fbpx

Home Upgrades That Will Cost You Less

August 20th, 2021 Posted in Property Investment
No Comments

You may have heard that home upgrades can cost a lot of money, but there are many small things you can do to increase the value of your property without spending much. Here are five budget-friendly home improvements that will make going into another year in your current home feel like a new adventure.

Home Upgrades That Will Cost You Less - stylish kitchen image
Photo by Mark McCammon from Pexels

Replace Lighting Fixtures

The first step to upgrading your house is changing your old lighting fixtures with new ones. For example, have a professional remove faulty and stained switches and replace them with Tactile switches, which are modern.

Replace Your Doors 

The first home improvement project on this list is replacing doors. If you have an older door, it’s time to replace them with new ones because they can significantly keep the heat out during the winter months. 

It’s essential that when installing these newer doors, you remove all of the old hardware, including the door jambs and hinges. 

You can also replace an old patio door with a new sliding glass one which saves about 50% on heating costs during winter compared to older doors. In addition, it is a good idea to install new door sweeps on the inside and outside of your doors. This will make it easy for you to open and close them without breaking down, saving you money in repairs over time.

Add New Paints

This is one of the less expensive upgrades you can do to make your home feel more like home. Most paints will last about three years, and it’s easy enough for a professional painter to come in with their supplies and give the walls an update! 

Painting increases property value by up to 20%. New paints can also make a room feel more spacious, and it’s worth considering if you’re trying to figure out how to remodel your home.

Work on Your Yard

If you’re looking to save money on your home improvement project, then working on your yard may be an excellent place to start. It can be a cheaper investment than remodelling your kitchen or redoing the roof, and it takes less time to complete. 

Planting trees and shrubs in strategic locations can block unwanted views from the street or neighbouring homes and give you and your family more privacy. Inviting vines or ivy can also help hide the sides of your home from passersby, providing a feeling of greater privacy for those inside.

You may want to consider getting creative with plants to improve certain aspects of your yard that need attention. For example, if you have an area where there is a lot of noise from cars or heavy traffic, you might want to plant some bushes that can grow tall and create something like a natural sound barrier.

You’ll also need to do your research regarding the type of plants that may work best for your space. For example, if you live in an area where there is little rainfall, you might want to reconsider planting many plants that require lots of water.

Buy New Decor

The best way to spend less is by doing something that will get you the same result. For example, if you are looking for a new look in your home, then buying some new decor might be all it takes! There is no need to spend a ton of money on new furniture.

Buy new bedding, curtains or art for the walls! The best part about this idea is you don’t have to buy all at once. You can start with one area and work your way around the house. There are so many sources online that provide great deals that it can be hard to know where to start!

Conclusion

The two most important things to remember when doing home upgrades are that a professional should complete the work, and you shouldn’t cut corners. These changes will not only increase your property value but also help make living at home more comfortable. The good news is there are plenty of ways to save on projects like these without compromising quality.

,
Read More

Shopping for a Home? Here Are 6 Ways to Save Money

July 15th, 2021 Posted in Money Tips, Property Investment
1 Comment »

A home is one of the best investments you can make in life. For most people, this is also the biggest single purchase they make in life. With your own home comes freedom, and this is one reason most people save right after getting the first job. If you’re shopping for a home, you want to get the best value for your money. This post explores some simple ideas to help you save money buying a home.

Work With a Local Real Estate Agent

If you want to make the home purchase process easier and save money, use a local realtor. These real estate professionals have an intensive knowledge of the market. They know everyone selling and have different properties in the area at varying prices. If you want to save money, the real estate agent can find you a house suited for your needs and at the price range you want.

Look for Features and Additions

When shopping for a home, look beyond the structure and instead look at other features which add value to the property. From solar panels, water and hardscape features, oil tanks, outdoor additions, air conditioning to skylights, there are many features which can save you money. Once you move in, you don’t have to invest more money to improve the property.

