There’s a formula that can help guide you in bringing more color to warm up a space, while also staying cohesive.
All-white or all-gray interiors are becoming forgettable. More homeowners are adding color with pinks, greens, blues and yellows. But all that color from room to room can make a home feel disjointed and overwhelming.
So how do you add more color while still making it feel cohesive? Designers like to break it down into a formula: 60-30-10. Here’s how it works:
60% of the room should be one color. Consider this your main base color, like using a soft gray or white for your walls. Make this color dominate your space on walls and in larger accents, like an area rug. But you don’t have to use the same hue with everything. Use variations of the color, like a soft or dark gray.
30% should be a complementary color. This should support your main color, but it can still be different enough to add some contrast. Use it for draperies, chairs, accent walls or furniture.
10% should be your accent color. Embrace the latest bright hues, like Pantone’s “Viva Magenta” or Benjamin Moore’s “Raspberry Blush,” a fiery red-orange hue. You don’t have to go bold, however. Your accent color could be black or a natural material, like wood or metal. The main idea is to provide a contrast to your dominant and secondary colors. Weave in your accent color for throw pillows, ottoman, artwork or small decorative accessories.
Moving.com provided a couple of examples for how to use this formula:
Dominant color: White
Secondary color: Gray
Accent: Red
Or:
Dominant color: Gray
Secondary color: White
Accent: Pink
By following a formula, you can embrace color trends while still making a space feel cohesive. The formula helps to strike a balance with color but should be merely used as a guide.
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This is not original material. See link above.
When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, click the link in the title of this article.
If you are a homeowner in Texas, hopefully you are taking advantage of your Homestead Exemption. Did you know this election cycle (Election Day November 7) you will have a chance to vote YES on Proposition 4 which will make this provisional tax bill official? By doing this, you will be decreasing your property tax liability by $60,000! How does that work?
Currently, your Homestead Exemption deducts $40,000 from the assessed value of your home. So, if you owned a home assessed at $350,000, you would only be taxed on $310,000 under the current $40,000 Homestead Exemption. If you vote to make Texas Senate Bill 2 official, the deduction amount will become $100,000 meaning on your same $350,000 home, you would only be taxed on $250,000.
Here’s an overview of the changes that would be applied to 2023 tax bills due in January.
School Tax Compression: Abut $7.1 billion would be sent to Texas school districts in order to lower the taxes they levy on property owners.
Homestead Exemption Increases: From $40,000 to $100,000 as explained above.
Texas Homeowners 65+ or with Disabilities: Both groups would be eligible for a total exemption of $110,000.
Temporary 20% Appraisal Cap: For appraisals on commercial, mineral and residential properties valued under $5 million which do not have a homestead exemption.
Franchise Tax Exemptions: The amount of money a business can make before it’s required to pay the state’s franchise tax (levied on larger entities doing business in Texas) would double.
Elected Appraisal Officials: 3 new positions will be created in each appraisal district’s board of directors for position elected by voters.
So, would you like a $60,000 property tax cut? If so, you need to vote. Early voting is October 23 to November 3. Election Day is November 7. You will need to bring ID to vote, and here are the 7 types of valid ID Texas has for voters:
“The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to establish a temporary limit on the maximum appraised value of real property other than a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes; to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district applicable to residence homesteads from $40,000 to $100,000; to adjust the amount of the limitation on school district ad valorem taxes imposed on the residence homesteads of the elderly or disabled to reflect increases in certain exemption amounts; to except certain appropriations to pay for ad valorem tax relief from the constitutional limitation on the rate of growth of appropriations; and to authorize the legislature to provide for a four-year term of office for a member of the board of directors of certain appraisal districts.”
Hey, this is Rob, Your Realtor, and today I want to address the question, “With these interest rates, is it a good time to buy my first house?” The short answer is YES and I’m about to tell you why.
Today’s interest rate (September 12) of 7.12% for a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage and this has some people holding off or at least hesitating on making that new home purchase believing, as the experts predict, interest rates will drop towards the end of the year and into next year. But if you are ready to move (especially if you are renting), is this the best option? It is the best option, and here’s why.
