Real Estate Information Archive

The all-important first step: before going to a lender, make sure your credit is in good standing. 
 

Being pre-approved for a mortgage does not impress many sellers, so it is important to be pre-qualified. Talk to different lenders to line up the best deal for you and your budget. 
 

Do not overestimate how much you can afford. Avoid properties on your initial search that are truly dream homes. The pre-approval process will offer a reality check because your approved mortgage amount is set. 
 

Applying for a loan for a new car, credit cards, or even new furniture to go in your home can hurt your credit score during the mortgage process. 
 

Sometimes buyers assume that all costs of buying a house are included in the loan amount, which is not the case. Closing costs, on average, are 2-5% of the purchase price of the home, and there is earnest money and a down payment to be made. 
 

Do not let your finances deter you from buying a home! While the process may take more time, there are several programs ready to assist first-time home buyers. Many require less than 20% down. Other programs provide financing for those who live in rural areas, as well as those with credit issues or lower income. Go to realtor.comⓇ for a list of available programs. 

Drywall holes can be intimidating, but there is no need for a drywall expert to come in for this job.  Lowe’s shows us how to patch the hole and spend much less than the cost of a repair bill. 
 

A squeaky wood floor can be charming or irritating, so if it is the latter, you can fix it with talcum powder as long as it is not due to a loose board. If it is not loose, sprinkle talcum powder over the seams, and rub it in with your fingers or a thin plastic card. Walk over the area to listen for the squeak, and apply more powder if necessary. 
 

Is there a cabinet door that does not want to close completely?  For a few dollars, you can purchase magnet catches and install them in no time. There can be issues with the hinges, too, and it may just need a simple adjustment. 
 

The two most common toilet bowl leaks are a leaky flapper or a bad fill valve.   For less than $20, you can replace either of them.  To get started, check out this information from Today’s Homeowner to test for the correct leak, and go from there.  The internet is chock full of videos and how-to articles for either fix. 
 

When your clothes dryer drum stops turning, do not fret--the belt is easy and inexpensive to replace, thanks to this guide and video from Sears, and no appliance repair service needs to be called!  
 

Doorknobs take a lot of abuse and eventually need replacing, or maybe you just want to upgrade your door hardware. Buildipedia offers this how-to video for this simple project--no locksmith required! 

As soon as possible, secure the house:  check all doors and windows and be sure any valuables are safely stored away, preferably in a safe deposit box. Valuables now include anything that connects to the internet:  smartphones, tablets, and computers. 
 

Security is a must, and that could simply mean adding timers to lamps in different parts of the house to make the home look inhabited. Cancel newspaper and other regular deliveries, and have mail forwarded or check the mailbox daily.  Make sure the neighbors are aware of the death and ask them to look out for the empty home.  
 

Cleaning out the house may be difficult, and some want to start immediately after the funeral, while others may want to take their time.  In the case of larger families, set a date to begin, and have a plan in place so it is easier on everyone. 
 

Many families decide to have an in-house sale for items they will not be keeping. Set everything up in categories, and mark prices clearly; price them to sell!  If there is any speculation of something being valuable, have it appraised before you make a sale.   
 

If the house will need to be sold, contact Robbins Real Estate to help you get the house ready for the market.  Updates may be necessary for the best price, so be prepared to make changes to the home. 
 

On the other hand, some people have lived in the same house for fifty years, and never changed so much as the carpeting.  If you decide to sell as-is, your agent will know how to set the asking price.  While there are buyers who are specifically searching for a time capsule, they are not as common as those who want a turnkey house. 
 

Most importantly, installing a water heater is not an easy DIY unless you are an electrician or plumber. Saving a few hundred dollars is not worth the peace of mind of a properly and safely installed water heater. 
 

Traditional tank water heaters are the least expensive to purchase and have installed. When it comes to the real money saving--the energy costs associated with heating and maintaining the temperature--it is not the least expensive, as the radiant heat loss while being stored is great. 

- The average family of four would need a storage capacity of forty gallons, adding ten gallons for each additional family member. 

