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Tackle Your Home With These Improvement Tips

There are all sorts of reasons to start a home improvement project. There are projects to suit every skill and experience level, from simple hardware replacements to whole room additions. Regardless of the size and scope of the project, intelligent planning and execution will result in cost savings. You may even find that it is fun! You can learn a few helpful tips if you read on.

When working with a contractor to do a home renovation, decide on the whole project at the beginning and stick to that plan. Constantly changing the plan can slow down the renovation process and scare off your contractor from doing anything independently. Also, constantly changing renovations often end up looking piecemeal, since they weren’t created with a clear vision in mind.

When removing cabinets as part of a kitchen remodel, make sure you don’t just unscrew and yank them off the wall. You will more than likely end up taking some or all of the drywall off with you. Take time and care to remove each and every screw, and use a utility knife around the edges to break the caulking that was most likely used to seal between the cabinet and the wall.

For someone working on a limited budget, there are ways to give your living space a brand new look. It’s simply a case of working with what you have. Move your existing furniture around, maybe using different pieces in different rooms. Replace any photos with updated ones. Spend a little money on a new shade for an existing lamp. It’s the small touches that make the difference.

Ceramic tile can dull and look grungy as time goes on. You can clean most types of flooring safely and effectively with a simple solution of vinegar and water. Just put some of this solution in a bucket to mop your floors easily. Your floors will look brand new after the dulling residue is removed.

Try to avoid using oil based paints for your walls. Painting your walls with oil paint creates a look that is reminiscent of cheap apartment complexes. Choose a nice matte color that is easy to paint over. Oil based paints usually require the application of several layers of primer before you can paint over them properly. Using simple matte wall paint can cut down the cost of supplies and annoyance when painting your walls.

You have to realize the there is a bigger market for more modern people. Even if you enjoy your old style ovens and refrigerators, you will have to modernize it. Try making everything a similar color like a stainless steel refrigerator and painting your walls a grey or white color.

If you need to do a project around your house, try the best rated cordless drill but don’t have the tools to do it, consider how often you will use the tools before buying. It may be more cost-effective to rent or borrow what you need instead of spending the money to purchase items that will be seldom used.

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Protect Your Carpet And Increase Its Life

Should you hire a professional to shampoo your carpet or try doing it yourself? If you have a large area of carpeting in your home, the cost and results can vary a lot. This article will give you some valuable information to help you make the best decision for your particular situation even if you are a working mother www.workingmother.com/9-essential-spring-cleaning-tips-for-home-loving-mothers

You should always find out if your carpet cleaning company offers a money back guarantee. This is very useful since you may not always be satisfied with the job that was done. Most companies that offer this type of policy work harder because they do not want to end up giving out multiple refunds.

Get a referral from a friend. Talk to your friends and family members and ask if any of them have recently had their carpets clean. Any information, whether good or bad, can be useful. In addition, you can be sure that their review of the carpet cleaning company is genuine, and not a paid placement to draw in business.

Ask for a full-service quote when you are calling around for carpet cleaning. Many companies will try to give you a quote based on minimal service so that they can get their foot in the door. Unfortunately, you will have already taken a day off of work before you find out what the costs really are if you do not follow this tip.

Using your vacuum cleaner on a regular basis is the best way to keep your carpet clean. Plan on vacuuming your home at least once a week and replace the filter of your vacuum cleaner at least once a month. If possible, invest in a quality vacuum cleaner for better results.

When hiring a carpet cleaning company, make sure you do some research and find one that has a good reputation. Talk to your friends and family to find one who worked for them. That is a good place to start. If you do not know anyone who has used a carpet cleaning company, search online for reviews from others who have used a service in the past.

Ensure that the carpet cleaning company you’re looking to hire has the experience to do a good job. Is the company able to treat all types of carpet soiling? What types of carpeting can the company clean? A knowledgeable company will be able to give you an estimate of what your carpet will look once it’s cleaned.

On stains that are very hard to get rid of, use shaving cream. Find a shaving brush and put a small amount of shaving cream on this and rub on the stain. Repeat this process as it will slowly pull the stain from the carpet so that it looks new again.

