Spring Home Garden 2015

Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Spring

Home

Garden INSIDE • Replacing your mower • Gardening from scratch • Rain gardens • What to do right now!

• Spring home maintenance • Mortgage down payments

2015

A Special Section for the Wallkill Valley Times • Mid Hudson Times • Southern Ulster Times • April 22, 2015

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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What you need to know when replacing your mower sional-looking results. Keep in mind, properties of more than an acre may warrant a mower with a 60- to 72-inch cutting deck.

You’ll be using your mower a lot, so look for an advanced ergonomic design, such as with the Exmark Lazer Z, which takes a scientific approach to ensuring that less vibration is transferred from the seat to the driver.

ow is a great time to take stock of your lawn equipment, and assess whether your gear can withstand another season of wear and tear. If you’ve determined it’s time to replace your toolshed’s most valuable player -- your lawn mower -- get informed so you can make a savvy decision, as mower technology has changed a lot in the last several years.

Whether this is your first mower, your old mower is on the fritz or you’re simply looking to upgrade, these tips and considerations can help you make a decision that’s wise for you and your lawn.

Mower engine and features

Budget The first thing to take into account is your budget. You need the most dependable and durable mower that you can afford.

However, keep in mind, you may not have to pay the entire cost of the mower upfront.

Some brands offer various financing options that allow you to make payments over time. Whether you’re seeking low minimum payments or you want to minimize interest payments, ask your dealer about your options.

Mowing properties Take into account the size of your property. A smaller lawn requires a smaller machine.

“For properties under a half acre, a 21to 36-inch walk-behind mower should be ideal,” says Daryn Walters at Exmark, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial mowers.

For smaller lawns, consider Exmark’s Commercial 30 or a small zero-turn mower such as the Exmark Quest S-Series machine with a 34-inch cutting deck. Their mowers require little maintenance and offer fuel economy and durability.

If you live on a larger plot of land, don’t rule out a commercial zero-turn mower, which is more durable, tends to be more comfortable to operate, and offers increased productivity with more profes-

After you’ve considered your budget, lawn size and terrain, you’ll want to look at the engine and features offered.

Many models come with a variety of engine types and configurations, including eco-friendly models that can save you money on fuel. Mower accessories can include mulching, bagging and striping kits. Decide what your priorities are and get a model that’s right for you.

For an online guide to finding a mower, visit www.exmark.com/products/filter/.

By tackling your lawn with a low-maintenance, durable, easy-to-operate mower, you can save time, money and energy. So do your research before making a purchase. (StatePoint)

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Starting a garden from scratch

lanting a garden from scratch can sound like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the hobby.

But with the right knowledge, you can plan a successful, fruitful green space and expect to have a great harvest.

One way to get a head start on your garden is to start your seedlings indoors

LIMI

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will almost certainly result in some or all of your plants dying. Hardening off seedlings eases their transition to the outdoors, where they will be exposed to the elements. The process involves gradually exposing plants to the outdoors, protecting them from full sunlight, temperature variations and wind.

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For true green thumb bragging rights, grow your garden from scratch. Just be sure you know the tricks of the trade. and then transplant them later into an outdoor garden. This time-tested technique can save you hundreds of dollars annually, as young plants at a nursery can be pricey. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of this method: • Don’t start your indoor plants too soon. They can grow in about four weeks or less if you use a high-quality garden starter. Check seed packages to learn when to plant outdoors in your area, and then start them indoors one month earlier to your transplanting date outdoors.

• You can use an empty egg crate as a container for seed-starting. Use potting mix and follow the seed packet directions.

Keep your seedlings moist by spraying them and covering with plastic wrap.

• Before transplanting, seedlings need to be hardened off. Skipping this step

• Don’t let sprouts get too big before transplanting them outdoors. Ideally they should be about 4-6 inches tall. If possible, wait to plant your seedlings on a cool, cloudy day. If your seedlings get too large before weather will allow transplanting outdoors, transplant them into small pots with high quality potting soil. Keep fully watered in a sunny space until weather permits transplanting outdoors.

• After transplanting seedlings outdoors, be sure to water them daily for the first two weeks, especially if the weather is dry and sunny.

• Save and reuse your seed starter tray for the next season. Once the spring plants have been transplanted outdoors, you will be free to get a head start on your summer crop.

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Amendments can help produce healthy soil

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other Nature provides plenty to grow healthy lawns, gardens and landscapes. But as many homeowners know, some lawns sometimes need a little extra boost to complement nature. Soil sometimes must be amended so plants can thrive. Only after the right composition is created can plants take root and perform to the best of their abilities.

