Tag Archives: CRISTINA OPREAN

How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a House?

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One of the top pieces of advice for anyone planning to buy a house is to make a watertight budget. However, it’s worth noting that your budget needs to account for many things beyond the down payment.

Closing costs are easy to overlook, but to do so would be a costly mistake that could cause you to fall into debt or lose out on your dream home. With that in mind, let’s examine just how much you can expect to pay in closing costs.

The amount you pay on closing costs depends on several variables. However, on average, buyers in the U.S. can expect to pay anything between 2% and 5% of the total sale price. Meanwhile, the figure is generally slightly lower in Canada, usually between 1.5% and 4% for a typical house purchase.

How Much Are Refinancing Closing Costs?

If you’re planning to refinance your home, you’ll also need to pay closing costs, typically between 2% and 6% of the total loan amount. These closing costs comprise several services, some with a flat fee and others charged as a percentage.

How Much Are Closing Costs for the Seller?

If you’re also selling your home while buying a new one, you must budget for the closing fees on both transactions. It’s usually the seller’s responsibility to pay any real estate agent commissions, which can add a hefty chunk to the closing costs, typically around 5% to 6% of the sale price. In addition, you can expect to pay an extra 1% to 3% in other closing fees, taking the total to around 6% – 8%.

Breaking Down the Typical Closing Costs for Buyers

Now that you know how much you should budget for closing costs, let’s look at each component in detail.

Legal Fees

You’ll typically need to work with a closing attorney when buying a home. It’s their job to oversee the entire process, and while they don’t represent either the buyer or the seller, their fee is generally split between the two. Depending on your location, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,500.

Appraisal Fee

Your lender will need to have the house valued before they agree to lend you the money you need to purchase it. On average, it costs $300 to have a house appraised, though it may be more for larger properties. In addition, if the seller completes repairs on the home after the appraisal, your lender may require a reinspection, which costs another $300.

Mortgage Fees

There are several fees associated with your mortgage. These include credit report fees, around $30, and application fees which generally cost between $300 and $500. But, most important is the mortgage orientation fee that all lenders charge to cover their services and admin costs. On average, this will cost around 1% of the loan value, though some lenders offer lower prices, and it’s a good idea to shop around.

Title Insurance Policy

Typically required by the lender, this insurance protects both the lender and the owner against future title claims. It can cost anywhere between $500 and $3,500 depending on the location and size of the property.

Home Inspection (optional)

While not mandatory, it’s well worth having your future home inspected by a professional before signing on the dotted line. Depending on the size of the house, it typically costs between $250 and $700. Of course, for additional inspections, such as lead paint, pest and roof, you’ll need to budget more.

Escrow Fees

An escrow account is a third-party holding account in which you’ll deposit various fees, such as the down payment. Once the sale is complete, the funds will be distributed to the appropriate individuals. Escrow fees typically cost around 1% of the sale price. This is often split between the buyer and seller, though it must be agreed upon first.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)/Mortgage Default Insurance

If your down payment is less than 20%, most lenders will require you to take out mortgage insurance. PMI costs between 0.5% and 2.5% of the mortgage and is usually rolled into your mortgage payments. However, you’ll often need to pay the first month before closing.

Recording and Documentation Fees

Several companies will be involved in processing your real estate transaction, each with a fee to be paid. Courier fees are required if you’ve had to send your documents physically and typically cost around $20. Bank processing fees are also required, generally between $25 and $100, and you’ll need a notary to make the signing of all documents official, so another $100. Finally, the lender will charge a recording fee of around $50 to pay the county to make a public record of the transaction.

Prepaid Property Taxes and Utilities

Any taxes and utilities that have been paid ahead by the seller need to be reimbursed by the buyer. The attorney will calculate the cost, which generally runs between $1000 and $2000.

House Insurance

Most lenders require you to take out homeowners insurance, typically paid annually or biannually. The cost varies by house type and location, so be sure to get a few quotes.

10 Pool Design Ideas to Transform Your Backyard

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A swimming pool can be a superb addition to your backyard. Not only does it provide a fantastic way to cool off and enjoy some exercise, but it’s also a great place for socializing. And the best news? Gone are the days of standard rectangular pools that look somewhat out of place.

