Here’s How to Fix Up Your House (So No One Tells People It’s a “Dump”)
Yesterday, the website GOLF reported President Donald Trump told golf buddies he was frequently away from his new home in Washington, D.C. because, “That White House is a real dump.”
The White House has denied the quote, so we don’t know whether it’s true. If it is true, we also don’t know whether the comment was meant as a joke or an earnest disparagement of the home of our nation’s First Family.
Regardless of the facts, the story has unsurprisingly filled headlines and sparked plenty of rage-filled jokes on Twitter.
All this talk got us thinking… Regardless of your standards, no one wants to live in any home they’d consider “a dump,” right?
What to Do if Your House Is a Dump and You Can’t Afford to Fix It
When you buy a fixer-upper, you tell yourself you’ll get around to, well, fixing it up.
Eventually.
But then… work, kids, pets, friends, family, church and that vacation your therapist convinced you to take all fill your time. And you look around after a couple years to realize you’re still living in a dump.
Some new paint, carpets, trim, cabinets and countertops would really brighten your day (and home). But they’re not free — so where are you going to find that money?
First, consider how much simple home renovations could boost the value of your house. Even the color you paint your walls can make a difference in your home’s resale price.
So, sprucing the place up is an investment in more than just your day-to-day comfort.
Here are seven simple home renovations you can probably afford.
And if you don’t want to pay for a contractor — labor costs can really add up — here are some places you can learn DIY home improvement skills for free.
How a Personal Loan Could Help You Spruce Up Your Dump
If you want to take it a step further than a coat of paint, a personal loan could help cover the cost of home renovations. You’ll be able to improve the atmosphere and value of your home now, but get a few years to pay for it.
If you’re thinking “home” and “loan” in the same sentence sounds scary, don’t fret. Taking out a personal loan is less complicated than a mortgage — and the amount you’ll need is probably way less.
You can potentially get a personal loan for as little as $500 — and you can do it online.
Credible is an online marketplace that offers consumers personalized prequalified rates for loans. Think of it like Zillow — but for personal loans.
Interest rates start at 4.60% fixed APR (with autopay) See Terms,* and you can check yours by entering a loan amount here ($500 to $40,000) and comparing your personalized prequalified rates for loans in under 90 seconds.*
Give Your Dump a Bump
Whether you live in a cabin in the woods or a stately mansion in D.C., everyone should love the four walls surrounding them. Give these home improvement tricks a try, and you may just consider a few more staycations next year.
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a senior writer/newsletter editor at The Penny Hoarder. She’s written for Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Writer’s Digest and more, attempting humor wherever it’s allowed (and sometimes where it’s not).
*Read rates and terms at Credible.com
Prequalified rates are based on the information you provide and a soft credit inquiry. Receiving prequalified rates does not guarantee that the Lender will extend you an offer of credit. You are not yet approved for a loan or a specific rate. All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are determined by Lenders, in their sole discretion. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates from Lenders may differ from prequalified rates due to factors which may include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in your personal credit circumstances; (ii) additional information in your hard credit pull and/or additional information you provide (or are unable to provide) to the Lender during the underwriting process; and/or (iii) changes in APRs (e.g., an increase in the rate index between the time of prequalification and the time of application or loan closing. (Or, if the loan option is a variable rate loan, then the interest rate index used to set the APR is subject to increases or decreases at any time). Lenders reserve the right to change or withdraw the prequalified rates at any time.
