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We know the holidays just aren’t going to be the same this year. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time while staying home. In fact, with a little creativity, 2020 may be your most memorable holiday season yet! If you’re looking for ideas for a fun holiday staycation, then we’ve got you covered. We hope you and your loved ones have a healthy and happy holiday season!

Travel without going anywhere

If you’ve got the itch to travel, then this idea will help scratch that itch without actually leaving your home. Pick a location where you’d like to travel and have a virtual adventure. Prepare a holiday meal of traditional dishes from that destination. Watch a movie or documentary or read a book that takes place there. And if they speak another language in that location, learn a few phrases such as “this is delicious” or “bring me more cake, please”. If you’re from Arizona, a staycation at Phoenix hotels is fun too.

Have an indoor campout and movie marathon

One of the best things about a staycation is being able to stay in your pajamas all day. First, get your entire family a set of matching pajamas. Then plan a whole-day movie marathon of your favorite holiday films. In the evening set up “camp” under the Christmas tree and make indoor s’mores. Finally, fall asleep under the glow of the twinkle lights and dream about what Santa may be bringing to you.

Take a drive

Enjoying holiday lights displays is one of the great pleasures of the season. Do some online research about fun light displays in your area and make a plan to hit them all. Head out of town to take a scenic drive down some country roads – especially right after a snowfall. Taking a drive is a great way to stay safe while still getting a break from your house.

Let someone else do the cooking

Part of the fun of a vacation is getting a break from your daily chores – especially the cooking. So instead of preparing a large holiday meal by yourself this year, why not outsource that job? Restaurants have been hit hard by the pandemic, and ordering a catered takeout meal for your family can be a great way to support them during these challenging times. Order from one of your favorites or try something new – this is a great time to experiment!

Visit Santa

If visiting Santa at Macy’s in New York City has always been on your bucket list, then this is the year to do it! And we don’t mean flying to New York. Macy’s has created an amazing virtual Santaland for kids and their parents to enjoy this year. Take a tour of the 13,000 square foot holiday village, play games, and finish with a selfie with Santa. The experience is customized for each child and up to three kids can participate at the same time. The best part – it’s all free! Get that wish list ready so that you can tell Santa exactly what your want this year.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you a house hunter in search of more space? Since many of us are now working from home or going to school online, space is more important than ever. One way to help maximize space is to buy a home with a basement. But there are both advantages and disadvantages to owning a home with a basement.

The basement is an important space in any property. While it’s a storage space for some, it’s another room outfitted for maximum comfort for others. Therefore, a wet basement is frustrating and could cause significant damage, that’s why it’s important to keep your house well maintained throughout the year with quick chores like septic tank cleaning or septic pumping services. But if the water is coming from somewhere else then let the experts of basement waterproofing services help you fix this issue!

To have extra space you can opt for an extra long arm tv wall mount to hang the tv, in this way you do not have to use a table and move freely.

Let’s look at the pros and cons so that you can determine which may be better for you.

Pro – extra space for working and playing

Is a home office high on your wish list? Maybe you’d like to set up a dedicated space for your kids to attend online classes? Or perhaps you’re hoping for a large room for entertaining once we’ve got the coronavirus under control? One great advantage of buying a home with a basement is having extra space to do with as you wish.

Con – extra costs for construction and renovation

Buying a home with a basement will cost you more than buying one without. And if you hope to turn an unfinished basement into the den of your dreams, you’re going to incur additional renovation costs. The same goes for buying a new construction home. Beacon Risk explains and why it is important. It will cost you more to build on top of a basement than it will to build on a concrete slab, but a basement will add more value if you decide to sell in the end so if you are interested in having a basement built then get ready to call in excavation services.

You can consult with what is Constructionlinebasement waterproofing knoxville tn to fix any damage at home.

Pro – more storage

Who couldn’t use more storage? Whether you love to go all-out decorating for the holidays or you have large items to store, basements can be the perfect solution. You’ll save money not having to store items in a storage facility, and you can keep your main living areas clutter free.

Con – moisture

Basements have a tendency to have high moisture levels. With limited access to the outdoors through windows and doors, it’s easy for basements to become damp. This can cause problems for people with asthma or create conditions for mold growth. In addition, basements are at greater risk of flooding, especially during a storm. When you buy a home with a basement, be prepared to address moisture issues from day one, you need to know who to call for a flooded basement if you are ever in the situation.

