When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.
“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”
And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years (see graph below):
As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.
2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low
Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017 (see graph below):
And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.
Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.
NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:
“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”
The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported. Here are the December numbers over the last five years (see graph below):
The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.
Bottom Line
If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, let’s connect to begin discussing the process of listing your house today.
“Kick Dust Mites in Your House to the Curb With These Quick Tips” Homelight.com | Published on Jun 28, 2021 | 4-5 min read
If you’ve been experiencing allergic reactions on a year-round basis, you may have a dust mite allergy. Symptoms often peak during hot, humid summers when people spend more time indoors, as well as at night when people are lying in bed.
Signs you might have a dust mite allergy include:
Sneezing
Coughing
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Watery eyes
Itchy eyes
Itchy throat
Itchy skin
Chest pain
To alleviate your symptoms, we’ll teach you what dust mites are, where they hide, and how to evict them.
Source: (Alexandre Boucher / Unsplash)
Examining dust mites
Know your enemy. Before you can get rid of dust mites, it’s helpful to know what you’re dealing with and where to find the little buggers.
What dust mites are
Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like arthropods that are only 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long. Under a microscope, they look like tiny white spiders. The males can live a month or more, while females can live up to 90 days.
Dust mites feed on flakes of dead skin shed by people and animals. They thrive in houses since each person sheds up to 1.5 grams of dead skin cells per day. That’s enough to feed up to one million dust mites!
What dust mites aren’t
Dust mites are not parasites. Unlike bedbugs, they don’t bite or sting. Nor do they burrow into your body.
However, they can cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions like sneezing and postnasal drip. Those reactions are typically the result of inhaling dust mites’ skin and fecal matter.
Where dust mites live
Dust mites are found everywhere around the world, although they favor hot, humid climates. Because dust mites absorb moisture from the air rather than drinking it, they cannot survive in arid regions.
Hundreds of thousands of dust mites may be living in your house — specifically, in your carpet, upholstered furniture, bedding, mattress, and stuffed animals. Anywhere dead skin cells accumulate, there’s potential to find dust mites. And because they burrow into cloth fibers, they even tag along when you move and travel. So prevalent are they that nearly four out of five homes in the U.S. exhibit detectable levels of dust mite allergens.
Dust mite allergies and other complications
Researchers identified two types of dust mite allergens, using data from a 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of almost 7,000 U.S. homes. The presence of pets influenced the level of indoor allergens — as did type, age, and location, age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status of residents.
Some people are more susceptible to physical reactions to dust mites in the house. A study by NIEHS-funded scientists uncovered a mucus-regulating gene that causes the lungs to produce too much mucus as a defense against pollutants and allergens, which results in airway obstruction.
Chronic, continued exposure to dust mites in the home can severely impact the health of people who have asthma or a sensitivity to allergens and dust mites, which cause an immune system response known as allergic rhinitis. Mites are one of the biggest triggers for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.
Source: (Diana Parkhouse / Unsplash)
Dust mite allergy causes and solutions
Don’t take it personally; the presence of dust mites doesn’t reflect on your housekeeping. Even in the cleanest of homes, it’s impossible to eliminate dust mites.
However, you can significantly reduce the number of dust mites in your house by taking steps to remove them and prevent them from coming back.
Humidity is a key factor in determining whether a house has a high concentration of dust mites, but it’s not the only one. Older homes and homes with a musty smell tend to have more dust mites since these homes are often poorly ventilated and trap moisture indoors.
By the way, that musty “old house” smell comes from mVOCs — microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by decaying biological growths, mold, bacteria, and biofilm. Both mVOCs and dust mites thrive in damp environments, so it’s common for homes to have both issues.
Solution
Use a humidity monitor, also known as a hygrometer, to keep your home’s humidity level between 40% and 55%. If the humidity level is too high, you can reduce it by:
Adequate ventilation reduces humidity levels in your home by removing moist air from the building.
Cause: Gravity
Gravity may seem like an unlikely cause, but dust mite allergens don’t remain airborne because they attach to heavy particles in the air. Gravity then forces them to quickly settle to the ground, where they make their homes in fabrics, pillows, bedding, and upholstered furniture. That’s why most exposure occurs when homeowners are sleeping or disturb the dust during activities such as making the bed.
