August Real Estate Showcase 2015

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Thinking of buying a home? Better employment prospects, rising home values and historically low mortgage rates are driving improvements in housing markets across the country. If these facts are tempting you to take the plunge, you’re not alone. Keep in mind, buying a home is a major commitment and shouldn’t be undertaken without careful consideration, say experts. “While homeownership is often referred to as the ‘American Dream’ for good reason, it isn’t necessarily everyone’s right move,” says Freddie Mac Senior Vice President and Head of Single-Family Sales and Relationship Management, Christina Boyle. Understanding the pros and cons of homeownership can help you make a wise decision. For potential home buyers, Boyle offers the following insights: Ownership Pros From paint colors to major remodeling projects, one of the best parts of ownership is having a place that is uniquely yours to customize. Consider the financial benefits, as well. At tax time, you may be able to deduct the interest on your mortgage and property taxes, offsetting a portion of the cost of ownership. Stability is another major draw. With fixed-rate mortgages, your monthly principal and interest payments will stay the same for the entire period of the loan. This will make it easier to plan and budget over time, as

opposed to renting, where rates are largely beyond your control. Furthermore, creating equity for the future will help provide stability and security for your family. Ownership Cons Being your own landlord makes you responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property. Budget for maintenance costs -- from little fixes to such major, costly issues as roof replacement and water pipe repair. Other home-related costs to

keep in mind include utilities, homeowner association dues, homeowner insurance premiums and property taxes. Just like with your rent, your mortgage and utilities should be paid on time. This will help you maintain good credit and is essential if you want to borrow again in the future for home renovations, new cars or student loans. Self-Assessment An honest self-assessment can help you determine if buying a home is right for you. Do you have a reliable income, good

credit and documentation to verify your savings? Do you have the money required for home maintenance and a cash reserve that can withstand a loss of job, illness or other financial setback? Freddie Mac recommends that potential buyers be able to afford at least three-percent of the down payment and related closing costs. Also, evaluate your life plans. Are you planning on staying in your home for at least five years? Crunch the Numbers Free online tools can help you

get down to brass tacks. For a rent vs. buy calculator, a tax savings calculator, as well as tips, videos and tutorials needed to make well informed decisions, check out “My Home,” at MyHome.FreddieMac.com, a one-stop reference designed to help people become smarter homebuyers, homeowners or renters. Before taking any major plunge, get informed. An honest appraisal of the facts and figures can ensure a sounder financial future. -StatePoint


Modern design tips to set your home apart 5 If it’s time for a remodel -- or even just a refresh of your home’s dated décor – it may be time to think modern. Innovations in technology and design can offer your home efficiency, luxury and sophistication, and even improve your home's resale value. Here are a few trends to consider. New Kitchen Whatever purpose your kitchen serves, be it simply a workplace for meal prep or the hub of the home, you can give the room a clean modern look while retaining its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Stainless steel appliances and hardware coupled with butcher block countertops harmonize nicely and are beautiful design elements that lend themselves to both modern form and function. Modern design is all about streamlined simplicity, so use this opportunity to rid your kitchen of clunky, clutter-causing gadgets you don’t use -- especially those that don’t match

your updated look. The Fireplace The hearth has been, and continues to be, the heart of the home. While fireplaces may no longer serve as the primary way people heat their homes, they continue to be a focal point, both aesthetically and as a gathering place for family and friends,

even in spaces characterized by modern design. New gas fireplace designs are focusing on clean lines, sometimes replacing logs with materials like crushed glass, and the traditional masonry look with metallic fronts. For a high-end look, the MEZZO unit features a modern, see-through front. Also consider incorporating

a fireplace into your kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom or anywhere you want to create ambiance with a stunning focal point. Check out options specifically designed to fit smaller rooms or unique spaces – like the REVO, which is only seven inches deep and features venting technology that opens up opportunities for installation in places

and homes previously thought impossible. From a resale perspective, a fireplace adds $3,600 on average to the value of a home, and creates a design focal point that sets it apart from the rest of the inventory on the market. Hidden Storage For a modern look, the more devoid your space is of clutter, the better. And this goal in minimalism is informing many homeowners’ design decisions. Look for spaces that can serve as hidden, unique storage solutions, like carve outs or drawers that extend from under the staircase or storage spaces built between rooms. These modern twists on traditional storage will allow you to keep those items you need, but don’t want displayed, out of sight but not out of mind. Modern design can set your home apart, offering sophistication and efficiency without compromising comfort. -StatePoint

