HOUSING UPDATE
Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle –especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help yougetyourfootinthedoor FreddieMacsays:
“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friendscouldbeanoption”
If you're looking to get your foot in the door but are having a tough time at today's rates and prices, cobuying could be an option to make your move happen. But, it’s important to plan carefully and make sure that all parties are clear on the details
Sharing Costs (67%): From saving for a down payment to managing monthly payments, buying a home is a big financial step. Whenyouco-buy,yousplitthesecosts,makingiteasiertoafforda home.
But there are some things you’ll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyersandseeifitmaymakesenseforyoutoo.
Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgagerates,it’sanoptionmorepeopleareturningto.
According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another48%wouldconsiderdoingit
WhatIsCo-Buying? WhyConsiderCo-Buying?
The same survey also asked people about the perks of co-buying a home.Herearesomeofthetopresponses(seegraphbelow):
Affording a Better Home (56%): By pooling your financial resources, you may also be able to afford a larger or higherquality home than you could have on your own This may mean getting that extra bedroom, a bigger backyard, or living in a more desirableneighborhood
Investment Opportunity (54%): Co-buying a home can also be aninvestment Youcouldbuyahousewithsomeonesoyoucanrent out,whichcouldhelpgeneratepassiveincome
SharingResponsibilities(48%): Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintenance and upkeep and more When you co-buy, you share these commitments, which can lighten theloadforeveryoneinvolved
OtherCo-BuyingConsiderations
While co-buying has its benefits, there’s something else you need to consider before deciding if this approach is right for you. As RocketMortgagesays:
“Buying a house with a friend or multiple friends might be a great way for you to achieve homeownership, but it’s not a decision you shouldmakelightly.Beforedivingin,makesureyouunderstandthe financialandlogisticalhurdlesyou’llface,aswellasthehumanand emotional elements that might affect the purchase or, more importantly,yourrelationship.”
Basically, make sure you and your co-buyer are on the same page about things like how costs will be split, who will handle what responsibilities, and what will happen if one of you wants to sell yourshareofthehomeinthefuture.
When you call us a personal advisor will review your credit profile to determine how our program will effectively increase your credit scores. Then your dedicated credit coach will provide a customized plan to quickly exceed the minimum credit qualification thresholds of a mortgage
Living Room Trends that will be big in 2025, according to designers
If you're itching to redecorate your living space, take note of the top trends predicted for the coming year Designers predict that living rooms will function more and more as multi-use spaces which accommodate a variety of activities They also see an emphasis on warmth and comfort emerging as a significant part of living room design in 2025.
1. Layered Textures and Patterns
Layered textures will be a big living room trend in 2025. Layering creates a warm, lived-in look and makes a living room feel more intentional, like it has been collected and thoughtfully curated over time "Layering rugs of different textures such as combining jute with a softer wool or Persian rug adds visual interest and comfort underfoot, creating a relaxed, lived-in feel," says interior designer Cheryl Clendenon
2. Living Rooms as Multi-Use Spaces
"Many living rooms are becoming multi-functional spaces, so designated zones for reading, working, or dining are trending," Clendenon says As a result, she says you can expect to see more desks, console tables, and cozy reading nooks incorporated into living rooms To prevent a living room that's used for multiple purposes from looking cluttered and disjointed, selecting the right types of furniture and creating a practical and visually balanced furniture arrangement is key If you have kids in the home, incorporate a game table into your living room "We’ll see a rise in small board game tables to fill large, open-concept living rooms, as parents look for ways to encourage kids to enjoy screen-free play," says designer Rebecca Ward.
3. Warm Color Palettes
2024 saw the color palette pendulum swing from cool to warm tones, and designers expect this to be a continued trend in 2025 "The biggest shift is the popularity of warm browns and neutral tones, from sandy beiges to caramel and rich chocolate hues, which create a cozy, grounding ambiance," Clendenon says She explains that these tones have the ability to anchor spaces and serve as a soothing backdrop color for living room furniture and decor
In 2025, wall molding will become a popular feature in living rooms," Ward predicts Although wainscoting and picture frame molding are typically the go-to when it comes to adding visual interest to walls, these aren't the only variations you'll be seeing "We’ll see more people embracing unique, contemporary treatments with patterned molding," Ward says. Wall molding lends itself well to a variety of paint colors and design styles. "This out-of-the-box approach adds a fresh, stylish character to any room," Ward says
5. Emphasis on Warmth and Comfort
Warmth and comfort will be at the top of the living room trend list in the next year "Living room trends in 2025 are all about creating a cozy, engaging, and multifunctional space that blends personal style with timeless comfort," Clendenon says. To create an engaging space where the whole family can relax and connect comfortably, she suggests going with a furniture arrangement that facilitates conversation, such as seating in a circular or U-shape which encourages interaction "The overall design language favors warmth and richness, making spaces feel both stylish and deeply personal," Clendenon adds.
6.
Reintroduction of Color
Neutrals have enjoyed longtime popularity, but 2025 will see a reintroduction of color into living rooms If you want to bring some color into your living room but are nervous about committing to brights, you'll love the muted color trend that will be big in 2025. "We’ll see earthy tans paired with olives, mauves, and golds, creating living rooms that feel warm, inviting, and relaxed," Ward says On the other hand, if dramatic colors speak your design language, you'll love the bolder color trend the coming year will usher in "Lovers of bold colors will look to colordrenching floor to ceiling in jewel tones," Ward says.
4. Living Room Wall Molding
8 THINGS TO DECLUTTER BEFORE IT’S OFFICIALLY
It’s official: We’ve turned the clock back, and the holiday season is here! So why not kick off winter with a clean and organized home? If you're worried you don’t have enough time, you shouldn't be! Winter doesn’t technically begin until December 21 But before you dive into the nitty-gritty of organizing, it’s best to begin by decluttering Not sure where to start? Here are eight things to consider decluttering before winter arrives
1 Your Winter Wardrobe
According to Emily Preciado-Fonseca, professional organizer and founder of on-demand assistance service MommyAssist, the change of a season is a great time to assess your winter wardrobe. Start with bulky items like sweaters and coats, then move on to accessories “Think scarves, boots, gloves, hats," she says "Ask yourself when you purchased the items and if they’re still relevant or in good condition.”
2 Holiday Decorations
While you might be happy to keep some decorations, like that heirloom candy dish that belonged to your grandmother, others, such as those trendy ornaments you got on clearance five years ago, can go. “Styles and personal preferences change, so it’s okay to let go of things," says Preciado-Fonseca "Sometimes, it’s helpful to think about the kind of look you aspire to have and use that as a guide to toss things that don’t fit that look."
3. The Linen Closet
Does anyone really need five sets of sheets if they only have one guest room? Probably not According to Preciado-Fonseca, ’tis the season to get rid of extra linens “These things are easy to accumulate over the years," she says. "Take a look at what you have and donate frayed, older, or too bulky, uncomfortable blankets to an animal rescue or a local shelter ” Towels also make this list Toss or donate any towels with stains or rips
4. Mugs, Glasses, and Cups
While cold weather means more warm drinks (especially if you are a pumpkin spice lover), Preciado-Fonseca shares that no matter how much cabinet space you have, there is a finite amount of real estate for mugs “Your mug collection may be taking up too much cabinet space, but a quick edit can free up room and keep your cabinets from feeling overcrowded,” she says
While you’re at it, get rid of those chipped wine glasses, single champagne flutes that are no longer part of a set, and all of those big water bottles you never use
5. Outdoor Equipment
Those summer essentials still living in your yard or patio should be brought inside before it starts to get frosty. “Think of outdoor items you won’t use as much and don’t want to pack away, including gardening supplies, doormats, worn-down sports equipment, and balls,” says Preciado-Fonseca.
6. Medication
There’s nothing worse than waking up the day after a holiday party with a headache only to discover your ibuprofen is expired So, Preciado-Fonseca advises giving your medicine cabinet a quick look. “Get rid of expired meds and make sure you have basic pain medication, plus your preferred remedies for cough and cold season on hand ”
7. Toys
Kat Green, ADHD organizing specialist and founder of Badass Homelife LLC, recommends that before holiday gifts arrive, consider donating toys that are no longer age-appropriate or haven’t been played with in the past six months “Studies suggest that children have betterquality play when they have fewer toys, as it reduces distractions and decision fatigue," she says "This approach can support their cognitive development by helping them focus "
8 Candles
Green says it’s a smart move to declutter your candle collection before the holidays arrive. “When people know you love candles, you’re likely to receive them as gifts," she says "Rather than trying to find space for all of them, consider regifting ones that aren’t quite your style This way, they can find a new home where they’ll be enjoyed.”
BENJAMIN MOORE
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Happy Thanksgiving! ����
As the season of gratitude is upon us, we want to take a moment to express how truly thankful we are for YOU our readers, clients, and supporters. Each of you plays an important role in our journey, and your trust and engagement inspire us daily. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and having the opportunity to connect with you through this newsletter is something we don’t take for granted. Whether it’s sharing the latest market updates, design trends, or tips to help make your home-buying journey seamless, we ’ re grateful to be part of your story.
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What We’re Thankful For:
You, Our Readers: Your continued support and feedback fuel everything we do. Our Partners: Collaborating with amazing builders, agents, and designers who help us make dreams come true. The Gift of Home: Helping individuals and families find or create their perfect spaces is what drives us.
As you gather around the table with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we hope your day is filled with warmth, joy, and the comfort of home.
�� From Our Family to Yours:
Happy Thanksgiving! May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.