Whether you own a home or are looking to buy or sell, here are the latest Good to Know® articles for when you’re ready to take the next step in finding your forever home.
How to Avoid Becoming House-Poor
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing means that you should be paying no more than 30% of your gross income for housing costs, including mortgage principle and interest, property taxes, home insurance premiums, and utilities. In reality, home ownership costs much more when HOA fees, maintenance, and repairs are included.
You can avoid becoming over-extended by taking the following steps:
Buy below your means. Your lender will qualify you for the maximum you can afford, so be wise and buy a less expensive, smaller home. Use the difference for savings and investments. You can always move later.
Plan for rising costs. Property taxes are based on sales prices, so you’ll only pay the seller’s rate until the next assessment which will be much higher next year. Home insurance, utilities, etc. will rise in cost most years.
Plan for the long-term. It takes time to build equity in real estate. When you buy a home, plan to live there for at least seven years, then rent it out.
Boombozz Pizza
Louisville has a lot of pizza places, so it is nice when you find one that stands out. Boombozz Pizza stands out for us - it is one our go-to stops. We usually go to the one at the corner of Bardstown Road and Eastern Parkway - it has a great vibe! There are a lot of menu options including several specialty pizzas, build-your own pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and salads. We usually get pizza. My husband's favorite pizza is the BBQ chicken pizza with jalepenos and bacon added. I really like the green chile chicken pizza . Both of these pizzas are a great blend of sweet and savory. I also really like the cauliflower crust that they offer. It is tasty and it is thinner than their normal crust.
My husband also likes their beer selection. However, if you do not drink or are doing dry January, they carry some great non-alcoholic beers too!
If you're looking for a nice spot to hang out and eat some great pizza, Boombozz is your spot!
Detailing That Will Help Sell Your Home This Spring
To sell your home this spring, you should repaint, declutter and deep clean, but details will make the most difference.
Before you paint, scuff up the surface with a light sanding or a fine abrasive pad. Clean walls and floors of dust and dirt so painter’s tape will adhere tightly and your paint job looks more professional.
Be ruthless when you declutter. Donate items you don’t use or like very much. Closets look bigger with fewer clothes. Organize kitchen and bath cabinets and drawers for more appeal.
Deep cleaning should include windows. Vacuum dust and dirt from sills, then apply a generous spray of window cleaner. Use a squeegee to remove wet streaks, which works better than a cloth. Fluff curtains in the dryer and wipe off curtain rods in the meanwhile. Open all window coverings for showings to homebuyers.
Pay attention to smells. Wash all bedding, and apply baking soda to the mattresses, then vacuum. Wash or replace pet beds. Put orange peels down stinky disposals to help clean smelly blades.
Fun Louisville Style - Pig & Swig Festival
My husband and I went to the Pig & Swig festival a few years ago and had a great time. This year's event is 1/25 at 2PM at Fourth Street Live.
What to expect?
Music - live bands and DJs
Food - lots of pig inspired dishes to taste (think BACON and other smoked meats)
