The chance to live in your own home is the stuff dreams are made of. Most people can’t afford to buy a home outright, so they have to borrow money in order to make the purchase. Some people find it difficult to make their payments in full and on time. When that happens one too many times, the home goes into foreclosure. If the loan was provided through a FHA (Federal Housing Administration) approved lender, the home can become the property of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.) HUD then resells the home. Following are a few tips for buying a HUD home.

Find an Agent

When you decide to look into buying a HUD home, you’ll find out that there may be special qualifications for making a purchase. All HUD home purchases require an intermediary– a real estate agent. The agent you choose must be a participant in the HUD program. These agents are familiar with all the rules and regulations that apply to a HUD home purchase, which will make the buying process easier. These agents generally keep track of homes that become available through HUD and can let you know when something is about to go on the market.

Have Pre-Approved Financing

Because HUD homes are only on the market for an individual homeowner for a very short period of time before they become available to investors, you should make every effort to have pre-approved financing lined up. Once you decide to buy a HUD home, you should make an appointment with a lender and begin the loan process. You’ll need to have access to the money as soon as the home you’re looking at comes up for bid. If you wait until that time to begin trying to line up financing, it may be too late by the time you’re approved for the loan.

Place a Bid at the Right Time

The process of buying a HUD home is relatively easy, but you must be ready to act at the proper time. If you delay any part of the process, your chosen home could go to another bidder who was better prepared. When a HUD property goes on the market, it is usually open to the general public for nine days. After that the property becomes available to investors, who usually have access to financing and can close the deal quickly.

Good Neighbor Next Door Qualifications Apply

A special program associated with HUD homes is called the GNND (Good Neighbor Next Door) program, which makes HUD homes in certain designated areas available at reduced rates to school teachers, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs. Sometimes the price reduction is as much as 50% off the asking price. As you no doubt see, this would be a tremendous attraction to qualifying buyers, so the HUD homes don’t stay on the market very long.

Have the Home Inspected

Once you’ve placed a bid on a HUD home, you should have it inspected to make sure it’s in good enough condition to follow through on the purchase. Many HUD homes haven’t been kept up by the previous owners, so a thorough inspection is mandatory. If the home seems to be in good shape, then there most likely isn’t any reason not to buy the home.

Be Ready to Make Repairs

If the inspection shows that the HUD home needs some work, you’ll have to decide whether or not the needed repairs are worth doing. In most cases, it’s relatively easy to get financing for a HUD home, and the price can be very attractive. That means you could have a little bit of money left over to make any needed repairs. You’ll have to decide if you want to stick your money into making the repairs, or wait and try and get a home that doesn’t need as much work. If you’re the handyman type, it may be worth your while to buy the home and make some of the repairs yourself.

Buy as an Investment

Because the price of a HUD home is relatively affordable, many people purchase them as an investment. If the home is still on the market after the bidding process for individual home owners passes, you could look into the possibility of purchasing the home to use as an investment property.

Guest post from Mickey Scott. Mickey writes for CreditReport.org.

When painting your home or any interior location, it is going to be an adventure. Any number of things could go wrong, so you’ve got to be prepared. If you mess up, you will have to start all over again or live with the consequences. Hopefully these tips will make things a little easier for you.

1. Remove Hardware

Instead of taping around hardware in the room or slowly painting around things, you may find it easier to just remove all hardware in the room. This means the light switches, door knobs or handles, hooks, etc. Make sure that you keep all screws and small pieces together so that you don’t lose anything. Buy some plastic baggies to keep your pieces together.

2. Prep Day

Before you begin painting, there is a lot that needs to be done. Having a day set aside for prep work will make the job seem a little less intimidating. Your prep day should be a day for everything but painting. Get the walls prepped by smoothing out any imperfections, such as holes or cracks, and be sure that the walls are clean as well.  Take the time to clear as much as possible from the room, or at the very least, get it covered. This would also be a good time to remove the hardware in the room.

3. Be Prepared 

Have all the necessary supplies for the job ahead of time. It is always a possibility that you will have to make an unexpected trip to the hardware store, but you don’t want to be constantly running back and forth. Before you begin the job, make a check list of all the supplies you know you will need and put those items in the room. If there is anything you have forgotten, make a list and go get it before you begin.

