How To Create an All-Tile Bathroom

 Tile can last throughout time in bathroom designs and really never goes out of style. Tile can make it easy to clean your space. “The appeal of an all-tile bathroom is multifaceted. The look conveys luxury and is on trend right now,” says designer Morgan Farrow of Morgan Farrow Interiors. Here are several tips when creating an all-tile bathroom. 

Pick your look.

“I first consider how the space is being used. A Jack-and-Jill bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom shared by siblings should be treated differently than a primary bathroom used by adults, both in terms of materials and colors,” explains Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors.

If you are focusing on a kid’s space, start with using ceramic or porcelain tiles which are the least expensive. They are easy to clean and kid-tolerable. For a master bathroom, going with a higher-end tile like marble or travertine is a plus. They do require more maintenance so be picky about where you install. Tile shops around offer tons of materials from natural stone to ceramic to porcelain. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Mix it up.

“We love mixing tiles, and often use two or three in a single space,” says Farrow. You do not have to worry about the colors and textures clashing but you just have to make sure the color tone in tiles that will be adjacent meshes.

“The benefit is that mixing allows you to get layers of color and pattern,”says Farrow. You can mix and match high-end pieces with budget-friendly pieces to help with the cost.

An accent tile can add intrigue but isn’t required.

When adding an accent tile, it can brighten the space and elevate the room. This is just a bonus but you do not have to add accents to have a great-looking space. Remember that there’s no need to check every box on some imaginary design checklist. “If the room feels special with it, then go for it. But if the addition feels random, take it out,” adds Farrow.

Don’t underestimate your order.

This can be a little tricky because you do not want to order too much tile or not have enough. A rule that Twiehaus offers is to order 20% more than you think you will need. “I wouldn’t stress about it being too much. You will absolutely need extra tile in case you have a discoloration or a few pieces break,” she says. You want to confirm with your designer about any specifications before you order.

Following these tips can be a great way to get your bathroom up -to-date in a great style that is easier to maintain and clean.

 

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Things to Look for In A Home Inspection

 A home inspector’s job is to make sure you as a homebuyer know what you are buying from the inside out.  Their job is to point out items or conditions on your property which may be in need of repair, maybe a risk to other components of the building or its occupants, or may affect the property’s ability to qualify for certain types of financing or insurance.  Home inspections will vary by home inspector and the location of the country the home is located.  There are eight important factors that will be in every report.

1. Exterior

Not every defect is noticeable on the exterior of a home.  A good home inspector will look for cracks, peeling or damaged siding.  This includes looking for stains, old paint or peeling paint.  They will look to see if you have a clearance between the ground and siding materials on the walls.  This also leads to an inspector checking to make sure there are no climbing vines going up the wall or that trees are planted too close to the home.  The last thing will be to make sure the windows, doors and flashings are in working order and the vents and hoods installation is done properly.

2. Roof/Attic

A bad or damaged roof can lead to big problems.  An inspector will inspect not only the exterior roof but also the attic.  They want to make sure that the structure and integrity of the roof and roofing materials are strong.  They will inspect what type of shingles are used, the conditions of the shingles, if there is proper flashing, the condition of the vents, and the chimney condition on the roof.  In the attic, they will inspect the insulation, the soffit vents, gable vents, ridge vents, exhaust vents, appliance vents and the electrical splices.  They will make sure there is no evidence of damage or decay and look for water spots or staining.

3. Foundation/Grounds

When inspecting the home inspector will make sure the foundation is in good shape.  They will look for proper grading (drainage) away from the base of the home, standing water near the home or in the yard, the condition of the gutters and the downspouts, and make sure the downspouts and the gutters are directing water away from the foundation.  Also, any sheds, detached garages, fences or any other structure in your yard will be inspected making sure they are in good condition and free from rot or termite damage. They will also make sure that the driveways and sidewalks are not cracking or shifting.

4.  You definitely want the interior of your home to be kept up and damage-free.
There will be normal wear and tear, but an inspector takes this into consideration.  They will make sure the walls and ceilings are painted and in good condition. Other things will note are cracks on the walls or ceilings, cracked windows, doors incorrectly closing and opening and not sealed, moisture spots, and level flooring with no moisture or soft spots.