Always compare rates before you choose a carpet cleaning company to come to your home. Every company has a different strategy to make a profit, and some of them try to trick their customers. Be sure to have a firm quote in hand before you choose which company you will use.

Make sure that you choose a professional carpet cleaning company that is certified, not just an affiliate. Choosing a company just because they use a famous product does not necessarily mean that they are affiliated with it. It also doesn’t mean that they are properly trained. Make sure you look at properly certified cleaning companies before hiring.

Do not clean your carpet more than once every week. You must set restrictions for cleaning, as too much cleaning can wear down the material. This will force you to get a new one, which will cost you unnecessary time and money in the long run. Stick to one cleaning session per week unless there is an unexpected spill.

When you use a professional carpet cleaner, take note of the particular solvents and chemicals they use. Some companies are more environmentally friendly than others, and with a little research, you can find a greener option. You might think it is insignificant, but it can actually be quite substantial.

Using a carpet shampoo machine takes a lot of time and effort, and you may not see the results you want. Is it worth the extra expense to hire a professional carpet cleaning company? The best choice for someone else may not be the best choice for you, so follow the tips you read in this article and make your best decision.

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Step by Step Roadmap for Microwave Cart

If you must move your cart from 1 area of the kitchen to another it isn’t an issue. Any kitchen cart will be beneficial for the extra space you might need in your present kitchen setup. If you would like to find out more about building a kitchen cart, we advise you to focus on the instructions explained in the video. If you wish to store lots of items then you’ll require a bigger cart. A great deal of microwave carts will need you to assemble them yourself in your property. There are a number of microwave carts on the industry today and you’ll be able to pick from various styles and storage configurations.

A microwave cart is a part of mobile furniture where it is possible to store your microwave oven safely and move it around if you’d like to. When you could be satisfied that the microwave cart will have the ability to hold your microwave oven it’s a superb idea to learn the overall measurements for the cart itself so that you are able to be certain it will fit in the space which you have allocated for it. You will discover that a whole lot of microwave carts are made to be an entire storage unit for your kitchen where it is possible to store many distinct products. Take into consideration the things which you wish to store in your microwave cart. A space saver microwave cart is perfect for smaller kitchens.

Why Almost Everything You’ve Learned About Microwave Cart Is Wrong

If you wish to move your microwave cart around a lot then you should be mindful with items that are stored on shelves to make certain that they do not fall off the cart and result in an injury. Style and Color It should not be overly challenging that you come across a microwave cart microwave cartthat will compliment your present kitchen decor. Microwave carts are a fantastic alternative for any little kitchen. An excellent microwave cart will give you with a safe place to shop and operate your microwave. Some microwave carts have a handy spice rack for you to store all your favorite spices. Conclusion A microwave cart is a really flexible and versatile item of furniture that can help you to earn area in your kitchen.

The cart isn’t going to move around when you’re using the microwave oven with locked wheels. Microwave carts supply a terrific method to make space in a little kitchen. The rustic microwave carts out there that you obtain online are pushing the standards with regard to design and functionality!

Microwave Cart Secrets That No One Else Knows About

You have to keep your microwave oven in a place at which you can use it correctly and it’s not going to be a security hazard. If you get a modern style kitchen then consider getting a metallic microwave cart. Modern-day cabinet household furniture might be the exact first style you may pick from.

The Benefits of Microwave Cart

The size of your cart has become the most important consideration you’ve got to take into consideration. It is ideal for your loved ones and also you can use the dining table to set some attractive ornaments way also. There are a number of different sizes and shapes of microwave carts here at https://butcherblockco.com/microwave-cart.

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Advice On Taking Up A New Hobby

Everyone would love to find that perfect hobby that can do at home to help pass the time during those boring days. If you would like to find something interesting to do things to do in Nampa or at home, then you’re in luck! The information has many great ideas on what you can do right now that will get you started on a new hobby.

A good hobby tip if you’re into video games is to think about starting a collection. It’s fun to look at a huge collection of video games, as opposed to selling them once you beat them. Some games will appreciate in value also so you’ll have yourself a great investment.

Never feel guilty when you devote time to your hobby, because it’s really good for your health! Experts recommend immersing yourself in a hobby regularly to relieve stress, as well as to improve your cognitive thinking. Enjoy art, decorating, collecting, gardening, or whatever you like. It will keep you young, and help you stay healthy.

