How to Calculate Your Home Buying Budget

Owning a home is the dream of many hard-working Americans. The chance to make a house a true home and finally set your own rules is an attractive end-goal. However, without the right plan of attack, that dream can quickly become a nightmare. One of the most common mistakes people make is not taking the time to calculate their home buying budget. Unfortunately, when they find out how much they can really afford, it's simply too late. Debt has been accumulated, and a possible foreclosure may be in the near future. Thus the following includes the steps you need to take to properly calculate your home buying budget.

Determine Your Monthly Income

The first and often easiest step to determining your home buying budget is to simply sit down and add up everything you bring in per month. This includes your paycheck from work and any other additional money that you make per month. For example, if you earn money from rental properties or the stock market, you may want to add that into your total sum as well.

Examine the Details

Real estate experts, such as those at John Hook Team: KYRO Real Estate can use their experience to help you work through the details of what you can afford. They will give you the information needed to see how much you will pay each month for the property. After meeting with an experienced real estate agent, you will know expenses such as annual property tax, cost of home insurance, estimated mortgage interest rate, and the loan term. You will also want to add in the amount of money you are going to put down for the property into the equation.

Consider Your Expenses & Debts

The last step to calculating your home buying budget involves adding up all your monthly recurring expenses and any debts you may have to your name. In terms of expenses, you will want to add every single detail. Why is this important? Because although a recurring bill of $10 won't collapse your home buying budget, 14 or more of those can. This is why it is so important to include everything from your internet bill down to your gym membership. Lastly are all of your debts. Paying down debts is difficult enough; now add a monthly mortgage to that, and it can be downright impossible. Be sure to stay organized and avoid accumulating extra debt as much as possible.

By taking the steps listed above, you may be able to get as close as possible to your home buying budget. However, it is always recommended that you speak with a real estate professional before investing your hard-earned money.

Easy and Affordable Bedroom Design Ideas to Help You Create a More Relaxing Space

Designing a beautiful, relaxing bedroom doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, crafting a serene atmosphere is mostly about bringing in design elements like color and texture. Try these tips for making your bedroom a peaceful refuge you'll love coming home to.

Make It Your Own

Your entire house should reflect your personality, but the bedroom, in particular, should be a good fit for its owners. Make it your own by adding personal accents. You might try hanging a statement mirror or other dramatic accent. If you enjoy vintage decor, you can make them look fresh and unique by framing ads from old magazines. Shop at thrift stores and garage sales regularly to freshen your sleep space with vintage vases, planters, and other new finds on the cheap.

Use a Variety of Textures

Rooms need dimension to feel stylish and lived-in. Texture provides a sense that a room is "alive," so tell your story with wall hangings made from yarn or other textural materials. Make your own one-of-a-kind headboard in a cozy fabric or cushiony style. Cover your bed with a quilt or chenille bedspread, and accent it with big, textured throw pillows. Finally, toss a chunky blanket over a chair for a welcoming look that adds dimension.

Build the Perfect Bed

Let's face it: your bed is the reason your bedroom exists. Choose the right bed for your needs, and you've mastered the key to a good night's sleep. Mattresses are available in a vast array of configurations, though queen mattresses are the most common size for most adults. From plush to firm, there's a perfect mattress out there for everyone.

 After you've found your ideal size and comfort level, consider splurging on sheets boasting a high thread count for the ultimate in bedtime luxury. Or keep it budget-friendly by using warm flannel sheets in the winter and cool linen in the warmer months.

Use a Soft Touch

While sharp, modern decor looks nice, it’s not the most relaxing. When you’re trying to create a  tranquil atmosphere, try incorporating the softest materials. You can cover your bed in velvet or another soft fabric. For the ultimate get-away-from-it-all touch, build a simple DIY canopy bed. You can even put soft lighting at your fingertips by installing a dimmer switch. Create a soothing color scheme with paint and accents in natural hues. These cozy additions will help you get into a sleepytime mindset for a restorative rest every night.

Incorporate Nature

Art depicting landscapes and colors plucked straight from nature can be calming and beautiful. Bring a little bit of the outdoors into your bedroom decor by going with green walls and incorporating different shades of the soothing color into your decor. Hang wall art depicting nature scenes or plants. 

You can also bring nature more literally into the space. Cleanse the air with a Boston fern or other purifying plant and showcase your greenery on a stylish plant stand. Place fresh flowers on a table or dresser, and spritz pillows with a natural, herbal-scented linen spray. The options are endless; just head outside for inspiration. From dried flowers to pine cones, you can even add seasonal touches straight from the great outdoors.

