SkyFive Properties Blog

One of the top reasons families sell their homes is because they’re too small.

If you’re one of these families, it might be time to think about moving. But if you don’t know what size house you need, you might move into a house that’s too big.

That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you figure out the best size home for your family.

So let’s dive in!

Think About Your Family Situation

Before you can pick the right size house for you and your family, you have to spend some time thinking about your circumstances.

To start, think about how many people will be living in the house. Is your family growing? Shrinking? Staying the same?

Parents getting ready to have kids might want to buy a home more space than they need right now so they can grow into it. Parents with kids moving off to college might be ready to downsize.

But you also have to consider other personal needs. If you work from home, you might want a house with an office. You might need extra storage space for Christmas decorations or keepsakes.

How long do you plan to live in the house? Just because you want kids in the future doesn’t mean you should move into a large house right away. It might be worth buying a smaller house first and upgrading when you’re ready.

Don’t start shopping around until you’ve thought about these things.

How To Choose The House Size That’s Right For You

Once you have a better idea of what you’ll be using your house for (kids, pets, workspace, guests, etc.), you can start figuring out the right size for your needs.

Here’s a quick list of the main things you should think about.

Number Of Bedrooms

Obviously, you’ll need enough rooms to fit everyone living in your home, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs their own rooms.

Just because you have four kids doesn’t mean you need to look for a five-bedroom house. Instead, you can have your kids double up and buy a three-bedroom home.

Once everyone has a bedroom, you should think about other rooms you might need. Do you want a guest room? A playroom for the kids? An office? A craft room?

For example, a work-from-home family with four kids might need a house with five rooms: three bedrooms, an office, and a playroom. Families that homeschool their children might need an extra room for a schoolroom.

Square Footage

No matter how many bedrooms you get, a house might still be too small for your family if those rooms are tiny. Because of this, you also have to consider the square footage.

Let’s go back to our example family of two parents and four kids.

A four bedroom house might seem like it has enough space for sleeping situations and an office, but if those bedrooms are small, two kids might not fit in one room. So even in a four bedroom house, this family would still be short one bedroom and missing an office.

You’ll also want to make sure the home has a balanced bedroom to living space ratio.

Even if a home has enough bedrooms, it won’t do much good if the living space is too tight to fit in comfortably. As a general rule, dining rooms, living rooms, and family rooms should have enough sitting space for two people per bedroom.

Number Of Bathrooms

Any home you buy should have at least two bathrooms—or at the very least one and a half. This way, there’s still a toilet available when someone’s taking a bath or a shower.

But large houses should have more than that.

For every two bedrooms in the house, there should be one bathroom. So if you plan to move into a five-bedroom house, it should have two and a half bathrooms.

Don’t settle for fewer bathrooms. A family of six trying to live with one bathroom can be a bad scene.

Amount Of Storage Space

If you have a lot of items you need to store, you might need a house with an attic or basement (or both). For other families, a garage might be all they need.

Outdoor Space

Families with young children might want plenty of backyard space for swingsets, sandboxes, or scooters. Even if you don’t have children, pets might need an outside area to exercise.

Other families may want a home with a front porch, back deck, or another area to entertain guests.

So don’t just look at the size of them home when you’re buying. Consider the size of the property as a whole.

Other Rooms/Features

You should also think about any additional features your home needs. Do you want a separate room for a gym? A media room?

If you’re having trouble finding a home that has all the features you want, you might want to turn your attention to building a custom made home instead. While this might be a bigger investment, it’ll ensure you get everything you need to live comfortably.

Spend some time doing some research an getting more info.

What Can You Afford?

Your budget is another main factor that’ll help choose the size home you end up with. You might have to squeeze into something smaller if you can’t afford the size home you want.

But you don’t have to live that way forever.

If you want to buy a bigger house, get your finances in order and come up with a plan. Living in a smaller home for a few years might help you save up enough money to move into the home of your dreams.

How To Know What Size House Is Right For Your Family

Understanding what size house is right for your family can be a challenge, especially if your family is still growing. So spend some time thinking about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need to feel comfortable in your home. And don’t forget about the square footage!

Are you getting ready to move and trying to find a new home?

Make sure you click here to take a look at some of our available properties.

More than a third of adults don’t get enough sleep at night.

When sleep is essential for physical and mental health, that’s a problem.

If you constantly wake up with back pain, you’re likely among the third of adults who don’t get the recommended amount of sleep each day.

If you’re tired (literally) of waking up with back pain, we have a few tips on how you can get a better nights sleep.

