WHAT IS YRL REAL ESTATE TALK? A Monthly Digital Magazine Loaded with Local Real Estate News

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Our main office is at 2302 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227 (we are right across from Long’s Bakery). We would love to discuss any of your real estate needs! Call or text 317.997.7404 and let’s set a time to meet.

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Buying a home can be a financial stretch. With soaring home values and rising interest rates, many potential first time home buyers find saving for a down payment increasingly difficult. For many people, the main source of savings is in the form of a 401k and tapping into this resource for a home purchase is one way to find the down payment necessary to finance a new home; but should you use your 401k to buy a home? Experts are conflicted.A401k is a retirement savings plan offered by employers which takes pre-tax earnings and deposits it into an investment account for use in retirement.The money in a 401k account can be accessed by either taking out a loan against the balance or by a straight withdrawal. A withdrawal before the age of 59.5 is also subject to a 10% penalty.Taking out a loan from a 401k account may be a viable option for potential home buyers. For one thing, a loan from your 401k should not count against your borrowing power.You also don’t need to qualify because you are borrowing from yourself.The amount you can borrow is limited, for example 50% of the balance, and typically must be repaid within 5 years.The other option is a simple withdrawal; the 10% penalty is incurred, but the value is not usually limited. Saving for a down payment can be challenging. Using your 401k to help may be a great option. Speak with your financial advisor and see if this is the right financial move for you.

The real estate industry is in for a wild ride over the next year, according to the Realtor.com's 2023 Housing Market Predictions Report.This forecast predicts an overall positive outlook with ongoing growth, but it also acknowledges that several regional markets are more volatile than others and may not experience consistent gains.The report notes that there are some headwinds to sustained growth, particularly in regions affected by the pandemic and its economic fallout.Tightening credit conditions, an already low inventory of homes for sale, and historically high lumber costs may all put pressure on affordability and slow the housing market's progress.The good news is that many markets have been resilient and there are signs of optimism as the economy recovers. Realtor.com expects that home prices and sales activity will continue to rise in most markets, albeit at a slower pace.Affordability is projected to remain a challenge for some buyers, however, as potential buyers may have difficulty securing financing.The report also predicts an increase in rental activity over the next year as renters take advantage of more affordable housing options and the flexibility that comes with not having to commit to a longer-term mortgage agreement.This could spell good news for investors looking to capitalize on these shifting trends. Overall, the 2023 National Housing Forecast predicts a continued rise in housing prices, though certain regional markets may be more volatile than others. It also forecasts an increase in rental activity as renters take advantage of the flexibility that comes with renting.All of this suggests a vibrant and dynamic real estate market going into 2023, so it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends. No matter where you are in your real estate journey, it’s important to stay abreast of the fluctuating market conditions. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re making informed decisions and leveraging the best opportunities available to you. With a comprehensive understanding of the current market conditions and the changing trends, you can make sure that you’re making the most of your investments and positioning yourself for success.

WeekendTV lineups are filled with Do-It-Yourself home improvement programs. One home inspector used to call the results “six-pack projects.” While not all DIYprojects end in disaster, some projects can harm home sales because buyers see these “improvements” as changes they will need to make once they buy the house. If you are planning to sell soon, it’s important to realize that potential buyers may not be as impressed with your handiwork as you are.

6 DIYProjects that Can KillYour Home Value

1. Garage ConversionHomebuyers love extra square footage, but they don’t want it in the garage. Most buyers will plan to “unconvert” a game room back to space for their cars or storage.

2. New Doors – New doors can add beauty to a room, but if they are not mounted properly, they land on a new buyer’s list of things to fix.

3. Uneven Hardware – If you are trying to update cabinets with new hardware make sure they are level and line up evenly.

4. Crown Molding –Seems like an easy upgrade but adding elegant crown molding is very difficult and dan end up looking sloppy.

5. Painting to Hide Problems – Cracks, gaps, and surface defects only look worse when covered with fresh paint.

6. Kitchen Cabinets –Old, worn cabinets should be replaced if possible.As with the walls, a fresh coat of paint only accentuates the dated look. Every seller knows they need to freshen their home and add curb appeal to list their home before launching into a frenzied weekend of DIYprojects,

In previous decades, a warm, cozy home required dark colors and heavy materials. One can envision sitting in front of a roaring fire in a dark room filled with pillows and wood paneling. Contemporary homes are brighter, with clean lines and light colors and textures. The challenge is how to create an inviting, cozy space that everyone wants during the cooler months. Fortunately, it’snotnecessarytochoosebetweenthe claustrophobic styles of the past and warm inviting rooms. The first tip is lighting. Soften the lighting and consider swapping cold, metal fixtures for ones using natural materials, such as willow or linen. Next, layer blankets throughout the home. Imagine the luxury of falling into a soft bed with layers of cozy white blanketsandquilts.

