SUMMER VACATIONS ON A BUDGET

If you're like most folks who like to travel, you probably also need to travel on a budget. Traveling on a budget isn't impossible, but it does take some planning ahead and a little research to avoid wasting hard-earned dollars!

Real travel bargains do exist. Contact an airline reservation agent or travel agent to determine the lowest possible fare. You can lower the cost of the airline ticket considerably by including a Saturday-night stay-over. Check with your travel agent about the many package deals available. Here are some other helpful hints to consider before you travel.

• If you have a particular destination in mind, research the attractions and accommodations beforehand. Also, find out what specials or discounts they may offer.

• If possible, plan your stay for the off-season. You can usually get better deals on plane tickets, hotels, admissions, etc.

• If you have friends or relatives nearby, consider asking if you can stay with them. Even though you'll help pay for groceries and other expenses, it's still a good money saving idea.

• If you are flying, do so when tickets prices are traditionally lowest. Avoid flying on Friday afternoons as this is often the busiest time of the week for airlines.

• Meals can be expensive at restaurants so plan some picnics, too. These can be excellent money saving opportunities as well as a chance to really relax and enjoy the local area.

• When eating out, try to avoid places that obviously cater to tourists. Find out where the locals eat. The smaller family-owned places usually have better food at better prices.

• Stay at a hotel that's a little farther away from major attractions. With a little planning you can find a good balance between price and distance.

• When picking hotels, compare the amenities they offer. If you're not going to be using the indoor pool or gym, then why should you have to pay for it?

• When traveling by car, save fuel by renting a smaller fuel-efficient model.

• Have your car serviced before your trip. Check tires; get an oil change and/or tune-up. It's much more convenient to deal with these things before you go rather than in the middle of your trip.

• Consider using the local transportation system of buses, trains or trolleys. These are generally cheaper than using taxis.
• Consider taking a camping trip. Camping is a great money-saving vacation idea.

• Avoid over-priced souvenirs. Set some rules ahead of time about how much you will spend on mementos and stick to it.

• Plan and pack carefully. It's wise to make a list of travel wants and needs. Remember, it is very expensive to buy your necessities at vacation stores.

• Be sure you can afford to pay for your trip out of future income -- before you borrow to go on vacation.

• Remember, the cheapest seat on a train or airplane will get you there at the same time as the most expensive seat.

Tips for Planning a Vacation with Kids

Don't pack the day full of activities.

Younger children especially need opportunities to rest and recoup. Remember, a rested child = a less cranky child.

As children tend to have shorter attention spans, don't plan activities which are exceptionally long.

Ensure that the places you are visiting welcome kids, as some attractions and activities have age limitations, height requirements, etc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOTS

When shopping for a new home, one of the most important considerations – yet one most people don't pay enough attention to – is the lot type. 

Selecting the right one can significantly increase your enjoyment of the home. Picking the wrong one can have the opposite effect.

There are three special types of lots that homeowners tend to find most desirable. Yet, even though they are considered desirable, each has its pros and cons.

Here’s the rundown on each one:

1. Cul de sacs

These are lots located on dead end streets that often feature homes positioned around a large circle of roadway. For obvious reasons, a cul de sac is a popular choice for buyers with children. There’s less traffic and, often, the only cars on the street are those of neighbors. However, homes on these lots often come with a higher price tag than other comparable properties in the area. But, from a lifestyle standpoint, that extra price may be more than worth it.

2.Quiet streets

Who doesn’t want a home on a quiet street? The benefits are obvious. However, don’t dismiss properties located on or near a busy street. They often sell for less and the noise from traffic might not be as bothersome as you might expect. In fact, some neighborhoods in these areas feature special soundproof fencing. If the home is otherwise ideal, schedule a viewing to judge the noise level for yourself.

3. Corner lots

These are often larger and therefore provide you with more space. Plus, with the look of two front lawns, there’s twice the potential for curb appeal, and therefore the opportunity to increase the property’s value. On the downside, kids may shortcut across your front lawn to get to the adjacent sidewalk! 

Want more tips on what to look for when shopping for a new home? Call a REALTOR® today!

TIPS FOR THE SUMMER HOME SELLER

Summer is traditionally an active time of year in real estate. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, find out what you need to know when the market’s white hot.

Spring kicks off the peak home hunting months of the year, but it isn’t until summer that things really get cooking. While there are pros and cons to buying and selling homes at various times throughout the year, summer can be, on average 25 to 30 percent more active than the annual average.

