Home Archives - Page 9 of 12 - CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

Myth vs. Fact: Home Buying

June 17, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Buying a home is a big commitment, and it’s important to get the right information before making such a big decision. Like anything else, do your research beforehand. There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to real estate and where you should spend your money but we are here to help.

Myth 1: You should get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan after closing on your house.

Fact 1: Early in the process, you’ll want to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. It enables you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and can afford to buy the property. A pre-approval is a simple calculation done by a mortgage lender that tells you the amount you’ll be able to finance through a loan and what your monthly payment will be. Another figure that lenders use to evaluate how much you can afford is the housing expense-to-income ratio. It is determined by calculating your projected monthly housing expense, which consists of the principal and interest payment, property tax payments and insurance premiums on your new home loan (also known as PITI). Use our Mortgage Calculator, Refinancing Calculator, and Amortization Calculator for insights.

Myth 2: You need at least a 20% down payment.

Fact 2: A common myth is that the more money you put down, the less you’ll have to borrow and the easier it will be to get a loan. While this is ideal, there are other options as explained in The US News article, Alternatives to Putting 20 Percent Down on a Home. Each buyer is unique, and a mortgage professional can help you find out just what you can afford. Your income and debts will typically play the biggest roles in determining your price range. It’s simple to make an estimate – just run the numbers for yourself using our Affordability Calculator.

Myth 3: Buying is always better than renting.

Fact 3: Some people argue that renting is throwing away money. However, there are instances where it would be better to rent. You have to consider the housing market, the price of repairs and maintenance, property taxes, school taxes, mortgage, and more. Compare your options with the Renting vs. Buying Calculator.

Agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21^® System are ready to make a commitment to help you capitalize on current market opportunities and assist you in making an informed decision. A CENTURY 21 Agent can help ensure you make the right choice for the long term, get a better understanding of different neighborhoods, schools, and market conditions, find a mortgage specialist, and more. Get started now!

Recommended Reading:

-Buying Advice

-5 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-We Asked, You Answered: Tips for First Time Homebuyers

-3 Powerful Real Estate Investing Rules for Regular Folk

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/90ekqv1PXL0/

How to Make a Rental Feel Like Home

June 14, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Living in a rental can be a bit of a challenge because you want to make the space your own – even if it technically isn’t. Luckily, we have come up with a few creative (and inexpensive) ways to makeover your rental without upsetting your landlord or incurring hefty fees!

Paint Your Walls: Most landlords allow you to paint your space as long as you paint it back to the original color when you move out. Painting your walls a different color or even a crisper shade of white makes a huge difference. If you paint your apartment a shade of white, your landlord is less likely to make you repaint it. You can also paint just one wall (an “accent wall”).

Change Hardware: Changing hardware makes a big difference. Buy cabinet pulls, door knobs, and drawer pulls that match your style. Keep all the old hardware so that you can put them back when your lease is up. Take photos before you make any changes so that you remember where everything goes when it’s time to move.

Cover the Walls: If you can’t paint, there are other ways to decorate. We recommend making a gallery wall. A gallery wall is a wall of art and/or personal photos arranged to look like a wall in an art gallery or museum. Removable wallpaper and decals are also a great way to cover the walls, without upsetting your landlord.

Let There be Light: Rentals often have fluorescent lighting or unsightly light fixtures. Take down the light fixtures and put in new ones. Also consider buying floor lamps, desk lamps, or table lamps and using them instead of the main lights for a room. You can also buy new light switch covers as long as you put the old ones back before you move. There are a lot of different types of decorative light switch covers like mirrored ones, or ones in almost every color imaginable.

Area Rugs: Area rugs can help to divide a small space like a studio apartment into sections like a breakfast nook, living room, and bedroom. They also cover up floors with scuff mark or tiling that you don’t like.

DIY Backsplash: If you are feeling creative, make a DIY backsplash in the kitchen! We especially like the removable tile and removable mirror ideas from Apartment Therapy.