Having a hobby gives you the chance to experience positive stress while presenting an exciting new challenge. Find a hobby that makes use of your natural talents and interests. While your hobby should be challenging, it should not add negative stress to your life. A hobby will challenge you in ways that your other life experiences don’t.

Do you enjoy working outside? If so, then gardening may be a great hobby for you to undertake. Whether you decide to grow a vegetable garden or a flower garden, you can rest assured that you will spend lots of time outdoors enjoying the fresh air and the warmth of the sun.

Talk to others who share similar interests as you. Not everyone will have an interest in the same things you do. When friends and family are tired of hearing about your hobby – meet new people who share your interest. Join online communities for people who have the same interests.

Immerse yourself in the interests of your children. Whether they have a specific sport they enjoy or a type of music they like listening to, a shared interest will help you build a tight bond. If you have very young children, get down on the ground and crawl around with them or decorate a cardboard box for imaginative play.

Games

If you love to play video games in your downtime, but are hampered by the cost, consider joining a video game subscription service. These sites allow you to pay a monthly fee and then you can check out a specified number of games at a time. This allows your hobby playing time to be a lot less expensive than if you are buying them.

Online gaming can be a fun hobby for lots of people. Many of these online games offer almost a complete alternate reality. Gaming is a great way to inexpensively fill your time.

An excellent hobby that many people partake in is playing card games. You would be amazed at all the games you can play with a simple deck of cards, ranging from spades, hearts, solitare, rummy, and many more. The only downside is this hobby usually requires one or more additional people to join you. However, if you can find a few people, card games can be a very fun hobby.

One hobby that has gained so much momentum over time is gaming. There are all sorts of different games and game systems out there. As a matter of fact, you can easily go the free route in today’s world by visiting online free gaming sites in order to get your fix.

A great hobby to have is to regularly attend sports games. Attending sports games can be a lot of fun because of the atmosphere and the general experience. You can also show your loyalty to your home team or your favorite team at the same time. It’s a great hobby to have.

A fun hobby to have is attending baseball games. It’s a lot of fun because of the crowds and all the food. You can also show off your teams colors. A celebrity or two might even be in the crowd. It’s the perfect hobby to share with a family member.

To organize your board game closet, go through it every six months and see what your family has played the most often. Put the board games that your younger kids like the most at the bottom, so they can reach them easily. Put the games for older kids and adults closer to the top.

You finally found something interesting to do after reading the above article. You were probably not sure at first about how you would begin that new hobby, but now after this article it is so easy to start. If you liked what you read here, then feel free to pass along these great hobby tips!

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Advice For Parents Who Want To Succeed

Parenting is both a challenging and a rewarding aspect of life. The tips that follow are designed to minimize the challenges and increase the rewards. By following through with them, you are certain to increase your parenting skills and create a better relationship with your children.

If you take your child on a trip, keep routines as similar as possible by eating and sleeping in the same way, at around the same times as normal. Travel is stressful for small children, especially infants. Maintaining bedtime rituals can provide comfort for your child in the unfamiliar space and can permit all of you to get the sleep you need.

Develop patience when dealing with a breastfeed baby who is trying to learn how to use a bottle. Breastfeeding comes naturally to them and bottle feeding doesn’t. Make it a gradual process for the baby so that they are ready to transition when you are. It won’t happen overnight so stay calm and just keep trying.

Never administer medication to your child for any “off-label” conditions unless the child’s doctor has given you specific written instructions to do so. Children do not always react to medication in the same way adults do. For instance, giving a child Benadryl to help induce sleep might actually have the opposite effect of hyperactivity.

If your child must take a maintenance medication on a daily basis, you should always check the pharmacy label and directions, upon picking up each refill. It is not uncommon for physicians or nurses to increase or adjust the dosages as your child’s age and weight increase. Reviewing the instructions at the time you pick up the medication is your best bet and can save your child from health risks.

Start focusing on nutrition very early in the child’s life. If you are able to convince them that they like healthy foods you can help them to avoid many of the health traps that the majority of adults suffer. You don’t need to deprive them of treats, but show them healthy tasty treats.

