Top 5 Pool Problems and Solutions

Top 5 Pool Problems and Solutions

The idealized American dream home usually comes with a swimming pool in the backyard. Those that do have these recreational oases on their property get to enjoy weeks and even months aquatic fun and relaxation with friends and family. Of course, like any fun home amenity, pools require upkeep.

For most people, this upkeep involves hiring a pool professional to come and periodically check the water and add the necessary chemicals. But even well maintained pools can be susceptible to problems, and those who haven’t retained the services of a professional are far more likely to experience issues with their pool over time.

That said, here are some pro tips to help any pool owner diagnose and solve some of the most common pool problems.

Algae

One of the most common issues pool owners complain about is that green gunk that can build up over time: algae. This stuff can cake on the surface of the water and make the idea of a dip in the pool a truly stomach-churning prospect. The good news is that algae buildup in a pool is often the simple result of a lack of chlorine, which is a quick fix. All the owner needs to do to combat this problem is add three times the normal dose of shock treatment to their pool as well as a strong algaecide.

Foam

Those who are experiencing foam accumulation on the surface of the pool have likely used too much algaecide while trying to remove algae. The cheaper algaecides don’t have the “non-foaming” label on the bottle, and the solution is to head right back to buy an anti-foam agent from the pool-supply store.

Murky water

Few want to dive into a pool that doesn’t have a visible bottom. Unfortunately cloudy and murky pools are a common occurrence. There is a simple reason for this as well: improper pH levels. Also, rain can be factor as it is often highly acidic. The solution to this problem is to test the water levels with a common pool-test strip.

Those without a pool pro on hand can use smartphone apps to test their levels. Insta-LINK ($6.99) is a good option as is HowsMyWater ($5.99).

Pool stains

Occasionally, the pool owner may notice stains forming on the walls and floor. These stains are usually brown and are often the result of high mineral levels. Removal of such stains is best left to the professionals and any such problems should be presented to said professionals as soon as possible. Otherwise, the pool owner runs the risk of the stain setting for good.

Clogged filter

The good thing about a clogged filter is that it is a sure sign the filter is doing its job. The simple solution to this problem is to give the filter a good cleaning. Pros also recommend chemically cleaning pool filters at least once a year.

By following these simple tips, pool owners should be able to solve most problems that come their way. And as the solutions suggest, most of the above problems can be solved on the owner’s own without calling in the cavalry.

Tips for Establishing a Credit History

Tips for Establishing a Credit History

Establishing a credit history is harder than it used to be — lenders are being extra cautious with new applicants. If you’re applying for credit for the first time, here are some tips from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling:
Start slowly. “Applying for too much credit at once can send the wrong signal to the lender, making it appear that you are desperate for credit,” said the NFCC. Also, too many applications for credit cards can hurt your credit score.
Co-signer. If you have been denied credit, see if a parent or other relative will come aboard as a co-signer. Just remember, if you don’t make payments on time, you can damage the co-signer’s credit as well as your own.
Three. “You’ll need at least three lines of credit, or else your file will be considered too thin for the all-important credit score to evaluate,” said the NFCC. But avoid using more than 30 percent of your available credit.
Variety. The credit score algorithm likes to see different kinds of accounts. So don’t apply just for credit cards — when appropriate, also obtain a closed-end account, such as a car loan.
Secured credit card. To get this kind of card, you put money in an account with an issuing bank and get a credit line for the same amount. “Handling this type of credit responsibly will likely lead to being offered an unsecured card,”said the NFCC.

Can’t Paint? Color Solutions for The Blank Slate

Can’t Paint? Color Solutions for The Blank Slate

Not everyone is ready for home ownership. It takes time to build up credit requirements, save down payments and clear your credit history in preparation for today’s rigorous loan process. So for those stuck in rental property, which is more often than not painted the flattest possible shade of white, it can be difficult to show your personality without endangering your deposit. Fortunately there are some harmless ways to bring color to your space without hiring a painting crew to rectify the changes before you move out.

Accentuate Your Life

When you can’t paint to your heart’s content you’ll want to add color to the space in removable ways. Accent pieces are a great way to do this since you’ll naturally take them with you when you go. Colorful paintings, vases, knick knacks or candle holders will help to bring pops of color into the otherwise dull room. Also try adding curtains or rugs with a bold color concept or pattern to them.

