When Is It Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

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Striking a balance between good maintenance and replacing the HVAC system can be hard. You do not want to invest in a new system if the old one is perfectly good. But you also don’t want to wait too long to replace your HVAC. Luckily, there are some signs that indicate it might be time to get a new unit.

Higher Utility Bills

Your energy bills can fluctuate throughout the year depending on the weather. But if you notice that the cost of cooling or heating the property is much higher than the same time last year, then it might be time to get a new system.

As a system gets older, its efficiency will drop about 5 to 10 percent. However, if your energy bills suddenly spike, you might need to have a company come out to evaluate it. You may need extensive repairs to keep the system running, and it may be a better option to replace it with another model.

The efficiency of your system decreases over time because of normal wear and tear. As corrosion occurs inside and dirt builds up, a greater loss of efficiency can occur. A very cold or hot season might cause the cost of energy to go up, as well.

Older System

It is a good idea for you to replace the HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Many times, the units made today are more durable than the ones that were made in the past. However, some of the major components might still deteriorate as time goes on. You can expect a typical lifespan of an HVAC system to be around 10 years. But if you do regular repairs and maintenance on it, you can often extend the lifespan of the system.

Another thing that can influence how cost-effective it is to replace an HVAC system is the kind of refrigerant that some older systems use. Because of federal regulations, the component R22 has started to be phased out since it could have a negative influence on the environment. This means that any existing R22 would have become much more expensive. If you have R22 in your older HVAC system, it might be too expensive for you to replace the refrigerant. In this case, you may decide that it is worth getting a new system.

Increased Repair and Maintenance

Many HVAC systems need regular maintenance to continue to operate well. You might need to have certain parts replaced, such as the electrical switch or capacitor. But if the system begins to leak refrigerant or the compressor no longer works well, you might need to have extensive repairs that could make keeping the unit not worthwhile.

Instead of paying high repair bills, you might find that it is better to replace the system altogether. When you call in an HVAC company, you can get both a replacement quote and a repair quote, so you can make a more informed decision about when you need to replace your system.

Poor Climate Control

If you notice that one room in your home seems too warm but another one is very cold, you may need to replace your system. In some cases, aging systems do not have a high enough level of power to heat or cool the home efficiently. When this happens, energy costs can rise since your unit will need to run more to do the same amount of work.

Of course, the temperature is not the only important thing that your HVAC system controls. If the unit is not effective, there can be issues with too much dust left in your air. Or the humidity might increase in your home. Too much humidity can cause mildew and mold. If you notice these issues, you also should assess your home for inadequate insulation or air leaks.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to replacing your HVAC system, knowing the signs to look out for can help you to make a better decision. That way, you can save money by not having unnecessarily high energy bills. At the same time, you will also not end up paying to replace a system that can still be repaired.

How to Design Small Kitchens for Easy Use

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A small kitchen can be challenging to use efficiently and can easily end up cluttered or cramped. However, with the right eye for design, it’s possible to turn your kitchen space from a nightmare to a thing of beauty. Our article shares some tips on how to streamline your kitchen design for convenience.

A vast, spacious kitchen is the dream of most serious home cooks. However, a small kitchen does not mean the end of your dinner party dreams. In fact, smaller kitchens can be cozy and convenient spaces with the right interior design. In this article, we look at some ways you can arrange your kitchen to make the most of your space. We’ll also take a look at the best tools to own if you’re working with limited storage.

Common Problems with a Small Kitchen

Usually, when people complain about limited kitchen space, they refer to one of three things. They complain that their kitchen is dark, easily becomes cluttered, or is impossible to cook in comfortably. Lack of storage space and minimal room for furniture and appliances are also common concerns.

Many renters and buyers can even be put off by properties with small kitchens as they worry that they will never make the space work. If this is something you worry about – or if you currently live with a small kitchen – it may be time to reconsider your space. With some simple interior design hacks, you can change a cramped, dingy kitchen into a delightful nook where you love to spend time.

Small Kitchen Interior Design Tips 

  1. Lighten Your Walls

One of the best interior design tips for making a small space look larger is to tone down any dark colors on your walls, ceiling, or cabinets. While dark shades will close a space down, painting your walls a lighter color will help them reflect light and create an airy, spacious feel. Pale tones, like white, cream, or light blue, are ideal for this.

You don’t need to paint your whole kitchen stark white to get the benefits of this either. Instead, choose light, complementary shades for cupboards and backsplash to inject some personality into your design. Monochromatic or patterned tile stickers are also a great option if you want to brighten up your small kitchen without repainting the whole thing.

