Category: Life at Home

Trending Home Features: Love It or Leave It

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Home decorating trends are constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up with every new fad that emerges. Floral prints may be popping up everywhere at the moment, but those millennial pink kitchen appliances you bought at the beginning of the year are “so out” now! So, which trends should you follow and which should you leave in 2018? The lists below showcase a few timeless home trends that will never go out of style and a few short-lived trends that may only be popular for a short period of time. So, which trends will stand the test of time?

Timeless Classics

Neutral paint colors. It’s always a safe bet to choose a neutral color palette for your home. Neutral wall colors and floors will allow you to decorate more boldly and add personality to each room. You can incorporate trendy pieces into the room without going overboard, and you can easily switch it out for something new once you no longer love it. A neutral setting with bold accents is always a good choice.

Clawfoot tub. Relaxation, elegance and luxury are what come to mind when you hear this term, and those are some reasons the clawfoot tub hasn’t gone out of style. This type of bathtub has a classic design and will fit with any type of décor, making it a lasting piece in your home.

Open concept. An open concept living space has become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and it seems to have staying power; more homebuyers are searching for homes that give an open floor plan. This type of floor plan can make a small space feel larger, and it is also a convenient layout for entertaining.

Short Lived

Statement floors. Gone are the days with “Plain-Jane” beige carpet and simple hardwood floors. A new trend has recently emerged and it is daring! Statement floors have become popular in the last few years, and for good reason; it can add adventure and a fun twist to any room. Unfortunately, a bold floor doesn’t work for everyone, so try not to get swept up in this trend.

Velvet furnishings. Another trend that screams luxury and comfort, but like so many other home design fads, this one likely won’t last. Household items such as couches and curtains have followed the velvet craze, but have started to vanish recently. Fashion and style are big components of this trend, but opting for a more traditional look may save you from a design faux-pas.

Bold Wallpaper. It’s everywhere these days! Flip through a home design magazine or scroll through Pinterest and you will see bright, bold wallpaper. It can add so much drama and excitement to a space, but if it is overdone, it can be overwhelming. While this trend can be a thrilling addition to your home, it’s best to stick with the neutral colors since some prints and colors will go out of style soon.

Decorating your home can be a lot of fun, and a lot of work. There is no need to rush redecorating when the next big trend surfaces, so be sure to take your time and only include items in your home that work for you. Just because something is on trend doesn’t mean it’s your style! You can only make your house a home if it is filled with the things you love.

Tiny House, Large Living: The Tiny House Movement

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Living large doesn’t necessarily mean owning a mansion and filling it with an abundance of possessions. Just ask those who have joined the tiny house movement. You may be asking, what exactly is the tiny house movement? The latest trend involves homeowners downsizing to a home, generally measuring 400 square feet or less. Small, right? How can one live in such a small space? It’s definitely a lifestyle change and it’s not for everyone, but those who have joined this movement have benefited big time!

So why would someone choose this lifestyle? There are many benefits to going tiny. Affordability is a major factor; the cost of a tiny home is substantially cheaper than a normal-sized home. Typically, tiny homes can range from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the type of home, amenities and if you build it yourself or purchase a pre-built home. That is a fraction of the cost of an average house in the suburbs. The cost of upkeep of a tiny home tends to be less as well since there is less square footage to maintain.

Going tiny can also simplify your life. Since your home is smaller, there is less room for material items and possessions. Freedom from objects will allow you to focus on experiences and connecting with people and nature rather than focusing on “things”. The less time you spend focusing on things, the more time you can focus on yourself and finding activities that make you happy.

Another benefit of going tiny is being more mobile and not tied down to one location. Some tiny homes can be placed on a trailer bed and towed and some are fixed on wheels. Either option lets you travel often and experience adventures you may not have been able to if you were tied down with a non-mobile home or a large mortgage payment.

Sounds great so far, doesn’t it? While there are many advantages of a tiny home, they do have a few drawbacks as well. Some states and/or counties have their own set of strict rules regulating where owners can place/park their tiny homes, making it difficult to stay in one place for a long period of time. Their small size creates limited storage areas, so renting a storage unit may be an additional cost homeowners need to budget for. If you decide to grow your family and need to move out of your tiny home, there is a very small market for tiny home buyers, so selling could be an issue.

As mentioned before, tiny house living isn’t for everyone, but those who choose to live this lifestyle have the financial and personal freedom to live how they want and where they want.

Will Your Home Value Sink or Swim?

Posted on by Emily Gregory

It’s been a long, hot summer so far; thank goodness for that backyard swimming pool to cool you off! There’s really no better feeling than walking out your back door and jumping in your own swimming pool. But what happens to that tropical paradise when those cold, winter months roll in? And when it comes time to sell your home, is your pool adding value to your home or hurting the resell value? Many factors can come in to play when deciding if a pool will increase or decrease your home’s value.

How much use do you get from the pool?
If you live in an area where it is warm for most of the year, then a pool may be a good investment. Keeping up with the maintenance costs won’t seem like as much of a burden when you are actually using the pool. However, if you live in an area where only 3-5 months of the year are suitable for swimming, it may be a turn off to keep up with monthly costs.

