WHAT TO EXPECT ON CLOSING DAY

You searched for and found a house. You put in an offer that was accepted. You applied for a mortgage, got a home inspection and completed what seemed like a thousand other tasks, all in preparation for closing day.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be wondering just what happens on this all-important day besides signing some papers and getting the keys to your new house. So that you’ll feel relaxed and prepared, here’s what to expect on the day you finalize your home purchase.

WHEN DOES THE CLOSING TAKE PLACE?

Generally speaking, avoid closing on the last day of the month, as this doesn’t allow enough time to address any issues that may come up. If a problem arises and the closing is delayed until the beginning of the next month, you’ll face increased costs because of prepaid interest that accumulates. Ideally, a closing should take place sometime between the 20^th and the 25^th of the month. You should plan to take off for at least half a day to give yourself ample time to complete the closing process.

WHERE DOES THE CLOSING HAPPEN?

There are several places where the closing can take place. These include your lender’s office, the title company office, the listing or buying agent’s office, a real estate attorney’s office or another agreed-upon location. Make sure to get the exact address and allow plenty of time to arrive.

WHO ATTENDS THE CLOSING?

The people present at a closing will vary depending on where you live, but you can expect some or all of the following (including you, the buyer, of course):

* Both the listing and the buying agent
* The seller or the seller’s representative
* Representative from the title company
* Representative from the lender or mortgage company
* Attorneys for the buyer and seller
* Closing agent

The closing agent will be the one leading the proceedings and will have all the necessary paperwork that needs to be signed.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE SIGNED?

On closing day you will sign all the documents that transfer ownership to you as well as documents related to your mortgage. Many of these documents you will receive in advance so that you may review them before signing. Documents you’ll receive and sign on closing day may include:

* Tax forms
* Title forms
* Deed of trust
* Affidavits
* Promissory note
* Variety of disclosure forms

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

On closing day the buyer will be responsible for showing proof of homeowner’s insurance and inspections. You’ll also need to bring a certified or cashier’s check that covers all the closing costs (sometimes done as a wire transfer). You should also bring copies of all the documents you received throughout the buying process, including inspection reports and your copy of the contract. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your government-issued identification.

CAN ANYTHING GO WRONG?

There are a few issues that can possibly derail your closing. This would include not having enough money at closing, your financial situation drastically changing (such as opening a new line of credit), the lender pulling out or the seller not taking care of tax liens.

By knowing what to expect on closing day, you can help ensure that the meeting goes off without a hitch. If all goes well, at the end of the day you’ll finally have the keys to your new house in hand. Congratulations!

GREAT PETS FOR SMALL HOMES

Do you have dreams of bringing home a new best friend, but you think your place is just too small? Do you wish you could have a Saint Bernard, but know that he might not fit in your 500 square foot condo? Is your son begging you for a pet boa constrictor, but you’re just not sure you can sleep in your own house, knowing that snake is in the next room?

If you’ve been wishing for a pet to call your own, but afraid your home is too small, we’re here to put your fears to rest. These pets are perfect for those of you who are big on love but short on square footage.

Hermit Crabs

If you long to revisit your childhood days at the shore, why not get yourself a hermit crab? Sold as living reminders of your vacation from many a seaside souvenir shop, hermit crabs actually make great pets, as they’re quite social. They do require just the right environment and the appropriate diet, but are otherwise low maintenance. Treat them right, and they could become a lifelong companion, as evidenced by this 40-year-old hermit crab known as Jonathan Livingston Crab.

Fancy Rodents

Longing for something cute and furry? How about a fancy rodent like a hamster, guinea pig or rat? Before you curl your lips in revulsion at the thought of having a pet rat, they are highly intelligent and can be taught tricks, which could be really fun to demonstrate at your next party. If you live alone and tend to get a little lonely, guinea pigs are known to be talkative, with a large vocabulary of whines, squeaks and clicks. They make great conservation partners.

Pygmy Hedgehogs

If you’re looking to increase your followers on Instagram, then a photogenic pygmy hedgehog is just the ticket. Purchase a hedgehog from a reputable breeder and handle them regularly while they’re still young so they get used to it. They also don’t seem to mind being alone, which is a bonus.

Rabbits

Rabbits can make a great alternative to a cat or dog, if you want something fluffy to love. Rabbits are friendly and social and can be great companions to humans, with lifespans of up to 10 years. Rabbits do require far more care than some of the pets mentioned above, and aren’t a great match for families with young children. It’s also important to remember the time commitment – far too many rabbits end up in shelters after being given as gifts during Easter.

