Design Ideas For Bedrooms
It wasn’t long ago that the bedroom was considered the inner sanctum of your house, the room that no one but you and your family would see. But bedrooms have come a long way in the last few years. Many now double as studies, social areas and, in the case of children, the ideal location for play dates. Use the following design ideas for bedrooms to create a space that is esthetically pleasing as well as comfortable.
Photo via homerevo.com
Lighting
The lighting in your bedroom should be warm and inviting. You can achieve this effect with a combination of natural lighting and overhead lights. It’s also a good idea to provide bright lamps for tasks such as reading, needlework, working on your laptop and other chores that you may perform in the bedroom.
Colors
There are no right and wrong colors to use in your bedroom, so you can indulge your tastes. If you’re looking for something soothing that will help you relax and even lower your blood pressure, consider light hues of purple, blue, and green. Warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange are also inviting, although somewhat less relaxing. Instead of doing your entire bedroom in one color, select two or three colors that complement or contrast each other. For instance, if you paint your walls a light shade of green, you might choose to hang a couch-sized, brightly colored oil painting to catch the eye.
photo via HGTV.com
Patterns
Patterns can be just as complicated as lighting and colors because you have so many choices. Many designers suggest that, as with colors, you select two or three patterns that complement each other or that play off of each other so the appearance of the room doesn’t become monotonous. Some of your choices in patterns include stripes, geometrics such as polka dots or plaids, nature or animal prints, motifs such as paisley, and solids. You can also use the texture of different pieces of furniture to add variety.
Furniture
If you’ve been working with plumbing services to update your bathroom, you probably know that you can get away with having a slightly cramped bathroom. The bedroom, though, is a different story. It’s important to allow space between the different pieces of furniture. Space at the end of the bed is especially important because it makes your bedroom seem larger and airier, and it reduces the likelihood of stumbling over furniture in the dark.
Decorating your bedroom to suit your tastes and reflect your personality can be both fun and challenging. Keep the decorating tips above in mind, and it won’t be long until you have a lovely space to hang out with friends or to work during the day and sleep at night.
Author bio: Carly is a freelance writer who loves animals, finding good plumbing services, and traveling. She loves how blogging allows her to share her writing with a large audience on the internet.
Types of Home Loans
Buying your first home is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. It’s a new start in a great new home but paying for it can be daunting especially if this is your first. Initially you need to set a budget and then decide which bank to use for your mortgage loan and which type of loan suits the budget you have. Here are the three major types of home loans for you to choose from each of which offers its own unique benefits, advantages and even complications.
• Fixed rate
One of the two most popular mortgages, the fixed-rate option states that the mortgage rate will not adjust according to the rise and fall of the market. If the rate is 3.5% then it will stay at 3.5% for the duration of the loan. This is both good and bad. It’s good because when the market plummets and the rate increases, your monthly payment will stay the same. But that fact also applies to the other side of coin if the rate lowers because of market fluctuations you cannot take advantage a lower payment. Fixed-rate mortgages can be set for 10 years, or 15 years, but the most popular is a 30-year fixed rate mortgage because it offers the lowest monthly payment.
• Adjustable rate
The advantage of an adjustable rate mortgage is that when the market is thriving, the rate is low meaning that your monthly payments will also be low. However, just as the market moves up it too will go down and in a bad market swing, your monthly payment will rise. If you’re comfortable with fluctuations in order to save money then the adjustable rate mortgage may be the best option for you.
• Interest only
The interest-only loan is structured to allow for the lowest possible monthly payments. You only pay on the interest rather than the principle of the loan for a set period of time, which keeps monthly payments low. This is a good option for people who expect their income to increase over time, such as new home buyers early in their career. But it’s important to understand that after that fixed amount of time (usually five years), the monthly payment will increase significantly.
The smartest thing to do is to talk directly with a bank with a strong understanding of various types of loans. By doing so you are ready to make an informed decision about the type of mortgage that will suit you and your individual home purchase.
Author Bio: Dave represents Mundy Mill, a new home community offer new homes starting at $139,900, with various floorplan options and financing plans.
