by Shawn Boday | Sep 20, 2022 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
If you’re planning on buying a home in a community with a homeowners association, make sure you understand the organization’s terms and conditions. An organization known as a homeowner’s association is composed of homeowners elected by their fellow residents. It’s responsible for setting rules and regulations for the community. These organizations are commonly found in townhouse communities, single-family homes, and condominium communities. Before you start looking for a home, it’s important to consider an association’s various advantages and disadvantages.
Pros Associated with Homeowner’s Associations:
Commons Areas are managed by the HOA
One of the main advantages of living in a community with an association is that it can manage the various common areas, such as the pool area, the playground, and the community centers. This allows you to enjoy these spaces without worrying about their upkeep. In some cases, the homeowners are responsible for the landscaping in front of their units, while in other cases, the association is responsible for maintaining the landscape in the surrounding areas.
The HOA May Maintain the Home’s Exterior
In addition to maintaining the common areas, the homeowners association can also care for the exterior of their homes. This can include performing various maintenance activities such as power washing and repairing the roof and fence. If you’re planning on buying a home in a community with an association, you might be able to save a lot of money by purchasing it through the association. However, it’s important to note that the organization can only do so much with regard to your property. For instance, if the association wants to make repairs to the walls of your home, you might be responsible for the cost.
The HOA Mediates Problems Between Neighbors
Homeowners associations can help resolve disputes between neighbors. They can act as mediators if one of their members sees that another person is violating a rule or regulation. Instead of talking to your neighbor about the issue, you can contact the association to resolve the matter.
Cons of a Homeowner’s Association
You Have to Pay Monthly HOA Fees
Since the association is responsible for maintaining the exterior and common areas of homes, it is required by law to charge homeowners association fees. These fees can vary depending on the type of amenities the community has. Unfortunately, due to the fees not being written in stone, they can go up and down, and the association might have to raise them to maintain the community.
Defaulting on HOA Fees Has Repercussions
Although it’s important to pay your fees, it’s also important to note that if you don’t pay them, you might end up facing foreclosure. Even if your state doesn’t allow the foreclosure of your home, the amount you owe will still accrue. It’s also important to note that the residents of the community must pay their fees. If the organization is not able to collect enough money, it might have to lay off its property manager and start over. This could have a negative effect on the community’s appearance and property values.
The HOA Imposes Rules and Regulations
Although it might seem like a minor inconvenience, paying the fees can be necessary to maintain the community. The association can set rules that affect the appearance of your home. For instance, they can decide what paint you can use on your front door and how you can decorate your windows. Violating these rules could result in a fine.
by Shawn Boday | Sep 20, 2022 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
While it’s not necessary to break your budget when it comes to building projects, plenty of low-cost materials will look good on your walls and floors. Whether you’re planning on building a small house for your mother-in-law or organizing your library, you’re probably hoping to keep your costs low. Unfortunately, if you’re planning on using expensive materials such as marble, you might want to rethink your project. Fortunately, plenty of low-cost options can still look great without breaking the bank.
Concrete Sheets
A type of concrete sheet known as concrete board is a mixture of cement and fibers that are usually pressed into flat boards that are 3′ x 5′. While it’s commonly used as a wall covering and flooring underlay, it can also be a moisture-resistant alternative to drywall. You can expect to pay around $10 for each 3′ x 5′ board.
Reclaimed Wood
One of the most eco-friendly and economical materials that can be used for building projects is reclaimed wood. This type of wood can be used for various projects, such as decks, furniture, and fences. Most of the time, this type of wood has a weathered look that’s popular with beach-house and cottage-style lovers. However, you can give it a more contemporary look by painting it or staining it. Depending on the quality of the wood, you can expect to pay around $5 to up per square foot.
Used Brick
Although it costs less than new bricks, used bricks are still useful for various projects, such as fire pits, walls, and pathways. While it’s commonly used for its natural red color, it can also be painted to give it a more contemporary look. The cost of a thousand used bricks can vary.
Corrugated Metal
While it’s commonly used to amplify the rain on the roof, corrugated metal can also be used to cover interior walls and ceilings. This type of material can create a contemporary look by adding a splash of color to the sides of a kitchen counter or creating the walls of a backyard chicken coop. If you’re planning on using metal sheeting, make sure that it’s protected from the elements by having it protected with sealant. Although the prices vary depending on the size and type of metal, you can usually expect to spend around $1.50 to $5 for each square foot.
Stone Veneer
Although natural stone is a popular choice for building projects, it’s not always practical due to its weight and cost. One alternative is to use stone veneer, a thin sheet of stone usually installed over other surfaces, such as concrete, wood, and masonry. The price range for stone veneer panels is wide, as there are different sizes and forms of this building material. However, on average, it costs around $10 per square foot.
