Posts made by author 'Strano & Associates'
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- 2026 | 11 Posts
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- 2020 | 24 Posts
- 2019 | 2 Posts
2
Greenhouses in Belleville for Your Garden
The first day of spring is Tuesday, March 19 – and our REALTORS® are looking forward to it!
At Strano & Associates, we know people have many motivations for buying a home. Some are starting a family, others want to make space for their dogs, but one thing is for sure: Certain things are just more satisfying in your very own home.
Gardening is one of them!
Luckily, these greenhouses will get you off to a wonderful start on spring with gorgeous flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Here are our five favorites:
- Terry's Landscaping and Garden Center – 6200 New Missouri Avenue, Centreville IL, 62207
Terry's Landscaping and Garden Center allows you to get landscaping advice from experts with more than 20 years of experience. The perfect way to bring color and the personal touch to Centreville homes for sale, its fully-stocked nursery and garden center includes all your favorite trees, shrubs, roses, annuals, and perennials.
17
How to Get Started Flipping Houses
You've probably seen all the house flipping shows on TV and wondered to yourself what it would take to get started in the flipping game. There are a lot of pieces that need to be in place to successfully flip a house for a profit, but luckily our REALTORS® are here to help. Here's what you need to know before you get started.
- Know the Risks
When done correctly, flipping a house can be an excellent investment. It could also end up costing you thousands if something goes wrong, so it's important to understand the risks. What looks like a great investment property could have hidden defects like a leaky roof or cracked foundation that end up souring the deal, so it's important to do your homework on each property. - Understand Your Financing Options
Because of the risks involved in flipping a house, it's essential to know exactly how you're going to finance the process before starting. While it may not be an option for everyone, it's best to buy houses in cash if possible, because it eliminates the added complications and costs that come with loans and interest while you're trying to flip a property.
3
What You Need to Know About Using a VA Loan in 2020
VA home loans provide a fantastic opportunity for veterans and their families to put a solid foundation under their financial future. There are some changes to the VA home loan program that make it easier for soldiers, sailors, and airmen to purchase a home. These changes will affect loan limits, fees, and other elements of the program that our REALTORS® want you to know about and think over before you apply.
Funding Fees Rise for Some Borrowers
The funding fee for VA home loans is rising to 2.30% for first-time active duty borrowers, which is a slight increase over the 2.15% it is at currently. This change will go into effect on January 1, 2021, so there is still plenty of time to purchase a home before it affects borrowers. On the other side of the coin, Purple Heart recipients who are still on active duty will no longer have to pay the funding fee starting on January 1, 2020. The subsequent use fee is also rising. It is currently set at 3.3% but will increase to 3.6% on January 1, 2020.
The Funding Fees are based on a sliding scale for regular military personnel based on their down payment.
| Down Payment | Fee for First-Time Home Buyers | Fee for Subsequent Use |
| 0% | 2.3% | 3.6% |
| 5-10% | 1.65% | 1.65% |
| >10% | 1.4% | 1.4% |
Further, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 streamlines the funding fees for all military personnel. Starting January 1, 2020, National Guard, reservists, and active-duty personnel will be subject to the same funding fees without distinction to which branch they serve.
27
Low-Carb Dining Options in Belleville for a Healthy 2020
What do keto, paleo, Atkins, and Mediterranean have in common? They're all popular forms of low-carb eating, which has gained popularity as a way to lose weight and control blood sugar. Enjoy the great taste and health benefits of low-carb dining at these wonderful restaurants around Belleville recommended by our real estate agents.
- Sugarfire Smoke House - 1425 N. Green Mount Rd., O'Fallon 62269
Sugarfire Smoke House takes the best BBQ traditions and creates a style all its own. Specialties range from the simplicity of the Carolina sandwich to the heartiness of the Meat Daddy, a platter of ribs, sausage, brisket, pulled pork, and turkey. Order online for convenient carry-out or delivery to the area near O'Fallon homes for sale.
13
How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
Improving energy-efficiency within your home will trim a significant sum from your monthly utility bills. It will also enhance the home's curb appeal in an increasingly eco-conscious real estate market. As you think about the things you can do to reduce your energy usage, our real estate agents recommend you pay close attention to the following:
- Upgrade Your Appliances
A new washer/dryer, refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher can shave hundreds of dollars from your gas, electric, and water bills each year. More importantly, these upgrades give your home a modern appeal enhancing the home's value in the eyes of prospective buyers. - Invest in Insulation
Adding new insulation with a higher R-value in the attic and crawlspaces can shave hundreds of dollars per year off your heating and cooling bills. Moreover, your investment in insulation pays roughly a 1:1 return in terms of real estate value.