Funding for the unconventional: Loans for manufactured, modular & mobile homes

When purchasing a home, it’s crucial to secure funding before entering into the transaction portion of the buying process. Typically, many homeowners go for a conventional loan, which is standard for most home types. But what about unconventional homes, such as a modular home, mobile home or even manufactured home?

Can you get this type of home with a conventional loan like a VA (Veterans Affairs) loan, FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan or conventional loan? What about a personal property loan?

Here are three ways to secure funding for your unconventional home:

FHA loan

FHA loans are typically a popular option for those just starting their homebuying journey, first-time homebuyers and a slew of other potential homebuyers. Those searching for loans for mobile home options or manufactured home options may find peace of mind here.

FHA loans offer potential mobile homeowners either a Title I or Title II loan. Title I loans allow the prospective homeowner to simply borrow for the home, assuming all requirements are met. Homeowners who already have a mobile residence may be able to apply for this loan if they need to maintain or repair their home as well.

Title II loans help the buyer purchase the plot of land as well as the home being placed on it. These loans may have conventional term limits of 30 years, whereas Title I loans tend to max out at 20 years. Because of the stricter requirements of a Title II loan, most mobile homes won’t qualify due to being built before June 1976. Manufactured homes, however, will.

FHA loans used to secure these unconventional home types still require that home to be the borrower’s primary residence for approval.

Personal loan

Personal loans are a great way to circumvent numerous issues with conventional loans when it comes to mobile home loans, manufactured home loans and modular home loans. Personal loans are offered by a vast array of lenders, with some offering loans as high as $100,000.

Since personal loans are so flexible, they tend not to adhere to basic guidelines for unconventional homes. However, be wary of their interest rates. These loans can add up over time, so it’s best to review the terms, interest rates and monthly payments against your own financial plan.

Chattel loan

Chattel loans are typically offered for property that isn’t stationary, such as a mobile home or manufactured home. These loans typically require the borrower to enter into an agreement with the lender stating the residence or movable property are to be used as collateral in securing the loan.

While these may have more fees and risk associated with them, they are typically a good option for those in need of financing. For those with some financial restrictions, there are chattel loans with federal backing that may help you secure your home.

Be your home stationary or on the move, finding funding is one of the most important parts of the homebuying journey. Be sure to select the loan that’s best for you and your financial situation.

If you have questions about what type of financing, or even property type, to search for, give your agent a call. They’ll be able to help you move in the right direction for your new home.

5 DIY Patio Upgrade Ideas for Your Backyard

A backyard patio can be much more than a simple concrete slab. Patios are a place to gather, relax and enjoy your outdoor space in a variety of ways. If your backyard doesn’t have a patio or if you’re looking to update the one you have, here are some fresh ideas for DIY patio projects to try.

Pavers

Pavers are one of the most DIY-friendly materials you can use for patios. Not only are they simple to install yourself, they come in a vast array of colors, textures and styles to match the look you want. You can mimic the look of a trendy brick pathway, elegant flagstone or intricate designs with materials that will withstand the weather and heavy use.

Outdoor Rugs

One of the most budget-friendly ways to upgrade an existing patio is with an outdoor rug. Finding the perfect rug for your space can completely change the look and feel while also providing protection from sun-baked pavement in the hotter months. Whether you opt for a rug with bright colors or a more muted palette, you’ll notice the difference right away. You can also use the rug as a starting point for an entire patio makeover including furniture, accent pieces and more.

Pea Gravel

Building a gravel patio is an unexpected and simple way to add functionality to your backyard on a budget. By constructing a simple frame out of lumber, you can fill the space with a layer of gravel and have an instant and inexpensive patio. Gravel comes in different colors and levels of grain so you can customize the look and feel.

Island Patios

For a bold take on the backyard patio, try moving away from the walls and create an island in the middle or outer edge of the yard. Your island patio can be round, rectangular or a custom shape. Connecting it to the backyard entrance with a simple DIY pathway or stepping stones will keep it connected, while adding a pergola or trellises can add privacy and mystique.

