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2016 BEST of the BEST Food & Drink2019 Homebuyer’s Guide 1MORE THAN A NEWSPAPER

MORE THAN A NEWSPAPER

2019 Homebuyer’s Guide Thursday, February 28, 20192

Maintaining trees to protect your home . . . . . 4

Saftey tips for your home while vacationing . . 6

Conserving water in summer months . . . . . . . 8

Choosing the right mortgage lender . . . . . . . 9

Maintaining indoor air quality . . . . . . . . . . 12

Tips to quickly boost your credit score . . . . 14

Saving for a down payment . . . . . . . . . . 16

Finding home service providers . . . . . . . . . 18

Selecting a lawn care service . . . . . . . . . . 19

Contents2016 BEST of the BEST Food & Drink2019 Homebuyer’s Guide 3MORE THAN A NEWSPAPER

Cold weather can take its toll on a property, especially in regions of the world where winters are harsh. Most parts of the landscape are vulnerable to damage from winter storms, but trees may be especially susceptible. By the end of winter, many homeowners wonder if their trees would benefit from some professional TLC.

Tree services provide a host of services. While fall is a popular time to remove trees from a property, doing so in spring is not unheard of, especially if trees were affected by winter storms

and now pose a threat to a home and the people who live inside it.

Homeowners considering tree services can explore the following ways that some professional arbor attention can protect them and their homes.

• Tree services can help protect a home’s foundation. Old trees that stretch well into the sky can be captivating, but they also can pose a threat to a home’s foundation. Such trees may have especially large root

zones that may extend beneath walkways and even a home. In the latter instance, foundations may crack as roots try to stake their claim to the ground beneath a home. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay an average of just over $4,000 to repair foundation issues, though major problems can cost considerably more than that. A professional tree service can remove aging trees that might be beautiful and awe-inspiring but

still pose a threat to a home and the areas surrounding it.

• Tree services can improve visibility. Trees that have aged a bit since their last trimming might affect the view of a property from inside a home. Overgrown branches can compromise residents’ ability to see and experience the natural beauty just outside their windows. The average homeowner may be able to trim short trees on his or her own, but if views from the second

How tree services can protect your property


floor of a home or higher have been compromised, it’s much safer to call a professional tree service. Such services have the right tools and experienced personnel necessary to safely trim high branches on tall trees.

• Tree services can help prevent future damage. Even if trees made it through a recent winter unscathed, that’s no guarantee next winter or even the coming seasons of spring, summer and fall won’t ultimately prove their undoing. Travelers Insurance notes that weather-related roof damage, including damage resulting from falling limbs and

branches weighed down by snow during the winter months, accounted for more than half of all Travelers property loss claims between 2009 and 2016. According to BNC Insurance and Risk Advisors, homeowners may be liable if a tree they knew posed a threat falls onto a passerby or a neighbor’s property and causes damage or injury. Having all trees properly trimmed each year, but especially those that can fall on your home and your neighbors’ homes, may prevent future damage and legal issues.

Tree services can ensure trees maintain their awe-inspiring beauty and help homeowners protect their homes and their belongings.

Cold weather can take its toll on a property, especially in regions of the world where winters are harsh. Most parts of the landscape are vulnerable to damage from winter storms, but trees may be especially susceptible. By the end of winter, many homeowners wonder if their trees would benefit from some professional TLC.


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Travel tends to rise in warm weather when school is no longer in session. A 2016 study from Google and Phocuswright, a global travel market research company, found 55 percent of leisure travelers take one to two vacations per year.

While vacationers may be readying what to pack and which sights to see, many may not put the same level of thought into making sure their homes are protected while they’re

away. Returning from vacation to find someone has broken into your home can quickly spoil vacation memories. Basic smarts and preventative measures can help calm fears and protect homes from criminals.

• Alert the alarm company. If you employ an alarm service, contact a customer service representative to alert them that you will be away for a certain period of time. This way they’ll

be sure to send the police or respond in a timely manner if the alarm is triggered.

• Move valuables. Rent a safety deposit box and place jewelry, important papers and other irreplaceable items in the box. This is a security measure that can offer considerable peace of mind.

• Ask friends for help. Request that neighbors

or friends keep an eye on your house. Ask them to pick up deliveries, collect the mail, take the pails in and out on trash days, and maintain an appearance of normalcy. House sitters also can be employed to temporarily live in your home if you will be away for an extended period of time.