4. Ventilation

Proper ventilation of the room you will be painting is important for more than just helping the paint dry. The chemicals in paint vary greatly, as do people’s reactions to them, that is why it is important to always keep the area properly ventilated. Try to plan your painting projects during the spring and fall when it is more comfortable to work with open windows. Have fans going while you are painting, and if available, use box window fans to assist in airing the room. Depending on the type of paint you are using, you may want to continue airing the room for two to three days after you paint. If you are painting in a home or area with children or people with breathing problems, be sure to keep them away from the room you are painting to avoid unwanted exposure to vapors that could irritate their condition.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

5. Cover Properly

Proper coverage of areas you aren’t going to paint is essential, since it is nearly impossible to paint without dripping or spilling a single drop. When covering the floor, you should use a canvas-like cloth. Canvas is your best option due to the fact that it isn’t slippery and it is fairly thick. If you don’t have canvas available, use something that you can count on to protect your floor. Whatever you choose to use should be of relative thickness or covered by plastic. The downfall to using plastic is that it can be quite slippery. Once you have covered your floor or furniture, you should tape the edges down to ensure that it will stay in place and the paint will be less likely to leak around the edges.

6. Clean Up 

Sometimes you just want to quit. Panting will make you hot, tired, and even a little grumpy, so it’s understandable if you don’t want take the time to clean your brushes every time you take a break or quit for the day. If you allow the paint to dry on your brush, you will have to buy a new one, so instead wrap the brushes in plastic wrap and place them in a plastic bag. If it is going to be a few days before you get back to the project, you can even place them in the freezer, just be sure to let the brushes thaw before you go to use them. You are going to have to clean your brushes off eventually, unless you plan on throwing them away when you have completed your project. To make cleaning a little easier, it is a good idea to coat your brushes in whatever solution you will be using to clean them off when you are done. Do this before you begin painting and it will make it more difficult for the paint to stick to the bush.

7. Combine Your Paint

Even if you get your paint from the same store, the color in each bucket can vary. By getting a large five gallon bucket and combining all of your paints into one, it will allow you to keep a consistent color throughout the room. Once you have dumped all of your paints into the large bucket, it may be easier for you to use a roller screen instead of pans. A roller screen will go directly into the large paint bucket so that you can simply dunk the roller into the paint and roll it over the screen until it stops dripping.

8. Cutting In 

In order to get a smooth clean finish on your wall, you should start by cutting in. This is the process in which you go around the walls, in corners and along the trim and ceiling, with a brush before painting the entire wall. Basically, you are outlining the wall with a brush about two inches in because it is pretty difficult to get at it with a roller. Brushes and rollers will leave two noticeably different textures on your wall. This is why you should give yourself enough time to get the entire wall painted before the brushed paint dries. Going over the brushed area with a roller before it has completely dried will give it the same texture as rolled on paint. If you are worried that your cut-in areas will dry before you make it over them with a roller, then you should cut-in in smaller sections.

Guest post from Adrian Wade. Adrian writes for InsuranceCompanies.org.

Technology is always expanding and you are going to have to catch up with it eventually. If you are stepping into the world of wireless internet, setting up your home network connection may be easier than you think. However, you may benefit from a few tips before you get started.

Proper Equipment 

Before you get started setting up your wireless internet, it is good to have your supplies ready. The most important thing to have is a computer that is wireless compatible. Newer computer models have built in wireless compatibility, and older models may require a wireless card or adapter to allow access to wireless internet. If your computer is ready for wireless internet, the second and third most important things to have are an active internet connection and a wireless router. A wireless router will change your current internet connection into a wireless connection.

Determine Where to Install the Router

Setting up a home network doesn’t ensure that your whole home will have access to the internet. Wireless routers do not have a never ending range; there are limits to each one. If your home is very large; there are products that can enhance the range of your router. In most cases; these will be unnecessary as long as you place the router near the center of the home to get the most coverage, or at least close to the areas where you will be using the internet the most.

