Gulf Life Now

Love bugs are flying insect found in the deep South.  They swarm twice a year from the end of April through May and from the end of August through early October.  They don't bite but can cause some damage to your car. Love Bugs are a nuisance but not one that requires pesticides or removal methods. Want to learn more about Love Bugs listen to this podcast. Want to learn more about Gulf Live l...

Mortgage interest rates in the 6% range are normal!  During the past five decades mortgage interest rates have gone from a low of about 3% to a high of about 17%.  The typical range is between 6-8%. Depending upon your generation, you may think rates are very high, high, normal or low.  Don't let your past experience dictate if you will or will not buy a house now. Listen to this podcast to l...

How is it possible that as your credit score increases you will pay more in interest?  That's because someone else who did not care enough to keep a good credit score needs your help.  Your government just decided without legislation that they want to put more lower-income people into houses, somewhat can not afford them. You will be subsidizing these other people by paying more for being a b...

Why pay rent at a rate that is higher than the cost of a mortgage payment?  It makes no sense when you are 20 years from retirement and trying to save money.  Not only can you save tens of thousands of dollars by owning your own home but the equity is part of your retirement nest egg. This episode exposes some of the differences between renting and buying.  Facts prove the point that after 20 year...

I am taking a break from bugs and critters and back to something more serious.  Gen-Xers who have twenty years to retirement.  It's not too late to plan.    This podcast discusses some aspects of retirement planning for Gen-X ers, it's good advice for anyone. Please visit our website at GulfCoastalRealtors.com to learn more about this and other topics.  Our blog articles are often in-dep...

Most of us see how fast weeds can invade your property as Spring and Summer arrive.   Many products on the market are ineffective at removing tough weeds, particularly those that grow around your property line.    There are effective products on the market that will do the job without damaging the environment or your plants. Listen as we discuss how to use one of these effective products around pl...

If you have seen one of these grasshoppers, you will know what we are talking about.  Some say they are so big that a few of them can carry away your kids.  They are big, and ugly and serve no purpose except to eat your plants. These grasshoppers have no natural enemy.  They can kill birds that eat them including small animals as well.  As adults, they are almost unkillable.  You will have to pour...

This is spring and the entire wasp family is looking for their summer home.  It could be under your porch.   Before you think that these critters are bad, listen.  Yes, prevent them from building a nest but do not kill them if you can help it. Wasps are extremely beneficial for food production and flower pollination.   They help us control bad insects by eating them.  Listen and learn how we can l...

Are you aware that leaking water heaters are a leading cause of flooding in a home?  True.  Water heaters have a life and that life can be very long if it is maintained properly.  When is the last time you even looked at your home water heater? We are going to discuss what some call a "hack" to practically double the life of your water heater for an extremely small investment.  Maintaini...

Don't wait until you have an emergency before you make a list of people who can fix things.  Perhaps you can locate a good handyman who does everything.  Great, be sure that everyone in your household knows who to call for such things as plumbing leaks. Logan-Anderson works with several people who between them can fix or build anything.  We will be pleased to share our contacts with you. Alwa...

Your homeowner's insurance rates for 2023 will be adjusted to reflect inflation which according to at least one insurance company is 10%, not the advertised 6-8%.  Plan ahead for this rate increase. There are some things you can do to help mitigate a future increase, we discuss this and other facts about homeowners insurance.  Please listen to our podcast on this topic for Millennials which w...

The first installment titled Termites, Roaches, Ants, and things you don't want in your home was so popular that I decided to provide more information about Termites and a product that breaks the egg and growth cycle for good. I have had more experiences with termites since the last episode and have developed a plan with my contractors to deal with the critters when we find they are in reside...

The roof of your house is a potential liability.  Roofs can leak and cause severe damage to the interior of your house including causing mold.  Insurance companies use the roof as a gauge of the price they charge for wind and hail policies.  If it's over ten years old, it will cost you more.  If it's over 15 years old they may not renew your policy.   We discuss how to protect your house...

Are you considering a move out of your crowded, crime-ridden, expensive state to another place where the quality of life is better and less expensive? Don't follow the herd to Texas or Florida without listening to this podcast or reading our blog article at Logan-Anderson Gulf Coastal Realtors   Too many have moved to these same places and now they look like the place they moved from.  Overcr...

If you love trees, you will agree that the Southern Live Oak is a magnificent tree.  These evergreen trees can grow as much as 150' wide and 60' tall.  One of their important aspects is that they can live for many hundreds of years.  The trees provide food and shelter for animals and humans. Indigenous peoples have eaten acorns from these Southern live oak trees for hundreds of years.  T...

Almost everyone has seen roaches, ants, and at least termite damage.  This podcast discusses how to prevent infestations and what to do when you have them.  Wood destroying insects and live destroying insects like roaches love to live with us. It's time you deal with these pests.  If you have them there are ways to eradicate them and if you don't there are methods to prevent them from vi...

Why does your AC/heating system always break down on a hot Saturday evening?  Or, the temperature is in the 30s and the heater stopped working on a holiday.  Murphys Law, what can go wrong will go wrong at the wrong time. AC systems need preventative maintenance just like your car.  They must be cleaned internally regularly as your car needs an oil change.  If the system gets clogged up, the air w...

You are a Millennial in the process of buying a house. It's time to obtain a homeowners insurance policy. Where do you start? What's the actual cash value? And how much do I need for medical bills? The homeowner's insurance puzzle for Millennials made simple 2022. If you are confused, join the club. Buying a homeowners policy is like listing to metal grating on metal.  When you rece...

You thought that only Boomers can afford to buy a home. Did you ever think you could ever afford to buy a house near the beach? Read further, I will tell you how one Millennial couple did just that. The fact is that Millennials are buying homes near the beach: Buy yours now! It occurred to me that there is so much bad information circulating about how Millennials don’t want to buy houses. Millenni...

Please listen to episode one, Private Mortgage Insurance PMI, get rid of it now. before you listed to this episode.  Episode two continues my own saga trying to get rid of PMI.  It's been a long struggle, months in the making.  This is good information for those of you who think this will be an easy task. Please visit our website LoganAndersonllc.com and read our blog articles about all thing...

Our brief discussion on how easy it is to get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan will help those who are considering applying for a pre-approval.  There are some things you can do to get ready.  Listen and we will explain the process. Visit our website at GulfCoastalRealtors.com Gulf Life Now is a presentation of Logan-Anderson, Gulf Coastal Realtors.  Contact us if you are interested in purchasing...

Home buyers will pay a higher price if the house is in good condition, and it is clean and tidy. If you want to earn the listing price for your house it must look attractive inside and out. The value of your home is in part based on its condition. We have listed 75 easy things to sell your house for more money.  There is no need to spend lots of money to prepare your house for sale. Almost all of...

Yes, you can afford to retire by the beach on Social Security in 2022. You can even afford to buy a house. The low cost of living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the reason why you can afford to live on Social Security alone. Your social security income can pay the median rent, and cover living expenses so you can live a comfortable life. Mild winters and warm summers along with healthcare servic...

Your best free Debt-to-Income Calculator will show you if you may qualify to buy a new home.  Qualify for that loan on the first try with your best free Debt-to-Income Calculator.  Follow our easy suggestions below for the best results.   See the results develop as you enter the data.  A PDF is produced which you can save for future use. Save as many versions as you need based on potential changes...

Your monthly cost to buy a house can be lower than the cost to rent. With sufficient Social Security income and good credit, you may qualify to buy a house. Yes, you can buy a house on fixed income Social Security alone in 2022, and here is how. Start with good credit. You will need a minimum credit score in the high 600's but the better credit gets better interest rates are given to scores o...