Birds

Small birds, such as parakeets, finches and cockatiels can make excellent, if noisy, pets with minimal needs outside of a cage, toys and human interaction. Large birds, like parrots and macaws, are undeniably fabulous, but require expert care. If you decide to adopt a feathered friend, it’s best to get a small one unless you are an experienced bird keeper.

So there you have it! If you’d like to welcome a pet into your life, but traditional pets like dogs or cats won’t work in your space, try one of the suggestions above. You never know what kind of creature may end up stealing your heart and working perfectly in your small home.

CREDIT SCORE NO-NOS

An important part of buying a house is getting your financial life in order. One reason is that the higher your credit score, the better rate you’ll secure for your mortgage. Mortgage lenders look at your credit score to determine how smart and diligent you are about managing your debt, which could indicate how disciplined you’ll be about making your mortgage payments on time.

If you’re preparing to buy a home, here are some things you’ll want to avoid that can negatively impact your credit score.

NOT CHECKING YOUR CREDIT REPORT

Preparing to buy a home means you need to check your credit report. Around 25 percent of credit reports contain errors, which can negatively impact your credit score. You can check your report for free every year. If you find any mistakes, including an address or credit card that isn’t yours, you should take the necessary steps to have the error corrected.

MAKING LATE PAYMENTS

Think it doesn’t matter whether or not you pay your bills on time? Think again. Your payment history is a significant factor in determining your credit score. The more often you make late payments, the lower your score will be. If you find yourself behind on a payment, call the customer service department. In some cases they will give you a goodwill adjustment or delete the incident from your history if it was the first time.

CLOSING AN OLD ACCOUNT

While paying off and closing an old credit card seems like it would be a good idea, it’s not advisable to do it before you apply for a mortgage. Closing old accounts can decrease your credit history while increasing how much of your available credit you’re using. Avoid closing your oldest card if at all possible.

NOT PAYING YOUR TAXES

If you rack up unpaid state and federal taxes, it can damage your credit for up to 15 years – not a great idea if you’re hoping to buy a home. In addition, tax liens that are paid remain on your report for seven years. Pay those taxes, folks.

FINANCING A MAJOR PURCHASE

If you’re getting your finances in order to buy a home, avoid using credit to finance a major purchase such as a car, appliance or vacation. Up to a third of your credit score is influenced by how much debt you carry and affects your debt-to-income utilization ratio. The more debt you take on, the lower your credit score will be.

NOT PAYING PARKING TICKETS OR LIBRARY FINES

This may come as a shock, but that $4.25 you owe the library can actually harm your credit score. And if you’re sitting on parking tickets, get those paid off as well. More and more local governments are reporting these types of unpaid fees to collection agencies, which will then show up on your credit report, negatively affecting your score.

In the end, being responsible about your purchases, making your payments on time, settling debts and being diligent about spotting errors are the best ways to make sure your credit score is as high as it can be.

BIG LUXURY ON A SMALL BUDGET

You don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy a little luxury. With some smart choices and a bit of imagination, you can live a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Here are some strategies to maximize the luxuriousness of your home and life while minimizing the amount of money you spend.

FOCUS ON QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY

Living a minimal lifestyle has been popular in the media lately, whether it’s following Marie Kondo’s advice about tidying your home, or transforming your closet into a capsule wardrobe. What each of these concepts stresses is prioritizing quality over quantity. Instead of purchasing 12 trendy, discount home décor pieces that you kind of like, why not save that money and splurge on one quality, timeless piece that you really love and that you’ll use for years?

BRIGHTEN A ROOM WITH FRESH FLOWERS

Ever notice when you walk into a room that has a vase of fresh flowers, it just feels a little more special? There’s no reason you can’t have that feeling all the time. Fresh flowers can be very inexpensive – you can even gather some from your own yard. For an added bit of luxury, put them in a special pitcher or vase that you might normally only use on special occasions. There’s no reason every day can’t be a special occasion!

BUY VINTAGE FURNITURE

You can make your home look fabulous for far less money if you’re willing to buy some of your furniture secondhand. Not only will you save, you’ll likely get a higher quality item with unique character than if you spent the same amount of money in one of today’s big box retailers. Check local thrift shops, online classifieds and yard sales to score some great deals.

