Children's Rooms Through the Years

Here are some tips on changing room decorations over the years.

Nursery

• The key to longevity is keeping the essentials basic (e.g., beds, dressers, side tables) and decorating with temporary things. For example: White or mint-colored walls provide a basic pastel backdrop; you can then swap out knickknacks, wall photos and mobiles as your child grows up.
• You can choose a theme or add a few prints and patterns in places, such as with the bed linens.
• Keep colors gender neutral so your children can vary how masculine and feminine they want to decorate as they grow up, or easily swap rooms with a sibling.
• Monochrome themes are sleek, but make it interesting with varied textures, wood accents and fun wallpapers.
• Storage boxes are a must for storing baby care supplies and, later, toys. Consider buying a vintage or secondhand dresser for decorative storage.

Child's room

• Involve your child: Bring in his or her favorite colors, hobbies and inspirations! Think of how to incorporate travels, comics, celebrity role models and your kid's dreams.
• Swap out baby accessories for items for older kids.
• Keep things simple; kids love to change their minds, so let their decorations bring the color and texture to the room.
• Removable wall stickers let your kid change the walls easily and inexpensively.
• A bedside light will let a child read before going to sleep and help him or her find the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Drape some string lights across the room for a cozy look.
• When there are multiple kids to a room, keep the walls and furniture simple to reduce visual clutter; bring out each person's distinct personality but aim for complementary designs.
• Storage is a must: Keep it at the edge of the room and leave space in the center for play. To encourage kids' tidiness, ensure storage is nearby and at their height.
• Here are some fun features most kids love: a blackboard wall, a loft bedroom (if possible) or glow-in-the-dark painted stars on the ceiling.
• Let your kids help out in the decorating; afterwards, they'll love their rooms!

Teen's room

• A desk is a necessity for studying, as well as a place to spend free time online.
• Storage is still essential, so make sure it's something he or she wants to use.
• Give your teen display space for pictures, postcards and collections — peel-and-stick cork is inexpensive and easy to use.

Personal space is important, so let your teen decorate after you install the basic furniture.

Why You Shouldn’t “For Sale By Owner”

Rising home prices coupled with the current inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their homes on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might be hard to execute well for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO:

1. Online Strategy for Prospective Purchasers
Studies have shown that 93% of buyers search online for a home. That’s a pretty staggering number! Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?
2. Results Come from the Internet
According to NAR, here’s where buyers found the homes they actually purchased:

• 55% on the Internet
• 28% from a Real Estate Agent
• 10% Other
• 6% from a Yard Sign
• 1% from Newspapers

The days of selling your house by putting up a sign in your yard or placing an ad in the paper are long gone. Having a strong Internet strategy is crucial.
3. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With
Here’s a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to FSBO:

• The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
• The buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
• The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
• The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
• The appraiser, if there is a question of value

4. FSBOing Has Become Increasingly Difficult
The paperwork involved in buying or selling a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.
5. You Net More Money When Using an Agent
Many homeowners believe they’ll save the real estate commission by selling on their own, but the seller and buyer can’t both save the commission.
A report by Zillow revealed that FSBOs are inclined to do so because they believe it will save money (46 percent cite this among their top three reasons), but they don’t actually save anything, and eventually end up listing with an agent.
The same report revealed that,

“While 36% of sellers that (at first) attempted to sell their homes on their own, only 11 percent of sellers—in other words, less than a third…actually sold without an agent.”

It appears working with a real estate professional is the best answer.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, reach out to a local real estate professional to discuss your needs.

What's Keeping Buyers Out of the Market

60% of buyers paid for their down payment by saving according to the 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, recently released in San Francisco at the National Association of REALTORS Convention.  The most difficult step in the process was saving for a down payment cited by 13% of respondents.

51% of those surveyed mentioned student loans as the main deterrent to saving.  Credit card debt was mentioned by 45% which is up from 37% in 2018.  Car loans were stated by 38% which is up three percentage points from the previous year.

Childcare was cited by 16% of the people which was one percentage point less than 2018.
The median years of debt delayed home buyers from saving for their down payment or buying a home was stated as four years.  That is up from three years mentioned by buyers in 2018.

Anticipating the Cost of a Home

The largest expenditure a buyer has when purchasing a home is the down payment which can range from zero for veterans or 3.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%.  With mortgages come closing costs which can be another 2-4% and must be paid at settlement in cash.

Most mortgages require an escrow account to pay the property taxes and insurance when they are due.  Generally, the lender will require one to three months of taxes and one month of insurance so they can be paid before the actual due date.

First-time buyers should be aware that they'll need this amount of funds available to purchase a home.  Unlike tenants who are not responsible for repairs, homeowners are, and it is necessary to be able to pay for them when they're needed.