Curtains: Buy curtains that match the color scheme or aesthetic of your home. They make a space feel fancier and also hide broken or ugly blinds.

Furniture: If you are moving or renting a home that is furnished, you can still make it feel like your own. Style the pieces differently and add little things that fit your personality. For example, add some of your favorite books and photos to the bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand and bring your favorite bedding!

Everyone deserves to come home to a home that feels like home. We hope these tips help you make your rental into a home you love.

Recommended Reading:

-Your Guide to Summer Rentals

-How to Style a Bookshelf

-How to Style a Centerpiece

-How to Style a Coffee Table

-How to Style a Nightstand

-Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

-Five Simple Chalkboard Paint Projects for the Home

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/WEKnbjGW-4A/

How to Style A Patio

June 13, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Warm weather means more BBQs, bonfires and quality family time in the backyard. Before you get ready to entertain guests, get your patio summer ready for you and your family.

Follow our tips to turn your patio into an outdoor oasis:

Floor Design: Decide what kind of style and atmosphere you’d like to achieve before buying your materials. If you’re looking for a contemporary feel, choose an interesting stone design. For a more classic look, stick with a wooden deck. For less maintenance, consider using a wood alternative.

Furniture and Fabric: Summer means extra heat and occasional rain storms. Choose durable furniture and fabrics that will withstand the natural elements. When you are decorating consider how you want to use your space. Are you primarily hosting dinner parties or simply lounging outside? Choose furniture and accessories that will work well for you!

Kitchen Area: Grilling season is here. Make a mini outdoor kitchen by arranging your BBQ next to a side table. Store kitchen utensils, plates, and other grilling supplies on the side table.

Fire Pit: You don’t need a big space to enjoy a summer bonfire. Make a small fire pit the focal point of your patio. Do your research before placing one in your yard so that it is a safe distance from your home, then start making summertime s’mores!

Finishing Touches: Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to add the finishing touches! Outdoor lanterns make great lighting for the evenings. Add some greenery to your patio with flowers and plants from your garden to keep the look cohesive. Don’t forget some candles to keep the bugs away.

Gather your loved ones and celebrate summer the right way – and in a space you love!

Recommended Reading:

-How to Make Your Home Summer Ready

-A Day in the Garden: Paint Palette

-How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/5tYQJiEsuzM/

5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home From College

June 9, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Isn’t it exciting to have your kids home from college? You haven’t seen them in months and now you will get to spend quality time with them (or so you think). You quickly go from the excitement of having them home to the excitement of sending them back to school. We get it. You’ll gloss over the details when talking to friends, but we know the five stages of having your kids home from college.

Stage 1 – Anticipation: You have been counting down the days on a calendar (“So retro, Mom”) or a nifty Facebook app (“Mom. No one does that. Like no one. Ever.”). You clean the house, leave a pile of interesting articles you’ve cut from newspapers on their bed, and buy all of your son or daughter’s favorite foods.

Stage 2 – Excitement: You pick your son or daughter up at the airport. You carry an entire bag of dirty laundry to the car and refrain from asking them why they didn’t just wash it at school. You cook their favorite dinner then proceed to ask them 20 – okay, maybe 200 – questions about school, their love life, and whether the campus is safe. Things are great! Your child is back and you are thrilled to get to spend quality time with them while they are home.

Stage 3 – Disappointment: Your son or daughter starts hanging out with his or her friends. You realize you won’t actually get to spend as much quality time together as you had anticipated.

Stage 4 – Annoyance: Your son or daughter comes home late, makes the third stair squeak late at night, and has noisy friends over constantly. You are starting to remember their time in high school. There is a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and a pile of clothes on their floor.

Stage 5 – Anticipation (again): You make your son or daughter have a family dinner the night before they leave. You drive them to the airport the next day. You come home feeling nostalgic and lonely and set a calendar countdown or Facebook app countdown for when they will come home next.