SPLURGE ON GOOD SHEETS

One place in your home where luxury really counts is the bedroom. But instead of splurging on a fancy duvet or bedroom furniture, use your money to invest in a good set of sheets. There’s nothing quite like slipping into bed every night wrapped up in luxurious fabric. And think of how much better you’ll sleep and feel in the morning!

USE THOSE FANCY SOAPS AND CANDLES

If you’re like many people, you’ve probably amassed a collection of fragrant soaps and candles during the years. And like most people, you’re probably saving them for company or for a special occasion. But there’s no reason to wait! Bust out those wonderful soaps and candles and use them around your house. You deserve it.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE LOCAL EVENTS

Communities across America host free events all the time. Have you ever actually attended any of them? There are so many fun activities to enjoy, from free outdoor movie nights at the park to the book club at the library. Search for free events in your area using Google and check the websites of your local library, parks and schools for fun activities happening in your area.

So there you have it! You don’t have to be rolling in cash to enjoy a little luxury in your life. Try one of these tips and you’ll be well on your way to living a more pampered and luxurious lifestyle!

DECORATING WITH FAMILY HEIRLOOMS

We understand the dilemma – you absolutely love the handmade patchwork quilt you inherited from your grandmother, but it really doesn’t go well with your Mid-century Modern décor. Or perhaps your spouse owns of collection of antique books that have been passed down from generation to generation – but you’re just not sure how to display them. No matter what the situation, it can be tough to work family hand-me-downs into your aesthetic.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to make it work. Here are the best ideas we’ve found to decorate your home with your cherished family heirlooms.

HANDLE WITH CARE

When dealing with family treasures, you should treat everything with more care than you might with something you picked up at Target. If you have anything framed, be sure to use archival quality, acid free products. If an item is damaged, say an upholstered chair has a tear or a secretary desk has some chips, have it professionally repaired, instead of trying to fix it on your own. Many items may lose value if they aren’t repaired or restored properly in a way that’s in keeping with the period they are from.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MIX STYLES

When the bulk of your home décor comes from the same store or is in the same style, it can look a little static, like it just leaped off the pages of a catalog. By mixing in family treasures and pieces from other eras, you give your space depth and character. In fact, those family heirlooms tell a story and could be a wonderful conversation starter for when you have guests. So don’t be afraid to pair that metal and glass table with a Victorian-era lamp.

UPDATE PIECES THAT ARE TIRED OR WORN

Perhaps you have a set of dining chairs from your grandmother that you love, but have seen better days. Why not give them a modern facelift, especially if you’re not concerned about devaluing the pieces. Paint them a bold color and reupholster the seat with a vibrant fabric that gives a modern look to a vintage silhouette. The result can be very exciting and really enliven your space.

GROUP ITEMS INTO AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION

Do you have a box of old skeleton keys from your family ‘s previous homes? Why not display them as a collection? Has your family been collecting seashells from every beach vacation for the last 50 years? Put them in a beautiful glass apothecary jar and display it on a bookshelf. And those antique books and typewriter will look amazing as a display in your home office. Let your imagination help you find how the items you’ve inherited are connected, and use that to guide your displays.

LET GO OF OBLIGATION

One important thing to remember when choosing how to use heirlooms in your home, is that you should not feel obligated to display them. Some items just aren’t your taste or style, and that’s okay. If you don’t love an item, or it doesn’t bring you happy memories, it’s perfectly acceptable to pass it to another family member or keep it in storage.

IS A TOWNHOUSE RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you’re in the market for a new home but aren’t sure you want a big yard to take care of, you’ve probably considered buying a townhouse. But do you really know what you’re getting? While it may seem natural to lump apartments, condos and townhouses together, there are distinct differences between them. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether or not a townhouse is right for you.

What is a townhouse?

A townhouse is generally described as a two-to-four story building that has common walls with neighboring properties. You may also sometimes hear a townhouse referred to as a row house. Townhouses can be found in every type of community, from rural to metropolitan neighborhoods. The building is on a very small footprint, and usually contains a tiny landscaped yard. Generally speaking, living rooms and kitchens are on the first floor, while bedrooms are on the upper floors. Many townhouses also include garages in the front or back.

What is the difference between a townhouse and a condominium?

While most people think of condominiums and townhouses interchangeably, there is one distinct difference. With a condo, you own only the airspace inside the walls. But with a townhouse, you actually own the little piece of land that the house sits on. So if owning a piece of property is important to you, then opt for a townhouse over a condo.

