You L ve It OR You Li$t It. Three factors to consider when choosing a mortgage lender find the right fit for them. Couple that with lending-related terminology that many firsttime buyers may be unfamiliar with, and it’s easy to see why prospective homeowners can feel overwhelmed about the process of borrowing money to buy their homes.
When looking for a mortgage lender, prospective homeowners should never forget that the choice of lender is, in most cases, entirely theirs to make.
A home is the most significant purchase many people will ever make. Perhaps because of that, many buyers, particularly those purchasing a home for the first time, are understandably nervous about the homebuying process. The decision regarding which home to buy warrants ample consideration, but so, too, does the buyers’ choice of lender. Mortgage lenders can be found all over the internet, and the sheer volume of lender options can make it hard for home buyers to
When looking for a mortgage lender, prospective homeowners should never forget that the choice of lender is, in most cases, entirely theirs to make. When making that decision, a host of variables should be considered. The following are three such factors that, upon ample consideration, may help buyers rest easy knowing they did their due diligence when looking for lenders. 1. Reputation/recommendation Just like other businesses, lenders have reputations, and oftentimes those reputations can be determined via some simple online research. Peruse online reviews to determine what past buyers felt about a given lender. If possible, ask friends, family or colleagues who they worked with to secure a mortgage.
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Fees vary from lender to lender. Fees should not be mistaken for interest rates, which change daily and are typically dictated by the financial industry and prospective buyers’ credit history and financial standing. When speaking with potential lenders, ask for a rundown of their fees, and the services those fees include, and closing cost estimates in writing, then compare and contrast fees and costs of various lenders before making a final decision. Some lenders may charge considerably more in fees than others, so buyers should put in the effort necessary to comparison shop.
Buyers, especially those who have never before purchased a home, will likely have lots of questions. This is where personal interaction with a prospective lender should be noted. Securing financing for a home purchase can sometimes seem like an impersonal process, but it doesn’t have to be, and many lenders are happy to answer buyers’ questions. Lenders who answer questions quickly and clearly can make buyers more comfortable about the home buying process. Buyers may want to avoid lenders who seem evasive or unwilling to answer questions in writing.
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Page 9 - July 28, 2020 — Grant, Iowa, Lafayette Shopping News • www.YourShoppingNews.com
Are you looking to either renovate or sell?
Top 5 hottest home building trends
(MS) - These days, home trends are about more
Sustainable design: This one has been popular
instead of buying new.
Home automation: This is another longstanding
than good design and aesthetics - they're about
for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient
more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From
appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it's all about
net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny
making sure everything in your home reduces
minimalist homes, trends are all about your
your carbon footprint and minimizes any impact
family's lifestyle.
on the environment.
Disaster resiliency: Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes.
trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has
creating spaces that reflect our values and are
creative - install solar panels on your roof, choose
scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you
building materials that don't require deforestation
need to know for inspiration.
and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements
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make life even more comfortable and convenient. From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space. You can start small with voice assistant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices.
Outdoor living: Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own backyards. This trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months.
Customization: You don't have to settle for
You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining. Consider adding a fireplace or firepit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you're brave.
out.
what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that's as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand You can even go as far as building a custom home that's suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with a new build.
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www. YourShoppingNews.com • Grant, Iowa, Lafayette Shopping News — July 28, 2020 - Page 10
You L ve It OR You Li$t It.
Page 11 - July 28, 2020 — Grant, Iowa, Lafayette Shopping News • www.YourShoppingNews.com
Are you looking to either renovate or sell?
You L ve It OR You Li$t It. Exterior renovations that can improve home value
Renovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty
of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.
l O d y Toys t s u D
Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions. As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.
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Address insects and minor repairs Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing.
entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. Such a door provides visual appeal and added security - things buyers look for. In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants. Outdoor lighting Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property. Repaint (or reside) the exterior
Improve the entryway
A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling. And after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.” This improvement returns 97.5 percent when selling.
The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an
Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.
Did you know?
Investing in a home renovation project not only requires money, but also time and patience. While contractors, architects and designers can estimate how long a project may take, it is impossible to anticipate all of the scenarios that can affect that estimated timeline. Information from the real estate firm Keller Williams indicates an average kitchen remodel involving installation of new countertops, cabinets, appliances, and floors can take three to six months. But if ductwork, plumbing or wiring must be addressed, the job may take longer. A midline bathroom remodel may take two to three months. Adding a room to a house can take a month or two. The home improvement resource Renovation Junkies offers similar estimates, with the average home renovation taking between four and eight months. Homeowners need to consider time when planning their home projects. adno=169845
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www. YourShoppingNews.com • Grant, Iowa, Lafayette Shopping News — July 28, 2020 - Page 12
Are you looking to either renovate or sell?
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