Pro – repairs are easier

Having a basement means that repairs can be a whole lot easier. What contractor or repairperson wouldn’t prefer to stand up while making adjustments instead of crawling around in a dark and gloomy crawlspace? It’s much easier to fix leaky pipes and other utilities when you have a basement, click here to read more about this.

Con – little natural light

Another drawback to basements is their lack of natural light. Unless the basement is a walk out, you’ll need to consider how you’ll arrange the lighting in the room to keep it bright and inviting.

Pro – provides emergency shelter

One of the huge benefits of having a basement is that it can provide shelter during an emergency. Whether you’re facing the threat of a hurricane, tornado, or other calamity, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you can easily shelter in place.

Con – attracts pests

Since basements can be dark and damp places, they are more likely to attract pests. If you buy a home with a basement, then be sure to look for signs of infestations before you sign on the dotted line. If you have bed bugs at home, the First Response Bed Bug Dogs inspectors will locate and provide advice on bed bug removal. Also, if rats have invaded your basement, contact a rat control company immediately to get rid of these pests.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Winter is typically the slowest season of the year in real estate – but not in 2020. With all the curveballs this year has thrown us, one of the biggest is the strength of the housing market. Buyers are out in droves looking for homes, and it’s an excellent time to put your home on the market. And while buyers are eager and motivated, it’s only the best homes that sell for big bucks. Here’s how to get top dollar for your home this winter.

Make it turn-key

Many homebuyers are in immediate need of more space because of the pandemic. With so many of us working from home and going to school online, space has become extremely important. People who are in the market for homes right now are often looking for places they can move into immediately. For that reason, you should get your home move-in ready if you want top dollar. Make all the needed repairs, conduct a Commercial Roof Debris Removal, consider small upgrades, and spruce up your home’s curb appeal. This might be a great time for a new heater installation or an air conditioning repair to upgrade your old hvac system.

Make safety a priority

While not everyone is ready to visit homes in person, you should still be ready for the ones that are. You need to make sure that your home is as safe as possible for visitors. This includes keeping the home extremely clean and offering plenty of masks, hand sanitizer, and soap. You should also open doors and cabinets and turn on all the lights so that visitors have to touch as few surfaces as necessary. Consider limiting the number of showings in a day so that everyone can safely socially distance themselves from each other.

Offer top-notch virtual tours

Like most things, real estate transactions have become virtual. That means making your home accessible to those who don’t feel comfortable visiting in person. One great way to make your home stand out from others is to offer high-quality virtual tours in your listing. This gives potential buyers the ability to see your home in detail and get a good idea if the home fits their needs, and if you sell your home and you’re interested in rental properties there are also some great options for this at bwalk.com rentals, so you can find a place to stay pretty fast.

Don’t lowball your home’s value

Pricing a home appropriately is one of the most essential aspects of selling. Price too high, and you risk your home sitting on the market for too long. Price too low and you potentially leave money on the table. But today’s housing market favors sellers and you should keep that in mind when determining your listing price. Most homes are being sold for at least their asking price, if not more. And with mortgage rates at historic lows, more people are able to afford a more expensive home.

Don’t be hasty

The 2020 winter market is like no other in recent history. In previous years, it would make sense to quickly accept an offer. After all, buyers are usually limited during this time of year. But the market is different this year. Don’t be too hasty when accepting an offer. There could easily be another, better offer right behind it. When listing your home, be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who has experience working with multiple offers in a busy market. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that you get top dollar for your home!

Compliments of Virtual Results

As a result of the pandemic, many Americans have been decamping from the city to find more space in the suburbs. They’re leaving behind the cultural opportunities and the density in favor of security and a room that can be used as a home office. But for many, life in the suburbs has long seemed “inferior” to the excitement of city life. However, it’s important to know that the suburbs have changed dramatically in the last years. In fact, many of these places offer the same kinds of opportunities you might normally associate with a metropolitan area. Let us debunk some of the most common myths about the suburbs. Perhaps it will encourage you to extend your home search beyond the confines of the city.

