Posts with tag 'Belleville Area'
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20
Stay Connected While Social Distancing with These 7 Apps
Social distancing doesn't mean you have to disconnect with friends and family members. Our real estate agents and many others across America are harnessing the power of modern technology to stay connected with the people closest to them. All you need is a phone and a few of the following apps to bridge the gaps.
- Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts are quick and easy to set-up. All you need to do is download the smartphone app or extension for Google Chrome. Once you install the app, you can send messages and make video or voice calls. If you have an iPhone and the person you want to connect with also has an iPhone, you can use Facetime to enjoy plenty of chats. - Skype
The tried and trusted favorite of many, Skype was the pioneer that set the bar for everyone else to follow. Free and easy to use, you can conduct video calls, conference calls, or chats with your friends and family all over the world.
16
5 Things People Forget to do After They Move
With so much to do after a big move, it's easy to overlook some smaller details. Things you'd never forget normally can slip through the cracks when you're celebrating – and resting up! – after moving into one of the great Belleville homes for sale.
Our REALTORS® strive to make every part of buying a home more comfortable, including the move. Many of our clients have reached out with stories of things they forgot to take care of, so we decided to delve deeper and find out what goes undone the most.
In the chaos of packing and unpacking, important administrative tasks can fall by the wayside. And the further you're moving, the more valuable it is to remember to do those things promptly.
Let's take a closer look at five things people forget to do after they move:
- Turn Utilities On (And Off) Before Moving Day
It may take up to two weeks to have electric and water service turned on at your new home, so contact utilities as soon as moving day is circled on the calendar. At the same time, be sure you notify existing utilities that you will be moving out. Service in your name must cease before new residents can move in and get everything under their own account.
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.