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Thursday Sept. 27, 2018
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Take a second look at your homebuying options (BPT)
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uying a home is an exciting process, but for many people it can also seem out of reach. While many renters would like to buy, there are several factors that may lead potential homebuyers to believe they may not be ready. These include credit score requirements, income and debt levels, and the common myth that a 20 percent down payment is needed. Here is some good news: Qualifying for a mortgage may not be so far out of reach.
While it is true that borrowers with stronger credit profiles – FICO scores of 720 and higher, low debt-to-income (DTI) ratios and cash reserves – generally receive better mortgage terms, there are products in the market that can enable access to affordable, prudently underwritten mortgage financing. Down payment is routinely cited by prospective homebuyers as the largest hurdle to homeownership, but low down payment mortgages are widely available in today’s market. These include conventional loans with private mortgage insurance (MI) and government-backed loans like those insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Many borrowers incorrectly believe that they need a 20 percent down payment to buy a home, but with private MI a borrower can qualify for a conventional home loan with as little as 3 percent down. In addition to the competitive pricing of mortgages backed by private MI, private MI can be canceled
when a borrower reaches 20 percent equity in his or her home. This added perk often makes private MI a more affordable option over other home loan programs – such as FHA-backed home loans – that require mortgage insurance premiums for the vast majority of borrowers for the entire term of the mortgage, which is often 15 or 30 years.
For more than 60 years, more than 30 million homeowners have used private MI to successfully buy homes and build the long-term wealth associated with home equity. In 2017 alone, private MI helped more than one million borrowers nationwide purchase or refinance a mortgage. According to a study by U.S. Mortgage Insurers, 56 percent of those borrowers who received purchase loans were first-time homebuyers and more than 40 percent had incomes below $75,000. For decades, millions of homeowners and prospective homebuyers have relied on private MI to help them affordably and responsibly buy a home. Based on median home prices, it can take an average of 20 years to save for a 20 percent down payment. And with home prices dramatically on the rise, this wait time will only increase. Luckily, private MI can help you get into the home of your dreams sooner. When making homebuying decisions, it is important to take a second look to make sure you are aware of all your options. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
5 steps to protect your home from rodents this fall (BPT)
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nce they’re inside, rats and other rodents can do a lot of harm to your home. This includes damage to electrical wiring, metal or plastic pipes and insulation found in walls and attics. On top of structural damage, the critters aren’t good for the people who live in your home, either: Some species of mice and rats can transmit diseases like hantavirus through their urine and droppings.
Between the potential health issues and possible damage to your home, the last thing you want to hear is the scurrying of little rodent feet in your walls or attic. Luckily, there are steps you can take that will help keep those critters out. The experts at Terminix have some tips that can help you protect your home from rodents. Block possible points of entry Be aware of any holes or cracks in the exterior of your home. You may think a small hole is too narrow for a rat to squeeze through, but a rat may think differently - and may even gnaw the hole wider! A full-grown rat can enter your home through a hole about the size of a quarter, and a mouse only needs an opening measuring one-fourth of an inch. Properly seal any openings you find to help prevent rodents from wriggling their way into your house. Trim back trees and move debris away from your home Tree limbs that touch your house can provide an easy access point for rodents, almost like a ladder or bridge. Some species of rats even nest in trees. Do some careful pruning to
clear away any branches close to or touching your house. You should also keep any stacks of firewood or piles of debris away from your home, as they can attract rodents and hide burrow entrances. Protect food from hungry rodents Your house may be filled with food, but you don’t have to make it easy for rodents to find that out. Avoid attracting rodents that can eat and contaminate your food by storing it properly. Keep unpackaged food – even pet food – in airtight containers so rats won’t be able to smell it, and avoid leaving unsealed food sitting out. Properly dispose of waste and compost An open trash can presents a feast for hungry rodents. Keep outdoor trash cans properly closed and away from your home. If you have a compost pile in your yard, also try to move it as far away from the exterior of your house as possible, to avoid letting rodents looking for a free meal make the trip into your walls, attic or even chimney. Call in the experts Between work, family and other tasks around the house, it can be hard for busy homeowners to set aside time to proactively monitor their homes for invading rodents. The good news is that you don’t have to protect your home or deal with an infestation alone. Pest control professionals, such as Terminix’s trained technicians, can provide an inspection to determine the best way to set up a strong defense and get rid of any unwelcome houseguests that have already moved in.
Page 2C • Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Remake your bathroom with these luxurious hotel-inspired trends (BPT)
intelligent toilets, visit totousa.com.
ife can get hectic. While it is easy to become overwhelmed with busy schedules and everyday challenges, it is important to carve out personal time for relaxation and renewal. The practice of self-care and personal wellness is becoming a trend on the rise.