While this might sound like it has little effect on a large white room you’d be surprised how far some small pops of color can go. Still not satisfied? Consider painting an accent wall. This way you can have your color in a way that is easy to repaint upon moving out with little financial investment involved. Check out this article on accent walls.

Furnish Your Addiction

Another easy way to bring non-committal color to your space is through your furnishings. The great thing about a white room is that it’s truly a blank slate. You can add whatever colors or patterns you want without concern for them clashing with the walls. So a white room is the perfect place to let your furniture do the talking. With bright colors, bold patterns and sleek designs you can make a big impact on a dull room with just a few well-placed chairs or pillows. Click here to learn more about how small furnishings with big color can change a space visit.

There are a lot of perks about rental property, but unfortunately the ability to fully customize the space isn’t usually one of them (unless you’re okay with forfeiting your deposit and the possibility of other charges). So for those stuck in rental for the foreseeable future adding personality to your space will take just a bit more imagination and know-how.

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Home Burglary Prevention Tips from the Houston Police Department

Home Burglary Prevention Tips from the Houston Police Department

Whether leaving for the day, a week, a month or just a few hours, the Houston Police Department (HPD) suggests a few precautionary measures to make your home as burglar-proof as possible.

Many intruders enter through weak doors. Having strong doors and doorframes, including garage doors, is essential to your security. Steel doors and frames provide good security because they are harder to destroy. If you have hollow-core doors, it is recommended that you replace them with a sturdier type. There are wooden doors being manufactured to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure from would-be burglars.

Make sure to secure windows. Sliding glass doors can be secured with a locking device placed along the track. A broomstick or a wooden rod may work just as well if placed on the track between the doorframe and the door. Glass sliding doors are usually secluded from public view and special care must be taken to secure them. Bolt locks can be installed to help prevent the door from being opened or removed from its track.

Burglaries can occur when you are out during the daytime as well as just before dark. Burglars will sometimes log your departure and arrival times from and to your home. Here are some tips to help ruin their plot:

• Install lights in areas around doors, walkways and driveways and put them on a timer to turn off at dawn.
• Put a padlock on your fence and choose a reputable alarm company to protect your home.
• When traveling, keep your home looking occupied - have someone cut your grass and pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Put lights on a timer or have a neighbor turn your lights on and off.
• Keep a current inventory of all your valuables. Include photos or video, and all serial numbers of all electronic equipment.
• Secure any cash or jewelry left behind in a bonded storage unit.
• Don't publicize your travel plans and the dates that you will be away from your home or provide updates during your vacation on Facebook, Twitter or other forms of social media.
• Lastly, get to know your neighbors and report any suspicious activity immediately. Protect not only your own home, but also your neighbors' home and property.

For more information on home burglary prevention tips, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n0qtTORGII to view a YouTube video HPD crime prevention specialists made on protecting your home. To learn more about HPD, visit http://www.houstonpolice.org/ and/or call the HPD Public Affairs Office at 713.308.3200.

Home Maintenance That Cannot Afford to Wait

Home Maintenance That Cannot Afford to Wait

There are plenty of places for a homeowner to spend money. Unless your home is 100% up-to-date, chances are that you’ve got a dream project in mind, be it a kitchen remodel, backyard rejuvenation or bathroom addition. But before you go putting your home equity on the line it’s important to be sure that you’re not neglecting the not-so-fun responsibility of home ownership: maintenance.

“Maintenance” is one of those words that instills a sense of fear in the heart of many homeowners. Essentially the word implies spending a chunk of money on a project for which you’re not likely to find joy in at the end, like replacing your roof shingles or updating your electrical panel. Dreary as it may be, however, it’s important to keep your home well-maintained in order to realize its full potential at resale and to keep the roof over your head- literally.

Some maintenance items that should be taken care of sooner than later include roofing needs, rotten wood, plumbing problems, water leaks and anything electrical that seems to be malfunctioning, to name a few. These items are often easily enough taken care of if done in a timely manner but can cause big (and costly) damage if left untreated. Rotten wood, for instance, may seem innocent enough but consider that rotten wood leaves your property vulnerable to water damage which can cause huge problems in the long run.

This probably seems like common sense as you’re reading it but the temptation to spend your hard earned money elsewhere can be great. When this temptation rears its ugly head just remember this: your beautiful kitchen remodel or new flooring won’t look nearly as good or be nearly as enjoyable if the roof leaks on it and you find yourself with standing water.

When considering home maintenance, be sure to let the pros handle jobs that are outside of your expertise and avoid making costly mistakes.

