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In this post, you’ll learn how those curb appeal ideas can help boost your home’s value in the immediate future. Whether you’re looking to update your home for increased happiness with your home or to make a sale; here are the tips to help get you started today.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Boosting your home’s value with curb appeal ideas is smart for a variety of reasons. Not only will you create a more beautiful and relaxing outdoor setting for your own enjoyment, but you’ll also increase your home’s resale value. Also, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to various improvement projects. That way, you can take your time to create something truly special for your outdoors. If you’re interested in some fine design ideas for boosting your home’s curb appeal, keep on reading.

Many people find their yard quite bothersome simply because it feels cluttered and neglected. But, if you want to do something about it, your first step should be clearing out the mess. In case you have your garden tools and some other items or equipment lying around, make sure to get rid of anything you don’t need. Also, organize the rest properly and store it away. If you don’t have a practical shed, you can consider building a small one for your needs or using some other storage methods such as wooden crates, tin buckets, etc. Put these away in your basement if you don’t have enough space for a shed. And once you’re done with that, it’s time to mow the lawn and get rid of weeds. 

2. Take Care of the Greenery

Curb appeal ideas are all over the internet, but different people like different things. In that respect, you really need to think through what your best course of action is when greenery is concerned. If you don’t fancy flowers and colors much, focus your attention on evergreen hedges and shrubbery. Plant these along your fence and designated spots in your yard. Also, don’t forget to prune the trees accordingly.

But, if you’re a fan of a rich natural look, definitely look into different flower options as well. You can choose low-maintenance plants if you’re not much of a green thumb. Also, climbing plants tend to look great for a more layered and whimsical look. In the end, you don’t have to dig up your yard to get the benefits of greenery. You can use interesting planters to boost your curb’s natural appeal.

3. A Fresh Coat of Paint Does Wonders

If you’re not satisfied with the look of your yard even when it’s clutter-free and filled with greenery, the problem may lie in outdoor structures that feel old and worn. A fresh coat of paint can instantly elevate the look of your yard. Basically, repaint your fence and other structures you may have in your yard such as your shed.

You can also boost the curb appeal by freshening up your front porch. If you’re not keen on repainting your entire porch, at least repaint your front door. This is a great opportunity to introduce some vibrant colors and create pleasant contrasts for your exterior. 

Check out this Sydney House Painters blog for more paint inspiration and advice.

4. Add a Deck/Patio and a Garden Path

Nothing can transform your yard and boost your curb appeal as much as a nice lounging area outdoors. If you don’t already have a designated patio area (yes, you should add one!), you can create one by pouring concrete or placing decorative tiles. Of course, the most effective solution would be to hire professionals who can build an adequate deck for your outdoor space.

This investment is definitely worth it, regardless of whether you want to sell your home or enjoy it personally. Also, don’t hesitate to update your garden look either. If you’ve already taken the trouble to improve your greenery, add a garden path as well. With so many different garden path ideas, you can definitely find a solution that matches your taste and budget. 

5. Clean Everything Thoroughly

You can’t improve your curb appeal if your home exterior is dirty. In that respect, it’s essential that you give everything a thorough clean. Use a pressure washer on your driveway, your deck/patio and garden path as well as your front porch and fence. Moreover, if your house walls have some stubborn dirt on them, use a pressure washer to clean them as well. If you don’t have one, you can rent it for this purpose. Also, if you plan to use your older outdoor furniture for the lounging area, make sure to clean it properly, too. This also goes for furniture items you’ve got at flea markets and thrift stores as well as planters. Furthermore, clear out your gutters from dirt and debris. This will make a huge difference.

6. Curb Appeal Ideas for Front Door Décor

Aside from seasonal decorations, effective and timeless decorative bits for your front door area can definitely spruce up the look of your outdoor space. For starters, you can update your house number. This tiny detail can truly transform this particular area.

Outdoor carpets and plants should find their place here as well. If you want the plants around your doors to look great constantly, you may be better off with faux plants for this purpose. And even though it may not be front door décor specifically, don’t hesitate to update your mailbox as well, so that you can effectively round up your design project for the outdoors.

7. Use Proper Lighting

In the end, you can’t make the most out of your yard or boost the curb appeal properly if you don’t have adequate outdoor lighting. Think about it – even if it looks great during the day, if it’s completely dark during the night what’s the point?

That said, it’s crucial that you invest in effective outdoor lighting solutions. Motion-sensor lighting is definitely a go-to solution for many people, especially for the front yard and porch. But, don’t hesitate to use LED lights along your driveway. Also, torches, lanterns and similar are more than necessary for the deck/patio area. For a more whimsical look, you can use fairy lights. If you want to do the best possible job with your outdoor space design in order to boost your home’s curb appeal, don’t succumb to pressure or try to rush things. Proper planning and analysis are instrumental for a great end result. You may even want to consider discussing your best options with professional landscapers, so that you can focus solely on ideal solutions for your particular outdoor space.