  1. Use Wall Space

Rather than opting for cupboards or bulky cabinets in your small kitchen plans, shelves and empty walls can be handy places to store cookware and utensils. A magnetic wall panel is perfect for storing knives within easy reach of your stove and preparation surfaces. You can also use pot racks with hooks to hang pans, mugs, and other kitchen equipment. These handy space savers can be attached to the ceiling or can hang above the stove or countertops.

Shelves and drawers are also better space-saving options than cupboards. Consider choosing shelves that have hooks underneath to hang utensils from or that have an in-built wine rack. You can also easily add shelves to any unused nooks or wall spaces without having to overhaul your small kitchen arrangement totally.

  1. Easy to Stash Furniture

Chunky or antique furniture may be fashionable in many dining rooms, but it is totally impractical if you only have a small cooking and dining space. Small kitchen tables and chairs need to be neat, compact, and easily stored away when not in use. If your home has a small kitchen, hideaway furniture or pull-down countertops are excellent safe saving options.

Choose stools that can easily be piled up or stashed underneath counters, and that don’t take up too much room. A fold-down table or food preparation counter is another great option if space is extremely tight. Make the most of space underneath countertops too and opt for a roll-out table that you can store once you’re finished eating.

  1. Be Smart with Lighting

Dark kitchens make it hard to do your best work. It can be difficult to see what you’re cooking and hard to get surfaces and appliances clean if your space is gloomy. Attaching LED light strips to the undersides of cupboards or shelves can make small kitchens feel brighter and make cramped areas easier to use. You can also have spotlights fixed inside glass-fronted cupboards to double up on wall space, or mount sconces on your walls for a warm, cozy vibe. Ceiling spotlights are also a great solution for smaller kitchens as you can space them out, meaning that light spreads further than with a traditional single bulb.

  1. Buy Small or Multipurpose Appliances

When designing small kitchen layouts for refurbishment, or if you’re moving in somewhere new, it’s important to think about how your appliances will fit into your kitchen. After all, you don’t want a huge fridge if it’s going to take up all your floor space. Try to organize appliances so that they can be kept underneath counters or so that one appliance has multiple functions.

For example, a combined washer and tumble dryer is an ideal choice for a small kitchen. Small kitchen trends also commonly feature microwaves built into the wall or cabinets, freeing up vital countertop space below. Remember to find places to store portable appliances when you’re not using them so that they don’t clutter up your surfaces.

Conclusion

Living with a small kitchen does not mean that your cooking space needs to be dowdy or infuriating to use. Even the smallest of spaces can be trendy and effortless with a few design tweaks. We hope these small kitchen ideas have given you food for thought!

Final Call: Do you live in a house with a tiny kitchen? How do you arrange your cooking space for convenience? Do you find it cozy, or wish you had more room? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Author’s Bio:

Kevin is a content writer for about 3 years. He studied Design and Arts at College in Pennsylvania. A fan of home interior design and, he has taken it upon himself to spread his love for decorating homes by informing people on some of his ideas through his articles.

5 Important Factors to Consider when Investing in Healthcare Real Estate

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Healthcare is one of those industries that is on a never-ending upward trajectory around the world. Simply put, every country has a need for a better healthcare system and a greater number of top-quality medical institutions from a variety of fields within the medical profession. As a highly lucrative and ever-expanding industry, healthcare is one of the best industries to invest in in the real estate realm.

Whether you own a real estate business and want to make a long-term investment or if you have a team of medical professionals who are looking to buy a property and build a thriving medical practice, you need to know the key variables that are at play before signing on the dotted line. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five key factors you need to consider when looking to invest in healthcare real estate.

The pros of owning vs leasing medical real estate

Many medical professionals who are looking to open their own practice will first look into leasing a space instead of owning, and there are some wise reasons behind it. Firstly, leasing allows you to move fairly easily to a new location once the lease term is up, and it doesn’t incur the risks and responsibilities associated with ownership. However, over the long-term it can be overly expensive and wasteful. While you might be tempted to lease, any experienced real estate agent will tell you that buying is the best long-term option.

Owning medical real estate brings numerous advantages to the table, like avoiding the risks of elevated rent, which is bound to happen at some point. If you do your research and pick the right location, then you won’t have a need to move and will retain full ownership of the property so that you can build your brand’s reputation and visibility in the local market.

Conducting due diligence on the property

Of course, you shouldn’t invest in healthcare real estate without conducting thorough research and ensuring a comprehensive due diligence process. After all, this is a grand investment you’re about to make, so you have to make sure that all papers are in order and that there are no liabilities that might catch you off guard in the following months and years.

