Thursday, June 28, 2018

Understanding Home Styles


If you’re a fan of home television shows you’ve most likely heard the following terms used to describe a home’s style – Craftsman, Contemporary, Colonial, or Mid-Century Modern.  But do you know what they mean? Which style is the one for you? Before you start shopping for your new home, brush up on these terms and determine what type of home fits your personality.
Craftsman
Craftsman style homes are typically identified as having the following characteristics:
-        Wood or stone siding
-        Wide overhanging eaves
-        Decorative beams or gables
-        Dormer windows
-        Full or partial porches accented with columns
Contemporary
Contemporary homes can be identified by the following:
-        Stone, brick or wood exteriors
-        Steep roofs or hip roofs
-        Large windows
-        Irregular sometimes asymmetrical shape
-        Eco-friendly and natural materials
-        Open floor plans with lots of natural light
Colonial
Colonial style homes have been around since the 1800’s and often incorporate:
-        Brick or wood exteriors
-        Two windows on each side of the entry and five windows on the second floor
-        One window above the entry door
-        Simple, symmetrical style
-        Front door as a focal point for the exterior
Mid-Century Modern
These homes often share the following style points:
-        Exteriors of stone or brick
-        Flat or gabled roofs
-        Oversized windows and sliding glass doors
-        Lots of open space

Friday, June 22, 2018

What is Home Equity?

There are so many benefits to owning a home. From tax deductions to the pride of ownership, you can find lots of reasons to take the plunge and buy.  Today we’ll talk about another aspect of home ownership – home equity.
Home equity is the amount your home is worth minus the amount owed on your mortgage.  For example if your home is worth $250,000 and your mortgage is $150,000 then you have $100,000 equity in your home.
If the value of your home remains relatively stable over time, your equity will increase as your mortgage continues to decrease.
Your home’s value will fluctuate over time as the market rises and falls.  To keep up the value of your home ensure you keep up with your home’s maintenance and make improvements as necessary.
Home equity allows you to do several things:
-        Receive more cash for your home if you choose to sell in the future
-        Invest the money from the equity in your home toward a new home purchase
-        Receive a loan based on the equity you have in your home
With a brand new home, your home value is high due to the demand for new homes in the area and the newness of your home’s construction and materials.  To increase your equity in this situation, consider decreasing the debt on your home by making extra payments or refinancing to a shorter mortgage term.
If you are in the process of buying a new home, making a larger down payment will also quickly increase the equity you have in your home.
How do you keep up the value of your largest investment – your home?

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Thursday, June 7, 2018

Hot Weather Home Maintenance Tips


The heat is tough on everyone – scorching sun and high temperatures can take their toll not only on you and your family but also your home.  Here are a few ways to protect your home from the effects of summer.
-        Your air conditioner is working over time during the summer so do what you can to help it out. Keep landscaping from encroaching onto your outdoor unit. Also keep inside filters clean and replaced regularly.
-        Clean around windowsills to remove debris and ensure a tighter seal keeping warm air out and cool air in.
-        If your area is prone to summer storms check trees for loose or dead limbs that may be thrown during high winds.
-        Inspect your yard regularly for standing water and fill in as necessary to prevent mosquito habitats.
-        Keep your cool inside by utilizing ceiling fans and curtains.
-        Now is a good time to ensure all of your home ventilations is working properly and efficiently. Be sure to clean the fan over your range to remove grease and dust.  Use a vacuum hose to clean refrigerator coils and keep it running effectively.
-        Remove the lid on the outdoor dryer vent and clean out any lint to prevent fires and keep your dryer running smoothly.
-        Summer heat and moisture can cause mildew to build up on the exterior of your home. Pressure wash or clean regularly to keep it at bay.
What summer maintenance tips do you have to protect your home and keep it in peak condition during those long hot days?