5.  Structure

A very important part of the inspection involves the bones of the house.  An inspector wants to make sure it is liveable. They will make sure:
-Foundation is in good condition – if the foundation is cracked or shifting this will affect the structural integrity of the home
-Door frames are straight allowing doors to swing in and out of the frame with ease
-Window frames are straight on all four sides & without gaps
-Ridge and fascia board lines are level & straight
-Baseboards around all interior walls are flush with the flooring & not lifting or separated
-Flooring (especially hardwood) is flat and not bowed or lifting
-Exterior walls are straight and free of bowing or sagging
-Digitally measure the foundation to see if it is flat and level

6. Electrical

An electrical problem can not only be a fire hazard but can be very expensive to repair.  They will make sure:
-DIY repair jobs – electrical systems should never be DIY jobs as this can cause significant damage to the entire system
-Light switches work & all bulbs light up (a bulb that isn’t lit may just need to be replaced, but can also mean faulty wiring)
-Absence of electrical faults
-All cables are attached to service panel with cable connectors
-Visible wiring is in good condition, secured, protected, & without exposed splices
-Branch circuits are free from aluminum cables
-All wall outlets are working & intact (not pulled out of the wall)
-GFCI outlets are installed where required (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, crawl spaces, exteriors & anywhere a water source is present.)

7. Plumbing

Another expensive project so it should be working and in order before you purchase the home.  An inspector will look for:
-Visible pipes intact, free from damage
-Pipes are free from signs of leaking or staining on surrounding materials
-Toilets are dry around the base & free of warped or water-stained flooring
-Water heater working properly, free of rust, vented properly
-Well water pump produces steady flow and doesn’t short cycle
-All faucets (indoor & outdoor) in working condition, sealed, & without leaks
-Hot water available at all indoor faucets
-Water runs clear through all faucets
-All drains are clear, don’t bubble, and drain at a reasonable pace
-Yard is free from soft spots, without pooling or soggy areas

8. HVAC

The HVAC is the heating and cooling system of a home.  They will make sure everything is working properly and has been well maintained.

-HVAC is in working condition, properly sized and properly fused
-Air conditioner system produces adequate cold air
-Air filters are clean and maintained
-Condensate is properly and safely drained from the evaporator coil
-Type of heating/cooling system (gas, electric, heat pump)
-Furnace flues slope up to vents with no open seams
-Vents are clear and properly ventilated
-Ductwork isn’t damaged or old
-Absence of odors from gas

Remember that no home is perfect, but make sure there are imperfections that you can live with or easily fix.  An inspector’s goal is to make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision on if the home is right for you.

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Financing Tips From the Experts

Your finances play a huge part when it comes to buying a home. Sometimes it can be an unexpected move, a company relocation can happen and you need to be ready. Here are several tips on getting your finances up to par.

1. Know What Lenders Look For

Knowing what a lender will want to see can really help you along the way. Be familiar with what they look for on a home loan application. Basically, they will want to make sure you are able to afford to pay back the loan and closing costs. Not only will you need money in your pocket, but will also need to be credit-worthy. The better your credit score, the better the interest rate. Lenders will want to know your income, employment history, recent banking activity, debt-to-income ratio, credit score, estimated down payment and assets.

2. Boost Your FICO Score

A FICO score is high on the list for lenders to look at when it comes to a loan. As mentioned before, the higher your credit score the better your interest rate. If you need to boost your score, make it a priority to pay your bills on-time, keep a diverse mix of credit, and keep the balances low.

3. Pay Down Your Debt

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is also important because it can determine how much home you can afford. It can also play a factor in the terms and rates you will receive. This basically is the total monthly debt divided by your gross monthly income. The goal is to keep your DTI around 43% or below. Lenders would like to see you keep your DTI under 36%. Many say to keep it around 28% that will go towards housing.

4. Save For a Down Payment

The amount you put down for your down payment will depend on the type of mortgage you obtain. An FHA loan has the smallest down payment of 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. If you are dealing with a conventional loan, then you will want to try to put at least 20% down so you will not have to have private mortgage insurance (PMI). A USDA and VA loan will not even require a down payment.