For any number of reasons, you may want to invest in real estate. You may have attended a seminar, read a book or have friends and relatives that have made a lot of money—or claimed that they did—by simply and passively investing in real estate. Every investing arena has its own language, and if you really want to consider real estate as a viable investment vehicle, there are some examples of real estate terminology you need to understand, and following is a good list:

Debt Service

This refers to the amount of money is takes to pay—or service–a rental property loan or home loan every month. If the principal and interest of your mortgage note combined are $985 month, then that is the amount it will take to adequately service your loan. If you envision having multiple properties with mortgages on all of them, you need to add the required payments together and the result will be your debt service amount.

Operating Income

Take all of your gross rental income dollars, add them together and you get your operating income. This is a similar term to gross income meaning dollars you put in the bank before you pay expenses.

Net Operating Income

This is the amount of money left after you pay all of your expenses like taxes, insurance, yard maintenance, repairs, rental costs, and of course your debt service. Subtract your expenses from your operating income and that will give you your net operating income.

Short Sale

A short sale occurs when a distressed owner sells a property for less than what is owed to lenders. Lenders of course have to agree to a short sale, but by agreeing to a short sale they can avoid costly foreclosure proceedings that in some states can take years to complete. Short sales can be good investment opportunities if you do your diligence. You have to be patient, though, because sometimes banks just do not respond quickly to short sale offers.

Broker Price Opinion (BPO)

An appraisal is a formal document that carefully explains what a property is worth. If a house appraises at less than what it is being sold for, lenders typically reject the deal. In the short sale and foreclosure markets, however, banks will sometimes settle for a BPO—a more arcane real estate terminology example– that is an opinion of value authored not by a certified appraiser, but by a real estate agent or a Realtor.

Real Estate Owned (REO)

An REO property is one that a lender has foreclosed on and has listed for sale. Since the bank is the owner and may not even have a local branch, you have the chance to get a good deal. The bank does not have the same emotional attachment to the property than a soon-to-be foreclosed owner would, and therefore the lending institution may just want to get the property off of its books. REO properties are not a secret, however, and many that search out foreclosures will be looking at the same property that you are.

Loan to Value (LTV)

The LTV is the mortgage amount dived by the appraised value of the property. A $100,000 property financed with a $90,000 loan would have a 90 percent LTV. The other $10,000 would be your down payment funds.

While prospective homeowners purchasing their first home can buy a home with no money down—a 100 percent LTV—investors typically need more than that, sometimes up to 25 percent. Also remember that as a precursor to the Great Depression that began in 2008, homes were being financed with a 120 percent LTV.

Amortization Schedule

Be sure to go to www.bankrate.com to plug in your proposed loan amount, interest rate and loan term length. Then calculate an amortization schedule that will show you that with a mortgage loan, a large part of your monthly payment goes to interest and less to principal for a period of years before you start paying more principal and less interest. Amortization schedules are part of real estate terminology 101.

Equity

Take the value of your property, subtract everything you owe on it, and that will give you’re your current equity, or the net amount of money the property is worth.

Equity Play

Investing in rental property where the amount of money taken in monthly is not sufficient to cover the monthly costs but where the increase in value can be substantial can be labeled an equity play. In this situation you may lose money on a monthly basis, but you may also get it all back plus a profit when you sell the property.

Traditional Financing

When a property is financed by a bank, perhaps a Playa Vista real estate investment, or mortgage company loan to a buyer that can meet the lender’s stringent credit requirements, that loan, in real estate terminology, is called traditional financing.

Non-traditional Financing

Rent to own or contact for deed deals are two examples of non-traditional financing where home buyers with less than stellar credit can still have a method that leads to true home ownership.

If you are interested in becoming a real estate investor or managing your own property, you absolutely need to understand the terms explained above, but please don’t stop there. Read as much as you can, speak to fellow investors, and attend presentations and meetings to absorb all of the information you can find.

You want to buy a home, but you really, truly don’t have the money. Can you get started anyway with a rent to own agreement? Let’s answer this question: “how does rent to own work?”

Most prospective homebuyers want traditional mortgage financing. They want to be able to go to a bank, get a low interest rate, be offered reasonable closing costs, and they want to maximize their home-buying power. The problem is that with a poor credit score that can be due to any number of factors, traditional financing just may not be available for all home buyers.

But really, how does rent to own work?

Well, while renting a home may be attractive to some because of the low maintenance costs and the ability to move without the problems of listing and selling a property, many feel that money spent toward rent is totally wasted since in effect, the tenant is paying the landlord’s mortgage.

There is, however, a method that allows a tenant to get future equity in return for their monthly rent payments, and that is called rent to own. So, now you’re asking, how does rent to own work?