Safety and Security

When setting up your home network, you will have the ability to secure your network with a password. It is best that you do this in order to limit other’s access to your internet as well as help protect any information sent over your network. Wireless Protected Access and Wired Equivalent Privacy are two options that may be available to you, depending on your particular router. By enabling either of these, you will be further protecting your personal information; however, the better option may be WPA since it is more difficult to hack into.  Purchasing a router with a built in firewall is another step in the right direction. A firewall is basically a bridge between your network and others that decides which information is allowed to pass and which information is not safe. You may also choose to use a personal firewall system separate from your wireless router for added protection.

Go Professional

Installing internet yourself may be intimidating to you, especially if you aren’t very familiar with computer terms, or modern technology. Most routers will give you very good instructions on how to set things up, but you really don’t have to do it by yourself. There are service numbers that will offer you assistance in setting up your network, or you can opt for having a professional come into your home and set things up. Don’t feel as though you have to do this by yourself, there are professionals for a reason. All that matters is that the job gets done right, not who does the actual job.

Guest post from Dylan Foley. Dylan writes for InternetByZipCode.com.

If you’ve been in your home for awhile now, you’ve probably made enough payments that it’s actually worth more than you owe. Many people in this situation find it expedient to take some of the equity and use it for other purposes. Some people pay for their child’s education or buy a rental property. Others may use the cash to take an extended vacation, open a new business, fix up their home, or buy a new car. In order to undertake any of these projects, you’ll need to either get a home equity loan or a line of credit. Following are a few tips to help you choose between a home equity loan and a HELOC.

What Is the Difference Between the Two? 

When you take out a home equity loan, you’re basically borrowing a fixed amount based on the difference between what your home is actually worth and the amount you still owe on it. The terms of the loan may vary based on the length of time you’re going to take to repay the loan and the prevailing interest rates. With a home equity loan, you’ll be making predetermined payments with a fixed interested rate for a set period of time. On the other hand, a HELOC, or a home equity line of credit, is a line of credit based on the same equity in your home. The major difference between the two is that with a HELOC, you may only have to pay back the interest until you actually use the money that’s available in your line of credit. The details of a HELOC may vary, so you’ll have to work them out with your lender.

Interest Rates are Important 

Before deciding on a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, you should recognize that the interest you will have to pay will be figured differently in each loan. With a home equity loan, you’ll be paying a fixed amount each month. That payment will not only be paying the interest, but will also be paying down the principal of the loan. Conversely, with a home equity line of credit, the interest rate on your loan may vary over the course of the loan, because it could be tied in with the prevailing interest rates–the details of a HELOC may vary greatly, and you should pay strict attention to them when you’re applying for a line of credit. In either case, the interest rates for a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit are usually less than a traditional bank loan or what you’d pay for a credit card. The reason is that these loans are based on the value of your home, so the lender isn’t as concerned with not being repaid, because they know the property is valuable and they could recoup their money if necessary. However, both a home equity loan and a HELOC usually carry a higher interest rate than your first mortgage.

Use May Determine Choice

A major advantage of a home equity line of credit is that if you don’t use all the money that’s available to you initially–in other words, if you keep some of it in reserve or use the money at varying times during the course of the loan–you may actually be paying less per month, and over the length of the loan, than you would with a home equity loan. Also, if you intend to keep part of the line of credit in abeyance in case of an emergency, the HELOC may be the way to go. However, if you plan to use the entire amount immediately, you may be better off with a home equity loan–the reason being that your monthly payments will immediately begin paying off part of the principal with a home equity loan.

Ease of Repayment Is Vital

Your ability to repay the loan may be instrumental in choosing between a home equity loan and a HELOC. If you have a fixed rate of income, you may be better off taking out a home equity loan, because you will know exactly how much you’re borrowing–your payments will be preset. On the other hand, with a HELOC the interest rates may vary, and your payments will depend on how much of the available money you use.

Guest post from Harper Ryan. Harper writes for HomeLoans.org.

If you live in a neighborhood, subdivision, or complex overseen by a homeowners association, it’s very important that you know how to handle changes, conflicts, or concerns in a positive and effective manner. Most homeowners under the authority of homeowners associations (HOA) agree that there are both positives and negatives when it comes to the rules and regulations set before them. While there are many benefits to an HOA such as neighborhood property maintenance and luxurious amenities you’d otherwise be without, the strict regulations regarding changes to your home or what kind of vehicles you park in your driveway can make living in such a neighborhood a challenge. If you’d like to know how to best deal with your HOA, keep reading. Here are some tips to help you.

