Real Estate Information Archive

- Expert Michael Horowitz suggests purchasing your modem/wireless router instead of leasing it from your internet provider. Ownership of the equipment allows more freedom to change settings and passwords and update the firmware. 
 

- If leased equipment is already in place, use the router’s IP address, (most are found on a label on the router itself), and change the name of the router, the wifi connection, and create new passwords for both.  
 

- Two- or multi-factor authentication is the next important step. Use a password keeper to create strong passwords and keep those passwords safe but accessible to you. 
 

- Setting up a home network on your own can be intimidating, so hire a pro or ask a friend who has the know-how to help you. Having a home network will keep your “internet of things” connected separately, thus, less vulnerable to hacking or spying. Another benefit is if one device becomes infected with a virus, home computers and other devices that us a different network will not “catch” anything and remain safe from irreparable damage. 
 

- Changing the router’s firewall settings is one way to add security from hacking, but purchasing a separate firewall is almost like having a double wall between your home’s network security and the bad guys! 
 

- Privacy is a must: configure all “listening” devices to limit the data they record and share.
  

- Enable automatic updates on all devices during setup. If that is not an option, set a reminder to check for firmware updates at least once per week. 

Probably the most important thing to do is to pay all of your bills on time and in full. This will get your credit score climbing back up to a number that will look good to lenders. 
 

The bankruptcy process begins and ends with required financial courses.  Ask for a fee waiver so the added costs are not a burden. 
 

If your last home went into foreclosure, there are waiting periods for applying for a mortgage: three years for FHA loans, seven years for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac loans, two years for Veterans Affairs loans, three years for USDA loans, and other lenders have different waiting periods. 
 

The homebuying process is different for those above-mentioned agencies when it comes to past bankruptcy. It simply depends on the type of bankruptcy filed. 
 

Going through a short sale may be a different situation, but this process has a waiting period as well. The average wait time to apply for a mortgage is two to seven years. 
 

Some financial institutions may ask for an explanation–in writing–about the situation that led to the foreclosure or short sale, as well as what you learned during the process.   
 

Extenuating circumstances, such as a major illness or job loss, can make a difference in how long you have to wait to apply for a mortgage.  Be prepared with any paperwork that shows your loss of income or increase of debt. 

- Keeping shades drawn in rooms where the sun comes streaming in is a great first defense on staying cool inside.  Doing this simple thing can lower the inside temps 30%! 
 

- When you’re away, program the thermostat to 80°, and then down to 75° once you are home.  No need to cool an unoccupied house, and leaving it off completely causes not only heat, but humidity, to build up. If those settings seem warm, give it a week, and you’ll find that your body acclimates to the warmer temperatures! 
 

- Utilizing fans is an inexpensive way to help stay cool; your ceiling fan should be turning counterclockwise (find the direction toggle switch near the fan speed chain), and floor fans should blow towards you at a comfortable speed. 
  

- Planting large shrubbery and plants with heavy foliage on the sunny sides of the house not only makes the landscaping attractive, the plants help block the heat, making the outside cooler, thus, the inside will stay cooler. 
 

- Permanent awnings and shutters are easy ways to block sun, as are retractable curtain awnings.   
 

- Allowing all interior doors to stay open will help the air circulate fully and helps keep hot spots from forming.  Leave air registers open, even in unoccupied rooms, to avoid putting a strain on ductwork over time. 
 

- Using a dehumidifier will, obviously, reduce the moisture in the air, making the house feel cooler. 
 

- Time your clothes-drying and dishwashing for nighttime hours and keep the house cooler in the daytime and save on your electric bill. Most energy companies have off-peak consumption hours at night and early mornings. 
 

- Cooking will heat up the kitchen, so learn how to plan your cooking early or later in the day and make use of a toaster oven creates less heat than turning the oven on. 

Before hitting the road in the family vehicle, schedule a check-up–for the car! Have a reputable mechanic to check the engine and parts thoroughly, including all fluids, belts, and the battery, and make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.   
 

Pack items that you will need for emergencies where they can be easily accessed. Purchase one of the many emergency car kits that suits your needs or make your own kit and keep them in a storage tote. A small first-aid kit should be kept in the glove compartment, especially when the kids are traveling, too.  
 

Check the forecast for all of your travel days. Summer heat means afternoon thunderstorms, and you will need to know where you can safely pull over if rain and wind become too heavy for driving.
 