Solution
Reduce places where dust mites can hide by removing some furniture, swapping some upholstered seating pieces for seats with hard surfaces, and trading drapes and curtains for blinds.
Here are some tips to combat dust mites:
Replace carpeting with hardwood floors.
Mop floors often. Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency filter or use a central vacuum system.
Dust with a damp cloth or a duster that traps dust instead of a feather duster that disperses dust.
Add a HEPA air purifier to capture dust mites before they have a chance to burrow into your fabrics. For just under $220, the Finn HEPA UV Air Purifier removes dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, and even light odors in small- to medium-size rooms.
Cause: Pets
Fluffy and Fido can suffer from dust mite allergies, too. They may also be contributors to the problem, thanks to those cushy pet beds and soft pet toys you generously buy for them. If you notice signs like excessive scratching or licking, eye rubbing, or difficulty breathing indoors, your favorite pooch or kitty could be suffering from a dust mite allergy.
Solution
Implement the same rigorous cleaning routine you established for the rest of the house and:
Wash their bedding and toys in hot water.
Use only synthetic materials for their bedding. Feathers, wool, and even cedar shavings can be a source of allergic dermatitis.
See your vet for severe cases of pet dust mite allergies.
Source: (HausPhotoMedia / Unsplash)
Prevent dust mites from returning
An ounce of prevention, as the old adage goes, is worth a pound of cure. Once you’ve cleaned your home, there are additional measures you can take to reduce the influx of future dust mites:
Dust regularly. Be sure to get all furniture crevices and tiny nooks and crannies.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130 degrees or hotter).
Keep the humidity below 50%.
Change your furnace filters regularly. Fresh filters also improve your furnace’s efficiency and potentially lower your energy bill.
Add an air filter to pull dust and other pollutants out of the air. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a HEPA filter to remove “99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.” Look for a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of 11 or 12 and change it every three months.
Mitigating dust mite allergies is no easy task, but it’s worth the effort to reap the health benefits of a dust-mite-depopulated home. Whether or not you have a predisposition to react to dust mite allergens, you’ll sleep better at night knowing you have removed as many of those little pests as possible.
Header Image Source: (Diana Polekhina / Unsplash)
🏆 Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to WIN BIG.
💪 Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer.
🙌 In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy.
Valentine’s Day is a great day to show your appreciation for the one you love. Often, it’s through greeting cards, romantic dates, flowers, and gifts. But for some couples, the key to a loved one’s heart just might be in a few framed wedding photos around your home or a new fireplace for a cozy night. And better yet, your Valentine home improvement projects can be enjoyed for years rather than just a few moments or days. Start now on these home improvement projects to show you care for Valentine’s Day.
Add a couple rocking chairs to your porch: Whether you have space on your front porch or out back, make your outdoor areas more couple friendly with a pair of chairs you can enjoy together.
Update your lighting: Swap out harsh lighting for something softer and more flattering. Install dimmer switches to set the mood, update outdated fixtures with a new, more romantic design, and put in new bulbs with softer light.
Install a wine fridge: Love to share wine together? Enjoy an even better experience with a new wine fridge for your kitchen.
Hang an outdoor swing: Get ready for the spring and summer seasons with a cozy outdoor swing or hammock that you can enjoy together.
Frame your bathroom mirror: Update the look of your bathroom quickly — and remind your loved one of your hard work and caring in completing this projct every morning when they look in the mirror. Reveal your finished project with a love note on the mirror.
Organize kitchen cabinets: It hardly sounds romantic, but ask any harried home chef with messy cabinets, and they’ll tell you this gesture would win their hearts over. Invest in organizational tools such as divided storage, hangers, and even drawers for cabinets, and wow your loved one with kitchen storage they’ll enjoy using.
Build a piece of furniture: Nothing says love more than spending the time to create a quality handcrafted piece of furniture made with the recipient in mind. Build a bookshelf for a book lover, a jewelry hanger, or even a practical storage solution for your entryway.
Hang photos on your walls: Chances are, you have plenty of photos of you and your significant other together. But do you have them framed and hung in a place of honor? Show your loved one that you care and cherish your relationship by taking the time to print, frame, and hang photos of them or the both of you together on your walls at home. Need ideas? Look for photos from your wedding day, honeymoon, favorite vacation, or early days in your relationship to make them (and you) feel nostalgic.
