#AblazeBlog: Alaska Market Analysis

Showing posts with label Alaska Market Analysis. Show all posts

Monday, June 1, 2015

Interior Design on a Budget

Interior Design on a Budget

Whether you're planning to furnish a new build, or you're simply seeking to give your current home a makeover, you don't have to break the bank to do so. There are countless ways to make a big impact easily and affordably. There are also several do-it-yourself options that can save a bundle on unnecessary labor costs. Here are some ideas to design your interior spaces on an easy budget.

Add or Change Your Color Palette

Adding a splash of color, or changing the hue in a room, is a very simple way to make an immediate impact. Paint is relatively affordable, and if you tackle the project yourself, it becomes an extremely economical way to make a dramatic statement.
Consider painting an entire room, or just an accent wall for a more subtle impression. Fresh paint can also do wonders for old furniture. Consider a completely new color for furniture, or a weathering technique to provide a rustic or even vintage look.
A whole kitchen remodel can become extremely pricy. Painting old or slightly dated cabinets is a great way to offer a fresh look at a fraction of the cost. Adding new hardware and drawer pulls provides extra character and charm both easily and affordably, to kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

Do It Yourself

One of the best ways to furnish or decorate an interior on a budget is to do it yourself whenever possible. Utilize your existing personal talents, but also don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and attempt a new project. Instructional videos and books can assist in walking you through new projects step-by-step. Of course, YouTube is a great place to find inspiration or instruction, should you need either.
Consider installing your own tile, laminate or linoleum floors or refinishing the wood floors you already have. Install updated plumbing fixtures or light fixtures to add a modern touch, and also save on utility costs.
Refurbish previously-owned or antique furniture as opposed to buying new. You could even consider crafting your own unique window treatments, utilizing the many ideas and tools available online.
Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration for do-it-yourself project ideas, including wall décor, unique shelving options, headboard ideas, fireplace makeovers, coffee tables or even crafty light fixtures.
When considering do-it-yourself decorating options, see if you can use things you already have around the house that will cost you nothing. Cut and display decorative grasses, ivy, cattails or seasonal flowers. Dry the flowers and grasses to create wreaths or swags to be hung, or use them for display in vases or decorative bottles and vintage jars.
For a project the entire family can enjoy, consider hand-crafting your own scented candles that can be used in any room. Another family decorating idea: Frame and display your child's artwork, family photographs or landscapes that hold meaning, as opposed to purchasing pricy artwork in stores.

Furnishing Your Home on a Budget

Be mindful and creative when shopping for home furnishings on a budget. Shop at flea markets, antique shops and garage sales for statement pieces such as bedroom sets, dining sets or armoires that can be refurbished to fit your style and taste. Browse websites such as Craig's List for unique bargains, or even look for contractor specials on premium, previously unused items.
Keep function in mind when planning budget kitchen décor, as opposed to purchasing unnecessary knick-knacks. Hang pots and pans for both use and charm, or fill and showcase decorative jars or canisters with kitchen essentials. Display large serving platters and baskets, and fill them with edibles such as seasonal fruits or vegetables. Hang everyday mugs on a fashionable rack and store cooking utensils in a trendy wire caddy or unique piece of pottery – or even hang them from metal brackets or a utility rail to add style and save counter space.
Decorating or refurnishing a home on a budget can be both fun and easily achieved. Remember to be clever and creative, shop wisely, and do what you can to save money while in turn crafting a unique and meaningful environment the entire family will enjoy.
Sources:
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/budget-decorating/cheap/cheap-living-room-ideas/
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/makeovers/furniture/fabulous-furniture-makeovers/#page=7
http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/practically-free-crafts#slide-1
http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/12-ways-to-repurpose-home-furnishings/pictures/index.html

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· ABLAZE State-Wide Map Search

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Top 3 Real Estate Deal Killers

The way some people talk, it would take a miracle to make it from a signed purchase agreement to the closing table. But in reality, most real estate transactions go through with nary a hitch. Those that do hit snags, however, run the very real danger of completely falling apart.

The problems are sometimes out of the control of all parties. More often than not, though, there are ways to handle them that won't result in killing the deal. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, read on to learn how to keep the deal alive.

1. Messing Up the Mortgage Approval

The number one reason deals fall apart is because the buyer unknowingly sabotages the loan. A good real estate agent or loan officer will warn the homebuyer about this pitfall. Sadly, many don't, which is why this is such a common deal killer.

Here's the scenario: Mary is approved for a mortgage and the transaction is sailing along toward closing. One day, she sees an ad for an appliance package with reasonable monthly payments. She'll need to purchase these items when she becomes a homeowner, so she goes on a shopping spree to equip her new kitchen and laundry room.

What she hasn't been told is that the lender will most likely do what is known as a "soft pull" of her credit report prior to closing. Lenders do this to ensure that nothing has changed, and that the buyer still qualifies for the loan. Mary's shopping spree changes her debt-to-income ratio enough that she no longer qualifies for the loan. Unfortunately, fixing this problem will take time and money.

Another way to mess up your mortgage approval is by changing jobs. Don't make any major purchases or life changes until the loan closes.

2. HOA Headaches

If you are purchasing a home managed by a homeowners association, it's important to get the HOA docs as soon as possible after the purchase agreement is accepted. You are entitled to a slew of informative documents about the association and the community, including meeting minutes, the budget, the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions), and more.

Items that can potentially derail the deal include a lien against the property, current litigation against the association or the builder, too many tenant-occupied units, or problems with the association's budget. The more time you have to peruse the documents – or have your attorney go over them – the sooner the problems will become apparent. If a deal is going to fall apart, it's better to have it happen at the beginning, rather than just before closing.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

It's safe to say that if you're purchasing an existing home, it will have problems – maybe big ones, maybe small ones. To expect otherwise is unrealistic. The ideal situation is to find a home in which the problems are small and common, relative to the property's age. You won't know everything that's going on with the house, however, until you have it professionally inspected.

The inspector has a duty to report anything he or she finds, from a loose doorknob to major water damage. The former is a function of normal wear and tear, while the latter is a deal killer, if the seller won't repair it or offer a credit so the buyer can have it repaired. Be realistic in your repair or replacement requests, otherwise the deal may fall apart.

Both parties in a real estate deal dread its possible derailment. The biggest reasons a deal falls apart, however, can be avoided by slowing down, thinking clearly, and having realistic expectations. Heed the advice of your real estate agent or attorney, and all should go smoothly.

#AblazeBlog

Monday, June 1, 2015

Interior Design on a Budget

Add or Change Your Color Palette

Do It Yourself

Furnishing Your Home on a Budget

Top 3 Real Estate Deal Killers

1. Messing Up the Mortgage Approval

2. HOA Headaches

3. Unrealistic Expectations

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