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1. Entry storage. From the strollers and car seats of the baby stage to the sports gear and backpacks of the older years, a never-ending parade of stuff comes with having children in the house — and the more places you have to put this stuff when you walk in the door, the better! Look for a house with built-in entry storage, from closets and cabinets to cubbies and shelves. Having an entry out of view of the rest of the house is ideal, so you can enjoy your home without staring at the gear in the entryway all the time.
    
2. Convenient laundry. A laundry in the basement may not be the first thing you notice at an open house, but if you have young children, you might want to give the laundry zone a little more thought. Having the washer and dryer on the main level — in a mudroom or off the kitchen, for instance — comes in incredibly handy when you’re wrangling small children who go through more wardrobe changes in one day than Lady Gaga. A laundry near upstairs bedrooms is another good option, since this will likely mean a lot less schlepping of heavy baskets up and down the stairs.
    
3. Stairs that can be safely gated. Speaking of stairs, if you are looking at homes with more than one level, pay attention to the stairs and railings. Look for stairs that can be gated easily at the top and bottom, and sturdy railings without any wide gaps.
    
4. Ditto for the kitchen. While being able to see what’s going on in the living room while you chop veggies for dinner is a definite plus, it still pays to consider how you can gate off the cooking area to keep curious little hands out. 
    
5. Built-in storage. Built-in storage means more places to neatly stash your family’s stuff, without worrying about anchoring tall, topple-prone pieces of furniture to the wall. Ideally, look for built-in shelving in the living room or family room with open shelves above and closed cabinets below.
    
6. Kid-friendly bathroom. We’re not talking about a themed bathroom here, but a functional space that will work well for your family. Look for a bathroom with a tub and plenty of room to maneuver.  Other details to look for include a bathroom mirror that comes down close to the sink (so little ones can actually see themselves), and storage space for bath toys and extra towels, and if you have a large family, multiple faucets are a big plus.
    
7. Bonus space. When you have kids, extra space is always a good thing. Look for an area of the home that has the potential to be used in a number of different ways, from playroom to home office to nursery for a future sibling. 
    
8. Fenced yard. Even a small yard can offer big possibilities to a child, from building play forts to digging in the dirt. For your own peace of mind, look for a backyard that is fully, securely fenced, so you can let creative play happen without worrying your little explorer will go toddling off toward the street.
    
9. A view of the outdoors. Being able to take care of a little chore inside and still have a view of your child playing can be a huge help. A bonus benefit of having a good view of your outdoor space — whether through generous windows, sliding glass doors or French doors — is that it will encourage you and your family to actually use it!
    
10. Master suite. As a parent, having a space to call your own is so important. Look for a master bedroom with its own private bathroom and a spacious closet. 

If you are ready to buy a house, check out the Union Plus Mortgage program that offers benefits and protections designed with union families in mind.

Learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage Program

Feeling overwhelmed by the home-buying process? Don’t get swamped, get focused. Beyond the basics of location, price and condition, what do you really want from your home? Consider adding these 10 items to your home-buying wish list if you love entertaining. 

1. Welcoming entry. Greeting guests is easier when you can usher them into a spacious entryway. Look for one with room to maneuver and good lighting. On the exterior, look for a covering over the entry to keep visitors dry during inclement weather.

2. Coat closet. A coat closet near the main entrance is helpful for stashing guests’ coats and bags, and it keeps these items out of sight. If the house has a spacious entry, you can fill this need with wall hooks or a coat tree, but if the entry is more compact, a closet will really help keep things tidy.

3. Kitchen counter seating. Inviting friends and family to pull up a seat and chat while you cook is a fun way to start a casual gathering. Look for a kitchen counter with plenty of space to prep, plus one side with room for guests to pull up a stool.

4. Walk-in pantry. You need space to keep your ingredients and entertaining essentials like serving platters organized and accessible. Look for a walk-in or butler’s pantry with deep shelving and good light.

5. Open floor plan. Open-plan spaces are ideal for encouraging mixing and mingling during parties. Look for a spacious living area where you can put flexible seating to fit a big group and for good flow between the kitchen, dining and living areas.

