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We moved to the suburbs recently. My husband is frequently away on business, and I’m finding that I get a little nervous when I’m at home alone with the kids at night. What steps do we need to take to make sure our home is completely safe and secure so that I can sleep easily?

answer:
Proper security measures could go a long way toward giving you a better night’s sleep. Take an inventory of your new home to be sure that all doors, including storm doors and patio sliders are fitted with some type of locking device. Consider installing a peephole and/or a chain lock on all the exterior doors so you can determine who visitors are. Check that all windows have functioning locks. And make it a habit to lock the windows as you’re closing them.

For the outside of your home, consider installing motion-sensor lights near all doors. It will discourage intruders and make it safer for you to come and go in the dark as well. Check that shrubs around the house are not so overgrown that they provide cover for possible intruders. If shrubs do conceal windows or block the view of your doors from neighbors and from the street, consider cutting them back or removing and replacing with dwarf varieties that stay smaller. Finally, call the non-emergency number at your local police department and inquire if they can help you. Many departments have trained officers who will visit your home and help evaluate the security.

I’m about to embark on a new adventure for me dressing or decorating the windows in our home. I haven’t got a clue where to begin. Can you give me any tips?

answer:
Window treatments not only add color, texture, style, and character, they can perform a number of functions. For example, if you choose a treatment that raises and lowers, like blinds, or one that opens and closes— like some draperies, you’ll be able to control light and gain privacy. A fixed treatment that covers the window at all times could eliminate an unattractive view. Or choose a valance or swag and jabot treatment that frames the window and leaves the center of the glass uncovered if there’s a view to capitalize on. Consider layering two types of window treatments, such as fabric shades or roll-up wooden blinds with a decorative fabric valance and/or fixed side panels. The combination provides control over the view or the light with easy-to-operate shades and adds decorative interest and style with the fabric. Window treatments can serve decorative functions too. Extra full draperies and a contrasting trim create a luxurious look. Or mount draperies above the window to make it appear larger.

Don’t get shafted by bankers

Case I: Sam, 25, and her boyfriend Mark found the flat they loved, had their offer accepted by the sellers and the advisor at their bank had agreed the mortgage. Perfect. That was until they returned to the bank to sign the mortgage forms. ‘The person we’d originally spoken to had left,’ says Sam. And everyone else denied all knowledge of our mortgage offer. After lots of hassle, the new advisor eventually offered us less cash at a much worse rate of interest.’

How to sort it: This helps to show just how important it is to get something from the bank in writing once you’ve been offered a mortgage. Never leave the bank without an official letter. Many lenders will issue you with what’s called an “agreement in principle to lend”. This isn’t a formal mortgage offer but at least you know where you stand when you look for a property.

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Genesis Estates
3 Keppel Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 0AT
Phone :    0161-862 0345
business serves Manchester (Town in Lancashire)

George Grundy Estates Limited
109 Market Street , Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 8EX
Phone :  01204 572222
business serves Manchester (Town in Lancashire)

Irlam Estates
200 Liverpool Rd, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6FE
Phone : 0161-777 9797
business serves Manchester (Town in Lancashire)

Fast Track Investments Limited
300-302 Stratford Rd, Sparkhill, Birmingham, B11 1AA
Phone : 0121-772 8200
business serves Manchester (Town in Lancashire)

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By Arturo Ronzon

Home equity loan is the easiest way to get finance for any project of your choice, using your house value advantage. The equity of your House is based on the level of your investment on the property - it the payments you have made for your home. It is always an advantage to invest in a home because it will create a financial security for you. Every deposit you make for your home is a futuristic investment that will provide an opportunity for to finance any project in the future using your Home. Home equity loans are better than personal loans because its rates are lower. It is important to analytically negotiate to procure the lowest rate home equity loan so as to maximize profit.

The first thing to do is to clean up your credit history. Make sure you pay all your outstanding debts to have a good credit record; it is also possible to get a home equity loan with a bad credit record since your home is used as collateral in case you fall short. But a good credit record makes the process easier and faster: this period is the preparation period before starting your application. After preparing your credit records you can apply for them with the lowest rate possible.

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By Aubrey Nichols

Paying off your mortgage early may seem like a lofty goal, but there are small ways that can help reduce your mortgage. With very little effort, such seemingly minuscule changes could save you literally thousands of dollars in the long run. The following are (relatively) painless ways to begin reducing your principal mortgage, thus paying off the loan much quicker than you ever thought possible.

Pay More than the Minimum

If your mortgage is $1525 every month, round up and pay an even $1600. That extra $75, though it may seem small, will have a huge impact over time.

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By Susan A Henderson

In the past years, the private sector has dramatically expanded its role in the mortgage bond market, which had previously been dominated by government-sponsored agencies. Especially subprime mortgages that became increasingly popular in recent years are considered higher-risk loans because they typically draw borrowers in with an initial low “teaser” interest rate, which can spike upward after the first few years.

Generally, subprime loans are mortgages given to borrowers with credit scores of 620 or below. Such low scores result from a history of paying debts late or not paying debts at all. Because subprime borrowers are seen as “higher risk,” their loans carry interest rates that are at least 2 percentage points higher than those offered to borrowers with better credit.

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