Admirals Cove Blog
Paying Your Mortgage Off Faster!
Many people say it is a matter of personal finance but paying your mortgage off faster is just plan good old common sense. Plus owning your home outright might be the best feeling you can ever really have. So we have developed a list of what our experts say are the top five ways to pay off your mortgage faster. 1.) Refinance Your Mortgage: Refinancing your mortgage is probably the most effective way to pay down your mortgage faster. There are multiple ways that you can refinance your mortgage from shortening the length of the loan to lowering the interest rate on the loan. Just be sure to check with a mortgage professional to find the refinancing method that fits your situation best. 2.) Make Bi-Weekly Payments: Switching from monthly payments to bi-weekly payments can be a great way to help you pay your mortgage off faster without adding too much stress to your life. When you make monthly payments you make 12 payments a year and with a bi-weekly system because there are 52 weeks in year you end up making 13 payments a year. Which experts say can cut off about six years from a thirty-year mortgage. 3.) Just Pay More Each Month: Paying more than required each month is a great way to pay your mortgage down faster. Just impose some self discipline and each month add a set amount over your normal payment that you can comfortably afford. Adding even just a little amount each month to your principle will prove to be very beneficial and help pay your mortgage off faster. 4.) Double Your Monthly Payment Every Few Months: Another great way that you can pay off your mortgage faster is to double up your monthly payment every few months. By doubling up your monthly payment every three or four months you can really help pay down your mortgage faster than you might expect. 5.) Make A Substantial Payment Once A Year: One of the best ways you can pay down your mortgage faster is by making an extra substantial payment every once in awhile. Say you get a yearly bonus, an inheritance, a large tax refund, maybe some of your bonds or CDs mature, etc. Any of these things afford you the ability to make a substantial payment to help pay down your loan faster. These are great ways for any homeowner to pay off their mortgage faster not just the homeowners of the beautiful real in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreDon’t Interfere With Your Home Selling!
Selling a home is typically one of the largest and most important experiences a person goes through and getting it sold is hard enough without you interfering with it. We don’t want you to be the person who makes the mistake of interfering with their home selling, so here is a list of the top ways home sellers get in the way with their home selling. 1.) Selling Before You Are Ready: The thought of selling your home can be very exciting and even thrilling but trying to sell before you are completely ready to sell can be very dangerous. Before you jump the gun and try selling your home before you are truly ready, consider sitting down and really thinking everything through one more time maybe even doing it with your family and friends. 2.) Neglecting To Make Repairs: Neglecting to make any necessary repairs that your realtor or home inspector has told you need to be made is a huge mistake that could interfere with your home selling. It is understandable that you want to spend as little money and effort on a home you will no longer live in but it is extremely important that you listen to the professionals and make any necessary repairs. 3.) Hiring The Wrong Real Estate Agent: The knowledge and experience of your real estate agent will be needed throughout the home selling process and hiring the wrong agent is a critical mistake sure to interfere with your home sale. Your real estate agent is directly related to the success or failure of your home sale so be sure to do your homework and find the right agent for you and your situation. 4.) Failing To Maintain A Clean Home: The cleaner a home is the more desirable it is to potential buyers and a dirty home can greatly interfere with the sale of your home. Be sure you give your home a thorough cleaning until it sparkles and then maintain it until you close on your home. There is a good chance you may not even notice some of the issues so consider hiring a professional to help out. 5.) Setting Your Asking Price Incorrectly: Setting your price incorrectly whether it be too high or too low is very dangerous. Maybe you think that by pricing it high you will find that special buyer who will pay it or that by pricing it low you can cause a bidding war. Either way setting your asking price incorrectly is very dangerous and you are better off setting your asking price correctly from the start. This is great home selling advice for any home seller not just the home sellers of the beautiful real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreTop Five Home Improvements For Return On Investment!
As we are seeing the housing market continue to improve we are also seeing a turnaround in remodeling and home improvement projects. As a homeowner you understand the importance of every cent you put into your home. That is why we have developed a list of the top five home improvement projects when it comes to the return on your investment. 1.) Upgrade Your Kitchen: Upgrading a kitchen is always a great idea and this type of home improvement requires special attention. The kitchen is the hub of home and upgrading it will pay off for sure when done correctly. The kitchen is the first place in your home where you should start investing your money because an upgraded kitchen tends to be the first thing potential buyers look for. 2.) Add Or Upgrade A Bath: Typically, adding or upgrading a bath will pay off nicely when you go to sell your home as long as its done right. Aspects and elements that experts say are the most popular in a new or upgraded bath include abundant storage, natural light, and ceramic tile. However, be sure to consult an expert before you proceed with this type of home improvement. 3.) A Fresh Paint Job: Very few home improvements can transform a home and deliver so much appeal as a fresh new paint job. This is true for both the interior and exterior of the home. However, just be sure to utilize a unified color scheme with neutral shades in order to create the most appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. A fresh paint job will pay off well when you sell your home. 4.) Spruce Up The Front Door: Sprucing up the front door of you home is a great home improvement project because it increases its curb appeal. Which will help improve the first impression potential buyers develop about your home. This can be anything from replacing or painting the door itself to trading out old hardware for newer more appealing hardware. 5.) Fresh Clean Landscaping: Improving your landscaping is always a great home improvement project, and you will find that some fresh clean landscaping will deliver you a nice return on investment when you go to sell your home. Some fresh clean landscaping will improve your curb appeal and in turn increasing your home’s desirability to potential buyers. These are great home improvements for any home not just the fabulous real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article socially!...
