Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2017-08-22T11:31:00

(BPT) – We’ve all been told, that owning a home is part of the American dream. It’s the biggest and most rewarding investment many people will make in their lives. Instead of paying rent every month and having nothing to show for it, paying a monthly mortgage builds equity and wealth.

While most know the benefits of owning a home, for many millennials and young people, it can seem like a distant prospect. In fact, while 52 percent of millennials say they no longer want to pay rent, only 18 percent think they can afford a new home, according to a recent survey conducted by loanDepot.

What is the source of this disparity? There are many reasons, but part of the problem is a vast majority of young people think there is only one way to buy a home, or that certain strict criteria has to be met to qualify for a loan.

There are many myths surrounding home ownership. Let’s break some of them down.

Misconceptions about the down payment

Many believe a down payment is the biggest obstacle that stands between them and home ownership. The accepted wisdom is that 20 percent of the home’s value is needed to make the down payment. This can be a rather substantial sum. Of those surveyed, 63 percent of people think they can’t afford a down payment; 43 percent believe poor credit history would prevent them from entering the housing market and 38 percent worry that too much existing debt would prevent them from doing so.

The truth is, a down payment can be as little as 10, 5, or even 3 percent. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to access these loan options. Rather than simply doing an online search, you should take a few minutes to explore your options and talk to a loan expert at loanDepot to fully explore what kinds of mortgages are available.

Student loans don’t have to be a barrier

One of the biggest sources of financial stress for millennials is the amount of student debt they carry. The effects of this debt can be paralyzing, and many believe they first need to pay off their loans before they can even think about owning a home.

The good news is that Fannie Mae recently announced several policy changes designed to help those with student debt qualify for home loans. Other lenders, like loanDepot, have special programs designed to help those with specific types of student loans, or even 40-year mortgage loan programs that have a 10-year interest-only initial repayment period, which can help borrowers tackle their student loan debt while they make lower mortgage payments.

Streamline the process with technology

So where do you start? How can home seekers find the loan that’s right for them?

Many millennials think getting a mortgage is a complicated maze. But with loanDepot’s proprietary digital lending platform, future homeowners have access to a web-based consumer portal that provides a fully digital mortgage loan application experience. With these features, as well as access to licensed loan consultants in 180+ retail locations, homebuyers have the ability to explore options they may have never thought existed, and to find the home loan that fits their budget to buy the home of their dreams.

2018-04-03T16:11:00

(BPT) – So you want to buy a home? Congratulations! Homeownership can be a wonderful accomplishment and milestone in your life. But be forewarned that it might not be easy. The process is complicated and often comes with a few hurdles.

However, if you follow the three steps below, you can make your goal a reality in 2018.

1. Understand your expenses and get preapproved

Making the transition from renting to buying a home can have a significant impact on your monthly budget. That’s why you need to get your finances prepared before you buy a home. Entering numbers into a mortgage calculator is sometimes helpful, but it can leave you with an overly optimistic picture.

A common rule of thumb is that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed about 30 percent of your monthly income. Before you begin the process of buying a new home, review your monthly income and expenses and decide if this percentage works for your household.

If you decide to use a mortgage calculator, remember that principal and interest payments on your loan only make up part of the monthly cost. When calculating your future payments, don’t forget about property taxes, property insurance, and the possibility of mortgage insurance or a homeowners’ association fee, which can add to your costs. Be sure to allocate a certain amount toward repairs on the home as well.

Once you feel confident in your finances, you’ll need to start the process of getting preapproved for a mortgage. Getting preapproved for a loan allows you to act quickly once you’ve found the perfect home. In most cases, this can be done entirely by phone and online. But it may take a few days (or more) depending on the lender.

You’ll need to provide documents that show your income, debts, assets, credit history, employment status and employment history, among other factors.

2. Improve your credit score and debt-to-income ratio

To get approved for a mortgage, you will need to have a relatively good credit score and a debt-to-income ratio of 43 percent or lower. But what exactly does that mean and how can you find out if you’re qualified to buy a home?

