WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW
By LEE ZION Daily News-Record
It will cost you less to own your own home than you think.
Derek Chaudhuri of Kline May Realty and Veronica Amato of F&M Mortgage led a seminar earlier this month for first-time homebuyers. This was only the second of an ongoing monthly event — the two plan to hold this discussion on the first Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m.
Chaudhuri described some of the obstacles preventing people from saving to buy a home.
“The frappuccino from McDonald’s twice a week costs us 15 bucks. We might need to cut out a couple of cable channels to get our dream,” he said.
But the reasons behind homeownership are so worth it. A mortgage locks in a price, so, unlike renting, there won’t be any rent increases, Chaudhuri said.
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Lee Zion / DN-R
Derek Chaudhuri and Veronica Amato conduct a seminar on home ownership.
Homeowners get tax benefits, plus the equity that increases with every year of homeownership. And, ultimately, financial freedom.
“That very last payment that you pay, whether it’s right when you hit retirement, maybe a couple of years before, it’s going to feel real good knowing you don’t have another monthly payment to worry about,” he said.
But going into retirement while still renting means more rent increases.
“That’s not going to stop. It’s not going to stop ’til the day you die,” he said.
Plus, you will have extra space when your family grows. And — a legacy to pass down to your children, Chaudhuri said.
Not to mention all the little things. Having a yard and being able to fix up the place the way you want. And — pets!
“You won’t have to pay an extra 250 bucks on a mortgage if you have a pet,” he said.
Also, as the home increases in value, Chaudhuri said, the homeowner will have more financial stability.
Chaudhuri warned against the proverbial little guy on your shoulder, coming up with all the reasons people shouldn’t buy a home. Most of these are lies, he said.
For example, you need a super-large down payment and a perfect credit score.
“Not true,” he said.
Further, your mortgage specialist will work with you to improve your credit score, Chaudhuri.
Nor is it cheaper to rent. A mortgage may cost about $100 or $200 a month more than renting while you are building equity.
“You’re not losing,” Chaudhuri said. Also, you don’t have to be debt-free. Student debt isn’t an obstacle, he said.
Amato, meanwhile, advised potential homebuyers that their first step is to visit
the mortgage loan adviser.
“I’ll be able to tell you how much of the price you can afford. Ninety-nine percent of the people don’t know. They’re way off. They can afford way more than they think or way less,” she said.
She can also advise how much the monthly payment would be and whether there are programs to assist first-time homebuyers. That will give the real estate agent an idea of where to look and what to look for.
“Don’t look at a house first. Look at how much you can afford, and then make that phone call and say, ‘Can you show me that house? Because I have pre-approval,’ ” she said.
The minimum credit score to get a house is 580. However, Amato recommends a score above 620 to get a better deal.
Also, you don’t need to have a 20 per-
cent down payment. She figured that the homebuyers have less in 99% of the loans she provides. Some of them have no down payment at all.
It’s not cumbersome to apply for pre-approval. For someone who has all the tax documents in hand, the whole process takes about 20 minutes, Amato said.
The formula is your income before tax minus loans and loan payments. Divide that by half, and that will be what you can afford, monthly, for a home loan, she said.
Also to consider are taxes, homeowner association fees and the interest rate, Amato said.
“People always ask, ‘Should I buy a house now, or should I wait?’ And I say, ‘Wait for what?’ “ she said.
Don’t fall into the trap of expecting interest rates to go down. If there are 10
people interested in one house, that number will increase once the interest rates fall. Amato said that leads to a bidding war, and the house will cost even more than if you hadn’t held back.
“The best time to buy a house is five years ago,” she said. “The soonest, the better,”
Amato said the homeowner could also refinance at a better rate.
And, Chaudhuri added, while you’re waiting, you’re still paying rent.
“Paying rent is paying somebody else’s mortgage,” Amato said.
The pre-approval letter is good for 120 days and doesn’t take long to renew.
The next discussion will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Kline May Realty, 1962 Evelyn Byrd Road. Call 435-7778 to sign up.
Contact Lee Zion at lzion@dnronline. com or 540-208-3174.
Decorating made simple with classics and meaning
By LISA LANDRAM
For the Daily News-Record
A.Stratton Designs offers a refreshing, natural way to brighten any home using antique refurbished accent pieces and meaningful décor.
