Here's what you need to know to get from start to finish in the home buying process. From when to begin your search to how to secure financing to the right way to make an offer, buying a house requires carefully navigating a number of steps. 

By Devon Thorsby, Editor, Real Estate at U.S. News & World Report

Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, the home buying process can be daunting. Not only does the housing market change from season to season, but the process of searching for a house, making an offer and working toward closing evolves over time.

For any homebuyer, you first need to account for your current financial situation, needs in a new home and what features and amenities you hope to have at your fingertips. Before you start touring houses, study your local real estate market to get a better grasp of what’s available and within your budget.

With home prices rising across the U.S. and many markets reporting few homes available for sale compared to the number of buyers, it can be easy to get discouraged. It may take a little extra time to wait for the right house, or it may take some work to improve your credit and save for a higher-priced house, but either way, buying your next home is possible. 

The biggest determining factor in your ability to buy a home, of course, is your ability to pay for it. While some people can liquidate assets and pay for a house in cash, most opt for mortgage programs through a bank, credit union or other type of lender to leverage the total cost of the property.

The first steps to buying a house always revolve around the financial side of the deal – how much you can afford and how you plan to pay for it.

Getting a mortgage

Financing through a mortgage is the most common, and often the most attainable, way to buy a house or condo. 

To avoid being shocked if a bank turns you down for a loan or approves a far lower maximum price than expected, it’s important to know how your credit history and current financial status measure up. The interest rate or amount you pay upfront to the lender (points) is all connected to how attractive a borrower you appear on paper: “How much you can afford also ties into what your future cash flow looks like, and that then ties into rates and points.”

It’s free to receive your credit report once a year through annualcreditreport.com, where you can access reports from the three major credit bureaus, which will provide you with all the information a lender will see about your financial history.

Also take a look at your current financial situation, including the amount of money you have in savings, gross income, recurring expenses and how much you’re able to put toward savings on a regular basis. From this, you should be able to determine how much you can comfortably spend on monthly mortgage payments.

Next, it’s time to shop around for lender and mortgage program options. The most common type of mortgage is a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, which typically comes with a slightly higher interest rate in exchange for the guarantee that the payment amount won’t change for the life of the loan. 

The interest rate is typically the most-discussed aspect of a mortgage, as it can differ from lender to lender and program to program. The interest rate offered to you based on your financial situation can be completely different from what’s in a mortgage rate table.

“That’s why the interest rates advertised online are worthless,” he says. “If the lender doesn’t know essential information such as your credit score, your debt-to-income ratio or the size of your down payment, it’s impossible to provide you with an accurate rate quote.”

Buying a home with no money down

If you’re lacking the savings needed for a down payment, you may not be out of the running to buy a home just yet. Active members of the military and veterans can apply for a VA loan through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which requires a small additional monthly cost in lieu of a down payment, but otherwise requires zero percent down.

There are plenty of other low down payment options – as low as 2 or 3 percent – available to first-time homebuyers, buyers with nontraditional credit histories or those who have recovered their credit over time, among other situations, with additional regular fees. Keep in mind, however, that the less you put down, the more you’ll be required to pay each month.

Buying a house with bad credit

A blemish or two on your credit report can be a problem when it comes to getting approved for some mortgage programs. But fortunately there are options aimed at homebuyers who don’t have a perfect credit history. For example, if you're a borrower with a credit score of at least 580, you may be considered for an FHA loan through the Federal Housing Administration.

Bad credit doesn’t have to keep you from homeownership. Lenders are more likely to look past a low credit score if you’re planning to make a high down payment or have solid proof of a high income that will be consistent for a long time, for example.

Buying a house with cash. If you’ve got the funds to skip financing altogether and pay for your house with cash, you should have a faster transaction, as you won’t have to wait for a loan to be underwritten, the property to be appraised and the lender to formally approval the mortgage.

But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to get your financials in order ahead of time. “The way a cash buyer can be prepared is to be willing and able to show proof of funds, whether it’s stock they’re going to liquidate or cash that’s already in the bank,” says Gannon Forrester, an associate broker with Warburg Realty in New York City.

Additional costs of buying a home

The costs don’t stop at the agreed-upon purchase price and interest to the lender when applicable. Homebuyers should prepared for other costs leading up to and at closing, plus they should have some cash remaining in savings afterward for unexpected repairs to the house. 