To start with, you can get a copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and obtain an estimate of your credit score from one of the many online providers of free credit scores. With these in hand, you can review your credit profile to make sure there are no surprises that could prevent you from being approved for a mortgage.

In most cases, a credit score of 740 or higher will allow you to not only qualify for a mortgage but also receive the best interest rates offered by lenders. If your score is in the 620 to 740 range, you’ll probably still qualify for a mortgage but won’t receive the best interest rates. If you’re applying for an FHA loan with 3.5 percent down, the minimum credit score is 580.

Is your credit score lower than you’d like? Don’t worry; just begin taking steps to improve it. If you are currently late on any payments, do your best to bring those accounts into good standing. At the same time, try to pay down balances on your revolving debt — specifically your credit cards. Ideally, you would not use any more than 30 percent of your available credit (across all revolving accounts) at any given time.

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is equally important to your credit score and is closely related. It measures your monthly payments against your monthly earnings. If you have a car loan, a credit card or a personal loan, it will be included in your DTI. Most mortgage lenders want your DTI to be less than 43 percent before they will approve you for a loan. If you find that you’re above 43 percent then you should work on bringing the number down before you apply for a loan.

3. Get your down payment ready

While a 20 percent down payment is often considered to be the gold standard to buy a home, the truth is most people put down less than that. First-time homebuyers put down on average 6 percent, and second-time homebuyers put down 14 percent.

There are a number of methods to help you save for the down payment, but if you are having trouble, consider joining the Down Payment Movement. This project was started by a team of financial experts and bloggers who were inspired to help people save up for the down payment to buy a new home.

There are also down payment strengthening programs like the one from Unison. This HomeBuyer program will provide as much as 15 percent of a 20 percent down payment when you buy a home. Using this program could allow you to lock in a lower monthly payment while still getting the home you want. In some cases it can even help you obtain a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

Regardless of whether you put 5 percent, 10 percent or 20 percent down, it’s important to understand how your down payment will affect your monthly mortgage payments for the life of the loan. Be sure to do your research before deciding on a number.

2018-03-21T10:01:00

(BPT) – What do you like to do for fun when you have some free time on your hands? Whether it’s seeing the latest blockbuster, sampling a delicious entree or taking a road trip, chances are your passions cost money. If you’re like many Americans, you may find you don’t have quite as many loose dollars, especially when you have to be a responsible adult and take care of all those monthly expenses.

The typical American spends less than 4 percent of their annual income on entertainment, with the lion’s share of their hard-earned money going to practical things, like housing, food and health care, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Homeowners especially feel the pinch, because utilities and other expenses eat up 11 percent of the average household budget, according to the BLS. Add mortgage payments, and more than a quarter of income is spoken for just to cover housing and related expenses.

Savvy homeowners, however, can free up some extra cash for the fun stuff with a few relatively easy and painless home improvements. See if any on this list could reduce your expenses and let you have more dollars for the fun stuff.

1. Reduce the juice

Anything that lowers monthly electricity use is money in your pocket. For long-term savings, choose options that automatically use less power. LED bulbs are 90 percent more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs, according to EnergyStar.gov. Invest in smart power strips to eliminate the so-called energy vampires. These power strips are designed to cut off the power flow when they sense electronics are no longer in use.

2. Get smart with thermostat settings

A smart or programmable thermostat can keep you from heating and cooling the house when you’re not home. Try setting your thermostat to maintain the heat at 60 degrees when you’re not home, and try 62-65 when asleep. For summer cooling, keep the air conditioner at 85 degrees when away and 80 when asleep.

3. Plug the leaks

There are other ways to manage your indoor climate besides adjusting the thermostat. Look for places where unwanted heat and cool air are getting in. Poke your head into the crawl space of your house to see if the insulation has settled and needs a top-off. Walk the exterior of your house and look for cracks and gaps that need caulk or weatherstripping. Finally, hanging drapes and blinds, if you don’t already have them, and closing them against direct sun on hot days can reduce “energy creep,” and give your air conditioner a break.

