Gary Pierpont Blog

It is possible to update your bathroom on a budget, and here are a few simple tips that will take your bathroom from the 1970s to 2014 without spending a fortune: Paint the bathroom with a bold, contemporary color, and buy accessories such as a shower curtain and hand towels that will help compliment your color palette. Compare bathroom lighting costs online to ensure you are getting the best price. Use an old piece of furniture as a vanity and get granite remnants for the counter top. Perhaps most importantly, have a solid plan and all of your materials purchased before beginning work. More here

According to a recent study, location may not be the most important factor when buying a home. Homebuyers are choosing certain features over location in many instances. Features like an open kitchen plan, bathtub, superb landscaping abilities, and plenty of closet room may lead a potential buyer away from a home with a convenient location. Valerie Dolenga, spokesman for the Pulte Group, home building company said, “when we first started surveying families — I think a lot of it was done around that time [before the housing crash] — a lot of people were looking for the most house for their money. Now people are thinking about maximizing their budget. Kitchen, storage and bathrooms are probably the three most important things.” More here

Golf-course professionals and turf specialists have come together to provide a few tips to help achieve the ideal lawn. Experts suggest mowing your lawn high and frequently with well-maintained, sharp blades to ensure the grass grows back greener and disease free. Another tip is to avoid mowing your lawn when it has recently rained, or there is remaining dew. Mowing wet grass suffocates the roots and kills the grass. Finally, water your lawn, but not too often, only water when you are positive the lawn requires hydration. More here

When considering buying a home, it is always wise to know a few negotiating tips to help ensure you get what you want from the transaction. Experts have provided a few tips to assist you when buying a home: Try to get pre-approved, so sellers know you are serious. Offer the price that you think the home is worth and explain why. Make an offer quickly if you find a home that meets your needs to increase your chances in a competitive market. Ask for upgrades and repairs, but don’t expect all your requests be fulfilled. Also, expect to compromise on location, size, type of home and price. More here

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence has increased significantly this month, jumping to 53, the largest number seen since January. Conditions seem to be good for home sales this month causing builder confidence to grow. The NAHB Chairman, Kevin Kelly said “an improving job market goes hand-in-hand with a rise in builder confidence. As employment increases and those with jobs feel more secure about their own economic situation, they are more likely to feel comfortable about buying a home.” More here

Many areas in the U.S. experience harsh summers with prolonged heat waves, little or too much rain and severe weather. Knowing some gardening tips during these weather events can be key to raising a healthy and eye-pleasing garden. A few tips to help your garden survive harsh summer weather are: Watch the weather forecast so you can be prepared before the event happens. Use mulch to protect your plant roots and to store water. Use trees or cloths as shade. Also, water your garden during the mornings or evenings to ensure your plants receive the optimal amount of hydration. More here

According to a new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, heirs will now be able to take over mortgages from homeowners who have passed away. The rule states that when the home borrower dies, the heir can then be added to the mortgage without activating the CFPB’s Ability-to-Repay rule. The CFPB Director, Richard Cordray said, “losing a loved one should not mean also losing your home. [This] interpretive rule makes it clear that when family members inherit property, they can take over the mortgage without jumping through unnecessary hoops. This gives heirs an opportunity to work with the lender to pay off the loan or seek a loan modification.” More here

Keeping the environment clean is more than just a fad, it is something everyone should be practicing in order to keep our planet healthy and safe, for ourselves and future generations. There are minor changes you can incorporate at home that will help maintain a healthier planet. Some ways homeowners can go green at home are: Monitor your home’s temperature, the less energy you use, the better. Heating and cooling a house takes up about 50% of your energy consumption, and regulating usage could save money. Use cleansers that are free from toxins and thus, safer for the environment. Install energy-efficient light bulbs. Choose bamboo flooring instead of hardwood floors. And finally, use low VOC paint when painting in the home to decrease air pollution inside and outside. More here

There are many factors that play a role when considering your home’s value. Developing an accurate picture of your home’s worth will guarantee you are not cheating yourself or potential buyers in a transaction. A few factors to consider when establishing the value of your home are location- one of the most important factors to consider- many buyers are looking for homes in safe areas with good schools. It is important to compare your property’s value with other properties nearby. Potential buyers will also want to ensure that the price you’re asking is reflective of the condition and age of your house. More here

Becoming a new homeowner is a fun and exciting time for most, but many new owners make the mistake of not calculating less-obvious expenses, putting them in financial strain months down the road. Experts have listed a few expenses that all new homeowners should add into their budgets: Getting your locks changed- while this is not an colossal expense, it is still one that should be budgeted in your financial plan. Lawn maintenance can add up if you do not own your own lawn equipment. Interior upgrades such as paint and paint supplies. Experts also suggest budgeting for property taxes. More here