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A fence can keep your children and pets safe in your yard, shield your family and guests from the prying eyes of neighbors, and protect your property from damage caused by trespassers or animals. Choose the right fencing material based on your security and privacy needs and budget.

Compare Fencing Materials
Wood fencing is the most popular choice because of its attractive appearance and the amount of privacy it affords. Wood species vary in terms of their resistance to decay and insects. The cost will depend on the height and length of the fence. It can take a significant amount of time to install a large wood fence, but if you choose quality wood, it may last as long as your house.

Vinyl or PVC fencing is made from plastic fashioned into panels and is much stronger and more flexible than wood fencing. Vinyl is easy to maintain, and stains can be removed with just soap and water. A vinyl fence lasts a long time, making it an excellent value. Vinyl fencing should be installed by a professional because, if its off by even a little, itll be noticeable.

Composite fencing is made from a combination of recycled wood and recycled plastic and can be cleaned with just water. Composite fencing should be installed by a professional.

A chain link fence is inexpensive and requires minimal maintenance. It doesnt offer as much privacy as other fences because of the large gaps between links, but its strong enough to meet most homeowners security needs. Chain link fencing is economical if you need to enclose a large area, and you may also be able to save money by installing it yourself.

Aluminum fencing is easy to maintain, requiring only painting after installation. It can resemble other fencing materials and resists rust. Aluminum fencing doesnt provide as much security as some other types of fencing, so its not the best option if you have a large dog that you need to keep confined.

Wrought iron fencing is stylish and expensive, since it needs to be custom-made. Wrought iron is strong, but it requires a lot of maintenance, including regular sanding and repainting to prevent rust.

Choose the Best Fence and Follow Local Rules
When choosing a fence for your yard, think carefully about your needs, priorities, time available for maintenance and budget. Before you install a fence, check your local zoning laws and homeowners association rules, if applicable. If you want to install a fence on the property line, make sure you know exactly where it is and have your property surveyed, if necessary, so you dont put up a fence and have to move it later.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

So you’ve decided to make the big move, and now it’s time to put everything in boxes. First you think big-picture (furniture), and then you think small-picture and realize you own much more than you ever imaged. Packing can be a daunting task, but with some extra legwork at the beginning, your unpacking can become a walk in the park.

Labeling Hacks
The worst thing about packing is that once all the boxes are in the truck, there’s no remembering what went where. There are several techniques you can put in place, like numbering your boxes to make sure none go missing, indicating which room the boxes are supposed to go to, or color-coding them to indicate their contents”anything that helps you identify the contents and the destination of your boxes is a go.

Practicality
Make sure that every box is packed as efficiently as possible. For example, plates are better off stacked vertically, and make sure heavy objects like books are packed in something with handles. As for all your baskets and suitcases? Put them all to good use by turning them into more packing boxes. Label cords, or take pictures of the cord setup to make sure you remember what goes where. Pack highly fragile or valuable items to take with you, and make sure to have a bag prepared with all of the things you will need upon arrival. (Don’t leave your shampoo in one of the countless moving boxes!)

Movers vs. Friends
While it is a great money-saver to have your friends help you pack up everything, if you have many valuables, it might be a better option to go ahead and pay the movers. A lot of moving companies are liable for anything that is broken or damaged, so you’ll be able to get reimbursed if anything gets damaged. And while your friends may commit to helping you, emergencies or other eventualities may result in a moving day no-show. A moving company will always have back-up, even if your originally scheduled movers call in sick.

Get in the Right Mentality
Moving has everything to do with being in the right mindset. To achieve that, you first have to make sure you get a good night’s rest. Once you’re well rested, make the commitment to move everything out in one day. Know that loading the truck will take longer than you anticipated, and that things will not pan out exactly as you planned them. Instead, be ready to think creatively as situations arise. Find comfort in the thought that once this day is over, you will be moved into your new house!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When you’re getting into the real estate game as a new developer, it’s important to keep your potential buyers in mind at all times. You want to make certain that they have everything they need. By paying attention to these details, you can expect your property to go fast:

Accessible Amenities
It’s important to research potential properties to make sure they’ll have accessible amenities for your potential buyers. You’ll want to make certain that therell be access to electricity and water. It’s also important for your property to offer easy access to phone service, as well as high-speed internet. Be sure your potential buyers will have all of the utilities they require so that your property will be as attractive as possible, which will assist you in selling your property once its ready.

Location
The property that you develop should be in a good location. Research the school district in the area, find out if there’s a hospital nearby, and check for grocery stores and entertainment choices. By choosing land that’s located near places that people will frequently travel to, you can be sure that you’re making a smart investment.