You have to buy a house

When you’ve lived in a small apartment after any length of time, it can be daunting to think about caring for an entire house by yourself. But fear not – you don’t have to live in a house if you move to the suburbs. In fact, most suburban cities have a mix of residential spaces available, including townhouses, condos, and duplexes. And many of these types of homes are near amenities and nightlife that are within walking distance, just like in the city.

There’s nothing to do

We don’t really believe this myth anymore, do we? The suburbs have grown to be interesting and culturally diverse places, just like most American cities. You’ll find trendy bars and restaurants, cultural attractions like museums and live theater, and even beautiful natural spaces where you can safely hike, bike, picnic, fish, swim, and more. Your neighbors in the suburbs are just as likely to be artists or musicians as they are to be accountants and lawyers. And the types of amenities and things to do will most certainly reflect that.

Commuting is a drag

The amount of time you spend commuting has a direct impact on your happiness. So we understand if you’re worried about a long commute. But the pandemic has changed many working situations, and even more Americans will likely be permanently working from home or have a hybrid home/office situation. But those who do go back to the office will find that there are many ways to get there besides hopping in the car. Train rides into the city are often not much longer than what you might endure going from one part of the city to another. And taking the train means you can work, rest, or watch your favorite show on your tablet instead of concentrating on the road. For those who prefer to drive, Autozin has plenty of good cars at affordable prices.

There’s lots of space

While suburbs tend to be less dense than the center of a big city, don’t think you’re going to find cow pastures and cornfields around every corner. Many suburbs can be just as dense as the city, especially near train stations and downtown areas. While you are more likely to have a backyard of your own, it’s unlikely that your nearest neighbor will be a mile away.

Compliments of Virtual Results

The pandemic has had a major impact on real estate. More Americans are deciding to enter the housing market and buy their first homes. However, buying a home requires a down payment, which can be as much as 20 percent of the purchase price. That’s a sizable amount! If you haven’t been saving for years, then you may not have the funds to go house hunting right now. However – there are some unusual ways to find money for you down payment that don’t require squirreling away a few dollars here and there over many months. Here are some interesting ways that you can quickly find the money you need for the down payment on your new home.

Down payment assistance programs

Programs are available to help first-time homebuyers make their down payments. These are usually offered on a state or local level and will vary by location. In many cases, nonprofits will partner will banks to provide these types of programs. You’ll need to meet the requirements to apply, and eligibility is often based on income. Search online for opportunities that are available in your area.

Federally backed home loans

For those who may struggle to come up with a large down payment, it’s worth it to check into federally backed home loans. These are loans that are guaranteed by the federal government, and the down payment requirements are significantly less than those for a conventional loan. For example, if you qualify for an FHA loan, you may only end up paying 3.5 percent down for your home. Some loans, like VA loans and USDA loans, may require no down payment at all. Check these programs to see if you meet the qualifications.

Ask about job-related housing programs

You may be surprised to learn that many companies offer assistance to employees who are purchasing a home. These types of programs are offered as incentives to employees to help retain them and prevent frequent turnover. They are common at universities and hospitals, and may be available to you as well. Your employer may provide a down payment grant or loan that is forgiven over the term of your employment.

Withdraw money from your IRA

Another way to quickly come up with money for a down payment is to withdraw funds from your ira. This only applies to first-time homeowners and there are limits to how much you can withdraw. This withdrawal is also taxable, but you don’t have to repay what you take out.

Withdraw money from your 401(k)

You can also withdraw money from your 401(k) to use for your down payment. But be aware that you’ll get hit with a 10 percent penalty for withdrawing the money early. You’ll also need to repay the money over five years (less if you leave your job). While this is a quick way to get cash fast, it has its downsides. Talk with your financial advisor or visit thewealthbuilder.club for pension IRA advice if you’re wondering if this is the right move for you.

Ask for a gift

Did you know your down payment can come in the form of a gift? You can pay your down payment with a gift of money from a family member or close friend, but there are strict guidelines and procedures that must be followed. If you’re lucky enough to have Santa bring you a down payment for Christmas, then make sure you know exactly how to handle the transaction so you can use those funds for your home purchase.