Sell Your Own House VS Using a Real Estate Agent
Every year, millions of people buy and sell houses on the open market. In most cases, real estate agents handle these transactions, facilitating the selling and purchasing of all types of homes. There is, however, a significant segment of the population that chooses to sell their homes on their own without the benefit of a real estate agent. There are pros and cons to using an agent vs selling the home yourself. These factors will ultimately affect the profitability of your home.
For Sale By Owner
When you choose to sell your home, it is categorized as a For Sale By Owner property. When you take this route to sell your home, you will be in charge of the entire process, from start to finish. You take on all of the tasks of a real estate agent including listing your home, working with the mortgage broker, conducting the evaluation, scheduling the home inspection and setting and negotiating the price. You will also be responsible for showing the home, marketing your property and fielding information calls. You will also take on the task of listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS.
Benefits of Selling Independently
The benefit of selling your home on your own is that you will save on real estate agent commissions and fees. These commissions can cut into the price of your home, costing you profits. The biggest drawback, however, is the sheer volume of work that will go into selling your house. There are many legalities involved in home sales, and having an agent means being in the know about the selling laws and regulations.
Pitfalls of Selling on Your Own
If you are selling in a buyer’s market where there is an abundance of low-cost homes for sale, it may be difficult to sell your house yourself. Buyers are less likely to buy homes from individuals than from realtors. Buyer’s agents are less likely to recommend your house to their clients because they feel they may end up doing more of the paperwork associated with the deal. In fact, the majority of homeowners who decide to sell their own homes eventually end up listing them with realtors.
Benefits of Using an Agent
It may seem like a hassle to work with a realtor to sell your home. With the high rate of homes for sale, however, you need every advantage to sell your home. Hiring a realtor is an investment that often pays off in larger profits. A realtor’s only job is to sell homes. They bring with them years of expertise, education and experience. They will be able to deal with problems as they crop up and use their networks to get your home sold faster. Agents are also adept at writing ads that sell homes. They are familiar with industry terms that are known to attract buyers. They can also help you make small changes to your home to make it more likely to sell.
Using a real estate agent to sell your home has many benefits. Your realtor will handle the selling process on your behalf, from beginning to end. Don’t worry about filing fees, deadlines, appointments, showings and marketing. A licensed real estate agent will dedicate their time to aggressively working to sell your home. Find a realtor to sell your home today.
Author Bio: As someone with years of experience helping people sell houses fast, Cynthia Roberts knows the ins and outs of the real estate market, specifically specializing and single home owners. When she is not facilitating successful house sales and purchases, Cynthia enjoys walking her dog on the beach and eating French fried and ice cream (sometimes even together!).
Condo Buyers: Don’t Be Fooled By the Model Suite
By Marilyn Wilson, Postmedia News
This is it! This is where I want to live. I’m home suite home. Why? Because this master suite is perfect. It’s sweeter than all the other suites.
Just look at the cove ceilings, the quarter sawn oak floors, the fabulous panelled and architecturally detailed wall treatments. It is gorgeous, clean, organized, but warm and inviting. The antique glass doors are sensational. There are curved walls and niches designed for display.
And in the bathroom are sleek and sophisticated tiles and sconces. The floors are heated so that I can step out of a piping hot shower and still be oblivious to -15C weather outside. Not to mention, it looks like hardwood but is actually grey textured porcelain. But back to that shower; it looks divine – a glass steam shower with everything from a rain shower head to 12 jets.
Look up: 13-foot ceilings!
What’s that? Oh, the ceilings are only that high because it’s the developer’s model. There will be other differences, too.
photo courtesy torontocondotoday.com
Be wary, condo buyer: One thing developers never skimp on is the model suite. They hire top designers to put together eye-catching mega-suites to wow any buyer.
The idea is to make the prospective owner so excited about each feature – and this new lifestyle – that he or she will sign on the dotted line.
People judge books by their covers, so why not condos by their models? Developers are very competitive about how they present the condo to the condo shopper.
When looking for a condo, make sure you are able to differentiate between the model suite and what your condo will actually look like.