• Keep information private. Resist the urge to advertise your plans on

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or friends keep an eye on your house. Ask them to pick up deliveries, collect the mail, take the pails in and out on trash days, and maintain an appearance of normalcy. House sitters also can be employed to temporarily live in your home if you will be away for an extended period of time.

• Keep information private. Resist the urge to advertise your plans on

social media or other social networking sites, even if you’re excited about the trip. The anonymity of the internet can make it difficult to gauge who is accessing your posts. Criminals may be lurking online.

• Purchase timers. Set timers or use smart home devices to turn lights on and off. Such timers and devices can give the impression that someone is home.

• Remove spare keys. State Farm Insurance recommends that homeowners collect any hidden spare keys

from the exterior of their homes prior to going on vacation.

• Secure the garage. Thieves can gain access through the garage, especially if they can tap into a vehicle’s remote garage door opener. Disable the remote, and make sure doors are locked.

• Unplug appliances. Save power and reduce the likelihood of appliances being damaged by storms and power surges by unplugging the television, computer and other electronics. Unplugging

also offers security that certain items, like toaster ovens and coffee pots, will not turn on and potentially catch on fire.

By taking these steps to protect their homes from thieves, homowners can ensure they return home to a safe, worry-free home.

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Conserving natural resources is often so simple that people make some adjustments without affecting their daily lives at all. But sometimes it’s not so easy to conserve.

Summer is one time of year when conservation efforts tend to require more sacrifice than normal. Even the most devoted conservationist may find it difficult to conserve water during the dog days of summer, when drought and soaring temperatures make it difficult to maintain lawns and gardens. Thankfully, there are ways to help lawns and gardens withstand summer’s dog days without wasting water.

• Water wisely. Watering lawns and gardens in the early morning hours is a savvy move for various reasons. Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion pose a serious threat to people of all ages, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cooling off in air conditioned places as temperatures climb. By watering their lawns and gardens early in the morning, homeowners are ensuring they won’t be outside watering during those times of day when their risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion is at its peak.

In addition, watering in the early morning when the sun has not yet reached its peak decreases the amount of water that will be lost to evaporation, thereby increasing the amount of water that will make it into water-needy lawns and gardens.

• Take nights off from doing dishes. Hand-washing dishes may seem like a more effective way to conserve water than using a dishwasher, but that’s not the case. The National Resources Defense Council notes that hand-washing dishes can consume as many

as 27 gallons of water, while Energy Star®-rated dishwashers consume just three gallons of water. Before running the dishwasher, make sure it’s full.

• Cover your pool. Keeping pools covered during the dog days of summer reduces the likelihood that pool water will be lost to evaporation. In fact, the GRACE Communications Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable food systems, notes that uncovered pools can lose as much as 1,000 gallons of water to evaporation each month.

Conserving water during the dog days of summer may require some sacrifice. But such sacrifices are easier than many people may expect.

How to conserve water as the mercury rises


You’re searching for a new home, perhaps you’ve even found your new home. Unless you have your own fairly large stash of cash, you’ll need to borrow some money. In short, you’ll need a mortgage.

So how do you choose? Do you go to the bank or credit union where you already are doing some business? What about searching online? There are some online lenders who have been advertising quite frequently. What about that company you heard advertising on the radio? Or, should you let your realtor or builder make a recommendation? Or a friend?

Whichever route you take, proceed with caution. A difference of a simple one-eighth of a percentage in a mortgage rate adds up to over $5,200 over the life of the loan (based on a $200,000 mortgage comparing 4.000% vs. 4.125%).

So you want to get the lowest rate possible. But be careful here too. You may see rates advertised online, or told to you from your bank or credit union. Be sure to ask: does this

rate include points? If it does include points, you’re essentially “buying down the rate” and a comparison of 4 ¼% vs 4% is not truly apples to apples. Ask the question. Do a little simple math. There are plenty of online mortgage calculators out there (including at MyMeridianTrust.com) where you can run through different scenarios.

Ask about fees and closing costs. Not all are the same. As a matter of fact, these can vary greatly from one lender to another. Ask for a list from them and make the comparison. What you gain in a lower interest rate may be taken away from you in closing costs.

