The Hunny-Don’t List

Being a homeowner is a never ending list of tasks. Most are placed on the Hunny-Do List. In a recent interview on the radio, I discussed how some home renovation jobs are a lot harder than they look at first. I have personally done many home improvement projects to my homes. I have also known when to let the pros have their day, and get the job done without the frustrations of learning on the project.

Here is an example of five standard Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects that inexperienced renovators (DIYers) routinely mess up, and some tips from professionals for the homeowners and DIYers. I refer to this as the Hunny-Don’t List.

Outdoor Projects
The Project of: BUILDING A DECK OR RAISED PATIO
The Pitfalls for DIYers: Not putting a layer of metal flashing in between the deck & your roof or house frame can lead to leaks and water damage. Also, DIY decks often wind up with frames and railings that aren't up to code, or are saggy and crooked. This is a result of too shallow or improper foundations.
The Professionals Advice: Inexperienced renovators, DIYers and Fixer Uppers; Do Not Try This at Home. Leave it to experienced contractors. If not done right, it will not be truly enjoyed and will not provide your home with the maximum value.

The Project of: LAYING BRICK PATHS & WALKWAYS
The Pitfalls for DIYers: If the foundation under your pavers isn't packed hard and level, your path may look like an old, crooked, cobble-stone street within six months and/or after enough rain.
The Professionals Advice: Pack the earth under the intended path & stick with spaced out, individual stones, unless you're trying for the crooked, cobble-stone street look of New England or old Europe. The individual stones are less formal, which allows you to get away with not having the foundation as straight and solid as the pros get it.

Indoor Projects
The Project of: REMOVING WALLPAPER
The Pitfalls for DIYers: Removing part of the drywall along with the wallpaper and having pitted walls that need to be repaired or even replaced make for a longer project than necessary. It means taking extra time and effort before the next step of painting or wallpapering the room.
The Professionals Advice: Drywall holes may be unavoidable when you try to remove it If the wallpaper was put on incorrectly in the first place. You can try to loosen the glue behind the paper with a steamer or a wallpaper removal product such as “Diff”. If the paper doesn't soften easily, you're probably asking for trouble if you proceed. Leaving the wallpaper on and preparing to paint over it instead may be a better choice.

The Project of: PATCHING DRYWALL
The Pitfalls for DIYers: Inexperienced DIYers & fixer-uppers routinely fill holes in sheet rock with heavy volumes of joint compound. Using too much joint compound and/or using the wrong-width knives result in lumpy walls that look rough or textured.
The Professionals Advice: Using a six-inch knife to smooth the first coat of joint compound and then using an eight-inch followed by a ten-inch knife in successive coats allows for an even and smoother surface. The key is to try using less joint compound for each application and apply four or five extra-thin coats instead of just three coats. Smooth and even is the result.

The Project of: REMOVING "POPCORN" CEILINGS
The Pitfalls for DIYers: Getting rid of the ceiling texture made popular in the 1970s and 1980s know as “Popcorn”, can be very messy, dirty, and back-breaking which results in ceiling gouges or sometimes, the stuff just doesn’t come off the ceiling.
The Professionals Advice: Work Wet. Never scrape a dry ceiling. Wetting the ceiling first with a garden sprayer and then scraping it with a putty knife will allow the “popcorn” to come off in neat little clumps. This way, you get more cooperation with the material and there's less risk of ceiling holes.

For more information on this and many other helpful real estate-related issues, review the White Gate Realty Newsletter, or go to my website where the information is accurate, FREE and no obligation to you: www.WhiteGateRealtyTeam.com.

--Jon White, Broker-REALTOR®
White Gate Realty, Orlando, FL
www.WhiteGateRealtyTeam.com

5 Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Mortgage Loan

As both a licensed real estate and mortgage broker in Florida, I keep abreast of the latest trends in the marketplace which affect my dual professions and more importantly, the future real estate-related decisions of my clients.

If you are ready to buy a home, or need to refinance an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) that will soon increase your monthly payments, you’ll want to understand some of the nuances of trends in the mortgage loan industry that will greatly increase the chances of having your mortgage loan approved and getting – or financially remaining in - the home of your dreams.

1) Increased Ability To Finance Your Closing Costs
Compared to the old limit of 57%, you can now finance up to 100% of your closing costs thanks to recent changes in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines. This is very good news for the first time home buyer who typically has less cash available at the time of closing.

2) Increased FHA Limits
The FHA loan amount maximums have increased, which is particularly helpful for people living in high-cost housing markets. FHA's mortgage limit is now tied to local housing costs. The limit is now 95% of the median home price, or 75% of the Fannie Mae maximum loan amount, whichever is lower.

3) Increased Accessibility to Down Payment Assistance Programs
With the rapid increase in home prices over recent years, more people are having the dream of home ownership ripped from their hands. Typically, one had to go through a rigorous process to qualify for a down payment assistance program. Today, there are now programs which have very little hassle. Ask your mortgage broker if they have access to such options.

4) Rapid Loan Approval
One of the latest innovations in the mortgage industry is the advent of computerized loan approval. These programs provide both rapid loan approval and more uniform loan approval practices. This type of approval is done by scoring a borrower's credit worthiness, which quantifies the risk of whether they’ll default on the loan. Does your mortgage broker use such a program?

5) Affordable Mortgages That Don't Verify Income
These loans are perfect for people who are self employed, real estate investors, retired persons and anyone who doesn’t want to have to prove their income. It is essential to have a good credit score in order to qualify for a non income- verified loan.

Still have some questions? Want FREE information on buying, selling or owning your own home, including How to Buy A Home with No Money Down? Or what to do NOW to get ready Before Disaster Strikes.

www.WhiteGateRealtyTeam.com.

--Jon White, Broker-REALTOR®
White Gate Realty, Orlando, FL
www.WhiteGateRealtyTeam.com