Shipping Containers
Since shipping containers are commonly used as tiny homes, they’ve become a popular choice. There are two standard sizes of these containers, which are 8′ x 20′ or 8′ x 40′. They can provide you with up to 320 square feet of living space. While the expenses associated with converting a basic steel box into an actual home can quickly add up, the shipping container itself can be a relatively inexpensive option.
Bamboo
A wide range of projects can be made using bamboo, such as creating a lightweight fence or creating a bar or shower. This material can also cover a wall or create a planter. If you’re planning on using it outdoors, make sure it’s sealed to prevent rot. This fast-growing material is typically less than $100 for a 6 x 16-foot roll of fencing.
Cork
Unlike other natural materials, natural cork has a distinctive and warm look that’s hard to replicate. You can easily buy tiles or sheets of this material and use them to create a variety of projects, such as covering the sides or front of a kitchen island. Not only does this material not require a break in your budget, but it can also be used to hide the top of a bland counter or table.
by Shawn Boday | Sep 20, 2022 | Real Estate, Shawn Boday
One way to leverage your home’s value is by refinancing. You might want to refinance for several reasons, such as getting cash from your home and lowering your monthly payment. This article will give you an understanding of how refinancing works.
When you refinance, you’re essentially trading in your old mortgage for a newer one with a different interest rate and a new principal. As a result, you’ll have one loan and one monthly payment.
People who are looking to refinance typically have multiple reasons. One of these is to get a better interest rate and lower monthly payments. Refinancing can also be used to remove a person from the mortgage, which usually happens in the case of divorce.
Unlike the home buying process, the process for refinancing is relatively simple. It can take around 30 to 45 days to complete. Although it can be hard to predict how long it will take, the typical timeline is around 30 to 45 days.
Applying
The first step is to review the various types of refinancing you’re interested in. Once you have decided on a preferred option, your lender will check your assets, credit score, income, and debt to see if you can meet the requirements to refinance.
If you’re married, in a community property state, or self-employed, your lender may also need your spouse’s documents. If you’re not on the loan, you might be asked to provide more income documentation.
If you’re considering a new lender, you don’t have to refinance with the one you have. You can choose to pay off your old loan with the new one. Before you start the process, make sure that you compare the various rates and services offered by each lender.
Locking In Your Interest Rate
After you’re approved, your lender will allow you to lock in your interest rate. This will allow you to keep the same rate throughout the life of the loan.
The rate lock period can vary depending on various factors, such as your loan type and location. You can also get a better rate by taking a shorter-term lock because the lender doesn’t have to hedge against market movements for a long time. However, if your loan doesn’t close before the end of the lock period, you might be required to extend it.
If you’re not sure about your best interest rate, you might be given the option to let your lender float your rate. This can lower your rate, but it can also lead to a higher one. If you’re still happy with the current rate, then it’s a good idea to lock in your rate.
Underwriting
Your lender will then start the underwriting process, which is when they will check all of your financial information. They’ll make sure that everything that you’ve submitted is accurate.
Once they’ve checked all of the details of your property, they’ll then start the appraisal process, which is when they will determine the value of your home. This step is very important because it determines the various options available to you.
The value of your home can affect the amount of money you can get from a refinance. For instance, if you’re planning on taking out a cash out, the value of your home can determine how much money you can get. If you’re trying to reduce your mortgage payment, the value of your home can also affect whether or not you have enough equity to qualify for a loan.
Home Appraisal
Before starting the process of refinancing, you must have an appraisal. This process is very important because it determines the various options available to you. After the appraisal, your lender will give you an estimate of the value of your home.
Before the appraisal, you must make sure that your home is in its best condition. Doing so will allow the appraiser to thoroughly inspect it and give you an estimate of its value. You can also list all of the upgrades that you’ve made to the property since you bought it.
If the value of your home is higher than the amount you want to refinance, then the underwriting process is complete. After the appraisal, your lender will contact you to let you know about the details of the closing.
If the estimate comes back low, you can either reduce the amount of money you’re planning on taking out through a refinance or cancel the application. You can also do a cash-in refinance, a type of loan involving bringing cash to the table.
Closing On Your New Loan
Once the home appraisal and the underwriting process are complete, it’s time to close the deal. After the closing, your lender will then send you a document known as a closing disclosure. This will provide you with the details of the loan.
Refinancing transactions are typically faster than buying a home. During the closing, the people handling the transaction are usually accompanied by a representative from the title company or the lender.
After the closing is complete, you’ll sign the documents and go through the details of the loan. This is when you’ll pay the closing costs that aren’t included in the loan. If the lender owes you money, you’ll receive the funds following the closing.
