Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Buying a new home is an exciting experience.  At the same time, it is also important for everyone to think about a few important topics that have to be discussed before they place an offer on a home. That way, everyone can rest easy, knowing they have done their due diligence when it comes to purchasing a new home.

Do Not Neglect The Noise Level Of The Neighborhood

One of the most commonly overlooked topics when it comes to buying a house is the noise level of the neighborhood. Some noise from the outside world is to be expected, particularly for those who move into a busy neighborhood. During a tour of the potential home, it is a good idea to ask realtors to lower the level of background noise. That way, people can get a good feel for what the potential neighborhood noise level might be like. 

Always Ask About The Age Of The Roof

One of the easiest facets of a house to overlook is the roof. At the same time, the roof is also one of the biggest parts of the home. Therefore, it is a good idea for everyone to make sure they do a thorough inspection of the roof. They should look for damages both from the outside as well as inside. Ask about the age of the roof as well. Be sure to check for damaged shingles.

Ask About The Age Of The HVAC System

Another topic that has to be discussed is the HVAC system. In general, people should expect to get between 15 and 20 years of life out of their HVAC system. If the HVAC system in the home is getting close to the point of replacement, then it might be a good idea to ask for a price reduction because the new homeowner is going to have to replace the HVAC system in the near future.

Perform Due Diligence Before Buying A Home

These are a few of the most important points that people have to follow when they are buying a new home. Asking about these issues ahead of time can prevent homeowners from being surprised down the road.

As the temperature continues to drop outside, many people are worried about what is going to happen to their heating bills. Given the challenging economic year, nobody wants to pay more than they have to. On the other hand, there are ways that people can keep their heating bills as low as possible as long as they take steps to winter-proof their homes now. 

Prevent Drafts Under The Doors And Windows

One of the most common reasons why people end up using more heat than they should is that they are losing heat to the external environment. Often, this heat flows through gaps between windows and doors. Therefore, everyone has to make sure their windows and doors are closed when they are not using them. Then, consider adding stopgaps between doors and windows to prevent heat from exiting the home. If the windows are unlikely to be opened during the winter, then it might be a smart idea to seal them. 

Add Insulation To Hot Water Pipes And Tanks

Many people do not realize just how much heat they use keeping their water hot in their homes. It is a great idea for homeowners to add insulation to hot water tanks and pipes. By adding some simple insulation, the hot water heater is not going to have to work as hard to get hot water up to the right temperature. This can save homeowners a significant amount of money on their heating bills. 

Use A Smart Thermostat

Many homeowners run their heater when they do not have to. For example, they might run their heater when they are at work or asleep. This is unnecessary. By using a smart thermostat, everyone can set up a schedule for their heater. That way, their heater will shut off when the home does not have to be warmed to a specific temperature. At the same time, remember to warm the house to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times to prevent water from freezing in the pipes. 

Save Money On Heating Bills This Winter

These are a few of the top ways that homeowners can save money on their heating bills this winter without having to sacrifice their comfort.

When people are thinking about moving, they want to make sure they find the right neighborhood. At the same time, it is not always easy for how many hours to decide where they are going to live. Particularly if they are not familiar with the local community, there are a few important points that everyone should keep in mind. By thinking about these factors ahead of time, potential homeowners are going to place themselves in a position to be successful when they purchase their next home. 

Consider The Importance Of The Schools

Many people who are moving are looking for a bigger house because their family is getting larger. Therefore, one of the most important factors that families need to think about involve the quality of the schools. Schools are going to play a major role in the pricing of the neighborhood. Think about whether the kids are going to go to public school or private school. For families that are going to send their kids to public school, they need to think about the quality of the public schools and what school system the neighborhood is zoned for. 

Think About The Commute To Work

Another important factor that the family should consider is the commute to work. There are many people who are moving in an effort to shorten their commute or because they are getting a new job. Therefore, it is a smart idea to think about the traffic, the time it will take to work, and how challenging the driving route is going to be. This is going to play a major role and where the family is going to end up settling. 

The Access To Amenities

Finally, it is also important to think about access to amenities. This could include parks, shopping, hiking trails, and even access to the airport. Families need to think about what is important to them and prioritize this during the housing search. It is also a great idea to think about any development that might be taking place in the local area that could influence housing prices in the future. All of these factors should be considered when families are considering which neighborhood they would like to move to.

For those who are thinking about buying a house in the near future, they are probably in the process of tabulating up all of their expenses. One of the common expenses is home insurance. Even though home insurance is certainly recommended, is it actually required? There are many situations where it is required. At the same time, even when it is not required, it is still a good idea. When it comes to homeowners’ insurance, there are a few important points to keep in mind. 

Why Home Insurance Is Required By A Lender

For those who are taking out a mortgage to purchase a home, most lenders are going to require home insurance. This is because the lender wants to make sure that they are going to get their money back. Remember that the lender is taking a significant amount of risk as well. They want to make sure that they are going to get repaid for their loan. If something happens to the house and there is no home insurance policy, then they are going to lose a significant amount of money. Therefore, for those who are working with a lender, home insurance is probably going to be required. 