Add Color & Pattern

If you’re working with pavers or stone, you have the unique opportunity to add a bit of artistic flair into your patio design. Consider scattering decorative tiles or stones throughout in order to make a casual and eclectic mosaic for your backyard. Some ideas include pebble stepping stones, painted or carved paving stones or even completely custom works of art you make yourself. As long as the materials are hardy enough to withstand the elements and traffic in your yard, you have a plethora of options for adding some art into your patio.

Backyard patios come in all shapes, sizes and styles to fit your needs and creative ideas. If you’re considering either a brand new or updated patio, try these ideas and enjoy how they can transform your entire outdoor space.

How To Bring Your Cooling Costs Down

In the heat of the summer, sometimes you feel as if you have to choose between your budget and your comfort. It doesn’t have to be scorching both inside and out and you don’t have to break the bank. Below, you’ll find some ways to help you cut costs and keep cool all summer long.

Close Your Windows And Keep Them Covered

Look around your home. If your windows are letting a lot of light in, they’re also letting a lot of warmth in the home. You can easily cut the extra heat that’s being let in from the outside by shielding your windows and using insulated or darkening window treatments. This can be especially useful if you’re not home during the day. This simple measure can help to keep your home cooler. 

When The Temperatures Dip, Take Advantage

Many regions throughout the United States have warm temperatures during the day but cool down considerably in the evening hours. You can use natural cooling and just open your windows in order to bring the temperature of the house down. The best part is that fresh air is free!  

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are useful the whole year through when it comes to circulating air. If the air is cooler, but stagnant, putting a ceiling fan on can make a huge difference.  

Turn Off The Oven

Try to avoid using any kind of appliances that generate heat when there’s a heat wave. Don’t use your oven to cook. You can either grill, use a slow cooker, or make no-cook meals on these days. Even running the dryer can increase the temperature of your home. If you must do laundry, make sure the area is well-ventilated with some type of fan.  

Use The AC Only When You’re Home

You can save on energy costs by simply limiting your use of air conditioning to only when you’re home. If the temperature becomes unbearable then use the AC, but try to use the techniques mentioned above before you run the air conditioning.

Get A Programmable Thermostat

Modern technology has provided us with thermostats that can be set to a certain temperature. The AC system will only turn on when the temperature reaches a certain level. You could even get a thermostat that allows you to control the temperature in your home remotely.       

  

Have An Energy Audit Performed

Many energy companies will provide you with an energy audit for little or no cost. This helps to identify any areas of your home where you can do better as far as energy conservation and lessening the utility bills your home incurs. Since heating and cooling takes up a good majority of your home’s utility costs, this can be a very worthwhile measure to take in saving money during the summer months and the whole year through.   

3 Ideas for a budget-friendly floor project

With so many DIY options available, it’s never been easier to tackle your home’s flooring projects. However, there are a few key items to remember, such as material cost and experience required for installation.

Here are some ideas for cheap flooring ideas you can DIY:

Paint your linoleum or laminate flooring

It’s simple to dress up drab linoleum floors with a bit of paint. Durable floor paint adds a new color or refreshes the original color to hide imperfections. For this floor project, use an all-purpose interior paint primer and the floor paint of your choosing. Flex your creativity and use painter’s tape or stencils to create your own designs.

Try vinyl floor stickers

Vinyl stickers are a quick way to transform your floor for less, while still getting the vinyl floors you want. You can buy sets of peel-and-stick faux tiles in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures. This is an especially good floor project option for those who want a big change without a big commitment or bill.

If you get tired of the vinyl, you can pull them back up and replace them with a new design anytime. Vinyl floor stickers cost less per square foot than other flooring materials, and significantly less than tearing up the entire existing floor.

Pour a concrete overlay

If you prefer the industrial design style or simply want a cheap flooring option that’s virtually indestructible, try a concrete floor. DIY concrete mix is available at every major hardware or home improvement store and is less costly than other floor materials.