Neutral colors gain/add dimension by contrasting subtle hues of the same palate. We change our lifestyle during colder months as well. Lifestyle shifts from our outdoor spaces to interior rooms. Create a warm beverage station to invite guests and family members to relax and unwind. Add pillows to sitting areas to build comfort in living rooms. Finally, add scent to the home. Candlelight not only sets a relaxing mood but fills the space with soothing smells of the season. Cozy, inviting spaces do not have to mean dark colors and heavy materials. Layering is the easiest way to create a softer, warmer room. Combine this with a few seasonal candles and touches, and any room can be cozier this weekend with only a few smallchanges.

We love shopping for “COZY” at HomeGoods - Kirklands - Marshalls - Wayfair

Where do you shop to decorate?

Benefits Of Switching From Gasto Induction

For decades, gas stoves have been the preferred choice for both professional and amateur chefs alike and it’s easy to understand why. Gas stoves allow for quick control of the heat which allows for quick adjustments when cooking. But recently possible bans on gas stoves have dominated national news as unhealthy. Regardless of whether induction stovetops are healthier or not, there are great reasons to make the switch. What is an Induction Range? In simple terms, an induction electric range is powered by an electromagnetic field.This allows the range to have the same degree of temperature as a gas powered stove with a similar level of control.

The first thing to realize in making the switch is that you’ll pay more for an induction stove than a gas range.The increase in cost may be as much as double the price and the installation will require special wiring and circuitry. But this increase in upfront costs will start to pay off very quickly. First, homeowners can take advantage of a federal rebate of up to $480 and an additional $500 to help with the cost of installation. In addition, these new induction ranges will save energy costs over gas.There is evidence to suggest that there are significant health advantages as well. This is the reason for the proposed ban in the first place. Gas stoves emit carbon dioxide which can be hazardous without the proper ventilation or for family members with medical issues. Even without the ban, it’s time to look at some of the great induction ranges on the market and consider making the switch.

Also, you must be sure that your cookware is made for induction heat. You won’t be able to use your old pots and pans unless it shows on the cookware the induction symbol.

We had a great month ofApril representing both buyers and sellers ‘in a pretty tough market’. Listings are low and interest rates have risen BUTour agents are keeping busy AND WINNING BIDS FOR BUYERSAND DOINGAGREAT JOB OF MARKETINGYOUR LISTINGS! Are you Next?

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Plants May Not Be Considered Furniture Comfort & Ergonomics

Plants may not be considered furniture, but they are nonetheless an aspect of interior design worth mentioning, as they are important allies for bringing health and quality of life to the indoors.

They purify the air and absorb chemicals that are very common in residential and corporate interiors.The common recommendation is to have a medium-sized plant for every 10m² of space.

Florists have spoken extensively about comfort in interior spaces for the past few years.

Environmental quality indoors is essential in an increasingly dense and populous world, and an uncomfortable, unsafe, or unhealthy interior space can be tremendously harmful to people's physical and mental health, considering that we spend so much of our lives in it.

Comfort ranges from the aesthetics of the space, the aroma of the environment, the breeze that enters through the window, and the temperature felt when entering, to its accessibility and application of technologies or passive strategies to facilitate and improve the quality of life of the inhabitant.

Farmhouse décor has been a trend for the last decade.The look combines functionality with a relaxed, lived-in feel. Pieces look slightly worn, rustic, and inviting.The ease of the farmhouse style is one of the reasons for its lingering appeal as designers look to modernize and update the look. Modern Farmhouse style continues to emphasize a neutral color palette and sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood and used brick but adds more sophistication to the theme. Capitalizing on the boho trend, the Modern Farmhouse style might include accent pieces in wicker or kilim rugs and pillows, warming the room and merging it with more traditional elements. Contemporary designs such as Industrial and Scandinavian also get an update when mixed with Modern Farmhouse.The bright, light rooms of a Scandinavian Farmhouse look might include a rustic kitchen table or distressed flooring. While cold, Industrial design adds warmth with a sliding barn door entry or rich leather chairs.

The farmhouse style focuses on comfort, practicality, and an informal lifestyle. Today’s family enjoys this kind of living environment because it offers an easy and flexible design. Inexpensive accent pieces are also readily available which makes the style accessible to everyone. Modern Farmhouse is an updated version of the original, incorporating fresh looks and merging textures and palates to suit the contemporary homeowner.