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How to Get More Money for Your House

You’d be surprised at the amount of people who upon asking themselves “How much is my house worth?” realize they don’t actually know the answer. While a professional comprehensive estimate is often a huge eye-opener, even something as quick and easy as an online home value calculator can be pretty, well, valuable. Your home might not be worth as much as you think, or it might be worth even more. The only way to know is to find out.

Make some changes

A great thing about owning real estate is that you’re never entirely at the whims of the housing market when it comes to determining value. Quite the contrary, you can literally control the value of your property, at least to an extent. The adage “leave things better than how you found them” is good advice not just for life, but for selling your house as well. Major changes like adding a deck, swimming pool, or garage can boost your home’s value greatly, but it doesn’t have to be that drastic. Even inexpensive renovations such as adding a light to your front porch, repainting the living room, or changing the door knobs can help.

Time things right

Like in any other market, values in real estate fluctuate over time. Housing has its up periods and its down periods. Pay attention to what experts are saying to get an idea if now is a good time to sell. If you’re not in a position to hold onto your property until the market changes, even the time of year can have a big effect on your selling potential. In many areas, spring is the season where most buyers come out of hibernation. More buyers means a greater likelihood that your ideal price is also someone else’s.

Cut your costs

Closing costs can often be trimmed if you know where to cut. If you’re working with a realtor, for example, negotiate to pay a lower percentage commission in exchange for employing them again when you’re the one doing the buying. Or forgo the realtor entirely and sell your home yourself (though be warned, doing the work an agent would normally do for you can be an expensive prospect when you don’t know what you’re doing). If you’re expected to pay the buyer’s closing costs, as is common, factor that into your initial asking price. Often times the best way to make more money is by simply spending less.

Top Plumbing Scams – How Not To Get Ripped Off

Written By Elisha French

Certified Master Plumber in the State Of Texas

Owner of https://friscotxplumbers.com

If there’s an opportunity or a profession that features a lot of money being made, you can be certain there are going to be unscrupulous individuals looking for ways to take advantage of the situation.

The plumbing industry is a good example of this. It’s one of the leading service industries in the United States, filled with mostly honest, hard-working people trying to make a living for their families.

But there are certainly some bad apples as well, people who should be avoided at all costs. They can be difficult at times to weed out, but reading online reviews and checking with the local chamber of commerce before making a hiring decision can certainly help.

There are many scams that these individuals attempt to run, and some show up over and over again. So be on the lookout for some of the more popular ones, so you can avoid becoming a victim yourself.

The Materials Switch Scam

As the name suggests, this scam involves a plumber billing you for a high-end product and then replacing that product with one that’s inferior in quality and not likely to last as long.

To beat this scam, you really need to be on-site when the work is being performed. If the work has already been completed, there’s not a whole lot you can do other that filing a complaint and/or writing a negative review of the company.

One way to stay on top of things is to ask to see the part just before the plumber installs it. Check it over and make sure that you’re getting what you paid for.

If you haven’t received an invoice, or don’t yet know what you’re going to be charged for, ask to see the parts anyway and make a note of what’s being installed. If the invoice doesn’t match your notes, call the plumber on it.

The Extra Workers Scam

If you hire a plumber to do a job in your home and you begin noticing many more people milling about that you intended, this should definitely send up a red flag in your mind.

Some less than honest plumbers will sign on for a job and then begin subbing parts of the job out to associates, oftentimes family members who are out to make a quick buck.

The plumber will come back and tell you that this is a common practice and that they don’t have any control over what these “associates” charge.

To combat this, you really need to have a contract in place before the work actually begins. Short of that, you can put a halt to all work currently being done until you have more clarification from the plumber regarding the situation.

The one thing you don’t want to do is wait until the job is complete before bringing it up. By then, it’s too late and you’re likely going to be stuck with paying the invoice in full.

The Padding The Invoice Scam

If you live in a nice neighborhood and have a high-end home with luxury cars in the driveway, you have a good chance of being victimized by a plumber who you haven’t thoroughly vetted ahead of time.

Some plumbers may pad their invoices as much as 50 to 100 percent in these situations, so you definitely need to keep an eye out for that.

To prevent this from happening, obtain estimates from a few different plumbers and see what shakes out. This could well open your eyes to a scam in the making.

The Floating Estimate Scam

If a plumber, or any service professional for that matter, tells you that he’s keeping a running total of things in his head and that he’ll provide a written estimate at a later date, stop immediately and have a heart to heart conversation.