Remove the existing flooring and add your concrete overlay in thin layers until you achieve the desired thickness. Concrete also has the advantage of being versatile. If you don’t like the original color, there are a variety of stain and color options to explore.

No matter which flooring material you prefer, DIY flooring projects are the most affordable way to go. Consider these ideas for your next DIY floor project.

What to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

Photo by Zino Bang from Pexels

Finding a new home is challenging on its own, even when you are familiar with the area. If you’re wanting to move or start a new life somewhere completely different, it’s hard to know where to start. If you don’t have a specific place in mind, focusing on your priorities and budget can help you narrow down your choices. Here are the top 5 things to consider when looking for a new place to live:

Weather

For some people, weather can have an enormous impact on quality of life. Whether it’s personal preference or physical comfort, the climate should be a major consideration in choosing a new place to live. It’s easy to find temperature averages and other statistics like amount of rainfall or snow online. Check the weather reports regularly to get a sense of how the temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to research the general region to find out about any potentially extreme weather common to the area, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Size

Size, both in population and geographic area, is an important metric to be aware of in searching for a place to live. Population density can clue you in to things like traffic, job opportunities and available housing. The geographic size of a place can help you determine what sort of commutes or everyday travel times you can expect. Some people prefer small and quiet towns while others prefer the hustle and bustle of big cities. While every city and town is different, considering the relative sizes of your options can still give you valuable information.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is a wide category that includes things like schools, public transportation, hospitals and other emergency services. If you have children or plan to have children, it’s crucial to research the schools in the area. Beyond that you can also look at the proximity and availability of emergency services and healthcare facilities. Public transportation is a huge draw for people who wish to avoid driving or want to help the environment, but it’s not always as accessible or reliable as it can appear at face value. Find train or bus schedules and route maps to get a better idea of the public transportation in a prospective new home.

Cost of Living

The cost of a home itself is only the beginning of your financial life in a new location. First, make sure you know about the property taxes in an area. You can also look at mortgage rates and rent prices nearby. Groceries, entertainment, utilities, gas and other transportation costs will all factor into your overall cost of living. There are many online resources to help you research and compare certain places and you can always consult the area’s local government for details about taxes and other municipal expenses.

These are some of the most important things to consider when looking for a new place to live, but there are many other questions you should ask yourself before you move. Take other factors into account like culture, lifestyle, local economy and politics as well as safety. Finding what is most important to you is the best way to begin your search.

Home Assistants: How to Get the Most Out of Yours

Virtual home assistants can be versatile, even if they’re still somewhat seen as a novelty to some homeowners. To really get the most out of them, though, you need to first understand what it can do. We’ll look at how your home assistant works and how you can add more efficiency to your routine by adjusting how you use it. 

Link Your Information 

This is the most important thing that you can do with a smart home assistant: the more you have on one system, the easier it is to control. So if you have home automation, such as an automated security system or lighting, you can input that information to make it easier to maintain functionality. You can also link your financial information, making it possible to buy what you need by just making the request.

Integrate with Everyday Tasks 

If you want to dictate your to-do list to a technology that will record it all, smart assistants can be a great way to capture the details. So instead of missing one ingredient for a new recipe or forgetting to call the plumber to fix the leak in the bathroom, you never miss a beat.

Assistants are also great for setting timers, making phone calls and reminding you to stick to a schedule. Many people find that their productivity improves when they use these assistants, making it easier to stay on track without feeling overwhelmed. 

Get More Information

Traffic back home, weather, your work schedule: you can use smart home assistants to give you the information you need to get up and running daily. Similar to your to-do lists, this can be everything you need to prepare for your day. You can also make your updates more aligned with your priorities, whether they’re a technical necessity or not.

Maximize Your Home Entertainment 

Books, movies, podcasts, music: there are ways to link your services and control your home entertainment with nothing more than your voice or a smartphone. Use virtual assistants to increase the volume, play in surround or select a song you might love.