How Does Rent to Own Work

Investopedia explains rent to own in a simple and understandable manner:

• A rent-to-own agreement is a deal in which you commit to renting a property for a specific period of time, with the option of buying it before the lease runs out.
• Rent-to-own agreements include a standard lease agreement and also an option to buy the property at a later time.
• Understand that lease-option contracts give you the right to buy the home when the lease expires, while lease-purchase contracts require you to buy it.
• You pay rent throughout the lease, and in some cases, a percentage of the payment is applied to the purchase price.
•  With some rent-to-own contracts, you may have to maintain the property and pay for repairs. 

Executory Contract

Rent to own deals are usually designated by law as executory contracts. legaldictionary.net gives us a nice definition here:

An executory contract is a contract made by two parties in which the terms are set to be fulfilled at a later date. The contract stipulates that both sides still have duties to perform before it becomes fully executed.”

Each state has specific rules and guidelines regarding executory contracts and rent to own would fall under that umbrella. And while rent to own has been in existence for many years, because of landlord abuses, some state courts—like these in Texas, for example—have been more tenant-friendly than landlord-friendly when rent to own disputes arise. 

Minnesota Statutes sections 325F.84, et. seq. require that:

The lessor is regularly engaged in the rental-purchase business;

The agreement is for an initial period of four months or less, whether or not there is any obligation beyond the initial period, that is automatically renewable with each payment and that permits the lessee to become the owner of the property;

The lessee is a person other than an organization; and

The lessee takes under the rental-purchase agreement primarily for a personal, family, or household purpose.

How It Works — Exactly

Rent to own can appear in different forms, but many times the landlord will offer to take a portion of the month’s rental price and apply that to either a down-payment for the house, or to the full purchase price. This purchase price must be agreed upon in advance, and the tenant must agree to purchase the home at that price.

For example, if the tenant has agreed to pay $200,000 for a home, and in the meantime rents the home for $1500 per month, the landlord may offer a rent to own deal where $500 of the monthly payment is credited to either a down-payment—in the case of seller financing—or to the purchase price.

If the tenant lives in the home and makes all of their payments for 10 years, this would equal $60,000, and if the term had been set at 10 years, the landlord would be obligated to sell the property to the tenant for $140,000.

The tenant must carefully think about contract terms and consequences because if they are unable to get conventional financing for the home after the 10-year period, there needs to be an agreement for resolution of this problem. Either the landlord would have to offer seller financing, or maybe even refund the tenant’s $40,000. It must be emphasized that individual rent to own contracts can differ greatly, so tenants are advised to get quality legal representation.

Abuses

Some rent to own contracts are written to favor the landlord, and, in the past, predatory landlords would offer a rent to own deal to a tenant knowing full well that the tenant would not be able to afford the monthly payment. If a tenant missed a payment, the landlord could void the rent to own contract and evict the tenant. This way, the tenant would lose all of their investment, and the landlord would be free to perpetrate this abuse again and again. This is one reason that Texas views rent to own executory contracts with a very wary eye. All in all, if you’re a Minnesota renter living in something like a one-bedroom apartment, be sure you know all of the potential rent to own issues that could arise.

Other Issues

Other issues to consider are:

• Who pays the property taxes?
• Who is responsible for maintenance?
• Who replaces broken appliances and/or major systems?

All of these potential problems need to be spelled out carefully in the rent to own contract. We strongly suggest that prospective rent to own tenants and landlords do not download generic executory online contracts and then attempt to tailor them to a particular situation because this action can be the proverbial recipe for disaster.

Rent to Own Alternatives

Rent to own can be a decent method to at least get some monetary credit for monthly rent payments, and it can be successful if both the tenant and landlord are forthright and have the same goal of enabling the tenant to own the property one day.

We do suggest that anyone that has been denied traditional mortgage financing consider MN contract for deed financing. Contract for deed is also non-traditional home financing, but it is also a great alternative to just renting.

So, you are planning to list your property on the market, and you want to get as much return on investment as possible, but you don’t know how to go about it.

The secret lies in the type of renovations you do in the house. Note however that some renovations may make the house look fancy, but they do not, in any way, increase its property value. For instance, a backyard pool in an area that is generally cold will do very little to persuade a potential buyer to purchase the property. You should therefore, focus on upgrading areas that are likely to capture a buyer’s attention like the kitchen, bar and bathroom. This will save you both money and time to capitalizing on a booming market. So, how do you increase your property value in a year

Remodeling the kitchen

According to Michael Deane, editor of Qeedle, a small business magazine, “the kitchen is the heart of the home and is the place the buyer is likely to pay attention to the most. To remodel the kitchen, start with painting its walls.”

This may seem straightforward, but do not underestimate the power of the paint. A good paint job can convert an old kitchen to a brand new one, while a poor job can do the opposite. Also, you need to replace old appliances with new ones or even add more, if your kitchen has a shortage of appliances. Go for stainless steel appliances as they are more durable and have a stylish and alluring look that can blend in with any decor. You can also replace worn out cabinets and countertops, replace old flooring with more modern options like tiles and vinyl and even include a backsplash in the new design.

