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It’s a new year that brings with it a new landscape for the housing market. The last three years saw dramatic changes that upended the real estate market as we typically know it. Housing pricings skyrocketed, demand surged, and supply crashed, creating a frenzy in the market. Buyers became willing to take an all-or-nothing approach to buy a house including paying way above asking or forgoing an inspection. But things have changed. 2023 ushers in a new era of the housing market and these are the new “rules” that buyers should be aware of when purchasing a home this year.

You can sleep on it

During the pandemic, buyers needed to put in an offer on a house immediately. There was no time to “sleep on it” to determine whether or not the house was right for you or what offer to make. Fortunately, you don’t need to make those knee-jerk reactions now. In most markets, there are many more homes for sale and fewer buyers to compete with. If you find a home you’re just not sure about, then you have more room to think about it before taking action.

You don’t have to offer over the asking price

If you tried to buy a home in the last three years, then you no doubt put in an offer on a home that was way over the asking price. For desperate buyers, that was the best option for making their offers more attractive. But in 2023, you’re no longer going to see that kind of competition except in the hottest markets. Most of the time, you’ll be able to offer the asking price or even less and still have your offer taken seriously by the seller.

You don’t have to waive contingencies

Another tactic that homebuyers were using to have the winning offer was waiving most or all contingencies. This has always been a risky move. When you waive the right to a home inspection you could be on the hook for expensive repairs you didn’t know about. Or if you waived your appraisal contingency then you could find yourself in trouble if the home appraised for less than the price you offered. However, in 2023, buyers can once again feel confident including contingencies in their offers. When home inspection results show damages on the property’s roof, you may negotiate with the seller on who will shoulder the cost of repairs like hiring a roofing contractor. The property may also need a new gutter installation. You may also need to hire plumbers if there are issues with the plumbing system.

You don’t need 20 percent down

Saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles to becoming a homeowner. During the past three years, if you didn’t have at least 20 percent of the purchase price saved for a down payment, then you would have found it difficult to have your offer accepted. But in today’s market, buyers can once again look at loans that allow you to pay much less than 20 percent for your down payment. Government-backed loans such as FHA, USDA, and VA loans allow you to pay 3.5 percent or even less to buy a home. This is a wonderful way for first-time homebuyers to achieve their real estate goals without having to wait years to save for the down payment.

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We get it – moving is no fun. And when you couple that with winter weather it can be even less so. But when you’re buying or selling a home, moving is part of the deal. Fortunately, there are ways that you can make your upcoming winter move less stressful. If you’re packing boxes and planning a winter move, then here’s what you should do to keep your sanity.

DIY what you can to save money

One of the things that makes moving so stressful is that it can be expensive. Saving money is important to many people who are moving to a new place, especially when inflation is in the news every day. You can save money on your move by taking a DIY approach. That means packing your own boxes, loading them into a moving truck, and driving it all to your destination. While it can make your life busier, it gives you more control over your time and your spending. However, if you do plan on moving a large distance make sure the vehicle you are going to use is in great condition, you could visit a mechanic or brake services for a quick inspection.

Start early

Another way to keep your sanity intact during a move is to get an early start. This means beginning preparations for your move before you even list your home for sale. Go through all your belongings before you pack so you can sell, donate, or toss items that you no longer need. Pack up personal belongings you won’t need to use over the next few months and put them in storage. Not only will you have fewer boxes to pack right before moving day, but your home will also be less cluttered and more attractive to buyers.

Take breaks

Prepping for a big move is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t keep chugging along without a break sometime during the process. Incorporating downtime into your schedule is critical for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Take a weekend off to watch movies or go for walks. Renting a moving truck for several days or even a moving pod for a month or two so you can slowly load up your belongings will make your life easier. And when you get to your destination, take your time unpacking. Go out and explore your new neighborhood and meet your new neighbors.

Ask for help

Even if you fully DIY your move, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help. Start calling in those favors you’ve been banking. You don’t have to ask people to help carry heavy boxes for you, either. People can help with your move in a variety of ways including taking your dog for a walk, watching your kids for a night, or picking up a pizza order for you.

Keep an eye on the weather

Finally, the weather can be more unpredictable in the winter months. So keep an eye on the forecast as moving day approaches. If you get snow in your area, then keep your driveway and walkway clear of snow with the help of a residential or commercial snow removal company. And if you’re looking for driveway construction or resurfacing, contact Abington Driveways. We can provide resin, concrete and tarmac drives. Protect your floors from dirt and slush. Have a backup plan in case poor weather makes it impossible to drive on moving day. And be sure to have your utilities turned on at your destination before you arrive.

