At Home 2017

AT HOME

HH SUNDAY, JULYJULY 12, 12, 2015 SUNDAY, 2015 Sunday, July 23, 2017

Tips Tipsand andtools toolstotoguide guideyou youthrough throughthethehome homebuying, buying,selling sellingand andremodeling remodelingprocess process ATATHOME: HOME:Tips Tipsforforsellers sellers a special publication from Missoulian Advertising

Before Beforethe theyard yardsign signgoes goesup up

By By LeeLee Enterprises newspapers andand TheThe Associated Press Enterprises newspapers Associated Press

M M Down Payment Assistance being offered

any may believe thethe start of of selling a house begins when thethe “For Sale” goes upup in the yard.

ButBut really, thethe process begins several any may believe start selling a house begins when “For Sale” goes in the yard. really, process begins several steps before a yard sign and a picture in the newspaper.

Here areare sixsix moves to make before putting your house onon thethe market. steps before a yard sign and a picture in the newspaper.

Here moves to make before putting your house market.

Get Getinspected inspected through Montana Board of Housing 11 55 Find Findananagent agent

SetSet up interviews with several realreal estate up interviews with several estate agents before choosing one.one.

Here are are some agents before choosing Here some of the questions thatthat thethe National Associaof the questions National Associationtion of Realtors recommends: of Realtors recommends: What kind of marketing proposals does What kind of marketing proposals does thisthis Realtorenvision?

Realtorenvision?

What’s thethe average time on market?

What’s average time on market?

How does thethe brokerage support its its How does brokerage support Realtors?

Realtors?

Is Is thethe Realtor a a Realtor full-time or part-time full-time or part-time professional? professional?

How longlong have they How have they been in the realreal estate been in the estate industry? industry?

How often How often would they expect would they expect to hold an open to hold an open house? house?

How How longlong is an is an agent’s agent’s listing listing contract? contract?

By the Montana Board of Housing

Know Knowyour yourmarket market

M 22

33

TheThe National Association of Home National Association of Home Inspectors recommends checking with your Inspectors recommends checking with your state to see if home inspectors are are licensed. state to see if home inspectors licensed.

NAHI recommends checking thethe credentials NAHI recommends checking credentials andand professional affiliations with anyone professional affiliations with anyone before letting them check your home.

TheThe before letting them check your home. standard inspection usually includes: standard inspection usually includes: Home exterior Home exterior Building foundation Building foundation Exterior home walls Exterior home walls Roof coverings, flashing andand gutters Roof coverings, flashing gutters Roof support structure Roof support structure Attic Attic Basement Basement Insulation quality Insulation quality Garage Garage Electrical Electrical Visible interior andand exterior plumbing Visible interior exterior plumbing Central air and heating system Central air and heating system

Tell Tellyour yourneighbors neighbors

Word-of-mouth.

It still works, especially Word-of-mouth.

It still works, especially when it comes to selling homes.

YouYou never when it comes to selling homes. never know whowho is looking — friends, friends of of know is looking — friends, friends friends andand family members. friends family members.

Be suresure to help your Realtor andand helphelp Be to help your Realtor yourself when you’re selling. yourself when you’re selling.

Make suresure youyou let your acquaintances Make let your acquaintances know your house is going on the market. know your house is going on the market.

Make suresure youyou include thethe things youyou lovelove Make •include Have a things minimum 620 credit score, and about thethe house or the location. about house or the location.

•a link Occupy the property as a primary residence.

Be suresure to include to the listing or or Be to include a link to the listing deferredany down This assistance information about open houses. any information about open houses. is offered in the form of a second

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ontana Board of Housing adds a 0% mortgage In addition to requesting a competitive In addition to requesting a competitive market analysis, a report prepared by your market analysis, a report prepared by your payment option to its low rate, 30 year first mortgage loan with NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS that is due and payable Realtor of comparable areaarea properties, herehere Realtor of comparable properties, program through the MBOH Plus Program! upon the sale of the property on the payoff of the first mortgage are are some other important questions to consome other important questions to consider with your agent: sider with your agent: loan.

Often buyers can afford a monthly payment but they What is the average number of days on on Show off the space in your house.

What is the average number of days Show offprograms the space in your house. struggle to save enough money for a down payment Iftoother down payment assistance (DPA) sound too thethe market?

This willwill indicate howhow quickly If If walls andand rooms have tootoo many personIf you’re looking sell a house, you’re market?

