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Top 10 Flowers for Curb Appeal

Thursday, March 01, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden

 

by Carla Hill

 

Are you fighting a bad case of cabin fever this Winter? If so you’re not alone! Dormant flower beds all across the nation are begging for some splashes of color. Here’s a list of the top 10 inexpensive, easy-to-maintain flowers that will please those beds, your budget, and your neighbors.  

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression to buyers and neighbors alike. It can say a lot about how you respect your home and property.

  Ask yourself these questions: How do you feel about a home with an overgrown lawn? Do you prefer flower beds that are empty and full of weeds or beds that are planted with new Spring flowers? The answers are easy! We all prefer yards that are well-kept. That includes buyers.  

When a buyer makes an offer on your home they are buying the idea of a lifestyle as much as the structure itself. This is why it is so important to start off on the right foot. You want buyers to think of your home as the perfect home with the perfect, charming yard.  

Here’s are the top ten flower to include this year:  

1. Knock-Out Roses. Traditional roses usually have a few week blooming period. And while those blooms can be fragrant and spectacular, it means limited time when the color is out. Instead opt for these high-powered performers.  

2. Hostas. While a hosta isn’t a “flower” per sae (though they do flower), it can be a perfect addition to beds that beg ground cover. They work great in shady areas and as an added bonus come back year after year.  

3. Geraniums. These colorful flowers bloom all summer long (when you pick off dead blooms) and pack an added bonus. Their fragrant scent is a natural mosquito repellant. Geraniums come in a wide array of colors so let your creative side come out to play when choosing your hues this year.  

4. Petunias. There are lots of colors to choose from and these growers look great in hanging baskets. Pick complimentary colors for your house. Red with green, orange with blue and so on. Keep them watered and they’ll bloom well into Fall.  

5. Violets. These low growing purple flowers are also perennials and can add a lovely border edge to any bed.  

6. Impatiens. These little beauties are another shade-tolerant plant that looks great in beds around the base of trees as well as along borders.  

7. Marigolds. These golden-hued bloomers are hardy. This means even those with a black thumb may have a hard time killing them! Just like their color implies, these flowers love full sun.  

8. Vincas. These delicate little flowers can add just the touch of charm to sidewalk borders. They are low maintenance and will add color all season.  

9. Grasses. Do you need to add some height to your flower beds? Pampas and other ornamental grasses can be real statement plants. They “bloom” in a variety of colors. Just keep them away from your house since dry grasses in the Fall can be a fire hazard.  

10. Zinnias. Does your region get blistering hot summers? Do half of your plants die every year? This sun lover with bask in the heat and keep on blooming.  

Once the risk of freeze is passed in your town your local home improvement stores will start offering your favorite blooms and buds for sale. Remember the simple rule of thumb that annuals are here for the season and then gone, while perennials come back year after year. When the time for planting comes to your region, give some thought to the curb appeal of your home and how plants can help you make a statement.

 

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The Woodlands Texas Real Estate Market

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden

When navigating the real estate market in the Woodlands, Texas, homeowners can be puzzled by the bustling business and large number of real estate properties for sale in The Woodlands Texas. For this reason, any real estate specialist will suggest that a homebuyer immediately consult a real estate agency in The Woodlands Texas for consultation previous to the beginning of their property search. While pictures on real estate websites are helpful for beginning a home search, a real estate agent in The Woodlands Texas is necessary for a serious and thorough real estate shopping experience. Unfortunately, shopping for a new home is not as easy as going to the department store and picking out something you like in the correct size. The real estate market is a complex business sector that homebuyers need assistance understanding. In order to conduct a thorough search, not be deceived by web profiles and rest assured that you got the best deal on your real estate property, you need to consult a real estate agent before beginning your quest to find the home for you and your family.

What Homebuyers Are Looking For

Sometimes, homebuyers in The Woodlands Texas are unsure of exactly what kind of real estate property they are looking for. In this scenario, it is especially necessary that a real estate agent be guiding them through the home buying process. Maybe a couple thinks that they would really like an older home with a historic history, but they have never actually toured a home of that age before. A real estate agent would be able to show the couple the home and assure that they did not only see its beauty, but also knew of the financial risks that accompany the purchase of an older historic home. Also, sometimes there are listings that homebuyers would not have ever known about if it were not for their real estate agent. When making such a large investment, homebuyers want to know that they have considered all of the options possible. The only way to know that you have truly explored every option is to have an expert suggest homes that you may not have considered touring, but that fit perfectly with your home wish list.