Buying A Home Without A Lender

In some situations, people could be looking at buying a home without the help of a lender. Those who are purchasing a home in cash are not going to have anyone telling them that they need to get home insurance. At the same time, it is still a good idea. For most people, the most valuable investment they own is their house. They want to make sure it is protected. After all, people protect their cars with car insurance. Cars usually cost a fraction of the price of a home. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to go without home insurance.

Get The Right Home Insurance Policy

It is important for people to make sure they get the right home insurance policy. The home insurance policy has to cover situations where a home could be completely destroyed. This includes fires, floods, severe storms, and even situations involving burglary. Compare a few options and make sure to get the right home insurance policy.

There are a lot of people who are looking to improve the home in which they live. One of the top ways to do this is to renovate the building; however, it is also important for everyone to make sure they know exactly what they are doing before they get started. There are several questions that everyone should ask before they start a home renovation project.

Is The Home Worth Renovating?

One of the top reasons why people renovate a home is that they think this is going to increase the value of the home. While this is certainly possible, everyone has to run the numbers and make sure they are either going to recoup their investment when they sell the home or that they are going to be in the home for a long time before they sell it. If the home is worth renovating, then it is fine to proceed.

What Is The Budget On The Renovation Project?

Next, it is also important for everyone to know what the budget is one the renovation project. Remember that there are always going to be expenses that are not foreseen, so be sure to include some room at the top in case the contractors come asking for a budget increase. They almost always do.

What Are The Offers On The Home Renovation Project?

Finally, it is also important to collect multiple offers. Talk to designers, contractors, and architects. Collect a few referrals. Then, talk to all of these individuals and see how much money it is going to cost to complete the project. This is one of the top ways that everyone is able to save money on their home renovation projects and make sure they get exactly what they asked for when the project started.

Answer These Questions Before Starting A Home Renovation Project

By planning ahead of time, everyone is able to plan accordingly, making sure they know what they are doing before the project gets started. When homeowners take the time to plan a home renovation project, they increase the chances of the project being a success. This includes not only an aesthetically pleasing project but a wise financial investment as well.

When it comes to home improvement in 2020, many people are spending more time in their homes than they ever have in the past. With kids attending school from home and people working from home, many homeowners are looking at ways to potentially improve the qualities of their homes through home improvement projects.

With fall right around the corner, it is a great idea to take a closer look at some projects that can help homeowners stay safe while also saving money this winter.

Do Not Neglect The HVAC System

One of the most important points that all homeowners need to keep in mind involves the HVAC system. The HVAC system is one of the most important systems in the home, particularly during the winter when it will supply heat. If the heater hasn’t been turned on in a while, then it needs to be inspected. Routine maintenance will not only extend the longevity of the HVAC unit but will also help it run more efficiently. This could help homeowners save a lot of money on their utility bills.

Think About The Insulation In The Home

Homeowners who are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills should also think about the insulation in their homes. There are a few common locations in which heat might leave the home, driving up utility bills. This commonly includes the windows and doors. Therefore, homeowners should think about re-sealing their windows or doors in an effort to keep heat from leaving through these portals. This can reduce the stress on the HVAC system and save people money.

The Roof Is A Common Problem

Finally, homeowners should also think about their roofs as well. During the fall, it is common for leaves to land on the roof and start to clog the gutters. This can cause liquid to back up into the gutters and damage the roof. With this in mind, homeowners need to think carefully about the roof and make sure that this is included in a home improvement project. Roof leaks can lead to major repair bills quickly and addressing this problem early can save money.

These are a few of the top home improvement projects that all homeowners should consider in 2020.

Those who are in the process of buying a new home need to be aware of some of the factors that might influence their ability to do so. Even though credit score, income, and assets will play major roles in whether or not someone might be approved for a loan, there are other factors that will play a role as well.

Buying a new car might even have an impact on the homebuying process.

Why is this the case?

The Debt Payments On The Car Will Play A Role

There are multiple ways to buy a car. Some people elect to pay cash for the entire vehicle. While this is a challenge for most families, this will prevent any new debt from being added to the family’s finances. At the same time, this could also reduce the amount of cash the family has on hand to put toward the new home.

Most families end up putting a down payment on a car and taking out a loan for the rest. While this is a financially responsible decision, this can also make it harder to purchase a new home. This is because the payments on the car are going to be added to the family’s existing debt. A potential lender is going to see these debt payments and reduce the amount of money they are willing to provide. This could make it hard for a family to purchase their dream home.

Factor In The Cost Of The Car

Those who need a new car need to factor the monthly cost of the car into the home buying equation. For example, if the monthly payments on the car are going to be $200, then this is $200 less that the family can afford for the mortgage payment. The same math has to be done by removing the down payment for the car from the potential down payment on the house.

