| 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
Home Values
Real Estate Trends
Mortgage
Info |
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| Homes
for Sale | Home
Values | Real
Estate Trends | Mortgage
Info |
| Seasonal Suggestion |
 When
buying sod, it is critical that it is fresh and healthy. Otherwise,
you may not end up with the beautiful, instant lawn you were hoping
for. Here’s what to look for:
- The sod should feel cool, not hot. Hot sod may mean that
it has sat around too long and started to decompose. This can
kill the grass.
- The sod you’re buying should also be thick and durable.
You will be moving this around a lot, so you don’t want
it tearing the moment you get home. The total thickness, including
grass blades, roots and soil, can be between 1 and 3 inches.
The roots, though, have to be at least a ½-inch long
to hold everything together.
- The sod, especially the roots and soil, should be moist.
The edges of the sod should not be dry, cracked or curling.
Also avoid sod that is too wet – it can be heavy and difficult
to handle.
- Look for grass that is evenly green and a consistent length.
If the grass is yellow or brown, don’t buy it. Yellowing
grass will be very slow to make a nice lawn.
(Source: Lawn Care for Dummies, Lance Walheim
& the Editors of The National Gardening Association, Wiley
Publishing, Inc., 1998) |
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