This indicate quickly walls rooms have many personIf you’re looking to sell a house, you’re and to pay closing costs.

Many of these borrowers face an good to be true, they probably are!

Be sure to compare interest thethe average property sells. alized things, likelike pictures or knickknacks, probably looking for afor new one.one.

In addition average property sells. alized things, pictures or knickknacks, probably looking a new In addition What is the median home price?

This tellstells it makes itbeing difficult for for prospective buyers to to getting current loanloan payoff amounts, it’s it’s of costs and What is the the median home price?

This itfees makes it difficult prospective buyers to getting current payoff amounts, “affordability gap”, difference between what they can to afford rates and the amount rolled into your youyou where thethe “middle of the market” is. is. seesee themselves in ain house. alsoalso a good ideaidea to pick youryour banker’s brain. where “middle of the market” themselves a house. a good to pick banker’s brain. to purchase anddoes the cost of homes in their area. This program loan amount.

Chances are, they Make far outweigh those of the MBOH What the competitive market suresure closets andand storage rooms feelfeel Mortgage lenders have an excellent feelfeel What does the competitive market Make closets storage rooms Mortgage lenders have an excellent Plus Program. is offeredanalysis statewide and provides $6,500 of deferred funding tolocal suggest for for pricing?

Remember, you open, notnot stuffed fullfull of junk. for local housing markets.

They underanalysis suggest pricing?

Remember, you open, stuffed of junk. for housing markets.

They undercancan ask anyany price youyou want, butbut thethe longer Rent a storage unitunit or downsize before stand successful price points, as well as as ask price want, longer Rent or downsize before stand successful price points, as well Potential homebuyers should contact aa storage participating mortgage help fill that gap. a property sitssits on the market, thethe tougher it it listing a home. loanloan programs thatthat maymay helphelp potential a property on the market, tougher listing a home. programs potential lender to find out if they qualify for the program.

For a These current cancan be to Consider a staging expert. home buyers. besell. to sell.

Consider a staging expert.

These home buyers.

What is the average days-on-market for for if you’re looking to move outout of oflenders visit the designers cancan help prepare a home for for selling To be eligible for MBOH Plus Down Payment ProgramAnd, the list of participating Montana Board of Housing What isthe the average days-on-market And, if you’re looking to move designers help prepare a home selling price range? the the area, downsizing or upsizing, a lender by arranging furniture, decluttering a house, my price range? area, downsizing orat upsizing, a lender by arranging furniture, decluttering a house, borrowermy must: website Housing.mt.gov Are there anyany incentives thatthat could be be cancan helphelp youyou findfind a new loanloan program andand or even renting furniture andand other items Are there incentives could a new program or even renting furniture other items Alloptions loans Board of Housing are • Qualify for aFor 30-year, fixed-rate firstormortgage through determine

offered? example, a home warranty aor a what options are available to to by Montana thatthat helphelp modernize a home or increase its its offered?

For example, a home warranty determine what arepurchased available modernize a home orserviced increase flooring allowance thatthat maymay entice buyers? make thatthat nextnext flooring allowance entice buyers? make step. by either Montana Boardappeal.

Montana Board of Housing instep. state ofappeal.

Housing Servicing or the

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H2 — Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017

AT HOME

Interior tips & tricks

Up-cycle Your Home!

A vintage dresser refinished in light blue available at The Vintage Home, a boutique offering European farmhouse finds, vintage goods and other décor, located at 2405 McDonald Avenue in Missoula.

BY RACHEL CRISP PHILIPS

S

ometimes the simplest, and cheapest, way to decorate a home is to shop around your current belongings and find ways to repurpose items you already have. There are endless options when it comes to up-cycling, finding uses for things that might have otherwise been considered past their prime. Here are some ideas for breathing new life into your home using old stuff.

One of the quickest methods for cleaning up the look and function of a kitchen can be to transfer dry goods into mason jars or other spare glass containers. With the transparency of glass, you can see at a glance what ingredient is needed and how much is left. Arranged nicely on a wooden shelf or wire rack, the jars of varied contents provide visual appeal that is much more aesthetically pleasing than the product packaging it came in.

Another option for glass jars, vases, or other transparent containers is to pop a batteryoperated LED tea light candle into the base, turn it on, and either set on a surface or suspend from the ceiling for a clever homemade lantern.

A collection of old vases can quickly become a whimsical decorating accent with some simple light.

Along the same lines, practically any hollow object can be turned into a lamp with a simple wiring kit, available at most home improvement

stores. For the wine lover, save an empty bottle of a favorite vintage and create a craft that is both memorable and practical.