4. Opt for energy-efficient appliances

Appliances break down eventually, and if any of yours are getting close to the end of their life expectancy, be sure and get to know some of the energy-efficient options. Tankless water heaters, for example, last twice as long as standard storage tank heaters, and because they heat water only when it’s needed, they use 24-34 percent less energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Even better, some newer models, such as the Noritz Tankless EZTR50, are designed to make it much easier and less expensive to replace a conventional 50-gallon tank heater. By eliminating the labor-intensive steps of retrofitting and adding to the gas, vent and water-supply lines connected to the unit, these new tankless water heaters sharply lower installation costs. Although tankless heaters are about the size of a medicine cabinet, these powerful appliances are designed to meet all the hot water needs of an entire house. (That means no more cold showers on busy weekday mornings!)

With the right mindset and the right tools, homeowners like you can easily save hundreds of dollars every year on utility costs. If you’re interested in learning more, visit www.ezseries.noritz.com.

2017-12-20T08:01:00

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2018-01-04T14:21:00

(BPT) – Sponsored ad content by Clayton Homes

As we move through the different stages in our lives, our housing needs change too. The home you were excited to move into in your 30s might not be ideal for those now nearing retirement.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, between 2015 and 2035, the number of people over the age of 75 living alone will nearly double from 6.9 million to 13.4 million. Being prepared for retirement and aging is important, so we’re going to take a closer look at the specific housing features that would most benefit those who are looking to downsize or find that perfect home to “age in.”

1. Walk-in showers

Installing a walk-in bathtub or large shower is a good idea for ease and safety. Having extra room to move is not only aging-friendly, but a timeless trend that is easy to maintain. Clayton, one of America’s largest homebuilders, features optional walk-in showers with benches that are available in many of their homes. This is a feature that’s great at any age.

2. Wide doors and hallways

Spacious doors and wide hallways do the double duty of making your home look great while providing enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or walker through if needed.

3. Open floor plans

A home design trend that is perfect for any homeowner age is an open floor plan. But for boomers, an open floor plan is more than just an aesthetic feature. Having wide spaces that allow you to move around is essential to maintaining your independence as you grow older. It also helps add more natural light and is ideal when gathering with family and friends.

4. Low maintenance

Fixing up an older home with good bones might look fun on TV, but it’s not something you will want to deal with in your retirement. Rather than trying to troubleshoot problem after problem, look for a newly constructed home. Not only will you have fewer maintenance issues, but you can design a flexible floor plan that fits your lifestyle.

5. A customizable floor plan

The features listed so far are part of what is commonly known as age-in-place design. These home features work for people of all ages, but are designed so you can age into them. In addition, make sure the home you purchase is single-story and fits the lifestyle you want for your future.

As you grow older, you realize there is no one, perfect dream home. Rather, there are different dream homes for different stages of your life. At Clayton, we know one home model does not fit all, and that is why we offer a range of models and designs that are easily customizable, affordable and stylish, allowing you to get the most out of your silver years.

2018-01-10T13:03:00

(BPT) – Transforming the unremarkable into the extraordinary need not be an impossible task. More and more homeowners are finding that lavish looks are both attainable and affordable. Their imaginative design professionals are making it happen, using cypress to create their clients’ dream homes.

“Wood is a classic and timeless building material,” says Stephen Logue of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. “And many people are discovering that the inherent beauty of cypress, a species so often chosen for outdoor applications, adds a luxurious look to indoor living spaces, for anything from walls and ceilings, to exposed beams and so much more.”

Transforming the ordinary

When a coat of paint just won’t do, think paneling. For Christopher Rose, an architect based in Johns Island, South Carolina, solid wood paneling provides a sense of warmth and richness to a room. But not just any wood.

“I particularly like working with cypress,” says Rose. “It has a wonderful grain pattern that offers a relaxed, yet elegant look. Vertical beadboard or tongue-and-groove patterns are popular options that add perceived height to a room. And more recently, horizontal shiplap paneling and accent walls have been requested by many clients.”

Reaching new heights

Looking to add dimension and visual interest to otherwise flat, dull ceilings? Architect Geoff Chick of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, says it’s not enough to simply add crown molding. Too basic!

