The Real Estate Book of Brazoria / Matagorda County, TX - Vol 34#2

• 1 Ac- Bar X wooded, waterfront ac. $39K

• 1 Ac- Tres Palacios- Extraordinary river lot! $49K

• 2+ Acs- Restricted. North of Angleton. Wooded. No flooding! $160’s

• 3.5 Acs- Hwy corner at Angleton city limits. Near Northside schools. $3 per sq ft.

• 5 Acs- Angleton- On corner near CR 30. Wooded. Just outside city limits. $125K

• 10 Acs- Danbury- CR 208. 1,000 ft waterfront and 1,000 ft CR frontage. Dozens of mature oaks.

• 10 Acs- Sandy Point near 521. Great CR frontage. 2 tracts. Out of flood plain. $385K ea.

• 78 Acs- Angleton- City water & sewer. Out of flood plain. Zoned light industrial.

• 80+ Acs- Angleton- On 288 Fwy & 288B. Out of flood plain.

• 100 Acs- Danbury- Thousands of ft of CR frontage. Near fwy. Out of flood plain.

• 100 Acs- FM 521. $17.5K per ac.

• 100 to 200 Acs- FM 521. 2,600 ft of hwy frontage. Massive oaks galore. 1 miles west of 288 Fwy.

• 140 Acs- 4,500 ft of private road. 4,500 ft of wooded Austin Bayou frontage. $12.5K per ac.

• 200 Acs- Between Alvin & Angleton. $5900 per ac.

• 200 Acs- Angleton- Cattle farm w/ barn. $4950 per ac.

• 400 Acs- Cattle ranch near Angleton. $5300 per ac.

• 527 Acs- South Angleton ranch/farm land. Reservoir & water rights. $4950 per ac.

PRIME WATERFRONT- Approx 800’ fronts “Old Brazos River” with access to Port Freeport and the Gulf of Mexico. This 3.53 acre property has the protection of the guillotine.

LAKE

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SAVE YOUR PIPES THIS WINTER SAVE YOUR PIPES THIS WINTER

Winter is tough enough on your wallet as is. Between gifts for the holidays, travel and heating costs, this time of year can hit your bank account hard. If you add in pipe damage or other plumbing issues brought on by the cold, the financial impact can be brutal.

The average cost to repair damage from burst pipes is in the thousands. Preparing ahead of time to avoid these catastrophes can save you money and save you from added stress during the holidays. Be proactive and have a plumber come check out your pipes and plumbing before the weather regularly drops below freezing. Additionally, the following tips can also help homeowners looking to be proactive about pipe damage:

INSULATE THE PIPES. There are many products on the market to add insulation to your pipes, and many others a plumber can install for you. Heat tape, pipe sleeves, and heat cable are easy, low-cost options that will add an extra level of protection when temperatures are low.

INSULATE THE HOME. A plumber will be able to recommend areas in your home that need added insulation, but you might need to hire another contractor to install the insulation. Areas such as attics, basements and crawl spaces can develop leaks and cracks over time. Insulating these areas will maintain warmer temperatures. Don’t forget to check around the foundation of the home as well –cracks can let cold air in, which will negatively affect the pipes under your house.

LET THE WATER DRIP. When temperatures are expected to really drop, allow cold water to drip from your faucets. Standing water can freeze more easily than moving water, so keeping water flowing will prevent disastrous issues from developing. You don’t need to leave the faucets gushing all day and all night, a small, slow drip is enough.

MONITOR THE THERMOSTAT. Make sure your home’s temperature doesn’t dip below 55 degrees, especially if you plan on traveling for the holidays. Set your thermostat before leaving for the day or your trip. A dip in temperature can increase the chances of frozen plumbing.

OPEN THE CABINETS. Chances are, you have a pipe going from the sink that is housed under the vanity. These areas are more susceptible to damage from a temperature drop. By keeping cabinets open, you’ll allow heat to circulate into the cabinet, keeping the pipes warm.

Reach out to your local plumber for a comprehensive check of your pipes before the brunt of winter really hits. By doing so, and following these tips, you’ll be more worry-free this winter and holiday season.