Familiarize Yourself with the Rules

In order to gain a better understanding of your HOA and the role they play in maintaining the integrity of your neighborhood, read up on their rules, regulations, and bylaws. Familiarize yourself with restrictions and violations, and find out how to request changes and file appeals should you ever need to do so. Knowing what to expect from your HOA as well as what they expect from you will make it easier to establish and maintain a good relationship with them.

Get Approval Prior to Making Changes

If you would like to make changes to your home or property, request approval from your HOA before you do anything else. Changes that usually require approval include putting up a fence, painting your home, remodeling, adding on to your home, or making major changes to your driveway or landscaping. Before you buy any materials or hire a contractor, get written approval from your HOA. Failing to do so could result in hefty penalties or even worse–a lawsuit.

Get Involved

Make a habit of attending HOA meetings so that you can hear firsthand of any changes or regulations that might affect you. Attending board meetings might also afford you the opportunity to voice suggestions, concerns, or complaints that you have regarding proposals or changes. If you’re unhappy with the board members in your HOA or you feel that they don’t have the neighborhood’s best interest in mind, cast your vote at election time for someone that you feel will do a better job. You might even want to consider running for a position yourself if you think some major changes are in order.

Talk to Other Members

Establishing positive relationships with others in your neighborhood is a great way to eliminate bad dealings with your HOA. The very people that you live next to or across the street from are the same ones that might report you for an alleged violation–so get to know them and maybe they’ll think twice about reporting you for something and instead come to you with concerns or complaints first. By getting to know others that live under the same rules and regulations, you can establish a mutual trust in which you watch the other’s back–and even band together when the majority feels that something is unfair.

File an Appeal if Necessary

If you’ve been penalized for a violation that you feel is unjust–file an appeal with your HOA. Review written rules and bylaws carefully to find proof that you’re within your rights as a member, and present it to your HOA in a calm and assertive manner. If you don’t feel that you’re being treated fairly, stand up for yourself–just make sure that you have legal ground to stand on. You may not like the rules and regulations set before you, but they come along with the neighborhood you chose to move into. If you want to call the shots when it comes to your home and property, this type of community might not be the best one for you.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with your homeowners association is that they are there to protect you. You worked hard to purchase your property–and your HOA will ensure that its value doesn’t decrease because of negligence, yours or that of your neighbors. While you may not always like their rules and bylaws, dealing with your HOA in a positive fashion will make it easier to come to agreements that everyone involved will feel good about.

Guest post from Marley Lane. Marley writes for HouseInsurance.com.

If you have a garage, you know it can get quite messy from time to time. From lawn equipment and tools to recreational items and outdoor toys, a garage often ends up being the “catch-all” of the house. Luckily there are some great ways to keep your garage looking neat and clean. The following 8 tips will help you organize your garage in no time at all.

1. Have an Objective

Before you start organizing your garage, it is a good idea to have an overall objective, or goal. If you simply want to park your car in your garage comfortably, make that your overall objective. If you want things in your garage to be neater and more organized, that should be your goal. Because you have an attainable goal in mind, you will be much more likely to get it accomplished.

2. Think Vertically

If you do not have a ton of room to work with in your garage, it is a good idea to use as much vertical space as possible. Get some heavy-duty wall hooks, which can hold everything from lawn and garden tools to bicycles and brooms. You will be surprised at how much room you gain once you get everything off of the floor. You can also make use of the space up above if your garage has rafters. Simply secure some plywood across the rafters and you have an instant shelf. Just be sure to always use extreme caution when accessing your new storage area.

3. Remove Everything Prior to Organizing 

It is a very good idea to remove everything from your garage before organizing it. This will give you an idea of how much space you actually have to work with. It will also help you determine which areas of your garage are best for certain activities or items. Removing everything prior to organizing also gives you the ability to sweep and mop your garage so it is fresh and clean. A clean space is always easier to organize.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

4. Decide What to Keep

Instead of just rearranging everything that is presently in your garage, take the time to sort through every last item. By doing this, you will know what to keep, what to sell, what to donate, and what to throw in the trash. If you honestly think you will never use some of the items, you should then decide if someone else could use them or if they should be thrown away.