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The architectural style of a home is often highlighted in its online description to help buyers understand its features. But if you don’t know your Tudor from your Craftsmen Bungalow, don’t worry. We can help you sort it out with this condensed “cheat sheet” designed to help you determine what style of house you want or what type you’re currently trying to sell to potential buyers.

Cape Cod
Popular in the 1930s, Cape Cod homes are usually one-story houses with wood siding, a steep roofline either from its initial construction or added in later via a roof replacement, multi-pane windows and hardwood floors. While most Cape Cod homes are fairly small, many have dormer windows and often these upstairs spaces can be finished or remodeled to give you more square footage or storage space, just keep in mind to contact stainless steel handrails Melbourne to get a resistible handrail for your home.

Colonial
Colonial is the most popular style of home in the United States and typically has two to three stories, brick or wood exterior, and a fireplace, with the kitchen and family room on the first level and bedrooms upstairs. If the house is symmetrical and has evenly spaced shuttered windows, there’s a good chance it’s a Colonial.

Craftsmen
This type of house became popular during the Arts and Crafts Movement, when the focus was on natural materials like wood, brick and stone. Known for their charming front porches and open floor-plans, Craftsmen homes also tend to have fireplaces, plenty of woodwork and built-in shelves and seats, exposed beams, and decorative braces under the gables. Craftsmen homes also have unfinished but useable space in the attic.

Tudor
The name sounds like it’s derived from the Tudor Dynasty, but today’s Tudor houses are a more modern take on the late Medieval English style. You’ll be able to spot a Tudor easily because of its incredibly steep roofline, narrow windows and half-timbers made by custom timber furniture Melbourne for decorative effect.

Victorian
Named for Queen Victoria, this style originated in the 1800s and is all about beauty, sometimes at the expense of functionality. Victorian homes tend to be asymmetrical, ornate, and feature multiple rooflines, a front porch, bay windows and patterned shingles. This romantic style also spawned other similar styles such as Queen Anne, Romanesque and Gothic Revival.

Federal
Often called the first pure American style of architecture, the Federal style home is almost always made of brick and has a high, impressive façade with tall windows placed symmetrically on either side of the front door. Look for the fan-shaped, semi-circular window that usually sits atop the front door. Make sure to hire a residential window installation company for this one as they can perform the installation as efficiently and seamlessly as possible.

Country French
France occupied a large part of eastern North America during the 18th the Country French architectural style originated. Country French homes have steep rooflines which you can view here, paired with shutters, stucco walls and are typically one story. Look for French double doors and rustic design elements throughout this style of home.

Ranch
This style developed as builders imitated Western ranches. These more modern homes feature open floor plans with easy access to the outdoors. First seen in the 1930s, the popularity of this style exploded during the building boom of the 1950s and 1960s in American suburbs. It’s a great choice for buyers who want to upgrade or expand with a home addition. According to the architects we hired at https://www.archute.com, this style of architecture is perfectly suited for snowy and rainy climates.

For more information about the different architectural styles in our area, please contact me.

Raise your hand if you know someone who bought a home this year. The real estate market is hot, and it’s quite likely that someone on your shopping list is a new homeowner. What better way to celebrate their accomplishment than getting them a holiday gift like these Limoge eggs here for their new home? Here are some of our favorite gifts for new homeowners this year.

Return address stamp

Buying a home gives you a sense of permanence in an otherwise impermanent world. You can help celebrate that by having it carved in stone – or at least rubber. A personalized rubber return address stamp is the perfect gift for a new homeowner. Not only does it reinforce their pride of ownership, but it also keeps them from having to write their new address over and over again.

New plant

Gardening has emerged as one of America’s favorite new hobbies because of the pandemic. New homeowners can get a jumpstart on the trend with a new plant. Plants instantly help a home feel cozier, and many of them help to clean the air. Another great option is to give them an indoor herb gardening kit so that they can have fresh herbs for cooking at their fingertips.

A painting of their new house

For a truly awe-inspiring gift, you can commission an artist to create a painting of their new house. This is a special way to commemorate their achievement and is something they can cherish for a lifetime, long after they move out of the home. There are many artists who specialize in this kind of gift, and you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and your gift recipient’s style.

Flower subscription

Who doesn’t love to have fresh flowers in their home? Having a bouquet of beautiful flowers can instantly make a house feel like a home. But you can up the ante by giving a flower subscription that will deliver fresh flowers to your loved one’s home on a monthly basis. This is definitely one of those gifts that keeps on giving!

