10 Tips to Save for Your First Home

 By: Amy Smith, Mortgage Planner

Saving money is hard!  But just like anything if you try hard enough the payoff is fantastic.  Follow these not easy but rewarding steps to save for your first home….

1.  Start a budget.  Plan your expenses and budget in an amount for savings every month 
2.  Get a travel mug!  Making your coffee at home to take with you can save you $2 or more a day. 
3. Skip the bagel.  Buy your breakfast when you do your grocery shopping and pack it.
4. Along the same lines – pack your lunch.  Savings $7 a day (or more) on lunch out could be a huge savings at the end of the month.  
5. Eat dinner at home.  We are all busy so getting delivery or eating out always seems easier.  If you cut out dinners out at least twice a month you could save $50 to $100 just for those two sacrifices. 
6.  Review your auto insurance plan.  Make sure you aren’t paying too much because you’ve stayed with the same carrier. 
7.  Stop spending needlessly!  Stick with just your needs for one month and see what that leaves at the end of the month.  Stash it away and do it again.  And again. 
8.  Get rewards cards.  Make your spending work for you!  Saving on gas because you shop one place and earning discounts on your purchases another place help to cut costs for the things you have to buy anyway.  
9.   Have the time?  Get a part time job or start consulting (as long as you aren’t planning to claim a loss on your tax returns).  
10.    Have a yard sale.  Sell all of the stuff you don’t need to drag with you to your new home.

Follow these tips and you’re on your way to putting more money away each month towards the home of your dreams. Ready to begin the home buying process? Request a copy of our homebuyers guide or apply online.

How To Build The Ultimate Tree House For Your Children In Just Seven Steps

Building a tree house is a time honored tradition for many families. One of the benefits of having a yard is the ability to build a tree fort for your children.

If you're planning to build a fun fort for your kids, here are seven steps to help you create the ultimate tree house.

The Ultimate Plan For The Perfect Playhouse

The best projects are often the most thought out. Sit down with your children and lay the plans for their tree house. Let them contribute their thoughts and ideas so they feel a part of the planning process.

Although you won't need an engineering degree to build a quality tree fort, it's important to calculate all the measurements and specifications of the build.

A Solid Foundation For Your Tree House

Prepare the location for your future tree house by trimming away any precarious branches or boughs on the tree you plan to build on. Ensure that your tree house will be well supported, and reinforce any questionable spots.

If your tree fort is being built from the ground up, make sure you're working with a level foundation.

Have The Right Tools For The Job

Make sure you have all the tools you'll need to construct your tree house. Power tools and construction equipment can be borrowed from friends and neighbors or rented from your local hardware store.

When the time comes to gather your building supplies, be creative and consider re-purposed supplies. These materials are less expensive and add character and charm. You can find recycled and salvaged items at various recycled construction supply companies and through online classifieds like Craigslist.

Construct Your Tree House With Confidence

When you're constructing your tree house, make sure it's structurally sound. Watch tutorials online - you'd be amazed at the things you can learn from watching YouTube videos!

Make sure to measure twice and cut once. Using the proper cutting tool for each cut will help you achieve cleaner, more precise cuts. Also make sure to obtain any permits that may be required for the project.

A Personalized Theme Encourages Creativity

Choose a theme that relates to your child. If they love fairies, use that as the inspiration for your design. Pirate forts and superhero lairs are perfect places to spark imaginative play and creativity.

Incorporate cannons, cupboards and ropes with pulleys to create a unique and fun space for your children to play.

A Colorful Paint Job Brightens The House

When the walls are up and the building is done, it will be time to choose paint colors. Bright colors are a great way to brighten and liven up an outdoor space.

You could even consider creating a mural. Choose something that fits with the theme. This is something that you and your child can do together, or that you can do on your own as an added surprise.

Perfecting Your Child's Play Space

Once your tree house is built, it's time to get it ready for play. Decorate the space with fun decor and functional items. Throw pillows and rugs can add color and personality to a child's play space. Window coverings can be made from scrap fabric or bed sheets.

Creating a tree fort for your child is a memorable experience and a labor or love. A unique space that sparks imagination and nurtures creativity is a wonderful gift to give a child.