Articles to Share – Page 5 – The Real Estate Beat

5 Family Room Addition Ideas – Shared Article

When it comes to enhancing your home, a family room addition can be one of the most rewarding projects you undertake. By expanding your living space, you can create a warm and inviting environment for your family to gather, entertain, and relax. If you’re considering building an addition, here are five creative family room addition ideas to inspire your project.

I read this article HERE.

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How to Hire a Contractor — and Avoid a Home Remodeling Nightmare – Shared Article

Learn from a homeowner’s experience and remodeling pros about what to do, and not do, in hiring a contractor.

Jody Costello was eager to begin a two-story addition to her 1940s home, including a new owner’s suite and an upper deck with a view of the San Diego skyline and waterfront. She gathered bids from four remodeling contractors, chose the middle-priced bid from a company that radio ads called the “No. 1 remodeling firm in San Diego” with “guaranteed customer satisfaction.” She thought she had done everything right.

But then came the shoddy work, water leaks, and mold. On top of that were regular failed inspections, mismeasured doors and windows, hard-to-reach contractors, a carbon monoxide gas leak that sent Costello to the ER, and home renovation costs that inched higher than her $150,000 budget.

Everything went wrong that could go wrong, she recalls. “ I remember standing in the hallway looking at the mess. A doctor had just ordered me to stay away from my home because of the mold, and I was thinking, ‘This is crazy.’”

Ultimately, Costello took her contractor to court to recoup some of the $240,000 in accumulated bills. She ended up with a settlement (for an amount she can’t disclose), but she was left with an unfinished project for years.

Costello learned a tough lesson: Hiring the wrong home remodeling contractor can cost you dearly. Now, as the creator of the “Contractors from Hell” website, Costello fields messages from desperate homeowners who’ve had similar experiences. She helps educate them about better protecting themselves.

“The foundation for a successful outcome is vetting to ensure you hire an ethical, competent contractor.” But many people trust a referral or online review, she adds. “You will pay the price if you don’t take the time to know fully who you’re working with.”

How to Find a Home Remodeling Contractor

Referrals — from neighbors, friends, or others —are a common source when looking for a remodeling contractor. Real estate professionals also recommend contractors and may offer extra assurance from their well-vetted network.

Before you hire a contractor, schedule three to five in-person interviews, gather bids, and thoroughly check the background of any you’re considering. “Google the contractor’s name and their business,” she says. “See what turns up and if they have any complaints or lawsuits” filed against them.

Check online reviews on Yelp, Angi, NextDoor, and elsewhere, but don’t base your decision only on those, cautions Josh Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Ariz. “Review sites are not all made equally, and not all reviewers are actually customers,” he says. “Some review sites let anyone post reviews about the company.”

Instead, Rudin recommends focusing on Better Business Bureau reviews and ratings. “Companies pay to be a part of the BBB, and when the customer complains about services rendered, the BBB has to do an actual investigation of the situation,” he says. “If the company has a bad BBB rating, this means they likely have failed to satisfy real customers who had real experiences.”

You can also find out whether a contractor you’re considering has been certified by an industry organizations. For example, certification by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry recognizes highly experienced remodeling professionals who are capable of planning and managing complex remodeling projects. NARI offers a consumer search tool at its site to find remodelers in your area who’ve also agreed to abide by NARI’s code of ethics for professionalism.

Questions to Ask a Remodeling Contractor

Erin Hybart, a real estate pro in Baton Rouge, La., helps investors flip houses. “Finding a good contractor is by far the hardest part,” she says. Hybart suggests that you explore these areas and ask the following questions to vet remodeling contractors:

Download as a PDF

Experience

How many properties have you remodeled/flipped?
How long have you renovated homes?
How did you learn this trade?
What do you specialize in?
What makes you different from other renovation professionals?

Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding

What type of license do you hold?
How much insurance do you carry, and what does it cover?
Does your insurance cover anyone you hire as a subcontractor?
Are you bonded?

Project Costs

How detailed are your quotes?
Can you share a quote from a project you recently worked on so I can see how detailed it is?
Does your quote include materials and labor?
If your quote includes materials, do I have a say about the material selection?

Work History

Do you have pictures of projects?
Do you have at least three references?
Have you ever had a project go over money and time budget? If so, tell me about it.
Have you ever had an unhappy client, and how did you deal with it?

The Scope of the Project

Is there anything you can’t do regarding the project I’m proposing?
Do you subcontract anything to others?
Who do you hire as subcontractors?
How do you ensure the quality of your subcontractors’ work?
Do you pull permits?
How are you paid?
What percentage do you put into the project for possible incidentals?
Why do you think I should hire you for this job?

Why Remodeling Contractors Should Be Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Being licensed, bonded, and insured can lend credibility to contractors and offer protection to homeowners, but these credentials come with some limitations, according to Rudin.

Licensed: The company has registered their business operations with the state contractor’s registrar. But states offer different type of licenses. “Some licenses allow a contractor to do one kind of work, but not another,” Rudin says. “It’s important to know the differences between these levels of licensure and what your specific project requires.” Each state has different requirements and rules, with some even limiting contractor licenses by the cost of the project. You may want to view contractor licensing rules in your state.
Bonded: This means they have a surety bond, so if your home is damaged, the bond will cover the loss. “This is important because if the company isn’t bonded and an accident occurs, you’ll be on the line for the cost of repairs,” Rudin explains.
Insured: The company is protected against various risks and liabilities, such as if a worker has an accident on the job site or if they caused some sort of professional mistake.

