Livingston Reporting - page 218

Helpful Tips For Buying Your First Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Purchasing your first home comes with many trials and tribulations.  In the first year after closing there are many valuable lessons to be learned.  Here are some things to think about as you begin the process of going from renting to buying.

Think About The Future:  When buying your first home it is easy to get caught up.  At the time you can’t imagine that you will ever need to sell this home you are about to start building your future in.  This however can’t be further than the truth.  The truth is the first home you purchase will most likely not be the last one you purchase.  No matter where you are at or what stage you are at it is important that you take into consideration how difficult it will be to eventually sell when you are ready for the next step.

Checklist:  When you are purchasing your first home, second or third, you will find it is quiet an emotional process.  It is quite possible to overlook things when your emotions start to take over.  Before starting your adventure into buying your first home create a checklist of must-haves, nice-to-haves and other essentials.  Print the list and take a copy with you to each and every house you visit.    Also bring with you a camera.  If you fall in love with a home but with your checklist and photos show that the house doesn’t have any of the must-haves then at least it will make you rethink the purchase?

Budget For Housing Expenses:  When considering what you can don’t just consider the principal, interest, taxes and insurance.  You must take into account the amount you will spend on utilities, home improvement upgrades and costs to commute.  Can you afford the house, the extra expenses while living the life style you have become accustomed to?

Look Into The Neighborhood:  Check out the neighborhood.  Is it a neighborhood that is full of children and growing families?  Do you enjoy the chitter-chatter of kids or will it drive you crazy?  Is the neighborhood full of older adults whose families have grown?  Did you plan on having kids?  Will the lifestyle you are considering for your future fit within the existing neighborhood?

Look Beyond The Staging: We all think we are smart enough that we will not fall for the tricks that are used in staging however the psychology of staging works.  Homes look better when they are occupied.  When you are truly looking to say yes to a home it is important to remove the staging setup from your mind and consider your belongings in the layout of the home. Just because lights are sitting on the nightstands doesn’t mean that there are plugs there to go with it.  Staging can play games with your emotions.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Benefits of Buying Verse Renting

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There comes a time when buying a home becomes more practical then continuing to rent.  Right now the market is at a point where renting is actually more expensive monthly than buying.  Renting has a few benefits that buying doesn’t but instead that if you are interested in buying a home now is a great time to enter the market.  Here are five questions to ask yourself when narrowing down your homeownership goals:

  • What type of home situation best meets your needs?

There are a variety of residential home styles to choose from when you are looking to purchase. Consider all of your options including: traditional style single family homes, duplexes, townhouses, condominiums, co-op’s and multi-family buildings.  There are pros and cons of each and depending on your homeownership goals at the moment will help establish the style of home you should focus on finding.

  • What are must have features you are looking to have in a home?

When buying a home there are certain features that are must-haves, some that would be nice and some that are downright unnecessary but would be a dream.  Create your own list and make sure that it offers a bit of flexibility.  You deserve a home that offers you exactly what you want!

  • What type of mortgages do you qualify for?

Before you hire a realtor meet with a mortgage broker to determine how much you can pre-qualify for and what types of mortgage options are available for your current situation.  Knowing how much a lender will lend will give you a starting point on the price range of homes you should be focusing in on.  Before you begin searching for a mortgage or home get your personal finances in order.  Make sure your credit is in order, you have a solid history of paying your bills on time, substantial savings and a maximum debt to income ratio of no more than thirty six to forty three percent.

  • What amount can you afford to take on monthly?

Another thing to consider after finding out how much a lender will lend is how much you actually feel comfortable paying each month.  Consider the amount of the mortgage, interest, insurance along with utilities and other monthly bills you have.  You will want to be comfortable with the amount that you will be spending each month.  The last thing you want is to be house poor without any money to spare each month.

  • What does your savings account look like?

