Invite Inspiration When Decorating the Spare Room

Whether you have company arriving for a visit or want to design a room that offers more space to relax in your home, the spare bedroom is an excellent opportunity to explore trending design elements. The room is there, waiting for you to try a few simple but creative ideas to make everyone feel at home.

Color

It all starts with deciding on your color base. Use the guest bedroom as a place to test new colors in your home. A bold gray-and-yellow combo makes a statement, or use lighter wall colors, such as aqua, to create a soothing atmosphere. Select a clean, white-walled bedroom to provide an open and refreshing space for guests, or try a vibrant hue, such as orange, to create a fun, bold space in your home.

Flooring

Whether the room has hardwood flooring and area rugs or you choose new carpeting, keep it neutral to provide a strong base for furniture and accents. If you have a hardwood floor, select a dark or light stain to add depth to the natural coloring. Remember to keep your wall color in mind when deciding on the color of flooring, especially if you want the colors to play off each other. Use area rugs for texture, pattern and an additional pull to draw your guests in. The flooring is the foundation on which to build your room design, so take time to explore different possibilities.

Furniture

After your room is painted and ready, keep the color of your flooring and walls in mind when deciding on the furniture. Turn to magazines or online searches for inspiration. Use furniture you have in the home in new ways, or find new, one-of-a-kind pieces. Imagine a light, airy guest room with a dose of vintage charm and an antique iron bed. Custom-painted furniture and plush fabrics to contrast with your new wall colors can add to a relaxed ambiance. You'll want to curl up in your own guest room for reading and an escape during the day. If you have a pair of twin beds, cover them in the same fabrics and add a charming armchair to unify the room and offer seating. The possibilities and combinations are endless; have fun with it!

Bedding

Selecting the bedding is the icing on the cake. Be bold and brighten up a room with playful patterns and vivid colors, or stick to a corresponding palette to tie patterns together. Use a variety of pillows and fabrics, like quilts and throw blankets, for plush accents. Try tribal patterns and designs inspired by traditional Asian and African motifs, which are trending. Classic black and white are also hot colors in bedding. Whether you decide on traditional floral patterns or mod stripes, this is the best part - find the perfect look for your bedding to tie your design together.

Accessories

This is it: the big finish. But don't go overboard in the guest room with accessories. Even if you go in the direction of more dramatic design versus casual comfort, be sure to choose simple items that have great impact on your overall decor. Traditional accents like colorful table lamps, bookshelves stocked with great reads, beautifully framed mirrors, and useful wicker baskets keep the space feeling cozy and classic. Keep the wicker baskets stocked with adorable new soaps, petite shampoos and conditioners, new toothbrushes, and even new books and magazines to make your guests feel right at home.

Understanding FHA-Insured Loans

One of the few blessings to come out of the Great Depression was the FHA-insured loan. Although, contrary to what many think, it wasn't created to help low-income buyers get into homeownership. Just as during our recent Great Recession, during the Depression foreclosure rates skyrocketed, leaving lenders in the lurch. The FHA-insured loan was created to protect lenders from losses should the economy once again tank.
That said, the borrower does receive benefits from the loan. First, she benefits from the meticulous appraisal of the home, and second, from the low down payment requirements and attractive interest rates offered by lenders.

Eligibility Requirements

Although the Federal Housing Administration won't be loaning the money to you directly (you'll see a conventional lender for that), they'll take a look at your credit profile to determine whether they want to offer insurance on your loan.
Recent FHA changes call for a manual review of applicants with credit scores below 620 and debt-to-income ratios of 42 percent or higher. While these conditions don't automatically disqualify a borrower, it does decrease the number of applicants who qualify.
Statistics show that successful FHA applicants in August of 2013 had an average FICO score of 691, according to FoxBusiness.com. Unsuccessful applicants had an average FICO score of 667.
Remember, the lender may have stricter requirements, so it's always a good idea to take a look at your credit reports, fix any errors, and pay down some of your debt before applying for a mortgage.

