HOUSING UPDATE
Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’veseenheadlinesabouttheearlyNovemberFederalFundsRatecut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates,inreality,theydon’t.
The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too So,whilerecentactionsfromtheFedsetthestageformortgagerates to come down over time it’s going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process
Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now While you may be tempted to wait for rates to fall, it’s really hard to try and time the market there’s just too much that can have an impact Instead, set yourself up for homebuying success by focusing on the factors you can control Here’s what to prioritize if you’re looking to put your best foot forward
Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate And the difference of just a few points can make a significant impact on your monthlypayment AsanarticlefromBankrateexplains: YourCreditScore
“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lowertheinterestratesandbettertermsyou’llqualifyfor.”
Withrateswheretheyaretoday,maintainingagoodcreditscoreisone of the keys to getting the best rate possible. To find out where your creditscorestandsandwhatyoucandotogiveitaboost,reachoutto atrustedloanofficer.
You can’t control what happens in the broader economy or when mortgage rates will come down. But there are actions you can take that could help you set yourself up for success.
YourLoanType
There are many types of loans, and each one offers different terms for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau(CFPB)says:
“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help youbetterunderstandalloftheoptionsavailabletoyou.”
Work with your real estate expert to see which loan types you may qualify for and figure out what will work best for you financially.
YourLoanTerm
Just like with loan types, you have options when it comes to terms,orthelengthofyourloan AsFreddieMacsays:
“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you torepayyourloanbeforeyoufullyownyourhome Yourloanterm will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amountofinterestyouwillpayoverthelifeoftheloan”
Lenders typically offer mortgages in 15, 20, and 30-year terms. And which term you go with has a direct impact on your rate. Talk toyourlenderaboutwhichoneisrightforyoursituation.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CREDIT SCORE MISTAKE?
Thinking You Have To Carry a Balance To Build Credit!
The truth: No, you don’t! You can build a great score without paying interest on your purchases This misunderstanding does a lot of damage!
Here’s the responsible and cheap way to use credit cards:
Have a budgeted amount that will go on your credit card each month
Track your spending so you stay within your card’s budget.
Don’t charge more than 30% of your available credit. Keep it below 10% if you want to boost your score quickly
Pay your bill in full every month and always by the due date.
Stick to this plan and you’ll be on your way to an excellent credit score And don’t forget to pay all of your bills on time, not just credit cards.
Kitchen Island Trends Designers Say Will be Everywhere in 2025
The feature at the heart of most kitchens, 2025's kitchen island trends really focus on creating a functional yet endlessly stylish and comfortable space Warm materials, cozy corners, and textural design are all having a moment this year Taking cues from current kitchen trends is a great way to create a space that feels timeless with a stylish edge.
This year, kitchen island trends will focus more on the materials than the shape. While sleek, polished stone has dominated in past years, 2025 is all about embracing natural, rustic designs that pay homage to the country kitchen ‘Natural and rustic materials are growing in popularity for use on kitchen island tops, bringing warmth and connection to nature. These options pair beautifully in more traditional and country style homes, making the kitchen feel inviting and grounded ’
‘The trend for incorporating more casual, cozy seating spaces in kitchen islands has become a key part of kitchen design for a lot of homeowners,’ explains Emily Pickett, designer at Kitchens by Holloways ‘A few years ago, the focus was mainly on bar stools on islands, now we have noticed a shift in the desire for more casual, intimate spaces being incorporated into the design - think banquette seats, upholstered seats, and even sofa areas becoming integrated into the overall design of the kitchen island.’
