Let Your Walls Be Heard 

Painting your walls can feel like a scary, permanent change, but there might be a more exciting alternative to dramatically change any boring landscape. Removable wallpaper has become a popular and affordable option to upgrade the look of a room. It can add a splash of color or even show off your personal style in a bold way. 

Install a New Shower Head

Let’s be honest. The quality of your showers may not be the best. Thankfully there is an easy upgrade that you could make at any home improvement store near you. By buying a new shower head, you can alter the water pressure, spray settings, and tap into potential water conservation to help transform your shower experience.

Swap Out Your Knobs

One of the easiest ways to make your bathroom or kitchen a bit more unique is to switch out the cabinetry hardware. It’s a fairly simple DIY project, but smart homeowners understand that such remodeling could dramatically improve their home’s curb appeal. 

Add a Little Bit of Nature

There is a reason why interior stylists like low-maintenance indoor plants and dried flowers as practical decor accessories. Create a selection of indoor plants that work well with your lifestyle and interior aesthetics and display them in small or large pots to add pops of color where you see fit. 

Incorporate Under-the-Bed Storage

We understand your storage space is precious. You don’t want your things taking up room on your counters for all of your guests to see. Clean up any extra clutter around your home and hide it in special storage boxes that could fit under your bed. 

Use Hanging Strips to Display Wall Art & Decor

Say goodbye to the drills and screws. Hanging strips come in different sizes and can carry heavy wall frames among other decorative objects that you want to display on your walls. 

Fake a Kitchen Backsplash

You can create a chic kitchen backsplash with realistic-looking peel-and-stick contact paper or wallpaper tiles for a fraction of the cost and the hassle. 

Add a Bookshelf

Not just any bookshelf. If your home feels like it lacks architectural depth, you can mimic the look of built-in bookshelves with a floor-to-ceiling option that adds storage and a unique look to your space. 

Mount Your TV

Does your home have enough room for a TV console or entertainment center? If not, we have an easy fix. Mounted televisions take up less space and are easier to hide with art or a canvas. 

Put a Rug Under Your Feet

It’s highly possible that your home comes with carpet that has seen better days. If you don’t have the budget to replace your flooring now, we may have the right solution for you. A great rug not only helps to personalize your space with pattern and color, but it also covers and potentially prevents stains on the carpet. 

Add a Black Window Frame

We know. It’s the trend you’ve seen everywhere, but it’s for good reason. By adding a black frame to your windows, you’ll inspire the eye to draw the outside landscape into your home as opposed to keeping the focus on the interior of your home. Though you may be expected to pay a fraction more for a black frame, your ROI (return on investment) could be noticeable. 

Final Thoughts

In reality, making drastic changes to your property can be scary. Fortunately, there is no shortage of ways to creatively decorate your space. It’s time to say hello to your new home. 

The post It’s Time to Spruce Up Your Space appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.

Ergonomic Rules

Ergonomics is a mish-mash of different areas of study that all meld together to help the worker or yourself, create a better environment. The basis of ergonomics is to create a workspace that is adjusted precisely for the worker. Your environment should serve you, not the other way around. So, here are three fundamental ergonomic principles to apply to the workplace that could save you from unnecessary pain or discomfort.

1. Keep Things at a Comfortable Distance

If you sit at a desk and work you should make sure to keep things you use regularly at a comfortable distance for you to reach. You should aim to place objects you use most often at a distance you can reach with your elbows still bent and near your body.

2. Make Sure Your Chair is Adjusted Correctly

If you have a chair that is designed ergonomically correctly, then you will be able to maintain a position where your upper arms and lower legs are always vertical, your forearms and thighs are horizontal and your lower back is always supported by the back of the chair.
Consider investing in a better chair if you feel that the one you currently own is not giving you any comfort no matter the position. You spend hours parked in your office chair; a beautiful, ergonomically correct, comfortable seat is worth every dime.

3. Your Computer Screen Should Be At Eye Level

If you find that you have to constantly look down to see your computer screen, this will create a forward head posture that can wreak havoc on your neck and shoulders. Your eyes should be parallel to the top of the computer screen, your screen should be between 18 and 30 inches away from your eyes and your screen should be tilted at 15 to 20 degrees as well.

Embrace Natural Light

Move your desk close to the windows, but place it parallel to the panes. This ideal set-up gives you the happiness benefits of natural light, and a good reason to turn away from your computer every few minutes to take in the scene.