- Because of government-mandated regulations, this type of unit has become larger over the years, making replacement an issue. 

- Storage-type water heaters have a lifespan of ten to fifteen years. 
 

Tankless or on-demand heaters can be installed in smaller spaces, and this is important if you are upgrading to a larger unit and the available space is not sufficient. 

- There are whole-house water heaters as well as smaller electric-only units that are installed under sinks for almost instant hot water whenever it is needed. 

- Tankless heaters use, on average, twenty to thirty percent less energy than storage-type heaters, meaning the higher cost of the unit will pay for itself in energy cost savings. 

- Some utility companies offer a rebate for qualified on-demand heater installation. Type in your ZIP code at the Energy Star website to see if there is a program in your area. 
 

Solar water heaters will need a stand-by traditional unit in case the water is not heated to the set temperature. The expense of installation of a solar unit will pay for itself over time, and they have a life expectancy of about twenty years. 
 

Heat pump water heating systems use less energy and are considered to be the best bang for your buck.  There are space and temperature requirements, however, so choose this water heater wisely. 

One indication that you are running out of space is clutter. Totes of stored seasonal clothing stacked in the bedroom corner, or maybe you no longer invite friends over because the clutter is embarrassing. It is either time to declutter or move! 
 

Another sign to look for is furniture that is crammed into any available spot. 
 

If it is hard to walk through the maze of pieces you have acquired over the years, they need to be displayed or set up properly so you can enjoy them. 
 

Probably the most aggravating thing about living in a house that is too small is having to wait for a bathroom! Even a bath-and-a-half may not be enough.  It may be time to find a house with two or more full bathrooms. 
 

If you are one of the millions that are working from home now more than ever, your home office has probably taken over previously public space in the house. A house with square footage for a home office will allow everyone to get back in their own room!  
 

In today’s world, it may be necessary for the grown and flown children to come back to the nest. Have you changed their bedroom into a craft room or knocked the wall out to enlarge another space? Other than putting the wall back up, find a new home with room for everyone. 
 

On the other side of the coin, do your parents need to move in? That will mean giving up your own space so they can have some independence and privacy.  Purchasing a larger home with an in-law suite would be a better solution. 

Use what you have first. If you are already anticipating the move, hold on to any packaging your deliveries have come in. Stack them out of sight if your house is still on the market, or go ahead and pack non-necessities in them and hide them under the bed or storage area. 
 

Other items you have on hand to use: suitcases, duffel bags, trash cans, and reusable grocery bags can all be utilized to cut back on cardboard boxes. 
 

Produce boxes make great moving containers! They are very sturdy and some come with lids so you will not have to use so much tape to close them. Ask for them at local grocery stores and produce stands. 
 

Towels, sheets, and pillows can be used in place of packing material, and towels and sheets can be used for wrapping fragile items as well. Using them is a double win because you will have one less thing to pack! 
 

If it is within the budget, consider using an eco-friendly moving company. 
 

Already contracted with a mover? Ask them about any green options they have in place for your move. 
 

It only takes a quick search online to find a company that rents clean and ready-to-pack storage containers. Many of them will deliver them to your door, then pick them up at the new house when the containers are empty! 
 

Another option is ordering a moving kit or just the boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes. The company “rescues” misprinted or in-almost-perfect-condition used cardboard boxes that are headed for a landfill, and ships them directly to you. 

For the wheelchair-bound person or one who needs to use a walker, add an accessibility ramp to their most-used entry.  Contractors who specialize in ADA-compliant improvements can assist with design and added features.  
 

Outdoor lighting is essential for everyone’s safety, but there are many options for adding low-voltage lights to posts along ramps and atop porch rails, as well as pathway lighting along walkways. 
 

Wherever there are steps, handrails are a must, as well as anti-skid treads to minimize slipping. 

Change all doorknobs to lever-type handles for ease of opening for those with arthritis or other motor skill issues. 
 