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Home projects to turn chores into checks on your to-do list Home improvement doesn’t have to be a hassle, and you don’t necessarily need an abundance of time or an expensive tool set for quick fixes. Yet, 52 percent of homeowners between the ages of 25 and 45 have unfinished tasks they need completed, and more than three-quarters of them say they don’t have enough time or money to finish their projects, according to a 2014 survey by Black+Decker. Here are four projects you can check off your to-do list quickly and cost-effectively, leaving you more time to enjoy the weekend. Fill Wall Cracks Over time, small cracks in walls will grow bigger and more noticeable. Fix them yourself with a simple formula. Mix together one-eighth cup of baking soda and two to three drops of Krazy Glue to create a paste and fill in the crack. After a few seconds, the paste will become a hard plastic that you can sand down easily. With a touch-up of paint, the wall will look brand

new. For quick touch-ups in the future, keep a spare baby jar of extra paint on hand. Create Clean Air Air conditioning units require maintenance. Use a shopvac or long vacuum add-on to remove dust and debris that have built up in the unit during the off-season. Replace the filter to ensure clean air comes into your home. You can even add a

few drops of essential oil to the filter to keep your house smelling fresh between cleanings. Tend to Trim To easily repair chipped crown molding or peeling baseboards, use a long-lasting formula, such as Krazy Glue’s new Maximum Bond Industrial Speed & Strength formula, which works quickly on wood, bonding in less than 30 seconds.

Apply a few drops to broken or peeling pieces and hold them against the baseboard or molding. Beyond aesthetic fixes, you can use glue for functional repairs that can save you money, such as mending ripped rubber weather stripping. A few drops of glue can improve energy efficiency in your home by keeping cool air in and summer warmth

out. Deep Clean Decks Your yard may have taken a beating over the last several months. Deck maintenance usually costs less than $100 a year, but replacing a deck completely could take up to $10,000 from your pockets. Maintain a tidy backyard deck by removing all leaves and twigs between the floorboards and scrubbing down the surface with a deck cleaning solution. For a cost-effective, DIY mixture, simply mix bleach and water. Freshen up the surface with a wood stain or sealant to prevent it from rotting. Your deck is the perfect place for entertaining and summer cookouts, so it’s important to keep it looking its best From small indoor fixes to large outdoor tasks, you don’t need to a lot of time, skills or money for many home improvement projects that can help you maintain an enjoyable living space. -StatePoint

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8 Mulching can keep your lawn healthy

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When working in the yard, you may be tempted to simply bag your yard clippings and set them out to the curb for pick-up. But experts say that mulching grass clippings is a much better alternative for the health of your lawn and the health of the planet. “Mulching is hands down one of the best ways to maintain a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn,” says Daryn Walters, at Exmark Manufacturing, a manufacturer of turf care equipment. “It’s free and it’s great for lawn health.” Furthermore, mulching can help you greatly reduce your family’s contribution to landfill waste, points out Walters. Of all the municipal solid waste collected in the United States, 13.5 percent of it is comprised of yard trimmings, according to the EPA. For best results, try these lawn care tips: • Practice the 1/3rd Rule: Never cut more than 1/3 of the

length of the grass blade when mowing, to avoid clippings accumulating on the surface and making your lawn susceptible to disease. Additionally, this will improve the productivity of your mower, as cutting more than that can bog it down with clippings. • Use a Mulching Mower: Consider investing in a commercial mower to regain productivity that can decrease when mulching. Manufacturers such as Exmark offer mulching-specific blades on both their walkbehind and zero-turn riding mowers, designed to deliver maximum productivity and cutquality when mulching. • Ditch the Chemicals: There’s no need to pay for chemical fertilizers to give your lawn what it needs to thrive. Mulching feeds the lawn nutrients and organic material, and can even help with moisture retention -which can significantly reduce the time and expense you spend

on watering the lawn. More information about mulching, lawn care and mowers can be found at www.Ex-

mark.com. “Your yard trimmings are not trash -- they are an effective, natural and free fertilizer,” says Wal-

ters. “For a healthy lawn, drop the bag and let the mulch do more for you.” -StatePoint


