Save on Road Trips This Summer!

Summer is here, and for many, this means summer vacations are calling. But with airlines’ increasing fees and charges, you may find yourself opting to hit the open road instead of the sky.


Slow down speed racer; if you’re not careful, road trips can get pricey, too! Since we all deserve a break and some fun in the sun, we’re giving you our best tips to pinch every penny and make the most out of your next road trip.

Budget First

Make travel a piece of your monthly budget. Determine how much your ideal trip will cost and how much you can reasonably set aside. Start saving months in advance. This way, when trip time rolls around, you aren’t scrounging through the couch cushions digging for nickels.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Once you’ve got the cash, the real fun begins. Start researching your destination(s) and planning activities and restaurants you’d like to visit while there. Often tickets to parks, events, concerts, etc. are cheaper in advance. A simple Google search of “destination and date and events” will let you know what’s going on.

You’ll also want to set up accommodations before you go. Booking sites like Hotels.com and Booking.com search for the best deals, so you don’t have to. There’s also Airbnb and campsites if you’re going the nontraditional route.

Mapping out your route not only saves you time, but can save you money by helping you avoid tolls, travel the least amount of miles, and drive through more affordable areas. Apps like Waze can help you find the best route and automatically change routes if something pops up – like construction or car accidents.

Guzzle Less Gas

Gas isn’t cheap, with the average price sitting somewhere around $3 per gallon. Use GasBuddy.com to calculate how much you’ll be spending, and make sure this number finds its way into your budget.

Use less fuel and save more money by:

• Packing the vehicle as lightly as possible
• Following the speed limit
• Avoiding aggressive driving
• Filling tires to the correct pressure and making sure tire tread is sufficient
• Renting a fuel-efficient vehicle

Pack Snacks

Driving for hours can really get the tummy rumbling, but constantly stopping at convenience stores to grab food can put a major dent in your wallet. Pack a cooler with the essentials like granola bars, fruit, cheese sticks, crackers, chips, bottled water, and other drinks. Pro tip: buy in bulk and separate into individual bags – or go family style and dig right in.

Packing “picnic lunches” can also save you lots while on the road. Toss some bread, peanut butter, and jelly in the cooler for a quick lunchtime meal that costs you pennies.

Dine In

If dinnertime rolls around and you’re absolutely famished, skip the drive-thru and opt for a mom-and-pop shop instead. These places are often tastier and have better deals than big name restaurants. Plus, they allow you to get a little flavor of the area you’re in.

Check for Coupons

Coupon clipping isn’t just for Moms on TLC. If there are specific stops you’d like to make or attractions you’d like to see, check online for any coupons. Do this simply by typing, “destination and coupon” into Google.

You can also use GroupOn before heading out to get deals on food and fun.

Get Going!

Now all that’s left to do is jump in the car and go! Don’t forget to call your bank and let them know you’ll be on the move. Oh, and don’t forget your chargers either – a good road trip calls for lots of photos!

Factors to Consider Before Buying A New Boat

The open water and sunny days are calling, but what are the actual costs of purchasing a boat, and is it worth it? Part of advising our members on financial decisions is revealing some of the hidden costs you need to be aware of before you take the plunge into a life on the water.

The Purchase Price

Whether you’re shopping used boats or new, sailboats or speed boats, obviously the biggest part of your overall price is the ticket price.

Insurance

Boat insurance generally covers collision, property damage, theft, and/or bodily injury liability. Your cost will vary by state, the type of motor and boat, and whether you’re boating on freshwater or open ocean.

Boat License

Watercraft licenses are required in most states for boats over a certain length. In Minnesota, boat dealers will help you apply for title and registration, and are good for three years.

Trailer

If you plan on visiting other lakes or taking your boat on the move, you’ll need a trailer, not to mention a vehicle that can tow something as heavy as a boat.

Storage in Winter

With many local options for winter rack storage, these storage facilities make sure to prep your boat, wrap it, and store it for a monthly or annual fee. Some boat owners choose to store their boats on their own property over the winter, which still requires winterizing and boat wrap.

Dock and/or Marina Space

Now that you have your boat, where will you dock it? You may be purchasing a dock for your own property or renting marina or dock space on a nearby lake, both additional costs to take into consideration.