This is extremely important! If you don’t get an estimate in writing, then you have no way of protecting yourself down the road when you get hit with that expensive invoice.

Plumbers who engage in this scam are usually very smooth operators, convincing you that they’re on the level and that things will work out in the end.

But just remember to always, always, always get things in writing before any work begins! It’s the only way to protect yourself from these types of individuals.

 

3 Things To Teach Your Kids About Staying Safe At Others’ Homes

When your kids are at your home, you can supervise them to whatever extent you want or need. But as soon as your kids leave the house without you, you have to trust that what you’ve taught them when they were in your home will help to keep them safe while they’re away.

To ensure that you’ve taught your children all they need to keep themselves safe in all types of situations in which they’ll find themselves throughout their young lives, here are three of the things that you should teach your kids about staying safe when they’re at someone else’s home so they don’t get hurt on their property or otherwise taken advantage of.

Set Clear Rules About Guns

Because kids are naturally curious, it’s important that you set certain rules about safety that will help to ensure that your kids don’t get too curious about the wrong things and wind up hurting themselves. These types of boundaries are especially important when it comes to things like weapons.

According to AhaParenting.com, one rule you might want to teach or instill in your children is to never be in the same room with a gun. Whether that gun is loaded or not, if your kids know that they’re not allowed to be around guns or people who are holding guns, they’ll be able to avoid a lot of potential for harm or danger to themselves or others.

Good Touch And Bad Touch

One of the scariest threats to your child is physical or sexual abuse. To teach your kids how to avoid and identify this type of behavior, SafeHome.org advises that you teach your kids about good touches and bad touches. While there is some amount of physical contact that’s going to be okay, if anyone tries to touch your kids in their private areas or make secrets about their bodies, you should inform your kids about how to react in these situations.

The best thing to teach them about this is to scream and yell if someone tries to touch them in a way they don’t like. And if something they don’t like does happen, make sure your kids know that they can and should come to you with this information.

Safe Media

Different families have different ideas about what media is appropriate for their kids. So if you have strict guidelines about what you want your kids to watch or play, it’s vital that you teach your kids how to say “no” to something they shouldn’t see or play.

To better protect your kids in this way, Katherine Lee, a contributor to Very Well Family, advises that you speak with the parents of the house your child will be at to help your kids adhere to the rules you’ve set out for them.

If you allow your kids to spend time at their friends’ houses, consider using the tips mentioned above to teach them how to keep themselves safe while there.

3 Tips For Finding The Best Home Loan Offer For Your Financial Situation

If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you’re probably also looking for any way that you can save yourself some money in the process. While there are various ways that you can save here and there, one of the biggest and most impactful ways to save money when buying a new home is to ensure that you get the best possible home loan offer.

For those who don’t have much experience with getting a home loan, you might not know exactly what to look for in a great home loan offer. So to help you navigate these waters, here are three tips for finding the best home loan offer for your financial situation.

Come In With A Great Credit Score

To qualify for a great home loan offer, you first have to be a great applicant. One of the biggest factors in this, according to Jennifer Bradley Franklin, a contributor to Bankrate.com, is to have an outstanding credit score.

The better your credit score is, the better your chances are of getting a great home loan offer that has a lower interest rate. So if your credit score currently isn’t where it could or should be, you may want to spend some time working on that. To do this, you could limit the amount of debt you have, ensuring that you’re paying all your bills on time, and stop applying for additional lines of credit before you start applying for home loans.

Get Multiple Quotes

In order to know that you’re getting the best possible home loan offer for your financial situation, you’ve got to get multiple quotes from multiple lenders.

When you get these quotes, Beth Buczynski, a contributor to NerdWallet.com, recommends that you pay particular attention to what the APR, or annual percentage rate, is and what, if any, origination fees you’ll be paying. With this information, you should be able to compare which offer is going to make the most sense for you.

Work With A Good Mortgage Broker

If you don’t feel like you’re up to doing all the research and work of finding the best home loan offer all by yourself, Tobie Stanger, a contributor to Consumer Reports, shares that you can always choose to work with a mortgage broker.

A mortgage broker is someone who will shop for your mortgage for you. Keep in mind, however, that it’s the banks that pay the mortgage broker, so you’ll want to research brokers carefully before you choose one to work with.

To help you make the best choice when buying a home and acquiring a home loan, consider implementing some of the tips mentioned above.

