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Applying for a home loan?
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Have you been hearing a lot of news lately about dropping interest rates and increased home values? If you’re now ready to jump into home ownership or are considering refinancing your existing home, below are helpful tips and necessary documents that you’ll likely need when applying for a loan and going through the process. 1. Gather your personal financial documents; these
should include current pay stubs, W2’s for the last two years, 2 months of bank statements, other recent asset statements like the last quarterly 401k and possibly tax return records. The lender may also ask for copies of a recent divorce decree and other legal documents. 2. Know what you can afford; evaluate your budget and be smart about keeping your mortgage and home expenses within your means. 3. Check your credit history; obtain copies of your credit report and examine it for accuracy. Be sure to ask questions about the data being reported on you, especially if you see an entry you do not understand. 4. Avoid major changes to your economic situation; think about postponing any major purchases, like a car, until after you have closed your home loan. Sudden changes like a job
transition or declining cash assets, just prior to your closing, could potentially have a negative effect on your home purchase/ refinance transaction. 5. Talk to your lender; if you have questions about the best loan options and products to consider for your unique situation, call your lender and discuss these details with a knowledgeable professional. At DATCU Credit Union we’re a local home lender you can trust. We’ve been proudly serving this community for over 78 years and our real estate team would like to help you too. It would be our pleasure to finance your dream home, refinance an existing home, provide you with a home equity loan or offer you a home equity line of credit. Give us a call at 940-387-8585 or go to datcurealestate.org. We look forward to serving you. -Janice Sheppard, DATCU
Tips for beating the winter blues 5
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Sniffles and flu are not the only afflictions of winter. Many people find that the dark and cold days can impact their mood. In fact, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects approximately 10 million Americans, and another 10 to 20 percent of the public may have mild SAD, according to Psychology Today. Coupled with busy lives, the winter blues can put extra strain on one’s relationships and psyche. Luckily there are simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lead a happier, less stressful life during winter. Healthy Habits Feeling blue can be compounded by unhealthy habits. Limit alcohol and get plenty of
rest to feel your best. Eat foods beneficial to brain health, such as those that contain omega 3 fatty acids. Be sure to exercise daily, as physical activity can boost serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain. While the days may be shorter, try to take advantage of the sunlight each day with a brisk walk at lunch -- remember to bundle up though, a winter cold is never fun! Get Cozy One of the causes of winter blues is light deprivation. If you have a fireplace, counteract the shorter days by adding a fire to your daily routine. Dinner, reading, relaxing, watching TV, and even working
can seem more enjoyable by adding the light and warmth of a fire, say the statistics. Indeed, 89 percent of people say having a fire is extremely important, important or somewhat important to their wintertime quality of life, according to a recent survey jointly conducted by the American Institute of Stress (AIS) and Duraflame, which creates firerelated products, including fire logs and fire starters. A fire can offer stress relief, creating an opportunity to gather friends and family in a relaxing ambiance. Whether you’re alone or with a group, consider making it a hassle-free experience by using a manufactured fire log, which produces robust,
bright flames and burns significantly cleaner and more efficiently than a typical wood fire. Take a Breather Consider setting aside more time each day to mentally and physically recuperate. Nearly 60 percent of people take an hour a day or less to wind down and relax, according to the AIS and Duraflame survey, and more probably should. Try this quick stress relief exercise, “The Quieting Reflex,” recommended by Dr. Daniel L. Kirsch, president of AIS: • Smile inwardly with your eyes and mouth, relaxing your facial muscles. Think of something heartwarming or amusing while you do this. This starts to
counter stress immediately. • Next think of the expression: “Alert Mind, Calm Body” to counter negative thoughts. • Slowly take a deep breath while visualizing it as warm air coming in from pores, or holes opening up in the bottom of your feet and slowly moving up into your lungs. • While you exhale, visualize a wave of warmth and relaxation slowly flowing through your body exiting through your feet, like the spreading warmth you feel when sitting by the fireplace. You can’t control the seasons, but by being proactive, you can get back to enjoying your winters. -StatePoint
6 Protect your home from weather events Real Estate
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Whether you like to hibernate all winter or you enjoy hitting the slopes, don’t forget to be prepared for power outages, especially this year, as the “Old Farmer’s Almanac,” known for accurately forecasting weather since 1792, is calling for the “worst winter in years.” Last winter, hundreds of thousands of homeowners learned the hard way about the importance of having immediate back-up power. And, as more people work from home, power outages become more than an inconvenience, but an economic impediment as well. In addition to weather related outages, the electrical grid has been plagued by more and worse blackouts in recent years, due to aging wires, pole transformers and other lagging infrastructure. In fact, non-disasterrelated outages affected at least 50,000 consumers last year. This, coupled with increasingly volatile weather patterns and an increasing reliance on technology, create a perfect storm for outages. To mitigate the inconvenience, cost and danger of inevitable power outages, it’s becoming increasingly important that every homeowner consider a backup generator. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of purchasing and using one. With a bit of understanding and research, you can find an easy-tooperate unit that is right for you home. Here are some things to consider when seeking out a generator: • Know your needs. What
devices you will need to power in the event of an outage? List running watts and starting watts for each device, and add them together to determine your total wattage requirements. Additionally, determine which type of fuel you prefer and what your primary use will be. For example, generators are not just handy for home emergencies; they can also be useful on camping trips, for tailgating before the game or for the job site. If you plan to use your generator on trips, ease of portability and flexibility is important. • Quality. Above all, a generator should offer durability, reliability, performance and security. For example, the Firman Platinum Series Generators powered by Kohler engines are known for these qualities and are offered at various price points. Their wheel barrow design provides ease of mobility, and the simple-to-operate control panel comes with outlet covers to protect against the elements. Additionally, they are designed for quieter operation, making them ideal for use at home. These generators are sold at Home Depot and on Amazon. • Ease of operation. Features such as a pull cord, electric and/or remote start, and durable tires for portability can make using a generator easy for anybody. • Don’t wait. You never know when you might need a generator. And an emergency situation is not the right time to do your research and find one.