New materials and building techniques have enabled imaginative designers to create endless pool designs. So, no matter your space, you can almost certainly find a pool to fit. Whether it blends in or stands out, the choice is yours.

Let’s take a look at ten fabulous pool design ideas:

1. The Natural Look

This design focuses on allowing your pool to fit in with the nature around it rather than standing out like a sore thumb. Remember, there are no straight lines in nature, so a curved pool design is best. Surround the water with natural elements such as rocks, pebbles and shrubs, and maybe even add a waterfall. Use local plants and trees to complete the look, or simply work with what is already there.

2. Shipping Container Pool

This innovative design allows you to quickly and easily add a pool to any space. Work with a professional company to create a heated pool that’s safe and attractive. It can either stand atop the ground, complete with viewing glass and steps up to it, or be dug into the soil.

3. Flower Pool

This colorful design sees your swimming pool bordered by a dazzling array of flowers. Sure to cause a splash, it not only looks fantastic but will smell great too. Care should be taken to prevent the pool water from reaching the plants; otherwise, you’re free to experiment. With proper planning, your pool can be surrounded by color throughout the season.

4. Desert Oasis

Create an oasis in the desert with this fabulous design that works great in hotter climates. Your pool sits amid a landscape of drought-tolerant plants and shrubs, with boulders and sand to complete the look. Add a palm tree for that classic vibe, and be sure to provide some shade, perhaps a canvas canopy.

5. Tropical Paradise

This is a top choice for subtropical climates and makes the most of the weather and plants that you’re likely to already have in your yard. Coral stone flagstones surround a brilliant, blue mood-lit pool, recreating the tropics’ bright white sands and sea. Further back, lush green tropical shrubs, grasses and trees complete the look.

6. Historical Restoration

If you own a historic house, why not create a pool that matches it? Use materials that would have been common when it was built, such as period clay tiles to match a Colonial home, for instance. And don’t forget to add the relevant features from the time, including fountains and spa areas.

7. To Infinity and Beyond

If you own the house on the hill and your yard commands a stunning view, it’s well worth creating a pool that takes it all in. Infinity pools are a great choice in these situations, allowing you to swim to the horizon and enjoy the view.

8. Rustic Retreat

Looking to capture the rustic feel of a Tuscan farmhouse? This design uses a curvilinear pool shape that fits naturally into the landscape. Surrounded by large natural stone paving slabs, pebbles and grasses with the occasional shrub, it oozes charm.

9. Enclosed Lap Pool

Designed for those looking to enjoy a little exercise all year-round, this heated pool is ideal for cooler climates. Rather than being outside, it’s enclosed in its own room, with large windows looking outside and providing natural light. As a narrow lap pool, it won’t take up much space either.

10. Rock Pool

With a cascading waterfall and natural rock flagstones surrounding the pool, you’ll feel as if you’re swimming in a secret cave! Large, free-standing boulders add to the effect, with the occasional shrub or fern to provide a little color. A rounded pool design works best in this case, adding to the rugged, natural look. For something a little special, why not add a rustic stone bridge?

 

What to Rent: Condo vs. Apartment

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If you’re looking to rent, you may be struggling to choose between apartments and condos. At first glance, they seem more or less the same. But delve a little deeper, and you’ll find many differences. Let’s take a closer look and figure out which is the best option for you.

Both apartments and condos are individual residential units within a larger building containing several other similar units. They can be within tower blocks or smaller buildings, with or without amenities such as a swimming pool or doorman. But despite these similarities, there are several differences worth knowing.

1.     Ownership

Ownership is by far the most significant difference between condos and apartments. In an apartment complex, all units are owned by one person, whereas in a condo building, each individual unit has a different owner.

2.     Management

Apartment building owners generally work with a management company to deal with tenants, maintenance, and other tasks. A condo building is usually managed by a homeowners association (HOA), which sets the rules and takes care of shared spaces. When renting a condo, you deal with your landlord, the owner of the unit, rather than a management company.

3.     Maintenance and Repairs

While renting an apartment, if something goes wrong, you can generally contact the management company 24/7, and they will take care of the issue. In a condo, however, you’ll need to get in touch with your landlord, who might not always be available. In case of any urgent repairs that surface, you might have to pay the bill yourself and recover the money afterward. It’s best to agree on such scenarios in advance.