Newer homes will need less repairs and older homes probably, more.  At some point, components like the furnace, air-conditioner and appliances will need to be replaced which could crush a homeowner's budget if they are not expecting them.

Homeowners should expect between one and four percent of the value of the home in annual repairs.  The age and condition of the home and whether some of the items have been replaced will help assess the anticipated expenditures.  

Components	Estimated Life
Dishwasher	9-10 years
Refrigerator	13 years
Furnace	15-25 years
Air-conditioner	8-15 years
Stove top	13-15 years
Oven	15 years
Compactors	6 years
Water heater	8-12 years
Faucets	15-20 years

A $175,000 home with 2% estimated repair expenditures would be $3,500 a year or about $300 per month.  Some years, it may not run that much and other years, it might be more.  By anticipating the maintenance expenses, a homeowner is more likely to handle things when they arise.

Another way to handle the risk of unexpected repair expenses would be to purchase a home warranty.  For $500 -700 a year, repairs and sometimes, replacements will be handled by the protection plan.

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.

No matter the size or shape of a living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why

1. Owning your home offers stability to start and raise a family

From the best neighborhoods to the top school districts, even those without children at the time of purchase may have this in the back of their minds as a major reason for choosing the location of the home they purchase.

2. There’s no place like home

Owning your own home offers not only safety and security, but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to feel re-charged and truly content.

3. You have more space for you and your family

Whether your family is expanding, an older family member is moving in, or you need to have a large backyard for your pets, you can take all this into consideration when buying your dream home, so the space truly works for you.

4. You have control over renovations, updates, and style

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to finally adopt that fur-baby puppy or kitten you’ve been hoping for. Who’s to say you can’t do all of these things in your own home?

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a happy home.

January Won't Be Cold for House Hunters

January just may be the new April for home shopping, according to a new analysis released Wednesday by realtor.com®. If 2019 is any indication, economists expect next month to be a lively one for a surge of home buyers who likely will be searching for properties online.

One of five of the largest metros saw their highest number of listing views online in January 2019, realtor.com®’s report notes. Realtor.com®’s analysis is based on average monthly views per listing on its site from 2015 to 2019.

Times have changed over that period: In 2015, the peak month for average views per listing on realtor.com® was in April, and January was behind by 16% in views. However, in 2019, the month of January was just 1% lower than February for the most monthly views per listing at realtor.com®. Further, January was the most popular month for views in 20 of the 100 largest metros, the analysis notes.

Seattle saw the greatest increase in home shopping in January 2019. It had views per property that were 32% higher than its next highest month. The other markets in the top five that saw the most buyer activity online in January 2019 were McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas; San Francisco; Atlanta; and San Jose, Calif.

"As shoppers modify their strategies for navigating a housing market that has become more competitive due to rising prices and low inventory, the search for a home is beginning earlier and earlier," says George Ratiu, realtor.com®’s senior economist. "With housing inventory across the U.S. expected to reach record lows in 2020, we expect to see this trend continue into the new year."

Affordability a Top Concern as Economists Deliver 2020 Outlook

Still, economists note that just because January could prove to be a popular month for house hunters, don’t discredit the spring months. “Realtor.com® data shows that views per listing used to ramp up into spring, but now competition starts high in January and stays high,” the real estate listing site notes.

Bargain Buying 101: Things to Look for In a Deal

When you’re shopping for a new home, it’s not uncommon to face a little bit of sticker shock when it comes to price. This often leads to buyers trying to find a good balance between what they want and what they can afford. However, if you’re smart (and maybe a little lucky), you may be able to find some really great deals if you know what to look for.

One of the keys to finding a good deal is to look for properties that have qualities that might seem unappealing at first but that can be corrected fairly easily. Some of these things can drive prices down significantly but won’t require a major renovation to fix. If you’re hoping to find a bargain, here are a few things to look out for.

Ugly Paint

Even though there’s a lot of damage that can make your paint look ugly, sometimes the paint is just ugly because someone chose to bring together colors that should never coexist. It could be awful colors, it could be cheap paint that’s faded over time or it could even be an amateur paint job that never got touched up. Regardless of the reason for the ugly paint job, it can drive the price of the property down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. It doesn’t even have to be the entire house; one ugly room can give you an opportunity to find a good deal on an otherwise nice property.

Landscaping Issues

A property’s yard is one of the first things that potential buyers see. If it’s obviously been neglected or has bald patches and overgrown flower beds, this can make a negative first impression because it suggests that the house itself might not have been taken care of either. That isn’t always the case, though. Even if the house is in good condition, a yard that needs some TLC can usually shave some money off the asking price and help you to net a great deal.