Internet Photos

Looking at photos on the Internet of homes in The Woodlands Texas can be extremely misleading. Homebuyers need to physically tour the home before making such a large financial commitment, and a real estate agent is the perfect tour guide for any home. Do not let a set of flattering pictures of a home trick you into purchasing a home that will become a money pit for repairs. A real estate agent can take you through the home and give you honest opinions based on his or her expertise on real estate properties. It is always best to have an expert on your side to give you advice when you are unsure about an aspect of a home. This is where a real estate agent can be an invaluable resource.

Negotiating the Price

When negotiating the price on a home in The Woodlands Texas, it is also important that you have a real estate agent at your side. No one wants to regret the deal that they made for their real estate property. Real estate agents can help to assure you that you are receiving a deal that is reasonable for the home that you are purchasing in the exact condition that it is in. Real estate agents deal with offers and counter-offers on a daily basis, it is their job. Do not attempt to play a game in which you are unaware of the unwritten rules. Bring in a veteran player and let them consult you as to what the best deal for you will be. You will not regret it.

Buying a Home in The Woodlands Texas

Buying a home is an extremely puzzling experience for any homebuyer. Do not make the process any harder on yourself by going into your search without a real estate agent. While house hunting, it is essential that you have a real estate agent from The Woodlands, Texas in your corner.

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HUD Provides $400 Million in Aid

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden

A Realtor that really cares.

by Carla Hill

Many states across the nation saw more than their fair share of natural disasters in 2011. These disasters left entire regions struggling to recover.

That's why the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $400 million in aid to eight states which experienced Presidentially declared natural disaster zones.

"Last year, I personally saw the extent of the destruction left behind by several of these disasters, the hardship these communities are feeling, and the work that lies ahead," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "These funds will supplement other forms of disaster assistance to put these states and local areas on the path toward long-term recovery."

While there were other communities affected by natural disasters in 2011, Congress and HUD focused theses funds on those areas deemed most affected and in the greatest "unmet" need. These grants are designed to help with recovery efforts.

Those areas were:

New York - $93,213,963

The State of New York will receive $71,654,116 and will target at least 80 percent of these funds to assist Schoharie, Tioga, Broome, Greene, and/or Orange Counties in recovering from the extensive flooding from Hurricane Irene and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee. In addition, Orange County will receive $11,422,029 and Union Township will receive $10,137,818 directly from HUD to support recovery efforts.

North Dakota - $79,358,648

The State of North Dakota will receive $11,782,684. The state will direct at least 80 percent of this grant to help Ward County to recover from severe flooding. In addition, HUD is providing $67,575,964 directly to the City of Minot which was especially hard hit by the flooding and had the greatest extent of unmet needs in the state.

Alabama - $55,566,078

HUD will allocate $24,697,966 to the State of Alabama to support long-term disaster recovery, at least 80 percent of which will be targeted to Tuscaloosa, Marion, Jefferson and/or DeKalb Counties. HUD will also directly provide $16,634,702 to City of Tuscaloosa; $7,847,084 to Jefferson County; and $6,386,326 to the City of Birmingham to recover from last April's severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding.

Missouri - $53,985,768

The State of Missouri will receive $8,719,059, at least 80 percent of which will support long-term recovery activities in Jasper County following last spring's severe storms, tornadoes and flooding. In addition, the City of Joplin will receive $45,266,709 directly from HUD to support its efforts to recover from last year's devastating tornado.

Pennsylvania - $49,297,140

HUD is allocating $27,142,501 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at least 80 percent of which will be directed to Bradford, Dauphin, Columbia, Wyoming, and/or Luzerne Counties which had significant damage following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. In addition, Luzerne County will receive $15,738,806 and Dauphin County will receive $6,415,833 directly from HUD.

Texas - $31,319,686

The State of Texas will receive $31,319,686 and will target at least 80 percent of this assistance to Bastrop County which suffered the greatest extent of damage and destruction from a series of wildfires that occurred from late summer through the autumn.

Vermont - $21,660,211

HUD is allocating $21,660,211 to the State of Vermont which will target at least 80 percent of these funds in Washington and Windsor Counties which saw the greatest degree of damage, primarily flooding, from Tropical Storm Irene.

