Areas of Your Home You Probably Never Think About Cleaning

Cleaning your home is a tedious task that most people are reluctant to do.

While you might have a cleaning routine that covers the floors, countertops and bathroom, there are certain areas of your house that you might forget to clean. These areas are usually overlooked, but they can harbor germs and make your home look unappealing. In this blog, we will discuss the areas in your home that you might forget to clean and offer tips on how to keep them sparkling.

Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans
As you go about your household cleaning, it can be easy to overlook the fixtures that illuminate and cool your home - your light fixtures and ceiling fans. Did you know that these fixtures accumulate a significant amount of dust and grime, even though they're easily seen in our day-to-day lives? It's vitally important to take the time to give them a wipe-down, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to maintain their functionality. To clean them, consider using a microfiber cloth or duster to gently remove dirt. If your fixtures have glass or plastic parts, using warm, soapy water can help break up any stuck-on grime. By giving these often-neglected fixtures a little attention, you can help keep your home cleaner and more pleasant to be in.

Baseboards
When cleaning your home, it's important not to overlook the baseboards. Despite their often-neglected status, they are surprisingly susceptible to dirt and dust build-up, which can quickly accumulate and detract from the overall appearance of your space. Fortunately, cleaning them is an effortless task that won't take up much of your time. Simply grab a damp sponge or cloth and your preferred cleaning solution. With a bit of elbow grease, you can go along the baseboards, clearing out the gunk at the bottom of your walls. Taking care of the baseboards is a small but vital aspect of maintaining a clean and tidy home.

Air Vents and Filters
Maintaining high-quality air in your home is vital to your health and well-being no matter the time of year. Your home's air vents control the airflow and keep your home cool or warm, depending on the weather outside. They also act as a filter, collecting dust and other particles in the air that could cause allergies and other respiratory issues. Proper care of your air vents is crucial to ensure that your home's air quality remains clean and fresh. Regular cleaning and changing out your filters every three months can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly and your home free of dust and debris. However, if you encounter a problem when trying to change the air filter or feel that a more thorough cleaning is in order, it might be a good idea to call in a professional to do some air conditioning repair. By taking these simple steps, you can breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home environment for you and your loved ones.

Kitchen Appliances
In a busy household, kitchen appliances such as your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher are essential components of your daily life. But with all the use they get, it’s easy to forget that they, too, need regular TLC to function properly. Take your fridge, for example. The build-up of bacteria and germs on the often-overlooked fridge interior can become a breeding ground for potential health hazards. Prevent this by making it a habit to clean up spills and stains with mild soap and water. Your dishwasher and oven also require special attention to keep them running well. By running your dishwasher on a hot cycle and cleaning your oven with natural solutions like baking soda and vinegar, you can keep them in tip-top condition. Make it a priority to keep these appliances as clean as possible, and you’ll enjoy fresh, healthy and hygienic food for years to come.

Outdoor Areas
When it comes to maintaining your home, it’s important to remember that the outdoor areas are just as important as the interior. Whether it's your patio, deck, or gutters, having these areas clean and well-kept can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your property. Not only does regular upkeep improve the aesthetic value of your home, but it also helps prevent potential structural damage caused by neglect. Plus, if you’re planning on selling your home in the future or hosting guests for an outdoor gathering, a pristine outdoor area can be a major selling point. So, take some time to give these areas the attention they deserve and enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

While it may be easy to overlook certain areas of your home when cleaning, taking the time to clean these often-neglected spots regularly can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your living space. From light fixtures and baseboards to kitchen appliances and outdoor areas, giving these spaces some TLC can help maintain a healthier and more aesthetic home for you and your loved ones. So next time you're cleaning, don't forget to add these areas to your checklist and enjoy a sparkling clean living environment.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

• How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

• 3 Major Changes You Need To Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market

• Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living.

Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents. Here’s an in-depth look at why more buyers are choosing this option today, so you can see if it may be right for you too.