Fixtures and Accents

There are a lot of cosmetic elements in houses that can start looking rough over time. Handles and knobs can come loose or become tarnished, shutters can get loose, bathroom tiles can become cracked… the list goes on. While updating these issues won’t break the bank, many sellers will drop their asking price quite a bit due to how these little things make the house look.

Bathroom Concerns

A lot of buyers shy away from houses that have obvious bathroom problems, causing those sellers to bring the price down significantly in many cases. Depending on the extent of the issues in the bathroom, though, there could be a real opportunity here. If the problem with the bathroom is mostly cosmetic, then you may be able to fix it on the relatively cheap side and save a lot of money in the process. Just be sure to keep an eye out for signs of water damage or mold, since that could indicate problems that would be much more expensive to fix.

Previous Foreclosure

One other strategy for finding a deal is to look for bank-owned properties that were previous foreclosures. These properties are often sold at a discount because the bank isn’t necessarily trying to sell the house at market value, it’s simply trying to recoup the money it lost when it had to foreclose. The amount you can save will depend on both the bank and the amount of equity that was in the home when it was foreclosed, but you may luck into a great deal on a nice house this way. Just be aware that while there are legitimate programs that can help you find a foreclosed property, there are also some scammy ones out there as well.

Call in the Experts

Having your Realtor help you with your search is another way to find hidden gems and get a bargain on your next home. They can find you properties that need some of these little fixes and give you an idea of what sort of updates the property could need.

5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner

Studies have shown that, in many cases, the largest asset a family owns is the house they live in. Over the last twelve months, that asset has gained substantial value.
CoreLogic just released their 2019 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights Report. The report revealed that:

“U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $457 billion since the third quarter 2018, an increase of 5.1%, year over year.”

The equity in a property is determined by comparing the current value of the property against the outstanding mortgage debt. As prices rise, the equity in a home increases.

The report went on to explain that the average homeowner gain in equity over the last twelve months was $5,300.

Here’s a map showing the average equity gain by state:Since the housing crash in 2008, many homeowners have felt trapped in their current houses, as they didn’t have enough equity to sell. The gains in equity over the past few years may have freed some homeowners who have a desire to move.

Bottom Line

If you’re curious about your home’s equity, contact a local real estate professional for a market analysis of the current value of your house. You may be pleasantly surprised.

What Causes Ice Build-Up on Homes?

When the weather is cooler than cool, it can turn ice cold. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of ice on and around your home. There are few things that can make you lose your chill faster in the winter than ice-related falls or damage to your home. Excessive ice build-up can create a number of potentially dangerous situations during the winter, so knowing what causes it (and more importantly, how to prevent it) is an important part of staying safe as temperatures drop.

Ice Build-Up

There are a few different ways that ice can build up during the winter. The most basic ice buildup is just a thin layer of ice that covers large portions of the house, sometimes accompanied with snow or other precipitation. This usually isn’t that big of a deal. Of greater concern are large icicles, sheets of ice and snow that build up on the roof, frozen gutters and built up ice at the edge of the roof known as an ice dam. These can be dangerous in several ways, both to you and to your house.

Frozen Gutters

When ice freezes in your gutters, it places extra strain on the screws or clips holding the gutters in place. Overflow can result in icicles hanging from the gutters, and if the buildup gets too heavy it can actually pull the gutters away from your roof. This is particularly dangerous because that heavy ice can then fall to the ground… bringing part of your gutter with it.

Ice Dams

If a portion of your roof becomes warm enough to melt some of the snow and ice on top of it, an ice dam can form. That melted snow or ice will trickle down the roof as water, reaching the eaves or gutter and encountering much colder materials where it will freeze again. This process continues until there is a buildup of ice at the very edge of the roof, with liquid water attempting to flow underneath it. The ice can overflow onto your gutters, while the water forces its way under shingles and possibly through other materials until it freezes and expands. The longer the ice dam continues this process, the thicker it becomes and the more damage it can do.

Other Forms of Ice

Ice sheets and icicles also present dangers during the winter. Icicles form when liquid water gradually drips at the same spot over time, freezing more and more until it grows large enough to potentially break free and fall to the ground. Ice sheets form similarly to ice dams, but instead of melting entirely the heat of the roof only melts a small portion of the ice sitting on it. The remaining ice is able to shift under its own weight due to the thin layer of water underneath it, and in some cases may slide down the roof and fall to the ground.

Removing Ice Build-Up

Care should be taken when trying to remove any form of ice build-up. Don’t use any sharp implement as it can damage your roof, gutters or walls. Instead, tap away at the ice with a blunt mallet or pole. Work in small sections, making sure that there is someone with you to brace your ladder in case the ice shifts. Apply a calcium chloride ice melter to the ice beforehand, if possible, to melt as much of it as you can (but don’t use rock salt or other chemicals that can damage your home.) Take every precaution you can before you start trying to remove the ice, because even when you’re prepared, it can be dangerous.

