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Trees and bushes can beautify your yard, but they can cause problems if theyre too close to the house. Some species carry greater risks than others, but you should consider potential problems no matter which species youre thinking about planting.

Falling Debris
If trees are located next to the house, leaves, twigs and acorns can fall into the gutters, where they can cause clogs. Fallen branches can wind up on the roof and damage shingles or cause gutters to come loose or fall down. A storm can cause large branches to fall, which can result in broken windows, a partial or complete roof collapse, and injuries to the homes occupants.

Roots
The length of tree roots varies by species, but in many cases the spread of the roots is much greater than the height of the tree. Since the roots are underground, homeowners often have no idea how far they extend.

Roots can damage the foundation, which can result in cracked walls and uneven floors inside the house. Tree roots can also cause a sidewalk or driveway to heave, damage the septic system, and cause pipes to crack or burst, which can lead to major plumbing issues and leaks that can affect the foundation.

Moisture
Trees cause the amount of water in the soil to fluctuate, which can cause the soil to expand and contract. That can create pressure that can crack the foundation or cause it to shift.

Bushes and shrubs retain moisture. If theyre located too close to the house, moisture can cause the exterior of the home to deteriorate, whether its made of wood or vinyl siding or another material.

Insects
Moisture can attract insects, including termites. Even though termites usually feast on dead wood or building materials, they sometimes eat the roots of living trees and shrubs. If they find tasty plants near your house, when theyre done with them, theyll most likely move on to your home. In addition, trees that touch the roof of your house can provide an easy avenue for insects to enter the building.

Think Carefully About Where to Plant Trees and Bushes
Homeowners are often surprised by how much trees and shrubs grow and how they impact the house and other structures. If youre thinking about planting trees or bushes in your yard, consult an expert to find out how tall they may grow and how far their roots may extend so you can put them in places where theyll be unlikely to cause damage.

If you already have trees or shrubs near your house, have them trimmed regularly and be on the lookout for signs of plant-related problems. If you notice any of these issues, schedule a professional inspection.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Maintaining your home requires more than your seasonal large maintenance projects. It also requires small day-to-day fixes to keep your home looking its best. Keep these handy items nearby for a quick fix whenever your home is in need.

Extra Paint
Whether you opt to have paint samples or just save your current wall paint, its always a good idea to keep extra paint around. Scuffs, small scratches and holes can be quickly repaired or covered with a small bit of matching paint. While yes, your paint will never dry exactly the same as your first application, it will still be the perfect solution for minor issues.

E6000 Glue
No mere super glue, E6000 is specifically formulated to handle your most intense gluing projects. With its praises sung by crafters and hardware stores alike, there is no doubt that this glue will come in handy. Said to be able to handle heavy materials like wood, metal and concrete. As well as an array of craft mediums, you will be grateful to have this at the ready the next time something chips or breaks and requires a hardy-but-simple fix.

Spackle and Putty Knife
For obvious reasons, this is a must-have for home repairs. Dont wait until you need it to buy it, however. Its a small item that can be easily stored for later. Small holes from furniture, nails and other issues can be easily repaired with a little spackling compound and a little extra paint. To save time and hassle, look for a spackle with primer already in the compound.

Everyday Tool Set
If you dont already have a set of tools, there are basic items you need to have for everyday repairs. A simple toolset can be purchased at nearly any store, but will do wonders for your home the next time a small issue arises.

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A purchase money loan can refer to a mortgage provided by a bank, credit union or mortgage company, or issued or guaranteed by a government agency. Usually, however, the term refers to a loan provided by the home seller.

Seller Financing
For homebuyers who dont meet a mortgage lenders requirements, obtaining financing through the seller may be an option. If the house is paid off, the seller and buyer can negotiate the terms of a purchase money loan, including the length, monthly payment, interest rate and down payment. A security instrument is usually recorded in public records in case a dispute arises.

A seller negotiating a purchase money loan may be more flexible than a financial institution would be. A seller may agree to an interest-only or less-than-interest loan with a balloon payment and may allow the buyer to make the down payment in installments. Since a buyer usually only seeks a purchase money loan as a last resort, the seller may charge a higher interest rate than a financial institution would or raise the purchase price.

Because theres no financial institution involved in the transaction, the parties can often close the deal faster than they otherwise would. Closing costs are usually lower with a purchase money loan than with a typical mortgage.

Sometimes a buyer uses a purchase money loan to take over the current owners mortgage. In that situation, the difference between the balance on the existing mortgage and the sale price is financed by the seller. The purchase money mortgage is considered a second mortgage and the original loan must be paid off first.

A seller may offer a purchase money loan to attract a buyer if there are more houses for sale than buyers or if the owner needs to sell quickly. A seller may get full list price or more and may pay lower taxes if the sale is completed in installments. The seller can also benefit from monthly income and a high interest rate.