6. Formal dining room. If you prefer hosting cozy sit-down dinners, a formal dining room is a must. Look for one with distinctive architectural features and enough space to fit your dining table and chairs, plus a buffet.

7. Main-level powder room. A petite powder room is a big help when entertaining: It’s typically easy for guests to get to, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up your main bathroom each time you have people over. Look for a powder room (also called a half bath) on the main level but preferably not directly off the dining room.

8. Basement rec room. A finished basement can be a big plus, especially for those in areas with cold winters. A fully finished and heated basement offers bonus living space for extras like a bar, pool table or big-screen TV.

9. Deck, porch or patio. Vast lawns are gorgeous to look at, but a deck or patio is where friends tend to gather. Look for one that’s next to the house with enough room to set up an outdoor living space or dining area. A covered porch can protect your gathering from bright sun and inclement weather. 

10. Indoor-outdoor flow. Encourage mingling both indoors and out with sliding glass or French doors. Look for large glass doors leading from the living room, dining room or kitchen (in an open-plan space) to a back deck or patio.

If you’re ready to buy a home, be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by SIRVA.

A garage sale might be a great idea, but before you jump in headfirst, be smart and learn from others’ past mistakes. Here are a few things you should consider:

1. Don’t Assume You Should Have One: The first thing to understand — garage sales are a lot of work — make sure it’s going to be worth your while. Look at the items you need to sell and do a quick estimate of how much you might make. Estimate that you might only sell 40-60% of your stuff. Be realistic with what you think you might get for high-valued items by looking at sites like Ebay for historical sale data of similar items. Look at what kind of options you might have to sell your high-valued items locally — either at thrift stores or online. Look at the pros and cons of doing that versus having a sale.


2. Don’t Go Alone: If you can pair up with someone else or host a neighborhood sale, you can split the responsibilities and cost — especially if your neighborhood plans to do the advertising for you. Leverage the traffic that might be coming through your area for local sales.


3. Don’t Drop Prices Early: For your high-value items, be sure you get out of them what you need to make the sale worth it. On your first day, be sure to take down the name and number of people who are seriously interested. Let them know that later in the day or the next day — if it still hasn’t sold, you might give them a call to negotiate further.
    
4. Be Descriptive: In all of your marketing — signs, advertising and social media — offer up details on what you’re selling. Include brand names, large items, categories, etc. The more descriptive, the bigger the chance someone might see something of interest that drives them to your sale.
    
5. Use Social Media: Be sure to post pictures of your sale items to your social media channels (encourage friends/family to share). You never know, you might get a few sales by just posting a few pictures. If anything, it’s free advertising and might get some more people to your sale!

If you’re selling items to eventually move — be sure to remember the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards Program when you’re ready to find your next home. You can earn $500 cash back for every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent, approved by Sirva, to sell or buy a home.*

Learn more

The following is presented for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice.

A reverse mortgage can be a tremendous help to seniors looking for additional income during their retirement years. But there are drawbacks, and the concept itself is somewhat complicated. As the baby boomer generation continues to ease into retirement, it’s very likely that the demand for reverse mortgages will only increase.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage (or Home Equity Conversion Loan, HECM) is a loan that a credit agency takes out against your home, while you're still living in it. Despite the name, they aren't exactly the reverse of a traditional mortgage. The lender is not attempting to buy the property. Instead, the lender is simply loaning money which is secured by the home's equity. When the homeowner/borrower dies, permanently moves out, or sells their home the reverse mortgage comes due and must be paid in full, usually with the proceeds for the sale of the property. Terms can vary, but some borrowers choose to get a lump sum payment, while others choose a line of credit or periodic payments.

Reverse mortgages are available from private lenders, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), from some nonprofit organizations, and from some state and national government programs. Homeowners retain the title to their property, and therefore need to continue making insurance and tax payments. They are only available to homeowners aged 62 and older (spouses can be under 62 and have the option to maintain the loan after the primary borrower dies).

How Much Do You Get for a Reverse Mortgage?

The amount of money you get from a reverse mortgage depends upon the current market value of your home. However, you shouldn’t expect to receive the full value of your home. Instead, you’ll likely get a percentage of that value.