Costs include:

• Inspection

• Property appraisal

• Attorney’s fees, points paid to lender and other fees required at closing

• Property taxes

• Rainy day fund for repairs

 

Best Time to Buy a Home

Home sellers and buyers alike favor spring as the ideal time for homes on the market. If you’re looking for the widest variety of home options, this is often the best time to start your search. Early fall also often sees a surge in buyers and sellers looking to strike a deal before the weather turns cold.

However, there are also benefits to shopping for a home in the off-season, when there are fewer buyers to compete with. You’ll have fewer houses to choose from, but you may be less likely to find yourself in a multiple-offer situation, which can make it easier to get a seller to take a serious look at your offer. 

Either way, if you live in a market currently low on housing inventory, don’t expect a sizable price difference from season to season. Sellers can wait a few extra days or weeks if a lowball offer doesn’t appeal to them, so keep your offer realistic for what you think a home is worth.

The absolute best time to start shopping for a house, however, is when you’re ready, both financially and personally. If you have children, for example, closing on a house during the summer months is ideal because you don’t have to worry about packing up while kids are doing homework or making a rough adjustment due to midyear school transfers.

The most important rule of thumb is to wait to start house hunting until you’re actually in a position to make an offer. “If you do that beforehand … you’ll end up finding the house of your dreams, you won’t be ready, and someone else will buy it,” says Amin Dabit, director of advisory service for Personal Capital, an online financial advisory and wealth management company.

Where to Start House Hunting

Once you know your budget and how you intend to fund your purchase, you can start looking for the right house to buy. You can begin your search online by searching consumer-facing listing sites like Zillow, Trulia or Redfin, which can help you get a feel for which neighborhoods and houses fall inside your budget.

You’ll also want to interview several real estate agents before you start working with one. It’s important to trust your agent to advocate for you in the deal, so you shouldn’t feel you have to withhold details about the reason you're moving or what’s included in the right home for you. Ask about the agent or Realtor’s schedule and experience and who you’ll be working with most often, and see if the answers meet your expectations as a client.

Be ready to answer questions from your real estate agent about how many bedrooms you need, your preferred neighborhoods – whether that’s based on public schools, access to public transportation or proximity to shops and restaurants – and anything else that’s nonnegotiable for you in a home purchase.

Especially in markets where housing inventory is low, your agent may have to discuss compromising on your vision of your dream home to help ensure that you have enough properties to tour in your price range. Zeibert notes many homebuyers are becoming more willing to sacrifice some square footage or a bedroom for the chance to live in the neighborhood they want: “The house is not the end-all, be-all. While super important, it is the neighborhood and the lifestyle that they are trying to purchase by going out and buying that house.”

How to Win Over a Seller

When you do find that right home in the right neighborhood, it’s time to put in an offer. And in a popular neighborhood, you may have to work fast. It’s important to start the house hunting process with your financial information on hand so you and your agent can put together a formal offer quickly.

Included in that financial information is a preapproval letter from your lender that notes the company’s willingness to work with you to purchase the home. A prequalification letter is also an option, though preapproval tells the seller that the lender has already done a deep dive into your finances and hasn’t found any surprises.

“A preapproval letter will give the buyer an edge when they put an offer in on a house, showing the seller they’re serious and have a good chance of obtaining a mortgage,” Simmons says.

Writing a personal letter to accompany the offer can also provide some additional insight to sway the seller, since people like to hear their house is going to someone planning to make memories in it. Especially if the seller has lived in the house for a long time, sharing your plans to raise a family in the house could make him feel comfortable selling the house to someone looking to make similar memories.

However, Forrester says it’s not always necessary and can occasionally backfire by leaving room for discrimination – intentional or not – and muddling an offer when a seller is focused on the financial details. There are also scenarios when a personal letter won’t have much of an impact. “Sometimes personal things can sway someone, but a lot of times in New York it’s a financial thing,” Forrester says.

Appealing to the seller is important, but don’t get caught up in the heat of a bidding war or negotiations – any agreed-upon price shouldn’t leave you skimping on meals for the next three years or otherwise make it difficult for you going forward. Forrester says buyers can have trouble making the connection between the purchase price in negotiations and actually paying the money when it’s time to close the deal: “They don’t realize they actually have to come up with the cash or be happy signing that down payment check.”

Closing on Your New House

It may take a few tries with different houses or it may require a little back-and-forth negotiation, but eventually the right seller will accept your offer. Now under contract, you feel like you’re in a whirlwind of activity working toward the day you close on the property.