The goal is to provide a better environment for roots. Water retention, permeability, drainage, aeration, nutrients, and water infiltration are some of the things amendments can improve when added to soil.

Homeowners may notice if soil is overly sandy or full of clay, but further testing can confirm what the soil is lacking. Soil tests are often available through local cooperative extension offices or private laboratories. Speak with a nursery or garden center about where you can get your soil tested. A comprehensive test may cost between $5 and $10 and can provide invaluable information that saves you hundreds of dollars in wasted plants and materials, not to mention effort. Some labs also can tailor their recommendations based on the type of planting you

will be doing. For example, a vegetable garden may need different amendments than a row of azalea bushes.

Organic matter is a preferred soil amendment used by professional and novice gardeners alike. The decaying remains of plants release nutrients that are absorbed into the soil and used by microorganisms and bacteria, creating a healthy environment for plants. Organic material may break up compacted soil to increase drainage. In sandy soil, organic material serves as a sponge to keep water from washing away. Compost and

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manure are two examples of frequently used organic materials. Both of these are readily available at little cost.

Compost can be produced at home from food and plant scraps. Raked leaves and small amounts of grass clippings can be added to compost. Over time, the decomposition process will turn scraps into a nutrient-rich, dark brown substance that provides many plants with all they need to thrive. Compost is particularly useful in vegetable gardens.

Manure should come from herbivores, or those animals that sustain themselves on grass and other plants. Carnivores can produce harmful bacteria in their waste, which is not safe to use in gardens, particularly food-bearing gardens. Manure can be commercially purchased, or avid gardeners can work out arrangements with nearby livestock owners and farms.

These people may be more than willing to give you manure for little to no cost if you cart it away. Dried manure is preferred because it will have minimal odor.

Additional forms of organic amendments include wood ash, sphagnum peat, wood chips, sawdust, and worm droppings.

Inorganic amendments also may

be used, and are usually relied on to improve water retention and drainage.

Vermiculite, perlite, pea gravel, and sand are examples of inorganic amendments.

A combination of organic and inorganic amendments can create the perfect mix for your needs.

Soil amendments typically are added to new and unplanted beds. Peat moss and shredded bark take years to decompose and will serve as long-term amendments in the soil. Compost breaks down quickly and may need to be worked in more frequently.

Experts recommend spreading amendments on the planting bed and then using a rake or tiller to work it in to a depth of about nine inches. Particularly sandy soil or soil with a lot of clay may need more amendments.

Permanent plants, such as trees or shrubs, also can benefit from the extra nutrient boost amendments provide.

Sometimes it is sufficient to spread the material over the soil surface and let rainwater and wildlife help distribute it to the plant roots. Otherwise, work it into the top inch or two of the dirt with a hand cultivator.

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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What to do in the garden right now

inally its spring again! Everyones favorite time of year. So much so that we find ourselves running into the garden at every opportunity. Following are some suggestions for your gardening to-do list: • Remove winter mulch - fall leaves can be composted, keep an eye out for diseased plants and leaves - these should be bagged and thrown away to stop diseases and fungi from spreading throughout the garden. • Prune dead branches from trees & re-shape shrubs. Don’t prune spring flowering trees or shrubs such as lilac, forsythia, crab apple, magnolia etc. wait until the spring flowers have dropped off. • Turn over the compost pile and if you haven’t been doing so all year, start adding veggie and fruit scraps, grass clippings, cardboard etc. • Plant veggies that could survive a light freeze. Carrots, broccoli, kale, peas, chard, beets, spinach, onions and potatoes are some safe bets. The last frost date for our area is Mother’s Day. • Trim ornamental grasses down to about 2 feet high, chop up clippings with the mower to use as mulch or compost.

• Over-seed bare spots in the lawn, cover lightly with soil and keep moist. • Transplant existing or new shrubs and trees - if you wait until it’s going to rain for a few days, this will give the new transplants a good soaking and save you all the work of watering every day. • Watch out for caterpillars in web like tents-- if found cut off the branch, bag it and throw in the garbage. Keep an eye out for more in the coming weeks. • Clean out the bird house, some birds won’t nest in a dirty house.

• Keep the bird feeder full, in early spring other food sources may still be low and anyway it’s fun to see them up close. • Put out fresh water for the birds, place it in the sun so it thaws in case of overnight frost. • As it gets warmer and the spring rains become less, top dress garden beds with composted soil, ground up fall leaves, pine straw or store bought mulch to keep the soil moist.

