Money Management

A home inspection can be intimidating, but it’s a vital part of buying a home. Here’s what to expect from the process. 

The path to buying a home is fraught with hurdles. But few are quite as harrowing as the dreaded home inspection. This is when you learn if your dream home is actually full of nightmares.

As intimidating as it can be, however, the inspection is a very important part of buying property. If you’re going to be taking out a six-figure mortgage loan, you really do need to know what you’re getting yourself into.

To take some of the mystery out of the process, let’s take a look at what goes on during — and after — a home inspection.

Inspection day

If at all possible, try to be present for the inspection. I suggest tagging along behind the inspector — a good inspector will even encourage this! — so you can get their impressions as they work. This also gives you the opportunity to ask questions as they come to you.

The order in which the inspector, well, inspects things may vary, but they’ll likely start outside. They’ll look at everything, from the power lines coming to the house to the grading of the lot to the condition of the siding. The inspector will also probably have what amounts to a camera on a long stick so they can take photos of the roof.

After the outside inspection is done, they’ll move inside. Every (accessible) inch will be covered, from the attic to the basement. They’ll look for microbial growth (i.e., mold), potential pests, leaks or holes in the roof, cracks from settling, the plumbing, the HVAC — everything.

Throughout the entire process, the inspector will take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. These will be used to create the inspection report.

The inspection report

Once the inspection has been completed, you’ll get a verbal summary from the inspector at the site. They’ll go over any major red flags they spotted. But this is just the initial report. By the next day (in most cases), you’ll be sent the complete written report.

The written report will have everything, and ideally, it will be color-coded for ease of reading. It will first list the areas of immediate concern, such as major defects or safety hazards. This might be mold, water leaks, electrical hazards, and so on.

Then it will break down the property by area. For instance, there will likely be sections on grading/drainage, the exterior finishes, the windows, the roof, and so on. On the inside, you’ll see sections for all the major systems, including electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning and/or heating.

Each room, including each bathroom, will also get a section showing what was inspected, as well as highlighting any issues. Ideally, you want to see lots of green “Functional” tags.

Fixes and negotiations

Once you’ve gone over the inspection report, it’s time to make some choices about what you can — and can’t — live with and/or fix yourself. Some items you may want to ask the seller to fix before closing. This might include major safety hazards, such as treating mold.

If the seller doesn’t want to take the time to fix things, you can ask for a credit towards the cost of repair. Credits will be taken out of the purchase price of the home at closing, meaning the credits will come out of the check the seller gets at closing.

Many of the things that come up during an inspection are simply for your information. (And this goes double for properties that are specifically sold “as is.”) You won’t get repairs done for you or credits from the seller — you’ll need to figure out how to fix them on your own time and on your own dime.

Knowing is half the battle

An inspection can be scary. Someone is going to walk through your dream home and give you a list of all the things that are wrong with it. But it’s always better to know what you’re getting yourself into, rather than have these things crop up as “fun” surprises later. (There will still be plenty of those even with a thorough inspection.)

In other words, it’s perfectly all right to be worried that an inspection will uncover some major issues. However, you don’t need to be afraid of an inspection. Getting to know your future home in this way is absolutely vital.

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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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Your credit score is your “adulting GPA,” according to Tori Dunlap. Find out how one writer boosted hers by over 100 points in less than a year. 

Your credit score is a three-digit number that has a major impact on your financial life — finance expert Tori Dunlap called it “your adulting GPA.” I felt pretty good when I managed to get mine above 800 late last year after making some big changes to my career and finances.

FICO® Scores between 800 and 850 are considered “exceptional,” and FICO is the scoring model used by a majority of lenders. A credit score at this level enables a consumer to borrow money (say, in the form of a credit card, personal loan, mortgage, and so on) at the lowest interest rate possible, which means saving on borrowing costs.

My credit score has been looking pretty great lately, but getting to this point was definitely a process. Here’s how I did it.

1. I pay all my bills on time

If your credit score is looking lower than you like, the easiest and most effective thing you can do to boost it is just this: Always pay your creditors on time. Why is this move in particular so crucial? Payment history is of the utmost importance to lenders when they decide whether you can borrow money from them (and at what interest rate), because it says how likely you are to pay them back. And as such, payment history makes up the largest percentage of your FICO® Score at 35%.