“Owners today are looking to celebrate their ceilings with more creative design solutions and materials,” Chick says. “In large rooms where I have tall ceilings to work with, I typically use a coffered ceiling. Filling in the coffers with wood helps to warm up a room and add another layer of detail. Cypress with a square groove is my favorite wood to use for ceiling treatments. I just love how it looks, especially when combined with cypress beams.”

Adding the finishing touch

When selecting a finish for his interior cypress woodwork, Chick prefers stains. “It’s a shame to cover cypress with paint,” Chick says. “To help bring out its grain pattern, I like finishing it with a matte stain or pickled finish. Some rooms require a lighter finish than others, and it can be a challenge to coordinate with flooring. But from my experience with cypress, it’s all worth it when it comes together.”

And remember, much like wood cabinets and floors, solid cypress paneling and ceilings can be refinished. If you’re envisioning a fresh look down the road, swap neutral tones for bold colors, or sand the wood and apply a transparent stain to let cypress’s natural beauty speak for itself.

Browse the Photo Gallery at www.CypressInfo.org and see how cypress transforms the unremarkable to the extraordinary. It’s time to make your dream home a reality.

2018-04-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – A bathroom remodel is on the agenda for 31 percent of homeowners in 2018, according to a survey by Lightstream, a national online lending division of SunTrust Bank. Those remodeling efforts can take many forms, but arguably the most dramatic and impactful upgrade to a bathroom is installing a new tile floor. While that may sound like a complicated undertaking that is better left to a pro, with a few simple tips, even homeowners with modest do-it-yourself experience and skill can successfully install a reasonable-sized tile bathroom floor. Even in cases where a homeowner ultimately decides to hire a pro for the job, understanding some basic tile installation practices and principles will make the project less daunting and the overall experience more positive.

Note: These tips give homeowners useful insights to consider when installing a tile bathroom floor, but do not cover every detail of the process. Homeowners should always consider local building codes and Tile Council of North America guidelines before starting any tile installation project.

* Measuring the floor — Calculate how many square feet of tile you will need, being sure to consider voids and curves for the toilet, vanity, bathtub and/or shower. Always round the measurements up to the nearest foot and then add 10 percent to avoid running out of tile.

* Preparing the surface — Remove the existing floor to include adhesives, mortars or other residues. If the substrate is concrete, patch or level it so the surface is smooth and flat. If the subfloor is wood, attach a cement backerboard like WonderBoard Lite before installing tile. Applying a waterproofing material like RedGard Crack Prevention and Waterproofing Membrane is recommended to combat the moisture and water exposure in a bathroom.

* Designing the floor — Lay out the tile in the desired pattern to determine required cuts and confirm accuracy of measured dimensions. Create a layout guide representing the pattern by popping chalk lines on the floor starting at the walls and working into the middle.

* Selecting the mortar — Choose a mortar designed for the specific type and size tile on the installation. Tiles longer than 15 inches on any side are very popular these days and require the use of large format tile mortar like ProLite that has non-slump properties to prevent lippage. After selecting the right size notched trowel, apply the mortar on the clean, dry surface in one direction to form straight, parallel lines before applying the tile.

* Selecting the grout — Choose a single-component grout like Fusion Pro that requires no mixing so filling joints is easy and fast. In addition, this single-component grout has unmatched color consistency that won’t fade and is stain proof so applying a sealer isn’t necessary. To make sure the grout color matches the tile, conduct a test by filling the joints between four tiles on a small piece of backerboard to simulate the larger installation.

* Caring for the floor — Always use pH neutral cleaning products like TileLab Grout & Tile Cleaner designed to remove dirt, stains, mold and other unwanted contaminants from tile and grout without etching, discoloring or otherwise harming the surface.

In addition to potentially saving thousands hiring a pro, the gratification and pride a homeowner enjoys after remodeling a bathroom with a new tile floor is irreplaceable. Of course, homeowners should always follow the instructions on product packaging before use so the project goes smoothly and all warranty requirements remain intact. For comprehensive details on every phase of tile installation, visit the Custom Building Products website at www.custombuildingproducts.com.

2018-02-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – House hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you’re lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the “must have” boxes — appearance, size, price, location — it’s easy to fall in love.