Widening doorways is something that may be necessary if wheelchair use is a possibility in the future. Enlarging them to 36” is the general width for ease of use. 
 

The type of flooring in the home can impact whether it’s a fall risk for someone who has trouble getting around.  Low-pile carpeting or secure low-pile area rugs with double-sided carpet tape or non-slip rug padding is best. 
 

A walk-in or wheelchair-accessible shower with a “curbless” entry is a safe choice when remodeling a bathroom. A built-in shower seat and adjustable showerhead are other useful items that can be added to make bathing safer. 
 

If a total bathroom remodel is not affordable, simply installing grab-bars to the shower, bath, and toilet area walls will offer security for moving around in the bathroom. 
 

Changing faucets in the kitchen and bath to a single lever handle or installing motion-sensor or touch-activated units are perfect for ease of use. 
 

Electrical issues to consider:  light switches that can be pressed for turning off and on, electrical outlets placed higher than the standard height and adding more interior lighting. 

Does my credit need to be perfect?  Not necessarily, but the higher your credit score, the better the loan’s interest rate will be. Lower credit scores could cost thousands over time in higher interest rates. FICO has some tips for improving your credit score. 
 

I am not sure how much house I can afford.  Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio when deciding to grant a home loan.  Get an idea for yourself by using this handy DTI calculator. 
 

How much money do I need for a down payment?  That depends! Most lenders require 5-20% for a down payment. USDA and FHA offer no- or low-down-payment home loans. Veterans and servicemembers have the benefit of applying for a no-down-payment VA Home Loan through the Veterans Administration as well. 
 

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and will I have to pay? For most lenders, PMI is a requirement for homebuyers that do not pay a 20% down payment. The cost is normally included in the mortgage payment. 
 

I am pre-approved for a mortgage. Can I make an offer on a house that I love?  Sellers will likely reject an offer that has no lender back-up. Return to the bank and go through the pre-qualification process so you will know just how much you will have to offer on a property. 
 

Are there any tax advantages to owning a home?  While there are many costs associated with homeownership that renters do not have, there are tax credits for some of the taxes you pay, as well as for those who use points to get a lower interest rate. And with rent prices rising, your monthly mortgage payment could be lower than rent! 
 

How long does the whole process take?  A smooth home-buying transaction takes approximately 30-45 days. The time varies as there are so many aspects to the process, and once in a while, there are hurdles to get through.   
 

Who pays closing costs--the seller or the buyer?  In most cases, the buyer pays the closing costs, an expense that can run 3-6% of the cost of the home.  In some instances, however, the seller will offer to help with these costs as an incentive to buy the home. 

Grass clippings from your lawn can be used to mulch and enrich the soil.  According to Mother Earth News, a mulch of 1”-2” of cut grass can feed your garden for the season.   
 

Natural fertilizer can be found in worm castings, and vermicomposting is one project the whole family can get involved in!  Learn how to create worm beds from gardeningknowhow.com. 
 

Proper mulching is the best natural defense against weeds. Some plants are persistent, so the gardener needs to be persistent about keeping them in check!  Pull the plant by hand, (complete with roots), or use a hoe to get them out of the ground. 
 

While water is probably the most important ingredient for a productive garden, timing is important for keeping diseases and pests at bay.  Watering your plants in the evenings can cause fungi and mildew to grow, and neither is easy to get rid of once they set in. 
 

Learn how to identify beneficial and detrimental insects.  While they may strike fear when we see them, many stinging insects are taking care of the bad ones that are eating up our vegetables.  The Sod God offers some excellent information as well as infographics to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. 
 

Fragrant plants attract beneficial insects; plants like marigold, sweet alyssum, cilantro, yarrow, and fennel are just a few you can companion grow near your veggies to bring the good bugs to your garden. 
 

Row covers are a great and chemical-free way to keep not only insects away, but veggie-loving birds as well.  If they cover your plants completely as they grow, they will provide a barrier between your plants and the bad guys. 
 

If your plants are being taken over by soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies, make your own insecticidal soap--just follow these easy instructions from Horticulture magazine.