With that in mind, be sure to check the property’s tax history and make sure everything is in order. Next, check the property’s condition and assess the amount of work and investment capital needed to bring it up to code. Lastly, make sure that the property has a clear title by checking for any outstanding liens.

Purchasing a property with sustainability in mind

As an investor in such a competitive and oftentimes wasteful industry, one of your primary goals should be to ensure sustainability and eco-friendliness in order to minimize financial waste and build an appealing brand. After all, medical professionals want to work in a top-quality workspace, while modern patients want to enjoy their stay at their chosen institution.

You can start by considering the long-term potential for energy savings, and plan to install LED light fixtures like those made for clean rooms that serve a specific purpose while helping with energy conservation. Next, consider the equipment you’ll be using and how it helps conserve energy, as well as the potential of the property to be outfitted with sustainable materials.

Calculating and preparing for operating costs

All this talk about sustainability isn’t for naught, because it will help you minimize operating costs in the long run. In turn, this will allow you to plan your investment and allocate financial resources more efficiently. You might even be able to take out a smaller loan than you initially planned. Be sure to talk to your key players to assess all the costs and prepare your budget for procurement, maintenance, and even expansion in those first few crucial years.

Consider the market trends and locations

Choosing the right location for your medical practice, however big or small it may be, is crucial for your long-term success. On the one hand, the property needs to be accessible and close enough to make it worth the patient’s while to drive over, but it should also be far away enough from the competition so that you don’t have to compete with other clinics. Make sure to do extensive market research to find the ideal location, one that will facilitate long-term growth and help you build a recognizable and trustworthy brand in your local market.

Wrapping up

The healthcare industry is growing around the world, and it’s important that investors know how to choose the ideal properties to build their medical practices. Take these considerations to heart to find the best real estate opportunities in the healthcare sector.

About the author:  Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer with a focus in real estate, home improvement, and the construction industry. He is a regular contributor to the Smooth Decorator blog.

How to Stage Your Home to Sell It Quickly in a Competitive Market

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One of the most important steps of selling a home is proper staging, and a little bit of work could make a huge difference. Making your home as eye-catching as possible will help you stand out in a competitive real estate market and attract motivated buyers.

Start With a Deep Cleaning

The very first step in this process is deep cleaning every single room in your home. While some buyers might not care about a little bit of clutter or dust, it could turn others away. When certain buyers walk through a messy or cluttered home, they might think that the current owner hasn’t been properly maintaining the home either. Luckily, hiring a professional cleaner can be fairly inexpensive if you don’t feel like cleaning.

Remove Most Personal Items

You don’t have to remove every single personal item from your home before you sell it, but the majority of your belongings should be boxed up and stored elsewhere. That includes items like paintings, old family photos, and knick-knacks. You might also want to spend a little bit of time boxing up any extra clutter that is in the closets, under the beds, or in the garage.

Stay as Neutral as Possible

The best realtor in your area is most likely going to tell you that you need to keep your furniture and decorations as neutral as possible. As a general rule, you want potential buyers to be able to walk into a home and envision themselves living there. Having neutral furniture and decorations is going to create a blank canvas for them. Some sellers even rent neutral items to place in their homes if their current décor is too eclectic.

Don’t Neglect the Lighting

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make a home more eye-catching is to improve the lighting. At the very least, you should make sure that all of the bulbs throughout your home are bright and working correctly. You can also clean the windows and pull back all of the curtains if the buyers are going to be walking through your home during the day. Painting the walls a bright and neutral color is another simple way to improve indoor lighting.

If you don’t feel completely comfortable staging your own home, then you might want to consider working with a professional. An experienced staging specialist will be to transform your home in the blink of an eye, and many of those professionals charge very reasonable rates.

Things to Do Before Moving Into Your New Home

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Congratulations! You are a homeowner now. Take a minute and revel at that moment before things start to get real, and there is work to be done. This article offers tips that will make your move manageable and bearable. So read on to find out more.

Finally, moved in. What next?

Purchasing a new home can be thrilling. But moving is never 100% stress-free. From acquiring the property to prepping for the big move, there is a never-ending to-do list. However, planning and prioritizing can make the move less hectic.

Inspecting, cleaning, and learning how your house functions are integral roles for any homeowner. And it is better to do it all before you move instead of postponing till after.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of things you need to do. Develop a plan on how to complete these things, and soon enough, you’ll be popping champagne in celebration of the new home.

Inspect the Home Thoroughly for Damage

Check the room for signs of damage

One of the first things to do before moving into your new home is a thorough inspection. Check every room for signs of damage, especially by water. Ensure that the plumbing is installed correctly, and there are no leaks. If there’s a leak, have it fixed and repair any damage caused before moving.