Upgrade bath fixtures: Turn your master bathroom into a more romantic haven with updated fixtures. Add a new fixture for faucets and put in new fixtures in your shower and tub for a new, more inviting look. Then plan a big reveal with a bubble bath.
Plant a flower garden: Cut flowers are a nice gesture, but in the right climate, a garden of flowers that will last for weeks or months is a more enduring reminder of your love. Or, plant rose bushes for something more permanent. Plus, you can select flowers from your garden or rose bush for a home made bouquet.
Buy new bedding: Refresh your bedroom and make your bed more enticing with fresh, new sheets. Take it a step further with a new bedspread or even a new headboard.
Put in a fireplace: Nothing says cozy and romantic like a fireplace at home. But even if your home doesn’t already have one, it is possible to get one installed. Freestanding units can be purchased and enjoyed within moments, and local installers can add one to your home as well. Rather take it outside? An outdoor fire pit is romantic, too.
Carve out a ladies’ retreat or man cave: Have a space in your home that you’re not really using? Clear out the junk and make it a place for your loved one to enjoy instead. Add furniture and touches that you know they’ll enjoy, such as wall paint in their favorite color, or the perfect storage solution for their favorite collection.
Just fix it: Practically every couple has a project or two on their honey do list that gets overlooked. Think about the project that your loved one has been wanting to see done and make it happen.
One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, we’re in the ultimate sellers’ market, so real estate is ultra-competitive for buyers right now. The number of buyers searching for a home greatly outweighs how many homes are available for sale.
While low inventory in the housing market isn’t new, it’s a challenge that continues to grow over time. Here’s a look at two reasons why today’s housing supply is low and what that means for you.
1. New Home Construction Fell Behind for Several Years
The graph below shows new home construction for single-family homes over the past five decades, including the long-term average for housing units completed. Builders exceeded that average during the housing bubble (shown in red on the graph). The result was an oversupply of homes on the market, so home values declined. That was one of the factors that led to the housing crash back in 2008.
Since then, the level of new home construction has fallen off. For the last 13 straight years, builders haven’t been able to construct enough homes to meet the historical average (as illustrated in green on the graph). That underbuilding left us with a multi-year inventory deficit going into the pandemic.
2. The Pandemic’s Impact on the Housing Market
Then, when the pandemic hit, it fueled a renewed appreciation and focus on the meaning of home. Having a safe space to live, work, school, and exercise became even more important for Americans throughout the country. So, as mortgage rates dropped to at or below 3%, buyers eagerly entered the market looking to capitalize on those low rates to secure a home that would fulfill their changing needs. At the same time, sellers hesitated to put their houses on the market as concerns about the pandemic mounted.
The result? The number of homes available for sale dropped even further. A recent article from realtor.comexplains:
“Last month, the number of home listings dropped 26.8% compared with the same time a year earlier.This meant there were about 177,000 fewer homes listed in what’s already typically a slower month due to the holidays and colder weather. . . .”
What Does All of This Mean for You?
For a buyer, low inventory can be a challenge. You want to find the home of your dreams, and you don’t want to settle. But what if there just aren’t that many homes to choose from?
There is some good news. Experts are projecting more homes will soon become available thanks to sellers re-entering the market. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, shares this hope, but offers perspective:
“We expect that we’ll start to see a turnaround and inventory will stabilize and start to go up a little bit in 2022. . . . But that means we’re looking at inventory levels of roughly half of what we saw before the pandemic. For buyers, the market is likely to continue to move fast. If you see a home you like, you want to jump on it right away.”
Basically, inventory is still low, even though more homes are coming. But you shouldn’t put your plans on hold because you’re waiting for those additional houses to hit the market. Instead, stick with your search and persevere through today’s low inventory. You can find your next home if you’re patient and focused.
Remember your goals and why finding a home is so important. Those things should be the driving force behind your search. Share them with your agent and be clear about your priorities. Your trusted advisor is your greatest support as you navigate today’s low housing supply to find the home of your dreams.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning to buy this year, the key to success will be patience given today’s low inventory. Let’s connect to discuss what’s happening in our area, what homes are available, and why it’s still worthwhile to prioritize your home search today. Call us today!