Home Upgrades To Maximize Your Equity

Conquering home improvement projects can make your house more liveable, but home improvement is also a great way to add value to your property’s price tag. If you ever intend to sell your home, boosting its equity will assure a bigger check.

Get the best ROI (return on investment) by researching which upgrades make the most impact on your equity. Take the time now to read through a brief overview, featuring a handful of home improvements, that will boost your equity by more than a handful of cash.

Take it to the kitchen

The kitchen is the most trafficked room in your home. Anything you invest in upgrading your kitchen (within reason) is going to bring back close to a hundred percent of your investment.

However, you have to consider the upgrade. Be reasonable. Don’t add gold trimming to laminate countertops. Research which kitchen upgrades make the most difference, and consider what you want to do from there.

Add square footage when possible

If your home has an unfinished basement or attic space, finishing the space could become a lucrative investment. Anytime you add liveable square footage to your floor plan you add value to your home.

The cost of drywall, flooring, and some paint is far less than you’ll get from listing your home as a three-bedroom instead of a two-bedroom. You’ll also have more room for yourself and your family while you are living in your home.

Spruce up the exterior

The exterior of your home matters too. It’s worth the investment to spend money maintaining your landscaping. You may want to add an outdoor living space as well.

While you spend time living in your home, make small upgrades here and there. You may also consider getting a fresh paint job on the exterior of your home every 5-10 years to keep it looking as good as new.

Upgrading energy efficiency

Anytime you can upgrade your home’s energy efficiency, you have an investment worth making. Upgrade your home’s HVAC unit, the appliances in the kitchen, your washer and dryer, and the windows and doors sealing your home can be upgraded.

When your home is more energy-efficient, you’ll save money while living there. When you sell, you’ll capitalize further on your efficiency investment.

Minor bathroom upgrades are lucrative

You don’t have to completely overhaul your bathrooms to make a lucrative investment. Try doing a minor upgrade yourself. There are several simple jobs in the bathroom that you and your family can handle without calling in the pros.

Recaulk your bathtub. Replace the vanity. Slap a fresh coat of paint on the room, and call it done. You’ll see just how much a simple upgrade can change the aesthetic of the room.

 

Living Small: Why and How to Do It

In today’s economy, people are becoming cash strapped as they spend their income on big homes, flash cars, fancy food and entertainment. In this post we are going to explore why you should consider living small and how to go about moving to a minimalist lifestyle.

Why you should live small

Modernisation and industrialisation were both a blessing and a curse. Even though today we are extremely fortunate for the useful gadgets, fancy foods and spacious homes that we have, we don’t actually need them to lead a fulfilling life. If you look back to hundreds of years ago, our ancestors lived very basic yet happy lives with basic food supplies, a small home and only enough changes of clothes to last a week or less.

Think about the amount of stuff that you own and never use such as clothes, toys or electronics. All of these things had to be made using processes and materials which all contribute to a negative impact on our environment. Plus, by not spending as much money on things you don’t really need, you are able to save more for your future.

While we don’t need to step back into another time to live small, there are ways that we can reduce our carbon footprint on the world, spend less and save more, and ultimately live a happier life.

How to live small

1) Do you really need that much space?

Large homes are often a symbol of success, but usually a lot of the space goes unused. Tiny homes are becoming extremely popular with people who want to live small and there are some great designs to make excellent use of space. And instead of using traditional building materials, you can opt for more cost-effective options such as used shipping containers.

2) Get rid of clutter

Many of us hate the thought of throwing things out, but then we end up with a house full of clutter and not enough space to store things. Take a weekend to declutter your home and throw out or give away to charity anything you don’t really need or haven’t used in a long time.

3) Think about the food you buy

Food waste is a huge problem. The more food you buy, the more you spend, and the greater strain on our resources. Before heading to the supermarket, make a weekly meal plan and decide exactly which items you need to buy and the quantity so there will be zero waste at the end of the week. You should also consider the types of food you buy. Eating organically is not only better for you but is also better for the environment.

4) Learn to be content with what you have

Rushing out to buy the new iPhone may seem like something you need to do, but is there really anything wrong with your current phone? Too often we want the latest and greatest things, but we can be content with the things that we have if they are still in working order.

Living small can have different definitions for different people, but it doesn’t need to be as scary as you might think. If you start to consider your spending and lifestyle habits, you can gradually move to a minimalist lifestyle that is kinder on your wallet and the environment.

4 Tips For Navigating Dementia With A Family Member

Caring for an older loved one isn’t always easy, particularly if they suffer from dementia. There are many things to deal with between their emotions and sometimes difficult behavior. Not only it difficult for you as a caregiver, but it’s also complicated for the person navigating the illness with them. In order to make sure that everyone adjusts as well as they can, it’s important to know the right techniques.

By equipping yourself with the right advice and pointers, you can make things a little easier for everyone. Here are some of the best tips for handling a dementia patient.

Get a Diagnosis

At first, you may not want to believe that your family member is displaying dementia-like symptoms. The idea of sending them to a nursing home breaks your heart, and you may want to explore alternatives to sending them to a care facility. However, it’s important to make sure that you know exactly what you’re dealing with before you make a decision. Getting a diagnosis is critical.

Not every doctor is experienced in knowing the right signs to look for. Therefore, you may want to look into talking to a specialist. That way, you can be sure you’ve got the answers that you need as well as advice on how to move forward.

Keep Communication Simple

When someone has dementia, they can get overwhelmed by details. Try to keep interaction simple and to the point. Keep your sentences simple and ask questions that require a simple yes or no.

Try to maintain eye contact and always speak slowly. They can get confused and flustered easily. Always make an effort to remember that they don’t communicate the same way as you.

Be Patient

It can be challenging to understand what is going on and how to respond to it all. Rather than getting frustrated and hopeless, try to stay patient. You may want to consider a support group with other people going through a similar experience.

In addition to caring for your loved one, you should also take the time to give yourself what you need. Self-care is an essential part of being able to care for someone else. Caring for your own needs means that you’ll have enough to be able to give back to your loved one.

Don’t Forget The Power Of Touch

Most dementia experts will tell you that your loved one can benefit hugely from simple gestures of touch. Anything from holding their hand to stroking their face can be incredibly helpful for them.

They need reassurance during the confusion. It’s incredibly helpful if you provide it for them in the form of physical touch and affection.

 

Home Maintenance Tips For Responsible Homeowners

If you spend all the time and money it takes to purchase a home, you’ll want to do all you can to make sure that home stays in good repair for as long as you occupy its space. Keeping up with the maintenance on your home will also work to save you money over time.

You won’t have to pay to replace the big-ticket items in your home as often or as soon when you take the necessary steps to preserve their condition. Take a few moments now to read through a brief look at some home maintenance tips you’ll want to follow in order to be a responsible homeowner.

Monthly home maintenance routines

There are things around your home that you should do regularly every month. If you’re new to homeownership, consider these tasks each month to maintain the integrity of your house.

  • Check the HVAC filter (and change if dirty).
  • Clean out the sink disposal.
  • Spray for pests to avoid termite damage in your home.
  • Inspect your fire extinguisher.
  • Test the auto-reverse function on your garage door.
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.

What to check annually on your home

Winter – Check for air leaks around doors and windows to keep your home warm and your energy costs down during the winter. Keep an eye out for ice buildup around your home that may cause damage to the exterior of the structure.

Spring – Get your HVAC unit ready to combat the heat of the summer. Consider having it serviced at least once per year. Check and clean residual debris from your gutters, and give the garden a little pick-me-up.

Summer – Get outside in the sunshine to look over the integrity of your deck and other parts of your home. Check that all your plumbing is functioning with ease, and clean the exterior portion of your dryer vent. Lint buildup is a fire hazard.

Fall – When the leaves fall in the Autumn, your gutters can get mucked up. Inspect and clean out your gutters. Flush out the hot water heater to remove excess sediment buildup. Clean out your chimney for warm nights by the fire, and check your sump pump to keep the basement dry.

Look at these things every couple of years

You should test your hot water heater’s pressure release valve every two years. It’s good to know it will work in the case of an emergency. Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum the dust off of your refrigerator coils.

Take steps to defend against water

Water is your home interior’s worst enemy. More homes deal with damage from water than any other perpetrator. Also, understand the maintenance and function of your home’s sump pump to protect against basement water leaks.

 

How to Maximize the Use of Your Skincare Products

If you have several steps in your skincare routine, you’ve probably invested some money in the whole system. Even if each item costs average, in total, they all cost a fortune. It could have been taken away from your food allowance, savings or other spending on yourself. It’s not a waste of money if you use it wisely, though.

Here’s how you can do just that. 