Time may go by faster than usual, but the best part about having your son or daughter back from college is knowing they always have a place to call “home.” Now to get ready before their next visit!

Recommended Reading:

-7 Reasons You’re Secretly Jealous of Your Dollhouse Family

-90’s Nostalgia: Doppelgängers to our Favorite 90’s Television Homes

-Oh, That’s Scandalous: Dirty Little Secrets

-Moving Advice You Should Not Take From Stock Photos

-5 Zombie-Proof Houses Your Family Won’t Be Caught Dead In

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/KFwWFSlhznE/

Picture Perfect: How To Take Great Photos of Your Home

June 8, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Staging your home for sale is an important part convincing buyers of the quality and value of your property. With most real estate listings online, the power of a good photo goes beyond a clean space.

Here are some tips to help you take picture perfect photos of your home:

Invest in a Quality Camera: Show your buyers the best of your space by investing in a camera that will give you sharp images. Blurry photos do not highlight the space well or give a good first impression. Better images will make homebuyers more eager to see your home. Spending a few extra bucks now might make you extra cash in the long run.

Use Natural Light: Take advantage of a sunny day to photograph your home. Natural light makes a space feel warm and inviting while flash creates shadows and reflects off windows or mirrors. (HGTV) Buyers look for homes with extra light so use this as another opportunity to sell your home. Keep in mind when photographing the exterior to make sure the sun is behind you to avoid dark shadows.

Show Your Space: No one likes to feel cramped. According to Houzz, buyers want to get a better feel of the movement and floor plan in your home. By photographing in one spot and showing several rooms, you show the buyer an expansive view of the space.

Clear the Clutter: You want to give buyers a space to imagine themselves in without feeling like it’s lived in. Store away any unnecessary items that take away from the main focal point of the room. Keep your home clean and tidy. If you’re trying to photograph a small space, make extra room by rearranging furniture or photograph from a doorway. (Design Sponge)

Edit the Small Stuff: Don’t worry if you don’t get the exact shot you want. Photo editing sites, like PIXLR, are great for quickly touching up photographs. Crop out what you don’t need or adjust the brightness to enhance the space. Try not to go overboard with editing which can turn off buyers.

Buyers are attracted to homes that have a good presence, and what better way to showcase that than with a good photo. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/CWg7_4Xk97s/

Your Guide to Summer Rentals

June 5, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Are you thinking about renting a home for the summer? Similar to buying or renting a permanent home, it is necessary to do thorough research.

Follow our guide to help you choose the best summer rental:

Why Rent: Renting a vacation house or apartment is a fun way to get away and spend the summer somewhere new. Staying at hotels with your family can be pricey, but renting a space allows you and your family to make your own meals, explore the surrounding area, and have a space that feels like home.

Location: Choosing the right location for your family is the most important component of picking a summer rental. Do you and your family enjoy water sports? Choose a location near the ocean or lake. Are you looking for outdoor adventures? Find a cabin in the woods.

Property Type: There are many types of rental properties to choose from. Single family homes are a popular option for families with young children or larger families who need extra space. Condominiums or time shares require less maintenance and come with amenities.

Pricing: The cost of summer rentals vary depending on property type and location. Some things to take into consideration are maintenance fees, amenities, and size.

List out the features you’d like your rental to have and plan accordingly then call a CENTURY 21® Agent who can help you find your dream summer rental!

Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

June 4, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Isn’t it wonderful to come home to a warm and cozy bed? Your bed is the focal point of the bedroom and a vital component for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A good night’s sleep is crucial, and being in a comfortable bed will increase your chances of sleeping well.

Follow our bed styling tips to achieve maximum comfort and style:

Bed: The right bed will set the tone for the style of your bedroom. If you have a laid back style you may like a wooden or iron bed for a more formal and sophisticated look you may like a upholstered or tufted headboard. If you have a small room you might want to get a bed with a built-in bookshelf, drawers, or space for under the bed storage.