How to Stop Waking Up With Back Pain

You don’t have to accept living with back pain. There are some easy ways to alleviate it. Try a few of the following!

1. Stretch

Stretching throughout the day and before you go to bed will train your muscles to better support your spine. It will reduce tension in your back and improve your range of motion.

There are different stretches you can practice for all areas of your back, neck, and shoulders to ensure a good night’s sleep.

2. Exercise

Weak core muscles can prevent your lower back from naturally curving like it’s supposed to. Try out a few core exercises and yoga poses to strengthen your core and help alleviate your pain.

Exercising during the day can also tire you out, leaving you feeling tired enough to fall asleep quickly.

3. Get a Massage

A deep tissue massage can work out knots in your muscles that may be causing you pain. The massage can also relax you and help you release tension all over your body.

4. Try a New Pillow

Using a pillow that’s too high or too stiff can keep your neck flexed overnight, causing your neck pain in the morning. A memory foam or feather pillow conforms nicely to the shape of your neck, leaving it in a relaxed, neutral position all night.

5. Get a Custom Mattress

When you wake up with back pain, your mattress can sometimes be to blame. Sleeping on a soft or lumpy mattress made of synthetic materials can irritate your back.

Try ordering a firmer custom mattress that offers better support and keeps your spine aligned.

6. Reduce Screen Time

Looking down at your phone all day can cause your neck a lot of stress and, in extreme cases, can even pinch a cervical nerve.

Reducing screen time before bed can also help you fall asleep more quickly. Staring at a bright screen keeps you from getting relaxed.

7. Stand Up Straight

Sitting for hours while you’re at work can take its toll on your back. Instead, try standing for a few hours each day. This will strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture.

Getting a Better Nights Sleep

Sleeping in a well-ventilated room with your preferred temperature settings can help you stay asleep, but trying a few of the above tips will help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.

You’ll be well on your way to a better nights sleep.

If it’s the stress of buying a home that’s keeping you awake at night, we can help you with that!

Real estate investing has a major advantage over any other form of investing. This advantage is called cash flow.

The ability to offset house expenses with tenant income can mean nonstop profits for savvy landlords. The process of becoming a successful landlord begins with understanding common house expenses, taxes and tenant responsibilities.

Check out this guide to becoming a landlord and help launch a profitable real estate investing career.

How to Become a Landlord

The most basic step to becoming a landlord is buying a property. Finding an investment property is a simple process in many housing markets. Follow the following steps to locating your first real estate investment property:

Connect with a Realtor

Though it’s possible to drive around your area looking for properties for sale, realtors have access to the multiple listing service (MLS) which can give insider details like property tax information, needed repairs, and school district.

Narrow Down Your Search

Whether you choose to work with a realtor or search on your own, you need to narrow the scope of your search by deciding on a price point and zip codes. Owning a rental property near your home is one of the easiest ways to manage your own investment. The only exception is when your own neighborhood and the surrounding area has a low demand for rental properties.

Get Preapproved

For many, this is the first step in performing a property search. Investing, however, isn’t like buying a car or a home for you to live in. It’s possible to obtain financial partners to help cover the expense of the purchase in exchange for sharing profits. Your investment can have investors, but it’s a good step to find out how much you can buy on your own.

Visit Properties

A walkthrough is critical for an investment property. The condition of the property directly relates to repair and housing expenses. Most rentals don’t require the latest kitchen appliances to attract tenants, but reliable plumbing and HVAC are necessary. Once you have a home under contract, you’ll be able to hire an inspector to make sure everything in the home is move-in ready or whether or not major renovations are needed first.

Market the Property

Once you find and close on the investment property, the next expense comes with marketing the vacant home to prospective tenants. Online services like Homes.com offer a fee to place a listing ad to prospective tenants. Your realtor might be willing to list your home on the MLS so that other realtors can refer your property to their clients.

All landlords need tenants to make a profit making the marketing strategy a big financial factor. Don’t skimp on producing a professional ad because you want to make the best impression with high-quality tenants.

Tenants

Always conduct a thorough credit and background check on new tenants. Past landlord references help give an idea of the tenant’s character and cleanliness. If you choose the right tenants, your property can remain well maintained while making you a profit each month.

It’s illegal to discriminate against a prospective renter based on race, gender, religion, family status or disability. Avoid questions on the rental application that speak to any of these tenant qualities.

Read up on the Fair Housing Act before creating your rental application if you’re unsure where to draw the line. Landlords who violate discrimination laws could be fined or jailed depending on the extent of the offense.

