REAL ESTATE 101

Some loan rates can look great in an advertisement but don’t offer the whole story as to what you might ACTUALLY pay for the loan.

Points, PMI (private mortgage insurance), penalties, down payments and closing costs are also factors you need to consider.

When buying or selling a home, or refinancing a loan, understanding the contractual fine print and clauses can be overwhelming.  Know that I am here to help answer any questions you have. I have the experience and expertise to make sure you not only know your loans, but you also can sort out the options that make the most sense for you and your family.  Call me today to lean more!

TAKE FIVE – Five Handy Household Tips from your Neighborhood specialist

1. Stains in Plastic Storage Containers: Use a baking soda past (baking soda and water) and rub into the stain.  You can then rinse the vinegar (optional and wash normally.  Another method is to place container outside on a nice sunny day and the sun actually bleaches the stain out.  To avoid stains in the first place, spray container with cooking spray before putting things in it that stain i.e. spaghetti sauce.
2. Stickers, Decals, and Glue: To remove them from furniture, glass, plastic, etc. saturate with vegetable oil and rub off.
3. Stuck-On Food in Pots, Pans, and Crockpots: Fill the pan with water and place a fabric softener sheet in the water.  Allow the pan to soak overnight. The food will wipe right out!
4. Stovetops: To prevent grease and grime from sticking to your stove top, making it easy to clean, rub it down with car wax on occasion.
5. Tarnished Silverware: Line a cake pan with aluminum foil.  Fill with water and add 1 Tablespoon of baking soda per 2 cups of water.  Heat to 150 degrees. Lay silverware in pan, touching aluminum foil. Watch the stains disappear!

Environmental Reminders

• Do not bury or spread used motor oil on the ground as it will prevent anything from growing in that location for many years and may contaminate nearby water sources. To dispose of it, take it to your community recycling center.  By law, communities must have such a center, which may be located at an auto service or repair station, or at any station that sells or changes oil.  Diesel fuel, brake and transmission lubricants, lamp oil, and kerosene can also be brought to the recycling center.
• Whenever you apply pesticides, adhere strictly to the direction on the package.  Do not spray when temperatures are over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or when it is windy.

For all your real estate needs, contact me today 515/577-2412

When remodeling your home, any major repairs must yield increasing returns.  For example, if you spend $1000 to enhance part of your home, it must yield more than $1000 when you are ready to sell your home. These areas show increasing returns:

* Bathroom remodeling

* Master suite addition

* Bathroom addition

*Family room addition

* Roof replacement

* Window replacement

HIRING A REMODELING CONTRACTOR

*Get written estimates from at least three contractors

* Check references, including past clients

* Call local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints

* Make sure your contract is clear and specifies what the job entails, including time, price and changes.

* Do not pay in full. Make a down payment on services rendered.

* Check that all permits, licenses and insurance needs are met by the contractor.

* Many contracts have a 3-Day Rescission to protect you, should you change your mind!

* Ask who will do the work.  Will it be the contractor or what portion will be sub-contracted?

* Ensure that all work completed complies with local building codes and/or regulations.

* Hold contractors responsible for clean up and any damage that occurs during work completed.

* Guarantee that materials used are what you requested.

* Once you are satisfied, then make the final payment.

SHAMELESS PLUG -

If you are thinking about doing some remodeling or need some household repairs.  My husband Steve who has thirty years in the construction business – both in remodelling and home building – has just started up a General Contracting Business.  It is called S and G Contracting.  He has done both commercial and residential construction and has earned the National Association of Home Builders Master Builder Designation.  He has built hundreds of homes in the Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee and western suburbs. Not just a few homes but complete developments.  His price range goes from $180’s up to a few million in the custom Mastercraft neighborhoods.  Since he is starting out, no job is too small or too large. He is a carpenter by trade but also has quality sub-contractors who will be working for him. He can build decks, finish basements, remodel kitchens and baths, replace windows and doors.  Just about any kind of repair that a home could need. Call him today for an estimate at 515/577-2295.  I will have an e-mail address for him soon. 

FIVE HANDY HOUSEHOLD TIPS

1. Kitchen odors? Boil lemon and orange slices inw ater on the stove with a few cinnamon sticks and cloves for added scent.

2. Is your garbage disposal smelly? Throw some baking soda and citrus peel in the garbage disposal and grind away.

3. Double bagging your trash can add strength–place a dryer sheet in the bottom for deordizing.

4. Smelly shoes? Simply fill a tub sock with kitty litter, baking soda, or tea leaves; tie the end closed; and place in shoes when you’re not wearing them.  These sachets can be used over and over in any kind of shoe.

5. Dust the television with a sheet of fabric softener.  The static guard int he sheet will keep dust from re-settling.

If you have real estate or home owner questions or comments, please reply.  Also if you have suggestions as to how I can improve this site for you, do let me know.