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Just because Old Man Winter is here doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to sell your home. While spring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons in the real estate market, you can still achieve your home-selling goals in winter. It helps to understand what makes the winter market different and how you can best attract buyers during these cold, dark months. That’s why we’ve compiled these tips to help you ace your winter of home selling.

Know your buyers

Anyone willing to trudge out in cold, dark weather to look at a home for sale means business. While you’re likely to see fewer buyers in winter, the ones who are out shopping are serious about purchasing a home. These could be people who are relocating for work or who want to be closer to family and friends. Knowing who your potential buyers could be will help you market your home to them more effectively. You may get fewer offers, but the ones you do receive will be serious.

Clean and de-clutter

Raise your hand if you’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution to clean and declutter your house. This is the time of year when people are ready for a fresh start. Show them that they can easily make that fresh start in your home by thoroughly cleaning and de-cluttering. Go through all your belongings and decide what to keep and what to donate, sell, or throw away. Then go room to room and deep clean everything from the ceilings and floors to the cabinets and closets. Remember, people viewing your home will be opening every door and drawer, so details are important.

Make it cozy

No matter what part of the country you live in, winter brings with it a certain coziness that you should capitalize on as a home seller. Make your house as warm and welcoming as possible. First, remove any personal items from your home such as family photos. You want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living in the space. Next, fix any items that require repairs such as leaky faucets or jammed windows. Be sure all your lights are in working order and keep them all on for showings. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Light a scented candle or two or diffuse essential oil to make your home smell inviting. Finally, give each room a purpose. If you’ve got a spare room you can stage it as a guest bedroom, home office, or even a kids’ playroom.

Don’t forget the outside

Just because our gardens are dormant for winter doesn’t mean you can skip the outside of your home when you’re selling. Curb appeal is still vitally important. Boost your home’s appeal by cleaning up your landscape and trimming trees and bushes. Keep walkways and patios clean and freshen up your front porch by painting your door and adding a new mailbox or lighting fixture. Powerwash outdoor surfaces such as decks and siding and clean your windows.

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Have you been wondering if it’s a good time to jump into the Invest Real Estate market? Buying a home now is certainly different than it was during the pandemic. But just because the market has shifted doesn’t mean that now isn’t a good time to buy a home. If you’re not sure whether a home purchase is the right move for you, then consider these reasons why buying now actually makes sense.

There are more homes to choose from

One thing that characterized the housing market over the last two years was a lack of inventory. Many serious homebuyers were unable to purchase a home simply because demand was so high but supply was so low. With the recent rise in mortgage rates, fewer people are in the market for a house. In addition, homes are staying on the market longer. That means there are more homes on the market today to choose from and you’re more likely to have your offer accepted. However, if you can’t find a home that you like, you may choose to build your dream home with the help of a custom home builder.

Home prices are forecasted to stay steady

Are you worried that housing prices will crash after you’ve already purchased your home? Fortunately, this isn’t 2008 and most experts agree that home prices will remain steady. Local factors will certainly influence this, and some markets may see a slight increase or decrease. But overall, you can feel confident that your home will retain its value.

Housing increases in value over time

Real estate continues to be the favorite investment of Americans because it always increases over time. While the market can fluctuate in the short term, over the long haul home prices always go up.

Mortgage rates should moderate

Many potential homebuyers have been scared away from the market in recent months because of skyrocketing interest rates. However, rates have steadied over the past several weeks as inflation eases. Inflation does have a big impact on mortgage rates, so if inflation continues to decline, then you can bet that rates will come down, too. For those that are in the market for a mortgage, it pays to shop around. Different lenders offer different rates, so be sure to check out all of your options before deciding.

Refinancing is always an option

On the flip side, if inflation doesn’t ease in 2023 and mortgage rates stay high, then remember that you always have the option to refinance at a later date. Mortgage rates fluctuate over time and you’re not locked into your rate forever. This works best if you’re planning to stay in your home for more than five years as there are closing costs associated with refinancing your loan.

You’re building your net worth

Are you tired of throwing your money away on rent? Then it’s always a good time to buy a home. When you purchase a home, the payments you make are helping you to build your net worth instead of your landlord’s. Every payment you make helps you build equity, which is the difference between what you owe on your loan and the value of your home. Equity is a powerful financial tool that you can leverage to purchase a second home, make renovations on your current home, or even finance an education.

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As a homeowner, it can be incredibly helpful to have a comprehensive inventory of everything in your home. When disaster strikes, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve cataloged your possessions and can provide proof to your insurance company if need be. But the thought of actually creating a home inventory can be pretty daunting. Where do you start? Let’s take a closer look at how to tackle this important project.