Historically speaking, we are still below the 50-year interest rate average (see chart above). Still, 7+% interest may feel high, especially after the pandemic market, but have you considered that, as a renter, you are paying 100% interest? Zero percent of your monthly payment is going toward premium on your home and building equity. Every month that you continue to pay rent, you are losing equity that you could be building in your home.
You may look at that and say, “OK, but if rates may drop, shouldn’t I wait?” If rates could drop, the question becomes, “How can I purchase now to begin building equity in my own home and benefit if/when rates drop?” That’s a GREAT question, and a solution that might work for you is buying down the rate. You may be familiar with rate buy-downs, but the one I am talking about specifically is the 2-1 buy down. The way this works is, you “buy” this rate reduction and pay for it up front at closing. For the first year of your loan, you get a 2% interest rate reduction on your house payments. In the second year, you get a 1% interest rate reduction. The third year, you are paying the interest rate you got with your loan BUT…if interest rates have dropped by this time, you can refinance to the lower rate, and you will have been building equity for yourself/your family because you own a home and are not paying rent on someone else’s home.
In another video I will tell you about the incredible buy-down deal another client of mine got moving into their new-construction home. AND, I’ll talk about a strategy we could use to get the seller to pay YOUR rate buy down. I’m Rob, your Realtor and my passion as an agent is helping renters become homeowners. Let’s have a conversation to see how I might be able to help YOU move into your own home. You can reach out through any of my social media platforms, or all my contact information may be found on my website rob-hurt.com. I would love to join you on your home ownership journey, let’s talk!
In today’s housing market, there are two main affordability challenges impacting buyers: mortgage rates that are higher than they’ve been the past couple of years, and rising home prices caused by low inventory. To overcome those challenges, many people are working with their agents to find less expensive homes. And with newly built homes making up a historically large percentage of the total available inventory today, that search often includes brand new homes.
People Are Spending Less on Newly Built Homes
The graph below uses the latest information from the Census to show, in June, more of the newly built home sales in this country were in lower price ranges than in 2022:Last year, only 58% of newly built home sales were less than $500,000. This June, that number was up to 65%. This means more people are buying less expensive newly built homes right now while affordability remains a challenge.
Builders Are Offering Lower-Cost Options
Builders have picked up on this trend and are reacting accordingly. George Ratiu, Chief Economist at Keeping Current Matters, explains:
“Builders are also responding to this shift by bringing slightly smaller homes to market in an effort to meet lower price points . . .”
New data from the Census further confirms this pattern – it shows the median sales price of newly built homes has dipped down in recent months (see graph below):And as Mikaela Arroyo, Director of the New Home Trends Institute at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, says, the builders who are most responsive to this trend are forming pathways to homeownership:
“. . . it is creating opportunities for people to be able to afford an entry-level home in an area. . . . if you get that size down, that automatically will make it a more affordable home. The [builders] that are decreasing [size] the most are probably the ones that try to build more of an affordable product.”
How an Agent Can Help
Builders producing smaller, less expensive newly built homes give you more affordable options at a time when that’s really needed. If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, partner with a local real estate agent to find out what’s available in your area. An agent can help you look at newly built homes or ones under construction nearby.
Bottom Line
If you’re having a hard time finding a home you like in your budget, connect with a real estate professional. You need an agent who knows all about the latest inventory in your area, including homes still under construction or just built. That way you have an expert on your side who can provide information on builder reputations, builder contracts and negotiations, and more to help you with the homebuying process.
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This is not original material. See note/link below.
When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, you may find it here.
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make.
While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own life and your finances may be even more important. As an article from NerdWalletsays:
“Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals and readiness to become a homeowner.”
Instead of trying to time the market, it may help to focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.
1. Do You Have a Stable Job?
One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you’re going to pay that loan back. That can feel like a big obligation. Knowing you have a reliable job and income coming in can help put your mind at ease. As NerdWallet explains:
“A mortgage is a big commitment . . . Wait until your employment is stable before thinking about buying a house.”
2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?
To make sure you have a good idea of what you’ll need to save and what you can expect to spend on your monthly payment, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll be able to tell you about the pre-approval process and what you can borrow, current mortgage rates and approximate monthly payments, closing costs to anticipate, what percent of the purchase price of the home you’ll need for a down payment, and more.
