Renovation tips

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5 Renovation Prep Tips to Save Your Sanity

Renovating your house is no small job, and while you will likely plan your design, budget, and materials, many homeowners don’t realize just how much of a disruption the construction may be for everyday life – especially if it’s a major overhaul, or you have small children in the mix. Below are five tips to take as you get ready for your renovation.

Pack a survival kit. The importance of this step will vary depending on what you’re renovating, but if it’s a major renovation, pack a bag as if you’re taking a trip. Clothes, toiletries and essentials should all be readily available when your master bedroom is being redone and your items are living in boxes.

Minimize your schedule. Renovations can be stressful, so dilute your commitments for the expanse of your renovation to avoid the added anxiety of social pressures.

Meal prep. If your kitchen won’t be 100 percent accessible, do as much meal prep as you can in advance. Cook several large batches of family favorites and store them in the freezer. If the idea of cooking ahead of time overwhelms you, sock away an “eating out” budget that will cover the length of your reno.

Plan a backup sleep spot. As your renovation begins, you may find sleeping in your half demolished house is stressful and unsettling. Set up a few nights at a friend or family member’s house in advance to help ease the stress of tiptoeing around a construction zone.

Plan for power or water cuts. If there will be a time in your renovation where power sources or water supply will be unavailable, plan with your contractor to time these periods while you’re at work or staying with a friend to avoid disruptions to your schedule.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Christina Tompkins Wright
Christinatompkinswright@gmail.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hometown, REALTORS
Office: 910-478-2637
Mobile: 910-330-5803
http://www.ChristinaTWright.com

Do You Need a Mortgage Broker?

what-is-mortgage-broker

Do You Need a Mortgage Broker?

Buying a home can be a complicated process. Luckily, if you arm yourself with the right team of people, the process can be streamlined and simplified. While you likely know the value of a competent, reliable real estate agent, have you thought much about working with a mortgage broker? Do you even need a mortgage broker? And what exactly do they do? 

Much like a stockbroker helps you buy stocks, a mortgage broker can help you purchase a home loan. Because the broker has access to many lenders, you will be able to select from a wide variety of loan types and terms that fit your specific needs.  

Note, however, that brokers are not obligated to find the best deal for you. Of course, if you agree in writing to have one act as your agent, that is an entirely different story. This is why it is important when looking for a broker to contact more than one, just as you would any other lender.

So what should you do when looking for a mortgage broker? Compare their fees and ask questions, particularly about how they will be paid. Sometimes their fees appear as points paid at closing or the compensation is factored into the interest rate, or both.

Real estate agents normally maintain contact with several brokers. Ask your agent for recommendations.

As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I have a wealth of real estate and homeownership information that may be of help to you. Feel free to contact me any time to learn more about this important information, and be sure to forward this article on to any friends or family that may be interested as well.

Sincerely,

Christina Tompkins Wright 
Christinatompkinswright@gmail.com 
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hometown, REALTORS 
Office: 910-478-2637 
Mobile: 910-330-5803 
http://www.ChristinaTWright.com