Buying your first home can be confusing. Securing a mortgage is one of the most important parts of the home buying process. Making sure that you have the right loan and have chosen the right loan officer are among the things a first time buyer has to do to start the process. Here are some more tips on how to ensure a successful purchase:

1. Make sure your deposit is in order. Talk to your loan officer about what amount of a deposit is required for the purchase and type of loan. You will also want to make sure the funds are accounted for and readily available. You can expect deposits to run anywhere between 3 and 20 percent of the purchase price.

2. Plan to have a cash reserve in addition to your deposit. You may want to have a reserve of at least two months mortgage payments.

3. Ask your lender to go over all the fees that apply to the purchase. It is better to be prepared and know how much the actual purchase will cost. These costs are typically added into your loan but there may be some out of pocket expenses too.

4. Consider how much you can comfortably afford not how much you have been approved for. These numbers may vary considerably. Your mortgage costs should not be more than 30% of your household income.

5. The lowest rate is not always the best deal. You will want to look at not only the rate but also the terms and fees associated with the loan.

 

 

 

The heat of the summer and the cold winter temperatures can do a job on your outdoor deck. A little prevention goes a long way. Caring for, cleaning and repairing your outdoor deck is essential to proper maintenance.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure you will enjoy your outdoor space for many years to come:

Here are some tools you will need:

  • screwdriver
  • hammer
  • garden hose
  • socket wrench
  • deck cleaner
  • push broom
  • plastic sheet or tarp
  • rubber gloves
  • scrub brush
  • Here are the things you can do to keep your deck in tip top shape:

    1. Clear the debris. Leaves, water and yard debris can get caught in between the floorboards of your deck. If these areas are not cleared your deck floorboards could rot or worse the joists that support the deck could fail.

    2. Sweep off the deck surface. Use a broom to clear the deck floor, make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies.

    3. Tighten all the floorboards, railings and the bolts that attach the deck to the house with a screwdriver or drill.

    4. Check for water damage. Replace or repair rotten boards.

    5. Use a hammer to pound in any loose or protruding nails.

    6. Use a deck cleaner to clean the deck. Make sure to use rubber gloves and protective gear. You will also want to cover plants or bushes with a tarp or plastic sheeting around the deck to protect them from the cleaner chemicals.

    7. Last but not least apply a deck sealer.

    8. Enjoy!

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