4.     Rules

In a condo, the HOA will set the ground rules that owners and tenants must adhere to regarding common spaces and outside decoration. Within the condo unit, the owner may impose additional restrictions, such as no pet policies, for instance. Apartments also come with rules, though these tend to be stricter with no room for negotiation. In either case, be sure to check the lease agreement thoroughly before you sign.

5.     Costs and Fees

In a condo, the unit owner is solely responsible for setting the rent. This means that tenants in the same building, in similar units, often pay different rents. In addition, the rent will typically also include the HOA fee and the utilities. You’ll basically be paying a flat fee throughout the year and won’t have to worry about seasonal fluctuations. With these fees added to the rent, condos are often considered more expensive, but it isn’t always the case.

When renting an apartment, utilities are often billed separately, while maintenance and repair costs are typically rolled into your rent, in addition to the upkeep of any shared amenities.

Condo or Apartment? Which Is the Right Choice for Me?

To answer this question, it’s worth looking at the major advantages of both options.

Condo Pros:

  • Great condition and amenities: Condos owners tend to put more personal touches into their units and may install upgrades to improve their chances of finding a tenant. Plus, there’s a chance that the owner previously lived in the unit, so it’s more likely to be in good condition. Apartment owners may be more likely to cut corners on these things.
  • More room for negotiation: Not all condo owners are looking to make a profit from their tenants. Some simply want to cover their costs and ensure the unit is lived in and looked after. As such, you may find more room to negotiate on price, pet policies and renovation requests.

Apartment Pros:

  • Experienced management: With a professional management company, many things are streamlined, such as trash collection, online rent payments, repairs, complaints and maintenance requests. They are often available round the clock to take care of issues as and when they arise.

In general, if you prefer the peace of mind of not having to worry about dealing with maintenance and repairs and don’t mind having any say in what appliances and amenities you have installed, an apartment is a good choice.

Meanwhile, a condo may be the better option if you’d prefer a more personal relationship with your landlord and the potential flexibility that might come with that. The flip side is that in case of repairs and maintenance, things don’t always run as smoothly as they might with an apartment.

How Much Are Closing Costs When Buying a House?

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One of the top pieces of advice for anyone planning to buy a house is to make a watertight budget. However, it’s worth noting that your budget needs to account for many things beyond the down payment.

Closing costs are easy to overlook, but to do so would be a costly mistake that could cause you to fall into debt or lose out on your dream home. With that in mind, let’s examine just how much you can expect to pay in closing costs.

The amount you pay on closing costs depends on several variables. However, on average, buyers in the U.S. can expect to pay anything between 2% and 5% of the total sale price. Meanwhile, the figure is generally slightly lower in Canada, usually between 1.5% and 4% for a typical house purchase.

How Much Are Refinancing Closing Costs?

If you’re planning to refinance your home, you’ll also need to pay closing costs, typically between 2% and 6% of the total loan amount. These closing costs comprise several services, some with a flat fee and others charged as a percentage.

How Much Are Closing Costs for the Seller?

If you’re also selling your home while buying a new one, you must budget for the closing fees on both transactions. It’s usually the seller’s responsibility to pay any real estate agent commissions, which can add a hefty chunk to the closing costs, typically around 5% to 6% of the sale price. In addition, you can expect to pay an extra 1% to 3% in other closing fees, taking the total to around 6% – 8%.

Breaking Down the Typical Closing Costs for Buyers

Now that you know how much you should budget for closing costs, let’s look at each component in detail.

Legal Fees

You’ll typically need to work with a closing attorney when buying a home. It’s their job to oversee the entire process, and while they don’t represent either the buyer or the seller, their fee is generally split between the two. Depending on your location, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,500.

Appraisal Fee

Your lender will need to have the house valued before they agree to lend you the money you need to purchase it. On average, it costs $300 to have a house appraised, though it may be more for larger properties. In addition, if the seller completes repairs on the home after the appraisal, your lender may require a reinspection, which costs another $300.

Mortgage Fees

There are several fees associated with your mortgage. These include credit report fees, around $30, and application fees which generally cost between $300 and $500. But, most important is the mortgage orientation fee that all lenders charge to cover their services and admin costs. On average, this will cost around 1% of the loan value, though some lenders offer lower prices, and it’s a good idea to shop around.