The best part is you may find out you’re closer to your goals than you realized. You don’t necessarily need to put 20% down, unless it’s specified by your lender or loan type. As Down Payment Resourcesays:
“A 20% down payment on a home is great, but . . . Many mortgages require no more than 3% to 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. Plus, there are loans and grants that may help cover these costs. Search for down payment assistance in your area, and discuss your results with your mortgage lender . . .”
3. How Long Do You Plan to Live There?
Another important thing to think about is how long you plan to stay put. It takes time to build equity in your home through paying down your loan and home price appreciation. If you plan to move too soon, you may not recoup your investment. For example, if you’re looking to sell and move again in a year, it might not make sense to buy right now. As a recent article from CNET says:
“Buying a home is a good idea if you’re planning to stay put for at least three years. Home values typically increase between 2% and 5% annually, so you could end up paying more in closing costs than you’d earn in proceeds if you sell after only a year or two.”
So, think about your future. If you plan to transfer to a new city with the upcoming promotion you’re working toward or you anticipate your loved ones will need you to move closer to take care of them, that’s something to factor in.
Above all else, the most important question to answer is: do you have a team of real estate professionals in place?If not, finding a trusted local agent and a lender is a good first step.
Bottom Line
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, these questions can help. But ultimately, your best and more reliable resource is the help of trusted real estate professionals.
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This is not original material. See note/link below.
When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, you may find it here.
If you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer that question because mortgage rates are notoriously hard to forecast.
But, there’s one thing that’s historically a good indicator of what’ll happen with rates, and that’s the relationship between the 30-Year Mortgage Rate and the 10-Year Treasury Yield. Here’s a graph showing those two metrics since Freddie Mac started keeping mortgage rate records in 1972:
As the graph shows, historically, the average spread between the two over the last 50 years was 1.72 percentage points (also commonly referred to as 172 basis points). If you look at the trend line you can see when the Treasury Yield trends up, mortgage rates will usually respond. And, when the Yield drops, mortgage rates tend to follow. While they typically move in sync like this, the gap between the two has remained about 1.72 percentage points for quite some time. But, what’s crucial to notice is that spread is widening far beyond the norm lately (see graph below):
If you’re asking yourself: what’s pushing the spread beyond its typical average? It’s primarily because of uncertainty in the financial markets. Factors such as inflation, other economic drivers, and the policy and decisions from the Federal Reserve (The Fed) are all influencing mortgage rates and a widening spread.
Why Does This Matter for You?
This may feel overly technical and granular, but here’s why homebuyers like you should understand the spread. It means, based on the normal historical gap between the two, there’s room for mortgage rates to improve today.
And, experts think that’s what lies ahead as long as inflation continues to cool. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“It’s reasonable to assume that the spread and, therefore, mortgage rates will retreat in the second half of the year if the Fed takes its foot off the monetary tightening pedal . . . However, it’s unlikely that the spread will return to its historical average of 170 basis points, as some risks are here to stay.”
“Though housing market watchers expect mortgage rates to remain elevated amid ongoing economic uncertainty and the Federal Reserve’s rate-hiking war on inflation, they believe rates peaked last fall and will decline—to some degree—later this year, barring any unforeseen surprises.”
Bottom Line
If you’re either a first-time home buyer or a current homeowner thinking of moving into a home that better fits your current needs, keep on top of what’s happening with mortgage rates and what experts think will happen in the coming months.
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This is not original material. See note/link below.
When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, you may find it here.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power.
The chart below helps show the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment:
Even a 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment. And since rates have been moving between 6% and 7% for a while now, you can see how it impacts your purchasing power as rates go down.
What This Means for You
You may be tempted to put your homebuying plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall. But that can be risky. No one knows for sure where rates will go from here, and trying to time them for your benefit is tough. Lisa Sturtevant, Housing Economist at Bright MLS, explains:
“It is typically a fool’s errand for a homebuyer to try to time rates in this market . . . But volatility in mortgage rates right now can have a real impact on buyers’ monthly payments.”
