Fallacies about the buying process keep many renters from exploring the possibility of buying a home, but savvy real estate agents know a little education can go a long way in turning many of these would-be renters into lifelong homeowners. Many renters consider home ownership out of reach, have concerns about economic uncertainty and fear of a housing downturn as reasons to sit on the sidelines, with many preferring to watch the market before making a move to buy.
Homeowners insurance includes many myths and preconceived notions that can make the home buying process confusing and intimidating for first-timers. However, demystifying homeowners insurance may be easier than you think. Take these five common home insurance myths into consideration before buying your first home to help ensure a smooth process.
Whether you’re itching to take the vacation of your dreams or you’re ready for a fun getaway with the whole family, summer is perhaps the best (and most popular) time of year to travel. But leaving your home for any period of time comes with some precautions that you should take to ensure your property remains safe and sound while you’re away. Here are some tips for prepping your home for a summer vacation.
Finding inspiration to update and renovate your home is easier than ever. From tutorials available online to shows centered around the process of home remodeling, more and more homeowners are taking on the task of completing projects themselves. Although conquering these projects on your own may help your renovation budget, it’s important to be conscious of the unexpected dangers that may arise throughout the process. . If you’re thinking about taking on a project like this, here are a few tips to help protect you as well as give your home the upgrade it needs.
Owning a vacation property can enhance your life and give you the chance to retire to a location you enjoy. But it’s not something to be done without plenty of preparation and a full understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of dual property ownership. If you’re a senior, you must be especially diligent in selecting your second home.
Duane Washkowiak, the Broker/Owner of Realty Executives East Valley and vice president of the SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® (SEVRAR) is celebrating 15 years since he established the SEVRAR Leadership Development Program. Founded in 2004, the leadership program works to build local communities and create better leaders and REALTORS®.
Washkowiak designed the program after graduating from the Tempe Leadership Program and brought his experience to SEVRAR. He realized that behind every successful REALTOR® is a sense of community and the more you know about and are involved in your community, the more successful you are likely to be.
Living comfortably during summer doesn’t have to be expensive. There are various ways to protect yourself from high temperatures without having to break the bank. Read below for tips that will help you cool your home and save money while doing it.
1. Keep the sun away from your home
While windows keep your home well ventilated, they also let sunlight inside which raises temperatures inside your rooms. Use blackout curtains and shades to block the sun from streaming into your home. Placing plants in front of your window and using tainted windows can also be a useful way of keeping the sun away.
Bringing a new pet into your home can be one of the most exciting life changes. Pets can bring so much joy and company, but they come with their fair share of responsibilities even before they arrive home for the first time. Here’s how you can prep your home for a new pet.
But first, here’s something to keep in mind…
When adopting a pet into your home, you should brace yourself for potential damages. A kitten or puppy can often have accidents in the house during training, so keep this in mind as you get your home ready for a new furry friend. Wood or linoleum floors and leather or vinyl furniture are the easiest to clean. As always, if you’re renting your home, be sure to check with your landlord before adopting a pet.
Making your perfect Pinterest board is easy… buying everything to transfer that board into your living room, not so easy. Doing a makeover of an old space or decorating a new home is fun and refreshing but can also be stressful trying to ensure your vision comes out the way you wanted without breaking the bank. Check out these tips on how you can decorate your home just the way you want on a budget you can afford.
1. Plan your budget
It’s hard to stay on budget if you don’t have one! Set a maximum amount you are comfortable paying and stick to it. Make a list of “must-have” items before you start shopping and plan the look you are going for. This will not only help you stay on track style wise but also within price range. You can also look online for budget items or to see what stores have the best deals and if they have any upcoming sales.
By: Roberta Baumann, originally published in Waunakee Tribune
For the past five years or so, Waunakee’s Wine Walks have drawn hundreds to the downtown area to visit the shops and experience a night out.
But many may not realize that the event, organized by a small group of energetic women, raises funds to help the community.
The Waunakee Professional Women’s group, or WPW, is a 501 © 3 nonprofit and uses the proceeds for college scholarships and to help Waunakee residents in need.