Remodeling and updating your home can be fun and the right improvements can increase your property’s value. But these items will mean nothing at all if you don’t maintain the actual structure and major systems of your home. Additionally items like rotten wood or water leaks are commonly requested lender required repairs when you go to sell your home, so leaving them alone until that point just means that you’ll more than likely end up fixing them before closing can take place.

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The Home Buying Process

The Home Buying Process

For First-time buyers, or those who haven't purchased a home in a long time, the process of buying or selling a home can be a little daunting. Having a general understanding of what to expect can help.

This is an outline of the typical home buying process. Emphasis on process -- because it's not an event , it's a process that can take weeks to months, depending on a lot of variables. We also can emphasize typical, because the process can be different, depending on what type of purchase you have, like whether it's a short sale or foreclosure, and it can differ depending on your type of loan or your contingencies.

I've broken the process down into 8 general steps:

1. Pre-qualifiying. Whether you've begun searching online for a home, like 90% of today's buyers do, or whether you've contacted a Realtor or not, you're real first step should be to get in touch with a lender and get pre-qualified. This way you'll know how much you can afford and you won't waste time looking in the wrong price range. You'll also have that all important pre-qualification letter when you do find a home that you want to make an offer on. Otherwise, a seller won't take you seriously.

When looking for a lender, it's really important to get a recommendation. Either from family or friends, or from your Realtor. As Realtors, we're going to recommend someone with a good track record, someone we rust to do a good job for our buyers. We're interested in a successful outcome for our buyers, and we are interested in their satisfaction as much as we can control that. If they are happy with the home buying experience and with our service to them, they are more likely to refer us to their friends and family.

2. Home Search. This is where an experienced buyer's agent comes in handy. Someone who knows the neighborhoods and the values, and someone who knows how to listen and help the buyers hone in on what they really want.

3. Making an Offer. There are several things to consider when you make an offer, not just price, although that is the most important consideration. There is time frame -- it helps to know the seller's motivation. Maybe they need time to find another home themselves, or maybe they've already moved out and would like to settle as soon as possible.

Another issue is closing cost help. Does the buyer need it? Does the seller have enough room to pay it?

And if there are competing offers the buyers have to find ways to make their offer more desirable.

4. Negotiations. Many times the negotiation might go back and forth a time or two before the buyers and sellers come to "a meeting of the minds". That's why your agent should have good negotiating skills. [Not the "beat-you-to-a-bloody-pulp" kind of negotiating, but the "win-win" kind of negotiating.] Both parties have to be a little flexible; the best kind of negotiation is when both the buyers and the sellers come away feeling like they've gotten what is most important to them. There can be several times during the process that require more negotiating.

5. Loan Application. The contract will stipulate a certain number of days to make application, and then a certain number of days for loan approval. Both parties must remember the first words on the MAR real estate contract: "Time is of the essence". Somewhere along the process the lender will order an appraisal to determine the value of the house. A wise buyer will include an appraisal contingency in their offer, so that if there is a problem with the appraisal, ie. too high or too low, the terms can be re-negotiated, or in a worse case scenario, the buyer can back out.

6. Home Inspection. The buyer has a right to a home inspection, as well as other inspections, like radon, and there may be other inspections that the lender will want. After the inspections there are more negotiations that take place as to how to address repairs if any are needed. A home inspection is a good idea, in case any material defects are uncovered; the seller will have to deal with them before settlement.

7. Underwriting. Once the buyer has loan approval, the repairs, if any, are done, and all contingencies are met and signed off... then the file goes to underwriting. Once the underwriter gives the OK, then we all go to settlement.

8. Closing. Closing usually takes an hour and lots of papers are signed. Keys are handed over. That's that.

The typical process can take between 30 to 45 days from contract to close. If there are difficulties, like with an appraisal, or longer than anticipated repairs, the buyers and sellers can sign an extension.

So, if buyers have a move-in date in mind, its best to start the process 3 or 4 months before that. Sellers need to consider the average time on market in their area, and contact an agent who comes with a recommendation.

