With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all
And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
“The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.”
Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals
Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and wellbeing That’s probably because buying a home is a big milestone And the sense of satisfaction and pride that comes with achieving that goal just feels good. A recent article from the Mortgage Reports says:
“By and large, homeownership brings more satisfaction than renting. . . Surveyees scored the overall happiness level of homeowners at 88% compared to 67% for renters ”
Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots Think about it If you’re used to moving each time your lease renews and your rent climbs, staying put for a while would be nice not just for you, but for any loved ones that live with you.
A home can provide more predictability and the chance to make longterm friends. That should reduce everyone’s stress too. As NAR explains:
“Families also benefit from homeownership, with studies proving that parents are able to spend less time in a stressed state, therefore spending more time with their children The ability for parents to feel stable has a huge impact on children’s behavioral issues, educational success, and future economic success.”
“The benefits of purchasing and owning your place of residence are both financial and emotional – pride in homeownership and the feeling of security are huge intangible benefits.”
And if you’re also looking for a sense of belonging for yourself, homeownership can help with that too. As FinHabits says:
“Homeowners tend to be more involved in their local communities, leading to a stronger sense of belonging . . . ”
It makes sense Your home connects you to your neighborhood and, by extension, your broader community. That’s because owning a home gives you a stake in that community’s future So, becoming more involved and wanting to do what you can to help improve the area while making long-term relationships with neighbors is only natural.
And don’t forget, your home is a place that’s all yours. Unless you’ve got specific homeowner’s association requirements, you’re free to customize it however you see fit. TheAbilityToMaketheSpaceYourOwn
So, if renting has been cramping your style, it’s time to express yourself and jump on the latest trends (if you want to). Whether that’s small home improvements or full-on renovations, your house can be exactly what you want and need it to be And as your tastes and lifestyle change, so can your home Picture coming home each day to a place that feels like you. That’s a feeling like no other.
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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!
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In recent years, the size and sophistication of closets in new homes have evolved dramatically.
When purchasing a new home, many buyers first consider the design of the main living spaces, including the kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms, and smaller, more concealed areas, like closets and pantries, can be overlooked. But as homeowner storage needs soar, builders are prioritizing spacious, well-organized closets, transforming them into key selling points and bringing them to the forefront alongside the main rooms
Brian Dougherty, vice president of sales at ClosetMaid Pro, a manufacturer who specializes in closet and organization systems, provides insight on what exactly homeowners are looking for in their closets, new innovative features and accessories, top materials and finishes, and more
IN YOUR OPINION, DO YOU BELIEVE CLOSETS HAVE GROWN IN SIZE IN NEW HOMES OVER THE LAST 10 OR SO YEARS?
Storage is in such high demand that new home builders recognize that it is a key selling feature to offer more space than what is found in older existing homes Now more than ever, home designers feature storage as a highlight of a new floor plan rather than an afterthought
IF A PRODUCTION HOME BUILDER ELECTS TO PUT MORE THAN THE STANDARD WIRE RACKS IN THEIR CLOSETS, WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR ADDITIONS?
In this case, builders tend to offer more organizer solutions. That may be with adjustable systems or fixed systems, which include shelf stacks, drawers, and double-hanging options.
ON THE FLIP SIDE, WHAT DO DIRECT CUSTOMERS PREFER? WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR IF A BUILDER DOESN’T INCLUDE MUCH IN THE CLOSETS?
Consumers have become well-informed on the benefits of installing a closet organizer and will seek out options to further customize the storage space. A single shelf in a closet doesn't offer the maximum storage capacity that is required by today’s homeowner. Organizers allow the consumer to integrate a multitude of materials and accessories be it adjustable wire systems or solid wood melamine floor mount systems.
DO THOSE FEATURES CHANGE IN MASTER CLOSETS? WHAT ARE BUILDERS ADDING THERE?