Do not give a toddler or infant any kind of soda. Concentrate on offering your child beverages that include vitamins and other nutrients, such as water, sugar-free juices and milk.

If your baby or young child has diarrhea, make sure to give them Pedialyte and lots of fluids. Just like adults, babies and young children get dehydrated after they have had excessive diarrhea, which can cause severe health problems. If your child has diarrhea for more than a few days, bring him or her to the doctor.

Feel free to breastfeed your baby for comfort. Many believe that breastfeeding for comfort will make the baby associate food with emotional comfort. Offering the breast actually encourages your baby to turn to you instead of things for support. The breastfeeding is just one component of the bond that helps your baby feel better. This will provide crucial emotional security and stability as they develop.

Make your own baby foods when your baby is ready for solids. Not only will this allow you to control what you are feeding them, it will also save you a ton of money. Having a child is extremely expensive so you need to cut costs everywhere you can. Put some food in the crockpot before you go to bed and blend it into a jar after you wake up.

Save yourself a step for the midnight awakenings. You just have to put some diaper ointment inside the diaper before you put her bedtime diaper on her. It will make it so you can skip the step of rubbing the ointment on your baby overnight. This one step will get you back to your bed a bit quicker.

If your baby is breastfeeding, make sure that your child’s pediatrician or family doctor uses the World Health Organization growth charts intended for breastfed babies. Your baby may grow differently from formula-fed babies and these charts, better reflect the standard growth patterns for infants and toddlers that are nursing.

The suggestions given here are sure to help you develop better parenting skills, and help you to have the relationship with your children that you desire. You have already made the crucial choice to prioritize the relationship between you and your children. This choice will pay off for years to come. https://www.simplymomsandfriends.com/how-to-conceive-a-boy/

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Get More Traffic On Your Site With Search Engine Optimization.

No matter what kind of website you run, it’s important to make sure it’s optimized for search engines. Without search engine optimization, https://www.shounakgupte.com/townsville/ your site may struggle to find an audience. Thankfully, we’ve compiled a list of tips that will help you get your site ready for search engines and increase your search engine traffic.

When tweaking their websites for search engine optimization, website owners should choose their keywords with care. Spreading a website’s interest too thin will hurt its position on search engine results pages for any particular keyword. Also, search engines may regard a web page stuffed with keywords as a spam page, and remove it from their indexing algorithm.

Your website’s header may be the first thing visitors see, but the footer of your website is also equally important. You can use your footer to your advantage and assist spiders as they navigate through your site by duplicating your main navigation and making sure your footer links are redirecting visitors to your site’s most important pages.

To optimize a website for search engines, it can sometimes, be helpful to modify the website content. By frequently incorporating phrases and words that oftentimes, tend to be entered as search terms into the content of a website, the site designers can often help to increase the traffic to that particular site.

Optimize your site with an informative error page, rather than a basic 404 page. This page can offer solutions to the error, such as other relevant content links or a link back to the site’s homepage. Search engine spiders will find these pages and index them as if they were content, raising your ranking.

When describing your business or its products or services on your website, you want to keep search engine optimization in mind. However, your first priority should be your potential customers, not the search engines they may use. Place keywords strategically within your descriptions, but don’t go overboard. Your text should flow smoothly and be user-friendly and easy to read. There are many ways to help buyers find your website, but repeating the same keyword phrase ten times within one paragraph isn’t the optimal way to do it.

Providing content that can be linked to and referenced by other websites, bloggers, etc., is the simplest way to optimize your standing in search engines. Say for example you are a graphic designer and have a site that operates as your portfolio. If you were to provide unique tutorials on your website, others can discover these, appreciate them and share them on their own site, which in turn increases the amount of times your page is referenced on the whole of the Internet as well as increasing the traffic coming from those pages where your tutorials were referenced.

Do not just write “click here” for your link anchors. Every spot you can put a valid keyword counts. Be detailed and succinct with your link descriptions. Search engines will use these descriptions to associate your links with keywords that will eventually help increase rankings. Also, visitors may be hesitant to select a “click here” link as they may believe it is a spam trick.

Pay attention to the meta description of each of your pages. These descriptions are used by search engines to present a short summary of your page when it comes up in results. You can attract more visits by writing an engaging and interesting description for each page of your website.

