Thursday, July 12, 2018

Financing Your Home


Once you’ve found the new home of your dreams it’s time to work on your financing so you can make a strong offer and get the process moving along!
While you are looking for homes, begin getting your financial documents in order so you don’t have to wait!  The mortgage process doesn’t have to be daunting – especially if you can do a little at a time to prepare.
So what do you need to apply?  Here are some documents you can gather and have ready:
-        The W-2 form from the last two year’s taxes
-        Most recent pay stub
-        Tax returns from the previous year
-        A complete list of debts such as credit cards, student loans, car payments, etc.
-        A list of your assets including bank statements and investment records
-        Documents of retirement accounts
Other information you’ll need is:
-        Social security number
-        Residence history for at least two years
-        Employment history for at least two years
-        Information on any gifts that may be used toward down payment or loan
As the mortgage process progresses there may be a need for more information or details on the information you provide. Don’t be discouraged! Remind yourself that once this process is complete you’ll have a brand new home!

Friday, July 6, 2018

How to reduce home allergies


Allergies are a real problem for millions of Americans.  Popular allergens can be found outdoors such as pollen or indoors such as dust.
The top indoor allergens are dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and cockroach particles. Symptoms can include a stuffy or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and in some cases asthma.
Here are a few ways you can cut back on indoor allergens and make your home an easier place to breathe.
-        Control dust as much as possible. Keep surfaces uncluttered and dust frequently. Use cleaning tools such as microfiber that catch dust instead of just dispersing it back into the air.
-        Vacuum once or twice a week. Make sure that your vacuum is equipped with a HEPA filter for optimal results.
-        During peak pollen season keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
-        Regularly wash bed linens and towels and use hot water to do so.
-        Reduce moisture build up by running ventilation fans in bathrooms and kitchen.
-        Keep pests like cockroaches and mice out of the home with regular treatments or traps.
-        Maintain an overall cool temperature in the home (between 68-72 degrees) and humidity no higher than 50 percent.
-        Have pets? Bathe them once a week to cut down on pet dander.
How do you maintain an allergen free home?