For safety purposes, care to install a fire duct or a range hood. A fire duct removes smokes and nasty odors from the kitchen and also reduces fire risks by expelling grease vapor from the kitchen. Grease buildup in the kitchen may act as a fuel source for the fire. Lighting is also equally important. You can get rid of too much overhead lighting in favor of wall mounted light sources to give the kitchen a tranquil feeling. There are also many kitchen layouts you can choose from depending on the size and shape of your kitchen. However, an island layout is the most popular and you can take advantage of it, if it is not already in place.

Remodeling the bathroom

In all areas of the house, the kitchen and the bathroom have the highest traffic. However, the bathroom takes the most beating and is the area that is most likely to gross out the buyer, if it is not renovated well. Luckily, the bathroom does not require as much work as the kitchen. The first step is to replace those rundown faucets and clogged shower-heads with new sleek ones. You can install under-mount sinks, instead of drop-in sinks or even include marble or granite for countertops to make it more interesting and modern.

The bath area is where the action takes place. Therefore, you need to make it as special as possible. A good way to start is to install a shower with body sprays or even surround the bath area with beautiful tiles or decorative stones. As for the floor, you can revive it with new grout to cover up dirt and grime that could have accumulated over the years. You may even surprise the buyer with heated floors – trust us, it will blow their mind. Nothing attracts buyers to a house like heated flooring. Also, replace overhead lighting with wall lighting, as it adds warmth and serenity to the bathroom. You should also replace worn out curtains and rugs and ensure the bathroom is spotlessly clean.

Ensure there is curb appeal

Keep in mind that first impressions last. In this case, your curb will give out the first impression of your house. Give the buyer a reason to go into the house by making the front your home look attractive. If it has a curvy walkway, you can make it more alluring by accentuating it with colorful flowers, nicely mown lawn, beautiful grass and even light lanterns. You can also install a new mailbox, shutters, and a deck or even build a new driveway. Also, make sure to plant native trees both at the front and the back, as trees have been found to increase property value considerably.

Install security fixtures

In the US, a house is broken into every 15 seconds. As a result, security is the number one consideration for buyers when looking for a house. You need to proof your house against unlawful entry by installing a security alarm system that goes off when there is a breach. Also, include external lighting and install sturdy wooden doors and window locks. Aside from unlawful entry, you can also disaster-proof your house from fire hazards by installing a fire alarm system and a fire duct. As mentioned earlier, a fire duct system can help reduce fire hazards and keep the house free from nasty odors and smoke. Check out our article on ways of disaster-proofing your house.

Renovating your house is the only way of increasing its value. We would like to caution however not to go overboard with the renovation, as this will likely increase the value of the house beyond what the buyers are willing to pay. For instance, adding luxury fittings and custom features may not work in a middle-class neighborhood, as the house will be beyond their pay grade. Therefore, you should consider the immediate surroundings when doing the renovations. If your property is old (built before the ‘70s), then it probably has an outdated plumbing system, lead paint and asbestos fittings. Ensure the plumbing system is updated and the lead paint and asbestos fittings are completely removed from the house, as required by law. You can check out our tips on how to upgrade an old home here to increase its market value.

You’ve saved some down payment dollars, you’ve checked your credit and made sure that there are no inaccuracies on your credit report, and you really want to take the next and become a homeowner. You’ve searched endlessly about how to afford a house.

Your question now is, “How do I figure out the price range of houses I should be considering? What can I really, truly afford?”

The answer is logical and can easily be calculated.

Debt to Income Ratio – What Does It Mean?

Lenders need to know that you will be able to make your housing payment. Since your mortgage will be the most important payment you make, you might think that it is out of the question to even consider being late or missing a payment, but because foreclosure takes some time, more homeowners than you think will stop making their housing payments when they get into trouble.

In fact, during the financial meltdown that occurred beginning in 2008, lenders were surprised at the number of what they thought were quality mortgagees that suddenly just stopped making their payments.

Lenders have historically used the debt to income ratio to qualify applicants, but since 2008, this number has become more formal, and conventional lenders have less leeway than they might have had before that time.

Depending upon the loan program and lender you choose, your debt to income ratio will need to be no more than 36 to 43 percent of your income.

Therefore, if you make $10,000 per month, you mortgage payment including taxes and insurance should not be more than $3600 to $4300. Before the financial crisis, some sub-prime lenders ignored the debt-to-income ratio altogether, would accept ratios higher than 50 percent, would ignore some debt sources like student loans, or would take the word of an applicant regarding their total income without proof.

All of these things led to disaster.