Remember the Features 

These features make it possible to mute the device, change the default names and teach the AI more about your personal preferences. It all makes for a more intuitive experience.

Important Factors to Consider Before You Sell a Florida Luxury Home

Selling a Florida luxury house may prove to be a quick, seamless process. However, regardless of whether your luxury home is located in Tampa Bay, Jacksonville or another Sunshine State city or town, there are several factors that you should consider before you list your residence to achieve the best-possible home selling results.

Now, let’s take a look at three key factors that Florida luxury home sellers need to consider before they enter the local real estate market.

1. A Luxury Home’s Condition

Although you may have bought your Florida luxury house brand-new, your home may be showing signs of age. Fortunately, there are many quick, easy ways to assess your luxury house’s condition and make assorted repairs before you list your residence.

Oftentimes, it helps to conduct a home inspection. With an inspection, a property expert will evaluate your Florida luxury house and identify any problem areas. Then, you can use an inspection report to prioritize myriad home repairs.

A home inspection can provide you with the insights that you need to differentiate your luxury house from others in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or other Florida cities and towns. If you assess a home inspection report closely, you can find ways to quickly and effortlessly improve your luxury residence prior to adding it to the Florida real estate market.

2. The Current State of the Housing Market

Florida luxury houses generally are top choices for those who want to live near Disney World, South Beach or other popular Sunshine State attractions. Yet the prices of these houses frequently fluctuate based on various economic factors. This means that what you paid for your Florida luxury house is unlikely to match its current value.

Luckily, it is simple to conduct a luxury home appraisal. If you reach out to a home appraiser, this property expert will examine your luxury house and offer a valuation. Next, you can use this valuation to determine a competitive price for your Florida luxury house.

3. How to Promote a Luxury Residence to Prospective Buyers

Let’s face it – promoting a Florida luxury house to prospective buyers may be difficult, particularly for those who are selling a residence for the first time. Thankfully, you can hire a Florida luxury real estate agent to get the support you need throughout the home selling journey.

A Sunshine State real estate agent understands the ins and outs of the Florida luxury real estate market. As such, he or she can help you identify and address any potential home selling pitfalls before they escalate.

For instance, if you own a luxury house in South Beach, a Florida real estate agent may explore ways to promote your residence to beach-goers. Or, if you want to sell your house in Orlando, a real estate agent should have no trouble highlighting your house’s proximity to Disney World, Sea World and other top-notch Florida attractions.

Ready to list your Florida luxury house? Consider the aforementioned factors, and you can boost the likelihood of a stellar home selling experience.

Can an Outdoor Kitchen Make Your Home More Appealing to Buyers?

 Photo by toddpharistx via Pixabay

Today’s home buyers are looking for ways to maximize their space and their enjoyment of that space. While having friends and family over to enjoy a meal out on the patio or a backyard BBQ has long been a favorite way of spending time with loved ones, it’s frequently left the hosts separated from the guests. Adding an outdoor kitchen offers numerous advantages. It could boost interest in your home and set it apart from similar ones in the area. 

1. Makes Entertaining Easy

One of the most exciting things about having your own home is the ability to entertain more. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home means that the home buyer is instantly set up for a home-warming party or any other type of gathering. 

2. The Hosts Can Participate

As mentioned above, one of the best reasons for installing an outdoor kitchen is that it eliminates the separation of the cook — which is nearly always the host — from the rest of the party outdoors. 

3. It Becomes a Team Effort

With an outdoor kitchen, there are more opportunities to make cooking a group effort. By keeping food prep as part of the overall party, it’s easier for other people to jump in and help out. It’s also great for when the homeowner wants to plan for shared cooking experiences. 

4. It’s Cozy

While the gathering place inside a house used to be the living room, the past few years have seen the kitchen take over that spot. If you think about it, this transition just makes sense. People like to gather where there’s food. It encourages chatting and camaraderie. An outdoor kitchen that includes tables and chairs or other outdoor furniture encourage the same kind of coziness. 