Not so fast. Before making an offer on any property, it’s smart to take a deeper look at the overall structure and its systems, just to make sure warning signs of major and costly problems are not hiding in plain sight. If the house holds more issues than your budget (and drive to renovate) can handle, it might be best to walk away.

Of course, once the offer is accepted, it’s always a smart idea to hire a third-party home inspector to take an in-depth look at the property. In the meantime, one last pass-through with this checklist in hand can give you peace of mind about taking the next step.

Exterior: Walk around all four sides of the house, scanning it from ground to rooftop. Note the condition of the doors and window frames, and look for cracked or peeling paint or signs of loose siding. Higher up, eye the chimney, making sure it appears straight and is in good condition, while the gutters and drainpipes should be in place and functional.

Roof: Ideally, the roof would be 10 years old or less, so scan the roof for the classic warning signs of aging and neglect. Things like curled and missing shingles, dark stains, moss growth and signs of sagging can signal serious issues. (A home inspector can confirm if full replacement is needed, or if a few simple repairs would stabilize things for another decade or so.)

Yard: Take note of the landscaping. Is there a slope angled away from the house, or is there a potential for a flooded basement after a major rainfall? Mature trees provide lots of shade, but watch for overhanging branches, as these can break off in a storm and do major damage to the roof. Finally, take note of the condition of the driveway and sidewalks.

Foundation: The sight of a few hairline cracks in the cement is no cause for panic. Do look for telltale signs of serious issues, such as widening cracks, water stains and bulges. It doesn’t hurt to bring a level to make sure the walls are straight.

Plumbing: In addition to checking basement and under-sink pipes for signs of leaks, scan the ceilings for water stains. Open all the faucets to check the water pressure as well as the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap.

HVAC system: Know the age of the heating and cooling systems, and check these for tags and other signs of routine maintenance. If the system is older than a decade, that can spell costly repairs and a replacement in a brief time frame. When it comes to older systems, energy efficiency is another consideration, according to Tom Tasker, product manager with Coleman Echelon Variable Capacity residential systems.

“Newer HVAC systems are remarkably more efficient when compared to those from even a decade ago, which means they keep your house comfortable for as little as half the cost,” says Tasker.

For example, Coleman’s Echelon products are rated up to 20 SEER, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. Compare these to the 10 SEER systems of 25 years ago, and that can give you an idea of what to expect in potential energy costs, he says.

Appliances: Note the age and condition of things like the refrigerator, oven and range, washer and dryer, and hot water heater. As with the HVAC, older appliances tend to consume more energy and you’ll face a shorter timeline for needed repairs and replacements.

Buying a house is a big decision, but knowing what you’re buying can go a long way in assuring you that you’ve found the right place!

2017-12-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – The weather outside is frightful, and the week ahead calls for falling temperatures, maybe even snow. That makes it easy to dream of warmer spring weather, but to plan for it? To sit and strategize for making the most of next year’s lawn and landscape projects? That seems like no small feat.

It doesn’t have to be.

The good news is that spring will be here before you know it, and now is the best time to work with your local landscape professional to set the stage for a healthy spring. With the expertise and knowledge of a professional, you’ll be well on your way to get a thriving landscape you’ll enjoy come spring.

Finding the right professional for you

Quality lawn care and landscape professionals are all around you, but finding the perfect one can be challenging if you go it alone. Instead, consult the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) professional directory at www.loveyourlandscape.org/find-a-pro/. You’ll have access to the NALP’s comprehensive directory and can find inspiration through the organization’s expert advice columns and idea center, motivating you to take your spring landscaping projects to new heights.

Making the most of your relationship with your landscape professional

The initial conversations you have with your landscape professional are essential for creating a beautiful outdoor space. When working with a professional, you can become more prepared by considering the answers to these questions in advance of your first meeting.

* What’s important to you? You don’t need to know every last detail, but you should have a broad understanding of what you want. Do you want to entertain? Have space to garden or create a private area to enjoy quietly by yourself? Determining what you want your yard to be and how it will be used can help your landscape professional realize your vision.