For online resources, generator selection and a wattage calculator, visit www.FirmanGenerators.com.
Protecting your home, family and home business from power outages is crucial. Consider outfitting your home with a backup
generator to stay comfortable, safe and connected no matter what. -StatePoint
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8 Trends are driving innovations in tools
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If you’ve hired a contractor to work on your home, you may not recognize the impact you had on innovation in the home improvement industry. For example, as more homeowners look for ways to become eco-friendly, a growing number of contractors are using newer material, such as “Green Insulation Technology,” a sustainable insulation alternative. Likewise, design trends create a need for new tools. Indeed, one out of three tilers expects “stone-effect” to be the most popular tiling style within the next 12 months, according to a recent survey of 400 contractors conducted by Lab42. And to do a good job with such tiling, nearly three out of five contractors said they wish they could cut holes in porcelain tile more efficiently, citing it as one of the most time-consuming tasks on the job. Enter tool bits such as the RotoZip XCores, a highspeed diamond hole saw that
can cut tile, stone and granite, and operates at speeds ten times faster, lasts four times longer and can withstand more heat
than comparable tools. A companion tool, the RotoZip RotoSaw, along with RotoZip ZipBits or XBITS, make quick, con-
trolled cuts in a variety of materials, including drywall, up to one-inch thick. As homeowners demands
are met, more innovations in materials and tools are blossoming. -StatePoint
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10 Keep your New Year’s resolutions Real Estate
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New Year’s Resolutions are easier to make than to keep, especially when it comes to dieting. While life can often seem at
odds with your health and fitness goals, there are plenty of ways to avoid common pitfalls this New Year and stay on the weight loss track.
• Snack and drink smart: When you’re one-the-go, easy protein-packed snacks will help you stay on track. Try beef jerky, low-fat string cheese, or 100 calorie packs of almonds. Fiberrich whole-grains, fruits and vegetables can also help keep hunger at bay. Calories from drinks add up fast. Stick with dry wines, as they often have fewer calories than sweeter varieties. Light beers, with approximately 100 calories for every 12 ounce serving, are also a good choice. If you prefer cocktails, use calorie-free mixers, such as seltzer with 1.5 oz. of spirits. • Make it easy: Dieting should be easy. Most people often complain they fail at diets because they need to constantly count calories, or weigh and measure foods. Look for programs that help you stick to your goals by offering convenience and support. For example, Nutrisystem helps
with the hard part -- the counting, weighing and measuring -by offering pre-portioned and personalized meal plans designed to fuel individuals with the right amount of calories for how their metabolism burns, as well as satisfy individual taste. And with their Fast 5+ kit, you can jumpstart your weight loss, since it promises to help you lose five pounds plus an inch off your waist in your first week of dieting. You’ll see results quickly, giving you motivation to keep going. There’s no better time than now to start your weight loss journey and make your pledge to lose. To learn more, visit www.Nutrisystem.com. • Eat out, right: Eating out is sometimes unavoidable. Just be sure to check out a restaurant’s nutrition information online before you go, so you can make wise choices. Make substitutions like salad, with dressing on the side, in-
stead of fries and don’t be afraid to ask if a menu item can be modified. Also, be mindful of portion sizes. Take half your meal home and enjoy it for tomorrow’s lunch. • Facing the scale: Weight fluctuates throughout the day. Weigh yourself at the same time of day in similar weight clothing to get the most accurate readings. Remember though, the number on the scale won’t always reflect your hard work. Focus instead on healthy, positive changes and how you feel. • Aim for 30: Squeeze 30 minutes of activity into your day. Walk during lunch, jump rope during your favorite nightly TV show or turn on music and dance around the house. Remember, everyone falls off the wagon from time to time, but the New Year is the perfect time to commit to your weight loss goals. -StatePoint
