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Have you heard about hygge? It’s the Danish concept of creating warmth and enjoying everyday life, and it’s been a huge trend in home design this year. It’s especially popular during the cold, winter months where a little extra coziness is in order. In fact, incorporating a little hygge into your home could be just the thing you need to help sell it this winter. Here are our favorite ways to bring this Scandinavian tradition into your space.

Give buyers a warm welcome

The first place that potential buyers will feel a sense of hygge is at your front door, so amp up that warm and welcoming feeling. Be sure the sidewalk and front porch are clean and free of snow or debris. Even though winter brings darkness, you can still highlight your home’s exterior features with some soft outdoor lighting. Keep the lights in the house on so a warm glow emanates outside and beckons people in.

Bring the outdoors in

Let the season work for you instead of against you by embracing it. Bring some seasonal sights and smells inside. This can include cinnamon-scented candles or simple arrangements made from holly and evergreen. When decorating, use hues that mimic the feeling of the season, including warm reds, earthy greens and rustic browns.

Create warmth – literally

We know that energy bills can get expensive during colder months, but now isn’t the time to skimp. Make sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable level, keeping in mind that your front door may be opening and closing several times. Check that the heating vents in every room are open so they are all warm.

Light it up

A great way to create a sense of hygge in your home is with lighting. You want your home to be well lit without being harsh. Turn off overhead lights and opt instead for floor and table lamps. Take advantage of those dimmer switches to create a warm ambience. Scatter some battery-operated candles throughout your home. We all know that candlelight makes everything look so much nicer.

Decorate with inviting textures

Create a space that makes buyers want to linger. You want them to be able to imagine snuggling up on the couch on a cold winter’s day. Drape soft blankets on couches and add comfortable cushions and pillows to chairs. Use textures like wool, velvet, chenille, and even faux fur.

Offer warm drinks and snacks

Isn’t it nice to sip on a cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold day? Think about keeping a pot of mulled cider simmering on the stove. It tastes and smells delicious. Set out a plate of warm cookies or even roasted chestnuts. Choose snacks and drinks that feel like a special treat.

Don’t forget the soundscape

Lastly, don’t forget to add warm sounds to your home. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there’s nothing like the sound of a crackling fire. Play soft acoustic music in the background – a little jazz or classical music can make people feel relaxed and right at home.

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Do you have any first time homebuyers on your holiday gift list this year? Show them how much you care and celebrate their big achievement by giving them something perfect for their new home. Here’s our list of some of the best gifts to buy your favorite first time homebuyers.

Bath towels

There’s nothing quite like a new set of luxurious bath towels. But after spending money on closing costs, home repairs and the like, most new homeowners don’t have the available cash to treat themselves. Why not give them a little bit of luxury in their new place by treating them to a new set of soft towels? It will be like giving them a spa day, except they’ll get to experience it every day! You can even take it a step further and include a nice towel warmer for those chilly mornings.

Essential oil diffuser

One way to make a house a home is to make it smell great. It can take some time for a new place to feel like home. Filling it with pleasant and familiar smells will make it that much easier. Treat your new homeowners to an essential oil diffuser and a selection of oils that will fill the air with their favorite scents. Unlike candles or chemical sprays, essential oil diffusers aren’t a fire hazard and don’t fill your space with potentially toxic compounds. They also help to lightly humidify a room, which is particularly helpful in the colder winter months.

A set of spices

Everyone always has way more stuff to pack than they realize. Once crunch time hits, many things get left behind or given away. This is particularly true with food items from the kitchen. Spices can be expensive, and it’s quite possible the new homeowners didn’t bring theirs to the new house. Even if they did, spices have a short shelf life. Give them the gift of tasty dinners with a set of new gourmet spices.

Smart thermostat

Unless the home they purchased has been renovated recently, chances are it comes equipped with an outdated thermostat. Why not give them the gift of lower energy bills with a smart thermostat? They are available at various price points, and have a variety of features that integrate with other smart technology in the house. They can be controlled remotely through a computer, tablet or smartphone. Some even learn to adapt through the homeowner’s behavior.

Fire extinguisher

We know this isn’t a glamorous gift to give, but think of the hero you’ll be should the happy homeowners ever have to use it. Most new homeowners have a long list of items to buy for their new place. A fire extinguisher, though useful, is probably pretty far down on the list of things to buy right away. So why not do them a favor and gift one to them? There are plenty of styles and sizes to choose from. And since they’re affordable, you can get one for each floor of their home.