Keep in mind that although you will no longer be required to make payments on your home, interest on your reverse mortgage will accrue every month. In time, the balance owed may even come to exceed the value of the home (especially if home values drop). In many cases, borrowers (or their surviving heirs) are not required to repay these overages, but that’s not a guarantee, so you’ll always want to make sure you fully understand the terms of the mortgage agreement.

Should I Consider a Reverse Mortgage?

Many seniors benefit from taking out a reverse mortgage, however, it is a big decision that should be made carefully. First, consider all of your options–there may be something less expensive that will work better. Reverse mortgages usually have up-front fees, so they aren’t always the best option in the short-term. Also, if you take out a reverse mortgage, you are giving up a measure of control over what is likely your most valuable asset.

Reverse mortgages are secured, so you may not want to use a reverse mortgage as a tool to pay down unsecured debt. In other words, you’ll need to take some time to consider whether or not you want to use your home equity. Talking to heirs or a financial planner might help you with the decision making process.

If you do decide to take out a reverse mortgage, do some research to find a highly rated lender that offers competitive rates. You will also need to attend a reverse mortgage counseling session offered by a HUD-approved agency, such as Money Management International (MMI). Visit MMI's Reverse Mortgage resources page to learn more about the counseling process.

Union Plus Credit Counseling

Union members can get a no-obligation money and credit assessment from certified, experienced consumer credit counselors though Union Plus Credit Counseling. Powered by the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), your free session will cover a complete financial review, assistance in budgeting, advice for working with creditors, and more.

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Choose from AT&T Unlimited Plus or AT&T Unlimited Choice, and get the following:

AT&T Unlimited Plus^SM                   AT&T Unlimited Choice^SM

Not going the unlimited route? As a union member, you can save 15% on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans⁶ (excludes unlimited data plans). You can also save 20% on select accessories⁷ and get the $25 activation fee waived on select devices⁸. 

Not yet an AT&T customer? For a limited time, get up to $650 in bill credits⁹ when you switch to AT&T, trade in your current smartphone and buy a new one on AT&T Next.

When you visit an AT&T store, you’ll be helped by a fellow union member. Be sure to reference Discount Code 3508840, even if you choose an unlimited data plan, to ensure you can take advantage of the union-member specific benefits, such as the 20% accessory discount and the $25 activation fee waiver. Ask your AT&T store rep which plan is best for you.

Remember that when you choose AT&T, you’re choosing to support the more than 150,000 union members employed there.

AT&T is the only nationwide unionized wireless carrier.

To find a store, or get additional information, visit unionplus.org/att.

"I did what I could to keep some money coming in during hard times,” he says. “And I got help when I needed it with Union Plus mortgage assistance.”

Hudson had chosen the Union Plus Mortgage program when he refinanced his house. At that point the special assistance programs that Union Plus offers weren’t a high priority. “I had some coworkers who had been laid off but I’d always stayed pretty busy,” he says. “I’ve never missed a mortgage payment and I certainly never plan to.”

But the long recession affected both residential construction and bank construction—and that meant less work even for highly-trained IBEW technicians like Hudson. After months of being laid off, and struggling to keep the bills paid, he remembered the benefits of his union mortgage and contacted Union Plus for assistance.

“I’d never planned to use the program, but I was glad Union Plus was there for me when I needed them,” he says.

Choosing a union mortgage means more than just getting a great rate. It also means you have access to Union Plus mortgage assistance, which could help you keep your home in the event of a strike, lockout, layoff or disability.

After reading more about the program online, Hudson applied and quickly received $2,500 in interest-free assistance, which he started repaying at $75 month. Then when work picked up again as the economy improved, he paid the rest off in one big chunk. “I’ve just worked 30 days without a day off,” he laughs. “I figured I’d get the money paid back so help will be there for other union members who need it.”

Hudson doesn’t hesitate when he’s asked the best thing about being in the IBEW. “It’s the pay and benefits,” he says. But Union Plus programs are nice to have, whether it’s mortgage assistance or even saving money on flowers.

“Union Plus has a lot to offer. I’ve used that discount on flowers at least 10 times,” he laughs.