Also, if you’re looking at using an online vendor, someone with an office out of state and far away from where you’re buying and closing on your new home, keep in mind you may be missing out on some local knowledge here. A local lender knows the ins and outs of where you’re buying. Most importantly, they know the businesses, builders, realtors and the people involved. They can answer your questions quickly. They’re here to support you.

Never underestimate the value in local representation on what is likely to be one of the largest purchases you make in your life.

Be sure to get a pre-approval letter. This lets the sellers of the home you’re buying (or the homes you’re looking at) know that you can afford their home. This can move you to the front of the line, knowing you are a qualified buyer.

If you’re like most people, you may buy a few homes during your lifetime. Depending on where you’re at in your life stage, you may be buying a bigger home to support a growing family; downsizing after the kids move out; or moving to a home that simply fits your needs better. But you probably won’t be buying

a home often enough to become an expert at all that’s involved. Don’t let that stand in the way of buying a home that fits you and your family better. But don’t try to go it alone. People who are in the mortgage business as lenders are professionals and have incredible amounts of knowledge and experience. Trust them to help guide you through the process. This will take much of the worry away from what can be a very stressful process. This will leave you with more time and energy for making the move to your new home, and ultimately, enjoying your new life!

- Ed Beckmann Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union

as 27 gallons of water, while Energy Star®-rated dishwashers consume just three gallons of water. Before running the dishwasher, make sure it’s full.

• Cover your pool. Keeping pools covered during the dog days of summer reduces the likelihood that pool water will be lost to evaporation. In fact, the GRACE Communications Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable food systems, notes that uncovered pools can lose as much as 1,000 gallons of water to evaporation each month.

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Millions of people anxiously anticipate the arrival of spring. Months spent cooped up indoors as temperatures outside dip below freezing can take their toll, and those first warm, sunny days of spring can be just what people need to kick the winter blues.

Winter can be dreary for people confined to indoors as temperatures drop, and poor air quality in a home can add to that dreariness while adversely affecting individuals’ health. Air quality tends to suffer most

in winter, but there are ways to ensure the air inside a home stays healthy all year long.

• Inspect and address any sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless gas that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and a host of health problems if it goes undetected in a home. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, potential sources of CO in a home include

improperly vented natural gas appliances, such as stoves and water heaters, gas-powered tools that are used indoors, clogged chimneys, or blocked heating exhaust vents. Men and women can periodically inspect potential sources of CO and address any issues they find while also making sure all CO detectors are properly installed and functioning optimally.

• Avoid chemical cleaning products.

Chemical cleaning products may be great at disinfecting dishes, countertops and other areas in the home, but such items may be toxic and adversely affect indoor air quality. For example, chemicals such as bleach and ammonia, which are used in many commercial cleaning products, can linger in the air, irritating the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Homeowners concerned about the quality of air in their homes also can avoid scented products, such as air

Maintain indoor air quality all year long


fresheners and scented detergents, which the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health notes may release volatile organic compounds into the air.

• Inspect HVAC ducts. Ductwork is used to deliver warm or cool air in homes with heating and air conditioning systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to the duct surfaces without ever entering living spaces. However, the EPA notes that homeowners should consider having

their ducts cleaned if an inspection uncovers substantial visible mold growth. In addition, the EPA recommends homeowners consider cleaning if ducts are infested with vermin or clogged with excessive amounts of dust or debris.

• Inspect bathrooms for mold growth. Mold can grow on surfaces that are routinely wet, and that makes poorly ventilated bathrooms common sources for home mold infestations. Mold can adversely affect indoor air quality when mold

spores are released, potentially triggering allergic reactions, asthma attacks and respiratory conditions. After bathing in bathrooms without vents, men and women can open windows so the

room dries before mold can grow. In bathrooms with vents, make sure vents are running during baths and showers and afterward until ceilings, walls and floors appear dry.

Ducts may need to be serviced by professionals in homes where indoor air quality is poor.

Maintain indoor air quality all year long

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The road to great credit begins with consumers. Consumers who demonstrate an ability to pay bills on time and stay out of debt can make themselves more attractive to prospective creditors, which can ultimately save them thousands of dollars when they purchase homes and/or vehicles.

While strong credit scores take years to build, men and women looking to improve their scores can begin doing so rather quickly. Scores will not skyrocket overnight, but they will begin to improve if consumers begin taking the following steps.

• Pay bills on time.

