New Home Friday - July 5th, 2024 by BuilderTradeIn

HOUSING UPDATE

With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a home is still a powerful decision.

According to the experts at Gallup, real estate has been crowned the top long-term investment for a whopping 12 years in a row. It has consistently beat out other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds. Just take a look at the graph below – it speaks volumes:

SOURCE:GALLUP

But why does real estate continue to reign supreme as a topnotch long-term investment? It’s because, even today, buying a home can be your golden ticket to building wealth over time.

When it comes to building wealth that stands the test of time, real estate is the name of the game.

Unlike other investments that can feel a bit like riding a rollercoaster with all the ups and downs and ongoing risk factors, real estate follows a more predictable and positive pattern.

History shows home values usually rise. And while prices may vary by market, that means as time goes by, your house is likely to appreciate in value And that helps you grow your net worth in a big way. As an article from Realtor.com explains:

“Homeownership has long been tied to building wealth and for good reason. Instead of throwing rent money out the window each month, owning a home allows you to build home equity And over time, equity can turn your mortgage debt into a sizeable asset ”

So, if you’re on the fence about whether to rent or buy, remember that real estate was consistently voted the best long-term investment for a reason. And if you want to get in on that action, it may make sense to go ahead and buy (if you’re ready and able).

CONTACT YOUR REALTOR OR CLICK HERE!

MakeYourDreams ComeTrue

We’re here to help you find the home of your dreams. Ready to start a new life in a new place?

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. From getting preapproved to finding the perfect home, understanding the home-buying process can help give you peace of mind. So can partnering with a mortgage lender you can trust. Put our expertise to work for you. Whether you ’ re building or buying your home, FBC is here to help you along the way!

What people are saying:

A great home-buying experience! Our experience couldn’t have been any better We never felt like a number or just another client to them They were patient with any If our questions, and put any concerns we had at ease with the mortgage process.

Mortgage Resources

Learn more about mortgages, loan programs, and the loan process.

goes a long way for curb appeal Landscaping

The majority of homeowners say well-maintained lawns and landscaping boost curb appeal the most.

As home builders finalize the exterior details of newly built homes, paying attention to the home’s curb appeal is important especially in the time of year when spending time outdoors is desirable

In Thumbtack’s 2024 Curb Appeal Trends Report, over 1,000 current homeowners pointed to landscaping as a key to boosting curb appeal. According to the survey, 69% say that curb appeal was an important factor in the purchase of their home and a wellmaintained lawn is a quick way to achieve it

A neatly groomed lawn (69%), or xeriscaping materials in drier climates, can directly improve the curb appeal of a new or existing home followed by flowers and shrubbery (65%), well-maintained and cleaned exteriors (55%), trees (47%), and a decorated patio with furniture (43%).

The biggest curb appeal letdowns include unmaintained or overgrown yards (63%), trash and debris around the property (59%), clutter in the yard (57%), and too many vehicles/boats/trucks parked in a yard (50%).

In terms of planning and the design of a landscaped outdoor space, the top priority for 2024 is dogs (43%), as 39% of homeowners say their dream yard would have a fenced-in space for pets Other planned uses for design consideration include kids (42%), beautifying a space (41%), and having a space to host gatherings (39%).

Tops features for a “dream yard” this year were pools (41%), hot tubs (40%), vegetable garden (40%), large trees that provide natural shade (38%), an outdoor kitchen (37%), and a well-manicured yard (37%).

Digging into the vegetable garden wishes, the survey revealed that homeowners are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly outdoor features especially as extreme heat and storms kick up Over a quarter (28%) are utilizing a sustainable design for their yard including 40% who say they grow their own fruits and vegetables, 32% who have installed energy-efficient outdoor lighting, 30% who have added drought-resistant plants, 28% who have xeriscape, and 24% who have installed solar panels

Sadly, 24% of homeowners say they’re embarrassed about the state of their yard and 21% say they don’t host people because of their yard. Nearly one-third think that their neighbors do a better job of maintaining their yards than they do while 54% say their outdoor spaces cause them stress. This may be why the number one consideration when thinking about outdoor landscaping projects is no-to-low maintenance at 26%.

THINGS TO CLEAN IN JULY - SUMMER SPOTS THAT NEED ATTENTION

The summer months bring a whole host of new cleaning tasks that need to be tackled lest our houses become hotspots for dirt, pollen, and germs. As July rolls around, we will have been starting to spend more time outdoors and with our windows and doors open, resulting in new messes and hidden dirt spots to tackle if we want to stay healthy and enjoy the rest of the good weather Create a good cleaning plan and schedule to keep yourself accountable and ensure they are all achieved in good time and not rushed.

AIR FILTERS AND WINDOWS

‘July often brings high pollen levels, and clean air filters and windows can significantly improve indoor air quality and ensure clear views,’ begins Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of Green Terra Cleaning. Whether you are cleaning an air conditioner, or cleaning an air purifier, the filters should be cleaned or replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions, Vanessa urges ‘Remember to also vacuum around the filter area to remove any accumulated dust and inspect ducts and vents for dust buildup and clean them as needed.’ ‘To clean windows without streaks, dust window sills and frames with a microfiber cloth before cleaning the glass with a mixture of water and vinegar or a commercial glass cleaner, using a squeegee or lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish Wipe down screens with soapy water and rinse with a hose,’ she adds.

POOLS

July is a key season for pool maintenance While you should have spent a good amount of time preparing your pool for initial use at the start of the spring/summer season, regular maintenance is essential to keep it hygienic reminds Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors: ‘The more frequently you use tools like pool skimmers and pool vacuums, the easier it will be to keep your pool clean and save wear and tear on your filter. Ideally, you should clean your pool once a week during the season, and clean the filter at least once a month.’

PLANTERS AND POTS

Summer is a key season for getting outside and doing some gardening. Before you start repotting plants, however, you should always clean flower pots and planters, suggests Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at Chloralen: “Many people

don’t realize you should be cleaning your flower pots and planters before they become permanent homes for your plants Particularly for planters that haven’t been used in a while, they can be breeding grounds for bacteria and diseases that could harm your plants.

PATIO FURNITURE

Sticking with the outdoor theme, July is the perfect time to clean outdoor furniture again The hot sunny days mean they will dry quickly preventing rust or water spots, and it freshens them up ready for outdoor hosting, says Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. Spot clean soft furnishings during this time, too, leaving them out on a flat surface to dry in the sun to kill mold and bacteria

ENTRYWAYS

You should be cleaning your entryway weekly anyway, but July is a good time for a deep clean, suggests Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer: ‘The more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to track dirt, grass, and other debris into the house. This is especially true for those of us with pets or kids who are often running through the yard with muddy feet. If you have hardwood floors, this can be made easy with a quick soap and water wipedown

BBQ GRILLS

In July, take advantage of the hot sunny days to deep clean your grill, urges Vanessa Terra Bossart, cleaning expert ‘Disassemble the grill grates and other removable parts and soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen any built-up grease and grime. Then, scrub with a grill brush or sponge, and use a baking soda and water paste for stubborn stains. ‘Rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely before reassembling, remembering to also wipe down the exterior of the grill with a damp cloth and mild detergent.’