Top 7 Ways to Garden with Less Water

Do Your Part: Top 7 Ways to Garden with Less Water

The heat is taking a toll on many of us these days and drought conditions cover more than half the country. As the temperatures soar, our gardens and lawns are suffering too. Do Your Part during this season’s extreme conditions to water more effectively and efficiently. Here are my top 7 ways to garden with less water.
1) Pick the Right Plants
Going native in the garden is the best way to avoid excessive watering. Plants native to where you live usually require a lot less water to thrive. Also, perennials may need more water when they are first planted but need less water over time compared to annuals.
2) Water the Right Way
One of the biggest problems during these dog days of summer is the dry soil. Watering our lawns and plants is tough because the water simply runs off instead of getting to the roots. Soaker hoses are your most affordable option. They let water drip out for a slow and deep soaking.
3) Mulch Makes a Difference
Using mulch in specific areas can make a big impact. Placing roughly 3-6 inches of mulch over soaker hoses and in between plants will keep precious water from evaporating. Mulch can be bought or created from things such as grass clippings, newspaper, wood chips, or even recycled rubber tires.
4) Pick a Better Pot
Mulch can also be placed in pots to help keep soil moist. Selecting the right kind of pot is important too. Choose pots made from glazed ceramic or plastic. Those options won’t soak up the water needed by your potted plants. Plastic pots can also be placed directly inside ceramic ones as a solution.
5) Capture Water When You Can
It’s hard to capture water outside during droughts. However, a rain barrel will collect what rain does come. Also, consider capturing water from inside your house. Keeping a pitcher by the sink to collect excess cooking water or the water that usually goes to waste waiting for the proper temperature is perfect for putting on our lawn and gardens.
6) Give the Lawn Some Love
Learning about your lawn is a must. For instance, cool season grasses, like fescue, go dormant in the heat and extra water will only create problems. Cutting with a dull mower blade also weakens grasses, which leads to it needing more water.

7) Free Yourself from Fertilizing
Finally, avoid fertilizing when water is in short supply. Proper fertilization requires additional water to support growth and root development.

Harnessing Storage to Help Sell Your Home

Harnessing Storage to Help Sell Your Home

Most of us have clutter in our homes – a recent Big Yellow Self Storage survey showed that over 61% of people admit to hoarding useless items around the house, with 26% of us having a whole room in our home filled with junk, and this can be a real issue when trying to sell a property. Looking at how we can best utilize storage – ­both in our homes and offsite – can help create a much more welcoming space, rather than an idiosyncratic and overcrowded one, to help with a quicker sale.

The first step is to assess your items. What is needed for day-to-day living, what can be thrown or given away or sold, and what can be stored? It’s a good idea to have someone with you who can be objective when making these judgements – especially if you find it hard to get rid of things. Once you’ve decided what will be left to store, evaluate your storage capacity.

Remember, potential buyers will want to check storage too, so it might not be the best decision to stuff every cupboard with items. Attics or basements are usually a better place to store things, as they’ll be viewed less extensively (and buyers don’t mind as much if they’re full of boxes or furniture). However, consider access (is it viable to keep heavy items in attic storage?), and potential dampness that could ruin delicate items like books, even in a short amount of time.

Offsite storage can be great for decluttering a house during a sale. Self storage units are especially flexible – take the space you need, only for the time you need it. Do your research and find the closest facility to your home, and stack any items you might need to access closest to the door. Even in the temperature controlled environment of a self storage unit, there are several ways we can look to protect items to keep them in the best condition.

Books

Stack smaller books over larger books and make sure that they’re arranged horizontally (never vertically) because it can damage the spine.

Mattresses

Wrap your mattresses in the special bags available at self storage facilities and DIY stores. These not only prevent them from losing shape but protect them from absorbing moisture as well.

Wooden Furniture

Before placing any kind of wooden furniture into storage, wax well with wood varnish. This prevents moisture from affecting the wood. 

Electronic Equipment

Wrap electronic equipment as if you were wrapping glass or crystal (with extra layers of foam and then placed into a larger box). Never wrap computers or electronic devices in plastic for long term self storage as it traps moisture in and fosters mildew growth.

Avoiding Rust

If you are planning on storing metal objects like lawnmowers or filing cabinets, it is a good idea to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.

Kitchen Ware

All glass items should be individually wrapped and stacked, whereas cups and bowls should be nested on top of each others. Stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edges.

Sofas

Generally, it’s better to store vertically on a flat sided arm. Leather handles the pressure very well, as does micro-fibre. Silky high end fabrics are better to kept on their feet as they don’t have the structural integrity to withstand the additional pressure.

