Updating the Kids' Rooms on a Budget

Updating the Kids' Rooms on a Budget

RISMEDIA, Monday, November 23, 2015— Whether it’s food, fashion, or especially their rooms, children’s likes, dislikes and tastes are ever changing. “Themed” bedrooms are constantly being outgrown, yet most parents want their kids to have an environment they’ll enjoy spending time in for play, homework, and sleep. No need to break the bank—it’s possible to decorate and equip a child’s room using more imagination than money. Here are some ideas on how to pull it off.

• Paint is your friend. Nothing transforms a room like a new coat of paint, especially if you go with a bright or trendy color selected by your child. If your child is old enough, get him or her involved in painting the walls or trim, and be sure to keep some extra paint on hand for sure-to-be-needed touchups. Changing the color again in a couple of years is not difficult or time consuming; watch the home stores for paint sales and make your move. Add to the color scheme with inexpensive throw pillows, rugs, and other decorative touches.
• Think twice before creating an entire room based on a very specific theme, such as a popular movie character, dinosaurs or space travel. Kids often lose interest quickly and shift their attention to the next thing that captures their imaginations. Instead, consider using just a few relatively inexpensive elements to recognize these interests – posters and collages are just a couple of ways to include a theme without going overboard. Garage sales can also be a good source of well-priced themed items that were previously loved by another child.
• For larger items such as dressers, bed frames and other furniture, see if your community has a website that lists items for sale or trade. A quick coat of paint and minor repairs may be all that’s needed to transform an inexpensive (or free) piece into a real find. This ultimate form of recycling is also a great way to find new life for unwanted items from your own home.
• Shelves and bookcases make great places for children of any age to create ever-changing displays that reflect their interests – from artwork and action figures to favorite books, or gear from their sports teams of the moment. The flexibility of these spaces will be appreciated by small children to teenagers for years to come.

With some creativity and resourcefulness, you and your children can create personal spaces that they’ll love, and that can be changed and updated without spending a fortune.

Extra: Looking for some seasonal help with fall home maintenance projects? Check out these timely tips from Pillar To Post Home Inspectors: click on link below for utube video

http://newsletter.rismedia.com/items/mobileview/22086/1056351/28302398/83708/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

Sellers: Now or Never??? When will the time be right for you to sell?

Why You Should Sell Now… Before Winter Hits

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Why You Should Sell Now… Before Winter Hits Posted: KCM Blog  16 Nov 2015 04:00 AM PST People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every Fall. We ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities. Homeowners in this situation must consider whether they should sell their house now or wait. If you are one of these potential sellers, here are five important reasons to do it now versus the dead of winter. 1. Demand is Strong Foot traffic refers to the number of people out actually physically looking at home right now. The latest foot traffic numbers show that buyers are still out in force looking for their dream home. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now! As we get later into the year, many people have other things (weather, holidays, etc.) that distract them from searching for a home. Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market. 2. There Is Less Competition Now Housing supply is still well under the 6 months’ supply necessary for a normal market. This means that, in many markets, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last two years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market in the near future. Also, new construction of single-family homes is again beginning to increase. A study by Harris Poll revealed that 41% of buyers would prefer to buy a new home while only 21% prefer an existing home (38% had no preference). The choices buyers have will continue to increase over the next few months. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell. 3. The Process Will Be Quicker One of the biggest challenges of the housing market in recent times has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. Any delay in the process is always prolonged during the winter holiday season. Getting your house sold and closed before those delays begin will lend itself to a smoother transaction. 4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 18.1% from now to 2019. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate below 4% right now. Rates are projected to rise by this time next year. 5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take back control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps, the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

Decorate on a Budget: Paint, Repurpose, Recycle, Transform ... Please Yourself!

