).

Vacation homes are a way to escape from the daily routine and stressors of life. They give you a place to relax, sip some wine, and talk to absolutely no one at all (if solitude is your thing!). But while you’re dreaming away about the perfect crib to escape to, you might want to take a practical approach to getting the job done within your means.
Here are just a few questions you’ll need to ask yourself to turn that dream into a reality!

What Can You Afford?

You can’t relax and enjoy the place if you’re worrying about how you’re going to pay for it. Therefore, among the most important considerations in building or buying a vacation home is your budget. Think hard about how long you’re willing to save up for your dream home and whether you’re willing to take on a mortgage for it. Determine a minimum amount per paycheck that you’ll set aside toward the project. Once you have the budget down, you can then determine the size of land or house you’ll be able to purchase and its location. Sometimes your budget will allow you to purchase a mansion on a lake with neighbors or to build (maybe even yourself!) a secluded little cottage miles from anyone.

What Would Make You Happy (Within Your Budget)?

It seems that the most popular features for a vacation home today are the windows, the landscaping and the sheer size of the home itself. But you have to wonder: have we forgotten the purpose of a vacation home? It’s not supposed to be a competition of who can have the biggest or best! The point of a vacation home is to get away and relax. You’re supposed to be escaping the Joneses while on vacation, not competing with them!

My vacation home, for example, would be an older-but-smaller house with an abundance of character…something with old fixtures and a rustic feel. There would be large windows and a huge porch on the side that would face the lake, river or pond. And it would be simple: there might be a small TV and DVD player but nothing fancy, and there would not be any Internet or cable. The atmosphere would be warm and cozy, with a fireplace in the living room that could warm the entire house because of the open floor plan. What about you?

Is It a Need or Luxury?

You know your budget. You know what you really want in your home and you’re pretty sure it’s at least in the same neighborhood as your budget. Now…where can you cut to make sure your project absolutely comes in at or under budget?

It might be that all you need to really relax is a roof over your head, a comfortable place to lay your head at night, a stove and fridge, running water and a bathroom with a shower. Start here, and one by one (and with price tags attached), add the things you just can’t do without, be it a hot tub or fancy kitchen. Think about what would make you happiest—the Joneses are not invited, remember!

All in all, vacation homes can really be worth owning. They can be excellent investments if done correctly, but they also provide you with a place to make memories and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A vacation home that is yours and yours only, give your mind and body a break, something everyone deserves from time to time.

This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, active mother of two and outdoors fanatic. If you have an interest rustic get-aways or vacationing spots, Samantha recommends checking out Nueltin Fly-in Lodges.

What does your dream vacation home look like? ~Gary B.

Hunting for new home ideas can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for. If you are ready to build your own house but don’t know what it should look like, then you should consider the following architectural ideas. Designing and building your own home can be exciting and engaging. All you need is to decide on the basic style and follow the general design narrative.

Colonial

This home style will never be out of fashion. Most people like colonial houses for their symmetrical design elements, perfectly organized façades, steep roofs, and evenly spaced shuttered windows. When the first European settlers arrived to North America, they included some elements of traditional European architecture into their new houses. Colonial architecture is a combination of German, Spanish, French and other styles. Georgian Colonial style is the most common design type in America.

You will find a lot of houses in a colonial style in Virginia. If you are planning on reselling the house, then you should choose colonial style in architecture as it has higher market value. Houses in colonial style will always attract attention of the potential buyers.

Picture source

Craftsman

Craftsman houses are popular for their wooden and brick exterior elements and asymmetry. Wide roof overheads and extensive gables give such houses an enduring appeal. This style of houses is notorious for efficient use of space and high quality materials. A small family will feel comfortable in a modest sized craftsman house.

Picture source

Tudor

You will find a lot of Tudor style houses in New York. This style is characterized by brick exterior, wooden window elements, semi-detached walls, arched entry spaces and steeply pitched roofs. This style was brought to the US from England in the early 20^th century. Tudor houses look established and solid. Unfortunately, there are not that many new houses in Tudor style. Nonetheless, you can still incorporate some elements of Tudor design into your new house.

