Money Management

If you skip decluttering your space or leave your pets at home during a showing, this could make selling your house harder. Find out why. 

People who are working with a mortgage lender to buy a home make their decisions based on many factors. Buyers don’t want to get a mortgage loan for a property they don’t love — so the job of sellers is to help those buyers decide that the home for sale is the perfect place for them.

Unfortunately, some home sellers make mistakes that make it more difficult to find a buyer. If you’re listing your property, you don’t want to be one of them — so be sure to avoid these four problems that could derail your efforts at a sale.

1. Too much clutter

If you have too much stuff around your house, you could be setting yourself up for a hard time finding a buyer. That’s why 95% of agents surveyed by the National Association of Realtors recommend decluttering a home before listing it on the market.

Having too much clutter can make selling your home harder for a few reasons:

The space will look smaller.Buyers may fear you don’t have enough storage space.The clutter could hide attractive features in your home, making it harder for buyers to see perks like crown molding or a fireplace.Buyers will have a hard time looking past all your stuff to imagine what they could do with the home.

You’re going to have to move all your stuff out when your home sells, so get a head start before listing. Go through the house, toss out anything you don’t plan to take with you, and consider boxing up some of the other things if you still have a lot of stuff around.

2. Bad smells

Bad smells are an obvious turnoff for potential buyers. They may be concerned about the cleanliness of the home, the cause of the odor, or the ability to get the smell out when they move in.

You could try to cover up a bad smell with things like air fresheners or boiling a pot of water with vanilla or baking cookies before a buyer comes. But buyers will often see through these techniques and wonder what you’re hiding. Instead, try to get to the root of the problem by doing a deep clean and neutralizing the odors.

If you aren’t sure if your house has a smell, ask your real estate agent or a friend who you can trust to be honest with you to come through and tell you, as you sometimes don’t notice this issue in your own space.

3. Pets being present

While you love your pets, buyers may not — so 83% of NAR agents surveyed recommend removing pets from a home during showings. Pets can make potential buyers nervous about the cleanliness of your home. And some buyers may feel uncomfortable walking around with animals present.

You also don’t want to take a chance of your pets getting out if a buyer is careless with a door being left open — so take your pets with you when you clear out of the home.

4. Keeping your blinds closed

Natural light is prioritized by homeowners as a feature that improves their happiness, and with good reason. It can make a space far more cheerful to spend time in. So don’t keep all your blinds and curtains shut when people come through. Let the light shine in.

Fortunately, these mistakes are easy to avoid, so be sure you aren’t making them if you want the best chance to sell your home.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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After buying life insurance, it’s tempting to just assume this task is done. But read on for the circumstances where changes must be made to your policy. 

Buying life insurance is important. Without it, loved ones could be left with too little money in their checking accounts to cover the bills if a person dies and stops contributing income or support to a household.

It’s not something that’s fun to buy, though. After all, it can take time to shop around for a policy, getting covered could necessitate a medical exam, and it’s also just not very enjoyable to think about dying.

Many people who buy life insurance are happy to check this task off their to-do list and are hopeful they’ll never have to think about it again. Unfortunately, getting covered isn’t necessarily a once-and-done task. There are a few situations where it may be necessary to think about this coverage again after buying a policy.

When life changes happen

It’s important to consider whether life insurance coverage should change when major life events happen. For example, having a baby could be a good reason to get more coverage. It costs an estimated $310,605 to raise a child from birth to age 18, and that’s not even considering the costs of higher education. Parents who want to make sure their children are provided for should seriously consider getting more coverage.

Other life changes could also necessitate getting more coverage, such as becoming the primary caregiver of a disabled or aging relative, having a spouse quit a job to become a stay-at-home parent, or taking on a new major financial obligation like a mortgage loan. Any new financial or personal obligation could leave loved ones without the funds they need in an untimely death unless life insurance is increased accordingly.

When a beneficiary needs to change

When buying life insurance, it’s necessary to name one or more beneficiaries. These are the people (or entities) who will receive a death benefit if the policyholder passes away.

Sometimes, the designated beneficiary needs to change. This could happen in case of marriage, divorce, having a child or a new grandchild, or the policyholder simply changing their mind about where the money should go.

It does not matter what an insured person specifies in their will about who should inherit their property — this will not affect what happens to a life insurance death benefit. The beneficiary must be changed so the right person(s) receives the funds. Do not wait to make this change whenever it is necessary.

When a term policy is coming to an end

Finally, if a term life insurance policy is coming to an end, the policyholder will need to make a decision about what to do. Term policies are in effect for a designated period of time, such as 20 or 30 years. At the end of the term, the coverage will end unless action is taken.

