Now that 2017 is here, it's time to consider which upgrades you will make to your home. If you don't have any major renovations planned, you can still tackle smaller projects or theme rooms. In today's post we'll explore some of the home decor trends expected to be popular in 2017. Paint Colors: Confident, Composed & Comfortable According to the color experts at paint company Behr, 2017's trend colors express confidence, composition and comfort. If you plan on painting accent walls, rooms or even your entire home this year, these are worth exploring. Confident palette colors include the … [Read More...]
Whether you're planning to sell or not, if you can afford to upgrade your home it's almost always worth it. But the question is: which renovations add value to your life, as well as your house? Let's explore how adding an in-ground pool to your backyard can boost your home's value. The Ultimate In Functional Luxury It's true that there are many home upgrades that add a ton of value. Kitchen renovations, home solar panels and other long-term investments tend to pay off. But few are as luxurious and fun as installing your own in-ground pool. Not only will you get to enjoy having a swim whenever … [Read More...]
When it comes to real estate, there are always going to be upswings in the market that will have an impact on your mortgage payment and overall financial health. However, with a fluctuating market here to stay, you may be wondering how you can guard your biggest investment and your finances against rate increases. If you're concerned about rates on the rise, here are a few tips to test out you're fiscal well-being. Calculate Your Debt-To-Income Ratio It's beneficial to determine your DTI ratio prior to purchasing a home, but since debt and housing costs are always fluctuating, calculating this … [Read More...]
The prospect of finding the home you've always dreamed of can be such an exciting prospect that it's easy to forget all about the process of negotiating. However, it's important to keep a few things to yourself when it comes to the art of making the deal. If you're currently searching for the right place and are preparing to sign on the dotted line, here are a few phrases it's best to avoid. Declaring It Your Dream Home There's nothing wrong with finding the ideal home and getting enthusiastic about the prospect of owning it, but it's very important not to say too much to the homeowner or the … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included several good signs for U.S. Labor Markets with higher than expected readings for private and public sector job creation. The Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise the target federal funds range, and inflation rose. Mortgage rates held steady and pending home sales rose. Private and Public Sector Jobs Post Unexpected Gains ADP, which tracks private-sector job growth, showed a gain of 246,000 jobs in January against expectations of 168,000 new jobs and December's reading of 151,000 private sector jobs created. Analysts said 208,000 of jobs added … [Read More...]
Winter may be a time for nesting until the cold weather abates, but there are a number of important tasks that a homeowner should be sure to do during the winter months. If you're readying for the slow season or wondering what you might have forgotten, here are some things you'll want to check off your to-do list. A New Coat Of Paint Getting out the paint may seem like a sizeable task, but any peeling paint is going to be adversely affected by the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. While you may want to hold off if it's already cold, it might be a task worth prioritizing if the materials … [Read More...]