A bedroom that helps you relax for a better night's sleep or simply a peaceful few minutes in the middle of the day is worth its weight in gold. Fortunately, you don't need a big budget to achieve it. Try these tips to create your own nighttime oasis, and be prepared to get the best sleep ever.

4 Tips for Cleaning a Flooded Basement

When water floods a home, one of the most vulnerable places would be the basement. Due to their placement and design, they can be prone to flooding quickly, which can lead to structural damage in the future. Without a lot of ventilation and limited exits, it’s easy for water to rise and cause severe water damage if left unchecked.

The good news is that cleaning a basement in case of a flood is relatively easy. However, it takes a lot of work, and it might cost you a hefty fee. Cleaning up your flooded basement might be better than having to restore your home due to water damage. So, if you’re wondering what to do if a flood were to occur, we got you covered.

In this article, we’ll discuss why floods happen, give you tips on cleaning a flooded basement, and how you can reduce the chances of floods from happening in your home.

Causes of Floods in Homes

Floods in homes can happen due to a variety of factors. The most common causes of floods are natural disasters, appliance failures, leaky pipes, or other signs of damage in the home. Sometimes you can’t protect your home from a storm and floods occur. 

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, heavy rainfall, or stormy weather can wreak havoc on your home. Without proper protection and proper drainage systems, your home can become a “flood-risk” area.

Appliance failures are also common, especially with appliances that run on water, such as washing machines, refrigerators, sump pumps, and water heaters. Without maintenance and regular inspections, these appliances can break down and malfunction— causing leaks and floods.

Here’s What You Can Do

When your basement is flooded, it can be stressful and challenging to handle. Other than calling professionals to help you out, here are some things you can do to lighten the load and, hopefully, keep your basement dry while you wait for help to arrive.

Check if it’s safe to go down into the basement.

When water is in the basement, no matter how high or low the water is, there is always a risk of electrocution since electrical outlets are usually placed below the home. The first thing you would need to do is check whether or not the water has risen above an electrical outlet. If not, you need to find the main breaker and shut off the power to the area to avoid electrocution. 

The water filling up your basement could be contaminated, so it’s recommended that you use protective gear when going into a flooded basement. 

Find the source of water.

If it’s safe to go down the basement, you need to figure out where the water is coming from. This can be easy if the pipe or damage is visible, but it can also be difficult. If you’re having a hard time finding the source of the flood, you can check these spots:

• Foundation

• Walls and windows

• Sump pump

• Pipes

Dry whatever you can and bring in a dehumidifier or fan

If you’ve located the source of water or if the water isn’t that bad, do your best to dry the basement as best as you can. Some people use a pool pump, but a mop and bucket are just as effective. 

Once you have dried most of the basement, bring in a dehumidifier, fan, or air conditioner to keep the space cool and dry. This also helps prevent mold and fungi growth. 

Determine what can be salvaged

 It can be hard to say goodbye to your belongings, but once contaminated water has touched them, the best solution is to throw them away. Take a look around your basement and determine which items can be saved and which ones need to go. A good indicator of damaged items usually includes a musty smell and spots from mold growth. If any of your items have spots and an odor, it’s time for them to go. Belongings that are still in good shape can be put in self storage until you finish cleaning up and drying off your basement.

Prevention Is Key

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and stormy weather can be unpredictable. So, floods caused by these events can be hard to prevent. However, if it’s caused by appliance failure, leaky pipes, and the likes, you can lessen your chances of basement flooding by taking preventive measures.

Keep your drainages clear.

Keeping your drainages clean and clear can help prevent floods from happening in the first place. During heavy rainfall, it’s recommended that you don’t use up a lot of water to help keep waterways clear. Our drainage systems work extra hard, and sometimes it clogs. This is why you should clean your drains regularly and tackle clogged drains as soon as possible. 

Keep an eye on your appliances.

Your appliances will break down over time, especially if they’re incredibly outdated. If you feel like your washing machine is acting up, it might be time to call a professional to inspect it. If needed, get your appliances repaired or updated to avoid malfunctions and floods. 

Regularly inspect your foundation and pipes.

Lastly, make time to inspect your home’s foundation and pipes. Most of the time, floods can come from leaky pipes or cracks in your foundation.  Leaky pipes and cracks in your foundation can also cause floods. Sometimes it can be hard to detect these issues since pipes and foundations are hidden underground or behind walls, comments drainage professional Sam Mayers. 