Sometimes the model has 10-foot or higher ceilings, but the condo may in reality have 8.5-or 9-foot ceilings. Be careful not to feel a false sense of height and openness caused by this change in scale. So ask: Are the ceilings shown in the model suite the same height of what I will be getting in my condo?
Developers have no intention of tricking you in any way, it’s just that the showroom may be a makeshift loft, trailer or commercial space. The concept is to give you an idea of what you are buying, though your unit may not be exactly what you see here. This is very important for pre-sale condo buyers, especially those who intend to reside in the building, rather than those who are investors.
Another way you may get a false sense of openness is by viewing a model that has no doors between the rooms. While this may seem obvious, you may not notice this missing feature as you are simply passing through. An absence of dividers keeps the space open, making it appear much better and even more spacious. And which way will that door open when installed?
You may also find the model space feels larger because it’s de-cluttered. Remember that this is an uninhabited space so there is no teenager with clothes, dog with toys, spouse with books or gadgets. So stop, look beneath the highly organized space and think about this: Where will your clutter go? And along with that, where is your storage space?
As far as price, remember that the model does not necessarily show the base costs; it may include upgrades. For instance, if you see crown mouldings and a beautiful panelled dining room (and you love both these features), do not choose the condo based on these things unless you know that they are not upgrades or, if they are, that you are willing to pay more for them.
Another part of knowing what you are paying for is knowing the square footage and how it is measured. Many condo developers will not write the exact square footage into the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This is because, for pre-sale condos, they will plan and then maybe re-plan how much space is needed for the elevators and emergency staircases. Then they will plan and possibly re-plan the space for the common elements. The square footage may change depending on these plans.
Remember, this measurement most always includes any balcony or balconies. The reason the square footage may be left off your contract is that, if an adjustment is made during building, you may end up with a foot or two less. The contract speaks to the idea of approximation and developers try their best to accommodate the square footage you have paid for.
Regardless of this number, get to know the space you are about to purchase. Will it work with your queen-or king-sized bed? Check out the size in the model. Make sure you are familiar enough with the space to organize a floor plan that will work for you and your family’s needs.
To do this, study the space without a designer’s furniture placement. The furniture placement in these diagrams are sometimes helpful but can also get in the way of creativity. You may also get caught up in how you think the space should look, forgetting convenience in day-today life. Think through how you live and try to imagine how this space will work for your lifestyle.
Finally, ensure that you get everything you want in writing. Do not assume that certain upgrades are included just because you have seen them in the model suite and the brochures.
© Copyright (c) Postmedia News
Original article source: Canada.com
Smaller Homes Can Have Perks
In the aftermath of the bursting of the housing bubble, one thing that can be considered a “perk” for first time home buyers is that prices are significantly lower than they were in years past, especially for smaller homes. This allows many to have access to homes that they otherwise would never have been able to afford. But before you go crazy and buy that unnecessarily large home you drive by every morning on your way to work, consider the advantages to purchasing a smaller, more affordable home. Aside from the obvious cash savings in the long run buying an affordable home can have some serious perks.
Here are a few things to consider before you decide to go big.
Smaller Homes – Key Benefits
1. Heating and Air – Let’s face it, if you home isn’t located underground, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to heat it in the Winter and cool it in the Summer. Smaller homes allow for more flexibility on this issue. A smaller home is easier to heat and cool, as well as more efficient, saving you money on your power bill.
2. Lower mortgage – Obviously a more affordable home will lower your monthly mortgage payment. The monthly payment difference between a $300,000 home and a $200,000 home is roughly $600. Think about all the other things that $600 a month can pay for like a new car, vacations or home furnishings you know you’ll want soon after buying. Also, with the variety of financing options available for new home owners, it’s possible these savings could be even more.
3. Easier to maintain – A smaller home will have less actual brick and mortar for you to deal with meaning that when it’s time for a new roof, it won’t break the bank. Also, buying an affordable home allows you to set aside money in the event that you want to
upgrade later by adding onto the garage, building that pool you’ve always wanted, or adding an extra bedroom. It’s much easier to upgrade than it is to downgrade and these changes will also improve your overall home value.