Drew Davies writes for Big Yellow Self Storage and is based in London. For more information on how to use storage to sell a home check out their blog or the downloadable packing guide on their homepageBottom of Form

Best Improvements for Re-Sale

Best Improvements for Re-Sale

Navigating the murky waters of today’s real estate market is often a challenging endeavor for sellers. In such a buyer’s market it’s hard to know where to spend and where to stand your ground. So what improvements should you make now in order to expedite a possible sale and which ones could be saved for the next owner?

Much of the answer to this question depends on your respective market. Individual markets and neighborhoods often see their own little trends, such as a sudden interest in granite countertops or sprawling decks. By consulting a REALTOR® or visiting open houses in your neighborhood you can get a good feel for what improvements are absolutely necessary in order to compete in your market. To find an agent in your area visit Realtor.com.

Next, you might turn a judgmental eye on your own home. This can be difficult as your property is your castle and we tend to be somewhat emotional about our castles. Do your best in spite of this fact to be objective. Be on the lookout for idiosyncrasies in your home. For instance, you might have updated your home’s baths and décor but neglected your kitchen which still sports Formica countertops.

Bringing all of the rooms of your home up to date in the same fashion will help buyers to feel a sense of solidarity about the property, perhaps even a sense of stability in the fact that they won’t have to completely re-do any one space before they can begin enjoying the home. At the very least, it will give you a leg up against a competing property with a similar price and features. And by making the right repairs you can expect to see some return on your investment. Click here for more information on kitchen repairs that won’t bust your budget.

Preparing your home for re-sale means more than a little cleaning and sticking a sign in your front yard. In order to truly compete with surrounding comparable listings you’ll need to be sure that your property is updated and maintained to keep up with the trends of the market and neighborhood.

Basic Rules for Getting Rich

Basic Rules for Getting Rich

Part of a special report on 101 ways to build wealth, readers and experts weigh in with advice that will help you lay a foundation for accumulating wealth.

1) Focus on what's most important

In achieving wealth, how you invest isn't nearly as important as how much you save.

Say you're 40, have $200,000 saved, with 60% in stocks, and are putting away 10% of a $100,000 salary (including company match). You have a 52% chance of retiring with 70% of your pre-retirement income, according to T. Rowe Price.

Boost your stock stake to 80%, and your chances improve modestly, to 57%. But if you boost your savings to 15% instead, you get to 69%.

Message: Stretch to save the most you can.

2) Make a family decision

62% of couples don't agree on their expected retirement age.

The age at which each of you will retire determines how much money you'll need. If you're among the multitude of couples that the Fidelity survey (cited above) found were not on the same page, make some time to talk with your partner about when you'll quit and what you'd like your life to be like.

3) 3 ways to get out of debt

ThinkstockCredit cards are almost never "good" debt, yet professional and managerial workers -- who theoretically should know better -- still carry a median balance on plastic of $3,300, according to the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances. Even such a small amount can be deleterious, since you're paying around 15% in interest.

Three ways to get out of the red:

Just pay it off. Behavioral research finds, oddly, that people often save in cash while carrying credit debt. That's a -15% rate on credit vs. 0.13% on savings. See the problem? If you've got enough cash to cover the balance, use it.

Get a 0% card. Interest-free balance-transfer offers are back in a big way. If you think you'd be able to pay off your total debt within 15 months, get one of these cards, and bank what you would have paid in interest.

Break out the tools. Can't pay your debt in 15 months? Use the tools at creditcards.com/calculators to come up with an aggressive schedule to erase the debt. The sooner your IOU is wiped away, the sooner you're back on the wealth-building track.

4) Fill up your 401(k)

Only 12% of 401(k) investors stash away the maximum amount allowed -- $17,000 in 2012 for those under 50 -- reports Vanguard. In fact, the average investor puts in 7.1% of pay, basically just enough to get the employer match.

Need motivation to pump up your percentage?

The value of your retirement plan at 65, starting at 40 with $0 and saving 7.1% of $100,000 salary: $614,000. If you saved the max, the value of your plan at 65 and starting at 40 with $0, would be $1,300,000.

Notes: Assumes 3% annual raises, 7% annualized return, and the 2012 maximum of $17,000.

But also save outside it. Those earning higher wages may need to save more than a 401(k) allows. Next best vehicle: a Roth IRA. The money is saved after tax, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Couples with adjusted gross income up to $173,000 can add $5,000 in 2012 (partial contributions allowed up to an AGI of $183,000). Save the max for 30 years, and you'll net $505,400, assuming 7% annualized returns.