Maintenance

Last, don’t forget the costs for cleaning, repairs, and maintenance to the boat, sail, or motor.


For additional advice on making a boat purchase, or questions about recreational vehicle loans, contact us at Financial One.

Navigating Home Loan Options and Rates

With the Spring Home buying season around the corner, there may be some confusion over the different types of home loans available for those making the big purchase.

Financial One Credit Union is here to help – both with providing answers and with financing your new home.

Types of Home Loans: 

1. Adjustable Rate Mortgage

ARMs give you a fixed interest rate for a certain number of years (the “adjustment period”) at a very reasonable rate. Following that period, your mortgage then becomes what is called a variable rate mortgage, where the rate adjusts on an annual basis based on market conditions, usually +/-1%.

2. Fixed Rate Mortgage

With these loans, the interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan – usually for 15 or 30-year terms. Fixed rate mortgages are more stable over the long-term even though you may see a higher interest rate than you’d get at the beginning adjustment period of an ARM.

3. Home Equity Loans

These loans take advantage of the equity you have in your home and are available if you owe less on your home than it is worth. Home Equity loans give you large amounts of funds to use for a variety of reasons and are available through Financial One Credit Union as lump sum loans (up to 100% loan to value) or as a Home Equity Line of Credit (up to 80% loan to value variable rate).

Interest Rates

Interest rates fluctuate daily based on changes in financial markets. Your individual interest rate will be determined based on your credit score, your income vs. debt ratio, down payment amount, the amount being borrowed, and the term of the loan. If you have any questions about how interest rates are calculated or why they fluctuate, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Rates at Credit Unions are Often Better than Banks

According to Investopedia, Credit Unions are able to turn income into savings for their members. “Since profits to stockholders aren't a part of the company vision, credit unions are free to pass surplus money on to members.” In addition, Credit Unions don’t need to answer to stockholders; we are member-owned and are concerned with benefiting members over anything else.

Apply now for a Home Mortgage Loan from Financial One Credit Union, or view our current rates here.

How to Set a Personal Budget for 2018

In a season known for indulging and overspending, the holidays can be the last time you want to think about a budget.

However, the start of a new year is the perfect time to revamp the way you think about your money. It’s a way to set yourself up for 2018 to make your budget work for you, instead of working for your budget.

With that attitude in mind, take these three steps as you begin budgeting for 2018:

1. Start with the Basics

You might feel tempted to go way into detail when you first set out to budget, but that’s not necessary. Divide your budget into simple categories in a program such as Microsoft Excel so you’ll easily be able to make edits and be realistic with the amounts you set for each category. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Think about how much you’re already spending in each area and visualize what you could cut back on. Draw your budget as such.

Be honest about the best way to keep your budget. If you like math, it could be pen and paper. If you’d like to be more hands-off, try a budgeting program such as Mint, which categorizes your purchases as you make them.

2. Save for the Worst

Build an emergency fund into your budget. This type of savings account will give you a financial buffer in the case that illness or injury, hospital bills, or other times of need make money tight. Putting money into the fund can be as easy as the change from your lunch, cutting unnecessary expenses, or saving your tax return.

Build the fund with the requirement that it be used strictly for emergencies, and not as general savings. Don’t use the fund for holidays or planned expenses. This way, when the unexpected happens, your money will be ready.

3. Don’t be Afraid to Make Changes

Your budget shouldn’t be set in stone. As you start spending in 2018, see where your estimates and actual spending don’t match up and take a look at why that is.

If money is tight, it’s tempting to underestimate costs as you set your budget. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Allow room for fun and an occasional splurge. Get too restrictive too soon, and it will be harder to follow the budget as the year goes on.

If things still don’t add up, think about adding to your income instead of cutting from your expenses. An extra part-time job, some freelance work or selling something you’re not using can free up some space in the budget.


No matter your budgeting goal for 2018, Financial One Credit Union is here to help.

Keeping Your Financial Information Safe After The Equifax Breach

The news of the massive Equifax breach in September was unsettling for many as millions of Americans’ private financial information was hacked. The latest news reveals 2.5 million more consumers were impacted than initially thought, bringing the total to 145.5 million. This news can make people very nervous to apply for a loan, check their credit score, or share their personal financial information with anyone - and rightly so.

We at Financial One Credit Union want to be part of the solution instead of downplaying the problem. Here are some questions you might have about protecting your financial information.