Anna May Stratton, owner of A. Stratton Designs, reviews how she started her interior design business, her approach to design, how she works with clients, and some tips for decorating for the holidays.
Stratton worked for 25 years in executive recruiting before making a career shift in 2016 when she built her first house
Stratton said she enjoyed the design aspect of building a new home, from picking out the flooring to deciding the hardware and decor on her shelves.
She then started designing for friends and family, said Stratton.
Projects started to pick up, and Stratton found herself really enjoying her part-time work.
Last year, Stratton lost a close friend.
“We are not promised tomorrow,” Stratton said.
So, she decided to hang up her corporate job and pursue a full-time career in interior design and home decorating.
She purchased a building in Elkton for her showroom, said Stratton. It is currently under renovation but will be used as a showroom.
Stratton said the store will be open by appointment. This will allow her clients to visualize the pieces she picks for them.
Natural approach
“The way I decorate is kind of like how I like to put on makeup,” said Stratton. “You want to look nice and … natural.”
Stratton likes to work with a neutral palette and add color through pillows, rugs, or an accent wall.
Stratton also likes to use antique and family pieces in her decor.
“I like to use a lot of preloved pieces in my designs,” said Stratton. “I’m constantly picking up pieces along the way, whether at antique malls, Facebook marketplace, yard sales, or online auctions.”
The pieces are then refurbished.
“They are one of a kind,” said Stratton. “Unique pieces with a story.”
Stratton said she then keeps an inventory to show her clients. This includes suggesting pieces that look good in their homes.
Stratton also likes to include family pieces in her design.
For example, if the family has an old typewriter, she can incorporate that into the room’s aesthetic.
Stratton even has a unique family piece in her home.
When Stratton was a kid, she used to go with her dad to tear down old barns for lumber.
“I have some of those beams
Stratton thinks will look good, including the layout, pieces, colors, and décor.
“Usually, I show them a couple of different options,” said Stratton.
Then Stratton said she manages the project. This includes troubleshooting, scheduling and ensuring everything is done.
“All the client has to do is help with making decision … and providing input,” said Stratton.
Holiday decorating
Stratton recommends a minimalist approach, with elegance and statement pieces for the holidays.
Your whole house does not have to be decorated for fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Stratton said.
“Little things can go a long way,” said Stratton.
For instance, putting wreaths in all your windows with single candles that light up at dusk makes a cozy and welcoming home for Christmas.
In the home, creating a centerpiece is critical, said Stratton.
This can be a mantle with greenery, Christmas ornaments, and stockings.
Stratton said if you decorate the whole house, then it loses its impact.
“Little things can go a long way,” said Stratton. It makes more of a statement.”
Be strategic about the pieces you display, said Stratton.
Stratton also suggests engaging the other senses.
Christmas music playing throughout the home brings it all together and puts everyone in a festive mood.
throughout my house,” said Stratton. Stratton said things like this add the final touches and create a personal space for each client.
Up close and personal
When working with new clients, Stratton will meet with them in their homes to assess the space and review the client’s style.
This includes taking photos of the space, understanding what it is used for, talking with the client about what they want to do, and considering things like lifestyle, said Stratton.
Stratton said she then puts together a floor plan that she shows the client.
The floor plan will include what
“Simplicity is key,” said Stratton. Regarding the Christmas tree, Stratton recommends starting with the Douglas Fir tree.
She also recommends placing the same type of decoration in an unformed way and using white littles as a neutral palate.
Stratton said then you can place more personal things, like your kids’ ornaments, that have more color in them, in the gaps of the unformed pieces. This brings in a more personal design with a natural background.
During the fall, Stratton said she prefers to decorate for harvest rather than Halloween.
Stephan George / Studio-1203 Photography
Anna May Stratton, owner of A. Stratton Designs
Some tips for landscaping on a budget
Landscaping can be a daunting task, especially when doing so on a tight budget. Here are four ways to beautify your yard without a second mortgage.
Buy young/small plants
Buying young plants in smaller pots is a strategic investment that promises longterm rewards. If you’re patient and have a green thumb, this is the most effective use of your budget and can be used to cover large areas affordably.
Shop perennials
We often hear a saying in the industry regarding perennial planting: “In year one, they sleep. In year two, they creep, and in year three, they finally leap.”
The primary concept to remember when approaching this method is the mature size of the pieces you plant. The initial planting may look scattered and thin, but with the right design and a bit of time and care, these small plants will fill out and become mature, established beds.