New Jersey - $15,598,506

The State of New Jersey will receive $15,598,506, at least 80 percent of which will assist Passaic County to recover from the severe impacts of Hurricane Irene. The funds are expected to help these communities meet housing, business, and infrastructure needs. In order to qualify for these grants, grantees will need to submit action plans to HUD showing how they'll use the funds and how that plan will address long-term recover.

Hopefully, this government gift will help these heavily impacted communities to take a strong step forward towards recovery.

Published: February 14, 2012

This post brought to you by Utah Burden!

 

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Are Homeowners Glad They Own?

Thursday, February 16, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden

It might come as a surprise but a whopping 72 percent of surveyed homeowners nationwide are satisfied with owning a home. The other 28 percent, not so. They say they're dissatisfied and that's likely due to the devaluation of their homes.

But surprisingly, of those who were satisfied with owning a home, only 24 percent said it was because of home appreciation. The majority, 76 percent, had many other reasons they were happy to own their own home including the one that proves the American Dream is alive and well: pride of homeownership. Following closely behind were the freedom to control their home improvements and upgrades. All this according to HomeGain's 2012 National Home Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

Of those who were unsatisfied with owning their home, 63 percent blamed depreciation as the root of their dissatisfaction. However, the cost of owning a home, such as paying for property taxes, homeowner's association fees, upkeep, and routine repairs, also sucked the joy out of homeownership and led this group of 37 percent to be unhappy about homeownership.

On the bright side, most - three out of four - are very happy with homeownership even in spite of such rocky real estate times where declines in home values have crippled some homeowners severely.

The survey polled homeowners all across the country. So you might be wondering is there a connection between where you live and how satisfied you are with owning a home?

The highest percentage of satisfied homeowners comes from the Northeast where there is 77-percent satisfaction, according to HomeGain. Pulling in at a close second is the Southeast at 73 percent satisfaction. The West and Midwest were at 71 percent and 68 percent, respectively.

Those who purchased their homes within a timeframe of the past three to eight years were the least satisfied. If they bought more than eight years ago, they tended to be more satisfied.

The higher-end market was the least satisfied with owning a home, especially if they paid more than $800,000 for it. This group's dissatisfaction rate was 69 percent. But those who purchased homes for under $75,000 are cheering. This group's satisfaction rate was 77 percent.

Of course, a lot of homes are sold through foreclosure and short sale, which, depending on the side of the sale you're on, can leave you satisfied or very dissatisfied. Those purchasing a foreclosed or short sale had the highest satisfaction ratings; 79 percent and 83 percent, respectively.

New and existing homes didn't fare so well with homeowners. They were fairly dissatisfied and showed it in a 73 percent and 71 percent rating, respectively. Most seemed to have expected an increase in the value of their home and when depreciation hit, this highly disappointed them, making this the primary reason for their dissatisfaction.

An interesting statistic may reflect the need for freedom from being tied down to a home and its maintenance as well as other costs. Homeowners ranging from 18 to 25 were the least satisfied (45 percent) with owning.

On the other end of the spectrum, those homeowners between 55 to 65, were the most satisfied with their homeownership. This group's satisfaction rating was 76 percent.

HomeGain collected some comments from some of the surveyed homeowners. Here's how one satisfied homeowner summarizes homeownership, "Just knowing I own it. I rented a house two times after owning a home for 16 years, and I do NOT like relying on, and dealing with, a landlord! I also feel pride in owning my home. I just bought a house 8 months ago and am very happy!"

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Know Your Expenses Before You Buy

Thursday, February 16, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden

For many, homeownership is still a dream. Moving from renting can seem like it’s an impossible mission. But if you plan ahead and carefully budget, the goal of homeownership can be yours.

When budgeting how much home you can afford, it’s important to understand and anticipate the costs of owning and maintaining a home. Here are a few things that some first-time buyers forget to include.

Private Mortgage Insurance

This is added on to your mortgage when the down payment is less than 20 percent. You can buy a home with less money but you’ll pay the PMI which covers the lender should a homebuyer default on the loan. As you build up equity, your PMI drops off.

Taxes

Property taxes generate revenue for municipalities, counties, and schools. It’s an expense that can vary across the U.S. However, on average, it’s 1.38 percent of the home’s value. Back East tends to have the highest property taxes.

HOA Fees

Homeowners’ Association fees (HOA) can add several hundred dollars to your monthly household expenses. These HOAs help to maintain common areas, typically within condominium complexes. They also govern what can be done to the unit and the surrounding area. While there is an up side to HOAs, some buyers prefer to have more freedom over their property, perhaps, until the neighbor paints his house turquoise with red accents.