Shopping for a Home? Here Are 6 Ways to Save Money - house for sale image
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

Boost your Credit Score

The higher your credit score, the more affordable your loan. As you continue saving towards the down payment of your home, make sure you improve your credit score. Evaluate your finances and make sure you repay all bills on time. Pay down your credit card debt and avoid taking up another loan in the meantime.

Shop for the Right Mortgage

Don’t rush to buy the first mortgage you come across. While your bank might look like the obvious source of financing for your home, consider other options on the market. The mortgage structuring also determines how much initial capital you need and the total cost of the loan.

Working with a financial advisor helps you identify the mortgage options on the market and also determines whether you need a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. For such a huge investment, take your time to get the best deal. The last thing you want is to struggle with repayments or lose your home.

Save More Down Payment (Deposit)

If you want to enjoy the freedom that comes with homeownership, save more towards the down payment. This is the biggest secret to accessing affordable loans. If you have over 20% of the mortgage, you won’t have to pay for extra costs such as mortgage insurance.

Be Flexible

Everyone wants to buy that dream home, but it might not always be possible. For a start, you should be more flexible when shopping for a home to get the best deal. Don’t look for the grandest property on the listing, but also consider those that need some reworking. With some compromises, you can save on the home purchase and still get a good property.

Buying a home is not an easy process but with the right information, you can ace it and save money in the process. Use these tips to start your home buying process. 

, , ,
Read More

Five Things To Remember Before Shopping For A Mortgage

May 19th, 2021 Posted in Money Tips, Property Investment
No Comments

The world of real estate has become more competitive than ever in the wake of the pandemic. Homebuyers need to get all the help possible to ensure that they are smart about their choices when shopping for a mortgage. You may find that the market is far tougher to get into than it was before, and that’s pretty much the case all around given that people are losing jobs and homes all over the world.

If you do manage to find your ideal house, you can use some help from Trufe to get some information on your mortgage choices. You want to present a great offer and be sure that you have the house closed ASAP. Finding the right lender is important, but it’s also helpful to find an advisor who can talk you through everything that you need to know about your mortgage and the choices that you have in front of you, too. So, what should you remember before you start shopping for a mortgage? Let’s take a look:

5 tips when shopping for a mortgage done deal image
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
  • Get referred. Ask your friends and colleagues who they chose to use to get their homes closed off and mortgages completed. They will be able to advise you on the best mortgage advisors and brokers out there, and they can give you a personal experience of getting their mortgage, too.
  • Know your budget. You can’t start house hunting without an idea of your affordability. It’s always wonderful to be nosey about the homes that are way past our budgets and play celebrity, but it’s not always the best option for you. Get to know your budget first and you will be able to shop realistically.
  • Pre-Approval is a must! If you want to skip the stress in the market today, get pre-approval for your loan before you start looking. If you know what your pre-approval rate is, you will know exactly what the budget is for your home dreams. Lenders will verify your application through your income and asset documents, and you need to have that information validated.
  • Get online and check reviews. Technology has revolutionized very different things in the market today, so if you get online and start researching your mortgage offers, you will be able to get to know which is the best place to look in the market for your mortgage. Research is a must!
  • Work well with your real estate agent. Your real estate agent is so important to your application, and you need to know someone who will give you honest information about mortgage lenders. They will be able to talk you through your mortgage options and you can use their insider knowledge to the industry, too!

When it comes down to it, it’s important to remember that your mortgage is the biggest purchasing decision you’ll make in your life. This should be done carefully so that you get the right lender and advisors on your side throughout the process. Buying your house allows you to level up in life!

, ,
Read More

Save Money When Selling Your Home

May 12th, 2021 Posted in Property Investment
1 Comment »


Most people, when selling their homes, are so focused on the money they are (hopefully) about to make, that they spend very little time thinking about all of the costs associated with doing so, and how they may be able to save a little money there.

Selling a house can be an expensive business, but if you’re sensible, you can make some serious savings.