Focus instead on the character of the tenant and his ability to provide a stable source of income for your rental property. The rental application should include minimum requirements for doing business with you in the following areas:

• Smoking
• Pets
• Credit Score
• Annual Household Income
• Previous Evictions
• Length of Employment

You may or may not be able to ask about criminal history depending on the state. This should be a nonfactor if the tenant meets your minimum requirements in the other areas.

Follow Up on References

The trail of paperwork during the tenant screening process can seem endless. In order to save yourself the hassle of a future eviction, these paper trails are necessary.

The tenant’s credit report is full of potential references for you to follow up on. Call past and current employers to verify employment and always call past landlords.

During your interview with the tenant, she may have explained previous situations with housing that you can refer to in your conversations to gauge her level of truthfulness. A tenant willing to lie during an interview cannot be trusted with your investment property.

Read the details of the tenant’s credit report. Don’t ignore red flags. High income means nothing if a tenant carries high debt to match.

House Expenses

Reliable tenants have many housing options. Don’t assume that they don’t expect your property to be well maintained just because they are renters. They may not know the difference between a ductless air conditioner from National Air Warehouse and a second-hand unit you find on Craigslist, but they expect a clean, well functioning residence.

Consider the workload of an apartment complex. When something breaks, tenants expect immediate repair and not to have to spare any expense. This is less realistic for a privately owned single-family residence, but you should still have a plan in place to promptly respond to repairs.

Your housing expenses will cover both maintenance and repairs. Consider contracting a handyman to cover all upcoming damages to your property. Using the same person for regular maintenance can mean getting a good deal on ongoing services.

Be sure to choose a handyman who lives and works in the area where your property is located. A long drive is a deterrent for anyone and can prolong their ability to do a quick repair. The right handyman means low housing expenses in the long term.

Budgeting

Housing expenses can make or break your profit on a rental property. If it’s your first time owning a home, you might not know what to expect and how to budget for your investment. It’s important to not overspend or under prepare for housing expenses.

Network with other landlords to find out how much to budget for your property. A local real estate investment club or realtor can connect you with other landlords willing to answer questions. Some realtors are also property managers giving them insight into the costs associated with providing maintenance on a rental home.

Here are a few common fixed housing expenses you should expect to pay outside of repairs and maintenance:

Water and Sewer: If utilities are included in the tenant’s rent payment, be sure to include that in your annual expense budget.

Electric: This expense is usually the tenant’s responsibility unless the home is vacant. With multifamily housing, shared spaces like hallways and storage units incur this expense.

Trash and Recycling: Trash pickup is one easy way to help your tenants avoid rodents. Consider adding this expense to your rent to ensure your property is always serviced.

Insurance: Check your first mortgage statement to ensure insurance costs are included. If you don’t see the expense itemized, set aside the premium amount each month to be paid once each year. Installment insurance payments generally incur a fee.

Homeowners Association Fees: Many subdivisions who offer amenities like a swimming pool or tennis courts charge monthly or annual HOA fees. The HOA manages the shared amenities and creates bylaws for the entire community. Most condominium buildings require HOA fees.

Managing a property is a time-consuming process. The learning curve is steep but it’s worth it, in the end, to be able to anticipate housing expenses before they arise.

If you have a full-time job, hiring a property manager might be the most reasonable solution for maintaining your property. You lose the option to get hands-on experience, but if they keep you updated with reports and maintenance schedules you still get an overview of what’s needed to run your business.

Taxes

No matter whether you get a mortgage loan or pay cash for your rental property, taxes are due every year. Property taxes are often included with your mortgage payment, but not always.

Check your mortgage statement to avoid unneeded property tax delinquencies. Expect taxes to increase each year as property values rise. To accurately estimate your property taxes for the upcoming year, look at next year’s tax bill, not last year’s.

Your rental property is considered a source of income and must be filed on your tax return each year. Consult with an accountant to decide whether it makes sense for you to form a business or keep the income in your personal name.

The tax code changes each year which means that this year’s deductions might not apply next year. The number of deductions you’re allowed can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, each year in tax liability so always consult with a professional to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit.

Making Your Investment Work

Keeping good records of house expenses and income makes managing your property easier year after year. It helps you decide whether your investment is working or whether changes need to be made.

When tax season rolls around, you can make the process relatively painless by handing over all your documents at once. Commit to your rental property for the long haul for the biggest opportunity for a return on your investment.

Being a landlord isn’t a get rich quick scheme, but it’s a good option for building wealth over time. For more real estate market information, visit our website.