In order to purchase a home it is important to have a down payment, closing costs and money for the incidentals that will arise after you move in.  Take time to build up a substantial savings before you get serious about looking to find a home of your dreams.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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Tips For Buying A New Construction Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Buying a new construction home is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us.  All of the decisions are up to you, the buyer!  You will be the first person to sit in the tub, the person to choose the paint, the tile; each and every choice will be up to you.  It will be hard not to get caught up in the excitement but avoid that at all costs and remember to focus on what’s important.  The most crucial aspect of buying a new construction home is to have the home inspected thoroughly to allow the builder to remedy problems that exist before closing.  Below are a few important aspects to consider when buying a new construction home:

  • Seek out and hire a professional real estate agent: Many times buyers don’t think about the importance of having their own representation when buying new construction.  When building a new home you are often working directly with an on-site sales agent. It is important to have your own personal agent working with you and the on-site agent.  Don’t feel you need to handle this huge challenge on your won.  The on-site sales agent is in essence representing the builder so it is important that you have a realtor looking out for your interests.
  • Research, Research, Research: When you are making any substantial purchase it is essential to do your research. Look very closely into builders, their work and their references before signing any contracts to further work with any builder.  You will want to be sure that all of their licenses and insurance policies are up to date.  Ask questions about the sub-contractors that they hire and talk with homeowners who have recently had their homes built using the contractors you are considering.
  • Check out the fine print: A contract supplied by the builder which clearly work to only protect the builder and building company not the buyer. This is why it is crucial that you hire a real estate agent and lawyer to review the fine print of any and all contracts with the builder before signing on the dotted line. During each phase it is important to continue being represented.  Review all warranties offered so that you understand what they cover and what is not.
  • Hire a home inspector and proceed with a final walk through: Have the home inspected independently throughout the building process.  The pace builders are putting new construction homes together is gathering speed as the market increases.  Builders are human too and therefore subject to human error so to ensure that nothing is missed an independent set of eyes is helpful for you and the builder.  After the final inspection is done do an official walk through with the builder.  This is a great opportunity to point out both major and minor issues that need to be addressed before closing.  It is easier to address concerns before you are all moved in and settled.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Helpful Tips For Buying A New Construction Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Tips for Buying a New Construction Home

  • Use an independent real estate agent: Homeowners will want to bring their own representation to the table when buying a new construction home.  The sales representatives that are on hand work in representing the builder’s best interests in a new construction community.  It is in you r best interest to have someone that is looking out only for your best interest when negotiations.  This will help to ensure there is no conflict of interest when working out details of contracts, onsite inspections, and more.
  • A drop in the cost of building is rare instead ask for builder concessions: Builders rarely offer discounts.  They have set, established pricing and tend to strictly stick to these when negotiating contracts.  Instead if you are looking to get more for your money you can seek out a deal by looking to purchase a spec home or model.  These homes have been built to attract buyers and once they have served their purchase are often offered for sale at a slight discount over other homes in the neighborhood.  The drawback is that you will be buying the new construction home as is instead of getting to detail exactly what you desire.
  • Discuss the builder’s warranty: Warranties vary between builders.  Some builders will offer an extended warranty lasting up to ten years for structural issues but put shorter stipulations on wear items such as plumbing, electrical and so on.  Before signing the contract beware of what type of warranty is being offered.
  • Prepare for the unexpected: Occasionally suppliers discontinue materials.  Be prepared to have some of the finishing touches you have chosen to change a bit along the way.  Builders work diligently to prevent major changes from occurring however the unexpected can and does occur in new construction.
  • Require an independent inspection: A home inspector that is independent of the builder should be hired to do a final inspection once the builder has finished your home.  They will go over the various aspects of the home including: plumbing, electrical, roofing, crawl spaces, attic, insulation and so on and so forth.  This will allow and independent set of eyes to inspect the house thus allowing you to get these items repaired by the builder before closing on your new construction home.
  • Reap the benefits on move in day: The excitement of buying a new home is something that all buyers feel but purchasing new construction is even more thrilling. You will be the first person to use the appliances, take a bath in the tub and enjoy a relaxing day on the deck.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Taking The Plunge Into Homeownership

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Are you ready to take the plunge into homeownership?  The cost of renting has continued to increase while the costs of buying along with interest rates have continued plummeting.  The purchase of your first home can be quiet daunting.  The process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, hiring a realtor, finding a home, getting it inspected, getting a mortgage and moving in is quite an undertaking.  It is important to make each of the tasks as simple as possible to help avoid delays and mistakes.  In this article we will offer suggestions for first-time buyers on qualifying for a home loan.

