Wouldn’t it be nice to receive some free money so you can buy a home? Federal, state, and local governments, plus housing foundations and charitable organizations are all great resources that provide grants to homebuyers in need of help.

Why help first-timers? As they tend to be young and still building credit and savings, first-time homebuyers may take years to save enough for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage. The sooner they can buy a home, the sooner they can begin gaining equity and accumulating wealth through real estate. New homeowners are good for their neighborhoods—they provide more tax revenue, and they support local shops and services.

Why help low-income households? Housing prices have shot up so high that many families, whose incomes have not kept up with inflation, also have trouble saving for a down payment on a home.

The National Homebuyers’ Fund awards housing grants up to 5% of a home’s purchase price, either in the form of down payment or closing costs assistance. You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify, and credit scores and debt-to-income ratios are flexible whether you’re applying for a conventional loan or a government guaranteed loan through FHA, VA or USDA. Another great source is Governmentgrants.us, which offers a step-by-step application for homebuying assistance.

The biggest benefit is that grants don’t have to be repaid. Housing grants are typically obtained through your mortgage lender. You can also search the Internet for homebuying grants in your city or state.

If you haven’t had to hire a plumber lately, you may not know how much it costs to have one come out and fix a problem that was preventable. First-time homebuyers and new homeowners will really benefit from knowing what to do to prevent household water troubles.

The first thing you need to learn is where your outside water shutoff valve is. That way, if you have an indoor leak from a broken water line or a drip that won’t turn off, you can prevent possible water damage before you call the plumber.

There are also items you should never flush down the toilet. Don’t feel fooled by products like baby wipes, feminine products, facial tissues and makeup removal sheets, and clumpable cat litter that are advertised as flushable. They contain plastic fibers that could clog plumbing, so stick to toilet paper that doesn’t clog pipes. Don’t pour anything down the sink that isn’t water soluble, and that includes oils and damaging chemicals. Older plumbing has narrower pipes, and/or you may not have enough water pressure to send some items along their way.

Waste disposals can pulverize a lot more foods than in the past, but you’re much safer avoiding feeding them anything fibrous such as banana peels, breads or fruits with seeds, starchy foods like potato skins, or foods with nuts. Run water as you put items in the disposal and give them enough time to grind thoroughly. Stuff a sliced lemon down the neck for freshness.

Remodeling a bathroom is nearly always more expensive than you expect, but costs can really escalate if you make any errors in space planning, new fixture selection, or quality of construction. Here are three steps you should carefully consider.

Planning the work

Your remodeling plans should solve existing issues, such as those regarding functionality, accessibility, and ultimately, your property’s value. Plans should meet current building and safety codes and improve the home’s attractiveness.

Budgeting

Some homeowners underestimate the costs of renovations and then cut corners to fit an unrealistic budget. The Family Handyman advises that the money you save by doing the work yourself can come back to bite you. It’s too easy for DIYers to buy the wrong sized drainage piping or install them at the wrong slope for proper drainage, causing frequent clogs and leaks. It’s also common to skip installing ventilation fans, but they’re important to help prevent mold, mildew, and household odors. If you’re not a licensed plumber or electrician or trained carpenter, you should budget for professional help.

Layout changes

According to Architectural Digest, the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is changing your bathroom layout, including the labor required to remove, demolish, and dispose of current fixtures and surfaces. Tearing up floors to relocate plumbing pipes and changing the electrical wiring for new light fixtures and outlets is expensive. If the interior design changes you want to make truly add value to the home, go ahead. Otherwise, stick to improving surfaces and fixtures only.

Every culture has its way of dealing with the impending passing of a family member or dear friend. There are wills to direct the distribution of valuables and real property to heirs, but there may not be a clear directive for trinkets, furniture, dishes and cookware, decorations, and other items no longer needed.

The Swedes have a pre-emptive solution that is widely accepted, not only by their culture, but by others who agree that their way of handling the circumstances makes most sense. It’s called Swedish death cleaning, a period during which loved ones help an elderly or infirm relative sort through their belongings to keep, give away or donate non-essential items well in advance of that person’s passing. This is viewed by the Swedes as a celebration of life—a way to share memories, laughter and affection among the family while helping to make tough decisions. It relieves others of the burden and guesswork of what to do with belongings in the event of an unexpected passing. It’s also a relief for the loved one to have such a difficult job accomplished. And who doesn’t enjoy attention from loved ones?

What does Swedish death cleaning have to do with real estate and you? You’ll have better mental health and well-being while preparing for a major transition, such as moving. You’ll enjoy being surrounded only by things that bring you joy in your new home. Last, your real and personal property will be easier to maintain.

Welcome to this remarkable townhome with over 3000 sq ft of living space! Enjoy the bright and airy two-story living and dining rooms flooded with natural light. Relax in the tranquil first-floor primary suite with walk-in closet and bath. Peace and tranquility prevail in the gourmet eat-in kitchen with 42" cabinets and patio doors leading to the deck where you will enjoy spectacular views of the pond. The finished walkout lower level offers a spacious rec room, bath and patio access. This low maintenance home boasts newer roof, siding and driveway, all situated on a premium lot. Don't miss this opportunity to schedule a private showing contact us now at 847-668-5846.

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