Title Insurance Policy

Typically required by the lender, this insurance protects both the lender and the owner against future title claims. It can cost anywhere between $500 and $3,500 depending on the location and size of the property.

Home Inspection (optional)

While not mandatory, it’s well worth having your future home inspected by a professional before signing on the dotted line. Depending on the size of the house, it typically costs between $250 and $700. Of course, for additional inspections, such as lead paint, pest and roof, you’ll need to budget more.

Escrow Fees

An escrow account is a third-party holding account in which you’ll deposit various fees, such as the down payment. Once the sale is complete, the funds will be distributed to the appropriate individuals. Escrow fees typically cost around 1% of the sale price. This is often split between the buyer and seller, though it must be agreed upon first.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)/Mortgage Default Insurance

If your down payment is less than 20%, most lenders will require you to take out mortgage insurance. PMI costs between 0.5% and 2.5% of the mortgage and is usually rolled into your mortgage payments. However, you’ll often need to pay the first month before closing.

Recording and Documentation Fees

Several companies will be involved in processing your real estate transaction, each with a fee to be paid. Courier fees are required if you’ve had to send your documents physically and typically cost around $20. Bank processing fees are also required, generally between $25 and $100, and you’ll need a notary to make the signing of all documents official, so another $100. Finally, the lender will charge a recording fee of around $50 to pay the county to make a public record of the transaction.

Prepaid Property Taxes and Utilities

Any taxes and utilities that have been paid ahead by the seller need to be reimbursed by the buyer. The attorney will calculate the cost, which generally runs between $1000 and $2000.

House Insurance

Most lenders require you to take out homeowners insurance, typically paid annually or biannually. The cost varies by house type and location, so be sure to get a few quotes.

Buying a Fixer-Upper House: What You Should Know

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Based on what you see on TV shows, buying a fixer-upper seems like an easy way to make a lot of cash with a bit of basic DIY. But unfortunately, the reality is a little different. On the one hand, fixer-upper houses can be extremely affordable and a solid investment. On the other, they can also quickly become money pits.

With that in mind, let’s look at some of the most important things to know when buying a fixer-upper.

You Need a Solid Budget

Like any real estate transaction, buying a fixer-upper requires creating an air-tight budget. Before you even start searching, you need to know what you can afford. Unlike a typical real estate transaction, however, your budget needs to factor in the cost of repairs, as well as the home’s price tag, closing costs and all those other hidden fees.

When you create a budget for a fixer-upper, you need a firm figure in mind that you’re willing to spend on the project. Be sure to add an extra 15% since even the best-laid plans don’t always pan out. With this figure in mind, you’ll be better placed to decide what level of renovations you can afford, which can dictate the most suitable homes for you.

You Have Various Financing Options

While we’re talking about budgets, it’s worth knowing that in both Canada and the U.S., you can take out a special mortgage aimed at fixer-uppers. In the U.S., you have the following options:

  • Fannie Mae HomeStyle Loan: Funds for renovations go into an escrow account to pay contractors; a 5% down payment is required; lower interest rates than HELOC; can be used for primary and vacation homes, as well as investment properties.
  • Freddie Mac’s CHOICERenovation Mortgage: A 5% down payment is required; lower interest rates than HELOC; can be used for primary and vacation homes, as well as investment properties.
  • FHA 203(k) loan: The cost of renovating and buying the home is rolled into one loan; lower credit score requirement compared to a conventional loan.
  • VA renovation loan: The cost of renovating and buying the home is rolled into one loan; must use a VA-approved contractor.

Meanwhile, in Canada, you may be eligible for a renovation mortgage, which boasts lower interest rates and a longer amortization period with lower repayments.

You Should Have the Property Thoroughly Inspected

It’s always good to have your potential new home inspected by a home inspector, but with a fixer-upper, it’s essential. In fact, there are several specialized inspections that are worth spending a little more on to ensure you’re not buying a home with significant problems.

  • Pest inspections: Essential in areas with termite, ant or beetle problems.
  • Roof certifications: Provides evidence of the age and condition of the roof.
  • Sewage inspections: Aging septic tanks and sewage lines can cost a lot to replace.
  • Engineering report: Discloses any existing or potential natural or geological hazards.

In addition, be sure to have foundations, HVAC systems and electrical systems thoroughly checked, as these can also be extremely expensive and time-consuming to repair. If there are issues, they are often not worth the cost or effort to fix, so be sure to make your offer contingent on the result of these various inspections.