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Having your home sale fall through can be extremely disappointing. After months of preparing, accepting an offer and having your house under contract, it can be crushing to see the deal crumble in escrow. And a recent report from Trulia reveals that home sales fell through at double the rate in 2016 than they did in 2015. So what should you do if your home sale falls through?

Understand why the deal fell through

First of all, it’s important to understand why your deal might have fallen through. One of the most common reasons a deal doesn’t close is because of contingencies. These can include expensive repairs, a low appraisal or even and open lien on your home. Another common reason a home sale falls through is because the buyer cannot secure their financing. In some cases, these deals can be salvaged if the buyer is willing to negotiate. In others, though, you may have no choice but to relist.

Make needed repairs

If your home inspection revealed an issue that became a deal-breaker, you’ll need to invest in repairs. If not, you will need to disclose to the next buyers upfront what the issue is. You may also want to consider lowering your asking price to account for the repairs the new owner will need to make.

Adjust your listing price

If your home appraised for less than the asking price, you’ll need to have a discussion with your agent about adjusting that price. Buyers can only secure financing for the value of the property. If you don’t feel comfortable lowering the price, it might be smart to take your home off the market and wait for prices to recover. You can also try hiring a second appraiser to see if they appraise the home for a higher value.

Look for pre-approved buyers

While there’s always a chance a buyer’s loan could fall through, you’ll have greater success if you work with a buyer who has been preapproved for a loan. They’ve already been screened and are more likely to secure financing without any issues. Even better – look for buyers who are willing to make an all-cash deal. However, be aware that buyers willing to pay cash will often expect a better selling price than what you would agree to with other buyers who would need financing.

Limit contingencies

If contract contingencies caused your home sale to fall through, limit the contingencies on the next offer. One of the easiest pitfalls to avoid is having your sale contingent on the buyer’s sale of their current home. With this contingency, if their home sale falls through, so does yours. Look for buyers who aren’t relying on the sale of their current home to finance the purchase of their next home.

Be more attuned to a buyer’s behavior

Did your buyer get cold feet? It happens, especially because buying a home is a very emotional process. Be wary of buyers who seem particularly anxious or who don’t seem confident with the purchase. If you have the choice, choose a buyer who is confident, positive and ready to move forward.

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It never hurts to load up on information, especially when you’re preparing to enter the real estate market. And while there’s tons of information online to get educated about buying and selling real estate, sometimes you may want to go deeper and learn more. If so, there are many great books on the market that will help you understand real estate transactions in depth. Here are some of our top picks.

Best books about buying a home

Don’t let fear of the unknown prevent you from making your real estate dreams a reality. Whether you want to buy your first home or invest in properties, these books will give you a thorough education about the process.

• Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home – This go-to book for real estate newbies covers all the bases from a legal perspective. It contains advice from every kind of real estate professional, including brokers, attorneys and inspectors. You’ll also get stories from real-life buyers and learn what to avoid.
• The 106 Common Mistakes Homebuyers Make (And How To Avoid Them) – While we often learn most from our own mistakes, they can cost you when you’re buying real estate. Instead, learn from the mistakes of others so your home purchase goes smoothly.
• Real Estate Investing For Dummies – The Dummies series has been around for a long time, and there’s a reason why. These books are a great introduction to just about any topic. This particular edition will give you a good understanding of the investment process. As you get more knowledgeable and confident, you can explore more niche topics in real estate investing.

Best books about selling a home

Selling a home can be an intimidating and complex process. It helps if you know what to expect before you begin. If you’re preparing to sell a home, here are some excellent books that we can recommend.

• Selling Your House: Nolo’s Essential Guide: Much like their book on buying a home, Nolo’s guide for selling is equally informative. This book tells you everything you need to know about strategizing, planning and closing the deal.
• House Selling for Dummies – If you want to make sure you understand all the basics of selling your home, this is a great book to have. Learn how to attract buyers, determine your selling price, negotiate the best offer, and much more.
• Your Amazing Itty Bitty Sell Your Home Book – Don’t let the cute name fool you. This book is chock full of solid advice for staging your home and netting a quick sale at a great price. It outlines the steps you should take to make your home more beautiful in order to attract buyers and get better offers. If you’re planning to stage your home yourself, this is a great read.

So head on out to your favorite neighborhood bookstore, your local library or shop online to pick up some of these great books. The information will be invaluable as you begin the process of buying or selling a home.

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Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s important that serious buyers do their due diligence before making any commitments on a home. If you’re buying, there are several warning signs you should be on the lookout for. Here are some of the most common red flags you’ll encounter when buying home.