Preventing Build-Up

To prevent ice build-up, work on improving ventilation in your attic to ensure even heating and consult an energy efficiency expert to see if there are other steps you can take. Use a snow rake to remove snow and ice buildup from the roof before it can become a problem, and clean your gutters thoroughly before winter weather sets in. If you have a continuing problem with build-up, you might also consider replacing some or all of your existing roof with a standing-seam metal roof with a water-repellant membrane underneath it.

Is It Risky to Buy a New Home Before Selling My Current One?

Which comes first, the chicken (buying a new home) or the egg (selling your current home)? There is no simple answer. Knowing and understanding your options can help you make the decision that’s right for you. There can be several advantages to buying a new home before selling your current one, so we've broken down a few things you should consider.

Timing Your Move

You can take your time with the buying and moving process. You’ll have more time to shop for a new home that has the features and location that you want. Then once you buy your new home you can move in at your own pace, and put your current home on the market when ready. 

On the other hand, if you sell your current home before buying, you face the possibility of not having a place to live. There are options. You could rent until you buy a new home, including the possibility of renting your current home from the new owners. Or, once you have an offer, you can begin shopping for your new home and try to coordinate closing dates. While not impossible, this would take a bit of finagling and a lot of luck.

Financing Your Move

If you still owe money on your current home, then you’ll have to be able to afford two mortgages until your current home sells. How quickly that happens depends on the housing market in your area. Having two house payments will limit your purchasing power for a new home.

Selling before you buy gives you the advantage of knowing the exact amount you can put toward your new home purchase. While this might give you more peace of mind and buying power, it might mean missing out on homes you want while waiting for yours to sell.

Ask the Professionals

Your real estate agent can estimate the value of your current home and how quickly the current market is moving. They can also help you find information about neighborhoods you are interested in moving to and how much buying power you’ll need for the home you want.

A mortgage lender can help you figure out if you can afford to have two mortgages. They can also inform you about how to use equity in your current home to help with the down payment on a new home.

Whether you decide to buy first or sell first, you can make the process easier by being prepared and able to take action when the right opportunity comes along.

Have more questions about buying a new home before selling your current one? Feel free to contact me for more information.

How to Extend The Life of Your Appliances

Few things can spoil a holiday gathering as quickly as a refrigerator or oven breaking down.

Now you’re faced with the major expense of a repair bill – or a new appliance. There’s also the hassle of finding a repair tech or waiting for the store to open because it closed early for the holiday.

And then if your holiday food has spoiled because the refrigerator failed you have to pay to replace what you just bought!

While there are no guarantees, often you can extend the life of your appliances with regular cleaning and maintenance.

The lifespan of your appliances

Major appliances are expected to last, on average, ten to fifteen years, although in some cases they can last even longer.

Often, experts recommend that you start saving for replacement appliances when your current ones reach about nine years of age.

Regular maintenance can favorably impact the lifespan of a major appliance. It can also lead to lower utility bills as your machine will run at maximum efficiency.

Refrigerators

To keep your refrigerator running efficiently clean the coils at least twice a year – more if your home tends to get dusty really quickly.

Fortunately, it should take only about fifteen minutes to do this, so mark your calendar to make sure you don’t forget. 

You’ll find your condenser coils either underneath or on the back of your refrigerator. It may be necessary to pull your appliance away from the wall to reach them.

There are specific tools for cleaning your refrigerator coils safely, however, a vacuum with a crevice attachment can retrieve a lot of the built-up dust, hair and other debris.

The refrigerant that flows through the coils on your appliance attracts heat, which is why cleaning your coils is so important. If the coils are unable to release heat, your refrigerator’s compressor will work harder. 

This will mean that in addition to higher utility bills you risk possibly shortening your refrigerator’s life.

Dishwasher

While a dishwasher isn’t a mandatory appliance, it is very helpful.

This is true especially during the holidays when there’s a lot more cooking going on in the kitchen – and you have more guests than usual.

You’ll keep your dishwasher in good shape and help it to reach the fullest extent possible of its life cycle, by routinely cleaning it. 

Remove the mineral deposits left behind by hard water and food scraps that can clog components and cause bad odors. Use simple cleaning solutions such as white vinegar and/or baking soda to clean and sanitize your dishwasher.

Note that you may need to remove the racks inside your dishwasher to scrub the walls if they’ve been neglected.

Inspect the door gasket to look for a leak or a break and replace it if necessary. The idea is to find and resolve any potential problems that could impact your dishwasher.