How does your house compare to your neighbor?
If you live in a neighborhood where most of the homes have pools, then having your own pool could increase your home’s value. Since this is a desirable feature in the area, when ready to sell your home, it will probably be a little bit easier. If you live in a neighborhood where pools are uncommon, or there is a great community pool down the street, it may not make sense to have one in your backyard.

Is an in-ground pool better than an above-ground pool?
In-ground pools have the potential to add more value to your home than above-ground pools. An in-ground pool will typically last longer and require less refurbishing every few years. Since above-ground pools can be easily dismantled and removed, they most likely will not add any extra value to your home. If selling your home, potential buyers might see an above-ground pool as an eye sore, especially if there is no landscaping surrounding the pool to help it blend more easily into the backyard.

Has the pool been property maintained?
Pool maintenance costs can add up, but it may be more costly to you if you don’t keep up with proper care. A well maintained pool will look attractive to potential buyers, making your entire home more sellable. Neglecting to take proper care of your pool may make it harder to sell your home because it would be an added expense and hassle for the new owners. If a pool is in poor condition, it could decrease the value of your home.

If you are looking to purchase a home that already has a swimming pool, or are thinking of adding a pool to your own backyard, take the above factors in to consideration. Try not to think of a swimming pool as an asset to your property, but rather an added value to your lifestyle and personal enjoyment.

When is the Best Time to Buy a House?

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Each season has its own highlights and downfalls of buying, so when is the best time to purchase a new home? Take a look at the information below to help you navigate the buying seasons.

Spring/Summer

Pros:

  • More Inventory: Most sellers choose to list their properties in spring/summer, so there are more options for homebuyers.
  • Family Time: Better time for moving since you don’t have to worry about the kids being in school and after school activities getting in the way.
  • End of Summer Price Drop: As autumn months approach, home prices may take a slight dip in price, making them more affordable.
  • Buying and Selling: If you are looking to sell your current home as well as purchase a new one, it may be easier during spring/summer months since there is more demand.

Cons:

  • Higher Competition: More buyers are searching for homes so the chances of you making the only offer are slim.
  • Peak Prices: More competition means more bidding wars and less room for negotiation, this can lead to paying more than the list price.
  • Time: Since there is a higher demand for houses, listings are flying off the market, giving you less time to decide which home is right for you.
  • Busy Realtors: Your realtor may be working with other buyers during this busy time, so you may not get the response rate you are expecting.

 

Fall/Winter

Pros:

  • Better Deals: Home prices typically drop once the winter months roll in, making them more affordable than spring/summer months.
  • Motivated Sellers: Sellers will be more open to negotiate and accept your offer since their houses have been listed for a longer period of time.
  • Lower Competition:  Since spring/summer is a more ideal time to buy, there will be a lower amount of buyers during the winter months, giving you more time to make decisions.
  • Cold Weather Performance: Visiting a house in the winter can give you a general idea of how the house performs during winter months (whether the rooms stay warm, drafts through doors and windows etc.)

Cons:

  • Lower Inventory: If houses didn’t sell in spring/summer, listings are usually removed once holiday season approaches.
  • Winter Weather: House hunting and/or moving in winter can be pretty terrible; colder temperatures and inclement weather can make visiting properties or moving boxes unenjoyable.
  • Holiday Season: People are busy during the holidays, so sellers/agents may not be available to show their homes as frequent.
  • Curb Appeal: There is a lack of greenery and landscaping in winter, making the house seem bland and less attractive.

 

While the tips above can be helpful points to consider, the main thing to remember is the best time to buy a house is when you are ready! When that time comes, contact a First Home Loan Officer in your area to guide you throughout the process.

Interior Design at the Touch of a Button

Posted on by Emily Gregory

You have finally found your dream home, but there is one small problem; you have no idea how to decorate it! Lucky for you, design apps and websites have quickly become “must-have” tools for anyone looking to update the interiors of their homes. In the past few years, companies such as Modsy, Havenly, and Homepolish , to name a few, have upped the ante by pairing users with professional interior designers, right in the palm of their hands. These game-changing interior design apps and websites offer virtual design assistance for you and your home, working with any budget, style and preference. The concept differs slightly from company to company, but the general idea is to choose from different design packages, ranging in prices, to fit your budget.

How It Works

  • Take a survey or complete an online style profile that matches you with a designer that understands your vision.
  • Provide room sizes/measurements and photographs. Be sure to let the designers know if you have any existing furniture or decorative pieces you want to keep in the room.
  • Designers will then provide ideas, design concepts, layouts and/or floorplans based on your preferences.
  • From there, you can collaborate with the designer and discuss any changes or updates you may have.
  • Once you and your designer have pieced together the perfect room, you are then able to purchase any and all pieces shown on the design and have them shipped to your home.

As a busy homeowner, having online design tools ready at the touch of a button is extremely convenient . Between work and social gatherings, family events and vacations, your time may be limited to research an interior designer that fits your budget and understands your style and preferences. These easy to use apps and websites not only allow you to finally make your house a home, but also guarantee plenty of compliments from your guests.