A decline in the neighborhood

Unless you’re buying far out in the country with no neighbors nearby, you should take a good look at the neighborhood in which the house is situated. Even if the home you like is in great condition, what about the rest of the street? Are there many vacant homes? Do you see empty storefronts? Is there any evidence of vandalism? You’re not just buying a home; you’re becoming part of a community. If the neighborhood is in obvious decline, this is a big red flag.

Amateur repairs or additions

In our DIY culture, it’s not unusual for homeowners to tackle home maintenance and repairs on their own. But if something in the house looks like it was obviously done by an amateur that could be a cause for a concern. Find out if the proper permits were obtained before the work was done, and if everything was done according to code. If not, it could cause you significant money down the road.

Water damage

Water can cause substantial damage to a home. Be on the lookout for rotting wood in the bathroom and kitchen. Check the basement for signs of moisture or water stains. Examine the exterior including window trim, eaves and decks for signs of damage. Also be aware of any standing water in the yard or near the foundation, which could cause structural damage to the home.

Environmental hazards

If you’re considering an older home, be sure to thoroughly check it for possible environmental hazards. This could include lead paint, radon, toxic mold and asbestos. Older homes are more likely to contain these types of hazards because they were built before technology and building codes changed.

Although many of these toxins can be removed, they require the services of a professional like asbestos survey birmingham, depending on the job it can be expensive.

Infestations

When you’re touring, take note of any signs of infestations. Look for droppings, dead insects or signs of nesting. These could mean termites, mice, roaches, bed bugs or even raccoons living in the attic. Sometimes the infestations are not always obvious, and you’ll want to include an inspection by a professional pest control specialist before moving in. If you find that termites have already infested the property, contact a residential pest control and termite control company straight away.

Old wiring

Is the house equipped to handle the demands of today’s technological environment? Old or faulty wiring in a house can be a safety hazard. In some cases, outdated electrical systems can cause a fire. Click here for a great source about fire damage on homes. Keep an eye out for ungrounded outlets, flickering lights, warm faceplates, lights that don’t work and aluminum wiring. These indicate that the home has inferior electrical work, which can be very expensive to replace.

As you begin to view homes, keep a eye out for any of the issues mentioned above and have them thoroughly inspected by a professional before closing on the house. If you don’t, it could end up costing you much more in the long run.

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Is 2018 the year you’ll finally realize your dream of buying a home? If you’d like to make that dream a reality, start planning now so you’ll be ready in the New Year. Here’s what you need to do to set yourself up for your 2018 home purchase.

Request your credit report

The first, and most important, thing you should do as you prepare to buy a home in the coming year is to check your credit. Your credit affects your ability to qualify for a loan and the kind of interest rate you’ll get. The better your credit, the more favorable your loan conditions will be. Even if you think you have excellent credit, you need to request your report. Many credit reports contain errors, and you’ll need time to address them and have them removed. And if your credit isn’t great, you can start putting measures in place to repair it.

Ask for money

When Santa asks you what you want for Christmas this year, tell him you want cold hard cash. All kidding aside, though, consider how much cash you’ll need for closing. Not only do you need money for the down payment – up to 20 percent of the purchase price – but you’ll also need to save for moving expenses, repairs and other unexpected costs. If you are expecting to receive gifts for the holiday, ask for financial contributions toward your home purchase.

Determine how much you can spend

Before you begin looking at homes in earnest, you need to determine your price range. Use an online calculator to plug in your details and find out how much house you can afford. And remember while it’s always fun to fantasize about your dream house, you’ll want to be realistic about how much you can comfortably spend each month. Committing to expensive mortgage payments that you have to stretch to make each month is stressful. You’ll enjoy your new home more if you aren’t worried about staying current on your loan.

Start looking at neighborhoods

The fun part of looking for a new home is researching neighbors and getting a feel for where you want to live. If you live close to the area where you want to move, drive around some neighborhoods, and see them at different times of day. If you don’t live nearby, take a virtual tour with Google Earth and scour the web for information. Start making a list of what you’re looking for in a community, and see which ones fit the bill.

Get preapproval for a loan

If you’re happy with your credit score and you’re ready to begin your search, then it’s time to get preapproved for a loan. Take time to research lenders and find the best rates and terms. Getting preapproved for a mortgage shows sellers that you are serious about buying a home. It’s essential that you get a preapproval letter once you’ve determined you’re ready to start putting offers on homes that fit your needs.

