Better Affordability Brings More Buyers

 The first quarter of 2023 saw 56% of prospective home buyers actively in the process of purchasing a home. This is up from the fourth quarter of 2022 at 46%. This is due to the improved affordability expectations.

With the improved affordability, buyer demand is up as well as the competition. Unfortunately, this leads to potential buyers having a harder time finding the home of their dreams. In fact, 71% have spent 3+ months searching for a new home which was up from the 65% reported in the fourth quarter of 2022.

As for each region, the number of prospective buyers actively looking for a home rose in every region in the first quarter of 2023. The Northeast went from 50% to 63%, Midwest from 42% to 45%, the South from 47% to 51% and the West from 44% to 66%.

These results are derived from the Housing Trends Report (HTR). This report is produced by the National Association of Home Builders’ Economics team. The team measures prospective home buyers’ perceptions about the affordability and availability of homes for sale in their market. The Housing Trends Report runs every quarter to track changes in buyer’s perceptions over time.

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How Professionals Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinetry

 Your kitchen is one of the main and most important spaces of your home.  It goes with the old saying the kitchen is the heart of the home.  Kitchen upgrades are very important for this reason alone.  When upgrading the space, you want to make sure you choose the right cabinets.  Thomasville Cabinetry can help with the choice of your cabinets with the Thomasville Concierge program and can help you from start to finish giving you the perfect style of cabinet for your kitchen.  Here are some tips to use when choosing cabinets from professionals in the industry.

Select a Style

Jen Samson of Jen Samson Design says that a flat panel or shaker can be used in almost any style of kitchen.  If you love the traditional kitchen, choosing a traditional style with intricate woodwork design and trim will fit the bill perfectly.  A transitional look is something in between a shaker and the more ornate traditional look. “We like to add details, like a thin bead detail around the Shaker or v-groove for a fun, more Craftsman-style kitchen,” says Samson.

If you need to see the looks in your space, you can always contact a Thomasville Concierge who can bring samples to you in your kitchen.  They can help you with choices and refer you to a Thomasville technician who can answer questions when the cabinets are being installed.

Consider Shelving Carefully

Implementing shelving in your home and choosing just for show can make or break your design.  If you are a cook who loves your ingredients and does not want to have all your dishes perfectly displayed 24/7 then an open cabinet shelf is not the way to go.  If you like a tidy space, then this might be a perfect solution to displaying your favorite kitchen items.

“I like to mix open shelves and closed storage cabinets. If the home is more traditional, I still like to incorporate one open shelf, perhaps with a pretty brass rod detail on the front, to be used for cookbooks and displaying attractive objects.  When there are added design details like a rod or decorative brackets, open shelves can add to the unique personality of the kitchen,” Samson says.

Find a Finish

There are tons of options for finishes such as laminates, matte paint, glazes and stains.  One big factor to decide on before deciding on the finishes is if you want a cabinet in color or more of a natural look with a stain.  A stained wood cabinet is a classic feel but a laminate cabinet is very easy to clean.

Size Storage Up

A professional like a Thomasville Concierge, can help with not only the design, but also choosing the right amount of counter space and storage.  If you customize your kitchen, you can lay it out and choose specialty storage options that will work best for you.  Options like wall lift-up cabinets are a great option if you need to have a place to hide appliances that are used frequently.

Remember everything from the hardware finishes,  to the style of the cabinet itself is important and needs to fit your style.  Having a professional help you along the way will not only be a benefit but also help alleviate the stress allowing you to enjoy the whole experience.

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New Home Sales Are Still Climbing

 The New Year started off right when it came to new home sales as they rose 7.2% from December 2022 according to the US Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This makes the seasonally adjusted annual pace at 670,000 homes. This is great news but is still down 19.4% on a year-over-year basis.

“January marked a surge of people signing contracts to buy new homes. The increase in contract signings can be attributed to a decline in mortgage rates in January after a run-up in rates in October and November. Rates have bounced higher since January, which likely is acting as a drag on new home sales in the meantime,” according to Holden Lewis with NerdWallet.

“The backlog of new construction homes continues to emerge into the market just in time for the spring shopping season. Many home builders are offering incentives to buyers sweetening the deal just enough to bump sales from the month prior,” said Nicole Bachaud, Zillow’s senior economist.

