In today’s fast-paced world, many families opt to enjoy meals around a kitchen table or breakfast bar, often leaving the formal dining room empty and unused. Here are a few ways you can revamp your formal dining room into a fun or functional space.
Make a Work Area
Boost your productivity by designating a separate space that prevents work and homework from overtaking the rest of your home. Furnish the room with a desk, a supportive chair and a small worktable for projects. Be sure to include baskets or other storage bins to organize supplies.
Set Up a Game Room
Score big on family bonding with a game room that brings everyone together in a fun, modern way — much like the dining room table once did. Consider a ping-pong or pool table with an add-on tabletop feature and surround it with comfortable chairs. Include cabinetry to store board games.
Start an Indoor Garden
Show off your green thumb with a variety of plants in their very own garden room. Use colorful planters and vases to bring character to the space, but make sure you place planters on waterproof surfaces.
Build a Library
Line the walls with shelves and fill them with your favorite books. For something unusual, consider creating a music library with your favorite vinyl albums or a small movie room to house your favorite films. Don’t forget to include some plush seating to enjoy your media collection.
Create a Sitting Room
Ditch the TV and create an inviting conversation space with comfortable furnishings arranged to encourage family connection. Add soft lighting and an electric fireplace for added warmth.
Transform your space without spending a dime by trading trinkets for newfound treasures at a decor swap.
Plan the Perfect Swap
Send invitations to friends and family. Include instructions detailing how many pieces to bring, what items are acceptable and what to leave at home. You might even try a themed swap, like “seasonal splendor” or “vintage vibes.”
Host With Style
Create an inviting atmosphere with light background music and refreshments. Arrange tables to display the featured pieces and allow everyone to browse, then have your guests make selections. Keep the process simple by drawing two or three names at a time and setting a time limit for choosing items. Allow extra time for any additional swapping between guests.
Any unclaimed items remaining after the decor swap is over can be donated to a local nonprofit or posted online in a Buy Nothing group.
Proper lighting can make or break a room’s look and feel. Every room is different, so it’s important to tailor lighting to the function of the space.
Soft lighting works well in rooms where you want to relax, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Skip the overhead lights and opt for table lamps or wall sconces to create a sense of coziness.
Practical lighting is essential in areas where you want to be productive, such as an office or workout room. In these spaces, the right overhead lighting and functional fixtures can add brightness and boost productivity.
Versatile lighting is key in the areas of your home where you can be both productive and relaxed, such as the kitchen or primary bedroom suite. Install dimmer switches for overhead lighting to adjust the mood as needed. Add lamps or battery-operated LED candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere during relaxation time, and consider under-cabinet lighting for practical tasks. Layering your lighting options allows you to easily transition the space from bright and functional to soft and soothing.
Keeping your kitchen sparkling clean isn’t just about scrubbing surfaces and washing fruits and veggies. One often overlooked culprit for bacteria buildup is the kitchen towel.
While cloth towels are an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to paper, they’re breeding grounds for bacteria. Even after rinsing towels in the sink, salmonella can still grow quickly overnight. Towels used to wipe down counters and clean up spills should be laundered in a washing machine with hot water after one day’s use. If towels are used only to dry hands, they should be laundered after three or four days. Experts also recommend replacing kitchen towels every year or two.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. smoked sausage
½ cup diced onion
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes
½ cup milk
2 cups dry penne pasta
Crushed red pepper
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Basil leaves
Arugula leaves
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces. Brown sausage and onion in olive oil. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Continue cooking for about 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth, tomatoes, milk, and dry pasta to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and top with crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil and arugula leaves.
Serves 4
©2024 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Enjoy these helpful tips and advice in this month’s edition of “Insights on Real Estate”:
Are you considering selling your house but unsure whether the time is right? Assessing a few key factors can help you decide if you’re ready for a move.
You have the wrong amount of space. Whether you’re running out of room for your growing family or you’re an empty nester and the house feels too big, one sure way to know it’s time to move is when your home no longer fits your lifestyle.
