DIY Flooring Installation

Installing a new floor is a great way to liven up your house. Before you change your floor, however, you need to decide what type of flooring is best suited to your budget and lifestyle. Hardwood floors are a classic choice, while many homeowners prefer the ease of tile or the affordability of laminate flooring. While some floors can be installed by an inexperienced homeowner, other floor types require the services of a professional or an experienced handyman.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice. Beautiful, traditional wood floors can last a lifetime if properly maintained and, because hardwood floors are more hygienic than carpet, they are a good choice for people with allergies. The National Wood Flooring Association, points out that wood is:

Low-maintenance

Renewable

Recyclable

Varied

Enduring

Hardwood floor types can be new or salvaged and might be smooth, distressed, or hand-scraped for an antique look. Stains give you a variety of color choices, even allowing oak to masquerade as rare exotic lumber. Research all your options before investing in a hardwood floor, as each of the many choices offers advantages of its own.

Maintaining Hardwood Floors

Prefinished hardwood flooring can be expensive, but it is easy to maintain. To keep your hardwood floor looking its best, you should put down area rugs in places that get a lot of foot traffic. You should also damp mop your floor frequently to remove dust and dirt. If your hardwood floors get a few minor scratches, you can repair them with a touch-up stick. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished if they have a lot of scuffmarks, which is one advantage over other products like laminate flooring.

Installing Hardwood Flooring

If you have never installed any type of flooring, you might want to hire a professional to lay your hardwood floors. Get an estimate, ask for references and never pay for the entire job upfront. If you do decide to do it yourself, do your homework because installing flooring can be tricky. The following tools are needed for installing hardwood floors:

Circular saw

Measuring tape

Nail gun or hammer

Table saw

T-square

Floor sealant

Nails

Safety glasses

According to Steve Seabaugh, director of technical education for the NWFA, installers of wood floors must take care to:

Check the subfloor for flatness.

Avoid laying over particleboard, which does not hold nails well.

Acclimatize wood to the space in which it will be installed.

Laying hardwood floors takes time, and this last step adds several days to your project calendar. The flooring should sit in your home for at least 48 hours before installation in order to expose it to the room's environment. This allows it to expand or contract according to the temperature and humidity of the room. If this takes place after the floor is laid, you'll wind up with shifting boards and uneven flooring. In addition to this brief period of acclimatization, plan to spend at least a few full days installing hardwood floors, depending on the size of your home.

Quick-Growing Alternatives to Hardwoods

Some homeowners choose cork or bamboo floors as an alternative to hardwood. These faster-growing products can be "green" in more ways than one - gentle on the planet and on your wallet. Prefinished bamboo is made from a grass and performs much like hardwood when it's used as flooring. Cork is a wood-bark product that can also make an attractive floor. According to BuildGreen's independently publishedEnvironmental Building News, the most eco-friendly bamboo floors are those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

Tile Flooring

Tile is another beautiful choice and a great option for DIY flooring. The price of tile varies greatly because there are so many choices, from ceramics and terra-cotta to marble and slate. Regardless of the price, tile is extremely durable and will last for decades with proper care.

Before installing new floors, you should first learn as much as you can about how to tile. Many hardware stores and home centers offer classes in tiling. You can also hire a professional to install your tile floor, but this will greatly increase the price of your total flooring expenses.

When you do undertake a tiling job, be sure you already understand the process. You'll need to be sure your subfloor is suitable and then create a level bed of mortar. Tiles will be set according to a careful plan, with room left between for grout. After the mortar has set, you'll fill the gaps with grout, carefully wiping the surface of the tiles as you go. Finally, a week or more later, you'll seal the grout to protect it from stains.

Tile-Laying Supplies

The basic supplies for laying tile include:

Grout floats

Mortar trowels

Sponges

Tile cutters

Tile grout, mortar, and sealant

Tile saw

Tape measure

Pencil

Level

Rags and a sponge

Installing tile flooring will take time, as grout and mortar take several days to dry. You should expect to get your hands dirty during this process, but the end result will be one of the most easily maintained flooring options out there.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made from a synthetic material that looks like hardwood or tile. Laminate flooring is a great choice for anyone who wants the look of hardwood or tile but doesn't have a big budget to work with. Laminate flooring is usually less than half the cost of hardwood floors.