Perennial gardening is a phenomenal way to get the most bang for your buck. These plants return every year and can often be divided in maturity. Dividing a mature, overgrown perennial will help the original plant perform better, giving it more space for roots to grow and absorb nutrients and water.
The divisions taken can be used to landscape your property further or given to friends or family.
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Courtesy of Devin Ritts
Perennial plants are low maintenance and easy to keep alive.
Courtesy of Devin Ritts
Using native plants may require less time and money than a conventional landscape.
CONNOR WATERS
Experience nature’s embrace without leaving the city
By LISA LANDRAM
For the Daily News-Record
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is full of nature, nestled in the heart of Harrisonburg, but worlds away from the bustling city.
The Arboretum has so much to offer, no matter the needs of individuals or the community.
Whether you want to relax outdoors, walk your dog, picnic, play with your children, connect with nature, or read educational material, the Arboretum has something for you.
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, located at 780 University Boulevard in Harrisonburg, is surrounded by trees, ferns, flowers, a pond, and wildlife.
According to the Arboretum’s website, the grounds and education center total 125 acres and 3.5 miles of trials.
“Here at the Arboretum, our mission is really just to serve as a resource for the community so that they can connect more with nature,” said Ivy Makia, public relations and marketing specialist for the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University.
Creation of the Arboretum
In 1964, the natural science faculty at JMU used the area for educational purposes, according to the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum website. Dr. Norlyn Bodkin advocated for the Arboretum in the 1970s and 1980s.
the Arboretum after her, expressing gratitude for all her services.
According to the website, a board was created to oversee the Arboretum in 1986 and officially opened to the public in 1989.
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum’s vision is to “inspire outdoor engagement in a woodland sanctuary,” according to the website.
The Arboretum today
The area offers an outdoor classroom, an evolving habitat, a wildflower preserves, a green corridor, and sources of native trees and flowers.
The Arboretum also has a storm detention area, according to the website.
Makia said one of the big things we try to focus on is the importance of the Arboretum’s functionality.
After approval, surveys, a design plan, and funding, the Arboretum was in motion, according to the website.
“The first phase included 26 acres dedicated to Dr. Bodkin’s vision, most of which are named in his honor, the Norlyn Bodkin Oak Hickory Forest; home to a spectacular collection of spring wildflowers,” states the website.
The Arboretum itself is named after Edith J. Carrier, the wife of former JMU President Ronald E. Carrier, who served from 1971 to 1998.
Edith Carrier served the JMU community through academic, political, and corporate activities with dignitaries while they were visiting JMU, according to the website.
Edith also served and volunteered as an event planner and administrator for the university.
The Arboretum James Madison University Board of Visitors named
Makia said that last year, our education coordinator collaborated with the STEM director for Harrisonburg City Public Schools and got all the fourth graders in Harrisonburg to come to the Arboretum to learn about watersheds and water pollution.
Makia is hopeful that this taught the students how to be good stewards of the land.
“The arboretum’s tree intercepts and soaks up approximately 825,000 gallons of runoff annually,” said Makia. The Arboretum is also a space for enjoyment and education.
Makia said that the At Home in the Woods family garden is one of the newer projects installed in the last few years.
“It is an area with children in mind to engage them and encourage outdoor engagement,” said Makia.
Lisa Landram / For the DN-R
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
How to recognize the risk factors for mold infestation in a home
Metro Creative Services
Homeowners know that there’s no shortage of work required to maintain a home. Whether it’s a renovation project designed to make a home more comfortable or a safety-related remodel, homes require a significant amount of TLC.
Mold remediation falls under the umbrella of safety-related renovations. Various types of mold can grow in a home, and such infestations may develop just about anywhere in a house. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, exposure to mold can contribute to an array of adverse health consequences, including allergy symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and
headache. Prolonged exposure can cause allergic reactions to become more severe. Various points in a home can be vulnerable to mold infestation. The New York State Department of Health notes that identifying and controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold infestations in a home. Certain points in a home, if left unchecked, are more likely to promote mold growth than others. As homeowners work to maintain their homes so the environment inside their walls is as comfortable and healthy as possible, they can routinely inspect potential mold infestation points and do their best to keep these areas as free from moisture as possible.
· Roof: A sturdy, leak-free roof can help prevent a buildup of moisture that can con-
tribute to mold growth.
