Traditionally, spring is considered the perfect time to clean your home. The winter has kept us inside for numerous months and that can translate into unnecessary clutter. You can watch every Marie Kondo episode on Netflix to get in the cleaning mood, but when it comes to upgrading and improving your house, it takes more than finding what sparks joy to make progress. Below, find out just what home improvement projects might be right for you and how to make them happen.
1. Repair or replace roofing and siding
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can all wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. While a little wear and tear is fine to live with, it can lead to bigger issues like leaks and reducing your insulation’s effectiveness. What’s more, Jeremy Garza, President and CEO at Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union says home upkeep is a big influencer of its appraisal value. “When someone is trying to refinance their home or sell it in the near future, what the appraiser looks at is the market value of the house and its condition. That’s a bigger ding than add-ons. If the condition is poor, that affects value.” Doing work on your home’s exterior can be ideal in the spring because temperatures are milder compared to the winter and summer.
However, if you’re unsure about whether you’ll be able to afford a new roof or siding, Garza recommends looking into an unsecured note. This loan is smaller in value than home equity loans, but they’re solely based on your income and credit score, so they’re quicker to process. And, once approved, the funds are deposited in your account immediately.
2. Add a deck or install a pool
Bigger home improvement projects like building a deck, landscaping your property, or even installing a pool can all increase the value of your home. However, affording these “add-ons” can be tricky which is why you want to plan ahead. Garza says if you’re looking into a home equity loan, where you can borrow up to 80 percent of your property’s value and pay the loan off over as much as 10-15 years bring in two years of tax statements, proof of income, and your current financing information. Having all these documents ready will make the application process smoother and may even mean you can get working on beautifying your home sooner.
3. Inspect your air-conditioner
Not only can an efficiently functioning air-conditioner make your life a lot more comfortable come summer, but getting this task out of the way before the heat hits is key. You’ll avoid sweating it out while you wait for servicemen and women to add you to their long list of addresses to visit. Also, an inspection can turn into a much bigger project than you imagined — from needing to clean or even replace ductwork to installing an entirely new unit. If you find you suddenly need to apply for a line of credit, Garza says homeowners can get access to lower rates if they place things like a paid off vehicle or boat up as collateral.
Whether you’re looking to keep your home in top shape good for years to come or want to upgrade it for a future sale, the professionals at GCFCU can help you. They have been in the Coastal Bend community for over 80 years. From unsecured or secured loans to real estate loans, they’ll do everything they can to make sure you’re set up for financial success. If you’re interested in learning more about their products, visit them online at CCGCFCU.com to find your nearest branch.
2633 Rodd Field Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78414
P.O. Box 8849
Corpus Christi, TX 78468
Corpus Branch
4677 S. Staples St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Portland Branch
1696 U.S. Hwy 181
Portland, TX 78374
Alice Branch
1909 E Main St.
Alice, TX 78332
Lobby Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Drive-Thru Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.