| In
This Issue |
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| Monthly
Quote |
“A little madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King…”
-Emily Dickinson,
American poet, (1830-1886),
Complete Poems
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| Tip
Of The Month |
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Many potential homebuyers, especially
first-timers, may need to look beyond traditional mortgage options.
There are several creative options out there that may allow you
to purchase the home of your dreams:
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80/20
Loans. These loans are typically for buyers who do
not have the 20% down payment. To avoid paying for private
mortgage insurance, check into this type of loan, which “piggybacks”
onto the first, 80%, loan for 100% financing. |
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| · |
Interest-only
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). If it is important to you
to keep monthly payments low at first, consider this type
of loan, which requires no payment toward the principal
during the initial term before the rate starts to adjust.
You can start with this type of loan and then refinance
before the rate starts to adjust.
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Payment-option
ARM. This is a slightly riskier option that offers you the
choice of paying just interest, interest plus principal
or a “minimum payment.” If you have a varying
monthly income or unexpected bills, this may be the option
for you. Be forewarned, however, that if you pay smaller
payments, your loan is getting bigger. Also do not assume
that you will build equity simply through a home’s
appreciation.
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(Source: "MoneySmart" by
Sharon Epperson, USA Weekend, April 22-24, 2005.)
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| Quick
Links |
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Homes for Sale
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Real Estate Trends
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Info |
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| Homes
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Values | Real
Estate Trends | Mortgage
Info |
| How to Design a Small Garden |
 Your
home may have a small space that you wish to turn into a bounty
of flowering beauty. USA Weekend gives some useful tips
to designing a great small garden.
- Make a list. Making a list is a good way
to start designing any garden. Write down your needs and wants
and then prioritize. You may not have space for a small eating
area and a reading nook, but you can incorporate one of them.
- Be consistent. Maintaining
a consistent style from indoors to outdoors is important for
continuity. If your house is predominantly Victorian, making
your garden contemporary would be a mistake.
- Incorporate boundaries.
Contrary to what you may think, boundaries will make a space
feel intimate and possibly even larger. Use large potted plants,
evergreens, deciduous trees and walls to create boundaries for
your garden.
- Create separate areas.
Think about how you would design a studio apartment. You would
create small areas for the “bedroom,” “kitchen”
and “living room,” correct? Use the same idea for
your garden. Pathways, shrubs and screens can create separate
areas in which you can experiment with different moods.
- Keep it simple. Although
your instinct may be to include as many plants as possible,
limit the number of specimens you use. Also, use large numbers
of one specimen, as repetition is pleasing to the eye.
- Include seating. Purchase
seating that is comfortable and in line with the theme of your
garden. No matter how small, you will want to sit quietly and
enjoy your garden!
- Add evergreens. You will
be grateful for some green in the winter months, when you most
need cheering up.
- Use large plants. Being
bold with large plants will make your space seem larger, not
smaller.
- Go vertical. A vertical
element, such as a trellis, canopy or pergola, adds a three-dimensional
look to your garden. Make sure to use walls or trellises for
climbing plants.
A garden makes any space more beautiful, and
a well-planned small garden is no exception. |
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