Deluxe candles

When giving a gift to a new homeowner, it’s fun to give them things that they might not otherwise splurge on for themselves. That’s why a gift of a deluxe candle set can be so appreciated. We have to admit, there is something about burning an expensive candle that feels luxurious and decadent. So go ahead and spoil that new homeowner with a candle or two in their favorite scents!

Gift cards

Are you having trouble deciding just what to get the new homeowner on your list? Then a gift card may be the perfect answer. While some may worry that a gift card is too impersonal or generic, they can be very much appreciated by the recipient. There are so many unexpected expenses when moving into a new home, and having gift cards can help soften the blow. Consider giving gift cards to popular online retailers, home improvement stores, nearby restaurants that offer delivery or takeout, or even their local grocery store.

Compliments of Virtual Results

This has been a year like no other. The pandemic has truly upended our lives, changed our routines, and made us miss the “before times”. But as we head into the holiday season, we think it’s important to acknowledge all the things we are thankful for – including our homes. Homeownership has always been part of the American Dream, and this year we think it’s more important than ever to articulate why our homes fill us with gratitude.

It brings us comfort

Having a home of our own brings us comfort like no other place can. We have the ability to stay warm and dry when it’s cold or rainy, or cool and comfortable during a heat wave. New boiler installation edinburgh is what you need before winter comes. We can cuddle up in our cozy bedrooms, prepare delicious meals in our kitchens, and veg out in front of the TV in our family rooms with our loved ones.

It provides safety

During times like these, safety and security are critical. Owning our homes gives us peace of mind. We know we are safe and that our homes help keep us healthy. And during the pandemic, homeowners have had added security by calling a rekeying service and even with the use of CARES Act, which allowed us to skip mortgage payments without penalty if needed.

It’s a place to work and play

This year, our homes have become a place to both work and play. They give us the space we need to work from home or to attend school online. But they also provide us with ways to relax and have fun, whether it’s a great backyard with residential custom pools or a quiet corner to enjoy a good book.

It’s personal

When you own a home, you can truly make it your own. Unlike rentals, which often come with restrictions on décor or renovations, you can completely personalize your home when you own it. Paint the walls, change the lighting, add a room, renovate the bath – the sky’s the limit!

It’s a place for celebrations

While we will not be gathering together this year, we look forward to all the celebrations we will have with friends, family, and loved ones in the coming years. There’s no better place to party than at home! Some of our fondest memories in our homes center around birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. And even though we can’t be together in our homes with extended family and friends this year, we still look forward to our own intimate gatherings.

It builds wealth

Owning a home is one of the best ways to build wealth. When you rent, you never see that money again. But when you own your home, you are building equity with every mortgage payment and upgrade you make. You can use that home equity in many ways, from funding a child’s college tuition to making a down payment on your next home. While the real estate market may fluctuate up and down in the short term, it always gains in value over the long term. And we couldn’t be more thankful for that! So make sure you have everything you need to maintain your home, a great investment would be to keep your hvac system maintained regularly, so once you get an ac and boiler installation make sure to keep in touch with an hvac contractor for maintenance. Visit https://www.freeboilergrantscheme.co.uk/ today for your free boiler!

Compliments of Virtual Results

You’ve probably heard that the housing market is doing well despite the pandemic. Are you one of the many Americans thinking about buying a home in 2021? Now is a great time to buy a house. With record-low interest rates, you can score a great deal. But there are steps you should take to make sure you get the home of your dreams with as few problems as possible. This is what you need to know.

Get a copy of your credit report

Lenders will be looking closely at your financial history when it comes time to apply for a mortgage. Before you begin your home search, get a copy of your credit report. If you find any errors, then take the necessary steps to have them removed. If your credit score isn’t as high as you would like it, then work on improving it before you begin contacting lenders.

Save money for your down payment

One of the biggest challenges in buying a home is saving for the down payment. If you take out a conventional loan, you can pay as much as 20 percent or more for the down payment. Government-backed loans require a much smaller deposit – some even require zero down – but you must meet strict guidelines to qualify. Start saving now for your down payment if you haven’t already. The more money you can put down for a home, the better your loan terms will be.