Paying bills on time is one of the most effective and simplest ways for consumers to improve their credit scores. One of the credit scores lenders use to determine if they will extend credit to a given applicant is the FICO¨ score, which is generated by the Fair Isaac Corporation. According to the Fair Isaac Corp., a FICO score is broken down into five categories, some of which factor more heavily than others. An individual’s payment history accounts for 35 percent of his or her FICO score, making it the most influential of the five factors for people

who have been using credit for a long time. (Note: People with a nonexistent or greatly limited credit history may have their FICO scores more influenced by other factors.) If necessary, set up automatic payments so all bills, but especially bills owed to creditors, such as credit card companies and student loan lenders, are paid on time.

• Pay down balances and keep them low. Paying bills on time might not be enough to dramatically improve credit scores if

consumers are still only paying the minimum amount each month while maintaining high balances. After payment history, amounts owed is the second biggest influence of most consumers’ FICO scores, accounting for 30 percent of an individual’s score. So in addition to paying on time, consumers should try to pay more than the minimum amount due each month, ideally paying balances in full each month.

• Study your credit report. Credit scores can sometimes fall victim

Simple ways to quickly boost credit scores


to errors on a person’s credit report. A 2012 Federal Trade Commission Study found that roughly 25 percent of all consumers had errors on their credit reports that adversely affected their credit scores. Consumers who suspect their credit score does not reflect their credit worthiness should examine their reports, which are available to all consumers once a year for free, for mistakes. Report any mistakes to Equifax, Experian and/or TransUnion.

• Wait to apply for new lines of credit or mortgages.

Consumers’ credit scores take a small hit each time they apply for new lines of credit, whether it’s a credit card or mortgage. Consumers who want to quickly improve their scores should refrain from applying for new lines of credit until they have increased their scores to a point where they won’t mind seeing those scores take a small dip.

Consumers’ credit scores can affect their lives in various ways. While it takes time to build strong credit histories, consumers can take small steps to begin improving their credit scores right away.


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A home is the most costly thing many people will ever buy. The process of buying a home can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. One way to make the process of buying a home go more smoothly is to save enough money to put down a substantial down payment.

Saving for a down payment on a home is similar to saving for other items, only on a far grander scale. Many financial planners and real estate professionals

recommend prospective home buyers put down no less than 20 percent of the total cost of the home they’re buying. Down payments short of 20 percent will require private mortgage insurance, or PMI. The cost of PMI depends on a host of variables, but is generally between 0.3 and 1.5 percent of the original loan amount. While plenty of homeowners pay PMI, buyers who can afford to put down 20 percent can save themselves a

considerable amount of money by doing so.

Down payments on a home tend to be substantial, but the following are a few strategies prospective home buyers can employ to grow their savings with an eye toward making a down payment on their next home.

• Decide when you want to buy. The first step to buying a home begins when buyers

save their first dollar for a down payment. Deciding when to buy can help buyers develop a saving strategy. If buyers decide they want to buy in five years away, they will have more time to build their savings. If buyers want to buy within a year, they will need to save more each month, and those whose existing savings fall far short of the 20 percent threshold may have to accept paying PMI.

Saving for a down payment on a house


save their first dollar for a down payment. Deciding when to buy can help buyers develop a saving strategy. If buyers decide they want to buy in five years away, they will have more time to build their savings. If buyers want to buy within a year, they will need to save more each month, and those whose existing savings fall far short of the 20 percent threshold may have to accept paying PMI.

• Examine monthly expenses. Once buyers learn how much mortgage they will qualify for, they will then see how close they are to buying a home. But prospective buyers of all means can save more each month by examining their monthly expenses and looking for ways to save. Buyers can begin by looking over their recent spending habits and then seeing where they can spend less. Cutting back on luxuries and other unnecessary spending can help buyers get closer to buying their next home.

• Avoid risky investments. Some times it’s great to take risks when investing, but risk should be avoided when saving for a down payment on a home. Traditional vehicles like certificates of deposit, or CDs, and savings accounts can ensure the money buyers are saving for their homes is protected and not subject to market fluctuations.

• Prequalify for a mortgage. Before buyers even look for their new homes, they should first sit down

with a mortgage lender to determine how much a mortgage they will qualify for. Prequalifying for a mortgage can make the home buying process a lot easier, and it also can give first-time buyers an idea of how much they can spend. Once lenders prequalify prospective buyers, the buyers can then do the simple math to determine how much they will need to put down. For example, preapproval for a $300,000 loan means buyers will have to put down $60,000 to meet the 20 percent down

payment threshold. In that example, buyers can put down less than $60,000, but they will then have to pay PMI. It’s important for buyers to understand that a down payment is not the only costs they will have to come up with when buying a home. Closing costs and other fees will also need to be paid by the buyers.

