Beautiful Executive Home in St. Albans

Buying a home is a great way to improve your family's financial security. The main way this happens is through home equity. What is equity? The equity in your home is the difference between its market value and the balance on your mortgage. In other words, equity is the wealth built up in your home over time. If you could sell your home for $400,000 and the amount you owe on your mortgage is only $100,000, then your equity is $300,000.

Equity is built in three ways: down payment, mortgage payments, and market gains. Making a down payment is a reduction in your mortgage amount, giving you instant equity in your home.

Making house payments increases your equity as well, since every payment includes a portion for interest and a portion that reduces the amount of your loan amount (called the principal). Over time the amount of your payment that goes toward the principal increases and helps to build your equity even faster.

You also build equity as your home gains in value over time; this appreciation in market value can mean that you build equity simply by owning your home. Of course there are no guarantees that real estate values will continue to rise, but historically this has been the case. If your home is worth $250,000 and the market appreciates by 5% each year then after just two years you could add $25,000 in equity simply by living there.

Equity doesn't have to be an abstract concept; you can turn it into cash by applying for a home equity loan which uses the equity in your home as security and in many cases allows you to deduct the interest from your taxes, just as you do with your first mortgage.

Home equity loans are usually a cheaper source of funds than other types of credit (credit cards, for example) and can be an excellent way to pay for home renovation or to consolidate debt.

If you are considering buying a home, one of the first steps will be applying for a mortgage. Check out our Mortgage Application Checklist for tips on getting started. To apply for a mortgage or if you have questions about the entire process, we recommend contacting The Mortgage Guys at Spruce Mortgage. Visit them on the web at www.vermontmortgageguys.com.

Burlington Cape

Rest easy on your next vacation, knowing your house is in order--and ready for your return. If your home is on the market, you can follow these tips so Realtors can continue to show your property while you are away. These easy preparations will give you peace of mind so you can relax, enjoy your vacation, and have a smooth return. They may even land you a buyer while you're on vacation!

"It's hard to remember from trip to trip everything you need to do to get your house in order," says Laura Leist, certified professional organizer and owner of Eliminate Chaos, in Seattle. "Have a checklist of what needs to be done, and start planning a week or two in advance."

The below departure checklist will make it easier to get your home shipshape so you can enjoy a vacation free from worries. The return checklist will ease your transition back to the real world.

Prepare for Your Departure

1. Ready your pets: Give the pet sitter or boarding facility detailed care instructions. Make sure the one you choose has plenty of your pet's favorite foods, treats, toys, medicines and other supplies on hand.
2. Clean out the fridge: Throw away food that will expire while you're gone.
3. Tackle the laundry: Wash and put away laundry before you leave.
4. Prep your plants: Ask a friend or neighbor to water your plants, and be sure to leave multiple lists of all plants and their locations. Otherwise, invest in self-watering plant stakes.
5. Spray for bugs: Spray an insecticide in key areas so bugs will steer clear while you're gone.
6. Unplug and reset the thermostat: Temporality adjust the thermostat so the air-conditioner or heater won't waste energy by running in an empty house. Unplug unnecessary appliances in preparation for your absence.
7. Hold mail and newspapers: A call to your post office and news carrier will put your mail and newspapers on hold so they won't pile up in front of your house while you're gone.

Prepare for Your Return

1. Plan for your breakfast: Before you leave, stock your kitchen with cold cereal, coffee and a container of shelf-stable milk so your first meal back will be hassle free.
2. Keep the house smelling fresh: Plug in a scented gel warmer in your favorite fragrance, and you and prospective buyers be greeted by freshness when you open the door.
3. Change the sheets: Make up beds with fresh sheets for a welcoming first night.
4. Tidy the house: Sweep or vacuum floors; Do the dishes; Wipe down counters in the bathroom and kitchen with an all-purpose cleaner; Give toilets a quick clean.

In addition to creating a smooth transition back from your vacation, these steps will ensure that your house is in tip-top shape and ready to show while you are away. For more tips on how to prep your home to sell, check out Geri's Real Estate Tips.

Now that Summer is finally here, here are some tips to get your home in tip-top shape, maximize it's curb appeal and get it sold before the Fall!

Lang Farm Colonial

Outdoor Projects

Because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, maintain your home's curb appeal!  Start with some gardening and landscaping projects. Plant colorful  flowers, trim bushes and  mulch your beds.

Another easy, fun project that won't take up your whole weekend - replace your house numbers and your mailbox numbers. Your local hardware store has a good variety. Buy a few different styles and take them home to see what looks the best.

Yet another way to spruce up your exterior is to start some painting projects that will make your house look fresh. Start with painting your front door and inspecting your door handle hardware. A new handle and fresh coat of paint will welcome your summer visitors.

Update your exterior light fixtures. Outdated light fixtures are less than appealing. Plus this is a quick, inexpensive way to help your home's curb appeal.

Also, clean out your gutters and drains so that they are ready for any summer rainstorms. While you're looking at the downspouts take a quick look at the siding. Consider renting a powerwasher and wash any mildew or staining that may have developed. Don't forget to powerwash your windows as well!

Indoor Projects

Let the sunshine in! With more daylight hours now then ever, now is the time to take a good look at your windows. Many people don't realize how much grime and film builds up on  windows until they are clean. A quick interior window cleaning can give your entire home a fresh, clean feeling. Tip: Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wash windows - it won't leave streaks or lint.

Lang Farm Colonial

To maximize interior sunlight, take down any drapes or curtains that are heavy and dark and replace with a light color or sheer. Another way to make the most of natural light is to open blinds and shutters. If you have "side-lights" on your front doors consider leaving these uncovered.

Also, it's always a good idea to have your screens in good repair and your friendly neighborhood hardware store can fix torn, damaged, or bent screens.

For more tips on how to sell your home faster, visit some of Geri's tips pages or better yet, send her a quick email for her advice on how to get your house ready for the market. In addition, we offer free home staging to all of our clients.