Three Subtle Painting Tricks That Will Make Your Home Look Amazing This Spring

When it comes to painting the walls of a house, sometimes subtle is best. You want to add design, color, and texture to the walls, but you don't want it jarring to the eyes. Here are three subtle painting techniques you can try on your home walls.

Tissue Paper Texture

One easy way to add texture to walls is to use tissue paper. You apply the tissue paper to the walls and it stays there until you want something new.

Crumple up a piece of tissue paper into a tight ball and then open it up and smooth it out. Small textured lines will appear on the paper. Those lines will remain when you use the paper on the walls.

Use the colored wall paint as glue to adhere the tissue paper to the wall. Paint an area of the wall that's a little bit bigger than the piece of tissue paper. Press the paper to the painted area and smooth it out so all the edges stick to the wall. Paint over the tissue paper. Repeat the process until the entire wall is covered.

Sponge Color-on-Color Technique

Natural sponges create a unique look on painted walls. If you use two versions of the same color, satin and semi-gloss, then it creates a subtle look that isn't shocking to the eyes. The color is the same but the shine is different.

Paint your wall with the satin color paint. Let it dry completely. Dip the top of the natural sponge in the semi-gloss paint. Dab the sponge to the wall over and over. It's OK to overlap the paint in areas and you aren't going to completely cover the wall.

Once dry, the satin paint will show from beneath the semi-gloss paint creating a neat shine effect.

Taped Stripes

You don't want bold multi-color stripes on your wall because it will stand out too much. Subtle stripes create a beautiful effect.

Choose two colors that sit side-by-side on the color spectrum. Or, choose two similar colors from different companies. Paint companies tend to have slight differences in colors.

Paint the walls your first color choice. Let it dry completely. Tape the walls using painters tape to make stripes. Make them horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. Make them wide or thin. It's up to you. Paint the walls again with the second color choice. Paint right over the tape. When you remove the tape, the first color will show.

These simple and subtle paint techniques will make your walls beautiful. This is especially useful if you plan to sell your home and want to increase its value. Talk with your trusted real estate agent for more information on simple ways to make your home more inviting to potential buyers.


www.SeanMoniri.com

Sean Moniri
REALTOR

Direct: 214-597-3800

Etiquette Tips That Will Help Make the Home Buying Process Go Smoothly

Are you currently shopping for a new home? While it's true that real estate transactions can be stressful, this stress can be minimized by following a few simple tips. For example, following proper etiquette plays a big role in making your real estate experience go smoothly, and these key etiquette tips that are sure to help.

Get pre-approved

Prior to shopping, a buyer should check with a lender to determine the maximum loan amount they qualify for. This is proper etiquette because both the seller and the real estate broker have likely prepared themselves and assume you have as well.

Keep it professional

Shopping for a home seems personal, but keeping interactions on a professional level can ease the awkwardness of the process. One step in that direction is being considerate of others' schedules. Proper etiquette includes being realistic about how many properties can be seen in a span of time. Allowing time for a sellers' special conditions, pets or children is also good etiquette.

Negotiate through a representative

When it's time to negotiate pricing between a buyer and seller, the real estate agent should be used as the intermediary. While touring a property, it is best not to make offers or discuss how much the house is priced for, or make any counter offers without involving the real estate agent. It is also not advisable to point out stains, outdated designs or noticeable damage in the hopes of getting a discount.

Use closing credits

Home sellers should not be surprised once a buyer has decided to close and begins to negotiate the price. Home inspections reveal problems a home has and the buyer's willingness to continue negotiating can depend on how willing the seller is to address those problems. A closing credit can be a win-win for both parties. If the buyer and seller of the home agree on closing credits instead of repairs and inspections, the buyer has the option of hiring a contractor and dealing directly with the contractor if not satisfied. Meanwhile, sellers are typically ready to move out or are not living at the property, so closing credits save them time.

Call a real estate agent to receive guidance on how to navigate a real estate transaction with ease.