This caused a price drop which landed the median new home sales price to drop to $427,000 in January 2023. As far as the different regions, the sales price on a month-over-month basis was down 25,000 homes in the Northeast, 67,000 homes in the Midwest and 127,000 homes in the West. The South had jumped 17.1% to 451,000 on a monthly basis and the West was the largest drop at 46.9%

“There is still a large chunk of new construction homes currently under construction, and when those homes hit the market, especially over the next few months, we will see spring home buyers – those who can afford the higher new construction price tags- having more options and opportunities to break into homeownership,” says Bachaud.

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How Much of Your Net Worth Should Be in Real Estate?

 Ever since the first settlers came to America, real estate has been a worthy investment. Even with the volatile economy we currently are living in, real estate is still a pretty safe way to invest and grow your net worth. The home prices are high currently, but those that have recently invested in a new home will still see a good return. There are some homeowners who have too little or too much of their net worth invested in real estate which can result in problems. So what is the magic number when it comes to investing your net worth into real estate?

According to professionals in the industry, you should use anywhere from 25% to 40% of your net worth for real estate. This will include your home that you live in and other real estate investments. By doing this, it allows you to capitalize on the advantages of real estate ownership while giving you plenty of flexibility to pursue other avenues of investment and wealth development. This is a broad percentage range but your age, risk tolerance and other various factors will play a part in determining how much you should go with.

Investors will tell you that adding real estate to a portfolio is very beneficial. You can enjoy predictable cash flow, excellent returns, tax advantages and diversification. Remember there are several pros to real estate investments. Real estate can appreciate over time, bring you tax incentives, provide a large chunk of income, allows you to use leverage and build equity, and allows the investor to have direct control over the investment.

Investors will need to know first hand how to calculate how much real estate should go into their net worth. This can be calculated with a net worth formula which is net worth = total assets – total liabilities. There are net worth calculators online that will provide you with the figure. An investor should always know the information needed to calculate.

To make it easier, an investor will need to divide their assets into four categories. These include tangible assets (furniture, cars, collectables, physical properties, etc.), equity assets (ownership in stocks, investments in partnerships and businesses, retirement accounts, life insurance cash value, etc.), cash and cash equivalents (cash, money market accounts, checking accounts, savings, etc.) and fixed income (bonds, etc.).

Once you have this total, then you will need to add up your liabilities. This can be divided into two categories which are secured debts (car loans, home equity loans, mortgages, etc.) and unsecured debts (credit card debt, student loans, personal loans, taxes, medical bills, etc.). Once you have your total for your assets and liabilities you will apply the net worth formula.

Remember, it is very important to understand how your net worth is calculated and what information you will need to do this. If you are in the market for a home or a real estate investment, talk to a local realtor who can help you with a real estate transaction.

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Eco-Friendly Tips To Refinishing Hardwood Floors

 Hardwood floors are a beautiful touch to your home, but they can be high maintenance. If your wood floors look worn then refinishing them can give them a whole new fresh look. Hardwood floors can be refinished without the use of products with harmful toxins. If you are worried about harmful toxins, then follow these five tips to make sure you are keeping the process healthy for home.

1. Get Your Game Plan in Place

Whether you want to change the color of stain or just bring back the original look to your dull wood floors, you need to have a plan in place before you start the job. Start by researching products to make sure the ones that you want to use are not harmful. Many companies will list all the specifications of their products on their website for you to research.

You will also want to plan what style or color you will want to use for the new look. You want to research different refinishing companies and flooring pros before choosing the right one. Once you have done this, the pros can bring in samples and give you recommendations. Many company websites have a floor visualizer tool that can help you get a digital picture of what your design will look like in your space.

2. The Finish Makes All the Difference

Research wood floor finishes because many finishes will leave behind toxic fumes for your household to breathe in. Less expensive finishes such as Swedish finishes have a high level of volatile organic compounds. These organic compounds can have huge effects on your indoor air quality. These finishes are acid-cured finishes that have formaldehyde as an ingredient that can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Waterborne (water-based) finishes are an environmentally friendly solution for your hardwood floors.

“For me, focusing on eco-friendly products just makes sense from an environmental and health standpoint for myself and my family. Knowing I am making a good choice that benefits everyone feels good, especially because the results are just as good, if not better, from floors to paint to furniture,” says Krissy Peterson of K. Peterson Design.

3. The Right Contractor is Key

After your research, it is important to now find the right contractor for the job. When choosing a contractor, you need to hire a certified craftsmen who will  guide you through the process and deliver your game plan without shortcuts or compromises.

“The most important aspects of the refinishing process for me were minimal down time and a quality result and color. I have two you kids, so being out of our house was going to be hard. Selecting a company that I knew would do a quality job set us up for success right from the beginning,” says Peterson.