The first question that is most often asked is about the amount that is needed for a down payment.  Most lenders require some sort of a down payment.  It is possible to purchase a home without one however not the best option. Lenders use a combination of things to identify homeowners that qualify for a mortgage verse those that may be too risky to lend to.  These identifiers include the borrower’s credit score and down payment information.  The higher the ratio of property value to the amount the borrower needs the more qualified you become as a buyer.

It is important also for homeowner to understand truly how much they can afford to spend each month on a home before they even begin talking to a realtor.  Many homeowners think that they need to find a home at the highest point at which they qualify.  This however is not the case.  Many borrowers find that a payment at this price point is just too high for them to afford.  Don’t buy based on what you are qualified to receive instead look to purchase a home that you can comfortably afford.

It is important for borrowers to understand the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification.  In order to be pre-qualified does not access your credit.  It allows you to compare loan details and interest rates without requiring your social security number or credit to be accessed.  Pre-approval means that a lender has run your credit and evaluated your finances.  A pre-approval is the most accurate way to shop for a home but does require a hard inquiry of your credit report.

Homeowners must also understand that their debt to income ratio is also a consideration in home loan financing.  Your total debt including car loans, credit card bills, student loans and mortgage should be no more than thirty six percent of your gross income.  This is the maximum amount that most mortgage company’s desire when lending money for a home loan.

Mortgage lenders will also look at your employment history when looking to lend you money for a home loan.  They consider this an important consideration in the ability to repay a home loan.  If you are a person that hops from job to job you are considered a higher risk than someone with a lower income that has been stably employed.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Helpful Mortgage Advice For 2017

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Homeowners looking to refinance or hoping to buy a new home in 2017 all have one thing in common, they will all need to get the money to make it happen.  Below you will find helpful advice that applies to mortgages in 2017.

  • Homeowners can make a small down payment or none at all: Mortgage brokers are constantly dispelling the myth that a twenty percent down payment is required.  Some mortgages require no down payment at all or as little as three percent.  Zero down mortgage options are available as part of programs through the VA, Rural Development and Navy Federal Credit Union for purchase of a primary residence.  
  • Homeowners no longer need perfect credit: FHA loans are a popular option in lending when a homeowner has less than perfect credit.  The average homeowner has a credit score of around six hundred eighty six.  In order to qualify for an FHA mortgage homeowners must have a credit score of five hundred and eighty or higher with at least three point fiver percent interest down.  If your score is lower than five hundred eighty, in order to get an FHA mortgage homeowners will need to have at least ten percent down and a mortgage lender that would give you the loan. 
  • Homeowners should keep money in their saving: Most mortgage lenders do not like to see homeowners deplete their savings in order to buy a home. Houses come with unexpected expenses that will need to take care of and lenders expect that this can be done without having to miss making a home loan payment. 
  • Homeowners can save a great deal by refinancing a fifteen year mortgage: Mortgage rates have been at all time lows for a while now so one can only assume that 2017 will bring a rise in interest rates.  Refinancing is still an option many people turn to even after interest rates have risen for many reasons including: divorce, finally recovering from a low credit score, to get rid of their existing PMI, to cash out equity in the home or to save money in financing to a shorter mortgage period.  
  • Homeowners should only borrow what they can afford to repay: It is important that homeowners don’t over stretch their payments.  Do not get into a mortgage for more than you can afford no matter how appealing the home is.  A good rule of thumb to live by is to never spend more than thirty six percent of your income before taxes on your mortgage and other financial obligations.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Planning For Your Future Through Estate Planning Installment 2

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In the last installment we established that there were three main documents needed to delegate control as the end of life became inevitable: a durable power of attorney, a release of information and advance directives.  Each document serves a purpose in establishing care while you are still living if and when you become unable to do so yourself.