How Does Your FICO Score Impact Your Mortgage?

Most people have heard the term FICO score, but some remain confused as to what it actually is and if it affects them when they try to obtain a mortgage. A few questions can be answered to help people understand how it can affect the amount of interest you pay on your loan.

What is a FICO Score?

A FICO score is a credit grade of a borrower, based on credit history as reported to 3 separate credit reporting agencies. It is based on a number of factors, including the amount of credit a person has, payment history, late payments, judgments, loan defaults and other factors.

A mathematical formula developed by Fair Isaac Corporation is used to grade the credit risk the borrower represents. Scores range from 350 to 850. A score of 650 or better is considered good and a score above 750 is considered excellent.

Does a FICO Score Affect a Mortgage Rate?

Mortgage interest rates are calculated in part, on the amount of risk the borrower represents. The higher the risk the borrower presents, the higher the interest rate the lender must charge to account for the risk. With FICO scores, the lower the score means a higher risk, and thus, less favorable mortgage terms. Those with low FICO scores may have difficulty finding a mortgage.


Is a FICO Score Permanent?

No. A credit score will change depending on the borrower’s credit history. A borrower with a lower score can increase it over time by taking certain steps to improve it. Obtaining their credit report is the first step to improvement. It should be reviewed for accuracy, and incorrect entries should be reported. Outstanding judgments, if any, should be paid. Paying down revolving credit card debt also can help.

Three Eco-friendly Home Improvement Projects

Are you a homeowner who is searching for ways to make your home a bit more Eco-friendly? Equipping your home with "green" improvements can save a substantial amount of energy and money, especially over the long term. In today's post we'll explore a few projects that handy do-it-yourself can undertake in order to make a home a bit friendlier to the local environment.

Focus on the Windows

Depending upon the time of year, windows have an impact on both heating and cooling costs. In the summer, older windows can drastically heat up a home causing cooling costs to skyrocket. In the winter, older windows can leak cold air within the home and let out the heat, which causes the heating costs to rise as well.

A simple replacement of older windows can save a homeowner as much as 30 percent on annual energy costs, as newer windows are more efficient at insulating the home against the weather conditions outside. Combining a window upgrade with other energy-related changes can lead to even greater savings. For example, consider installing a ceiling fan in rooms that are generally occupied – such as the living room or family room – as these can circulate cool and warm air and help to reduce energy use.

During the colder months, use as much solar heating as possible. Open up curtains, and trim trees to allow for natural light to enter the home. The sun heats up the home through radiant heating, which is an effective and essentially free source of energy.

Improve Your Insulation

A home that is properly insulated will help to preserve its heat and cool air. Heat can leak out from the home through cracks, but it can also occur through convection heating. The air within the home will eventually cool down from a steady decline of heat when the heat is transferred outside through the walls.

Beyond hot and cool air leaking out from the home, each room within the home can indirectly influence the temperature in adjoining rooms. This is especially true for the garage and any room that shares common walls. By using insulation in the garage, the home may cool down by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Install Smart Thermostats

Some green options simply mean a change in which type of appliances are used. In terms of a thermostat, a "smart" one like the Nest Thermostat can be installed. Use of one can cut energy costs by 20 percent, at minimum, by simply adjusting to the homeowners’ schedule.

What is Private Mortgage Insurance or 'PMI' and How Does It Work?

For many homeowners, their mortgage payment contains more than just principal and interest. A little something called PMI could be representing a significant portion of that payment, and it's important for home buyers to understand this cost.

What Is PMI?

PMI stands for private mortgage insurance, or sometimes just mortgage insurance. However, it isn't intended to mitigate risk for the homeowner, but rather the bank.

Statistics show that when a home buyer puts less than 20% down on a home, he/she is much more likely to default. So, requiring these buyers to carry PMI helps the bank hedge their losses in the event of a default.