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Selling your home during the holidays can present a dilemma. Should you deck the halls? Or should you leave the wreaths, lights and nutcrackers for next year? On one hand, it might not feel like the holiday season if you don’t put up a decoration or two. On the other hand, too much holiday décor might turn off prospective buyers. What’s a home seller to do?

If you’re really hoping to have a little holiday cheer while you sell your home, know that you can. The key is moderation. Here are some great tips for adding a touch of the season to your staged home.

Play up the fireplace mantel

Does your home have a fireplace? That’s a great selling feature. And there’s no better time to draw attention to it than during the holiday season. Drape some holiday greenery, hang some tasteful and simple stockings, and add a few candles. Your holiday mantel can instantly add coziness and warmth that can charm potential buyers.

Set a holiday table

Demonstrate to prospective buyers how great your home can be for entertaining by setting a beautiful table. During the holidays, you can set the table with classic holiday settings. Show them how perfect it will be to host Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner in their new place.

Go easy on the tree

Christmas trees can certainly show off your home – especially if you have high ceilings. A tall tree can accentuate that feeling of space. But be careful about having a tree that is too wide. A wide tree can take up quite a bit of floor space and make a room feel cramped. If you put up a tree, choose one that is narrow.

Hand out festive treats

There’s nothing like having some tasty drinks and snacks on hand during an open house. When you host one during the holiday season, you can capitalize on all the delicious and beautiful treats that are available. Set out a bowl of candy canes, bake sugar cookies, and simmer cider on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Keep exterior decorations simple

Nothing beats a traditional holiday wreath to add elegant charm to your front porch. Simple white lights framing the door and electric candles in the windows will make your home cozy and inviting, especially on cold, dark days. But keep other types of decorations to a minimum, or save them for next year. While you may love that 10-foot tall inflatable Santa complete with reindeer, it might not be everybody else’s cup of tea.

Commit to a color palette

An important consideration to keep in mind when using holiday decorations in your staging is to match your existing décor. If your home has a neutral palette, then stay within that same color range with your holiday decorations. Choose white or ivory decorations with gold accents to add some cheer and still keep it classy. The same goes for your Christmas tree decorations. Choose ornaments, lights and tinsel that coordinate with your home’s décor, which will help unify the whole space.

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Replacing the windows on your home is a big job that can potentially come with a high price tag. If your windows are starting to show their age, you may be trying to decide whether or not it’s time to make the investment in new ones. Here’s what you should be looking out for and considering when it comes to window replacement as per security screen sunshine coast.

Consider repairs

If your windows are drafty, won’t open, or won’t stay open, you may be able to get by with some repairs. Broken glass can be replaced, and windows that are painted shut can be freed up. And of course, peeling or chipping paint can be refinished to look like new. If you have a historic home with beautiful windows, it may be worth investing in repairs to maintain the character of your home. Original wood windows are an appealing architectural detail of many older homes. It could be worth the repair costs to have them refinished instead of replaced.

When to replace

If you don’t live in a historic home and are having problems with your windows, it may be time to replace them. If the window sash or frame is broken, damaged or warped, a new window installation may be your best option. Do your windows fog between the glass panes, or is the wood around the window rotting? Are they impossible to open and even harder to keep clean? These could all be indications that it’s time for new windows, to learn more from experts check their office in Dallas at the link.

Make efficiency upgrades

Some homeowners may decide to replace their windows in order to make the home more energy efficient. Older, single pane windows don’t protect as much against the elements, especially if there are cracks or leaks. In fact, drafty windows can cause your energy bills to be up to 25 percent higher in the colder months. New windows are designed to be much more energy efficient than older models. And if you’re preparing to sell your home, energy efficient home window installation could be a big selling point. If you’re unsure whether or not you should replace your windows before listing your home for sale, talk with your agent.

Think about the cost

One of the biggest factors in determining whether or not to repair or replace your windows is, of course, cost. While the cost of the new windows will be largely determined by what type you purchase and whether or not they include green features, you can expect to send at least a few thousand dollars. Standard windows generally cost approximately $600 per window. With upgrades, you can expect that figure to be closer to $1,000 – or more. A typical single-family home has about 10 windows, so you can expect to pay up to $10,000 or more to replace all the windows on your home. The best way to estimate the cost is to use a residential window replacement cost calculator.

The bottom line

In the end, you’ll need to examine your current windows, crunch the numbers and decide whether or not it’s time to replace them. By having the facts in hand and knowing what to expect, you can make a more informed decision that you’ll feel comfortable with.