It’s also essential to have the house checked for insects and pests, and if it’s infested, have it fumigated. You can also get the best ultrasonic pest repeller to keep away pests in the future.

Child & Pet Proof

Check your windows so that your pet can’t run off and get lost

If you have children or pets, you must childproof the house before moving.

  • Cover up the outlets, especially those that are within your child’s reach.
  • Ensure that the windows have screens; otherwise, your pets will run out of the window and get lost in the new neighborhood.
  • Be on the lookout for anything that could pose a danger to children and pets, such as loose cords or screws, cleaning supplies, and other home essentials.

Locate the Main Water Valve and the Fuse Box

Locate your electric panel and ensure its functioning

Make sure you know where the electric panel and water valves are in case of an emergency or an issue that needs to be fixed. You must know the rooms each fuse controls in your new home and label them correctly.

Similarly, check if all water valves work. If it’s turned off, turn it on so that you can have water in the house. Also, make sure to have it replaced if damaged.

Secure Your New Home

Change your door locks before moving in

Not that you should be worried about the previous owner, but you never know how many copies of the keys were made and who has them. So, it’s advisable to change the locks before moving your expensive home choice furnishings.

In addition to the new locks, you can install the latest home security system for good measure. Also, get home insurance to cover your property against theft.

Home Improvement With Paint

Paint your house before you move. You will be glad you did

Some aspects of home improvement are best done without furniture getting in the way. Give yourself a few days to apply some handy painting tips before the movers deliver your furniture so that the paint can dry. If you’ve not settled on what to paint the different rooms in the house, just paint everything white, then you can customize it after you move.

Change Your Address

A new house comes with a new address. So you must change your address at the post office and tell your friends and family that you have moved to a new location so that they can send you a ‘home is where the heart is’ card. You must also inform your credit card company, bank, and other essential institutions of the change of address.

According to abroad relocation professional Ryan Banks, mishandled address registrations take one of the top five reasons people suffer when moving as one in 10 people will have to cope with unfortunate consequences.

Do a Deep Clean

Get your products ready for a deep clean

When moving into a new home, make it a habit to do a deep clean first. The person who lived there before you may not have cleaned the house up to your standards, or maybe the repair guys left some residue behind. This is why you must carry thorough home decluttering of the property. So, get your cleaning supplies or hire a cleaning company and make the home fresh and shiny.

Conclusion

Whether this is the first time you’re moving or the fifth, there are things that you can do to make moving stress-free. We’ve covered some useful tips on what to do. Use these tips, and you’ll be shocked at how easy the process will be.

Did you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Author’s Bio:

Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in the garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands.

Things to keep in mind before you buy a house

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Looking for the perfect home might sound exciting. But sometimes, when you venture out in the hope of finding a paradise, you are shown nothing more than pigeonholes. The path leading to your perfect home may feel like a treacherous one, but that’s far from true. All you must do is keep the important points in mind while you are looking for your next home.

Here are simple tips to keep in mind while hunting for a house so that you can avoid making an expensive mistake.

Know your budget

The process of looking for a new home starts by evaluating your bank accounts, assets, cash flow, and liabilities. The most common mistake people make is that they set their hearts on a house that is beyond their budget. Yes, you can get a home loan to cover the deficit, but luxurious homes come at luxury prices which can throw your budget out of the window.

Know your loan amount eligibility

You can easily check how much loan amount you are eligible for using online home loan calculator, but keep in mind that these are only an estimate and not the final word. To get a true amount, you should contact your bank before starting your search.

There could be a significant difference between what you think you’re eligible (pre-qualified) for and what you receive (pre-approved). It’s important to be sure you know the amount of loan you can get before you set your final budget.

What about the other costs?

People think that, once they have bought a house, they are done with the expenses, but that’s not true. As soon you purchase a home, you’ll have a monthly mortgage payment (assuming you took out a home loan), you’ll have to spend money on maintenance, utilities and more. You also might have to purchase new furniture as well. Also, don’t forget to include insurance costs in your budget. All US mortgage lenders require insurance on your property to protect against costly losses.

Be open to change

Finding the exact home you’ve been dreaming of is extremely difficult. For example, you may want a swimming pool, three balconies, and attached bathroom with every bedroom, but when you may only be able to find properties with two out of the three.

If you spend too much time or are too picky, you might miss a good deal on a house. So, it is best to keep an open mind and a keen awareness of your priorities.

Don’t get carried away

People often make the mistake of overspending money just to decorate their new home. You don’t have to spend extra money if your old furniture is in good condition. Instead plan to replace it with new over time, helping you save a lot of money in the short term.

