Buying a home is not only one of the biggest purchases of your life, but it’s also a very big financial decision. For first time home buyers this can be very scary and stressful, but here at Communie we want to make this an enjoyable experience and less stressful. Here are some tips for First-Time Homebuyers to help you get started if you are thinking of buying:
- FIRST THINGS FIRST…GET PRE-QUALIFIED
One of the biggest mistakes First-Time Home Buyers make is looking at homes before they know how much house they can actually afford. One of the first things you will want to do after joining Communie is talk to our preferred lender and pre-qualified. By doing that you will know your actual price range that you can afford. This will also actually help speed up your loan processing time down the road.
Communie is all about finding the right community that works for your needs. Not only do you need to love your home, but you have to love the community you are in. After browsing our site and looking through the hundreds of different communities there are in Utah we find it best to really spend more time in that community before you buy. Drive through the community so you get a good feel about the location and make sure you will love it’s location and overall feel.
Your down payment will be one of the most important parts of buying your home and it’s time to start saving! The amount you put down will determine many things, one being your monthly payment. If you have a 5% down payment there are good loan options for you, but you will also need mortgage insurance. If you have 20% down, that mortgage insurance payment isn’t necessary. There are even have zero down loan options if you meet certain qualifications. Our preferred lender will be able to help you find the best loan program for you!
One big mistake people make is start racking up their credit card bill or make big purchases before they close on their house. If you are buying a house then you will want to hold off on taking on any new debt during the loan process. Acquiring new debt will change your debt ratios and can cause problems with your loan. Any big purchases that you are wanting to make, you’ll want to do so after you close on your home!
If you are thinking of building new then there are several benefits to using Communie to do so. Our 1+1=3 incentive program is simple and has the ability to save you thousands of dollars with a simple step…joining Communie for free. There are three main benefits of using Communie, let’s break them down:
- Working with Communie and a Communie Agent you could receive one percent credit of your home’s base price to use towards any upgrades you wish in your home! If you purchase a $400,000 home, that is $4,000 back in your pocket!
- By utilizing Communie’s preferred lender you can receive a one percent discount on your mortgage! Those are huge savings!
- By working with Communie and their preferred lender you will then get a total of three incentives by qualifying to receive a Vivint Smart Home security system, a $2,000 value.
The main benefit to working with Communie is saving money. If you haven’t already joined Communie for free, it’s a great way to start searching all the different builders and communities in Utah. A Communie Agent will help you with the process and make it easy to get these incentives when you buying new construction. Start your journey to saving money today at www.communie.com.
Stable Monthly Payment
With rents increasing there is uncertainty of your monthly payments. When renting a property, the rent payment continues to rise year over year with no end in sight. When you purchase a home, the monthly principal and interest payment is locked in year over year when inflation leads to higher prices. So you can feel rest assured with a stable monthly payment when own your home.
Tax Advantage
When you own a home, you may be allowed to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes which reduces your adjusted gross income on your federal and state tax returns. These deductions may provide significant tax savings, especially in the early years of the mortgage. When interest makes up most of the monthly payment. After calculating your taxes, you may find that it’s cheaper for you to buy than to rent.
Family and Social Benefits
Home ownership also provides many benefits to the family, children, and the community, such as increased education for children. There are also social benefits to owning a home such as being part of a community.
Making it Your Own
When renting you need to check with your landlord before making any changes in the home, and it’s hard to customize your space to your liking. When you own your own home you can customize your home to your style and truly make it yours.
Working with an interior designer on a home improvement project can be a time – and money – saver if you plan the collaboration carefully. Here are some tips you should know for hiring the right interior designer:
Research Project Costs and Discuss The Budget First
If you’ve never done an interior design project before, you’ll need to do a little homework to determine a reasonable budget. Remember, unless you clearly discuss your monetary limits at the start, your designer is going to choose the best features in quality and structure. The finished job reflects upon them, so of course they want it to look lavish and top-of-the-line.
Professionals Have Connections
One of the biggest ways an interior designer can save you time and money is by helping you find good construction and remodeling contractors. Make sure you ask who your interior designer knows for specific products such as flooring or countertops. These features are pricey, but could be reduced with the right connections.