Jewelry can be a very fashionable accessory, but it will also collect a lot of bacteria during the course of the day. Clean your jewelry frequently, regardless of where it is on your body. This will help to ensure that you are minimizing the amount of bacteria that comes in contact with your skin.

Know your competition. Every business has its competition, and the best way to stay ahead of them is with knowledge. Check out their websites, and see how yours measures up. It can also be helpful to do keyword searches for the product or service you offer. If your competition is showing higher on the search results page, you can take steps to figure out why.

Search engine optimization is something every website owner should be knowledgeable about. Thanks to this article, you now have the information you need to ensure your own site is search engine friendly. If you follow our advice, you should see new visitors finding your site through search engines in no time.

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Roofing Tips That Will Save You Money

When it comes to roofing, most homeowners aren’t aware of the steps they need to take in order to maintain it properly. This is unfortunate because poor maintenance can lead to some serious problems down the road. Read on and learn what you need to do in order to care for your roof.

When it comes to maintaining your roof, make sure that you keep your gutters clean. Clear them of any fallen leaves, twigs and other debris so that water can flow freely from your roof. If you don’t adequately clean out your gutters regularly you may become prone to flooding problems.

Always research a roofing company before you allow them to do any work on your roof. You want to call up the Better Business Bureau or visit their website to see if there are any complaints. Search online and see if anyone has left a review about the company as well. If you don’t do this, you could end up getting with a company that does terrible work.

When signing a contract with a roofer, check for the small print about material costs and labor. Do sign with a company which lists the costs and what will happen if their costs increase during the job. Also go with a company which charges around $1.50 a square foot for decking replacement.

Don’t pay until the roofer finishes the work. While you might have to pay a small deposit, it shouldn’t exceed 25% of the project’s full price, or the base cost of just the materials. Never pay for labor in advance. Make sure you always look at completed work, then get copies of all important paperwork before you pay the roofer.

Different states often have different requirements when it comes to roofing. You may need to have a permit or a bond if you want work to begin on your house. Get in touch with the building department in your area to ask them whether this applies to you or not.

Check all of the materials that you are using to repair your roof. A lot of leaks come from just installing the roof because shingles are cracked or nails aren’t the correct size. You need to be sure that your shingles are nice and strong and without cracks, and make sure you are using the right nails.

Do not just hire anyone to put a new roof on your house. A roof is an important part of any home and to ensure you are getting what you pay for and protecting your home, you should research contractors before choosing one to put a new roof on your house.

Make note of your initial impression of any companies you contact and receive quotes from. How was the customer service? Did you have to wait long to speak to someone? Did they answer all of your questions thoroughly? This can tell you a lot about how your overall experience will be from start to finish if you decide to choose them.

Never pay for your new roof in full before the work has begun. Sometimes you’ll find that a contractor will take your money and then won’t come back to finish things like they promised. Pay only when the supplies are at your house.

Always make sure your roofing contractor carries the proper insurance. Roofing can be dangerous work, and you want to make sure your contractor is covered in case of an emergency. If he is not, the cost could fall on you or your homeowners insurance. Ask to see the policy, and don’t just take his word for it.

If being eco-friendly is important to you, look into coated metal roofing. The materials used on these roofs can save you money on your energy bill and are made from materials that are completely recyclable. You can place coated metal roofs over asphalt tiles. By doing this, you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

When it comes to finding leaks on your roof, it can become quite frustrating. It is important that you not get discouraged if this happens to you. Simply tackle your roof section by section, and sooner or later, that leak will be found. The worst thing you can do is give up if you are unable to find a leak right away.

Ask your contractor how long he has been in business. Although a contractor with only one or two years’ experience may be excellent in what he does, it is better to be safe and select someone with a minimum of five years’ experience. Keep in mind that extra work experience does not always equal better work, but for the most part, this is the case.

Solar Panels

If you are enthusiastic in becoming greener, you can use renewable safe materials for your roof consider solar panels. Choosing solar panels will save you money not only on initial costs but in the long-term.