Most people get a term policy because they know they will only need coverage for a limited period. But that’s not the case in every situation. If a term policy ends and someone discovers they still need protection, they’ll have to contact their life insurer to see what their options are for extending coverage.

All of this means buying life insurance isn’t a once-and-done thing. Anyone who is insured should make sure to modify their policy when necessary to ensure their loved ones remain protected at all times.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Christy Bieber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Eager to get a jumpstart on holiday shopping? Read on to learn about some great bargains Target is offering up. 

It’s November, which means even cooler weather, Thanksgiving, and, for many people, holiday shopping. Consumers commonly look forward to Black Friday in late November because that’s when retailers tend to offer discounts in droves. But if you love shopping at Target, you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to save money on the purchases you want to make for loved ones or yourself. Here are some deals you’ll find available now.

1. The Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker for $49.99

If you rely on your morning dose of caffeine to get through the day, you’re no doubt in good company. But constantly hitting up Starbucks or Dunkin could result in a very large credit card tab. A better idea? Pledge to make coffee at home at least a few times a week.

Thanks to Target, you can do so at a relatively low price point by snagging this Keurig model for 44% off. It comes in a variety of colors, so pick the one you like best or you feel matches your kitchen. This Keurig also makes a great gift for the coffee lover in your life.

2. The Crayola 115-piece Kids’ Super Art & Craft Kit for $14.99

Shopping for young kids can be challenging. You don’t want to buy presents that are only going to sit in their respective boxes for months on end, and you also don’t want to purchase items that are going to take up tons of space in your home. Plus, even when you do manage to find gifts that delight your little ones, that excitement can be short-lived, making you feel as if you’ve wasted your money.

That’s what makes this 115-piece craft kit such a great buy. Not only is it 50% off right now, but it comes with a variety of crayons, markers, paints, modeling clay, and other supplies that have the potential to keep your kids (or nieces and nephews) entertained for hours on end.

3. The Apple iPad 10.9-inch tablet (10th generation) for $399.99

Maybe you’ve been waiting to upgrade your iPad. Or maybe you’re willing to spring for an iPad for your spouse or teen for an awesome holiday surprise.

Right now, Target is selling this iPad model for $50 off its usual price. It comes with 64GB of storage and features all-day battery life and a striking Liquid Retina display. Your purchase also includes a charging cable and power adapter.

4. The Instant Pot 6qt 9-in-1 Pressure Cooker for $59.99

Many busy people will tell you that the Instant Pot is a lifesaver when you need to throw together dinner in a hurry. Target is selling this Instant Pot model for 54% off its normal price — a $70 discount. Its nine different functions allow you to pressure cook when you’re in a rush, slow cook when you’re able to take your time, steam, saute, and more.

This Instant Pot also comes with 15 customizable settings for different foods that include soups, beans, rice, and more. Best of all, it’s easy to clean. If you’ve recently downsized to a smaller kitchen, this device could be a great way to conserve space. It also makes a great gift for the busy cook in your life.

These four items represent just a few of the fabulous deals Target has on offer right now. So it pays to browse the site or head over to your local store to see what’s available.

And if you’re worried about missing out on an even better deal down the line, fear not. Target is offering a price match guarantee through Dec. 24. So if you buy something in the coming weeks and Target discounts that item further, you’ll be eligible to be refunded the difference. It’s really a no-stress proposition.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has positions in Apple and Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Starbucks, and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Love football? Read on for ways to save up so you can attend games and throw all the parties you want. 

If you love football, you’re no doubt in good company. Many people specifically look forward to winter and fall and aim to keep their calendars clear so they can cheer on their favorite teams without interruption.

If you’re a football fan, you may want to go see your favorite team in person. But that’s an expensive prospect.

The average price of a 2023 NFL ticket is $377, according to TicketSmarter data as cited by USA Today. And reading between the lines, if that’s the average price of a ticket, for good seats, you might easily end up spending $1,000 or more on a pair of tickets.

Even if going to see your favorite team live isn’t in the cards, to you, football season might be all about hosting gatherings. And there’s a cost there, too, from ordering pizza and wings to loading your fridge with beverages for guests.

If you don’t want money (or a lack thereof) to get in the way of your football fandom, then it’s a good idea to do what you can to boost your savings account balance during the off season. Here’s how.

1. Limit your non-essential spending

If you’re a general sports fan, then there’s temptation to spend money all year round. But if football is your favorite sport, then it could pay to cut back on other sporting events — and leisure spending in general — to save up for the NFL season.