Don’t Bypass Your Preferences
Your interior designer is a professional, but also a person with preferences. If you leave the options too wide open, you might soon realize that what your interior designer loves is what your home becomes. This is the sign of a poorly qualified designer—their main job is to design for you not for themselves. Interior designers don’t want to design rooms that they think are ugly; rooms that do not adhere to their tastes, but that is simply part of their job.
There’s No Need For It All To Be New
While getting you to buy everything new would mean a big payday for your designer, sometimes what you have lying around the house works. For example, an antique vase might make a great kitchen spoon holder, or an old dresser could be retrofitted with plumbing, becoming a bathroom sink and cabinet. Before they order anything new, be sure you discuss items you might want to revitalize in your home.
Warranty/ Insurance Coverage
These days, certain interior design companies offer clients a warranty on workmanship. It may sound assuring at first, but these warranties may serve more as a crowd catcher rather than an actual insurance.
Check out the list of Interior Design Services on the HUB. Make sure all the contractors are licensed and credible.
Thanks for the info from * Freshome and Bankrate
Making a selection of the right AC as per your requirements, involves a lot of considerations like affordability, setup, noise level, efficiency, warranty and many other things. To help you in your search for making a right choice, here is a list of things to be considered at the time of purchasing an AC:
Split AC or Window AC
Most consumers these days prefer split AC which comes in a set of two units – indoor and outdoor. On a comparative basis, a split AC produces less noise than a window AC. And also it is flexible to place a split AC as compared to a window AC which has to be fitted at windows
A/C Sizing & Cost
Yet another important aspect to keep in mind while making a selection of AC is its size which should correspond to the dimensions of the room that it has to be installed. So go for a size which best suits the dimensions of your room. If you install a bigger sized one in a comparatively smaller room, you will end up with too much cooling effect.
Understanding energy efficiency
Because of today’s high cost of energy, air conditioners are very expensive to operate, and they consume more than their share of our precious energy resources. Because of this, when choosing an air conditioner, the name of the game is efficiency—that is, an air conditioner’s ability to convert energy (electricity) into cooling in the most cost-effective way. You want maximum cooling for minimum bucks.
Energy-Saving Features
To achieve particularly high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating ratings, air conditioners may have any number of energy-saving features. Look for: large coils, a high temperature rating, a variable-speed blower, a fan-only switch, an automatic delay fan switch and a filter indicator light.
Essential features
These basic features which you need to look into, are the remote control, low noise levels, two fans with energy efficiency setting, sleep timer, adjustable thermostat, adjustable vent, exhaust vent and easy to remove and clean electrostatic filter.
Service and warranty period
Air conditioning warranties are key to ensuring that AC systems will last for many years. Before purchasing central air conditioning, ask for—and read—its warranty and be sure you understand the terms and restrictions.
If you are looking for a new air conditioner browse a list of Heating and Cooling Services on the HUB
Thanks for the info from * Hometips and Techulator
If you are looking for ways to improve your home – whether it’s just a decorating of your interior or completely revamping your living space for renewed inspiration, take a look at homes design trends for 2017:
Community Gathering Spaces
The combination of more time spent on social media and at work and the fact that fewer people live near their family members has caused many to feel isolated and crave face-to-face interactions. Multifamily buildings and even single-family residential developments are rushing to offer an array of amenity spaces to serve this need. Some popular options include clubhouses with spiffy kitchens, outdoor decks with pools and movie screens, fitness centers with group classes, and drive-up areas for food-truck socials
Healthier Homes
Consumers have been increasingly aware of hazardous indoor environments over the last few years. Homeowners are actively seeking out healthy water supplies, purifiers, and HVAC systems, along with nontoxic paints and adhesives. A newer element to this trend in 2017 will include enhanced environmental testing.
Surface-Deep Energy Conservation
As energy costs continue to increase, the search is on for ways to save. Incentives to do so only increase as states and municipalities enact new, stricter energy codes. While energy-wise appliances and more efficient HVAC systems are still appealing to homeowners looking to save on their utility bills, less costly surface upgrades are gaining in popularity.