5. Make Designated Areas

To get the most out of the space you have in your garage, you should create designated areas for different types of activities or items. For example, if you have a great deal of children’s toys, keep them in one certain area. If you use your garage as an entry way to your house, make a designated area near the door for shoes, boots, and coats. If you want to have an area devoted to eating, create an area that will accommodate a picnic table. Keeping activities and items limited to specific areas will reduce the overall clutter in your garage.

6. Keep Similar Items Together

To organize your garage efficiently, try to keep similar items together. Whether you place them in storage totes or on shelves, keeping like items grouped together will keep your garage much more organized. For example, keep all of your household items together on one shelf. That way when you need something for the house, you know right where to find it.

7. Label Everything 

To avoid digging through endless boxes or totes when you need something, label everything in your garage. Not only will this make things easier to find, but it will also help you use things you may have never knew you had in your garage. Label items such as nuts, bolts, and nails in separate, small containers, and you will be much more likely to use them.

8. Store Hazardous Materials Properly

If you keep hazardous materials inside of your garage, make sure they are stored properly and in one location. Keep them under lock and key if any children or pets have access to your garage. Avoid placing hazardous materials in random locations, as kids and pets are both very mischievous and can get to them easier than you think. A safe garage is an organized and secure garage.

Now that you know these simple and effective organization tips, you should have no excuse for a messy and cluttered garage. As long as you maintain the organization, your garage should remain neat and clean for some time.

Guest post from Cameron Gray. Cameron writes for AutoInsuranceQuotes.org

If you do not have a garage but want to keep your vehicle sheltered, a carport is a great and reasonably-priced alternative. Provided you have the right materials and proper instructions, you can construct your own carport fairly easily and in no time at all. Take some time to look over the following tips, which explain how to build a basic, free-standing carport.

Make a Plan

The first step in building a carport is planning out your project. You will need to determine where your carport will be located and also purchase your materials. Make sure your carport is in an area free of gas or sewer lines. When you decide on the location for your carport, you should mark it with wooden stakes and string line. A common size for a carport is 10’ wide by 20’ long, so check your stakes and string to make sure they make a straight-sided 10’ x 20’ rectangle. You should also check with your local building and zoning authorities to see if you need to obtain a building permit.

Gather Your Materials

Once you have decided on a location and marked it out, you have to gather the materials needed to make your basic, 10’ x 20’ carport. For tools, you will need a hammer, circular saw, drill, screwdriver, carpenter’s square, post level, and a post hole digger. Other materials you will need are concrete mix, post stirrup brackets, six 4” x 4” wooden posts, two 2” x 8” wooden beams, six 2” x 6” wooden rafters, joist hangers, nails, bolts, and roofing materials. Your posts should be at least 10 feet long to allow for setting and trimming. Your beams should be 20 feet long, and your rafters should be 10 feet long.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Complete Your Project

You will first have to dig the holes that will hold your wooden posts. Using your stakes to guide you, dig six holes that are 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep. When your holes have been dug, mix up the concrete mix according to the directions. Pour 4 inches of concrete into each hole, making sure all holes hold an equal amount of concrete. Then, set a post stirrup bracket into the concrete in each hole. Place a piece of plywood over each hole and allow the concrete and brackets to set for up to 4 days. Once the concrete has set and the brackets are firmly in place, you can begin to install your posts. Attach the six side posts to the brackets inside the holes. Make sure the posts are installed tightly and aligned vertically.

Now that your posts are set, you can begin measuring for your roof. Keep in mind that you should allow at least a 4” slope on your roof, as this will allow for proper rain and snow run-off. The rear posts of your carport should be trimmed so they extend 7’ 8” above the ground. The front posts of your carport should be 4” higher to allow for your roof slope. Measure the middle posts so they are exactly 2 inches higher than the rear posts and 2 inches lower than the front posts.
Next, you can attach your wooden roof beams and wooden rafters to your posts. Attach the 20’ beams to the posts using galvanized 1/2” bolts. The tops of the beams should be parallel to the tops of the posts. Make sure each beam extends 12” beyond the front posts and 12” beyond the rear posts. Once your beams are in place, you can attach the rafters to the beams using joist hangers and galvanized nails. When your carport has been constructed, you can attach the roof of your choice. The steps for completing your roof will depend largely on the type of roof you choose to install.

