Independence Day kicks off the season of summer celebrations. From BBQ recipes, to decor ideas, to heartfelt ways to celebrate the meaning of the day, we have highlighted a few articles to help you make the most of the 4th!
Food and Drink:
15 Best 4th of July Appetizers for a Classic American BBQ
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/easy/g4310/fourth-of-july-appetizers/
Fun and Festive 4th of July Recipes
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g2069/4th-of-july-recipes/
All-American 4th of July BBQ Recipes
https://www.chowhound.com/pictures/all-american-4th-of-july-bbq-recipes
26 Red, White, and Blue Cocktails to Celebrate the 4th of July
https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2465/boozy-4th-of-july-drinks/
22 Kid-Friendly Drinks for Your 4th of July Party
https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g3390/4th-of-july-drinks/
Decor:
22 Easy 4th of July Crafts That Celebrate America
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/g2477/american-crafts/
30 + Patriotic 4th of July Decorating Ideas
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g2229/fourth-of-july-decorations/
Star-Spangled 4th of July Party Decorations
https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/g1828/fourth-of-july-decorations/
Activities:
9 Fourth of July Activities That Will Make You Feel Extra Patriotic
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g21749867/4th-of-july-activities/
15 Ways to Celebrate 4th of July for Under $10
http://time.com/money/4379815/celebrate-fourth-of-july-under-budget/
Have a Blast: Family-Friendly 4th of July Activities
https://www.marthastewart.com/1006314/have-blast-family-friendly-fourth-july-activities?slide=3414874
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish you a happy and safe 4th of July!
The spring housing market tends to be the busiest and most popular time to buy a home, however the summer months can provide a unique opportunity for those considering a purchase. We’ve highlighted a few of the main reasons why you should consider this summer the ideal time to buy.
Kids Schedule: If you have kids, they are now off from school – this makes it an ideal time to transition into a new home, especially if it involves moving towns or districts. By not disrupting their school routine, your kids may have an easier time adjusting to their new surroundings in plenty of time to start the school year.
Less Buyer Competition: Many people are busy with vacations and parties throughout the summer and therefore less focused on buying a home. By starting your search during these months, you’ll be up against less competition from other buyers and are more likely to snag the home you really want; maybe for less money than you would during more competitive seasons.
Spring Surge Brings Lower Prices: Any homeowner who listed in the spring market and has not sold their house yet will most likely be looking to reduce the price. If you can find a home that does not need a lot of repairs, it could be a great opportunity to buy for less than you would during another season.
Checking Out the Neighborhood: With school out and family schedules being less hectic, you will likely see more activity in the neighborhoods you are looking at. The summer months provide a good opportunity to see a community in action and thriving with different activities. Having a sense of the area will help solidify your purchase decision.
While there are benefits to buying in all seasons, the summer months are an ideal time to start the search for your dream home!
We all know one of the major benefits of owning a home is the freedom to have pets and welcome them as part of your family in a space all your own. Whether moving into your first home, or relocating to a new one, it’s important to make sure your pets are comfortable and adjust to their new surroundings. A move might induce confusion or fear for our furry friends, so here are some things to consider:
Make the Move Comfortable
Be it a dog, cat, horse, or even snake, the ride to the new house should be comfortable, and if at all possible, should be done with you by their side. Make sure to include soothing objects like favorite toys, blankets, beds, or other pet companions. Even if you have to transport pets via plane or tailer, giving them comfort items will help them feel familiar and less anxious.
Set Up a Special Space
Before you even welcome your pet into the new home, try to create a special area for them that will remind them of their old surroundings. If your dog always slept in the master bedroom, for example, then get his bed all set in the same space.
Keep Consistent Rules
As tempting as it may be to let your pet get away with special treatment during a move, try to maintain the same rules of your previous home to instill a sense of control and calm.
Whether you are new to the mortgage process or a veteran of the industry, the terms used in the initial steps of getting a loan can at times be confusing and misleading. Understanding the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval helps determine how much house you can afford, and if you are qualified to get a loan. Below, we break down the difference between two very similar and equally important terms:
Pre-Qualification:
The pre-qualification is a less involved process than the pre-approval and can be done over the phone or online. As the borrower, you provide the lender your overall financial picture including debt, income, and assets. It does not involve an analysis of your credit report or a close look at your ability to purchase a home. The pre-qualification letter allows you to explore your mortgage options with a lender and ask any initial questions.
Pre-Approval:
A pre-approval letter comes from the mortgage company you are working with and is essentially a commitment that you have a loan approved for a certain amount of money. This letter is required before a full mortgage loan approval and includes the following:
- Credit check
- Income/employment verification
- Financial obligations such as credit card balances
- Copies of W-2s and bank statements
Once you are pre-approved, you can move forward with looking for a home knowing you have a conditional commitment. This gives you leg up on an offer from somebody who has not been pre-approved.
A lot can change between buying your first home and downsizing to a home you’ll enjoy during retirement. Chances are it will be your last big move and you want to make sure you get it right. Consider the following tips for finding a retirement home that best fits your needs:
Location For Years to Come:
There’s a good chance you want to stay near your family and friends, but you should also consider a location that will allow you easy access to amenities. Finding a home near grocery stores, shopping malls, or public transportation options will serve as a convenience in later years when mobility becomes more of a challenge. You might also have a certain hobby you enjoy, like playing golf or going to the beach; consider the time it will take to get to these places when choosing your home for retirement.
Omit the Stairs:
Even if the idea of struggling to climb a flight of stairs seems years away, you might look for single-story homes to eliminate this inevitable nuisance. If you are thinking of new construction, then take the opportunity to implement features like wide doorways and walk-in showers so you are guaranteed a smooth transition into your later years.
How Much Space Do You Need:
This applies both inside and outside. Do you need or want a large yard that is going to require continued maintenance down the road? Even if you enjoy yard work, make sure you find a home with manageable outdoor space that won’t become a hassle later on. For inside, consider the amount of rooms and square footage you’ll be cleaning and taking care of. Do you still need extra guest rooms and a formal dining room?
Plan for Financing:
At this stage of your life, you might be able to afford a large down payment, or even pay off a mortgage outright and eliminate your expenses. Even though nobody wants to have a mortgage, sometimes it is necessary to give yourself the flexibility to live the life you want and have worked so hard for in retirement. No matter your current circumstance, always be sure to plan for the unexpected.
By considering these helpful tips, hopefully you will have a thorough understanding of just what kind of house you need to enjoy your retirement years and beyond.
