Uncategorized

If youre searching for a new home, you might want to consider looking in a subdivision. You could find a house with amenities that homes in other neighborhoods lack, but there are some downsides to consider.

What Are Houses Like in a Subdivision?
Houses in a subdivision were most likely built by the same construction company. Therefore, they will be around the same age and may all have a similar style, or a handful of styles may be repeated throughout the neighborhood. Theyll also probably be similar in size, unless some homeowners have built additions.

Homes in a subdivision may have some standard amenities that arent typically found in houses that were built individually and scattered throughout other communities. If youre looking for a master suite or a house constructed with the most energy-efficient materials, you may be more likely to find those features in a subdivision than in other areas.

Other Characteristics of a Subdivision
Subdivisions are generally built outside the center of a city. That means they may not be close to stores, restaurants, parks and other places you visit frequently. That could be a problem if you dont have a car, or you might wind up spending a lot more than you would like on gas and vehicle maintenance.

Houses in a subdivision are generally close together. That can be a good thing if you like to spend time with your neighbors and your kids make friends in the community. You may also feel safer knowing that other people are around and that neighbors can keep an eye on your home if you go on vacation. The proximity could be a problem, however, if you prefer privacy and your neighbors like to socialize.

A subdivision is often governed by a homeowners association. Fees are typically charged for maintenance, landscaping and insurance coverage for common areas, such as a community pool and tennis courts. The fees may be several thousand dollars per household per year. An HOA may have rules governing everything from the colors people can paint their houses to landscaping, fencing, use of yards, where vehicles can be parked, and when and how residents can decorate their homes. Some people like the fact that everyone is held to a consistent standard to maintain the appearance of the neighborhood, but others are frustrated by the lack of freedom.

Is Life in a Subdivision Right for You?
A house in a subdivision may have the amenities and sense of community you want, but it may also have an overwhelming number of restrictions. Before you decide to buy a house in a subdivision, make sure you understand the rules and discuss the pros and cons with your real estate agent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

All too often, powder rooms are an afterthought in home design. Being small and utilitarian, they just dont get the same attention as the rest of the house. For some designers, however, thats exactly why you shouldnt be afraid to take a chance and be bold in the powder room. Its the perfect way to introduce some surprising flair to your home and make it more memorable!

Here are five tips for designing a powder room thats worth getting excited about:

Tactile Textures and Bold Patterns
The walls are going to define the ambiance in such a small space, making them a good area to focus on first. Ornate patterns that would be too overbearing anywhere else in the house can be fun to use here and provide an unexpected visual pop. A fabric wallpaper, like velvet or linen, will make it a tactile experience thats far from the ordinary.

Sinks That Inspire
Go with an exciting design for the sink and vanity, like a stone vessel or a marble under-mount. Metallic fittings, such as nickel and brass, are another way to mix it up. And dont forget about the mirror, which is an opportunity to bring in an artistic or antique focal point.

Creative Lighting
With all the layers and textures that youre adding to the powder room, lighting is an essential component. Decorative sconces that flank the mirror or lavish pendant lights hanging from above can illuminate the room while contributing to the overall aesthetic.

Daring Color Schemes
A unique color palette is integral to the dramatic powder room. Even if you choose to stay away from textures and patterns, you can give the walls an imaginative shade, like a deep, navy blue that complements metallic fixtures or a vibrant burst of orange. If youre going for more of a chic look, another option is all black.

Look Up and Down
Finally, dont overlook the floors and ceilings. A hand-painted ceiling makes a delightful surprise that shows your home has serious attention to detail. For the floors, patterned tile or stone slabs add further appeal and ensure your powder room is a showstopper from top to bottom.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are four reasons you need an air purifier.

Air Pollution

Air purifiers can significantly reduce airborne pollutants that find their way into your living space and are unsafe to breathe in.

Pets

We love our furry friends, but their fur and dander can cause allergies and odor. Air purifiers remove these and keep the air fresh.

Pollen and Dust

State-of-the-art systems are an effective solution for eliminating pollen and dust particles.

Viruses and Bacteria

An air purifier is the perfect way to combat germs that cause colds and viruses and circulate fresh air into your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Home insurance may be one of the last things youll think about when buying a home, but in some situations, insuring your biggest asset isnt so easy. And without insurance, you wont be able to qualify for a home loan.

Here are five things that can make getting home insurance difficult, or at least more expensive:

A lot of claims: A long list of insurance claims at an address by previous owners can increase insurance rates. For an insurer, too many claims can mean theres an underlying maintenance problem that needs to be fixed, and its likely a big one. You can find out how many insurance claims were filed at the home in the last five years by buying a Home Sellers Disclosure Report from the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.

Natural disasters: If the home is in an area where natural disasters strike, then youll probably need to buy extra insurance because the basic homeowners policy wont cover it. That extra insurance may be expensive, though you might be able to mitigate it by taking certain precautions, such as installing storm shutters in a hurricane zone, for example.

Old homes: Just like us, homes wear out with age. Old pipes and electrical systems can break, and an insurer may deny coverage until such things are updated. Or they may charge more for homes where some items may not be up to current building codes.

Backyard fun: A pool or trampoline in the backyard can be listed by an insurance company as an attractive nuisance for neighborhood children to get into while youre away. An injury or death in that situation would be horrible enough, and you could also be held liable in a lawsuit, meaning your insurer would likely have to pay up. Putting a fence and other precautions around them can help protect you, but insurers may still be wary and charge higher rates.

Vacant homes: If you buy a foreclosed or vacant home, theres a chance that pipes and other parts of the home can fall apart faster or be destroyed by vandals or evicted owners. This could lead to repairs being done before you can move in, possibly requiring extra insurance to cover vandalism, fire or other risks that can occur when a home remains empty.

If youre faced with any of these issues, remember that you can probably still find an insurance company that will cover you if you cant resolve them. The rates may be higher than normal, but at least youll be covered.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.