Episode 269 AskJasonGelios Show
​Special Guest Mortgage Expert Heba Hakim

Article by Dawn Allcot | GoBankingRates | Yahoo! Life
Featured Expertise by Jason Gelios

Financial guru Dave Ramsey recently tweeted: “Finding the right home takes more than a Google search. You need an agent you can TRUST to help find a home that’s right for YOU.”

See: Dave Ramsey’s 7 Tips for Paying Off a Mortgage Faster
Explore: 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

​There’s a solid takeaway in his words — a buyer’s agent can help by advocating for you, guiding you through the pre-approval process and tapping into their trusted network of professionals to assist you with every aspect of buying a home, from the mortgage to closing and everything in between.

Click here to read more

​By: Gabriela Barkho

​Every time you take a vacation, you might ponder whether the moment is right to purchase a second house. Buying a vacation home can be a wise investment if you already have a primary residence. You can have a definite vacation site every year and make some additional money by renting out your home. Owning a second home gives you the opportunity to unwind in a setting that replicates your primary residence while escaping the daily grind. But purchasing a vacation home is a significant financial choice that needs serious thought and preparation. So don't forget to research things people wish they knew before buying a house. It's important to take the time to carefully consider several aspects to make sure you make a decision that will result in years of delight.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home
Are the ocean's salty winds calling to you? Or are the majesty of the mountains and the balsam-scented pines whispering softly in your ear? Even if buying a vacation home may seem like a fantasy, it's a significant choice that requires careful thought. But when is the best tie to buy a home? Before you spend your hard-earned money or sign on the dotted line for that dream of a lifetime vacation, there are a few things to think about first, regardless of the type of holiday destination playing in your head like a non-stop loop.

​

​Location
Your future vacation home's location is one of the most important factors to consider. It should be in an area you want to visit frequently. Consider the activities you enjoy while on vacation, such as skiing, hiking, or beachcombing, and look for a property that is close to these activities. Additionally, consider the accessibility of the location, including transportation options, distance from your primary residence, and availability of amenities and services.

​Budget
Before buying a vacation house, it's essential to consider your budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on a property, including the down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Keep in mind that owning a vacation home may come with additional costs, such as HOA fees, property management fees, and utilities. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that your total monthly expenses for the vacation home do not exceed 10% of your monthly income.

Property Type
Holiday homes come in various styles, including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and cabins. Each sort of property has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. A single-family home, for instance, can provide more space and solitude, whereas a condo might provide amenities like a gym or pool. Think about the kind of property that best satisfies your requirements and tastes. Therefore, experts from U. Santini Moving and Storage NYC advise considering the property's resale worth and the local market's demand for properties of that kind. You might not end up selling your vacation home, but it's always good to think a few steps ahead. 

​Financing Options
Financing a vacation home may be more challenging than financing a primary residence. Lenders typically require a larger down payment, higher credit score, and stricter underwriting standards for vacation home purchases. Research your financing options, including conventional loans, FHA loans, and cash purchases, to determine which option is best for you. Additionally, consider the interest rates and loan terms to determine the long-term affordability of the vacation home. If you are a senior, you can find some home-buying tips for seniors that will also help you.

Maintenance
Vacation homes require ongoing maintenance to keep them in good condition, especially if they are left vacant for extended periods. Consider the property's maintenance requirements, such as landscaping, cleaning, and repairs. So before buying a vacation home, make a list of all the things you would need to take care of. Determine whether you will handle the maintenance yourself or hire a property management company to handle it for you. Keep in mind that maintenance costs can add up quickly, so it's important to factor them into your budget.

Rental Income
If you plan on renting out your vacation house to offset expenses, research the rental market in the area to determine the potential rental income. Consider the rental demand during peak seasons and any regulations or restrictions on short-term rentals in the area. Keep in mind that managing a rental property can be time-consuming and may require the assistance of a property management company. It's essential to factor in the rental income when determining the affordability of the vacation home. Also, if you are, for example, buying a second home in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, you might want to secure unit for your items so that they are safe while you're renting the property.

Tax Implications
Owning a vacation home may have tax implications, including property, income, and capital gains taxes. Consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of owning a vacation home and how to maximize your tax benefits. Some tax benefits may include deducting mortgage interest, property taxes, and rental expenses.

Conclusion
Buying a vacation home can be a terrific investment for people who enjoy traveling and desire a second house in their preferred location. Take the time to carefully consider and weigh each of these issues before deciding whether to buy a vacation property to be sure you are making a sensible investment. Making an informed decision can be aided by speaking with a real estate agent knowledgeable about the neighborhood and market. Ultimately, choosing a vacation house should be a deliberate and well-thought-out process. You may make a good decision that will provide you with many years of fun and relaxation in your little corner of paradise by taking the time to analyze all of the relevant elements.

Ep. 266 AskJasonGelios Show

Realtor Rant By Jason Gelios

Realtor Rant by Jason Gelios

Episode 265 of the AskJasonGelios Show

Article by Terri Williams | Real Homes | MSN
​Featured Expertise by Jason Gelios

1. A patio
The simple addition of a patio is a no-brainer backyard improvement to add value to your home. Whether you install outdoor tile or pavers, carving out even a small patio will allow you to create more room for outdoor living which is now an intrinsic part of a happy home life. 