You Need a Plan

You’ll need to think ahead when buying a fixer-upper, and a solid plan will save a lot of stress. For example, how much of the work can you do yourself? Can you afford to hire contractors for major jobs? Will you live on-site during renovations? Ask these questions, and even if you intend to make this your forever home, plan as if you’ll be selling soon. And remember to plan for delays too, as they’re frequent in construction projects.

Location is Key

No matter how amazing you make your home, you can never change its location. So remember, plan to sell. A great house in a bad neighborhood, or next to noisy, smelly or unappealing amenities, will struggle to sell. Some sound advice is to buy the worst house on the best street. A fixer-upper can be a great way to get into your dream neighborhood at an affordable price.

What Is House Hacking?

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Owning a home can be a great way to steadily build up cash reserves. But what if you could speed up the process? House hacking is a technique used by real estate investors to pay all, or a portion, of their mortgage while living in the home they purchased.

In this way, they’re able to pay off their mortgage faster and eventually build a rental portfolio. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s take a closer look.

The Basics

House hacking takes advantage of the lower financial costs of buying a primary residence rather than an investment property. As a result, it enables almost anyone who owns their home to make extra money that helps cover mortgage repayments. In the best case, house hackers are able to cover their mortgage entirely and have some cash left over.

It works by renting out part of your home to tenants and is a great way to ease into investing in real estate. The best results come from buying a multifamily house, such as a duplex, triplex or quadruplex, although a single family home can also be house hacked.

The Benefits of House Hacking

From financial gains to getting landlord experience, there are plenty of benefits to house hacking:

  • It’s a superb way to ease into real estate investing and become familiar with being a landlord
  • Proximity to tenants for easy communication and troubleshooting
  • Financing a primary residence is often cheaper than an investment property
  • Building up equity faster
  • The possibility of tax reductions

Typical House Hacking Strategies

Want to give house hacking a go? Here are some pointers:

Choose the Right Property

Larger multifamily properties are the best option when it comes to house hacking. In general, the more units you will be able to rent out, the better. So while a duplex is good, a triplex or quadruplex is better since you’ll have more income streams.

The idea is for you to live in one of the units and rent the others out. Multifamily homes are ideal since they come complete with ready-to-go living units, with bedroom, bathroom and kitchen as a minimum.

In an ideal situation, the home you buy will start as your primary residence but will eventually be rented out entirely once you can either expand your renting portfolio or move to the house of your dreams.

Location Counts

Some areas only allow mixed-family or multi-unit properties, while others allow a mix of single family homes and multi-units. In general, the latter is preferable as investors are less likely to flood the area with tenants and larger apartment buildings. So, be sure to check zoning laws before you make an offer.

Desirable parts of town are more expensive but also easier to find tenants for. Proximity to public transport as well as job opportunities is essential, so be sure to research any potential location. Also, look for areas free from HOA restrictions, as some can prohibit non-owner occupancy or short-term rentals.

Other desirable traits to look out for include plenty of parking space and peaceful areas. Finally, check out the vacancy rate of local rental properties and how much average rents are. If there’s a high vacancy rate, it’s perhaps not the best location.

Understand Your Financing Options

Once you find the right home, be sure to make the most of your financing options. As your primary residence, a multifamily home can be bought using a conventional loan through a traditional lender. These loans typically boast better interest rates and lower down payments than if you were to apply for an investment property.

Crunching the Numbers

Before you make an offer on a property, be sure to do the math. First, you need to know how much potential income you can hope for and how long it will take before you’re able to refinance. Ideally, it won’t take too long before you can turn the equity in your first property into cash to put as a down payment in your next one.

Thinking Outside the Box: How to Hack any House

While a multifamily home is ideal, it’s not the only way to house hack. A single family home with several bedrooms can also be a great choice, with each extra room being rented out in a house-share system.

Alternatively, a converted attic, basement or garage can work just as well as a stand-alone apartment that can be rented out while you live in the main home or vice versa. Or, if space allows, you can build an additional dwelling unit (ADU)on your land.

Finally, short-term rentals are also a great way to make extra cash without worrying about managing a full-time tenant.