4. It’s Dustless or Bust

The dusty process of the job can also be harmful to your health. The dust particles will not only cover your furniture and electronic devices but can get in your lungs causing allergic reactions and asthma. Every job will have dust, but how you handle the dust is the important part. Make sure the contractor uses a tested dust-containment system. This system will cut down on the spread of dust in your home.

5. Keep an Eye on the Upkeep

There is still some upkeep once your floors are completed, remember to use only water-based products and cleaners. This will ensure that your home is safe for you and your pets. A light touch is all it takes to clean your hardwoods. Do not use mops or vacuums as they may cause damage. Also be sure to use cleaning products tailored to wood floors that will gently remove dusts, dirt and grime without harming the floors or leaving behind a dull residue.

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Today’s Home Prices in the Current Market

Whether it’s your home or a commercial building, Fond du Lac Natural Stone has the right natural building stone to fit your vision. Our stone holds a reputation of quality and durability with highly sought after expressive beauty. Our statewide quarry sites are environmentally focused and offer a unique array of colors and textures – only found in Wisconsin. Fond du Lac is a classic grey tone castle rock style real stone veneer. The pieces are cut from

 There has been a lot of activity in the housing market when it comes to home prices. It seems that there is a trend of home price appreciation but with this same bit of news comes the fact the sellers are still reducing the price of their homes. So what is really happening with today’s home prices?

Industry leaders explain the differences between the terms used by the industry. Appreciation means when the home price increases, depreciation reflects a decrease in the home price and deceleration is when home prices continue to appreciate but at a slower and moderate pace. Today’s housing market industry leaders are seeing a deceleration. The home prices are still appreciating but not at a record-breaking pace as they have been in the past two years.

According to CoreLogic, in 2021 home prices appreciated by an average of 15% nationwide and at the beginning of 2022 appreciation was at 20%. Currently, it is predicted that prices will increase on average10% to 11%. On a year-over-year basis, home prices appreciated between 19% -20% from January to March of this year. The last few months, home prices have decelerated to 18%. They are still climbing but at a slower pace than compared to the same time last year.

“Annual home price growth dropped by nearly two percentage points….- the greatest single-moth slowdown on record since at least the early 1970s… While June’s slowdown was record-breaking, home price growth would need to decelerate at this pace for six more months to drive annual appreciation back to 5%, a rate more in line with long-run averages,” says Black Knight’s Monthly Mortgage Monitor.

So today’s home prices are not falling or depreciating, but decelerating or moderating nationwide. There are some pocket markets that are seeing declines because they are overheated. When looking at the country as a whole, prices will not depreciate or fall but will keep appreciating.

When you are in the market for a home and want to know about what the current market is doing, the best way to go about this is to hire a trusted real estate profession. A real estate professional can help you navigate the current market making sure you make the best decisions when it comes to your home.

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The Ins and Outs of Buying Land

 In general, most people know about buying a home and how the mortgage process works. When purchasing and financing land instead of a home there are some differences. The one thing that stays the same is the lender.

Finding a lender is usually a pretty easy task when it comes to buying a home, but this is not always the case when you look to buy land. First South Farm Credit, with locations in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana has been in business for over one hundred years.

“When I talk to people, I find out that the hardest part for them is finding a lender who is willing to finance it. A bank, a credit union or a mortgage company doesn’t generally want to carry fixed rate land loans on their books for a long term. And if they do, you will likely see a higher down payment and interest rates and you will often be looking at an ARM or other unfavorable terms,” Daily Thomas who is a vice president and branch manage said. “At First South, land financing is what we do all day, every day and we try to make it as easy and convenient as we can.”

If you are considering purchasing land and using a lender such as First South Farm Credit, you will need to have at least 15% to put down. A good bit of the time you might need more depending on the terms. You can choose a five to thirty-year fixed rate loan or balloon note. A balloon note would be used if you would want to build on your land in the future, and once you start construction, you would roll the balloon note into a different loan. Remember that your interest rate will depend on your credit, the type of loan you are qualified for, the down payment you have and the overall market.

Just like with purchasing a home, it takes time if you do things right up front. If you rush just to get a faster closing, you might miss something or have a big problem come up. The typical time for closing when there is no appraisal is around 30 days, and around 45 days if an appraisal is required.

“That being said, my rule of thumb is that we can close within 30 days when an appraisal is not required and 45 days when it is, assuming there are no other issues, such as problems with the title, the need for a survey, etc. Some of that we can’t control,” Thomas further stated.

