Important Mortgage Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

When you’re purchasing your first home, there’s a lot to think about. In addition to finding the perfect location and coming up with a budget, you’ll also have to consider many factors regarding your mortgage. To keep your stress levels down and to be as prepared as possible, read our list of some of the most important mortgage tips for first-time home buyers.

Shop around

Settling for the first quote you get from a mortgage lender could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. We suggest researching a variety of mortgage lenders and comparing at least three quotes before you make a final decision. Spending the time to shop around will be well worth it in the end.

Prequalify

Before making an offer on a home, you must prequalify for a mortgage. For you to prequalify, a lender will thoroughly examine your finances. After the inspection, you’ll receive an estimate of how much money a lender may be willing to give you based on your income, credit, and current debt. If you are an active or former member of the military, you can also look for a VA loan, this way the process to get your home might be considerably easier, take a look at Security America Mortgage to learn more about this kind of loan. It’s important to note that even though you prequalify for a mortgage from a specific lender, you’re not exclusively committed to them yet. You’re still free to shop around for better interest rates, but having that prequalification letter will significantly improve your chances of closing a deal on the property you want.

Get the right mortgage for your budget

There are two main types of mortgages: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. The main difference between the two is the way their interest rates are determined. The interest rate for fixed-rate mortgage loans is determined when you take it out, and it will not change. An adjustable-rate mortgage, on the other hand, has an interest rate that may fluctuate after the introductory period ends. Fixed-rate mortgages allow for easier budgeting, but adjustable-rate mortgages offer more flexibility when it comes to refinancing. Ultimately, the type of mortgage that’s right for you will largely depend on your budgeting preferences.

Avoid 30-year mortgages

30-year mortgages attract many home buyers due to their lower monthly payments. In the long run, however, you’ll end up paying tens of thousands of dollars more in interest than if you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. As such, you should try to choose a mortgage option with a shorter timeline.

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Designing A Home That’s Inclusive And Stylish

A growing aging population and more awareness of disabilities has forced many home designers to think more inclusively. A home that anyone can live in is more sellable. This doesn’t have to mean sacrificing stylishness either – in fact many elements of inclusive design are becoming trendier and more practical for able-bodied people too. Here are just several features that can make a home both inclusive and stylish.

Go open plan

An open plan layout offers more space for freely getting around as there are no tight doorways or corridors to negotiate. It also has the added benefits of making a home more social, allowing easier communication between rooms. On top of this, it can improve ventilation and make a home brighter. If you’re renovating an existing home to make it open-plan, you’ll want to hire professionals to knock down any interior walls safely. Cut-outs can sometimes be a more economical option to knocking down entire walls and can usually have the exact same effect.

Get creative with ramps

Ramps can help to provide wheelchair access and are essential to inclusive design. When choosing a ramp, look beyond basic options and find a design that will match the décor of your property. A metal ramp could be great for a glossy modern home, while a wooden ramp could compliment a traditional home well. Incorporating a ramp naturally will make it feel less like a home for disabled people. Doing away entirely with stairs may not be possible in two storey homes, but some properties have accomplished it using only ramps (of course, a lift is sometimes the more convenient option – although this can sometimes make a home look a little too disability-focused).

Install a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers can be both a sign of inclusivity and luxury. Curbless walk-in showers can allow easy access suitable for those with disabilities, however you may have to spend a little extra wetproofing the room. Fitting a walk-in shower into a small bathroom can sometimes be difficult – you’ll usually have to sacrifice the tub to make it work. Alternatively, you may be able to keep a tub in your bathroom and find another space in your home to fit a walk-in shower such as a cupboard under the stairs.

Integrate smart technology

Smart technology is the future of home design. It can also be a useful technology for those with mobility issues, allowing remote-control of elements such as heating and lighting without having to physically move. There are all kinds of ways in which smart technology is being integrated into homes. Smart electrical sockets could allow you to turn sockets on and off remotely to save energy (useful for sockets in hard to reach locations). Smart security meanwhile can allow windows and doors to be locked and unlocked remotely. It could be worth looking into companies that deal with home automation to see what other creative ideas they can implement.