Reasons To Buy a Multi-Generational Home

According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the top two reasons people are opting for multi-generational homes today have to do with affordability (see graph below):

Cost Savings: About 28% of first-time buyers and 11% of repeat buyers are deciding on a multi-generational home to save on costs. By pooling their resources, households can share the financial responsibilities like mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes, and maintenance, to make homeownership more affordable. This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers who may be finding it tough to afford a home on their own in today’s market.

More Space: Another 28% of first-time buyers and 18% of repeat buyers are doing it because they want a larger home they couldn’t afford on their own. For some of the repeat buyers who listed this as a main motivator, it could be because they find themselves taking care of older parents while also welcoming back young adults who’ve returned to the nest. With everyone chipping in and combining their incomes, suddenly, that big dream home with more space is within reach. As the Triangle Business Journal explains:

“Choosing multi-gen living allows people to purchase a home much larger than they could afford on their own by leveraging the combined income, credit and a down payment of those that they will be occupying the home with.”

Lean on an Expert

If you’re interested in this too, partner with a local real estate agent. Finding the perfect multi-generational home isn’t as simple as shopping for a regular house. That’s because there are more people with even more opinions and needs that should be considered.

You’ve got to make sure everyone has their own space, find room for shared household time, and possibly even create adaptable areas for older relatives. It’s a puzzle, and the pieces need to fit just right. Your real estate agent has the expertise and local knowledge to help you find that home where everyone can be comfortable without breaking the bank. As MoneyGeek.com puts it:

“Having a good multigenerational property can improve the prospects of success when living with loved ones. A multigenerational home should fit the specific needs of most family members regardless of age or health. Speaking to a real-estate agent can help you gain clarity and locate a fit.”

Bottom Line

Buying a multi-generational home can be a smart way to tackle some of today’s affordability challenges. When you team up to share expenses, you can make your dream of homeownership more attainable. If this sounds like an option for you and your loved ones, connect with a local real estate agent to help you find a home that’s the perfect fit.

Learn more at keepingcurrentmatters.com

Related Links

• 10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

• 3 Major Changes You Need To Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market

• Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership

Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years.

You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of financial benefits.

One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a great way to build wealth and gain financial stability. That’s because the value of most homes increases over time, which in turn grows your net worth. Here’s how home values are rising right now. According to Zillow:

“The total value of the U.S. housing market – the sum of Zillow’s estimated value for every U.S. home – is now slightly less than $52 trillion, which is $1.1 trillion higher than the previous peak reached last June.”

Basically, homeownership is a tremendous wealth-building tool. And with home values back on the rise across the nation, now might be a good time to consider if owning a home is something you want to reach for.

Here’s a look at some data to see how much owning a home can really make a difference in your life.

Household Net Worth Is Rising

Data shows that while those in the top 1% saw the most dramatic net worth increase, people from every single tax bracket have seen their wealth grow over the past few years (see graph below):

For many of those people, the rising value of their home plays a big part in that.

Owning a Home Helps You Achieve Financial Success

You can tell homeownership had a lot to do with that growth because there’s a significant net worth gap between homeowners and renters. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

 “. . . homeownership is a catalyst for building wealth for people from all walks of life. A monthly mortgage payment is often considered a forced savings account that helps homeowners build a net worth about 40 times higher than that of a renter.”

The big reason why? Homeowner’s build equity. Home equity is the value of your home minus the amount you owe on your mortgage. And for most homeowners, that’s the largest contributor to their net worth. Here’s the data from First American to prove it (see graph below):

The blue portion of each bar represents housing as a portion of net worth – and it’s clearly a bigger contributor than other investments like stocks, gold, and cryptocurrencies. As you can see, across different income levels, homeownership does more to build the average household’s wealth than anything else.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest benefits of owning a home is that it can provide an avenue to grow your net worth. Connect with a local real estate professional so you can start investing in homeownership.

Learn more at keepingcurrentmatters.com

Related Links

• 10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

• 3 Major Changes You Need To Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market

• Opinion: Why agents are more essential than ever

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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3 Major Changes You Need To Make Before Putting Your Home on the Market

When it's time to list your home on the market, it's not just about slapping a for-sale sign on your front lawn.