You’ve built up equity. When selling your house and purchasing a new one, it’s wise to have enough equity to cover at least a 20% down payment on your new home to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). Make sure you also have enough to cover closing costs and moving expenses.
The market is in your favor. The timing of your house sale can significantly impact the offers you receive. Take advantage of high home values and strong demand to maximize your sale price.
Your house is ready to list. Properties in good condition and not needing any extensive repairs are more attractive to buyers. If minor touchups and fixes are required, be sure to address those before putting your house on the market.
You’ve found the right real estate agent to help you. Once you decide it’s time to sell, a real estate professional will guide you through the process, helping you move on to the next exciting chapter of your life.
Maintaining curb appeal throughout the long summer months can be a feverish undertaking. Consider these tips to keep your home looking refreshed, even on the hottest days.
Add potted succulents to your landscape. These heat-tolerant beauties not only reduce your watering and weeding workload but also come in a variety of muted tones and textures that give your outdoor space a trendy touch.
Look for indications of wear and tear on your home’s exterior. Heat from the sun can cause paint to fade, blister, peel, and crack. If you see any of these signs, it may be time to have your house repainted.
Mow your lawn on a regular basis and use an edger or trimmer for a clean, crisp perimeter. Pressure wash your concrete driveway and walkways to complete the manicured look.
Wash away dirt and pollen left behind by seasonal winds and storms. Clean your windows inside and out so the bright summer sun can help your home shine.
Last year, economists predicted falling mortgage rates in 2024 would increase the number of potential buyers, with sellers eager to list their homes. When rates fall and more properties are on the market, home prices tend to level off. More sellers will naturally allow for more sales.
Even though mortgage rates have been rising for the past two years, data shows that inventory has been increasing, and home prices have remained steady. Unless there is a significant drop or increase in mortgage rates, home prices will likely remain consistent with last year.
You can rely on a knowledgeable real estate agent to help sell your home quickly for the best price.
A competitive housing market moves quickly, so buyers often need ways to capture the seller’s attention. With the right strategies in place, your dream home is just one good offer away.
Get Preapproved
Loan preapproval gives a seller confidence in your funding ability, and knowing your purchase limit can help you make a competitive offer when other bids are on the table.
Present Your Best Offer
In a seller’s market, you may only get one shot at making an offer, so make it your best.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Asking for a lot of extras during negotiations may deter a seller. Stay focused on the most critical items, such as the roof, foundation and plumbing.
Act Fast
Competitive markets move swiftly. To reduce deliberation time, make a list of nonnegotiable features you want in a home.
Work With a Real Estate Professional
Buying a house is a complex process, so having someone you trust to help you navigate the details is important.
Placing a house in a trust can help ensure a smooth transfer of the property to your beneficiary upon your passing. It establishes a fiduciary relationship, which prioritizes the protection of another individual’s interests. Here are some of the benefits of creating a trust.
Avoid probate. Probate can be an expensive, lengthy process for those who inherit property and other assets. A trust allows for direct transfer without going through the court.
Reduce taxes. Depending on the type of trust you establish, you may be able to minimize estate taxes or other taxes that could be imposed on your property.
Maintain privacy. Placing your house in a trust ensures sensitive financial information isn’t included in public records.
 ©2024 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Refreshing a room in your home — for a season or a more permanent change — doesn’t have to be costly or take weeks to complete. Try these creative ideas for quick transformations.
Guest Bedroom
Low-effort, high-impact updates will welcome your guests year-round.
Kitchen
You might think a kitchen update means major upgrades like new countertops or painted cabinets. But there are quick changes you can make to give your kitchen a fresh new look.
Entryway
First impressions are made in your home’s entryway. A few simple fixes will go a long way in making this multi-purpose space warm and welcoming.
Celebrate a friend or loved one’s new home with these creatively unique housewarming gifts.
If the new homeowner loves to host gatherings with friends and family, a personalized cheeseboard or coaster set makes the perfect addition for their next get-together.
For those who value a tidy home, help them out with a cordless vacuum or lid organizer. To keep their schedules as organized as their home, a magnetic calendar is another option.
Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy practical kitchen gifts like organic salts, premium olive oils and artisanal honey. Or consider unusual accessories like hand-painted measuring cups or a mortar and pestle.