5 Interior Design Ideas for a Shoestring Budget

RISMEDIA, Tuesday, November 10, 2015— It can be daunting to approach a new project if you’re not a professional. However, redesigning the interior of your home doesn’t have to be a long, difficult process where you have to knock out a wall or reconfigure the plumbing. With the right attitude, it’s a cinch to spruce up the interior of your home without risking your home warranty in the process. Even a small change to your living space can prove invigorating, regardless of your talent or age.

Here are five of the most sought-after and creative low-budget interior design ideas that will make both you and your decor sing again.

Paint a Room

Every few seasons, it’s a good idea to view your decor with new eyes. Multiple studies show that colors affect our moods, and painting is by far the easiest and least expensive way to dramatically alter a room. The design choice you make should match or complement any key pieces of art or furniture with which you do not intend to part. Use a color wheel and take photos with you to the paint store to make sure you’ve got the right accent. Many companies that produce paint conveniently offer color themes from which to chose. Take the feel of your home from bold, vibrant summer colors to the warmth of fall with a simple switch in undertones.

Embrace a Nautical Theme

Combine a little bit of rope with a dash of creativity for a creative stay-cation in your home. Visible rope on a round hanging mirror gives a room a boat-like feel. Alternately, wrapping rope around a mirror creates a similar effect. Putting rope along a stairwell or around a banister can bring synergy to the room. Accent the look with rope coasters made with a glue gun to bring the look together. Don’t want to fiddle with sliding door hardware? Use vertical lines of rope a few inches apart to section the room; this is a great alternative to overpriced floor coverings that can be hard to clean.

Recycle an Old Bookcase

Books can get dusty and heavy if they’re not frequently picked up. After you’ve made the charity drop-off of used books, that old bookcase can transform into curio storage or be extra pantry storage. A new coat of paint will match it to your bathroom decor, or a new coat of stain places it nicely in a rustic kitchen. If you want to combine this idea with the nautical theme, remove shelves and hang them, anchoring each shelf with a single knot on the underside of each corner. If you’ve got larger books you’re keeping, use them to rest against the rope instead of bookends.

Transform Found Objects

Insert a cushion into the bottom of a claw-foot tub or into the hole of a painted tire to convert an unused object into a unique and creative talking point for guests. New seating is an easy project that takes little effort and yields an immediate room-altering reward. Two-by-fours can be inserted into concrete blocks for a DIY bench. Put a circular piece of wood over the top of a tire, cover it with sisal to create a charming ottoman, or elevate it with wooden legs of various lengths for a bar stool or low side table. Pallets can be stacked, painted, and nailed together to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table.

Make an Artistic Headboard

Spending a few minutes tying some easy knots from heavy string will revamp your bed and and accent your wall color. You could also use an old door by painting it to create a storybook feel for a child’s room. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, a few careless splashes of paint on a solid black or white headboard background can take a bedroom from boring to modern.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for winning real estate tips and trends for you and your clients.

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A day at the beach: Fenwick Island, Delaware ⋆ The Dining Traveler

A day at the beach: Fenwick Island, Delaware ⋆ The Dining Traveler:



Click to Learn About Fenwick island Delaware

This summer, I’ve been on a mission to discover new places a short ride away from DC. One of the things I realized is that summer was about to end and we have not been to the beach yet. The thought of going south on I-95 on a Friday afternoon does not spark my interest. I’ve also heard about the traffic towards Ocean City and Rehoboth. Our solution: wake up at zero-dark-thiry (well, not that early but 6am on a Saturday is pretty ambitious) and go on a road trip to Fenwick Island, Delaware. We were seeking a less crowded beach and a more authentic coastal feel. After a little research online, we discovered this hidden gem on the Atlantic Coast. The Beach As we approached Fenwick Island, we grasped the beauty of the East Coast: driving by rows and..

Mortgage Rates are Slipping Upward in General

As part of my continued service to you, I'd like to provide the most up-to-date interest rates at Prosperity Home Mortgage. This is an indication of mortgage rates at the time this document is published. Specific rates are quoted based on a borrower’s qualifying criteria, credit score, equity, property type, and any applicable state-specific requirements. I would like the opportunity to provide specific rate quotes to your clients based on their specific needs.