Another advantage of laminate flooring is that almost anyone can install it. For most types of laminate flooring, the manufacturer's instructions are easy to follow and the pieces snap into place for "lock and click" installation. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, glue and fasteners are usually not required. Durability and affordability are listed by NALFA alongside ease of installation as reasons to consider a laminate floor.

Eco-friendly Laminates

Environmental concerns can sway consumers towards laminates, too. A product with NALFA's green seal will have the following features, according to the association's website:

Natural ingredients such as wood chips

Recyclability

Low emissions

Recycled content

No VOC-producing installation adhesives

Easy to Buy, Install and Maintain

Caring for and maintaining laminate floors is very easy - simply sweep or wet-mop regularly. With excellent care, laminate floors can last up to 20 years. The time and skill required to install a laminate floor are relatively low, making this a popular choice for first-time DIY floor installations.

A Floor for Every Lifestyle

Whether you choose easy laminates, classic hardwoods, or beautiful tile, your floor will help define your home's personality. By matching your budget, taste, and skill to the best product for you, you can find a DIY flooring solution that will make your home more comfortable, beautiful, and valuable.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Contact Katie Oakes for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton/Winfield area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now!

How to Hold the Perfect Garage Sale

When you need to either store or get rid of a lot of "stuff" to make your house look its best while on the market, holding a garage sale may be the ideal solution. Not only will your current house stage easier, but you will lighten the load of what needs to be moved to the new home - and make money in the process.

To be successful, a garage sale requires some planning and preparation. In fact, planning the sale may be the key to its success.

Planning the Garage Sale

I once knew a real estate agent who was so excited over her first listing that she planned to hold an open house the weekend after the home went on the market. She did no advanced planning – just chose the date. Nobody showed up at the open house – not even one person. It turns out that she was holding her open house on Super Bowl Sunday and the local team happened to be one of the teams playing.

When you settle on a date for the sale, dig out the local TV listings to ensure that there isn't a major sporting event that will be televised on that day. Also make sure there isn't a local event, such as a popular festival or parade. Although there are a lot of die-hard garage sale fans, even they will skip a sale if there's something else competing for their attention.

The Yard Sale Queen suggests that if you have a major corporation in your area, find out when the employees get paid and hold your sale the weekend after payday.

Here are a few other things to consider during the planning stage:

• Have everything ready the night before the sale so that you're not running around in the morning.

• Sketch out a plan for the sales floor, allowing room to move between aisles and ensuring that you can see all items from your perch.

• Make a list of each item you're selling and the price you'll be asking. During the sale, cross out each item sold and make note of the price received.

• Price items clearly.

• Ensure that you'll have sufficient help the day of the sale and that everyone is in agreement over pricing and bargaining policies.

• Have an extension cord on hand so that customers can test electrical items.

• Save grocery bags in the weeks leading up to the sale so that you can bag the items your customers purchase.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you go through all the pockets of clothing you plan to sell, check compartments in handbags, and fan books to make sure there's nothing of value, or even old credit card receipts that may contain private information.

The Day Before the Sale

Now that you're prepared for the sale, it's time to make sure folks know about it. There are several ways to get the word out about your garage or yard sale. One of the best is by placing an ad on Craigslist. Here are a few other things to do the day before the garage or yard sale:

• Make signs to be placed around the neighborhood and to direct customers from a main thoroughfare. They should be large enough to be seen from the road and directions should be clear. Arrow-shaped signs are ideal.

• Go to the bank and get some cash, such as rolls of quarters, 20 to 30 $1 bills, and five to 10 $5 bills.

• Consider how you will hold the cash during the sale. A cashbox isn't a good idea as it's too easy for someone to walk away with it. Wearing a "fanny sack" around your waist or keeping a wallet in your pocket are much safer ways to hold your cash.

Sale Day

• Move sale items out onto the driveway if that's where you've decided to set up the sales floor. Remember to put the most desirable items out front to entice customers to stop their cars. The Yard Sale Queen suggests placing some "manly" items out front, such as lawnmowers or power tools, to make it easier for wives to get their husbands to stop and shop.

• Set up the neighborhood and directional signs.

• Ensure that all items are clearly marked with the price.

• Greet people as they arrive to make them feel comfortable. Ask if they're looking for anything in particular.

• Keep an eye on customers, but don't hover over them.

Considerations

If you lived in a gated community, getting people into the sale is a bit more challenging. Contact your homeowners association first to determine what rules they have about yard sales and if there are any restrictions. Many HOAs hold annual community-wide sales where the gates swing open and the public is allowed to stream through.