Do Banks Communicate via Text message?

While some banks do communicate via text, be wary of a type of financial scam called “smishing”. Bankrate.com explains, “Smishing occurs when you get a dubious text message from a fraudster posing as a bank representative. The message may warn you of security breaches and ask you to call a toll-free number. Then you’re asked for your account number and pin.” Don’t trust text communication as a communication method; call the customer service line at your financial institution instead.

Can Viruses on my Computer Hack my Financial Information?

Yes, malware is rampant and one of the most common ways hackers gain access to your private information. Malware is downloaded onto your computer by clicking an online link or opening an infected email. Be very wary of sites and senders you are unfamiliar with.

How Do I Know if a Website is Secure?

Look closely at the website address (URL). If it starts with http, the site is not secure. If you see https, the site is more secure, but still not fool-proof. The added “s” in the URL means the website is secured using an SSL Certificate. Extra-secure sites will have a lock icon, meaning the company that owns the site has an Extended Validation - the safest and most secure level.

How Do I Know if I Have Been Affected?

Even high-profile companies like Yahoo and LinkedIn have been hacker victims. Check 179 hacked websites at one time by entering your email address into the website Haveibeenpwned.com. If you are curious about the recent Equifax breach, you can visit their website directly to find out if your information was stolen.


To learn more about the Equifax breach specifically, visit Krebsonsecurity.com. The best thing to do moving forward is to keep a close eye on all your finances and accounts. If you spot something unusual, notify your financial institution right away so they can help you stop the unlawful charges.

For our members impacted by the Equifax breach, Financial One will do everything possible to protect you and your financial information. Contact us for more information.

Keeping Your Financial Information Safe After The Equifax Breach

September is the Best Time to Buy These 6 Things

Sometimes saving money is not about clipping coupons or shopping sales, it can be about shopping seasonally. If you can, choose September the buy end of summer items when they are drastically marked down. Do not buy when everyone else does, a little delay of gratification can go a long way toward stretching your dollars. September is the best time to buy these 6 things!

Patio Furniture

As summer comes to a close, patio furniture takes up a lot of space in store's floor plans and they heavily discount sets to get ready for the next season. Take advantage of up to 90% off patio furniture during September.

Bicycles

Not many invest in a new bicycle at the end of summer when they have to wait all through the cold season to ride it often. This means huge savings for you! Upgrade your bike in the fall and reap the savings.

Older iPhones

Each September, Apple releases the new iPhone and flocks of people upgrade their device. If you want to upgrade your iPhone, but do not necessarily care about getting the absolute newest version, previous-generation iPhones are heavily discounted during September. The prices will be lowest during the end of the month after Apple does the new iPhone release.

A New Car

Fall is usually the best time to buy a new car because the next year's models are hitting the lot and dealers are trying to make way by discounting the current year's cars. You can find discounts between $2000 and $5000 pretty easily, plus great car loan options.

Lawnmowers

Of course, another seasonal item that makes sense to buy at the end of the summer, not the beginning when everyone else does. Lawnmowers can be very expensive, so if it is time for an upgrade, wait for September sales.

Vacations

You could save hundreds of dollars by booking holiday travel or last minute vacations in September. Deals on hotels and especially on airfare are prevalent during this mid-season between summer and holiday travel.


Although September does not have a “Black Friday,” there are still rock bottom prices to be found on certain items if you are informed. Shop seasonally and save this September!

How to Find the Keys to Financial Happiness

When it comes to financial happiness, many people think of big houses, nice cars, vacation homes, fine dining, and heaps of cash in the bank. The truth is, financial happiness is really a subjective and personal choice. Like many things in life, people will differ in their definition of financial happiness and how to obtain it. To help you start pondering what true financial happiness means to you, check out our tips below. The first two are more abstract and deal with your personal values while the last two address behaviors of so-called financially happy people.