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Buying a home and starting a family often go hand in hand. But if you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage while you’re on maternity leave, it may impact your ability to qualify. Here’s what you need to prepare for should you decide to purchase a new home while you’re taking time off to have a baby.

Is your income needed for pre-approval?

Do you need your current income to be factored into the pre-approval for your mortgage? Then you’ll need to take this into consideration when it comes to timing your home purchase. If you will not be receiving income during your maternity leave, then that will impact your ability to qualify for the loan. If possible, you should be working during the approval and closing process, to avoid potential problems.

Be prepared for extra paperwork

If you will be collecting income during your maternity leave, you’ll likely be eligible but will need to jump through more hoops. Lenders use your salary information to determine how much of a loan you qualify for. During your maternity leave, those figures will often be different, which can give some lenders pause. The income you’re collecting is determined by a variety of sources, including short-term disability, paid time off and through guidelines established by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Since maternity leave is considered a temporary leave in the mortgage industry, it can be a red flag for some lenders. You’ll likely be asked to supply additional paperwork to verify your income. This could include a letter from your employer that details when you were hired, your anticipated date of return and your current salary. Your mortgage application will not include any questions about your pregnancy, so you should be upfront with your lender. They can help you understand what kind of documentation you’ll need and how best to go about securing a loan. If you’re experiencing fertility issues and are seeking assistance, companies like Sher Fertility Solutions can provide you with the support and guidance you need to start or expand your family while navigating the mortgage process.

If you’re experiencing an unintended pregnancy and would like to learn more about your options, navigate to this website for information on abortion education and resources.

Know the law

It is important to understand that being pregnant is not a legal basis for a lender to deny a loan. While you do need to have verifiable income, you cannot be denied the loan simply because you are expecting a child. It is against the law for lenders to discriminate based on your family status, which was established in 1968 with the Fair Housing Act.  If you feel you have been denied a loan based on your pregnancy, there are steps you can take. Contact HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you feel you have been fired due to your pregnancy or gender, retaliation lawyer Los Angeles is the attorney you can rely on for that.

Buy what you can afford

Having a baby and buying a home are both life-changing experiences. Completing both at the same time can be both challenging and rewarding. It can be tempting to splurge on that dream home to celebrate your baby’s arrival. But keep in mind how having a new family member is going to change your financial situation. Make sure you are purchasing a home that you can reasonably afford, given the new expenses you are about to encounter.

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Receiving cash to use towards the down payment for your house is a generous gift. Especially considering that some loans require you to pay at least 20 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. But there are certain requirements that must be met when using a cash gift towards your deposit. Here’s what you need to know.

Who can give the gift?

Lenders tend to be restrictive when it comes to allowing cash gifts to be applied to a down payment. The gift can’t come from just anyone. In most cases, the money must come from a relative – usually a parent, grandparent or sibling. You may also receive a gift from your spouse or the person to whom you are engaged. If you’re applying for an FHA loan, you’ll have a little more leeway. For these loans, your gift can come from an employer, labor union, close friend or even a nonprofit.

You’ll need a gift letter

In order for the gift money to qualify, it must be properly documented. The first step is to write a gift letter. The letter should outline the amount of the gift, the relationship between parties and the property address. It should also state that the money is a gift and not a loan that will need to be repaid.

Receiving the gift

Once the gift letter has been written, you’re not done yet. You can’t simply deposit the money in your bank account and call it a day. You need to create a paper trail to show where the money came from. Write a check for the exact amount of the gift and make photocopies. The check should then be deposited in person into the account that will be used for closing. Make sure to get a receipt for the deposit, and do not deposit any other money at the same time.

You may also be required to show additional documentation about where the gift money came from. This can include copies of the donor’s bank statements or even documents from the sale of stocks and funds transfer from a brokerage account to another account. When in doubt, save the paperwork.

If possible, try to get the gift money as early as you can. If you can secure the gift money while you’re still in the planning stages, you won’t need as much paperwork down the line as you would with a last-minute gift.

Gift taxes do apply

Once the check is written and the funds deposited, you’re still not done. Be aware that there may be taxes due for the money that was gifted. The donor generally pays these taxes, although both parties can agree to have the tax paid by the recipient instead. Talk with your accountant about what the current monetary thresholds are for incurring taxes and how your gift may affect your tax liability for the year.

If you’re the recipient of a cash gift for your down payment, congratulations! It’s a great way for loved ones to help with your home purchase, particularly if you’re a first time homebuyer. Follow the steps outlined above to ensure that you’ll have no problems using your cash gift come closing day.

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