At Home With Valerie

Are you considering buying a home for the first time? For some, it can seem nearly impossible to come up with the funds for the down payment.  Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can save a little over time and not have to borrow from the “Bank of Mom and Dad.” If you’re looking to invest in a home in the short-term and are looking for solutions to save up, here are some tips on how to get to your down payment amount more quickly. Create A Budget Most people don’t like the idea of a budget, but few things are going to help you reach your financial goals like having one. Instead of sticking your head in the sand, add the numbers up and see approximately how much you’re spending each month. It may not seem like it, but getting a sense of what your monthly costs are can help you get a good idea of your overall financial picture and how much you really should be spending. Get An Extra Job Whether you want to do a freelance job on the si...

Outside of the significant financial responsibility of delving into home ownership, there can also be a lot of other risks involved that you may not have thought about before investing in a home.  You’ll need to protect your home against theft or burglary. And homeowner’s insurance to protect your home and belongings is almost a requirement. But there are other less common occurrences you may not have thought about.  If you happen to be living in an area that’s at high risk of fire, here are some things to consider beforehand. Defining “High Risk” It’s easy to be swept away by a beautiful home and forget about what the natural landscape around it consists of. Many homes across the United States are built in areas close to trees and shrubs, which can be dangerous in times of high temperatures, so it’s important to do your research. While hot spots can occur in many different areas, California and the southwest region are particularly vulnerable in...

Whether you’re trying to improve the look of your home or are getting ready to put it on the market, the idea of renovations might seem like a significant financial burden to take on.  Fortunately, there are a variety of easy solutions for improving the look of your home without spending a lot of money. If you’re wondering how you can spend $100 wisely, look no further than the following upgrading tips.  A Funky Light Fixture It might seem like a cool light will cost an arm and a leg, but there are plenty of options available on the market that will instantly add a unique touch to your place. Whether you decide to go mod or classic, a fixture can draw the eye and instantly add interest to a room. A Makeshift Curio Cabinet In these days of smaller living, many people have to pile their stuff into closets and cabinets in order to make it all fit. Fortunately, a bookcase-cum-cabinet can be an inexpensive purchase and can house a variety of items l...

It has never been more popular to live a “green” lifestyle and develop sustainable living practices that will help out the planet.  While you may be used to recycling cardboard boxes and giving away your old hand-me-down clothes, there are probably a few household items you didn’t even know you could recycle!  If you’re wondering what to do with some of your old, used items, here are a few things that may be ready for re-use. Re-constituting Your Lenses It’s common to think your eyeglass prescription only works for you, but an easy way to re-use old eyeglasses is to take them to your local optician or optometrist’s office so that they can make use of them.  Not only will someone in need be able to use the frames that you’ve provided, your lenses may be donated to another person with a similar prescription who will truly appreciate the gesture. Old Phones & Electronics It can be tempting to throw out an old phone with a sha...

A fixer-upper. A handyman's special. Needs TLC. No matter how you phrase it, buying an ugly house means that you are signing up for a bit more work than any other home. Here are a few tips if you are looking to purchase a fixer-upper. Take a good look at what needs to be done. Look particularly for structural issues like foundation cracks, water damage, and problems with rot or termite damage. If there are structural issues, bring in a contractor to give you an estimat e as to the costs to repair. Make a list of all of the repairs that are required and the estimated cost. Even if you intend to do the repairs yourself, it is best to use a cost estimate as if a contractor is doing the work. That way, if you do the work yourself, you will come in under-budget. It is not unusual for construction projects to cost more than expected, particularly if the work required is extensive. Have your real-estate agent provide you with an estimate of the...