The Down Payment

American homebuyers love the low down payment aspect of the FHA loan. Although lending criteria has tightened since the economic downturn, down payment requirements are still low – as low as 3.5 percent of the purchase price of the home.
An applicant with a FICO score lower than 579 may have to pay a 10 percent down payment, while those with higher scores – assuming they have adequate income and meet other loan requirements – typically qualify for the lower down payment.

Mortgage Insurance

Most homeowners know what PMI is – Private Mortgage Insurance. It's that policy they pay for but derive no benefit from. PMI protects the lender in case the borrower defaults.
FHA-insured loans also mandate mortgage insurance, but it's known as the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) instead of PMI. As with PMI, FHA at one time allowed borrowers with a 78 percent loan balance to cancel their mortgage insurance premium. As of June of this year, however, that changed.
New FHA borrowers (since June 3, 2013) with low down payments (a starting loan balance of more than 90 percent of the value of the home) must pay for MIP as long as they have the loan. Borrowers with balances lower than 90 percent can choose to stop paying for MIP after 11 years.
To top it off, in April of this year FHA announced that they would be raising MIP premiums by 10 basis points, making the FHA-insured loan far less attractive than it once was.
Before settling on an FHA-backed loan, ask your mortgage broker to run scenarios comparing it with conventional loans as well as Fannie Mae's "My Community" loan program and Freddie Mac's "Home Possible" mortgage. You may find a better deal than FHA.

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Paint to Sell: Painting Tips to Ensure a Quick Home Sale

No matter how much you rearrange or decorate a room, nothing affects appearance like a fresh coat of paint. When you enter a house, your eye may be drawn to little decorative touches, but all the staging in the world will fall flat if your paint is drab, dirty, or goes against the potential buyer's taste. Considering that a gallon of paint is only about $25, it's also an inexpensive way to give your home a makeover.

Choosing Colors to Appeal to Homebuyers

Using colors that make the buyer feel "at home" will help you sell your home more quickly. You want them to look at each room and be able to literally see themselves and their belongings fitting inside your walls. Inspire a feeling of peace and relaxation, and part of the sale is already done!
Neutrals and soft colors create a soothing, calm atmosphere. Homebuyers can more easily visualize the paint colors they want when other colors aren't bombarding them at every glance.
Avoid bold, vibrant or dark colors. Even pure white can prove overwhelming. Stay away from trendy colors no matter how good they look to you.
Keep in mind color psychology. Not only do certain colors calm you, but the shade can also affect the room itself. Light colors make a space appear larger. Dark colors, on the other hand, make the room feel smaller. Of course, sometimes a darker color is good if you want a certain effect. A cozy den with a darker color and a bright, cheery kitchen with a lighter color may work best to highlight each room's appeal.

Neutral Shades

Even with neutrals, you still have a variety of colors to choose from. Off-white is a popular, all-purpose color, but it's not the only one. Beige, tan, eggshell and ecru are other colors that work well with almost any style. But your choices range even further: pale shades of blue, green, yellow and gray, for instance, can blend with the house and complement the room. Aim for colors that don't overpower the room or furnishings. Keep the color variations to a minimum to lend a sense of continuity to the house. If every room is a different color, it can prove overwhelming. It's much better to pick two or three colors to use throughout the house.

Painting Tips

Take the time to paint properly. Mask off areas that will be left unpainted. Throw down floor and furniture coverings to ensure you don't create damage during the process. Most importantly, prep the wall properly.
You may wish to spread a primer first to block bold colors. If the walls don't require color or stain blocking, sanding the walls slightly or washing with a solution of trisodium phosphate are other options. Both sanding and washing with TSP will remove dirt, oils and other contaminants that prevent the color from adhering well and looking good.
While you paint, take time and care to cut in the corners and avoid drips. Aim for the best paint job of your life – it will be worth it when the buyers sign on the dotted line!
If you can't afford to repaint your entire house, concentrate on a few select areas. The first room the buyer enters is the place to start – remember, first impressions count! Consider painting cupboards, trim and doors along with key rooms. Let your instincts guide you. Look around at other homes for ideas. If your home has a "parade of homes" that local builders showcase, you can glean a lot of tips in a short amount of time.
With a minimum investment, a little time and elbow grease, it shouldn't take long for you to have your home ready for its next owner.

 Thinking about making a move?  