It's important to note that the home buyer doesn't shop for PMI; this is all taken care of by the lender. However, the cost of PMI should be calculated out well before closing to help the home buyer be aware of his/her final mortgage payment.

Who Needs PMI?

Who will need to carry PMI depends on factors like the credit rating of the buyer and the exact mortgage being sought out. However, it's safe to say that most home buyers with less than a 20% down payment will be required to carry PMI.


Should Those Who Cannot Put 20% Down, Not Buy A House To Avoid PMI?

Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer. Yes, PMI is an extra cost that needs to be calculated into the cost of the home – but putting off a home purchase isn't necessarily the right course of action.

For many families, it's financially challenging to save up 20% of the cost of a home. However, many find that it's still cheaper, or just financially wiser, to buy a home with PMI than to continue renting.

Visit www.SeanMoniri.com for homes in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas.

Buying or Selling Your Home

Buying or selling real estate is a significant milestone in life. Frequently, it means that a new phase is starting, whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or moving to a new area. However, when the most basic steps are missed, this transition can be fraught with stress and disaster. To ensure a smooth deal, home buyers and sellers alike should be sure to mind the following tips.

Always Be Honest

Honesty and clear communication need to be a two-way street. Home buyers and sellers expect their real estate agent to be honest with them, and likewise it is always necessary for a home buyer or seller to be honest with their real estate agent.

Hiding details or covering up potential problems will only cause more issues when everything comes to light. When important information is withheld, it's possible for delays to occur, costs to rise, or even for the deal to be killed.

It's much better to disclose all necessary information upfront so the situation can be handled appropriately. An expert real estate agent will be able to guide home buyers or sellers through the problems and to a workable solution.

Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent

Buying and selling real estate is not an easy process, so it's never a good idea to try to proceed without a professional who can be trusted.

Far too often, people let friends or family members represent them in real estate transactions. In these cases, it's likely for feelings to be hurt, relationships to be damaged, and trust to be compromised.

Rather, it's recommended for home buyers or sellers to use a real estate agent they do not have a close personal relationship with. That way, they can stand confident that their agent is looking out for their own best interests, and nothing else.

Understand the Market

Far too often, home buyers or sellers fail to recognize their area. If they are the home seller, this means understanding what kind of buyers are looking in their market. If they are the home buyer, this means understanding what kind of neighborhood they would enjoy living in.

Failing to identify this crucial information will waste time for the seller and buyer alike. However, this is where a real estate agent comes in: he or she will know the market inside out and be able to offer valuable counsel.

Home buyers and sellers should call their agent if at any time they have questions; this professional is the key to a smooth real estate transaction.



Any questions regarding to real estate in Dallas and surrounding areas contact Sean Moniri at 214-597-3800, SeanMrealty@gmail.com, or visit www.SeanMoniri.com

The Spring Rains Are Coming - Here's How to Prepare Your Home if You Live in a Flood Zone

If your home is located in a flood zone, it's critical that you know how to get ready for those drenching spring rains. Here are some basic steps any homeowner can take to prepare for potentially devastating floods.

Community emergency plans

Your community has an emergency plan in case of flooding. There are warning signals to alert residents, evacuation routes mapped out and the locations of emergency shelters are given. Get in touch with your community government center if you haven't already received copies of these preparedness plans.

Have a family plan

Floods can be devastating. In an emergency, it's key that every family member knows what to do and where to go. Plan an evacuation route with your family and practice it. Be sure everyone has the name, address and phone number of a family contact who lives out of state in case anyone is separated during a flood event.

Be proactive

Get ready to prevent disaster. Turn off all electrical power to the home as soon as there is any standing water or before you vacate it. Also turn off gas and water supplies if you evacuate. Hire an electrician to raise your electrical outlets, circuit breakers and other electrical component so they are at least a foot above the home's flood elevation mark.

