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Noises in the Attic and Walls – Ghosts or Something Else?

You know that there should be no noises in your attic and walls. After all, no one’s living in the attic, and no one’s going to fit between the walls. Still, those scratching noises, light pitter-patter, and heavy thumping are keeping you up most nights and bothering you most days.

But what could those noises be? Are they ghosts moving around your home, or is there a simpler answer?

Differentiating the Noises

More often than not, the noises in your attic and between your walls are caused by nothing but pests. There are different types of pests, so you need to know how to differentiate the noises they make to be able to apply the proper pest control method.

• Daytime noises are oftentimes caused by squirrels foraging for food in your attic. The noises they make are quick and scurrying noises.
• Nighttime noises, on the other hand, are cause by rats and mice. They make these quick, pitter-patter noises as they move around your attic in search for food. If you hear loud, thumping noise, then they could either be an opossum or a raccoon. You may also be able to hear growls coming from your attic.
• Sunset noises, coupled with chirping and light scurrying noises, may be caused by bats. It’s not uncommon for bats to live in an attic, especially an unused one with a slightly opened window.
• If you hear slithering noises though, particularly slow crawling ones, then your attic may be home to a snake. This is especially true if you live in woody areas. The noises they make could both be heard during the daytime as well as the nighttime.
• Noises between your walls, particularly that of a popping or a crackling one, is a sign that your home may be infested with termites. However, you will only hear them if they heard a loud noise or were disturbed by a certain smell. The sound they make is their way of warning the colony of danger. There may also mice between your walls, and the sounds they make are scurrying, scratching ones.

Other Telltale Signs of Pest Infestation

Aside from the sounds and noises these pests make as they feed or forage for food, you will also be able to see telltale signs of pest infestation. If you visit your attic, for example, you will see droppings and dried urine puddles littering the floor. There will also be shredded paper, clumps of leaves and twigs, or pieces of fabric that these pests, particularly mice, used for nests.

You will also notice an unpleasant smell, which came from their excrements and glands. It smells musky, rank, and pungent, particularly if their population has grown large enough. If your home is infested with rats and mice, you will also notice a certain ammonia stench that can really offend your nostrils.

Another way to check if your home is infested with pests is by setting traps and baits.

Dealing with Pests

Now that you’re sure there are no ghosts in your home, but pests, you need to get rid of them quickly. Pests are, after all, known carriers of diseases that can be very harmful to humans.

There are DIY pest control methods that you can employ, but if you want to be safe and certain that your home will be rid of these pests, then getting in touch with your local pest control provider is always a good thing.

Jennifer David is a pest management consultant. She also owns and manages her own niche blog as well as contributes articles for a pest control Phoenix company during her spare time.

Noises in the Attic and Walls – Ghosts or Something Else? is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: infestations, Pest control, pests

Should I Rent a Studio or a One Bedroom Apartment?

If you need to rent an apartment for you and only you, you may find that your options are a little confusing. Sure, there are a lot of one bedroom apartments on the market to choose from, and just those options can be a little dizzying. But throw studio apartments into the mix and you may find yourself in a conundrum over which is best for you. So, what is the difference, really, between a studio and a one bedroom apartment, and which one should you rent? Here are some pointers to help you make that big decision:

Studio vs. one bedroom. Many people seem to be confused over the differences between a studio apartment and a one bedroom apartment simply because both units are suited for a single person (or a tight couple). However, there are some major differences between the two, and these can have a great affect on the way you experience your apartment life. The differences are in the layout: a one bedroom apartment has a separate, closed off space that you can use as a private bedroom. Studio apartments are just one, wide open space, with no enclosed areas. Basically you can stand in the middle of a studio apartment and see every other area of the unit (besides the bathroom, of course).

Cost. Generally speaking, a studio apartment is going to cost you less than a one bedroom. Why? Simply put, studios are smaller and have a simpler layout.

Lifestyle. If privacy is an issue for you, then it will be hard for you to feel secure in that way when you live in a studio. However, this depends on your lifestyle. If you are a solitary person who is only uses your living space to eat and sleep, then a studio could be perfect for you.

