Category: Life at Home

Selling your home can be challenging, especially when it is your first time doing it, but it doesn’t have to be! While each individual home selling experience comes with its own unique challenges, there are some common mistakes you can avoid to make the selling process a bit easier when you are ready to put your home on the market.

Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent

When you are involving yourself in real estate, it’s important to thoroughly vet the agent you’re working with. First and foremost, you should check their credentials and licensing to ensure you are working with an accredited professional. There are lots of qualified agents out there, and determining the right one to work with really depends on your particular needs. Ask whether they charge a flat fee or a percentage of the sales price, and whether you are able to negotiate their commission. Seek out reviews from past clients to get a candid sense of what they are like to work with. Ask the agent directly about how they plan to best represent and assist you. How do they plan to market your home? Are they knowledgeable about the market in your particular area? How will they communicate with you and on your behalf, and how often? Choosing the wrong agent can make the selling process more difficult and stressful, and can even result in you losing out on money.

Incorrectly Pricing Your Home

You may think your home is the nicest one on the block, but the price you want to get and the price buyers are actually willing to pay may be quite different. It is important to understand your local market and strive to strike a balance between getting what your home is worth and not asking too much. If you price your home too low, you can lose out on money. If you price it too high, it can be difficult to sell. A skilled real estate agent will be able to perform a comparative market analysis and help you determine the optimal asking price for your home. If you want to get a more accurate estimate of what your home may be worth, hire a home appraiser to come in and value your home before working directly with an agent. This way you have a number in mind when selecting the list price on your home.

Not Preparing Your Home for Sale

Failing to adequately prep your home for sale can negatively impact its sale price. Tidy up your house and consider having it professionally cleaned. Something as simple as putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can really freshen up the look of your home. When it comes to creating a listing and holding showings and open houses, you should stage your home. If you cannot afford to hire a professional, take a DIY approach to staging. Do not forget about the outside of your home; after all, it’s the first thing people see when visiting your house. Do any necessary yardwork and cleaning and consider sprucing up your landscaping.

Hiding Problems and Needed Repairs

Trying to hide problems in your home is more likely to come back to bite you than help you sell your home. Odds are any issues will be discovered during the buyer’s inspection. Consider having your home inspected yourself in order to uncover any potential issues. If you are able to take care of a repair prior to listing your home, you should. Many buyers want a home where they don’t have to deal with any renovations or repairs. If you do not want to or are not able to complete a repair before selling, it’s important that you are honest with the buyer about the work that needs to be done. In fact, some states have disclosure rules that require you to reveal known problems.

Not Requesting the Buyer’s Mortgage Pre-Qualification

Pre-qualification is received by a buyer from a lender and estimates how much they can expect to borrow. This signals to you, the seller, that the buyer is serious about their offer and will be able to secure a mortgage covering the price of your home. Without proof of pre-qualification from a buyer, your run the risk of them not being able to secure funding and the sale falling through.

Being Overly Emotional

Selling a home can be an emotional experience, but it is important not to let your emotions overcome you and lead your decision making. Do not take low offers personally; think of it as a starting point for negotiation or simply decline the offer and move on—it does not mean they don’t think your house is nice. If a buyer has plans to renovate, it does not mean they think your home is ugly or that you have not done a good job with upkeep; it simply means they have a different vision and want to make the home their own. You may have years of memories wrapped up in this home and it can be difficult to leave it, but remember that at the end of the day, this is a business deal and you should do what you can to get the best return possible.

When selling a home, you are most likely also considering buying a new home. Contact one of our experienced Loan Officers today to explore your mortgage options!

When on the hunt for your dream home, you can learn a lot about a home’s neighborhood but not necessarily much about the people you will be living around. Sometimes you end up in the perfect home only to find out your neighbors are not so perfect—or are even downright troublesome. What do you do when you have issues with your neighbors?

Make Sure You Are Not the One in the Wrong

It is time to set aside your ego and look at the situation objectively: is it possible you are the one in the wrong in this scenario? Maybe your neighbor filed a complaint about you; is it possible maybe your music really was too loud? Was your yard unkempt with too many weeds? Perhaps you really have exceeded the limits of your property and crossed over into theirs. While it might feel like your neighbor is out to get you, it is possible they are just trying to protect their own best interests and those of your other neighbors. If it turns out you are in the wrong, do what you can to sincerely apologize and show that you are taking strides to improve your behavior moving forward.