8 Red Flags to Look for in a Remodeling Contractor

When you’re interviewing, background checking, or starting a relationship with a remodeling contractor, be leery of these eight red flags:

Vague contracts: A written contract should spell out the scope of the work, materials, payment schedule, change orders, etc. “If a contractor gives you a contract that is only one or two pages, that’s a red flag,” Costello warns.
Lack of consumer protections: A contract should protect you, the homeowner, as well as the contractor. Offer a contract addendum if needed. Costello recommends a clause that allows you to fire a contractor for shoddy work or for failing to show up at the jobsite for a specified time. Also, she recommends the contract calls for a change order to be signed by both parties for any added fees. That will help avoid surprise invoices.
Large down payments: The contract should outline a payment schedule based on work milestones, such as when framing is completed or rough plumbing or electricity is installed. Costello’s red flag: having to pay $30,000 before work even started. “Every state is different, but in California, all that is required is 10% or $1,000, whichever is less,” she says. “Negotiate that upfront cost if your state requires a lot more, because if you give away too much money right off the bat, they could drag their feet or use your money for another project.”
Refusal to pull permits: Many remodeling projects — like for fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and room additions — require a permit from the city or county to ensure they’ll be completed up to code. Most remodeling contractors will file these on your behalf, but be cautious of those who don’t; it may be a sign they’re unlicensed, Costello says. She advises having the contractor pull any permits because “whoever obtains and signs for the permit is responsible for everything, including fees and fines if something ever goes wrong,” she adds.
Lack of communication: Costello says she never spoke to the contractor until after she hired him and had to communicate through a salesperson first. Her contractor would often not show up for days or weeks and rarely returned phone calls or messages. She recommends the contract detail the frequency of communication.
Failure to address lien waivers: A lien waiver can help protect homeowners in large remodeling projects. This ensures a contractor’s supplier can’t place a lien on your property if the contractor fails to pay the supplier. (Costello says a “mechanics lien” was placed on her home during the remodel for this reason.) Liens can affect a homeowner’s ability to sell their home until they’re resolved.
Low estimates: Homeowners may be tempted to choose the contractor with the lowest bid, but be skeptical: “Low bids tend to be vague,” Costello says. “They tend to just offer vague references to painting, plumbing, and electrical, with nothing broken out about the scope of work or materials used. Make sure costs are detailed.”
Lack of professionalism: “It may seem judgmental to assess the quality of a contractor by their appearance and first impressions, but it can be one indicator in your toolkit,” Rudin says. If the contractor arrives late or is continually difficult to reach, that reflect on how they’ll handle your project, he adds.

What to Do If You Notice Problems With Your Remodeling Contractor

Looking back, Costello says she likely could have avoided some of her remodeling nightmare by spotting the red flags. Those include the lack of communication, vague contracts, and the requirement to put down too much money upfront. “If you start to notice something isn’t right, communicate that right away to the contractor,” Costello says. “Always follow up with a written letter that summarizes what you said and uses language like, ‘I appreciate your help,’ or ‘I appreciate your attention to this,’ and ‘I look forward to getting this resolved.’ Document and take photos.”

Costello credits documentation for helping her to receive a settlement from the contractor. Even then, it took about 15 years to get her two-story renovation completed the way she originally envisioned, she says.

“I just wish I knew back then what I know now,” she says. “Educate yourself, understand your rights, vet your contractors carefully, and learn to read contracts.” It paid off: Her remodeling experiences ever since —for the two-story addition’s reconstruction and later a kitchen — went smoothly, and she credits hiring well-vetted, professional contractors for the results.

I read this article HERE. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

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9 Home Design Choices That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers – Shared Article

You’ll never regret these timeless decorating decisions.

Many of us have been there: You splurge on a pricey pair of jeans or a handbag one season, only to find that it seems to fall out of fashion quicker than an episode of “What Not to Wear.” The same holds true with home decor. (In case you missed it, these five design details can make your home look dated.)

Still, certain decorating choices stand the test of time and will serve you well regardless of the year on the calendar. Keep in mind that it’s much easier to usher your home through the eras if you start smart: “The better the interior architecture, the easier it is to decorate—and the less likely you’ll ever tire of it,” believes Stephanie Sabbe, interior designer in Nashville, Tennessee. “Colors and patterns change, but when the bones are good, the house can carry the decor through the decades.”

Once the foundation is set, the fun part begins: sprucing things up and making a space your own. A well-planned space—one that respects the style of the house and reflects the owner’s vibe—never goes out of style, if you ask Adrianne Bugg, principal designer for Pillar & Peacock interior design in Florence, Alabama (which she co-founded with Brandeis Short).

Natural Stone Countertops

Carmel Brantley

Stone countertops like marble, quartzite, and soapstone have a timeless appeal because they offer both beauty and durability, explains Amanda Reynal, interior designer in West Des Moines, Iowa and Palm Beach, Florida (and the designer of the Lilly Pulitzer-inspired room in the 2025 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach). They’re also versatile. Since natural stones come in neutral tones, they integrate beautifully into a variety of design styles, from traditional to contemporary, making it a quality investment for any home.

“Each slab has unique veining and texture; bringing depth and organic elegance to a space,” she says. “Natural stone ages gracefully, too, and develops more character over time.”

The one exception: Granite, which Leah Harmatz, founder of Field Theory Design in San Francisco and the designer of Hotel Lilien in Tannersville, New York, tells us lacks the “interesting veining and movement” that other natural stones offer.

Layers of Color and Texture

David Tsay

Without a nice mix of color and texture, a room can feel one-dimensional, and, well, boring. To combat this, Kellie Sirna, owner and principal of Studio 11 Design in Dallas, Texas, recommends adding “a mix of natural materials like wood, stone, and metal to create a balanced, organic feel.” She adds, “Then layer in soft textures and pops of color to add warmth and personality while keeping the space open, cohesive, and, most importantly, welcoming.”