The process involves much more than that. To attract potential buyers and get the best possible price for your home, you need to ensure that your house is at its best, both aesthetically and functionally. Many homeowners underestimate the importance of home improvements before listing their property. But the truth is, these upgrades can significantly boost your home's market value and make it stand out in the crowded real estate market. This article discusses three major changes you should consider making before putting your home up for sale. Each of these improvements serves a dual purpose by enhancing your home's visual appeal and signaling to prospective buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Let's delve into why these changes are worth considering and how they can provide a solid return on investment.

Giving Your Roof A Much-Needed Makeover
Firstly, an old or worn-out roof can be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. It's one of the first things they notice, and it has a substantial impact on your home's curb appeal. A new roof not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your house but also sends a strong message to buyers that the property has been well-maintained, assuaging concerns about potential leaks or structural issues. If your roof is visibly old or damaged, investing in a professionally installed roof replacement could substantially increase the marketability of your home, potentially increasing its appeal and its value.

Getting a new roof installed doesn't have to be a hassle. Start by hiring a professional roofing contractor, like Pro Restoration Plus, who can assess your current roof's condition and provide a detailed estimate. It's crucial to choose high-quality, durable materials that match your home's style. Keep in mind that while the initial cost may seem high, the long-term benefits, including increased home value and potential energy savings, make it a worthwhile investment whether you sell your home immediately or just a few years later. Be sure to schedule the roof replacement at a time that minimally disrupts your life, but also consider weather conditions, as roofing jobs require dry, moderate weather.

Kitchen Remodel: A Recipe for Increased Home Value
One of the most profitable improvements you can make to your home before selling is a kitchen remodel. Known as the heart of a home, the kitchen is where meals are prepared, family gatherings take place, and memories are made. An updated and modern kitchen can command a higher asking price because it's a key selling point for many buyers. They're attracted to newer appliances, spacious countertops, ample storage, and an overall aesthetic appeal that makes the space inviting and functional. Upgrading outdated features to modern, energy-efficient models can also lower utility costs, which is another attractive aspect for potential buyers.

Getting your kitchen remodeled, however, requires careful planning. To ensure you're making changes that will increase your home's value, do some research on current kitchen design trends. A timeless, neutral design usually appeals to the broadest range of buyers. Hiring a professional kitchen designer or contractor could also be a wise investment, as they can guide you towards choices that will offer the best return on investment. Remember to consider the overall style and design of your home to ensure the new kitchen complements it well. Lastly, plan your budget carefully. While you want your kitchen to be appealing, it's essential to not over capitalize. Aim for a balance between what you spend and the value it brings to your home.

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Invest in Landscaping
Investing in professional landscaping can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to prospective buyers. A well-maintained front yard serves as a visual treat, setting a positive first impression even before buyers step inside your home. It reflects the house's overall care and maintenance, reassuring buyers about the property's condition. Not only does a beautifully landscaped yard make your home more appealing, but it can also increase its value.

Embarking on a landscaping project requires some consideration and planning. Which areas of your yard need attention? It could be needing a manicured lawn, planting blooming flowers, adding a decorative pathway, or even installing outdoor lighting for added security and aesthetic appeal. Hiring a professional landscaper can be beneficial as they have the knowledge and expertise to transform your outdoor space into a captivating one, keeping in mind your home's architectural style and the local climate. If you're on a tight budget, consider cost-effective solutions like adding mulch to garden beds, planting perennial plants that don't require replacement each year, or installing a simple water feature. Remember, the goal is to create an inviting, well-kept outdoor space that potential buyers can envision themselves enjoying.

In conclusion, a well-maintained home sells itself. There's no underestimating the power of first impressions when it comes to selling your home. Buyers are drawn to homes that are not just well-maintained but also exude warmth, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. From giving your roof a much-needed makeover, and modernizing your kitchen, to enhancing your home's curb appeal with professional landscaping, these improve your chances of attracting serious prospective buyers and securing a desirable selling price. Remember, the objective is not just to sell your home but to sell it well. Even if the initial investment might seem substantial, don't forget that these improvements pay for themselves in the long run. After all, a well-loved home is a well-sold home. So, before you put that 'For Sale' sign up, take a good look at your abode and make the changes that will make it a hot property in the housing market.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

• 10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

• How To Find a Good Apartment in a Competitive Market

• Opinion: Why agents are more essential than ever

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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10 Things Most Homebuyers Get Wrong About Getting a Mortgage Today

While buying a home has always been a challenging milestone, today’s high interest rates have made this dream even harder to achieve.