Always Put Your Best Foot Forward

You should always strive to be friendly—or at the very least polite—to all of your neighbors. The better you know your neighbors and the better your relationship with them is, the more likely you are to settle any conflicts that may arise cordially and peacefully. Try keeping the lines of communication open; let your neighbors know when you are going to have renovations done, throw a party, or do anything else that may be out of the ordinary, especially if it disrupts their routine or creates extra noise. Remember the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

Talk to Your Neighbor About the Issue

Before you escalate and bring in a third party or formally file a complaint, try talking to your neighbor one on one first. Give them the benefit of the doubt; they may be unaware their behavior is disruptive or rude. Do your best not to be accusatory or heated. Maybe the situation can be chalked up to a simple misunderstanding. In many cases, you can resolve the problem after discussing it with your neighbor. Should they become defensive or angry, keep a level head and avoid fighting fire with fire. If they resort to insults or you feel threatened or unsafe, remove yourself from the situation.

Document the Problem

Be sure to document everything just in case you have to involve an outside party. Keep a record of all relevant times, dates, photos, and communications so you have proof should you need to escalate the issue. Conflict between neighbors can quickly turn into a battle of he-said-she-said and hearsay, so having concrete evidence can help you defend yourself and back up your claims.

Consult a Third Party When Necessary

In an ideal world, all neighborhood conflicts could be solved peacefully between neighbors, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes you need to bring in a third party to assist. Depending on the nature of the issue, this could be a homeowner association (HOA), a neighborhood organization, a municipal board, an outside mediator, or even local authorities. You may want to consult an attorney if you believe it is a legal issue.

Are you considering buying a new home? Contact one of our knowledgeable Loan Officers today to learn about your financing options!

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward when it comes to the first impression others have of their home. Curb appeal is important not only to your guests and neighbors, but it can also have a major impact on potential homebuyers’ initial feelings about your property. Most homeowners are so used to looking at their yards every single day, that they can easily overlook areas that need improvement or potential focal points that could really add a wow factor. Read on for tips to properly assess your space and boost that curb appeal to make your home shine!

Experts suggest taking photos of all angles of your yard and analyzing them as if you were an expert – and a stranger! Taking a step back to critically review your property can allow you to see things you might otherwise miss. Take stock of your neighbors’ yards as well – what you like and dislike about the general level of maintenance quality. Aim to be at least on par with the other homes nearby, or ideally, to transform your front façade into the best on the block!

Plants that Pop

A gorgeous front garden is a sure-fire way to get the right kind of attention for your home. Flowers in bright colors that compliment the color of your house are the most affordable way to make a big impact. Consider a mix of annuals and low-maintenance perennials, and include some evergreen pieces to carry your garden beds through the fall and winter.

Polished Paint

Chipped paint is not just an eyesore, it can raise questions about the level of care your entire home receives and put doubt in the minds of potential home buyers. Be sure to touch up any damaged paint. Has your paint color gone out of style or faded? A fresh, popular color can brighten up the whole look of your home. Changing the color of your front door and shutters are the easiest and quickest fixes. If you have a Homeowner’s Association, be sure and check that any new colors you choose are allowed.

Entry Focal Point

A clear designated front entry is key to the success of your curb appeal. If there is any confusion about which entry is at the front, an easy-to-see and follow path will help visitors find the way. Dress up the front porch with potted plants, easy-to-read house numbers, and other decorations. Accessorize the front door with a seasonal wreath and add an elegant porch light.

Address Eyesores

Some items are essential to modern homes, without being particularly attractive to look at. If a utility meter or AC unit is stealing center stage in your front or side yard, consider ways to screen them from view. Plants, trellises, and easy to install decorative panels are all great options with aesthetic appeal.

Trim and Tidy

Maintenance is a major factor in the curb appeal of any home. Clear away clutter and find an attractive storage solution for it in your backyard if possible. Keep your lawn, shrubs, and trees properly edged and trimmed, and your flower beds weeded and mulched. Rake up leaves in the Fall and water your grass and plants when appropriate in Spring and Summer. Clean and power wash surfaces when appropriate to keep everything looking its best. Your hard work will pay off and your home will impress!

Landscape Lighting

Finally, consider your home’s curb appeal after hours. Landscape lighting can beautifully accent your walkways, entryway, and garden in the twilight and evening – times when many house hunters schedule showings since it’s outside of regular business hours and they’re free to go and take a tour! From spotlights on a statement tree to simple solar lights lining a flower bed, to string lights accenting a beautiful porch railing, the options for outdoor lighting are almost limitless, and fun to explore.

