DEAN GRAZIOSI: DEAN GRAZIOSI REVIEW – REAL ESTATE FEED BY DEAN GRAZIOSI

Summer is the time of year when our minds turn to fun and sun; but we also need to pay attention to certain projects that need to be done around our homes.  Summer is the perfect time to accomplish all of the projects you planned during the winter.  We are going to remind of some projects that are perfect for doing during these warm months.

• Sealing Your Driveway – The long winter months have taken quite a toll on our driveways.  Driveways experience damage from the sun, rain, wind and oil and gas spills.  All of this can lead to the asphalt breaking down over time allowing water to seep into the cracks and cause damage to the base of the driveway.  If your driveway hasn’t been sealed in the last two years, it is recommended that you do it this summer.  Sealing your driveway will help keep it looking good and remain strong.  This is a relatively easy process that can be done over the weekend.
• Inspect Your Cooling System – As the temperature begins to rise it is time to ensure that your cooling system is still functioning properly.  You should change the filter, check all of the connections for leaks and make sure that the water is draining properly.  If you were experiencing problems with your cooling unit towards the end of last summer, now is the perfect time to have it inspected by a professional.
• Inspect Your Patio And Decks – If your house features a deck it is now time to look for any warped, loose or cracked boards.  It is important that you thoroughly clean your deck each year in order to prolong the life of the material.  If you notice that the stain or paint on your deck is showing signs of wear, now is the perfect time to clean, stain and reseal it. 
• Get Your Lawn Ready – During the long winter months it is common for your solid to compact.  This changes the Ph of your soil and may leave your lawn more susceptible to growing weeds rather than lawn.  If your lawn is looking sparse, it may be time to reseed it.  It is recommended that you do this regularly to encourage a strong, thick lawn.  Beginning in the spring it is recommended that you begin fertilizing your lawn.  There are a lot of natural and chemical free fertilizers available now.  These will help produce a lawn that is lush and green and free of weeds.

Getting these problems taken care of early in the season will allow you to enjoy the rest of your summer without any projects hanging over your head.

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Veterans sacrifice a great deal for the country and in recognition of that fact the Veteran’s Administration (VA) offers many benefits for veterans. One of these benefits is a home loan program that can help veterans own the home of their dreams. Most veterans are eligible for the program and loans are guaranteed, making it easier to get approval from a recognized lender.

Veterans who are eligible for a VA home loan are those who are currently on active duty or who have been honorably discharged. Veterans who are currently in training are not considered to be eligible for a home loan until they have finished with their training and have been on active duty for at least 90 days. If a veteran has anything other than an honorable discharge, he or she may still be eligible for a VA home loan after the circumstances surrounding the discharge have been investigated. Spouses of veterans, including those who are considered MIA or POW, are also eligible for a home loan through the VA. However, single veterans who are stationed overseas are not eligible because the law requires the veteran or a spouse to be living in the home.

Veterans generally get $36,000 for a home loan. If the veteran wants a home that costs $144,000 or wants to build one that will cost more than that, then they may be able to add onto the loan. Each county in the United States has a maximum limit that the VA will guarantee for veteran’s loans. The average is $417,000 but this may be higher or lower depending on the county. Up to 25 percent of the guaranteed amount of the loans may be added to a veteran’s home loan if the veteran is eligible.

VA loans can be used to buy single family homes, condos, and manufactured homes that are on permanent foundations. The property will need to be appraised and will have to be inspected by an inspector that the VA approves. No money will be given if the home does not pass inspection, and this includes funds to repair or upgrade the home. Veterans will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a loan. Many lenders are able to confirm eligibility online but all veterans should speak to their local VA office in order to obtain any proof needed, such as discharge papers.

There are many benefits to getting a VA loan. Interest rates are negotiable and usually are low. The majority of the time, there is no down payment required though some lenders may ask for one. There are no mortgage insurance premiums with a VA loan, which can save veterans money. For those who are having financial difficulty, the VA offers assistance to help veterans keep their homes and avoid foreclosures. 

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When it comes to property upkeep, winterizing your home is one of the most important steps you can take to preserve it. You’ll be happy you did so when it comes time to sell. Even if you don’t live in a climate where snow is imminent, the cold weather can still take its toll. Energy efficiency is also a very important factor. The following tips will help you prepare your home for the winter months.

Have your furnace inspected each year. This will ensure all is working properly and will reduce your chances of fire or unnecessary break-downs. After all, repairing a furnace or other type of heating unit can be quite costly.

If your home is equipped with a fireplace, consider using it. This will save you money because you won’t have to rely so much on your heater. Before ever using the fireplace, be sure to have it properly cleaned. When it isn’t in use, cap or screen the top of the chimney in order to keep out birds and rodents. Also inspect the damper to be sure it opens and closes properly.

Check the exterior of your home to be sure it is properly insolated. Not enough insulation will result in cold air getting in and warm air getting out. You want neither of these problems as they will cost you a lot of money in heating expenses and you will always have a home that is usually too cold in the winter. Likewise, check the doors and windows to be sure they are properly sealed. Use weather stripping around the doors and caulking around the windows to prevent air from going where it shouldn’t go.

Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts. If the temperature typically falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter, add additional insulation to the attic. This will prevent warm air from moving upward to your roof and creating ice dams. Check flashing to be sure water is unable to enter your home. Replace roof shingles or tiles that are warn or broken. Clean out the gutters. This should be done on a regular basis. Spray water down the downspouts with a hose to clear away any debris that may be lurking there.

Check the foundation of your home to make sure it is sound. Rake away all debris. Seal all entry points. This will keep small animals from crawling under your house. Seal all foundation cracks. Remember, a mouse can slip through a space as thin as a dime.

Winterizing your home will help protect it during the winter months and preserve it. This will make it more livable and much more sellable when the time comes to put it on the market. 

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Certain events in life can make it impossible to stay in your current dwelling. If you get a job on the other side of the country, you may have no choice but to sell. There are other times, though, when you have the options of selling or staying in your home. There are several things to consider as you decide.

Real Estate Market

It may or may not be to your advantage to sell at any given moment. The real estate market fluctuates, even within a general trend. It helps to get a number of different facts and opinions about the market before you make that leap. Do your due diligences and find out whether the market seems the most favorable right now, or if a change is expected at the local level.

Occupancy Changes

The number of people who live in your home may change dramatically within a few years. Children may grow up and move away. Elderly parents may come to live with you. The most crucial thing to consider in these situations is whether the change will likely be temporary or more permanent. If the number of occupants in your home changes from when you bought your home, it may be time to get a bigger or smaller home.

Commuting Issues

When your job becomes too far to commute to from your home, it is time to consider moving. It is certainly more convenient to be near your work. It also can result in large savings in transportation costs. Before you pick up and move somewhere else, consider options like carpooling or telecommuting. If you cannot find a way to lower your transportation costs, it may become necessary to move.

Medical Problems

The medical problems of family members may demand consideration in whether or not to sell your home. If a family member becomes disabled, there are two basic options. You can retrofit your home to make it more accessible for your loved one or you can move to a home that already has the special features you need. It also may become necessary to be closer to doctors and hospitals if your family member has a severe illness. Moving may be your best bet to solve the problem.

Home Value

In a perfect world, the best time to move is when your current home is at its peak value. MSN Real Estate explains some of the home value factors to consider when deciding whether or not to move. For instance, you might feel ready to sell your home in the wake of a local disaster. If you can hold on until the crisis is over, you will have a much easier time selling for a desirable price.

In the final analysis, you almost always have the option of staying or moving. You simply have to decide how you can best deal with your current situation. When you do that, you have an opportunity to make your life better.

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13108470

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