HOUSING UPDATE
There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it.
ConsiderMovingtoaMoreAffordableArea
Today’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people to afford a home right now. That’s why many interested buyers are moving to places where homes are less expensive, and the cost of living is lower. As Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, explains:
“Housing affordability has always mattered and you’re seeing it across the country. Housing affordability is reshaping migration trends.”
If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, it might make sense to broaden your search area to include places where homes that fit your needs are more affordable. That’s what a lot of other people are doing right now to find a home within their budget. Extra Space Storage explains:
“55% of American adults are looking to relocate to a different state or city for more affordable homes and lower costs of living. . . Specifically, states with a strong economy, lower costs of living, and remote work options continue to be the ideal places to live in the U.S.”
RemoteWorkOpensUpMoreHomeOptions
If you work remotely or drive into the office only a few times each week, you have many more possibilities when looking for your next home. That’s because you can cast a broader net and include more suburban or rural areas nearby As Market Place Homes says:
Dreaming of a place where your money goes further? Connect with a real estate agent so you have someone to help you find your next home. Together, you’ll make your dream of homeownership a reality.
“People start to reconsider where they want to live when commute times are slashed in half or eliminated altogether If they have a longer commute but don’t have to do it daily, they may feel like they can tolerate living farther away from their job. Or, if someone works entirely remotely, they can move to a cheaper area and get a lot of house for their dollar.”
HowaRealEstateAgentCanHelp
A real estate agent can help you find the perfect home for your budget. They’re especially valuable if you’re moving to a new, unfamiliar area. Bankrate says:
“If you’re moving far away, you may not have a good idea about which neighborhoods or towns will be the best fit. An experienced local agent can help you find the lifestyle you’re looking for in a home you can afford.”
So, if you’re thinking about relocating to somewhere with more affordable homes, what are you waiting for? With the added flexibility of remote work, you might have more options than before.
CONTACT YOUR REALTOR OR CLICK HERE!
MakeYourDreams ComeTrue
We’re here to help you purchase the home of your dreams. We know that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Few things give you more pride than owning your own home, and you will probably make no greater single investment in your lifetime We want to help you make that dream come true. There are many different types of loan programs you can choose from, and the best loan program for your neighbor may be different than the one that is right for you.
What people are saying: The loan process could not have been any easier The whole FBC team made an arduous process simple All your employees are fantastic and I wouldn’t change a thing!
NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN WITH THE CREDIT REPAIR PROCESS?
START BY CHOOSING WHICH OF THESE 4 OPTIONS FIT BEST WITH YOUR SITUATION
1 SELF CREDIT REPAIR
First, take the time to understand the 3 laws that govern what the bureaus and creditors can do and your rights throughout the process These are the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA), and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) Use standard dispute procedures to remove inaccurate trade lines from your credit report Your best chance of success with this method is by mailing dispute letters to the credit bureau in which the inaccuracy on your report was found Follow these recommendations to increase your chance of success
2. PAY OFF ALL OF YOUR BILLS
Settle ALL of your outstanding negative accounts with creditors and collectors for a complete deletion of negative information. After that, get in the habit of paying off your credit card balances each month and never falling into delinquency with creditors
PLEASE NOTE! In many cases, paying collection accounts will lower your credit score For this reason, we can’t stress the importance of becoming educated on the law before beginning your credit repair journey What makes common sense doesn’t always make credit sense!
3 GO TO COURT
If the credit bureaus violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by not removing inaccurate information from your credit report, you can consult with an attorney regarding a possible lawsuit
4 BECOME OUR CLIENT
A personal advisor will review your credit profile to determine how our program will effectively increase your credit scores We work together throughout each step you need to take in order to maximize your score A credit report is like a finger print – it’s unique to everyone! That’s why we recommend all clients to at the very least sign up for our free credit consultation In that consultation we speak to you specifically about the items on your credit report and how to best navigate the process
Common Home Layout Mistakes
from furniture to lighting
In the design world, these small mistakes though innocent and innocuous can make a home feel less inviting, comfortable, or functional ”
1. Lining furniture against the walls
This is by far the most common layout mistake that feels a bit amateur It can feel unnatural to float furniture in the middle of room or even just a few inches off the wall but this is precisely what makes a living space feel cozy, inviting, and polished. Accent chairs aren’t just for corners, and sofas should be laid out in a way that will maximize conversation.
Whether there’s too many seats around the table or a too-large table stuffed into a tight dining space, sizing in this room can get tricky You want people to be able to enjoy their food without bumping elbows, and pull out their chair without fear of knocking something over or damaging another piece of furniture Be realistic about your dining room size and shop for furniture accordingly!
