4 Investments Worth Making in Your First Home
CARMA STAHNKE
You’ve just bought your first homecongratulations! Now it’s time to make your home feel like, well, home by undertaking some long-term investments that will not only look beautiful, but will also last you for years to come.
From valuable aesthetic updates in key areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room to installing smart heating systems and insulation to prioritize energy efficiency, these tips will leave you inspired to make first home update.
Replace Flooring
Flooring has the power to change a room entirely, so it should go without saying that this is an essential aspect of the home where you should consider spending a little extra. Since flooring in areas such as the hallway, kitchen and bathroom is likely to undergo high footfall traffic, your material choice should always look to combine durability with that visual wow-factor where possible.
When it comes to updating your flooring, choose neutral colors to create a luxe look that goes the distance. Generally, neutral colors offer you the freedom to change your furniture or accessories without updating all the fixtures and fittings in the process, and will even allow you to keep up with trends as they change.
Whether you’re opting for some stylish, large format floor tiles which offer a contemporary touch in the kitchen or some hardwood flooring which adds
warmth to your living room, quality flooring is a great way to add personality to a new space from the off –meaning showing your floors a little TLC should be high up on your list of investment priorities.
Update key areas of the home
As the hub of the home where friends and family alike come together to relax, the living room is the best place to start when it comes to fixtures and fittings. Lighting can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic in your living room – so it’s worth spending a little bit more on lamps or downlighters to add that cozy, homely touch to the lounge.
Naturally, ensuring your bathroom looks fresh, well maintained and hygienic is important when moving into any new home. Modern or high tech touches are an effective way to add an extra luxe appeal, so consider investing in a rain shower or waterfall taps to create a relaxing oasis that washes away the stresses of moving and unpacking.
Elsewhere in the home, high-end fittings such as granite or quartz worktops are practical choices that will go the distance. Though these may be a high investment initially, investing in durable, hard-wearing and practical materials in areas of frequent use ensures longevity and, as such, a great return on your investment in the long-run.
Invest in quality furniture
Nothing makes a house feel like home quite like
furniture – after all, furniture is the most effective way of adding character to any space. When opting for your style, try to prioritize items that will stand the test of time, as this will ensure your first few years in your new home isn’t spent constantly renovating in-line with the latest trends.
When choosing timeless furniture, wood is often the first material which springs to mind. While solid wood is often more expensive than other types, it boasts a distinctive aesthetic and durability that will look great year after year.
Prioritize energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is now one of the highest priorities for homeowners as it can make a significant difference in the cost of utility bills. While adding energyefficient features may be a large initial investment, the sooner you start making the changes, the greater your savings will be – so we recommend optimizing your new home right away.
To keep track of your heating usage and spot issues early, a smart heating system is a great way to monitor your spending. Smart heaters allow you to add more thermostats and controls to different rooms, including hot water and heating – making this a logical investment for any first home.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of moving house, but with our tips, we hope you’ll be on your way to making worthwhile investments in your first home.
Top Tips for Keeping Your Garage Neat and Organized
SAM SHALOM
The garage ranks high along with the basement for spaces where families tend to dump things they don’t know what to do with.
It’s easy to store a box you never unpacked, some outdoor equipment or some unused paint in your garage and simply ignore the fact that it’s there when you pull in your car each night.
But the clutter becomes more difficult to ignore when, for example, you’re stuck clearing snow off your car or running out to your driveway during a downpour because you’ve filled your garage with too much stuff.
You can’t ignore your messy garage forever; and in fact, spring is an excellent time to clean and organize it. It’s not too hot, and you’ll probably need to get to items in your garage like lawn and garden equipment and your kids’ outdoor toys. Here are our top tips for organizing your garage so it stays neat and tidy.
Clean and Sort Everything
If you actually do park your car in your garage, pull it out into the driveway or, better yet, park it on the street so you’ve got plenty of room to clean out your garage.
Unload everything first, even the boxes that haven’t been emptied since you moved in eight years ago. It might be helpful to lay a few tarps on the ground to protect your goods while you do this. Arranging specific piles of your stuff on tarps is also a
helpful way to force yourself to keep a smaller number of items—keep only what you can fit in a given area.
Sort your goods into a few piles—what you want to keep, what you’d like to sell or donate, and what should be thrown out. Importantly, if you’re getting rid of paint used motor oil or household chemicals, be sure to dispose of them properly.
After the space is organized, you’ll have plenty of room for a garage or yard sale to get rid of those unwanted items at a later date.
Figure Out How You’ll Organize Your Stuff
Garages typically house a unique mix of carrelated items, tools, gardening equipment, bikes, kayaks, fishing gear, snow removal tools, beach items and more. It can be a challenge to figure out how exactly to store everything.
