AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOM

February 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

bathroom mirror ideas practical AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO TRANSFORM YOUR BATHROOMCeramic tiles are expensive. If your bathroom needs care and you do not have the funds to do it now, here is an affordable option: you can paint the tiles and give it a fresh look.

 

Cautions before you paint the tiles:

  • Paint on the floor can wear off. Concentrate on the wall areas;
  • Do not paint the bathtub or shower;
  • Cracked grout can be repaired at least 48 hours before you start painting;
  • Make sure the surfaces where you want to apply the paint are clean and dry.

 

How to paint the tiles:

  • A semi-gloss primer and paint that is a 100% acrylic should be used;
  • Choose the color that matches the other elements in your bathroom;
  • The primer and the paint should be slightly thin. Apply several layer rather than one thick layer;
  • A low-nap roller is good to use. Apply one thin layer of primer and wait for the primer to dry. This can take a couple of hours. The first layer of paint should be applied with a brush and several hours later the second layer with a roller;
  • Use a small artist brush to paint the grout lines. Have patience, this will take time.
  • To finish the newly painted surface paint one layer of urethane.

 

There are the most amazing tips on the Internet on how to decorate your home. Read from the basics of setting up a room to final changes to make the space a reflection of your personality and good taste. Formal or casual, everyone finally gathers in the living room or family room. Read techniques to use to create a comfortable, personal space. Find information about bedding, furniture, luxury products, and lighting to help create a personal space in your bedroom. Whether your kitchen is the family gathering place or a place to “refuel,” you will find loads of information here for a workable and beautiful space.

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LIVING IS GREAT IN CHEYENNE

February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

happy family LIVING IS GREAT IN CHEYENNECNN Money reported that Cheyenne has attracted some new employers in recent years, giving the local economy a boost. Cheyenne’s job market, tied to the city’s status as state capital, which has kept area unemployment below the national rate. Cheyenne was one of the few metro areas that recorded home price gains in the past three years, and population growth should help drive up home prices further. The number of city residents jumped by double digits during the 2000s and will probably do so again in the coming decade. That will provide a steady demand for housing, and prices project to grow by about 5.5% through 2012.

Breaking the news in Cheyenne:

  • Read this amazing article written by Roger Ludwig: This is a special to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle about Cabin Fever. “Backcountry huts can be a welcome wintertime respite.  Imagine that just before turning in for the night, you step outside where the cold is bracing, refreshing. Listening intently, you quiet your breath. There is not a sound, just the faint stir of wind in snow-laden pines. As eyes adjust to the night, the sky becomes alive, rivers coursing through the pulsating glow of the Milky Way. Orion hovers above, hunting, oblivious to your gaze. The snow before you shines as if lit from within. The only darkness is the mountain face towering above you, as if the rocks have cut out a piece of sky. You trace the jagged outline of the ragged spires, the mighty Nokhu Crags”. This is a great article!
  • Trevor Brown reported in Wyoming News.com that hundreds of state welfare recipients would have to pass drug tests in order to get benefits, according to a bill introduced into the state House on Thursday.
  • February 23: MIL MAC is the advocacy group of the Military Affairs Committee. Members work on promoting new and expanding missions for the Cheyenne military. MAC membership is required. Call 638-3388 for more information. The Location is at the Chamber Offices, second Floor Board Room, Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Read more).

Great events coming up:

  • Look at the Drunken Skunk Schedule situated at 1617 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne and see the many events they are hosting. Do not miss these events!
  • Do not miss the popular Canasta on 28 February with the Cheyenne Lady Newcomers and Friends at 1938 Dell Range, Cheyenne.

 

Living is great in Cheyenne. If you are relocating to Cheyenne, we welcome you. For any Real Estate related services and advice, we encourage you to contact us.

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IS IT TIME TO MOVE ON?