In a land sale, the parties enter a lease-purchase agreement in which the seller gives the buyer equitable title and leases the property to the buyer. After the agreement has been fulfilled, the buyer receives the title and rental payments are credited toward the purchase price. The buyer can then obtain a loan to pay the seller.

Other Types of Purchase Money Loans
A conventional purchase money loan can be issued by a bank or mortgage lender. A lender may loan up to 20 percent of the sale price as a second mortgage to cover a shortfall if the amount approved for a first mortgage isnt enough to buy a desired house. The Federal Housing Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairsoffer government-backed purchase money loans.

Many Ways to Buy a Home
You have numerous options to achieve your dream of homeownership. If things havent worked out with a conventional lender or government agency, financing a home purchase through the seller may be an avenue worth exploring.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

You probably consider your pet a member of your family, but a homeowners insurance company looks at it in terms of risk. Depending on the type of pet you have and the state where you live, it might be difficult to obtain homeowners insurance at affordable rates, or at all.

Obtaining Insurance Coverage for Dogs and Exotic Pets
Many homeowners insurance companies deny coverage for applicants with dogs based on the animals potential to cause injuries or property damage. Rather than evaluate individual dogs, companies often exclude entire breeds that are considered aggressive. An insurer may automatically deny coverage to an applicant who owns a dog that belongs to an excluded breed, regardless of whether it is a purebred or mixed-breed dog and whether it has ever attacked anyone.

Some homeowners insurance companies dont automatically exclude entire breeds, but rather evaluate the histories of specific dogs. Some states prohibit insurance companies from excluding entire dog breeds but allow insurers to charge high premiums for owners of those animals.

Homeowners insurance companies often exclude exotic pets, which may include ferrets and some reptiles and large mammals, such as snakes and tigers. If a company excludes your pet, you might be able to purchase a separate exotic pet insurance policy, but it will most likely carry high premiums.

What Homeowners Insurance Will and Wont Cover
If your pet is covered by your insurance and it injures someone not named on the policy, the insurance company will investigate the facts surrounding the incident. If the company finds you liable, your policy will cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and legal bills, up to your liability limits. If your dog bites or jumps on a member of your family and causes injuries or chews up your furniture, you will be responsible for associated costs.

Your insurance company wont necessarily cancel your policy if your dog bites someone, but it may decide not to renew your policy if your dog has bitten people more than once. If your homeowners insurance policy doesnt cover dog bites at all, you can get a separate dog liability policy, an umbrella policy that will cover damage or injuries caused by the dog, or an excess policy that will provide liability coverage beyond your homeowners policys limits.

Tell Your Insurance Company about Your Pet
Before you purchase a homeowners insurance policy, contact several companies to compare coverage and rates. If you have a dog or exotic pet, make sure you inform the insurance company. If the animal were to injure someone or cause property damage and you never told the insurer you owned it, you would be responsible for any related bills. If you decide to get a pet after you have obtained a homeowners insurance policy, contact the company to make sure the animal will be covered. If you dont notify the insurer about your pet and the company finds out, it may cancel your policy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Though most entryways are small, they can pack a big punch as a first impression to your home. Make the most of this space with necessary items that are not only functional, but show off your personal style and set the tone for the rest of your home.

Coat Rack or Hooks
After a rainy day or when guests come to visit, its nice to have a place to hang your coat right when you enter the home. No more dripping through the living room or piling coats on the end of the couch. Hooks can also be useful for holding scarves, bags and leashes.

Weather-Resistant Rug
Rain and mud, snow and salt, no matter what the weather brings, your shoes will get dirty. Avoid tracking dirt through your home by providing a place to wipe your feet. And just because its a practical and functional piece, doesnt mean it cant be a stylish one.

Simple Storage
Gloves, scarves, bags, hats, umbrellas, leashes, keys, wallet”these are just some of the items that you may find in the entryway of any home. Revamp an old dresser, utilize a storage bench or bring in plastic cubbies to keep this area clear and organized.

Casual Seating
Speaking of a storage bench, having a place to sit down and take off or put on your shoes is a convenient and smart addition to your entryway. Benches, chairs or stools are all appropriate choices. Show off your style with accent pillows and textured cushions to liven up this space.

Accent Mirror
For a last look before you head off to work in the morning, an accent mirror is a great focal piece for this area. Place it above your storage space, as it can act as a reminder for one final check of items you need for your day. Find a mirror with a bold or decorative frame to instantly reflect your style.

Overhead Lighting
Possibly the first thing you do when you enter your home is turn on the light. Your entryway should be a bright and welcoming space where you can easily spot all the items you may need and where to put them. Choose a light that best fits the look youre striving for and be sure to install the light switch near the front door.

Published with permission from RISMedia.