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Top Five Recommendations

1. What’s Your ‘Dream Home’?

Knowing what you want your home to look like before starting your  search can narrow down your list and save you time. With so many things  to consider, a good starting point is determining what type and style of  home you prefer. Do you want a condo, townhouse, single-level home, or  multi-level home? Is a modern or ranch-style home appealing to you?

2. Start Your Search Online

Begin your search online to get a sense of how location, the age of  the home, size, and different variables affect costs. You’ll be able to  see how long a home has been on the market, any price fluctuations, and  the property tax history on a resale home.

However, don’t be quick to discard options in this initial stage. If  there’s something you don’t like in a home, make note of it and use  these criteria when examining other homes.

3. Know Your Budget

Before starting your search, it’s important to set a budget.  Buying a house requires both an investment and commitment. Make sure to  get pre-qualified for a loan before going out to look at houses – this  will give you an idea of what your price range is. You’ll also want to  calculate the funds you have available for a down paymentlink opens in a new window and closing costs. Getting your finances in order will make the buying  process smoother and contribute to understanding how much home you can affordlink opens in a new window.

4. Establish Must Haves & Deal-Breakers

Create a list of all the things you must have in your new home. But  don’t get stuck on the small stuff, you can always change out  appliances, paint, or lay down new flooring. Think about how many  bedrooms and bathrooms you’d like to have? New build or resale home?  Square footage? Lot size? Location?

Knowing where you’re willing to compromise can help narrow your  search. For example, are you willing to drive a bit further to work in  order to be in a certain school district? While you may be excited about  a home, be realistic about how living there will affect other areas of  your life.

Also, don’t forget to think about future needs in addition to your  present ones. Will you need space for your family to grow? How about a  yard for the dog you’ve always wanted?

5. Work With A Real Estate Agent

Online is a great place to start your search, but nothing can replace  the local expertise of an experienced real estate agent. An active and  licensed agent can help you find listings, negotiate on your behalf,  refer services as needed, submit offers, and walk you through the entire  process.

When enlisting the help of a real estate agent, keep in mind it’s  standard practice for the seller to pay the agent’s commission fee, so  buyers can solicit their service without worrying about the costs.  However, it’s always a good idea to verify because mortgage regulations  can quickly change.

Summary

No matter what type of home you’re looking for, the above  recommendations are sure to help make the process of finding your  perfect home easier.

Article retrieved from:  https://aplusfcu.org/blog/5-tips-for-finding-the-perfect-home

Owning your own home can be a great investment, but it can also be  financially draining if you aren’t completing basic maintenance and  upkeep tasks in a timely manner. Regular maintenance can take time,  planning, and money, but it can help you save on unexpected repair costs  and keep the value of your home up. Here are some notable tips for  becoming a financially responsible homeowner.

Maintaining Your Home

Stay On Top Of Regular Maintenance

Your house needs regular maintenancelink opens in a new window,  just like your car. However, unlike your car, homes don’t have  maintenance lights that come on when something needs attention. It may  seem overwhelming to remember everything you need to do to keep your  house in good repair, but with a little organization, you can find a  system that works for you.

You may decide to keep a checklist on your fridge or add to a family  binder if you have one. Or, if you prefer a more high-tech solution, you  can set recurring reminders in whatever calendar or task manager you  already use. Whatever method you choose, below are some regular  maintenance tasks to add to your list – don’t forget to add any extra  maintenance your home may need or remove ones that don’t apply to you:

Monthly

• Clean or replace air filters – perhaps with washable filters that are more affordable and environmentally friendly

• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits

• Unclog/clean sink and shower drains

• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers

• Inspect electrical cords for wear

• Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment

• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda

• Dust air vents and returns

• If you have one, check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary

Fall

• Hire a professional to inspect and make necessary repairs to your heating system

• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards

• Clean fireplace flues, or bring in a professional to inspect

• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts

• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing

• Check water heater for leaks

Spring

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks, especially after winter storms

• Clean windows and door screens

• Powerwash windows and siding

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts

• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank

• Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets, check sprinkler heads, or other winterization you may have completed

• Have your air-conditioning system professionally inspected

• Fertilize your lawn

• Schedule tree trimming for large trees and shrubs

• Oil and inspect automatic garage doors or have them professionally tuned

Yearly

• Analyze energy costs and look for ways to save by replacing old  windows and appliances with energy-efficient options that could earn you  rebates

• Check property values in your area and compare them with the estimated value of your home

• Inspect all outdoor vents, walls, and foundations for holes that rodents could enter

• Have a pest inspection and schedule regular visits as necessary

• Look for leaks and any standing water then repair

• Inspect your sprinklers and irrigation systems

What About Home Warranty Policies?