How to Afford a House with Down Payment Assistance

Your down payment reduces your monthly payment because your mortgage loan will be less, so first accumulate all of the down payment dollars that you can, if you’re wondering about how to afford a house. Some states offer down payment help, and many lenders will allow you to receive a gift for part or all of your down payment. If you are buying a $200,000 home, and you have a $20,000 down payment, you know that the mortgage loan you are looking for will be $180,000.

Mortgage Calculator

Next, use a mortgage calculator to see what your monthly payment would be. The good calculators will allow you to add monthly property tax and insurance payments to this total. Let’s look at a $180,000 30-year mortgage. We’ll use five percent as the rate and the principal and interest you would owe monthly would be approximately $966.00. Add a $150 property insurance premium and $250 per month for property taxes and your payment would be $1366.00 per month.

Please note that property tax rates and insurance costs vary widely, and these figures are for example only. If we multiply $1366 by three that would give us the amount of income you would need to support a comfortable debt-to income ratio of 33 percent, and that amount would be $4098.

Sources tell us that lenders usually look at gross income, so to afford your $200,000 home after you have made a $20,000 down payment you would need a monthly income of a $4098 or close to $50,000 per year.

What About Differences?

Higher interest rates will off course cut your home buying power. Mortgage principal and interest for a $180,000 loan at five percent jumps $230 per month at seven percent but would drop $210 at three percent, so be aware of interest rate changes.

Closing Costs, Too?

One thing to watch out for is closing costs that can equal four or more percent of your total loan. Therefore, if your loan amount is $180,000, your closing costs could be $7200 or more, and you need to include these in your home purchasing budget. Your Realtor can help you try to get the seller to cover some of these costs, however.

How to Afford a House with Pre-Approval

While the process of figuring out exactly how much home you can afford may look like a lot of work, if you go to a bank or lending institution and ask to get pre-approved for a mortgage, they will do that work for you. The pre-approval process requires verification of your income and debts, but this will have to be done anyway sometime during the mortgage loan process. A lender will know exactly what to ask you for, and after they have received your information, the lender can advise you of the mortgage amount you are pre-qualified for. Also, when you are in receipt of a pre-qualification letter, you will be better presented to sellers as a serious buyer.

Types of Loans

Remember to consider the various mortgage types available. 15-year loan terms mean that if you make all of your payments in 15 years you will pay off your mortgage in half the time it would take you to retire a 30-year loan. The monthly payments will be higher, but the savings over the loan term with a 15-year v. a 30-year loan can be staggering.

Alternatives

Remember, while conventional financing is preferable, there are circumstances where it just may not work for you. If you have recently declared bankruptcy, had a foreclosure, are behind on credit card bills or student loans, your ability to obtain a convention mortgage loan may be hindered.

If that’s the case, be sure to check out programs like contract for deed as these home buying options can definitely be a great alternative to conventional mortgage financing.

Buying a house is a very big deal and with so much to be concerned about, it’s necessary to focus on the most important items. So, if you’re wondering, “what to look for when buying a house,” here then are 11 important things to consider and investigate before you sign that offer to purchase:

The Yard is Key

 

Those that know what to look for when buying a house always take note of the condition of the yard because a well-kept and landscaped exterior can mean that the present owners care about the condition of their home and have worked hard to maintain it. A deep-green nicely trimmed and edged lawn can mean a great looking home interior while a weedy brown unkempt mess can mean trouble.

 

What About HVAC?

On a pleasant 70-degree day almost any home will feel comfortable. We do suggest, however, that you view your prospective new home on a very hot or very cold day—of course depending upon the season. If the AC is struggling to get the house below 80, or if the furnace can barely raise the temperature over 68 degrees, those who know what to look for when buying a house will recognize these occurrences as danger signals. Unless that doesn’t bother you, check Fresh Air Guide product review for an efficient new air conditioner.

Look Up There

Roofs can be deceiving because they may look great from below, but a more careful inspection can present deficiencies that can’t be seen from the ground. Extreme hot, cold, wind, rain, snow and hail are all thing that can damage roofs and these problems will be evident if you take a closer look. Also find out the age of the roof because covering materials like shingles do have a certain life expectancy.

Paint Issues

Those that know what to look for when buying a house will not be fooled by a new paint job. Yes, clean freshly painted walls can look great, but they can also easily cover up problems like mold, mildew and water leaks. Make sure you understand where leaks come from and how they can be cosmetically covered up. Getting rid of brown water stains does no good if the source of the leak is not removed, so make sure you are able to look beyond the paint.

History of the House

Check the property area’s flood history. If the home is on a flood plain, that means you can have lots of problems along with a big insurance bill. If your home is not in a flood-prone area, make sure that it doesn’t have internal problems. A neglected overflowing toilet can cause a lot of flood-like damage if it isn’t promptly noticed, so ask the present home residents about any such occurrences. Homeowners generally have a duty to disclose any home defects to you even if you intend to purchase the home on an “as is” basis.

Fires?