3. Make Kitchen Island Storage the Key Focus
‘It’s all about maximizing storage efficiency in 2025 and one of the best qualities of a kitchen island is the additional storage it provides Installing deep cabinets and drawers allows plenty of space to store pots, pans, utensils, and other kitchen gadgets for cooking,’ says Jessica Inglis, consumer & retail marketing manager at Second Nature. ‘Alternatively, look to install everyday features and personal touches, such as a built-in wine rack, rubbish bin, or open shelving to display cookbooks and other decorative pieces with ease,’ she suggests
Glass-fronted kitchen cabinets had a revival in 2024, offering an alternative to open shelving and also the option of bringing in a vintage-inspired element But this style is evolving this year, with glass doors on kitchen islands expected to prove popular. ‘Incorporating glazed cabinetry doors onto an island scheme is super popular for 2025. Reeded glass can be used to disguise the contents or the interior can be painted to introduce a pop of playful colour Beautiful and practical, always a winning combination,’ says Jayne
5. Connecting Cooking and Dining
The kitchen island is no longer just a functional element; it has transformed into an oversized, multi-purpose centerpiece – the true heart of the home. Beyond cooking, these islands are designed for gathering, displaying, and styling. By treating them as statement pieces rather than matching them to the kitchen joinery, they add depth and personality to the space,’ says Tori Young, associate director of interior design at HollandGreen ‘As formal dining rooms become less common, there is a natural progression toward designs that integrate expansive kitchen islands with dining areas Both practical and comfortable, these designs create inviting, lived-in spaces where cooking and connection coexist They reflect our desire for warmth, versatility, and an effortless sense of style ’
6. Reeded Kitchen Islands
‘In 2025, we’re witnessing a significant shift in kitchen island design Reeding, which was previously used as an accent feature in smaller areas of the kitchen, such as behind the sink, has now moved onto larger, more central pieces. Reeding is an excellent way to elevate practical areas of the kitchen that are often overlooked,’ says Charlie Smallbone, founder at Ledbury Studio
1. Rustic, Country Kitchen Islands
2. Casual Island Seating
4. Glazed Doors on Islands
THE #1 DINING ROOM DESIGN MISTAKE, ACCORDING TO THE
Dining rooms are often seen as a design afterthought Because these traditional spaces are often reserved for special occasions and holidays, they tend to collect dust most of the year But, we’d argue that a beautifully-designed dining space will encourage more family gatherings, weeknight dinners, and hosting gigs. With a proper dining table and a little design love, your dining room can quickly become your favorite room in the home
Mistake #1: Rug Faux Pas
Rug mistakes are by far the most common dining room issue our designers spot. From sizing to pile height, there’s a lot that can go wrong First off: Your dining room rug should be large enough to sit under all pieces of furniture including the chairs when pulled out If your rug is too small, the chairs will feel uneven or wobbly when in use, thereby distracting you and your guests from the main event: the food What’s more, a too-small rug will make any space look smaller and incomplete. Next, a dining room rug should always be lowpile and built for high traffic areas no textural wool or fluffy shag here You need a practical, durable rug in this space, first and foremost And when in doubt, go rug-less!
Mistake #2: A Disproportionate Dining Table
Proportion matters when selecting your dining table size! If you have a spacious dining room with a small table, it will get lost in the space and feel anticlimactic. On the other hand, a large table in a tight space can feel cramped and uncomfortable There should always be enough space on all sides to sit comfortably and pull out your chair Designer rule of thumb: aim for at least of three feet of space between the edge of each dining chair and the wall
Mistake #3: Impractical Seating
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your dining chairs are if no one actually wants to sit in them While we love an antique find or a beautiful but statuesque piece of furniture as much as the next person, practicality is paramount when buying dining chairs. Make sure your seating is comfortable, especially if you love to host and entertain!
Mistake #4: Zero Ambiance
Mood lighting is a non-negotiable when enjoying a meal or celebrating a birthday at home Just imagine eating a homemade dinner under stark, overhead lighting hard pass. In addition to a statement pendant or gorgeous chandelier (it’s a dining room go all out), layer in table lamps and wall sconces for additional ambiance And don’t forget a dimmer switch!
Mistake #5: Too Matchy-Matchy
Whether you’re furnishing a bedroom or a dining room, matching furniture sets are a hard no from us It’s much more dynamic, interesting, and personalized to mix and match different design styles, colors, and silhouettes when furnishing a space Consider a modern oval dining table paired with classic mid-century modern chairs the contrast is perfection
Mistake #6: Hanging Light Fixtures Too High
Dining rooms are the one space in your home where you have permission to ignore the seven-foot rule Because no one will actually be walking underneath your light fixture, you can hang it a bit lower and really make a statement. Opting for an oversized statement chandelier hung at eye-level really adds ambiance to a dining space
Mistake #7: Cramped Seating
Commonly spotted in apartments, condos, and small homes, dining nooks, though incredibly cute, can easily feel cramped Always make sure you’re selecting furniture that fits the scale of your space, and consider bar stools or a built-in banquette if extra seating is an absolute must (as opposed to cramming in extra dining chairs).
Mistake #8: Skimping on Decor
While you may only use a formal dining room a few times a year, it shouldn’t be a design afterthought Sure, a living room will understandably take precedence when designing a home from the ground up, but dining rooms deserve some love, too Add artwork, mirrors, and/or wainscoting to the walls, and adorn the tabletop with candlesticks or a vase with fresh blooms.
Mistake #9: Playing It Safe
Traditional dining rooms are often a small, separate room in the home, which means they’re a perfect candidate for bold pattern and color Give this room its own unique personality with wainscoting, bold paint, colorful rugs, mismatched dining chairs, statement lighting, wallpaper, and the like Make it feel worthy of celebratory dinners and holidays!
BENJAMIN MOORE
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