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2022 First Quarter Sees a 3% Increase in Homeowner Equity

 According to a report published by CoreLogic, homeowners with mortgages in the first quarter of 2022 saw their equity grow by 32.2% year-over-year. There was a collective equity gain of $3.8 trillion in the first quarter. This was an average gain of $63,600 per borrower. Homeowners with mortgages accounted for around 60% of properties across the country. Home equity and home prices both rose together, in fact, home prices were up 20% in March 2022 compared to March 2021.

“This has led to the largest one-year gain in average home equity wealth for owners and is expected to spur a record amount of home-improvement spending this year,” Patrick Dodd, CEO of CoreLogic said in a statement.

Homeowners across the nation, approximately 62,000 homeowners regained their home equity. Good news but CoreLogic still reports that around 2% of homeowners with a mortgage still remain underwater. This is about 5.3% less than those reported underwater in the fourth quarter of 2021.

There is still hope, the report predicts that if home prices increase by 5% then around an additional 130,000 homes would regain equity. Lets hope it takes this trend, if it doesn't and the market turns the opposite way, then around 167,000 additional homes will go underwater.

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The Current Housing Market Sees More Construction of Single Family Homes Over Multifamily

 This has been a whirlwind of a housing market since the pandemic began. It has been nine years since the number of single-family homes under construction is higher than multifamily construction. Robert Dietz, the National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist reported that up until 2008 that was the norm. Then the financial crisis that led to the Great Recession hit and homeowners moved to rentals in droves. 

The pandemic could be why this trend has taken over. People wanted to get away from the dense areas and were moving out of apartments. More and more people were looking for a single-family home for space to work and school from home. Since the pandemic will this still hold up to be the case?

Multifamily housing starts were 17% higher from 2020. This shows a sign that multifamily construction will start to come back. If homeowners want to go back to living in metro areas, these communities cannot support a large amount of single-family construction. Millennials are the big chunk of first-time homebuyers and cannot afford a single-family home in this housing market. Multifamily units are more cost effcient when it comes to construction and renting. This will probably put multifamily construction back into the lead.

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Tips to Freshen Up Your Home

 Springtime is usually the time for cleaning, hence the phrase "Spring Cleaning." It is also the best time to freshen up your home's look. Here are five things to do to spring up the look.

#1: Clean and Declutter

After being indoors for the winter, your home might be musty and stale. The first step when the weather starts to warm up is to refresh your home. To do this start with dusting blinds, cleaning windows, washing floors, and prepping your porch — don't forget to clean your appliances, dust light fixtures, wipe down doorknobs and light switches and freshen up your front door. If you need to update the smell of your home aromas such as linen and cotton are great choices.

#2: Awaken Your Home With Scent

As mentioned earlier, the scent of your home is important. Infuse your home with spring fragrances. Some of these scents include the calming scent of Lavender & Almond Blossom, the floral hints of Honeysuckle & Raspberry, the fruity sweetness of Vanilla & Pink Papaya, or the tropical freshness of Palm Breeze. To do this you can use an Air Wick Essential Mist diffuser.

#3: Get Into Blossoms and Houseplants

When springtime comes, people love to buy flowers and plants. The spring is when a majority of plants turn green and bloom. Bringing the outdoors in is a perfect idea for your space. You can do this with houseplants and flowers. Low-maintenance houseplants can be a perfect thing for most anyone to have. Examples are asparagus fern, snake plant, pothos, or philodendron.

#4: Say Yes to Of-the-Moment Hues

Spring colors are another great way to update your home. Use cheerful and bright spring shades to welcome the warm weather. The trend for this year is electrifying hues and muted pastels. Examples include hocking pinks, vibrant azures and canary yellows, along with ocean blues, soft basil greens and pretty lavenders.

#5: Switch Out Textiles

You don't need your heavy duvet during the warmer months. Switch them out for nubby blankets made of lighter linens and cotton throws. This season you will see cottagecore with wildflower prints and pastoral motifs, groovy patterns and highly textured fabric, and boho chic designs.

Remember to mix this season's colors, patterns and blooms together for a nice fresh look. To do this add a nice aroma to create a good mood in your home.

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Millennials Win When It Comes to Buying Homes

 The National Association of Realtors revealed in the most recent buyers' report that millennials make up 37% of the homebuyers. Millennials (22-40 years old) make up the largest share of homebuyers in 2021.