The best of both worlds. If you like the idea (and cost) of living in a studio, but also prefer the privacy of a one bedroom apartment, there are things you can do to modify your studio to afford yourself some more privacy. You can purchase or build partitions fairly inexpensively, or even use curtains and/or large pieces of furniture to separate your sleeping, living, and eating areas so that they feel more secluded.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when trying to decide between a studio apartment and a one bedroom. It really just comes down to your personal preferences, so the best thing you can do is to use these pointers to identify what is really important to you before you go apartment hunting.

About the Author: Valene Calverley is a housing specialist who enjoys working with college students as they enter the adult world. She focuses primarily on helping the newly employed find short term housing, furnished apartments, and sometimes even corporate housing. It all depends on how long they intend on staying in one place!

Should I Rent a Studio or a One Bedroom Apartment? is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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5 Tips for Selling Your Home Without a Realtor

These days, people are pinching pennies in every way possible. It seems to be a necessity in our tight economy. If you are in the market to sell your home but want to keep those thousands of dollars that might go into a realtor’s pocket in the form of a commission, then you’re going to have to put some serious thought and hard work into selling your home yourself. Fortunately, it is a job that you can do, as long as you know what you’re doing. Need some help? Here are five tips for selling your home without a realtor:

A picture says a thousand words. Sure, you won’t be able to list your home for sale on the MLS (the realtor-only multiple listing service), but you will still have plenty of opportunities to advertise your home’s goods, and the more pictures you can provide, the better. Take plenty of clear pictures, and be sure to feature your home’s best assets.

Marketing on the web. There are plenty of marketing opportunities on the Internet, if you are willing to do some research and put some time into the process. Look into the multitude of for sale by owner sites that allow you to post your listing for free or cheap, and don’t forget free classified sites like Craigslist. Even eBay has a special section devoted to the sale of real property. Take advantage of every online opportunity you can find to advertise your home for sale, as the Internet can be a very effective marketing tool that costs you next to nothing to use.

Social networking. Your social networking accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook, can be an invaluable tool when it comes to spreading the word about your property for sale. Post regularly, and make sure your best pictures are easily accessible to those who are interested.

Yard signs. Your yard signs should be large, attention-grabbing, and clear. Your phone number should be listed, and very easy to identify and read. Also, it is not enough just to have signs on your property. You should install directional signs at all the intersections leading to your home. Just be sure to find out about local ordinances that might dictate your ability to advertise on public property, first.

Market research. Many people who opt to sell their homes without a realtor’s help often make the grave mistake of not doing their research, and in turn not pricing their home appropriately. As a result, they are unrealistic about what they can get for their homes and have a hard time selling. Do your research and establish a reasonable baseline price. Don’t insult potential buyers, or they will go elsewhere.

Yes, you can sell your home without a realtor’s help. Just know that it will take some serious effort and dedication on your part. These tips are a great place to start. Good luck!

About the Author: Cleo Parlavecchio is a home real estate specialist who has helped many people walk through the process of selling their own homes. In her spare time she enjoys writing, blogging, reading, and sipping oolong tea while browsing www.goldenmoontea.com for another blend to try!

5 Tips for Selling Your Home Without a Realtor is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Multiple listing service, Real estate broker

Renting vs. Buying: Why You Might Want to Keep Renting Your Home

There is no hard and fast rule that says that you have to buy a home. In fact, you are better off renting a home than buying one in some instances. Everyone’s situation is unique and you have to consider whether it is the right time for you to buy a home or if you should continue renting until you are in a better position to invest in a home.

Low Down Payment

Just because you can purchase a home with less than 20% down, that does not mean that it is a good idea. If you purchase a home with a down payment of less than 20%, you will be required to get private mortgage insurance (PMI) which will add a couple hundred dollars or more to your monthly mortgage payment. Private mortgage insurance is a guarantee to the lender that you will not default on your mortgage. You pay additional money every month that you do not see a return of investment on. If you do not have the required 20%, you are better off to keep renting and save up more money.

Tight Budget

It is inevitable that homes will have problems. If you are a renter and the hot-water heater breaks, no problem, you call the property owner and he or she takes care of it. If you own the home, you have just encountered a costly repair. If you are already living on a tight budget and don’t have a large amount of saving to take care of household repairs, then you should consider staying a renter until you’re in better financial shape.