· Indoor plumbing: Check the pipes beneath sinks throughout the home, including those in the kitchen and bathrooms. Homeowners whose washrooms have a slop sink or utility sink should inspect these areas for leaky plumbing as well.
· Outdoor drainage: Maintaining effective outdoor drainage is another way to prevent mold growth in a home. This typically requires maintaining gutters and drains so they do not become clogged during or after rainstorms. Gutter guards can prevent gutters and drains from clogging. Homeowners also may want to work with a landscaper or landscape architect to ensure soil around the house slopes away
from the foundation, which can prevent water from pooling near the walls. When water pools near the walls, this can contribute to foundation problems and make it easier for mold to grow.
· Basements/crawl spaces: Basements and crawl spaces are vulnerable to mold infestations because they tend to be dark and cool, which can contribute to dampness that facilitates mold growth. The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends using a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces.
· Bathrooms: Steam from hot showers also can contribute to mold growth if the bathrooms do not contain exhaust fans. Such fans can remove excess moisture that makes it easy for mold to grow.
Plant natives
Native plants are the unsung heroes of budget-friendly landscaping. Once established, they require less watering and fertilization, saving you time and money. These plants evolved to specialize in the environment they’re native to, making them well-adapted to the soil and climate.
Some varieties are disease- and pest-resistant, thriving with little attention and saving you money on pest/disease-related products.
Shop promotions
Promotions are a frugal gardener’s best friend. Garden centers will often
have promotions running to close out a season, highlight a key product line, or reduce quantities on overstocked inventory.
These promotions are not just discounts; they are opportunities to maximize the value of your investment. Promotions on trees, shrubs, or perennials are especially appealing as these plants will return year after year and offer a great value on your investment.
Connor Waters is the sales manager at Milmont Greenhouses in Stuarts Draft. For over 50 years Milmont has been providing the Shenandoah Valley with high quality affordable plants and the highest level of customer service. Nestled against the mountains, Milmont provides a wonderful environment to source plants and products to beatify your outdoor and indoor spaces.
This way, you can use the decorations longer.
Stratton said that having pumpkins and gourds or a basket on the front porch is lovely during harvest time.
Stratton reiterated that keeping
things simple and adding unique, loved and personal pieces throughout the home makes a more significant impact when designing year-round or during the holidays.
For more information about A. Stratton Designs contact Anna Stratton at (540) 209-1994 or visit astrattondesign.com.
The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum in Harrisonburg is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
wooden stakes installed along an outdoor path.
The Arboretum also offers tranquil gardens, herb gardens and a native shade garden.
The native garden was created with education in mind, with the intention to share the importance of native plants, especially in the face of climate change, said Makia.
Those at the Arboretum have also been planting more plants around the pond, said Makia.
Makia said the facility management department at JMU handles the Arboretum’s esthetics, including maintenance of the trees and plants.
“We have two dedicated facility management workers here that stay on the premises of the arboretum, work on the garden beds, and keep things maintained,” said Makia.
Besides the two full-time landscapers, there are a couple of part-time and summer workers, said Makia.
According to the website, the Arboretum is free to the public, from dawn to dusk, every day of the year.
The Francis Parker Education Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Dogs are permitted within the Arboretum, but they must be leashed.
The Arboretum also offers a StoryWalk, according to the website.
StoryWalk is a way to involve children in reading while outdoors, according to the website. Laminated pages of children’s books are attached to
When walking through the forest, you are greeted by a new page in the book.
Makia said that the Arboretum has much to offer both the community and visitors to the area.
Guest at the Arboretum
Dwayne and Brenda Wenger have lived in Bridgewater for two years, and they enjoy spending time at the Arboretum.
The first time they went was with their grandchildren, said Dwayne Wenger.
It is a family-orientated place, said Brenda Wenger.
The couple decided to come back to the Arboretum together on Aug. 14.
The Wengers took a walk around the grounds and had a picnic together.
Dwayne said that the trails are an excellent place to hike because there is a lot of shade throughout the Arboretum, which cools you down.
“It is beautiful out here,” said Brenda Wenger.
From playing with your grandkids to having a romantic date, the Arboretum, though stagnant in location, meets the community’s needs.
“The whole idea is to promote the relationship between ourselves and the natural world, as well as animals … regardless of your background,” said Makia.
Lisa Landram / For the DN-R