I’ve had my share of financial hiccups, most notably a short sale on a house I once owned. This had a negative impact on my credit score (thankfully less of one than if I had gone through foreclosure). At that time, I made a vow to myself that I’d make every single debt payment on time and in full, every month. And I’ve stuck to it. As a result, my credit score was over 700 (“good” by FICO standards), even before I made the next crucial credit score move.

2. I paid off all my credit cards

Last year, I paid off all my credit card debt, thanks to increasing my workload via freelancing, and subsequently putting in a ton of hard work. During this process, I watched my credit score tick steadily upward. In June 2022, I had a FICO® Score of 722. By the time I paid everything off and my score was updated in November, I reached 810, and moved up to 825 from there.

Your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of credit extended to you that you’re using at any given time) is the second-largest percentage of your FICO® Score, at 30%. And conveniently, you should aim to keep this percentage below 30%.

In my 700-score days, my ratio was higher than this, but through a combination of paying off all debt and also boosting my overall credit limit (more on that below), I am now using less than 1% of my available credit at any given time. I pay off my balances often, usually weekly (this isn’t necessary, but it gives me peace of mind). To keep your credit utilization low and save money, watch your spending and pay off your balances at least monthly, before interest is charged.

3. I apply for new credit sparingly and strategically

The final piece of my credit score puzzle is applying for new credit sparingly and also strategically. I work here at The Ascent, and I get to nerd out about credit cards with my colleagues. We review all the best credit cards on the market, and many of them have very appealing perks. Knowing that applying for new credit can negatively impact a credit score, I’ve opened just two new cards since I got out of debt.

The first was a stellar grocery rewards card, because I love to cook and I drop a lot of green at the grocery store. And the second was one of the top travel credit cards, because I had international travel plans for this year and wanted to save money on foreign transaction fees and have my spending earn me points to save on future travel. Between these two cards, I earn at least 1% back (or 1X points) on all of the expenses I would put on a credit card, and for some categories (groceries, gas, two streaming services, and travel purchases), I earn more. Plus, I’m not carting around credit cards that don’t work for my spending.

How can you improve your credit score?

Now that you know what factors helped me get to an 825 FICO® Score, you might be wondering how to boost your own credit score. Following my steps above (always paying bills on time, paying off debt, and applying for new credit sparingly and strategically) can definitely help.

If it’s been a while since you peeked at your credit report, I definitely recommend having a look. You can access your credit reports for free every week for the rest of the year! Look through yours and make sure all accounts and data are accurate. Credit report errors are common.

You might also have old delinquent accounts listed that should have been removed by now (on your credit report, nothing is forever — so don’t lose hope for your credit score if you’ve had a big financial mishap like a foreclosure or bankruptcy). If you find something hinky, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus, and if errors and weirdness are removed, your credit score will improve.

If I could reach 825, so can you. Employ these tips and watch your credit score rise accordingly.

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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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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This freelance writer has really gotten into travel this year. Check out a few Amazon purchases that enhanced her experiences. 

Travel is wonderful if you can swing both the cost and the time away from work. Thanks to quitting my last job to become a full-time freelancer, I’ve gained a lot more flexibility in my working life, and I decided that this year, I wanted to take a few long trips. To that end, I took to Amazon to find some travel gear to make my life on the road easier, more comfortable, and more productive. Here’s what I bought.

1. A padded laptop sleeve

Airlines only permit a limited number of carry-on items when you fly, so it may not make sense to bring a regular laptop bag as one of them, depending on your trip. In this situation, may I recommend a laptop sleeve? This way, you can be assured that your costly piece of technology is protected when you stuff it into a carry-on bag alongside other travel gear.

I bought an Amazon Basics laptop sleeve to keep mine safe. The sleeve is made of a nice neoprene material (like a wetsuit), and the zipper is sturdy and very well made. And as a bonus, I didn’t have to take my laptop out of the sleeve to go through airport security!

2. Colorful luggage tags

When it comes to air travel, having your name and contact information on your bags is a good idea, especially if you’re intending to check luggage. If a bag goes missing and is later found, your airline will easily be able to contact you. And luggage tags can also serve as a way to identify your bag easily when it finally comes out on the conveyor belt at baggage claim.

I opted for a two-piece set of Fintie luggage tags from Amazon. There are two dozen colors/patterns to choose from, so you can differentiate your suitcase from others. Plus, the tags have sturdy metal rings that attach securely to your bag’s handles, and there’s a tiny magnet in the privacy cover, so your name and address isn’t just hanging out for the whole airport to see.