The report breaks up the millennial generation into two groups. The older millennials who make up 23% of homebuyers range from 31-40 years old and the young millennials (ages 22-30) make up 14%. Combined this makes up the 37% reported and has not changed since 2014.

This year the report also includes Gen Z buyers for the first time. These buyers are between 18 and 21 years old and only make up around 2% of home buyers and sellers. Gen X (ages 42 - 57) comes in at 24% when it comes to buying a home. Gen X has the highest median income of $113,300 and they usually purchase the largest houses (2,100 square feet).

The oldest generation reported was the Silent Generation which is from 74 - 95 years old. This generation just purchased 5% of the homes this year. This is a small group which probably is due to the fact that this age bracket is retired. The largest group for selling homes was the Baby Boomers (ages 56 - 74) which consisted of 43% of home sellers.

If you would like to view the NAR's report which also includes characteristics of home buyers and sellers click here.

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The Cost of Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of life's big moments and is a huge financial expense. If you are in the market for a home, then you will want to factor in all the costs associated. Here are the true costs of owning a home.

A home inspection is a cost that you will occur and if there are any issues with the home, you will either negotiate with the seller or have to come up with the money to fix the problems. A detailed, in-depth home inspection is a good idea to get on the home you are going to purchase.

When you purchase a home, you will need to bring closing costs to the table. Closing costs include title fees, lawyer fees, contract fees, and more. Future homeowners need to realize the listing price is not the only expense but closing costs will be added on.

Potential homeowners will need to consider monthly utility expenses. Operating home expenses can be a surprise to first-time homebuyers. Some of these expenses, just to name a few, include heat or cooling, appliances, lights, gas, water, trash and recycling.

Along with a mortgage monthly payment, you will need to pay homeowner's insurance. A homeowner's insurance agent can explain what is included in these monthly costs. The homeowner's insurance premiums are held in the escrow account and paid each year. They are collected monthly on top of the mortgage monthly payment.

Moving costs are many times looked over. These costs need to be considered whether your move is local or far. These costs can include time off work, packing, loading and unloading, and in some cases storage facilities and packing supplies.

When you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association there will be HOA fees that are due each year. These will be paid either monthly or annually. You will need to factor this cost into your budget.

If you are in the market for a new home, using a Realtor is a smart choice. Remember to leave the house shopping, buying, and selling to the professionals.

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Learn How To Design a Kitchen That Is Perfect for Entertaining

 

The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home and a place where family and friends gather. Delicious food is also a big part of most gatherings. A kitchen with a practical layout and up-to-date appliances is the recipe for a good working kitchen. If you want to make sure your kitchen is in working order, follow these tips to create both a beautiful and functional space.

1. Create Space for Gathering

The layout of your kitchen can make all the difference. You will want your kitchen to function as an entertaining-friendly kitchen. This can be done by selecting a floor plan that allows more than one person to be working in the kitchen. To do this, you will want tons of counter space to prep meals and allow everyone to have a place to gather.

A perfect way to create this extra counter space is by adding an island or peninsula to your kitchen space. An island can hold your kitchen sink, breakfast bar, and appliances. Remember to include good lighting for your space.

“I want people to help themselves to coffee or a glass of wine and to sit down and talk while I prep,” says Kate Arends, blogger and founder of Wit & Delight.

2. Choose Hardworking Appliances

Investing in hard-working, good-quality kitchen appliances is a must if you love to entertain. “It’s about efficiency. When entertaining, I want to do just that — entertain. I don’t want to be thinking about whether or not the oven is working or if there’s enough room in the fridge,” states Arends.

A big French door refrigerator can hold large platters. One appliance that you do not think about when entertaining is a dishwasher. Choose a dishwasher with adjustable racks so you can accommodate different sizes. A beverage fridge is another great idea so guests can have access to cold drinks.

3. Select a High-Performance Oven

An appliance that does come to mind when entertaining is the oven. You want to choose a high-performance oven that has a large cooking space. A built-in double oven is a good choice if you do not have a big kitchen. A double oven allows you to cook several dishes at the same time.

“Home appliances can be an investment and it’s important to get the right tools for the job,” she says. “I love to cook, so my focus was finding a range that could do all the things and an oven that I could set remotely. Some people won’t need these features — it’s a very personal decision,” offers Arends.

4. Use Materials to Tie Spaces Together

This applies especially to an open floor plan. Choose appliances, flooring, counters, cabinets and colors that flow with the living and dining areas.

“Look at the color of the walls in the living room and pull that into fabric in the kitchen, or use hand-painted tiles that pull a color from the dining room. Your cookware could be the color of the sofa,” she says. “It’s about being creative and seeing the opportunity to create a harmonious color palette,” says Arends.