When using electronic navigation, be sure that the destination address is correct, and that the map is routed correctly. Print or purchase a paper map to consult in case you pass through areas where there is a poor signal is a must.  
 

Air travel means added time to your day. Once at the airport, distribute the kids between the adults and go to different security screening lines, and your wait will be shorter. 
 

Before getting comfortable on the plane, using alcohol-based disinfectant cloths, wipe everything down, giving extra attention to the food tray and the back of the seat pocket area. 
 

If possible, leave your cell phone at home and opt for a prepaid cell phone to stay in touch. 

When you are not using Wi-Fi, disable it on your device, as well as the Bluetooth signal. Public connections can give hackers easy access to your stored personal data. 
 

Upon arrival at your hotel or rental home, ask for the official Wi-Fi router name and password, and see if there are other networks available throughout the property. Fake wireless connections can be created by hackers, leaving your personal information at risk of being breached.  
 

If paying for something online is your only option, disable your cell's Wi-Fi connection and use your cellular data as a security measure. 

- Mulching is imperative for keeping the soil moist as well as saving time and money.  A free mulch can be applied by laying down grass clippings every time you mow. Getting clippings from others is great, too; just be certain there are no weed seeds or unwanted chemicals used on their lawns.
 

- Keep your garden rows covered with a generous layer of compost to fertilize through the rest of the Summer. The nutrients will seep into the soil whenever you water the garden. 
 

- Pinch blooming herbs back to extend their growing season. If the herb garden is giving more than you can use, give some away or freeze them.  
 

- Afternoon storms sometimes bring heavy winds. Check around fruit trees afterward for windfalls--rotting fruit is an invitation for unwelcome pests that can kill your trees. 
 

- Have you already cleaned out a few garden rows?  Planting a summer cover crop helps discourage weeds and will be beneficial to the soil when you till it in. 

- Weeds do not need pampering like your ornamental plants, so pull them as soon as possible. Allowing them to get large enough to flower will mean spreading more seeds and creating more work for yourself. 
 

- Annual flowers need deadheading, (removing spent blooms.)  This will encourage them to continue to blossom and provide full color until autumn. 
 

- When flowering shrubs start outgrowing their space, they may need pruning, but be certain you are pruning at the right time of year. For instance, a fading hydrangea should be pruned now to keep from cutting off next spring’s buds. Camellias and other late spring bloomers have already formed new buds. Wait until after they have bloomed to prune. 
 

- Spending some time away from home?  If you have asked a neighbor to watch over your plants, make sure you get someone with gardening experience.  You do not want to come home to plants that are dying because they were over- or under-watered. 

Add extra to your minimum payment each month if you cannot pay the entire balance off each time. Compounding interest will increase the remaining balance as well having a negative impact on your credit. 
 

Make payments by the due date, because late fees plus interest on the balance will max the credit card limit, and it could take decades to pay it off. Set up an auto-pay plan or mail your payment one week before the due date. 
 

Rewards seem like a great reward, but in the end, interest costs add up to more than any rewards points earned. 
 

Interest on a cash advance begins as soon as the money is in your hand. Cash advances are loans and treated as such. Beware of “convenience” checks your card company offers, as they are cash advances in disguise. 
 

Protect your credit rating and your wallet by staying within your credit card spending limit. Maxing out the card or over-spending just a little will cost a hefty over-balance fee, as well as affect the credit utilization ratio. 
 

Keep your contact information current with the company, and check all correspondence from them, whether it be via snail mail or electronic communication. You do not want to miss important announcements, fraudulent activity alerts, or changes in your minimum payment due.  
 

If you are paying for everyday purchases with a credit card, it is time to get your finances under control. Using your credit card at the grocery store or to pay utility bills will help in an urgent situation, but only if you can pay the full balance at the end of the month.  

Leaky roof:  Search for the leaking area in the attic while it is raining and call a roofing company or handyman as soon as possible. Cover the area with a heavy-duty tarp, using nails to keep it in place.  
 

Broken window: Wearing work gloves and safety glasses, remove any broken glass pieces. Use heavy-duty plastic and weather-proof tape to cover the hole or cover the window completely, sealing it well to keep out rain or cold. 
 

Leaking water pipe: Turn the water off at your water main. Stop small leaks with epoxy putty. Do not allow pipes to continue to leak or think the putty will hold forever. Have a plumber address the issues. 
 