What is a home inventory?

Simply put, a home inventory is a list of every item in your home and its value. It’s something that will make your life much easier should you ever need to file a claim with your insurance company. Not only will the process be less stressful, but you’ll also have the money in your hands faster. It will also help you determine if you have the right amount of coverage for your home.

What should be included?

Your home inventory should include all the items that would be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. This means the items in your home as well as anything you may have in storage elsewhere. You should record a description of the item and what you paid for it. If the item has a serial number such as a computer, then include that as well. Keep copies of your receipts for all these items and take photographs of them.

What should I use to record it?

There are many different ways that you can record your home inventory, and you should choose the one that is easiest for you. Many people use a simple spreadsheet to keep track of their home inventories. There are also many apps available that can help you with the process. If either of these options seems like too much to handle, then make a walk-through video of your home. While it won’t contain as much information as a spreadsheet, it will be a good place to start.

What should I do with it?

Creating a home inventory takes time and effort, so you want to make sure you don’t lose it. Obviously, you’ll want to have a digital copy of your inventory. Store it in several places, such as emailing it to yourself, saving it in the cloud, and saving it on an external hard drive. You should also make a physical copy that you can keep somewhere else, such as at a relative’s home. You may also want to send a copy to your insurance agent so that it is easily accessible to them when needed.

How can I make this easier to do?

Unless you’re an extremely detail-oriented person who delights in making lists, creating a home inventory can sound tedious and stressful. Don’t feel like you have to tackle this project in one day. Start small. List your most expensive items first, the ones that you know you would want to include in a claim. Then take it room by room. If you’re really feeling overwhelmed by the process, then consider hiring a professional. Contact the National Association of Home Inventory Professionals to find out more.

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Paying off your mortgage early is a good thing, right? While we’d all love to have full ownership of our homes sooner rather than later, it isn’t always the best option. In fact, depending on your financial situation, it may be better for you to put that extra money to good use elsewhere. If you’re thinking about putting extra money toward your monthly mortgage payments, then here’s what you should be considering.

When you have other costly debt

Not all debt is created equal. Mortgages are often seen as “good” debt. This is because they are for a tangible asset – your home. And your home is something that will increase in value over time. You could sell your home tomorrow and pay off your mortgage with the proceeds from the sale – and you may even make a profit. Instead, look at other debts you may have, such as credit card balances, medical bills, student loans, or car loans. Some of this debt, especially your credit cards, may have a high-interest rate attached to it. Most likely, all of this other debt has higher interest rates than your home loan. If this sounds like you, then you’re better off using your extra money to pay off your high-interest debt first. Borrowers who need to change the terms of their loans or mortgages may benefit from seeking the services of a firm that specializes in loan modifications.

When you’re going to move

If you’re thinking about moving in the near future, then it’s also not necessarily a good idea to make extra mortgage payments. Buying a house can be very expensive, especially when you consider additional costs like the down payment and moving expenses. It would be better for you to put your extra money toward the purchase of a new home instead.

When you don’t have emergency cash reserves

We’ve all learned the importance of having an emergency fund during the pandemic. You just never know what life may throw at you. Losing a job, needing a new furnace, or having unexpected car trouble can be very stressful. Having some cash saved for these kinds of emergencies will give you peace of mind and help you when you need it most. So if you don’t have an emergency fund, you’re better off saving extra money to put aside for large, unexpected expenses.

When you’re self-employed

When you’re self-employed, your tax bill can be much higher than those who are not. One great way to save money on your tax bill is by having a mortgage. Homeownership has many perks, and one of them is being able to deduct your mortgage interest from the taxes you owe on your income. If you pay off your mortgage more quickly, then you’re losing the ability to deduct your interest payments after the loan is paid off. This is also true for anyone in a higher tax bracket. It may make more financial sense to put your extra money elsewhere.

When you’re trying to save money for retirement

Finally, think twice about making extra mortgage payments when you’re saving for retirement. The more money you can save, the more it will grow when you reach retirement age. Instead, use your extra money to max out your retirement savings. Your future self will thank you.

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When you buy a house, you prepare yourself for expected costs such as a down payment and closing fees. But if you want to make sure you don’t blow your budget, you should also take into account the costs associated with moving. Whether you hire a full-service moving company and rent portable storage containers, or take a more DIY approach, you’re going to need to set aside some money for your relocation. Fortunately, there are ways that you can save on your moving costs by not investing in supplies you don’t need or can get for free, although if you’re moving from another country is always good to get the best international movers to help you with this. Here’s what you should know.