read moreThe Homebuyer’s Home Inspection!
Sometimes just the words “home inspection” will send shivers down a homebuyer or seller. However, if you are a homebuyer it is imperative that you consider utilizing this homebuying tool. So if you are looking to buy a home, here are some great answers to many common home inspection questions. 1) What Is A Home Inspection? – A home inspection is a complete and in-depth examination of the current condition of a home. An inspection will only tell you the condition and potential issues of a home not its value. Your inspection should only be done by a trained and certified professional. 2) What Does A Home Inspection Include? – A standard home inspection report will include the information on the current condition of the heating system, central air system, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic, foundation, walls, ceilings, basement, structural, and even the windows and doors of your home. 3) How Much Will An Inspection Cost? – Much like home prices the cost of a home inspection will vary geographically and can also be affected by a variety of other things like the home’s size and age. Plus any other services requested such as well, septic, or radon testing. 4) How Do I Find The Right Home Inspector? – There are a variety of ways that you can go about finding a home inspector. A good place to start is with a family member, friend, or college that has recently used one and was completely satisfied. Another great choice is to check with your friendly real estate agent. 5) What If The Inspection Revels Issues? – The first thing you need to understand is that no home is going to be perfect. If issues are found you can use this information to ask the seller to make repairs, lower their price, or if things seem to damaged you can just move on to a new home. 6) Why Can’t I Do The Inspection My Self? – Even the most seasoned homebuyer out there won’t have the knowledge and experience needed to do get this job done correctly. A professional home inspector deals with this type of job regularly and is familiar with the ins and outs of a home’s constructions, safety, and proper maintenance, which are needed during a home inspection. 7) Should I Be There For The Inspection? – While there is no requirement for you to be there during any part of the inspection it is recommended that you remain there for the entire process. Not only for safety, you will also be there to observe your home inspector and ask questions at the end before they leave. This article is full of great home inspection info for any home not just the beautiful homes in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreBoost Your Curb Appeal With These Tips And Tricks!
Your home’s curb appeal is crucial when it comes to attracting potential buyers. Your curb appeal is what develops the first impression your potential buyers will have about your home and you want it to be the best impression it can be. So here is a list of six great pieces of advice sure to help you create some very desirable curb appeal for your home. 1.) Freshen Up Your Front Door: Your home’s front entry is the focal point when it comes to curb appeal. Freshening up the front door is a great way to make a statement and improve your homes overall appeal. The entry should also reflect the interior so choose a swag or wreath that compliments its interior. 2.) Swap Out Old Hardware: A quick and easy fix when it comes to curb appeal is to swap out your old hardware. This can also be a fun way for you to add some style and appeal to your home. Consider swapping everything out from the overhead light fixtures to the lockset in your door. 3.) Give Your Mailbox A Makeover: Your mailbox should compliment the style and feel of your home. If yours doesn’t consider giving it a makeover to improve your curb appeal. Consider planting similar flowers from around your home around your mailbox to really tie them together nicely. 4.) Incorporate Some Outdoor Art: Incorporating some outdoor art will deliver your yard with some flare and pizzas boosting your homes curb appeal. Be sure you choose a piece that compliments your home best. Great options include birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and water features. 5.) Give Your Home A Fresh Paint Job: Giving your home an exterior facelift like a fresh new paint job will really boost its curb appeal and desirability. A fresh paint job automatically transforms the look of a home and will increase its appeal to potential buyers. 6.) Include Some Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting is a great way to accent your home at night and improve its curb appeal. You better believe potential buyers will stop by at night to check your home out and you want your night time curb appeal to be as desirable as it possibly can be too. These are great tips and tricks to boost the curb appeal of any home not just the beautiful real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreMortgage Advice!
