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Puppy Love: How to Puppy Proof Your Home

May 21, 2015 By

Puppies are rambunctious, curious little creatures that love to explore their surroundings. Before you bring your new buddy home, make sure there aren’t any potential dangers. Follow these steps to puppy proof your home.

Know which plants are toxic: Your azalea may look pretty, but it can do some serious harm. Place toxic plants out of reach or replace them with nontoxic options.

1. Don’t leave medication lying around: You may not think twice about leaving prescription pills on the bathroom counter or in your purse, but if swallowed, they can be poisonous to puppies. Keep all medications (even over-the-counter pills) in your medicine cabinet.

2. Keep lids on trash cans: Since puppies will eat just about anything, make sure to get rid of any temptations in the trash. Keep a secure lid on all trash cans or put them behind a cabinet or door.

3. Keep toilet lids down: Toilet bowls are either filled with harmful bacteria or harsh chemicals. Either way, make sure your puppy stays out of them.

4. Lock up cleaning supplies: Keep all cleaning supplies either in high cabinets or behind child-proof locks. When using sprays, make sure your puppy is out of the room and far away from the harmful vapors.

5. Secure electrical cords: Check for any dangling electrical cords from appliances like lamps or computers. If you have a large collection (i.e. around your TV), secure these with rubber bands or attach cords to the wall with duct tape. You don’t want your puppy chewing on the wires and potentially getting burns or shocks.

6. Block off doors, windows, and stairs: Keep your doors and windows closed to prevent your puppy from escaping and close off stairwells with a baby gate.

7. Pack up human food: What you find delicious could be dangerously delicious. Things like chocolate or grapes should be stored where your puppy can’t access them.

If you follow these pieces of advice, you’ll welcome your new furry friend into a safer home.

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What to Expect During the Closing Process

April 28, 2015 By

Congratulations, you’ve found a home that is ideal for you and your family. It has all your wants and needs, and it’s even in your price range. You’ve placed a bid and the buyer accepted it! You are finally getting ready to sign your name on the dotted line and buy your home.

You’re not quite done yet, there is another step that you have to go through — the closing process.

Here are some things you should know before going into your closing.

  1. Read everything: Ask your lender and attorney for the documents prior to the closing. It’s important to have the documents beforehand so you can make sure everything is correct. Not reading your documents before the closing can hurt you because there may be a typo or two, which can set back the entire process. Double and triple check everything. Review your loan and mortgage documents and get everything in order.
  1. Bring a check: Your documents will show how much you owe. Bring your checkbook. You should also bring a form of identification.
  1. Walk-through: The contract should allow you to walk through the property twenty-four hours before the closing. Bring your documents with you so you can reference them to make sure that the home is in the condition stipulated in the contract.
  1. Ownership: The whole point of closing is to transfer ownership from the buyer to the seller. Before closing, a title company will come in and make sure the deed, taxes, and other items that may affect the property are in good standing. Once that is squared away and the buyer and the lender approve of everything, you can both sign the closing documents, ultimately making you the owner of the home.

 
Closing can bring unexpected events, but if you are prepared and stay positive, things can run smoothly. This is an exciting time, so after everything is settled, take your new keys and enjoy your home!

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Money Matters: These Write-Offs Could Save You Money

April 1, 2015 By

It’s April, which means that Tax Day is quickly approaching. Filing your taxes can feel like a daunting task, especially for homeowners. Whether you’re doing your taxes yourself, or hiring someone to do so, it’s important to understand how you can save as much money as possible.

 

 

 

These write-offs are some of the best options for homeowners.

 

  1. Mortgage Interest: This is the biggest deduction for homeowners. You must itemize the deduction, but it must be greater than the standard deduction. You can also use any mortgage points that you used when you purchased your home. (Fox Business)

 

  1. Property Taxes: Yes, you can write-off certain taxes. You can write off your property, state, and local income taxes. (Time.com)

 

  1. Home Improvements: Technically, the only home improvement write-offs you can deduct are those that were necessary for medical reasons like installing a wheelchair ramp outside of your home. Note that it’s advised that you keep all of your receipts for non-medical home improvements because it’s possible that they can be used to reduce your taxes when you’re ready to sell your home. (TurboTax)

 

  1. Moving expenses: If you moved more than fifty miles for a new job, you can write off moving expenses. Talk to your employer to get the necessary paperwork. (Time.com)

 

  1. Home Office: Do you run a small business from the comfort of your home? You’re in luck! You can file for a home office deduction. This even includes everything from the cost of painting the room, to the cost of buying a computer and home office supplies. It’s best practice take a picture of the office to have on record. (TurboTax)

 

  1. Energy efficiency: You can get a deduction for owning energy efficient appliances. Heat pumps and solar powered systems garner the highest deductions. Items like energy efficient windows are the next highest deductible. Keep your receipts for your records. (HouseLogic)

 

If any of these write-offs apply to you, take the extra time to fill out the paper work. It may benefit you in the long run!

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