Layering adds depth, character, and complexity to a space by developing a nuanced stylistic narrative. Plus, this allows you to evolve the room’s aesthetic over time by switching out or adding new elements you gather from travels, acquire, or fall in love with throughout the course of your life. Pillows, art, accessories, and books are all prime candidates to help add a personal punch.

“Keeping it classic with a slight twist feels curated and personal,” Bugg says.

A Fireplace (Feel Free to Fake It!)

William Waldron

If you ask David Kaihoi, interior designer and owner of Redd Kaihoi in New York City, “A home always feels more complete if it has a fireplace. The fire has been the center of our existence and captured our imagination since the beginning of time. Having a fireplace gives immediate comfort and focus. It’s the ideal center of a home.”

In an existing home, townhome, condo, or apartment without a wood fireplace, Kaihoi says, “Go ahead and fake it! Nothing beats a real wood-burning fireplace, but the ease and upkeep of a gas unit is amazing.”

If you don’t have a chimney flue, go faux and install a fireplace look-alike. Even the mere suggestion of fire lends a layer of comfort, Kaihoi believes. The key is to “make it look architecturally convincing. Aim for a realistic firebox depth and the appearance of a chimney breast.”

Nick Olsen, an interior designer in New York City notes that a simple bolection fireplace mantel—“basically a simple, curvy molding profile that can be rendered in wood, stone, plaster or even mirror”—is also classic. This is a much wiser choice than a style that’s “overwrought, historically incorrect, or just plain tacky,” as many modern-day mantels can be, Olsen admits.

Well-Made, Well-Maintained Furniture

Alison Gootee for VERANDA

Your chairs, tables, bed frames, and couches need not all be brand new to feel current. Well-made furniture from any era will stand up to the test of time, Harmatz says. She edits her own space, and the homes of clients, based on the quality of the pieces. Often, all it takes to make antique and vintage items feel refreshed and ready to integrate into the space:

New upholstery
Oiling wood
Sealing stones or ceramics
Polishing metal

Bonus: “Many of these upgrades help preserve their beauty of antiques,” Sirna explains.

Unlacquered Brass Hardware

Annie Schlechter

Speaking of metals, Olsen is forever swooning over unlacquered brass hardware—be it on bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinet pulls, or door knobs and hinges.

“The finish ages beautifully and feels appropriate in the city, country, and at the beach. Changing out existing door hardware or bath elements is a lot more difficult than swapping in new cabinet knobs, but no matter where you integrate unlacquered brass, you’ll appreciate it every day,” he says.

Olsen actually just took his own advice to upgrade his upstate New York bathroom with brass fixtures, and he tells us, “my dream is installing a matching brass shower enclosure!”

A Mindful Furniture Map

Max Kim-Bee

A thoughtfully arranged furniture plan ensures a space is visually balanced, functional, cohesive, and comfortable, explains Reynal.

“Considerate layout design prioritizes flow, comfort, and conversation, making a room feel inviting and effortless to navigate. Whether in a formal living room or a casual family space, the right furniture placement enhances usability and allows design elements—such as color, texture, and pattern—to shine,” she adds.

If you feel like your space could potentially use a refresher, press pause before you start rearranging. Try plotting things out virtually via a platform like RoomStyler 3D Room Planner or Floorplanner to play around with the format to see which feels most natural to you.

Classic Furniture Silhouettes

Douglas Friedman

If you discover that you have a gap in your layout, Olsen says you can’t go wrong with leather or suede seating with elegant lines.

“Just look at rooms by David Hicks and Billy Baldwin—case closed,” Olsen says. “But to elaborate, the elegant lines of Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture look so fresh and handsome in leather or suede, especially compared to mumsy silks. French furniture makers knew what they were doing in the 18th century, these chairs can actually be super comfortable.”

Whether you add them to a contemporary or a traditional room, they’ll fit right in “as long as the scale and quality are solid,” Olsen believes. He adds that a quality reproduction is A-OK if you can’t find a solid antique version. He quips, “Who really lives with museum quality antiques, anyway?”

Unexpected Sculptural Touches

Annie Schlechter for VERANDA

Whether it’s via curvy furniture, an architectural light fixture, or a piece of art with dimension, “One of my favorite ways to elevate a room’s design story is through sculptural elements,” Sirna says. “Innovative shapes and textures showcase a certain level of design prowess and confidence.”

Atypical shapes and textures create depth and dimension and imply more conceptual thinking, all of which are inherently tied to elevated design, she adds.

Curtain Panels on a Rod with Rings

Annie Schlechter

Slatted blinds feel ultra-industrial and blackout shades can feel aggressive outside of a bedroom or nursery. But curtain panels hung on a rod via rings feels refined and versatile, enhancing the overall design without overpowering it, according to Reynal.

She says that curtain panels hung on a rod with rings add “softness, height, and sophistication to a room.” She adds, “It works with nearly any aesthetic, from tailored and traditional to breezy and casual, depending on the fabric choice. The rings allow the curtains to glide smoothly, making them both functional and elegant.”

Written by Karla Walsh | Freelance Writer

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!). She has over 15 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond.

I read this article HERE.

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2025 is a renter’s market, experts say — but less so for this kind of property – Shared Article

Key Points

While rent prices for apartment buildings are flattening out because of a supply increase, single-family rentals did not see that same level of construction.
That dynamic has kept available supply of single-family rentals low, and prices higher.
“Single family rentals are detached homes, perhaps with a yard,” said Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.

Renters looking for a better deal may need to rethink the kind of properties they’re focused on in their search.

As of January, median single-family home rent prices are up about 41% since before the pandemic, according to a recent report by Zillow. Meanwhile, multi-family rents are up 26% in the same timeframe.

A construction boom of multi-family buildings helped rein in rent prices for apartment units in the U.S., prompting some economists to dub 2025 as a “renter’s market.”