To give things their own place, you might want to consider a custom garage storage solution with options to store a wide range of items. Add a workbench with drawers and cabinets for tool or hobby storage. For the gardener in your family, you could also add a potting area with a work surface.
During the cleaning phase, you should inventory any dangerous chemicals to see if they’re still usable. Then you can add locked cabinets to keep those dangerous chemicals and sharp tools safely away from curious kids.
The garage is a prime area for storing sports equipment like bikes and skis and gardening tools
like a hose or rake, which can all be stored off the floor with wall racks. You can also add baskets for bulky things like balls, gloves, masks or pads. Cabinets, both with swing-out and sliding doors (if space is tight when cars are parked), can house many other items you need to store like bottled water, things you buy in bulk or even outdoor furniture accessories.
Find a New Home for These Items
Consider a new home for some items which are best stored in areas other than your garage.
Paint should be stored inside where the temperature remains somewhat consistent. Store it out of reach of children and pets in your basement or a closet.
Propane tanks shouldn’t be stored in your garage; a spark could ignite the tank. Instead, store the tank upright and outside in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition source.
Paper towels, plates, cardboard and other paper goods are better kept inside if the packages are open. Storing them in your garage could attract bugs. They could also get damaged by moisture.
While your initial garage organization effort may not be the most fun chore, you’ll be glad you tackled the clutter and created a better storage system later in the year. Rather than spending precious time searching for your kids’ bikes and skateboards, you’ll be able to easily find them and enjoy yourselves.
NOTES
This easy spanakopita recipe is an all-time favorite. Everyone loves them, they're easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes.
Spanakopita Appetizer Roll-Ups
INGREDIENTS
• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
INSTRUCTIONS
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 15 sheets phyllo dough (14x9-inch size)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Optional: Tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges and fresh dill sprigs
1. Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, mix the first 9 ingredients. Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface; brush with butter. Layer with 2 additional phyllo sheets, brushing each layer. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.)
2. Arrange 3/4 cup spinach mixture in a narrow row along the long end of phyllo to within 1 in. of edges. Fold bottom edge of phyllo over filling, then roll up. Brush end of phyllo dough with butter and press to seal. Repeat 4 times with phyllo sheets, butter and the spinach mixture. Place rolls on a parchment-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan, seam side down.
3. Cut rolls diagonally into 2-in. pieces (do not separate). Brush tops with remaining butter. Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. If desired, serve with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges and dill sprigs.
HOME TRENDS: THE RETURN OF COLOR WITH SPRING 2025’S
BRIGHTEST HOME DECOR TRENDS
After years of muted palettes and minimalist neutrals, Spring 2025 is bringing color back in a big way.
Homeowners and designers alike are embracing bold, joyful hues that reflect optimism, personality, and a sense of renewal. From sunny yellows to earthy greens and rich coral tones, the season’s color trends are breathing new life into home decor.
One standout trend? Color drenching — painting walls, trim, and ceilings in the same bold hue
to create a dramatic, cohesive look. This immersive style works especially well in powder rooms, dining rooms, and entryways, giving even the smallest spaces a punch of personality.
Another spring favorite is the use of colorful accents in otherwise neutral spaces. Think citrustoned throw pillows, cobalt blue ceramic pieces, and pastel-hued art that adds energy without overwhelming. These pops of color are perfect for
homeowners who want to experiment without fully committing to a vibrant overhaul.
Nature-inspired tones are also making a strong return. Sage green, terracotta, and deep ocean blues bring a calming, organic vibe to interiors while maintaining a connection to the outdoors — a design priority that has grown in recent years.
To keep colorful interiors feeling fresh and intentional, homeowners are pairing bold shades with clean lines, natural textures, and modern finishes. Light woods, linen fabrics, and woven materials soften the intensity while grounding the look in comfort.
For real estate professionals, highlighting homes with vibrant but tasteful color palettes can be a huge selling point this spring. Buyers are craving personality and warmth, and the right color choices can turn a house into a home that truly stands out in the market.
$622,159 956 1,005 12 99 $412,000 $540,000 421 229 1,117 655
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a moderate decrease in the average sale price, lowering to $439,098, marking a 3.3% increase compared to March 2024. The median sales price also saw an decrease of 3.1%, settling at $412,500. The current inventory rose in a big way to 956 listings, an notable increase of 26.8% from the previous year. This represents a 2.2-month supply, an increase from March 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also decreased by 12.5%, totaling 421 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 12 days. Annual residential sales is down from year’s level, down 0.8%, totaling 1,117 sales. On the other hand, Kootenai Countyshowed slightly increased price performance, with the average sale price rising to $622,159, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had a similar increase of 1.9%, reaching $540,000. Inventory in the area increased by 7.4% to 1,005 listings. Residential closed sales however saw a decrease of 5.4%, with 229 transactions recorded. The average days on the market decreased to 99 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 10.3%, totaling 655 transactions so far this year. As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to consult