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Countertops are one of the most important elements in a kitchen. Here are some choices to consider for your next remodel.

Granite

Granite countertops are available in an array of colors and each piece is unique. The price may depend on the type of stone you choose, its origin and its thickness.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone countertops are durable, have a nonporous surface that can resist stains or scratches and require minimal maintenance.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a good choice for a historic home. It has a pewter color that can gradually darken. You will need to regularly maintain them with mineral oil.

Wood

Wood countertops are easy to clean. If they get scratched, they can be repaired by sanding. Wood countertops must be oiled often to prevent water damage.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile can be used to cover existing countertops. Ceramic tile is available in many colors and textures, but the tiles need to be grouted and can crack.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Regular maintenance is an ongoing process for every homeowner. Keeping up with smaller projects is essential if you want to avoid major problems down the road.

With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and efficient for years to come. Here are four areas of your home that are likely in need of some attention:

Roof
A well-constructed roof should last for at least 30 years, but some of the shingles will need to be replaced well before that. Replacing damaged tiles is immediately going to improve the appearance of your home, and that simple project could help you avoid serious water damage. As a general rule, tiles and shingles need to be replaced if theyre curled, cracked or bent. You also need to replace any metal flashing thats bent or warped.

Exterior Walls
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home can have a huge impact on its curb appeal, especially if the homes current paintjob is old, cracked and peeling. While you can paint your own home”there are many people who do”you may also want to hire a residential painting company. Trying to paint exterior walls without the proper tools and equipment is going to be exhausting, even dangerous, if you have a multi-story home. An experienced team of painters should be able to paint your walls and trim in one or two days, and many contractors guarantee their work.

Front Door
Is your front door an old eyesore? Paint the door to freshen it up and beautify your entranceway. Its a simple project that shouldn’t take more than a few hours”you won’t need anything more than a few basic tools and a can of your desired paint. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, then you should pick a relatively neutral color that matches the exterior walls and trim. Also be sure to coat the door in some type of exterior sealant if you want the paint to last.

Windows
Modern windows usually last for decades, but older panes and sills are inefficient. After a few years, your windows might become warped, allowing air to escape and increasing your utility costs. You can continue to seal around the outside of your windows once every few years, but you should consider replacing them entirely if theyre old and unsightly. Modern windows will improve the efficiency of your home while boosting its appearance.

Before you tackle any of these projects, make sure to research all local building codes. While most cosmetic renovations don’t require any permits, there are strict regulations regarding major structural modifications, and you could face huge fines and fees if you don’t adhere to those codes.

Source: Anita Ginsburg/RISMedia’s Housecall

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your shower should be one of the cleanest spots in your house, but due to the constant presence of moisture, this can be tough.

Try the following clean-shower hacks:

– Keep a spray bottle of water and vinegar in your shower and spritz after your daily rinse.

– A rubber squeegee”not unlike the ones you use to clean your car windshield”can help keep excess moisture from creating mold on your walls or shower door.

– After your shower, shake your curtain to get rid of excess moisture that can lead to mold.

– Every other week, throw your shower curtain in the wash with your towels, then hang it up to dry.

– If you have a built-in fan in your bathroom, use it! It’s a top trick for minimizing mold.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Once a buyer and seller have agreed on the price for a house, they sign a purchase contract that outlines the terms of the deal and includes a closing date. Setting a specific date is intended to motivate all parties involved in the transaction to work expeditiously to fulfill their duties. Sometimes, however, things dont go according to plan and the closing is delayed.

Reasons Why the Closing May Be Delayed
A real estate deal may not be able to close on the anticipated date for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the buyer is unable to get approved for a mortgage. Even if the buyer was pre-approved, a recent increase in debt couldve made the persons debt-to-income ratio too high and caused the lender to rescind the mortgage offer or change the terms. The buyer may also be unable to get a mortgage because the house was appraised for less than the sale price. The home inspection also couldve uncovered serious problems that need to be fixed prior to closing, such as roof leaks or mold.

What Happens If You Cant Close on Time
The purchase agreement should specify whatll happen if the closing is delayed. If one party is clearly responsible for failing to meet the target date, that party will have to pay financial penalties. The contract may specify a variety of penalties for different scenarios. The penalties may be flat fees or may be calculated in other ways.

If the buyer is unable to close on time, he or she may be required to pay the sellers mortgage on a prorated basis until closing. If the seller is responsible for the delay, he or she may have to pay for the buyers unanticipated living costs until closing.

A lender may refuse to approve a mortgage for more than the appraised value of a house. If the house was appraised for less than the agreed-upon sale price, the parties may have to renegotiate the price.

If the closing is delayed because the inspector found serious problems, the parties will have to decide how to proceed. The seller may be willing to make repairs before closing. If the buyer cant wait to move in, the seller may be willing to lower the purchase price to account for the cost of repairs. If the problems are major, the buyer may decide to cancel the deal.

Discuss Potential Delays With Your Real Estate Agent
If you have any reason to think that you might miss your closing date, talk to your real estate agent. He or she might be able to help you find a solution or work with the other party to make modifications or concessions so you can proceed as close to schedule as possible.

Published with permission from RISMedia.