But single-family rentals did not see that same level of construction, keeping the available supply low. Single-family rent growth also remains strong amid high demand, as high mortgage rates keep would-be buyers out of the for-sale market, Zillow noted in the report.

Multi-family housing often includes many units or separated dwellings within the same building, whereas a single-family rental is often in the form of a detached house.

The typical asking rent price for a single-family home in January was $2,179, up 0.3% from a month prior, and up 4.4% from a year ago, Zillow found. Meanwhile, the typical asking rent for a property in a multifamily home was $1,820, up 0.2% from a month ago and up 2.7% from a year prior.

The gap between the costs to rent a single-family home versus a unit in a multi-family apartment is the largest difference Zillow has recorded since it began tracking the metrics in 2015.

But while there’s a lack of single-family rentals compared to multi-family properties, “demographics play a huge role here,” said Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.

If you can’t afford to buy a home yet, but need the space, here’s what the high cost of single-family rental housing means for you.

‘Renters are stuck renting for longer’

The millennial generation — those born between 1981 and 1996 — has had a tough time getting into homeownership.

The typical first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is now 38 years old, an all-time high, according to a 2024 report by NAR.

“Renters are stuck renting for longer,” said Orphe Divounguy, an economist at Zillow.

This means many people are staying renters for longer. Zillow found in a separate 2024 report that the median age of renters in the U.S. is 42, and millennials make up about 31% of renters in the U.S. In Zillow’s analysis, millennials were those age 30 to 44 at the time of the survey.

As homeownership has become “so unaffordable and out of reach,” the cohort has had to find bigger rental properties to accommodate major life changes, such as getting married, and having kids or pets.

watch now

VIDEO04:49

Bad housing starts in January due to weather, says Zillow’s Orphe Divounguy

The appeal of single-family rentals, experts say, is a homeownership experience without the same costs. That can be meaningful for buyers who are faced with affordability challenges in the for-sale market. Coming up with the down payment can be a hurdle, as well as navigating volatile mortgage rates and rising home prices.

The median sale price for homes nationwide was $375,475 in the four weeks ending February 16, up 3.7% from a year prior, according to Redfin.

Meanwhile, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage inched down to 6.87% the week ending Feb. 13, per Freddie Mac data. That’s the lowest so far in the year, and down from the latest peak of 7.04% in January.

What to do in the meantime

Factors like “having a strong income, strong credit score and lower debt-to-income ratios” are essential for renters in looking into single-family rental homes, Divounguy said.

Paying down debt can help improve your debt-to-income ratio, which measures your debt repayment obligations relative to your income.

When landlords look at your financials, it helps them gauge how easily you can afford the rent based on your current income.

This measure is even more important for renters looking into single-family rental properties, Divounguy said. If you plan to buy a home in the future, keeping this in check will increase your chances of having an approved mortgage application.

I read this article HERE. By Ana Teresa Solá.

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Your Stress-Free Guide to Shopping for Home Loans – Shared Article

May 1st is the official start of Real Estate Season! So let’s talk about loans…

With this super-simple breakdown of loan types, you’ll find the right mortgage.

When it comes to buying a house, most people know what they want: a bungalow or a condo, a hot neighborhood, or a sleepy street.

Mortgages, too, come in several styles. Recognizing which type to choose is just slightly more involved than, say, knowing you prefer hardwood floors over carpeting.

To pick the best loan for your situation, think about your situation. Will you be staying in this home for years? Decades? Are you feeling financially comfortable? Are you anxious about changing loan rates? Consider these questions and your answers before you start talking to lenders. (And before you choose a lender, read this.)

Next, understand the types of loans out there. There are lots of options, and it can get a little complicated. But you’ve got this.

Mortgages Are Fixed-Rate or Adjustable, and One Type Is Better for You

Let’s start with the most common type of mortgage, that workhorse of home loans — the fixed-rate mortgage.

A fixed-rate mortgage:

Lets you lock in an interest rate for 15 or 30 years. (You can get 20-year loans, too.) That means your monthly payment will stay the same for the life of the loan. That said, your property taxes and insurance premiums will likely change over time.

It’s ideal when: You want long-term stability and plan to stay put.

Here’s what else you need to know about fixed-rate mortgages:

A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage offers a lower monthly payment for the loan amount. For this reason, it’s more popular than the 15-year option.
A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage typically offers a lower interest rate but a higher monthly payment because you’re paying off the loan faster.

Now let’s get into adjustable-rate, the other type of mortgage you’ll be looking at.

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM:

Offers a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage for an initial period of time — say, five or seven years. But the rate can fluctuate after the introductory period ends, depending on changes in interest rate conditions. So, budgeting can be difficult.
Has caps that limit how high the rate can go.

It’s ideal when: You plan to live in a home for a short time or you expect your income to increase to offset potentially higher future rates.

Here are some other things you need to know about adjustable-rate mortgages:

Different lenders may offer the same initial interest rate but different rate caps. It’s important to compare rate caps when shopping for an ARM.
Adjustable-rate mortgages have a reputation for being complicated. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau advises reading the fine print.

A rule of thumb: When comparing adjustable-rate loans, ask the prospective lender to calculate the highest payment you may ever have to make. You don’t want any surprises.

Conventional Loan or Government Loan? Your Life Answers the Question

Which fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage you qualify for introduces a host of other categories, and they fall under two umbrellas: conventional loans and government loans.

Conventional Loans

Offer some of the most competitive interest rates, which means you’ll likely pay less interest over the period of the loan.
Require less paperwork than a government loan, so typically you can get a conventional loan more quickly.

Who qualifies? You usually need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional loan. You’ll need to make a down payment of 3% or 5% for for a primary residence. But the tradeoff is you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance (see private mortgage insurance below).