3. A beefy portable battery

While you may be able to find a place to charge your electronic devices while hanging out at the airport, this isn’t a guarantee. Plus, according to the FBI’s Denver office on Twitter, hackers may use public charging stations at airports as a way to install malware on people’s devices. Yikes!

So what’s a freelancing jetsetter to do? Well, I ordered a Baseus 20000mAh power bank. This is not the tiny portable phone battery you may be thinking of; it weighs a little over a pound. And not only will it charge your phone, but it’ll even charge a laptop! I was very grateful for this device when I was sitting around in airports during layovers, working and running out of juice.

4. A lightweight robe

I don’t know about you, but I am a fan of bathrobes. They’re perfect for lounging around during breakfast and popping on after you get out of the shower. I actually already owned an embarrassing number of robes (four) when I decided I needed yet another to travel with. Why not pack one of the four I already had? All of them are on the bulky side, and I didn’t want to use up my precious suitcase room for a big plush robe.

So instead I opted for a lightweight waffle-knit robe from Amazon Essentials. There is a generous selection of colors and sizes to choose from. I have now taken this robe on multiple trips and I love it so much. It’s also held up very well through multiple washings.

5. A big bright suitcase

I have never been a light packer. Thankfully, I got a free checked bag when I flew internationally earlier this year, giving me a bit more room to bring along everything but the kitchen sink. I knew I needed a new suitcase, but I wanted something easy to find among the sea of suitcases in baggage claim.

Enter the SwissGear Sion Softside luggage. I opted for the 29″ model in teal, because it’s my favorite color and I knew it would stand out. It proved distinctive at baggage claim among a multitude of boring black suitcases. It also offered plenty of space for a week’s worth of clothing and toiletries (and souvenirs on the trip back). The wheels roll in any direction, so it’s easy to move. The 29″ size is the largest allowable for checked luggage; just be sure not to overstuff it so you don’t go over the weight limit!

One way to optimize your online shopping

These days, I do a lot of my shopping online, both at Amazon and other retailers. A good way to save money when you do is to use one of the best credit cards for online shopping. As a bonus, a few of the cards on our list can even be used to book your trip, as they offer robust travel protections. Happy trails!

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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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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When I sold my home, the buyers tried to get a credit after a home inspection for things they claimed were wrong. Here’s what I did. 

I sold my home myself a short time ago. Because I did not have a real estate agent representing me during the sales process, I had to handle every aspect of the deal myself.

Once I received an offer from the buyers, I knew they would do their due diligence. Like most offers to buy a house, theirs was conditioned on a satisfactory home inspection. Following this inspection, however, they asked for money off of our agreed-upon price for silly reasons.

Here’s what I did.

I armed myself with information

After the home inspection, the buyers asked for money off of the property because they claimed there was an issue with some shingles on the roof. They also said they weren’t happy about some of the interior paint work. They wanted thousands of dollars to be discounted from the price of the property to fix these “issues.”

The problem with this is that my house was less than two years old and there was still a builder’s warranty on the roof. There was no actual problem with the roof based on my experience living in the house, and the paint in the home was just fine and no different from any of our neighbors’ interior paint.

I had to make sure I had the relevant information to respond appropriately, though. This meant I did my own due diligence. I obtained a copy of the builder’s warranty, I looked up similar homes that had sold and were for sale in my neighborhood, and I requested a detailed copy of their inspection report showing these so-called “problems.”

I also performed an assessment of what similar homes in the area had sold for. When I spoke to the buyers’ agent, I explained that if I provided the credit the buyers had asked for, I would be selling my home for tens of thousands of dollars less than what comparable properties had recently sold for — for no real reason, since the problems they were claiming existed did not really exist at all.

I stood firm in talking with the real estate agent

While the real estate agent tried to push back on me even after I came to him with information, I had the confidence of knowing that I was in the right in terms of my home’s condition and I was also certain I had priced the home fairly.

I also knew from what the agent had said that these buyers really wanted to get a mortgage loan to buy in my particular neighborhood. And I checked other homes that were currently for sale and found they had limited options.