Homeowner’s insurance

Lenders require homeowner’s insurance on your property. The amount you’ll pay depends on many variables including: where you live, the age, type, size of your home. For example, older homes can cost more to insure due to the fact that they may require more repairs than newer homes. Also, high-hazard areas can cost more to insure and some insurance companies may not offer an insurance policy for your home, if you’re in a high-risk area.

Utilities and appliances

These areas can be overlooked because, often, when people are renting the appliances are taken care of. When you own your own home, be sure to consider expenses such as the water heater or dishwasher breaking down. While, you can’t exactly figure out when an appliance is going to quit working, you can set a monthly allowance aside to start establishing a household repair fund. Just don’t touch the account or when you really need it, you’ll find it’s not there for you.

Inspections, appraisals, and closing costs

Many buyers understand they will have closing costs but they fail to budget for other items such as a home inspection. Sometimes inspections are paid for by the seller but it’s usually the buyer who pays for the inspection. And, even if the homeowner recently had a home inspection and has the report, a buyer still might want to pay for an inspector to have another look to compare the findings.

Depending on the home, there may also be other inspections such as for lead paint, pests or radon gas.

While the extra expenses do add up quickly, if you carefully budget and plan ahead, the goal of homeownership is achievable and very satisfying.

Published: February 10, 2012

by Phoebe Chongchua

 

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Why You Want a Guaranteed Title

Thursday, February 09, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden
by Carla Hill
Today’s buyers are facing quite a diverse housing market. There are great deals for buyers and investors alike. Home prices are at all-time lows and interest rates are creating some enticing conditions.

One word buyers and investors should familiarize themselves with is “title”. When you buy anything — a car, a house — you want to be sure that you are gaining clear title. Simply exchanging money doesn’t mean you have legal ownership of said property.

You may have been introduced to the term “quitclaim” deed. A quitclaim deed means there is no title covenant, or no guarantee of the title. Take it from the experts — don’t enter into one of these agreements.

Quitclaim deeds are only intended to be used by parties that know and trust each other, such as within a family. It should not be used during traditional sales and here’s why.

A quitclaim deed means the seller doesn’t guarantee that he/she actually owns the property! They are simply transferring whatever interest they have at the time of purchase.

In the still strong wake of the home foreclosure crisis, many owners are finding they’ve become the unfortunate victims of the robo-signing mortgage debacle.

According to RealtyTrac.com, the leading online  marketplace of foreclosure properties, “The housing market has not completely escaped the clutches of this foreclosure crisis. Instead foreclosure processing delays in 2011 have artificially exaggerated what would have been a slow, natural decrease in foreclosure activity off the foreclosure peak of 2010. This artificial trough in foreclosure activity in 2011 will result in a corresponding double-peak in 2012.”

These aforementioned “foreclosure processing delays” are direct effects of the robo-signing controversy, where documents had improper notarization and suspect signatures and are now being invalidated by courts, blocked by judged, and refused by insurers.

These weren’t just small companies falling these procedures. Big names like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo were found to use these practices.

This scandal is nothing new. MSNBC reports that “Counties across the United States are discovering that illegal or questionable mortgage paperwork is far more widespread than first thought, tainting the deeds of tens of thousands of homes dating to the late 1990s. The suspect documents could create legal trouble for homeowners for years.”

“Because of these bad titles, property owners can’t prove they own the properties they think they bought, and banks can’t prove they had the right to sell them,” says Jeff Thigpen, the registrar of deeds in Guilford County, N.C.

Distressed properties were scooped up across the nation by eager, and sometimes less than thorough or honest, investment companies who then unloaded them without clear titles, legal notary, or proper signatures to unsuspecting buyers.

Many of these buyers who were impressed by the ease of purchase are now discovering that documents that must be officially signed and notarized had simply been “robo-signed”, sometimes without even the right person’s electronic signature.

Now, in order to sell with a clear title they must now do the legwork of tracking down signatures and filing paperwork that should have been handled by the mortgage investment company. This has led to contract cancellations and lost sales.

If you are looking to buy property in today’s housing market, be sure to pay careful attention to dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s in your contract. Be sure that you are receiving a clear title done the old fashioned way with a guaranteed loan.

 

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Homeownership Possible Within Three Years After Foreclosure

Thursday, February 09, 2012
by Jutta "Utah" Burden