If you’re not a first-time home buyer or you earn 80% or less than the median income in your area, the down payment requirement is 5%. If the house you’re buying has more than one unit, you may need to put down 15%. And if you’re buying a second home, you’ll need a down payment of at least 10%. If you’re getting an ARM, the minimum down payment requirement is 5%.

Here are some other things you need to know about conventional loans:

If you put down less than 20% for a conventional loan, you’ll be required to pay private mortgage insurance, an extra monthly fee to help mitigate the risk to the lender if a borrower defaults on a loan. (PMI ranges from about 0.46% to 1.50% of your home loan, according to Bankrate.) The upshot: The lender has to cancel PMI when you reach 22% equity in your home, and you can ask to have it canceled once you hit 20% equity.
Most conventional loans also have a maximum 43% debt-to-income ratio, which compares how much money you owe (on student loans, credit cards, car loans, and other debts) to your income — expressed as a percentage.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set limits on how much money you can borrow for a conventional loan. A conforming loan is a home loan that conforms to these limits:

In most cities, the maximum amount for a conforming loan is $806,500.
In high-cost areas, such as New York City and San Francisco, the limit is $1,209,750.
Limits are revisited annually and are subject to change based on each area’s average home price.

A home loan that exceeds these limits is called a jumbo loan:

Jumbo loans typically require down payment of 10% to 15% and a credit score of at least 700.
They also tend to have stricter debt-to-income requirements, generally preferring a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 43% and preferably closer to 36%.

In addition, consider practical matters before getting a jumbo loan too. Are you comfortable carrying that much debt? The answer depends on your current financial situation and long-term financial goals.

Government Loans

Include loans secured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.
Are meant to stimulate the housing market and enable potential those who may be unable to qualify for conventional loans to become homeowners.

Who qualifies? That depends on which government loan you’re looking at.

If you’ve had trouble qualifying for a mortgage because of income limitations or credit:

A broad swath of people, including those with lower credit scores and income, use FHA loans.

You can get an FHA loan with a down payment of 3.5% if you have a minimum credit score of 580. You can still qualify with a credit score below 580 — even with no credit score — but the down payment and other requirements will be much higher.

FHA loans conform to loan limits set by county; these limits typically range from $420,680 for lower-cost areas to $970,800 in high-cost areas. You can view the FHA mortgage caps for your county at hud.gov.
If you get an FHA loan, you must pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium and an annual premium. MIP is based on home value but is often around 0.55% of the loan amount. Currently, the upfront MIP is 1.75% of the loan amount — so, $1,750 for a $100,000 loan. This premium can be paid at the mortgage closing or rolled into the monthly mortgage payment.

Also, a heads-up — the date an FHA loan was issued affects the MIP.

If you received an FHA loan on or before June 3, 2013: You’re eligible for canceling MIP after five years, but you must have 22% equity in your home and have made all payments on time.
If you received an FHA loan after June 3, 2013: To stop paying MIP, you’d have to refinance into a conventional loan and have a current loan-to-value of at least 80%.

If you’re in the military, a veteran, or a veteran’s spouse:

VA loans offer active or retired military (or a veteran’s surviving spouse) a mortgage with a 0% down payment.
VA loans also can have more lenient credit requirements. There is no minimum credit score requirement for a VA loan, but most mortgage lenders want a FICO credit score of at least 620.
The VA allows lenders to charge only 1% maximum to cover the costs of originating and underwriting the loan, so you save money at closing. There is, however, an additional upfront, one-time funding fee based on the amount of your loan and other factors, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

VA loans also don’t charge borrowers mortgage insurance — potentially helping you save a significant chunk of cash on your monthly payment.

Given the benefits, a VA loan is often the best mortgage option for people who qualify.

If you have a limited income and live in a small or rural town:

USDA loans are for limited-income home buyers in towns with populations of 10,000 or less or that are “rural in character.” Some areas that now have bigger populations are grandfathered in. You can see whether your town is eligible on the USDA’s website.

USDA loans typically have lower interest rates than non-USDA loans.
Down payments can be as low as 0%.
USDA mortgages also have more lenient credit score requirements than conventional loans. A score of 640 or higher is needed to qualify to use the USDA’s automated underwriting system.
Income limits to qualify depend on location and household size.
USDA loans charge an upfront mortgage insurance fee of 1% of the loan amount and annual mortgage insurance premium of 0.35%.
And USDA loan borrowers must buy a “modest home” — a property with a market value deemed reasonable for the area, though the USDA does not set specific price limitations.

Only a select number of lenders offer USDA loans; here’s a list of USDA-approved lenders nationwide.

If your job is to help people:

Niche programs, like the Good Neighbor Next Door from HUD, provides teachers, law enforcement officers, first responders, and government workers with a substantial incentive in the form of a 50% discount off the list price of eligible properties in revitalization districts.

Note: Down payment assistance programs offer qualified buyers such support as grants and interest-free loans. Start with your state’s housing finance agency to find options.

I read this article HERE. By: HouseLogic

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Consumer Guide: Property Taxes – Shared Article

Wherever you buy a home in the United States, property taxes are a reality of homeownership. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help connect you with a tax expert in your area, but here are the basics:

What are property taxes?

Property taxes are charges on your land and property, based on the value of your property, levied by your local government. The revenue generated is often used to fund community needs such as schools, police and fire departments, and road maintenance. Some states also tax personal property, such as cars and boats.

Can I know the property tax on a home before I purchase it?

Real estate listings, usually from your local multiple listing service, typically include information on a property’s annual taxes. You can also ask the seller directly about their latest tax bill and when the property was last reassessed. Depending on the location, the assessed value—which is different from and generally less than the market value—of the property may increase based on the amount you pay for it.

How are property taxes calculated?