Those who love spending time at home will appreciate a relaxing evening with a bath caddy tray and a soothing candle. For families, a sampler of popcorn flavors for their next movie night will surely be a hit.
Keeping cool in the summer and warm in the winter isn’t just about comfort — it’s about maintaining a home that breathes easy year-round. Beyond merely reducing the chances of an unexpected breakdown, regular upkeep of your HVAC system significantly extends its lifespan and is easier than you might think. While experts suggest professional maintenance once or twice a year, there are some simple tasks you can perform on your own.
Monthly
Seasonally
Yearly
Turn ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art with these “gourd-eous” decorating ideas.
Give your pumpkins a metallic makeover with copper spray paint that matches copper cookware for a trendy autumn kitchen.
Make a cozy sweater for your pumpkin by gluing thick braids of yarn from stem to bottom, spacing braids about one inch apart.
Bring mummies to life by wrapping strips of gauze around a small pumpkin, using hot glue to secure the strips. Leave a gap in the gauze, then glue on two different-sized black circles for the eyes. These cute pumpkins capture the spirit of the season with their not-so-spine-tingling stare.
Add a touch of elegance by gluing pieces of white lace trim or delicate flower appliques onto pumpkins.
Ingredients
2 small, pre-baked pizza crusts
¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
½ cup crumbled Feta cheese
½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup red onion, julienned
¼ cup black olives, halved
¼ cup green olives, sliced
¼ cup sundried tomatoes
Directions
Preheat oven to 425° F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place pizza crusts on pan and top with equal amounts of sauce, cheese and vegetables. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until toppings are hot and crusts are crispy. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
Serves 2
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Identity theft is a really serious problem for many Americans. The fallout from having your information stolen and misused can last for years. That’s why it’s crucial to protect both your personal and financial information when purchasing a home. Here are some steps you can take to safeguard yourself during the process.
Secure Personal Information
Keep any documentation that includes your social security number, birth date, driver’s license number, and financial account numbers in a secure place. When you do share, make sure they’re transmitted through an encrypted platform or delivered in person.
Look Out for Phishing Scams
Be cautious with unsolicited emails or phone calls asking for personal information. Never open any suspicious-looking email, even if it appears to be from your lender or title company. Always verify the identity of all phone callers.
Use Secure Websites
When searching for homes or mortgage information online, browse sites that start with “https” and have a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates a safe connection.
Monitor Your Credit Report
Check for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized loans or accounts. Do this often, as identity thieves usually act quickly.
Know Who Has Access
Confirm who will have access to your information, in what setting they’ll see it and how it will be disposed of once it’s no longer needed.
Shred Sensitive Documents
After the home-buying process is complete, take it upon yourself to shred sensitive documents.
Buying a home is fun and exciting, but it’s important to stay vigilant with your personal information. A licensed real estate professional and reputable lender will be invaluable in providing financial protection and peace of mind.
The global smart home market is expected to exceed $170 billion by 2025, according to Strategy Analytics. In the U.S. alone, 37% of households already owned one or more smart devices by 2020. So what do you do with all this smart tech when you sell your property?
Clearly identify what you intend to take with you to avoid any last-minute confusion that could jeopardize your deal. The rule of thumb says any smart tech that’s connected, mounted or nailed down stays with the house. Common examples include smart blinds, HVAC controls, exterior floodlights, and alarm systems. On the other hand, sellers typically take smaller, freestanding devices like smart speakers.
Before the closing date, sellers should wipe their digital account information and log out of all smart systems. As an extra kindness to their buyers, sellers could create a list of all smart items that will stay, including warranty information, age of the product, proof of purchase, names and model numbers, and instructions on how to do a factory reset.
Even if you have enough cash to buy your house outright, it may not necessarily be the best decision for you. Consider the following pros and cons, then discuss your options with a qualified tax adviser or financial planner.
Pros
Making a cash offer greatly reduces the amount of paperwork (and fees) involved in buying a house and can save thousands of dollars in mortgage interest and closing costs. Also, owning a debt-free property can provide financial peace of mind.
