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For many families, having enough storage space is essential.

To avoid clutter, consider these factors before buying a home:

Are the closets big enough to fit all your clothes or kids toys?

Does the bathroom allow enough dedicated space for cosmetics and toiletries?

Would a lack of food storage cut into space for cookware in the kitchen?

Is there a garage or shed for your tools and lawn care equipment?

Take stock of what your family owns, and make sure a new home has enough space to store it.

A real estate agent can help find a home thats the right fit for you.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre planning to buy a house, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to get a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. Make sure you understand how both work and consider your current circumstances and future plans before choosing.

Key Differences
With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate remains constant over the life of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has an introductory rate that is below the market rate for a fixed-rate mortgage. After one or several years, the rate begins to reset periodically based on market conditions. An ARM may have caps to limit the amount the interest rate can increase at once, a ceiling on the interest rate and a cap on monthly payments.

Pros and Cons
A fixed rate-mortgage could allow you to have consistent monthly payments. An ARM might be much less expensive than a fixed-rate mortgage in the period before the loan reset. Those lower initial payments might make it possible for you to afford a more expensive house with an ARM than you could with a fixed-rate loan.

The danger of an ARM is the unpredictability. Your monthly payments could rise significantly several times over the life of the loan. If you chose an ARM and the interest rate rose, you might be able to refinance to another ARM or to a fixed-rate loan, but there would be no guarantee. A lender would consider your income at the time, the amount of equity and other factors, as well as the overall state of the economy. Even if you were able to refinance to a lower rate, you would have to pay closing costs.

Which Is Right for You?
ARMs tend to appeal to first-time homebuyers who expect their incomes to rise in the future or who plan to have children and move in a few years. If you expect your income to increase as you move up the ranks in your company, or if you plan to earn a degree and get a better job, an ARM could be a good bet. You could have low payments now, pay more in the future when you have a higher income and pay less over the life of the mortgage than you would with a fixed-rate loan.

Consider your financial circumstances, including your income and how much you expect to earn in the future, as well as how long you plan to live in the house. If you would be able to afford higher payments later, or if you plan to move before the interest rate would reset, an ARM could save you money. If you plan to stay in the house longer, a fixed rate could give you peace of mind.

Look at the specific terms of different loan options. If you are considering an ARM, figure out how much your monthly payments would be in a worst-case scenario. If you couldnt afford that amount, a fixed-rate mortgage could be a safer option, even if it might cost you more at first.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are some of todays trendiest types of high-end tiles!

Travertine

This strong but porous tile is a classic option for lavish floors inside the home or on the terrace.

Marble

Marble floors will add instant luxurious appeal to any room and can come in a variety of colors.

Terrazzo

A composite material that originated in Venice in the 18th century, its intricate textures feel like a true work of art.

Glass Mosaic

Ideal for your bathroom or personal wellness area, glass mosaic tile floors demonstrate high attention to detail.

Handmade Terracotta

For the rustic look of a deep red clay, handmade terracotta tiles are a beautiful, down-to-earth option.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

More and more homeowners are opting to recreate the classic look of wood floors while relishing the durability and cost-effectiveness of the laminate options available on the market today. This synthetic flooring may have its downsides, but theres no doubt that good laminate flooring can give wood floors a run for their money.

Avoid Moisture Build-Up
Similar to traditional wood floors, laminate flooring does not handle moisture build-up well. This means spills must be addressed quickly, spot cleaning is ideal, and traditional wet mop methods that douse your floors in extra water that can cause warping or swelling.

Clean With the Right Tools
Laminate floors can be irreparably damaged with the wrong tools or chemicals. Unfortunately, for natural cleaning buffs, this can mean your preferred method is not ideal for your floors. Avoid high-heat steam mops and acidic cleaners, like vinegar, as these can damage the coating of your floors. Instead, clean day-to-day messes with a microfiber cloth or dry mop.

Look Out for Whiteners
Laminate floors get their wood look through a photographic applique that is covered by a protective seal. Some chemical products will fade and wear away at the protective coat and can cause bleaching or discoloration to your flooring. Excessive foot traffic can also be a culprit for this issue. Be sure to use laminate safe cleaners and cover areas that get extra wear and tear with an inexpensive area rug.

Deep Clean With Minimal Water
To achieve a deeper clean, mopping with Castille soap and water is an effective way to keep your floors free of grime without damaging them. Just be certain to wring out your mop well. Follow up after mopping by drying your floors with a microfiber cloth. For a sweat-free option, Swiffer-style wet cloths can be a hassle-free way to minimize moisture.

Upkeep for laminate floors is certainly less time-intensive than for traditional wood floors, but that doesnt mean that laminate doesnt require special care. Luckily, for the savvy homeowner that knows how to keep it safe from damage, laminate can be a cost-effective and beautiful option for any home.

 

Published with permission from RISMedia.

In determining your asking price, you need to consider why you have chosen to put your home on the market. In most cases, the higher the asking price, the longer it takes for the home to sell. As your local real estate professional, I thought you’d benefit from this infographic illustrating how to make sure you don’t overprice your home, since these homes tend to not be as competitive in the market.

Published with permission from RISMedia.