Water heater leak: The first thing that should be done is to turn off the water heater breaker or gas flow, then turn off the cold-water flow to the heater. Call your plumber immediately, then start cleaning up with towels or a wet/dry vacuum. If water has flooded the room, take photos before cleaning up, and call your insurance company. 
 

Clogged drain: Using a plunger for clogs is better and safer than using store-bought drain cleaners. This video from Ask This Old House shows homeowners the proper way to clear drains. If none of those solutions work, calling a plumber is in order, as a backed-up drain will eventually burst and create a much larger mess. 
 

Gas leak: Whenever you smell sulfur or the “rotten egg” odor, it is usually a gas leak. Get out of your home, turn the gas off outside by turning the valve control to a perpendicular position, and call your utility company immediately. Do not go back into the home until the leak has been checked and repaired. 

Affordability: The mortgage payment is an important part of your budget, but keep in mind that property tax is normally added to your monthly loan payment. Property tax is based on the assessment value of the property. The assessment value depends on different factors, and the home’s location is number one. Ask your Realtor® for past tax information, but the house may be reassessed after closing.  
 

How you live: Satisfaction with your home’s location will depend on the general area. Are you a pet lover with four dogs? You need a pet-friendly community. Is your family a large one with lots of noisy backyard activities? Look for active families in the neighborhood. Do you need close access to theaters, restaurants, or shopping? Your new home does not need to be a long commute to things you love.  
 

Schools: Communities in a high-rated school district normally have homes with higher price tags. As a parent, buying a home in a good school district is an investment in your child’s future, and if you do not have children, it is a wise financial investment as your home should at least keep its value as time goes by. 
 

Safety: Everyone wants to feel safe in their home. Several websites offer crime stats, but it may be best to contact local law enforcement for current information about the area. 
 

Utilities: Is high-speed internet or natural gas available in the neighborhood? Does your water come from the municipal water supply or a well? Your agent should have all of this information for you but asking the homeowner if they are willing to share how much they pay in monthly utilities will help you plan your monthly budget. 

While shopping for plants, pay attention to the plant information tags in the cell packs. Following those details are essential for good growth. 
 

Enriching the soil with compost is the first step to using nature to fertilize your plants, and one way to do that is with grass clippings! According to Mother Earth News, a mulch of 1”-2” of cut grass can feed your garden for the season.  
 

Earthworms are the source for many good things for plants and your soil. They can be purchased or save money and attract them naturally by adding plenty of organic matter to your garden soil. 
 

When and how you water your garden plays an important part in keeping diseases and pests at bay. A morning shower with a water hose can rid your plants of nasty aphids. Watering in the evenings can cause fungi and mildew to grow, and neither is easy to get rid of once they set in. 
 

Learn the difference between beneficial and unwelcome insects. For example, they may frighten us, but many stinging insects are taking care of the bad ones that are eating up our plants. The Sod God offers some excellent information as well as infographics to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. 
 

Row covers are a great and chemical-free way to keep not only insects away, but veggie-loving birds as well. If they cover your plants completely as they grow, they will provide a barrier between your plants and the bad guys. 
 

There are many natural products available to kill and repel insects: diatomaceous earth, insecticidal soap, horticultural oils, and capsaicin to name a few. As with chemical pesticides, follow package directions exactly to keep plants safe, as well as wildlife and pets. 

Not knowing what is on your credit report can set you up for a surprise when a potential lender pulls it for inspection. Obtain a free report through your bank or credit union so you can correct or dispute errors before you fill out a loan application. 
 

Sending late payments on credit cards and other monthly bills during the approval process will show on your credit report. 
 

Opening a new line of credit for large purchases will raise your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Except in emergencies, avoid buying anything on credit until after closing on your new home. 
 

In the same manner, closing credit accounts can negatively affect your credit score. If you have paid off credit card balances, leave them active, as this shows lenders that you have credit options available. 
 

Trying to help a family member get a loan by co-signing with them will raise your DTI and can discourage lenders. 
 

Unless it is completely unavoidable, changing jobs can hurt your loan chances. Lenders like to see a steady income from employment with the same company or same field. 
 

If you are using gifted funds to assist with the down payment, do not deposit the money into your bank account without documentation from the giver. Learn more about the procedures for down payment gifts from the balance. 
 

Do not let poor credit and lack of a 20% down payment keep you from buying a house. FHA, USDA, and the VA all have programs to help make the dream of homeownership a reality. Check each website for eligibility requirements.