Even something as simple as cardboard packaging, which is usually trashed, can come in handy in organizing clutter in your home. Cardboard inserts can create drawer dividers that work great for scarves, ties, jewelry or socks. Tubes of cardboard from toilet paper or paper towel rolls are handy for taming tangles of cords or plastic bags.

An old mattress spring, just the flat metal portion, can be hung on the wall for an oversized message board and planning station. The many wire loops and springs provide numerous attachment points for calendars, lists, keys and other small everyday items.

Clothespins and coat hangers make it easy to attach whatever you want.

Old furniture can be given a new lease on life when assigned a different function.

Old, beat up dressers or end tables can be repainted to take outdoors, and create an outdoor buffet, bar or sitting room. When folded up, old wooden ladders can be used as bookshelves or to display quilts or other collections. With a matching set, the rungs can act as framework for wood boards to create custom shelving that spans the length of an entire wall.

Heading outdoors, there are many things that can be repurposed as planters.

Consider adding some small

wheels to a metal trash can for a planter that can accommodate large plants while still being easy to move around. Old tea sets and glassware, especially if they’re already broken, can edge a flowerbed or be used to decorate a fanciful herb garden.

A simple coat of paint can do a lot to freshen something up, but chalkboard paint can be used on a myriad of items to create unique memo boards, re-writable calendars, or other useful wall displays. Painted onto old tea tins, or other containers, the chalkboard surfaces allows for easy labeling of spices, craft materials, or other odds and ends. Similar in name, but not in purpose, chalk paint is designed to leave a matte finish that gives an aged vibe to anything it coats. This style of paint is also easily distressed, so lends itself well to craft projects.

Decoupage is another great way to change the look of a piece of furniture. Sheet music, maps, postcards, or pages of poetry make for a beautiful look on almost any surface, and also hides the damage accrued over the years. The theme of the paper material can be catered to any taste and is a clever way to integrate personal style throughout a room.

Wood pallets are often easy to come by, and offer a springboard for a plethora of projects. From chairs to tables to bookcases to nightstands, just about anything can be

made from a wood pallet. Even without taking them apart, some paint can transform a pallet into a rustic American flag decoration, or a backdrop for a vertical garden with planters attached to the slats.

Salvaging items from prior remodeling projects is another great way to accumulate extra materials for decorating.

Leftover doors and shutters can be transformed into tables or headboards. Cabinet doors are just the right size for painting with an accent color and hanging on the wall, or above a fireplace mantel, as a focal point of the decor.

Perusing local thrift stores, garage sales and salvage stores such as Home Resource can help get the wheels spinning with inspiration of what can be repurposed.

Picture frames, small bowls, mirrors, glassware, maps and old books are perfect for almost any space, and don’t cost much to acquire. For those who would rather skip the steps in doing their own crafts, there are local stores such as The Vintage Home that offer antiqued and distressed decorations that are ready to go.

Whether you go the craft route or not, keep in mind that small changes can make a big difference to the feel of a room.

Even simply moving things around to new locations can be enough to make a change in the look and feel of a living space. Simply looking at things in a new light can be enough to inspire a home makeover of stylish proportions.

Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017 — H3

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Missoula County Market Snapshot $500,000 - $1,000,000 #Sold last 12 Months: #Active Listings:

3116 Old Pond Road, Missoula | $830,000

1730 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula | $634,900

93 145

Months of Inventory:

≈ 18.71

#Sold last 12 Months:

161

10515 Nez Perce Loop, Lolo | $519,900

$400,000 - $500,000

#Active Listings:

5030

Jeff

Drive,

Missoula

|

$449,000

3385 Mountain Drive, Clinton | $450,000

84

Months of Inventory:

≈ 6.26

#Sold last 12 Months:

381

#Active Listings:

145

6100 Marias Street, Missoula | $479,000

$300,000 - $400,000

305 Ben Hogan Drive, Missoula | $359,000

13270 Harpers Bridge Road, Missoula | $379,000

Months of Inventory:

≈ 4.57

#Sold last 12 Months:

748

#Active Listings:

135

600 E Sussex Avenue, Missoula | $395,000

$200,000 - $300,000

1104 Phillips Street, Missoula | $224,900

920

Eaton

Street,

Missoula

|

$269,000

Months of Inventory:

≈ 2.16

#Sold last 12 Months:

293

201 Westview Drive, Missoula | $295,000

$100,000 - $200,000

1400 Burns Street #17, Missoula | $165,000

2710

Park

Street,

Missoula

|

$173,000

6212

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Months of Inventory:

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Months of Inventory Calculation: Active Listings

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H4 — Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017

AT HOME

Real Estate Tips and Advice

The Value of a Pro

By ANNA CHANG-YEN

T

echnology and the Internet have changed how we buy everything, so it’s no wonder that most people use the web to find and research homes and real estate agents.