Since I didn’t have a mortgage to pay off as I’d paid cash for the home, I also wasn’t in a huge rush to sell so I wouldn’t have been devastated if their offer fell through. So, I essentially told the real estate agent that I would be putting the house back on the market immediately if they wanted to try to renegotiate the price — and I let him know they needed to release the inspection contingency by the deadline unless they wanted me to move forward with taking the home off pending status.

The agent called me back right away and said they would release the contingency.

If you don’t want to handle these issues yourself, working with an agent may be your best bet

In my case, everything worked out in the end and my home closed on schedule. But, this process shows how many issues can arise during the days leading up to closing even after you get an offer.

If you have the knowledge and ability to deal with problems like this, selling your house yourself can save you money since you won’t have to pay a commission to a seller’s agent (which is customarily about 3%).

But you have to deal with some hassle — and sometimes agents will try to take advantage of you if you’re selling a home yourself, which I think is what happened here. So, be prepared to protect your own financial interests and, if you aren’t confident enough to do that, hiring an agent may pay off for you in the end.

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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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Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark house brand offers consistent savings on everyday items. Here are some that stand out in the under-$10 range. 

We all love the shock and awe of huge discounts, such as when you can save hundreds on living room furniture or get a half-priced gazebo. But it’s not those outsized deals that make warehouse stores like Sam’s Club such a great personal finance choice for so many families.

No, that comes down to the solid savings on all our everyday necessities. Because, in the long run, shaving a few bucks off dinner each night will add up to way more money in your bank account than the occasional big score on furniture.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best deals you can find under $10 at your local Sam’s Club.

1. Member’s Mark spices: $3.68 to $9.98

There are a lot of low-cost ways to improve your home cooking, not the least of which is making sure it’s spiced and seasoned properly. Sam’s Club offers a great range of popular spices, all of which have great reviews online. Prices depend on the particular spice, but they start at just $3.68. While the containers are fairly large, most spices have a shelf life of one to two years so you should have plenty of time to use them up.

2. Member’s Mark over-the-counter medicines: $4.48 to $9.87

Keeping the medicine cabinet stocked can get pricey, especially if you have family members who regularly go through items like allergy or heartburn medications. You can find Member’s Mark versions of many popular over-the-counter drugs, all for much less than you’d typically spend at the grocery store or drugstore. Prices vary, but start at just $4.48.

3. Member’s Mark agave nectar: $7.98

Made from the agave plant, this sweet syrup has become a popular alternative to sugar and honey, especially in the vegan community as it is entirely plant-based. But while its growing popularity has helped it become more affordable, few places offer as good a price as Sam’s Club. Member’s Mark Organic Agave Nectar costs just $7.78 for a two-pack of 29-ounce bottles. While this may seem like a lot, agave nectar can last for years when stored properly.

4. Member’s Mark walnuts: $7.98

Not only are walnuts considered to have a wide range of health benefits, but they’re darn tasty, too. Of course, getting them out of their tough shells can be a serious workout. You can skip the hassle while also saving money by picking up Member’s Mark Natural Shelled Walnuts. A giant 3-pound bag will run you less than $8 at Sam’s Club.

5. Member’s Mark broth: $8.48

Alright, so the absolute best broth is always going to be one you make yourself. But who really has time to simmer chicken bones for hours? Sam’s Club offers two different Member’s Mark broths — chicken broth and beef broth — that are well-reviewed for taste and value. Get a 6-pack of 32-ounce cartons of either flavor for just $8.48.

6. Member’s Mark loungewear: $8.98 to $9.98

Thanks in large part to the work-from-home movement, a lot of folks have switched from business casual to business comfy (and I, for one, am happy for the change). If your new work uniform could use a few new pieces, scope out the deals at Sam’s Club. You can find a ton of different options — from knit pants to slouchy tees — for less than $10, making it easy to refresh your work-from-home wardrobe.

7. Member’s Mark canned tomatoes: $9.48

Canned tomato products are some of the most versatile items you can have in your pantry. You can use them for everything from a homemade pasta sauce to a hearty chili. And Sam’s Club makes it easy to keep them in stock. For just $9.48, you can get a 12-pack of 14.5-ounce cans of Member’s Mark Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice or a 12-pack of 15-ounce cans of Member’s Mark Tomato Sauce.

Stack the savings with the right card

On top of all of the other ways Sam’s Club can help you save, don’t forget to use a good rewards credit card when you shop. Purchase rewards from credit cards stack on top of any other type of deal or discount.