- Reggie Maher

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Maintaining bird feeders and baths essential to avian health

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ird watching is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. While many people trek into the woods to see their favorite birds, homeowners can take steps to attract these fascinating and feathered friends right to their backyards.

Homeowners can attract birds to their properties by providing food, shelter and places to wash up or cool off. Installing a bird feeder and a bath is one way to attract a bevy of birds and provide hours of enjoyment.

A bird-friendly environment may seem as simple as hanging a feeder on a pole or tree and erecting a bird bath nearby. But a certain level of maintenance is needed to keep birds healthy and happy.

According to the experts at the Bird Watcher’s Digest, feeders can sometimes be a source of disease. The Audubon Society echoes that warning, bird feeders and baths can serve as transmission stations for diseases such as aspergillosis, avian pox and salmonellosis. Recently, scientists noted that the spread of trichomonad protozoan parasites is on the rise, especially among mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon populations.

Such warnings are not meant to deter budding birding hobbyists. Organizations like the Audobon Society hope to send

the message that disinfection and maintenance is necessary to maintain sanitary environments for birds. Doing so is easy and well worth the time.

• The Humane Society of the United States advises cleaning hanging feeders once every two weeks or more often if they’re heavily used. Ground-feeders should be cleaned every two days. Feeders can be immersed in a very-diluted solution of bleach to water (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let soak for a few minutes, and then scrub the feeder with a stiff brush or scouring pad before rinsing. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed.

• Bird baths should be emptied of water each day. Brush or wipe the bath clean, then rinse and refill with fresh water.

Don’t leave standing water overnight; bird baths can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• Frequently collect discarded seed hulls and clean bird droppings from beneath feeders. If the area around the feeder has become especially messy, relocate the feeder elsewhere and clean its initial location.

• Follow instructions with regard to seed and other bird food. For example, reduce the amount of suet offered in hot

weather. Heat can cause suet to spoil, and sticky suet can become stuck in birds’ feathers and make it hard for them to keep clean.

• Try to provide more than one feeder and bird bath to prevent overcrowding.

Crowding can spread disease.

• Do not situate feeders and bird baths under perches where they can be soiled by droppings.

• If you notice sickly birds, halt feeding and bathing and wait a week before resuming feeding. Notify wildlife officials if you find dead or sick birds around your property.

• Locate feeders and baths away from windows so birds do not get confused by reflections and collide with the glass.

• Store seed in a dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent mold from forming and moisture from getting in.

Creating a thriving habitat for bird watching is easy. But once birds begin visiting a yard, homeowners must diligently maintain clean feeders and bird baths to ensure the birds stay as healthy as possible. Questions about wild-bird care can be directed to a local Audubon Society chapter or by a visiting a pet store or bird hobby center.

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Going with the flow

drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater). Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30%.� Sounds worth it to me.

My first step will be to determine the lowest spot in the yard—that’s where the garden will be. Then I need to choose plants that can tolerate extremes such as soggy roots but won’t suffer when things get dry again. My choices are black-eyed susan, coneflowers, asters, bee balm, coreopsis, iris, a pussy willow shrub and maybe a river birch. I chose these because they are native to the region and don’t mind

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y experience with rain and gardening started out of necessity -- on those steamy rainy summer days I often felt the need to get the kids out of the house before someone got hurt. Armed with rain boots and bathing suits they marched outside where they would gleefully battle with mud puddles. I, on the other hand, peacefully gardened in the rain.

We rented on Long Island back then and I always made a garden wherever I could --hoping to leave each place prettier than when we arrived. Gardening in the rain taught me more than you would think; I found that it’s a lot easier to pull weeds from wet soil, if you’re planting there’s no need to water afterward and no one interrupts you because they think you’re weird because you garden in the rain.

We have our own home now and gardening in the country has come with some challenges. My road is a gradual hill with a creek at the bottom. This causes the rain water to pick up speed as it runs through everyones property, dragging everything in its way down and into the creek that eventually makes its way into the Hudson

River. This spring I’m planning a rain garden in the hope that I can contain some of that runoff. I’ll be gardening for the rain— not in the rain.

A rain garden isn’t a pond—it’s a spot where the rain water soaks down into the ground usually within 1-4 hours after it stops raining. The garden is dry otherwise. According to Wikipedia “A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas, the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing storm-water to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm

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sitting in water for a few hours.

