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Renting: The First Step Towards Home Ownership

Buying a home is a goal that many people have. In the USA alone, over 5 million homes are bought and sold annually. These homes come in all different shapes, sizes and price ranges. However, before you rush and buy a home, it is good to rent first. Renting offers a lot of flexibility and is a logical first choice for someone.

Not only is buying a home very expensive, but there are numerous things you need to think about and consider beforehand. Instead of rushing into it and making a mistake, it’s a good idea to rent first and take your time with the purchasing decision. With that in mind, this blog post is going to look at a few reasons why renting is the first step towards home ownership.

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Let’s You Try Before You Buy

Renting is the perfect opportunity to essentially try living on your own before you tie yourself down to a home. In addition to making sure you actually are ready to live on your own and buy a home, renting allows you to find out if the city, town or neighborhood is really right for you. If you buy a home in a city you think you like, only to find out there is nothing there for you, you can’t just wait until your lease is up and leave.

You will be stuck there for decades unless you sell or rent out the home. Both of which can take a lot of time, work and money. Finding places to rent in your area is incredibly simple, especially if you use a site like https://theurbanavenue.com/ to find available rentals in your city. As a result, trying out any area you want by renting is simple and will save you from buying in the wrong place.

Neighborhood

Train Yourself to be a Homeowner

If you have only lived with your family, there is a good chance you haven’t always been as responsible as you should. Your costs were likely low and if you screwed up, the consequences weren’t likely that dire. If you have your own place and are responsible for it, there are major consequences if you can’t pay your bills or mortgage.
Renting gives you a chance to essentially find out what it’s like to have more responsibility, without quite being fully exposed to it. For example, when you rent a place, you will have bills to pay, but likely won’t be responsible for things like repairs. It gives you a taste of what it’s like to own a home, without exposing you to the same costs and risks.
By renting first, you give yourself time to work on your budgeting, get your credit score right, and even learn how much you can afford to spend. Essentially, renting can train you on what it’s like to be a homeowner.

Allows You to Take Time to Find the Right Home

If you are moving out of your families home and immediately want to buy a home, there can be a lot of pressure to do it quickly. However, a home search isn’t something that you want to rush. You need to take time and make an informed decision.
By renting, you will have a couple of months to really put time into what you want out of a home, and what things you don’t. Sure, it will cost you money to rent. But a few months of rent is nothing compared to what you might lose if you end up buying the wrong home and being stuck there for decades. Big decisions should have a lot of time put into them, and buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make.

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In conclusion, renting is a great first step towards home ownership. We hope this article has been able to show you why.

How to Remodel Your Home to Have a More Relic Feel

When remodeling your home to give it a more vintage feel, there are some tips that can help you get the look you want and save you money at the same time. By doing the remodel yourself, you may be able to find deals on genuine vintage items at a lower cost than the faux vintage items an interior designer might use. Additionally, consider these suggestions for making your home look more traditional and feel inviting to your family and your visitors.

Lighting Décor Really Drives the Ambiance Home

One of the most important concerns in choosing décor for your home is how it will contribute to the overall theme. By selecting period-appropriate lighting, you can reinforce the idea that your home is a step back in time. Today, many lighting companies recreate vintage looking appliances that work on today’s power consumption and energy conservation requirements. You may find gas lanterns that have been refurbished to provide electrical lighting or antique lamps that have been rewired and rated efficient for use in the modern environment.

If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, don’t give up in frustration. Many lighting companies will take on custom orders, if you contact them and describe what you want. Suppose you have old lanterns and you want them rewired and updated for today’s standards. You can request an estimate from a local lighting company, or you might prefer to go to a certified electrician to do the job for you. Either way, a little research will uncover options you might not have otherwise considered.

Color Helps Create Authenticity

Suppose your remodeling is almost done and you have all of the furnishings and décor to give your home a vintage look from your favorite era. All that’s left to do is slap on some paint. Easy enough, but, if you’re not careful, the color you choose could throw off that authentic feel completely. That’s because each era has its own color palette.

For instance, the 1900s saw a culture rebelling against the industrial revolution, so most homes were dressed in soft and neutral hues. It was also the heyday for Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic take on architecture. Everything from structure to color was intended to create a calming effect and help to take people away from the dirty, bustling industries now overcrowding Main Street. The best colors to use for this era are pale pinks, ivories, light greens, and soft oranges.

It may take some research, but you can find the best color schemes for whatever era you’re hoping to recreate. If you are trying to give your home a vintage look, why not go the extra mile and ensure you’re using the best color choices?

A Word About Moldings and Fixtures

By adding crown moldings and wainscoting to any wall or door, you can enhance the beauty of the room. In a darker room, add white wainscoting to create contrast, while also choosing a style that enhances the vintage theme of your home’s redesign. Adding wainscoting to wine cellar doors can help them stand out and create a focal point in the room.

Similarly, it’s important to select the right fixtures and tiling for your home. Much like the lighting, many manufacturers create vintage fixtures that are functional and adapted for modern homes. They’re most commonly found in big chain hardware stores or online, but you may also be able to find genuine vintage fixtures in antique stores or at flea markets. In selecting the right fixtures, pay special attention to the texture and character of the items to ensure they’ll enhance the theme of your home.

Tile flooring can also be found in a variety of styles, many speaking to decades gone by. If you’re uncertain what to choose, traditional black and white tiling is an excellent default choice. It has often been used for kitchens and bathrooms in a number of eras. You might also choose rustic-looking wood tiles or stone tiling, depending on your chosen era.