4. Less square footage = less property taxes – Think about it. The less space you actually occupy, the less you’ll have to pay. What many first time home buyers don’t realize is that in addition to your monthly mortgage payment, there are also property taxes to pay. Less is always better when it comes to expenses.
5. Security – No, this doesn’t mean surveillance cameras and security systems. What this security refers to is the stability of staying in the home if something unforeseen happens. These are uncertain economic times and unemployment is at a high. By purchasing an
affordable home, you’re able to save more money and protect yourself if your income becomes compromised or unexpected changes arise. Also, you may have life changes that pull you away from home, and having a well-priced home will make resale easier.
There are many other advantages to purchasing an affordable home including things like yard maintenance and house cleaning. But first and foremost, the cost savings are huge and over time can add up quickly. Think of all the vacations, renovations and expendable income you, like everyone else, want. All of that can be a reality by being a conservative home buyer and looking at smaller homes when buying.
Author Bio: Mundy Mill is a North Georgia community located in Oakwood Georgia. The community is focused on offering new homes with amenities at affordable, first time buyer prices.
Home Buying Tips: Four Things You Might Not Think About
Buying a home can be a stressful experience that often becomes unknowingly more stressful after you buy it. While some people often point out the major aspects of buying a home, such as location, budget, school districts and large scale repairs other aspects might be overlooked in the buying process and lead to some major frustration after buying. Here are four home buying tips you might not know about when you’re buying a home and why they’re important to consider.
Home Buying Tips
Consumption Demands
Often home buyers don’t consider this aspect of a home until it’s too late. That charming two bedroom ranch that you’d had your eye on and managed to close on could be a complete terror on your bank account as your utility bills roll in. There are a variety of ways these billing records can be recovered (either from previous owners or the selling agent). If it’s a new home it’s definitely worth considering products such as windows, doors, and the weather stripping being installed. These areas can be one of the most expensive aspects of a home if overlooked, and they aren’t cheap to repair once you’ve realized the problem. There are also ways to better insulate water piping and water heaters to reduce consumption costs.
Expenses Fees and Dues
For many home owners another surprising aspect of buying a home is the related fees and possible dues that will come along with the home. If you’re considering buying a home in a subdivision, community or private area it’s highly possible there are community fees, home owners association costs and even local taxes. To further complicate this issue it’s often a surprise to first time home buyers the number of inspections required before you’re able to close on your home.
Repairs and Maintenance
One of the most common areas of home ownership that might go overlooked is the cost of repairs and ongoing maintenance. That quant ranch with the picket fence and metal roofing will eventually cost money. While homeowners insurance will cover damages to your home and property, this insurance won’t cover the replacement of areas that experience normal wear and tear. Consider the upkeep required to have a fenced in yard. When it needs replaced it will require an investment of time and money to repair it. The same can be said for other areas of your home including water piping, windows and shingles. These areas of a home experience constant use and abuse and will eventually falter. When they do it’s your obligation to take care of these to prevent further problems from manifesting. Also, your yard and property is an area that requires more regular maintenance and requires necessary equipment to maintain them appropriately. Just be aware that once you own the home, it’s yours to maintain and repair.
Various Mortgage Options
This aspect of purchasing a home could be one of the most beneficial to be aware of. Far too often first time home buyers settle for a very limited financing option that isn’t ideal for their individual finances. This is usually a fixed rate mortgage that may test their financial stability or lengthen the mortgage payments longer than necessary. As the home owner you have the freedom to finance the home in a way that best suits you. If you’re financially stable and can pay a house off sooner than 30 years, you can do so. If a fixed rate mortgage isn’t ideal for you it’s also possible to utilize adjustable rate mortgages that change with their associated market rates. There are also interest only mortgages, bimonthly mortgages and other variations of mortgage terms and conditions that can accommodate your individual needs. Being aware of financing options could dramatically impact your purchasing process and financial impact for years to come.
Author Bio: Mundy Mill is North Georgia based new home development located in the city of Oakwood GA. The community focuses on offering quality news home in a unique mixed used community.
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