REFERRAL PARTNER RATE SHEET November 7, 2015   Rate APR Points 30 Year Fixed 3.875% 4.033% 0.500 15 Year Fixed 3.250% 3.428% 0.000 5 Year ARM 3.000% 3.032% 0.125 5/5 ARM (>$417K) 3.125% 3.257% 0.000 5 Year FHA ARM 3.250% 3.705% 0.000 30 Year FHA 3.625% 4.733% 0.000 30 Year VA  3.625% 4.059% 0.625 5 Year VA ARM 3.250% 2.952% 0.000 30 Year USDA 3.625% 4.518% 0.375 Two Step 15/15 ARM 3.625% 3.527% 0.000 30 Year Jumbo 3.875% 3.912% 0.000

Prosperity Home Mortgage and I look forward to working with you to develop client relationships that last a lifetime. Please contact me at 410-937-1520 or lisa.diesel@phmloans.com if I can assist you or any of your clients.

Home For The Holidays .... or Away? Protect Your Property From Theft, Damage, Loss

8 Holiday Home Security Reminders

Taken from: Dottie Wells Blog,  Branch Manager, Bethany Beach, DE.

Nothing can ruin the holidays more than a break-in. The loss of property, the damage to your home, and the sense of loss can be traumatic. The good news is that there are a number of steps that can be taken to protect your home and your family during the holiday season and provide a greater peace of mind when you get away to celebrate.

1. Be consistent with your holiday lights. It's a lot of fun to decorate the outside of your home with a holiday display. However, if you have plans to go away, make sure that your outside lights are on a timer so that you don't advertise that you are aren't home. You may want to consider keeping the decorations to a minimum if you plan to go out of town and skip the lights this year, but it helps to have some décor so that the house does not stand out in the neighborhood.

2. Give your house that lived-in look. If you and your family have travel plans, make sure that you have made arrangements for the mail, package deliveries, snow removal or yard work, and that inside lights are on timers and are turning on and off. You may want to ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and possibly even park a car in your driveway.

3. Be careful with your trash. Your trash can make you a target for a break-in. Boxes from high ticket items like televisions, electronics and jewelry can give clues to thieves about what may be in your home. Break the boxes down and put them in trash bags or recycling instead of piling them up at the curb.

4. Be careful with your social media. Make sure that you do not post your travel plans online, which would provide detailed information about when you will be gone and for how long. Also, be careful regarding what gifts you are purchasing for your family. Beware about "checking in" online when you are attending social events. This also advertises when you are not at home.

5. Use "sign" language. Even if you don't have a dog or a home security system, posting signs to that effect can act as an additional deterrent to thieves.

6. Disable your garage door openers. Unplug the garage door openers when you leave on your holiday vacation. This prevents anyone with a universal remote from gaining access to your home.

7. Safely store your valuables. For added protection, safely store your valuables like expensive jewelry, coins and other collectibles in a safe or bank's safe deposit box before you leave. That way if there is a break in, you will have an additional level of security.

8. Install a home security system. Consider having a professional home security company install a system in your home. Not only will it monitor the home for theft, but can keep an eye on it for fire and flood as well.

We hope that you have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

Would You Like To Own Your Own Vacation Home? Look at the Pros and Cons of Vacation Home Ownership.

Pros And Cons Of Purchasing A Vacation Home

By Dave Goodboy | January 03, 2012 | MyMove.com

Many homeowners dream of owning another home. Whether this vacation home is near the ocean or in the mountains, owning another home is a popular goal. To decide if it's a smart move, we look at both the pros and cons of owning a vacation home. (To learn more, see How To Afford A Second Home.)

The Pros of Purchasing a Vacation Home

Your Own Customized Vacation
The most obvious benefit of owning a second home is always having a place to take a vacation. You won't have any worries about being able to book hotel rooms during peak seasons. This isn't even mentioning having room for additional family and friends. Having complete control over the furnishings and even design of the property permits the homeowner to create the perfect environment for his or her needs.