5. Know How Much House You Can Afford

This can be tricky to determine how much you can afford. Remember that this is a big financial commitment for years to come. A good tool is to use an affordability calculator to see how much you can afford. Have your finances in order so you can have a good base for what you can afford in your home search.

When you start a home search, choose a local real estate agent who can help you with the home-buying process from start to finish. They can also recommend a lender who can help you with your mortgage needs.

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Tips To Keep Cozy in Your Home This Winter

 We are already in the fall of 2023 and the weather will soon be a bit colder. Professionals in the industry have come up with some fall maintenance tips to help you ensure a cozy winter. 

1. HVAC Check-Up:

The colder months can be hard on your heating system, especially if you live farther north in the country. Before the cold weather hits, make sure to have a professional HVAC inspection on your unit. An inspection will include replacing filters, checking for leaks and making any necessary repairs.

2. Fireplace and Chimney Inspection:

Everyone enjoys a nice fire in the fireplace during those cold winter days and nights. In order to make sure you can enjoy them worry free, you will want to have your fireplace and chimney inspected. Do this by a certified technician who can ensure it is done correctly to make sure everything is safe and efficient.

3. Roof and Gutters:

During the winter, snow and ice are not your roof and gutters friend. Before winter, check your roof for damaged shingles. Also clean your gutters out to make sure they are clutter free to prevent ice dams and water damage.

4. Seal Gaps and Cracks:

Start by checking all your home’s windows, doors and the exterior. There should be no gaps or cracks for cold drafts to seep in. The object is to keep the warm in and the cold out by sealing any cracks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.

5. Insulate Pipes:

A frozen pipe can burst and leave a big mess. You want to make sure that any exposed pipe is insulated so that it will not freeze. Areas such as the basement, garage or crawl space are unheated and get very cold.

6. Yard Cleanup:

Once the leaves fall during the fall months, you will want to clean up your yard. When you are tidying up, trim back overhanging branches, remove leaves and cover all of your outdoor furniture.

7. Test Alarms and Detectors:

Every change of season it is a good idea to test your smoke detectors and your carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working correctly and will work when the power is off. It is a good idea to go ahead and replace the batteries during this time.

Create a Winter Emergency Kit:

This can be a lifesaver! A winter emergency kit includes things such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. You always want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Remember when following these tips, you will ensure you have a cozy and safe winter!

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The Southern Hotels’ New Addition to Gloriette

 Gloriette is the newly renovated restaurant located in The Southern Hotel in Covington. The restaurant will now have a new chef. The new executive chef will be Alex Harrell.

Harrell is no novice to the industry as he comes from the Virgin Hotel’s restaurant Commons Club. Before that, he was well known for his own restaurant Angeline and was also the executive chef at Hotel Peter & Paul in Marigny. He is excited to be on the Northshore so he will be closer to more of his vendors.

“It gets me closer to some of the farmers that are on the north shore and explore what’s there for growers and producers. It’s an opportunity to explore a different part of the area and meet and get to know a different part of the clientele,” Harrell explains.

Gloriette has a perfect local atmosphere that just gushes Southern Louisiana. This makes it a perfect place for locals to go for a night out on the town. The food is a nice mix between classic French and contemporary Louisiana flavors. It has a nice garden theme that blends into the hotel setting.

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How To Close on a Home in Record Time

 There are a ton of steps between choosing a home, making an offer and collecting the keys. Here are several tasks to do to make a smooth fast closing on a home.

1. Get All Contingencies Squared Away

This is a big part of the negotiations between the buyers and sellers. A contingency is a clause that can be added to a contract that allows a buyer to walk away from a contract without any penalties. Some of the most used contingencies are a mortgage contingency, an appraisal contingency, home sale contingency or a home inspection contingency. Before closing, you will want to make sure that any contingency in the sales contract has been resolved.

2. Review Your Closing Disclosure Form

Anyone who will be using a home loan, will get a closing statement before the closing happens. The closing disclosure will be given to you around three business days before the closing. It is a five-page form that lists out all the terms of your loan and tells you all the fees owed at closing. Take time to review everything on the closing disclosure and if you have any questions, make sure to contact your lender.