Bobby Brown Real Estate Brokerage and Development

3390 FM 1301, West Columbia - 3 bdrm, 1 bath on 3.89 acs of land. 1699 sqft frame house w/2 car garage. Home needs repairs of foundation & interior. Owner financing available! 15% down payment. Price: $159,900

(3) SAN BERNARD RIVER LOTS

F.M. 2918 located approx 1 mile up river from the IntraCoastal Canal just before the End of the River Sub. Lot 1- 2.97 acs- $135,000. Lot 2- 2.45 acs- $140,000. Lot 3- 3.15 acs- $145,000. Each lot has approx 165’ San Bernard River frontage and 400’ F.M. 2918 road frontage. Owner financing available w/25% down, 15 years term, 10% interest. Call Bobby for details!

4 Miles northwest of West Columbia. Bring your horses & cattle! All tracts qualify for agricultural exemption. Country restrictions: No mobile homes or manufactured homes; no commercial businesses. Livestock & barns allowed. New homes must have a minimum of 1500 sqft living area. Barndominium/barn homes allowed. High elevation & Zone-X. No flooding during Harvey. Priced from $13,000 to $16,000 per acre. Call Bobby for more details!

6.81 ACRES - C.R. 353 WILD PEACH - BRAZORIA

Wooded with oak & pecan trees. No restrictions. No flooding! Priced: $136,200 Call Bobby for more details!

Property has recently been used as a bingo hall, bar with walk-in cooler, kitchen, and rental hall. The building consist of approximately 10,000 sqft of metal and steel built to withstand 135 mile an hour winds. The interior features a separate room for an office, a meeting room, overhead door in lg hall, and lg men and women handicapped accessible restrooms. There are six (6) 5-ton HVAC units. Heating for the front of building is electric and gas heating is for the back of the building. The electric power is a 220 3-phase system, and there is also a generator to supply emergency power to the front half of building via natural gas. The metal roof has a sun reflective coating, and the south and west walls have an added 1 1/2 ft of insulation. The entire building was 1 1/2 ft above flooding at the time it was built and has 16-18 concrete piers that are 8 ft deep. Additionally, there are security cameras, an alarm, sprinkler system, and approx 17,000 sq ft of concrete parking area. Reduced to $650,000. For more information, please contact Jane Orchard at 979-417-1166 or jorchard48@gmail.com.

FORMERLY VFW POST #4341 LOCATED AT 116 SOUTH AVENUE D in the industrial area of Freeport, TX.

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REMODELING AND NEW HOME HACKS

the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

By Tim Carter

DJo you want to build a new wall inside your home? Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

ust a half-mile from my home a new house is being built. I've yet to meet the new owners but I've been able to closely monitor the progress. The aroma of sawdust still invigorates me, and I must say I do miss wearing my tool belt rig all day long while building a new house. Three years ago I had the pleasure of doing this installing all the plumbing, radiant heating, and electric in my daughter's new home.

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

minimize the of drywall off so you can Sixteen inches standard for Don't fret opening for you just need My recommendation your new pre-hung it at your rough opening measurements

As you might suspect, with nearly 50 years of hands-on building experience, I've accumulated quite a few intriguing hacks that should be in many homes – as well as a handful of fantasy hacks that you will only find in homes built by those that can afford them.

Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my first partition wall inside a house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the job.

garden. I built one of these years ago for a customer. Ever since I completed the punch list, I've always wanted one for myself.

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count your blessings!

Another really inexpensive hack is to install an outdoor frost-proof hose faucet that has both hot and cold water supply.

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

people's laundry in the cage that hung from the ceiling in the basement. With people wanting convenience with laundry rooms – often on the same floor as the bedrooms – I don't think builders will get many requests for these.

Let's start on the outside of the house and work our way inside. I'm not an RV owner, but I got more than one suggestion to create a dump port 4-inch pipe that allowed the RV to discharge its sewage into a septic tank. As a master plumber, I can tell you it would take all of 15 extra minutes of work to do this as the piping is being installed from the house to the septic tank. What a great idea!