Give us a call seven days a week for home buying and selling advice.  

Inside Realty

248-758-0022

Feeling Snowbound? Top 10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

10) Make snow people (or snow dinosaurs) with your kids, relatives, or friends!

Pro tip: building snow dinos will give you an opportunity to sneak in learning with fun!

9) Drink hot cocoa and snuggle up. Use the excuse of cold weather to make cocoa with a loved one (or five), then indulge in a movie you've been meaning to watch, read a book, or go through a photo album. 

8)  Take a community class. The winter can be long and dreary in the mitten if you let it - brighten up this time of year and take advantage of the slowed pace. Take a class offered by your city or town. Community classes are usually very affordable and offer a chance to get out during the dark days. Consider enrolling with your significant other, or a child. 

7) See the Huckleberry Rail Road. If you live in the area, check out Crossroads Village in Flint. It's home to the railroad, old time shops, a carousel, and fun activities for the family. 

 

 Around Christmas the whole village is lit up with lights!

6) Make a home movie. Dig out some toys and play with your kids, friends, or family. Write a script together, then act it out! Set up a home recorder (or smart phone) and record the movie. Years down the road this will be a great memory!

5) Host a dinner party. Get all the people together that you love (and don't always have time to pencil in) and invite them for a dinner party. It can be formal, or not. Let each guest bring a dish to make the night less stressful, and plan a night of board games, movies, or cards for after.

4) Make snow slushies. Get clean snow, put it in a cup, and add a favorite drink! 

3) Go to a museum. The Metro Detroit area has a bunch of wonderful museums. The DIA, Cranbrook, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Wayne State Planetarium, and many more! If you have a child, nephew, or niece, consider the Michigan Science Center in downtown Detroit on John R. It has a lot of interactive learning for kids!

 

2) Go on a family vacation nearby. For a fun getaway for any family try the Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain, Great Bear Lodge, or Great Wolf Lodge.

1) Plan a library day. Take the time to catch up on work, homework, or reading. Let the kids run around in the play area-if available. Otherwise take the child(ren) to the kids section and let them look through books and videos. See if there is a class or presentation coming up. 

8 Simple Tips to Weatherproof Your Home

Winter or summer, one thing is almost certain – the temperature outside your home doesn't match the temperature within. But, unless your home is properly sealed and weatherproofed, the conditions outside have a good chance of affecting your comfort inside.
A leaky house also means extra energy consumption for your heating and air system, leading to higher utility bills and environmental stress. The solution is simple: Weatherproof your home with a few quick, easy methods that won't break your wallet.

1. Break Out the Caulk

If you measured every gap, crack, and air leak in your house, you would likely find you have the equivalent of a window open year-round. Perhaps the most important step you can take to combat drafts and keep the heat either inside or out is to load a caulk gun and hunt down the holes. Choose a quality caulk (you generally get what you pay for) and create a homemade draft detector to test for leaks with a hairdryer and a candle or stick of incense.
Where to Use: Start from the bottom of your home and work your way up. Look for holes in the floor where cables or wires enter the house. Run a bead of caulk along the edge of the foundation, where it meets the siding. Caulk along the subflooring, underneath the baseboard trim, whenever you have your finished flooring removed. Test windows and doors; even newer installations, if caulked with an inferior or improper product, may have caulk that's grown brittle, shrunk, or become loose. Check around any other openings in the walls, such as pipe outlets, the clothes dryer vent or incoming wires. Caulk around any protrusions through the ceiling into the attic, as well as in the attic walls or roofing.

2. Fill it With Foam

Expanding foam insulation not only insulates well, it's a natural air barrier, unlike fiberglass insulation. Sold at most department, hardware or home improvement stores, it's fairly inexpensive when used for small areas. (For wall insulation, it's better applied by a professional using industrial machines.) Use low-expansion formulas, sometimes specified as window and door formula, and follow the instructions regarding the application – a little squirt goes a long way. To remove excess, once it has cured as specified, cut it flat with a utility knife. If it gets on fiberglass, on the other hand, wipe it away immediately to prevent an almost impossible removal.
Where to Use: Expanding foam insulation works well for any hole, gap, crack, seam or other opening larger than what is practical to fill with caulk – about 1/4 inch in diameter. Look under the trim surrounding your doors inside; the area between the trim and underneath the doorjambs will often benefit from a foam job. Another practical place to squirt some foam is around your electrical outlets, which are often poorly insulated and prime areas to leak air. Foam may also come in handy underneath crawl spaces and inside basements.