How is maintenance handled for a townhouse?

A townhouse community often contains shared amenities, such as a pool or rec room. As a result, most townhouses require monthly payments to a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) to keep up with maintenance costs of these shared spaces. HOA fees can also cover the upkeep and maintenance of your yard and the exterior of your home.

What are the pros of a townhouse?

Some of the reasons that homeowners enjoy living in townhouses include:

* Not having to deal with upkeep of outdoor spaces, like cleaning up leaves, mowing the lawn or snow removal.

* Owning the land on which the townhouse sits.

* Having neighbors nearby, so it’s great for security and for those who want to feel like their neighbors are looking out for them, especially the elderly or those with medical issues.

* Having interior finishes that are more modern or luxurious than what you could afford in a single-family home.

* Traveling is easier with a townhouse, as security and upkeep are generally taken care of for you.

What are the cons of a townhouse?

Here are some things to consider that might make townhouse living less than ideal for you:

* Not having as much privacy as you would with a single-family home.

* Sharing walls with your neighbors on either side.

* Not having a yard if you enjoy gardening or want a big outdoor space for your kids or pets to play.

* Having less freedom with your outdoor decorating style, as you’ll need to follow the guidelines established by the HOA.

* Having no room to expand, especially if you are considering growing your family or you anticipate having an elderly parent move in.

CURB APPEAL ON A BUDGET

Spring is just around the corner. If you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, that means it’s time to add a little pizzazz to the exterior. First impressions count in real estate, and making your home look inviting on the outside will coax more buyers through your front door. Since spring is one of best times to make your home look stunning, we thought we’d share our tips on how to spruce up your curb appeal without emptying your wallet. And the bonus is that these projects will only take a weekend to complete.

Clean up the yard

Your yard probably took a beating over the winter. With the weather warming up you have no excuse to skip what is arguably the most important part of curb appeal – a tidy yard. The best part – you can do this without spending a dime. Mow the lawn if needed and collect any fallen leaves and debris. Trim trees and bushes and weed flowerbeds.

Paint the front door

Another easy and inexpensive idea to brighten up your home’s exterior is to give your front door a fresh coat of paint. For about $30 and one afternoon, your front porch can go from bland to beautiful. Choose a bold color that complements the exterior colors to create a strong focal point that will draw the eye (and the buyers) in.

Update your house numbers

When was the last time you got new numbers for your house? If you can’t think back that far, then now is a great time to invest in some new ones – especially if their style is a little dated. You can purchase single numbers at home improvement stores for as little as a few dollars each, or splurge and buy a custom-designed plaque that matches the exterior of your home for under $100.

Replace the mailbox

If your mailbox is cracked, broken or faded from being in the sun, why not replace it with a new model? This is another great way to add some personality to your front yard without spending too much money. Choose a mailbox that coordinates with your front door and your home’s exterior. Check out these mailboxes, some of which can be purchased for less than $20.

Upgrade the porch light

A porch light that’s been hanging around for a few decades can really date your home. For as little as $30 you can switch out your old and dirty light for something new, clean and more modern. Again, choose a style that matches your home’s exterior, especially if you’re also replacing your mailbox and house numbers.

Add annual color

Want to add an instant pop of color to your front yard that doesn’t require much work or money? Then you want annuals. Annual flowers like petunias and impatiens only last for one season and are planted when they are already in bloom. For under $100, you can pop some into your garden beds or add some decorative pots to your front porch filled with flowers for a cheerful boost that practically begs people to stop and admire them.

PROS AND CONS OF BUYING A FULLY FURNISHED HOME

Are you a first time homebuyer nervous about adding the cost of furniture to your big move? Or perhaps you’re thinking of buying a vacation home, but don’t want the added expense of furnishing it? Maybe you’re a busy professional who needs to streamline the purchase process so that you can jump right into your new job? Whatever the case may be, buying a home that comes fully furnished may be just what you need.

If you’re thinking about buying a fully furnished home, here are the pros and cons you should take into consideration when making your decision.

PROS OF BUYING A FULLY FURNISHED HOME

Buying a furnished home:

* Can save you money, sometimes thousands of dollars, instead of buying brand new furniture.

* Is a great choice for first time buyers who may not have all they furniture they will need for the house.

* Is perfect for those buying a second home or vacation home and want a property that is move-in ready at closing.

* Is ideal for those who don’t like shopping for furniture.

