Monday, October 28, 2024

DIY Home Projects

Transforming your space on a budget isn’t always simple or easy; but one of the ways to tackle home projects on a budget is to Do-It-Yourself or DIY.  These projects are a great way to increase the value of your home when done effectively.


Let’s look at some of the simple but fun projects you can complete on your own to improve your home.

  • Painting Walls: A fresh coat of paint can transform a room. Choose a color that suits your style and gives the space a personal touch.
  • Installing a Backsplash: Enhance your kitchen or bathroom by adding a stylish backsplash. Peel-and-stick options make this project beginner-friendly.
  • Creating a Gallery Wall: Collect and frame your favorite photos or artwork to create a personalized gallery wall. It's a simple way to add character to any room.
  • Building a Bookshelf: Create a custom bookshelf using pre-cut boards and brackets. This DIY project adds both storage and a decorative element to your space.
  • Planting a Garden: Start a small garden with easy-to-care-for plants or herbs.

    Gardening can be therapeutic, and you'll enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor. If you have outdoor space, consider constructing a raised garden bed.


  • Installing a Smart Thermostat: Upgrade your home with a smart thermostat. Many models are easy to install and can help save energy and money in the long run.
  • Cabinet Hardware Upgrade: Swap out old cabinet handles and knobs for new ones to give your kitchen or bathroom a quick and cost-effective facelift.
  • Weather Stripping Windows and Doors: Save on energy costs by installing weather stripping around windows and doors. It's a simple yet effective way to improve insulation.
  • Creating a DIY Headboard: Craft a personalized headboard for your bed using reclaimed wood, fabric, or even an old door. It adds a unique touch to your bedroom.
  • Installing a Ceiling Fan: Improve air circulation by installing a ceiling fan. Many kits come with step-by-step instructions, making it a beginner-friendly project.
  • Creating a DIY Entryway Organizer: Build a simple entryway organizer using hooks, shelves, and a mirror. It's a practical and stylish solution for keeping your entry tidy.
  • Installing Dimmer Switches: Upgrade your lighting by installing dimmer switches. It's a relatively simple project that can enhance the ambiance in any room.
  • DIY Floating Shelves: Build and install floating shelves to display decorative items or create additional storage space. It's a versatile and visually appealing project.


Whether you’re tackling it yourself or with a friend, DIY projects can be a budget-friendly effective way to update your home, and ultimately, add value to your home.

Team Lasson is here for all of your home buying needs!  If you’re thinking about making the leap into home ownership in the near future, please contact us today to get started.  We can help you determine what loan program works best for your financial goals.  The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Please visit www.yourlakeloan.com or give us a call at (573) 216-7258 to get started.




Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com


**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc. For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org



Monday, October 21, 2024

Halloween Safety Tips


Who doesn’t love to dress up and feast on candy? While Halloween is a night we all get excited about, there are a lot of things to think about before putting on a costume and eating a bag of treats.

Here at Team Lasson, we prioritize the wellbeing of homeowners and families. On this exciting night, it is important to keep these safety tips in mind.

Walking

When trick-or-treating, there are a lot of hazards that can make streets busy and unsafe. Following these safety tips can keep you and your family safe while out trick-or-treating:

  • Cross the street at traffic signals and crosswalks. Always look both ways when crossing a street.
  • Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
  • Pay attention. Avoid looking down at phones or other electronics to ensure your path is safe.

Driving

Whether driving home from work or going to a Halloween party, make sure to be extra cautious on the road. While driving on Halloween, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Drive slowly and be especially alert in neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and will move unpredictably.
  • Take extra time at intersections and on curbs to look for children.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys cautiously.
  • Trick-or-treating hours are usually around 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be alert for kids during these hours.


Costumes

While trick-or-treating, there are ways you can make costumes effective in keeping your family safe. Whether your costumes are homemade or from the store, think about how you can customize them using these tips:

  • Make yourself visible. Carry glow sticks, flashlights, or add strips of reflective tape to costumes or bags so you stand out to drivers.
  • Wear makeup and hats instead of costume masks that can obscure your vision.
  • Ensure your costume is the right size to avoid tripping.

Halloween is a night for people of all ages to dress up and party. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating with your family or attending an awesome Halloween party, remember to keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe night.

Team Lasson is here for all of your home buying needs!  If you’re thinking about making the leap into home ownership in the near future, please contact us today to get started.  We can help you determine what loan program works best for your financial goals.  The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Please visit www.yourlakeloan.com or give us a call at (573) 216-7258 to get started.




Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com


**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc. For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org


Monday, October 7, 2024

Modular vs. Manufactured Home

In the ever-evolving landscape of homeownership, prospective buyers are presented with a number of options, each catering to different preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. Two popular choices that often spark debate are modular and manufactured homes. Understanding the distinctions between these housing options is crucial, especially when it comes to securing a home loan.


Modular homes are constructed in sections or modules off-site and then transported to the desired location for assembly. Unlike manufactured homes, they often adhere to the same building codes and standards as traditional stick-built homes. This can be a significant advantage when seeking financing, as modular homes are typically viewed more favorably by lenders.


Manufactured homes, on the other hand, are built entirely in a factory and transported to the site as a complete unit. While these homes offer affordability and quicker construction timelines, they are subject to different building codes, which can impact loan eligibility. Financing for manufactured homes may come with more stringent criteria due to perceived differences in durability and long-term value, but that shouldn’t stop you from seeking this option if it works for you!

When navigating the path to homeownership with either modular or manufactured homes, it's crucial to work closely with your lenders who specialize in these types of properties. Lenders experienced in modular and manufactured home loans can guide buyers through the intricacies of the financing process, ensuring that the chosen home aligns with both their preferences and financial capabilities.


In conclusion, the choice between modular and manufactured homes extends beyond architectural preferences; it significantly influences the financing journey. Prospective buyers should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option and collaborate with their knowledgeable lender to secure a loan that transforms their homeownership dreams into reality.

Team Lasson is here for all of your home buying needs!  If you’re thinking about making the leap into home ownership in the near future, please contact us today to get started.  We can help you determine what loan program works best for your financial goals.  The first step in preparing for your big purchase is to get pre-approved for a mortgage at Lake of the Ozarks.  Please visit www.yourlakeloan.com or give us a call at (573) 216-7258 to get started.




Michael Lasson

Senior Mortgage Banker

NMLS #:  493712

Flat Branch Home Loans – Team Lasson

2882 Bagnell Dam Blvd

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Cell:  (573) 216-7258

Email:  teamlasson@fbhl.com

Website:  www.yourlakeloan.com

**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent Flat Branch Home Loans positions, strategies, or opinions.

Flat Branch Home Loans NMLS 224149. A Division of Flat Branch Mortgage Inc. For more licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org