5. Take Some Risks

Put your own stamp on your kitchen. Doing this makes your kitchen feel like your own warm welcoming space. Add some floating or open shelves where you can store personal collectibles. Color and texture can also anchor your kitchen. This can be created by adding tiled backsplashes, a brightly colored range and rich color countertops.

"Sometimes we forget that the spaces in our homes are for us, not for others,” she says. “We all deserve to live in spaces that delight us, no matter the size or if we own or rent. I hesitated on decisions because I was worried about resale value. I have such pride and ownership in this house, more than I felt in the last one, because I’ve leaned into what I wanted from a space."

“I wanted my kitchen to feel cozy and relaxed,” Arends says. “To achieve this, I moved in lamps and art — things that you often find in living spaces. That’s how I made the space feel more like me.”

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Upscale Kitchens and Bathrooms Need Extraordinary Materials

 House of Rohl, specializes in exquisite handcrafted plumbing fixtures and materials for the bathroom and kitchen. Based out of California, the company is family-owned and operated and is the perfect company to refer to when creating a one-of-a-kind bathroom or kitchen. Here are some products to consider when designing a kitchen or bathroom.

Victoria + Albert Volcanic Limestone Baths and Sinks

Volcanic limestone is a beautiful material to use in a luxurious bathroom. The white rock is formed when immense heat and pressure from liquid magma transforms surrounding limestone.  This volcanic limestone is the primary material for Victoria + Albert bathtubs.

Each of these bathtubs is hand-finished and cast from one piece of stone. The bathtubs are chip and crack-resistant. The bathtub is naturally white but can be customized in any color in a gloss or matte finish.

Shaws Fireclay Sinks

A great option for a chef's kitchen is the Shaw fireclay sinks. Each sink is handcrafted by the Shaw family in England. The process of creating the piece has been passed down for over 100 years.

The sinks are created by pouring liquid clay into porous molds and then drying for 40 hours. Once dried they are then smoothed by hand and glazed. A specialty kiln is used to fire the sink for two days. The method is called slip casting and creates a sink with clean lines and natural shapes.

Perrin & Rowe Brass Taps and Fixtures

Another company that is located in England is Perrin & Rowe which specializes in water fixtures. There is no mass production each piece is handcrafted. They hand-forge brassware taps and sanitaryware from the best quality brass. Each piece is hand-molded and hand-polished and plated with a protective coating.

‘Brassware is also assembled by hand and each piece is individually water-tested,’ say the company founders. ‘Our casting plant in Wolverhampton is one of the last of its kind, carrying on a tradition that’s over a hundred years old. But what distinguishes us most is our high standard for performance and beauty. Because precision isn’t our method. It’s our mission.’

What you choose to use in your kitchen and bathrooms can make or break the design. An upscale bathroom and/or kitchen is a great selling factor when it comes to listing your home.

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Ways To Create a Healthy Home

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic is now a part of our lives, more homeowners now than ever focus on living in healthier homes. The link between a homeowner's home and their health is very important nowadays. The wellness and health of a homeowner are not based on the price point of their home, as the necessity for a healthy home spans across all price points.

Hayward Healthy Home five principles give great tips to design and construct a healthy home. These principles are continuous fresh air, proper sealing and insulation, cleanable surfaces and healthy home habits. A healthy home has a quieter inside environment and has an even temperature year-round.

Other ways to create a healthy home include using non-toxic materials and products, keeping good installation practices and design strategies. Examples of these include using wide-plank floor with a fresh water-based finish, no/low volatile organic chemical paints and finishes, appliances that were unboxed and left outside for 24 hours to allow them to off gas before installation, an induction stovetop, a steam oven, and a separate ventilation system in the garage.

“..when you make a home healthy, you also make it tight and energy-efficient, so you get that value, too. So health is really the powerhouse that’s going to make this change happen on a much faster scale than the drive to energy efficiency,” says Bill Hayward, CEO and chief sustainability officer of Hayward Lumber and founder of Hayward Healthy Home Score.

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2022 Kitchen Trends For Your Home

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home and is a very important space. This has become even more prominent since the pandemic. Here are the 2022 kitchen trends the industry is sharing.

1. Sunny Celebration

Bright and open spaces have become very important, especially since homeowners have had to stay indoors during the stay-at-home orders. The new year brings joy and brightness. The color trends for our kitchen are nice yellows, burnt oranges that are set against cool blues and light whites. The contrast will make a room pop.