You don’t want to add the cost of a new floor on top of the repair or replacement costs of your dishwasher.

Also, check the filter for buildup which could cause drainage problems and/or odor issues. Look for this at the bottom of the dishwasher where water is drained from the unit. 

Washer and dryer

Overloading

Pay attention to how much laundry you put in your machines. Don’t overload them and you’ll avoid many of the issues that can arise.

Too much weight puts wear and tear on the various parts of your machines which can cause them to fail sooner than they otherwise would.

Also, packing in too many clothes can prevent them from being cleaned properly which can lead to a waste of time, energy and water.

Wear and tear

Close the lids on your appliances gently to avoid breaking the switch that signals the machine to start. 

Dryer vents

Cleaning your dryer vents will help to:

• ⬥ Avoid a fire
• ⬥ Improve your dryer’s efficiency
• ⬥ Potentially extend its life, and
• ⬥ Avoid paying higher utility bills

Over time, dryer sheets can put a clear film on the filter, clogging it and keeping air from being able to pass through it.

When you clean your dryer vent hose (see below) take the time to also use a soft-bristle brush with soapy water and gently scrub your lint filter to remove the film.

Vent hose

Once a year clean out the vent hose on your dryer with a vacuum or vent brush. Over time, a clogged vent hose becomes a fire hazard and could lead to the failure of the dryer’s thermal fuse. 

Which of course, means costly repair bills or replacement of your dryer.

While you’re cleaning the vent hose, check the outside dryer exhaust vent for build-up as well. Clean it with a vent brush or vacuum if necessary.

Oven

Smooth top ovens are beautiful, but they do require special care.

Gently place heavy pots and pans over the heating element and avoid dragging them from one area of the stovetop to the other.

For gas cooktops, ensure an even flame by keeping food cleaned out from the burner heads. When necessary, use a straight pin or needle to clean out any clogged ports to allow the flame to be evenly distributed across the burner. 

Use the self-cleaning feature (or manually clean) your oven as the manufacturer recommends. To avoid food spilling on the oven floor between cleanings lay heavy-duty aluminum foil across the oven racks.

VA Loan Limits Removed

Veterans are no longer restricted to a loan limit beginning January 1, 2020.  Previously, veterans were limited by the same restrictions set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency on conforming loans.  While these limits were national in nature, there were exceptions for high-cost counties and jumbo loan procedures.

The elimination of loan limits doesn't mean that veterans will have unlimited borrowing power.  Buyers must still qualify with enough income and credit requirements to meet the lender's requirements to qualify for the loan.

Lenders can set their own in-house maximum loan amounts which means it could vary from lender to lender.  Veterans who have an active VA loan or have defaulted on a previous VA loan are still limited by the previous loan limits.

The VA funding fee is increasing on January 1, 2020 to 2.3% of the loan amount for "first-use" borrowers from the previous fee of 2.15%.  Subsequent use borrowers will pay 3.6% of the loan amount instead of the current 3.3%.

Beginning in 2020, the funding fees will be the same for regular military, National Guard and reservists.  At the same time, Purple Heart recipients are exempt from paying the VA funding fee.
It is recommended that a veteran, as well as any buyer, be pre-approved before beginning the home buying process.  Veterans can find answers to specific questions they may have from a qualified and trusted loan professional.

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home.
The good news is, it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your needs.
According to the latest Home Price Insights from CoreLogic, prices have appreciated 3.5% year-over-year. At the same time, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports inventory has dropped 4.3% from one year ago.These two statistics are directly related to one another. As inventory has decreased and demand has increased, prices have been driven up.
This is great news if you own a home and are thinking about selling. The equity in your house has likely risen as prices have increased. Even better is the fact that there’s a large pool of buyers out there searching for the American dream, and your home may be high on their wish list.

Bottom Line

If you think you’ve outgrown your home, reach out to a real estate professional to discuss local market conditions and determine if now is the best time for you to sell.

Top Gifts for Homeowners This Holiday Season

Figuring out what to buy for friends and loved ones during the holidays isn’t always easy. While some people are easy to shop for, there are always a few people on your list who seem to already have everything they might want. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can get for around the home that they might never buy for themselves. Here are a few suggestions for things that they’ll not only appreciate, but actually USE.

Digital Assistants

Both Google Home and Amazon’s Echo smart speaker with Alexa are pretty common these days, and both platforms are adding new features frequently. Not only can you use one of these digital assistants to play music or find out the weather forecast, but you can also have them tell you jokes, cast video to smart TVs, look up recipes and even set timers or access your calendar. Companion apps for smartphones will even let your recipient take their assistant with them when they’re away from the house as well.