Setting and Reaching Goals

You’ve heard the age-old mantra that money can’t buy happiness, right? Well, it can, to an extent. Money certainly can buy happiness when you are spending it well. It’s not about how much you have, but how you use it! That’s why it’s important to know what you value most so you can create goals. Goals - big and small - help direct where you spend your dough. Writing out your short-term goals (ex. getting a pet) and long-term goals (ex. saving for retirement), along with ballpark figures needed to achieve them, will increase the likelihood that you reach them. People with clear goals are typically more financially happy people because they have focus and direction for their money.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your relationship with money has a lot to do with your sense of happiness. What messages did you receive growing up from the adults in your life? Were you taught to view money as a tool, as a means of exchange, or as a scarce resource to chase and hoard? Spending some time reflecting on your attitude toward money will help bring your inner dialogue to light. Rewrite that inner dialogue to help conquer your money fears and build self-esteem.

Stay Organized

Few people want to hear this, but most financially happy people are organized. They have a handle on what’s coming in and what’s going out. While it isn’t always fun, creating a budget is a tried and true method for taking control of your personal finances. Tracking your credit score is another great way to stay in control. Improving your score could mean the difference in interest rates and thousands of dollars in interest saved over the years. It takes discipline, but it feels good to be in control of your money; one of the best ways to do that is to get organized.

Make Wise Investments

This last tip will vary from person to person. Some people are fascinated by stocks and bonds and will jump in head first to start investing. Others will feel comfortable with a less risky option of opening an IRA. Still others would rather trust an advisor or firm to handle investment decisions for them. Whatever the case you’re in – if you have a little to invest or a lot – a common thread in financially happy people involves some sort of investing. Setting aside what you can, as early as you can, might play a large role in your long-term financial happiness.


Have these suggestions sparked your internal dialogue around money? How do you define financial happiness?

17 Tips for Saving Money in 2017

Financial resolutions are popular in January. Right now, you might be recovering from holiday spending or looking towards building a more positive financial future in 2017. Let Financial One Credit Union help you plan for healthier finances this year. Take a look at 15 tips to help you save and make money in 2017.

1. Be realistic. Can you realistically pay your student debt off this year or rid yourself of all credit-card debt? Visualizing realistic goals will make them more feasible. Make them challenging, but ultimately achievable to reach your financial ambitions.

2. Make your goals specific. Planning specific goals will help you envision the finish line more clearly. Think about the exact amounts of debt you want to pay off or how much you want to save each month to make your goals clear and attainable.

3. Make your savings automatic. Designating a portion of your paycheck to your savings account automatically will take away any temptation for you to spend that money. After a few withdraws, you won’t even miss the funds. Think of it as a payment to yourself.

4. Budget. Setting a realistic budget will help you cut down on wasteful spending. Think of it as the outline of your financial future. Prioritize your bills and goals in order to grow your savings.

5. Track your progress. Keep tabs on your personal finances. How much do you spend on average on each expense? Are you meeting your goals each month or do you need to readjust? This is crucial in maintaining good financial habits, illuminating financial mistakes, and achieving your goals.

6. Shop smart. When you do take out your wallet, learn to shop savvier. Use rewards programs, buy in bulk, comparison shop, shop sales, and clip coupons. These practices add up to plenty of savings.

7. To subscribe or not? Online movie and music streaming channels, gym memberships, monthly subscription boxes, and more can rack up a large bill. Review which services you use and drop those you don’t.

8. Use apps to help you save money when shopping. The Target Cartwheel app, for example, is excellent for shaving dollars off of your grocery bills, while Mint is excellent at helping you budget and be more aware of your expenses. For more apps that can help you save, visit here.

9. Refinance. Can you refinance your mortgage, student debt, and insurance rates in order to potentially save thousands of dollars a year? Research your options. Good credit and historically better rates can help.

10.  Aim for a raise or new job. Take a look at your resume. Are you recognized fairly for your work? If not, take some time to works towards a promotion and re-negotiate with your boss. Look at these tips for negotiating a raise.

11.  Exercise. Get fit to help your finances. Spend less on junk food, transportation costs, and the expenses associated with poor health. This can also help you stay disciplined and motivated for all of your goals.

12.  Invest now. Don’t wait to pay off debt before investing especially if your employer matches your contribution. Take this big step to secure your future.

13.  Seek small financial opportunities. Make the best of the financial opportunities that head your way. Look for opportunities in tutoring, babysitting, or selling plasma.

14.  Offer a skill. Freelancing, teaching a skill, or offering manual labor can also help you find some additional money to pad your budget.

15.  Sell your unwanted treasures. In addition to taking control of your finances, uncluttering your home of unwanted possessions can help you make money. Unburden your shelves and rooms of unused electronics, clothes, movies, books, and tools for extra cash.

