When improving a home, replacing the countertops in kitchens in bathrooms is one of the most popular projects that homeowners invest in. When people think of replacing countertops, they usually automatically think of marble and granite, and while these options can both be great materials for counters, they aren’t the only options out there. Here are some of the other materials for counters that homeowners don’t often think about when choosing their new countertop.
1. Laminate Countertops
Natural stone like marble and granite can be expensive, so many homeowners who are trying to save money or stick to a budget will opt for a material like laminate that’s more cost-effective. While laminate doesn’t feel like more expensive materials, it can be
…
The home's gutters are more than just an ornament on the side of the home. They help prevent flooding, protect the foundation, and can even keep the soil healthy. But after a while, they can start to crumble under the weight of all that water, foliage, or ice. Water damage does more than just ruin a home's resale value, it can potentially cause deadly mold to form on the property. Here are a few tips for homeowners to keep their gutters functioning like new.
Sometimes, the best buyer needs financing but does not have the ability to secure a mortgage. In these cases, the seller might choose to personally finance the transaction. Since this represents some risk to the seller, there are many things they must do before they agree to the transaction. Solid preparation and some extra work may make a big difference. This guide helps sellers know the most important aspects of a seller-financed home sale, and how they can avoid problems throughout the process.
Improve the life of an HVAC system and its efficiency with proper maintenance. Doing routine maintenance on an HVAC system can make for fewer costly repairs and a more energy-efficient system. People searching for a new house to buy want a home with a working and effiecient HVAC system. Use the following tips to prolong the life of an existing HVAC system.
There is little to compare to the grace and beauty of a historic home. From hand carved fireplaces and finely-wrought moldings, many people find a unique charm that is hard to replicate in a modern home. Some historic homes may be a good investment while others can be expensive and time-consuming to renovate. Potential new home buyers need to be ready to take on the responsibilities of buying a historic home.
The 1031 exchange is a loophole for property owners or real estate investors to avoid paying capital gains when selling their property. It's a complicated maneuver to pull off, but essentially involves purchasing a new property that's close to the same value of the property being sold. It's not available for primary residences but can be used for vacation or secondary homes. See how it works and which sales benefit most from the 1031 exchange.
With the right organizational techniques, the garage can act as a functional workspace and storage room. Homeowners must overhaul their entire garage to achieve this goal, however. Although the process is time-consuming and tedious, the outcome can provide a lifetime of benefits. Here are a few DIY steps homeowners can follow to transform their garage into a truly organized space.
First-time home buyers may not understand the difference between a mortgage prequlaification and mortgage approval. At the end of the day, prequalification is not the same as being approved for a mortgage loan. While both are important to buying a home, one definitely holds more weight. How should a renter get started and what do they need to know about prequalification, preapproval and the mortgage application process?
The floor plan you choose when you buy a home will have a big impact on the way you live your life. Whether you're walking upstairs and downstairs all day long, cooking breakfast in an open space next to your living room, or doing your laundry on the same level where your bedroom is located, the floor plan can affect all day-to-day activities. Knowing which options are available and what the pros and cons are of each can help.
It can be far too easy to get swept up into the idea of buying a home without knowing how to position oneself to get approved for a mortgage loan. There are a number of financial considerations applicants should be aware of before and during the mortgage application process. Some actions may inadvertently make it less likely for an applicant to be approved for a mortgage loan. Avoid these financial pitfalls when applying for a mortgage loan.