See through the drama

Builders often offer cosmetic changes or upgrades to change the look of your house for extra money. These fixes can alter the look of your house, but it’s important to consider if these are these additions or alterations are worth it.

Many changes and upgrades can be added later by a handyman or contracting service, often at a much lower price than if purchased from the builder. If you’re trying to save money on a new construction home, this may be a good idea to consider for those “nice but not necessary” improvements like decks, patios, or even central air conditioning units.

Pick and choose

Yes, you should keep an open mind when home searching, but that doesn’t mean you have to make bad choices. If you have a big family, buying a big house with 3-4 bedrooms makes perfect sense. You don’t want to feel cramped in your house just because you wanted to save some money.

Make the list of things that you are not willing to compromise at any cost. This allows you to make the right decision.

Keep an eye out

Builders usually promise to finish work at lightning speed, but the truth is, they take ages to complete the project. If you have made the payment for the house, make sure your visit the property regularly and contact the builder for regular updates. If you sense something is wrong, contact the local authorities to ensure your investment is safe.

If you’re purchasing an already-constructed property, make sure you do a proper survey. For example, if you are looking to find homes for sale near Las Vegas, make sure you check every nook and cranny before making your final decision.

Find your own agent

Hire an agent of your own if you want to know all the secrets of the property. You will have to pay a fee to the agent, in return you will get guidance that will be true.

Five Options To Stop Foreclosure

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We are living in very volatile times, and things are no different for those of us who are going through foreclosure. Mortgage delinquencies surged to 7.76 percent in May and things aren’t looking good for millions of “homeowners” across America who may soon learn who truly owns their home. While there are moratoriums in place to keep you from losing your home they won’t be around forever and the clock is ticking. Whether you’re planning to stay in the home or not, there are four great ways for you to stop foreclosure and save your credit, including selling to investors.  

Open Communication Is Crucial

Before we begin, it’s important to understand that open communication with your lender is the secret sauce that will improve your chances of stopping the foreclosure process.

If you haven’t already, pick up the phone and contact your lender right away if you’ve missed, or know you will miss, a mortgage payment. Their number can be found on the statements that you receive each month.

If you’ve received a notice of default, the number to the Loss Mitigation department will be prominently displayed on the notice. 

I know it’s embarrassing, but the one thing that your lender wants is to discuss how they can help resolve your situation.

The lender doesn’t want you to lose your home either. They prefer that you stay in your home because that guarantees that they’ll receive their interest payments each month! 

Loan Modification

Loan modifications are a great way to stop foreclosure if you’re planning to stay in your home. This is when the lender re-writes the loan, including delinquent payments and fees that have accumulated thus far, and restarts the amortization schedule.

While they are willing to increase the principal by rolling in those payments and fees, lenders will rarely ever approve a reduction in that principal of the loan.

There are a few criteria that most lenders look for when qualifying you for a loan modification. These criteria include:

  • The loan is on your primary residence
  • You’re going through financial hardship
  • You have enough steady income to make the modified mortgage payments

There’s a lot of paperwork involved in a loan modification since you’re essentially buying the house all over again with different terms, but it’s definitely worth the effort since it stops the foreclosure and saves your credit!

Personal Loans

If you had a temporary loss of income and your overall situation hasn’t changed much due to your hardship, personal loans can be a good way to bring your mortgage current and stop foreclosure. You will need to pay all of your late payments as well as any late fees that have accumulated. 

Before you make any payments to your lender, be sure to contact them and ask if any of the late fees can be waived as long as you bring your payments current that day. You’re providing them a fast solution to the problem and they may say yes!

Personal loans can come from many different sources including family, friends, investors, and institutional lenders. 

Before taking on any additional debt, be sure to analyze your budget and confirm that your income will support any additional payments that will be required. Budgeting is considered an inconvenience by many people, but it can be a powerful tool.

Actively budgeting your income and expenses will relieve a lot of stress by giving you an objective view of your financial position from week to week. 

A word of caution: Unless you’re dedicated to managing your money from this point forward borrowing more money can be a big risk. If you take on more debt and start missing payments again it can cause substantially more damage to your credit and make things much worse.

Before taking out any additional loans, discuss any loan modification opportunities you may have with your lender.

Tap Into Your Equity

As you make payments on your mortgage each month, you build equity which means that you have a financial interest in your home. 

For example, if your home’s value is $180,000 and your mortgage balance is $110,000 you have $70,000 of equity in the property. This means if you sold the property you would receive a payout of $70,000 (minus commissions and fees).

You can leverage this equity and stop the foreclosure by either refinancing your property or taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit.