Emergency supplies to have on hand

Being prepared in a flood zone means having emergency supplies available all the time, just in case. Stock your home with supplies that will last at least five full days. Have about five gallons of clean water per person on hand. Stock up on canned foods or other non-perishable food items. Be sure to have a non-electric can opener. Place aside some prescription medications or any other specific medical needs, in addition to a first aid kit. Have a battery-powered radio on hand and extra batteries. Also have a few flashlights at the ready. Sleeping bags or extra blankets are needed, as are personal hygiene supplies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and towels.

Prepare your home well in advance

Finally, you'll want to check on a regular basis that your sump pump is in working order and have a battery-powered back up available. Get a water alarm so you'll know if water is pooling in your basement. Have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out at least twice a year.

Living in a flood zone means that you'll need to be prepared, and there's no better time than now to start getting ready.

Buying a New Home in 2015? Three Tips on How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate

Buying a new home is one of the biggest steps that a person can take. Prior to taking out a home loan, you want to ensure that you get the best interest rate for your mortgage. The lower your rate is, the less you'll pay over the long run. Three key tips that will help you get the best possible mortgage rate are:

Look for Special Programs

The Federal Housing Administration, better known as the FHA, offers a program designed for those looking at buying homes. This program lets applicants apply for loans and get access to better interest rates. The FHA guarantees that loan and agrees to pay off the funds if the borrower defaults. The USDA can also help those interested in purchasing homes in rural areas. This can include farmland, ranches and homes located in smaller towns across the country. The USDA developed this program as a way to increase the population in certain areas. Other programs are available through HUD, especially for those who never owned a home before. HUD is intended to help new homeowners buy homes in underdeveloped and up-and-coming areas. There are also special programs open for those who work as teachers, firefighters and in other positions that help the community at large.

Request Quotes

Not requesting quotes is one of the biggest mistakes that new shoppers make. Did you know that your interest rate can drop by a few percentage points or more just by comparison shopping? Lenders use different criteria when determining who can borrow money and the amount charged, and comparing those quotes ensures that you get the best price. Many individuals think that applying for multiple loans will hurt their credit scores. Note that requesting quotes from top lenders is different than applying for loans and won't harm your credit or FICO score.

Improve Credit Before Applying

Speaking of credit, one of the biggest factors that determines your interest rate is your credit score. A higher credit score of 700 or higher will get you a better interest rate than if you had a score of 650 or less. Improving your score before applying is one of the best ways to get a good rate.

Paying down your debt is an easy way to improve your score, but you can also pay your bills on time to get a better score.

Understanding 2015 USDA Loan Income Limits and How These Can Affect Your USDA Mortgage Eligibility

USDA loans are a favorite among borrowers, especially first-time home buyers, because you can finance 100 percent of the mortgage through this program. Additionally, USDA mortgages have lower mortgage insurance rates than other programs offered by the government, helping to reduce monthly payments.

Many people mistakenly believe that USDA loans are only for rural properties. In fact, these loans are often referred to as "Farm Home Loans." However, under the guidelines of this program, many suburban areas qualify for a USDA loan.

USDA mortgages are guaranteed by the government, making them a very low risk factor for lending institutions. Everyone, even with a little bit of tarnish on their credit history, has an easier time gaining approval for this type of mortgage.

Income Guidelines

The main qualifying factor for a USDA mortgage is income level. USDA loans are designed to help lower income families qualify to purchase a home. The new guidelines for 2015 have just been set and are as follows:

1) The total family income for a family of 1 to 4 cannot exceed $74,750.

2) The total family income for a family of 5 to 8 cannot exceed $98,650.

For every family member over 8, an additional eight percent can be added to the income.

It should be noted that this is the average guideline and may not apply in all areas of the country. The USDA has adjustments in income levels based on the area in consideration. For example, San Francisco, California has the highest cost of living standards in the country. In this area, a family unit of 1 to 4 people would have a base income guideline of $131,100. Income levels can vary within the same state.

To determine the exact income guidelines in your area you should speak with an experienced mortgage professional that is familiar with this program.