* Can be smart for those who are short on time, such as people who have demanding jobs or families with young children.

* Can make moving in easier and faster, which is perfect for those who need to relocate quickly.

* Can save you the headache of packing up and moving all your belongings to a new location. Just pack up some suitcases with your clothes and personal belongings, and move right in!

CONS OF BUYING A FULLY FURNISHED HOME

Purchasing a home that comes with furniture:

* Means there are more details to attend to in the closing process. You will need to complete an exhaustive list of every item included in the deal, which will be part of the contract.

* Means you may need to get a separate loan for the furnishings.

* Might not be a great choice if you have very specific taste in furniture. You’ll want to make sure that the furnishings that are included in the house are to your liking.

* Can be a gamble, as you don’t know the history of the furniture. You will want to take the time to inspect every piece that comes with the house. Turn on all the lamps, look at all the couch cushions and make sure all the appliances are in good working order.

* May mean that you overpay for the furnishings you’re getting, if the seller is particularly emotionally attached to them.

* Could kill the deal if the buyer and seller cannot come to an agreement on what furnishings are included and what the selling price of those furnishings should be.

* Means that you will need to put down a larger down payment, since the total cost of the home will include the price of the furniture.

Ultimately, the decision to buy a home that is fully furnished is a personal one. You will want to determine if the amount of money you will pay for the furnishings will actually save you time and money when you move in. Take time to fully assess what you are agreeing to so you know whether you are getting a good deal. If the deal looks good and you like the idea of owning a turnkey home, it could be the perfect solution for you.

CREATE PRIVACY IN YOUR YARD

Even though you may love your neighbors, sometimes you just want to step outside for a little fresh air without having a conversation. With lots becoming smaller and the houses that sit upon them bigger, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of privacy in your own backyard.

If you’re hoping to find some solitude, then check out these great solutions for keeping out the curious onlookers and turning your backyard into a private oasis.

Create a living barrier

While constructing a fence seems like the most obvious solution, it can feel like you’re cutting yourself off from the rest of the community. Not to mention that sometimes fences can be less than aesthetically pleasing. So why not create a living fence? Living fences can be grown from just about anything, including trees, shrubs, flowering bushes and bamboo. Choose plants that fit your climate and provide visually appealing barriers between you and the neighbors.  While it may take time for your living fence to fill in, the end result will be something both you and your neighbors can enjoy for years to come.

Install a pergola

While it doesn’t block out nosy neighbors entirely, a pergola can be a great choice – especially for those whose backyards have great natural views that shouldn’t be blocked. The columns can provide a little privacy while vines growing up and into the canopy can keep the people in houses above from seeing you. The plants will also keep your seating area shaded, perfect for sunny summer days.

Use curtains around seating areas

Maybe you just want to have a little privacy when you’re entertaining outside. Outdoor curtains placed around a patio or deck can be used when you want to create a private retreat. Not only can they create a cozy outdoor room, they can also enhance your décor. And when you want to enjoy the full view of your backyard, all you have to do is tie them back. This is a great option when you want the best of both worlds. Just be sure to choose curtains made with outdoor fabric that resists fading and mildew.

Build a trellis

A trellis is the perfect solution for homeowners who want to interrupt sight lines without walling in their entire backyard. A trellis can be used to support climbing plants or flowering vines that create a beautiful focal point in your outdoor space. It can even be used as a vertical garden to grow vining vegetables such as beans or peas.

Assemble tall garden pots

Using an array of tall garden pots planted with shrubs or ornamental grasses can also help to create a sense of privacy when they are placed close together. The advantage to using pots is that they can be moved, so you can create privacy wherever you need it.

Mask sound with a fountain

When we think of privacy, we often think of protecting ourselves visually. But don’t forget about sound! Conversation travels, as does traffic noise. You can create a greater sense of privacy in your backyard space by installing a fountain. The soothing sounds of trickling water will not only give your backyard a peaceful feeling, but they’ll also block out ambient noise.

BUYING AND SELLING A HOME AT THE SAME TIME

If you’re relocating for a job, trying to move before the school year begins or even hoping to avoid making payments on two mortgages, you may find yourself in the unenviable position of buying and selling a home at the same time. While it may certainly be easier to buy a new home, move and then sell your old home, there are many instances where that just isn’t possible.

So how do you deal? This is what you should do to prepare to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Strategize your timing

If you need to buy and sell at the same time, it’s essential that you know the market in both locations. Is each market favoring buyers or sellers at this moment? You’ll need this information to strategize the selling of one property and the buying of the other. Knowing in which position you’ll have the most leverage will help you make timing decisions.