Over the past two years, interest rates on home loans have nearly doubled from the 3% range to around 7% today. This tacks many hundreds extra onto the monthly expense of housing, stretching some homebuyers’ budgets to the breaking point. And while there are ways to lower those costs, navigating the home loan process is extremely complicated—particularly for first-time homebuyers.

“It’s very important for first-timers to do research and understand all their options before they start looking for a home,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who is licensed in California and Florida. “Doing your due diligence can help you avoid some of the most common rookie mistakes, so you come out not only with the home of your dreams, but also a mortgage you can afford.”

Here are some common blunders homebuyers make when attempting to secure a mortgage.

1. Focusing too much on the interest rate

Probably the most common mistake homebuyers make is simply assuming that the lower the interest rate, the better the deal. But what they might not realize is that to get an ultralow rate, there are often hidden fees—and those fees could mean they ultimately end up paying more.

“Many lenders, especially in more recent years, have started to charge hidden points in an effort to advertise a much lower mortgage rate to potential applicants,” warns Jason Gelios, author of “Think Like a Realtor” and a real estate agent with Community Choice Realty in South East Michigan.

“It’s great to have the most attractive rate, but if the lender has you paying junk fees to obtain that rate, it might not make sense,” he adds.

Mortgage points are a fee that lenders can charge to applicants to lower their interest rate through the life of the loan. This process is also known as “buying down the rate,” and the fee is paid to the lender as its own fee.

In other words, “buying down the rate” or “buying points” are just a fancy way of saying you’re paying more fees upfront to get a lower interest rate.

As a result, it’s important for mortgage seekers to ask for an estimate of all fees included in their mortgage offer, and not just the interest rate.

2. Assuming you need a 20% down payment

“There’s a common but detrimental misconception that’s causing some potential first-time owners to delay starting the homebuying process, and that is the belief that it still takes 20% down to buy,” says Cindy Allen, veteran real estate agent and founder of DFWMoves in Southlake, TX.

In reality, according to a new study from Self Financial, the average down payment needed in the U.S. for first-time buyers is $12,274 (around 6%), in addition to $1,983 in closing costs.

“Fannie Mae has had a 3% down, first-time homebuyer mortgage for years now, which competes with FHA’s 3.5% down,” says Yifan Zhang, CEO of the host-to-own homebuying program Loftium. “The only difference is that home prices have risen so much recently that these programs are probably more popular now.”

However, keep in mind that you will have to pay private mortgage insurance if you put less than 20% down, which increases your monthly payments.

3. Assuming you can get a loan instantly

Many borrowers assume that in today’s instant-gratification culture, they can get a mortgage in days or even minutes. Not so.

“Even the mortgage lenders with splashy apps and websites still may need a phone call, manual document collection, or other time-consuming steps,” says Zhang.

In fact, many home tours might be off-limits until you’ve been vetted by a lender.

“Buyers may not be able to even see a home without providing a copy of their pre-approval letter just to schedule an appointment,” says Ameer. “Many listing agents are requiring that, no matter the price range. This is no longer just for high-end properties.”

4. Thinking pre-qualification means you’re approved for the loan

While getting pre-qualified for a loan is a good first step, it does not mean you’re guaranteed the money. Pre-approval is better because it means lenders have reviewed your finances.

In the past, pre-approval was typically enough to pass muster. In today’s ultracompetitive market, however, you might want to get fully approved from the get-go before you make an offer.

“Full approval means the buyer has been underwritten prior to making an offer—they have submitted all of their required documents, the lender has reviewed it and been able to vet them to basically say they are solid and just need to get an accepted offer on a property for the loan to go through,” says Ameer.