Buying a home is one of the most important things a person will ever do in their lifetime and unless you plan on paying cash you will need a home mortgage loan to help you pay for it. So here is a list of five pieces of advice that will help you make it through your home mortgage experience successfully. 1.) Be Sure Your Credit Is Golden: Credit standards are extremely tight currently and so it is very important your credit is as good as it can be. In order for you to get the best possible interest rate for your home loan it is crucial that you are sure your credit is golden and then keep it that way until you close. 2.) Document Your Finances: It is critical that you document your finances because lenders are extremely diligent these days when it comes to underwriting home loans. This is due to new rules and regulations that pressure mortgage lenders to verify borrowers have the ability to repair their loan. 3.) Get Pre-Approved For Your Loan: It is imperative that you get pre-approved for a loan. Not only does this help you better understand what you can afford in a home, most sellers won’t even set up a showing unless you have been pre-approved for a home loan already. 4.) Be Careful Until You Close: You may have been pre-approved for your loan but that does not mean you are sitting pretty. Be sure to follow up with your lender at least once or twice a week until you have closed on your new home. Do not do anything that can affect your credit or your standing with your lender. 5.) Keep Constant Communication Going: It is important that even after you close on your home you keep constant communication going with your lender. Especially if you are struggling to make your payments because there are new programs available for those having trouble paying their mortgage. These are great pieces of mortgage advice for anyone looking to buy a home not just buyers of the fabulous real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreMistakes To Avoid When Buying A Home!
Typically, buying a home is the biggest and most important things a person will ever do in their lifetime. Plus the home buying experience can be one of the most stressful and difficult things you will ever go through. So it is important not to make any mistakes that can make the home buying process any more challenging than it has to be. That is why we have developed a list of the top five biggest mistakes a potential home buying could make. 1.) Hiring The Wrong Real Estate Agent: Using the wrong real estate agent is by far one of the worst mistakes you can make when home buying. You will need to rely on the expertise and experience of your real estate agent throughout the home buying process. So it is vital that you take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring the right real estate agent for you and your situation. 2.) Getting Too Attached To A Home: I know you are looking for your dream home but in a competitive market you may need to look at several potential options. You might even be forced to put offers in on multiple potential properties before one gets accepted so it is extremely important that you keep an open mind and not get too attached to just one home. 3.) Choosing To Skip The Inspection: Even when a home looks like it is in pristine like new condition it is a very risky mistake to skip the inspection. It is imperative that you hire an experienced and knowledgeable home inspector to go through your potential home with a fine-toothed comb. They are trained to find things you would never be able to or even know to look for. 4.) Putting In Too Many Contingencies: A big mistake that you should avoid making at all costs is overdoing the contingencies in your offer. While there are some acceptable and even recommended contingencies that you should make you need to try and keep them down as much as possible. So be sure and listen to your agent’s advice when it comes to the contingencies you put in your offer. 5.) Not Getting Everything In Writing: Neglecting to get anything and everything in writing is a huge mistake that you should avoid making. You wouldn’t be the first buyer to think the appliances come with the home and then discover they are all gone when you go to move in. Be sure to get anything and everything you can in writing to ensure things end up the way you thought they would. These are important home buying mistakes to avoid when buying any home not just the luxury real estate in Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read moreHome Decorating Mistakes!
Decorating a home can be a very difficult and even stressful experience even when you know what you are doing. That is why when decorating your home it is important to avoid any mistakes that can make your decorating project any more challenging than it has to be. So check out our list of the top five home decorating mistakes you should avoid making at all costs. 1.) Over Furnishing It: It is a huge mistake to over furnish your home when decorating it. It doesn’t take much for a well planned out room to turn into a furniture dumping ground. When you over your home you run the risk of making it feel much smaller than it actually is. However, you also need to understand that it might not be the amount of furniture but the placement of it. 2.) Too Much Clutter: Don’t be a clutter-bug, it is important that when decorating your home you don’t add too much clutter to it. Creating the correct flow and movement through a space is essential when it comes to decorating. If you find yourself with too much clutter, simply by removing a few items and opening up the space you can generally remedy it. 3.) Poor Lighting: It is important that you don’t let your home be a victim of poor lighting. You need more than just one lighting source in each room and they should be strategically placed throughout the area. Lighting is key to the decorating process and poor lighting is a mistake that you should avoid at all costs. Considering adding mirrors to help reflect light all over your home. 4.) Neglecting A Focal Point: It is a huge mistake to neglect a focal point when decorating your home. A focal point gives direction and order and each room should typically have its own. Your focal point can be anything such as a large bay window, a piece of art, a fireplace, or anything that is eye catching and will make the room. Then work from there when decorating the rest of the area. 5.) Forgetting To Budget: It is imperative that you don’t underestimate the importance of budgeting when it comes to decorating your home. Forgetting to set a budget and sticking to it is a huge mistake that can affect the success of your home decorating project. That is why you need to consider sitting down with an expert and working out a budget for this project. These are important home decorating mistakes to avoid with any home not just the beautifully designed real estate of Admirals Cove. So please consider sharing this article...
read more