A window’s natural light is ideal, but if you’re in a windowless space, hang a pretty picture above the desk, or position your chair to face the door. Try a few table lamps, which offer a nice soft glow and interesting design possibilities.

Get Creative With Storage

If you’re the sort of person who needs to see something to remember it exists, try wall storage: magazine-type racks, or children’s library-style display shelves.

If you need bookcases, get them big enough that you don’t need to overstuff them, and some decor that will look great as the backdrop in your video conferences.

Most offices are from guest bedrooms so trick out that closet with a shelving system, so you minimize the need for storage in the main office area.

Create Some Comfy Space

Unless you’re going for a contemporary look, choose extras that enhance the comfy feeling of your home office. Hang inspirational prints on the walls, whether that’s simply your kids’ framed artwork or a classic painting.

Add Greenery

Never underestimate the power of nature. Adding a few plants to your home workspace can make a big difference. Studies have shown that proximity to nature, including office plants and access to windows that look onto natural scenes, have a positive effect on workers. Plants could boost productivity and decrease stress.

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Step 1

It is important to make sure you begin with a clean surface. Start by washing off any dirt, grease, and dust.

Step 2

Use putty to help mask any imperfections on the wall, and afterwards be sure to follow up with a coat of sandpaper to ensure you have a smooth surface. If your walls have any holes or broken pieces, ensure that you repair those as well before you begin to paint to help you achieve the best results possible.

Step 3

Use tape to help protect surfaces that you want to keep clean. This can help protect your floors, windows, light switches, and wall trim. Painters tape is the best tape to use as it is designed with easy peel in mind and can also be applied to long periods of time with no leftover damage.

Step 4

To give your wall the best chance of a smooth finish, use primer. Priming your walls is a method of preparation for the color you will eventually layer overtop. In addition, If you are painting over a dark colored wall with lighter paint, you will need to use primer to ensure an opaque, even finish at the end.

Step 5

You are now ready to paint! It is important to use both a brush and a roller during this step. In the smaller corners and harder to reach areas you should use a paint brush. However, for the bulk of the center of the wall rollers will help you cover large areas in a shorter amount of time. In addition, roller brush strokes typically come out more even than a paintbrush.

Painting a room in your home may seem like a daunting task at first, but with our tips and tricks, your room could be transformed in no time!

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What is Return on Investment (ROI)?

Return on investment is a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency or profitability of an investment. Essentially it is the value of the return you receive on your investment compared to its initial cost. This measurement can help homeowners understand the value of a house and how improvements will impact that value.

True Return on Investment for Homeowners

As previously stated, your home is most likely among your largest assets. To calculate the ROI on your home, consider beginning with a more conservative approach.

1. Add up your acquisition costs (down payment, attorney fees, closing costs, etc.)
2. Add up your total costs of ownership. Calculate the total payments made to principal and interest, taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance, plus other expenses such as HOA fees.
3. Add up your selling costs. From the real estate agents (typically acquiring about 5% of the overall sale price) to the closing costs and even state and local tax amounts, the selling costs could be quite significant.
4. Find your loan payoff amount. You should already know what this is if you’ve sold your home. However, if you are just thinking about selling your home, you can use an online amortization schedule or call your bank.
5. It’s time to calculate:

Sale Price – Buying, Owning, Selling Costs – Loan Payoff Amount = Total Profit/ Loss

Factors that May Impact Your Return

Some homeowners have the benefit of being able to choose when to sell. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners do not have such flexibility. The market conditions tend to be one of the biggest drivers of your ROI, but it’s also something that can’t be controlled. Different kinds of home improvements have higher or lower ROIs, depending on the housing market trends or the house’s overall longevity.

It’s important to note that a positive ROI can be left to interpretation. If your home’s ROI is not truly positive, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good investment. Factors such as the property’s neighborhood, the value of homes in your immediate neighborhood, how soon you sell after making improvements, the quality of your renovation projects, condition, appreciation, and the amount of time you owned the home, all play key roles in determining the ultimate ROI.

Home Renovation Projects to Consider:

Replacement Windows

Up to 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling use is due to heat gain and loss through windows. Other than keeping your home more comfortable and energy-efficient– new windows could bring a ton of functionality and aesthetic value to your home like noise reduction, improved safety, and UV protection. 

