by Lilly Miller | May 28, 2019 | CRESTICO
When you’re renting and it seems that you want to make your rental apartment decor to look luxurious. Being aware that you’re actually living in somebody else’s apartment, investing in décor is always something you have to think twice about. You might be forced to move sooner than you expect and you don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on something you’ll have to leave behind. However, you still want your living space to have that luxurious appearance. So, what you can invest in are materials and items that you can carry with you or repurpose in another home one day. After all, luxury doesn’t mean crystal chandeliers and another upscale expensive décor anymore, but rather quality materials, smart combinations of different styles and being able to follow the latest trends with the space and the budget at your disposal. Here are some luxurious décor-related investments which can make living in your rental much more comfortable without setting you back financially.
Get some new knobs
Your kitchen cabinets are boring for you? Or the ones in your bathroom? Well, if you want to make a subtle change which will refresh the way they look and make you feel a bit happier, replace your old cabinet knobs with some new, elegant ones. You can save the old ones in a box or in one of your drawers and simply put them back onto your cabinet doors once you decide to move, while you take the new, better-looking ones with you to your new place. Similarly, if your doorknobs are old-fashioned nickel ones, already polished with years of use, you can invest in new ones, made from porcelain or brass. This is also something that’s easy to do, it’s affordable and can instantly add some glamour to an otherwise monotonous space.
Hide your worn-out floors
While getting new flooring in a rental apartment would be an utterly reckless investment, there are still ways to make your floors look beautiful without spending too much. With a few stunning area rugs in exactly the texture you prefer, you’ll add to the appeal of your entire apartment. If you can’t make up your mind about it, you should know that the latest trends are on your side, since you can now layer rugs in different textures, styles, colors and patterns to make your living space as sophisticated as you want. Don’t forget, bright colors and bold geometric prints are all the rage right now. You can even put some rugs where people least expect it, on your kitchen floors. Plus, nowadays you can choose jute rug made of natural materials and add tranquility to your home. And the best thing is that you can move them from one room to another, as well as from one apartment to another.
Add splashes of colors
If your whole living space is dull and depressing with plain white walls, adding some color here and there can make a huge difference and make the place more cheerful. Plus, it can reflect your own vibrant personality. Your landlord may agree to you painting an accent wall, but if they don’t, or if this is not something that you’re ready to do, you can always get some colorful artwork, as well as cushions, towels or even new curtains. As far as your bedroom is concerned, you can simply add color by investing in some new sheets and covers and enjoy the new life you’ve given to your apartment. Plush materials and trendy patterns will add some style to any of your rooms. And did you know you can get removable wallpaper now? Perhaps you should get some and have fun decorating.
Create additional storage space
If you feel that there’s a tad too much clutter in your rental and you want to have more storage space, but your mind is set on keeping it tasteful, pleasing to the eye and modern, there are several good solutions for you. First of all, floating shelves are something that’s ridiculously cheap, but can add some charm to any space if you’re careful with what you place on them. Similarly, if you lack closet space and you don’t know what to do with all those clothes, get a garment rack or two and put them in the corners of your bedroom. They are a fashionable way to store your garments, especially if you also invest in some lovely hangers. Finally, several stylish storage boxes or bins you can place underneath your beds can help you get rid of the mess and find the right place for all those little things which are currently annoying you all around your apartment.
With these guidelines, turning your rental apartment into a luxurious oasis you’ll love can be as simple and as affordable as you only hoped it could be.
by David Glenn | Sep 12, 2017 | CRESTICO
Saving your family money is nowhere near as difficult as many people think, which means you can lower your family’s bills and save a little money in more than one place. Saving is the easy part. It’s figuring out how to do it in your own family’s budget that makes the concept a little more difficult. With these five money saving tips, you’ll be on your way to more savings and a more fulfilling life in no time.
Get Quotes
The first thing you need to do is go over the budget and see where you can save money on your expenses. You can get free insurance quotes for your car as well as your home, you can ask your credit card companies to lower your interest rates, and you can call the cable company and tell them you’re paying too much. Most are happy to lower your bills for you if they suspect you might leave for another company.
Make a Meal Plan
You don’t have to sit down and plan every single meal for every single day of the week, but you should have enough meals on the menu for the entire week. You can eat them any night you want, but pick seven meals you’re going to eat this week and make a list. Now you can go to the store once and buy everything you need rather than a dozen times to pick up that one extra thing you forgot. You’ll end up spending far less the fewer times you go to the store.
Take Some Time
Impulse buys are difficult, but you don’t have to live with regret each time you make a purchase. Is there something you love more than anything, and you really want it? Put it in your online cart and leave it there for 24-hours. If you still can’t stop thinking about it at the end of your 24-hours, it’s for you. If you still aren’t sure you want it or not, don’t buy it. The key here is to really decide you want it. If you do want it, you’ll know at the end of the day. If you don’t, you just saved yourself a lot of money and regret. If you’re worried about regret after making the decision to buy something, perhaps the decision isn’t the right one for you and your family.