If you’re a homeowner, you may have received a home warranty as part  of your purchase. As with any warranty or insurance, you should compare  costs and find the best one to meet your needs. You want to make sure  you’re not over-insured but still covered for large, unexpected costs.

When considering a home warranty, consider the following:

1. The age of your home and components. If your home  is relatively new, repair and maintenance costs will be few and far  between, at least for a few years. Older homes may require more repairs  and upkeep. You may also have certain warranties that are bundled with a  brand new home purchase for items such as foundation, A/C system,  drywall, and more.

2. The cost of the monthly premium compared with anticipated repair costs. Analyze  the full yearly cost of your home warranty policy. Do you reasonably  expect any repair costs to exceed that amount? If so, a home warranty  will likely be financially beneficial. If not, you might be better off  setting that amount aside in savings that can be used for other purposes  as well.

3. Can you learn to DIY problems yourself? Many home  repairs can be done by following online tutorials or getting help from  your local hardware store. Maintaining your home yourself is ultimately  the best way to save money as a homeowner.

Summary

Whatever maintenance schedule you decide works for your household,  you’ll only realize the financial benefits if you stay consistent. The  plan above may be more than you need, or it may be missing essential  maintenance that your particular property may require. However, as long  as you complete regular and consistent maintenance, you can turn your  home into a financial gain, rather than a drain.

This article was retreived from: https://aplusfcu.org/blog/maintaining-your-home-after-purchase

House hunting is an exciting time filled with possibilities and,  let’s be honest, a bit of anxiety. Picking the perfect house is more  than just square footage or a stylish kitchen. It’s also about the  neighborhood.

Finding The Neighborhood For You

Prioritize Education

If you’re a parent or plan to become one, schools will top your list.  But even if kids aren’t in your picture, schools still matter.  Top-rated schools can add value to your property. So, during your  house-hunting journey, check out the school district’s ratings.

Stay Safe

Safety is non-negotiable. Peace of mind in your home starts with  feeling safe in your neighborhood. Check out local crime rates on the  internet – websites like City-Data or Neighborhood Scout can help with this.

Explore Nearby Amenities

How close is the nearest grocery store? Is there a park or a gym  nearby? A popular restaurant? The amenities around your house can enrich  your lifestyle. While house hunting, be sure to look at what the  neighborhood has to offer.

Consider Your Commute

Long drives to work? Not fun. Look at how far your potential home is  from your workplace. If you’re open to using public transport, find out  if it’s accessible. Your time is priceless, and a shorter commute can  give you more of it.

Understand Property Taxes

Yes, taxes. They’re part of homeownership. Different neighborhoods  can have different property tax rates. Be sure you know what they are  because they’ll impact your budget.

House Prices: Up, Down, Or Steady

House prices tell a story about the neighborhood. If prices are on  the rise, it might be an excellent place to invest. If they’re steady,  it’s likely a stable neighborhood. But if they’re dropping, think twice  and do more research.

The Future Matters

What’s in store for the neighborhood? Are there new schools or  businesses coming? Will there be more public transport? Planned changes  can make a difference in a neighborhood, both positively and negatively.  So, it’s a good idea to look into this while you’re house hunting.

Experience The Neighborhood

A neighborhood can feel different at different times of the day –  maybe it’s more peaceful in the morning but buzzing in the afternoon.  Try to visit your potential neighborhood at various times to get a real  feel for it.

Patience Pays Off

House hunting isn’t a race – it’s more like a marathon. Taking your  time to research and explore can help you avoid regret later.

Listen To Your Gut

Sometimes, your instincts can tell you more than any website or  guide. Listen to your gut if something feels off about a neighborhood,  even if it ticks all the boxes.

Real Estate Agents: Your Guiding Star

If all this sounds a bit much, remember you can seek help from a real  estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can guide you through the  maze of house hunting.

Summary

Remember, the neighborhood is as important as the house itself when  it comes to house hunting. It’s more than just a place to live; it’s  where your life will unfold. So take the time, do the research, and find  the perfect spot for your new home.

Happy house hunting!

Article retrieved from:  https://aplusfcu.org/blog/house-hunting-101-how-to-find-the-perfect-neighborhood > Copyright BALANCE