* What’s your budget? When it comes to dreaming of the perfect landscape project, the limit is your imagination. But once you place some real-world practicality behind it, the limit will ultimately be your budget. So, how much are you willing to spend? It’s a good idea to have a rough estimate of this figure in your head before discussing plans with your landscape professional. Relaying this information to them will allow them to tailor a project that matches your expectations and your budget.

* What plants are best for your property? Flowers, shrubs and trees are all integral to any landscape project and you should have an idea of what you’d like to see. If you don’t know, visit your local greenhouse or nursery for inspiration and gain a greater understanding of native plants that fare well in your environment.

* What level of lawn care is needed? Whether or not you have sprawling acres of land, a healthy lawn of any size and shape sets the foundation for a beautiful landscape. Your lawn care professional can review with you how to grow and maintain a lawn through all the seasons. Consider if weed control, mowing, aeration, fertilization and irrigation may be needed as part of your lawn care program. A lawn care specialist can help you budget and plan for these tasks now, even if your lawn is covered in frost or snow!

It’s never too early to start planning

The long weeks of winter are here, but now is the perfect time to formalize your plans for a gorgeous, spring lawn and landscape. A professional can help you reach every goal you’ve dreamed about. So start planning today. Your home will benefit from your preparation — and on those cold mornings, it sure helps to dream of spring, doesn’t it?

2018-01-31T13:43:00

(BPT) – We’ve all heard the old adage, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” Well, that statement holds true when you’re talking about a home. Whether it’s the landscaping, the siding, the front door, the windows, the paint, the driveway or the outdoor furniture, the initial reaction to the exterior appearance of a home is permanent. Quite literally, the curb appeal of your home can influence the experience of visiting guests. In addition, 63 percent of homebuyers will visit a home they like after viewing it online, according to the National Association of Realtors. So, investing the time, energy and money to maximize the curb appeal of your home makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately, an important element of curb appeal that is often overlooked is the mailbox.

There are more than 50 million curbside mailboxes in the U.S. While these mailboxes serve an important daily function, they also set the tone for a home’s curb appeal. Rather than feature a mailbox on a plain wooden or metal post, placing one in a brick, stone or block enclosure is a popular alternative that can be done without hiring a contractor or being a skilled mason. Building an attractive mailbox column is a DIY project any homeowner can now handle using a versatile block system like Stonegate Country Manor from Keystone Hardscapes.

Note: Wearing gloves and eye protection is recommended.

Steps for building a block mailbox column:

* Mark off the mailbox footprint with paint and remove the dirt from inside until the hole is 12 inches deep. Level the bottom with a hand tamper.

* Add 6 inches of crushed stone a few inches at a time and compact with a hand tamper.

* Install the first course by centering the blocks inside the mailbox footprint and place 6 inches below finished grade. Check front to back and side to side with a level and adjust as necessary with sand and a hammer.

* Lay the second course of block on top of the first course of block in an alternating pattern to make sure they fit correctly. Remove the blocks and apply two quarter-inch-wide strips of QUIKRETE Polyurethane Construction Adhesive on each block in the first course approximately 3 inches away from the inside and outside edge before attaching the second course.

* Repeat the process until you complete the column, being sure to alternate the course layouts as indicated by the directions. Be sure to use a level on each course.

* Once the seventh course is completed, fill the core with the remaining crushed stone so the mailbox has a location to rest. Build the mailbox layer by placing the first course of blocks and securing with concrete adhesive as indicated by the directions.

* Use spray foam to seal behind the face of the mailbox and use QUIKRETE Non-Shrink Grout to fill around the mailbox so that it’s flush and the door opens and closes freely.

* Install the second mailbox course and secure with concrete adhesive before filling around the mailbox again with grout.

* Finally, secure the mailbox in place with concrete adhesive before installing a cap of your choice.

There are a variety of block mailbox column styles, colors and sizes to match the look of any home. In addition, you can easily update your front or back yard with fireplaces, fire pits, kitchens, benches and retaining walls by downloading block system project designs and step-by-step instructions like Stonegate Country Manor at www.KeystoneHardscapes.com.