Time, money-saving home improvement projects When you began shopping for your home, you may have envisioned white picket fences, the perfect kitchen, and decorations mirroring those from your favorite glossy magazines. Soon, you realized your taste and budget weren’t on the same page. However, every home can be a glorious fixer-upper as you add appealing features -- especially if you know some tricks to save time and money on home improvements. With limited time and budget, you may not know where to begin. Here are four home improvement tips to help get you started. Wall Repair You’ve decided the ugly bathroom mirror needs a makeover, but when you remove it from the wall, some of the drywall paper comes off too. For larger wall repairs, remember to prime twice. Cut away any loose paper, apply a thin coat of primer, followed by three coats of spackle or compound -- sanding between each layer for a smooth finish. Apply primer again to prevent “flashing,” or a dulling in the finish, and paint the area with your desired wall color. For a quick bathroom update, consider framing the mirror instead of removing it. Boxed Storage Large retailers offer stylish storage solutions for minimal cost. The downside, besides having to assemble things yourself, is the lack of stability these units provide. Have a little peace of mind with a simple fix – before screwing the pieces together, simply add a small amount of Elmer’s Wood Glue. The bond

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will hold strong, even as your screws loosen over time. For projects with mixed materials, such as metal and wood, use ProBond Advanced. Fill in the Gaps Your trim and baseboards can take quite the beating over the years. Moving furniture, kicking off your shoes, or playing with toys can lead to dents and gouges. Apply wood filler to damaged

trim to quickly bring them back to life. Not sure when it’s ready to sand? Color Change Wood Filler changes color when it’s dry, taking the guesswork out of the drying time. Finally, apply a fresh coat of paint or stain. Tile Transformation Tile adds a touch of luxury to your kitchen or bath, but can be an eyesore if it starts looking dingy. For an easy refresh, pick

up grout cleaner from your local hardware store or simply sprinkle baking soda onto the grout. Pour a little vinegar over it before scrubbing. Use an old toothbrush and some elbow grease, and your old grout will look new in no time. If you need to replace the caulking around your tub or base of your backsplash, apply painter’s tape on the base and wall to ensure you’ll get a straight, clean line.

Home improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. Tackling small, effective projects can provide a large impact while requiring little time, money and DIY expertise. From home repairs to furniture fixes, these quick tips will help you make your house feel more like a home – leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy it. -StatePoint


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Easy ways to prep for back-to-school 11 With the back-to-school season gearing up, getting the kids prepped and ready for a successful academic year can quickly add up. Discount retailer Dollar General is sharing tips to make the experience easier and more affordable. Use the List Schools usually provide supply lists to ensure the classroom is well-stocked and students have what they need for the year. To ensure you are getting exactly what your student needs, take some time to review classroom necessities before making purchases. Tax-Free Weekends Several states and localities offer tax-free weekends prior to the start of the new school year. Tax-free items include school and office supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, clothes and some electronics. Take full advantage of the savings opportunity when shopping online or at local retailers

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like Dollar General, for supplies ranging from folders, pencils, pens, notebooks and binders, to backpacks, lunch coolers and clothing basics. Think Outside the Lunchbox Back-to-school also means back to making early morning breakfasts and packing lunches and snacks. Stock up on easy

school meal needs, from bread, eggs and cereal to peanut butter, jelly and chips. To feed your hungry students, find quick and delicious meal ideas at DG Meals www.dg.com/easymeals. Save Time and Money Online No more time wasted in traffic. No more extra expense at the pump. Online ordering is a great

way to save money, gas and time while having all your school and home supplies just a click away. For example, Dollar General offers the same selections online as you will find in-store. Visit www.dollargeneral.com or text JOIN to 34898 for exclusive digital coupons which can help you save even more on back-toschool needs. You can also sign

up for auto-renewal of your favorite items and have them delivered to your door on your schedule. Back-to-school is back again. But if you shop smart, you can send your students to the classroom with quality supplies and the latest fashions, conveniently and affordably. -StatePoint


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