Tax rates vary widely depending on where you live. The most common method for calculating property taxes is by multiplying the assessed value your local government assigns to your property, minus any tax reductions, by the local tax rate. The assessed value is usually calculated as a percentage of the property’s market value. It reflects the overall quality and condition of the property, comparable homes in the area, and market conditions, among other factors.

The other component of the equation is the tax rate, often called the millage (“mill”) rate, equaling the property tax you owe for every $1,000 of your property’s value. For example, if the mill rate is $0.005, your home’s assessed value is $200,000, and you are ineligible for tax reductions, the following calculation would apply: ($200,000 in assessed value – $0 in tax reductions) x $0.005 mill rate = $1,000 property tax.

Are there property tax exemptions?

Certain homeowners may qualify for tax exemption programs which can lower, or even eliminate, their property tax bill. Senior citizens, veterans, disabled persons, and surviving spouses are some of the homeowner groups that may be eligible. Additionally, most states offer a homestead tax exemption for individuals’ primary residences. Programs and eligibility criteria vary by state, so consult a tax expert to determine which programs may apply.

How do I pay my property taxes?

The most common method for paying property taxes is through an escrow account, where a portion of your monthly mortgage payment is held and automatically paid towards your tax bill when it is due. You may choose to pay your taxes on your own, although in some cases your lender may require you to use an escrow account to ensure payments are made on time.

How often are properties reassessed?

Properties are generally reassessed annually to ensure any new community upgrades, such as the construction of a new school, and/or house upgrades, such as finishing a basement, are factored into the assessed value of your residence.
Can I challenge my property tax rate? If you feel your property taxes are unfair—meaning you believe your house is not actually worth as much as it was assessed for—you can appeal the assessment and request a second evaluation of the property. There is typically a short window of time for submitting an appeal, so be sure to closely follow your local municipality’s instructions and timeline.

What are transfer taxes?

Separate from your annual property tax, transfer taxes are a one-time fee charged when the title of a property changes hands between the seller and buyer. Transfer taxes are an important consideration and can affect the overall cost of buying or selling property. The rates vary by location, and either the buyer or seller can pay the tax, depending on local laws, so be sure to work with your agent and legal counsel in negotiating the terms in your purchase agreement.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

NOTE: Consumer guides do not constitute any change in NAR policy. Real estate professionals must ensure they market properties consistent with relevant MLS rules and educate sellers on the choices available.

I read this article HERE.

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Understanding Mortgage Rates: A Simple Guide for First-Time Homebuyers – Shared Article

Mortgage rates play a crucial role in determining how much you’ll pay for your home over time. As a first-time homebuyer, understanding these rates can help you make informed financial decisions and secure the best possible loan terms. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What Are Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are the interest rates lenders charge on home loans. These rates fluctuate based on economic conditions, lender policies, and your financial profile. Even a small change in interest rates can significantly impact your monthly payments and the total cost of your loan.

2. Factors That Influence Mortgage Rates

Several factors affect mortgage rates, including:

Credit Score: Higher scores typically secure lower rates.
Loan Term: Shorter loan terms often have lower rates.
Down Payment: A larger down payment may qualify you for better rates.
Market Conditions: Economic trends, inflation, and Federal Reserve policies impact interest rates.

3. Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: The interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term, offering stability.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs): The interest rate may change periodically based on market conditions, potentially lowering initial costs but increasing future payments.

4. How to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate

To get the lowest possible mortgage rate:

Improve your credit score before applying.
Shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders.
Consider a larger down payment.
Lock in your rate when conditions are favorable.

Understanding mortgage rates empowers you to make smart financial choices and secure an affordable home loan.

I read this article HERE.

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Attacks on smart home devices more than doubled in 2024 – Shared Article

Your smart home devices are under threat of cyber attacks more than ever. According to a new report by cyber security firm SonicWall, attacks on smart home products have increased by 124% in 2024. The research firm packed its comprehensive 2025 Annual Cyber Threat Report with stats on the latest vulnerabilities threatening IoT (Internet of Things) devices.

Cyber attacks on smart home products have increased massively

According to the report, cyber attacks on smart home devices have increased massively in the last year. SonicWall’s latest findings make for pretty terrifying reading for people who have a smart home product in their homes. Furthermore, SonicWall claims that it prevented more than 17 million attacks on IP cameras in 2024. Keep in mind that these are just the ones that the firm stopped. Also, that number is just for one type of product.

The report highlights the growing number of threats to smart home security products. Notably, the IP or internet protocol cameras are the prime target for threat attackers. While these devices enhance home security, cybercriminals can turn them into potential surveillance tools. SonicWall identified the HikVision IP Camera Command Injection vulnerability as one of the most exploited flaws. It reportedly allows attackers to take control of vulnerable smart home cameras remotely.

Smart home device manufacturers don’t have enough resources to prioritize security

The firm highlights the Reaper Botnet as one of the main dangers of IoT networks. This recruits unsecured smart home products for bigger cyberattacks. The fact that many IoT manufacturers lack enough resources or expertise to prioritize security enhances the attacks. The shared vulnerabilities among smart home devices running open-source software platforms also make it easier for attackers to exploit many devices once they find a single flaw.

“Threat actors are moving at an unprecedented pace, exploiting new vulnerabilities within days, while we’re observing that it takes some organizations 120 to 150 days to apply a critical patch,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “Now more than ever, businesses need the expertise of an MSP/MSSP backed by real-time threat monitoring and SOC capabilities”, he added further.

It’s worth mentioning that a November report from Zscaler also found that IoT malware attacks had jumped nearly 400% in recent years. Furthermore, the NetGear/Bitdefence 2024 IoT security report also suggested that smart home products now experience up to 10 attacks every day. So, it’s important to safeguard your smart home devices more than ever before.