If you want to change your roof, think about using a green alternative for material. Recycled roofing material, composed of used rubber and plastic, not only saves money but serves the environment. Solar panels are another option, as they can also reduce energy costs. They can also create a tax credit for homeowners.

solar pc installersConsider going green with your next roof. You can replace part of your old tiles with solar panels. Solar costs have dropped significantly in recent years. This is cost effective if you place the solar panels in an area where your home receives a lot of sunlight. Many modern solar panels such as those built by solar panel installers are pleasing to the eye and mix well with the rest of the roof.

As was mentioned early on, most if not all landowners don’t know how to install or repair their roof. Which is why you should leave installing your solar panels to the professionals. With any luck, you now have an improved understanding of the steps you need to take to install a better roof and save a great deal of money in the process.

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Home Mortgage Questions Answered Here

home-buyersThe greater things in life aren’t usually easy to get your hands on. It is not easy to find a mortgage that works for you. You need to fully understand your options and have the right information to make an informed decision. Use the advice here to ensure you get the best rates for your mortgage.

Try getting pre-approved for your mortgage. It helps you know what you’re able to spend before you bid on properties. It also helps you avoid getting attached to a home that is out of your price range. The process is generally simple: you contact a mortgage lender, submit the personal and financial information, and then wait for their response. Some information in this process will include the amount you can afford and your loan’s interest rate. You will receive a pre-approval letter from your lender, and then you’ll have the funds as soon as the seller accepts the bid. Your pre-approval process may not be this simple, but it could be.

Getting the right mortgage for your needs is not just a matter of comparing mortgage interest rates. When looking at offers from different lending institutions you must also consider fees, points and closing costs. Compare all of these factors from at least three different lenders before you decide which mortgage is best for you.

A down payment is usually required when you are applying for a home mortgage. Certain lenders give approvals without a down payment, but that is increasingly not the case. Prior to applying for a loan, ask what the down payment amount will be.

Get mortgage loan estimates from at least three different mortgage lenders and three different banks. By shopping around, you may get a lower interest rate, pay fewer points and save money on closing costs. It’s almost always preferable to get a fixed interest rate. With variable rates, you may not know from month to month what your mortgage payment will be.

Before applying for refinancing, figure out if your home’s value has gone down. Though things may seem constant, it may be that the lender views your home as being worth far less than you think, hurting your ability to secure approval.

What do you do if the appraisal does not reflect the sales price? There are limited options; however, don’t give up hope. You can dispute the appraisal and ask for a second opinion; however, you will need to pay for the appraisal out of your pocket at the time of the appraisal.

Approach adjustable rate mortgages with caution. You may get a low rate for the first six months or so, but the rate can quickly increase to the current market rate. If the market rate goes up, your rate can go up as well. Just keep that in mind when you are considering that option.

ARM is a term referring to an adjustable rate mortgage, and they readjust when their expiration date comes up. However, the rate does get adjusted to the current rate at that time. This could cause you to pay a higher interest rate.

Make sure that you have a good amount of savings before you get yourself into a home mortgage contract. There are not certainties when it comes to the economy or job stability. To protect yourself you want to have enough money saved to make your payments for many months in case the worst does occur.

When trying to figure out how much of a mortgage payment you can afford every month, do not neglect to factor in all the other costs of owning a home. There will be homeowner’s insurance to consider, as well as neighborhood association fees. If you have previously rented, you might also be new to covering landscaping and yard care, as well as maintenance costs.

Do not pay off all of your old bills until you have talked to a mortgage consultant. If your bills will not have a negative impact on your ability to get a loan, you can worry about paying them later. You don’t want to spend lots of money to pay them since this can affect the amount of available income you have.

Keep your credit score in good shape by always paying your bills on time. Avoid negative reporting on your score by staying current on all your obligations, even your utility bills. Do take out credit cards at department stores even though you get a discount. You can build a good credit rating by using cards and paying them off every month.

Know your credit score before you try to get a home mortgage. If your credit score is low, work on raising it. This is important to do before you buy a home with a mortgage. You are more likely to get a good deal on your home mortgage when you raise your credit score first.

You should understand the home loan process before getting one. This will take time, energy and knowledge. That is where the advice here comes in handy. Use the information here if you want to gain a better understanding of the loan process.

