Home maintenance - 02/06/11 06:44 PM
Your mortgage requires you adequately maintain your property and not allow it to deteriorate. As a homeowner, you can't afford to sit back and postpone maintenance. You can extend the life of appliances and fixtures and avoid expensive repairs by performing routine maintenance yourself.
It's a good idea to set up a budget for your home's regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. You may want to budget 1 percent of the purchase price of your house to cover annual maintenance and repairs. You also may want to stick to a regular savings plan to cover essential bills, emergency repairs and large, periodic … (1 comments)

Papers for Homeowner to Keep - 02/06/11 06:44 PM
Keep a copy of every document you signed at the closing. It's especially important to keep a copy of your settlement form. It will be useful when you file taxes and if you sell your home. For example, the real estate taxes and loan discount points you paid as part of your closing costs are tax deductible. So, when you file taxes, refer to the settlement form to get these amounts.
In addition to the closing documents, keep all insurance records, such as homeowners and title insurance. You would need to have access to your homeowners policy if, for example, someone … (1 comments)

Furnishing and Renovating - 02/06/11 06:42 PM
You've just moved in. Most of your belongings are still in boxes. But you've decided the first thing you want to do is redo the first-floor bathroom, buy new furniture for the living room and strip the wallpaper from every wall in the house.
Stop. Put your hands in your pockets, seal your wallet, tie yourself to a chair. Don't do anything major right away.
Acquiring a home requires some adjustment. Your mortgage payment may be higher than the rent you've been paying, so give yourself time to get used to the new cash regimen. Too many new buyers realize too … (0 comments)

 
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Nancy Timberlake: REALTOR® Southern Maine

Portland, ME

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RE/MAX By The Bay

Address: The Common at 88 Middle Street, Portland, ME, 04101

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Nancy Timberlake's comments, tips and thoughts on real estate and life in Maine.


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