Go Greenery
Getting your daily greens is taking on a new meaning this year. Whether you incorporate plants into your decor, select pops of color through furniture choices or allow your windows to frame the natural greenery of the outdoors, you and your home will feel rejuvenated by adding plenty of greens.
Mixing old design styles to create brand new atmospheres
2017’s home design trends are all about creating lush spaces by taking traditional designs and making them modern with unique color, texture and material choices. The latest in home decor and design trends mean plenty of jewel tones, sustainability, practicality, texture and green in every shade. We will see a greater mix of classic and traditional with simplicity and modern, sleek furniture.
If you are looking for a professional to help you to renovate your living space take a look at the list of Custom Home Design Services and Interior Design Services on the HUB.
Thanks for the info from * Realtormag and Tim Lewis Communities
Buying a home is a psychological game of poker, with very high stakes, and huge incentives to bluff and avoid inconvenient facts. However, real estate agents are legally bound to tell the truth, so you need to make sure you ask the right questions to find out what the real situation is. It could make the difference between buying a dream home and buying a dud – and save you a fortune
Why is the owner selling?
The agent doesn’t have to answer, but if you’re lucky they might hint at the circumstances. You might find out the owner is desperate to sell, perhaps because work is taking them overseas, and so would accept a lower price
How long has it been on the market?
If it’s a new listing, don’t expect the sellers to strike a bargain with you. But if it’s been sitting on the market for a while, they may be more willing to negotiate their asking price. When a property doesn’t sell right away, many buyers assume there must be something wrong with it. In reality, it may have originally been listed at too high of a price.
Can you speak directly to the sellers?
Agents generally hate this – it is their job to negotiate – but they can’t stop you speaking to the sellers, which can be the best thing you do. Most sellers are like you – not industry professionals – and this means they often give answers that agents would find shockingly honest. Unlike the agent, they can’t pretend ignorance if you ask why they are moving. It can also give you a much better feel for the house – ask them the best and worst points.
Exactly what is included in the sale?
Is the garden shed or greenhouse included? Are the fixtures and fittings? Exactly where does the boundary lie? Make sure you see all of what you are getting. It is not unknown for most of the contents to be included in the sale
What work has been done on the property? Are any urgent repairs needed?
If it’s an older house, ask when it was last re-roofed, re-wired or re-piled. These things have to be done from time to time and can cost a significant amount.
What are Monthly Utility Costs?
You can’t get away from paying utilities, so know what your monthly budget is up against. Be sure to get an average cost — not the lowest monthly bill — and ask when peak months are. While you’re at it, ask what kind of energy sources your house appliances use — gas, electric, propane, or a combination. That’ll help you understand where you might upgrade to energy-efficient appliances to save energy costs. Remember that energy savings starts with the simplest of tasks, like sealing air leaks.
Does the house have an unusual past?
It’s not uncommon to find that older houses have some history. If you’re worried about what might have happened in the house before you moved in, ask the agent. A broad question such as whether there was anything unusual about it will cover off a range of things – one buyer said she asked whether anyone had died in the house and was told no – only to find out that someone had died in the garden.
So if you not sure what to ask a realtor when buying a house? These questions should make the top of your list.
Thanks for the info from * Thanks for the info from * Stuff and HomeOwners Alliance
Building materials are considered “green” if they reduce harm to the environment or human health, such as by improving energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint, or minimizing waste. Here’s a closer look at 10 popular sustainable building materials:
Certified Lumber
Lumber produced or harvested sustainably
Economic benefit: Often costs no more than alternatives
Uses: Framing, decking, flooring, cabinetry, etc.