I read this article HERE. By Akshay Kumar.

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How Long Should You Keep Tax Returns, Records, and Receipts? – Shared Article

For most tax deductions, you need to keep receipts and documents for at least 3 years.

Unless you live in a Hollywood Hills mansion, you probably don’t have space to store years of tax and insurance paperwork, warranties, and repair receipts related to your home. And if you’re keeping digital records, you likely don’t want to keep adding new records every year without a plan for managing the old records.

The paperwork or digital records will help you if you need to prove you qualify for the tax deductions you took, to file an insurance claim, or to figure out if your busted oven is still under warranty.

To help you wrangle those records, here’s a handy checklist of how long to keep tax records.

Tax Recordkeeping Insights from the IRS

For recordkeeping, align with IRS guidance and all tax record rules.

IRS Tax Return Requirements

Consider this background information on IRS rules on how long to keep tax records, which informed some of our charts:

At least three years. In most cases, the IRS says you should keep tax returns and the paperwork supporting them for at least three years after you file the return — the length of time the IRS has to audit you. So that’s how long we advise. Under some circumstances, however, you should keep them longer.
Varies by state. Check with your state about state income tax returns. Most states make you keep them as long as the federal government does — three years in most cases. But Montana wants you to keep them for five years. And Ohio recommends you hang on to them 10 years. Yes, an entire decade.
Up to six years. The IRS can also ask for records up to six years after a filing if they suspect someone failed to report 25% or more of their gross income on their income tax returns. And the agency never closes the door on an audit if it suspects fraud. Just sayin’.

How Long to Keep Each Category of Tax Documents

Here are some guidelines for how long to keep tax records based on record type.

Keep Home Sales Records for as Long as You Own the Property + 3 Years

HOME SALE RECORDS
Document	How Long to Keep It
Home sale closing documents, including closing statement	As long as you own the property + 3 years
Deed to the house	As long as you own the property
Builder’s warranty or service contract for new home	Until the warranty period ends
Community/condo association covenants, codes, restrictions (CC&Rs)	As long as you own the property
Receipts for capital improvements	As long as you own the property + 3 years
Mortgage payoff statements (certificate of satisfaction or lien release)	Forever, just in case a lender says, “Hey, you still owe us money.”

Why you need these docs: You use home sale closing documents and receipts for capital improvements records to calculate and document your profit (gain) when you sell your home.

Your deed and mortgage payoff statements prove you own your home and have paid off your mortgage, respectively.

Your builder’s warranty or contract is important if you file a claim. And sooner or later you’ll need to check the CC&R rules in your condo or community association.

Keep Annual Tax Deductions for 2-3 Years

ANNUAL TAX DEDUCTIONS*
Document	How Long to Keep It
Property tax payment (tax bill + canceled check or bank statement showing check was cashed)	3 years after the due date of the return showing the deduction
Year-end mortgage statements	3 years after the due date of the return showing the deduction
Tax returns	3 years from the date you file your return or 2 years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later

Why you need these docs: To document you’re eligible for a deduction or tax credit in case you’re audited by the IRS.

*These deductions are relevant if you itemize. The standard deduction has been increased, which means fewer people will itemize than have in the past.

Keep Insurance and Warranties Until They Expire

INSURANCE AND WARRANTIES
Document	How Long to Keep It
Home repair receipts	Until warranty expires
Inventory of household possessions	Forever (remember to make updates)
Homeowners insurance policies	Until you receive the next year’s policy
Service contracts and warranties	As long as you have the item being warrantied

Why you need these docs: To file a claim or see what your policy or warranty covers.

Keep Investment Real Estate Deductions as Long as You Own the Property + 3 Years

INVESTMENT (LANDLORD) REAL ESTATE DEDUCTIONS
Document	How Long to Keep It
Appraisal or valuation used to calculate depreciation	As long as you own the property + 3 years
Receipts for capital expenses, such as an addition or improvements	As long as you own the property + 3 years
Receipts for repairs and other expenses	3 years after the due date of the return showing the deduction
Landlord’s insurance payment receipt (canceled check or bank statement showing check was cashed)	3 years after the due date showing the deduction
Landlord’s insurance policy	Until you receive the next year’s policy
Partnership or LLC agreements for real estate investments	As long as the partnership or LLC exists
Section 1031 (like-kind exchange) sale records for both your old and new properties, including HUD-1 settlement sheet	As long as you own the new property + 3 years

Why you need these docs: For the most part, to prove your eligibility to deduct the expense. You’ll also need receipts for capital expenditures to calculate your profit (gain) or loss when you sell the property. Landlord’s insurance and partnership agreements are important references.

Keep Miscellaneous Records 3-4 Years

MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS
Document	How Long to Keep It
Wills and property trusts	Until updated
Date-of-death home value record for inherited home, and any rules for heirs’ use of home	As long as you or your spouse owns the home + 3 years
Original owners’ purchase documents (sales contract, deed) for home given to you as a gift	As long as you or your spouse owns the home + 3 years
Divorce decree with home sale clause	As long as you or your spouse owns the home + 3 years
Employment records for live-in help (W-2s, W-4s, pay and benefits statements)	4 years after you make (or owe) payroll tax payments

Why you need these docs: Most are needed to calculate capital gains when you sell. Employment records help prove deductions.

3 Ways to Organize Your Tax Records and Receipts

Keeping your tax documents well organized is key. Then you’ll easily be able to access any records if you need them.

If you haven’t already switched to digital recordkeeping, consider scanning and digitally storing paper documents, such as receipts, which fade with time and take up space. Even better, save your documents to at least two digital locations.

Digital copies are OK with the IRS as long as they’re identical to the originals and contain all the accurate information that was in the original receipts. You must be able to produce a hard copy if the IRS asks for one.