Once the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sent to my professor's house to start the job. I had painted the outside of

Another really inexpensive hack is to install an outdoor frost-proof hose faucet that has both hot and cold water supply. I did this in my daughter's garage so they can wash a filthy child or dog or clean a saltencrusted car in bitter-cold weather. Once again, it only takes a few extra minutes in most cases to install the hot water line to this faucet.

Generous roof overhangs, roofs over exterior doors, deep porches that offered shade on sunny days, and screened-in porches were features many wanted on their next home. A variation on the screened-in porch is an octagonal stand-alone structure that could be located in a lush shade

Many folks wanted to ditch their propane grill canisters. They want a pipe that extends out to their patio or deck that connects to the propane or natural gas lines that service their furnaces, water heaters and ranges. Guess what? I had this at the last house I built for my family. It took me just 30 minutes to install the tee fitting in the black-iron pipe line, cut and thread the short piece of pipe that went outdoors, and connect the shut-off valve and quick disconnect for the hose that extends to the grill.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor. Once all the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as the floor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under

Perhaps the most popular suggestions were practical ones about secret spaces to hide valuables. As you might suspect, I had thought of that and have one such place in my existing home. At the very least there are simple ways to do this in attached garages and basements using ordinary building materials and containers that would trick a sly burglar. If you do this, always plan for floods. You must make sure valuables can't be damaged by water.

Measure of the door where the horizontal attached to the door. Add measurement. of your rough much the side frame hang the door. In be trimming when you you want just between the the top of your You can height of the just one-quarter the factory length Trust me, the install over drywall will gap between and the bottom

©2021 Tim Carter. Content Agency,

Moving inside, right at the top of my son's wish list was hard-wired ethernet cables to all bedrooms and any room that might have a TV or monitor connected to the Internet. Many feel wireless is the way to go, but if you do your homework, you'll discover a hard-wired cable provides faster and more secure connections.

Quite a few people walked down memory lane and desired an oldfashioned laundry chute. These require a considerable amount of work and harken back to the day when someone in the house didn't mind sorting through different

Others wanted full-blown secret rooms with hidden entrances and exits. As for myself, I've always wanted secret staircases and passageways in a house. They'd work much like in the game of Clue where you enter a passageway in one room and exit into another room in a distant part of the house. Think of the possibilities!

There are several companies that offer different doors that are disguised as bookcases, steps that lift up, and other ways to hide an entrance to a secret room. You can locate these companies with ease on the internet. YouTube has quite a few videos of clever ways to create secret doors.

©2023 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

TREASURE ISLAND beachside- 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. Excellent rental opportunity! Call for more information on this property. $398,800

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SURFSIDE BEACH 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the heart of Surfside Beach. Great rental opportunity or use as a primary/second home. $479,000

PENDING

SURFSIDE BEACH rare investment opportunity! 10 bedroom, 6 bath home. Call us today for more information on this property. $1,299,000

TREASURE ISLAND beachside lot with great views of the beach. Call us today for more information on this beautiful property. $224,900

POINTE WEST bay front lot with beautiful sunset views. Too many amenities to list! Call us today for more information on this property. $450,00

SURFSIDE BEACH new construction! 3/2 with views of the beach or bay. Features vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, and stainless steel kitchen appliances. $450,000

SAN LUIS BEACH SUBDIVISION- Bayside lot with great potential. Easy beach access. Call for more information on this property. $57,500

SURFSIDE BEACH new construction. 2/2 with both bedrooms upstairs with balcony access. Call for more information on this property. $375,000

BRIDGE HARBOR townhome minutes to offshore and bay fishing. 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with a 2-car garage. Call for more information. $299,500

KEY LARGO canal front lot. Beach and canal community located mid island. Quick access to the bay and intracoastal. $135,000

KEY LARGO beachfront lot! Key Largo is a beach and bay community located mid island. $350,000

2023 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS for home sellers

By Ilyce R. Glink & Samuel J. Tamkin

To maximize your sales price, here

Almost every buyer starts their search online. More are closing the loop digitally as well, making offers sight unseen for properties they’ve come across on the web. Anyone looking in your neighborhood will see that your home is for sale if you have a robust

Home warranties are contracts replacement of a home's mechanical The basic plan typically covers, plumbing and heating and with many appliances. All items from the list of things sure that you buy the right However, most home warranty add coverage for additional

Some warranties will give of a specific period of days, and you pay for a service call, days later, you won't have to same problem.

mean? If possible, white, and remove furniture, artwork and your home with do a deep clean as needed. Replace old fixtures with modern LED lights. window shades and

For example, if you pick may include additional refrigerators, freezers, pools and spas, septic appliances and home systems. specific costs for each additional plan. You may also encounter platinum, gold or silver) that Be sure to read the fine print specifically under each plan.