Patel adds 'Outdoor living spaces are great for entertaining guests, and they can add value to your home because they make it more attractive to potential buyers.' Once you've done the ground work – pun intended – add more personality by investing in patio furniture, outdoor rugs, lighting and more to create a relaxed and convivial ambiance sure to wow any guests.

'To add to this, you can also do some simple landscaping projects to spruce up your yard and make it more inviting. These projects can be as simple as planting some flowers or trimming the hedges. By making these types of improvements to your home, you'll be able to enjoy a nicer space and also increase its value.' Continues Patel.

Article by MyMove
​Featured expertise by Jason Gelios

Episode 262 AskJasonGelios Show 

Episode 261 AskJasonGelios Show

Article by John Riha

Your home’s interior lights want to help you have fun, feel better, and save energy. Will you let them?

It used to be we’d walk into a room and flip on the light switch, maybe slide the dimmer up or down a bit to change the brightness.
But that’s so old school. Instead, press a tab marked “Cooking” on a wall-mounted panel to let all kitchen task lights come up to full brightness while lights in the family room dim so the kids can play video games.

Or hit the button marked “Romance,” and the lights throughout the house go out while the lights in the bedroom ebb to a soft glow that turns a sultry blue.

Household technology is undergoing a transformation that’ll make lighting more integral to our everyday lives. Not only will we see better, but we’ll use light to alter our moods, protect our well-being, safeguard our houses, and save bunches of energy.

“Home lighting today is about lifestyle enhancements,” says Paul Nagel, technical adviser and consultant for Oquirrh Ventures in Sandy, Utah. “We want to know how to control light to create environments we’re comfortable in, and have energy efficiency while we do it.”

Lighting Our Homes With a Purpose
Today’s progressive lighting schemes aren’t about turning lights on and off; they’re about being partners in your lifestyle. The concept is simple: Imagine all your home’s light fixtures as a single system that can be programmed into a variety of zones. Each zone is dedicated to particular task or mood, and can be controlled by wall switches, a master wall panel, or a smartphone app.

So in addition to “Cooking” and “Romance” zones, you might have buttons for:

• Outdoor entertaining – Patio and walkway lights illuminate.
• Coming home – Triggered by a timer or a smartphone, the porch, entry hall, and kitchen lights come on.
• Nighty-night – Lights in kids’ rooms slowly fade out as they fall asleep.
• Vacation – Lights turn on and off in random patterns.
• Panic mode – All lights in the house flash on and off.
  
  

If walking over to a wall panel is too much effort at the end of a long day, you can call up an app on your smartphone or tablet and control zones while curled up on the couch. If your app is voice-activated, you won’t even have to swipe a finger.

Easing the Fear of Lighting Technology
Do your eyes glaze over at the thought of yet another layer of high tech added to your everyday life? Fear not: In the hands of a pro, zone lighting systems are relatively easy to install. Home automation companies and lighting contractors can retrofit your house with a single-zone system in half a day or, with more time, install a whole-house system.

You’ll get an easy-to-understand central control unit that “talks” with new switches, light fixtures, and bulbs that are specially made to receive wireless signals. You decide on your zones and, once everything’s set up, have the light throughout your house change intensity and color on command.

DIYers Can Zone Out, Too
Relatively low-cost mini-systems are coming to market that’ll let you install your own zones, even if your geekability quotient is near zero. Philips Hue smart light starter kits feature smart LED bulbs, the Hue Bridge, and a variety of smart accessories to help you easily set up a smart lighting system. Screw in your light bulbs, plug the Hue Bridge into your Wi-Fi router, and download the Hue app. Add your lights to your system and you’re ready to go. The system works with either Bluetooth or the Bridge.

No Dim Bulbs Here
Other DIY smart bulbs are on the market. They’re made to replace any screw-in type of lightbulb. All you need is a free app you download to your phone so you can dim lights, change colors, and turn individual lights on and off.

(FYI: Smart bulbs also work via conventional on/off wall switches; you’re not locked into controlling them with an app.)

ilumi bulbs come in different strengths including the A19 Color Bulb800+ Lumens (60-watt incandescent equivalent) for lamps and sconces, and the indoor BR30 Color 1100+ Lumens (85-watt incandescent equivalent) for down lighting. You can download the ilumi app, connect the bulbs with your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth, and enjoy smart lighting throughout your home with no hub or bridge. You’ll need to have your smartphone within range of ilumi bulbs (meaning within 100 feet) so that your phone’s Bluetooth network, with its short-range capability, can talk to them.

LIFX has created smart lights that do more than illuminate, according to its owner, Buddy Technologies. LIFX Clean can be scheduled to emit high energy visible wavelengths that can eliminate bacteria in your home. And LIFX Nightvision can be set to emit infrared wavelengths that boost your security camera’s ability to see in the dark.


Using Light to Alter Moods and Stay Healthy
If you’re feeling blue, it may be the light. Light can affect our moods and, ultimately, our health. Just ask anyone with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression characterized by low energy and poor concentration. MedlinePlus estimates that 10 million Americans have SAD. The therapy is exposure to more daylight or to artificial lights that mimic the properties of natural light.