A previous fire does not mean you should automatically dismiss the home from your list. Those that know what to look for when buying a house understand that a one-time event caused by a one-time problem should not necessarily dissuade them from considering a purchase. A fire that was caused by faulty aluminum wiring, however, might be a big problem if the house still has its original aluminum wiring in place.

Funky Smells

If you get an unpleasant whiff of anything, beware. Musty odors can mean mold caused by water leakage, and a kitchen that smells like an old restaurant could have a faulty or non-existent exhaust system. Smelly bathrooms can mean waste pipe issues and if the house smells like an old dog, an old dog probably lives there even if he isn’t home at the time you are shown the property. Of course, if the house smells artificially clean due to numerous pleasant odor-emitting devices, those that know what to look for when buying a house will be sure to take careful notice.

Insulation

A poorly insulated house is a naked property. Your parents’ home may have had the twin trouble of less-than-adequate insulation combined with an inefficient furnace that shot 60 percent of the heat created up the chimney. With today’s higher energy costs, it’s important to make sure that your home has the proper amount of quality insulation, and this includes windows and doors that do not let cold in and heat out. Also look for a home equipped with ceiling fans that will equally disperse cool and warm air depending upon the season.

Smart Home

 

Smart homes are the key to safety and efficiency. Those that know what to look for when buying a home realize that smart innovations like thermostats, solar systems, garden irrigation systems, LED lighting configurations and security systems all make homes safer and of course more valuable. A fully automated home with a central control center is often a sought-after property.

Plumbing

Let’s not neglect the sometimes-forgotten plumbing system. Just because the toilets flush and the faucets run, doesn’t mean that everything is OK. Look on the floor below bathrooms for water stains, and open cabinets to make sure that pipes are not corroding. Check the garbage disposal and make sure that the dishwasher does not fill up the sink with greywater during its cycle. All washer and dryer connections should be clean and tight.

Have It Inspected

Finally, even though you have done your diligence and are convinced that the home is sound, employ a professional inspector to thoroughly assess the condition of the property. While this may cost $500 or more—and you have to pay for it—it could be the most important $500 you will spend during the home purchasing process. Inspectors should know all of the tricks homeowners utilize to hide defects and problems, and anything uncovered during the inspection can be made the responsibility of the seller or you can alternatively decide not to sign that purchase offer.

Buying a house is a big deal and you should take the time to know exactly what you are buying so that you can avoid costly issues that can occur the minute you have closed the deal.

Based on statistics from the National Association of Realtors, 5.34 million people bought existing homes in 2018. Homes built before 1990 fall into the “older“ category, and those built before 1920 qualify as “vintage.” 

Older houses often have perks like wood floors and established neighborhoods, but they also have increased risks of potential environmental hazards. Four of the most common are asbestos, radon, lead paint and mold. It’s hugely important to understand the effects of environmental hazards, so let’s take a look at what first time buyers and others need to be aware of.

Asbestos

A natural mineral and building material prized for its fire-resistance and durability, asbestos was widely used before 1980. Then, it fell out of favor because of its health risks and effects of environmental hazards, but still ended up in homes. Common sources include insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, adhesives, and textured wall and ceiling paint.

The material is not usually dangerous if it’s in good condition or sealed, but decay and renovations can cause it to come apart and release harmful particles into the air. The fibers can embed themselves in the bodies of people who inhale them and cause serious illnesses, the most serious being a fatal cancer called mesothelioma. The fibers can also cause other types of cancer or an inflammation-related condition known as asbestosis.

Black Mold

Toxic mold grows outside in plant debris or soil but can also grow inside, especially in wet or humid places. It usually develops in unseen locations and feeds on organic sources like carpet and drywall, where it breaks off and enters the air.

People who breathe it experience symptoms similar to colds or allergies, but conditions like chronic fatigue and headaches may also develop. When people are allergic to mold, they may develop nausea, vomiting, and bleeding in the lungs or nose. Severe cases may affect the nervous system or cause temporary memory loss — a major effect of environmental hazards at home.

Mold can be expensive and difficult to remove. Moist spaces like basements and crawlspaces or bathrooms and kitchens are likely spots. Homeowners can hire a trained professional to test for mold or use a do-it-yourself kit from the hardware store. People with mold-related illnesses usually get better when they spend time in a clean environment. 

Lead Paint

The federal government banned lead-containing paint in 1978 and now requires sellers to disclose its presence in homes built before then. It is most dangerous when it is flaking or chipping from the old surface but doesn’t pose a serious risk when it is in good condition. Because sanding creates dust and airborne particles, it should always be removed by stripping.  Homes built before 1982 also have lead pipes, and replacement can cost $5,000 or more.

Reactions to the paint, usually from swallowing, are usually mild but can cause learning disabilities or behavioral problems in children. At higher levels or over long periods of time, lead can cause brain damage in children. It can also contribute to kidney and nervous system conditions in children and adults. 