Don't forget to play catch-up. Who says there are no benefits of aging? Folks 50 and up can stash an extra $5,500 in a 401(k) and $1,000 in an IRA per year. But only 32% of those eligible take advantage, according to a TD Ameritrade poll. Too bad, since if you play catch-up on both a 401(k) and IRA each year for a decade, you'll end up with about $96,000 more in your account at 60.

5) Get the mix right

Yes, in 2008-09, investments plunged en masse. But over time assets tend to perform differently. So a diversified mix -- like the to the left, from Rick Ferri of Portfolio Solutions -- reduces risk to keep you on track.

6) Get a pro to help with the plans

Participants in 401(k) plans who receive some form of guidance earn annual returns an average three percentage points higher than those who don't, according to Aon Hewitt and Financial Engines. You may be able to get financial advice for free; an increasing number of companies offer it as a benefit. Ask HR.

7) Know your number

People who have calculated the total amount they'll need to retire have more saved than those who haven't, the Employee Benefit Research Institute recently found.

Not among the 42% of workers who've run this math? It's easy enough to do: Plug your info into the "How much will you need for retirement" calculator.

Strategize, don't improvise. Go a step beyond simply knowing the target -- know how to hit it.

A study last year conducted at the University of California at Irvine found that people who had a specific plan for their savings amassed between 28% and 85% more than those who didn't. "A formal plan makes you a more disciplined saver," says Chicago financial planner Cicily Maton. The "What you need to save" tool can help you determine how much to put away.

8) Money magazine readers speak up

Get progress reports

"We keep track of our net worth using an Excel spreadsheet, and we put all our monthly updates in a binder so we can look back on how far we've come. This motivates us to keep saving and investing and to keep our expenses to a minimum." -- Lori Watts, Allen, Texas

Make your savings untouchable

"I keep a separate savings account that I'm not able to view with my ATM card. I can only see it online. Doing this ensures that I do not take money out of the account -- it's out of sight, out of mind." -- Jay Albino, Stony Point, N.Y.

9) Set goals, but not too many

People who set fewer, more integrated financial goals saved nearly five times as much as those who set many unrelated ones, a recent study from the University of Toronto found.

Reason: With too many things to save for, you spend more time weighing priorities and less time taking action.

Limit yourself to three main goals -- say, retirement, Junior's college, the emergency fund -- then articulate a theme that describes them, like "improving my family's financial security." 

The 10 Best Apps for Home Buyers

The 10 Best Apps for Home Buyers

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• How do you go about looking for the perfect home? Long gone are the days when house hunting meant sifting through stacks of newspapers with your trusty highlighter. So what’s the latest and greatest way to buy a home?

There’s an app for that.

Your smart phone has the ability to lead you right to the home of your dreams. From cozy apartments to grandiose mansions, here are the best apps to help you find your perfect place.

Finding the perfect home

1.    Realtor.com – Throw those newspapers in the recycle bin and join the 21^st century! This is technology’s greatest guide to listings. The app includes up-to-date real estate listings in the U.S., including homes for sale, for rent or recently sold. Each listing includes photos, property details, open house information, and pricing. It allows you to share favorite listings with friends and family, and highlight a customized area that you would like to search. Best of all, it’s free!

2.    House Hunter – Having trouble making a decision? Don’t waste time asking your in-laws for opinions! Look no further than “House Hunter,” a unique app that offers a scoring method to help you identify your favorite houses. It has a comprehensive list of over 80 different home features. If you’re looking for something specific, you can personalize and prioritize the features list to fit your own needs. While doing a walk-through of the home, you can score each feature and check it off on the list. The app will automatically calculate an overall score for the home, taking into account things like size, location, age of the house, and price per square foot. You can even take and store pictures of the home. For only $3.99, it’s a super effective way to organize your thoughts about possible homes in one place.

3.    Mortgage Calculator by Quicken Loans – Get the lowdown on mortgage products right from the source. The “do-it-all” app for the future home buyer, the Quicken Loans Mortgage Calculator offers five different calculators, which allow you to compare options and effortlessly evaluate your choices. No more waiting for the information you need, so you can get some peace of mind and feel confident about your options.

Checking out the neighborhood

1.    Wikihood – For any iOS users, Wikihood uses the world of Wikipedia to bring you the latest and greatest information on your neighborhood of choice. Using Wikihood will give you a feel for the culture of a neighborhood, including important people, landmark buildings, local companies, and geographical information. It also offers a virtual tour of the city with an enhanced map.