A power of attorney is drawn up in the presence of an attorney and witnesses to formally determine who you wish to leave in charge of your finances and legal affairs when you are no longer fit to do so.

A release of information is a form that is given to hospital personnel to give them the permission needed to discuss your medical history and take future actions regarding your medical health. This designated representative will receive valuable information regarding your medical records.

Advance directives are drawn up to allow people to make decisions on your behalf.  A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to name a representative that is in charge of making medical decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.  A living will is in place to help guide your durable power of attorney for health care in that it specifically lays out the medical treatment you are allowing in your treatment and that of which you do not wish to receive at the end of your life.

An estate planning attorney will draw up the necessary papers to help your family avoid probate.  During the probate process, without the proper paperwork in place, the court will decide all matters having to do with your estate.

This process can range from paying a few hundred dollars in court costs, filling out some forms and having the court settle your debt and distribute your property all the way to a complicated month’s long ordeal that ties up your estate and ends up costing your family thousands of dollars.  No matter which route your family is not in control.  This can all be avoided by meeting with an estate planning attorney and getting the proper paperwork in place.

In estate planning an attorney will help you to set up trusts.  A trust basically allows possessions to go to the names trustees upon your death.  While you are living you remain a trustee and therefore control remains with you.  With a trust in place you avoid probate, fees and public scrutiny of your private affairs.

Another benefit of estate planning is the ability to divvy up your personal belongings as you wish.  This helps to avoid conflicts that arise during the emotional period after your passing.  One way that this can be set up if you aren’t interested in going through each and every item you own is to create a specific strategy for dividing your property. A creative way to do this is to allow your executor control to set up an online auction between members of your family.  Each member is allotted a certain number of tokens or credits to bid on items that they wish to own.  Another option is to start gifting items as you see fit while you are still alive which allows you to see your loved ones enjoying them.

Estate planning also allows for you to create an individualized memorial and funeral.  If you are interested in a celebration of life over a mournful gathering create a personalized plan of action to be followed upon your passing.  This allows you to be in control to decide if you will choose to be cremated or buried, if you will have a religious burial or other specific details that may be important to you it is crucial that you prepare in writing these desires.

Estate planning is as much for the living as it is the deceased.  Contact a local estate planning attorney for more information on providing your family with the peace of mind they desire in the event of your untimely passing.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Sean J. Nichols

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Planning For Your Future Through Estate Planning Installment 1

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many excuses that people can come up with to avoid planning for their future.  None of us ever feel that we are going to die anytime soon so we put off planning for it. We pretend we are too busy to avoid thinking about a future that doesn’t include us in it.  However, the truth of our death is inevitable.  We will all eventually pass away. The last thing that any of us want to do is leave a mess for our families in the wake of our untimely passing.  This holiday season the number one gift you can give to your family is to create an estate plan to ensure that all of the business matters surrounding your death are taken care of and your family can focus on what really matters, mourning your death.

Know you aren’t alone in your procrastination.  As many as two thirds of Americans don’t have any type of will in place and fewer than one half of us with a will have an estate planning documents in place.  Planning for your final days is not something anyone wants to do let alone put in writing long before we hope that time is upon us however it will allow the transition to be that much easier on your family.

First and most importantly, meet with an attorney that specializes in estate planning.  This is an important piece of the puzzle.  They will help you begin the process of getting your affairs in order by helping to create a will.  Having a will in place allows you to decide how you split up your estate, who will raise your children and so forth.  Without a will in place the state is left in charge of deciding upon these very important and personal affairs.

Most often estate attorneys will recommend getting some type of life insurance coverage to assist in providing financial support for your family when you are no longer able to.  To be safe it is important that the coverage you purchase should be enough to pay off outstanding debts and fund future foreseeable goals.

The next item on your plate is to delegate control.  Three main documents are needed to do this: a durable power of attorney, a release of information and an advance directive.  In our next installment detailing estate planning we will go into depth regarding each of these documents and the headaches having them in place will save your family from.