Staging a house is something that helps buyers really be able to imagine themselves living in it. So if you want to sell your home faster, then staging can be a clever way to do just that. You get to present the home in its ‘best light,’ so to speak, making sure that it looks spic and span, and allows the buyer to see their things in the home.

If you are selling in a competitive market, then it could be the thing that helps your home to stand out from the crowd. Plus, it is something that more and more people are used to seeing, because of show homes and so on; they want to see homes in this way.

If you’re wondering what staging a home really means, then it is the process of being quite strategic about arranging furniture and your decor to make the home look its best while selling. It could be that you pack away a lot of your items and belongings to show a cluttered environment, or could simply involve repainting in rooms to give it a fresh and light feel.

Staging your home, alongside having a good realtor like Doug Hopkins that will really sell the home for you, has been shown to make a difference to how fast the home sells, especially if you are having trouble selling your home. So here are some tips and tricks to staging your home for selling.

Get Rid of Clutter

As briefly mentioned above, clutter is a no-no when it comes to selling your home. When a potential buyer looks round and all that they can see is mess and things on every possible surface, it just shows to them that there could be a lack of storage, as well as it just generally looking messy. So look at what could be packed away, or thrown away. If you have things on top of the refrigerator or on top of kitchen cabinets, then clear them away; it all helps.

Depersonalize the Home

It is a good idea to have the home look like people live there, rather than a cold and sterile environment. But it is also a good idea to make sure that the home doesn’t look too personal to you and your family. Little trinkets and things could look nice on display, but things like photographs are best packed away. The reason being is that it helps them to imagine what they’d put there on the wall, or imagine their photos there. If your child’s artwork is on display then it can be hard for them to imagine themselves living there when all they see is your family.

Rethink Furniture

You might have got used to having your furniture in a certain way. But for staging your home, it really pays to create a look with the room that is much more aesthetically pleasing. So it could be that you rent some furniture until you sell, if your couch is a little worse for wear, perhaps. It could also mean moving furniture around, and even packing some furniture away to create a more open and airy space.

Some people are perfectly happy with buying a home off plan, or even one that has already housed a family. However, for others, only a property that is specially designed for their needs and wants will do. Of course, if you fall into the latter category but have never built your own home before, let alone a dream property, it can be something of a daunting task. Luckily, you can get some help and advice by reading our post below.

Your Needs

The first thing that you need to consider when it comes to building your dream property is how you want to live there. After all, not all of us conduct our lives in the same way.

Of course, such needs will encompass a range of other categories that must be thought through carefully as well. In fact, many people focus on how they will fit out the inside of their dream home including the type of kitchen, and the even home-wide tech they will use.

Although, it’s also important to remember that you need to consider the location that you are looking to live in here as well. This being something that may be as broad as a state or as narrow as a particular plot with a specific view.

Oh, and don’t forget to include energy issues as well, including how you will generate your own, as well as ways of keeping your consumption as low as possible. Something that can not only benefit your wallet but the environment too.

Permissions

Once you have has a good think about all the things that will make the home you are building your dream property, you then need to move onto getting permissions to create such a home in the location that you have chosen.

Of course, this means applying for and being granted a building permit which will include you providing that the building you are creating meets with national, regional, and local building codes. Something that will mean your project will be subject to inspection both during after the build.

The Build

Once you have your permissions sorted, it’s time to move onto the really tricky bit, the build itself. Of course, many brave souls attempt to build their dream home from the ground on their own, but this can prove a lengthy and exhausting process.

Happily, there are also providers that specialize in custom built homes and can even be involved from the draft stages. Something that means they know exactly what your vision is and can help you achieve it at every point of the process. All without you having to get involved with any of the heavy lifting!

Finance

Finally, if you don’t have the financial resources to create your dream home, it can be incredibly tough to get your project to the stage where you even need to consider the issues discussed above.
To that end, it’s crucial that you look for a way of funding your dream home project. Something that releasing some capital from other investments, or even seeking a property development loan from the bank can help you achieve.

It doesn’t take long for water to soak into the wood of your property and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Storms, leaking pipes, and busted appliances can all cause serious issues that aren’t just a headache to deal with but also an ache for your wallet.

To protect wood from water you’ll need to know a few things. Lucky for you, we’ve got 5 tips to prevent problems.

5 Tips for Property Managers to Protect Wood from Water

Protecting your property from water damage is an investment of time and money that will pay off in huge sums down the road. Whether you’re protecting a wooden frame of a building or using decking oil to protect additions to a home, there’s plenty you can do to prepare.