7 Reasons to Own a Home

Posted on by Emily Gregory

For most, it is the American Dream to own a home.  It has always been an important milestone of adulthood.  But as a first-time home buyer, how do you know it is the right thing to do?  Besides the obvious benefits of owning a home, here are additional advantages of owning rather than renting.

Tax Benefits

The bulk of your house payment each month goes toward interest.  Mortgage interest is tax deductible unless your mortgage loan is greater than $1 million.   You can also deduct the property tax your lender pays on your behalf.

Appreciation

Over time, houses generally go up in value.  A $200,000 house after 30 years becomes a $545,313 house.  According to the Price-Shiller Index, existing homes increased 3.4% annually on average from 1987 to 2009.  Over a 30-year period, this increase is a big deal.

Equity

Equity is the difference between the home’s value and how much is owed to the mortgage lender.  The reduction of your mortgage every month increases your equity and builds interest in your home.

Savings

Having a mortgage is having a forced savings plan.  When you pay your mortgage every month, you are ultimately being forced to save because you are building more valuable equity in your home.  Making an extra payment on your mortgage each quarter could potentially save you money on interest resulting in your loan retiring earlier.

Predictability

As a borrower, you are able to accurately predict your future payments with a fixed-rate mortgage.  Your interest rate doesn’t fluctuate during the loan period, keeping your payments relatively the same.  Rent payments are unpredictable and may rise every year.

Freedom

Owning a home gives you the freedom to do what you want with it, especially aesthetically.  Decorate it how you please, paint whatever color you’d like and upgrade amenities that suit your sense of style.

Stability

You are officially planting your roots in an area you choose that benefits you and your family the most.  From here, you will build long-lasting relationships with your neighbors and will offer the benefit of life-long friendships and education continuity to your children.

 

Want to learn more about the home buying process? Contact a First Home Loan Officer today!

Home Design Application Must-Haves

Posted on by Emily Gregory

Did you buy a home and need inspiration to decorate it? Or, do you currently own a home and need an interior update?  These smartphone apps are perfect for you!  They help inspire home improvement, all in the palm of your hand.  These apps are smartphone Android and iOS friendly, at a minimal fee or no price at all.  If you are looking to buy in the near future and need help getting started, contact a First Home Mortgage Loan Officer for more information.  Once your dream home is yours, you can put these apps to the test.

Zillow Digs

Zillow currently provides a price estimate on the majority of real estate in America.  Their website provides an online, searchable database easily accessible to all.  They now offer an app for home improvement and design.  It allows you to choose an array of interior projects that matches your price point.  Zillow digs also provides advice from real designers and allows you to share with others on social media.

ColorSnap

This app allows for you to view 1,500 different shades of Sherman-Williams’ paint inventory and will allow you to apply it to any of its virtual sample rooms.  Not only do you get to see how different colors look in different rooms, it will also analyze colors of any photo on your smartphone and inform you of what shade of paint it is.

Houzz

Houzz contains more than 5 million high resolution home images that are tagged and organized according to style, room and location. You can search your favorite looks and save them in an “idea book” to later refer to when needed.  It also includes real-life design consultants that you can share and request ideas from.

Other top home designing applications that you can download are Homestyler Interior Design, Curate, Like That Décor and Furniture, MagicPlan, MyPantone, BrightNest and Home Design 3D Gold.

Love the ideas you find on these applications but need the finances to do them? First Home Mortgage offers Renovation loans for home improvements.  Contact a First Home Mortgage Loan Officer now to learn more. Click Here

5 Ways to Reduce Your Energy Bill This Summer

Posted on by Emily Gregory

When summer rolls around, many of us dread the cost required to keep the house (and its occupants) cool. The higher the temperature outdoors, the harder your air conditioner has to work to maintain a comfortable climate indoors. In addition to your regular utility costs, having the AC on full blast can lead to an expensive energy bill throughout the summer. Although we cannot regulate the weather on a day to day basis, there are ways to help control your utility bills.

Here are five simple ways to save money on energy bills this summer:

  1. Unplug devices while not in use: If you have devices you’re not using, consider going around and unplugging them or using plugs which feature automatic shut off switches. Same goes for lighting – try to rely on natural light during the day and turn off lights when you leave a room.
  2. Start using fans: This may seem like an obvious alternative. However, opting to use your fan at times, such as cooler days and evenings, will help make a difference on your utility bill.
  3. Close up cracks: just as you may focus on insulation and closing up your home during the winter months, you should also consider doing the same thing in the summer. Try to seal windows and close doors in the areas of the house you don’t use.
  4. Tune up your AC: Have your system inspected to make sure it’s working as efficiently as possible. You can also set a schedule for your air conditioner. If you plan on spending the day outside of the house, turn the AC down or completely off until you return.
  5. Start drying laundry outside: Summer is a wonderful time that you can ditch the use of your dryer in favor of drying your clothes in the sunshine.

Keep some of these top ideas in mind for reducing your energy consumption throughout the summer months in order to save money.

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