That’s why it’s critical to lean on your expert real estate advisors to explore your mortgage options, understand what impacts mortgage rates, and plan your homebuying budget around today’s volatility. They’ll also be able to offer advice tailored to your specific situation and goals, so you have what you need to make an informed decision.
Bottom Line
Your ability to buy a home could be impacted by changing mortgage rates. If you’re thinking about making a move, partner with a trusted real estate agent and lender so you have a strong plan in place.
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I am a partner with Mayra Avalos from Cardinal Financial. Mayra works hard to help clients get the best rates, find downpayment assistance and find the plan that works best for each situation. Mayra and would love to help you navigate the path towards home ownership.
This is not original material. See note/link below. When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, you may find it here.
Most of us say that our kitchens are the hearts of our homes—and that’s why they’re one of the most exciting rooms to renovate. But taking your kitchen to the next level doesn’t necessarily require a full remodel: Before you start tearing down walls or replacing countertops, consider the many ways you can elevate this space without breaking out your power tools (or hiring a contractor). Simple changes like adding a fresh coat of paint or easy DIY projects (think swapping out your faucet and taps) can transform your kitchen into a gathering space you feel really good about.
Paint Your Walls
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Adding a new coat of paint to your kitchen walls is an easy way to give the space new life. “You can’t go wrong with brighter colors like white or light gray, as they will make your kitchen feel fresh and clean,” says Alexandra Peck, owner and principal of Alexandra Peck Design. “Earth tones such as sage green and beige also lend themselves well to kitchens as they feel cozy and are reminiscent of being out in nature.”
Add Wallpaper
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Wallpaper is an easy way to elevate your kitchen by introducing pattern and texture to the space. “Consider applying wallpaper to areas such as the backsplash, an accent wall, or the inside of glass-front cabinets to create a captivating focal point, infuse personality, and bring a touch of unexpected charm to your kitchen,” says Kerrie Kelly, creative director of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. If you add wallpaper to your backsplash, make sure it’s wipeable so you can easily clean up grease splatter from cooking.
Hang Artwork
ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL / GETTY IMAGES
Artwork may make an appearance in your living room or dining room—but have you ever considered adding it to your kitchen? Doing so is a great way to add color and texture to this space. “If you have a large, empty wall space I suggest curating a gallery wall of prints, photography, and paintings,” says Peck. “If your kitchen is clean-lined and sleek, an oversized photograph in a crisp black or white frame would be the perfect complement.” In a light and bright kitchen, artwork with touches of blue, green, or peach will add a nice pop of color.
Swap Out Hardware
THAPAKORN RUJIPAK / GETTY IMAGES
Changing out the hardware finishes your cabinets came with is a simple yet effective way to elevate the look of your kitchen. “Consider materials like brushed brass or polished nickel for a luxurious and timeless touch, or opt for matte black or stainless steel finishes for a modern and sleek aesthetic,” says Kelly. “These small details can make a significant impact, adding a touch of sophistication and cohesiveness to your kitchen design.”
Layer Your Lighting
HIKESTERSON / GETTY IMAGES
If your kitchen just has ambient lighting, consider adding task and accent lighting for a more refined look. “For accent lighting, consider incorporating under-cabinet lighting to showcase decorative items or architectural details,” says Kelly. “Task lighting is essential for areas like the countertops and sink, so consider installing adjustable LED recessed lights or pendant lights.” You can also upgrade your ambient lighting through dimmable ceiling fixtures or chandeliers.
Elevate Exposed Items
BRIZMAKER / GETTY IMAGES
While keeping items like hand soap and coffee readily available on your countertops may be convenient, they can detract from the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. “I find product labels on bottles can be visually distracting and take away from the beauty of your kitchen, so I love putting everyday kitchen products like soap and coffee into glass or metal containers to create a clean look,” says Peck.
Paint Your Cabinets
LILIIA LYTVYN / GETTY IMAGES
Painting your cabinets is an easy way to elevate a tired kitchen. “If you have dated cabinets but aren’t ready for a full remodel, painting them is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to update the look and style,” says Kristin Marino of KozyKasa Design. “To me, a white kitchen is timeless and classy however, I also love a bold cabinet color for a focal point as well.” If you want to add color to your space, consider timeless shades like green and navy.