5. Increases Living Space

Adding an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. One idea is to use the covered porch or patio you already have as the foundation for the outdoor kitchen space. Next, add the appropriate appliances. The result is that you’ve instantly increased the living space of your current home without having to add on another room. 

If you’re in an area of the country that is going through a housing boom, you might wonder if you should spring for an outdoor kitchen. Adding this highly-desirable feature to your home could also increase its value and make it easier to get your asking price during its sale. 

Here’s what to have ready on move-in day

The process of moving to a new home isn’t over once you arrive at your new property. There are still many things to do in your new space to make it both functional and comfortable. To help you do so, here are some of the essential things to have at move-in:

Primary furniture pieces

When setting up a new home, the best place to begin is with the large furniture pieces. This could include a sofa, dresser, dining room table or bed. If you move these items first, you can build your design around them. This also helps you avoid moving the large, heavy furnishings later when there is less room to maneuver.

Dishes & silverware

Even if you don’t cook a meal the first day in your new kitchen, you’ll want tools to eat with. Have a few basics on hand like plates, bowls and silverware. You could set aside a small portion of your table settings for easy access or opt for disposable versions. Make sure to include at least one of each item for every person in your household.

Towels & bedding

It’s a good idea to establish a place to sleep before you get tired. While you don’t have to make the bed to perfection, make sure you have sheets, pillows or anything else to help you sleep comfortably. This makes it more convenient to rest during your moving process–and you’ll know you’ll have a spot waiting for you after a day of hard work.

Towels and other bathroom basics are also a great idea to have at move-in. Whether for the first shower or cleaning up unexpected spills, a few towels will make your first hours in the home easier. Consider setting aside a kitchen towel as well as bathroom towels for convenience and comfort.

Everybody’s moving process is unique, but these tips can help you have a better move-in day no matter what.

Here’s What Home Sellers Need to Include in a House Listing

If you plan to sell your house, you likely will need to craft a home listing. As such, you may want to put together an outline of the information that you’d like to include in your home listing to optimize its effectiveness.

Now, let’s take a look at three things that every seller should include in his or her home listing.

1. Home Price

The price of your home likely will play a major role in how quickly your residence stirs up interest from homebuyers, and for good reason.

If you offer a competitive price for your residence, you should have no trouble generating substantial interest in your house as soon as it becomes available. Comparatively, if your home is overpriced, your risk alienating potential buyers. Or, if your residence is underpriced, you may miss out on an opportunity to maximize the value of your house.

Performing a home appraisal often serves as a great way to get an accurate valuation of your house.

Also, look at the prices of comparable houses in your city or town. This will help you understand how your residence stacks up against the competition so that you can price your home accordingly.

2. A Detailed Home Description

What sets your house apart from other residences? Ultimately, if you create a detailed description of your home’s features, you can increase the likelihood of a fast, profitable home sale.

When you put together a detailed description of your home, be honest. That way, you can empower homebuyers with the insights they need to determine whether your residence is right for them.

In addition, copy edit your home description before you publish your home listing. Because if your home description is littered with grammatical errors, these mistakes may drive potential buyers away from your residence.

3. Nearby Attractions and Landmarks

If your home is located near amusement parks, national monuments, schools or other popular attractions or landmarks, you should incorporate this information into your home listing. By doing so, you can further differentiate your residence from the competition.

Don’t forget to provide details about how far away your home is located from nearby attractions and landmarks too. For instance, if your house is only a 5-minute drive from a top local park, you should include this information in your home listing.

If you want to get the most out of your home listing, it pays to hire a real estate agent as well. With a real estate agent at your side, you can create an in-depth home listing that will hit the mark with prospective buyers.

A real estate agent understands exactly what it takes to create an effective home listing. He or she will learn about your residence and your home selling goals and ensure that your home listing stands out from others.

Ready to craft an engaging home listing? Use the aforementioned tips, and you can boost your chances of creating a terrific home listing in no time at all.