Refinancing

If you decide to refinance your property, your lender will first confirm that you have enough equity to preform the refinance. Once this is confirmed, they’ll roll your mortgage balance and any late payments or fees that you owe into a new loan and start the amortization over from the beginning. 

Whether you’re able to refinance or not is largely dependent on the type of loan you have, but “Loans owned or guaranteed by government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may qualify for a refinance under the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP.” (sfgate.com)

Aside from protecting your credit, another big benefit to refinancing to avoid foreclosure is that you may also be able to lock in a lower interest rate!

Home Equity Line of Credit

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are another way to leverage the equity in your home and stop foreclosure. 

HELOCs are simply a revolving credit line that adds another lien to your property, similar to your mortgage. That means if you were to sell the property, the mortgage and the HELOC would need to be paid off before you receive any money.

Since it’s a revolving credit line, you’re able to borrow money on demand, up to your credit limit, and use it for whatever you want! That means you can use it to bring your mortgage payments current and sleep well at night!

As stated in “Personal Loans”, be sure that your income will allow for the required payments for your HELOC. 

Short Sale

A Short Sale is a last-ditch effort that you can make with your bank to stop the foreclosure process and save your credit. Your credit will still take a hit, but its effects are a lot more subtle than a full-blown foreclosure.

By definition, “A short sale in real estate is when a financially distressed homeowner sells his or her property for less than the amount due on the mortgage.” (investopedia.com)

This is not a short process. Between the paperwork, listing time, negotiations, and closing, you can expect a short sale to take upwards of 60 days or more. That’s only if your lender will agree to do one in the first place!

Short Sales work differently in different states. Here in North Carolina, most lenders require that the foreclosure property be listed with a real estate agent for a certain term that is decided on by them. 

If the property has not been sold after that term, the lender will begin to gradually lower the price until the property sells. 

When performing a short sale, lenders don’t just have a fire sale or auction for the property and get what they can. They methodically lower the price to make sure they recapture as much of their money as possible!

A major downside to a Short Sale is that some lenders may require you to pay for the difference between what they sold the property for and what you owe them! This is called a “deficiency balance.”

This means that if they sold the property for $130,000 and you owed $150,000, they could come after you for it and saddle you with another loan! That’s not ideal!

Discuss this with your lender before they initiate the short sale so you can make sure you’re not going to walk away with a deficiency balance! 

Your lender is also going to be looking for the right buyer for the property. Buyers who are purchasing the property for their primary residence are considered over everyone else. This means that you’ll likely need to wait for them to qualify for financing with another institution before the purchase is confirmed. 

Also, the property can still be foreclosed on while waiting for a short sale to complete, so be sure you have an experienced attorney working with you who can get the foreclosure postponed!

Selling It Fast

In some situations, it’s going to be better for you to sell your house fast and avoid the hassles and stress involved in your other options.

If you’re planning on leaving the home, local home buyers can stop foreclosure and buy the property in as little as 14 days. Homebuyers are investors who purchase properties, rehab them, rent them, or sell them immediately after purchase.

Since they’re not real estate agents and don’t typically work with traditional lending institutions, homebuyers can stop the foreclosure process by purchasing your property in two different ways.

Cash Purchase

A cash purchase is the simplest way to stop foreclosure. If you have enough equity in the property, the home buyer can simply pay off your existing loan and take ownership of the property.

Very few lenders will object to this and closing can be in as little as 14 days!

Purchasing Subject To The Existing Loan

Laws vary from state to state, but here in North Carolina, selling your foreclosure property subject to an existing mortgage to a savvy investor is a fast and easy way to stop foreclosure. 

The process behind a “Subject-To” sale is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice to say that what the home buyer will be doing is bringing your loan current, taking over the payments, and transferring the property into a trust that they control. 

There’s a bit more paperwork involved in this transaction, but it’s relatively simple and can stop the foreclosure process dead in its tracks!

Foreclosure doesn’t happen in a vacuum, which makes it very challenging emotionally. Everyone runs into trouble sometimes. While it may feel like the world is crashing down around you, taking action on any of these four options to avoid foreclosure will help you stay focused and stop the foreclosure before it ruins your credit!

Things That Make Your House a Home Without Spending a Dollar

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A house is so much more than just a few walls and a roof over your head. Do you want to revive your humble abode and make it more homely? 

If the cost of interior design is putting you off, know that it’s possible without spending a single dollar. You can add a few personal touches and make some adjustments that don’t have a price tag. 

This article looks into ways to spruce up and enhance your living space with zero cost.

Make a Few Moves

Moving a few items around and rearranging some of your furniture is the easiest way to freshen up a room. Besides giving your living area a new look, it’s also a creative therapeutic process and productive use of your time.