Update Your Faucet
JOE HENDRICKSON / GETTY IMAGES
You don’t need to replace your entire sink in order to achieve a sleeker look—simply swap out your faucet and taps for something fresh. “Updating any metal in your kitchen such as tapware can elevate your kitchen’s style without breaking the bank,” says Marino. “Swapping your brushed nickel for a matte black or gold will elevate the look and bring your kitchen’s style to modern day.”
Make a Coffee Station
LIUDMILA CHERNETSKA / GETTY IMAGES
From the coffee maker and beans to the grinder and steamer, there are a lot of supplies coffee lovers can accumulate. Give this area of your kitchen its own station for a more organized look. “Consider adding details such as a decorative tray to corral coffee essentials, stylish canisters for storing coffee beans or pods, and a collection of beautiful mugs or cups displayed on a shelf or mug tree,” says Kelly. “These thoughtful and visually pleasing elements not only enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen but also make your morning routine more delightful and organized.”
Add Shelving
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Adding shelving in your kitchen is as practical as it is functional. “Open shelving offers the opportunity to display beautiful glassware and plates as well as increase functionality for frequently used items,” says Peck. “Clear glass shelving with metal brackets is a classic solution that is beautiful and pairs well with a more traditional look. For a clean, modern look I would recommend floating shelves in natural wood or satin lacquered paint.”
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THIS IS NOT ORIGINAL MATERIAL SEE NOTE/LINK BELOW.
When I find an article I believe will be helpful to my friends and clients, I post it here on my blog. If you would like to read this article from the original source, you may find it here.
Selling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent. If you’re currently considering selling your house on your own, here’s what you should know.
The most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed homeowners who’d recently sold their own homes and asked what difficulties they faced. Those sellers say some of the greatest challenges were prepping their home for sale, pricing it right, and properly managing the required paperwork, just to name a few.
When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, consider the invaluable support that a real estate agent can provide. By partnering with an agent, you can navigate the complexities of the selling process with confidence. Here are just a few of the many ways an agent is essential to your home sale:
1. Marketing and Exposure
Effective marketing is a key piece of attracting qualified buyers to your property. Real estate agents have access to various marketing tools and platforms, including MLS listings, professional photography, virtual tours, and extensive professional networks. They can create a compelling listing that highlights your home’s best features and reaches a wider audience.
If you sell on your own, you may struggle to match the reach of agents, resulting in limited exposure and, ultimately, fewer potential buyers.
2. Managing Liability and Legal Considerations
Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. And all that paperwork and all the legal aspects of selling a home can be a lot to manage. Selling a house without professional guidance exposes homeowners to potential liability risks and legal complications.
Real estate agents are well-versed in the contracts, disclosures, and regulations necessary during a sale. Their expertise helps minimize the risk of errors or omissions that could lead to legal disputes or delays.
3. Negotiations and Contracts
Negotiating the terms of a home sale can be challenging, especially when emotions are involved. You may find it overwhelming to navigate these negotiations alone. Without an agent, you assume this responsibility on your own. This means you’ll have full accountability for working and negotiating with:
The buyer, who wants the best deal possible.
The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer.
The home inspection company, who works for the buyer.
The home appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender.
Rather than going toe-to-toe with all these parties alone, lean on an expert. Real estate agents act as intermediaries, skillfully negotiating on your behalf and ensuring that your best interests are protected. They have experience in handling tough negotiations, counteroffers, and contingencies. When you sell your house yourself, you’ll need to be prepared to manage these vendors on your own.
4. Pricing and Housing Market Knowledge
Determining the right asking price for your property is crucial. It requires in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, including recent sales data, neighborhood trends, and the current demand for properties. Real estate agents have access to comprehensive market data and the expertise to analyze it accurately.
When you sell your house on your own without this comprehensive information, you risk overpricing or underpricing your home. This can result in an extended time on the market and also the risk of leaving money on the table – which decreases your future buying power. An agent is a key piece of the pricing puzzle.
Bottom Line
While selling a home on your own might seem appealing at first, the challenges that come with it can quickly become overwhelming. The expertise that a real estate agent brings to the table is vital for a successful sale. Instead of tackling it alone, make sure you have an expert on your side.
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