Provide an extra blast of warmth
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To incorporate this trend into your daily routine, take a page from the luxury hotel playbook. Imagine what you would see, feel, smell and experience if you stepped into the bathroom of a five-star suite. Luxury bathrooms are designed to invite you to slow down, relax and spoil yourself.
Heated flooring makes the transition from tub to toweling off pleasant, leading to a relaxing bathroom experience. For an extra touch of luxury, install a bathroom fireplace and take additional time to let your troubles melt away in the warmth and flickering light. Don’t shy away from glamorous lighting
Instead of thinking of your bathroom as your “hurry-upand-get-ready space,” transform it into a “shut-out-the-worldand-recharge-your-batteries-space.” These are some luxury hotel concepts you can implement in your own home.
When adding finishing touches, try installing a great chandelier to create a focal point for the bathroom. A sparkly overhead chandelier throws light-scattering dazzle around the room, while a bold pendant light fixture adds color and clean lines. Dimming switches will give you the option to create your desired mood lighting.
Draft your color theory
Dress it up with blooms and greenery
Soft and subtle or deep and bold? It depends on how you want to set the mood. Soothing colors that call back to natural scenery, like seafoam greens, pale blues and soft sandstones, are relaxing. Yet rich, supersaturated colors are on-trend and can create the perfect backdrop to make chrome fixtures, sculptural appliances and other statement pieces stand out.
A beautiful plant or a vase of fresh flowers will dress up any room. Research shows that the simple act of incorporating nature into your everyday life elevates the mood, making “me time” in the bathroom much more enjoyable. Opt for plants that thrive on humidity and natural light, such as orchids, ferns, bamboo and aloe vera.
Indulge in upgraded essentials
Make it multisensory
Nothing speaks to luxury like thoughtfully designed bathroom products that are beautiful to look at and deliver an incomparable user experience. For example, TOTO’s elegant line of NEOREST NX Intelligent Toilets take pampering to the next level. These smart toilets feature high-tech innovations like an auto-open/close seat and lid, and a unique, integrated personal cleaning system that leaves you feeling clean and refreshed. The high-luxe NEOREST NX line is also environmentally sustainable, reducing the need for toilet paper and automatically keeping the bowl pristine without harsh chemicals thanks to their ACTILIGHT, EWATER+, and CEFIONTECT cleansing technologies. To learn more about these beautiful
When creating the ultimate luxury bathroom space, consider all five senses. Create a visually stunning scenery. Splurge on plush towels that caress your skin. Install overhead speakers to fill your ears with natural sounds or soothing music. Incorporate scents that make you feel happy and relaxed. Set up a reed diffuser or arrange scented bath bombs on a beautiful platter. And to end your day peacefully, treat yourself to a nice cup of herbal tea. Now that you know what’s essential in a luxury-grade bathroom, take the first step in bettering your self-care routine by making transformations to your bath space.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Sept. 27 2018 • Page 3C
Bring Hygge into your home for comfort, contentment
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ast year, the Scandinavian concept of Hygge took the interior design stage by storm with people around the world flocking to buy cozy blankets and sheepskin throws. This year, Noa Santos, interior co-founder of interior design company Homepolish says that hygge has experienced a rebirth and visually has become the elevated, bolder enhancement of last year’s concept. It’s about purposeful design choices that stand out and speak for themselves, and not shying away from bold design decisions to make home an oasis of coziness. So whether enjoying a warm cup of tea while wrapped in your favorite blanket on the couch, inviting friends over for a quaint dinner or reading a good book on an incredibly comfortable leather chair while candles flicker, we’ll help you hygge your home. Hygge is more than just a Scandinavian way of life. Many Americans are embracing living in this manner while designing their spaces to reflect their personal approach to hygge. “I live in one of the world’s most bustling cities, which makes winding down even more essential in my day to day,” says Noa Santos, who is based in New York City. “For those chaotic nights when I really want to Zen out, I practice the Danish art of Hygge - and it’s not just as a passing trend full of all roaring fires and chunky sweaters. Hygge is a way of life and accessible to all!” Santos used his expertise to integrate Hygge into his personal home as well as those of his clients. Here are his three tips to help you master this cozy trend in your favorite spaces, too. Decluttering, But Not De-Styling Your Home “There’s nothing more satisfying than coming home to a streamlined space,” says Santos. “To achieve this, it’s important to periodically rid your home of extraneous items and embrace the comfy ones, like a warm blanket and scented candles.” When it comes to Hygge, don’t think that decluttering means de-styling - in fact, where better to make a bold statement than with a piece you both need and want.