These simple tips will help you bring out the absolute best in your home and wow visitors and neighbors alike. It is also a wonderful feeling coming home to your own gorgeous front yard! Since you took before pictures to assess your needs at the start of the project, be sure to take after photos too so can compare and enjoy!

Are you getting ready to put your home on the market, or considering a refinance to help afford home upgrades? One of our experienced loan officers would love to help! Contact us today!

Making the move to your new home can be a dream come true! Follow this moving checklist to keep the process as smooth and seamless as possible. You’ll be all settled into your new space in no time!

Moving Checklist – Two Months Prior to Moving: Organize and Purge

Go through each room in your home and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Having to pack and move items can be a great incentive to let go! Set these items aside for donations or selling. Yard sales are a great idea if you want to make a few bucks to get rid of bulkier items. Also, take note and label any items that will need special packing or insurance.

Research Home Moving Companies

Getting estimates from multiple different home moving companies is a worthwhile time investment. On-site estimates are the most accurate. It’s best to get your estimate in writing(or email), and be sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it. Due to the current pandemic, most companies are offering virtual moving estimates. You can walk them through your space, they will ask you questions during the walkthrough, while you can let them know what is and isn’t coming on your move. They will provide the same quote as if they went to you on-site.

Start a Home Moving Binder

This a great place to keep track of all your estimates and notes on all the items you’ll be moving. This can include, but not limited too: moving checklist, moving budget spreadsheet, utilities, moving company information.

Collect School Records

If you have children and are moving to a different school district, contact their current school and arrange for their records to be sent over to their new school. You can even put these records into your moving binder to better manage all your paperwork.

Moving Checklist – One Month Before Your Move: Choose Your Moving Company

Select your moving company and get your finalized contract with your dates and other details.

Start Packing

Pack any items that aren’t being used frequently and any off-season items to make things easier on moving day. Clearly label each box with its contents and which room it goes in. Separate any valuables to take with you in your personal vehicle on moving day.

Notify Necessary Parties

It’s a good idea to alert all the following ahead of your move: your banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, credit card companies, insurance, and utility companies. If the cable and internet provider you currently use are not available where you are moving, make sure to find a new company that offers the features you want and need.

Forward Medical Records

If you are moving to a new location with a new primary care physician, have your doctor forward your medical records to your new office.

Moving Checklist – Two Weeks Before: Arrange A Few Days Off for Moving Day

If you aren’t moving during a weekend, you’ll want to make sure you have a full day off work to get everything done.

Get your vehicle checked

Make sure your car is all tuned up for the trip! This is especially important if you are moving a long way.

Contact the Moving Company

Reconfirm your arrangements to be safe.

Moving Checklist – One Week Before: Refill your Prescriptions

Get any regular prescriptions refilled prior to your move so you won’t immediately have to worry about having them filled at a new pharmacy

Moving Checklist – A Few Days Before: Pack your suitcases

Try and have all of your packing done a few days before your move, and pack suitcases with a few days of clothes for your entire family so you will be prepared while you unpack at your new house!

Moving Day! : Verify your movers

Make sure the number on the moving truck matches the USDOT number on your contract.

Inventory

Keep a copy of your signed inventory list once everything has been unloaded.

Now it’s time to enjoy your new home and unpack your labeled boxes that are already in the correct rooms – at your own pace since you already have the prescriptions and clothes you need for now! Congratulations and enjoy!

If you are moving during the pandemic, check out this blog post for even more tips and tricks.

Are you looking to purchase a home? Contact one of our experienced loan officers today!

Source: https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/moving/moving-checklist

The return of springtime also marks the return of the annual spring cleaning ritual many partake in. Here are some tips for tidying and sprucing up your space this spring.

Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Go Room by Room

When cleaning, taking a room-by-room approach can make things much more manageable. Consider making a checklist for each room you want to tackle, as your tasks for one room may be far different from another. You can prioritize rooms more in need of improvement. Avoiding bouncing from room to room can help you stay on task and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Prioritize Tasks

Figure out what’s most important to you. You may want to consider tackling projects and tasks you normally put off or avoid so you get them out of the way. However, it is important not to take on too much all at once which can cause quick burnout. If you need help gaining momentum and getting motivated, try taking on some manageable tasks you know you can knock out easily first. Your main priorities really depend on how much needs to get done and what you feel is most important to accomplish.

Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Focus on Clutter

As important as actual cleaning is—like mopping, dusting, and wiping down baseboards—focusing on downsizing clutter can be particularly important and impactful in sprucing up your space. Identify things you want to donate or sell, things you want to throw away or recycle and things you want to keep. Once you’ve collected items you want to keep, make sure they all have a particular place to be stored so you always know where to put them away when cleaning throughout the rest of the year.

Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Don’t Forget About Outside

Your outdoor space needs attention, too, especially if it was neglected during winter. Clean and declutter your garage just as you would a room in your house. Remember to clean your gutters, fences, windows, patio furniture, and siding as needed and take care of your lawn.

Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Work on Creating Good Habits

Though spring is a great time to get some serious cleaning done, you can cut down on how much you have to do next spring by cultivating positive habits to practice all year long. Start each morning by making your bed. Try taking 15 minutes at the end of every day to tidy up and put things away. Designate certain days for certain tasks, such as laundry on Sundays and vacuuming every Wednesday. Continue taking a room-by-room approach when cleaning.

Are you thinking about refinancing your home or buying a new one? Contact one of our knowledgeable loan officers today to explore your financing options!

Life can get expensive, and some costs will always be outside of our control. Read on for 15 tips to reduce your utility bills and save some serious green!

1. Check the seals on all your windows, doors, and appliances.

Drafty doors and windows make your thermostat work harder all year round. Poor seals on your appliances do double damage since the fridge or oven will have to work harder to maintain their internal temperatures,  while the cool and hot air escaping will also have an impact on the overall temperature of your home. Sealing everything up saves energy and money.

2. Fix leaky ductwork and change your air filter.

Just as windows and doors can let hot and cool air seep out, so can the ductwork for your heating and cooling systems. Check to make sure there are no leaks, and repair any you find. This lets your system run with optimal efficiency and saves valuable wasted energy. An old filter can also reduce the effectiveness of your heat and air conditioning, costing you unnecessary cash. AC pros recommend replacing your air filter every 45-90 days.

3. Give your thermostat a nudge.

Setting your thermostat back when you’re away from home can offer some seriously valuable savings without impacting your comfort. Smart thermostats have programmable schedules that will do the work for you! Also consider light bedsheets in summer and extra blankets in winter, so that you can save a few degrees overnight and still sleep soundly.

4. Adjust your fridge and freezer temperature.

Setting your refrigerator to 38 degrees and your freezer to between 0 and 5 degrees keeps your food fresh, without making the appliance work any harder than it needs to. Setting them any colder is considered unnecessary and ups your utility bill. A packed freezer and fridge help to lower costs even more since the frozen and cooled foods help keep things chilly!

5. Take shorter showers.

Taking just two minutes off your shower time saves about 5 gallons of water every time you wash. This can make a big difference in your water costs throughout the course of a year, especially if you have multiple people in your home and everyone commits and makes the cut!

6. Replace your showerhead.

Can’t shorten your shower time? Try a low-flow energy-efficient showerhead instead. These can save up to 2,700 gallons of water a year! Combining tips 5 and 6 will make for even more savings.

7. Don’t wash clothes in hot water.

Sticking to warm and cold washing machine cycles can save up to 50% of the energy cost of your washer. Be sure to pre-treat stains so everything still comes out looking great!

8. Fix leaky faucets.

Leaky faucets and toilets can end up costing a fortune on your water bill. Regularly check to ensure you have no leaks so that you don’t miss one and end up surprised with a higher than normal utility bill!

9. Adjust the temperature on your water heater.

Lowering the setting on your water heater to 120 degrees versus 130 degrees can save 10% of the energy cost! Turn the water heater to the lowest setting when you’re out of town for even more efficiency.

10. Purchase energy-efficient appliances.

Energy Star-labeled appliances come in a wide variety of price ranges and options, and they can save tons in energy costs over the lifetime of the appliance. If you’re shopping for something new – look for energy efficiency first.

11. Ask about discounted rates.

Some energy providers offer discounted rates during off-peak times. Call your provider to find out if they offer this, and if so try doing your laundry and dishes on off-peak times.

12. Swap out your lightbulbs.

Changing just five of your most frequently used lightbulbs to compact fluorescent or LED Energy Star bulbs can save up to $75 a year. Swap out all the bulbs in your home for an even larger impact.