When it comes to a transaction as important as buying a home, however, while apps and websites have become a big part of the process, it’s still critical to have an agent’s human touch.

We don’t buy most things the way we did 50 years ago — or even 20. No more writing a check at the front of the grocery line. We swipe our debit cards or order our groceries online and pick them up in the store, or even have them delivered to our door.

Similarly, websites such as Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com have changed how Americans buy their homes, but more than any other market, the real estate market still depends heavily on the experience and expertise of professionals.

home. Most readers said they look on home-buying websites, followed by figuring out a budget, followed by using an app to search for homes and mortgages. At the bottom of the list was calling a real estate agent.

But another Washington Post article, titled “The real estate industry has something the Internet can’t offer: The human element,” paints a picture of how vital real estate agents are to the process.

Apps and websites provide information to buyers that they never had access to before without doing a great deal of research themselves or tapping a real estate professional’s resources: home sale prices, tax information, school reviews and neighborhood profiles.

Yet agents earned a higher average commission in 2016 than they did in 2005, according to industry tracker Real Trends, still raking in $60 billion per year. At the same time, there are 60 percent more agents today than 20 years ago.

Enter the Web A Friend in An informal poll on the the Business Washington Post website asks readers about the first steps they take when looking for a

With buyers doing so much of the legwork in a real estate transaction on their own, one

T hank you f or suppor t ing a loc al l y o wned business.

No w f eat ur ing table top fr ames through S eptember.

might wonder how real estate agents have remained so vital.

When it comes to the complicated legal and financial components of home-buying, buyers might feel more secure working closely with an agent.

In the Washington Post survey, 45 percent of respondents said honesty and trustworthiness were the most important trait they look for in an agent, and 24 percent chose negotiating skills. And two-thirds of consumers found their agent through a personal connection or recommendation, according to the Post.

Agents have adapted to

technology with their own apps and online tools. For now, commissions seem to track more closely with the health of the market than the influx of technology, according to Real Trends.

The Post predicts that although commission could eventually decrease in response to Internet competition, but buyers and sellers seem to be continuing to place value on the human factor.

As Century 21 points out in its current advertising campaign, “There’s no robot for insight or hustle or a handshake.”

REAL ESTATE 101 Promising Sales Spike The National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index showed a 5.5 percent spike in pending home sales in February, reaching the highest level in nearly a year and the second highest level in over a decade.

According to NAR, all major regions saw a notable hike in contract activity. The Index sat at 112.3 in February, up from 106.4 in January, a 2.6 percent increase over February 2016.

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Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017 — H5

Real Estate Tips and Advice

Lower Your Insurance Costs Shop around

By Joe Szynkowski

H

omeowner’s insurance can be expensive, but the price you pay is dependent on many variables. Whether you’re looking into home insurance costs for a new home or trying to re-negotiate your rates as a landlord, save yourself some cash with these strategies.

Calling around to different agencies can be timeconsuming, but the payoff is considerable. Start with recommendations from friends and family and reviews online.

Your Realtor is another great resource when it comes to insurance agencies. Also don’t overlook online insurance quote services. Just remember to weigh costs with quality of service. A great deal does nothing for you if you can never get in touch with your agent or have trouble filing a claim.

Consider insurance costs before you buy Homeowner’s insurance is not something to consider only after you’ve purchased a home. You will pay more or less depending on where your home is located and the materials with which it is built.

For example, you might pay less if the home’s roof, electrical and plumbing are less than 10 years old. You also might pay less if the home is close to a fire hydrant or made of wood in an earthquakeprone area (making it more likely to withstand damage), or if the home is made of brick in the East (where the winds blow harder).

Purchase all policies from the same insurer Many insurance agencies sell all types of insurance — including homeowner’s, auto, liability and life insurance. You are likely to get a percentage taken off your premium if you buy more than one policy from the same agency.

Prep for disaster It works like this: The safer your home is, the less likely

© fotolia

something is to happen to it.