Cons
Some buyers feel more comfortable keeping more of their assets liquid for greater flexibility or in case of emergency. Depending on your savings and investment income, you may prefer to take advantage of the tax deductions available on mortgage interest.
If it looks cool while keeping you cool, it must be stylish home tech.
Household devices and appliances that function well and have a sleek, modern design define stylish home tech. This includes products such as smart home systems, smart lighting, comprehensive entertainment packages, and appliances with advanced features and design.
Today’s sophisticated tech allows you to easily set up and operate various home elements. Lighting and window coverings can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet. Innovative TVs can stream content or respond to voice commands. Some front doors come equipped with motion-activated lights and a video doorbell. You can even buy a wall-mounted, Wi-Fi enabled air conditioner that’s disguised as framed artwork.
Modern kitchen appliances have certainly evolved to be both functional and chic, with enhancements like energy efficiency, quiet operation and touch controls. Many manufacturers also offer a variety of slick finishes, including fingerprint-proof stainless steel, shatterproof glass doors and panels that change colors to reflect the home’s design palette. Now that’s some trendy tech.
You put your best foot forward for a job interview. Selling a house is no different. Instead of a stylish suit and top-notch grooming, your property will be dressed for success with a modest investment in these essential details.
| ©2023 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Stock prices and mergers often take center stage in business news reports, while small businesses are treated more like the ensemble cast. But maybe it should be the other way around. Small businesses account for a staggering 99.9% of American companies, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
And when they say small, they mean small. The majority of small businesses have one owner and no staff, and many have fewer than 20 employees. Still, nearly half of all jobs come from small businesses. In the past 25 years, small businesses have accounted for more than two-thirds of U.S. jobs.
With so much focus on tech giants and mega-corporations, sometimes the more subtle trends and new ideas coming from small businesses aren’t as apparent. Meaningful analysis of the U.S. economy should examine what’s happening in businesses of all sizes.
During 2022, the most profitable small businesses showed many entrepreneurs using their skills and interests to help other companies grow. Others focused on providing value by making everyday life more convenient or pleasant. Both online and in-person services have displayed solid growth and earning potential.
According to NerdWallet.com, these were last year’s most profitable types of small businesses.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees!” Parents have said this to their children for generations, but the key is to back it up with information that shows how money does grow. Experts say teaching children the value of saving money is crucial to future financial stability. Saving also helps develop other good habits like discipline, goal setting, planning, and delayed gratification.
Overall, it’s wise to discuss age-appropriate money matters with your family to foster healthy, lifelong relationships with household finances.
Do airlines have to compensate you if they delay or cancel your flight? Are you entitled to hotel or meal vouchers? Answers can vary, so be sure you understand your rights before you fly.
Find out what to do if your luggage is lost or you get bumped because of overbooking, mechanical problems or weather delays. You can find up-to-date information on the Department of Transportation’s new Airline Customer Service Dashboard at Transportation.gov.
Consider buying your tickets with a credit card that covers flight cancellations and service interruptions. Be aware of airline policies before purchasing tickets so you know what to expect in the event of a problem.
Pro Tip: Invest in a luggage tag with GPS tracking.
Finding ways to reduce expenses isn’t always easy. But with some planning and creativity, you may discover surprising ways to revise your budget and lower your monthly costs. Try tracking your spending for several weeks, then prioritize needs and wants. Use this information and these tips to save on major expenditures.
Mortgage
If your mortgage payment is too high, think about moving to a more affordable home. You can also explore additional options, such as raising the deductible on your homeowner’s insurance policy or bundling your home and auto insurance.
Utilities
Ask your cable, internet and cellphone providers for their best promotions. Research other utility options and switch to low-cost alternatives whenever available.
Transportation
If it’s practical, consider using public transportation. Refinance or trade in your car for a less expensive model. Look for a better deal on car insurance, and be sure to request all available discounts.
Food
Shop weekly grocery promotions, and buy only as much produce as you can use before it spoils. Cook at home more often and prepare enough food to save for leftovers.
Entertainment
Audit your streaming, subscriptions and other memberships for redundancies or little-used entertainment services.
