A and N Mortgage Homeowner Tips: Making the Most of Your Yard This Summer

Whether it's cooking on the grill, planting a garden, or simply relaxing in a hammock under a tree, homeowner's love their yards. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the great outdoors.

Outdoor Kitchen 

An outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining in your backyard. If your grill will be used under a covered area, include a power vent hood or other method for venting the smoke. The cabinets for an outdoor kitchen should be built to resist the elements. This could be custom cabinets, using treated lumber and plywood, or ones made from a weatherproof material.  

Choosing a Grill 

Appliances and grills for outdoor kitchens are usually made from stainless steel to make them weatherproof as well. While most grills today are gas fired, cooking with hardwoods-like hickory, pecan, or oak-can produce better results. Using starter sticks, rather than lighter fluid, to light a wood or charcoal fire can improve the taste of the food. The insulating qualities of ceramic charcoal cookers, like the Big Green Egg, allow them to be used as a conventional grill or as a smoker oven for slow cooking. 

Grill Maintenance 

Use a wire brush to clean the cooking grate after each use. Once a year, disassemble the grill and clean it thoroughly. Remove cooking grates, soak in liquid grill cleaner, scrub with a wire brush, and rinse. Take out the ceramic plates or briquettes and clean them with a wire brush. Remove the burners and use a wire brush to take off residue and rust. Clean out the burner holes by inserting a toothpick into each hole. Use a wet/dry vac to vacuum out the inside of the grill. Reassemble all the grill components. Light the grill and leave it on for a few minutes to burn off any remaining residue. 

Keeping Cool 

Shade is essential for summer backyard activities. Popular options include: 

Shade arbor: An outdoor arbor covered with vines makes a cool retreat on a hot summer day. 

Roof: Extending the roof of your house to cover a patio works well.

Awning: A retractable awning is a great way to create shade when and where you need it. 

Misting System: Outdoor misters keep you cool by spraying a fine mist of water in the air. Misting systems are available as inexpensive DIY Outdoor Cooling Kits as well as portable misting umbrellas that hook to a garden hose. 

Water Feature: The soothing sound of falling water from a fountain or waterfall can make your yard feel like an oasis during a summer heat wave. Pre-made water features are available, or you can build your own custom water feature for your backyard. 

Keeping You Informed

A and N Mortgage professionals are dedicated to keeping you informed of the latest market trends, household tips and mortgage options. Call A and N Mortgage today to obtain custom loan options designed to fit your needs and help you obtain your home goals.

Lower Your Costs While Making An Impact

Green Home Tips

There is no denying in today's society there is more awareness and interest in being green and as such people are becoming more interested in using green building techniques. Key components include using energy efficiency techniques, sustainable building materials and energy efficient appliances in homes that help to lower cost and environmental impact.

Tip 1

Heating and cooling interior spaces can account for as much as 50 percent of a home's energy use. Since that percentage is so high insulation becomes an increasingly important component in having a green home. Poor insulation equals wasted energy and higher energy costs. Some things that can be done to improve energy efficiency include using spray insulation to seal air gaps in walls and attics. Building exterior walls with 6-inch-wide studs instead of the traditional 4-inch s

tuds will also help the cause. The use of caulk to seal all gaps around doors and windows is a must. And of course, use Energy Star-rated low energy windows.

Tip 2

One way to have a more energy efficient design is to keep the sun and wind in mind when designing your home. Using overhangs to help shade windows in summer while allowing sun to warm the house in winter are smart and money saving ideas. Planting shade trees near the south-facing sides of buildings can also help. A well placed skylight or two can help by increasing natural light in the home and allowing you to keep those light switches in the off position.

Tip 3

If you are really serious about your home being green the use of sustainable materials is a must. One way to really do your part is to use reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed lumber is lumber that has previously been used to build houses and factories. It is thought that reclaimed lumber is stronger than today's lumber due to the fact much of it was harvested from virgin forests. You may have to put some serious time into finding reclaimed lumber as its use is very popular in certain parts of the country. The bonus is you will probably spend less money in the end using reclaimed wood. Being green doesn't stop with using recycled wood. Recycled plastics and composites also are abundantly available. Many times these are long lasting products that don't need to be replaced as often thereby saving you money.

Tip 4

Unless you haven't looked at an appliance in 20 years you are familiar with Energy Star appliances. They are money saving appliances deemed to be energy efficient by the E.P.A (Environmental Protection Agency). They are easily identified by those familiar blue energy star labels. Choosing to use Energy Star appliances for heating, cooling, refrigeration, cooking and lighting will help to ease the burden on energy resources. You might even consider a tank-less water heater which uses less energy as you don't have to keep a large tank of water hot for use. Remember that these green tips are not only useful in building new homes but also are things to keep in mind when remodeling any room in your house. The benefits are saving valuable natural resources and keeping more money in your pocket. Sounds like a win-win situation.

Cook County Tax Bill Update

Cook County Tax Bill Update

Cook County property tax bills coming in July For the first time in decades the second installment of Cook County property taxes are to hit homeowner's mailboxes in July. Meaning, payment will be due August 1st compared to November 1st. CLICK HERE FOR FULL TRIBUNE ARTICLE

Property Taxes: Homeowner's FAQ Who pays this?  The tax bill is either paid by your lender or if you do not escrow you must send in the payment direct to the Cook County Treasurer's Office or you can check on their website which local banks accept payments.   How to check?  Cook County has set up a website where you can check online if your tax bill has been paid and if you are receiving your homeowner exemption.  You can also confirm your mailing address and ensure the correct name is on your tax bill. Where to check? www.cookcountytreasurer.com The top right hand corner has a section to click for "payments," you can check the status of your payment and also make sure you have your home owner's exemption.  You will be required to give your PIN # which is on your tax bill. What if I'm missing info? If you do not have the information you need please feel free to contact your A and N Mortgage Consultant at any time. 773.305.LOAN (5626) or www.AandNmortgage.com

A and N Tips: Rock That Tax Return!

Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

Consider using your tax return to maximize your future financial situation

Refi to a Lower Rate

By refinancing to a fixed and/or lower interest rate, you can improve your mortgage savings and your financial situation for years to come.

Spruce Up Your Space

Is your kitchen or bathroom looking a little dingy? If so, consider a renovation. Home renovating and remodeling can drastically improve the value of your home.

Upgrade Your Home

Whether you are planning to grow your family, acquire the perfect vacation home or move to a smaller, more manageable property, your tax refund can play a large part in covering the closing costs and other fees associated with this new purchase.