As new windows are a long-term investment, it’s important to think not about how quickly your money will be recovered, but how long it is before they need to be repaired or replaced again.

A new window replacement project adds around 70%-80% of its total cost to the home value, not to mention the curb appeal new windows create for your home.

New Roofing 

Investing in a high-quality roof could provide a plethora of long-term benefits by increasing the roof’s lifespan and reducing the cost of maintenance. With high-quality roofing materials that are built to last and can withstand the elements, you could save money on repairs and replacements for years to come. Roofs are also a major component of your home’s appearance and could drastically improve overall curb appeal while adding significant value to your home.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations can be a great investment for your home. The master bathroom is how you begin and end every day. Updating the fixtures and decor can breathe new life into your existing bathroom and add more functionality to your bath space. Additionally, the investment you put into your renovation could also increase your home’s value. A mid-range couldl provide a return on investment of 70 percent, and an upscale remodel could provide an ROI of 56 percent. However, if your home only has one bathroom, your money may be better spent adding a second bathroom.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are a popular investment for homes that receive ample sun exposure throughout the year. The benefits extend beyond resale value, including lower electricity bills and carbon footprints and potentially higher home values. 

However, there are a few things you should consider before you jump in and start the installation process– like, whether your roof is in need of repair, the shape of your roof, and the payback period for your upfront investment.

Kitchen Renovations 

Kitchen remodels are known to be definite investments. Kitchens have become the heart of entertainment in the home. Bathrooms and Kitchens play such a key role in the home that real estate agents sometimes name them as the “go-to” rooms during home showings. New faucets, drawer knobs, and pulls in a matching style give a modern and cohesive look while being relatively inexpensive. Not only will you enjoy the upgraded look, but it could also make your property look even more attractive to prospective buyers. 

The Home Office 

In recent years, the number of people who work from home has risen exponentially. In a Fall 2021 survey by HomeLight, 60% of top real estate agents cited a home office as a top priority for buyers in their market.

Creating a space or dedicating a current room to a home office will likely pay off in the long run, especially if you’re in a market with a decent amount of people who work from home.

Open Layouts 

While the dedicated workspace is still important to homebuyers, there is also a high demand for open spaces for family time and entertainment.

By this logic, knocking down a segregating wall can create a spacious layout on many homebuyer wishlists. Commonly, an open space between the kitchen and dining room, or even the kitchen and family room are popular. Consult with a contractor before swinging the hedgehammer to ensure a structurally supported space.

Average Returns on Investment on:

Solar Panel Average Returns on Investment:

The average solar panel ROI depends on various factors, and so does your payback period. The system size and the typical electricity bill varies for each household, leading to varying prices even across the same city.

Solar Panel Return on Investment by State ⁴:

Smart Low-Cost Home Improvements

You don’t have to expand your budget to make your home more appealing to buyers. These lower-cost projects still add aesthetic value to your home.

• New Interior Paint

As a general rule, it is best to stick to neutrals- gray or beige walls with a clean,  white trim perform well. (Search for painters near you)

• Curb Appeal

Painting your front door can have a big impact. Consider going for charcoal, smoky-black, or even jet-black doors.

• Smart Home Technology

According to the Zillow Group Report 2020, 41% of Generation Z buyers and 47% of millennials rate smart home technology as highly important in their home search. (Home Improvement-Home-Security)

• Flooring

Deep clean carpets, buff out or refinish hardwoods to minimize the appearance of scratches and stains.

• New Lighting

This inexpensive, yet effective upgrade can highlight your home’s features and make small rooms appear even larger. (Search For New Light Fixtures)

• Update Your Mailbox and House Numbers

A beautiful home with a dented, old mailbox or peeling house numbers makes all the other improvements look pointless. A small investment to paint your mailbox in a durable finish or even hang aluminum numbers on your house could be worth it.

Final Thoughts

As you look around your home and consider opportunities for renovation, think about if the project will help the potential buyer view your property as a potential home. Are there rooms that need a little more TLC? Have you noticed dated features and amenities? If so,, some renovation plans may be mutually beneficial for you and your wallet.

1. https://www.windownation.com/blog/post/does-replacing-windows-add-value-to-your-home/
2. https://theheartlandbuilders.com/roof-home-value/
3. https://www.rate.com/resources/calculate-roi
4. https://findenergy.com/solar/

The post Our Favorite Ways to Potentially Increase Your Home’s Value appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.