Smart Thermostats

Heating and cooling costs are a major expense. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of options out there for smart thermostats that adjust temperatures automatically to help keep costs low. These thermostats can not only make changes based on their programming, but some can even make adjustments on their own when they sense that no one is in the house. Connecting them to smartphone apps would even allow your recipient to control the temperature while away from home so that everything’s just perfect when they get back.

Home Automation Accessories

Digital assistants and smart thermostats aren’t the only home automation options out there. Smart lighting, smart locks, window sensors, leak sensors and even smart smoke detectors are all available to give your friends or loved-ones new ways to interact with their home. Best of all, most of these devices can be configured to work together to achieve effects like automatically turning on lights when the door is unlocked.

Alternative Appliances

The modern homeowner deserves so much more than an oven and a microwave can give them. Fortunately, there are a number of options out there that offer up new culinary options while also being extremely giftable. Instant Pot cookers, sous vide cookers and even air fryers offer new options for fixing meals that your gift recipient might never have considered. Many of them are programmable as well and can even be monitored or controlled remotely via dedicated apps.

High-Quality Streaming

More people are “cutting the cord” and moving away from traditional cable television than ever before. In addition to Netflix, consumers looking for quality digital content have options with Amazon, Hulu, Disney+, CBS All Access and more, and the forthcoming HBO Max streaming service will be here next year. This could be a great time to get your recipient ready for all of this content with a Roku or other streaming device capable of handling HD or 4K streams without buffering or losing picture quality in the process. Pair it with a sound bar or other sound solution to really take their entertainment experience up a notch.

Clearing the Air

There are a number of common pollutants that can foul the air we breathe. Help your recipient to breathe a sigh of relief by giving them an ionizing air filter or other air purifier to cut out a lot of these unwanted smells and irritants. This will help to keep the air breathable and odor free, and the units themselves are easy to clean so it won’t add a significant new chore to their routine.

How to Create a Home Office Without Spending a Fortune

Don’t get discouraged.

With a little planning and preparation, it is possible to create the perfect home office for you without going deep into debt to do it.
Here’s how:

Think about what you need…and don’t need before setting up your home office

What motivates you? What do you need to get your work done? If you already work outside of your home think about the tools you use to get your job done.
Do you need big, bold calendars on the wall? A whiteboard with lots of beautiful markers? Fancy artwork? What do you need to keep organized?
Do you need lots of natural light, or will a window just distract you from getting your work done?
If you’re already working from home what can you do or change to feel – and be – more productive?

Use what you already have and buy ONLY what you need

You’ve given some thought to what you need to feel productive. Now make a list of the specific items you’ll need. Look around the house for something that will work before making a list of things to buy.
While it may be tempting to drop a few thousand on a Herman Miller Airia, look around your house first for something you can use.
You can build your own desk fairly cheaply.
Use a board spread across a couple of small filing cabinets and there you have it – a desk!
A stain and/or polyurethane will polish it off. Or, you can leave the wood bare for a natural look. To really spice it up, add moulding to the edge and/or paint the filing cabinets. This will really set off the beauty of your new wood desk.

Other items you can make

Using decorative stencils, contact paper and even craft paint to design your own desktop accessories such as a matching filing system, “in” and “out” boxes, pencil cup, paper clip holder, etc.
Repurpose glass jars, coffee cans, and other household items to save on your office decor.
After spending an hour – or more, who am I kidding here – on Pinterest and you’ll come away with more ideas for decorating your home office than you can use!
Bottom line, the key to a home office that works – and that doesn’t break the bank – is to use whatever space and items you have that will help you do your work.

Freshen up the space

If you’re painting, consider doing it yourself. Remember that even if you’re not so hot at painting most of the walls will be covered by your furniture anyway.
Don’t let fear hold you back from creating a space that you love.
Think about the colors you want to use. Either match them to your existing pieces or paint the walls in a complementary color.
Bright, lively colors or a cool, calming color…only you know what color scheme will impact your productivity, so go with what works for you, not what you think a home office should look like.

Save money by making your own artwork

Print out inspirational sayings or artwork and place them in cheap dollar store frames. Or, use your printer to printout sayings on contact paper that you can stick to your walls.
Stencil borders where they’ll catch the eye such as around your desk. Or, wallpaper a feature wall to help set apart space if your office is within a larger room (e.g. a corner of your living room).

Measure before moving

Whether you’re creating a new home office or revamping the one you’ve already got, measure the available space first.
Then, measure the pieces you want to put in the room.
Next, on paper, draw a rough sketch of where you want the pieces to go before moving them. You don’t want to have the hassle of moving something into your new home office only to find out that it doesn’t suit your needs.