Income

Another great reason to own a vacation home is the potential for additional income. Obviously, most will not be staying year-round in the vacation home, therefore these unused times can be rented out to vacationers to generate additional income. This income can be used to pay the mortgage on the second home, pay off other expenses or diverted toward savings. Although it is unlikely that the vacation home will pay for itself via part-time rentals, this income may greatly reduce the overall cost of ownership. Pay a visit to several real estate agents in the chosen area to determine what you could expect in terms of rents and occupancy over the year.

Of course, remember to think reasonably and with the primary location attraction in mind. For example, a home at a ski resort will most likely be easier to rent during the winter months. A home on the beach in the northern climates will be easier to rent during the summer. There are often property management companies in popular vacation home areas that will locate and screen tenants for your vacation home.   Taking advantage of their services is a must if one wishes to rent out a vacation home.

Appreciation
Potential appreciation is another huge benefit of owning a vacation home. Making certain not to overpay for the property is key. It is easy to let emotion get control when making decisions for buying second homes. It is critical that the vacation home is viewed as an investment prior to purchase to maximize the potential appreciation. Just like in all other real estate, location is the key for increasing the odds of appreciation.

The Cons of Purchasing a Vacation Home

Expenses
The primary con of owning a vacation home is additional expenses. Owning a second home instead of renting can be an expensive proposition. Everything that breaks or needs repair must be paid for by the owner.Property taxes, routine maintenance, insurance and utilities are but a few of the additional costs created by owning another home. While renting out the home can cover many of these costs, it can also create costs if the tenants are not properly screened.

Limited Vacation Locations
The next and seldom-considered con, particularly prior to purchase, is being stuck in one location to vacation. Even if it's a loved place, spending vacations year after year in the same location can become boring or routine. Although this con can be easily overcome by renting out the vacation home on a yearly basis, it is critical to consider.

The Bottom Line
There are many pros and cons of owning a vacation home. Before you make any purchase, be sure to do your research to see if the property will be the right fit for your needs.

TILA-RESPA: New Disclosure Statement and new Loan Estimate Forms

TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule implementation

Top of Form

Email updates about mortgage rule implementation

 http://www.consumerfinance.gov/regulatory-implementation/tila-respa/

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New consumer guide replaces settlement cost booklet

Your Home Loan Toolkit – now available in English & Spanish – is designed to be used in connection with the new Loan Estimate & Closing Disclosure forms. It will replace the current Settlement Cost booklet when the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures go into effect.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU COMPLY

TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule

Compliance guide: A plain-language guide to the new rules in a FAQ format which makes the content more accessible for industry constituents, especially smaller businesses with limited legal and compliance staff.

Guide to forms: Provides detailed, illustrated instructions on completing the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

Closing factsheet: An overview of the limited circumstances when changes to the loan require a new three-day review.

Disclosure timeline: Illustrates the process and timing of disclosures for a sample real estate purchase transaction.

Integrated loan disclosure forms & samples: Downloadable Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms in both English & Spanish and samples for different loan types.

Videos: A series of webinars to address implementation of the new rule. Please note that registration is required to view the recordings. Topics include an an overview of the rule, frequently asked questions, loan estimate form,closing disclosure form and implementation challenges. Use the question index to find out which questions were answered and when during the webinar series.

Supervision and examination materials

Our Readiness Guide provides guidelines for institutions to evaluate their readiness and help them comply with the mortgage rule changes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Data standards

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have released a common industry dataset, called the Uniform Closing Dataset, which leverages and maps to Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO) data standards, to support implementation of the TILA/RESPA Closing Disclosure form. MISMO is developing a corresponding mapping dataset for the Loan Estimate that will be available soon.

Integrated loan disclosure forms & samples

These are downloadable versions of the models and samples that were published in the rule.