Use what you already have

The most obvious thing you can do to save on moving costs is to use items you already have. If you’re like the rest of us, you’ve no doubt squirreled away things that can be used for your move, and if you’re doing the Moving from Merced to Modesto, you should get a professional company to help you with this. This can include plastic tubs, suitcases, backpacks, duffel bags, trash bags, and reusable shopping bags. Other items that can come in handy for your move include blankets, towels, sheets, and clothing for wrapping your things as you pack them.

Collect secondhand moving boxes

There are many ways that you can score free or very inexpensive boxes for your move. First, search online marketplaces such as Craigslist or your local “buy nothing” group for used boxes. Oftentimes, people will be happy to unload their boxes to another person after they’ve unpacked from a move. Grocery stores are another great place to find used boxes. Ask friends and neighbors if they have any boxes you can borrow or have. You may already have some of your own empty boxes in closets, the garage, or the basement that you can use as well.

Rent instead of buy

Did you know that in some places you can rent plastic moving boxes instead of buying them? This can save you quite a bit of money – and you’ll be helping the environment. In addition, you can rent other supplies that will be handy for your move including dollies and hand trucks. Your local home improvement store usually has items like these on hand that you can rent by the hour or by the day.

Buy other items in bulk

If you haven’t moved in a while, then you probably don’t realize just how much packing tape you’re going to need for your upcoming move. Get ahead of the game by ordering tape in bulk. You’ll save money on the per-unit cost and you’ll ensure that you don’t run out of tape at the very last minute. And we have also started using some new thermal pallet covers and they have been incredibly good, so look into those if you need thermal pallet covers of the best quality.

Get rid of things you don’t need or want

Finally, the best advice for saving money on moving supplies is to not take with you the things you don’t need or want. Before you begin packing, go through all of your belongings and toss, donate, or sell the items you no longer use. By doing so, you’ll be saving money because you’ll use fewer supplies. And if you’ve hired a moving company that charges by weight, you’ll save money on those costs, too.

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One of the best ways to beat the winter “blahs” is to bring a little bit of the outdoors in. Houseplants provide so many benefits from boosting your mental health to purifying the air you breathe. By reading this cortexi scam review here, you’ll be learning a good supplement like Cortexi which can help support healthy hearing, strengthen memory and boost mental sharpness.

Acquiring plants and then knowing what to do with them are two separate things. Especially if you have more than one. Fortunately, styling your houseplants is easy and fun and can give your home’s decor a wonderful refresh. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Understand their needs

Unless you want your beautiful green plants to quickly turn brown and die, you need to understand their needs. First, take a look at your space. How much natural light do you get? Are there any drafts? Is the air particularly dry? This information will help you to choose plants that are right for your conditions.

Pay attention to color, texture, and pattern

When you first get into houseplants, you may assume that they’re all basically the same color – some kind of green. But as you pay closer attention, you’ll soon see that plants come in an exciting array of colors, textures, and patterns. Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to plants that will be happy in your environment, you can then choose the ones that have the most pleasing details. You can even begin to match them with your existing decor!

Size is important

Another factor to consider when styling your houseplants is size. Too many plants that are the same size will be visually boring. Instead, opt for plants in a variety of sizes. A large plant that is a few feet tall can become a focal point in the corner of your living space. You can also create groupings of plants that are different sizes, which will help your eye move around the space. Try placing plants at different heights around the room, or place some of your potted plants on stands or tables.

Try hanging them

If you live in a small space, then you may be concerned that you don’t have room for houseplants. So don’t be afraid to think vertically! You can have plants without sacrificing any floor space if you hang them from the ceiling or curtain rods. Macrame is making a huge comeback, and macrame hangers are a great choice for displaying plants.

Consider the pots

The containers you put your plants in will have an impact on your overall design. So choose your pots wisely. Find pots that complement your decor. You can even use non-traditional objects for pots like vintage cans, wooden boxes, or pitchers. Just be sure that whatever kind of pot you use it has a drainage hole. If not, then you could also tuck your plant in its nursery pot inside another container.

Don’t forget to water them

If you want your houseplants to look good for years to come, then you’ll need to remember to water them depending on their needs. It can be helpful to use calendar reminders if you’re prone to forgetting. You can also choose plants that require very little care or even opt for faux plants – many of them look just like the real thing!

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Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! And that doesn’t just mean the love you feel for your special someone. Your love can also extend to your home. There are many ways that we can love and care for our homes so that they are a place of comfort and refuge for years to come. For instance, you can take on home improvement projects like bathroom or kitchen remodeling or having appliance repair and maintenance. You may even install new quartz countertops to add aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.