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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.Brittney Myers 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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Grants can be a lifeline for small businesses, as it isn’t easy to access capital in the current economy. Learn about the grants to have on your radar in Texas. 

With over 3 million small businesses, Texas is proud of its entrepreneurial spirit. Indeed, one of the reasons Texas made it into The Ascent’s top 10 best states to start a small business was the high number of startups in the state. Indeed, data from the Small Business Association (SBA) shows that almost half of Texas employees work for small businesses.

It isn’t always easy to access the capital you need to grow a small business, especially in the current economic climate. This makes grants all the more appealing. Unlike a business loan, most grants don’t have to be repaid. Plus, they often come with additional support — whether that’s access to training, information, or networking opportunities. On the downside, grant applications can be time-consuming and extremely competitive.

Read more: A small business guide to how grants work

Five of the best small business grants in Texas

The right business grant for your business depends on many factors, such as your industry, company size, and the amount of money you need. Some grants are specifically designed for specific groups, such as minority-, veteran-, or women-owned businesses. Try to target grants that are right for your business, so you don’t waste time on lengthy applications that aren’t relevant. Here are five that are worth a closer look.

1. Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business program

The Texas Workforce Commission Skills for Small Business program offers training support for businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It’s particularly focused on training for new, full-time employees. Companies can apply for training support of up to $1,800 per new employee and $900 per existing employee in a 12-month period.

To apply, you’ll need to provide detailed information about your company and the training assistance you need. This includes details of who would be doing the training and where they’d do it.

Grant amount: Up to $1,800 per new employee and $900 per existing employee per year.

Deadlines: Two to six weeks before requested training

2. Texas Enterprise Fund

The Texas Enterprise Fund is designed to encourage companies to expand or set up shop in the state. It describes itself as a “deal-closing” grant, and the amount awarded depends on factors such as the number of new jobs that might be created. To qualify, your business needs to be planning a new project with significant job creation and capital investment potential — and have a single site in Texas that’s competing with an out-of-state option.

It defines significant job creation as 75 urban jobs or 25 rural ones (both full time). There’s an 11-step screening process, which entails a lot of paperwork. If, for some reason, the business is unable to deliver, the governor’s office says it will reclaim the funds.

Grant amount: It depends on the project, but according to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, previous grants have ranged from $75,000 to $40 million.

Deadlines: Rolling application period

3. Alamo Small Business Grant Program

If you’re based in Alamo and have been in operation for over two years, check out the Alamo Small Business Grant Program. It provides up to $2,500 in a 50% reimbursement grant for various projects such as renovations and storefront improvements. You’ll need to submit a fair amount of paperwork, including a budget for the work, tax returns, and lease agreements.

Grant amount: $2,500

Deadlines: Ongoing

4. USDA rural business loans and grants

The USDA offers a number of grants and loans for rural development and sustainability projects, among other things. However, each program serves a very specific purpose and the timeframe for application can be quite narrow. Some are targeted at non-profits and public bodies rather than businesses. Check out the USDA Texas page for details on specific projects.

Grant amount: Depends on program

Deadlines: Ongoing

5. Amber Grant for Women

Amber Grant for Women was founded by WomensNet around 25 years ago. The application process is super straightforward — just fill out the application form online. In addition to a monthly $10,000 Amber Grant, there are also specific grants aimed at startups, nonprofits, and certain business categories.

This is a nationwide grant and there’s a $15 application fee. The Texas page also contains a host of resources and connections for business women in Texas.

Grant amount: $10,000 (there’s also an annual grant of $25,000)

Deadlines: End of each month

Find the right grant for your organization

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are thousands of different business grants throughout the country, so don’t restrict your search to Texas-specific funding. Use Grants.gov to get up-to-date information on nationwide grants of all shapes and sizes.

These are useful websites to check out if you want more information on Texas resources for small business, including business grants:

Governor’s Small Business Resource PortalTexas GrantWatchTexas South West Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network

Other sources of business finance

Grants are not the only source of small business funding out there. There are several business loan options for companies in Texas, including LiftFund, and the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative. The Product Development and Small Business Incubator Fund offers asset-backed loans for companies that may not be able to access other forms of credit.

If you don’t already have a business credit card, this can help you to build a credit history and separate out your business and personal spending. Finally, don’t rule out venture capital and crowdfunding. Check out the Texas Venture Capital and Private Equity Directory for potential investors.

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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.Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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