CA REAL ESTATE GROUP powered by Keller Williams Realty @carealestategroup
Painting the interior of a house that’s about to hit the market is a project with a twist—the colors you choose will need to strike that magic on-the-market balance between a blank slate and an inviting home where buyers can imagine themselves living. Sound intimidating? Here’s the good news: A fresh coat of paint always helps. According to real estate pros, paint is one of the quickest, easiest ways to make a space feel move-in ready. Here’s how to get it right, along with a dozen foolproof colors to try.
Versatile neutrals
Neutrals are a real estate professional’s go-tos for a reason. They’re livable, flexible, and universal. “I usually advise my clients to keep their color palette close to neutrals,” says Nicole Vidor, a Realtor® in New York’s Hudson Valley. “The current style is minimal with clean lines—white or neutral walls and light flooring, often stripped to raw wood or pickled with a white, semi-transparent stain.” To achieve this light and airy look, try:
Pale Oak OC-20: A greige (gray/beige) that’s a warm alternative to pale gray
“More often than not I suggest white,” says Nicole. “Not only does it offer a clean, fresh feeling but it also allows the buyer to envision their own personal color palette.” With whites, it helps to choose a few different options and sample colors in your space to see what works.
“White takes in all of the surrounding color and light,” says Nicole. “A color that looked very white on the paint chart can look yellow on a wall depending on its base pigments, the lighting in the room, the exterior light source, and the floor color. All neutrals are very sensitive to their environments, inside and out.” That said, it’s hard to go wrong with one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular paint colors. A few to consider:
Swiss Coffee OC-45: Warm without yellow undertones—perfect for sophisticated spaces
White Dove OC-17: A bright white with just a bit of warmth to make rooms more inviting
Cool whites feel modern and work particularly well in urban environments. While buyers may not buy a home based on a paint color, if you choose something that stands out too much, they might decide not to buy it. “The majority of buyers are deeply affected by their first impression of a home,” explains Nicole. “More often than not, a bold color palette can deter a client from even considering a property.” Repaint any brightly-colored walls that might make a home feel dated.
Every house has a different context, and the color that helps one home sell might not work in another. This is especially true when it comes to exteriors, which depend on the surrounding houses. “You should choose a color that’s copacetic with your neighbors,” Nicole explains. “Dark gray—nearly black—has been in fashion for the last several years. In some places it looks extremely elegant, and in other situations it can feel foreboding.” For a few inviting color options, try:
Hale Navy HC-154: A dark, saturated shade that’s steeped in tradition
Consider quality
To make your property more desirable, invest in quality products. Agents often include branded appliance and paint names on listings to catch shoppers’ attention. “Brands can be very important,” says Nicole, “from refrigerators and stoves to windows and hardware.” Benjamin Moore paints are known for their timeless colors and long-lasting quality, and it often takes fewer cans to cover a room than other paint brands. You can even search for “Benjamin Moore” on real estate sites to find listings that mention paint brands in the property description. “Buyers are much more savvy now to stylish but cheap and shoddy products,” Nicole says. “The seller is better off investing a bit extra for quality.”
Selling your house is no simple task. And when you sell on your own – known as a FSBO (or For Sale by Owner) – you’re responsible for handling some of the more difficult aspects of the process without the expert guidance you need.
The 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveys homeowners who recently sold their house on their own and asks what difficulties they faced. Those sellers say some of the biggest headaches are prepping their house for sale, pricing it right, and handling the required paperwork.
Working with an agent is the best way to ensure you have an expert on your side to guide you at every turn. Agents have the skills and knowledge that are essential to navigating each step with ease, efficiency, and accuracy. Here are just a few things a real estate agent will do to make sure you get the most out of your sale.
1. Make the Best First Impression
Selling your house requires a significant amount of time and effort. Doing it right takes expertise and an understanding of today’s buyers. Your agent knows the answers to common questions, such as:
Do I need to take down my personal art?
How much landscaping does my house need?
What colors should I paint my walls?
Your time and money are important, and you don’t want to waste either one focusing on the wrong things. A real estate advisor relies on their experience to answer these questions and more, allowing you to make the right investments to prep your house before you list.