Instead of scrolling through social media when you have time to kill, why not get something done? Try these tips and tricks to boost your productivity no matter what kind of smartphone you have.
| ©2023 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Listing your property with a real estate professional will save you time, money and frustration. As you discuss the asking price, be aware of these common pitfalls.
Overpricing
By following recent home sales in your area, you can avoid unrealistic expectations stemming from runaway price growth over the past few years. Each day an overpriced house sits on the market is another day the sellers miss the opportunity to attract the right buyers. Price your property close to what you’d actually accept.
Underpricing
On the other hand, some sellers underprice their homes in hopes of starting a bidding war or making a quick sale. When your listing price is too low, you risk turning off prospective buyers who might suspect there’s something wrong with the house. You could also be leaving money on the table when would-be buyers present a lowball offer on your underpriced property.
Glossing Over the Comps
Your agent will find the best comparable sales of homes similar to yours in features, location and size. Their comparative market analysis can help you nail the asking price. You may not agree with everything in the comps, but try to be open to the information presented.
Overvaluing Upgrades and Improvements
As frustrating as it is, you’re not likely to get back 100% of what you paid for upgrades to your property. Check the comps to see what impact various improvements have made on the selling price of other homes.
Emotional Attachment
Getting too emotional when selling your house can complicate what is essentially a business transaction. Try to think of your property as a large asset you can put toward the purchase of your new home.
A mortgage is a financial commitment that can affect your lifestyle for many years. Take your time selecting a mortgage banker or lender that best fits your needs and financial situation.
Whether you work with a traditional bank, credit union or specialized lender, follow these tips to find your best match.
Texture is trending in home decor. Your artful attention to the often-overlooked sense of touch can make a huge difference in your home’s first impression. This is especially important whether you’re hosting a party or staging your home for an open house.
Let your imagination run wild when creating a cozy, inviting home. Multi-textured surroundings can dramatically warm a room, making you and your guests want to linger longer.
Pillows and accessories are great, but don’t stop there. You can add dimension and interest in many other ways.
Enhance walls with brick or stone veneer, textured wallpaper or decorative wood trim and molding. Look for affordable solutions such as removable stick-on wood panels or peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Add a woven rug to define your floor space. Shag carpet is an option for the truly daring.
Make your staging pop with cane or rattan furniture, tufted sofas or boucle-upholstered chairs. Balance colors and textures with neutrals and smooth fabrics. Pair a fuzzy throw with a leather loveseat. Draw subtle attention to unexpected spots with a vase, basket or small lamp.
A home security system can provide peace of mind for you and your family and may help you save money. Consider these three benefits, according to industry analysts.
Increase Your Property Value
Buyers want a safe place to live and will likely pay more for a secure home. Reinforced exterior doors, strong locks and outdoor motion sensors also enhance the appeal of your property.
Decrease Your Insurance Costs
Some insurance companies offer a discount of up to 20% off your monthly premium if you have a professionally monitored security system.
Prevent Costly Burglaries
The average loss due to a home break-in is close to $3,000.
New construction can be a challenging situation in home buying. While you get to select your favorite colors and finishes, the path from slick brochure to move-in day can be tricky. Here are some ways an experienced real estate agent can smooth that path, according to Realtor.com®.
Pro Tip: Ask your agent to join you on your first site visit so the builder is aware you won’t be using their representative.
| ©2022 The Personal Marketing Company. All rights reserved. Reproductions in any form, in part or in whole, are prohibited without written permission. If your property is currently listed for sale or lease, this is not intended as a solicitation of that listing. The material in this publication is for your information only and not intended to be used in lieu of seeking additional consumer or professional advice. All trademarked names or quotations are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The Personal Marketing Company |
Enjoy these helpful real estate tips and advice in this month’s edition of Insights in Real Estate:
1️⃣ Buyers Consider ARMs as Interest Rates Rise
2️⃣ Making an Offer on a House That’s Contingent
3️⃣ Which Amenities Are Buyers Seeking?
