Monday, May 15, 2017 / by Martin French
Summer is coming and school is letting out all along Florida's Treasure Coast. This is a very exciting time for the young ones, but the abrupt change in schedule can wreak havoc on our adult lives. Of course there is always the "go play outside" option, as we try to grasp just a few moments of what was once our silent, peaceful day, but this option is typically short lived.
That being said, we have compiled this list of fun summer activities for you and the kiddos that will prove to be much more enjoyable than just sitting around the house. They are also very affordable, if not free, so you won't have to bust your budget on summertime adventures. Just click the links for more information on any of these activities.
Home Depot Kids Hands On Workshops - FREE
Get some shopping done while the kids tackle fun DIY projects at these workshops. Workshops for kids take place on the first Saturday of the month and materials needed to complete the project are included. The kid ...
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Saturday, June 18, 2016 / by Martin French
Selling your home doesn′t just mean hiring a realtor to stick a sign out front. There are a lot of preparations you should make to ensure you get the best offer possible in the shortest time.
Repair.
Just because you’ve gotten used to the cracks in the walls and the rattles in the radiators doesn’t mean a buyer will too. If you have hardwood floors that need refinishing, be sure to get it done—hardwood is a huge selling point. Buyers like to snoop around, so be sure to fix any sticky doors or drawers as well. Finally, don’t forget to address any issues with the exterior—fences, shingles, sidewalks, etc. After all, without curb appeal, some buyers may never get to see the inside.
Neutralize.
You want buyers to see themselves in your home. If your living room has lime green shag, wood-paneled walls, and all your collectibles and personal photographs, this will be much harder for them to do. Try replacing any bold color choices in your f ...
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Wednesday, June 15, 2016 / by Cindy Hurley
Looking to buy a home? Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible.
Get your finances in order.
Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This will put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house.
Find a house you can afford.
As with engagement rings, there’s a general rule of thumb when it comes to buying a home: two-and-a-half times your annual salary. There are also a number of tools and calculators online that can help you understand how your income, debt, and expenses affect what you can afford. Don’t forget, too, that there are lots of considerations beyond the sticker price, including property taxes, energy costs, etc.
Hire a professional.
While the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings and ...
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Wednesday, June 1, 2016 / by Martin French
Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.
Research before you move.
It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there before.
Have a plan.
There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up th ...
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