You’re now locked into a new loan. If something should happen to you during the course of the loan, then you have the option of rescission. This can be done anytime before the three-day grace period expires.
by ireilly | Aug 23, 2022 | Business, Real Estate, Shawn Boday
So many factors need to be considered when it comes to selling a property, such as a price, the time frame, and the person who will be hired to sell it. One of the most common questions people ask when it comes to selling a home is, “Should I stage it or sell it empty?” This is an excellent question to ask.
There is much conflicting information regarding the pros and cons of home staging. Since so many factors go into making a decision, it is vital to consider each option’s advantages and disadvantages.
Staged Home Considerations
Staging a home can be very beneficial as it allows potential buyers to see the inside of the house and feel like they are in the home. In addition to being able to set the stage for what the buyers see, staging a home also helps boost its value.
Another significant advantage of staging a home is that it can make listing photos look more appealing. This is because potential buyers usually see the pictures of your home when they are first looking at it. Having the photos taken professionally can help make them look better. Some companies also offer virtual staging services, which allow them to add furniture to the images.
One of the most significant disadvantages of staging a home is that it can take time and money to get it done correctly. It can take days for a home stager to bring all necessary materials into the property and then organize it properly.
The cost of staging a home can also be prohibitive. It can be very different depending on the type of work the company will perform and the amount of money you have available. Most home stagers will try to use what they have on hand, but those resources aren’t always a good fit for your house.
Empty Home Considerations
One of the most significant advantages of selling an empty home is that it allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the house. However, when the house is staged, these buyers might be unable to visualize how their lives would fit into the picture. Staging a home is also often designed to appeal to the most potential buyers. However, this can lead to it being too generic or too specific to a particular demographic.
On the other hand, having a vacant home can also make it hard to sell. Since potential buyers might not feel welcomed or can’t picture the functional space, they might overlook the house’s charm.
One of the most significant issues when selling an empty home is how the defects can show. Without any help, the small details stand out to potential buyers. This can include the cracks in the wall, the stains on the carpet, and the tilt of the ceiling.
Conclusion
Although staging has disadvantages, it is still important to realize that it does not sell a house. Some real estate agents might try to pressure you into staging. They might be friends with a home stager, or they might be working with a staging business.
An excellent real estate agent can sell an empty home without issues. Besides having the necessary skills to market the property, a successful real estate agent must also have the connections required to attract potential buyers. If you are planning on hiring a real estate agent, make sure they do not insist that staging is the answer. Most of the time, staging is not necessary.
by ireilly | Aug 23, 2022 | Business, Real Estate, Shawn Boday
Before you start looking for a home, there are a lot of factors that must be taken into account. One of these is the type of housing that you want to live in. If you’re a first-time home buyer, you might not be familiar with the terms “condo” and “townhouse.” Most people don’t understand what a townhouse is or how it can be different from a condominium.
If you grew up in a traditional single-family home with a yard, you probably didn’t know that other options are available for purchase. Due to the increasing number of home buyers, the conventional single-family residence is no longer the preferred option. Instead, people are choosing to live in townhouses and condominiums.
Before looking for a home, you must consider the factors that will affect the type of housing you want. For instance, if you’re not spending much money on a home, you might want to consider a condominium or townhouse. However, each comes with its own pros and cons.
Explaining the Differences
A townhouse or condominium is a type of ownership you can enjoy without paying a landlord. However, owning a townhouse or condo can be very different from living in a traditional single-family home. In addition to the type of home you own, the other factors you must consider are the property’s cost and the property maintenance requirements.
Condominiums are typically arranged in a larger complex. Usually, the owners of these units own one or more units within the complex while the property owner maintains the building and grounds. On the other hand, townhouse owners are responsible for the structure and the surrounding land.
Condos
When you think of condominium living, think of apartment-style living. In this type of ownership, the walls of your unit are the only thing you can own. The community holds everything outside your unit, including the land and the building’s exterior.
Although a condominium may differ from an apartment, this ownership principle is the same. You own the unit, but you have nothing around it.
Townhouses
Townhouses are more multileveled than traditional single-family homes and have various features such as backyards and front yards. These types of homes are not typically detached. Instead, they are usually part of a row of narrower houses.
After purchasing a townhouse, the owner of this property is responsible for the exterior and interior of the home. The homeowner is also responsible for the property’s maintenance requirements.
Conclusion
When choosing a home, you must consider the factors that will affect the type of housing you want. For instance, a townhouse or condominium may be the best choice if you’re looking for privacy and affordability.
For first-time home buyers, condominiums may be the ideal choice. However, townhouses are also an excellent choice for families looking for a safe environment and outdoor space. In addition, townhouses offer a variety of features that are ideal for growing families.
If you’re planning on buying a home, you must remember that today’s mortgage rates are very competitive. If you’ve found the perfect home you’re interested in, you can easily apply for a loan through a local mortgage lender, your bank, or even online!