Usually, homeowners will realize that their pipes are leaking or the foundation is damaged when signs of water damage start to show up. Discovering leaks and cracks early on will save you from an expensive repair bill, and it’ll keep your home in great shape.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Garden on a Budget

Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your garden. The air gets warmer, the sun shines brighter and you add an extra hour to your day - so you can spend more time outside working to cultivate the perfect garden! 

Not everyone has an unlimited budget to dedicate to craft an outdoor oasis - and that’s okay! There are lots of things you can do to create a beautiful garden area on a budget. You can still show off a great space without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to upgrade your garden without blowing your budget.

Think Ahead

If you want to create a garden, don’t just do it on a whim. Even though the idea might pop into your head, take some time before purchasing any big items to plan out your garden area. Consider how much you want to spend, what theme you want, the types of plants you want to have and whether or not you want your garden to provide you with food, herbs or just have flowers. 

Consider your climate, too - you don’t want to plant fruits and veggies that don’t grow well in your area. Take some time to visit some landscaping and gardening centers to talk with the professionals about what grows best when and how to best plant in your space. 

Don’t forget to measure your garden space! You’ll want to ensure your garden oasis isn’t overcrowded with plants or barren. Take a few moments before shopping to measure around the spaces you want to plant. Write down the measurements, take pictures or even sketch out a sample blueprint to use when discussing garden upgrades with the local outdoor stores. You’ll find that those considerations will save you money in the long run because you won’t be running back and forth to the store to find and return plants that don’t fit the areas where you want to garden.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

One of the best ways you can save money on an outdoor project is by looking into sustainable options for your garden. Ask your neighbors for planters they’re not using, upcycle items from yard sales or other second-hand stores and look for ways to DIY different things in your yard! You can easily turn an antique bicycle into a garden planter, or consider building an air plant frame to hang on the fence in your garden. Not only do these things give you a fun activity to do in the fresh air, but you can add some unique decor to your garden space that doesn’t force you to go over budget! 

Less is More

You don’t have to fill your garden area with huge plants and shrubbery. In fact, if you have a small garden, consider adding a few smaller plants or a vegetable like mushrooms in a growing kit. Then, incorporate some smaller decor pieces, such as some personalized garden stones, between them to create some natural space between the plants. The personalized touch will really let you enjoy the space more. Plus, purchasing plants that might not be full-grown can save you a lot of money. They will continue to grow after you purchase them. Adding trees to your garden area? Find ones that haven’t yet started to bloom - they’re much lighter than ones that are flowering. Not only will they be easier to plant, but they will also help you stay within your budget. Don’t forget that the all-year plants will typically be less expensive to purchase than the seasonal ones. You’ll save time and money going with plants classified as ‘annuals,’ which grow all year regardless of season or climate.

Also, consider the outdoor furniture you’ll be adding to your garden. Consider some wooden fold up chairs and a table to use rather than a large patio set. This way, when the weather starts to get a little bad, you can easily transport your outdoor furniture inside, safe from the elements. On top of that, collapsible furniture can fit into smaller spaces really well. Even if you have a larger outdoor space, if you want the focus to be on the greenery, smaller furniture is the way to go. 

Don’t Neglect the Front Yard

Even if you’re sprucing up your backyard, your front yard still deserves some love! Consider some small decor pieces in the front yard, such as walkway lights or a few personalized yard signs. Yard signs are great for the front yard, especially if you have a graduating senior or a military family member coming home. Walkway lights are perfect if you live in a more rural area that doesn’t have street lights. Your guests can find their way to your front door with ease, plus the motion-sensor lights serve as a bonus security feature for your home.

Include Your Friends

Another expensive part of garden upgrades is the labor. If you purchase large greenery from garden stores or nurseries, sometimes the companies will offer to plant the items for you - for a price. If you have any friends that know the dos-and-don’ts of landscaping, consider asking them for help, or watch some YouTube tutorials to curb the cost of installation and planting. Host a garden party, and invite all your friends, family and neighbors that live near you to come over and help you with garden activities. The kids can help shovel dirt, and everyone can lay down patches of grass, set up furniture or hang string lights. Building a fence? Find friends who are handy with saws and nail guns to assist you in installing and woodworking. Don’t forget to provide them with a hearty meal at the end of the day to thank everyone for helping you out! 

You can still create a meaningful, beautiful outdoor space without blowing your budget. Remember to carefully plan your garden, upcycle your materials and enlist the help of your friends to minimize the labor costs. As long as your garden space becomes an area you want to spend time in, that’s all that matters.