You’ll need to schedule an inspection on the house, which helps to find any code violations or maintenance issues that you should be aware of. The inspection is key to catching any existing problems the seller may not know about or hasn't yet disclosed, and it's often a required step by the lender. Depending on the results of the report, you may need to renegotiate with the seller about needed repairs, a change in price due to the needed fixes or if you’re now questioning the purchase entirely.

Meanwhile, your lender will be working through the formal loan application process, which includes an appraisal on the property to ensure the lender feels comfortable with the sale price. If the appraisal comes up short, you may have to negotiate again with the seller to see if you can lower the price, or you may have to come up with the difference in cash to follow through with the deal.

Combined with fees for your real estate attorney and title insurance that are a part of the process on closing day, you should expect to pay an additional 2 percent to 5 percent of the purchase price.

The home buying process may be done once closing is completed, but your expenses certainly haven’t stopped. Make sure that even after the down payment and closing costs, you still have close to six months of expenses. It’s something that is very important because there is a lot of unexpected cost that pops up when you first move into a home.

If you’ve decided to buy a home this fall, good luck to you. Your challenge will be not just finding a home you like, but also beating out all the other homebuyers who like it and want to make an offer on it, too.

By Teresa Mears, Contributor, U.S. News & Report

The number of homes for sale is low, particularly in the price ranges desired by first-time homebuyers. 

That means if you want to end up with a nice home, you need to be strategic. Expecting to find the home of your dreams by nonchalantly walking into a few open houses or perusing some online listings is not realistic in this seller’s market.

Here are nine tips to help you get the house you want.

Get your finances in order first. Before you intend to start looking, you should get copies of your credit reports to make sure you’re in a financial position to buy. Shop for mortgage financing before you start looking at houses and get a preapproval letter or proof of funds to show the seller.

Move quickly once you find the house you want. That often means making a decision to purchase new homes within hours of them being listed and writing up an offer immediately if you like the house.

Don’t make snap judgments based on listing photos. A house that doesn’t look appealing in photos could still be a great house. Homes being sold by an estate or homes with tenants inside often yield particularly poor photos. Plus, photos fail to convey the feeling of a home or the floor plan. Unfortunately, sometimes pictures don’t tell the true story, you have to be willing to look past them.

Be realistic about the inspection and repairs. The more competitive the market, the less likely a seller will be to make repairs, though some sellers may lower the price if the inspection reveals expensive defects. The purpose of the inspection isn’t to get the seller to repair every small problem but to find out for sure that the house is what you thought it was. 

Start with your best offer. A competitive market is not the right environment to negotiate a bargain. You may get only one chance to make an offer, and your offer may be one of several the seller will choose from. You need to come in with your highest and best. Remember that the offer includes not only the price, but also your financing package and other terms such as the closing date and contingencies.

Write a personal letter to the sellers. Some sellers are interested only in how much money their home sale will yield, but others love their home want it to go to a new family that will love it just as much. If you really like a house, include a personal letter and a family photo with your offer.

Make a big earnest money deposit. The expected size of the earnest money deposit, and the rules about when you get it back, vary by locality. But sellers often see a larger deposit as a sign that you’re serious about the deal.

Make a backup offer. Many prospective buyers don’t want to make an offer on a house that has a pending contract. But deals fall apart over inspections, financing and other terms. If you found the perfect house, you can make a backup offer that will put you in first place if the initial buyer walks away.

Consider waiving or shortening contingencies. Most offers are made contingent on the buyer getting a mortgage, the appraisal being equal to the purchase price and the buyer approving the inspection. Waiving any one of those contingencies can be risky, but may be the right move in some circumstances.

This year has been a rollercoaster for every industry. With global economies expecting to shrink significantly throughout the end of the year, it's the best time to take stock of what real estate can expect as the year closes. What can we expect for the latter half of 2020?

 

By Expert Panel® Forbes Councils Member

The unpredictability of this year is forcing real estate professionals to reassess the future of the industry.

Expert Panel asked 15 entrepreneurs from Forbes Real Estate Council their opinions on the current state of the market and what they expect to see in the closing half of this year. Here's what they said. (Forbes Real Estate Council is an invitation-only, fee-based organization for senior-level executives in the real estate industry).