Do The Math Carefully

People need cars to get around in most parts of the country. At the same time, the financially responsible decision is to take the cost of the car and deduct this from the assets that are available to pay for the home to avoid any surprises. The lender is going to do the same thing.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone. For homeowners, they might be wondering how they are able to keep up with their mortgage in light of shelter in place orders, financial difficulties, and unemployment problems.

Federal agencies and regulatory authorities are putting relief measures in place during the pandemic to help people who might have trouble keeping up with their mortgage. When it comes to coronavirus mortgage relief, there are a few tips that everyone should keep in mind. 

Talk To The Lender First

The first step is always to talk to the lender directly and see if there are relief options. The last thing A lender wants us to have a bunch of loans go into default. When this happens, the lender might be forced to sell the property for a significantly reduced cost, meaning they will lose a significant amount of money. They do not want their borrowers to foreclose either. Therefore, as long as they are given enough notice, they should be able to help borrowers by adjusting their payment plans. 

Understand The Options

Everyone has a different type of mortgage and every contract is different. Borrowers me to take a look at the details of their plans and make sure they understand what their options are. For example, borrowers with certain types of loans might have lenders who are obligated to offer deferred or reduce mortgage payments for a period of six months. This is called forbearance. 

This means that borrowers do not have to pay their mortgage for a few months and will not be charged late fees or added interest. It is important to know that they will owe this money eventually. All borrowers need to read their contracts to see if they qualify for forbearance. 

Foreclosures And Evictions Have Been Halted

Finally, during the pandemic, Federal officials have imposed a nationwide halt when it comes to foreclosures and evictions. This moratorium only affects borrowers with certain plans. Therefore, everyone needs to read their contracts closely to see if they’re playing qualifies. Furthermore, there are certain cities, counties, and states that have halted foreclosures for everybody. 

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone. It is important to keep these mortgage relief options in mind and ask for help from professionals. That way, everyone can understand all of your options.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone and everyone is trying to go about their lives in a safe manner. With so many people spending time at home, now is the perfect time to conduct home improvement projects. At the same time, carrying out a home improvement project is going to require supplies.

While many people are trying to avoid going to the store to buy supplies right now, there are also no contact ways to shop for home improvement supplies. Take a look at the tips below and collect supplies for the home improvement project in a safe way.

Invest In Curbside Pickup

There are lots of home improvement stores that have curbside pickup options available. Even some of the biggest department stores in the country are offering the service. Therefore, take a look at the website of some of the local stores. Then, see if they do curbside pickup. If they do, then it might be possible to place an entire order online. Then, simply pull up to the curb and have it loaded into the trunk. 

Have The Supplies Delivered

In some cases, it might even be possible to have these supplies delivered to the home. Even though this is going to come with an extra cost, there are some home improvement projects that are large enough to make this option worth it. That way, not only is this a no-contact way of shopping but it also prevents the supplies from being damaged on the way to the house. 

Hire A Personal Shopper

There are lots of people who are looking for ways to avoid going to any store right now. This includes not only grocery stores but home improvement stores as well. Therefore, it might be possible to use an app to hire a personal shopper to do all of the shopping. This is a great way to not only have the supplies delivered to the home but also a boy having to take a trip to the store. 

Shop For Home Improvement Supplies Safely

These are a few of the most important tips to keep in mind when it comes to shopping for home improvement supplies during the coronavirus pandemic. These no contact tips can help people pull off home improvement projects safely without having to set foot in a store.

Those who are thinking about buying their first home soon are likely saving up for a down payment. This can be a challenging process because, for many people, this is the largest amount of money they have ever saved in their lives. Sadly, the amount that people might need to buy their first home is more than they think.

There are numerous other costs that go along with buying and maintaining a home. As a result, people need to save up more than they think. Even for starter homes that are usually less expensive than family homes, there are numerous costs that need to be included.

Think about a home that is $250,000. A 20 percent down payment is $50,000. That is already a lot of money. Even for those who might try to get away with a 10 percent down payment, that is still $25,000. That is enough money to buy a very nice car. Where do these other expenses come from?

Buying A Home Has Other Costs

There are other costs that go along with buying a home. For example, there are closing costs that accompany this process. This could be thousands of dollars. In addition, there might be points due at signing and origination fees that accompany the process of taking out a loan. Of course, people could avoid these costs by buying the house in cash; however, for most people, this is simply not realistic.

Furnishing A New Home

On top of this, there are costs that come with furnishing a new home. Think about how much money coffee tables, dressers, desks, beds, and wardrobes cost. This might also include new kitchen appliances, a washer, a dryer, and more. All of these need to be included when trying to figure out the cost of a new home.

Take Advantage Of Low Mortgage Rates

It is possible for people to save up enough money to buy their first home. They simply need to keep a few tips in mind. First, take advantage of low mortgage rates. Use this to avoid PMI, origination fees, and points. Then, find ways to reduce moving costs. Bring old furniture to the new home and try to make sure that all appliances are up to date to avoid repair bills. This will make a new home more affordable.