Price
The price of the property that you’re going to be purchasing is, needless to say, a major factor. You want to look around at what other properties in the area have sold for. It’s crucial that you get your property at a low price so that you can get the most for your money. If you pick out a good location for your real estate development, your costs will be more than if you just choose a remote piece of land. Of course, a good spot that has a lot to offer will sell quickly and be worth more in the long run.

Always do your due diligence when searching for the perfect spot for your real estate development. Keep in mind that it’s important to have access to as many amenities as possible to keep your potential buyers happy. The right location can also play a big role in the marketability of your property”price is also crucial. By paying attention to all of the details, you can find the right property that’ll be easy to sell. Also, when it comes time to sell, make sure to work with a real estate agent to help ensure you get top dollar.

Source: Dixie Somers/RISMedia’s Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

You probably have a room in your house that doesnt get used much or is just acting as storage for your extra stuff. Empty nesters are especially prone to having a bedroom that is no longer used and has become messy and unorganized over time.

Rooms like these are an opportunity when selling a house. Presenting a room in a creative way can appeal to buyers who visit your home. Anyone buying a home is going to expect bedrooms, dens and living rooms, so transforming a spare room into something unique is sure to be noticed. Here are some ideas for turning that bonus room into something special quickly and without a high cost.

Recreation Room
Buyers with kids are sure to appreciate a room that promotes family time. While playrooms filled with toys are common, a room where everyone can gather and interact is a great idea. Put board games in the room and set up a table with a puzzle on it. Also include books, magazines and coloring books, but not a TV. Invite house hunters to work on the puzzle; kids who are spending the day looking at houses will jump at the opportunity, and that might translate to a positive experience for the parents.

Hobby Room
Rooms designed specifically for men and women are a popular trend, but why not create a space for everyone? Make the room a productive area where anyone can practice a hobby. Set up a sewing or knitting area, create a spot for a musical instrument with a music stand or turn the room into an artists’ or writers’ studio.

Family Office
Instead of a stuffy office, create a fun home work space. Set up a desk or table where family members can bring their laptops. Have papers, pens, pencils and other supplies handy. For the younger members of the household, set up a station with crayons, paste and construction paper. Have a shelf with dictionaries, reference books and almanacs.

Guest Room
Sure, many homes have guest rooms, but make yours one to envy. With a simple paint job and a small investment in quality bedding, you can turn a room into a luxurious space that is sure to catch the eyes of buyers who have out-of-town friends and relatives that might need to spend the weekend.

High-End Closet
Turning rooms into closets can be a major project, but it also can be done efficiently. Affordable shelving can hold shoes, hats, scarves, gloves and practically any type of clothing in an accessible and organized way. Racks can hold shirts, pants, suits and dresses. The idea is to create an appealing and organized space for clothing and accessories.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The interest rate on your mortgage will have a major impact on the total amount youll pay over the life of the loan. If youre buying a home that you plan to live for a long time, reducing your interest rate by purchasing mortgage points could allow you to save tens of thousands of dollars.

How Do Mortgage Points Work?
Mortgage points, or discount points, are fees that you can pay to the lender at closing in exchange for a reduction in your interest rate. One point costs 1 percent of the mortgage amount. The amount that the interest rate is reduced depends on the lender. Each point typically reduces the interest rate by one-eighth to one-quarter of 1 percent.

Should You Buy Mortgage Points?
The longer you own your house and make monthly mortgage payments, the more of an impact points can have. To figure out if it makes sense to purchase points, you need to look at your specific situation and crunch the numbers.

Compare the amount your monthly payments would be if you didnt buy any points and paid the full interest rate to what youd pay if you bought points. Divide the amount youd spend on points by the amount youd save on interest each month to figure out after how many months the savings would equal the cost of points. If youd stay in your home after the break-even point, it would make sense to buy points. If youd likely move before then, youd be better off not buying points.

If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage, points would generally only lower the interest rate during the fixed-rate period at the beginning. Figure out if youd break even before the interest rate changed and you lost the reduction from points.

Putting down 20 percent of the purchase price could allow you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI). You might save more by making a large down payment and avoiding PMI than you would by purchasing mortgage points to lower the interest rate. Run the numbers to figure out what would be better for your specific circumstances.

Buying mortgage points might also lower your tax liability. Discuss your specific circumstances with an accountant.

Figure out If Points Are Right for You
If you plan to stay in your home long-term, lowering your interest rate could help you save a lot of money. If you dont plan to stay there long enough to break even, youd be better off not buying points. Making a larger down payment to avoid PMI would be the better option in some cases. The only way to decide which is the right move is to consider the cost of the house you want, how much points would lower your interest rate, and how long you expect to live in the house, then do the math.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or legal advice.

Published with permission from RISMedia.