Contemporary style

There is a significant difference between contemporary and modern architectural designs. Contemporary style reflects the most recent inventions in design industry. The style adapts to the current fashion, trends and demands. It is impossible to imagine a contemporary house without energy efficient technological solutions. Contemporary architecture is about lots of natural sunlight, sustainable materials and green technology. It is perfect for an environmental friendly people. You can install solar panels and roof water heaters, produce less waste and use geothermal energy. You may also install green appliances at home. Energy saving dishwashers, washing machines and even coffee makers will help you in saving money and becoming eco-friendlier. There are many options for your contemporary house.

Picture source

Arts and Crafts

An English architect William Morris has created the new home style that avoids the obvious industrial architectural solutions and brings us back to the handmade society. Customization is the key element of Arts and Crafts design. It became popular in the US in the early 20^th century and you can still find a lot of houses in Arts and Crafts style in California and the suburbs in Chicago. The style is characterized by simple design solutions and customizable elements and artistry. Imagine a big living room with a fire place, exposed beams, low-pitched roofs and an open floor plan.

Guest Post By:

This is a post by Anita, a writer for Higherclick.com, writing on behalf of Macys.com. She has just finished renovating her own flat and full of ideas.

When you make the decision to buy your first home, it is a commitment that you are going to have to stick to for many years. Many people take out a 30-year home mortgage loan in order to purchase a new home; if you plan on taking out a mortgage, it’s important to be prepared for the ongoing financial responsibility it will require.

There is a lot of preparation that is involved with purchasing a new home. You have to first save up enough money to provide a reasonable down payment. Second, it is better to have a good credit score if you want to get the best interest rate on your loan. Having steady work is also a big factor, since lenders do not like to give out loans to someone that may not be able to pay it back.

You have to take all of that into consideration in addition to searching for a house to move into. Buying a home is not an easy process, but if you do it correctly then you will be very happy with your decision.

The Importance of Good Credit

Credit is a big factor as to whether or not you will be able to purchase a particular home. A good credit score will allow you to be able to finance a more valuable house with lower interest. Before you attempt to apply for a home loan you should try and increase your credit score as much as possible. Pay down all of your lines of credit including any outstanding loans, credit card bills, and any other debts that you may owe.

A person should not try to apply for a home loan with a credit score less than 650. To be considered for a good home loan you should get your score up to at 750 or above. 800 is an ideal range, but it may take years to establish credit like this. Pay all of your bills on time and reduce your overall debt to credit line ratio to 30% and you should see credit score improvement.

Buying with Another Person

Buying a home with a spouse can either help or hurt you. A spouse with a low credit score and big amount of debt can hold you back from being able to finance a dream home. If your partner spends a lot of money then it may be hard to get him or her to break out of bad habits. Try to get both the credit score of you and your spouse in the best standing possible. You may just want to apply on your own to see if you are able to finance a home without your spouse. Speak with a lender to learn about the options available to you.

Saving is Key

The more money you have to put down on a home the better position you’ll be in to finance the home of your dreams. Try and save to put a 20% down payment on the home you’re interested in moving into.

If this is not possible, then save as much as you can. A down payment of 15% or even 10% is better than nothing. Putting down a significant down payment will automatically add equity to the house and lead to lower mortgage payments down the road. Budget your money wisely to figure out how to save enough for a good-sized down payment.

This article was provided by Mike Gordon, recent business school grad, on the hunt for his first house.. If you are looking to buy your first home on the East Coast, Mike recommends getting in touch with Avenue Realty, a Northern Virginia Realtor.

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams, you may need to do some home remodeling to make it truly your dream home. Contact us for all your home improvement, remodeling and renovation needs! We’ll come out and give you a FREE in home estimate. -Gary B.

Call Us

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Beachfront Property

5 Tips to Help you Transition into a New Home

15 of the Best Blogs for How to Handle a Move with Kids

Dealing with Leaving

Keeping Kids Busy

Packing Kids and their Stuff

On the Road

After the Move

Dreaming up the Perfect Vacation Home

Basic Home Style Ideas for your Future House

Buying a Home for the First Time

Bruzzese Home Improvements

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