1. Keep It Dry

Let’s face it, wood that faces the outside is going to eventually get wet. Water is a death sentence for wood as it causes it to break down at a very fast pace.

Your best bet to help your wood survive the storm is to keep it dry. Drying out wood takes a lot of time, so consider preventing as much contact with water as possible with sealants.

2. Inspect for Mold

Left unchecked, mold will spread and potentially become deadly. The mold isn’t just dangerous for the wood but also your health.

Check for spots of mold in any areas that receive constant exposure to moisture. This includes outdoor furniture and basement construction near pipes and water heaters.

3. Proper Design

There’s actually a lot you can do to prevent things like rain and other normal water exposure to your wood. Constructing overhangs in a way that sends shedding water away from your walls and into proper drainage areas is one of the best things you can do.

When inspecting your property for improvements you can make or finding the right business property, keep a focus on design elements that can prevent disaster.

4. Check for Gaps

Over time, certain fixtures like doors and windows will expand and allow more moisture into the home. You may even need to replace your front door if the frame has expanded and allows rainwater to seep under the door.

Perform regular inspections of your windows, doors and any other portals to the outside during storms when it is easier to find leaks.

5. Hidden Damage

We’ve talked a lot about inspection, but what about the areas that you can’t see with the naked eye?

Wooden fences that are planted into the dirt, decks, and porches that have a buildup of soil and debris around the foundation and wooden frames behind drywall and appliances can become damaged without you knowing. Check these areas on a regular schedule to avoid nasty surprises.

You Wouldn’t Want Your Wood to Get Wet

Even with all the precautions you can take, let’s face it, wood can and will get wet eventually. Once you find signs of water damage or mold you need to act as quick as possible to protect wood from water.

Protecting your property is tough and water is one of your biggest enemies. Good luck in the fight to keep your property and real estate safe from the storm. Check out some more tips and information on property and real estate.

When searching for commercial premises for your business you may want to lease a property, or for many people, buying can sometimes be the better option as it offers more freedom and flexibility. Whether you’re purchasing or renting a commercial property, there are many factors to consider, including where you want your business to be located, and how much money you can bring to the table, so where to begin?

Start With A List

Write a list of what it is you’re looking for in your business premises. Ask yourself how important is the property size, location layout, facilities, structural requirements, and parking? What are your long-term business plans and how these might affect your choice of business premises? For example, will you want to be expanding shortly or you think you will want to you might want to alter the property, then you need to consider this when looking? Search for a commercial property through a local commercial property agent such as McGraw Commercial Properties, or you can visiting potential areas to see commercial properties for sale or rent or search a commercial property finder. You should check any potential premises against your list of requirements to create a shortlist of the business properties you might want to view.

Do Your Research

Once you have a shortlist, it is essential that you look into long-term forecasts for the location that you are viewing property in. For example, is there anything on the horizon or in planning that may help or hinder property values in the future? If your commercial property decreases in value this could also reduce your business capital; time spent on researching the perfect location for your new business base is never time wasted.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right place for your business premises can be a bit of a balancing act. You may want to select an area that is convenient for your customers, employees, and suppliers, but is still affordable. When deciding on the location, you might want to consider factors such as footfall, where competitors are located, delivery restrictions, parking restrictions, and business rates. Think about what the premises are for, and ask yourself key questions such as how many staff will it need to fit? Will clients be coming for meetings regularly? Is this a location where you want to bring your clients to? A central location is often desirable to many; however, if you are spending most of your time dealing with clients remotely, an area set outside of town may be a better and more cost-effective option.

Buy Or Rent a Commercial Property?

You also need to decide whether either buying or renting a commercial property is best for you and your business needs. The advantages of renting business premises include less capital is invested than buying, so it can give you the flexibility to relocate if the premises become unsuitable. Benefits of buying business property include the flexibility to manage or repair the building as you choose, the potential profit from selling the building in the future should the value increase.

Legal Considerations for Commercial Property

There are several legal considerations you need to be aware of when choosing business property. These include planning permission, health, safety and fire regulations, insurances, accessibility, and licenses. It is likely that you will need to pay stamp duty if you purchase the property or if you rent a commercial property you will need to comply with the terms of the lease. Make sure that you speak to solicitor whether you’re buying or leasing business premises.

If you want to design a stunning kitchen, you can achieve wonderful results by having a Calacatta marble countertop as a focal point. Although the process of remodeling a kitchen can be time-consuming, you can simplify the process by considering a few things during the shopping and design process.