Start with the room where you spend most of your time and pick one item or area as a focal point. Next, consider your lifestyle and the main function of the room. If it’s your bedroom, you should focus on the bed as the essence of your sleeping environment.

If your family loves watching TV together, arrange the lounge area so that everyone has a comfortable seat. Keep your kitchen area practical and functional, as this is often the heart of a home. 

If you can add a few seats to the kitchen, this will allow your loved ones to hang out with you while cooking. Hearty, homely meals will undoubtedly draw them all to the kitchen.

Fix the Faults

You don’t have to spend money to repair the basics. If your pictures or mirrors aren’t hanging straight, start by aligning them. Look at your curtains too. Are all the hooks in place, and does it hang well? 

The team at Best Online Cabinets also recommend that you check all your cupboard and cabinet doors. Pay attention to loose knobs, handles, and hinges to see if anything needs a little tightening.

Move through the rest of your house and check all your lights to see that the bulbs are all working.

Add a Personal Touch

Nothing can overpower your unique personal touch. Show off your treasures by adding family photos. 

Create a gallery wall of precious moments to add some character. It’s bound to be a talking point, plus you can always add to it as time goes by. Allow your kids and partner to choose what they’d like to add, so everyone has a choice and gets the chance to add their visual voice.

Get your favorite books out and display them on your coffee table. Or rearrange them on the bookshelf, so they’re easy to find.

You can also ask your kids to do a few new drawings and add those to your fridge collection. Why not ask them to draw your monthly calendar or a template to keep your shopping to-do list.

Give it a Good Scrub

Cleaning your entire house will not only add some sparkle. A clean home is beneficial to your health.

Spring cleaning is known to clear the dust and alleviate allergies. When you go all out and do a regular deep clean, it can lead to a stronger immune system.

Spotless and decluttered spaces are also associated with better moods and can bring relief from stress and anxiety. Your list of cleaning tasks should include carpets, curtains, and all your linen. Don’t forget to wipe down the walls and get up on a ladder to reach the light fittings and ceiling.

If you’re finding things you’ve not used for years, get rid of them. Apart from the enjoyment, you’ll get from donating your unused items to a worthy cause, you’ll be giving someone else an item they need.

Go for Greenery

Head out to your garden and bring some of the lush green goodness indoors. Fresh cut flowers and foliage from your grounds adds a beautiful touch. 

You can bring the colors of the season into your space and get creative with branches or other outdoor elements like rocks, stones, or seeds. If you don’t have a garden, you can always add a natural touch with a colorful fruit bowl or brightly colored veggies on display.

Key Takeouts

You don’t have to spend a single dollar to revive your home. Create a homely atmosphere by adding a few personal touches or making a few readjustments.

Fix the obvious eyesores, give it a good clean, and you’re set for a happy and healthy abode. 

7 Common Electrical Problems Found in Home Inspections

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When buying a house, one of the steps is to have a home inspection performed so key issues are noticed and can be addressed. During home inspections, electrical problems are usually detected, and this is important because a house’s electrical system plays a major role in keeping it safe by preventing fire risks, arcing, and electrical shocks. After having a home inspection performed, it is essential to make the necessary electrical fixes that the inspector addressed because you want your family’s house to be as safe as possible.

1- Exposed Wiring

During home inspections, one of the most common electrical problems found is exposed wiring, and this is a crucial problem to have repaired because exposed wiring is a major fire risk. Because of the high risk involved, exposed wiring is one of the repairs that should always be repaired by a professional electrician instead of DIY. Exposed wiring is not a complicated repair, but it is essential that wiring is properly covered to prevent the risk of fires or arcing.

electrical problems

2- Buried Wires Not Protected

Having buried wires is acceptable, but when buried wires are installed without a covering or protection, it becomes an issue. A covering or protection is crucial because it safeguards the wiring against natural elements, debris, and rodents. When a buried wire is compromised, it poses a safety risk to the house and stops functioning at peak efficiency.

3- Receptacles Not Properly Grounded

Especially in older or historic homes, ungrounded receptacles are a common electrical problem found during home inspections. Ungrounded outlets are outlets with only two holes for the plug and no hole for the ground wire, and without the ground wire, there is a risk of fires or arcing because electricity can travel until it finds a suitable conductor source. Similar to exposed wiring, ungrounded receptacles are not a complicated repair, but they should be fixed relatively soon because of the safety risk they pose to the house.

4- Lack of Outlets

In many homes, homeowners will find a lack of outlets because many homes were built before homes experienced a surge in the number of electronic devices per household. People need to charge their phones and tablets but also plug in their televisions and lamps, and running extension cords from room to room isn’t the answer. Homes need to have enough outlets in each room so everyone can function without a fire risk.

