IN SEARCH OF THE MILLION DOLLAR LAWN

I am a homeowner, just like most of you, and I am always a little green with envy when I drive by "the lawn".  You know the one that looks like it belongs in the pages of some home and garden magazine.  Truth-be-told it was not always that way.  Lots of somebodies had to help it get that way and it was not that way in a day.

So like most of you I did a little research to get some experts to help me see green when I look out my window each morning and below are a few tips that may just help you.

Ah, Spring!  Spring is the time when your lawn needs the most attention, especially after a harsh winter.  What you do now will determine how healthy your lawn will look for several months.

Spring Feeding: Like a bear after a long hibernation your grass is hungry.  According to the University of Connecticut's Home & Garden Education Center, "you should wait until the grass is actually growing before you start to fertilize it."  The logic behind this is simple; the roots have stored enough carbohydrates from last fall to facilitate early spring growth.  The rule of thumb (green of course) is fertilizer tends to be more useful after the plant has exhausted it owns resources.

Spring Watering: First, test your soil for its water content by digging into the soil with a screwdriver.  If the tool goes in with relative ease, then your lawn is not in need of watering.  

If you live in an area with regular rainfall, your lawn is best served by not turning on the sprinkler system.  Over watering drowns the roots and promotes weed growth.  

The best time to water during the spring is when your grass shows signs of starting to wilt.  It is then that plants grow more and deeper roots are established to help sustain the lawn during dry spells.

Spring Over seeding:  What is over seeding?  It is the process of replenishing grass by scattering grass seeds over a lawn.  Spring is the ideal time to over seed.  

If you are uncertain about over seeding, consult your lawn and garden supplier or service for advice and recommendations.

Spring Pests and Weeds: Warmer weather promotes earthworms, and other bugs to move towards the upper layer of soil.  Moles can return as well.  Moles attack and damage the root systems of lawns in their quest for worms and other food.  

Weeds, like crabgrass, start to grow during late spring and emerge fully during summer, but you can eliminate their presence.  Consult your local lawn and garden supplier for the proper products to use in your locale.

Spring Dethatching and Aeration: Its time to remove fallen branches, twigs and leaves that cover your lawn.  Use a leaf rake and similar tools to clean up the old debris to pave the way for easier application of fertilizer and herbicides.

Aerate the soil on a day when the soil is still slightly damp.  This will allow oxygen, water and nutrients to feed the roots and promote healthy lawn growth.

Spring is a time of new growth.  You can have that million dollar lawn you always wanted by giving attention to the details mentioned above.  Use your "green thumb" to create your dream lawn.

WHAT IS A HOME WARRANTY AND DO I NEED IT?

The home of your dreams is finally yours.  You have put months into finding it now reality sets in as you turn the key and walk in. 

Your next door neighbors come over to introduce themselves and while you are getting to know one another the subject of Home Warranty comes up.  Since you did not give much thought to it earlier you are now more than curious.  What is a Home Warranty and Do I need one?  After all you have homeowner's insurance...isn't that the same?

By definition, a home warranty is a service contract designed to pay the cost of repair or replacement of your home appliances and systems.  Typical items covered can include: dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, washers and dryers and other appliances.  Other items: electrical, HVAC and plumbing, septic systems and wells, pool and spa equipment and roof leaks.

The home warranty provides the home owner discounted repair and replacement service.  It reassures the buyer with a measure of protection against defects that may arise after the sale closes.  It is important to note that the homeowner may have little or no say in the model or brand of a replacement component.

The home owner who purchases new construction usually get some type of warranty from the builder for the home's materials and workmanship making a home warranty impractical.

With the purchase of a home warranty protection plan it is important to "read the fine print" regarding limitations.  Be forewarned, some plans may include "improper maintenance" exclusion.  Visit the warranty company's website to read their ratings and reviews, and then visit the Better Business Bureau to compare ratings and reviews. 

As with any type of "insurance" cost is always a factor to consider.  Home warranty protection companies offer various coverage plans and price points.  Shop around and interview companies to determine which provider and what amount of coverage you will need.  

THE CLOSING - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE & WHAT TO EXPECT

You have found the home of your dreams and both you and the seller have agreed on a sale price.  You and your family can hardly wait until you can get settled in your home.  But before the moving van is parked in front of your new home there is The Closing.

If you are a first time buyer you have two questions: "How long does it take?" and "What should I expect?"

On the average closing a home takes 30-45 days to complete the title search, complete the loan process and complete any home inspection and associated repairs.  Depending upon your particular situation though this time can be shorter or longer.


What happens at the closing?  If your closing is taking place at a table with both parties present it is best to allow about an hour for signing necessary documents.  There are also mobile, mail and online closing which can be either faster or slower.

At the closing you will need to carefully review and sign all the legal documents required for the lender to issue the mortgage and transfer the ownership of the property to you.  The closing papers for the buyer can include:

 * The promissory note committing you to repaying the loan. (not applicable in all cash transactions)
 * The mortgage which gives the Lender the right to foreclose on the property should you default on the loan. (not applicable in all cash transactions)
 * The escrow disclosure detailing the charges that will be incorporated into your monthly loan payment. Commonly called PITI (Premium, Interest, Tax, Insurance)(If a cash transaction, you will need to pay for property insurance and prorated taxes)

What to bring to the closing?  Be sure to talk with your real estate agent or attorney regarding what you will need to bring to the closing.  At the very least you will want to bring the following:

 * Your personal form of identification, i.e. driver's license.
 * The Closing Disclosure you received three days prior to the closing.
 * A cashier's check or wire transfer for the funds you owe at closing.

What you will pay at closing?

 * The Lender's origination fee and any third party fees not yet paid.
 * A prorated portion of property tax
 * Interest that will accrue prior to your first mortgage payment
 * An amount towards the homeowner's insurance coverage
 * Title insurance premium
 * Any Home Owner's Association fees if applicable

Once The Closing is finalized and the keys are in your hand it is time to make this house your Home!

  

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words," so what are the photos of your home saying to prospective buyers.

Here are a few tips that may make the difference in your listing and your bottom line at closing.

1. Make a good impression - You have two options when it comes to shooting photos of your home. The first option is you take the pictures and the other is to hire a professional photographer who has experience in photographing homes for sale. 

2. Stage your home - Remember you want to show of the space and not what is in it, so do not leave out distracting items like toys, refrigerator magnets or towels hanging over the shower curtain.  Leave just enough furniture in the room to allow the potential buyer to see themselves and their possession in your home.

3. It is all about lighting - Natural light reigns when it comes to brightening a setting.  Open curtains and turn on all the lights to make the room bright and open.  Avoid rainy days and taking pictures at night as they cast a gloomy feeling throughout your home.  When taking photos of the exterior, overcast days are better so as to avoid casting dark shadows on your home.

4. Choose the best angles and composition - Take the buyer through your home just as though they were walking through your front door.  This is where a tripod comes in handy as it will provide the best angle for framing your pictures.  

5. Don't make your home look like something it is not - Make sure your pictures give the buyer the best perspective of your house.  Don't use photos that distort the actual size of a room.  You know the ones that make the room bigger than it actually is.

6. Take plenty of photos - You can never have too many pictures of your home, the object here is to use the "best of the best" to tell the story of your home.  

Finally, remember the listing presentation will only be as good as your photos.  Include an accurate description that paints an appealing portrait of your home.