Charming exteriors faster, so don’t forget to an upgraded spring cleaning and plant colorful flowers. needed.

online description includes the correct many photos as worth their salt will that listing seen in as possible.

Keep in mind that home year and you'll pay around plan. But the home warranty working order on the date agreed to). They won't fix something broken) at closing. So, if you machine is on its very last legs buy a home warranty plan machine the week after closing.

Decide in advance minimum acceptable then stick to it.

Interestingly, for those buying plans now cover the cost of locks. With this rekey benefit home will have new keys and warranty from day one.

Many

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breath. Selling home can generate a tremendous amount of anxiety, especially if you’re trying to buy a home at the same time.

Resolution 3: Create a standout online presence for your home.

There may not be a crowd of homes for sale, but you want yours noticed for all the right reasons. And the way you’ll get noticed is to create an online presence for your property that stands out from the crowd.

selling your home, one of the biggest seller can make. nail over every last kill a deal, even in seller’s market. At some will stop caring about withdraw. And, then square one. you can do is decide minimum sales price you’re Write that number down; and when the first offer rolls in, paper and see how it compares to the offer. If you’re at or minimum acceptable price, shape. Everything else is get your minimum acceptable price, we think you should relax and feel good about the deal.

Before you whip out your reviews about these companies, them online, check out their long they have been in business. that do business in your state minimum, their registrations should be current. When we pay close attention to negative a pattern indicating potential

If you're looking for the your favorite internet search warranty companies." You'll comparisons of various companies

©2021 Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin.

We believe that the best real estate deals happen when everyone walks away happy. As a seller in 2023, resolve to move on graciously, grateful for the time you’ve spent within those four walls, and for the buyer who will care for your home going forward.

Happy New Year!

There

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home warranty?

HOW TO FIND A HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Ahome is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. Protect your investment by taking care of repairs quickly and properly. When you have a routine maintenance problem that you don’t have the time or skills to tackle, a home-repair or handyman service can help. These services are generally less expensive and faster than general contractors, who often focus on top-dollar gigs like home building and remodeling.

It can be scary to invite a person or crew into your home to do work, especially if you won’t always be around to keep a watchful eye. It’s important to find a home repair service you can trust to provide prompt and quality work. Whether your project is as small as painting one room or as big as rewiring your whole home, follow these steps before hiring anyone.

TALK TO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

First, ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, preferably for someone with whom they have a positive, ongoing relationship. If that doesn’t net results, check peer-review sites, such as Yelp or Angi, or do an online search for “home repair” or “handyman services.” Make a list of at least three companies, and call the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against any of them.

ASK FOR REFERENCES.

Next, ask the candidates for references. Ask these customers if they felt the service provider was prompt, courteous, professional, affordable, fair and trustworthy. Ask to see photos so you can judge the quality of the work. It’s best to interview customers who hired the contractor for a project similar to the work you need.

GET WRITTEN ESTIMATES.

Finally, get written estimates (these should be free) from a few companies before choosing one. Be sure the companies are bidding the same specs for the project so you can compare apples to apples. While reasonable pricing is important, going with the lowest price isn’t always the best bet. A poor repair job will cost twice as much when you must pay to fix mistakes. When working with a new-to-you repairperson, particularly someone who doesn’t come with recommendations from people you know well, you might want to give him or her a test run on a small project.

OUTLINE YOUR AGREEMENT CLEARLY.

Hire only a repair service or handyman who is insured, bonded and licensed or knowledgeable in the type of repairs you need. Before they begin even a small job, get a written contract that outlines the terms of your agreement, including timeline, fees and warranties. Without this step, you’ll have a much harder time recovering your expenses if the handyman doesn’t deliver as promised.

