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Simple Tricks That Will Turn Your House into a Home

 

Moving into a new house is exciting, but it’s not necessarily going to feel like home from the very beginning. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make your house start to feel warm and fuzzy. Here are a few tips for turning your house into a home you can’t wait to return to everyday.

Decorate with Your Favorite Colors

One of the best ways to make your home feel like yours is to put your favorite colors around, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Maybe you prefer neutrals and want to stick with a palette that makes you feel calm and relaxed. Maybe you love bold colorsand want to paint one whole wall a bright blue. Whatever color scheme you prefer, surround yourself with it.

Get Something Cooking

Nothing makes a house feel more homey than food cooking or baking. Prepare your favorite meal or put cookies in the oven to fill your home with delicious smells. Try to make something that’s comforting and that reminds you of the meals you used to eat in your previous home or when you were a child. Don’t have time to whip something up? Pick up a candle that smells like fresh baked cookies or another yummy treat.

Showcase Your Experiences

When you look around your new house, you may not spot anything that feels inherently “you.” This is a good time to start framing photos and displaying memories. Dig through childhood photos, pictures from your last vacation, portraits of your family, etc. Even ifyou just tack a few up on the fridge for now, they’ll be a good reminder of your life and everything you love. You can also create little areas with souvenirs and collectibles you’ve picked up during your travels. You can visit this part of your home to reminisce about everything you’ve done.

Start Creating New Rituals

Moving into a new house can upend your rituals and ways of doing things. Start putting new rituals in place right away. According to Good Housekeeping, this is one of the best ways to make your house feel more like home. Plan for Friday movie nights in your your home theater with the family, Sunday morning brunch on the porch, doing yoga together after everyone’s home from work and school, etc.

Decorate with Family Heirlooms

If your family heirlooms spend most of their time tucked away in a closet or basement, pull them out and find a place to display them. Looking at items that belonged to several generations of your family will be comforting and will make your home feel more personal. Plus, they’ll make great conversation pieces whenever you have guests over.

Make Sitting Areas Comfy

If you want to start feeling cozy in your new home, start adding cozy layers to it! According to Pop Sugar, adding a throw to a chair or couch that you love to relax on is the quickest way to make it more comforting and welcoming. It’s also a super simple way to decorate and you can swap out the throw to match the season.

Don’t Worry Too Much About the Mess

When you look around your home and see the remnants of a busy morning or weekend, you’ll be reminded of your family and your experiences. Do
n’t worry too much about keeping your home in tip-top shape every second of the day. The scratches, clutter and flaws are the proof that your house has become a home.

Your house has a specific goal: to provide you with shelter. Your home, on the other hand, is there to help you get through all of the wonderful and difficult parts of life. Turn your shelter into a supportive, welcoming and customized home by surrounding yourself with the items you love and that make you feel most yourself.

5 Tips to Buying a New Home

Purchasing a new home is usually a complicated and stressing experience. One wrong move can kill the deal in minutes. You have to play it safe to get what you want. Here are some key tips you need to consider.

 

Know What You Want

A real estate agent can only help if you know exactly what you want. Be specific about your requirements so that the agent can identify the right house for you. This may include the number of bedrooms, type of exterior, floor plan, security of the neighborhood, noise level and desired footage. You might also consider the distance of the house from the grocery stores, schools, restaurants, highways, hospitals and places of worship. Knowing exactly what you want will minimize surprises and enhance the quality of search. You will also save a lot of time spent in evaluating various homes you come across.

 

Get Your Loan Pre-approved

You can apply for a mortgage to finance your house in a cheaper and more convenient way. However, you need to make sure it is pre-approved before you proceed with the buying process. Make sure your credit score is within the acceptable limits to get pre-approved with the best interests possible. Avoid a new debt, as this will complicate the process and reduce the amount you qualify for. You should also consider paying down your consumer debt since most banks factor in your debt-income-ratio when approving your application. It is wise to get pre-approved for the mortgage before bidding on a house to avoid major disappointments associated with failed applications.

 

Choose a Good Real Estate Agent

Choose a real estate agent who can communicate and listen to your demands. A good real estate agent should also be in a position to adjust well to your needs and work within the set timeline. There are about two million active real estate agents out there, so you need to employ effective strategies when selecting the most suited person for the job. Choose a real estate agent by looking at his track record. Let him provide you with at least 20 past clients. Ask the clients about their overall experience with the agent and whether he worked up to their expectations. You can also do some research online or ask friends and family members who have had a previous experience with a real estate agent for recommendations. Above all, ensure the agent is fully certified and licensed by the relevant state agencies.