Consider storm shutters and reinforcing your basement and roof. Don’t forget about a home security system, installing dead-bolt locks and updating all smoke and gas detectors.

If you’re selling, call your Realtor and see what he recommends. You might be surprised at the savings.

Review your policy every year Things change over time, and you might not have reported updates you’ve made.

You also might want to change coverage for the items inside your home, if you’ve drastically downsized or sold valuable pieces.

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H6 — Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017

AT HOME

Remodeling tips

Remodeling Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Dive into the eccentric 80s with Memphis design

pink, scarlet red and lime green when it comes to your cushions, tables, carpets, lamps and accessories, for example.

• Prioritize stripes, polka dots, abstract designs and zigzags. Choose accessories, furniture and wallpaper with bold patterns and designs.

• Incorporate a variety of geometric WHAT IS MEMPHIS STYLE? shapes: squares, rectangles, circles, poIntroduced in 1981 by the renowned lygons, triangles, etc.

These details are designer Ettore Sottsass and hisand MemBlue mixer kitchen: Huntwood cabinets in Eggshell and Black Walnut with a shaker door style Bianco Macaubas quartzite key elements of the Memphis trend, phis Group — an Italian design and countertops. Photo by Silkati Photography and they also confer structure and architecture collective that brought rhythm to your home’s interior. together the decade’s most prominent visionaries — this style is anything • Vary textures and materials to high­ and bathroom. While it may be Sargent has noticed that organizers help contain all the

By Rachel Crisp Philips light the whimsical quality of Memphis but bland. Characterized by bold, colourless expensive to do a simple want and to dress up Memphis­ their kitchen necessities within easy people design.

Include plastic, wood, marble, ful furniture accessories, metalcabinet or decorative laminate to add style interiors push the boundaries base with doors and bathrooms a little bit more reach. itchens and bathrooms CRAZY FOR TERRAZZO depth to your décor. of eclectic design to create a truly shelves, that format may not they used to. After being Known forisminimalism are among the most Terrazzo a type of floorand and wall thanunique aesthetic. covering composed of natural stone be the best choice for aging an afterthought for some time, function, the classic Shaker popular rooms fragments, coloured marble and ceare some are tips to help you bathHere remodels seeing a trans- in place. Said Sargent, “I style ment. remains a favorite this to remodel when It’s an integral component of form your home into a playful space think drawers are a definite Features such as year. the Because of its classic homeowners begin to Memphis movement, as its speckled resurgence. where Memphis design is in the spotlight: For because a home that’sthey’re reminiscent and imperfect appearance conforms look and versatility, this style is decorative panels on the sides must-have improve their living space. of the 80s and Memphis design, wonderfully to this trend’s distincuse, they’re more of cabinetry, andcolours feet or also a wise choice for the long Because these rooms are the • Choose bright thatlegs will give easier to choose bold colours and include tive style. your home personality. Opt for caIs your home décor in need of a drastic change? If you’re a fan of the extravagant 80s, then Memphis design may be just the cure for your drab interior.

Read on to discover the secrets of this eccentric décor trend that’s making a big comeback.

K

term. Said Sargent, “We’re still seeing Shaker style being the number one seller simply because you can change the look of it, make it look more modern or more traditional with hardware. It also is a little bit more cost-effective than the raised panel doors because it’s a veneer center panel versus a solid center panel so it saves you dollars.”

Regardless of the overall style, glass is a popular accent.

Glass details can add a glint of interest in areas that are nice and reflective, such as around a window or at the end of a row of cabinets. These accents can brighten up any room in a home, not just the kitchen.

When it comes to the bath,

a variety of shapes,and textures ergonomically correct, you on vanities are quite common. nary yellow, electric blue, cotton candy and patterns. can store more items in them.”

Another option is a hanging Minimalism is another trend vanity, which appears floating that seems to be taking hold and goes great with a modern for the long haul. “We see look. more people just trying to To get the most ageless get away from tons and tons remodel that will stand of storage, just being more the test of time, stick to thoughtful about theirvelvet storage neutral tones for the most Noble and sophisticated by nature, has so they don’ta necessarily expensive elements such asalways been considered stately fabric. have This autumn, to it’shave making way stuff,” back into our as its much Sargent countertops, cabinets, floors homes to create an atmosphere best described said, “This is Montana, so you and appliances. Save the as cozy chic. funky favorite colors for accent get an equal number of people Whetherwho used sparingly or abundantly, velvet want something neat and pieces and accessories such always makes a statement.