Calacatta Slab Characteristics

In order to wow everyone with Calacatta countertops, you’ll need to pick an authentic Calacatta slab. When shopping for this type of marble, ensure that the materials that you’re planning to purchase are sourced from Italy. The search for an ideal slab won’t be easy since Calacatta is a very rare material.

When you find a piece of Calacatta, inspect its characteristics carefully. The most stunning marble slabs have a variety of white and gray color tones. However, there is usually more white elements than gray tones on the marble slab.

Stunning Calacatta marble also has dramatic veining that emphasizes its gray and white effects. The layout of these veins stands out because the thick lines create unique patterns that pop. In some cases, the veins on a Calacatta piece of marble will have light gold and brown undertones.

Flooring Options That Highlight the Marble Counters

A gorgeous kitchen floor can help enhance the entire room and affect the room’s design scheme. The floor you choose should match with your countertops, appliances and cabinets. If you want to upgrade your flooring in order to create a more stylish foundation for the marble countertops, you may want to consider one of the following tile flooring options:

• Marble: Marble is a suitable option if you pick a color that doesn’t clash with the color of your marble counters. If possible, pick a marble floor color that’s lighter or darker than the color of the marble counters. By choosing a unique color you can design a space that pops and ensure that each aspect of the kitchen goes well with one another.

• Ceramic: A ceramic floor can provide style and support underneath your counters. This type of flooring very durable and does extremely well in high traffic areas, such as the kitchen.
• Terrazzo: If you want shiny flooring that will highlight a marble counter’s sheen, terrazzo is a practical and decorative option. Terrazzo will blend nicely in an area that has light or dark marble counters since the material is made from various pieces of marble that are set in concrete.
• Slate: With slate flooring you don’t need to worry about possible scratches or damages. This flooring is very durable and can add an earthy vibe to your kitchen.
• Granite: Since granite is formed from igneous rocks, it has very distinctive qualities. Granite tiles are designed in a variety of colors with different vein and speck patterns, so the process of matching marble cabinets with granite tiles isn’t a hassle.
• Travertine: Travertine is a flooring material with crystallized elements. Although this type of flooring is stylish, it’s not the best option for a kitchen that has heavy traffic since it can easily stain and scratch.
• Limestone: Limestone is another type of tile that’s available in dark and light shades. However, since the surfaces scratch easily, it’s not an ideal choice for a busy cooking environment.

How Marble Counters Can Make an Average Space Elegant

After you have upgraded the floors, you start looking for marble countertops. No matter what type of marble countertop you select, it will make your kitchen a more elegant area due to these qualities:

• A practical surface: When you get a marble countertop, the surfaces will be porous. However, you can seal the porous areas by applying a sealant. After the sealant sets, you can serve drinks on the counters without any risks. If something spills on the marble, the sealant will keep moisture away from the pores on the material so that you can easily wipe up the liquid.
• Mild color tones: A kitchen is stunning when it has designer pieces that blend well in an overall design scheme. Since marble slabs feature earthy tones, they don’t clash with general décor. This means you can make the space pop by arranging colorful flowers in a glass vase on the counter, or you could create a focal point on a counter by lining up several designer jars in the center of the slab.
• Soft patterns: Marble counters stand out near cabinets because the veins in the natural stone have soft patterns that complement the cabinets. If you have a display cabinet, you could arrange the dishes over the marble counters so that people will notice your island and the dishes upon stepping into the space.
• Heat-resistant: When you’re cooking you can place food on marble counters without worrying about damaging the natural stone. If you put a hot pot on a marble surface, the material will handle the heat because the finish is heat-resistant. This characteristic is great if you’re an avid baker because you don’t need to worry at all about a hot dessert running the texture or color of your countertop.

Why Calacatta Marble is Desirable and Pricey

Calacatta is a very popular type of marble because it’s only sold in select stores. When compared to Carrara, a Calacatta marble countertop is a rarer option. If you step into a store and request Carrara marble, you’ll most likely be able to buy it at a reasonable price. However, since Calacatta is a luxury stone, it’s much more difficult to find. Therefore, when retailers offer Calacatta marble it’s usually very pricey due to its exclusiveness.

The overall price of a Calacatta slab varies depending on its patterns and colors. If a marble slab has a lot of veins on it, a supplier will set a reasonable price for the material. Often, the most expensive Calacatta slabs are the ones with the extravagant and original veins.

Calacatta marble isn’t only desirable for its appearance. It’s also trending because it’s very functional for cooking and baking since it’s heat resistant and doesn’t absorb liquids. This type of marble is the perfect fit for a kitchen. It can dramatically enhance your kitchen and make it quickly go from ordinary to gorgeous.