5- Openings in Electrical Panels

For electrical panels, one of their common problems found during home inspections is openings in the panel. No gaps should be visible in the electrical panel because it would allow debris or rodents the ability to get inside which would create a shock or fire. Openings in the electrical panel can easily be fixed by installing filler plates to place over the openings so nothing can get inside.

6- Faulty GFCI Outlets

In rooms where moisture is present (kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.), GFCI outlets must be installed and properly functioning. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet is an outlet that has a protective covering to prevent electric shocks, and it correlates the inflow current on the hot side to the outflow current on the neutral side. During the home inspection, the inspector will test the GFCI outlets to ensure they are working properly and if any adjustments need to be made. In areas where there is the chance of water or moisture, having GFCI outlets is necessary because of the danger that could ensure if water seeps into an outlet while it is in use.

7- Overused Circuit Breakers

Another common electrical problem found during home inspections is overused circuit breakers. Circuit breakers are intended to only have one wire connected to one circuit breaker in the electrical panel, and when two or more wires are plugged into the circuit breaker, it poses an immense safety risk. When multiple wires are connected to the same circuit breaker, it allows connections to become looser which leads to an increase in arcing and fires. Overused circuit breakers are easy to spot, and this common electrical problem can be solved by simply upgrading the electrical panel to allow for an increase in the number of circuit breakers.

From exposed wiring to not having the proper number of outlets, many electrical problems can be found during a home inspection. The most important thing is to choose professional services for both the home inspection and electrical repairs. It might save you money to try and repair the problems yourself instead of using a professional electrical company, but in the end, it is better to have the problems repaired by a professional so you are ensured of their quality and safety. Because electrical standards and codes are changing with new improvements and procedures, it is common to find electrical issues during home inspections, and no matter what the electrical problem is, the most important part is to have it fixed promptly by a licensed electrical company.

3 Tips to Help Homebuyers With Disabilities Find Accessible New Homes

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Finding your dream home is part of the American dream. When you are living with a disability, however, finding that perfect home can be slightly more challenging. In addition to finding a home with features you desire, you also need to find a home that includes features that you need for accessibility and safety. So if you are starting your search for the perfect accessible home soon, be sure to refer to these steps to make the process a little less complicated:

Research Cities & Neighborhoods Before Homes

If you are considering buying a new home, you should start by thinking about where you would like that new home to be located and how much you can allocate to purchasing it. Using online search tools like RealtyHive, you can research locations so that you can get a feel for which areas will fit your needs and which areas will offer enough available homes. You can also use search tools to zero in on the average home sale price and features for a particular area so that you can narrow down your new home search quickly.

As you use these tools to assess different cities and neighborhoods, also look for ways to assess the accessibility of potential locations. For example, you can use public transportation apps to research the availability of public transit in potential communities, as well as how accessible those public transportation options will be for you. If you are still deciding on a specific city, and you use a wheelchair, you can also think about moving to a city with more accessibility, which will make daily life easier as you settle into your home. But any area can be accessible if you know which home and community features to look for.

Look into Average Costs for Accessibility Modifications

Once you know which city you would like to live in, you can start searching for accessible homes. You can narrow down your options to homes that include accessibility features like single-story floor plans or obstacle-free entryways. Otherwise, you may need to consider remodeling your new home to accommodate your individual accessibility needs. Some of the most common renovation projects used to increase accessibility for homeowners who are living with a disability include replacing stairs with ramps, widening doorways for more wheelchair access, or installing walk-in tubs for added safety and convenience.

Of course, with these added features can also come added expense, so be sure to get estimates for any desired home improvements so you can factor these costs into your overall home budget (for example, installing a walk-in tub costs an average of $5,000 to $7,000). Depending on your budget, buying a fixer-upper could be a good way to make renovations more affordable, or you can also look into whether you are eligible for home modification grants and programs.

Connect With a Reliable Local Real Estate Professional

Doing your own homework and assessing your accessibility needs are both smart ways to get a jumpstart on your search for a new home. Not to mention, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home if needed. When you are ready to really get the ball rolling on your new home search, however, you should discuss your options with an experienced realtor.

While it is possible to purchase a home without a realtor’s help, doing so can make your search much more complicated and stressful. Real estate agents tend to have access to more local listings than are available online, and they should have knowledge of accessible homes in your desired location. Your real estate professional can also make negotiating your home purchase less of a hassle, so you may not want to skip this crucial step.

Finding the accessible home of your dreams doesn’t have to be stressful. Just use the tips above and enlist the help of an experienced realtor. That way, you can save yourself some headaches and find your perfect home faster.

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