Find Local Deals
Did you know you can take your kids out without blowing the budget? It’s easy to spend $100 at the movie theater on just tickets and popcorn for the average family, but you can find a better way to do it. Most movie theaters offer $1 movies for families all summer. Bowling alleys have $1 bowling night, and even skating rinks offer family packages to save money and encourage people to visit. Take advantage of those when they are offered.
Lower Your Utility Bill
One of the biggest wastes of money in most all households is the energy bill. Start shutting the blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep it cool inside and the air from running over-time. Cook outside during the summer to prevent heating up the house. Light a fire instead of turning up the heat. Turn off lights, set timers, and invest in a smart thermostat. The more you save on utilities, the more your family can save elsewhere There are hundreds of ways you can save your money, and it all starts at home. Start paying your credit card balances in full each month to avoid paying interest charges. Start filling up your gas tank rather than putting a little in here and there. Eat at home more often, and be sure to only buy things you need. You can negotiate with just about anyone, and that’s what makes it easier to save on things you need the most for you and your family.
by David Glenn | Feb 17, 2017 | CRESTICO
One of the more common ways to build wealth over time is owning a home. As owners pay down the mortgage, they are able to build up equity. Should they decide to sell the home, they can then tap this equity. The homeownership rate in the US was 63.8 percent in October 2016. While this was down from what it was a few years ago, this statistic shows that owning a home is still a popular way to build wealth.
It’s recommended that prospective buyers save up 20 percent of the home’s value as a down payment. This will allow the buyer to avoid private mortgage insurance, which can be quite expensive and only protects the lender. FHA loans only require a 3.5 percent down payment, and loans via the USDA or the VA require no money down. If you’re not in a rural area or a veteran, here are some ways to build up the down payment that’s necessary to buy a new home.
Live In Affordable Accommodations
When it comes to the biggest expenses that most people will have on a monthly basis, the cost of lodging will usually come up near the top of the list. The average cost of rent in the United States is $1,231 a month. That’s more than a quarter of the median family income. The best way to save money on rent is to find a place to live that’s on the low side of the local market rate. While there won’t be as many amenities in cheap apartments or homes, the money that’s not spent in the way of housing can go toward savings.
Just getting a cheap apartment is not the only way to save money toward a down payment. Getting a roommate can also help cut the cost of rent and free up even more cash flow for savings. For example, a three-bedroom apartment or house that costs the median of $1,200 could cost only $400 a month if one person rented out each bedroom. Put in some twin beds, and the cost could be lower. Even a married couple could rent out a room or two to save on costs. Every dollar saved on rent can then go toward saving up for a future down payment.
Cut Other Expenses
Americans are notorious for spending more money than they need to. Whether it’s a daily latte or cable television, people in the US confuse wants and needs. Basic food, lodging, clothing and transportation are necessary to live and have a job. Most everything else is a want, and there are ways to cut down on these expenses. For example, it’s not necessary to have a super expensive cell plan with unlimited data. There are prepaid options that are pretty cheap. Additionally, it’s possible to cut down on eating out or save some money by opting for Netflix or Hulu rather than an expensive cable package with every pay channel known to man. Every dollar saved from cutting out unnecessary expenses can then go toward a down payment.
Get A Side Hustle
Sometimes, one job just doesn’t pay enough to save much. This is where a side hustle can come in quite handy. There are entire online communities that are dedicated to helping people find side hustles that can bring in extra income. Every dollar earned in excess of basic living expenses can go toward the down payment. Those who can keep up the side hustle after signing off on a mortgage can even accelerate the time needed to pay off the loan.
Regardless of whether a person thinks a down payment for a new home is in the cards, there are steps that he or she can take to build up some savings. It will take time, and it’s a good idea to save up for closing costs and a deductible for home insurance claims. However, over time, building up savings for a down payment can be done by taking positive steps toward the goal.
by David Glenn | Jul 8, 2016 | CRESTICO
Building a house from the ground up has a number of benefits over buying a house. You have the chance to select all the right elements to build the perfect space, including the features found in the kitchen and bathroom and even the color of the walls. When you meet with a builder to begin the process though, you should have an idea in mind of what you want. Creating a list of things you want to request will give you a better idea of what the finished product will look like and how much it will cost.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Did you know that energy-efficient windows can help you save significantly on your heating and cooling bills? These windows usually feature two panes of durable glass with a gas in the center. The windows block cold or warm air from escaping your house and eliminate drafts too. You can choose from a wide range of styles, including those with trim made from wood, vinyl or aluminum, and you can pick from different designs too, including fixed picture windows or casement windows that open from the front. Make sure you request that your builder install energy-efficient windows to save on heating and cooling bills in the future.
Exterior Materials
Curb appeal refers to how your house looks from the street or the curb. While adding new flowers or having welcoming decorations on your porch can help you increase your curb appeal, you’ll also need to select the right materials for the exterior of your house. Some people love the look of brick, but if brick is too expensive for your budget, you can put brick on the front and vinyl on the back and sides. Both vinyl and wood siding now come in a number of options, including neutral colors that let your decorations stand out and brighter and bolder colors.