Radon

This natural gas rises from the ground through cracks or holes in the foundation of buildings. Linked to cancer in both smokers and non-smokers, it is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don’t smoke. It causes around 21,000 deaths every year, and researchers say children may be more susceptible than adults.

The federal government recommends specific levels, but regulations differ in each state. Specialists recommend keeping levels as close as possible to zero as possible and checking every two to three years to make sure it stays that way. An interactive map shows potential levels in each state. 

The responsibility of managing environmental issues falls under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an organization that has undergone significant changes since 2016. Besides providing resources and administering safety laws, the EPA monitors substances that make private residences or public buildings unsafe. Their website has resources on everything from safe drinking water to disposal of hazardous waste, and it includes detailed guides for dealing with common dangers.

Home inspectors look at age, location and type of construction when they examine a home for environmental hazards. A good inspection can make a home safer and prevent expensive surprises in the future. The American Society of Home Inspectors and The International Society of Certified Home Inspectors license inspectors and provide registries of qualified professionals.

Gone are the days when we thought Millennials don’t have plans to buy homes. Surprisingly, they are no longer babies and they want to become millennial homeowners.

The major problem now is that they have been stumping real estate experts because of their home buying patterns and choices. Obtaining a mortgage is certainly a top priority for nearly all owners, especially millennial homeowners, but there is so much more. Some are even looking at contract for deed options, but there are a ton of ways to get the job done.

This article explains who Millennials are, what they will like to have in their homes, and why real estate experts are finding it difficult to satisfy their wants.

Who are Millennials?

Millennials, also referred to as Generation Y, are comprised of people born between the years of 1980 and 1995. They happen to be the largest generation in history and research has shown that they are very specific, regularly use technology, are highly educated, have self-confidence, and connect socially.

Marketers and researchers are baffled by millennials because while some embrace traditionalism, many ignore it. Millennials are now adults and they want homes.

Things to know about millennials:

The first place millennials check is the internet

You shouldn’t be surprised to see this because it has been stated earlier that technology plays a major role in a millennials’ life. The first thing millennials do is check online home listings. 50% continue the home purchase process through the internet.

Millennials control the market, statistically

They might be the youngest adults but they are the most influential home buyers. They are currently the largest group of homebuyers and more than half of them that have yet to buy a home have expressed their desire to do so in the near future.

A millennials’ view about owning a home is different

It’s an undisputed fact that millennials want different things in a home. But aside that, they view home ownership from a different perspective compared to the Baby Boomer and Generation X. The preceding generations see owning a home as a status symbol and as a long term investment. Generation Y sees it as a necessary rite of passage. They are more concerned about the security and independence that comes with owning a home. They can move from home soon because of their job flexibility.

Millennials look for different things in a home

When they are ready to spend on a home, they are more concerned about convenience, affordability, and comfort. The proximity to their workplace is also critical. Being cognizant of convenience and affordability allows millennials to save and make sacrifices to ensure they pay their mortgage.

What do millennial homeowners want in a home?

Selling to prospective millennial homeowners isn’t as easy as you may like it due to their preferences. However, here are the features a home for a millennial home buyer must have:

Home office space:

The rate at which people work from home is growing drastically and it keeps growing. This makes the home office an important factor that most millennial home buyers consider before buying a home.

Low maintenance features

Millennials are one of the busiest generations (they don’t have time to carry out the maintenance chores). They will prefer homes that require low upkeep and maintenance.  

Energy Efficient

Homes that are energy efficient (e.g. a home with solar panels) will help millennial buyers kill two birds with one stone. They spend less and they also keep the environment clean and safe.

Online presence

As stated earlier in the introductory part of the article, millennial buyers are researchers and constantly use the internet. Millennials will always prefer properties found online. This is why it is important that real estate experts set up real estate websites with excellent photos and virtual tours of the property.

Updated Kitchen and bathroom

Millennials always want an updated kitchen and bathrooms in homes because they may not want to spend extra cash or deal with the hassle of construction. They are budget conscious and will prefer spending their savings on a down payment or furniture.

Tips to satisfy millennials homeowners and buyers

Help them with the home buying process

Research and studies have shown that 90% of millennials work with a real estate agent and lay emphasis on the fact that they always want help during the process.

To satisfy future millennial homeowners, ensure you guide them through the home buying process.

Make your competitive advantage specific

Every real estate agent has something unique to offer and millennials know this. To stand out among other agents, ensure you state why you are unique.

Price matters

Majority of millennials pay the down payment from their savings (this shows their limitation in financial options). You can help by offering professional advice on how they can save or use their savings in the best way during the process of buying a home.

Tips you can give future millennial homeowners

It’s advisable to pay student loans and other debts before thinking of buying a home

Paying a student loan is one of the biggest challenges facing millennials. However, buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase they will make, which makes it better to pay off debts before taking the challenge of buying a home.