©2023 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By Lizzie Weakley

Investing in a waterfront property is a way to ensure a maximum return while also providing you with a unique opportunity to enjoy a luxurious and exclusive view. If you’re thinking of purchasing a waterfront property, here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent overspending and to ensure your investment is sound.

Set a Budget

Have a budget in place before you begin researching and comparing different waterfront properties near you or on your preferred lake or other body of water. Without a set budget in place, you may find yourself wasting time or feeling let down after discovering a property you desire but cannot afford.

Research Property History

Research the history of the waterfront properties you’re most interested in and their previous owners. Compare listing and sale prices from previous owners and timeframes, as well as property taxes and fees, that were required from the homeowner at the time of sale or ownership.

Learn About Different Types of Water

Choosing to purchase a waterfront property is a way to instantly gain access to a body of water, which is why it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the different types of water your preferred waterfront properties are on. When you are shopping around for waterfront property, consider what type of water you’re interested in. Saltwater and freshwater both provide different environments and opportunities, which is why it is important to choose a property near the type of water that’s right for you and your family.

Research Weather and the Potential for Natural Disasters

If you’re making a waterfront property investment near the ocean, or even near a gulf, it’s a good idea to research the area for potential natural disasters, as well as

disaster history. While some waterfront locations may be more protected and secluded than others, many waterfront properties that are located on oceans pose an inherent risk and danger compared to waterfront properties that are located on a freshwater source, such as a traditional beach or lake.

Taking the time to research local waterfront homes, as well as taxes and other property fees you may encounter, is essential for anyone in the market for waterfront property. With the right research and an understanding of your own budget and needs, you can find a waterfront property that is truly ideal for you.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her three-year-old Husky, Snowball.

This article first appeared on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall.

Atrip to the spa leaves you feeling relaxed, pampered and rejuvenated. The experience centers on a serene environment that's carefully designed to help you unwind and escape, and you can easily re-create that soothing atmosphere at home in your own bathroom. By incorporating calming elements, upgrading fixtures and minimizing clutter, you can achieve a spa-like bathroom that allows you to melt away stress and relax in peace.

It requires only a few simple tweaks, so you don't have to take on a major bathroom remodel to create your at-home spa. Reimagine your bathroom as your own personal sanctuary, and use these tips to achieve that spa-like feeling every day.

1. INCORPORATE NATURAL DECOR.

Incorporating plants is one of the easiest tricks for making your bathroom feel like a spa. Place potted houseplants on the floor, countertop and other bathroom surfaces, or try hanging a potted plant from the ceiling. Be sure to choose plants that will thrive in a humid bathroom environment and the type of light the space receives. If living plants aren't suitable for your space or skills, set a vase filled with fresh flowers on a shelf or countertop, or decorate with faux plants instead.

2. DECLUTTER YOUR BATHROOM.

Cluttered countertops and jam-packed bathroom cabinets aren't conducive to relaxation. To streamline your space, start by getting rid of any products that have expired or gone unused in the last year. As you restock, place any items you don't use on a regular basis inside cabinets, drawers or baskets. Prioritize counter space and other open storage for the few essentials you use every day, and neatly tuck everything else away.

3. STOCK PLUSH BATH TOWELS.

Fluffy, luxuriously soft towels are key to achieving a spa-like atmosphere. Choose bath towels made from an absorbent material, such as cotton or bamboo, that will stand up well to washing over time. Display extra towels in a rolled arrangement, or create a stack with crisply folded edges. For an extra-special touch, invest in a towel warmer rack so you can wrap yourself in a warm, cozy towel every time you step out of the shower.

4. INSTALL A NEW SHOWERHEAD.

Replacing your basic showerhead with a more luxurious model is an easy swap that can turn your daily shower into a rejuvenating experience. Look for features that suit your needs and preferences, such as massaging spray patterns, a handheld component or a rain showerhead that sprays water from directly above. If you have room in your budget, consider upgrading other bathroom fixtures, such as the faucet or commode, to high-quality models with special features like touchless automation or heated toilet seats.

