VQ Real Estate Tips & Articles
Winter Savings for Homeowners (24/8/2011)
This year the temperature changes during winter and summer soared to new levels. We’ve had heat waves torment households during summer. Meanwhile, this winter we’ve seen the temperature dip into its lowest levels which resulted to a soar in household electricity bills.
People are not risking the cold temperature in fear of worsening their flu symptoms. Thus, heaters are running longer and is set in a higher temperature this winter season. The increase in dependency on heaters is not only bad for our pockets but also for the environment.
This article “Top 12 tips to cut your power bills this winter” from news.com.au was very timely for those who wanted to save heaps in their electricity bills.
Here are some of the power saving tips mentioned in the article:
1. Make sure your home is sealed and has adequate insulation.
2. Reduce hot water use.
3. Keep doors to empty and cold rooms closed.
4. Reduce the use of heaters by dressing warmly at home.
5. Take advantage of government rebates in installing ceiling insulation in homes and using a more efficient water heater.
I hope you find these tips useful.
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Top 5 tips for First-Home Buyers (29/8/2011)
I just realized now that the piggy bank is an essential tool for buying your first home. Well, not directly. Having a piggy bank, helps you practice saving for something you want to buy in the future. When we were younger it could be buying that favorite toy. During our teen years it could be our favorite gadget. As we grow older, our needs become more expensive. However, if we have the discipline to save for something we want, then we know it is not impossible to buy that elusive first-home.
Here are the Top 5 things you should consider before buying your first home.
1) Work Out a Budget - Knowing how much you spend and what you can actually save can help you figure out your comfortable mortgage repayments. It is a better assessment than how much the lenders will actually allow you to borrow.
2) Save.Save.Save. - The more deposit you have, the lesser interest you will pay for the term of your loan. To add, you will be more confident with your loan if you can practice saving your projected monthly repayment s.
3) Minimize using your credit cards. Use it only for necessary purchases. Pay off credit card debt when on or before the due date to avoid interest charges.
4) Plan ahead for contingencies. Mortgage repayment and your normal utility bills are not the only expenses you will incur when you buy your first home. You should take into consideration interest hikes, repairs and other maintenance issues. Having a contingency fund is not an option but a necessity.
5) Do your research. Don’t buy the first home that you fell in love with. Check out the sold prices in the area. Organize a pest and building inspection. Visit the general area several times to make sure it meets your needs and criteria.
Hope you find these tips useful. Remember, your first home doesn’t always have to be your dream home. What matters is you can buy something you can comfortably afford in a good location. If you buy the right property, it could be a good stepping stone for you to buy the home you really wanted.
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