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Get the low down on low down payments 13 You may have heard the rule of thumb that you shouldn't buy a home unless you can put down 20 percent of the purchase price. However, today’s home buyers have many choices when it comes to the size of the down payment. While this magic number of 20 percent will save you from paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage, you can pay considerably less than this if you want. “Today's consumers persistently overestimate the size of a down payment they need to finance a home,” says Christina Boyle, SVP and Head of SingleFamily Sales & Relationship Management at Freddie Mac. According to the results of a recent survey conducted by Zelman & Associates, 39 percent of those surveyed estimated that the minimum down payment requirement for a home is at
least 15 percent of the purchase price. The reality is quite different however, as qualified buyers can get a conventional mortgage with a down payment of as little as three percent. In fact, recent statistics show more than one in five borrowers who took out conventional mortgages in 2014 put down 10 percent or less. Educating potential homeowners on the rules of down payments – and available assistance programs – plays a large role in getting qualified borrowers off the sidelines and into homeownership, according to Boyle, who also notes that today's historically low mortgage rates, coupled with affordable home prices in many parts of the country, make it an attractive time to consider buying. “If putting 20 percent down will deplete all of your savings and leave you with no financial cushion, it's probably not in your best interest,” she says.
If you don’t put down 20 percent, the cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed. While it’s no doubt an added cost, it enables buyers to purchase now and begin building equity versus waiting five to 10 years to build enough savings for a larger down payment. Additionally, once you've built equity of 20 percent in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that added expense from your monthly payment. New homeownership opportunities are poised to grow. Carefully evaluate your finances to determine how much you can afford and talk with your lender or housing professional about what makes best sense for you and your particular situation. -StatePoint
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Tips to grill year round
While grilling is usually associated with summer, more Americans are recognizing its year-round potential. In fact, 80 percent of North American households own a grill or smoker and 60 percent use it year-round, according to recent statistics from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Many smoker recipes and barbecue recipes can reinvent traditional winter meals, say ex-
perts. “Grilling turkey over lump charcoal creates a succulent, flavorful entrée,” says Don Crace, President of Cowboy Charcoal, a brand that caters to grilling purists of the charcoal variety. For a uniquely smoky flavor sure to impress the crowd, try this recipe for Cowboy’s Perfect Bourbon-Maple Smoked Turkey: Ingredients • 1 thawed or fresh turkey
• 1 onion • 2-3 garlic cloves • 3 sprigs rosemary • 3 sprigs thyme • 1 bay leaf • Olive oil • Salt (at least 2 cups) • Pepper • Lump Charcoal • Hickory wood chips • 1 cup bourbon • 1/2 cup real maple syrup Directions • Remove neck, giblets and
excess fat from turkey. Make gravy from giblets and neck, if desired. • Completely rinse turkey inside and out. • Place turkey in large brining bag that will fit in your refrigerator. • Create brine with 2 gallons water (or enough to cover turkey), 2 cups salt, 1 cup bourbon and 1/2 cup maple syrup. • Refrigerate at least four hours.
• Remove turkey from brine, rinse and thoroughly pat dry. • Add onion (sliced in half), garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf to inside of turkey. Season the inside with salt and pepper. • Tie legs together with cooking string and twist wing tips under the back or cover with foil to prevent burning. • Brush outside of turkey with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. • Soak a full package of Cowboy’s Hickory Wood Chips in a large bowl for 30 minutes. • Place a foil pan below the grate on one side of grill to catch drippings. To prevent excess smoke, fill it halfway with water. • On the other side of grill, add two pounds charcoal and light it. • Drain water from wood chips. • When lump charcoal is ash gray, add about one cup of wood chips to the fire. Place grate back on the grill. Let preheat for about 10 minutes. • Arrange it on the grate, above the pan. • Place lid on grill and cook turkey for approximately 11 to 13 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees. • Add additional wood chips and charcoal every 30 minutes or as needed. • When done, transfer turkey to serving platter, cover with foil and let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Turkey isn’t the only food to take outdoors -- impart dynamic, smoky flavors to other meat dishes, vegetables, fruits and even desserts by grilling over charcoal. For year-round outdoor cooking tips, as well as food safety handling tips, visit the Cowboy Charcoal Blog, "The Roundup" at www.cowboycharcoal.com/blog. Cooking outdoors knows no seasonal bounds. Delight feasters by grilling all year. -StatePoint
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