2. Maximize Your Buyer Pool – and Your Sale
Today, the average home is getting 3.6 offers per sale according to recent data from NAR. That’s great news if you’re planning to sell, since the more offers you receive, the more likely you are to sell your house in a bidding war, and for a higher price.
Real estate agents have an assortment of tools at their disposal, like social media followers and agency resources, that will ensure your house is viewed by the most buyers. Without access to these tools and your agent’s marketing expertise, your buyer pool – and your home’s selling potential – is limited.
3. Understand the Documentation, Including the Fine Print
Today, when a house is sold, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory, meaning the number of legal documents to juggle is growing. It’s hard to understand all the requirements and fine print (especially if you’re not an expert). That’s why your advisor is an invaluable guide.
Your agent knows exactly what needs to happen, what all the paperwork means, and can work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documentation and avoid any costly missteps that could happen if you tackle it on your own.
4. Act as Your Expert Negotiator
If you sell without an agent, you’ll also be solely responsible for all negotiations. That means you have to coordinate with:
The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer
The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house
The appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender
Instead of going toe-to-toe with all these parties alone, lean on an expert. Your agent relies on experience and training to make the right moves throughout the negotiation. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address each individual concern, and when you may want to get a second opinion. When you sell your house yourself, you’ll need to be prepared to have these conversations on your own.
5. Price It Right
Real estate professionals have the expertise to price your house accurately and competitively. To do so, they compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and factor in the current condition of your house. These factors are key to making sure your house is priced to move quickly and get you the maximum return on your investment.
When you sell as a FSBO, you’re operating without this advantage. That could cost you in the long run if you price your house too high or too low.
Bottom Line
There’s a lot that goes into selling your house, and it takes time, effort, and expertise to truly maximize your sale. Instead of tackling it alone, let’s connect to make sure you have an expert on your side.
CA REAL ESTATE GROUP powered by Keller Williams Realty @carealestategroup
Bathrooms are one of those functional spaces we tend to gloss over in our decor plans—barely even noticing them until they’re messy or in need of a good scrub-down.
But the bathrooms (or shall we say washrooms, which sounds infinitely fancier) that took over Instagram this week are anything but neglected.
Instead, these five trending bathroom looks offer a sophisticated respite from the typical blah bath decor. So if you need a bit of visual inspiration to kick things up a notch (or three), check out these unconventional washroom looks you’ll immediately want to steal.
1. Black bathroom
If you want to create a chic scene in your washroom, try an all-black look like this one from @miltonandking.
“Black bathrooms are all about drama and moodiness,” says designer Doreen Amico-Sorell, of Sorell Interiors. “They are especially popular in a powder room, which is often treated like a little jewel box, able to be adorned any way you like.”
Soak in a tub and dream of dancing with an unforgettable statement chandelier like this disco-inspired one from @chelsgc.
“I’m in love with the disco ball chandelier,” says designer Maggie Clarke, of Maggie Clarke Interiors. “I just used one in a project to infuse femininity amongst other masculine and sharp-edged elements. In addition, this type of chandelier serves as a beautiful focal point for a bathroom.”
Get the look: Bring some fun 1970s energy into your bathroom with a cabaret chrome pendant.
3. Popsicle stick tile
This tile design is one of the best we’ve seen in a while. Pretty in pink and elegant in its own right, the popsicle stick tile from @chandeliers.and.champagne is one to consider for your next bathroom upgrade.
“This is such a fun way to add a pop of color and pattern in an otherwise utilitarian space,” says Clarke. “Bathrooms have a lot of cold elements such as floor tile, shower doors, and mirrors. Adding a curved shape creates beautiful balance. How fun would this be in a kids bathroom?”
Have a wallpaper you simply adore? Then why not try it out in every color—or at least in two shades to create a contrasting design like this one from @divinesavages.
“Contrast is such a beautiful way to add interest to a wall,” says Clarke. “Much like throw pillows, wallpapers don’t have to be ‘twins’—just make sure they’re ‘sisters.’ In other words, while contrasting wallpapers need to flow together—they don’t necessarily need to match perfectly.”
Concrete has been everywhere in design lately—from our patio furniture to entryway tables—and now the material is creating a brand-new look for our bathroom sinks, as seen in this post from @meiraustralia.