16.  Go secondhand. Visit thrift stores, search garage sales, and scour online deals for treasures and necessities that cost next to nothing.

17.  Network. Keep your resume updated and network regularly. You never know which opportunities await to build skills, connect with professionals, and offer higher opportunities.

Financial One Credit Union offers free financial counseling sessions that will help you develop a financial plan that is best suited for your lifestyle, goals, and needs. For more information on these free financial counseling courses, visit our Financial Education and Contact pages.

Nine Reasons to Pick a Local Lender

If you are looking for a lender who can offer you personalized assistance and has an outstanding reputation, look no further than Financial One Credit Union. Local lenders can provide you with better rates and better service than national and online lenders. Take a look our top nine reasons to pick a local lender:

1.     Develop a Relationship

Don’t be just another number in the system. Choosing a local lender that is a member of the community gives you the opportunity to develop a real relationship with your money-managing institution. With a local lender, you will have someone advocating for you that understands the history, members, and potential of the community.

2.     You Can Trust Your Local Lender

Especially with online lenders, there is a great risk of fraud, scams, and illegal business practices. Establishing a relationship built on trust and reliability will create a partnership that you would not receive from an online national lender. That trust and reliability will go a far way in ensuring a successful lending process.

3.     Get Reliable References.

From previous lenders to community partners, your local lender will be able to obtain personal testimonials for your consideration. With trusted references, you will have a sound mind knowing that your local lender has successfully helped other members of your community, not just nameless faces.

4.     They Get to Know You Personally

There are a variety of benefits that come with getting to know your lender personally. For starters, they know how to cater to your personal needs. They can also give you advice that pertains to your personal situation as well as prevent you from making financial mistakes. Local lenders can establish a personal repertoire and offer you superior customer service.

 

5.     Local Lenders Know the Rules

Local lenders in your state will know all of the regulations, rules, standards, and everything else involved in the process of procuring a mortgage. This can make the process go much more smoothly since they know what they are doing not just in reference to everyday banking, but specific to your community.

6.     Local Lenders Cause Less Stress.

With the assurance of a trusted and professional local lender, you can rest easy knowing that they will take care of all your questions and concerns personally. Having a relationship with your local lender will alleviate much of the uncertainty and stress that coincides with getting a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, and a variety of other financial transactions.

7.     They Can Get You A Better Deal

In advocating on your behalf, local lenders will often shop around for a variety of different lenders and loan programs to find the best deal. This can help you save money and enjoy the most appropriate plan for your needs.

8.     Benefit From Immediate Help

Rather than wait for email responses or be put on hold with 1-800 numbers, local lenders can provide immediate help. They will also be less likely to misinterpret your questions, and be better able to provide immediate answers to your concerns. Quick responses can also help you close deals rather than waiting and potentially losing out on special offers.

9.     They Care

When you work with a local lender, their work doesn’t stop at the application. Local lenders will personally follow-up on your process during and after to ensure you are receiving what you want.

For anyone in the process of lending, we recommend that you understand the importance of selecting the right lender. Find a knowledgeable and experienced lender that can cater to your needs. Credit unions like Financial One are not for profit, we’re for you and we’re for our community. For more information on our loan process, visit Personal Loans page at Financial One Credit Union.

Home Equity Line of Credit Frequently Asked Questions

Getting in control of your finances doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can be hard to navigate through the vast amount of financial jargon. Take a look below at our frequently asked questions about home equity loans and lines of credit at Financial One.

General Information

- What is a home equity loan?

A home equity loan uses the equity in your home as collateral to secure the loan. The interest rate and monthly payments are fixed which guarantees you a steady and predictable repayment schedule for the remainder of the loan repayment.

- What is a home equity line of credit?

A home equity line of credit is a line of credit secured by your home with a variable interest. It is the maximum amount that you can borrow with a mortgage lender. When you borrow, you only pay interest on the amount of money you actually borrow—not the full line amount.

- Why should I choose a home equity loan or line of credit?

A home equity loan or line of credit with a fixed monthly payment will help your budgeting process for short-term and long-term needs much easier.

- Why should I refinance?

