Stacy Laskowski

It’s common for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners to feel overwhelmed by the process of purchasing a house. Plus, myths and misconceptions often make the experience even more confusing.

Myths like: Renting is cheaper than buying. You need a credit score of 700 to get a loan. You shouldn’t buy in a seller’s market. Have you come across any of these?

If you’re thinking of buying this year, don’t let these misleading ideas deter you from your goals.

Myth #1: You need a certain credit score. While mortgage programs do have credit score minimums, you’d be surprised at how low those go. With an FHA loan, you may be able to get financing with a score of 500. (Just know that your score may also affect the interest rate and terms of the loan.)

Myth #2: You should only buy during certain seasons or under certain market conditions. While competition may seem fierce lately, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a house. As long as you choose a home you can afford and one that will grow in value, it’s still a smart long-term investment. 

Myth #3: It’s cheaper to rent than buy. Home prices have been rising lately, but rents have jumped significantly, too. Since homeownership allows you to build equity and wealth over time, it’s important to crunch the numbers before assuming you’re better off renting.

Myth #4: You should get a mortgage from your bank. Your bank should definitely be on the list, but don’t limit your shopping to just them. Get quotes from several banks and lenders to ensure you get the best deal.

Myth #5: You should waive your inspection to win a bidding war. Waiving your right to an inspection might help you beat out other offers, but it can also come back to bite you. Inspections often reveal costly and even dangerous defects, and you’ll want to know about these before deciding to buy.

Have questions about buying or selling a home? Get in touch today.

Calculate the square footage of the bathroom which was 300 square feet of walls to buy the correct amount of wallpaper. Example: A 300 sqft. bathroom will use about 6 rolls (56 sqft. each) of wallpaper. 

Materials Needed

• Wallpaper

• Paste brush

• Scissors

• Level

• Adhesive

• Utility blade

• Metal Spatula

• Plastic Spatula

Step 1: Cutting the paper

Measure from the top to the bottom of the walls and add 2 inches on top and bottom. Those extra inches will help when you are putting up the wallpaper and matching up the pattern.

Step 2: Drawing the Plumb Line

This is the line you have to draw vertically all the way around the walls to match up the wallpaper evenly. With a level on the wall draw the width of the wallpaper and the length as well, add one inch to the width.

Step 3: Keeping it Organized

With a pencil name each strip of wallpaper you cut with a letter from A-Z. This order will make it easier to match up the wallpaper. Make sure you are matching the patterns before you put it up.

Step 4: Pasting Wallpaper

Pour the adhesive in a paint tray. With a clean paint brush coat the walls with a thin layer of adhesive. It is easier to work with the width of just one strip of wallpaper at a time so you don’t have to rush.

Step 5: Putting Up The First Sheet

Start from the top and leave 2 inches on top and match the pattern. With a plastic spatula smooth out the wallpaper along with soft hands until all the wrinkles are gone.

Step: 6: Cutting The Extra Two Inches On Top

With a sharp utility blade and a metal spatula place the metal spatula at the edge and run the blade along the spatula so it cannot cut the wallpaper. Do this all the way along the extra paper until it’s all cut off.

Follow this pattern all the way around the bathroom space. If there are walls that are shorter just cut the strips in half to make it easier to move around.