“I recommend LG’s suite of Matte Black Stainless Steel kitchen appliances to really lend your space a sleek, minimalist vibe that still capitalizes on coziness,” says Santos. “What I love about them is that they’re statement pieces but are also versatile because they complement just about any color or kitchen style - whether it’s traditional or contemporary.” Invite the outdoors inside Part of hygge is being aligned with Mother Nature. Fortunately, adding natural elements to a home’s interior enhances any design aesthetic. From French country and traditional to contemporary and industrial, adding organic materials to your design will instantly add feelings of hygge. “Artfully arranged flowers and perfectly placed plants help cement your space as an indoor Eden,” says Santos. “The positive psychological benefits aren’t too shabby either. Organic materials like wood and leather work like a charm as well.” A simple way to start is by strategically adding live plants throughout your space. Whether it’s colorful florals or the more muted tones of succulents, this provides a warm, inviting space no matter the time of year. Gather Hygge isn’t just how you design your space, it’s how you use it. Enjoying your surroundings with loved ones is sure to feed the soul and heighten your hygge. It could be a cozy night in for two or a bountiful feast for a crew - togetherness is at the heart of hygge and allows you to show off your home design. “Whether it’s just your significant other or a handful of close friends, sharing a meal around the table – especially a hand-crafted one – is a great way to nail hygge,” says Santos. “I recommend keeping your fridge stocked with food for these dinners. You never know when you may need to plan an emergency meal with your favorite warm comfort foods.” To learn about how LG Matte Black Appliances can help you master Hygge and make a bold statement, visit LG.com (or www.lgmatteblack.com).
Page 4C • Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Get there intact: 5 tips toward a safe DIY moving day
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offers a clean, reliable, well-maintained vehicle every
truck rather than hiring a moving company.
3. Optimize tools. Use dollies, hand trucks, harnesses
and/or multiple people to lift boxes that weigh more than
hanging residences can call for the coordination of a lot of details, and that’s especially true if you’re a do-it-yourselfer who’s renting a
Though the U.S. Census Bureau estimates the
average American changes homes 11.4 times in his lifetime, many of us never take time to think about the potential safety hazards involved. Usually we’re way
time, with a range of available packing and moving tools and the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour roadside assistance.
50 pounds. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer you may take pride in being able to handle any chore yourself, but you need to remember you’ll be self-sufficient no longer if
more focused on the challenges of figuring out all the
you sustain an injury from trying to be superhuman.
logistics, packing up our possessions in logical fashion
4. Lift correctly. When picking up anything even mod-
and starting the psychological adjustment of having a new place of residence.
Still, it’s important to take a moment to think
about best practices for the safety of you and your fam-
erately heavy, avoid back injuries by keeping your back vertical and your chest forward. Draw the item as close to your body as possible while bending at the knees and lifting with your legs, avoiding bending horizontally as
ily as you plan your move. Consider taking the follow-
you straighten.
ing steps toward a safe and organized moving process.
5. Be aware of obstacles. When moving items out of
1. Assign roles. Organize your packing and loading
your house and into your vehicle, watch for items that
crew so everyone knows his role. Your work will be much more efficient – and you won’t get in each other’s way – if your friends and family members are each assigned a task according to their physical capabilities.
could trip you or get in your way, such as low-hanging obstacles, ground protrusions or surfaces that are wet, slick or uneven. Wear close-fitting clothing that can’t be snagged and choose durable footwear that offers both
As a side note, you may wish to keep small children
support and traction.
completely off-site so the adults can focus on the often-
physical work at hand. 2. Choose a reputable rental company. Secure your moving truck from a reputable dealer, then follow its specific instructions for safely packing and driving the vehicle. Trusted longtime vendor Penske Truck Rental
The DIY moving process need not be difficult or
risky as long as you plan ahead and take a few precautions. Ask Penske Truck Rental for other tips on making your next DIY move smooth, organized and worry-free.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Sept. 27 2018 • Page 5C
13 moving hacks that could save time, money and sustainability
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hanging households can be a time for new beginnings, fresh perspectives and boundless opportunities.
But those good things tend to come after the moving process itself, which can take a lot of planning, organizing and old-fashioned elbow grease. And many people start the process unprepared.
ment such as dollies or furniture sliders. Such tools can reduce your risk of injury as you load and unload your bulkiest belongings. 4. Recycle (and save on transport costs) by minimizing your unwanted belongings through garage sales, online sales, donations or giveaways to friends. These days, many services come directly to your house to whisk away your unwanted items. Find approved electronics recycling centers through the EPA. 5. Start packing as soon as you can, beginning with infrequently used items perhaps those stored in your garage, basement or attic. Spending an hour or two a day can make the overall job seem less grueling. 6. Prepare for the eventual unpacking process by pre-labeling boxes by their contents and intended room. You’ll thank yourself later.
Fortunately, the experts at Penske Truck Rental have some great advice for orchestrating a move that won’t waste your time or money. Consider the following suggestions. 1. When possible, create a timeline for your move weeks or months ahead, detailing the resources, time and labor you’ll need. Establishing a written plan will save you from hurry and indecision and help ensure you’ve thought through every stage.
containers.