     

1. Demand For Housing Will Remain Robust

I expect demand for housing to remain robust as millennials and baby boomers power through to keep the economy moving. Many homeowners will fall behind on their mortgages, creating distressed property sales. As developers assemble and develop new homes, old architecture and decaying mechanical systems in 1960s, 70s and 80s homes will be replaced by a new home revolution. - Gary Lanham, Gary Lanham Group

2. Home Sales Will Get Closer To 2019 Levels

Existing home sales will return closer to levels seen in the second half of 2019. White-hot summer activity due to pent-up demand will work its way through the system and pandemic-inflicted economic challenges will come home to roost. - Craig Cheatham, The Realty Alliance

3. Refinance Demand Will Continue

We'll likely see the flood of new refinance demand continue while ongoing Covid-19 fears will force mortgage originators to shift most of their process to being fully digital. This means that getting and closing on a mortgage will finally start to become more of an instant experience for consumers, mirroring other industries like groceries, prepared meals, transportation and even medical care. - Max Simkoff, States Title

4. Substantial Increase In Foreclosures

There will be a substantial increase in foreclosures, short sales and bank-owned properties. This will happen toward the end of the year and the beginning of next year as banks start foreclosing on delinquent mortgages. - Lex Levinrad, The Distressed Real Estate Institute

5. Remote Work Will Affect Home-Buying Decisions

The ability to work remotely will weigh heavily in home-buying decisions over the next six months. Remote work expands a lot of buyers’ geographic options and influences the features buyers are looking for. Unsurprisingly, home offices are becoming more important, but our research shows that people are also looking for a quiet location, an updated kitchen, a large backyard and an open floor plan. - David Doctorow, Move, Inc.

6. Mass Adoption Of Tech To Limit Human Interaction

Covid-19 is speeding up the mass adoption of technology in order to limit human interaction. We’ll see the real estate space increasingly implement tools like keyless entry systems, voice-activated appliances, etc. to minimize anything face-to-face or anything that requires physical touch. This also includes using automated messaging solutions to send emails noting amenities in-property, check-in instructions and more. - Vered Schwarz, Guesty

7. Virtual Tours With Human Guidance

Virtual tours are here to stay. Although there’s clearly a shift in consumer behavior toward a more digital homebuying experience, the human element remains a critical piece. The vast majority of buyers, especially those in higher price ranges, want to see a home in person—with the guidance of a skilled agent—before they put in an offer. - Adam Contos, RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.

8. Capital Reallocation Between Real Estate Classes

We expect capital reallocation between real estate classes and a surge of capital deployment for multifamily and industrial assets. These classes have shown their resilience and weathered the storm of Covid-19 well, and should attract capital previously designated for retail and office. Couple this with the low-interest rate environment and we’ll see a wave of deal activity the second half of this year. - Carlos Vaz, CONTI Organization

9. More Preferred Equity Fund Offerings

I see more preferred equity fund offerings. Investors are more risk-averse in this environment and are interested in higher fixed income with lower risk. Multifamily apartment operators are seeing new tighter lending restrictions with Covid-19 limiting their ability to finance deals. More funds are coming out of raising capital from investors to fill the gap by providing the funding for preferred equity. - David Thompson, Thompson Investing

10. Class B Multifamily Properties Will Remain Solid

Class B multifamily properties will remain solid with stable cap rates as occupancy and around 95% of rent collections nationwide remained high during Covid-19. Class C properties and workforce housing naturally has more exposure to Covid-19 implications as many tenants work in the service industry. Hence, I expect Class C prices to slightly drop, especially those with delinquency issues. - Ellie Perlman, Blue Lake Capital LLC

11. More Opportunity To Acquire At A Discount

The end of 2020 will likely see certain sellers willing to accept a lower price for their assets. While some owners will hold on and weather the storm, others will no longer want nor have the flexibility to wait and will decide to liquidate their holdings. This means investors on the buy side will have an opportunity to acquire assets at a discount from their current price. - Todd Sulzinger, Blue Elm Investments

12. Commercial Real Estate May See A Slowdown

While residential sales remain strong in many markets, mainly due to the still-pent-up demand for inventory, commercial real estate may see a slowdown. With more and more companies allowing or even insisting employees work remotely, a rise in commercial vacancy rates is a distinct possibility. - David Bolinger, The McDevitt Agency