Interest Rates & Credit Score

Once you are locked into a fixed interest rate on a mortgage you can’t possibly lower it until you have enough equity in the home to refinance, and, even then, it may not be possible if interest rates have gone up. You need to balance out what national interest rates are at the time you are looking to buy a house with what your credit score is. If your credit needs work, it is a good idea to keep renting until your score comes up enough that you can get the best possible interest rate.

How Long Do You Plan on Staying?

There are always unforeseen circumstances, but in general, most people buy a home with the intention of staying there for most of their lives. If you start out with a modest home and plan on buying a bigger home later on, then it may be cheaper for you to rent the home for a few years than to get a mortgage. Once you have a mortgage you face the complications of selling the home and the possibility that you may get less for it than what you owe on the mortgage.

Owning a home may be part of the “American Dream”, but rushing into home ownership can become a real nightmare. Some people argue that renting is just “throwing money away” because you are not building equity in the property, but sometimes that is a better financial route than being locked into a mortgage and a property before you are ready to handle the challenges of owning your own home.

About the Author: Ernie Wernz worked in real estate before he decided to go to school to become a medical assistant. He enjoys reading and writing about healthcare and loves checking Yeastinfection.org by Dr Eric Bakker and other medical blogs for new information.

Renting vs. Buying: Why You Might Want to Keep Renting Your Home is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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5 Mistakes Every Real Estate Agent Should Avoid

If you are in the real estate business, then you know how very competitive the world of realty is. There are literally hundreds of real estate agents clamoring for the customers in one market, so it is very important that you know how to stand out in the crowd. So, how do you get a one-up in real estate? Sometimes what you don’t do is just as important as what you do. Here are five mistakes every real estate agent should avoid:

Not understanding loan types. As a real estate agent, you are responsible for confirming your client’s financing. That does not mean that you will be taking loan apps, or even helping your clients decide which financing is best for them (although the more you know in that arena, the better), but you absolutely should understand that there are different types of loans, and that each type comes with its own set of requirements. Many of those requirements pertain to the type of property your client can and cannot purchase. For example, VA loans do not allow for properties to have certain additions. What you don’t know about loan types could hurt your sales transaction, so get in the know.

Not understanding short sales. The short sale process is complex. Too many times, short sales don’t go through due to realtor error – because the realtor didn’t completely understand the process. This sort of mistake can result in a lawsuit against you, the real estate agent. Short sales are a common occurrence in today’s market, and you literally cannot afford not to learn the ins and outs of a short sale transaction.

Not taking advantage of all available marketing. Don’t make the mistake of choosing only one or two marketing methods and just sticking with those. There is a wide world of marketing opportunity out there, and you really should be taking advantage of anything and everything available to you.

Not developing a web presence. These days, most people shop the web before they turn anywhere else. You should have your own website, with your property listings, and you should be promoting your services on all the major social networking sites.

Not following through. Sure, it can be difficult to stay on top of keeping in touch with old clients. But your file of old clients is a treasure trove of repeat and referral business. Develop a system for following through with people you worked with in the past.

As you can see, there are some very clear-cut mistakes you should avoid if you want to be a successful real estate agent. Fortunately, these ideas are not hard to apply. Just be mindful of how you handle your business, and your business will mind you.

About the Author: Kenton Laird is a real estate agent and has been in the business for more than 15 years. He suggests anyone unsure about real estate expireds, advertising rules, and communications take a refresher course for agents. They’re not difficult to find and can help you take your business to the next level.

5 Mistakes Every Real Estate Agent Should Avoid is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Foreclosure, Real estate broker, Short Sale

5 Things to Look for When Viewing an Apartment

Apartments are a wonderful option for those that don’t want the responsibility of owning a home. Not only are the payments lower, but if something breaks, you don’t have to worry about fixing it. However, not all apartments are a great option. Here are just five things to look for when viewing apartments.

Upkeep of the Outside

The outside of an apartment will give you the first impression. You want to find an apartment that is well kept. The grass should be mowed, the porch and sidewalks should be free of cracks and the windows should be free of bars. In other words, the outside should have a pleasing appearance that looks safe for you and your family.