Saving enough to make a down payment on a home can be accomplished if buyers stay disciplined with regard to saving and make sound financial decisions.


Tips for finding a home services providerHomeowners who are good with their hands can tackle many minor home improvements on their own. However, more complicated projects often require the services of professional contractors to ensure the renovations are done right, completed on time and within budget.

Choosing a home services provider requires careful consideration on the part of homeowners. The wrong contractor can cost homeowners time and money, so homeowners must exercise due diligence when vetting contractors before going forward with a home improvement project.

Types of contractors

The Federal Trade Commission notes that the scope of a project may necessitate hiring various types of contractors. The more complex a project is, the more likely it is that homeowners will need to hire contractors who specialize in certain areas. Understanding the differences between contractors can help homeowners make informed decisions.

• General contractor: General contractors manage home

improvement projects. This includes hiring subcontractors and supervising their work. General contractors also secure building permits and schedule inspections.

• Specialty contractors: Specialty contractors focus on specific areas of a project. For example, homeowners who are remodeling their kitchens may need new cabinets installed by a contractor who specializes in cabinets and cabinet installation. That contractor is a specialty contractor.

• Designer or design/build contractor: The FTC notes that these contractors both design and build projects.

• Architects: Architects design homes as well as any additions or major renovations to homes. Architects are often necessary when projects involve structural changes to existing homes.

Hiring a home services provider

Once homeowners determine which type of

contractor they need, they can they begin researching local professionals.

• Speak with neighbors, family and friends. Neighbors, family members and friends who have worked with contractors in the past are great resources. Seek recommendations from people you trust, even asking to see completed projects if possible.

• Utilize the internet. Websites such as HomeAdvisor and AngieÕs List are free of charge and can be great resources when homeowners are looking for contractors. Each site includes reviews of contractors from past

customers and contact information for local contractors.

• Confirm qualifications. The FTC advises homeowners to confirm contractorsÕ licensing and qualifications before hiring anyone. Some areas may not require licensing, but many do. Homeowners can contact their local building department or consumer protection agency to determine the licensing requirements for their area.

Hiring a home services provider is a complicated process that can be made easier by homeowners who do their research and take the decision seriously.


Most people want beautiful, lush lawns and well-maintained landscapes. Not every homeowner has the time or the inclination to do the work, however. Many homeowners rely on a lawn service to help maintain their properties and keep their homes looking great.

Lawn companies come in all shapes and sizes from fly-by-night workers with ill-maintained equipment to franchised companies with thousands of workers across the country to everything in between. Finding the right service for your needs may require some homework and understanding of what sets a quality lawn service company apart from one that’s best avoided.

• Look to the internet. The internet connects consumers via shared information and reviews. Reading company and product reviews on Yelp and Angie’s List can help homeowners make informed decisions. Homeowners also can

seek recommendations via local Facebook group pages.

• Insist on licensure and insurance. It’s not the standard to be licensed and insured, but it is an essential step for finding a business that stands behind its work and the safety of its employees and customers. If a worker gets injured on your property or if the mower kicks a big rock through your storm door, you’ll be liable if the company isn’t insured.

• Get a written proposal. Be wary of companies that will quote you an offer over the phone without seeing your property in person. Understand which types of services and treatments will be included in the weekly, monthly or annual plan. Discuss the types of fertilizers and herbicides used and whether they fit with your lifestyle and environmental consciousness.

• Ask for a contract in writing When you find a business that offers the type of work you need done at the right price, be sure that a contract is worked up and both parties sign it. This protects you as a homeowner and could help you in the long run if guarantees are not met or work is unsatisfactory.

• One size fits all. Landscaping is more than just mowing the lawn. However, some lawn companies may only mow lawns and will plant flowers or perform spring and fall cleanup. If a company cannot fill all of your needs, find one that can; otherwise, you may need to hire specialists in each area of yard maintenance.

Lawn care companies are something to consider as the weather warms and spring projects begin anew. Homeowners also can seek recommendations via local Facebook group pages.

5 things to look for when selecting a lawn service


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