Once all my plans are in order I’ll prepare my site. The entire rain garden will be about 6 inches below grade level, like a buried saucer, with an inside slope and relatively flat bottom. After I’ve planted I’ll mulch with wood chips—mulch will keep it moist until the plants are established.

I’ll water them the first year as needed but after that, except for the usual spring clean-up, it should be maintenance free.

I think rain gardens are good - it’s an easy way to keep rain runoff from polluting our rivers and streams. Hopefully my neighbors will notice and follow with their own rain gardens.

- Reggie Maher

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Trees & Shrubs

Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Vinegar: A household superhero!

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heck your kitchen pantry and you will probably find a bottle of vinegar. While this substance can add much-needed tang to favorite recipes and even improve the leavening function of some baking ingredients, its power extends far beyond the kitchen.

Many are surprised upon learning how much vinegar can do. A sour-tasting liquid that contains acetic acid, vinegar can be used as a cleaning product and an influential ingredient in many recipes. Vinegar also is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective home staple.

If youarereadytogetmorefromthatversatile vinegar in your kitchen pantry, explore the following ways to put it to use.

Cleaning

Vinegar is an effective cleaning fluid, perhaps best known for producing streakfree windows. Vinegar also can dissolve dirt from painted walls and remove grime from woodwork.

By boiling 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar in the microwave with a cup of water, you can loosen splattered-on food and deodorize the appliance. Vinegar also can be used to deodorize garbage dispos-

als, coffee makers and kitchen drains. ItÕs an effective means to removing pet odors from carpeting as well.

Around the bathroom, use vinegar to remove soap scum film from shower doors and tile surfaces. Remove stubborn toilet bowl stains as well. Corrosion and hard water can clog showerheads, and by soaking the shower nozzle in vinegar overnight, you can dislodge any material.

You can rely on vinegar when cleaning up around your home office as well.

Vinegar can help clean sticky scissor blades or remove ballpoint-pen marks from surfaces. A vinegar-and-water solution can be used to clean keyboards and other electronic equipment. Apply with a damp cloth rather than spraying the solution directly onto the electronics.

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Vinegar can make windows squeaky-clean.

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Health and beauty

Lawn and garden

Vinegar makes an effective weed deterrent and can kill grass that grows between the cracks on sidewalks and driveways.

Acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons or azaleas, can benefit from a little vinegar mixed in when watering.

If you want to keep ants at bay, use vinegar when cleaning outdoor patio furniture

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or spray it around areas that are susceptible to ant infestations. You may find the ants steer clear of the smell.

Some people say that vinegar can be used as an appetite suppressant. Using it on prepared foods may help you to eat less.

Vinegar is handy for relieving the pains associated with sunburns and jellyfish stings. Dot irritated areas with vinegar to relieve pain and itching.

Because vinegar can act as an antibacterial, gargling it can alleviate some throat ailments. Even if it can’t prevent illness, a vinegar gargle can soothe throat soreness.

Apple cider vinegar also may help soothe an upset stomach. Use two teaspoons of the vinegar to one cup of water.

Some people have used vinegar to soften skin and remove corns from feet. It also may dissolve warts. Be sure to check with a doctor before using vinegar to verify its safety with regard to your particular situation.

In addition to each of these uses, vinegar is handy in the laundry room, helping to remove stains and rinse detergents from fabrics more easily.

Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Mother; nurture

t the first whiff of spring, do you bound into the garden ready to go with a long to-do list? Only to crawl back hours later dehydrated, sunburned and ready for bed? Well, I feel for you, so does my aching back, stiff knees and cramped fingers. Every spring I vow to slowly build up to the hours of gardening chores that lie ahead. But I’ve yet to take my own advice—I get too excited. And while “death by gardening,” sounds romantic, it’s probably not, and anyway, I’m not done yet.

Nurture yourself as well as your garden.

Especially you weekend warriors, because sitting at a computer all week has never prepared anyone for the physical tasks of gardening. Make sure to get an early morning start, when it’s cool out and take breaks before your face is beet red and your head is pounding from the sun. Working in the shade or on cloudy days may not always be an option but using sunscreen, gloves, hats and drinking plenty of water is.

If you should overdo it, a soothing hot bath with Epsom salts can work wonders to get

blood flowing to those sore muscles.

Here’s my sage advice, learned the hard way: • Invite some able bodied people over for lunch. Before you feed them, enlist their help in moving large rocks, shrubs and trees around the yard. It will save your back, and it’s always great to see family and friends.

• Check your gardening boots/shoes for spiders before you slip your bare feet in.

• Store your gardening gloves rolled up and closed with a clothes pin —spiders, again.