HOA's -- Pros and Cons: It's all about how well it's managed.

5 Pros and 5 Cons of Homeowners' Associations

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, November 04, 2015— Across the U.S., homeowners’ associations are on the ascent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 59 percent of newly constructed homes in 2014 were part of a homeowners’ association. That’s up from 46 percent in 2009.

              

So, what’s the draw of homeowners’ associations? By the same token, what are the drawbacks?

“A well-run and managed HOA can be a blessing, and a poorly managed HOA can be a curse,” says Bruce Ailion, a broker in Woodstock, Ga. Here, real estate agents and homeowners weigh in on the blessings and the curses of homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

Pro No. 1: Your neighborhood will look good.

Generally, an HOA establishes rules to ensure the neighborhood looks sharp, says Brad Pauly, real estate owner and broker in Austin, Texas. These include strict guidelines about keeping lawns manicured, restrictions on parking boats and other large vehicles on the street, and limitations on exterior paint colors.

“This type of oversight eliminates issues with one or two properties weighing down all property values due to an unpleasant exterior,” says John Lyons, a broker in Chicago.

Pro No. 2: You’ll enjoy access to amenities.

An HOA usually offers community amenities such as a pool, a fitness center, parks, children’s play areas and security gates, Pauly says.

Pro No. 3: Your maintenance costs will be shared.

HOA dues are earmarked for maintenance of shared spaces, according to Lyons. This includes community lawn care (but not for your own yard), community snow removal (but not for your own property) and upkeep of common areas like the pool or the fitness center.

Pro No. 4: You’ve got a built-in mediator.

Involved in a tiff with your neighbor over that big oak tree that’s losing limbs? You can settle some confrontations with your neighbors by taking your grievances to the HOA’s board or management company, Lyons says.

Pro No. 5: You can get to know your neighbors.

Gina Estrada, who lives in a gated HOA community in Clovis, Calif., says that if you’re elected to serve on the HOA board or are otherwise active in the association, you’ll become better acquainted with your neighbors. Heck, you might even make some new friends. “I believe we should know our surroundings, including the people in them,” Estrada says.

Con No. 1: You’ll fork over HOA dues.

When buying a home in a community with an HOA, you’ve got to add HOA dues to your budget. The dues vary, but typically run in the hundreds of dollars per month.

Con No. 2: Your hands will be (somewhat) tied.

If someone buys a home in an HOA community and wants to make changes to the property, such as the addition of an enclosed patio, it normally must be approved by the HOA’s board. “It’s possible that an HOA could prevent certain updates on a home,” Pauly says.

Con No. 3: You might be hampered by an HOA’s financial woes.

If an HOA is facing financial problems or is ensnared in a lawsuit, it could harm your ability to obtain a loan for a home and could hurt sale prices of homes in the community, Pauly says.

Con No. 4: You’ll lose some of your freedom.

When you live in a community governed by a HOA, you’ll have to follow its rules, even if you think they’re ridiculous, Lyons says.

“You do, however, have the option of petitioning the homeowners’ association to change any rule you don’t agree with. But if you lose, you will have to live with it,” Lyons says.

Con No. 5: You might be the victim of a “rogue” board member.

Estrada says her HOA elected a “rogue” homeowner to the board who decided to flaunt the rules and do whatever he wanted. For instance, Estrada says, the rogue board member thought the community needed speed bumps to slow down speeding drivers, so he had them installed. That move caused a neighborhood uproar. The process to take out the speed bumps and remove the rogue homeowner from the board cost several thousand dollars, including legal fees, she says.

“When there is one rogue homeowner, it can really mess things up,” Estrada says.

Problems also arise when homeowners stop attending HOA meetings, Estrada says, and it’s left to a small group of people to make decisions.

“The board of directors is made up of your neighbors. If you want to have a say in how things go, you have to serve on the board,” says Ailion.

John Egan is editor in chief at LawnStarter, which connects homeowners with lawn care professionals.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall.