Guide created by Bird-X a commercial pest control company
The House
So You’re Approved For A Mortgage…What Next?
Getting a mortgage for your first home is one of the most satisfying things you can experience as an adult. Being able to receive the acceptance and offer for a mortgage with a lender is a stressful situation at first and it is something which will truly make your day, week, month, or even your year.
Selling and buying property can be incredibly stressful and there are a lot of steps in the process which you will need to tackle. How would you know that now is the time to sell your home? How do you calculate the payment? What is your land tax for? These are all parts of the process which can confuse and stress you out.
However, nothing is more nail biting than putting an application in for a mortgage and waiting for the acceptance. This is what your whole journey will depend on and it is imperative that you get it right in order to move onto the next stage of the process.
So what happens when you do get the acceptance and you have that mortgage document in your hands? What’s next?
Go for a second viewing
After you have got the acceptance letter for your mortgage and everything is correct, it is time to head back to the house for a second viewing. There are some cases where a second viewing is like taking off your rose tinted glasses. If you have been in love with the idea of a home for so long, you likely missed things such as cracks and leaks in the walls the first time you saw the home up close. Now that you are able to put the money into the property, it is a good idea to head back and take another look. Make sure that this is the home you want to move into, warts and all.
Measure the rooms
When you are walking around the home for the second time, a good idea would be to bring a tape measure and begin measuring alcoves, windows, and walls to get an idea of what you can bring into the space from your current house. If you already have a home, this can indicate whether your sofa, chairs, and bedroom suites will fit or not, and if not, you can go out and buy a new furniture in preparation.
Source furniture
Buying new furniture for your home is always going to be one of the more fun aspects of the buying process, because here, you are finally getting to put your personal mark on the home. When looking for furniture remember to check on sites like eBay for second hand deals, second hand stores, antique shops, and look at local furniture stores as well as looking online at the big retailers. You could surprise yourself with the money you can save for a beautiful set of items.
Rent a storage unit
Once you have bought some new furniture for your house, you will need somewhere to store it for the time being while you wait for the exchange of contracts. A storage unit in your local area is the ideal place to keep items safe and it will ensure that you can start packing up your belongings and storing them in here for easy transport on moving day.
Plan moving day
Speaking of moving day, it is important for you to keep open communication with all parties in the move and you might want to plan your moving day early. The best day to move is Wednesday and there are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it’s cheaper because most people will choose the weekend. Secondly, there will be less traffic, so it is easier to get around. And thirdly, your new neighbors will likely be out at work so you can have the moving van coming in and out without inconveniencing your them.
Pick up the keys
Picking up the keys is the most exciting part of buying a home because this is the literal moment when ownership transfers to you for good. When the keys are placed in your hand, you now have a house, and it is time to call the troops for moving day.
Clean up
Before you move everything into your new home, it is important to carry out a thorough cleaning. Most sellers will clean their house before they move out as a nice gesture to the new owners. However, some people won’t clean at all. Once you step into the empty carcass of your home, it is the ideal chance for you to clean up a bit before you start packing all of your stuff into the rooms. Take the time the day before you move in to clean all of the carpets and let them dry. Make sure to vacuum anywhere and everywhere. Bleach and wipe the bathroom and kitchen. Make sure that your new home is spic and span when move in and this will make it much easier to keep on top of during that crucial settling in stage.
Moving day
Once the big clean is done and dusted it is time to move into your new home once and for all. Depending on what you have in terms of belongings, you’ll either want to use one massive truck, or you could rent a van such as Hertz in your local area and bring the items to the new house yourself. It is a great idea for you to invite family to the home and get them to help you with the process because it will often take a lot of hands and a lot of work to get everything into the home and in place. Before you use any water or electricity in your new home, make sure to read the meter and use this later on when you sign up with an energy provider. If the value isn’t the same as when the previous owner left, you’ll be charged for it.
Upgrade Your Living Situation in Atlanta with Online Real Estate
Thousands of local residents browse houses for sale in Atlanta via online real estate listings everyday. With virtual tours, detailed listings, and larger real estate sites make house hunting a breeze. If you’re looking to sell your home in Atlanta and upgrade to a better one, now is a good time. The Atlanta real estate market is strong, with many different enclaves and rich, vibrant neighborhoods, such as Smyrna, East Point, and Chamblee.
Why Sell Your Home in Atlanta Online
With more and more business being conducted over the internet, selling your current house fast and upgrading to your forever home in the greater Atlanta metro area can be fairly seamless. Simply list your house with a reputable online seller. Once your home is listed, you’ll have offers that you may accept or decline.
Pre-Approved Cash Buyers
Many buyers are ready to buy your house as-is, without some of the complications and concessions that traditional home buyers ask for at closing. These all-cash buyers are pre-approved and will offer a fair price for your home. This is attractive to many people, as they don’t have to wait through months of having their house show-ready or make the dozens of small repairs that can add up fast. The entire process can easily be completed with a few quick clicks using online real estate.
Little to No House Listing Times
Selling your home can be a lengthy process if you list with a traditional realtor. Home showings, plenty of cleaning and lots of small maintenance projects to put your home in the best light can make the sales process nail-biting and stressful for homeowners. When you choose to sell your Atlanta home online to an all-cash buyer, you can skip the headaches of making our house show-piece ready and instead proceed right to closing.
You Don’t have to Hire a Realtor
Finding a realtor that protects your interests is sometimes hard to come by. Getting recommendations from friends and family doesn’t always serve your best interest. Some real estate agents are way too busy to give you the time and tips you need to sell your house. If you want to make the home selling process even longer, you can reach out to the local National Association of Realtors in the greater Atlanta metro area to help you find a great representative that will select homes for you. Or, you may choose the easier route of selling your house online to an iBuyer.
With these iBuyer companies, you can jump online and take virtual tours of homes for sale in Atlanta that you’re interested in purchasing once you sell. Once you’ve found the perfect home, you can then take a physical tour. Many iBuyer companies allow you to self-tour the properties without even having or hiring an agent.
Explore Competitive Mortgage Lenders
Many sellers prefer all-cash offers; however, if you aren’t in a position to buy your Atlanta house straight out (and many homebuyers aren’t), there are options that can help you be more competitive with all-cash buyers. Applying for a home loan can easily be done online. Most lenders have applications on their websites and allow you to upload relevant documents online, securely.
Online House Search Made Simple
Buying and selling – even a house – can be reduced to a simple transaction as long as you have the right team working for you. From lenders that are ready to give you the financing to a reputable iBuyer, much of the legwork of home buying can be done via internet. In fact, you can easily request an offer through online real estate companies by entering your address and a few more home details, generally within 24-48 hours you’ll get an email with a purchase offer ready to go for you. The new age of real estate is here, and you do not have to spend months listing your site through a realty company.
Selling your Atlanta home and upgrading your living situation can be simple, using the internet. Choose reputable iBuyers, request an offer, and sit back and wait for that email to pop up in your inbox.
Common Plumbing Issues Discovered During a Home Renovation
Home renovation shows make it seem fairly simple to upgrade your home. You simply hire the contractors, consult with an interior designer, set the budget, and wait for the magic to happen. While it would be nice if it were that smooth all the time, the truth is, there are often bumps in the road during a renovation. Contractors run into problems on occasion that stalls progress until the matter is addressed. Of all the things that could be discovered during a home renovation, plumbing issues are often the most common. As the plumbing is within the walls and ceilings of the property, homeowners often take an out of sight, out of mind approach. It isn’t until demolition and installations begin that these issues are discovered.
While there isn’t much you can do other than have the issue repaired, being knowledgeable of what to expect during your renovation is recommended. Below, is a brief look at some of the most common plumbing issues.
Inefficient Flow or Temperature
When renovating parts of the home like the kitchen or bathroom where plumbing is present, contractors often turn the water off and on to test the plumbing system and new devices being installed. During these tests, if the flow or temperature of the water is off the issue has to be addressed.
Low-flowing water could mean you have an issue with your hot water heater pressure. This, coupled with issues keeping hot water steamy are telltale signs that you need a hot water heater replacement. There are plenty of efficient and cost-effective options for you to consider.
Hidden Leaks
Leaky pipes aren’t always easy to spot. However, when walls are exposed and torn down in a renovation, they become visible. It is during this time that contractors discover hidden leaks. Dripping water, damp spots, and the presence of mold are all signs that there is a leak.
Fortunately, leaks can easily be fixed by a plumbing professional. Depending on the cause and severity of the leak, they can simply replace outdated plumbing parts, tighten loose pipes, or seal the holes and cracks.
Slow Drains
Efficient plumbing systems are designed to bring clean water into the home and transport waste out. Without maintenance, however, this process becomes complicated. A buildup of metal, rust, minerals, and other debris in the pipes and poorly managed systems prevents waste from exiting the house properly. If your water isn’t draining properly, it could mean that your pipes are clogged or your septic tank is backed up.
Though one issue is worse than the other, a plumbing professional can diagnose the problem quickly. Using tools such as a plumbing snake, they can dig deep into the pipes to try and loosen up anything clogging it. If a clog isn’t the issue, they can immediately schedule to have your tank flushed.
Outdated Plumbing
If you reside in an older home it is very possible that your plumbing system is outdated. One sign of this include the types of materials and metals the system is comprised of. If it is discovered that your pipes have lead in them, for example, you’d need to have them replaced as lead is very dangerous – especially for small children. Other signs include multiple leaks or cracks, strange sounds, discolored, or smelly water.
If it is determined during your renovation that your plumbing system is outdated, you’ll want to have this serviced above all else. Though there may be other options, ignoring the problem or patching it up could lead to serious damage in the future including leaks, water damage, mold exposure, or structural damage. Replacing your plumbing can be expensive, but in the end, is worth it. There are lots of new efficient and affordable options to consider upgrading to.
Undertaking a home renovation project is huge. The idea is to create a home that looks like it came right out of a magazine. Yet, getting from point a to point b isn’t always as easy as it’s made to appear. The truth is, there can be bumps in the road along the way. That’s why it’s always best to work with plumbing professionals throughout the course of your renovation to ensure your home is not only aesthetically appealing but safe and healthy.
How to Plan a Smooth Home Renovation
Having the means and opportunity to plan a home renovation project is a rewarding feeling. It’s a chance to not only make your place up-to-date but a method for creating a safer, more accommodating space to live in. Not to mention, when done right it can increase your property value. As you anxiously get started on your renovation project, keep in mind there’s more to it than choosing color schemes and tiles.
In fact, home renovations can take days to plan and even longer to complete. Without taking the proper steps, your vision for your house could fall apart. You may not be able to control every aspect of your home renovation but to ensure things are smooth-sailing, keep these tips in mind.
Budget for Contingencies
Most people know that they need a budget for home renovation projects, however, they forget to leave some wiggle room. If you’ve seen even one home improvement show or talked to someone who’s had renovations in the past, you know that things sometimes happen. It may be determined that during your renovation that you need someone who specializes in residential and commercial air conditioning unit repairs to fix your cooling system before the project can ensue. Hidden water damage to support beams, chewed up electrical wires, and a host of other issues could happen and you need to be prepared financially.
Know When You Need a Home Renovation Contractor
Some homeowners try to complete renovation projects on their own as a way of saving money. Though it can be cheaper to roll up your sleeves and do things yourself if you really have no idea what you’re doing it could backfire. Rather than do damage and end up having to hire a professional anyway it’s best to know your limits. Anything that’s too extensive, outside of your area of expertise, or requires a permit should probably be handled by the pros.
Hire the Right Contractors
If you realize that you’re going to need an expert to help you with your renovation be sure that you do your research. Hiring just anyone could be just as disastrous as trying to complete something on your own with no experience. Try to select at least three contractors to compare. Do some research to find out about their educational background, professional experience, and customer rapport. Someone who has graduated from construction management school has several years as a contractor, and offers you positive references to back up their work is the right person for the job. Make sure they are experienced in.
Declutter
Once you have your budget and you’ve hired the best contractors for your home renovation you need to get the house prepared. To reduce the likelihood of someone getting hurt or your things being damaged during the renovation it is recommended that you declutter and get rid of as much as you can. So, if you were having your kitchen renovated, you’d want to remove your dishes, cookware, and possibly your appliances to give the contractors room to work.
Plan for Kids and Pets
Keeping your children and pets out of harm’s way is imperative during a renovation. If you’re going to be staying in the house during the renovation, putting up safety gates to block off the work zone is ideal. You should set up another area of the home for you all to reside in until the project is done. If, however, you’ve decided to relocate during the renovation then you’ll want to consider your family routine and determine where is the best place to go to continue with your daily activities. Whether you’re going to stay with a relative or reserve a hotel room you want to do this in advance.
It’s nice to be able to invest in your home to make it function and look just how you want it to. Yet, there’s a lot more to planning a home renovation than most homeowners are aware of. In order to ensure yours goes off without a hitch, keep the above-mentioned advice in mind. If all goes according to plan, the end results will blow your mind.
How to Reinvent Your Home
Your home is like anything else. Eventually, you’re going to get bored with it. There’s no reason to have the same interior design scheme forever. Human beings thrive on change. Now that everyone has access to the internet (you can go online for free at public libraries), you can become your own designer. If you want to give your home a new vibe, there are a ton of things you can do. Here are a few of your options.
Paint
A fresh paint job always looks good. Even if you simply refresh your old color. Painting the interior of your home is very different than painting the exterior. Most people can handle painting their home’s interior on their own, especially the smaller rooms. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they want to. Painting your home takes a lot of time. Some people don’t want to devote any of their free time to home improvement projects.
Painting your home’s exteriors is much harder. You’re better off hiring professional house painters rather than trying to do it yourself. Your house will look better and the job will be completed much sooner. For more information about the benefits of using professional painters, go here https://teaberry.net/professional-painters/.
New Design Pieces
Most homes are filled with things like knickknacks, personal pictures, design pieces, etc. If you change them, it will automatically give your home a new look. Try switching up the family photos you have on display. It’ll give your eyes something new to look at. You should also check out your knickknacks. If you need design inspiration, look online. There are tons of sites devoted to interior design. Before you start the project, it’s a good idea to set a budget. There’s no limit to the amount of money you could potentially spend. It’s easier to stop overspending if you know your budget before you start shopping.
Cover the Floors
A fantastic rug can completely change the way you feel about a room. You can pick a bold design that immediately draws people’s eye. The best place to do this is in your living room. That’s usually the social center of the house. A good rug is often very expensive. However, they last a long time if you take care of them. Think about no longer wearing shoes inside. You can also look into an inexpensive rug. They won’t last as long but they’re also much easier to replace. You should be able to find an appealing rug either way.
Clean Up
You might be feeling lackluster about your home because it’s dirty. Dirt is extremely distracting. The nicest mansion in Beverly Hills would look ugly if it were never cleaned. If you’re naturally a messy person, changing your habits can be hard. You can try to help yourself by creating a cleaning schedule. On Mondays you clean the bathrooms, on Tuesdays you dust, etc.
We live in a service economy. So, if you don’t like the idea of being responsible for keeping your property looking spic and span, hire a professional cleaner. Even having someone do a deep clean once a month would make a big difference.
Fix Your Yard
Real estate agents love to talk about curb appeal. An attractive yard plays a big role in that. If you let your yard get too messy, your own enjoyment of your home may decrease. You won’t be as happy when you pull into your driveway. If the idea of doing yardwork fills you with dread, think about adopting a desert-style yard. You use rocks instead of grass. It’s much easier to maintain. Or, you can hire a landscaper. If you decide to do the work yourself, make sure you do it regularly. Grass and weeds can grow out of control if they’re not checked.
Your home is your castle. You should want it to look amazing whether you’re living in it or trying to sell it. People crave comfortable surroundings. Changing your design scheme is easy in modern times. You can look at ideas and have items shipped online. You can use apps like TaskRabbit to find someone to help you with any installation, heavy lifting, etc.
Don’t be afraid to try something unique. If you hate it, the change will be easy to roll back. Take lots of before and after pictures. You want to reference past design schemes in the future. Ready to get started? Do it today! There’s no reason to put your plans off.
Flooring Enhancements for Your House
Laminate Flooring
This is a staple floor covering of living rooms and recreational spaces because of its durability and ease of installation. Many people are pleasantly surprised with the price, as it is around half as much as traditional hardwood. Fabrication involves making a composite out of pressed wood that can withstand scratching and denting. There are many finishes and colors available to fit the theme of your home. Cleaning is a snap with implements such as a vileda promist max. A job covering an average sized area can be completed in a weekend with minimal tools. The pieces are built to snap together snugly and there are no nails or glue involved. Remember to leave enough room around the edges under the trim to allow for expansion in the summer months due to humidity.
Tile Coverings
Tile is a modern look that can capture the envy of your guests and is practical for kitchens and bathrooms. When done correctly, spills and splashes are contained and will not seep and cause damage to the wood underneath. Ceramic and slate are economical choices to use and may be configured to showcase the design of your choice. These tough and dependable plates are fixed into place using adhesive and are finished off with grout between the squares. Another type that boasts a luxurious look is porcelain. Although it is slightly more expensive, the strength of this floor covering is greater and its water resistance is unmatched. Consider in-floor heat when setting up your floor and treat your feet when the weather turns chilly.
Resinous Coatings
Poured epoxy has been gaining traction as a floor covering in recent years. When utilizing this approach, your creative side will be on display. A clear coat of resin is applied over whatever you design underneath. For those with artistic flair, paint an ocean scene with marine wildlife or a jungle theme for your child’s room. Three-dimensional effects are also possible with this method. The substance adds a stunning sheen when applied over standard surfaces also. Its longevity is solid and maintenance is stress-free.
Whenever you decide to start renovating or replacing your existing flooring, take a look at flooring gold coast.
Make Your Palace Private With Fencing
Fencing has come such a long way. There are many materials, styles, colors, and purposes to fencing; you will need a couple of coffees to be able to make a decision on what to choose. When you own a home, fencing can serve so many purposes. One of the main purposes of a fence for a homeowner is safety. Whether you need a fence to keep your kids and dogs safe, or you need fencing to keep people and their dogs out, you have great choices. Fencing can also be decorative in the garden and serve as a visual boundary for your property. Here is a look at some of the great fencing options for homeowners.
Fencing for Safety
Having small children or grandchildren when owning a home is fun, but safety is of the utmost importance. Teaching kids about what is safe and where they need to be careful are usually not enough. Fencing in the front and back yard is a good way to keep children and pets safe. The fence gives kids a boundary by which to play inside of. This helps give parents peace of mind. Fencing can easily prevent unwanted visitors from entering your property. If someone sees an opportunity, they will go for it. Fencing can make someone think twice before soliciting at a home, stealing porch packages, or bothering the homeowner’s privacy. A troublemaker is usually lazy and will go for the house that has no fencing.
Types of Fencing
There is some really great material to choose from in fencing. Composite, high-quality wood, steel, synthetic and vinyl fencing are available today. Colors vary with different materials. Wood can always stay as is, be stained, or painted any color. The other materials can come in browns, whites, blacks, and various other natural colors. You always want to go with the type of fencing that fits well with the style of your house. Trex fencing Utah is a great place to start looking at the possibilities for fencing. Finding fencing around houses similar to yours is a good place to start for ideas.
Don’t Forget the Gate
Whenever you have a fence you have to have a gate so you can get in and out of the fenced area. Choosing a gate can be fun because you can create a look with different types of gates. You create a very high end look to your yard with a fancy looking gate. There are also hidden gates for some fences if you like to be discrete. Gates come with all types of locks so you do not need to worry about people you do not know just walking through your gate.
Proper Height For Fencing
Every neighborhood has a different policy on what is allowed for the height of a fence. The average height of a fence is about 6 feet. Most people do not tower over 6 feet, so this height is usually okay for most people. Some communities might require you to get approval for fence heights. You might live away from people and have fewer ordinances that will allow you to have a higher fence. You just have to check your local community laws and follow what is legal.
The Fence Look
The possibilities are endless to create an amazing front or backyard with fencing. Fencing can add so much to a garden. A fence that looks good can make people forget that it is a division for some reason. We always want to keep our neighbors happy. Fencing can be more of an architectural piece. When you think of a fence as part of the design of your house, you can impress yourself and others by creating something that looks great.
Fencing usually adds value to your home for security and privacy reasons. The cost of a fence is moderate. You can also control how much you spend on fencing by size. In the hectic crowded world, you can come home to your own little private palace garden with the installation of a great looking fence.