• If you choose not to follow the above advice-witch hazel takes the itch out of bug bites, so does a paste of baking soda and water.

• Keep a bar of soap handy and scrape your fingernails across the bar so that the soap gets under your fingernails, this keeps dirt out and makes clean-up easier. Rubbing Vaseline on your cuticles before you get gardening keeps dirt out and softens them up as well.

• Check yourself for ticks—often.

• Keep Tylenol and heating pads stocked in the medicine closet.

- Reggie Maher

The glory of gardening:

hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature.

To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul. - Alfred Austin

Recycle... the possibilities are endless!

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Tackle those home maintenance projects yourself and save Much like the upkeep on your car, tackling home maintenance on a regular basis will prevent problems from developing and save you from larger repair costs down the road. Some projects should be left to the professionals, but there are plenty of weekend jobs that any homeowner can easily handle, like these: Inspect your roof and make minor repairs. Winter can be especially hard on

a roof. Look for ice, hail or water damage.

Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

Clean your gutters. It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris.

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Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weather stripping should also be replaced.

Check your insulation. Attics should be insulated to R50, which can usually be achieved with an insulation depth of at least 16 inches. Top up with an insulation product that is water repellant and fire resistant, like Roxul Comfortbatt. Don’t forget to ensure that your basement headers are insulated properly to prevent overworking your furnace and air conditioner.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation and scheduling a check-up for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Is your home hurting you?

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Reducing pollutants and chemicals at home

he spring cleaning season is a great time to take a closer look at some of the potentially harmful chemicals present in your home -- and to seek out healthier alternatives.    In recent years, homeowners have started asking better questions about what pollutants are lurking around nearly every corner -- from building materials to the paint on the walls down to the backing on carpeting. While it’s neither realistic nor necessary to remove every toxin from a home, there are a few common sources that can be addressed easily. “The good news is, you don’t have to be a chemist to understand what products and materials are safe to have in your home,� says Anne Hicks Harney, architect and Director of Sustainability at architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross and member of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Materials Knowledge Working Group. “You can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make smarter choices for you and your family.� Harney offers a few tips to help reduce or eliminate common toxins in the home:

but their use should be limited when possible. Search for a carpet with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free backing or try wool, a natural alternative. For tile or sheet flooring, avoid vinyl products and consider linoleum or cork and rubber options.

Ventilate Your Home

It’s good to open your windows every now and then to get the air circulating into your home and any chemical smells out. If you can’t open your windows indoor plants constantly regenerate air and provide a pretty alternative.

Go Natural

Whenever possible, use natural or water-based materials and cleaning agents. Also, be aware of: • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS): From paint to composite wood, VOCs are found in many products and are responsible for that tell-tale chemical “smell.â€? When it comes to paint, “Low VOCâ€? or “No VOCâ€? are your best options .

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• Flame Retardants and Petrochemicals: Commonly found in such foam products as couch cushions and insulation, these are a bit more challenging to avoid. The risk is that these chemicals are known to accumulate over time in the human body.  Looking for an alternative? Try a natural fiber such as down in your upholstery. • Plastic Additives: Plastics are beneficial in a number of household materials

Take to the Web

Check out resources like the AIA Materials webpage or http://architectfinder.aia.org to learn more about sustainable products and to find professionals who can assist your efforts.

Don’t Know? Don’t Buy

If you don’t know what a product contains, don’t put it in your house. There’s so many other safer choices. (StatePoint)

Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Home improvement trends driving innovations in tools

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f you’ve hired a contractor to work on your home, you may not recognize the impact you had on trends and 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 high-speed 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, controlled 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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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

Getting the low down on low down payments 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 Single-Family 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

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Offer valid for approved applications received on or after April 1, 2015 with a maximum line amount of $175,000 and maximum loan to value of 80%. Subject to credit qualifications. Promotional offer subject to change or terminate at the discretion of MHV. MHV will pay select closing costs on line amounts up to $125,000. Closing costs may be recaptured if the line is closed/terminated within the first three years. Offer not available for Equity Edge or Home Equity Fixed Rate Loans. Promotional APR will terminate at the end of the promotional period and your rate will be determined by indexing the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal the third Friday of February, May, August and November minus .25% and will be noted on your monthly statement. Prime Rate minus .25% is 3% as of 4/1/15. Maximum rate is 18%. Additional terms and conditions may apply. See Branch or call for details.

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-tovalue 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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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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Times Community Newspapers Spring Home and Garden, Wednesday April 22, 2015

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