13. Warehousing Market Will Continue To Grow

The industrial warehousing markets will continue to see growing demand as warehouse users look for distribution and last-mile delivery locations near major population centers. In many areas, office markets will be in a holding pattern due to changing Covid-19 guidelines and mandates of local and state governmental officials. - Josh Gopan, Simone Development Companies

14. Growing Interest In Suburban Or Rural Living

Right now, homeowners are adapting to a new lifestyle and realizing what doesn't work in their current home. The global shift toward remote work—and lack of commute—may cause homebuyers to reconsider suburban and even rural living. They’ll also desire more square footage and outdoor space, which is more readily available and affordable in suburban and rural areas. - Jennifer Anderson, Anderson Coastal Group

15. More Interest In Properties With Fitness Amenities

With people spending most of their time at home, the value of on-site dining, fitness and leisure options in multifamily properties has never been greater. As leases expire during the second half of the year and renters seek new apartments in which to live, work and stay entertained, people will be drawn to properties with amenities and easy access to outdoor activities like parks and beaches. - Salvador Garcia, MAS Development Group

 

Small improvements can make a big impression on potential buyers.

Sep 15 2020

Courtesy of Zillow

Not surprisingly, a recent Zillow survey¹ found that most people — 81% — reported spending more time at home this year compared to the same time last year. Some of us might be feeling a little stir-crazy, but others are taking the opportunity to tackle home improvement projects. You may decide to change up your space for your personal enjoyment or comfort, but if you’re a homeowner looking to sell, it’s worth considering which projects will not only look good but offer the best return for your time and effort.

Zillow partnered with Thumbtack to determine the average costs of a few common improvements sellers make before listing their home for sale. By better understanding the costs, you can decide whether it’s worthwhile to DIY or call in a pro. 

Whatever route you take, a few well-chosen updates could improve your home’s appeal and value. Zillow data finds homeowners who make at least one improvement are more likely to sell their home above their list price than those who don’t make any improvements: 23% vs. 17%, respectively.² With sale prices climbing and homes selling at their fastest pace in more than two years, this may be a good time for would-be sellers to start prepping their homes for listing.  

“There are small things anyone can do to present their home in a better light,” said Sue Cohn Darmon, a Zillow Premier Agent in Connecticut with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “First impressions go a long way, especially since buyers are now spending more time searching online for homes. Listing photos are going to look better if the home appears well-maintained. If the small things are taken care of, the assumption is that the bigger things that aren’t visible have been taken care of too.”

Here are five DIY projects recommended by agents that could help increase your home’s value.

Upgrade your lights

Good lighting can bring out the best in your home. Updating old fixtures and adding dimmer switches are fairly simple upgrades. You could also consider replacing your fixtures with smart lights controlled by an app, which can help you save on your energy bill and sell your home faster. Zillow research finds homes mentioning smart lights in their listing description sold seven days faster than expected.

Here’s a DIY guide to changing a light fixture, or if you want a professional installer to do the job, Thumbtack finds the average cost is $380.

Replace your faucets

Whether your look is modern or traditional, a new faucet can enhance the style of your bathroom or kitchen. Make it a touchless faucet for added appeal, as COVID-era buyers increasingly look for smart features that will keep their homes germ-free.

With attention to detail and a tolerance for tight spaces, you can handle this job yourself, but if you’d rather leave the under-sink contortions to a pro, Thumbtack finds, on average, you can expect to pay $205 to replace bathroom fixtures.

Landscape smartly

A desire for more outdoor space is the top reason people say they would consider moving as a result of social distancing recommendations, according to a Harris Poll survey conducted for Zillow.³ There’s no better time to spruce up your yard and create the functional, beautiful outdoor space buyers want.

If you don’t like getting your hands dirty (literally), expect to pay $2,600 on average, according to Thumbtack, for a professional landscaping business to clean up your yard, which typically covers mowing, pruning, weeding, planting new flowers or shrubs, and adding new soil, mulch or bark dust. Zillow research found homes mentioning landscaping in their listing description can sell for 2.7 percent more than expected, so depending on the value of your home, it could be a worthwhile investment.

Add a fire pit

Now that you have a nicely landscaped yard, go one step further and install a fire pit to create a family-friendly backyard hangout. Listings mentioning a fire pit can sell for 2.8 percent more than similar homes, according to Zillow research. Interestingly, that sale premium is higher than homes mentioning an outdoor fireplace or a chimenea. An added bonus: This is a DIY the whole family can help with. 