2.    Safe Neighborhood – If you’re not familiar with an area, it’s important to check ahead and make sure it’s safe. If you’re looking for safety stats, download Safe Neighborhood. It gives you access to the National Sex Offender Registry so you can scout out the offenders in your area. You can actually pull up names and pictures of the offenders. This is free for Android users, but there are many apps just like it for iPhone; for the iOS user, download Sex Offender Search, another freebie.

3.    Around Me – Location, location, location! Looking for easy access to banks, gas stations, and coffee shops? Input an address, and Around Me will tell you the distances to those spots and more. And for the low, low, price of FREE, why not?

4.    SiteWise – At $9.99, it’s on the pricier side of apps, but SiteWise will give you the lowdown on area demographics. Maybe you’re looking for an area with lots of young families, or you’d like to fit in at a cool college town. Using information from the 2010 Census, the app will give you a demographic report which includes population by age, education level, number of children, household income, and more. This concise report is one of the best ways to pinpoint your ideal city, even if you’ve never visited the area before.

Designing your new space

1.    Houzz Interior Design Ideas – One of my favorite TV shows is HGTV’s Millionaire Dollar Rooms, a Tuesday night series which profiles the most expensive rooms in people’s houses. I like to daydream about what types of features I would have if I had a million dollars to spend on a room. If you need fabulous inspiration for your own home, this free app has it all. It’s an intuitive photo bank of over 150,000 images from buildings all over the world. Take a peek, get inspired, and unleash your inner designer!

2.    iHandy Level Free – A free app so cool I can’t contain myself, iHandy transforms your phone into a Level for precise alignment. If you’re in the mood for some home improvement, download iHandy to make sure your picture frames are straight so you don’t have to nail more holes in the wall than you should!

3.    I.D. Wood – A friend of mine is crazy about her hardwood floors. She’s completely right to be, since they cost a pretty penny, but God forbid you drop something or scratch the wood! That’s why it’s important to research wood types if you’re looking to do anything with wood in your home. I.D. Wood is a visual wood dictionary, providing information on over 160 different kinds of woods, including data on their durability and sustainability. If you’re investing in hardwood floors, it’s essential to pick the right type of wood, and this app can be a big help.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, a stunning sunroom, or just a crime-free block, one of these apps will help you find it.

Home Improvement Dollars: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Home Improvement Dollars: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Keeping your property maintained and up-to-date can be a trying task. Especially for new homeowners who are faced with a number of potential projects, knowing where to put your money first isn’t always easy. But if you’re renovating with resale value in mind it’s important that you consider the best places to put your home improvement dollars before beginning any big project.

Utility vs. Aesthetics

Some homeowners prefer to improve their property in ways that increase its utility while abandoning concern for aesthetics. For instance, you might decide that pouring your money into a backyard makeover that includes a pool and Tiki bar is optimally beneficial, and for your family’s personal enjoyment you’d right. But if you neglect making important updates and improvements to the interior of the property you might find yourself hard pressed to fetch a resale price that covers the cost of your improvements- in fact you’re likely to find yourself bringing money to the closing table instead.

While your property’s utility is important and certainly paramount to your enjoyment of it don’t completely flake out on aesthetic updating. Granite counter tops might not seem important to you but could be the difference of thousands of dollars in sales price.

Spaces that Yield Return

Updating and improving certain rooms in a home promises a better return than renovating others. Traditionally kitchens and bathrooms, for instance, offer a pretty good rate of fiscal return over other spaces, such as bedrooms or great rooms. A kitchen or bathroom that has poor utility, no updates and a lack of storage can quickly turn off even the most enthralled buyer.

It is essential to be considerate of other properties in your neighborhood before beginning a kitchen or bathroom update to avoid spending more money than you can expect to return. Not every neighborhood is a granite countertop neighborhood, and it’s a bad idea to expect to be able to list and sell your property for a price much higher than those in the area simply because of these types of updates.

Part of the joy (and alternately headache) of homeownership is the ability to continuously improve your property in whatever ways that you see fit. You can mold it over time and make it everything you’ve ever dreamed, or you can choose to simply maintain it and get by without regard for the latest trends.

Whatever you decide be sure to make wise choices of where your money is spent and your less likely to find yourself in the whole when you decide to sell. To learn more about smart renovating and the latest trends visit HGTV.com.