Feast Your Eyes on These Jaw-dropping Outdoor Living Spaces

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Summertime is the perfect time to make the most of warm weather and get in touch with nature. And while walking on natural trails and spending time in lush parks are lovely activities, relaxing and taking in the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your home remains something truly special.

Just think of enjoying an invigorating cup of coffee on your porch at sunrise or savoring a nice al fresco dinner with the family on the patio while the sun sets. It makes you smile, doesn’t it? Top that off with some breathtaking surrounding decor and jaw-dropping landscaping, and you know you’ve got an exterior sanctuary to soothe your soul.

Since we can’t get enough of well-designed spaces, we’ve put together a list of ten stunning outdoor areas to calm the senses and, why not? offer inspiration for your future home remodeling projects. From manicured gardens to cozy retreats and chic backyards, feast your eyes on these amazing exterior areas and be prepared to experience outdoor living at its finest!

1. A Casual Setting Around the Fire

2. A Relaxing SPA-like Area

3. A Swinging Setup in the Garden

4. A Romantic Vintage Retreat

5. An Oriental Sanctuary

6. An Oasis under the Tree

7. A Calming Zen Deck

8. A Stylish Outdoor Lounge

9. A Cozy Escape

10. An Airy Cinema Set Up

Home Inspection Checklist: What Home Inspectors Look For

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Sellers might not always be thrilled to have their homes inspected, but it’s not all bad. It gives you a chance to keep on top of any issues and, in many ways, makes it easier for you to sell your home. So, knowing what to expect from the home inspection can go a long way to seeing your home pass with flying colors.

Home Inspections — The Basics

In general, home inspectors will spend between two and four hours examining the following components:

  • Roof and gutters
  • Attic
  • HVAC systems
  • Interior plumbing and electrical systems
  • Structural elements such as walls, ceilings and floors
  • Windows and doors
  • Foundations
  • Basement
  • Exterior elements

Their goal is to identify defects within the home’s structural integrity, as well as appliances. Inspectors will focus on various components that may be nearing the end of their lifespan or have been damaged or neglected, causing them to become unsafe. The results are written up into a report that buyers can use to assist in their decision to buy the house in question.

Your Home Inspection Checklist

Knowing what an inspector will look at gives you a chance to repair any damage and address any issues in advance.

1.     The Roof

In general, inspectors will look for issues with sagging, problems with shingles, mold and signs of water damage and leaks. They will also look at your gutters.

Be sure to fix up any loose shingles, clear your gutters and repair leaks, and finally fix any chimney damage.

2.     The Attic

In the attic, the inspector will continue to look for signs of water damage from a leaking roof and examine the insulation.

Ensure you have sufficient insulation in place. In cold climates, icicles hanging from the edge of your roof can indicate issues with insulation in the attic. If there are any signs of leaks, have them repaired.

3.     HVAC systems

Inspectors generally look at the age of HVAC systems, leaks, issues with pressure, sediment build-up and corrosion.

If your system isn’t working properly, be sure to have it checked and repaired by a professional. It’s well worth replacing any filters before the inspection, and also, be sure that there’s no chimney or fireplace damage. If the system is in really bad shape, consider replacing it entirely, or prepare to reduce your sale price.

4.     Plumbing

A decent inspector will take a good look at the entire plumbing system of a house, examining basic pipework, sump pumps and septic tanks.

Be sure that you have good drainage throughout the home, check for outdated or leaking pipework, and ensure all toilets, sinks, showers and baths are functioning correctly.

5.     Electrical systems

All electrical systems will be thoroughly checked to ensure that everything is up-to-code and safe. Inspectors must be extremely thorough, as outdated or faulty wiring can be fatal.

If required, update the wiring throughout your home, as well as circuit breakers and grounding to make sure they’re up to code. Also, check that all exhaust fans, power sockets and light fixtures are working correctly. Finally, test all your fire and smoke detectors.

6.     Structural Elements

Home inspectors spend a good amount of time ensuring the house will remain standing for the foreseeable future. In doing so, they will check ceilings, walls, the roof and foundations.

Ensure your walls and ceilings are straight and level with no stains or cracks. Keep an eye out for signs of water damage or mold and repair any issues. Sticking doors throughout the home can indicate significant problems with the foundations, as can large cracks in the walls and uneven floors. In this case, have a professional take a look.