 

Consider Location

You surely don’t want a home that is located in a place with no good highways, grocery shops or schools. For instance, a place with poor roads will only damage your vehicle and increase the premiums in your auto insurance coverage. Convenient access to popular places, restaurants and shops will make your life easier and enjoyable. Be aware of things associated with a bad location. A home in a busy intersection or near a fire station will make the environment very uncomfortable. Same applies to homes located in open neighborhoods with no security provisions.

 

Save Enough Cash

There are a lot of things that come with buying a new home. You need to have enough money to sort them out quickly when they come up. Some of the related expenses you will have to deal with include earnest money deposits, home appraisal and home inspection. Running out of money when the deal is in the middle will force you to pull out. You don’t want to find yourself in this situation, especially if the house has all the things you always wanted. You should also expect your mortgage financier to ask for a down payment ranging from 3.5 to 5 percent.

About one million Americans buy new homes every year. You could be among them, but only if you employ effective strategies when purchasing your new home. The tips discussed above could help you make prudent choices when selecting the home you want for your entire life.

 

Existing Home Sales Jump in January

January proved to be a good month for home sales, with single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses and co-ops selling at the fastest pace in nearly a decade in January, according to information provided by the National Association of REALTORS.

According to the association’s most recent home-sales report, the number of total existing-home sales rose 3.3 percent in the United States in January when compared to December of last year. The number of homes sold in January comes out to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.69 million. That’s up from an annual rate of 5.51 million December of last year.

That figure is not only up from the previous month, it’s also a solid improvement from the previous year. The REALTORS association reported that existing-home sales in January were up 3.8 percent from the same month in 2016.

 

Rising even with higher interest rates

What’s most impressive about these numbers? They are coming even as mortgage interest rates continue to rise. According to the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the the average interest rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage stood at 4.10 percent for the week ending March 2. That’s up from an average of 3.64 percent from the same week a year earlier.

The trend is the same for 15-year, fixed-rate mortgages. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 15-year, fixed-rate loan for the week ending March 2 was 3.32 percent. That’s up from 2.94 percent a year earlier.

 

Consumer confidence on the rise

So, why did home sales boom in January even as borrowing mortgage dollars become more expensive? The key might be more confident consumers.

In a press release from the National Association of REALTORS, Lawrence Yun, the association’s chief economist, said that consumers across the United States are growing more confident as unemployment continues to fall.

Those who did sell homes in January had some additional good news: The odds are high that they sold their condominiums and single-family homes for higher prices. The association reported that the median existing-home price hit $228,900 in January. That is up a solid 7.1 percent from January of 2016, when the median price was $213,700. The increase in prices in January marked the 59th consecutive month in which the country saw year-over-year gains in median prices.

 

Dealing with tight inventory

The biggest challenge for buyers today? It might be finding a home to purchase. The REALTORS association reported that there were 1.69 million existing homes for sale at the end of January. That might sound like a lot, but it’s really not. That inventory level, in fact, is down 7.1 percent from a year earlier, when there were 1.82 million existing homes on the market. This trend doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon, either. The latest inventory data from the association shows that declining inventory levels are far from a new situation.

This low inventory might be why homes are staying on the market for fewer days. The REALTORS association says that in January existing homes sold in an average of 50 days. That was down from a much longer 64 days during the same month one year earlier.

If you’re looking to buy a single-family home or condominium today, you’ll be entering a busy market. You might not take the time in such a market to consider homeowners insurance. But don’t forget this critical step. Insuring a condo or single-family home is a key step when buying a new home. You want your investment — probably the biggest of your life — to be protected.

Don’t let the challenge of finding the right home and mortgage blind you to the search for the right insurance package. Do your research. And then take out the best residential insurance policy you can find for the best price. That’s one way to guarantee that the residence you do find will actually be a home sweet home.

Home Renovations That Help Increase the Value of Your Home

Renovations that Increase a Home’s Value

All home renovation projects are not created equal. Some add a significant percentage of the cost directly to the home’s value and some not so much. So before you take out that second mortgage and dump it all into remodeling projects, take a moment to read through our list of projects that add the most bang for your buck to the bottom line. Stay tuned to the end for advice on what traps to avoid.