The Union Plus Mortgage program provides more than $43.6 billion in mortgages to help more than 280,000 union members and their families buy or refinance a home. It is packed with unique benefits tailored to meet the needs of active or retired union members, as well as their parents and children, who want to buy or refinance a home. 

One of the many other benefits of the Union Plus Mortgage program include a hardship assistance. Union Plus Mortgage Assistance helps members and their families who are unemployed, recently disabled, on strike, or locked out make their mortgage payments with interest-free loans and grants. Mortgage Assistance has provided more than $11 million to help members keep their loans current and stay in their homes.

Through the Union Plus® Mortgage program, with financing provided by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, union members, their parents and children have access to a wide range of home loan options to meet a variety of needs, plus access to special benefits designed for union families. 

When you apply for a loan, lenders assess your credit risk based on a number of factors, including your credit/payment history, income, and overall financial situation. Here is some additional information to help explain these factors, also known as the “5 Cs,” to help you better understand what lenders look for:

• Credit history: Qualifying for the different types of credit hinges largely on your credit history – the track record you’ve established while managing credit and making payments over time. Your credit report is primarily a detailed list of your credit history, consisting of information provided by lenders that have extended credit to you. While information may vary from one credit reporting agency to another, the credit reports include the same types of information, such as the names of lenders that have extended credit to you, types of credit you have, your payment history, and more.
  
  In addition to the credit report, lenders may also use a credit score that is a numeric value – usually between 300 and 850 – based on the information contained in your credit report. The credit score serves as a risk indicator for the lender based on your credit history. Generally, the higher the score, the lower the risk. Credit bureau scores are often called “FICO® scores” because many credit bureau scores used in the U.S. are produced from software developed by Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO). While many lenders use credit scores to help them make their lending decisions, each lender has its own criteria, depending on the level of risk it finds acceptable for a given credit product.
   
• Capacity: Lenders need to determine whether you can comfortably afford your payments. Your income and employment history are good indicators of your ability to repay outstanding debt. Income amount, stability, and type of income may all be considered. The ratio of your current and any new debt as compared to your before-tax income, known as debt-to-income ratio (DTI), may be evaluated.
   
• Collateral (when applying for secured loans): Loans, lines of credit, or credit cards you apply for may be secured or unsecured. With a secured product, such as an auto or home equity loan, you pledge something you own as collateral.
  
  The value of your collateral will be evaluated, and any existing debt secured by that collateral will be subtracted from the value. The remaining equity will play a factor in the lending decision.
   
• Capital: While your household income is expected to be the primary source of repayment, capital represents the savings, investments, and other assets that can help repay the loan. This can be helpful if you lose your job or experience other setbacks.
   
• Conditions: Lenders may want to know how you plan to use the money and will consider the loan’s purpose, such as whether the loan will be used to purchase a vehicle or other property. Other factors, such as environmental and economic conditions, may also be considered.

The 5 C’s of Credit is a common term in banking. Now that you know them, you can better prepare for the questions you may be asked the next time you apply for credit.

And remember, after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage GiftSM award from Wells Fargo - $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home – for use at participating retailers, and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.¹ Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.

Talk to a
Union Plus Mortgage Specialist
at 866-802-7307
or request a personal consultation 
 

Source: wellsfargo.com 

Keeping sufficient records and updated copies of important paperwork is vital to your financial well-being. In the event of an emergency, having important papers organized is just as important as having an emergency savings fund.

The first thing you must do is gather original copies of your important documents. If it isn't possible to obtain an original copy of a document, get a certified copy. Once you have the necessary documents, be sure to keep them in a safe, yet easily accessible place - either a secure paper filing system or a trustworthy online space. The following information can help you determine what to keep and what to toss.

Retirement planning documents – Documents pertaining to IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or TSA statements should be kept in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box. Keep the annual summaries until you retire or close the account.

Tax planning documents – According to the Internal Revenue Service you should keep your individual tax return documents for seven years. You may also want to save W-2s. Paycheck stubs can be shredded once they are checked against your W-2.

Financial documents – Checking and savings accounts, bank and credit card statements, and bank information are important paperwork to have, but should be kept in a secure location. Bills for big purchases, such as furniture, computers, etc. should be kept in an insurance file for proof of their value in the event of loss or damage. Any unneeded financial statements should be properly disposed to avoid identity fraud.