Understand your finances

Even if you plan your timing to the best of your ability, your current home may not sell before you move into your new home. It’s important to take a long and honest look at your current financial situation and come up with a plan should this scenario play out. How will you handle making two mortgage payments? Will you have enough money for the down payment on the new home if your previous home doesn’t sell first? If you’re not sure you can swing either of these financial possibilities, you may qualify for a bridge loan. This is short-term financing that is backed by the equity in the home you’re selling that can be used for the down payment of the second home.

Consider contract contingencies

While contract contingencies may not always work in your favor in a competitive market, you could find yourself in a situation where it will work for you. You can ask for a contingency in your purchase contract stipulating that the sale is contingent on selling your previous home first. If you’re buying in a seller’s market, this may cause your offer to be rejected. But if the home you are interested in buying has had difficulty selling, this may work for both parties.

Prepare for some tough decisions

Buying or selling alone can be a process fraught with anxiety and careful decision-making. Doing them at the same time means double the number of decisions – which could exponentially heighten your feelings of stress. Be aware going in that you’re going to be faced with making some tough decisions so that the anxiety doesn’t cause you to make a choice you’ll regret later. Have a plan in place should you decide you need a short-term rental. Knowing that you have a back-up plan can really diffuse some of the pressure in the moment.

Work with a trusted real estate agent

Navigating the buying and selling process can be complex, and doing them at the same time even more so. In times like these it can really benefit you to work with a trusted real estate agent. They can prepare you for what to expect, help you with decision-making, and be an ally and an advocate for you every step of the way.

Dress Up That Unused Fireplace

Nothing beats a warm, toasty fire on a cold, snowy day. But what if your fireplace is not working or not used? No problem! There are many creative ways to put that otherwise unused space to work for you. Here’s a look at some of our favorites.

Turn it into a unique storage space

Not sure where to store those extra books? Why not use the fireplace? By adding shelving units to the inside of your fireplace, you can turn it into extra storage space that adds a unique focal point to your room.  Make it even more interesting by painting the interior of your fireplace a contrasting color or adding wallpaper.

Use it as a display

Do you own an interesting collection of vintage suitcases or glass terrariums? Make your collection even more inspiring by displaying them inside your fireplace. This works best with larger items that aren’t easily breakable. Create a unified vignette and wait for the compliments to roll in from guests. Or do you own a fantastic piece of framed art? Use the fireplace interior as a backdrop to show it off.

Go fresh

Have you ever considered using the inside of your fireplace as a place to display flowers or plants? Instead of distracting from the interesting architecture of your fireplace, it can enhance and draw attention to it. Flowers can add color and dimension to your room while green plants can add freshness and soft lines. You can even go seasonal in your décor by displaying fresh pine sprigs or holly branches during the holidays.

Cozy it up with candles

Even if your fireplace isn’t up the challenge of a roaring wood fire, you can still create a warm and cozy effect with candles. An arrangement of pillar candles can create the same romantic vibe in your room without the smoke, mess or hassle. This is a great solution for those with allergies. You can even switch out traditional candles for the electric variety, which is the perfect solution for homeowners with pets.

Stack firewood

Just because you can’t have a fire doesn’t mean you can’t have firewood. Give that unused fireplace the feeling of wood fire by stacking logs inside. Choose logs that are the same length but with varying diameters, and pack them tightly to fill the whole space. The natural wood will give your room a rustic and homey ambiance.

Install a graphic screen

If you go for a more minimalist look and want to keep the clutter at bay, try installing a graphic screen against the back of your fireplace to match your room’s décor. The screen can cover up any areas of the fireplace that are unsightly and add a visual pop to the room.

Create a bar

Do you enjoy entertaining? Then consider turning your beautiful, unused fireplace into a makeshift bar. Place a wine rack on the floor and display your favorite bottles. Place a small table over the top to store glasses and barware. At your next party, let guests serve themselves.

HOW TO SHOP FOR A MORTGAGE

When you’re making a big purchase, like a car or a new computer, you tend to shop around for the best deal, right? While you may not realize it, you should do the same for a mortgage. After all, a home is likely the most expensive thing you will ever buy. Shopping around for a mortgage could save you thousands of dollars, yet nearly half of all homebuyers don’t compare lenders.

