SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 Virtual Color Consultation PAINT DESIGN BOARD Finding the Perfect Fire Pit HOMEOWNER TIPS An update of the real estate market WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE MARKET A R E A L E S T A T E N E W S L E T T E R Moving Made Simple HOMEKEEPR 2024 Hot Kitchen Design Trends DESIGNTRENDS NHA Get Mortgage Ready E-CREDIT ADVISOR
The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that’s a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.
If you’re in the market to buy a home and you work remotely either full or part-time, this trend is a game-changer. It can help you overcome some of today’s affordability and housing inventory challenges.
HowRemoteWorkHelpswithAffordability
Remote or hybrid work allows you to change how you approach your home search. Since you’re no longer commuting every day, you may not feel it’s as essential to live near your office. If you’re willing to move a bit further out in the suburbs instead of the city, you could open up your pool of affordable options In a recent study, Fannie Mae explains: “Home affordability may also be a reason why we saw an increase in remote workers’ willingness to relocate or live farther away from their workplace . . . ”
If you’re thinking about moving, having this kind of location flexibility can boost your chances of finding a home that fits your budget. Work with your agent to cast a wider net that includes additional areas with a lower cost of living.
Remote work goes beyond job flexibility. It's a chance to broaden your horizons in your home search
Without being bound to a fixed location, you have the freedom to explore all your options.
And as you broaden your search to include more affordable options, you may also find you have the chance to get more features for your money too. Given the low supply of homes for sale, finding a home that fits all your wants and needs can be challenging By opening up your search, you’ll give yourself a bigger pool of options to choose from, and that makes it easier to find a home that truly fits your lifestyle. This could include homes with more square footage, diverse home styles, and a wider range of neighborhood amenities that were previously out of reach
Historically, living close to work was a sought-after perk, often coming with a hefty price tag But now, the dynamics have changed. If you work from home, you have the freedom to choose where you want to live without the burden of long daily commutes. This shift allows you to focus more on finding a home that is affordable and delivers on your dream home features
HOUSING UPDATE
MoreWorkFlexibilityMeansMoreHomeOptions
MOVER ENGAGE UTILITY CONNECT
WE MAKE MOVING EASIER
Movingisexpensive,butMoverEngagecanhelp!Youwillreceiveexclusive dealsanddiscountsthroughoutyourmove,including15%offHomeDepot and20%offBudgetMoving.Tapintoalltheexclusivedeals!
Connectingutilitiescanbetime-consuming,butitdoesn'thavetobewith ourUtilityConnectconcierge Thisisaone-stopshopwithtrained expertstoresearchthebestservicesanddiscountsavailableandmake theconnection.Youalsohaveaccesstoyouronlineself-serviceplatform togetestimatesandbookservices.Itʼsallinoneplace,youwillloveit!
Manageeveryaspectofmovingandhomeownershipwithyourunique personalHomeownershipPortal. Accessreal-timemarketinformation, findlocalprofessionalsandservicesyouneedtorepairorrenovateand storeallyourhomedocumentssecurely Allwithinonesimpleand convenientplatform!
HOME OWNERSHIP PORTAL scan me
Simplify Your Move. Save Time & Money. Reduce Stress.
Scan Me
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CREDIT SCORE MISTAKE?
Thinking You Have To Carry a Balance To Build Credit!
The truth: No, you don’t! You can build a great score without paying interest on your purchases This misunderstanding does a lot of damage!
Here’s the responsible and cheap way to use credit cards:
Have a budgeted amount that will go on your credit card each month
Track your spending so you stay within your card’s budget.
Don’t charge more than 30% of your available credit. Keep it below 10% if you want to boost your score quickly
Pay your bill in full every month and always by the due date.
Stick to this plan and you’ll be on your way to an excellent credit score And don’t forget to pay all of your bills on time, not just credit cards.
These 2024 Kitchen Trends are Already
Coming in Hot
Most of the top kitchen trends of 2024 make life in the kitchen easier, more streamlined, and less chaotic. After the uncertainty of the past few years, we all deserve a space that’s a soothing retreat from reality, while still reflecting a stylish palette of beautiful design elements. Here’s what the experts say will be hot in the year ahead.
