Posts made in September, 2021

What Type of Flooring is Pet-Friendly?

Scratching is among?the biggest problems with your floor if you have?pets with untrimmed nails in the house. Even if your pet isn’t?actively scratching the floor, they can still leave some mark on it by running, jumping, and walking around. Pets also tend to?shed their hair and they may have some housebreaking mishaps as well. 

But you don’t really have to?worry about these because there’s a way to go around this. It’s possible to still have?lovely floors even if you have furry pets?at home. Simply install the right type of flooring, and you’re all set.  

Many families in the United States have pets. To pick?the right type of?floor, you have to know exactly what to your pets do and to what extreme they do their?scratching. Choose the right one that can hold up with your furry friends. There are a lot of durable?flooring options that are stylish yet pet-friendly. That means there’s no need to compromise on quality over the other. If?you’re looking for the finest flooring for your?pets, below are some great choices for you. 

1. Vinyl Floors 

For households with animals, vinyl floors are?a common choice. They are highly durable, long-lasting,?and moisture-resistant. They are not?easily scratched?or?dented. Your usual options are luxury vinyl tiles?and vinyl sheets. Vinyl can?easily be maintained as well. Aside from being?simple to?clean, it’s easily installed and inexpensive as well. Whatever vinyl you may want to?choose, you are sure to enjoy all of its advantages. The sound of your pet’s nails scratching on the floor is minimized as well. 

2. Rigid Core Floors  

Rigid core floors?combine some of?the finest characteristics of different?flooring products?for ultimate dent, stain, and scratch resistance. This type of flooring is also 100% waterproof, which means the plants won’t buckle, swell, or lose its integrity once exposed to moisture or water. This is the type of floor that’s perfect for water?spills coming from your pet’s?water bowl and?bath time. These floors aren’t?only durable, they have very realistic and trendy designs. This flooring is ideal for homes with the most active pets. 

3. Engineered Tiles 

Those who love the?natural look of ceramic or?stone tile style will find engineered tiles a good choice. They’re also scratch-resistant, yet comfortable under your foot. Even your pets will love walking on these tiles. Engineered tiles are composed of?70 percent limestone and they may?be installed?with grout. It looks nice and authentic, while also giving you and your pets a warmer feel. 

4. Laminate Flooring  

Laminate flooring can be installed on all almost any?part?of your home. Laminate looks?like?traditional hardwood, metal,?concrete, or?natural stone. They’re rather durable and can withstand pet’s rough treatment of your floor. 

However, don’t get the types with high gloss and?soft finishes as these may cause pets to slide or?slip. The outer layer of laminate flooring is water-and?scratch-resistant. So, you don’t have to worry about water tracking on your floor. Just ensure that when there’s any water spill, you’ll wipe it up immediately. 

These are the materials that you may consider for your next flooring installation. If you need help installing any of these, simply call an expert flooring contractor. They should be able to do the job for you.  

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Tips for Choosing the Right Mortgage

You have probably heard of the word “mortgage” if you are planning to buy a house in Hawaii. However, do you know what it means? Do you know how to choose the right home loan for your needs? 

Well, you shouldn’t worry because you aren’t alone. Finding the right mortgage is a piece of regular advice. However, it can feel overwhelming and tedious in practice. Because of this, we’re going to help you. 

Aside from getting a Hawaii BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing), here are several tips you can follow to choose the right mortgage: 

Look For at Least 3 Lenders 

When it comes to choosing the right mortgage lender, you will have to get estimates from at least 3 different lenders. If you do not have any particular lenders in mind, it is a wise move to ask friends and family for recommendations.  

Aside from that, you can also read reviews online and research lenders until you find some that you think are reliable.  

Prepare Your Financial Papers 

Every lender will ask for copies of a couple of vital financial papers when you start asking for estimates. Because of this, it’s ideal if you can get the documents ready now. Not all lenders are the same. However, there’s a general list of papers that you might need to provide.  

  • Asset and Bank Statements 

You will have to offer recent statements for any bank accounts in your name, as well as other assets such as 401(K) and IRA. 

  • Tax Returns 

You will have to offer two years of tax returns if you are self-employed and do not have a W-2. 

  • Pay Stubs 

If you work a traditional 9-5 job, you’ll have to offer copies of a recent pay stub. Make sure the pay stub listed your year-to-date income.  

  • W-2 

If you work for a company, the lender will ask for at least 2 years of W-2 documents.  

Ask for Estimates 

After you prepare your documents, you can contact or visit each lender. You need to tell them that you want an estimate for a house loan. Then, the lender will ask for copies of your financial documents and ask for your permission to conduct a credit inquiry.  

You shouldn’t worry if you’ve got several inquiries on your credit report. The credit bureaus will consider several pulls as one if you ask for all of the estimates within the same time frame and the same kind of loan.  

The exact time frame that you’ve got to work within differs from one credit bureau to another. A couple of them can provide 45 days, while some can give 14 days. Because of this, it is a wise move to gather your estimates as fast as possible.  

Choose the Ideal One 

Once you get all the estimates, look them over. For ideal results, you’ve got to ensure you have given every mortgage lender the same details. This will help you make a precise comparison.  

While you’re reading the estimates, you’ve got to ensure you look at the fees and interest rate that you need to pay.  

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