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Grandma and child IS IT TIME TO MOVE ON?After living in your home for years, the decision to move remains a difficult one. The reason you decided to move can be that you retired and you want a smaller home. The old home became too big to maintain. Too many rooms are not in use anymore. Here are important tips to help you understand some of the most common and most costly mistakes people make. This will help you to make the most profit possible and the home selling process will be a stress-free experience.

 

  • Get a good Real Estate Agent with whom you can build a relation and enjoy good communication. Your agent is the one responsible for the successful selling of your home.
  • Your agent will guide you with fair market value. Pricing your home correctly is important, as potential buyers will look at comparable prices.
  • Your home should look its best from the inside to the outside. Now will be a good time to clean up the home, remove all the clutter and fix everything that needs fixing. It is not wise to tell potential buyers how they can improve the home.
  • Information about your home should be available to any potential buyer.
  • Let your Real Estate Agent negotiate the price on your behalf.
  • Your Real Estate Agent will disclose any flaws that may be present in the home to the potential buyer. Understand the conditions of the agreement and do not deviate from the contract.
  • Do not leave the house vacant. Not only will it tell the buyer you want to get rid of the home, it will be an open target for vandalism.

 

The majority of buyers looks at around 15 houses and can compare them. Make sure your home is in the right price range and you can turn a prospect into a buyer.

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LEARNING THE BASICS OF REAL ESTATE

February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

happy people1 LEARNING THE BASICS OF REAL ESTATETo buy your first home can be difficult. The decisions that need to be taken regarding the financing of the property are hard to understand at first. Most people gain their knowledge and experience about real estate when they buy their first home. Once you get to understand the basics of real estate you will be comfortable in making decisions.

  • For the seller to see that you are a serious buyer, you must first get pre approved. This will give you an advantage over other interested buyers who did not bother to get pre approved. To start negotiating with the sellers is pointless if you cannot get pre approved in the first place. You will earn much more trust from the seller if you paperwork is in order.
  • Know your financial limits before you buy a home. You should have a clear understanding of your budget and what you can afford to pay towards your mortgage.
  • Avoid paying pre payment penalties. This occurs when you sell your home after you purchased it, but before the due date of the mortgage balance. There are loans which have pre payment penalties. Turn it down and start looking for another loan.

Shop around for private mortgage insurance, fixed interest rate and special loan programs. Gather as much information as possible. Spend time to understand how much you can spend on your mortgage on a monthly basis. If you take good care of your money you will be able to figure this out. Most importantly, do not hesitate to get information from trained Real Estate Agents who can explain this process to you. Once you understand the basics of real estate you will enjoy the process of buying your first home a lot more.

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WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment

33 WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGHThe foreclosure activity in some places like the state of Arizona shows an 18 percent monthly increase. That is one in every 259 units involved receiving a notice. Mortgagors, who are in default facing foreclosure, should consider a short sale. Lenders will generally approve a short sale request if the conditions are met:

  • The lenders are not in favor of foreclosures, but will not accept an offer for much less than the actual value of the property (lenders obtain their own appraisals of  properties);
  • Solid proof that the mortgagor does not have the financial ability to pay the short fall. This can be done with supporting documentation such as: a hardship letter, financial statement, tax returns, pay stubs and bank statements.
  • A signed purchase and sale contract of an approved buyer together with a listing agreement of a real estate agent;
  • The seller will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale. An owner approved under the government’s HAFA program is allowed to receive up to $3,000 at closing;
  • Proposed HUD Settlement Statement. This is to confirm to the lender that costs are reasonable and that nobody is getting funds that could go towards the mortgage.

In the case where foreclosure action already started, legal representation should be obtained while the short sale request is pending. The short sale request can take long (between 3 weeks to 3 months) before it has been either approved or declined.  The lender’s attorney can obtain a judgment of foreclosure in less than two months.

To avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy a short sale is the best option to eliminate the balance of the mortgage. The negative impact e.g. auction signs, effect on one’s credit and judgments can be avoided by a successful short sale.

