I know one the most harrowing experiences is buying a home and looking at all the choices for mortgages. You would think DNA testing would have to easier than this. Honestly though, it is definitely not that bad once you’ve done it a few times.

Besides the convention loans out there (the ones you put down 20% or more down), you should definitely check the other kinds of programs they have out there.  For example, there is such a thing called Flex/Fixed buydowns. Sellers are able to buy down the initial interest rate for a set period of time.  The buyers then temporarily are able to pay a lower monthly payment.  There is also down payment assistance programs.  I know my bank has over 900 various programs that are offered from coast to coast.  If you are a senior over the age of 62, you could qualify for a reverse mortgage.  With this loan, you are able to use the equity from your primary home with no payments required until the primary residence is vacated.  You can also get Purchase & Renovate loans.  You are able to combine both the financing of a home with funds for home impovements you may need to make.  This allows you to take advantage of those “as is” homes and foreclosed ones too.  The loan amount is based on the value of the home after the improvements have been made.

As you can see, there are several different types of home loans you can look at.  Now, this is just a small sliver of all the programs and loans out there.  There is a program out there for almost everyone that works with theirr needs.

This topic is a big one in my house right now. This affect all homeowners whether they own Corpus Christi real estate, a cottage on a lake, or just a house they live in here in Chicago.  Having worked for an insurance adjusters office, I understand the need and the importance of insurance.  I am always worried if we have enough coverage.

Over time, your homeowners insurance may start falling short of your needs.  Most experts in the agency suggest that you review your policy every 2 years to make sure you have the right protection.  Some things to consider are:

• Did you complete a remodeling or renovation project?
• Have you purchased a collectible or any antique furniture, artwork, or jewelry?
• Is there any other effect on the value and replacement costs of your property?

If you have any of these changes, it is important to make sure you contact your insurance company and up your insurance coverage.

So you don’t have to search my entire blog to see all the step we took to get the basement done, I have done all the hard work for you.  Below is a list of all the posts I did while the basement was getting done.  You can really see how it all came together:

Waterproofing - Day 1

Waterproofing - Day 2

Framing

The Bathroom

Drywall

Windows, Drywall, and Electric

Windows and More Drywall

More Drywall

One Week Left

2 Days Left

Flooring

Almost Done, I think

See the finish line

We are done!

This was done in 3 weeks worth of time. Its is truly amazing to watch the transformation we did.

I can’t believe I forgot to post the pictures of the basement.  Well, yes I can.  Between getting ready for Will’s birthday party and my aunt’s death, I was a rough week or so there. The difference between what the basement looked like before and what it looks like now is like the difference before and after acne treatments to your face  Its the different.  Here are the before pictures:

Here are the after:

Can you believe that this is the same basement?  I live here and I can’t!

No, they aren’t done yet.  Yes, it’s killing me.  However, it does look really nice.  I just need to be able to start moving crap down there.  I seriously hope they finish today or at least let me put stuff down there or I don’t know how we are getting this all together by Saturday.  Bill has to work late tomorrow, so we lose all the time of getting ready.  I will remain sane.  I think.

With everything going wrong right now, I swear I am trying not to have an ulcer. Really. I did sneak downstairs while the guys were at lunch to see where we are at. Its slowly but surely coming together.

Yes, I repeat:  The basement is not going to be done today.  Yes, I am freaking out.  I am having a 1 year old birthday party in about a week with a ton of people, and there is no way it is going to be done.  None.  Needless to say, not happy here.  Several things happened that were not planned that are causing this to happen.  First, we ended up having to move some gas lines.  Second, we had to buy a new water heater and have that installed.  Lastly, the mudding on the drywall is not drying.  We can’t paint until that is dry and there are several coats that need to be applied of that.

At this point, my floor is not even half done.  We need to move the furniture back in this weekend, and I don’t even know if that is going to happen.   My stomach is in knots.  I haven’t smoked in over ten years (I think I said 5 years on twitter last night, but I actually think it’s closer to ten), and I am dying for a cigarette.  I’m trying to be good and eat M&Ms to fight the craving, but it’s really not working.  The good thing is that Bill took them to work with him.  I do know I am not about to take the kids out to go buy a $6 pack of cigarettes no matter how bad the craving is.

I just hope everyone can keep their fingers crossed.  I really need the guys to have a good day today, so that maybe we can move the furniture in and just throw it into the corner for now.  And I need to not have an ulcer or a coronary before this remodel is over.