In summer you have a real mix of buyers and sellers… some serious and some not-so-serious. In the winter months, many buyers searching for homes would only do so if they absolutely had to. In the summer, there are often a larger number of buyers just toying with the idea. (Many of the serious buyers are eager to get settled before school starts in the fall.)

Selling homes in the summer requires its own brand of seasonal marketing and showing. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind as you invite buyers to consider your home:

1. Keep it cool, but don’t keep it dark. Your instinct may be to close the blinds and draw the drapes, but making your rooms feel dark and shut-in is counterproductive. Run the A/C and keep the air circulating. While your wallet may not appreciate the bump in your power bill, imagine how expensive it can be to keep the house on the market.

2. Stage it inside and out. Have a pool deck? What about a garden patio? Make them as inviting as you would the living room or kitchen. Stage them appropriately and tell the story of what it might be like to live with such nice amenities. Think magazine photo shoot!

3. Make the lawn sing. Curb appeal can be king in the summer months, especially when the neighbors’ lawns may be looking a little brown by comparison. Find bright flowers that can withstand the heat and provide a high-contrast to your green grass.

4. Ride the sunset. With the longer daylight hours, you may have buyers who want to check out your home closer to dinner time, once the hottest hours of the afternoon have passed. Try and roll with the disruption… buyers prefer to see a home when the owners aren’t around. 

Take advantage of the summer sales activity! I'd be happy to guide you on the buy or sell side of this white hot market: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

ALL ABOUT HOME EQUITY LOANS

You have probably heard a lot about home equity loans if you have spent any time at all looking at home financing options.  

These are loans that are usually taken out by people who already own a home, and want to borrow against the value of the home.  

Not everyone can get a home equity loan of course, you have to actually have equity in the home, as well as the right credit situation.  

Home equity loans are a great way to finance major renovations on your house.

What Is Equity?

It's a term that is heard a lot, but for those new to the housing market, it might not be one you exactly understand.  It's quite simple, really.  The equity in your home is the difference between what you currently owe on it and the current market value of the home.  You can achieve equity in your home in two main ways.  The first is by paying down your mortgage.  The second is by increasing the value of your home, either through renovations you have done or a general increase in the market.

Loans Vs. Lines Of Credit

Along with home equity loans, you have probably heard about home equity lines of credit.  While they are very similar, there is one major difference.  A home equity loan is basically like any other mortgage loan.  You take out a loan for the value of the home, and then you pay it back.  When you have paid it off, the agreement is over.

A home equity line of credit is a little different.  It allows you to borrow money against the value of your home in much the same way, but after you pay it off, you can borrow the same amount again.  Think of it like a credit card; you have a certain amount of credit available, and when you pay off what you owe, you can charge more to the card.  A home equity line of credit offers you an ongoing credit line available for any need you might have.

Whichever option you choose, be careful not to borrow too high an amount.  Pushing what you owe on your home back up to the market value can be dangerous.  If there is a dip in the market, you could suddenly find yourself upside down on the home.  If you have borrowed the money to make renovations, however, your improvements can make up some of that difference, building even more equity.

CLEANING PROJECTS TO HELP YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL

Summertime and the living is easy, right? Well, don’t get too comfortable. There are some crucial home cleaning projects you should tackle in the good weather to help your home hold its value for the long haul.

Whether your home is two years old or a classic concrete block ranch from 1950, you can help your house hold its value and scream curb appeal with a few simple fair weather cleaning projects. Keeping a home in shape in a little like good dental hygiene… routine attention prevents major renovation!

With the sun shining, here are the top projects you should schedule before settling into vacation mode. Stay on top of these at least once a year and you’ll not only help your home shine, but you’ll fend off the threat of more costly repairs and replacements in the future:

1. Power wash. Blast off mold, oxidized stains, kicked up mud, and the grim insect life which can build up over the course of a year. This is good not only for your exterior walls, but also driveways, patios, and panel fencing (both sides, please!). If you don’t own a power washer, you can usually rent one affordably. Be careful with power washers, though, as they can also strip paint when dialed up and used improperly. If power washing isn’t your bag personally, hire someone with a track record to handle this wet-and-wild job.