 

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KEEP THE WORLD SAFE AND GREEN

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

seattle arborist KEEP THE WORLD SAFE AND GREENThe items that homeowners use the most are energy and cleaning products. We are spending so much time on how to survive and fix the economy that we tend to forget about other important things. We have a responsibility in doing our share to make the earth a healthier place. Here are some great tips on how to contribute:

 

  • We use a lot of cleaning products. You can buy earth-friendly cleaning products. You can also use baking soda, vinegar and lemon to clean tiles and other surfaces;
  • Do not leave lights on if not necessary. You can help to save energy;
  • Do not let the water run for longer as what is necessary. Preserve water;
  • Save money by insulating you home. It keeps hot air in when cold and the cold air in when hot;
  • Make sure there are no cracks and openings by the window frames and doors’
  • A laptop uses less energy than a desktop and it also saves you space;
  • Some paints are toxic. Zero-voc paints are safe and cost a little bit more than the traditional paints;
  • If you are not using an appliance then leave it unplugged;
  • Use free and clear laundry detergent;
  • Energy Star rated appliances meet a strict standard of energy usage;
  • Use CFL light bulbs. They last longer and cost a little bit more initially, but can save money on the long run.
  • Wash in cold water and save energy;
  • Most cities have recycling centers and bins. Here you can dump metal, glass, and paper, cardboard and plastic. Do your recycling and save the environment.

 

With a little extra trouble we can all contribute in order to keep the world safe and clean. Every bit helps.

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LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS:

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

luxury home LIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS:

Great Cheyenne events not to be missed:

  • Monthly Chamber Luncheon: February 10, 2012; Time: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM. Mayor or City Manager: What is Best for Cheyenne? Come learn the pros and cons of a Mayoral form of government and a City Planner form of government for Cheyenne. A panel of three experts will discuss the issue and answer your questions: Mark Collins from the University of Wyoming and George Parks from the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM).
  • Don’t miss the Western States Hockey League’s action between the Cheyenne Stampede-versus-Idaho Jr. Steelheads, 11:30AM Sunday the 29th of January 2012 at the Cheyenne Ice and Events Center. Tickets are available on the Teams Website.

The book “The Millionaire Next Door”, written by Dr. Thomas Stanley, stands out because it is a classic in the personal finance world. One of the key principals in the book centers on living below your means (regardless of income level, profession or status). Specifically the author talks about how most millionaires live in modest homes in solid neighborhoods. Using this principle, it is important for a young couple to purchase the most suitable home in order to start their financial life on the right foot.

Often, very competitive couples strive to purchase a home in an area with a reputation for great schools. There is nothing inherently wrong with looking for a home in a community with good schools. There is usually a premium to get into the neighborhood. Add to that the right car and the right accessories for the neighborhood. You can continue to add to this list, e.g. highly fertilized grass and slate patios. Not long or the couple is living way beyond their means!

Before you start looking for a home, ask the lender to pre approve you. With your pre approved letter you can show sellers that you are serious about buying. Take your time and calculate in order to make 100% sure you can afford the payment. Or else you can find a cheaper home. Take into account your living expenses e.g. utility bill, groceries, daycare, transport etc. and all your debts that need to get paid on a monthly basis.

So, how do you figure out how to buy the home that is suitable for you so that you can live your dream? Let your Real Estate Agent assist and guide you. A good real estate agent should have the knowledge, expertise and should be in the best situation to guide you into buying the best home that suits you.

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NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE ACTION!

January 22, 2012 By 1 Comment

nice blue pool NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE ACTION!If you are eager to buy your home but are waiting for prices to decrease even more, you might take too long and give up a lot of advantages. The federal government is planning on stricter lending guidelines in four different areas:

  • The type of mortgage;
  • The minimum down payment;
  • The debt ratios of the buyer;
  • The FICO score of the purchaser;

The 30 year fix rate mortgages have been scrutinized for some time now. It appears that some in government want to take over the idea of mortgage process of other countries. The Canadian mortgages stretches over 25 years with an interest rate to renegotiate every five years. You will pay less if the interest rates are low and more if the interest rates are high. The fix rate is two percent higher than the going rate at the time of your closing.