3. Work With Weather Stripping

Regardless of the type of weather stripping you choose, you'll find it simple to install and effective at stopping drafts. From felt and foam to vinyl or metal, you can find weather stripping at most home improvement or hardware stores. For the best results, match the type of weather stripping to the area you are working on.
Where to Use: Doors and windows are prime candidates for weather stripping – just make sure you can close them easily (although snugly) with the weather stripping in place. Don't forget your garage, either. Weather stripping windows, entry doors and garage doors can have a profound affect on your home.

4. Get "Guard" Animals

Whether you're an animal lover or prefer a pet-free home, draft stoppers fashioned into whimsical creatures such as rabbits, snakes and monkeys "guard" doors and even window ledges, blocking the heat or cold from invading your home. Alternatively, purchase and install conventional door sweeps made from rubber or metal.

5. Seal Your Attic

Unless you have a finished attic area with a regular staircase, the only thing sealing your attic entry may be a piece of drywall covering the hole in your ceiling or a bit of plywood with a pull-down staircase attached. Neither is much barrier to heat transfers, which means you're losing a lot of your heat and air through your roof. To fix it, purchase an attic stair cover at a home improvement store or make one yourself. The effect will be worth the money.

6. Treat Your Windows

Even the newest windows transfer more heat and cold than insulated exterior walls. Older windows, often single-paned and possibly glazed in place, are even worse. Of course, a house without windows isn't the solution, and upgrading windows is costly.
The Solution: During the winter, storm windows add an extra barrier between the cold outside and the warm within your home. In the summer, take down your storm windows and replace them with screens. This works well for exterior doors as well. Heavy drapes – especially insulated drapes – also help block both hot and cold weather. In the winter you can actually help warm your home by opening curtains on south-facing windows. Bonus: If you have pets, they will probably love basking in the sun.

7. Deal With Your Ducts

As long as the air flows properly, most people don't spend much time thinking about their ductwork. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts, however, can cost you a lot of money - not to mention the time spent battling to keep your home at the right temperature. The typical American home loses around 20 percent of the air moving through HVAC ducts. To seal ducts, use mastic and butyl, foil, or other heat-approved tape. Wrap ducts with duct insulation, which is readily available at home improvement and hardware stores.

8. Install Insulation

Insulation is the single most important thing standing between your family and the weather outdoors. Insulation isn't just for cold climates, either. Proper insulation levels will help keep your home cooler in the summer. It really does pay for itself.
Where to Install: Everywhere inside your home needs insulation. However, when it comes to upgrading insulation, the attic and roof are prime candidates, as is the floor and crawlspace, if you have one. Compare the insulation levels you currently have (each type has an R-value per inch of thickness) to what you should have, and add more as you can if your levels are low. Select the type of insulation that works best for your budget and installation - fiberglass and foam board are both popular choices.

At Inside Realty We Make Lasting Friendships!

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The Truth About Credit, Housing and Lending

Thinking about buying a home and not sure where to start? 

Join us this Saturday and meet with expert Realtors, Lenders and Credit Repair Specialists at this one of a kind event!

Now is the time to purchase a home, let's get started!

For more information and to RSVP, please call 248-758-0022, email admin@insiderealty.com or click here to RSVP.

At Inside Realty we always go the extra mile to provide excellent service.

Inside Realty 

1877 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 204

Sylvan Lake  MI  48320

248-758-0022

www.insiderealty.com

Spotlight Oakland County

Oakland County is part of the Detroit Metropolitan area, and as of the 2010 census had a population of about 1.2 million. Oakland County is ranked in the top 10 highest income counties in the country with populations over 1 million. Oakland County is comprised of 62 cities, towns, and townships.

There are many fortune 500 companies that make their home in Oakland County, Michigan. Movies are regularly shot in the Metro Detroit area which can also boast music production, and several video game companies.