7. In addition to using cardboard boxes, utilize packing space inside your own dressers, chests, baskets, wastebaskets, suitcases, duffel bags and other household
8. To cushion breakable belongings, optimize your own blankets, pillows, linens, clothing and tarps in addition to bubble wrap and packing blankets. 9. Non-breakable items such as clothing can be packed in large garbage bags that can fill odd spaces in your moving vehicle then be repurposed after your move. 10. Map out a strategy for packing and loading your large and/or unwieldy possessions to optimize space. For example, your heaviest items should go in the back of your truck, and you might wish to strap in vertical “walls” of boxes and upend your couches vertically. Remember to load your most frequently needed items last and keep crucial items such as financial documents in your front seat. 11. To safely and efficiently move appliances, carefully read your owner’s manuals and do prep work (such as defrosting refrigerators or disconnecting gas for stoves) well ahead of time.
2. Reserve your rental truck at least two weeks ahead, choosing the size that corresponds to the number of rooms in your home. For the greenest choice, pick an environmentally conscious company like Penske that ensures up-to-date emissioncontrol technologies, optimal tire inflation, recycled packing materials and fuel-efficient diesel engines. 3. Think about renting or borrowing helpful moving equip-
12. Pack food for your journey to your new home to avoid unnecessary breaks in unfamiliar areas. 13. After unpacking at your new home, recycle, sell or repurpose any packing materials you’ll no longer need. As long as you plan ahead, your moving process need not be a huge waste of time, money and resources. For more tips on conducting an efficient and cost-effective transition to your new home, contact Penske Truck Rental.
Page 6C • Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Fall maintenance tips for a lush green lawn next spring
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he days are getting shorter and the nights are cooling off. The kids are back in school. Yes, fall is in the air, and that means it’s time to start thinking about prepping your lawn for winter. “Many homeowners see spring as the most critical season for lawn care,” says Bryan Ostlund, executive director of Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers and turf specialists, “but in reality, at least in the transition and cool zones of the U.S., fall maintenance can have just as much impact – if not more – on the year-round health and appearance of your lawn. Once temperatures are consistently below 60 degrees, your lawn will start storing up nutrients in preparation for winter. That’s when you should start your fall lawn care regimen.” Following are three proactive measures you can take in the fall to ensure lush green grass come spring. 1. Reseed thin or bare areas. At the end of a long, hot summer with lots of outdoor activity, it’s not unusual for lawns to show signs of wear. By reseeding after the summer’s heat subsides and before the first winter freeze, you can repair the damage and give your turf an eight- to nine-month jump start on root growth. The longer and stronger the grass’s roots are, the less water your lawn will require during drier months and the more resistant it will be to disease and weeds. A thick lawn also helps reduce erosion, which can be particularly important in regions that experience rainy winter weather. Before you reseed, mow your lawn and remove the clippings, and then prepare the soil by raking with a straight rake. This will remove dead organic matter and loosen up the top half-inch of soil to improve contact with the seed. Then apply a high-quality seed that is appropriate for your local climate conditions and is resistant to currently prevalent pests. Ask your local extension office (see https://nifa.usda. gov/land-grant-colleges-and-universitiespartner-website-directory for a directory) for recommendations of blends that have tested well in your area. You’ll want to use fresh seed, so check the label to confirm that the seed was tested within the past 12 months. After planting, water the reseeded area lightly and regularly to keep it damp until the new grass is established. Although new warm-season lawns are best planted in the late spring or early summer, if you live in the warm zone you might consider overseeding your warmseason turf with cool-season grass seed in the fall. The cool-season grass will thrive until the warm-season grass turns green again in the spring, ensuring year-round color. 2. Aerify. Aerifying your lawn combats soil compaction and thatch buildup and enables water, nutrients and oxygen to reach the grass’s roots more easily. You can hire a professional to aerify your turf for you, or you can rent a core aerator that uses hollow tines to pull up small plugs of soil at regular intervals throughout the lawn. If you’re reseeding, aerify right before you apply the new seed. 3. Apply fertilizer. Cool-season grass should be fertilized in the fall - even if your lawn looks perfectly healthy and has no bare patches - to promote good root development, enhance the storage of energy reserves and extend color retention. Most of the benefits of fertilization will be seen the next spring and summer, with earlier green-up, improved turf density, greater tolerance to spring diseases and reduced weeds. Note that new grass and established lawns need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in different proportions. So if you’re reseeding, apply a starter fertilizer at the time of planting and then follow up with a second application, this time using standard fertilizer, four to eight weeks after germination. Your extension office can help you determine which fertilizers are best for your type of grass and local conditions.
Investing a bit of time and effort in fall maintenance will pay off next year, with greener grass earlier in the spring and a thicker, healthier lawn that is ready to stand up to the rigors of summer wear and tear.