Would the same happen in this country? Last week, Housing Wire quoted Janis Bowdler, senior policy analyst at the National Council of La Raza: “Without some form of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, replacements to support these popular loans, many first time borrowers will be shut out”. He also said: “Without that guarantee lenders would not offer 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, at least not at rates the average person could afford. Yes, some would be available but not for the average family but for those with a large amount of inherited wealth they can put to a large down payment.”

In order to have sufficient money for living expenses, it is good to have a mortgage at the lowest interest rate and for the longest time possible. The mortgage rates will increase from historic lows, the 30 year fixed rate may disappear and the rents will return to historic norms of 3% annual increases.Now is a good time not to wait, but to take action.

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A HOME CAN GIVE YOU A SENSE OF PRIDE

January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

stone kitchen1 A HOME CAN GIVE YOU A SENSE OF PRIDEGeorge Santayana’s famous quote states that the family is one of nature’s masterpieces. It is every family’s desire to own a home. A home provides more than just a structure and a roof. Home is where memories are created. A home gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. Buying a home is exciting and fun. Do thorough research and take your time when buying the home that suits you and your family best.

Your first step is to get pre-approved by the lender:

Assemble the required documents to submit to the loan officer. The documents are usually 2 months recent bank statements; the most recent salary advice and proof of rent payments made over the last year. Draft a list of your monthly expenses. A well-informed loan officer should look at your monthly expenses to calculate for how much you qualify to buy a home. It is advisable to get more than just one quote. Compare the rates and the closing costs.

Find the most suitable home:

Work hand in hand with your Real Estate Agent. Your agent will know the area that you are interested in, best. Make sure you inform your agent to the best of your ability as to what home you have in mind. Be specific about your needs e.g. three bedrooms, fireplace and/or air conditioning etc.

Investigate the area:

Do a little research on your own. When buying a home it is good to keep in mind that you are buying into a neighborhood. Factors to investigate: Where is the nearest good quality school; is there public transport available; how safe is the area; is there noise pollution at certain hours; how accessible are the amenities from this home? Speak to the neighbors and get information about the safety of the neighborhood.

To make certain that your home buying is a joyful experience, your Real Estate Agent will provide you with the best service and advice. You will receive client focused approach, professionalism, market knowledge and experience.

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WHEN YOU ARE RELOCATING

January 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Relocating WHEN YOU ARE RELOCATINGThere are different reasons why people move to new areas. It is possible that you got transferred to another job or maybe you are looking for an area with more green spaces and better schools. It is a good idea to research the information of that specific area. The Chamber of Commerce can provide the new resident packet. Some of the information you would like to research can include:

  • Future planning developments;
  • Council tax bands and charges;
  • Local jobs and careers information;
  • School admission information;
  • Local parks and recreation areas;
  • Sports facilities;
  • Arts and leisure events and facilities;
  • Facilities for young people.

When you start to plan your move create a file where you can keep all your receipts and relevant information of importance. Do a proper budget for the moving expenses. Documentation you can arrange in the meantime includes:

  • Medical records and dental records;
  • Notify your bank of your new address;
  • Collect copies of financial and legal records you need;
  • Contact your insurance agent and arrange for insurance for your new home;
  • School records must be transferred to the new school;
  • Remember to end membership of health clubs you have joined;
  • Request veterinarian records;
  • Remember to return your library books.

First begin packing the items that you will not need soon. Defrost and clean your refrigerator at least a day before you move. Now is a good time to separate the items that you can do without and donate it to an organization for the needy. Dispose poisons and flammables. If you do not plan on planting your plants immediately once you arrived at your new home, give them away. Pack the essentials for the first day or night in your new home in a separate box and mark it clearly. Make arrangements for childcare on moving day.

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