The Law Office of Sean J. Nichols is dedicated to assisting clients throughout legal issues that come with aging including: elder law, estate planning, probate law and more.  Check out the Law Office of Sean J. Nichols at http://www.seanjnichols.com to contact an estate attorney today.

Sean J. Nichols

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The Numerous Advantages Of Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Aluminum fencing can give homeowners the same look as wrought iron and steel at a fraction of the cost and less maintenance.  If you want to keep your space from feeling enclosed while increasing the homes security installing an aluminum fence and gate is a perfect option.  Here are a few tips for homeowners looking for an affordable, maintenance free, easy to install fence for the perimeter of their home or pool.

If you are looking for an ideal option to enclose your backyard to keep pets inside a safe barrier, look no further than aluminum fencing.  With aluminum fencing you not only have choices about the decorative features that will make up your fence but also options within the fence itself.  Puppy pickets for example are when smaller pickets are added in between the regular pickets to prevent smaller animals from fitting between or underneath the fence.  The narrow design for the bottom half of the fence is perfect for keeping animals safe while keeping the traditional look of aluminum fencing at the top.

When choosing the pickets for your aluminum fencing there are two basic options that give you two very different looks to your fencing: covered and exposed.  First, it is important to understand that the pickets are what create your metal fence. Exposed finials on fencing leave a sharp point sticking out of the top of your fence panel.  Whereas covered finials have a straight horizontal bar covering them.  Aluminum fence designs with pointed finials are a more dangerous option and may be good for homeowners looking to add a bit of security against intruders looking to enter the home by climbing the fence.  Be extra careful if choosing an open finials design for your aluminum fence if small children or pets are apt to climb the fence.  Opt for covered finials if you think that the open pickets will pose a hazard within your yard.

Consider adding accessories to your aluminum fence to increase the aesthetic value it offers to your landscape. Some homeowners choose more ornamental fencing such as designs that include butterfly or circular scrolls to enhance the appeal of their fence while others choose to add a gate or decorative arched entryway.  Aluminum gates come in numerous styles to match or compliment any style of aluminum fencing that homeowners choose. Even the smallest of details can transform the aluminum fence that you choose.  With aluminum fencing not only are you getting the most attractive option in fencing you are choosing a fence with minimal maintenance requirements that is durable and built to withstand a variety of climate conditions.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Pros and Cons of Different Fencing Materials

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of materials available when choosing a fence.  Each type of fence comes with its own set of pros and cons associated with it.  In this article we will look at a few of the most popular options in residential fencing, aluminum and wood, along with the benefits and drawbacks each offers to homeowners.

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum fencing is one of the most reasonably priced, adaptable and long lasting materials available. It offers all of these benefits while being one of the most easily maintained materials available in fencing.  This material is also easy to install on your own but can also affordably be installed by a team of professional fence installers.  Aluminum is a highly adaptable material in which the panels are easily designed for a variety of landscapes including ones with a high degree of sloping.  Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of ornamental styles and numerous colors to choose from.  The options in aluminum fencing consist of a variety of additions such as scrolls, butterflies, decorative finials and puppy pickets.

The only real downfall of aluminum fencing is that it costs more upfront than most other materials do. In the long run however it will end up costing homeowners less because aluminum fencing does not require near the amount of maintenance as seen in other fencing materials.  Aluminum is highly durable and has been compared to steel fencing for many years.  It will not work as privacy fencing so if this is your goal another material is going to be better for you.

Wood Fencing

Wooden fence has been a popular choice amongst homeowners for many years.  Not only is it an attractive option in fencing it is also fairly inexpensive and versatile.  There are many options in designs and style choices.  Wood fences are a great option for homeowners looking for privacy and can be painted and stained to compliment any home’s exterior.

The major drawback to wood fencing comes with the degree of maintenance it takes to keep it looking new.  Not only is it labor intensive it is expensive as well.  Harsh weather changes have a way of wearing wooden fencing away.  Harsh climates give way for rot and warping.  Extra moisture in the wood can lead to a high degree of damage.  Another disadvantage of wood fencing is how much it is enjoyed by small pests such as ants and termites.  One infestation can lead to mass amounts of destruction for your homes wooden fence.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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