At Home In The Poconos

If you’ve purchased a home with an existing fireplace or are interested in installing one, there are a few things you should know. There are a handful of different fireplace types—each with its own unique maintenance and operating requirements—that homeowners need to be well-versed in for safety and cosmetic purposes.

If you’re looking to lower the interest rate on your existing loan, you may be thinking of refinancing your mortgage. And if you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage, you may be considering switching gears entirely and taking advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage.

Anyone who wants to sell their home should get their mind in the gutter because if a house’s gutter system isn’t working properly, it can lead to many problems.

Gutters serve an extremely important purpose—directing water away from your house. Without gutters, rainwater can damage roofs, enter homes, flood basements, destroy gardens and even damage the house’s foundation.

Like anything else in life, what you see when you look at a home is not always what you get. What might look like a charming Colonial on the outside can be riddled with problems on the inside—leaving you, the buyer, with a big mess.

Luckily, there’s something that can prevent this problem from plaguing you long after the “for sale” sign comes down: a home inspection.

For those thinking about buying, here is quote from Vincent Van Gogh:

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”

Artists take risks, too.  They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt.

How to Spot a Good Buy, Part 3

Don’t forget the old adage:  location, location, location.

 Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood.

 Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block.

 Consider the amount of traffic or noise.  Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price.

 Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. 

Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home.