How To Boost Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is real, it matters, and it's one of the easiest, lowest cost ways to increase the value and sellability of your home. All those expressions about making a first impression fit houses too! So here are a few tips for boosting curb appeal that can be done in a weekend on a budget. Make an Entrance Your entrance and front door should be inviting. You can repaint, restain or maybe replace the front door. Also plants and flowers can really help, often two pieces on either side of an entryway will help frame the entrance. Lighting Having some lights to frame the house in the evening can really make it pop, so check your garage and porch lights and consider investing in some new ones, there are good…
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How To Get Your Down Payment Funded

As we see home prices rise, home buyers (especially first-home buyers) need to determine how they will get funds for their down payment. Traditional loans require a 20% down payment, however there are other programs that do not require this large amount. VA loans require zero down payment, and if you qualify FHA loan down payments can be as low as 3.5% down. If you can’t do 20% many lenders may require private mortgage insurance (PMI) on the loan. Here are typical sources of down payments Savings – If possible, you should start saving for the down payment a few years in advanced. Gift Funds are used by many people as well. A friend, relative or employer may help you with assistance towards the down payment. If you do this,…
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