Is it possible to get a home loan with bad credit?

Most people think having bad credit makes it more difficult to get a mortgage. But getting approved for the loan isn’t the difficult part. A much worse difficulty is being stuck with a loan you can’t handle.

It’s more accurate to say that bad credit limits your options for a home loan. And the options you’re left with may be less than ideal, or downright disastrous.

While getting a mortgage with bad credit is possible, it’s not always a good idea. So to help you understand the ins and outs of bad credit home loans, we’ve written you this guide. Read on to learn how to get a mortgage with bad credit, and whether or not you should.

How Will Having Bad Credit Affect Your Home Loan Application?

Your credit ranking is a score of how good you are at borrowing money. Basically, it tells lenders how well you can be trusted with any money they lend to you.

In the lenders’ eyes, the lower your score, the worse you are at borrowing, and the riskier it is to lend to you. Lenders don’t want to lend to those who aren’t likely to pay them back.

So many of them won’t approve you for a loan if you have a low credit score. And if they are willing to approve your loan, you’ll be charged a higher interest rate than applicants with better credit.

This higher interest rate means higher monthly payments and a longer loan term. Even if you can afford the payments, it will cost you tens of thousands of dollars more than getting a loan with good credit.

Option 1: Raise Your Credit Score

Truthfully, your best option for getting a bad credit home loan is not getting one. That is, it’s better to work hard at raising your credit score and wait until it’s good enough for a decent interest rate. And by “better” we, of course, mean “thousands of dollars cheaper.”

Bottom line: if you can afford to wait 3 months to a year before buying a home, do so. While you bide your time, here are some simple tips for building up your credit.

Check Your Credit Reports for Errors

Did you know there’s a 25% chance your credit score is incorrect? A study by the Federal Trade Commission found that 1 in 4 of their participants found at least one error on their credit report that could negatively affect their score.

You’re legally entitled to free access to your 3 credit reports (one for each credit bureau) once per year. It will be time consuming and boring, but it’s worth it to read through all three credit reports and check for errors. In rare cases (1 in 250), correcting these credit errors raises the affected credit score by 100 points or more!

Use Your Credit Card Properly

It might sound like a really bad idea to start using your credit card more. But if you can trust yourself to strictly follow these credit building steps, your credit standing can easily go up.

First, take a detailed inventory of your monthly income and expenditures. Know exactly how much you get each month and how much of it goes to rent, groceries, utilities, and any other necessary expenses.

If your income covers these expenses, start paying for them with a credit card. Try to use a card that earns helpful rewards.

As soon as you receive your income, pay off the entire card balance. Don’t wait for the credit card bill; always pay it right away.

This shows the credit bureaus (who determine your credit score) that you are good at borrowing money and paying it back on time. And that raises your score.

However, this can still backfire if you aren’t careful. Never put unnecessary luxuries on this card, only the necessary expenditures you know your income can cover. Otherwise, you’ll rack up debt and worsen your credit.

And pay attention to not go over your limit. This, too, will hurt your credit.

Pay Down Debt

Next, don’t ignore any existing debt you’re already paying. Paying off outstanding debts will greatly increase your credit score.

Work as hard as you can for a few months to live below your means. Give up some luxuries and save up.

For example, brew generic coffee at home instead of buying a $6 Starbucks latte every day. Spend nothing on iTunes for 3 months.

Then, use the money you save to pay down existing debts.

When is It a Good Idea to Get a Bad Credit Home Loan?

If you refuse to wait and work for better credit, at least follow these guidelines to avoid foreclosing. Don’t take the loan if any of these situations apply to you.

• The interest rate sucks
• The monthly payment exceeds 30% of your monthly income
• You’re bad with money

The first two points are a recipe for financial hardship. You’ll either have difficulty paying or you’ll be adding several unnecessary years to this financial burden.

About the third point: if you already have difficulty paying bills, it’s best not to add another.

Option 2: Personal Loans

As long as you keep the above guidelines in mind, you can try for a personal loan. Many lending networks offer personal loans no credit check. If you can get a large enough personal loan, and once the funds deposited and fully available, you can use it as cash for buying a house.

Option 3: FHA Loans

This program by the Federal Housing Administration helps those with moderately bad credit buy a home. If your credit score is 500 or above, you may be eligible for an FHA loan.

However, if your score is under 580, you’ll have to pony up a 10% down payment to qualify. Those with scores above 580 may be approved with only a 3.5% down payment.