Needed Repairs

When viewing an apartment, you should always be on the lookout for needed repairs. Check the faucets and plumping for leaks. Make sure the toilets flush. Make sure all the lights work. Make sure all the doors close and lock properly. If you see anything that needs fixed, bring it to the attention of the landlord and only agree to sign the lease if the problem is fixed.

Signs of Pests or Mold

Something else you should be on the lookout for is any sign of pests or mold. Check the cabinets for mice droppings, look for any signs of ants and check all the moist areas of the home for mold. Remember that pests and mold can make your family very sick.

Security

You may not need a security guard on duty, though it would be nice, but you should have doors and windows that are secure. If you look at the door and think it could be easily kicked in, you should probably keep looking for an apartment. The same goes for the windows. If there aren’t good locks in place, you may not want that particular apartment.

Features That Meet Your Needs

Last, but certainly not least, make sure the apartment meets your needs. Are the rooms big enough? Is there enough storage space? What about the outside area, is there play room for your children? You should carefully consider your needs before signing a lease or you will be unhappy for many months or years to come.

Chances are the first apartment you view won’t be the apartment for you. You should view several apartments before making your final choice. Just remember to be on the lookout for the above so that you pick the best apartment for you and your family.

About the Author: Francine Ersery has had her share of so-so and really bad apartments. When looking for new cheap apartments, make a checklist ahead of time and go through it when you do your initial walk-through. Make sure all concerns are addressed before you move in and, if not, get the landlord to put any agreements in writing.

5 Things to Look for When Viewing an Apartment is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Apartment, Business and Economy, Rental, Vacation rental

The Art of the Home-Buying Holiday

Buying a new home can be a time consuming process: finding and viewing properties you’re interested in, putting in an offer, and getting surveys conducted. It’s hard enough at home, but if you’re planning on emigrating or buying a holiday bolthole, you have to actually visit the country that you’re interested in.

Home Buying Holidays

That’s where home-buying holidays come in. Planning the perfect home-buying holiday is an art: it’s not just a matter of searching for cheap flights to Tenerife or wherever that dream home is, a hotel, and then kicking back with your feet up. It’s about making sure that you’re fitting in as much home viewing time as possible into as short a time as possible.

Before leaving make sure that you know the areas that you want to buy in, and that you’ve checked local property sites to find out what is available. Although finding and viewing a house in the UK is relatively simple (if you see a house you like that’s for sale you can phone the property agent and book a viewing almost immediately) it’s not quite the same on
mainland Europe.

Europeans have quite a laid back attitude to life, and it may take a while for them to respond to your calls. Make sure that before you leave you have a shortlist of properties you want to view, and that you have booked in appointments to view them already. It will also set your mind at rest to speak to the property agents before you leave, as you’ll have an understanding about how good their English is (or isn’t) and won’t have any nasty surprises on the day.

You can then plan your holiday around where you’re going to be.

Be savvy. If you’re looking at a few properties in one region, try to make sure that your appointments are all in the same day where possible. You can then incorporate this into your holiday and spend as minimal time on the road as possible whilst still seeing a lot of the surrounding area.

Viewing houses can be quite tiring, as can travelling. Be sure to arrive in the country the day before your first viewing appointment so that you have time to relax and get yourself together. If you’re tired, grumpy, and jet-lagged you won’t be able to give the house the full attention it deserves and might miss out on your dream home. Take some refreshments and snacks with you on long viewing days, as thirst and hunger can distract you as much as being tired can.

If you’re looking at property in the countryside ensure that you’re wearing sensible clothes for walking through fields. Don’t wear your finest glad rags, either; if you’re looking at derelict houses you may end up crawling through dusty attic and cellar spaces.

Home Buying Holiday Tips

Remember to give yourself some days off during the holiday. If you have a lot of appointments each day it’s easy to become jaded, and you will probably return home a lot more tired and no further towards choosing a property than when you left. It will also give you
time to get to know the area that you’re buying in.

The Art of the Home-Buying Holiday is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Continental Europe, home buying, Tenerife

5 Reasons to Consider Lease to Buy Options

One option you’ve probably come across in your house hunt is the lease to buy home. A lease to buy home is an option where the buyer pays a certain percentage up front and agrees to lease the house for a certain length of time, both of which are determined by the seller. The money the leaser pays is applied towards the purchase of the house. At the end of the lease agreement, the leaser can then choose to purchase the home or walk away. Here are five reasons to consider a lease to buy home.