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The Home Mortgage Process Explained

When you are shopping for a mortgage, the single most important thing to remember about ‘mortgage points’ is that there is more than one kind. There are three different mortgage-related meanings for the term ‘mortgage point,’ and you must understand exactly which type of mortgage point your lender is talking about when discussing your loan. After all, you’re the one who will pay the mortgage points and figure out which ones are tax-deductible. The first definition of a mortgage point is mathematical. In the mortgage industry, a ‘mortgage point’ means 1.0 percent of an amount of money, explains Doug Duncan, chief economist and a senior vice president for the Mortgage Bankers Association. For example, for a $100,000 loan, one mortgage point would equal $1,000. If the loan were for $173,500, one mortgage point would be $1,735, and so on. The term mortgage point also can refer to prepaid interest or to fees for loan-related services, or both. Duncan explains the most common meaning of mortgage point – often referred to as one discount mortgage point — ‘is simply prepaid interest. If a lender can receive part of the interest payment upfront, he or she will often lower the interest on the rest of the debt.’ Most lenders will gladly trade pre-paid interest in return for a lower rate because no one really knows how long the loan will actually last. Will the buyer sell the home or refinance it in one year? In five? Few mortgages last the full 30-year term of the loan. ‘Let’s say you took out a $100,000 mortgage today with no mortgage points at 5.5 percent for 30 years,’ Duncan says. ‘If you are willing to pay one mortgage point of prepaid interest — $1,000 up front — the lender will lower the interest rate because you have increased the certainty of getting a return on investment-a profit.’ This is not the only way the term mortgage point is used, Duncan adds. ‘Sometimes lenders will characterize other expenses in the same way, as a percentage of the loan.’ Rather than putting an actual price tag on costs such as origination fees, document preparation charges, and all the other expenses involved in getting the money, lenders often express them in terms of mortgage points.

So instead of setting a fixed price, the lender gives the charges a value that is a percentage of the total borrowed, charging you two mortgage points, three mortgage points, three-and-a-half mortgage points or even more to get the loan. The amount of paperwork doesn’t change, and neither does the time spent working on the deal, but some lenders make sure the costs match the size of the loan. It is important to remember that these mortgage points have nothing to do with return on investment. They are just a convenient way for the lender to charge for the time spent drawing up the papers. The various uses of the term ‘mortgage points’ clearly are among the most confusing aspects of getting a mortgage. ‘If you talk to three different lenders about what the interest rate will be and what the loan will cost, you will get three different amounts and three different uses of the word mortgage points,’ Duncan says. ‘This is why it is so important to talk to more than one lender and to tell each lender what the others are offering.’ When you are mortgage-hunting, let the lender know what interest rates the other lenders are charging, the mortgage points in terms of prepaid interest, and how much the mortgage points or flat-rate charges to process the loan will cost. ‘The number one consumer protection is shopping,’ Duncan says. ‘There are no foolproof methods, but comparison shopping is the best one going.’

He explains that another reason to know which mortgage points are prepaid interest and which are associated loan costs is because prepaid interest is tax-deductible, while loan-associated costs are not. Since mortgage interest payments are the single largest income tax deductions the average homeowner will ever have, it is important to know what is deductible. Deduct too many mortgage points, and the IRS could be calling on you. Deduct too few, and you are throwing away money. ‘From the consumer’s perspective,’ Duncan says, ‘when you buy a house, the interest-related mortgage points are a deduction in the year the mortgage points are paid. On a refinance, however, the mortgage points you pay are deductible over the expected life of the loan, not all in one year.’ So if you take out a 30-year, $100,000 loan to purchase and pay one prepaid interest mortgage point, you can deduct the full $1,000 that year. If you take out a 30-year, $100,000 refinance loan for one prepaid-interest mortgage point, however, you would be able to deduct only 1/30th of that $1,000 on your taxes every year — $33.33.

Duncan adds that some of the mortgage points associated with getting a loan also may be deducted from your taxes, depending upon the exact nature of the expense, your own personal circumstances and where you live. Check with your Pflugerville notary. Buying a home is a major and complex financial arrangement, and you should make sure you understand all the details of the process — each and every mortgage point. The last thing you want to do when you make the largest single investment of your life is miss the mortgage point(s) — any of them.

 

 

 

 

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