Paint your front door (and more)

A freshly painted front door can boost your curb appeal, and if you’re thinking about selling, you may be surprised by the winning color when it comes to ROI: Homes with black front doors can sell for up to $6,000 more than similar homes, according to Zillow research.

If it’s in your budget, consider painting the whole exterior (probably not black, though!) to create a great first impression. In a survey of Zillow Premier Agents, 77% recommended sellers paint their home.4 Thumbtack finds the average cost of exterior painting is $2,535.

 

1. Zillow Group Population Science Survey on Time Spent at Home, conducted 7/16/2020 – 7/21/2020
2. Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2019
3. This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Zillow from May 4-6, 2020 among 2,065 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact press@zillow.com.
4. Zillow Group partnered with independent market research and data analytics firm YouGov® to conduct a nationally representative, online quantitative survey that gathered information from 1000 sellers that sold a home in the past 6 months and 500 residential real estate agents. For more information visit zillow.com/report

 

You have the necessary appliances like a refrigerator, stove, or microwave, and now you’re wondering what you can do to make your house more energy efficient. Here are some great pieces of technology that can make your house eco-friendly and even save you a few hundred dollars each year. Let’s take a look at a few of them!

By Jeremy Atkins, Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC

 

1. Smart Power Outlets

There are two main types of power outlets out there. One is a “connected” outlet and the other is an energy saving outlet. Connected outlets sync to your Wi-Fi network allowing you to control the power output to appliances remotely. Leave a fan on while at work? No need to let it run all day – just hop on your phone and turn it off. These are usually in the $25-$60 range depending on the unit.

Energy saving outlets go a step further by turning the outlet off completely. Kind of like flipping a switch on a circuit breaker. This saves you from the dreaded “vampire power” which is when a plugged-in device uses electricity, even when it’s turned off. These are a great way to keep your energy usage down and even save upwards of a $150-$400 per year. Energy saving outlets, like these, can be found for around $6-$25.

Energy saving outlets, like these, can be found for around $6-25.

2. Smart Thermostats

For someone like me who loves tech, smart thermostats are amazing. They connect to your Wi-Fi network and your furnace. Over the course of a week or two, they learn your schedule and heat up or cool your house down automatically right before you get home. They also adjust for when you leave. This is another boon for us forgetful folks. I can hear Ron Popeil now “Set it…and forget it!”

Most smart thermostats can be controlled remotely and allow for scheduling via an app or on the device. They’re easy to use and will help you save an average of $145 a year. The main players in this market are Ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell and they range from $170-$250.

3. LED & Smart Lights

Not as rare or expensive as they used to be, LED lights are a pretty amazing way to reduce your carbon footprint. A basic, 60-watt equivalent LED light bulb will use 10-15% of the energy needed of an incandescent bulb. They even give off less heat, which will help with your air conditioning bill in the summer too. You can find them for as little as $3 and they go up from there.

This wouldn’t be a “tech” article if I just talked about regular old LED lights. Good thing there are smart lights! I bought some Philips Hue lights a few months ago and they are awesome. I have them set to turn on at sunset because my wife is usually home then. Today, she has a meeting and isn’t home yet so I just went into to the app on my phone and turned them off. I even have them programmed to turn off at 8 am every morning just in case my wife or I forget to turn them off. Some versions can even allow you to adjust the color and sync them to music! Unfortunately, these can be pretty expensive at around $50 per bulb but could save you around $2-$4 per year.

4. Dual-Flush Toilet

Traditional toilets use more water than we usually need when we flush. That’s where dual-flush toilets come in. These unique thrones have a light flush option which, depending on the toilet/kit, uses a half-gallon less water per flush than a full-flush version. If you need more…ahem…flushing power, use the full flush mode and it’s business as usual. There are multiple manufacturers that sell toilets with this capability and you can even find kits online to convert your regular toilet to a dual flush. With these upgrades, you can save around $200 per year in water savings depending on the size of your household.

I’m always on the lookout for ways to help me save money and green tech has certainly helped. I’m thrilled to have made some of these energy efficient upgrades and I can’t wait to add more. Whether it’s a simple replacement LED light, new smart thermostat, or a dual flush toilet, you too can make your home more energy efficient and even save some cash.

 

Jeremy Atkins: Writer, Rocket Homes

With climate risks rising, an increasing number of homeowners are trying to do their part to improve the environment by investing in green and sustainable products and systems. Following are the top eco-friendly features most homeowners want in their homes.