Know what you can afford

Don’t start looking for homes before you understand how much you can afford. There’s nothing worse than struggling to make your mortgage payment each month. There are many online calculators available that can help you determine how much house you can afford. This way, you can tailor your search to make sure you’re looking at homes that are within your means.

Get clear about what you’re looking for

Once you start shopping for a home, the choices can be a little overwhelming. For this reason, you should make a list of what you’re looking for in a home before you begin your search. Include things you know you must have, such as the location or the number of bedrooms. You can also include things that would be nice to have but aren’t deal breakers like a backyard pool or a home gym. Knowing what you want will make it easy to act once you find the home that fits your needs.

Shop around and get pre-approved for a mortgage

Mortgages are just like any other big expense in that you should shop around for the best deal. Ask about interest rates, closing costs, and fees. Once you’ve found a mortgage you’re happy with, get pre-approved for your loan. Buyers are entering a competitive market, and if you want your offer to be taken seriously, you need to be pre-approved.

Work with a professional

Finally, the best way to ensure success with your home purchase is to work with a professional real estate agent. This is especially true if you’re a first-time homebuyer. It’s also shocking the number of defects that are seen in new-build properties, so if you’re buying one then be sure to hire a quality snagging surveyor as they can locate all of those, so that you can get them fixed before you buy. Check out their website at https://snagging-surveys.co.uk/. You may ask for an architectural visualization so you’ll know what to expect. An agent who is an expert in your market can offer invaluable advice and help you close on the home you’ve always dreamed about!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Spring and summer are usually the busiest seasons in the housing market. But when our lockdowns began happening in March, many Americans decided to hold off on selling their homes. As we learned how to negotiate this “new normal”, buyers came back to the market in droves – and they keep coming. In fact, while fall and winter are usually slow seasons, this year is shaping up to be totally different. So the question remains – should you sell your home this winter? Then if you are looking to sell property then you need to make sure you get the best agent as they will always get the best price for you. We used a local agent who were easily the best estate agents Bristol has so if you are selling property around there then give them a look as they were amazing.

There’s a shortage of homes for sale

One big factor when considering whether or not to sell your home is to look at the competition. If there are many homes on the market, then you’re going to be competing against all those other homes. But this year, we’re seeing record-low levels of inventory. Sellers have not returned to the market at the same rate that buyers have. This means you’ll have less competition, and it will be easier for your home to stand out. That’s definitely a plus.

There’s strong demand

As we stated above, buyers have been flocking to the market. Historically low interest rates and a need for more space have encouraged more Americans to shop for homes right now. When demand from buyers is high and there is a shortage of inventory that means we’re in a seller’s market. The best time to find a buyer that pays cash for homes is in a seller’s market.

Current homeowners want to upsize

Many first-time homebuyers are entering the market, looking to get away from urban centers and city living. But it’s not just first-time buyers that are getting into the market. Record low interest rates make upsizing much more attractive to current homeowners. By using legal & general equity release in their homes, they can buy larger, more expensive homes and still make the same monthly payments.

Home values are going up

You want to sell your home when you know you’re going to get a good price. Well, the good news is that home prices are continuing to rise. And experts predict that home prices will keep rising for the foreseeable future. If you know that you’ll get a good return on your investment, then it can be an excellent time to sell. To further maximize your home’s resale value, you should look into the parts of your home that need fixing. For instance, residential roof leak repairs are recommended if there are damages on your roof. Any potential buyer will be concerned with security, so make sure you that you hire residential lock repair professionals to make sure all locks in the home are in good condition.

People are still isolating

According to the experts, we may likely see a second wave of the pandemic in the fall and winter months. While we’ve had the summer to enjoy ourselves outdoors, in many places in America winter is a time to stay inside. Those who are working from home or going to school online need more indoor space. The need for more space during isolation is fueling the market, making this winter a great season to list.

It’s easier than ever to sell your home virtually

Finally, you don’t have to worry about germs when you sell your home this winter. It is easier than ever to sell your home virtually. Buyers have been browsing, touring, and even closing on homes from the comfort of their couches. This can give you the peace of mind you need if you’d like to sell this winter.

Compliments of Virtual Results