5. UPGRADE YOUR TOILETRIES.

Reinforce the spa look with extra details like aesthetically pleasing bath products that blend with your color scheme. If your favorite products don't come in spa-worthy packaging, consider decanting your hand soap or shampoo and conditioner into pretty bottles. Clear glass jars are great for holding sponges, cotton rounds and other small items. Corral toiletries on a tray by the sink to add a luxurious feel to your vanity area.

©2023 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BUYING IN THE FUTURE? START SAVING TODAY

By Suzanne De Vita

With inventory low and prices rebounding, affordability has become one of the foremost housing issues—both for buyers entering the market, and homeowners looking for a new, but practically priced property after selling. According to new research, accumulating enough for a down payment can take over seven years—and even longer in pricey spots.

If the average buyer earning the median national income saved 10 percent of it per month, it would take 7.2 years to amass a 20 percent down payment on the average home in the U.S., according to an analysis recently released by Zillow. Buyers in California are in for the longest savings stretch: 18.4 years in Los Angeles; 18.3 years in San Francisco; and 21.8 years in San Jose—the longest of the markets in the report. Buyers have an easier path in Pittsburgh, where it takes 4.8 years, and in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and St. Louis, where it takes 5.1 years.

The disparity between earnings growth and home prices is substantial, the analysis shows. Incomes have increased 52.6 percent in the past 20 years, while appreciation has hit 98.6 percent.

“The simple fact that home values have far outpaced income growth, lengthening the time needed to save for a down payment, contributes to millennials’ struggles to enter homeownership,” says Skylar Olsen, director of Economic Research at Zillow. “Saving up for a down payment can be tough, especially when the cost of everyday life outpaces the money you put into the bank. It requires good budgeting and long-term planning. It’s one reason why more and more first-time home buyers are looking to family and friends for financial help when coming up with their down payment.”

While 20 percent down is ideal by many measures, it’s not a requirement; in fact, borrowers can be eligible for as low as 3 percent, depending on the loan and their situation. For guidance, contact your REALTOR®.

“Even if you don’t have plans to buy a home in the next year or two, it’s not a bad idea to start setting aside savings for a future home purchase,” Olsen says. “It’s also important to remember that there are many options for mortgages requiring less than 20 percent down.”

Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s online news editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at sdevita@rismedia.com.

Weatherproof Your Door for Winter

The Department of Energy tells us warm air leaking into your home during the summer and out of your home in the winter can waste a substantial portion of your energy dollars. You can save at least 10% on your energy bill by reducing those air leaks at the doors to your house, and it’s one of the easiest and least expensive projects you can do.

It’s a two-part job working on the door. First, install weatherstripping around the perimeter of the door and then add a door sweep to the bottom of the door; both steps are effective ways to stop drafts and seal gaps that leak air. We like bronze door weatherstripping, but you’ll also find the material that is wrapped foam with a metal or wood flange, which is easier to install than the bronze material. A door sweep seals gaps between the bottom of the door and the threshold keeping out air and insects. Choose one made of the door material and install with screws.

A carpenter or handyman will charge $145 to remove and replace a door’s weatherstripping and install a door sweep, but you can buy the materials for $70, do it yourself and save 52%. For tools you’ll need a tape measure, hacksaw, hammer, drill and screwdriver. No matter who does the job, you’re the winner with lower energy bills for years to come.

©2021 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Find the piece of land that brings you

needs that balance. Whether you’re a hunter, fisherman, four-wheeler or simply a nature lover, there’s land all around suited for those pursuits. There’s also one lender who specializes in helping people obtain such land. At Capital Farm Credit, we’re here for you, to offer guidance and expertise in securing recreational land with flexible terms and competitive rates. Because we want you to be just as content with your loan as you are with your new land. To learn more, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.

YOU WILL LOVE the spacious rooms in this 4/1.5/2. Lots of kitchen cbnts for plenty of stg. Lg living room for all your furniture. One bdrm w/ its own entry from front porch.

COMPLETELY REMODELED & updated home on 1.45 acs w/ 30x50’ shop/ barn. Nice sized bdrms Enjoy your afternoon cooking on the patio & relaxing in the shaded pool. No flooding!

TRADITION, ORIGINAL OWNER DOLLHOUSE! 3/1/1 w/ completely up-