Stick to a Product Until You Finish It

One of the reasons a product feels like a waste of money is because you don’t see the results. If you’ve only been using it for a week and you’ve already decided to replace it, that’s a waste of money. Instead of doing this, stick to a product until you’ve used up all of it. The exemption, of course, is if your skin is reacting negatively to it. If that’s the case, see if you can return the item or give it to your friend for them to use. Even better, discuss a trade; they’ll have your barely used product if they replace it with a product you want to try as an alternative. If you give them a good deal, you’re essentially getting a new product at a discounted price–without throwing away any unused product.

Try Sample Sizes

A product may be the most friendly for all skin types, but you still can’t guarantee that you will not have negative reactions. This is why it’s recommended that you try sample sizes when buying a particular product for the first time. After you’ve proven that that face toner works well on your skin, you can buy it online at bigger quantities. This lessens the possibility of waste, and helps you transition to a different product in case something doesn’t work out for you.

Have a Manageable Routine 

You’re tempted by all the seemingly wonderful products you see online, and you want to buy them all. The problem is that you may not have the time or the knowledge to use them all in one go. If you barely have the time to do a basic skincare routine, buying complicated serums will not suddenly make you an expert. Each product you buy should come with the commitment that you will use them–and that you have time to do so; otherwise, they will definitely be a waste of money.

Watch Before You Purchase

There is no fee for watching beauty vloggers try different products and show you how to use them. With every watch, you get to see how easy or difficult they are to apply, and how effective they are on others. It’s like asking your friend to review their makeup for you. You get the insights without paying for the product until you’re completely sure. Just make sure the reviews you’re watching are unbiased so that the knowledge you’re accumulating will be honest and truthful.

Each purchase should be put to good use, whether you’re buying food or makeup. For your skincare purchase, be smart and be knowledgeable.

How to Plan a Romantic Getaway

When it comes to planning a trip for you and your special someone, it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating trying to make sure you get everything just right. How do you determine the location of your romantic weekend? Do you fill every moment with adventures and excursions or leave your schedule open to see what happens? You want to make sure everything goes perfectly, so let us help you out. Take a look at our top tips for planning a romantic getaway!

1. Choose the Location

With so many beautiful, romantic destinations, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to choose one for your special trip. Take a moment and consider a few factors. What is your budget? How is the weather? What do you and your significant other enjoy doing together?

If you’re trying to be frugal, consider a staycation at an Airbnb and explore the city as tourists. If it’s getting chilly and you are longing for some sunshine, consider taking a trip somewhere warm and exotic, such as a beach trip on the west coast or an excursion in Brazil. If you are both avid hikers and lovers of the outdoors, consider checking out some hotels near Zion National Park and plan a few days inside the park.

2. Get on the Same Page with Expectations

For some people, they hear “romantic getaway” and envision a couple days full of exciting adventures, discovering an exciting new place, and a whole lot of walking. Other people think of sleeping in and booking a couple’s massage. Make sure you are both on the same page in terms of what to expect on the trip. Consult with each other to determine how you can plan out your trip so you can both enjoy it. Unless it’s a surprise, in which case you could talk with a family member or close friend to get an idea of what your partner would like.

3. Plan Carefully

Once you have an idea of what the expectations are for the trip, do some research into what activities are available. You want it to be enjoyable for both of you, so while you might enjoy a day full of sightseeing, your partner might prefer to visit a nearby museum. Don’t feel like you have to fill every moment either! Giving yourself some free time in the mornings and evenings to relax and recuperate can provide the perfect balance for your trip.

You might also want to take into consideration the time of year you will be taking your romantic trip. Holidays can make many destinations pretty crowded, as can warm weather. Scheduling your getaway during the off-season is likely to provide smaller crowds and give you the opportunity to explore more freely.

4. Ask the Locals

Perhaps one of the oldest tips in the book is to talk to the locals about where to go, what to eat, and what to do during your stay. Sure, the tourist destinations and exciting sights are worth the trip. But chatting it up with some of the local residents can give you insight into opportunities and experiences that you probably wouldn’t know about otherwise. They can point out all of the best “hole-in-the-wall” food spots, and at the very least can give you easy-to-follow directions if you get lost.

5. Romance is in the Details

Sometimes the most romantic gestures are not the most elaborate. Show your affection for your significant other in small ways to take your getaway to the next level. Get some greeting cards and write little notes for them, and then hide the cards in various places throughout the vacation for them to find. Talk to the concierge at your hotel or resort and see what can be done in terms of floral arrangements or chocolates, and above all, make it a point to disconnect from technology. Turning your attention from your phone to your partner will perhaps be one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.