When you’re making a big purchase, like a car or a new computer, you tend to shop around for the best deal, right? While you may not realize it, you should do the same for a mortgage. After all, a home is likely the most expensive thing you will ever buy. Shopping around for a mortgage could save you thousands of dollars, yet nearly half of all homebuyers don’t compare lenders.

If you’re getting ready to search for a home and find a lender, here’s what you’ll need to know in order to get the best deal on a mortgage.

CHECK YOUR CREDIT

Your ability to qualify for a home loan and get a good interest rate will be largely determined by your credit score. Before shopping around for a lender, you should check your credit score so you aren’t going into the process uninformed. You should also order a copy of your credit report and check it for accuracy. If there are any mistakes, have them corrected before you apply for the loan.

ASK AROUND

So, which lenders should you approach? Don’t just rely on those who are looking to make a deal with you for a recommendation, such as your agent (though they can be a good source of information). Ask around, especially family, friends or colleagues who own homes. They can give you an honest appraisal of their mortgage lender and whether or not they would recommend them. Don’t forget that institutions other than banks can be sources for a mortgage as well, such as a credit union or labor union.

RESEARCH COSTS

Once you’ve decided which lenders you’d like to compare, you should contact them for information about the costs associated with the loan. These can include:

Rates – Ask about current mortgage interest rates, and whether the rate is adjustable or fixed. Also ask about the APR (annual percentage rate).

Points – Ask about points, which are the fees paid to the lender and are linked to the rate. You can ask for points to be quoted in monetary values so you understand what the cost will be.

Fees – Find out what fees will be incurred with the processing of your loan, including broker fees, underwriting fees and closing costs.

Down payment requirements – If less than 20 percent of the purchase price is paid upfront, you may need to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). Ask what the cost of the PMI will be, and how it will affect your monthly payments.

NEGOTIATE

Just like many other business transactions, the fees associated with a mortgage are negotiable. If you find that one lender is willing to lower their fees or offers cash back at closing, you can use that information as a bargaining point with another lender.

GET PRE-APPROVED

Once you’ve compiled all your information and met with several lenders, you can choose which lender gives you the best deal and has the best reputation. Once you’ve decided, be sure to ask for a pre-approval letter. Getting pre-approved for you mortgage will signal to sellers that you are a serious buyer, and your offer is more likely to be accepted.

BUYING SOLO? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The number of people buying a home on their own is on the rise. Are you one of them? While it may seem daunting to purchase a property solo, it is certainly far from impossible. In fact, it could be a smart financial move if you have a steady income and plan to stay in your location for the foreseeable future.

If you’re ready to be a single homeowner, here’s what you should know to make the process as easy as possible.

BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT

When searching for a home, you’ll be bombarded with choices. How many bedrooms do you need? Would you like a home office? Do you need a place to park your car? Would you like to be close to amenities, nightlife or public transportation? There are many questions to consider, so it can be especially helpful to make a list of everything you need in a home. Once you’ve gotten the basics covered, spend some time creating a wish list of things it would be nice to have, but wouldn’t be deal-breakers. This could include having a Jacuzzi tub or walk-in closets. Once you’ve gotten your lists together, you’ll be better able to refine your search and only look at homes that are a good match for you.

BUY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

Once you begin your home search in earnest, it’s important to stay within your budget. It can be tempting to reach a little further beyond your means, especially for a home that you love. But that love can sour quickly when you find you’re unable to pay your mortgage each month. Use an online calculator to determine just how much you can reasonably afford.

CONSIDER SAFETY AND SECURITY

While we don’t think making choices based on fear is always a great idea, it is good to consider how safe and secure your new home will be. Since you won’t always be around to check on your house, look for neighborhoods that have low crime rates. Take note of whether or not the house has a security system or the street is well lit. If safety is a big concern, consider buying a condo so that your neighbors are always close by.

THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE

You never know what life is going to throw at you, so it’s smart to think about your home’s resale value. Maybe you’ll relocate for a job or move in with a spouse and need to sell your home. If your new place is in a great school district, near popular amenities or has a stunning view, you’ll have an easier time selling down the road.

WORK WITH AN AGENT

Buying a home can be a little overwhelming, but working with a professional can help alleviate some of the stress. By partnering with an agent, you’ll have a person who can answer questions and guide you through the process. You’ll also have someone in your corner who will work with you to find a home that suits your needs. Don’t let the fear of navigating the process alone keep you from realizing your dream of owning a home. You can do it!