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5 Key Tips on How to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out

No vacation rental is perfect, but some sure do come close. Whether it’s the entire layout of the property or the small details in the interior design, there are various ways to draw in customers and make them love your property. With so many vacation rentals to choose from, it can be hard to get your property noticed. If you wonder how to make your vacation rental stand out, read on for some important tips and tricks.

Use Solid Photos

Before people even think about booking your property, they’ll look at the different photos you have listed. If you don’t provide many photos, or the photos are low in quality, then people will move on to a different property. Pictures are the most important selling tools for your vacation rental, and without those photos, your listing won’t do as well as it could. Make sure you update the photos as seasons change—it will give your guests a better feel for what their stay will be like.

Get the Top Amenities

One of the most important tips we can give on how to make your vacation rental stand out comes from the different amenities you offer. If you want to stand out, then you need to offer the top amenities you’d find at a luxury home. TVs are a must, but that’s more of a necessity. Think about adding fireplaces, porches, pools, and hot tubs—you want to add things that others may view as a luxury. These additions will help encourage people’s interest in your property.

Improve Outdoor Living

Many people go on vacation to feel more relaxed and to reconnect with themselves and nature. You can help them accomplish that by having a nice outdoor space for them to enjoy. When you seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces, more people will feel the urge to book your property. Access to the outdoors plays a massive role in booking rates, so you need to make sure you offer a place outdoors that’s just as enchanting as the space you have indoors.

Pay Attention to Interior Design

If you’re not an interior design expert, don’t try to be. If you can afford it, turn to interior design experts for help in that area. Eye-catching interior design can benefit your home’s ability to acquire bookings, so it’s a good investment to make. Pay attention to the small details—your guests will, so you need to as well.

Personalize Each Trip

Finally, one of the biggest ways to make your properties stand out from the rest comes into play with how much you personalize each trip for your guests. If you want to get a good equity residences review, then you need to create an unforgettable experience. A great property does more than just act as lodging; it also enhances the overall trip. Leave bottles of champagne for bachelorette parties, or provide a couple dog toys for guests coming with a pet. Take in the information that guests provide, and give them something special.

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Everything You Need to Build Your First Home Bar

As the holidays quickly approach, it’s time to get your home ready to entertain your friends and family. A great way to create an entertaining space in your home is to build a home bar. Use your home bar to entertain guests, or use it as a space for the adults to go while the kids play video games. We provide you with everything you need to build your first home bar below.

Find the Perfect Space in Your Home

Not every home has a finished and furnished basement for a bar space, but it’s cool if you do. The first step is to use the space you have. It doesn’t matter if it’s a corner in your apartment, a bedroom, or an office, any space will work. Find a rolling cart or table to serve as your bar, and get ready for some good times. Change the space with a custom sign on the wall or even a custom keg handle.

Drink What You Like

Some people think to start a home bar you need to grab the most expensive spirits on the market. That’s not true at all! Start your home bar with spirits you enjoy. You will probably use the bar more than anyone else anyway. Now that you have what you like, you can think about your guests. Grab some base spirits that will allow you to create numerous cocktails. You can’t go wrong with whiskey, rum, vodka, some wine, and beer. Be sure to buy shot glass sets that will help you get the perfect pour for all your drinks. Also, don’t forget to buy some mixers like soda, tonic water, and juices.

Find Books to Help Your Bar Become Better

Instead of spending your whole budget on pre-made spirits, grab the basics and a good cocktail book! A cocktail book will allow you to expand your drink offerings. Find the perfect cocktail book at a local bookstore or online.

Purchase Accessories and Tools

Here is a short list of accessories and tools that will aid you in your home bar endeavors:

• Staple Mixers: tonic water, syrups, and bitters

• Mixing Tools: a muddler, a jigger, juice press, strainers, shakers, ice cubes, and glasses.

Create a Signature Drink

The last thing you need is a little imagination. As you research different drink recipes, try to find a drink that suits your personality, and add your own spin on it. After you find your signature drink, give it a creative name. People will surely have great memories of the first time in your home bar.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.