The King of Improvements – The Front Door

According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, a new front door should be on the top of your renovation tips. The report claims adding the correct front door to your house returns a 96.6 percent increase as a portion of the purchase cost. Think classy and one that fits the style of the house. Don’t forget that a simple paint job might create the same payoff. A new door might not be sexy to think or talk about but it gets the job done.

More Space

Today’s buyer is looking for open space and good flow in a house they buy. ThisOldHouse.com quotes Kristin Wellins, Senior Manager of Program Development at ERA Real Estate: “Right now buyers want a wide open floor plan, the living room right off the kitchen. They are into big spaces.” Achieve this by taking out a non-structural wall or the kitchen island. Keep in mind that some people LOVE an island, though. One option is to have a movable version that can be relocated or even hidden away when not in use.

Front Yard

Sprucing up the front yard is about as exciting as painting the front door, but don’t underestimate the value of pruned shrubs, new pavers, colorful flowers, and a fresh mowing. You’ve probably heard the phrase “curb appeal.” The bottom line is that if you don’t have it, don’t expect buyers to give the house a second look. A well-tended yard builds confidence that the inside will be just as thoughtfully cared for.

Siding

Remodel research shows that new siding adds a full 92.8 percent of purchase price to the home’s value. Anything over 90 percent is an impressive return. A siding upgrade can turn a dingy, blah exterior into something that grabs the eye. Yes, it could be considered expensive and you may need some heavy construction equipment to help you with some of the heavy lifting but when you add almost the full cost to estimated value, maybe it’s worth the plunge.

Basic Systems

If any of your home’s basic systems aren’t functioning up to par, you’d be wise to spend money toward that end before ponying up thousands for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. We’re talking about plumbing, electrical, heat and air, windows, and the roof. Why so important? Think about it like this. If you were in the market for a new home, would it make a difference if the ceiling leaked, half the outlets didn’t work, and the toilet backed up with every other flush? You bet it would! If you ever plan to sell the thing, rest assured you will never get your full asking price if a major system is faulty.

High Tech Amenities

Homeowners often wonder if it’s worth the cost to spring for a home theater The short answer is it depends. Houses that go for $375,000 and up in the Los Angeles area can forget about selling if they don’t have dedicated media room. A $100,000 house in a senior community in the middle of rural Missouri might think someone had wasted good time and money on the same room. Before deciding, talk to local real estate professionals. Know the market demographics and what is in high demand before taking that particular plunge.

The Bottom Line
We promised a quick discussion about which remodeling projects to avoid. Two to pay attention to are kitchen and bathroom makeovers. While it’s true these are the first places people look when evaluating value, keep an eye on costs before undertaking either project. Don’t spend more than 25 percent of the home’s estimated market price for a new kitchen and stay below 12 percent for a bathroom update. Now get to it, and pump up the value.

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

There is an old adage that encourages us to bloom wherever we are planted. If you are perusing for a new home, one of the top considerations is what type of neighborhood you want. Wikipedia.org reports that the average cost for a home in the United States was $187,000 in 2016. For that kind of money, you probably want to be particular where you settle. While you will never find a location that will satisfy every point on your checklist, you can get pretty close to it. You want a neighborhood that will complement your family’s style of living. Here are some common neighborhood types to consider:

 

Downtown (Urban Neighborhoods)

If you crave the lights and action of the big city, then an urban dwelling is for you. Downtown is the city’s epicenter, where most of the shops, restaurants, and attractions are. Typically, these neighborhoods are comprised of older apartments and single family homes. Homebuyers who want new property may find condominiums and luxurious lofts that are converted from vintage warehouses and other structures. Your neighbors will usually be of a diverse ethnicity with a range between low and middle incomes. Depending on the property you choose, downtown housing can be affordable. It is a healthy mix of modest to high-end dwellings. These neighborhoods are popular with seniors and young professionals. The downside of urban neighborhoods is a higher rate of crime and a larger population of drifters.

 

New Development Urban Neighborhoods

There are business areas being built up on the outskirts of the city center. These neighborhoods are close enough to downtown to enjoy its amenities, yet far enough to take advantages of the new businesses in the area. Homebuyers who have a panache for reconstruction can often find great bargains on fixer-uppers in these neighborhoods. Many of the house flipping shows that you enjoy take place in new development. There are a variety of home styles, including ranch, shotgun, or two-story. A large number of the residents are seniors who have lived in the neighborhood for decades. Some homeowners may be single divorced people or immigrants. Since the whole area is being developed, you will have to get used to the sight and noises of construction.