 The Benefits Of USDA Mortgages

The largest benefit to this type of mortgage is the ability to finance 100 percent of the cost of the home. The program is designed to encourage homeownership and make it possible for anyone to buy a home. The program also allows mortgage insurance premiums to be rolled into the loan package, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses to home buyers.

USDA loans can be used to purchase a new home or for refinancing a current loan.

Three iPhone and Android Apps That Make Managing Your Mortgage Payments Quick and Easy

Your mortgage payment may be among the largest payments you make every month. While certainly an important part of your budget, this payment is also critical to helping you build equity in your home because it attributes to mortgage principal reduction. Managing your mortgage payments can be challenging, but there are some incredible apps available for use with Android or iPhone smartphones that can simplify your mortgage management tasks.

Mortgage Mentor

This app is available for both iPhones and Android devices, and is designed to be compatible with all types of mortgages. It can calculate PMI for adjustable rate and variable rate mortgages, and it can help you to determine the true cost of a mortgage. Through the use of this intelligent app, you can track your account information in real-time, or you can manipulate the numbers to help you to make more thoughtful and intelligent decisions about your finances.

Loan Calculator Pro

This app is only currently available on iOS devices, but those with this operating system may want to download it today. It has some of the same capabilities as Mortgage Mentor, but it goes a step above and beyond by providing you with mortgage payment notification reminders. It also has a unique feature that allows you to set a final payoff date for your mortgage, and it will calculate how much money you need to pay per month toward your mortgage to accomplish this goal.

Bill Payment Log

The Bill Payment Log app is a unique program that can entirely replace the outdated manual entry checkbook balancing task. It is suitable for use with iOS, Android and even Windows. You can use it to monitor and track payments for all credit accounts, including mortgages. While it does not have the analytical tools associated with some of the other mortgage apps, those who are looking for an all-in-one app that facilitates bill payment tasks for all accounts, this may be a great option to consider.

Making your mortgage payments on time is important, but you also may need to know if you need to pay extra each month and what the effects of that will be. You may also be concerned about "what if" scenarios for your adjustable rate mortgage. There are numerous apps available on the market today that can help you to facilitate your efforts, and these are among the leading choices available.

Did You Know? Here's Why Professionally Shot Aerial Photos and Videos Can Help You Sell Your Home

Today’s homebuyers are savvier about their buying options than ever before. They are able to research prices, browse listings, and investigate other important factors before even making the first call to a real estate agent, so professional photography and video can make the difference between your home getting a second look or getting skipped. In today's blog post we'll explore how professionally-shot aerial photos and videos can help you get your home sold that much quicker.

Buyers Love Having a Birds-Eye View

It’s increasingly likely that buyers will look for aerial photography to help them make their buying decisions. Just like professional ground-level photos of the home and property, and like the video tour that really gives that first-hand feel, aerial shots are something buyers like when evaluating properties.

People enjoy looking at aerial content because it gives them a new perspective. That helps them feel good about their choice to pursue a property. Plus, they take you seriously when you take marketing your property seriously using quality material.

Quality Material Makes Your Property Look Good

Professionals create quality products. They have the skills, tools, and professional eye to make your property and its best features look amazing. Quality marketing materials can even shorten sale time and raise the final list price, too.

Aerial footage is especially effective when topography, land features, and amenities are best displayed from above. Professional aerial shots can really enhance the overall impression of your property.

Professionals Are Certified

The use of unmanned aerial systems – what we commonly call “drones” – is becoming more frequent in the production of commercial photos and videos. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues.

Current Federal Aviation Administration regulation requires that UAS equipment be certified and operated by a certificated pilot when used for commercial purposes. This means that you can’t just buy a drone and take pictures to sell your house. You can’t pay your real estate agent to take them either, unless they also meet the FAA regulations. Hiring a certified operator can save you fines or even legal trouble down the road.