Pay the down payment from your savings

Most millennials buy homes with a mortgage, that’s why having a strong down payment is critical to secure a low-interest rate and pay off the mortgage faster.

Buy what you can afford

The folks at Streamline Mortgage Solutions have created an engaging infographic, showing you the 8 top mortgage trends for millennial homebuyers. Take a look!

The values of homes keep rising and paying such a high price is frustrating. Millennials are also at a high risk of depression and addiction. So, the best advice for millennials is to be patient. Don’t be tempted to pay for a home that’s not within your price range. And when moving, know your budget as well!

So, you are ready to take a step into adulthood and start establishing your credit. So, you start by searching “how to build your credit score fast.”

It is often said that it’s better to have bad credit than no credit but don’t let that scare you if you have not established any credit history yet. This is good news — according to a Dallas credit repair company:

“It is actually easier to start from nothing than to reverse a bad credit score.”

How to Build Your Credit Score: Getting Started

If you are ready to enter into the rich American tradition of credit debt then the first thing you should do just to be safe is to confirm that you indeed, have no credit. Things like a gym membership or an academic loan can actually establish some credit for you even if you were unaware of it.

Check to see if you have any credit by requesting a credit report from any of the three main credit reporting entities Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. The law stipulates that you can request one free report from any or all of these credit recording bureaus once a year.

If it turns out that you really do have no credit, don’t panic. There are simple ways to establish some. You just have to be a bit patient.

Gas Card First to Build Your Credit Score?

Applying for a gas card is a great way to build some starter credit because there is very little chance of abuse as it can only be used for fuel purchases, it is for something that you would probably buy anyway, it is easy to keep track of and the credit requirements are usually very low for one.

Most major gas stations offer gas credit cards with bonuses as well. Just make sure you pay on time and you should start to build credit within 6 months.

What About Co-Signing to Build Your Credit Score?

Another good way for a beginner to build a good credit score is by getting a co-signer. We know buying a house with bad credit is tough, but its good to know that most unsecured credit cards are out of reach to people with no credit because the issuing bank or credit company needs to know that you will be able to pay the money you use on credit back. This is why having a history of credit is important. It tells issuers that you can (or can’t in cases of bad credit) be trusted to pay back what you borrow.

If you have zero credit, try to get a co-signer to help you apply and get approved for an unsecured credit card. You should be aware that the co-signer will be responsible for delinquent payments and anything you don’t pay back.

Secured Credit Lines

This is probably the safest method if you are just starting out on your credit journey because it is essentially fool-proof. The way a secured credit line works is that you pay a certain amount of money up-front. Think of it kind of like a gift card that you feed money into and can use at certain places. The difference though is that this will actually contribute towards your credit history.

Secured credit loans may not require money up-front if you go through a bank that you already have an account with because some banks use the money you have in their account as collateral. The interest rates tend to be a little high with secured credit cards but the good thing about them is that you have the option of creating a credit limit that you can afford.

Become an Authorized User to Build Your Credit Score

This option can get a little dicey but if you come to a solid agreement with the person you are doing it with and are responsible, it is another good way to start constructing your credit.

Basically, this method entails you becoming authorized to use a parent’s, spouse’s, sibling’s or friend’s credit card – it can be anyone who agrees. They are responsible for payments as the main user on the account, but you can use it and make payments as well.

Since your name will be officially added to the credit account, the card issuer will report your activity to the credit bureaus. The only caveat is that you should make doubly sure that the issuer does in fact report authorized user activity and not just the main account holder’s activity.

Apply for a Store Credit Card

If you have no credit you may have a stack of rejected applications from banks who don’t want to take you on because of your lack of a credit presence. But do you know who might not reject you? Retail stores.

Department stores, hardware stores, electronics retailers and pretty much any kind of store may offer lines of credit with very few requirements. Many people have started their credit history this way because these are not banks. These are private companies that tend to set the bar lower for approval.

Of course, any credit card you get from a store can only be used at that store, but if you get one from a place you actually shop at, it can be a good start for you.

Try Your Bank

Do you have a checking account? If so, then you can probably get approved for an unsecured line of credit through the bank that you already have an account with. They tend to be more lenient about credit card approval if you already have a checking account with them.

Please, Be Careful

All of these are good ways to start your credit up, but there are also avenues that you should probably avoid. For instance, many car dealerships will offer to finance you even if you have no credit. While getting financed for a car will help build some credit, these loans often come with ridiculously high interest rates, and missing one payment will result in a default and harm your credit score. Resulting in you trying to rebuild your credit score all over again.

Taking out a small loan from a bank can be dangerous too, even if it does build credit because the interest tends to be high and there is usually a minimum amount of a few thousand dollars.

So, however you decide to navigate the choppy seas of credit, the most important thing is to be responsible. Be careful with loans and financing and even with the preferred methods listed above, because one false move can leave you reeling for years.