Outdoor Entertaining Space
If you love throwing parties and inviting guests over, your new house must feature some type of outdoor entertaining space or area. Depending on the design and layout of the house, you might opt for a small backyard patio that has just enough space for a small group or a large porch that wraps around two or three sides of the house. Your builder can help you decide on a design that works with the style of the house and one that meets your entertaining needs.
Warranty Options
Always request some type of home insurance or home warranty that will protect you in the future. The builder should offer a warranty that covers any installation problems or issues that occur because of builder errors. You may want to look at a general home warranty plan too. These warranties are quite affordable and let you get help when an appliance fails or you experience other problems. With appliances, the warranty company will often send a repair technician to your home. The repair tech will either fix the problem on the spot or let you know that you need to send off the appliance for servicing.
Flooring
One of the more important things that you need to request is the right type of flooring for each room. Tile is great in an entryway, kitchen or bathroom because it repels moisture and is easy to clean. While hardwood looks amazing, laminate flooring has a similar look and costs a fraction of the price. Some find that laminate is easier to clean than hardwood too. For a warm and welcoming feel in your living room or family room, you can’t go wrong with carpet, which comes in hundreds of colors, designs and even thicknesses.
Now that you know what to request in your new house, you can meet with a builder and start discussing your options. A good builder will give you an estimate as to the final cost and alert you of any issues or problems that might increase that price along the way.
by David Glenn | May 9, 2016 | CRESTICO
In all likelihood, if you’ve been living with your folks, in a dorm room or an apartment, you probably don’t know a whole lot about home maintenance, landscaping or home security. These tips may help to prevent costly mistakes, save money and help you to learn about homeowner responsibilities.
Valve for Water Shutoff
After purchasing a new or used home, you need to locate the main valve for shutting off the water to the home in an emergency. Shutoff valves are typically located near the water main where it comes into the home. Everyone living in the home should understand how to turn the valve off.
You may need to shut the valve off when pipes burst or an overflowing toilet floods the floors, carpeting, cabinets or wallboards. These items are difficult to dry out and can lead to costly repairs.
Landscaping
Planting new or additional landscaping is a wonderful way to add a bit of your own personality to the home, and it can help to keep your home much cooler during hot summer weather.
Choose trees and vines to plant on the southern and western sides of the home, which will provide much needed shade. Call 811 before you begin digging around your home to learn where wires, cables and underground pipes are located from the dig-safely hotline.
Improve Security
Whether you’ve purchased a used or a new home, it is a smart idea to change out the locks. As a matter a fact, consider deadbolts, which offer the most security.
Take a quick tour of your new home looking for weak areas that could provide easy access to thieves. Adding window locks, outdoor lighting and light sensors in vulnerable areas could reduce vandalism and thefts.
Electrical Panel
Locate the electrical panel in your house that contains breakers to shut off power to various parts of the home. Check to see that all breakers are labeled with the names of each room, so you’ll know which breaker to shut down in the event of an emergency.
Home Systems and Appliances
Determine whether you want to make repairs or replace home systems and appliances yourself. Perhaps you would rather purchase a home warranty from a service company that offers warranty plans to make repairs or replace faulty units.
Warranty plans can be tailored to the needs of homeowners. Many basic plans cover the major home systems like plumbing, heating, electrical and cooling. Some plans include a number of common household appliances like refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. Generally, you pay a flat fee once a year to purchase a contract and are responsible for paying the cost of any service calls.
Checking for Plumbing Issues
Plumbing might not be much of a concern in newer homes, but you definitely want to discover plumbing problems in any used home.
Open cabinets below sinks to search for leaks. Check to see whether faucets are leaking or continually dripping. Make sure the toilet doesn’t run constantly, and look around the base of the toilets for signs of water leaks.
Insulation
It’s a smart idea to check out the attic insulation to determine if it has at least the minimum requirements to keep your home cooler in the warm months and warmer during chilly weather. Insulation should be anywhere from 10 to about 14 inches thick depending upon the type and quality of insulation.
Locate the water heater and consider purchasing an inexpensive water heater jacket if it doesn’t already have one. Also, check the settings on the water heater. Setting it to 120 degrees should more than cover your needs and may help to lower your electric bill.
Add insulation around exposed pipes in garages and basements to reduce heat loss.
Fire Prevention
Remove shrubbery and trees that are too close to the home. Maintaining a 30 foot perimeter around the home free of large bushes and trees is recommended.
Install fire alarms throughout the home. Multi-level homes should have alarms for each floor. Make sure your home is also equipped with working fire extinguishers.
There is no doubt about it, owning your first home is a learning experience. Just remember to seek advice from neighbors and when in doubt, consider calling a professional.
Bundling Insurance
If you’re wondering if you should bundle home and car insurance, the answer is almost always yes. The discounted amount from bundling home and auto always varies depending on who you are bundling with, but the average bundle discount will get you 20% off. While the immediate and obvious benefit of bundling is saving money, the benefits go beyond just savings. Because you’re bundling, there is no doubt you’ll develop a better relationship with that company as you’ll be talking to them more frequently. No yo mention you could also benefit from paying a single deductible as opposed to two.
Remove shrubbery and trees that are too close to the home. Maintaining a 30 foot perimeter around the home free of large bushes and trees is recommended.