Now that you know how to build a carport, you will be able to keep your vehicle sheltered and out of the elements. Although various steps are needed to complete this project, it can easily be completed over the course of a few days.

Guest post from Sam Landon. Sam writes for CarInsurance.org.

No matter where you live, the cold weather is bound to have some sort of effect on your patio. You may see an accumulation of dirt, leaves, and other matter. Salt and snow can also wear down floors and railings. With winter coming to an end, it may be a good time to get your patio ready for summer.

Sweep Up

The winter months are filled with snow storms and high winds that blow debris onto the patio. Grab a broom, and sweep the patio clear of dirt, sticks, and other accumulation. Starting with a clean patio will make it easier to see what else needs to be done.

Power Wash

If the surface of your patio is made of wood or cement, you may want to give it a good wash job with a power washer. This will remove any deeply ingrained dirt. Be careful not to spend too much time washing any particular area of the patio; a power washer can create holes in a soft surface if the stream is directed at a narrow angle.

Shade Your Patio 

You should try to find a way to shade the patio. Providing shade on your patio can increase its usefulness during inclement weather. It will also offer protection from the hot sun. If you want a covered patio, you should decide between a simple awning or umbrella and a more permanent type of covering. Or if you would prefer, you can plant one or more well placed trees to provide natural shade in the coming years.

Screen-In Your Patio

Another improvement you may want to consider is a screened-in patio. A screened-in patio will make the patio more comfortable when the weather is bad. It will also keep biting insects at bay. You can add the screen yourself or contact one of the many companies who specialize in patio additions.

Decorate

Every patio looks nicer when it is embellished with flowers. It may be worth your time to talk to a master gardener to help you pick out just the right flower arrangements. Keep in mind that flowers will have to be watered on a regular basis and will also attract bees and other insects.

Think about Patio Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your patio may be the most important part of your pre-summer preparations. Depending on how big the patio is, you may have to limit the number of chairs or swings you have on it. Although it may be nice to extend an invitation to everyone you know, it makes more sense to only have enough chairs or swings that can fit on the patio without people being too close to each other. Part of the fun of enjoying your patio is to be relaxed, and your visitors may not be able to do that if they’re piled one on top of another. The type of furniture you get for your patio will depend not only on your budget, but on your personal taste as well.

Accessorize Your Patio 

No patio would be complete without personal accessories to set it apart from every other patio in the neighborhood. Some people like wind chimes. Others prefer prisms that reflect the sun in numerous directions and colors. You could also put up a few strings of Christmas lights to help brighten things up, or hang some other type of decorative lights. The patio accessories you choose will be limited only by your budget and your personal taste.

Guest post from Payton Price. Payton writes about term life insurance for TermLifeInsurance.org.

If you’re looking for an alternative to owning or renting a house or an apartment, you may be thinking about living aboard a boat. It is something that a lot of people envision for retirement–not being tied down. Instead, you would be able to take your home out for a fishing trip or a barbeque on the water. If this is something you think you might like to do, you may be interested in the following tips for living on a houseboat.

Trial Run

Before you actually sell your home with the intention of living on a houseboat, you may want to try it on a trial basis to see if you’ll like it. Contact a boat rental business and make arrangements to live onboard for a little while. During the time you’re living on your rental houseboat, make every effort to treat it as your home. In that way, you’ll be more likely to get a feel for what it’ll be like to have your own houseboat. If you find that you aren’t especially comfortable living on the water for an extended period of time, you can simply move back to your home. But give it a chance. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to new things.

Find a Dock

If you go through your trial run and find that you like living on a boat, you’ll have to buy one and find a place to dock it. Don’t assume the dockage will be included in the price of the boat. In most cases the dock space will have to be a separate purchase. You’ll have to find out how much the dock rental is per month, and determine whether or not you’ll be able to park your vehicle nearby. If you don’t own a vehicle, you’ll still need a way to get around, which means you’ll need access to public transportation.