Low Upfront Payment

The price to get your foot in the door can be as little as one-percent. For many people, especially first time buyers, this is a great way to get their first home. Just imagine being able to move into your first place for as little as $1,000 for a $100,000 home.

Ability to Build Credit Before Purchase

Another reason to consider a lease to buy home is your credit. If your credit isn’t as perfect as the bank would like for it to be, or you’ve only been employed a couple years, this option will give you the chance to build your credit. It’s important to note that paying your lease will not build your credit. This will have to be done through credit cards and loans.

Try Before You Buy

It’s not uncommon for people to move into a home and find out there’s something they can’t stand. It might be noisy neighbors, a train that runs at 3AM or a number of other nuisances. With the lease to buy option, you’ll have at least a couple years to decide if this home is where you want to stay.

A Great Option for Renters

If you’re not exactly ready to fork over such a large amount of cash for a new home, the lease to buy option is perfect. Why should you continue to pay someone else’s bills when you could be living in your own home for the same price? Even if you decide not to purchase the home, you’ll probably come out better than if you had rented.

Builds Equity in the Home

The money you pay on the lease is put towards the equity in the home. This means when it comes time to purchase the home, you may not have to worry about obtaining a down payment because the 20% has already been paid on the purchase price. This is a wonderful and affordable way to obtain your first home.

As you can see, a lease to buy home is a great option. Not only does it allow those with poor credit to buy their first home, but you get to try the home out before you purchase it. Best of all, this option builds equity in the home, which means you may not have to pay a down payment when it comes time to purchase it.

About the Author: Stefan Pistole loves watching for real estate deals in his area. He also enjoys using groups like Tenant Hunter to help find occupants for his investment properties and highly recommends the use of any sort of rental management agency.

5 Reasons to Consider Lease to Buy Options is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

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5 Signs it is Time to Consider Selling Your Home

Decades ago, the American dream involved someday, eventually paying off a mortgage and staying in the same family home for a lifetime. However, times have changed, and it’s not always ideal – or a “dream” – to stay in the same home indefinitely. There are times when it’s best just to move on. Here are five signs it is time to consider selling your home:

Empty space. If you find that half of the space in your home is free space, then it may be time to downsize. This is a common issue for empty-nesters, who send their kids off to college and end up with cobwebs In the spare bedrooms. Another important thing to consider when it comes to having so much free space is how you feel about having company. Generally speaking, if you have the space, people will flock to your space . . . and they may stay a while. Are you comfortable with that?

Undesirable neighbors. If your next door neighbors just started a garage band – the kind that practices until three in the morning – or if they have loud pets, rowdy kids, or roaming plants, then selling your home and moving to a new neighborhood may be your best option.

Unmanageable mortgage payments. These days, money is tight for many people. There is an economic recession and corporate layoffs are commonplace. If you are having a hard time maintaining timely monthly mortgage payments, and the financial stress is beginning to take over your life, then it may be in your best interest to relinquish larger payments in order to downsize into something more manageable.

Repair needs. Perhaps your plumbing seems to be coming apart at the seems – one pipe at a time – or maybe the home is just old and high-maintenance . . . and you can’t afford, or don’t want to afford, the maintenance. When a home requires a lot of upkeep, both time and money-wise, then you can really free yourself up by selling that home.

Homeowner’s association rules. If you’re tired of the rules and regulations of your homeowner’s association, then you may need to sell your house and move out of that neighborhood. After all, you may want to paint your home a bright, new shade, or change from a shingle roof to a tile roof some day . . . and your homeowner’s association is going to have something to say about it.

If any of these circumstances apply to you, then it may be time to consider selling your home. Selling your home can be a freeing experience, and can be the start of something new. Assess your need for this kind of new beginning by taking these indicators into account.

About the Author: Mervin Armen specializes in real estate and personal finance. He also enjoys writing about retirement planning and the proper setup of Roth IRA accounts.

5 Signs it is Time to Consider Selling Your Home is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: selling your home