Oakland County is very diverse and evenly distributed in in age. According to the 2010 census each age group was represented in nearly the same proportions, making it a wonderful place to raise a family.

According to the 2010 census Oakland County fell below the national average on all categories of crime. On the chart 100 represents the national average, 200 represents double the national average, and 50 is half the national average. Oakland County also falls below the national average cost of living (about 10% less than average). Considering that crime is below all national averages, and cost of living is below average, you may want to consider Oakland County as your new home if it isn't already!

If you are looking for a home in Oakland County or the Tri-County Area, we would love to hear from you!  Contact us 7 days a week for a free HUD photo list, or to sign up for listing alerts.  248-758-0022

Home Improvement 2014!

Looking for a post holiday project?  

Who couldn't use a little more closet space?

Adding Closet Space – What to Consider Before You Start

When you have more items to store than closet space, something's got to give. Building and installing a closet is a fairly low-cost solution that the average adult is capable of doing. In a weekend's time, with a little planning and knowledge, you can transform an unused area into the most useful spot in the room.

Planning a Closet
If you're going to build a closet, you might as well build it right. It's too late, after it's built, to wish you had done something different. Taking time to plan any home improvement project will prevent regrets later.
If you want to skip the DIY process and hire a professional to build your closet, these planning tips will still help you determine exactly what will work for your space and budget.
How will you use the closet? A closet full of linens can be narrow and shallow and still work well, while a walk-in closet for clothes needs to be much deeper. Consider what you want to store and how much space it requires.
How would you like to equip it? Decide whether you want clothes rods, shelves, organizers, drawers, or any special features such as cedar plank walls or wiring for an overhead light.

Where will you build it? Perhaps you have the perfect nook, such as an awkward spot between two walls. Maybe you have a large room that can spare the area you want to use. Either way, armed with a tape measure, map out the closet dimensions exactly where you wish to build the closet. Adjust as needed, adding or taking away closet space to fit the area. Also consider clearance for nearby doors, windows, or traffic movement. If it's awkward to open the closet door, the space won't be as useful and you won't be satisfied.
What is your budget? Take a realistic look at what you can afford to spend, and price the tools and supplies you need as well as any labor cost required. If you want wiring in the closet, you'll probably need to hire a professional. Get estimates for what you need and add about 10 percent extra for a little "wiggle room." It's always better to come in under your budget than above.
Don't forget the cost of a closet door! Decide where you want your door, how big you want it to be, and purchase it before you start. This will make wall construction simpler as you can measure the pre-hung door and build the doorway to fit.

Will you use organizer systems? It's especially important to consider organizers before you build so you don't end up with a closet that won't hold the organizer you purchased. If you're a more advanced DIYer, consider designing and building your own organizer systems. Even beginners can build a simple organizer system that will be functional and much less expensive than most off-the-shelf closet organizers.
Before you begin your closet project, it might be useful to browse the Internet for closet ideas. Never be afraid to try something new. With basic DIY skills, you can generally install any shelf, paneling, or other detail once you have the bare bones of the closet framing complete.

DIY Toolkit: Essential Tools For Minor House Repairs

Taking on a home improvement project?  Start with the essentials...

A Basic DIY Tool Collection

Hammer: From hanging a picture to replacing wall molding and millions of DIY projects in between, a hammer is probably the most-used tool there is. Don't choose just any hammer. Select a claw hammer – a hammer with a claw on one end for pulling nails and prying material – with a flat peen (the surface which drives nails) rather than rounded.

Tape Measure: Many home repair and improvement tasks require a tape measure. Get a retractable tape measure, which is made of a rigid metal and snaps back into the case when you push a button. For most jobs, a 25-foot tape measure is sufficient.
Carpenter's Level: With a good level you have a straightedge for cut lines and a tool to tell you if an item is flush (straight up and down) or level (perfectly flat). Don't let the store's selection overwhelm you – a basic 4-foot bubble level, which uses air bubbles inside a liquid-filled cavity, is basic but dependable.
Carpenter's Square: Get both a speed square, which is hand-held, and a larger framing square when possible. Squares are great straightedges, tape measures and right-angle testers.