Family Cul-De-Sacs

According to reports from the 2010 US Census, a little over 20% of single family homes have married couples with children. The quintessential cul-de-sac neighborhood is found in new developments and the suburbs. These are the iconic neighborhoods that ring with the laughter of children. It is home to the busy couples who efficiently juggle careers and family. You will see the soccer moms hop in their minivans to take their children to yet another sporting practice. Homeowners can expect large single family homes and new builds. When you see the neatly manicured lawns and all the children riding their bicycles down the sidewalk, you are instantly transported to earlier decades. There will be families enjoying their backyard pools or enjoying a yoga session. Cul-de-sacs are not ideal for single people, childless couples, or those who want to bask in the lights of the metropolitan center.

Rural Neighborhoods

Some of the most prominent buzzwords in American lifestyle are homesteading and “living off the grid.”  The number of families who are taking this earth-friendly route is increasing every year. If you have always wanted your own little plot in the country, you may consider buying a home in a rural neighborhood. When you think of these places, your mind wanders to visions of lush vegetable gardens, simple country homes, and wondering livestock. Often times, these homes are miles away from their closest neighbors. While rural living used to be reserved for humble incomes and generational farms, it now attracts young couples who are eager to live off the land like our ancestors. You can often find vintage farm houses for good prices that need a little TLC. Your family will feel closer to nature and can enjoy all it has to offer.

Whether you choose a swank condo downtown or a little farmhouse in the clearing of the woods, you can find a rich variety of neighborhoods in which to live. Your real estate professional can help you find what you want in the right location. When you settle into your new place, every day can be a wonderful day in the neighborhood.

 

3 Different Timeless Home Styles

One of the most important aspects of life is owning a comfortable home. It’s a place where family members spend a great deal of their time, and owning a traditionally stylish home is a pleasure that can last a lifetime. Home ownership is a source of pride that virtually everyone wants to achieve. Whether it’s a forever home or an investment that you may someday put a for sale by owner sign in front of, an attractive home is always an asset to its owner. Styles range from Contemporary to Art-Deco to Colonial, and everything in between. With so many home choices, it can be difficult finding the design that’s right for you. Let’s consider the unique styles of Victorian, Tuscan, and Cape Code, as all are timeless in their own right.

Victorian homes were built for their beauty rather than their utility. Emerging between 1830 and 1910, this style of home was inspired during Queen Victoria’s reign in England. These large homes are popular for big families as well as being suitable for rental units. Victorians often have complicated designs. Their trim is ornate, and Victorian homes generally sport large porches on the exteriors. These homes are asymmetrical, and the roof lines are multi-faceted. Victorian homes are common on the East Coast, and usually have three stories. If you’re looking for old-fashioned nostalgia, a Victorian home is an excellent choice for that turn of the century, vintage feel.

Inspired by the Italian hills, the Tuscan style is both elegant and rustic at the same time. These homes showcase tiles made of terracotta, which have been used for thousands of years. Early civilizations used sun-dried terracotta for both flooring and wall coverings, and this adds to the rustic feel of the home. Traditional Tuscan walls are covered in plaster or are otherwise textured. Detailed patterns, iron scrollwork, and aged finishes often grace Tuscan homes as well. High, beamed ceilings are a defining feature of the home. Tuscan-inspired homes are generally found in southern states of the U.S. because of their warmer climates. Home owners looking for a taste of the Mediterranean often veer towards Tuscan homes, where Old World charm awaits them.

First built in the 1600’s, Cape Cod homes have steep roofs and large chimneys. Their inspiration comes from the quaint, thatched cottages of England. These homes, with their larger than average chimneys, are well-suited to the Northeastern U.S. because of the cold winters. Shingles on the Cape Cod are typically made of cedar. Windows are set on each side of the front door in these houses. A main feature of the Cape Cod are the dormer windows above. Many of the Cape Cod homes today were built after World War II. Cape Cod gives a nod back to America’s history as a British colony. They are traditional, yet uniquely distinct. Even those with little knowledge of home architecture can pick out a Cape Cod style home.

Each of these elegant home styles has its own unique character and special elements, but all are timeless classics as well. The Victorian and Cape Cod draw their architectural inspiration from periods in history while the Tuscan reflects an old heritage born in the hillsides of Italy. While some styles are prevalent in specific locales, any of these timeless homes can be made your own. Simply add your beloved keepsakes, a home theater and any other special amenities you desire to turn any house into a personalized home. After all, it is the unique possessions you own and the custom decorating style that only you possess that will truly make your home timeless.