Bottom Line

When you’re ready to take marketing your home to the next level, contact a reputable real estate agency to get started. Professionally shot aerial photos and videos can really make the difference for a prospective buyer when they make the list of “must-see” listings.

Spring Cleaning

Spring is coming faster than you think, and your garage, basement and attic need your attention. From sweeping cobwebs to throwing out old, useless junk and organizing family photos, spring cleaning is essential to keeping a tidy house. Follow these handy guide to organizing your garage, basement and attic once it starts to warm up outside.

Make Room for Your Car     

                    

 

You'll likely need to set aside a full weekend to organize your garage. As you won't be able to complete this task by yourself, get your family or friends to help you out by offering them free pizza for lunch.

Go through every square inch of the garage from top to bottom, including tools, unpacked boxes from when you moved and anything else that gets in your way. Separate the items that you want to sell or donate into one area of your driveway, items that you want keep into another area and stuff that you want to throw away into a separate pile.

Organize the items you want to keep into small, well-marked boxes and place back in the garage. Use as much wall space as possible to store tools and boxes by installing shelves inside your garage. Organize the items you want to sell into separate piles on a tarp in your garage for temporary storage.

De-Clutter Your Basement

Similar to your garage; you'll want to get rid of the clutter in your basement. Make sure you have enough room for multiple piles of items and be aware that you'll need to add to your garage piles later on.

Organize your items into three piles: one pile for items you wish to keep, another one for items you wish to sell and the final pile for items you want to throw out. If you have a significant amount of clothing in your basement, you might want to consider purchasing mobile hanger units and place them against the wall.

Turn Your Attic Into an Inviting Room

Your attic doesn't have to be a storage space if you can clean it up and organize it correctly. Place everything you want into marked boxes and dust the attic before you place them in their respective areas.

Selling and throwing away personal belongings can be a huge hassle, especially if you have an emotional attachment to them. Generally speaking, items that are broken, expired or out of date can be thrown away while items that you no longer use but don't hold much sentimental value can be sold or donated.

2015 and Kitchen Design: Three Trends That You Need to Be Aware of Before You Renovate

Renovating your kitchen is an excellent way to improve its look, increase the value of your home and appeal to a more diverse range of home buyers if you decide to sell. However, a kitchen remodel can easily cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more, which is why you want to make choices that you can live with. Learning more about some of hottest trends for 2015 can help you decide what you want and don't want in your kitchen.

Traditional Is Back

Trends come and go, but the classics remain constant. One of the hottest renovation trends for 2015 is a more traditional look. Homeowners today are no longer attached to trendy colors and modern designs; they want homes that have a more traditional look and will retain that traditional look for years to come.

Experts predict that 2015 will bring a return to darker wood colors for cabinets, tables, counters and even floors. There are also some reports that homeowners will use oil rubbed bronze and darker pulls and handles on cabinets and drawers as opposed to flashy and contemporary chrome accents. Other trends include rustic farmhouse tables, double porcelain sinks and natural stone counters.

Going Green

It's hard to go anywhere today without seeing or hearing about green decorating trends, and those trends carry over into kitchens. Homeowners want products made from recycled materials and the chance to "go green" at home. Adding a recycling center is just one of the hottest trends for the kitchen.

Designers also found that homeowners want counters and floors made from recycled or sustainable materials. Bamboo is a sustainable construction material that works well in flooring applications. Homeowners can also find counters made from old tires, soda bottles and other recycled goods.

Homeowners Want More Space

Ask anyone want they need in their homes, and the odds are good that many will say they need more space. Recessed lighting is one trendy accent that adds more space and reduces the number of fixtures and cords hanging down from the ceiling. Other ways to add more space include adding an island with storage to the center of the room and cutting down on the number of cabinets lining the walls.

Bottom Line

There are a number of trendy ways that you can renovate and change your kitchen. Going green, adding more space and bringing in traditional elements are just a few of those ways. Talk with a real estate agent about other changes you can make that will add value to your kitchen.