The owner ' s suite is certainly the focal point for prospective home buyers and therefore, builders recognize that a greater emphasis should be placed on this closet design. Additional shelf stacks that accommodate shoe and handbag storage, double hang rods, and corner hang rods for maximum hanging space, as well as drawer systems, tend to be the featured components to a well-thought-out closet design
HOW CAN LIGHTING BE EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATED INTO CLOSET DESIGN TO ENHANCE VISIBILITY AND AMBIANCE?
Lighting in closets can be overlooked and should be something home buyers pay attention to Wireless LED lighting options appear to be the most versatile lighting available to closet designers Downlighting and backlighting enhance the experience of the user as stored items are more visible Additionally, there are many wireless aftermarket lighting solutions available to further enhance the space
From colorful dinner parties to moody relaxation rooms, this year's summer decor trends appeal to every taste and design style Whether you want to transform your patio space into a soothing oasis or make a bold statement on your interior walls, these color, furniture, and decor trends are sure to inspire your summer home refresh.
Get summer ready with stylish stand-out furniture that will turn your garden into a masterpiece for design and entertaining. “Color is having a huge moment in outdoor furniture,” says Sarah Tract, founder and interior designer at Sarah Tract Interiors. “People are straying from classic outdoor furniture and opting for more color.” Think bright sofa cushions, patterned dining chairs, funky coffee tables, and printed outdoor rugs
Invoke a sense of inner calm by bringing the luxury of a hotel spa to you People are embracing the cultural shift that prioritizes mental and physical well-being, driving an increase in indoor and outdoor wellness-focused features at home. According to reports by Pinterest and Houzz, searches for “cold plunge,” “indoor sauna,” “home spa,” and “steam showers,” have all surged in the last year.
Jump on the organic modern design trend to turn your home into an oasis of calm. This style balances the sleek lines and crisp angles associated with modern design with warm, neutral tones, textures, and soft silhouettes inspired by nature. Searches on Houzz for “organic modern bedroom” have jumped nearly 3 times since last year, suggesting homeowners are looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day. “To infuse this trend in your home, layer natural stones, organic woods, and soft textured textiles like linen over a monochromatic neutral color palette, and bring the outdoors in with large potted plants and trees," she says.
There’s nothing like dining al fresco to embrace the long, warm summer evenings So, it’s unsurprising that people want to infuse indoor comfort into exterior dining spaces. “This involves employing comfortable outdoor fabrics and lighting to create a more intimate dining experience,” Eisenhart says “Covered pergolas are the perfect place for statement lighting, and outdoor rugs are a must. We also love using patterned cement tiles in outdoor spaces, as they are a great way to infuse personality and color ”
Looking for somewhere where you can escape to dive into your summer reading list uninterrupted? The viral dark academia aesthetic, dedicated to higher education, the arts, and literature, is rising in the home, with searches on Houzz up 219% since last year. Searches for the Britishstyle “snug” also doubled, with homeowners looking for a cozy, quiet area dedicated to reading and writing. Where space doesn’t permit a whole room devoted to the cause, you could make the most of an awkward alcove by turning it into a book nook or reading corner or designate an empty wall to become a library wall instead
Trending searches on Pinterest suggest summer 2024 is about inducing joy, motivation, and drive. Searches for “dopamine decor” are up 280% as people look for ways to inject a sense of fun into their homes, boosting their mood by using decor to reflect their personalities. Departing from the concept of minimalism, the dopamine home decor trend is about going all out Expect to see eclectic spaces brimming with color and character that inspire you to celebrate your individuality and eccentricities Experiment with bold patterns, unexpected combinations, and decor that encourages you to pursue your wildest dreams.
With another design aesthetic rooted in simplicity and harmony on the rise, we can’t help but conclude that people are prioritizing functionality and tranquility in their homes and looking for ways to unwind and connect with nature. Searches for Japanese design, with its modest, minimalist aesthetic and focus on clean lines and natural elements, have experienced notable increases in searches on Houzz related to kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms, according to the 2024 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report. Searches for “Japandi living room,” a term related to a hybrid design style that merges Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, are up 48% since last year. Search interest for "wabi-sabi" and “zen garden” jumped as well, so you can keep the zen energy flowing inside and out this
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