“Concrete, when used to create a sink, can really become that statement piece,” says Amico-Sorell. “So simple, yet available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The material is also versatile enough to pair well with modern or rustic decor.”
As you set out on your homebuying journey, you likely have a plan in place, and you’re working on saving for your purchase. But do you know how much you actually need for your down payment?
If you think you have to put 20% down, you may have set your goal based on a common misconception. Freddie Macsays:
“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”
Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. It may sound surprising, but today, that number is only 13%. And it’s even lower for first-time homebuyers, whose median down payment is only 7%(see graph below):
What Does This Mean for You?
While a down payment of 20% or more does have benefits, the typical buyer is putting far less down. That’s good news for you because it means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize.
If you’re interested in learning more about low down payment options, there are several places to go. There are programs for qualified buyers with down payments as low as 3.5%. There are also options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.
To understand your options, you need to do your homework. If you’re interested in learning more about down payment assistance programs, information is available through sites like downpaymentresource.com. Be sure to also work with a real estate advisor from the start to learn what you may qualify for in the homebuying process.
Bottom Line
Remember: a 20% down payment isn’t always required. If you want to purchase a home this year, let’s connect to start the conversation and explore your down payment options.
You can throw a legendary Super Bowl party—even when you’re only watching for the commercials. Here’s what to do!
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
It seems that the best parties in the winter all revolve around football. Even if you don’t love sports, fear not. Throwing a Super Bowl party can be just as fun for the host as it is for sports fans. Stock up on tailgate snacks and slammin’ Super Bowl cocktails and let’s get going!
BRIANNA GRIEPENTROG/TASTE OF HOME
Bring on the Drinks
Football wouldn’t be a great American sport without a great American beverage. Before the party, snag a local beer from the cities of the teams competing or pick up one of our favorite cheap beer brands for your shindig. If they’re not into beer, pick a signature cocktail for each team based on their city, mascot or team colors. Mix up a pitcher of each drink ahead of time with a little splash of food coloring to match each team’s jerseys.
TASTE OF HOME
Do a Dip
Cheesy dips are a staple of any legendary tailgate, and a Super Bowl party is no different. Look for a few creative recipes and choose one that is cheesy, one that is meaty, one that is spicy and one that is vegan to appease all the different taste preferences of your group. Look to these dip recipes for inspiration.
To be the envy of all your friends (and the star of their Instagram stories) build yourself a snack stadium. Fill a few cardboard boxes or aluminum pans with all your favorite snacks (including some of these healthy Super Bowl recipes, for a well-balanced selection). Make a field out of a frosted cake and place it in the center. Learn how to build a snack stadium with our step-by-step guide.
VIA MERCURIALCREATIONS2/ETSY.COM
Set the Scene
Make your guests feel like they’re watching the game from the sidelines with plenty of creative decorations. From AstroTurf coasters to football drink stirrers to a festive concession stand sign, decorating for your party can be just as fun as the party itself. Decorate one half of the living room with one team’s colors, and the other half of the living room with the other team’s colors. Your guests can choose where they want to sit and cheer on their favorite team.
TASTE OF HOME
Wing It
The staple of any great sports viewing party is a tray of sticky, sweet and tangy chicken wings. Prepare a range of flavors from extra spicy to sweet and mild and have a few dipping sauces (like ranch or blue cheese dressing) on the side. Wings are the perfect finger food, but be sure to have plenty of cocktail napkins ready for these fall off the bone, finger-licking goods!
VIA AMAZON.COM
Show Your Spirit
Throw a competition to see who has the most (and most creative) team spirit in the group. Have a face painting kit at the ready with some colorful streamers and spray on hair dye. Challenge your friends to create the craziest costumes and have a makeshift catwalk for them to show off their team spirit.
TASTE OF HOME
Pick a Winning Dessert
What better way to wash down all those wings and beers than with sweet and decadent Super Bowl desserts! Help ease the pain for the losing team with a crowd-pleasing classic like caramel brownies or ice cream and cookie pie. Even if their team lost the game, we bet your guests will leave with a full belly and happy heart.
Laura is a New York-based freelance food writer with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and a degree in Journalism from Penn State. Her work has appeared in Taste of Home, Chowhound, the Culture Trip and Patch.
Thanks!
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly with information about your home.