13. Install dimmer switches.

Dimmer switches aren’t just aesthetically desirable, dimming the lights to suit your mood saves valuable energy as well.

14. Use smart power strips.

This tip is more important than ever with so many of us working from home! Many electronics in our home still use energy when we aren’t using them. Smart Power strips completely cut power to electronics when they aren’t in use, stopping the trickle of wasted energy. The savings can really add up over time!

15. Do an energy audit.

Many utility providers offer home energy audits. These audits can uncover ways your home is wasting energy and give you a personalized plan to correct the problems. Some come at a cost, while some are free! Contact your energy provider to ask about scheduling an audit and see what you can save.

Reducing your utility bills may make a big difference in your budget, and so may reduce your mortgage payment. Contact one of our experienced loan officers today to find out if refinancing your home to help reduce your mortgage payment is the right decision for you*!

*Refinancing your current mortgage loan could result in the total finance charge being higher over the life of the loan.

Source: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-save-money-on-your-electric-bill

 

Your garage can serve many purposes, but not if it’s full of clutter. A recent study showed that only 30% of homeowners with garages use them to store their vehicles because they are just too full! If you are ready to organize your garage, the good news is that this is a project you can tackle yourself at little to no cost to you.

Step 1: Purge Unnecessary Items

Set aside a few hours or a whole day to go through absolutely everything in your garage. Sort items into four separate piles – items to keep, items to sell, items to donate, and items to the trash. Make plans to drop off donations and sell anything you’d like to right away, so you can free up that space for your “keep” pile. Put the trash out immediately, or schedule a trash pick up or take a trip to your local dump as soon as possible if it’s too much for your regular trash service to take.

Step 2: Decide Which Keep Items Stay in The Garage

Some items should not be stored in a garage. Move anything from the list below to a safer spot in your home or yard!
Paint Cans: Extreme cold or heat can ruin the paint. It’s best to store cans in a temperature-controlled area.
Propane and Other Fuels: Experts recommend keeping this outside and away from your home since a small spark could ignite them.
Paper goods and Pet Foods: These can attract pests and small animals to your garage. They are safer when stored indoors.
Extra Refrigerator: This can be a huge energy drain in spaces that are not air-conditioned, and is better off indoors if possible.

Step 3: Make the Most of Your Storage Space

Sort your “keep” pile, such as lawn and garden, bikes or sports equipment, tools, seasonal items, etc. An organized garage starts with storing it all! Wall hooks and open shelves are an inexpensive way to add lots of extra vertical storage space in your garage. Clear or labeled bins are great for grouping and storing smaller items. Clear jars are perfect for keeping track of very small items like nuts and bolts. Wall hooks and baskets can hold all sorts of items, from bikes and hoses to flowerpots. Large items such as lawnmowers should go against walls or in corners to avoid bumping into them with your vehicle. It’s a good idea to store frequently used items closer to the garage door for easy access, while seasonal items can be stored out of the way until they are needed. The garage ceiling can be a great spot for flat, infrequently used items like sleds and beach chairs, just be sure they are placed out of the way of your garage door and high enough not to scratch the roof of your car.

Step 4: Safety Counts!

It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher mounted or easily accessible in your garage, in case of emergency. A carbon monoxide detector can add additional peace of mind (even though you should never leave your car running with the garage door closed!).

You’re now ready to start on your journey to an organized garage.

Considering moving or refinancing in the near future? If so, one of our experienced Loan Officers would love to help!

1 Decorate and dress up to make the day feel special, even
if you’re celebrating with a smaller group or by yourself
this year.

2 Relax and watch the Macy’s Day Parade. It will look a
bit different this year with no crowds, but the tradition
continues nonetheless!

3 Try outdoor dining and activities as a safer way to gather
with friends and family. Picnic tables and cornhole might
just become new holiday favorites.

4 Adjust your Menu. With many of us having much smaller
gatherings than usual this year, it’s a great time to take it easy and
keep the meal simple. On the other hand, it’s also an opportunity
to test out fun new recipes in smaller batches!

5 Use Facetime and Zoom to “party” with your friends and
relatives who are out of town and may not be able to travel this
year.

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/thanksgiving-ideas/g34450121/quarantine-thanksgiving-ideas/

Here at First Home Mortgage, we continue to provide the highest level of customer service while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Our innovative communication technologies allow us to exceed your expectations while keeping everyone as safe as possible. If you are considering purchasing or refinancing a home, please contact one of our Loan Officers today!