2. Two-Tone Upgrade

This look was seen at the end of 2021 and seems to be hot in 2022. Two-toned kitchens are in! Even though they contrast in color, the look is streamlined and complementary shards are used.

3. Natural Pink

Nice pastels such as pink have become a trend for the color of the 2022 kitchen. Th pastel shades give a neutral and refreshing look to your space.

4. Sands of Time

This dune-colored palette is sure to make your kitchen look serene. This design is popular for 2022 and is said to be a Minimalism and Scandinavian design combined.

5. Matte Grey

Is it grey or gray either-or, this color is a great stylish design for your kitchen. Touch-to-open cabinets in a matte grey gives a simple and sleek design.

6. Natural-Inspired Green & Oak

They say that green is a calming color. Bringing green into your kitchen is a trend you will see this year. Expect to see kitchen cabinets in colors inspired by wood-land hues such as brown and greens.

7. All that Glitters

Another trend you will see this year is a metallic accent in your kitchen. A new trend will be dark cabinets with a metallic backsplash.

8. Countertop Continued

A nice countertop in the kitchen can boost your kitchen's look. A trend to see this year is waterfall kitchen island tops. These countertops look seamless and simple in design.

9. Backsplash & Beyond

Kitchen backsplashes have been a trend for a while now. There are many to choose from and countless designs. The 2022 trend for backsplashes will be a wrap-around backsplash. This means the backsplash will go from behind the stovetop to the ceiling and down onto the floor.

10. Practical Alternatives

Wooden beams or steel poles are being incorporated into the design of the 2022 kitchen. Also, steel countertops are the rage, they are easy to clean and durable.

11. Fully Integrated Smart Kitchens

Smart homes are becoming the norm now. Smart technology allows for smaller, more conveniently shaped appliances in the kitchen.  These appliances are energy efficient and can make your life easier. A smart fridge can actually let you know when you are running low on a particular grocery item!

Remember that the kitchen is the heart of the home and can bring family and friends together. Make sure to spruce up your kitchen for the New Year.

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Tips To Spruce Up A Home's Curb Appeal

 

When selling a home or purchasing a home one of the terms often used is curb appeal. The first impression of a home is the exterior and the home's landscaping. Keeping the exterior of your home and its surroundings updated and fresh sets your home apart from others on the street. Here are five exterior updates that can boost your home's curb appeal.

1. Show Your Style With Siding

Siding has become very popular, especially durable siding that has little upkeep. A new trend is using steel siding. Steel siding is strong and durable with a sustainable finish that offers tons of options to mix and match paint colors and other exterior materials.

“Using a combination of siding materials can help with the overall visual interest of a house,” says Mike Bouman, P.E., Vice President of Design and Engineering at Pioneer Construction in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “But make sure you look at how much maintenance your chosen material will need. Steel siding, for example, is really good in terms of durability and upkeep.”

“If you keep to one color for your siding, you may want to add interest by combining horizontal and vertical boards,” Bouman says. “Or, if you do introduce more than one siding material, try and use just two types or colors, and possibly either masonry or brick.”

2. Use Color to Add Personality

A house can look so much different with a new exterior color. Keep with your home's style when selecting colors for paint, siding, trim, shutters, doors and other exterior details.

If you want a contrasting look from your landscape, go with a dark tone on your exterior. This will make the greens of the landscaping pop.

“We’re seeing darker colors such as dark brown and dark wood tones as a trend,” Bouman says, “which is where real wood, or siding that looks like wood, can really come into its own.”

A more fresh and sleek look would be to use white on your exterior with black accents. “The combination of white siding, white trim and black-framed windows is still a clean look which people want,” Bouman says.

3. Choose Your Trim

Trim not only protects the edges of your home's roof, porch and other overhangs and windows but also gives the exterior a completed look. When choosing trim, make sure the style complements your home's architecture.

“We see homeowners choosing trims and siding in a similar color or the same color,” Bouman says.

4. Invest in Your Outdoor Space

Make sure your porch, patio and outdoor living spaces are all up to date. An outdated living space or bland yard does not give off good curb appeal. Adding evergreen plants, ornamental grass and flowering perennials adds ambiance and color to your yard.

Add a maintenance-free ceiling that is constructed of durable aluminum to your outdoor porch or covered patio. The ceilings come in many colors and even a wood finish.

“It really makes a difference,” Bouman says of the aluminum under-porch and soffit products offered by Quality Edge. “Whether it’s a solid color that looks painted or a wood finish, the style really makes it look authentic without the maintenance.”