Consider these six warning signs if you think that your air conditioner may need to be repaired or replaced.

Unusual Noises

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems usually make a humming or whirring sound. If you hear clunking, grinding, or clapping sounds when the AC is running, this is likely a warning sign that it may break down. Home warranties cover repairs to AC fans and motors, which are expensive to replace out-of-pocket.

Not Cooling

If the air conditioner turns on, but doesn’t cool your home, there could be a coolant leak or an issue with the thermostat. Call a technician for an HVAC inspection if you feel warm air circulating instead of cool air.

Constantly Running

Air conditioners should turn on, cycle, and then turn off every few minutes. If your unit runs for extended periods of time or turns on/off sporadically, it may have a capacitor or coolant problem. This will require a professional inspection.

Frozen Lines

If your compressor unit hoses or housing have frost/ice buildup, the system may have a coolant leak. A professional HVAC technician is able to check for leaks and repair or replace the old parts.

Higher Electricity Bills

If your electricity bill is becoming higher than usual, even though the weather has stayed the same, it could be caused by an issue with the AC unit. The equipment may be using more electricity due to a motor, capacitor, or thermostat issue.

Tripped Circuit

A major warning sign that your HVAC system needs maintenance is the circuit breaker tripping; this could be an indicator that your system is drawing too much power. This type of electrical problem requires a professional assessment and repair.

If you notice any of the aforementioned issues happening to your HVAC system, it is time to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

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While costs have come down over the past couple of decades, adding solar panels to your home might still be considered a more expensive investment. The good news is that the main cost of owning solar energy equipment comes upfront when buying the equipment. Though they can be costly to implement, solar energy presents a renewable, clean source of power. Homeowners who decide to add solar panels, also known as photovoltaic power systems, could lower their energy bills, decrease their carbon footprint, and may raise the value of their home. Not only would a homeowner be giving back to the environment, but an individual could earn money by selling back excess power to the grid.

It is important to keep in mind that some homes are not well-suited to support solar panels. Given that solar energy is the technology used to harness the sun’s energy and make it usable, it makes sense that solar panels work best for homes that have access to ample sunlight. As a general rule, being closer to the equator is generally better for homes receiving the most out of solar energy. Equally important is the home’s orientation. If a homeowner plans on adding rooftop solar panels, more sunlight can be absorbed by a south-facing roof with minimal objects such as trees obstructing its reception. If an individual is not interested in adding solar panels to the roof, another option is to mount the panels on external supports. If the homeowner chooses to utilize external supports, the individual should keep in mind that costs may be added for extra hardware.

There is an undeniable financial benefit to having lower electricity bills as a result of utilizing solar energy equipment. Further than that, there is an unmistakable trend of people choosing to “go green” which means that there is a growing demand for homes that are powered by renewable sources and therefore have a smaller carbon footprint. Solar energy is certainly considered an investment, not only in the home but also in our earth.

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You might have noticed that your heating or cooling bills have increased. Old windows may allow air from outside to seep in, impacting your indoor air temperature and causing your heater or air conditioner to work overtime. The efficiency of new double- or triple-paned glass and insulated frames can help to lower your climate control costs; the money you save may allow the windows to pay for themselves within 10 years.

Finally, you may just be ready for a change. Windows serve as a visual focal point for people admiring your home, and it might just be time to treat yourself to some new, attractive energy-efficient windows. A wide variety of styles are available, and window installers in your area can help you explore your options and figure out what will best improve the look of your façade.

The post Windows: When to Replace Them appeared first on Your Mortgage Assistant.

It can be hard to determine exactly where a leak is coming from, and a professional inspection can help. A small leak in one area of the roof is usually a candidate for a quick repair, but for multiple leaks in multiple places, replacing the roof is generally recommended. Another thing to keep in mind is how long you think you may be in your current home. If you’re planning to only be there for a few more years, and the roof is generally in good condition, repairs will probably be the better option.

The good news, if you do need a replacement roof, is that you may be able to offset some of the costs. New roofing materials are usually longer-lasting and more energy-efficient than the old roof, saving you money down the line. Some roofing materials are environmentally friendly enough that they may qualify for federal or state tax credits. In addition, using materials that are fire- or wind-resistant may allow you to get lower rates from your homeowner’s insurance company. A local roofing contractor can help you explore your options and find savings.

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