For a beautiful clean and sleek and modern as linens and wall hangings. interior that’s in with the times, opt for darker versus rustic.”

For long-term savings, invest in like colours purple, forest green, burgundy or indigo.

Remember, the your richer design the better!desires Whatever energy efficient appliances as are, a well-planned remodel to well.

Between couches, armchairs, benches, carthe kitchen or bathroom canso Another lasting choice forpets, curtains and headboards, there are do wonders for both a home’s long-term value is to improve many ways to add a little (or a lot of) velvety to your homeand this sentimental fall! the quality and access of softness monetary value. storage spaces in the kitchen

Re-introducing velvet!

Black stainless steel appliances are all the rage

It’

A vers dustri health in inte racter Read into yo

FURNIT Coppe countle siting s tures, equipm metal option chairs, interio on you with a

Appliances with a dark stainless steel finish combine elegance and practicality. Are you looking to enhance your kitchen’s appeal with a luxurious new fridge, stove or dishwasher? Read on to find out more about the latest trend in kitchen design!

With their sleek and satiny finish, black stainless steel appliances harmonize well with numerous materials and add a contemporary touch to virtually any style of décor.

They’re especially perfect for adding character to modern, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs.

What’s more, many black stain­ less steel appliances are stainresistant and therefore camouflage the appearance of unsightly fingerprints (hallelujah!). They’re also very easy to clean: a quick wipe with a dry or damp cloth is enough to restore the surface’s magnificent shine!

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most frequented by guests, a quality redesign in these key spaces will have the most effective impression on those who come to visit.

There are several trends in kitchen and bathroom remodeling that have become apparent this year. Rebecca Sargent, owner and designer at Direct Source in Missoula, notes that for colors this year continues a trend of grey being very popular locally, in both light and dark variations. White is also a classic hit, whether in a bright white or more subdued eggshell tone.

Cabinet companies seem to be pushing darker blues this year, in several different shades, while the cabinets themselves are trending taller.

Visually, taller cabinets can make a space appear larger and cleaner, as well as adding storage space.

“Most of our remodels we’re pulling out 30 and 36 inch cabinets and putting in 42 inch cabinets to gain more space and to take the cabinet to the ceiling. So you don’t have to clean the top of your cabinets and you’re also gaining in storage,” Sargent said.

Alongside the trend of taller cabinets, Sargent has seen a trend of not utilizing upper cabinets as much and doing more open shelving instead.

This change means that the base cabinets become more important for function. A lot of drawers, pull-outs, inserts and

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AT HOME

Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017 — H7

Real Estate Tips and Advice

Create a Buying Checklist

By Joe Szynkowski

I

t is easy to become distracted by innovative features when looking to purchase a home. Some of these can add big bucks to the overall price. In most cases, a mortgage will take decades to pay off before you actually own your home. Be sure to choose a home that is easily affordable based on your income level.

When looking at homes, distinguish between your wants and needs. Consider the exact criteria required for the home you will be purchasing.

It is a good idea to share your checklist with your agent, as he will be on the lookout for homes for you to view. Limiting homes that feature pricey extras that aren’t on your list will lessen the likelihood of enticing you into blowing your budget.

Here are some important items to add to your checklist:

Cost

Being able to comfortably afford your home should be your top priority. Foreclosures have ruined many credit scores in America, some due to people over-spending. Find the right balance when setting your budget.

When deciding how much money to invest in a home,

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keep in mind other expenses.

If you want a larger home, your utilities will cost more. Make sure you will have enough left for additional fees and savings.

Features to Consider

Avoid unnecessary expenses for features that might go unused. Understand what you need rather than what you want. Consider these important elements when looking at homes: Square footage: Determine how big a home you need based on your family’s

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particular needs. Extra space can be beneficial if you are planning to extend your family.

Too much extra room, though, can cause expensive and unnecessary heating, cooling and maintenance costs.

How many rooms? This can change based on how many people will be occupying the home now and in the future. You also might want to consider an extra room for a home office.

Parking: Do you need a garage or carport, or will you park on the curb? Harsh

weather can cause damage to vehicles parked outside. Keep in mind the extra expense of constructing and maintaining a secondary structure.

Yard size: A large yard can provide a great area in which to spend time and entertain guests. It also require more maintenance and raise property taxes.

Pool: Another extra that can be expensive to maintain is a pool. It also can greatly raise the price of a home. Consider saving money to add a pool to a less expensive home later.

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H8 — Missoulian, Sunday, July 23, 2017

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