4️⃣ Tapping Home Equity
5️⃣ Don’t Skimp on Home Inspections
Find more helpful real estate insights, homeownership updates, and money talk newsletters in our archive.
💡 Find out if we’re the right Realtor Team for you! Check out @carealestategroup
👩 Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE # 01412944
714-476-4637 | christine@carealestategroup.com
👩 Michelle Kim @michellejeankim_homes
Realtor DRE # 01885912
714-253-7531 | michelle@carealestategroup.com
https://www.carealestategroup.com/monthly-newsletters/june-2022-newsletter/
Think of them as digital house flippers who scour mountains of data for typically off-market homes.
iBuying Explained
Known as iBuyers, these platforms buy houses for cash online. If the algorithms align well, homeowners who’ve submitted an online form will receive instant offers from interested iBuyers. The entire process usually takes place with no person-to-person contact. After buying the house sight-unseen (except for photos), iBuyers quickly resell, usually to other investors.
Transaction Fees
While iBuying may sound convenient, it has financial downsides. Industry experts say transaction fees can be significantly higher than in traditional home sales. Expect fee rates of around 7% of the home price, but be prepared for fee rates as high as 13%. Additionally, iBuyers most often make offers below market value.
Trust an Expert
You may think iBuyers can save you time and money. But an experienced real estate professional will work to get the best offer for your property and will be there to help find your next home.
Realtor.com® nailed it when they said the U.S. housing market was in for another whirlwind year. Its 2022 housing forecast predicted continued increases in housing prices, rent and mortgage rates in “a mixed bag of housing affordability challenges and opportunities.”
We’ve heard a lot about rising housing prices over the past few years, but rents are projected to increase at a pace of 7.1% compared to 6.6% for home sale prices. The report even goes so far as to say that buying a starter home would be cheaper than renting in some of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Choosing whether to rent or buy is a huge decision in any market. Fear of making “the wrong decision” intensifies as the market tightens. Still, you may be surprised to find that you can afford to buy after looking at your financial picture.
Consider these advantages of buying over renting.
Homeownership Is an Investment
At the end of a lease, you’ll walk away with nothing. At the end of a mortgage, you’ll own property with equity.
Stable Payments
Rent payments can rise with every new lease you sign. A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability.
Creative Freedom
A rental property is not yours to change as you please. But when you buy a house, you have the freedom to turn it into your dream home.
When deciding to buy or rent, carefully examine your budget, and think about your lifestyle and goals. If you’re considering buying but are apprehensive about the current market, a real estate professional can help you understand what’s happening in your community.
It’s no secret real estate values increased during the pandemic, with an unprecedented number of homes selling in bidding wars. Due to material shortages, delivery delays and cost increases, new home construction has struggled to keep up with the demand for housing. Lumber prices tripled from pre-pandemic levels, and these costs are often passed along to home buyers.
Although single-family housing starts have decreased, the number of homes under construction is actually up because houses aren’t getting finished. Besides a shortage of building materials, construction – like other industries – has experienced major labor shortages, a considerable hurdle to completing projects.
Despite current construction woes, experts predict home builders will overcome supply shortages this year, enabling them to speed up construction to meet ongoing demands for new housing. More inventory should help keep prices in check and curb last year’s sizable increases in home values.
Analysts are hoping that a gradual tapering down in housing starts may provide some relief, allowing builders to catch up with the backlog of demand.
Routine maintenance can be just as important after you’ve accepted an offer as it is before listing your home. To keep your house well-maintained throughout the transition, Realtor.com® recommends tending to these six areas.
OK, squint a little. See that? That’s the finish line, just ahead of you! After all the anxiety, hard work and waiting, you’ve almost made it to closing day. Don’t end up disappointed about a deal gone wrong because you skipped a few steps.
As annoying as it is, complete all promised repairs. No, you won’t be able to enjoy them, but they can make or break your sale. Plan to have everything finished and in working order at least one week before closing. This will allow time for any last-minute adjustments. Save receipts and invoices, and take before-and-after photos of repaired or improved items.
When flying through those closing documents, slow down when you get to the settlement statement. Check all of these numbers carefully to make sure they match what you were expecting to receive from the sale.
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