5. Go for New Gutters

A home can have new trim, a new roof, new exterior painting and great landscaping but if the gutters are dingy your curb appeal is ruined. Not only do you want your gutters to look nice, but you also want to make sure they are intact and standing up to the outdoor elements correctly.

“Matching it with your home’s trim color means that the gutter doesn’t have to stand out,” Bouman says. “There are lots of different options to choose from, so choose one that works with the architecture of your home. If you’re going for a more historical look, for example, you might want to select a specific profile or material to suit that style of house.”

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What Are the Costs of Home Ownership?

 

Purchasing a home is one of life's major events. Many believe it is out of reach financially because of the competitive market and high cost of homes. If you are up for the challenge, homeownership can be both personally rewarding and financially rewarding. There are several long-term financial benefits of owning a home.

There are many concerns when purchasing a home, in fact, a study showed that over half of millennial homeowners have at least one regret about purchasing their home. These regrets included not being happy with their rate, not being prepared for maintenance costs, high monthly payments and high home prices.

This should not detour you from taking on the financial responsibility of homeownership. In order for it to be a confident decision, get the aid of professionals in the industry who can help you fully understand the process and what surprising costs you may occur.

There are a lot of reasons why renting is best for some such as short-term living arrangements, others trying to improve their credit scores, and some people are just not in the financial position to take the plunge into buying a home.

If you can take the plunge then it is wise to do so. When you have to renew a lease, the rent usually increases around 3 - 5% per year. Also, the money you pay for rent goes into someone else's pocket. If you own a home, you are paying into a mortgage on a home and will obtain equity.

Remember even if there are maintenance costs, every dollar you put into your home adds value. In the long run, homeownership is usually less expensive than renting. If you are in the market for a home, contact your local agent who can help you with getting a home for your needs at a great value.

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Ten Things You Can Do To Increase Your Homes Value

 There are simple things you can do that will significantly increase the value of your home. The awesome thing about this list is you can do them yourself and inexpensively. Here are the ten DIYs that you can do to increase your home's value.

1. Freshen Up With Paint

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Whether it is a new color or the same color, this is one of the most cost-effective home improvements you can do. A good rule of thumb is to keep the new color in neutral tones. Neutral tones make for an easy slate to add a designer's touch. If you are in the market to sell your home, a buyer can envision themselves in your home with neutral colors. A simple fresh coat of paint on your front door can give your home's curb appeal a lift.

2. Install Crown Moldings

Crown molding can dress up any room and bring value to your home. This upgrade can make any room looked finished and complete. This is a simple DIY project and can add character. Simply purchase decorative strips of wood and add them to your ceiling with a nail gun.

3. Update Fixtures

This can be a simple upgrade that can be easily overlooked. Updating door fixtures and plumbing fixtures can update your home easily. Other great ideas are to change light plates, outlet covers, light fixtures and curtain rods.

4. Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a great way to save on energy. The idea is to install ceiling fans in the bedrooms and common living areas. Lighted ceiling fans are even more of a plus for your home.

5. Treat Your Windows to Some TLC

Outdated curtains or old worn-out curtains can really put a hinder on a room's look. Replacing your curtains is an inexpensive way to update your rooms. Spend a little more on wooden blinds or custom drapes that will appeal to potential home buyers.

6. Update Bathroom Fixtures

Updating your bathroom fixtures is a simple way to update your bathroom's look. Old grimy outdated fixtures can really hinder your bathroom's appeal. New modern fixtures will give your bathroom an up-to-date look. Go a little extra further and replace your towel bar, light fixtures and showerheads.

7. Update Hardware

Cabinet hardware or doorknobs can dress up your cabinets and doors. Swapping these simple things can update your house.

8. Install a New Front Door

Curb appeal is very important. Updating your front door can do wonders for your curb appeal. This also adds value to your home.

9. Replace Your Front Door Mat

Just like an old door, a welcome mat can give a fresh welcoming look. An old ugly front door mat can influence a potential buyer. A fresh welcome mat will be a great first impression.

10. Add Closet Storage

Storage is a big must for buyers. Having tons of storage space is a plus. Buyers see big benefits when they see ample storage space in a home. Customizing closets with shelving and drawers can also add value to your home.

Follow these ten DIY projects and you will increase the value of your home. Your home will also have a leg up in the housing market for potential buyers. A professional sales agent can help you decide what DIY projects will be most effective to improve your home's value.

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