Content sponsor Quicken Loans for REALTOR Magazine reveals the energy-saving products most in demand right now.

 

By Rachel Burris

What Are Eco Homes?

Eco homes are designed to promote greener lifestyles by minimizing the greenhouse gases they emit into the atmosphere. These homes reduce their environmental impact by including sustainable materials and technologies that reduce homeowners' energy and water needs.

Each of the following eco-friendly home features helps limit the waste produced by households. 

• Energy Star-rated appliances. Homes with high-efficiency appliances are in demand because they offer enhanced performance with reduced energy usage. Not only do Energy Star-rated appliances lower homeowners’ carbon footprint, but they also look good and reduce utility costs.

              

• Programmable thermostats. Homes with older HVAC systems are wasteful and costly because they pump hot and cold air throughout the home without regard to when and where it’s needed. Conversely, programmable thermostats provide homeowners with increased control over their climates.

           

• Radiant floor heating. With heat directly transferring from the ground to the individuals standing on it, radiant heating uses much less energy than traditional heating methods. Commonly found in luxury bathrooms, radiant heating requires electric coils or water tubing to be installed under the floors. It’s pricey to install, but this technology ultimately contributes to lower energy expenses.

           

• Solar panels. Instead of relying on the utility company to provide electricity, homeowners' are interested in generating clean energy themselves. Now that capturing the sun’s power is far more affordable, everyone's looking to deck their homes out with solar panels.

             

• Recycled materials. Building and finishing homes with recycled materials is a trend that’s on the rise. Producing new materials depletes many natural resources, so reusing them eliminates waste and diminishes the environmental impact. Reclaimed materials, like barn wood and recycled quartz, also are more affordable and can furnish homes with striking textures.

             

• Geothermal systems. “Geothermal systems use the ground’s relatively cool temperature to cool a home in the summer and relatively warmer temperature to heat homes in the winter,” says Chris Fisher, manager of solar product development and marketing at CertainTeed. “They’re eco-friendly because they can displace heating loads, which currently rely on the burning of fossil fuels to produce heat.” While this method is more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, it’s also more expensive to install. Since it regulates temperatures by transferring heat from the earth into your home, installation requires extensive drilling.

The Benefits Of Eco Homes

With their environmental and financial advantages, it’s no wonder everyone's seeking eco homes. The benefit of homes with eco-friendly features are they're highly coveted, so they’re likely to sell faster and possess a higher resale value in the future.

 

Rachel Burris is a writer for Quicken Loans’ Publishing House, covering topics of interest to present and future homeowners, as well as industry insiders.

 

Buying a home is a big step for both your family and your financial wellbeing. As you pay off your mortgage, you begin to build equity in your home. Equity is the difference between the market value of your home and how much you still owe. If that number is positive, you’ve built equity, which can come in handy if you ever need to take out a loan or as a profit when you decide to sell your home. Here are some ways you can build equity in your home faster.

By Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside

Pay More

You have a certain amount that you’re required to pay on your mortgage each month, but you don’t have to stop at the minimum. A large portion of mortgage payments covers interest and insurance. Upping your payment to pay down your principal loan amount will speed up your payment schedule. Even an extra $50 a month can have a big impact.

Upgrade

The amount of equity you have in your home depends on what your home is worth, so making upgrades that increase the value of your home is another way to increase your equity. One of the most lucrative upgrades you can make is replacing old garage doors. Just be sure to do your research when upgrading your home to see which renovations offer the greatest return on investment.

Restructure Your Mortgage

If you initially signed up for a 30 year mortgage, but are now at a point where you want to pay your loan off faster, you may benefit from switching to a 15-year plan. You’ll pay more each month, but you’ll pay less interest over time and could pay off your mortgage years ahead of schedule.

A sprawling backyard can be a great place to spend quality time with your family, or quietly relax alone away from the distractions of gadgets in the house like TV’s blaring and radios. Spending time outside can do wonders and you get to enjoy the natural scenery outside.

 

By Kevin Piol, Gardeners' Guide

Some homeowners rarely use their yards because it can feel too open, especially for neighborhoods with large multistorey houses. Fences can be expensive to construct and to maintain especially when it is getting old. The cost of repairing fences regularly can be costly, that’s why most homes opt for planting trees to save money while also getting one of its benefits.