Sheets: Material matters! Flannel or silk sheets retain heat and are great for colder weather. Linen and cotton are great sheets for warmer weather. Thread count also makes a difference – the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets!

Comforter vs. Duvet: The primary difference between a comforter and a duvet is that a comforter is used alone and a duvet requires a duvet cover. A common analogy is that a duvet is like a pillow and a duvet cover is the pillow case. Comforters and duvets can both be filled with down, down alternatives, synthetic materials, silk, or wool. If you like to change the style of your room often a duvet and duvet cover may be a better choice because you can switch it as easily as switching your sheets. Comforters often don’t fit in normal washing machines so people usually wash them less often and use a top sheet.

Pillows: Pillows can be filled with down-feathers, poly-cluster fill, synthetics, or memory-foam. If you like soft pillows you’ll like down-feather or poly-cluster pillows. If you like medium support you should opt for synthetic fill. For maximum support opt for memory-foam. Did you know that you should choose a pillow based upon how you sleep at night? If you sleep on you back you should have medium support, if you sleep on your side you should have firmer support, and if you sleep on your side you should have soft support.

Shams: Show off your style with shams that match your bedding. Most shams will come with a set with sheets and a comforter to complete a specific look. If you choose to go with a duvet, choose sham covers that match the rest of your bedding.

Accent Pillows: Complete the look by placing one or two accent pillows on your bed. Incorporate different styles, textures, or colors to make your bed stand out.

Throw: Some people choose to add a throw for additional style and added warmth on chilly nights. Choose a neutral color that will blend in with the existing palette to keep the look simple and sophisticated.

How to Make Your Home Summer Ready

June 2, 2014 By CENTURY 21

Summer is quickly approaching! Now that you’ve done your spring cleaning, it’s time to prepare your home for the heat. It’s easy to overlook items that might need a check-up, but with our tips, you won’t miss a thing.

Here are our best tips for getting your home ready for the summer:

Screens: Make sure your screens are in good condition. If your screens are broken, you may get unwanted insect visitors…and no one wants that!

Open the Windows: Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows to take advantage of the fresh breeze on cooler days.

Air Conditioning: Before it gets too hot, check your air conditioner to make sure it is in working condition. Additionally, consider installing ceiling fans to circulate air and potentially lower your electricity bills.

Shades and Curtains: Incoming sunlight makes your home hotter. Keep shades and curtains closed when you’re gone for the day. Your home will be cooler and you will be able to turn the A/C down to save some money on your electricity bill.

Landscaping: Don’t forget about the landscaping! Warmer weather means the lawn needs extra care. Use sprinklers to keep your grass hydrated and healthy this season. Plant trees or shrubs around your house to create shade.

Get Bug Free: It’s that time of year when mosquitoes and other unwanted insects wander our backyards. Get ready for entertaining guests by spraying repellents and lighting citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.

Seal Your Ducts: According to California’s Energy Center, leaking ductwork accounts for 25 percent of cooling costs in the average home. Make sure to get your ducts tested (and any leaks repaired) by a qualified contractor.

Outdoor Decor: Dust off the patio set and wash outdoor fabrics. If necessary, give your pieces a fresh coat of paint to freshen up last year’s look.

Turn It Off: Turn off the lights and unplug appliances when you aren’t using them. You’ll save energy and lower your energy bills which is helpful because energy bills are highest in the summer.

Vent a Little: Ventilate your attic to keep hot air from getting trapped in a confined space.

Our tips will ensure that your home is in the right condition for the summer months ahead, while saving you money.

Myth vs. Fact: Home Buying

How to Make a Rental Feel Like Home

How to Style A Patio

5 Stages of Having Your Kids Home From College

Picture Perfect: How To Take Great Photos of Your Home

Recommended Reading: 5 Coffee Table Books

Recommended Reading: 5 Coffee Table Books

Your Guide to Summer Rentals

Sweet Dreams are Made of These: How to Style a Bed

How to Make Your Home Summer Ready