Refinancing loans can help you lower your monthly payment or interest rate on a current loan. You can also switch from a loan with an adjustable rate to one with a fixed rate to have a better idea of your monthly bills. Lastly, refinancing allows you to change the remaining term of a loan and refinance for a higher amount in order to pay off existing debt.

Loan Usage

- What could my home equity line of credit possibly cover?

A Financial One home equity line of credit (HELOC) is often used to cover education expenses, debt consolidation, home renovations and repairs. You can also use a HELOC to finance special life events, like weddings, a new baby, family vacations, and more.

- How can I protect my loan?

To provide the best possible coverage protection on your loan, Financial One offers a Payment Protection plan with Credit Life and Credit Disability insurance. The Payment Protection is available to safeguard your credit and collateral.

Rates and Repayments

- What rates are available?

Loan rates vary based on the loan, your mortgage history, and other factors. Visit our website to view a chart of available rates.

- What terms and repayment options are available?

Financial One Credit Union offers flexible loan plans. Our home equity installment loans feature a fixed annual percentage rate with flexible terms, ranging from 5 to 15 years. Home equity 5-year balloon installment loans feature a fixed annual percentage rate with a 5-year term and a repayment period of up to 20 years.

With loan amounts as small as $5,000, Financial One offers member-first, professional, and helpful service throughout your entire loan seeking process. Visit Financial One Credit Union for more information or apply online for a home equity loan or line of credit.

Home Improvement Appraisals: What You Need to Know

Have you been thinking about adding to or starting a renovation project to up the value of your home? Fantastic idea! The equity in your home can be your most valuable asset. There are a few things you need to know when it comes to increasing the value of your home, especially in the eyes of an appraiser.

Cost Does Not Equal Value

The amount you spend on renovations to your home doesn’t automatically add to the value of your home. Appraisers don’t simply add up the cost of your renovations to determine the new value. The value of a renovation is determined on how much a buyer would be willing to pay for them - so additions that no one wants to pay for will end up costing you money.

Take, for instance, the principle of substitution. This describes the idea that a buyer won’t pay more for a special feature in a home than the cost of renovating a similar property. To break it down, visualize two homes. Let’s say these homes are identical, except one has undergone a bathroom remodel that cost $30,000. Now say the other home could have the same remodel done for $15,000. Buyers would be more inclined to purchase the second home and do the remodel themselves, saving an extra $15,000. Thus, the owner of the first home wouldn’t recoup the full $30,000 for their bathroom renovations, but the $15,000 it would cost to get the same features in another home.

Know the Difference Between Improvements and Bad Investments

Some additions to your home are a good idea, while others could actually take away from the value of your home or drive away potential buyers. Take a look at our list below:

Improvement: Energy conservation

Energy conservation improvements, such as high-efficiency windows, solar water heaters, water-saving toilets, etc, are key to a good appraisal. Many buyers are looking for green homes, and improvements can be large or small scale.

Bad Investment: A Pool
A buyer’s children might get excited at the concept of a pool, but many buyers will look at it as a source of constant upkeep, a potential hazard for their children, and not worth the added work in cooler states (ie: Minnesota).

Improvement: Bathrooms and Kitchens

Experts agree that the best renovations you can make in your home are updates to your kitchen and bathroom. Entryways and front door replacements are a good idea as well, but kitchens, especially, should be on the top of the list for renovation projects.

Bad Investment: Special Interest Projects

Specific interest projects such as turning the spare bedroom into a library or the den into a wine cellar are also bad investments. These rooms are fun to add in relation to your own personal style, but potential new buyers will not want to spend the money remodeling a room to fit their own interests.

Bad Investments: Basements

Homeowners treasure a refinished basement, but many appraisers and buyers do not. When it comes to spending money on the value of your home, don’t put your assets in the basement. Basement renovations recoup a little over half of their cost to the value of the home. In the eyes of an appraiser, an attic project will count for more than the basement.

When you start thinking about additions to your home to up the resale value, think about them through the eyes of an appraiser. Though it may not bring up the value of your home, keep your home tidy and declutter extra furniture and decor items. This will make your home seem more open and easier to appraise. When you do decide on renovation projects, document all your renovations. If you put money into your home, be prepared to prove it. Before and after photos don’t hurt either.

For more tips on renovation projects and home appraisal, check out the Do’s and Don’ts of Home Appraisal from houzz.com.