Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more
Remember these four tips to make your best offer.
Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals As PODS notes:
“Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house ”
Agents are local market experts They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for That advice can be game changing when you’re deciding what offer to bring to the table
Knowing your numbers is even more important right now The best way to understand your budget is to work with a lender so you can get preapproved for a home loan Doing so helps you be more financially confident and shows sellers you’re serious That gives you a competitive edge As Investopedia says:
“ sellers have an advantage because of intense buyer demand and a limited number of homes for sale; they may be less likely to consider offers without pre-approval letters ”
It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home, especially when affordability is tight. However, submitting an offer that’s too low does have some risks. You don’t want to make an offer that’ll be tossed out as soon as it’s received just to see if it sticks. As Realtor.com explains:
As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.
“ . . . an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do ”
The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price that’s fair to you and the seller
After you submit your offer, the seller may decide to counter it. When negotiating, it’s smart to understand what matters to the seller. Once you do, being as flexible as you can on things like moving dates or the condition of the house can make your offer more attractive.
Your real estate agent is your partner in navigating these details Trust them to lead you through negotiations and help you figure out the best plan As an article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs ”
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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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Ranging from artisan-inspired to ultra-patterned, new tile collections are making a statement in kitchens, baths, and beyond
With the ability to transform any space, tile is a go-to for designers who are looking to add interest in any space. In addition to its beauty, tile adds a layer of functionality creating waterproof barriers as a flooring choice and in the form of wet rooms, showers, and bar and kitchen backsplashes.
Expected to climb in further popularity this year, Ashley Biscan, senior manager in Floor & Décor’s marketing department responsible for trends, says, “This year we are going to see even more of a tile takeover as tiles make their way onto walls, curved ceilings, and areas beyond the shower and backsplash ”
Influenced by the outdoors, tiles are taking the profile of pebbles, natural fibers, wood, and stone Embracing hues of nature, the trend can create a serene atmosphere, especially in bathroom settings. As a part of the Enhance by Emser Tile line, the Corrazzo ceramic wall tile collection is available in two sizes 2 inches by 10 inches and 5 inches by 5 inches The collection, available in early March, offers 10 colors all nodding to nature in warm neutral shades to blues, greens, and sunset hues. emser.com
Texture, especially three-dimensional, builds a level of intrigue Whether applied on shower walls or kitchen backsplashes, fluted or raised patterns can elevate any area. Walker Zanger’s Geometric collection of threedimensional marble tiles redefines conventional design in this way Offering a range of four colors, the collection of natural stone is available in 12-inch by 24-inch fluted tiles and 6-inch by 12-inch prism tile patterns. walkerzanger.com
Creating a striking statement, geometric shapes and artistic motifs can make a space memorable and lively. From pre-made patterns to those created by tile arrangement, patterned tile adds energy and personality. American Olean’s Clarasea collection of glazed porcelain floor tile and glazed ceramic mosaics is inspired by the 1920s.
The collection’s geometric designs are dotted with metallic accents. In three different design styles all featuring black and white marble, inlays range from gold, brass, and/or satin nickle and can be applied from floors to walls to countertops americanolean com
Incorporating dark tones into a room can give instill indulgent and moody grandeur Deeply saturated hues of blues, greens, blacks, and burgundies are considered on trend this year. The Verde Tia honed marble collection from Country Floors can be applied to backsplashes, floors, and showers to infuse lush and dark green marble into a home The collection comes in an array of tiles, mosaics, and moldings, in various sizes and patterns Some mosaics are available with brass accents to add a touch of midcentury luxury. countryfloors.com
As many collections offer a range of tile sizes and orientations, the trend of mixing and matching shapes and sizes is easily achieved this year. To press the trend further, a combination of colors creates an eclectic yet welcoming environment. Earthy hues continue to rise in popularity this year as Marazzi’s Rhyme and Reason collection, featuring a rich biophilic color palette, is available in a variety of textures allowing homeowners to curate a unique space. Made in the United States, the collection is available in 6-inch by 6-inch and 4-inch by 5inch glazed ceramic wall tile, with a coordinating jolly to finish a look marazziusa com
Large-format tiles, warm neutrals, and subdued natural stones and marble can create an ambiance of timeless sophistication From AHF Products, the new Crossville Beljn porcelain tile collection can do just that Inspired by Belgium limestone and handcrafted in the United States, Beljn is comprised of five hues ranging from light to dark and two finishes including unpolished and a bushhammered style Sizes range from traditional 12-inch by 24-inch to a large 24-inch by 48-inch Square and brick mosaics are also available. crossvilleinc.com
It is no secret that our constant use of technology at home impacts every aspect of our lives. While some are positive, such as the ability to wind down with a movie or keep organized, others can completely alter our sleep patterns and can even send our mental health into a spiral. This is how to create tech-free zones at home and why your home needs a digital detox before it’s too late.
My first tip is to check in on your habits to figure out when and where you tend to be most tempted to engage with your smartphone or other personal technology,’ begins Kiana Reeves, natural wellness expert and chief education officer at Foria. ‘Perhaps it's at the dinner table, while you’re with your loved ones getting ready for bed, or even while you’re cozying up for movie night. Focus on whether technology is hindering you from achieving maximum well-being ‘By performing this quick environmental scan, you can assess what your priorities are for the detox and which areas of your home/life might be most in need of this practice.’
It is no secret that, done well, interior design can impact your wellbeing. As such, it can be healthy to create boundaries throughout your space that designate tech-free areas, such as your bedroom, a wellness bathroom, or dining room, suggests Sarah Jeffries, a mental health first aid trainer. Leaving all distracting tech on the other side of the door will help to make these spaces more inviting, help to foster deeper connections with the people we share these spaces with, and improve our mental well-being – not to mention that it will give your eyes time to rest between screen usage.
Much like trying to set up a better work-life balance at home, it can be helpful to designate some boundaries for when and where you use tech. While one way to do this is with physical barriers, such as the confines of a room, you might want to use timed cut-offs: ‘Establish that there will be "tech time" and "people time." Labeling and participating in identifiable “people time” creates a mindset that moves toward connection.
One of the easiest ways to do a digital detox is to replace your tech with another analog hobby so you are not left twiddling your thumbs with an itch to scroll through social media again. Adding is just as important as taking away when fostering healthy habits. Stock these tech-free zones with items for otherwise undirected attention, such as books, journals, art supplies, or a musical instrument These will help create a cozy nook that you feel comfortable relaxing into.
'Your home organizing ideas can also help promote a lifestyle less dependent on tech, a natural wellness expert Kiana Reeves, points out. Instead of keeping chargers in every room ready to save a dying phone or tablet, she recommends keeping a charging pad or catch-all for tech in just one area, such as the entryway or kitchen, so you can easily drop tech and other essentials, keeping them together and out of easy reach.
When setting up a digital detox in your home, remember that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, urges natural wellness expert, Kiana Reeves. The rules can change from room to room, person to person – it is about finding a healthy balance ‘Setting hard and fast rules can create more stress than it’s worth,’ she warns.
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