Being fully approved also allows buyers to close the deal in a much shorter time—two to three weeks in most cases.

This can give buyers the edge, as Ameer points out, “given today’s tight market with low inventory. Listing agents are going to recommend their seller ask for shorter time periods for loan approval.”

5. Not considering first-time homebuyer programs

Newbies who feel overwhelmed by the financial barriers to homeownership might be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are first-time homebuyer programs to help them get over the hump.

“You can find programs that offer help with closing costs and down payments, lower interest rates, and even tax credits to free up some of your savings,” says Allen. “And if you’re a first responder or educator, active-duty military or veteran, there are often special programs available for you, too.”

For example, Allen says just this past January she was involved in a $352,000 transaction where the buyers were granted over $6,000 toward closing costs and escrow through a first-time buyer program. They were then able to use the $6,000 they saved as additional down payment funds.

6. Failing to check your credit score

You really need to check your credit score prior to talking to mortgage lenders because ultimately, this number—which represents how well you’ve paid off past debts—will affect the interest rate you’re offered.

“Not tackling easy options for improving your credit score before taking out a mortgage is a big mistake for first-time homebuyers,” says Zhang. “Today, there are tons of credit improvement tools you can use to quickly and easily tackle your credit. Even just paying off a credit card can bump you into a higher credit category and save you hundreds each month on your mortgage.”

At the very least, make sure you know what your score is by checking it with CreditKarma.com or one of the top three ratings bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.

7. Picking the wrong type of loan

Are you better off going with an FHA, VA, or USDA loan or some other type entirely? Don’t know what these acronyms mean? There are many types of mortgages available, each with its own pros and cons based on your own personal circumstances.

“Know your loan options because an inexperienced loan representative may not know all the available programs or may not present all the possibilities,” says attorney Bruce Ailion, a real estate agent with Re/Max Town & Country, Atlanta. “Learn about the types of loans before talking with a professional to know the right questions to ask.”

8. Underestimating fees beyond the down payment

The down payment is not the only cost you’ll have when buying a home and securing a mortgage.

“People talk about the down payment required but rarely talk about the ancillary costs required for purchasing a home like closing costs, title, appraisal, and first-year homeowners insurance upfront,” says Nicole Rueth, senior vice president and producing branch manager, The Rueth Team of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. “It’s a mistake not to factor these in, because they can add up to an additional $5,000 to $12,000 down.”

9. Not preparing for the possibility of a low appraisal

Before lenders front the money for a house, they will have an independent home appraiser estimate its value. Many first-time buyers don’t realize that with listing prices so high, it’s entirely possible that their appraisal will come in lower, which means the lender will loan only that much.

“Given the rapidly rising asking prices and multiple-offer scenarios going on, it is quite possible that a property may not appraise at the agreed upon contract sales price. But a bank is only going to base their loan amount off of the appraised price, not what a buyer and seller agreed to pay,” says Ameer. “Buyers may not be able to come up with the cash to cover the difference between the appraised value and the contract sales price, so only offer what you know you can cover out of pocket should that happen.”

10. Not shopping around for the right lender

Not all lenders are created equal and work the same way. That’s why you really should shop around and find someone you trust who will pick up the phone when you call.

“In today’s market, it is imperative that you work with someone reputable who is reachable by cellphone seven days a week, because various questions and scenarios will come up as you embark on your property search and you may need some guidance that is crucial to having the winning offer,” says Ameer. “These situations often happen outside of typical office hours.”

This is one reason real estate agents typically prefer to use local lenders because they are accessible and reliable.

“Local lenders have a proven track record to maintain and value not just the client but the Realtor relationships they work hard to create,” says Kim Jungles, a loan officer with Atlantic Coast Mortgage in Ashburn, VA. “Online lenders for the most part are very difficult to speak with, let alone be available to write a pre-approval letter after 5 p.m. on Friday.”

Learn more at Realtor.com

Related Links

• How HOA Fees Work in New-Construction Communities: What To Expect

• How To Find a Good Apartment in a Competitive Market

• Opinion: Why agents are more essential than ever

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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