Look for bargains

Garage sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, and even antique stores are all great places to find good used furniture and accessories for your home office…at very affordable prices.
Recover or paint them to match or for an eclectic look use them as they are to design a one of a kind home office for very little money.
Remember…the perfect home office will depend on your personal needs, tastes and of course budget. Always keep in mind that you can make changes as you use your office so don’t feel as if you’re stuck with your choice. If something isn’t working for you – even though it seems to work for someone else, then ditch it.
Keep in mind the overall goal of having a workspace that suits your needs and your personality. You want it to inspire you and to be a place you look forward to visiting every day.

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable.
Porch.com, a major network helping homeowners with their renovation projects, recently conducted a survey which asked Americans:

“What do you believe is the safest investment over the next 10 years?”

U.S. housing came in at number one, beating out other investments such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings.
Here is a graph showing the top five investments Americans selected:The findings of the Porch.com survey also coincide with two previous surveys done earlier this year:

1. The Federal Reserve Bank’s 2019 Consumer Expectations Housing Survey reported that 65% of Americans believe homeownership is a good financial investment, and that the percentage has increased in each of the last four years.
2. The Gallup survey showed that Americans have picked real estate as the “best” investment for six straight years.

Bottom Line

Based on all three surveys done this year, we can see that Americans still believe in homeownership as a great investment, and that feeling continues to grow.

Everything You Need to Know About Insulation

Insulation is a simple concept. It keeps your home warm in the winter. Did you know it also keeps your home cool in the summer? And did you also know that what you have may not be doing a good enough job? We don't often reevaluate our insulation, so it might be a great time to take another look and make sure you have the solution you need.
Energy Efficiency
Did you know that the insulation of your home makes up about 40% of its energy efficiency? Gaps, holes and other areas where air escapes or comes into the home when not needed can all play a factor in how well your home is heated and cooled.
Mold Problems
Insulation, including fiberglass and cellulose, can produce mold. Fiberglass itself doesn't encourage mold growth, but it can get dirty, and that dirt can be a breeding ground for spores. How well your insulation is sealed to prevent water infiltration will go a long way to preventing mold.
Your Attic
Do you remember your mom telling you that you lose most of your heat through your head, and that's why you should wear a hat in the winter? While that's an old wives' tale, your house does suffer from a similar phenomenon. Homes without adequate insulation will lose a lot of heat through the attic, which can affect your overall home efficiency.
Types of Insulation
There are a number of materials that are used for insulation. They all have a variety of pros and cons that you'll need to weigh before making your choice. The most popular materials are:

• Fiberglass.
• Mineral wool.
• Cellulose.
• Polyurethane foam.
• Polystyrene. 

Before you decide which one works best for you, we encourage you to review the products and talk to experts.
Venting
Your insulation choice needs to be paired with the proper kind of venting to make it work. If there is too much moisture, you run the risk of mold. But if you have no ventilation at all, you've created a closed system that won't be able to properly vent hazards such as carbon dioxide. Pairing your insulation with proper ventilation will be essential.
The R-Value
Lastly, we should mention the most common rating system for insulation. You'll see that manufacturers refer to their products by the R-value. This is the capacity by which your insulation can resist heat flow. The higher the number, the more insulative your material is.
Keep in mind that the specific R-value number you need will vary based on your location. Minnesota has very different insulation requirements than Southern California does, for example.
Do you have more questions about insulation? Contact us today.

 

4 Tips for Refinishing Your Basement

You probably have an idea of your perfect basement fixed in your head, but there are many decisions that go into achieving the space you're envisioning. What are some commonly overlooked dos and don'ts that you should know before you begin to finish or refinish your basement?

1. Assess Structural Issues Before You Begin
If your basement has any structural damage, sagging joists or leaky walls, it is much easier to address these issues before you begin the renovation. It is best to take care of any potential problems now—you will thank yourself down the road.
2. Preplan the Order in Which You Will Build the Walls
It is significantly easier to build the walls on the floor and then put them in place than to build them upright, but this requires careful planning and a fairly large, open space.
Construct your outer walls first, and then work your way inward. If possible, you should build all the interior walls and place them somewhere out of the way before you start to put any of them up. This will ensure that you have space to work while you are constructing the final walls.
3. Complete Electrical and Plumbing Work Before Installing Walls
It is much easier to place your pipes if you do not have to cut through several studs in the process. Attach the pipes to your foam insulation—tape works, and it does not have to be permanently
attached—then place the wall in front of that. You will then be able to attach the pipes to the studs and nail the studs to the wall.
The one downside to this method is that there will be a gap between your wall and your foam insulation, slightly decreasing the available floor space once your renovation is completed. However, this method is much easier than the alternative, so you might want to consider whether you really need an extra few inches of floor space.
4. Consider the Room’s Airflow
If you are planning to divide your basement into separate rooms or areas, you will want to make sure that each portion has adequate airflow. Using long ducts with an inline fan can be a straightforward way to make sure that the heat from the furnace makes it all the way to the other end of the room. You can wire these fans to run all the time or to just turn on when your furnace turns on. They typically have their own control panel, so you will be able to easily access your inline fan when you need to.
Keeping these tips in mind can help make your basement remodeling as straightforward as possible. Call or email us today if you have additional questions.