7.     Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can allow heat to escape the home if they’re not properly sealed. Moreover, if they’re faulty, they can be a cause for concern.

Check the caulk around all windows and doors and reseal if necessary. In addition, install drip caps on your windows, replace faulty handles, secure wood trims and frames, and replace any cracked panes.

8.     The Basement

As they inspect the basement, inspectors will mostly look for evidence of foundation problems, issues with damp and adequate insulation.

Tackle any signs of water damage and fix any issues with dampness. Also, ensure sufficient insulation is installed. Large cracks and broken brickwork in the basement can hint at foundation issues, so have these seen to.

9.     Exterior Elements

Inspectors will also take a good look at the outside of your home. Besides cosmetic issues, they’ll be looking for evidence of water damage.

Repair any damage to sidings and trims and repaint the exterior walls and frames if necessary. With stucco, repair any loose or damaged areas. Check your water spouts and gutters, and make sure that water is draining away from the house properly.

How to Reduce Food Waste at Home

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Food waste is becoming a serious problem. On a global scale, food products that end up rotting in landfills produce huge amounts of methane gas, significantly contributing to climate change. On a more personal scale, wasting food at home is literally like throwing money in the trash can.

Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to reduce food waste at home. Let’s take a look.

Plan Your Meals

Having a weekly food plan allows you to keep your kitchen organized and your food supplies in check. It’s also a great way to make the most of your shopping trips, ensuring you pick up the things you know you’ll use. Don’t worry; you can keep things flexible and change it up a bit, but with a good idea of what you’re eating most days, you can soon reduce food waste.

Avoid Buying in Bulk

In today’s hectic world, many of us prefer to do one big weekly or even monthly shop to save time. This generally means you’ll need to buy a lot of your food in bulk. However, incorrect storage or unforeseen circumstances can result in a lot of that food ending up in the trash can. So, if it’s possible, it’s better to head to the store more frequently and buy smaller amounts of things like fruit, veg, meat and dairy products. This way, things are less likely to expire or get forgotten about.

Explore Pickles and Preserves

If you do happen to buy too many fruits or vegetables, there’s no need to panic. Humans have been preserving foods for millennia, and there’s no reason not to in this day and age. Pickling, canning, fermenting or making chutneys and jams out of your excess fruit and veg is a superb way to prolong their lifespan and create some tasty treats. Extra meat can also be cured, smoked or dried to ensure it stays good to eat for months.

Use Your Leftovers

One of the biggest sources of food waste at home is the odds and ends thrown out. Peels, stems, tops and tails all seem to end up in the trash can. But they can still be put to good use, and they’re filled with nutrients, fiber, vitamins and more. For example, broccoli and mushrooms stems can make an excellent addition to stocks or soups, while berry tops, fruit and veg peels and wilted herbs are much more appetizing when blended into a smoothie.

Take Expiry Dates with a Pinch of Salt

Another major source of food waste at home comes from misread expiry dates on food packaging. Most products feature a sell-by date, used to aid stores and markets in stock rotation. However, many people interpret this date as the expiry and often throw such goods out without even checking that they’re still good. Even the actual expiry date should be taken with a pinch of salt. Trust your senses, and if an ‘expired’ product still looks, smells and feels okay, there’s normally no reason to throw it out.

Make the Most of Your Freezer

In terms of food preservation, the home freezer is one of the greatest achievements of the previous century. It allows you to prolong the lifespan of a whole host of foodstuffs, from raw meat to cooked meals. A freezer can be a superb way to ensure you never have to throw excess food away and is also an excellent place to keep batches of stocks, soups and even lemon and lime juice.

Use Sensible Storage

Poor storage can cause things like fruit, vegetables and meat to degrade faster. Meat and dairy should almost always be stored in the fridge, but be careful with things like onions, tomatoes, garlic and potatoes, which are better stored at room temperature. Also, keep bananas, apples and tomatoes away from other fruit and veg to ensure they don’t ripen too fast. With packaged goods, use stock rotation methods to ensure that the items with the shortest expiry date are always at the front and easiest to reach.

Think Before You Throw

Before you throw anything away, catch yourself and think if there’s a better option. If you end up with excess raw food, look to see if any local food banks or charities could make better use of it.