Donate unused items to charity

Nobody likes clutter. When you let things pile up, it can make your living space feel cramped and unloved. So there’s no better way to show your home how much you care about it than thinning out your possessions. Spend an afternoon going through a closet, drawer, or even a whole room. Find the items you no longer need or want and donate them to your favorite local charity.

Add plants or flowers

Adding plants or flowers to your home can make it feel cozier and more alive. If you don’t want to spend money on fresh flowers regularly, then add a plant or two to your living space. Just be sure to choose plants that are non-toxic if you have dogs or cats at home.

Deep clean a room or area

Another great way to love your home is to devote an afternoon to deep cleaning a room or area that you use frequently. Get in all the nooks and crannies – dust, mop, vacuum, and clean from top to bottom.

Make dinner at home

Going out to eat is certainly one of life’s small pleasures. But one way that you can love your home is to prepare meals in your own kitchen. It can make your house feel more like a home. Don’t be afraid to bust out the good china and light some candles while you’re at it.

Display your favorite possessions

Do you have a collection that you keep tucked away in a box or drawer? Why not display that collection instead? Whether you love buying vintage silk scarves or coffee mugs from your travels, devote some shelf or wall space to it so that you can admire it every day.

Make it smell good

We don’t always notice what our home smells like from day to day. But adding a pleasant aroma to it can make it feel special. Treat yourself to a scented candle, diffuse your favorite essential oils, or mix up a batch of stovetop potpourri.

Rearrange

Is everything you own in the same place as when you first moved in? When we look at the same things in the same places day after day it’s easy to tune them out. Show your home some love by switching things up a bit. You can go big by rearranging furniture or do it on a smaller scale by moving around some knick-knacks. It’s almost like shopping, but you’re using things you already own and not spending a single penny.

Invite people to your home

We’ve spent so much time in isolation over the last two years. If you feel safe doing so, then invite a friend or two over! Nothing makes a house feel more like a home than filling it with the people you love.

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Is your special Valentine a new homeowner? Then there’s no better way to show them how much you care than by gifting them something for their new place! Of course, if you’re reading this then you waited until the last minute. But not to worry! We’ve compiled a list of gifts that your homeowner Valentine will love and that you can score immediately. We’re sure they’ll find a good use for anything on the list below.

Gift cards

Obviously, gift cards are one of the easiest last-minute gifts you can buy. But with so many to choose from, which one do you pick? A thoughtful gesture could be to pick up a gift card to a restaurant or shop that’s in their new neighborhood. Or you could choose a gift card for a home-improvement store, which they’ll no doubt need to use right away. If you’re unsure of their tastes, then gift cards to large online retailers are always appreciated. Then they can choose exactly what they need for their new home.

Something cozy

Another great choice for a last-minute gift for a new homeowner is something cozy. Moving is stressful! And getting settled into a new home can be exhausting. Gifting them something cozy will help soothe some of the stress of moving in. Good choices can be a new pair of soft slippers, cozy pajamas, a scented candle to make their new place smell nice, or a comfy throw blanket that will feel like a warm hug and if she’s a woman you can look for beaded bracelets for women online and shop quickly.

Houseplants

We know that flowers are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. But flowers quickly die. Why not gift your new homeowner a houseplant instead? There’s something about a potted plant that can make a house feel like a home. Many houseplants are known for helping to purify the air, too. However, if your Valentine also has pets at home, then be sure to choose a houseplant that isn’t toxic to dogs or cats.

Meal kit subscriptions

It can take time to get unpacked, and not having access to all the essentials can make it difficult to prepare food at home. To make things easier on your Valentine as they get settled in, give them a subscription to a meal kit service. These allow your Valentine to enjoy a home-cooked meal without all the stress of gathering and preparing the ingredients.

Spa services

Moving can make people feel frazzled. Show your Valentine how much you care about their well-being by gifting them a spa service or two. Believe us when we say that a new homeowner can definitely use a massage! Other spa services your Valentine might enjoy include a facial, manicure or pedicure, or even an hour in a salt cave or float tank. However, if you’re interested to some courses or training for advanced nail techs and beginner techs to suit your budget and potential client, then a good site place like Glitterbels has the right course for you!

A night out

Finally, moving into a new home can feel like a full-time job. So treat your special someone to a night out for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a meal at a fancy restaurant or simply a walk in the park, your Valentine will appreciate having a break from the stress of moving in. You may also show your love and appreciation by giving her a jewelry item from companies like Gema & CO.

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