#AblazeBlog: diy

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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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· Glennallen

· Haines

· Homer

· Indian

· Juneau

· Kenai

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How to Get a Mortgage Loan for a Fixer - Homes For Sale In Alaska!

How to Get a Mortgage Loan for a Fixer

Here's a clever real estate dictum for you: Don't buy the best house in a bad neighborhood; buy the worst house in a good neighborhood.

There are several reasons for this rule, but the main one has to do with property values, which are determined in large part by the surrounding homes. If you buy the best home in a bad neighborhood, your home sets the highest price consideration in the area.

If you purchase a lower-priced home in a good neighborhood, you'll pay less for it, and with improvements, you can greatly increase its value. The higher-priced homes surrounding it will also buoy its value.

This doesn't necessarily mean you need to purchase a fixer. Sometimes a small home in a good neighborhood offers a good value if there is room to add to it. A fixer, however, presents you with the best opportunity to quickly build equity.

The FHA 203(k) Loan

If you think it's impossible to get a loan for a house that is uninhabitable, or needs a lot of work, think again. Not only is it possible, there is even a loan that allows you to live somewhere else during the rehab, while not having to worry about two mortgage payments.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is the umbrella agency for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). You've no doubt heard of FHA loans – which are low down payment loans that are guaranteed by the U.S. government.

The FHA offers another program called the Section 203(k) program, also known as Rehab Mortgage Insurance. Like a standard FHA loan, this program guarantees the repayment of the loan. Where this loan program differs is that it allows the borrower to finance both the purchase and the cost to rehab the house all in one loan.

Two Types of FHA 203(k) Loans

FHA offers the standard 203(k) loan that pays for rehabbing a house. Items such as a new roof, replacing plumbing, adding or replacing floors, and major landscaping are among the type of work allowed.

The program also offers a streamline FHA 203(k) loan, which pays for non-structural elements, such as painting, adding energy-efficient appliances and new carpet. In addition, homeowners can tap into the program to finance repairs required by an inspection report or to perform other work needed to get the property ready to sell.

The maximum loan amount for the streamline program is $35,000.

Ways to Use the Standard 203(k)

While most borrowers utilize the 203(k) to rehab a fixer, there are other ways to use the loan, as well. A homeowner can borrow the money to convert a single-family home into a multiple-unit dwelling, with up to four units. Or, the borrower can do the opposite – convert a multiple-unit home into a single-family home. Finally, the 203(k) loan can be utilized to move a house onto the property on which you've taken out a mortgage.

Of course there are rules and stipulations to all of these alternatives, which interested homeowners should take the time to look into.

Dwelling Eligibility

FHA has eligibility requirements for the property. These include:

The dwelling must either be a single-family home or a multiple-unit building with a maximum of four units.

The dwelling must be at least one year old.

Condo projects are limited to the interior of the unit. Other rules apply for condos.

The cost of the project must be at least $5,000, but you are prohibited from raising the value of the home to more than the FHA mortgage limit for the area. You can find the limits for your area on FHA's website.

Borrower Eligibility

This loan is for owner-occupants only. Investors, home flippers and the like don't qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan.

While FHA doesn't require a minimum credit score to qualify for the loan, lenders do – and the score varies by lender. Wells Fargo, for instance, dropped their minimum score requirement in February, from 640 to 600.

You must be a legal U.S. resident.

You will need from 3.5 to 10 percent of the loan amount as a down payment. This is in addition to closing costs and the cost of mortgage insurance.

The maximum debt-to-income ratio for an FHA backed loan is 43 percent.

Borrower requirements can and do change, so consult with a HUD-approved lender for the latest changes. You can find a list of these lenders on HUD's website.

#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

How to Get a Mortgage Loan for a Fixer - Homes For Sale In Alaska!

The FHA 203(k) Loan

Two Types of FHA 203(k) Loans

Ways to Use the Standard 203(k)

Dwelling Eligibility

Borrower Eligibility

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