Along these lines, you may want to limit what you spend on expenses like restaurant meals and takeout during the year. The cost of prepared food tends to be far greater than the cost of grocery purchases. Cooking your own meals during the off season could free up a lot of cash for football season.

2. Pick up a side hustle

Working a second job can seem like a drag when you already have a full-time position you’re holding down. But if your bills eat up most of your income, then a good way to be able to enjoy football season is to work a side gig. The money you make there won’t be earmarked for ongoing expenses, so consider it your personal football fund.

If your goal is to save up a lot of extra money, you’ll need a side hustle that’s sustainable. So you may want to focus on gigs that are flexible and fit nicely into your schedule.

That could mean finding something to do from home, like data entry or telemarketing (yes, that’s still a thing), or driving for a ride-hailing service as you please. Committing to something like a tutoring gig may be tougher because it could require you to be in a certain place at the same time every week without much leeway.

3. Bank bonus cash you come into

You may come into money at different times of the year, like when the IRS issues your tax refund or you receive a bonus at work. If you don’t need that cash for bill-paying purposes, then you can add it to your football fund.

That said, before you allocate that money to your favorite hobby, think about whether your car or home might need repairs. It’s perfectly okay to use bonus cash for football-related purposes when you don’t have other pressing needs. But if you know you’re coming up on an HVAC repair, you should really allocate your bonus money to that. It’s not going to be any fun hosting football parties in a freezing cold house without working heat.

Being a football fan has the potential to be expensive. But you don’t have to write off your plans if money is limited or tight. Instead, do your best to save so you’re able to make the most of your favorite sport.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Mortgage rates are soaring, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy a home in 2024. Read on to see how you can compensate for rising rates. 

It’s fair to say that 2023 was the year of rising mortgage rates. And 2024 may not end up too different. As of late October, the average 30-year mortgage rate was a whopping 7.79%, as per Freddie Mac. Ouch. With rates like that, you might assume that buying a home is out of the question in 2024.

But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how you can get ahead of soaring rates and fulfill your homeownership dream.

1. Boost your credit score

These days, even borrowers with great credit are getting stuck with higher mortgage rates than they want. But still, the more you’re able to boost your credit score, the more competitive rate a mortgage lender is likely to give you — even at a time when borrowing rates are high.

There are a few different steps you can take to boost your credit score. First, make an effort to pay all of your bills on time. Secondly, if possible, pay down some credit card debt to lower your credit utilization ratio. And finally, check your credit report carefully for errors and report mistakes you see that reflect poorly on you.

2. Save up a larger down payment

The more money you’re able to put down on your home, the less expensive a mortgage you’ll need to sign. That’s a good thing at a time when it’s expensive to borrow. That said, one thing you don’t want to do is make such a large down payment that you’re leaving yourself with a minimal emergency fund.

Homes have a tendency to need repairs. And you may want to make certain fixes right away upon moving in. So if you have extra cash, it could work to your benefit to put it toward your down payment. But make sure you still have an emergency fund with enough money to cover three full months of essential bills at a minimum, and more if you know going into your home purchase that there are big repairs to tackle.

3. Buy a less expensive home

In September, the median existing home sold for $394,300, says the National Association of Realtors. But if you’re willing to buy a smaller home or one that’s not so updated, you might end up with a much lower purchase price. The result? A smaller mortgage and lower ongoing payments.

You can also consider expanding your search to neighborhoods that are up and coming, as opposed to those that are already very built up. This isn’t to say that you should move to a neighborhood that lacks the resources you need. Rather, consider one that has decent amenities plus different projects in the works that, in a year or two, could change the face of the neighborhood significantly.

4. Consider a tiny home

You may not want to put off homeownership just because mortgage rates are sky high. But what if you could buy a home without having to take out a mortgage at all? If you’re willing to purchase a tiny home, it may be possible.

Tiny homes are usually between 100 and 400 square feet, and Rocket Mortgage says the average cost of one is between $30,000 and $60,000. At that price, you may be able to purchase a home outright and avoid having to borrow.

Today’s mortgage rates are certainly making things tough for would-be buyers. But that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goal of becoming a homeowner in 2024. Plus, you never know — rates could start to fall as the new year moves along. So don’t give up hope!

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Our experts vetted the most popular offers to land on the select picks that are worthy of a spot in your wallet. These best-in-class cards pack in rich perks, such as big sign-up bonuses, long 0% intro APR offers, and robust rewards. Get started today with our recommended credit cards.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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