Downsizing May be Necessary

In most cases, your houseboat won’t be nearly as big as your home or apartment. You may have to sell, store, or give away some of your possessions. Take your time and be realistic about what you can and can’t have on your houseboat. Keep in mind that you’ll be living on the water, so humidity will be an issue on a daily basis. You’ll probably have to store some items in waterproof containers so they won’t become moldy or spoil.

Safety Issues

Because you’ll actually be living on the water, you’ll have to be able to ensure the safety not only to yourself and your family, but to visitors as well. This is extremely important, especially if you have small children or entertain others who do. Your pets will also need to be kept safe. You’ll have to keep life jackets aboard, and make sure the railings are closed. You should also find out if your visitors are able to swim. Even though you’ll probably be docked in rather shallow water, safety precautions are necessary.

Upkeep on Your Houseboat

Just because you’re going to sell your home for a life on the water doesn’t mean you’ll be exempt from maintenance issues. In fact, you may have to spend even more time and effort on upkeep on your houseboat. Because you’ll be living on the water, your boat will be susceptible to the damage that perpetual humidity can do. Even if your boat is constructed well, it will still suffer weather damage. Painting is something that has to be done on a regular basis on boats, as well as other routine maintenance. If you’re not the handyman type, you’ll have to be prepared to pay someone to do it for you. It’s really no different than keeping up your home, only the chores are different. Instead of mowing your lawn, you’ll be repairing a railing or overhauling the boat’s engine.

Be Self-Sufficient

Living on a houseboat differs from residing in a house or apartment in another important way–access to utilities. At your home or apartment, all you have to do is contact the power company and have them hook you up. Providing you pay your bills on time you won’t have to worry about keeping warm or having lights. On a houseboat, you’ll probably have access to power via a hookup at the marina, but that will only last as long as you’re docked. If you spend any amount of time out on the open water, you should have a generator so you can have heat and lights.

Guest post from Tracy Sheldon. Tracy writes about boat insurance for BoatInsurance.org.

If you have plans to purchase a home somewhere in the future, you may want to give yourself time to prepare your credit for a mortgage loan. Mortgage loans require your credit to be in fairly good shape, which often requires some time and effort on your part. The following tips will help you prepare your credit for one of the most important loans of your life.

1. Get a Copy of Your Credit Report 

Prior to applying for a mortgage loan, you will want to get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report holds key information for mortgage lenders, which is why you should look it over thoroughly and check for any inaccuracies beforehand. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year, so take advantage of this. Also, make sure to get your report from all three of the main credit reporting agencies, as your credit score can vary from one company to the next. If you find any errors, you should take the proper steps for correcting them.

2. Fix Inaccurate Information

When you go over your credit report, there is a good chance you may find information that is not accurate. If you do, you will want to notify the credit reporting agency that has made the error. If you have proof that the information is incorrect, make sure the credit reporting agency knows and sees the proof. Do not give up until all the information contained in your credit report is accurate to the best of your knowledge. You want your credit report to be accurate and free of errors before applying for a mortgage loan.

3. Pay Any Overdue Accounts 

If your credit report contains any accounts that are delinquent, this can greatly hurt your credit score and show lenders you are irresponsible with your money. To prepare your credit for a mortgage loan, you will want to take care of any overdue debts that you may have. Although paying overdue accounts will not improve your credit score instantly, it is necessary if you plan on purchasing a home.

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4. Do Not Take On Any New Debt 

Since a mortgage loan is one of the biggest loans you will take out in your life, it is important to not take on any new debt before applying for a mortgage. Opening numerous accounts prior to applying for a mortgage may show lenders you are not ready to take on such a loan. Try to avoid opening any new accounts, as they will only put you further in debt and hurt your chances of being approved for a mortgage loan.

5. Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

When a lender checks your credit, they will look at your overall debt-to-income ratio. This is the ratio that compares your overall debt with the amount of money you bring in. You want to keep your debt percentage as low as possible in comparison to your income, as this shows lenders you are responsible with your credit and not in over your head.

All of these tips are great for preparing your credit for a mortgage loan. Remember, you will want to do these things well before applying for a mortgage, as it takes some time for your credit to improve and cannot be accomplished overnight. You want to show lenders you have a responsible credit history, otherwise you may be turned down for a mortgage loan.

Guest post from Riley Finnigan. Riley writes for Creditscore.net.