Choose your estate agent wisely

Probably, the biggest way to save money when you are selling your home is to choose a great estate agent like Jordan & Halstead, for example, who are very affordable in your local area, as well as being good at their jobs, so that they can maximize the price you get for your home. 

That’s why you should take your time to check out local estate agents before making a choice, instead of just going with the first one you find. A lot of estate agents will tell you exactly what you want to hear and promise you things that just aren’t possible, all while charging a premium, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; find the sweet spot where price and reputation meet and stick with that.

How to save money selling your home image white and brown concrete bungalow under clear blue sky
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Don’t do too much work

Many homeowners will try to maximise the return on their homes by renovating them before selling. Sometimes, this can work well because things like a new kitchen can add value to your home, but the thing is, this doesn’t always work, and unless you know what you are doing and have totally studied the local market, you probably shouldn’t make more than a few cosmetic changes and necessary DIY jobs. If you do what to carry out a bigger renovation, research how much value it is likely to add to your home, and if that figure is less than the cost, don’t get the work done.

Keep your emotions in check

So many homeowners have settled for a lower price simply because their emotions have gotten the better of them and they haven’t wanted to sell to a particular buyer, perhaps because they feel like they won’t look after the home or that the home is not right for them, and although this is totally understandable, it is not very sensible. If you get a good offer, not taking it is only going to cost you money in terms of the extra time and effort that will have to go into finding another buyer, not to mention the fact there’s no guarantee you will get a similarly large offer next time. Selling your home is a financial transaction and the more you can remind yourself of that the better.

Saving money when selling your home can be difficult because there are many costs that cannot be avoided, but it is, as you can see, still possible to cut costs and maximise your returns here and there. Stay calm, look fairly at the finances and don’t be too rash during the process and there’s every chance you’ll save.

, ,
Read More

Here’s Why You Should Buy A Brand New Home

April 20th, 2021 Posted in Property Investment
No Comments

Are you thinking about purchasing a property this year? If so, then you have two main choices. You can think about purchasing a new home on the market. Or, you could consider a fixer-upper. We think the former decision is the right choice and there are a few reasons for this. 

Fewer Issues

One of the first reasons why you should buy a new home is that there are going to be fewer issues with the property. That’s important because older homes are always going to have a vast range of problems. Parts are also going to break far more quickly than you would like. For instance, you might find that you need to replace the boiler a couple of months after moving into a fixer upper. This isn’t going to be the case with a new build because – as the name suggests – everything is going to be brand new. 

Location, Location, Location

Before you buy a fixer upper, it’s important to ask yourself why it has been left in a state of disrepair. The answer is usually that the owner isn’t interested in the location of the home. The location could even be a reason why the home is never going to accumulate value, regardless of what changes you make. New builds, on the other hand, are always going to be part of exciting, up and coming areas. If you want to explore properties like this, then we recommend that you do think about looking at a company like Salboy. They will be able to help you find the best new properties on the market right now. 

The Modern Home

If you are buying a property that you’re going to live in – at least at first – then you should always consider what you want from the home. We imagine you are looking for a property that is going to be the perfect place to start a family. If that’s the case, then a new build will be ideal. As well as providing the right location that we mentioned, a new build will be kitted out with all the tech that you could need to make the home a dream come true. 

People Like You

Finally, if you buy a new build, you’re going to be living with people who are in the same position as you. This is true whether you are starting a family, retiring, or setting into middle age. Why is this? Well, new builds attract the same type of individuals particularly if they are part of a planned development. This ultimately means that you will be living in a community that you want to be a part of and that you do feel connected to. 

Here's Why You Should Buy A Brand New Home - new house image
Pexels

We hope this helps you realize some of the key reasons why you should purchase a new home rather than buying a fixer upper. While a new build is always going to be more expensive, it provides far more security in the long term and a vast range of benefits that should not be overlooked.

Read More
Older Entries
Newer Entries