In-Law Apartments Provide Tangible Benefits For Home Owners
Many homeowners are looking for ways to maximize on their investment. One idea that is gaining popularity is a space set aside for aging parents known as an In-law apartments. These additions are living spaces that can set a property apart from others on the real estate market. In-law apartments generally enjoy a private entrance and include things like a private bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living room. Although generally smaller than the main residence, in-law apartments provide all the elements of a home. Because these living spaces are often built after the original floor plan was conceived, spaces such as walk-out basements, garages or separate wings of a homes are converted. The size and location of this unit is also dictated by adherence to local zoning ordinances and building codes. Once they are established, the door to turning them into a straight rental unit may be opened. … [Read More...]
The Case for Making a “Smart” Garage
Energy-efficiency, smart electronics and automation have come home to the rest of the house, but many garages still look and feel like neglected warehouses. Why not update the lighting and add some high-tech features that will bring your garage into the 21st Century. Doing so will make your life easier and need not cost a fortune! Rethink Room Function Most homeowners use the garage for more than a car park. If it's part storage room, part play space and part project area, manage the corresponding needs for specialized task lighting, additional circuits for a second refrigerator or freezer, conveniently located space for gadgets, gizmos, bikes and sports gear, and how you'll deal with yard equipment and gardening tools and trash receptacles. A comprehensive lighting/electrical plan will be a great benefit. Power Up Consider your lifestyle, and plan for the uses and activities you … [Read More...]
Rebuilding Costs: Rethinking How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need
Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It's far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things often outside your area of expertise. For example, working as an educator, police officer, investment banker or office staffer does not necessarily make you an expert about home repairs or insurance coverage. Yet, the average homeowner is tasked with carrying a certain level of homeowners insurance coverage without a strong working knowledge. Many homeowners just purchase enough insurance to cover the purchase price or take the advice of others. Both of those methods could prove wildly deficient. Rethinking Total Replacement Costs A distinct difference exists between a home's purchase price, assessed value and total replacement costs. Let that idea sink in a minute. What you paid for your home and … [Read More...]
Working From Home: 5 Best Tips To Make It Work
Carving out space for a home office isn't always easy, but if you have the option to work from home even part of the time, it's essential to have a space that works for you. Here are 5 great ways to meet those needs: Adapt A Closet A guest room closet with bi-fold doors can become a perfect workspace with the addition of a shelf at the proper height to hold a computer or calculator and proper task lighting. Hang a bulletin board or add open shelving on the back wall. Multiply the functionality with a small cabinet or a portable file rack. The advantage of going to work in a closet is that you can close it off completely without having to do a daily cleanup. Grab A Corner From Living Room or Bedroom Tuck a table desk into a corner of the living room or bedroom, assuming that you can work during the day when others aren't sleeping or actively "living" in the space. Small table desks … [Read More...]
What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 9th, 2018
Last week's economic releases included monthly readings on construction spending, public and private sector job growth and June's national unemployment rate. Weekly readings included Freddie Mac mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Construction Spending Rises in May According to the Commerce, construction spending rose 0.40 percent in May; public sector construction spending rose 0.70 percent and private sector spending rose by 0.30 percent. Residential construction rose by o.80 percent, which analysts regarded as a good sign for the economy. Building more homes has long been identified as the only solution for persistent housing shortages that cause high demand for homes and rapidly rising home prices. Analysts said that volatility and heavy revisions to government reporting, construction spending readings are subject to significant change. April's reading of 1.90 percent growth was … [Read More...]
Top Uses Of A HELOC
Homeowners who have equity built up in their homes can tap into that equity using a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. This financial tool can be a great way to accomplish a number of financial goals. Here are four excellent uses of a HELOC for homeowners to consider. Consolidating Costly Debts Credit card debt and other types of consumer loans are costly, unless a debtor is lucky enough to have a no-interest card. Borrowers can consolidate that debt into a HELOC, which is much more affordable because it is a secured debt. This advantage only works if the borrower stops adding to the debt problem. A HELOC becomes a valuable tool to get rid of debt quickly when used properly. Create An Emergency Fund Most people do not intend to end up in credit trouble, but emergencies happen. Emergency home repairs, job loss, or car repairs can quickly add up to unwanted debt. A HELOC provides … [Read More...]