2. Gut the gutters. Freely flowing gutters prevent a host of problems. Dig out the muck and you’ll be certain that water isn’t backing up under your roof or running down to the foundation. While you’re working, check the downspouts for cracks and corrosion. Be sure to run water through the clean gutters to see if there are any holes you may have missed while inspecting the clean gutters.

3. Wash the windows. This is an inside and outside approach, because if you want to maximize the light your house lets in, you need to get the panes from both directions. Start with the outside. While power washing can sometimes be harsh on window seals, using a hose with a green/garden safe cleaning fluid is a good way to start. Once you’ve take care of the outside, remove and wash any indoor window treatments (blinds, drapes) and do a thorough job with the glass. Some people like to use old newspaper as it makes an excellent eco-friendly alternative to rolls of paper towels.

4. Shore-up sheds and garages. Start by discarding. A year or even a season can result in piles of unwanted objects or half-used containers of questionable chemicals. Be ruthless in what you keep. Once you’ve identified the must-keep items, haul them out and clean the interior of the shed or garage. Replace items mindfully.

I love to sell clean homes! If you think your house is at maximum curb appeal, why not find out how much it’s worth? Get in touch: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

HOW TO BE A SAVVY HOME VIEWER

If you're planning on finding your next dream home, then you're probably going to view several homes on the market that meet your criteria.

You will want to make the right purchasing decision for you and your family.

So, it's wise to be savvy when viewing properties for sale. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

• Bring a notepad. Take notes, not only of the home's characteristics, but also of how you feel. For example, can you imagine yourself happily cooking up a storm in the kitchen? Do you see yourself entertaining family on the back deck?

• Bring a measuring tape. Will the furniture you plan to bring fit? Your dining room suite? Your home fitness equipment?

• Ask about maintenance. Is the property in a good state of repair? Will anything need to be replaced soon, such as the windows?

• Bring a camera. Take lots of pictures of the home's exterior features. Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll remember how everything looked.

• Check out the area. Do other homeowners take good care of their properties? This shows pride of ownership. How is the noise level? Is there a playground, or another area feature nearby?

• Make a list of compromises. For example, are there only two bathrooms instead of three and, if so, can you live with that?

• Make a list of bonuses. What features does the home have that, are not a necessity, but would be nice to have? For example, an entertainment bar in the basement recreation room.

• Remember your budget. Is the price within your range? Can you afford to buy this home?

The savvier you are when viewing properties on the market, the more likely you will be to find your next dream home.

BUYERS BEWARE: THE HIDDEN COSTS OF HISTORIC HOMES

There are many fine and pleasurable reasons for buying an historic home, but you definitely shouldn’t get into one without understanding the potential costs. 

Here’s what you need to know:

There’s much to admire about owning an historic home. You probably don’t need to be sold on the beauty of a grand old house, and in all likelihood the home is in an established neighborhood or district where prices are projected to appreciate at a better clip than other areas. 

Plus, if it’s truly classified as an historic home, and not simply an old house, you probably can take advantage of tax breaks other owners might not enjoy.

But before you fall in love with the gleam of summer light cascading through a century-old stained glass window, pause and consider what you’re really in for when you buy an historic home.

1. Lead, asbestos, and other buried “treasure.” Pipes and paint can be lead culprits while asbestos in basements, attics, and walls may be lurking. Also, it’s not uncommon for there to be abandoned septic tanks, cesspools, wells, or even heating oil reservoirs buried somewhere on the property. Remediation and removal can run into the thousands, should you decide to go that route.

2. Renovation restrictions. A truly historic home may be ineligible for certain renovations depending on preservation guidelines. Ownership of an historic home does not give you carte blanche to make changes, especially to the exterior of the property.

3. Wiring and plumbing problems. If the electrical system in the house hasn’t been upgraded, you might find yourself facing problems if you want to add significant appliances or other major power loads to the system. Older plumbing can also prevent formidable repair jobs as well.

4. Authenticity is expensive. The materials you’ll need to repair or restore original fixtures, windows, or other aesthetic components of the house can ad up quickly. While you may be investing in quality materials to keep the home in line with its original construction, it may not be an investment with a guaranteed return.

Perhaps you’re prepared for everything an historic home has to offer, both good and bad, but if you haven’t thought it through yet, these are some handy challenges to keep in mind. If you’re exploring historic homes, be sure to ask the current owners about all of these issues (and if/when they’ve dealt with them).

If you'd like to look at historic homes or think perhaps it's time to consider something a bit newer, talk to a REALTOR® today to help you find just the right house.