Utility Knife: Whether you call it a box cutter, razor knife, or any of several common terms, a utility knife is a DIY tool essential. Your utility knife makes quick work of slicing through drywall, carpet, linoleum, rigid foam insulation and many other materials. Keep a supply of razor blades in the knife's hollow body.
Flashlight: From peering underneath your foundation to working in the dark to restore power to your breaker box, your flashlight will shed some light on various tasks.
Screwdrivers: If you plan to limit your DIY ventures to basic carpentry and fixture installation, a handful of screwdrivers will get you started. Choose both Phillips-head screwdrivers (which have a cross-shaped tip) and flat-head screwdrivers (with a knife-shaped tip). More advanced repairs may require different heads. To save money, consider a multi-bit screwdriver with interchangeable tips.
Pliers: If you need to pull staples, cut wire, or loosen tight connections, pliers will help. Look for three basic types: needle-nose pliers (which have a pointed end), side-cutting pliers (which look much like scissors) and adjustable flat-nose pliers (aka flat-head pliers).
Wrenches: When pliers won't get the job done, look for your wrench. Grip or remove pipes, nuts, bolts and other stubborn household items. Start with a set of adjustable crescent wrenches for all-around usefulness.
Staple Gun: A staple gun comes in handy for installing faced fiberglass batt insulation, hanging plastic sheeting and other projects around the home. Manual staple guns require a little more muscle but eliminate the need for electricity.

Drill: Once you have a drill, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one. From simple tasks such as hanging curtains to more complex jobs like replacing wood flooring, a drill – cordless or not – makes it easier. A cordless drill is more convenient but has a limited battery life.
Saws: Two basic saws will see you through most general DIY home projects. First, select a handsaw for places where you don't have power or for situations where a power saw just isn't practical. Next, decide on either a table saw or a circular saw. A table saw is sturdy and makes cutting boards and other material easy. However, a circular saw is portable and hand-held, making it more convenient. When you're ready for a new saw, consider a jigsaw or reciprocating saw.
Stud Finder: A stud finder will help you quickly find the framing members in your walls, ceiling and floor.
Orbital Sander: Small enough to easily control with one hand, an orbital sander is perfect for basic work. Keep a supply of sandpaper, of various grits, on hand.
Ladder: Depending on the jobs you anticipate tackling, you might prefer a stepladder instead of an extension ladder. Extension ladders are useful outdoors and reach higher, but stepladders work inside or outside.
All of the tools in the world won't help you if you don't have accompanying supplies. Keep wood glue, superglue and caulk in your supplies. Add an assortment of nails, screws, bolts and nuts to your tool collection as well. Don't forget tape: masking tape, electrical tape and duct tape in particular. A heavy-duty extension cord is essential. Your collection will continue to grow over the course of your DIY adventures.


Thinking about selling your home...start with the experts!  Please call, or visit us at www.insiderealty.com.  We are happy to share our extensive marketing plan.  We are passionate about real estate.  Let us show you how easy and rewarding your home sale can be.

Buy Again!! FHA Back to Work - Extenuating Circumstances Program

Experienced foreclosure and think it's too soon to buy?  Think again!

The recent economic downturn had far reaching effects on us all. 

But if you have experienced credit challenges such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, or loan modification, and think that it may be many more years before you can be approved for a home loan, think again!

The great news is that many people will qualify for an FHA mortgage only one year after an economic challenge. 

FHA recognizes the hardships faced by these borrowers, and realizes that their credit histories may not fully reflect their true ability or propensity to repay a mortgage. To that end, FHA is allowing for the consideration of borrowers who have experienced an Economic Event and can document that:  certain credit impairments were the result of a Loss of Employment or a      significant loss of Household Income beyond the borrower’s control;  the borrower has demonstrated full recovery from the event; and,  the borrower has completed housing counseling.   From the Back to Work - Extenuating Circumstances Program Mortgagee Letter 2013-26

 This is great news for all of us!  If you have been thinking about Buying Again, please call our office.  We are happy to answer any additional questions that you might have and to get you back home!  Please call us seven days a week at 248-758-0022.