The health- and mood-altering properties of light haven’t been lost on lighting manufacturers, who’ve come up with a variety of new home lighting products that claim to have health benefits. Although clinical proof can be hard to come by, the products are intriguing.

Dynamic lights vary between warm white (2600K) and cool light (5600K) so that the natural rhythms of daylight are reproduced indoors. That helps keep you happy during the depths of winter. Several manufacturers make dynamic lightbulbs, also called full-spectrum bulbs.

The Withings Sleep Tracking Mat can be installed with a one-time setup under the mattress, and the pad is compatible with most mattresses. The mat tracks sleep metrics including duration and onset; deep, light, and REM phases; continuous and average heart-rate; and snoring duration. On top of that, you can control lights and temperature by getting into and out of bed.

LEDs — The Energy-Sipping Superstar of Home Lighting
LED lights (which stands for light-emitting diode) point the way for the future of home lighting. Why? LEDs:

• Use only 3% of the energy of an incandescent bulb
• Last from 50,000 to 100,000 hours
• Have no restrictions on number of times they’re turned on and off
• Save energy and replacement costs, though more expensive initially

LEDs can be made small — really small. In fact, some lights are no bigger than the point of a pencil. That’s going to change how we illuminate our homes. For example, hundreds of tiny LEDs can be embedded in sheets of drywall to create walls and ceilings that glow.

Mixing Light and Home AutomationLighting solutions can be standalone projects, but they’re often paired with other home automation features to create a holistic home environment that’s controlled by a single wall panel and app. For example, press that “Relax” button on your scheme choices, and as the lights dim, you’re surrounded by the soothing sounds of jazz.

Lights are essential components of home security systems, too, teaming up with video cameras, alarms, and motion sensors to keep your house safe, whether or not you’re there.
​
Another advantage of automated energy management systems is that they combine smart thermostats, Energy Star appliances, and lighting schemes to trim energy costs across the board, and that’s a future we can all live with.

Article by Jamie Wiebe

Don’t break your back. Try a de-icing cocktail instead.

If you’re a homeowner in a snowy climate, chances are good you rue the winter: All that snow has to go somewhere, and it’s not getting there itself. 

Cue the snow shovel.

Barring a move to a snow-free state or barricading your family inside all winter, there’s no way to avoid the endless task of shoveling snow. There are, however, ways to make the process much easier. Here are four simple hacks to make the morning after a snowfall much less stressful.

#1 Spray Your Shovel with Cooking Oil
​Snow sticking to your shovel makes an already arduous task even more obnoxious. Avoid it with this hack: Lightly coat your shovel with nonstick cooking oil to make the snow slide right off. No more time wasted removing snow from your snow remover. (You can substitute a spray lubricant like WD-40, but the downside is it’s toxic.)

#2 Lay Out a Tarp Before the Snow
If you like shortcuts, this technique, billed as “the laziest way imaginable” to clear snow according to a tutorial from “Instructables,” has your name on it. The day before an expected snowfall, lay a tarp on your walkway. When the snow finishes falling, just pull out the tarp, and voilà: an instantly cleared walkway. (Word to the wise: Make sure pedestrians won’t trip on your tarp. Include a sign or use this technique in your backyard walkway if you’re concerned.)

The technique requires a tarp, firewood, and twine as well as some prep work. Prestorm, use firewood to weigh down your tarp — you don’t want it flying away in the wind — and tie the twine to both the tarp and to a shovel standing upright in your yard. You’ll use the shovel to pull out the snow-laden tarp.

Although this method might be faster than shoveling, it does require manpower. After all, a cubic foot of snow can weigh between seven and 20 pounds. So, don’t get too ambitious with the size of your tarp or you might not be able to pull it once it’s full of snow.

#3 Stir Up a Homemade De-icing Cocktail
Deicers make snow removal easier by cutting through the tough, icy layers that are a pain to remove with a shovel. But an easy solution should be easy on your property as well. Many commercial deicers are pretty harsh.

Commercial ice-melting substances — magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride (salt) — all damage the environment, according to the University of Maryland’s Home and Garden Information Center. They can also damage concrete sidewalks and driveways, which means hefty repair costs later.

A better solution: Make your own deicer using rubbing alcohol or vinegar. You’ll save money, too. Commercial melters typically cost about $10. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of trekking to the hardware store to stock up.

Use vinegar before a storm to make ice and snow removal easier:

• Combine 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water.
• Spray or pour gently (you still want to avoid runoff into your landscape) before a storm.
  
  

To keep the sidewalks and steps from icing after a storm:

• Combine 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part water.
• Apply to minimize runoff.

#4 Make Your Leaf Blower Do Double Duty
A leaf blower can be a multitasker. Use it to remove dry, powdery snow that’s no more than 1 inch thick. A few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Snow should be no heavier than dry leaves.
• Don’t use electric leaf blowers; stick to models that run on batteries or gas.
• Keep it quick and make sure air temp is above freezing to avoid possible damage to the blower.

Episode 260 AskJasonGelios Show