When a living space lacks side, coffee, or accent tables, it can makes the space feel uncomfortable If you often find yourself awkwardly holding your coffee cup, book, phone, or wine glass with nowhere to set it, you may be guilty of this all-too-common faux pas! Pro tip: get a lightweight, floating cocktail table that can add functionality to an ultra-deep sofa or accent chair
4. A too-small rug
Not only does a too-small rug skimp on coziness and warmth (especially in a living room or bedroom), it throws off the scale of the entire space A rug that only sits underneath a coffee table, for example, can make the furniture look like it’s floating in the room If you ’ re trying to cut costs with a smaller area rug (we know they can get pricey fast), consider layering two or three budget-conscious rugs,
5. Matching all of your furnishings
We know: matching furniture sets can make interior design feel so much less overwhelming But, they also can make a space feel overly uniform and cookie-cutter, as opposed to personalized and comforting What’s more, matching furniture sets often lock you into a specific style or era. Instead, mix in a few mis-matched pieces – like matching square side tables paired with a curved coffee table
6. Lack of light sources
From dining rooms to guest beds, any thoughtfully laid out space will have multiple sources of light Don’t rely on overhead lighting alone add floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and chandeliers to add style and ambiance to every room in your home
2. Overcrowding the dining room
3. Lack of practical surfaces
THINGS PRO ORGANIZERS ALWAYS NOTICE IN WELL-ORGANIZED HOMES
When we first enter a tidy, well-organized home we might not spot anything ground-breaking There is no clutter or mess to divert our attention, after all. Instead, everything feels calm, relaxed, and well-put together. Although it might seem that these spaces and the homeowners are simply naturally tidy, there are often several hidden systems and habits working hard beneath the surface that help to keep perfectly practical homes ticking. Like a swan on the water, it takes hard work and dedication to keep perfect home organizing ideas afloat.
1. EVERYTHING HAS A HOME
One of the first things expert organizers notice when they enter a well-organized home is that everything – and they mean everything has a home Not only does it make tidying up easier, but it is a great time-saving tip for organizing ‘Aside from the obvious lack of excess clutter, they have thoughtful systems and routines in place so their belongings have a home. For example, there is a place for the children to hang their backpacks, a spot for keys and incoming mail, it’s easy to find what you need in the pantry, and finding a lid for the Tupperware doesn’t become an exercise in patience,’ reveals Amy Berryhill, professional home organizer.
2. SYSTEMS KEEP EVERYONE IN MIND
One of the biggest organizing mistakes people make is forgetting to put systems in place after they have decluttered. In a well-organized home, however, these are the foundations for their daily routines, and it is noticeable shares Star Hansen, professional home organizer, and clutter whisperer ‘Systems have been created with everyone who uses the spaces in mind. When we build a home for one person’s way of thinking, that person becomes the “keeper” of the organizational tasks. That’s a huge burden on one person. Factoring in everyone’s needs and natural preferences can take longer up front, but maintaining the systems will be more effortless and less stressful.'
3. THEY MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
In a truly organized home. Professional organizers will always take stock of the entryway. Usually, this is one of the most well-organized spots in the home says Tina Priestly, professional home organizer and owner of Ready, Set, Refresh: The first thing I notice in an organized home is the entryway, and it sets the first impression. When there are spots for shoes, keys, coats, and purses, it keeps everything neat and easy to find. This means no more hunting for lost items or tripping over clutter, leaving guests with a great first impression
4. SYSTEMS ARE SIMPLE
Professional organizers, upon entering a home, will always spot if a system is practical – usually by assessing how simple it is Design your systems to be so easy that you can still use them no matter what state of mind you’re in,’ suggests Star Hansen, professional home organizer. ‘Even if you just got home from traveling, have a cold, and only have five minutes to find, use, and put away something Ask yourself what is the easiest, lowest entry system for you and your family.’
5. STORAGE IS WELL THOUGHT OUT
Well-organized homes always have well-thought-out, thoroughly planned storage to help keep clutter at bay It is usually also pretty to look at, points out Meaghan Kessman, expert home organizer: ‘One of the first things I notice in an organized home is the use of thoughtfully chosen storage pieces. Whether it’s stylish bins and baskets, sleek shelving units, or multi-functional furniture, the right storage solutions make a world of difference.
6. SYSTEMS MAKE TIDYING UP EASY
Star Hansen, a professional home organizer points out that systems in well-organized homes don’t just make finding things easier, but putting them away as well: ‘Systems are created so you can easily put things away when you’re done using them. You want it to be just as easy to put things away as it would be to leave them out Think outside the box here. Remove lids on boxes or doors on cabinets. Curate your spaces to serve your convenience.
7. THERE ARE NO PILES
One of the key pointers that a house is well organized is a distinct lack of piles, says Lauren Saltman, professional home organizer and owner of Living. Simplified. Well-maintained, organized homes never have these ‘They do this by creating drop-zones around the home.’
BENJAMIN MOORE
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