Money Stand

Home improvement loans

Home improvement loans can be an excellent way to add value to your home as long as they are spent wisely and your budget allows it. Often mortgage companies will allow you to borrow extra for home improvement and this can be the cheapest way of borrowing as long as you do not end up paying the loan for the full 25 year term. Negotiate wisely.

Next it’s important to ensure that the work that you are doing to improve your home will actually add value. Generally speaking adding square feet, for example extra rooms, will always add value. Smartly fitted bathrooms and kitchens add value too as does installing central heating in an older property. New windows and conservatories often cost far more to buy that they add to the value of your home so make sure you do your homework to ensure that you are not wasting time and effort. Local estate agents have the best knowledge of your area. Don’t be afraid to ask for their advice. They know what sells properties and what are just regarded as nice extras.

Finally, don’t go over the top with your home improvement ideas. Your house is only worth what the area and street dictate, and don’t get too personal and flamboyant with the designs. Not everyone will appreciate your great taste.

Leave a Comment June 15, 2008

Pay to improve your home

Home improvement loans are loans taken out specifically for the purposes of spending the money on your home to make it better. In general most home improvements will add value to your home, but you do need to consider the amount you will be paying – including the interest on repayments, when calculating whether the improvements are worth the time and money.

Home improvements loans are best taken out when it is essential to improve part of your home. Bathrooms and kitchens are big winners in terms of adding values – these often help sell a home, and a clean, fresh modern look can add a lot of money – often more than the cost of the room itself, plus your repayments.

However not all improvements will add money. Any improvements you make should be in keeping with the style of the property, and to really add value you should aim to make sure that you consider the tastes of your prospective buyers, should you decide to sell. It is also important to consider whether a bathroom or kitchen really needs replaced – if it is already quite modern, then the extra value added may not be as much as the loan.

Leave a Comment June 5, 2008

If Only It Was That Easy

Debt. We live in a world where it is easy to fall in to debt problems. Some debts are unavoidable & I think that it is important to manage the debt you have so that it does not cost you more that it absolutely has to. Its also important to have a goal of being debt free & not borrowing unless it is 100% necessary.

Mortgage
Our mortgage is the biggest loan any of us will be personally asking the nice bank manager for. I think that 100% mortgages are a bad idea as they give you 0% equity in your property for the first several years. Also, if there is any down turn in the market you could find yourself in a negative equity situation. This means that if you sell your house, the amount realized from the sale would not cover the amount you owe. No one wants to have to pay for a house that they no longer live in. Many people pay a little extra off their mortgage every month. This is a great idea as it reduces both the amount of the original debt & the interest that you are charged. You are also reducing the term of your mortgage.
I think that it is important for people to take the time & look for the best mortgage deal that they can get. Its now easy enough to change your mortgage provider & can often make a considerable difference to your interest rate.

Credit Cards / Store Cards
Unless you can afford to fully repay the amount owed every month I think that cards are the easiest way to end up in debt. The interest rates are high & it is far too easy to charge items to the card either online or in shops, restaurants, bars etc.
If you find yourself with large card debts cancel your cards & transfer your balance to a new card. There are lots of 0% interest for the first x months offers. This will give you breathing space to reduce the debt without the interest charges.

Holiday / Car / Wedding Loans
The golden rule should be that if you cant afford to pay for it outright then you cant afford it.
Lenders are giving out loans far too easily. There is nothing wrong with saving for a few months in a high interest account & then buying your car or going on your holiday. Most people are surprised at how quickly it adds up & once you are in the habit of saving it become easier.

Leave a Comment March 14, 2008