Conclusion

When remodeling your home to fit a specific theme, special care has to go into every aspect of the redesign. Many of your fixtures, lighting appliances, and décor may best be found at yard sales, antique stores, and flea markets, while hardware stores offer a wide selection of moldings and wainscoting. In paying attention to the smallest details, you can create an overall ambiance that may even exceed your dreams.

 

Having Your Dream Home Is Cheaper Than You Might Think

When you think about buying your dream home, you might assume that it’s really only something that you can dream about. After all, it might seem impossible that you will ever have the money to purchase the perfect house. However, this does not have to be the case. In fact, you might find that you are actually closer to owning your dream home than you think. Consider Going Smaller One option that can help you achieve your dream home on a budget is to go a little bit smaller. Of course, this does not mean that you have to purchase a tiny house. Instead, though, you can consider choosing a floor plan for a home that is slightly smaller than what you had originally envisioned, especially if you don’t have a big family and don’t truly need a ton of space. If you go with a smaller home, you could find that you have more in your budget for all of the luxury upgrades that you have been wanting. You could budget granite or marble countertops, new floors, or even a backyard pool or hot tub. It’s easy to get free estimates for the costs of these by looking local. For example, you could try searching “inground custom pools Naples”, to find a local professional for a consultation. As an added bonus, if you go with a smaller house, it will probably be a lot cheaper for you to heat and cool, and you will not have to worry about having as much space to clean, either. Fix Up Your Existing Home Even if your existing home is far from your dream home, this does not mean that you have to sell it. You could find that with a little bit of imagination and a whole lot of hard work that your current home could actually be turned into your dream home. You might be surprised by what a good remodeling contractor can do with your existing home, and you could be able to do a lot of the work yourself to stick to a budget as well. Then, you will not have to worry about the cost and aggravation of selling your home and buying another house. Instead, you can make major changes to your existing home that can make it something that is a little closer to the house that you have been dreaming of. As an added bonus, you will not have to worry about uprooting your family and moving to another home, which can be a particularly good thing if you have children. Work with the Right Building Contractor If you are thinking about building a home, it is important for you to work with the right building contractor. If you choose a good building contractor, he or she can talk to you about your budget and all of the things that you want in a home. Then, he or she can help you make adjustments and can help you determine where to splurge and when to save. This can help you get the home of your dreams without going over your budget, and you can ensure that your home is exactly what you wanted. As you can see, even if you think that you and your family are a long way away from owning the house of your dreams, this might not be the case at all. Many people are actually surprised by how affordably they can fix up their own homes or build new homes if they are willing to put in a little bit of effort. If you explore these different options, you might find that they can help you get the home that you have always wanted. Then, you can finally have the home that you have always dreamed of, but you will not have to worry about going totally broke in the process.

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.

 

Finding a Home that Matches Your Personality

A house isn’t just a place where you can walk around in your undies or for eating ice cream right out of the tub. A home aligns with your personality and your preferences. Every corner, crevice, and arrangement of rooms and beams all embody the homeowner and define how he/she lives. Finding the right property that offers adequate space and comfort, a good price point, and real value can be tricky, however, thanks to the dozens of property listings you’ll find in the market. Here are five tricks to knowing when you’ve found the perfect abode.

Define Who You Are

This doesn’t mean you should go on a self-discovery phase before finding a house. On a profound level, determine who you are as a person and as a professional. What career changes do you expect to encounter in a 5- or 10-year period? Are you planning to have children or pets in the house? Are you a gardener or a woodworker? Do you like throwing parties for friends and family or just enjoying weekends in peace and quiet? Knowing the answers to these questions will put you at a much better position to find a home that supports your lifestyle choices.

Know What Types of Housing Exist

Luckily, there are fewer housing types than there are personalities. Still, it makes sense to understand and embrace the different types of housing accessible today. Single-family homes, townhouses, and condominium units are three of the most popular types of housing. Townhouses are basically a hybrid between the more expensive single-family house and the least-spacious condominium unit. While condos are definitely a good investment, especially if you buy around business centers and well-developed locations, the idea of having neighbors around you doesn’t really appeal to some aspiring homeowners.

Consider Buying an Existing Home

Buying an existing house instead of having one built from the ground up is usually the more affordable and faster option on the table. Although it may not precisely match what house you envision for you and your family, being able to pick from a wide selection of houses that’s ready for you to move into is a decent trade-off. You can choose houses based on the included amenities, such as a garden, patio, or swimming pool, or even based on style. Some fleece covered furniture, for instance, might be preferred by buyers over wool or other materials.

Filter Choices Based on Pricing

Houses that align with your personality but cost too much are never a smart investment. Buy or finance housing that you are comfortable paying for over a stretched period of time. Narrow down your choices based on houses that meet your budget. Establish a ceiling and floor price range. When negotiating with sellers, try to keep the numbers from crossing the established ceiling and floor prices. If they cannot meet you halfway, then walk away. There’s always somebody else somewhere that could meet your budget requirements.

Ask Trusted Family or Friends to Help You

Who else to advise you on what would be the right home for you than trusted family members and close friends? These people have spent a considerable amount of time with you so they have a good idea of who you are and what you really want. In some cases, their suggestions might make even better sense since they’re able to make objective decisions. You, on the other hand, might be stepping too close to the project that you overlook some important details or refuse to consider some mitigating factors out of bias.

Finding the perfect home that matches your personality will take some degree of effort that few aspiring homeowners are genuinely willing to take. With the five simple tips above, you’ll be able to find a suitable home for you and your family without breaking the bank or compromising design and comfort.