Here are three practical ways to store IRS paperwork digitally and get rid of the paper.

#1 Computer Hardware

Flash drives or external hard drives are designed to store documents and other data. Flash drives are portable and tend to be smaller than external hard drives, so they’re easy to store. External hard drives usually have a larger memory capacity and are more durable than flash drives. Both can be used to store tax returns and other IRS documents safely.

#2 Cloud-Based Software

Unlike storing your tax data to a physical device, like a flash drive, a cloud-based remote server offers similar storage capabilities to a virtual server. This means you don’t have to keep track of the device itself. Instead, you can access your tax records remotely through a cloud computing platform.

#3 Apps

Another digital data storage option is to use apps, such as Smart Receipts, which is available via Google Play and Mac App Store. Smart Receipts lets you track your finances, including receipts, for yourself or your employer. You can choose from default data types including dates, price, tax, receipt categories, comments, and payment methods.

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Outdated Tax Documents?

When you do finally toss out your home-related paperwork, use a shredder. Throwing away intact or manually torn documents that include personal financial information could put you at risk for identity theft.

Tax season and year’s end are good times to purge files and toss what you no longer need. That’s often when the spirit of organization moves us.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but isn’t intended to be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Consult a tax professional for such advice.

I read this article HERE. By: Dona DeZube

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The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

FHA Loan Requirements, Limits, and Updates – Shared Article

Thinking about buying a home but worried about saving for a big down payment or qualifying with less-than-perfect credit? An FHA loan could be your solution. These government-backed loans make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers.

In fact, FHA loans accounted for 29% of mortgage applications for new homes in December 2024, according to an MBA survey of homebuilders. Here’s how they work, who’s eligible, and the latest updates that could make them even more affordable.

How Do FHA Loans Work?

Unlike conventional loans, FHA loans are insured by the government, which means lenders can typically offer more favorable terms. Borrowers can qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, and credit score requirements are generally more lenient than conventional loans. Plus, borrowers can use a gift fund for a down payment, closing costs or reserves needed for approval.

What Are FHA Loan Requirements?

To qualify, you typically need:

✔️ A credit score of at least 580 for a 3.5% down payment
✔️ A manageable debt-to-income ratio.
✔️ Steady income and employment history.
✔️ The home must be your primary residence (not a rental or investment property).
✔️ Occupation of the property within 60 days of closing.
✔️ A property inspection which meets HUD’s minimum property standards.

Good News: FHA Mortgage Insurance Costs May Drop in 2025

Right now, FHA borrowers are required to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which help protect lenders but also add to monthly payments. However, there’s a growing push to reduce these premiums, making FHA loans more affordable.

Industry groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are urging the government to cut MIP rates, arguing that even a small reduction could make a big difference for home buyers struggling with high costs.

For example, if MIP rates dropped by just 0.25% (25 basis points), it would directly lower monthly mortgage payments. While this might not seem like much, every dollar counts—especially for first-time and lower-income buyers working within tight budgets.

FHA Loan Limits

For 2025, the maximum FHA loan amount in high-cost areas (like major metropolitan cities) is $1,209,750, according to HUD. In lower-cost areas, the limit is generally $524,225 for a single-unit home.

If you’re curious about loan limits in a specific area, you can look them up on the FHA mortgage limits page. This tool also provides median home price estimates used to determine these limits.

Is an FHA Loan Right for You?

FHA loans are great for those who:

✔️ Need a low down payment option.
✔️ Have less-than-perfect credit.
✔️ Want an easier path to homeownership.

However, these loans do come with mortgage insurance, which adds to your monthly payment. Talking to a Home Loan Specialist can help you decide if an FHA loan is the best fit for you.

I read this article HERE.

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How to Find a Home Remodeling Contractor

Questions to Ask a Remodeling Contractor

Experience

Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding

Project Costs

Work History

The Scope of the Project

Why Remodeling Contractors Should Be Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

8 Red Flags to Look for in a Remodeling Contractor

What to Do If You Notice Problems With Your Remodeling Contractor

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Natural Stone Countertops

Layers of Color and Texture

A Fireplace (Feel Free to Fake It!)

Well-Made, Well-Maintained Furniture

Unlacquered Brass Hardware

A Mindful Furniture Map

Classic Furniture Silhouettes

Unexpected Sculptural Touches

Curtain Panels on a Rod with Rings

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‘Renters are stuck renting for longer’

What to do in the meantime

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Mortgages Are Fixed-Rate or Adjustable, and One Type Is Better for You

Conventional Loan or Government Loan? Your Life Answers the Question

Conventional Loans

Government Loans

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What are property taxes?

Can I know the property tax on a home before I purchase it?

How are property taxes calculated?

Are there property tax exemptions?

How do I pay my property taxes?

How often are properties reassessed?

What are transfer taxes?

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1. What Are Mortgage Rates?

2. Factors That Influence Mortgage Rates

3. Fixed vs. Adjustable Rates

4. How to Secure the Best Mortgage Rate

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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Cyber attacks on smart home products have increased massively

Smart home device manufacturers don’t have enough resources to prioritize security

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties, Redwood City Ca.

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Tax Recordkeeping Insights from the IRS

IRS Tax Return Requirements

How Long to Keep Each Category of Tax Documents

Keep Home Sales Records for as Long as You Own the Property + 3 Years

Keep Annual Tax Deductions for 2-3 Years

Keep Insurance and Warranties Until They Expire

Keep Investment Real Estate Deductions as Long as You Own the Property + 3 Years

Keep Miscellaneous Records 3-4 Years

3 Ways to Organize Your Tax Records and Receipts

#1 Computer Hardware

#2 Cloud-Based Software

#3 Apps

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Outdated Tax Documents?

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How Do FHA Loans Work?

What Are FHA Loan Requirements?