Layered, Understated Lighting
“The hottest trend in kitchen lighting is about layering and creating a versatile ambiance,” says Kerrie Kelly, CEO and creative director of Kerrie Kelly Studio “We’re seeing a shift moving away from bold statement pendant lights over kitchen islands and dining areas, while celebrating integrated under-cabinet and toe-kick lighting to add functionality and a touch of glow.”
Warm, Rich Colors
Monochromatic, all-white kitchens are not as popular as they once were. “We’re witnessing a resurgence of dramatic color tones that introduce powerful contrast, such as warm, saturated hues paired with understated neutrals,” says Kelly. Along with blues and greens, rich browns, smoky blues, and reds and purples are taking center stage to infuse kitchens with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
High Drama Marble and Stone
Natural materials, such as marble, are a given for counters and flooring. “White marble has been deemed a risky material choice for countertops in recent years due to its susceptibility to stains and chips,” says Williams. “But homeowners are taking the risk for the sake of its natural stunning veining and movement. Many homeowners are prioritizing sustainability and low-maintenance materials “Clients are embracing natural stone look-alike varieties with products such as Silestone Le Chic collection and Dekton Pietra Kode collection,” says Kelly.
Butler’s Pantries and Storage Galore
“Butler’s pantries continue to be the hottest thing going in kitchens,” says Adams. “A dedicated space to store your china and sometimes even a wet bar make these kitchen annexes the height of luxury living.” Making the most of in-kitchen storage is big, too. “Now, more than ever, clients are asking for kitchens that are extremely functional, so we are using a lot more drawer inserts and drawers to create organization that didn’t exist before,” says Van Daley.
Outdoor Kitchens and Connection to Nature
Another trend that’s continuing to mature is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. “Clients want seamless transitions to the outdoors with large sliding doors, similar materials, and complementary color palettes, allowing families and friends to enjoy the fresh air while cooking and entertaining,” says Kelly. Indoors, the inclusion of “wellness corners” is on the rise These spaces have water filtration systems such as Zip Water Hydrotap and dedicated green spaces for growing fresh herbs or sprouting microgreens, says Kelly. These trends combine the best of health-conscious living with the power of plants and biophilic design.
Finding the Perfect Fire Pit: Your Essential Fall Outdoor Companion
Purchasing a fire pit for the fall season can be a great way to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space for gatherings with friends and family When shopping for a fire pit, here are some key factors to consider:
Type of Fire Pit:
Wood-Burning Fire Pit: These provide a traditional, campfire-like experience and the authentic crackling sound of wood burning Ensure you have a source of firewood if you choose this type
Gas Fire Pit: Gas fire pits are convenient and easy to use. They often have adjustable flames and may come with a propane tank or natural gas hookup.
Size and Location:
Consider the available space in your outdoor area and choose a fire pit size that fits comfortably. Ensure there is enough clearance from any nearby structures, trees, or flammable materials as safety is paramount
Material:
Fire pits come in various materials like steel, cast iron, copper, stone, or ceramic. Choose a material that complements your outdoor decor and is durable enough to withstand the elements.
Design and Style:
Select a design that matches your outdoor aesthetic Fire pits come in a wide range of styles, from rustic to modern Look for one that enhances the overall ambiance of your outdoor space.
Safety Features:
If you have children or pets, consider a fire pit with a safety screen or spark guard to prevent embers from escaping
Some gas fire pits have safety features like automatic shut-off valves in case of emergencies.
Portability:
If you want the flexibility to move your fire pit around your outdoor space or take it with you for camping trips, consider a portable option.
Heat Output:
Check the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating for gas fire pits to gauge their heat output Higher BTU ratings produce more heat.
Ease of Use:
Gas fire pits are generally easier to ignite and control than wood-burning ones Look for features like electronic ignition for convenience
Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of your chosen fire pit Wood-burning fire pits may require more cleaning and ash removal, while gas fire pits need periodic checks for gas leaks
Accessories:
Look for fire pit accessories like covers, grates, cooking grills, or fire glass to enhance your fire pit experience.
Budget:
Determine your budget beforehand and stick to it. Fire pit prices can vary widely, so there are options available for various price ranges
Local Regulations:
Determine your budget beforehand and stick to it. Fire pit prices can vary widely, so there are options available for various price ranges.