Set a Compost Challenge

So much of the food we throw away can be put to excellent use as compost. From vegetable peels to tea leaves, coffee grinds to eggshells; each can break down slowly to create a superb natural fertilizer. If you have a garden, a compost heap is a no-brainer. However, even if you don’t have an outdoor space, it’s worth keeping a compost container. Many municipalities run composting programs and will gladly take your leftovers from you.

 

How to Start a Vegetable Garden in 8 Steps

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Starting a vegetable garden is a fantastic way to become self-sustainable. And with spring around the corner, there’s no better time to start planning. Here’s our eight-step guide that will help any beginner gardener prepare.
 

1. Pick Your Location

Take a look at your garden and observe how much light it gets throughout the day. Most vegetables need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow. However, not all plants need the same amount of light, which can work to your advantage. For example, a garden that receives full sun is perfect for growing tomatoes, peppers, squash or strawberries. Meanwhile, a garden that receives partial shade is better suited for crops such as cabbage, carrots, kale, broccoli and spinach.

2. Check Your Local Hardiness Zone

Your local hardiness zone will decide what you can grow and when. In warmer, frost-free climates, you can grow whatever you want whenever the mood takes you. For example, in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12, you can start sowing tomatoes as early as January. But in cooler climates, you will need to wait until the frost has passed.

You can find your plant hardiness zone here: for the U.S., for Canada

3. Decide Which Plants to Grow

If you’re a beginner vegetable gardener, you’ll want to pace yourself and start with easy, low-maintenance crops. Some of the best choices include herbs, leafy greens such as spinach and lettuce, onions, garlic, green beans, beets and radishes. Once you get a feel for your garden and how your plants grow, you can move on to more challenging vegetables, such as asparagus, corn, artichokes, cauliflower or exotic crops such as kiwi or Asian eggplants.

4. Buy Gardening Supplies

Every gardener should have the following tools in their “arsenal”:

  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Garden fork
  • Hand trowel
  • Gardening scissors or pruners
  • Gardening gloves
  • Wheelbarrow
  • A long hose for easy watering
  • Saw and drill, if you’re building garden beds and supports
  • Seedling trays if you’re planning to start your vegetable seeds indoors.

Always go for quality tools and avoid buying plastic utensils. They may be cheaper, but they’re not durable, and you run the risk of them breaking when you need them most.

5. Test and Amend the Soil

The ideal pH range for growing most vegetables is between 6.0 and 7.5. For acidic soil, you can improve the pH through liming. For alkaline soils, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur and sulfates. You will also need to improve soils that are either clay-heavy or too sandy. The best way to do so is by using natural soil amendments such as compost, manure, pine bark and dried leaves, which will provide drainage as well as give your plants a nutrient boost.

6. Prepare the Planting Site

Decide on your layout: you can plant your vegetables in rows, a grid pattern, even a spiral. Also, take a moment to decide if you’ll sow your plants directly in the soil or if using raised garden beds or straw bales might be easier for you.

Use a shovel, fork and rake to clear and tidy up your planting site as best you can. This includes weeds and fallen leaves, but also rocks and other debris. For stubborn weeds, try covering the plot with a thick plastic tarp for a few weeks. Then remove the dead weeds, dig up the soil to a depth of one foot and incorporate plenty of compost and manure.

In a large vegetable garden, you’ll also want to make sure watering doesn’t take too much of your time. An irrigation system with a timer will help, but you can also make a simple drip feed system using soaker hoses. If you’re growing climbing plants such as beans, squash or cucumbers, you’ll also need to set trellises or other supports in place.

7. Sow and Maintain Your Garden

Once the weather gets warm enough, you can start sowing your vegetables. Check the instructions on the seed packet for the recommended spacing. Most vegetable seeds will germinate in about two weeks. Keep your seedlings well-watered, weed regularly and check for pests and diseases every day. As your vegetables grow, add some mulch to your garden to help preserve soil moisture. One month after your seeds have sprouted, you can also use a balanced organic fertilizer to give your plants a boost.

8. Get Ready to Harvest

Before you know it, all your hard work will pay off, and it’s time to think about harvesting. Leafy greens are typically ready in a month. Bush beans, green onions, cucumbers, beets and kale take around two months to mature. For tomatoes, peppers or squash, you’ll need to wait about three months. Harvest your vegetables regularly, and don’t forget about preserving some for the winter months.