3. Do a Final Walkthrough

About a day before closing, do a walkthrough of the home with your real estate agent. Many professionals tell you that it is ideal to walk the property the morning of your closing to make sure the property is in the same or better condition as when you saw it last.

4. Bring the Proper Documents

Nothing is more frustrating than to not have all the documents at your closing. Before your closing gather your government-issued ID, a cashier’s check, and proof of home owner’s insurance.

5. Rope In Your Support Team

You want to have your support group who has been with you through the whole process at the closing. Having them attend the closing will help expedite the process if there are any hiccups. A lot of times the your real estate agent, loan officer, attorney, a title insurance rep and your closing agent will be required to be at the closing.

6. Schedule Transfer of the Utilities

Nothing is worse than getting the keys to your new home, and not having the utilities working when you open the door for the first time. Before your closing date, transfer your electric, gas, cable and internet and set them to be turned on in your name day of closing.

7. Sing On the Dotted Lines

There is a lot to sign at closing, so it will take time and be a little intimidating. Take your time and read through each document before signing. If you have any questions, ask them! Once the paperwork is signed there is no going back.

Remember if you are in the market for a home, start with hiring a real estate agent. They can get the ball rolling and can advise you on a lender who can help you with the mortgage process. Following these steps is a great way to help the transaction run quickly and smoothly.

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Six Musts Before You Buy a Home

 Purchasing a home is one of life’s biggest adventures and you want to make sure your decision is the best for the long run. This is why it is so important to do these six important things before you take the plunge into homeownership.

Figure out how much home you can afford

You do not want to be house poor, which means you purchased a home that you really cannot afford. A good rule of thumb is to never spend more than 30% of your take home pay on a home. This means that it not only includes the price of the home, but also things like mortgage interest, taxes, insurance, maintenance and renovations. Some professionals in the industry also advise not to spend over 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and no more than 36% on total debt. They call this the 28/36 rule.

When a mortgage lender wants to see how much you can afford, they usually use the 28/36 rule. You do not want to exceed more with your debt-to-income ratio. If this happens you will end up paying a higher interest rate if you even are qualified for a mortgage.

Budget for closing costs

Closing costs can be different for different areas of the country and the different loans that are available. If you purchase a home for $250,000, you will need to come up with around $5,000 to $17,500 for closing costs. Closing costs include a charge for obtaining your credit score, application fee, property taxes, appraisal fee, loan interest, homeowners insurance and title insurance.

“The biggest mistake that first time homeowners make is they forget that they need closing costs – not just the down payment of say 10% or 20%,” says Barbara Corcoran.

Save for a down payment

There are some loans out there that do not require a down payment, but these are far and few in between. Usually a down payment is the buyer’s choice of how much they want to put down. Just remember, that the less you put down up front, the more the mortgage loan will be which will make your payments higher. Most in the industry will suggest at least a 20% down payment which will clear you of any private mortgage insurance.

Check your credit score

Your credit score can be the ticket to a mortgage and good rates. “This is the number that mortgage lenders will look at to determine whether you are creditworthy, and thus dictates whether you’ll qualify for a home loan, and the rates you will get. Major lenders often require a minimum credit score of at least 620, if not more,” reports Realtor.com.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage

This is a must when it comes to making an offer. A pre-approval lets a seller know you can afford their home and you mean business. “In hot markets, mortgage pre-approval is almost required for a seller to take your offer seriously. That’s because it spells out exactly how much a lender has agreed to loan you, thus assuring the seller that you’r both willing and able,” says Realtor.com.

Make sure the neighborhood is a good fit

You want to be able to grow into your home and your neighborhood. Getting to know the area is a must. You would hate to move in and not be able to sleep the first night because of a street light outside your bedroom window. “You’re not just buying the property you’re looking at. You’re also buying into the whole neighborhood. That’s why you have to be certain that it has the vibe and amenities you want,” explains Realtor.com.

A Realtor can help you through the home buying process from start to finish. A real estate agent knows the ends and outs of the current market and will help your buying process be a huge success.

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