Asset protection documents - In the event of an emergency, you’ll want to make sure your tangible assets are protected as well as your most valuable asset—yourself. Make sure you have updated, accurate records of medical, home, and life insurance policies and statements. Documents pertaining to buying, selling, or improving your home should be kept as long as you own the home.

Estate planning documents – It’s important to have a copy of any wills and power of attorneys. These are documents that your attorney should also have on file.

Shuffling through a pile of paperwork is a daunting task. But it is well worth it to make sure documents are properly filed and stored. Getting your financial house in order now will ensure peace of mind down the road.

Union Plus Credit Counseling

Union members can get a no-obligation money and credit assessment from certified, experienced consumer credit counselors though Union Plus Credit Counseling. Powered by the non-profit Money Management International (MMI), your free session will cover a complete financial review, assistance in budgeting, advice for working with creditors, and more.

LEARN MORE

Here are some tips and tricks for ensuring your MLS listing catches some attention.

1. Hire or DIY: This is the first decision you need to make. Whether you’re FSBO or have a realtor – think about investing in having a professional take pictures of your home. They will have a good eye for lighting, camera angles to make your home larger and also special lenses to enhance the look of rooms. If you enjoy photography and have a good camera – there’s no reason to shy away from the job, but just be sure to follow the below steps to ensure you’re thinking about everything before you begin.

2. De-clutter and De-personalize: This is something you’ll hear from a realtor when getting your home “show ready” – the less clutter and personal items, the better. Invest in totes or an actual storage service if you’re not ready to get rid of things.

3. Light: When you take pictures, make sure it’s during the brightest point of the day (in your home). Depending on where your windows are located and the position of your home – it could be in the morning or afternoon. Open all blinds and shades to let ample light in and notice how much more inviting your home will look in your pictures.

4. Set the Scene: Think about buying fresh flowers for your dining room table, side tables, bathrooms or guest room. Set your dining room table with a beautiful tablecloth and place settings. Buy potted flowers for your porch and back yard. Buy a cozy throw to add color to your couch or bedroom. Remember you can always re-use things like plants and flowers in multiple rooms to add a pop of color to your pictures. Get inspired by thumbing through recent Pottery Barn magazines to see how they’ve staged their rooms – even the smallest details can make a big difference.

5. Highlight Your Best Features: If you have a beautiful kitchen or large backyard – be sure to highlight these areas with multiple pictures. You can never have too many good pictures for prospective buyers to view.

With these tips, you shouldn’t have any issues capturing some attractive pictures of your home. And as always, if you’re ready to talk to one of SIRVA pre-approved real estate agents, call 800-284-9756. With the Union Plus Real Estate Rewards, union members earn $500 cash back on every $100,000 in home value when you use a real estate agent approved by SIRVA.

Many criminals who break into houses don’t actually break in — they enter through unlocked doors and windows. Don’t give thieves easy access to your home. Here’s what you can do:

1. Invest in a quality door. A door with a glass pane may present a security problem.
2. Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and the door connecting the garage to your house. inside the garage. (Deadbolts should be single-cylinder locks, at least 1 inch thick and extend at least 1 inch into the door frame when locked.)
3. Secure windows and sliding glass doors with locks.
4. Consider installing a home security system.
5. Light the outside of your house. Consider installing motion-sensitive lights.
6. Do not open doors to strangers. Always ask for identification.
7. Install wide-angle peepholes in all solid doors. Don’t rely on chain locks to see who is at the door. Chains can easily be broken once a door is ajar.
8. Keep your garage door locked and basement windows secure.
9. Lock outbuildings (e.g., storage sheds) with deadbolts.
10. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Overgrown vegetation gives a burglar more privacy.
11. Don’t give keys to anyone you don’t know  well. Give parking lot attendants and mechanics your ignition key only, not your entire key ring.
12. If people you don’t know (e.g., previous tenants or owners) could have keys to your house, change the locks.
13. Always lock your doors, even if you’re gone only for a short while.
14. Avoid hiding a key outside your home. Instead, leave a duplicate set with a friend or trusted neighbor.

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