Environmental benefit: Renewable, reusable, forests provide habitat for wildlife
Bamboo
Member of the grass family; can be alternative to timber
Economic benefit: Durable for being resistant to mold, mildew, insects
Uses: Flooring, fences, cabinetry
Environmental benefit: Renewable, performs as a carbon sink, needs few or no fertilizers and pesticides
Natural Stone
Used as building material since ancient times
Economic benefit: Durability makes it cost-effective over long term
Uses: From countertops/fireplaces indoors, to fencing/retaining walls outdoors
Environmental benefit: Nontoxic, promotes healthy indoor air, low embodied energy
Cellulose Insulation
Composed primarily (up to 85%) of recycled newspapers
Economic benefit: Reduces drafts and heat/AC leaks
Uses: Standard insulating material for frame homes
Environmental benefit: Recycled, energy efficient, nontoxic
Plastic Lumber
Alternative to traditional wood; resistant to rot/mold/mildew/water/insect infestation
Economic benefit: Virtually maintenance free
Uses: Decking, fencing, signage, retaining walls
Environmental benefit: Durable, recycled
Steel Studs
Provides exceptionally strong and stable framing for buildings
Economic benefit: Less material needed for structural integrity, fewer repairs, cheaper than wood
Uses: Commercial structures, popular choice for homes
Environmental benefit: Recyclable, low construction site waste
Perforated Metal
Panels come in variety of sizes, materials, thicknesses, colors, designs
Economic benefit: Lasts for generations, perforated screens or building facades decrease cooling and lighting requirements
Uses: Sun shades, building facades, railing systems, garage screening, decorative cladding, etc.
Environmental benefit: Up to 100% recycled, recyclable and indefinitely renewable, can help reduce building’s energy needs
Permeable Pavement
Lets water through, replenishing groundwater while reducing pooling, flooding and runoff
Economic benefit: Prevents water-related issues
Uses: Parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, patios
Environmental benefit: Protects surface and groundwater quality
Living Plants
Roofs/walls covered with vegetation
Economic benefit: Natural insulation; can counteract sick building syndrome (increasing productivity)
Uses: Homes, commercial and municipal buildings
Environmental benefit: Improves air quality, removes carbon dioxide from atmosphere, energy efficient
Solar Cells
Convert sunlight into electricity
Economic benefit: Reduces energy costs over long term; financial incentives (such as tax credits) often offered
Uses: Solar lighting, fans, panels, etc., on residential/commercial/government buildings
Environmental benefit: Produce emissions-free, clean energy
If you are looking for green design concepts and fabrication for your residential or commercial needs, take a look at the list of vendors offering Green Building Materials on the HUB
Thanks for the info from * Accurate Perforating Company, Inc.
Energy efficiency is not just for certain people, it is something that everyone can take a part in. The good news is that there are a few ways that you can make your home energy efficient with efficient strategies and products, without having to spend too much money out of pocket. Here are a few things that you should try.
Air Sealing
Sealing your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient. All homes have an air barrier that basically helps to reduce the amount of conditioned air that is lost and replaced by unconditioned air. The faster a building exchanges air with the outside, the more energy is needed to maintain the structure at a comfortable temperature.
Improve the Insulation in Your Home
Your thermal barrier, or insulation, will determine the ability of your home to retard heat flow. The slower your heat leaves your home, the less energy your heating system will use. Your air barrier and thermal barrier should be together and continuous for maximum efficiency. It is very important that you air seal before installing new or additional insulation.
Use Appliances and Electronics Responsibly
Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. There are only a couple of appliances considering worth replacing right away, as far as efficiency goes. The number one appliance is the fridge/freezer. The second would be the washing machine, and a distant third and fourth would be the dishwasher and the non-energy-star dehumidifier.
Install a Tankless Water Heater
Demand-type tankless water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs.
Install Daylighting as an Alternative to Electrical Lighting
Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home’s interior. It can be achieved using skylights, light shelves, clerestory windows or light tubes.
Consider Replacing Your Windows
Your windows can also cause you to lose a lot of heat during the winter months, and cool air during the summer months. This can really be detrimental when it comes to your energy costs over the year. Some of the older types of windows aren’t as energy efficient as you would like for them to be. Double panel windows and other vinyl frames are much better than single pane windows and aluminum frames.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is another efficient way to cut down energy usage in your home. When you’re away, set the thermostat to higher temperature and to lower one in cooler months. It doesn’t cost much and the money saved by reducing energy usage can be used to pay for it in few months.
Make your home run on less energy today! Browse the list of Energy Audits and Home Energy Upgrades Services on the HUB.
Thanks for the info from * InterNACHI, Conserve Energy Future and Resilient Life