Check local regulations to make sure your street signs aren't in violation of any city or municipal codes.

Be aware of some of the more common scams:

• When making change, don't immediately pocket the bill the customer gives you. Either hold it in your hand or place under a paperweight while you make change. This way, the customer can't claim to have given you a larger bill.

• Large groups of customers arriving at once or rowdy children can be distracting. Have someone help you keep an eye on folks when you feel they may be deliberately trying to distract you.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you always look inside any large items that you sell before allowing the customer to leave with them to ensure something else isn't hidden within.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com today to learn more about how The Champagne Group has closed over 120 million in volume.

Learn More About Katie Oakes - Wheaton Real Estate Agent

Winfield Housing Market: November 2012 Update

The influx of homes hitting the market for sale has slowed tremendously and this month only shows about a 1% increase year over of home being listed for sale in Winfield compared to 12 months ago. Over the same time frame homes under contract (homes that have waiting to close) are up by 35.5% and homes that have sold (or closed) have increased by a dramatic 67.7%. From looking at the numbers it is clear that the rate of homes being put on the market is slowing dramatically while the increase of homes under contract as well as the number of sold are increasing at a much higher rate. This is an indication that a turn around may be starting in Winfield, following suit to other local areas like Wheaton and Glen Ellyn.

The median price of homes in Winfield have also been experiencing some noticeable changes from 12 months prior. Homes that are selling now are selling at a staggering 33% increase from a year ago while homes that are just being listed for sale now are also up about 12% higher than they were from last year.

Take advantage of these rock bottom prices while they are still around and visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com to start searching for available properties right now!

As a local Realtor I take pride in staying informed on local markets, please do not hesitate to contact me with any real estate questions or concerns. Looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? I would love to help, please contact me and let me know how I can be of service!


Service and information provided by Katie Oakes with Keller Williams Premiere Properties.

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate

Credit checks are a necessary part of applying for any loan, but they are especially important during two stages of the loan process: on the day you apply for a mortgage and shortly before closing on the loan. The first credit check is to ensure that you pay your bills on time and have sufficient income to purchase the property. The last credit check before closing is the lender's last assurance that you are, indeed, creditworthy.

Knowing what lenders look for on your credit report and in your FICO® score is important information and can help you prepare to get the best mortgage possible.

Mortgage Lenders

Mortgage lenders take your credit score very seriously. Even though studies show that applicants with high FICO® (Fair Isaac Corporation) scores are more likely to strategically default on a mortgage loan (walk away from it), applicants with low scores are still considered a greater risk by lenders.

Generally, the better your score, the more options you have. You'll be able to buy with a lower down payment, access a wider variety of loan types, and pay fewer points for a lower mortgage interest rate.

Good Score? Lower Mortgage Interest Rate

How much lower will your interest rates be if you have a good credit score? This will vary from individual to individual.

Keep in mind that the FICO® scoring range runs from 300 to 850. Let's say you're applying for a 30-year mortgage and your FICO® score is 760, which is a very good score. Your interest rate may be among the lowest on the market.

Now, let's assume your FICO® score is quite a bit lower: only 620. Suddenly your interest rate is dramatically higher. If your score falls between 500 and 520, you will have much higher interest rates and you'll find fewer lenders willing to work with you.

Borrowers with scores between 300 and 500 are generally not considered creditworthy. If you're interested in learning more about how your score impacts the interest rate on your new mortgage loan, see the chart at MyFico.com.

My Score was Fine. Why Wasn't I Approved?

Even with a sterling FICO® score, you may still be turned down for a mortgage loan. If you are unemployed or have been within the past two years, you may not be approved for a loan. If you don't make enough money to cover the monthly payments, you may be denied a loan. There are any number of reasons a lender may not want to work with you, even with a high FICO® score.

Credit Checks and Life

Your financial history will not only affect your chances of buying a house, but may impact your ability to receive financing for a car, a vacation or for home renovations.

Insurance rates may also be affected by your rating, as poor ratings usually mean higher premiums. Many colleges will consider your financial history before they approve student assistance programs. Even employment may be affected, as many employers require a credit check as a character reference before offering a position.

Service and information provided by Katie Oakes with Keller Williams Premiere Properties. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com to start your home search today or just begin looking at homes that are currently for sale in your area!