Getting a Mortgage With Bad Credit

Getting a mortgage with bad credit is possible. But is it the best option for you? Carefully consider the information in this guide before rushing into this major financial decision.

Need more home buying advice? Read this: Should I Rent Before Buying a Home or Condo?

Are you wondering whether or not it’s time for a new front door?

Your door is the first point of entry to your home, and with hundreds of thousands of burglaries taking place each day in the US, you want to make sure it’s completely secure.

Your door is also the first thing most people will see when looking at your home, so a nice door goes a long way towards improving your curb appeal – ideal if you’re looking to sell your home.

Keep reading for seven signs that you need to invest in front door replacement.

1. Your Door Is Scratched or Dented

Is your door scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged?

Obvious cosmetic issues are a clear sign that it’s time to consider a new door, whether they’ve been caused by an attempted break-in or regular wear and tear.

It’s easy for small issues to escalate – what starts as a small dent could quickly become larger when warping and weather damage are added into the equation.

A damaged door also stops your home from looking its best. Since new doors don’t cost a fortune, it’s worth getting a replacement to keep your property looking smart and respectable.

2. Your Door Is Difficult to Open or Close

Do you feel like it’s a test of strength to actually get your front door to open?

Do you find yourself repeatedly slamming your door to get it to shut?

Both of these issues suggest that it’s time for a new door. Not only is your door already warped or hanging incorrectly, but you’re also probably doing more damage each time you have to fight to open or close it.

Don’t wait until your door refuses to open/close completely to address the problem. Instead, get a replacement now and save yourself security issues and loads of hassle later on.

When you’re opening and closing your new door with ease, you’ll wonder how you ever put up with the old one.

3. Your Door Lets in a Draught

Do you feel chilly when you’re close to your front door? Is this making your whole house cold?

A front door which lets in a draught is a front door that needs replacing.

Having a door that lets in a breeze can increase your energy bills as you have to spend more to keep your home warm. It’s a sign that your seals are failing, and the problem will only get worse the longer you leave it.

Don’t suffer from a draughty home and astronomical heating bills – get a new door installed instead.

4. Your Door Hinges Are Rusty

Are your hinges and locks starting to look rusty?

Hardware is an integral part of your door, so don’t only check the main door for signs of wear and tear. If you do notice rust, it’s a clear sign that a replacement is needed.

While it is possible to replace only the rusty components, it usually makes sense to go for a whole new door instead. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have to pay for more work in a few years time.

Rusty locks and hinges make it easier for thieves to break into your home, so don’t ignore them.

5. Your Door Glass Has Moisture Build-Up

Got a front door with decorative glass? Noticed condensation or moisture building up inside?

It can be tempting to ignore a little condensation, but addressing the issue early on will help you avoid more serious problems down the line.

Moisture build-up suggests that your glass seal has warped or broken, and over time you might notice mold and mildew spreading to the rest of the door. This looks awful and isn’t great for your door, either.

Mold and mildew can be harmful to your health, especially if anyone in the house suffers from asthma or allergies. Maintain a safe indoor air quality by getting a new door as soon as you notice moisture problems.

Simply cleaning the mold isn’t enough because the problem will soon reoccur.

6. Your Door Is Warped

Is your door obviously warped, buckled, or bent out of shape?

Changes in temperature and humidity can lead to serious warping, especially in wooden doors. A warped door is likely to be difficult to open and close, might be more easily damaged by the odd knock, and will probably let in a draught.

Even if you only notice a small amount of warping, it’s worth getting a new door fitted. The problem will only get worse as time passes, especially if you’re close to a change in season.

Don’t wait until your door is impossible to close to get it dealt with.

7. You Don’t like the Color or Style of Your Door

Are you plain sick of the way your door looks?

Maybe you moved into a house with a door your hated, made the wrong choice last time you got a new door, or fancy a change?

Whatever the situation, getting a new door for reasons of style is totally legitimate.

A new door can change the entire look of your home’s exterior, and picking out your favorite is a lot of fun. You could opt for a funky color, a unique type of wood, or a pretty stained-glass option.

Take your time and look at plenty of doors before you decide. You should also consider features like peepholes, door knockers, and locks.

If you’re wondering how much a new door will cost, click to learn more.

Should You Pay for Front Door Replacement?

If you’re worried about the security of your door, are dealing with draughts and moisture, or hate the way your door looks, paying for front door replacement is a smart investment.

You’ll improve your home security, keep your home safe, warm, and dry, and improve your curb appeal. A new door doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and there are tons of styles and materials to choose from.

Want to read more about property and home improvement? Visit our blog today.