5 Reasons to Sell This Winter

Below are five compelling reasons to list your house this winter.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase, and are in the market right now. More often than not, in many areas of the country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same home.
Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market.
Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.
Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple of years, for fear they would not find a home to move into. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until additional inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3. Buyers Are Serious at This Time of Year

Traditionally, homeowners think about spring as a great time to list their homes, when more buyer traffic may be out there actively searching. In the winter, however, the buyers who are seeking a home – whether for relocation or otherwise – are serious ones. They’re ready to make offers and they’re eager to move, often quickly. Your house may be exactly what they’re looking for, so listing when other potential sellers are holding off may be your best opportunity to shine.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If your next move will be into the premium or luxury market, now is the time to move up. There is currently ample inventory for sale at higher price ranges. This means if you’re planning on selling a starter or trade-up home and moving into your dream home, you’ll be able to do that now. Demand for your entry-level home is high, and inventory in the luxury or premium market is too.
According to CoreLogic, prices are projected to appreciate by 5.6% over the next year. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and in your mortgage) if you wait.

5. It’s Time to Move On With Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it’s worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Are you ready to go on with your life the way you think you should?
Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market this winter. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

7 Ways To Add Value To Your Rental PropertyBoomers Can Maximize Net Worth with Real Estate Assets

You have spent years paying off your mortgage. Maybe you can afford to buy a rental or vacation property. Or buy your trophy home and entertain family and friends. Or perhaps you need some home equity to pay for college tuition. Lots of home and real estate decisions to make.
A big part of your net worth is built into your primary home or multiple homes if you previously bought investment properties. The big question for you is “do you have visibility into what the net worth really is and what is the forecasted value of this key part of your retirement?”

Remembering Net Worth

Your net worth regarding your home has two financial components to it. First is the estimated value of the house. Real estate markets are always changing so it is a good idea to get an update over how the housing marketing is doing in your neighborhood and for your specific house. Another good metric to calculate is how much as your home appreciated from your original purchase price.
Next is knowing the combined loan balances on your primary mortgage and any other home equity loans or lines of credit you may have taken out. Subtract the estimated value of your home from these remaining loan balances and see what is the equity or net worth of your home.

Making Future Decisions

If you bought your house over 10 to 15 years ago, you probably have a decent amount of home equity built up. But another key factor is to try and forecast what your home value will be in 3 to 4 years and where your remaining loan balances will be. This data will essentially forecast your home equity a few years from now.
Once you have this, then you are better prepared to make various financial decisions depending on your situation. You might be considering how much equity you could take out of the house. This equity can be used for things like a college tuition or a big home improvement project you have been wanting.  Maybe you want the equity for a down payment on your first rental property that could generate retirement income for you. Or you really want that vacation house you have been dreaming of.
Being aware of these financial aspects of your home puts you in the best position possible when making financial decisions on how to maximize the value of your home and possibly other real estate assets.

Don’t Forget the Expenses

You still need to track your ongoing home expenses such as the mortgage, property tax, utilities and other services. One thing that catches many people off guard if the home is over 15 years old is the need to budget for annual fix it and repair costs.
You can minimize these costs by staying on top of preventative maintenance by having a system to remind you of these seasonal tasks. But ultimately things like hot water heaters, garage door springs, and seals on double pane windows eventually wear out. You should have a budget for replacement of these items.
If you have been planning on finally getting around to that big home improvement project, make sure you have a good budget to manage it. Project costs can get out of hand quickly depending on the product and brand choices you make. Remember to track the costs, receipts and warranties because this impacts the tax basis in the house for future tax purposes. And details of your remodel projects are helpful in the future when you want to sell the house.

Valuable Hidden Assets

The personal property in your house has probably grown over the years. You have acquired more furniture, electronics, tools, etc. for yourself and your kids. You may even have some valuable items such as art, antiques, and other collectibles. Make sure you have a home inventory to itemize these possessions to make sure you understand the overall value. And it is important to make sure these are properly insured as part of your insurance policy.
With a lot of your net worth linked to your home, it is wise to get handle on this as part of your overall personal finance situation. Be a smart homeowner by protecting and growing your net worth, minimizing expenses, and having all the financial data about your home (or homes) at your fingertips to guide you in making good real estate financial decisions.