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Many lenders pre-qualify or pre-approve mortgage applicants, which can help considerably in the buying process. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important differences to note.

In general, pre-qualification is considered an initial step in which the applicant provides information on income, assets and debts. The lender may or may not require documentation.

Pre-approval is considered the next step and requires documentation and a credit check. A hard credit inquiry can affect your credit score, and several by different lenders in a short period of time can cause your score to take a significant hit. If you’re thinking about getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage, ask if the company will perform a hard credit inquiry and decide if you are willing to risk the potential impact on your score.

Reasons to Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved
Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting can help you throughout the whole process. It can save you time and can help you avoid frustration and disappointment later. This is because you can start your search with a reasonable estimate of how much you will be able to borrow. That means you can focus on houses in your price range, rather than falling in love with a house and then finding out that a lender will not loan you enough money to buy it.

If you have found the house of your dreams and want to make an offer, you need to show the owners that you are serious. That means you need to be able to demonstrate that you’re able to qualify for the mortgage you need to buy the house.

Some homeowners may only be willing to sell to buyers who’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, while others may be willing to accept an offer from buyers who’ve been pre-qualified. In some areas, one is more widely accepted than the other. Ask your real estate agent whether being pre-qualified or pre-approved is more likely to help your chances of having your offer accepted.

Obtaining a Mortgage
Being pre-qualified or pre-approved does not necessarily mean that you’ll be approved for a mortgage by that lender. The company may require additional documentation to process your mortgage application and may learn more facts that influence their decision. Getting pre-qualified or pre-approved by a particular company does not mean that you’re obligated to obtain a mortgage from that lender. You can and should shop around for the best terms.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Keep these tips in mind when selecting artwork for your home.

Golden Rule of Art Acquisition

Surround yourself with works that truly inspire and excite you.

Size and Scale

Whether its a painting or a sculpture, try to maintain a sense of size and scale thats appropriate to the room.

Consider the Atmosphere

In each room, we strive to create a different ambiance. Keep this in mind and select art that captures the perfect mood for each setting.

Color and Style

The art you choose to display should be consistent with the overall aesthetic, so consider how the colors and textures will fit into a room.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When the day is done, nothing is more relaxing than retiring to your bedroom. Unless, of course, your bedroom isn’t a calming space. Below are several tips for designing a sleeping space that brings calm and comfort.

Cool colors. There is nothing calming about a blood red bedroom. Choose a cool hue like gentle blue, green or gray to fall asleep easier.

Window covers. Say it with us: black out shades. Make sure you can block light with opaque window coverings so your hibernation goes uninterrupted.

Tech-free. While many like to watch TV in bed, try and create a sleeping space that is for one thing: sleeping. It’s well known that the light from our devices can interrupt our sleep cycles, so if you must occupy your brain before bed, opt for reading over a Netflix binge or a social media troll.

Clear clutter. Make sure your room remains neat and clutter-free so your mind doesn’t go into over-drive when you enter. Keep clothes in the closet or hamper (not on the floor!), clear those surface areas from stacks of bills, and make your bed every morning so sleeping between the sheets feels fresh every night.

Light it right. There is nothing calming about a harsh overhead light. Set warming accent lights by the bed, or control your overhead light with a dimmer.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

There are a multitude of things house hunters need to consider before choosing a home, such as price, location, schools, distance to work”the list goes on and on.

Most homebuyers may not think about the costs and rules associated with buying a house thats part of a homeowners association; however, it is an issue they may run across.

For those unfamiliar, a homeowner’s association (HOA) is a legal entity that manages a shared housing complex”that doesnt just mean a condo or a series of town homes. In some cases, it includes a suburban housing development with shared space or a specific neighborhood.

If a home is part of an HOA, the information should be available right in the MLS. You can always ask your REALTOR to be sure. The last thing you want is an unexpected fee tied to your home purchase.

Though the costs vary, most HOAs collect monthly dues and the money is earmarked to fund activities or repairs for fellow participants. This could include things like block parties or lawn maintenance.

Keep in mind that you can’t “choose” to be excluded from an HOA. If you buy a home that has one, youre required to be part of it and pay the dues. The structure of an association can vary, depending on the total number of members, but most have a president, treasurer and some elected board members.

When youre part of an HOA, there are rules you must follow. And depending on how strict yours is, it can be a pain. For instance, there may be a rule about what color you can paint your door, or the type of mailbox you can have, or even where you must place your garbage pails. If you consistently break the rules, you can be fined or, worse, make enemies with those in the neighborhood.

While there are benefits to buying a home thats part of an HOA, you should still understand the requirements before deciding to buy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.