How Trees Help Protect Your Privacy

Planting trees in your yard provides many benefits to your house. Trees also greatly improve the look and feel as well as the atmosphere of the surroundings. They can also help to block off the noise and replace them with a natural sound of rustling leaves. It can also help to regulate the temperature of your house by blocking the searing heat of the sun during hot summer or act as windbreakers to protect your house from strong winds.

Most importantly, trees are great for the environment and can help to stabilize the soil. The trees can also prevent soil erosion as well as provide nesting grounds for birds and other animals. Apart from the long list of benefits that trees provide to your house, it can also help to improve the privacy of your property by covering your yard with their branches and leaves. Trees also provide shade and make your yard beautiful and cozy.

Things to Consider When Planting Privacy Trees

Planting trees may be as straight forward as digging a hole in the ground. To avoid inadvertently damaging your own house, you need to consider several factors like how big a tree can grow, and how the seasons can affect the tree.

The Amount of Privacy You Need

Trees grow differently and when they fully mature, it will have a different height and width so it is important to know in advance the degree of privacy you need to find the perfect tree that fits your requirement. You also need to consider your privacy screen height relative to your house to avoid crowding your backyard.

The Size of Your Yard

Another important consideration before choosing a type of tree is the size of your yard. Trees need space to grow and if there is not enough space, their growth could be skewed and they won’t be able to screen your house properly. You also need to consider how the tree’s roots can affect parts of your property like pavement.

The Amount of Time You Have for Maintenance

Trees and shrubs may be easier to maintain compared to fences, but they still require love and care to grow properly and to fully mature. Trees require trimming so they won’t grow the wrong way and shrubs need pruning to keep them neat and orderly appearance.

Below is a list of the best trees for privacy that you can plant with minimal care and maintenance. These trees also minimize the disruption of your existing landscape. They are very popular in suburban homes and even in the middle of bustling cities.

Green Giant Thuja (Arborvitae)

source: flickr.com/photos/lorenkerns/7230624714

This type of tree is perfect for medium-sized yards. It can also be used to substitute or complement existing fence lines. This type of tree can grow relatively fast compared to other privacy trees. This tree can grow up to 30 or 40 feet.

 

Emerald Green Thuja (Arborvitae)

source: plantingtree.com

The second candidate of our best trees for privacy is the Emerald Green Thuja. This tree is a slightly smaller variant of the popular Green Giant Thuja and is perfect for small yards. They grow at a modest rate of 6 to 9 inches per year which makes them easy to maintain and trim. The Emerald Green Thuja can reach a height of 12 to 14 feet perfect for blocking off street noise and to make them as your fence.

 

Leyland Cypress

source: revolutionary gardens.com

Another one is the Leyland Cypress. This tree is perfect to substitute traditional fences or complement existing fence lines. The Leyland Cypress acts as a perfect wall to block street noise and prevent neighbors from invading the privacy of your yard. This tree can grow 3 to 5 feet a year and reach a height of 40 to 60 feet.

 

Wax Myrtle

source: pinterest.com/pin/323062973251694329

The Wax Myrtle is the best option for homeowners who have small yards yet want a hedge as a fence line. This tree has very dense foliage and can definitely act as a fence to protect your home’s privacy. It can grow up to 6-12 feet and grows at a rate of 12 to 18 inches a year which makes it easy to prune and to maintain.

 

Eastern Red Cedar

source: mysanantonio.com

The Eastern Red Cedar is a great choice for homeowners who wants a tree that provides a full-coverage of privacy because of its thick and wide foliage. This tree is a coniferous evergreen that can grow from 16 to 66 feet with a growth rate of 1 to 2 feet a year.

Conclusion

Planting Privacy Trees is an eco-friendly solution for protecting your home’s privacy and property. 

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

It goes without saying: This Labor Day is unlike any other that we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

Even though parades are postponed, and large gatherings are not realistic options this year, the importance of this day cannot be emphasized enough.

By Billy Dycus, Guest columnist the Tennessean

For nearly 130 years, Americans have celebrated the many victories and contributions that working families and the labor movement have achieved while taking time to reflect on what still needs to be done. 

This Labor Day is especially resonant. 

2020 has already given us a considerable amount of time to do both of those things. Since March, workers in Tennessee and across the country have been tested like never before.

From the heroes of the United States Postal Service making sure our mail is safely delivered, to grocery store clerks working overtime to ensure we have food to put on our tables, millions of America’s working people have stepped up, risking our lives and livelihoods, to continuously go to work since the onset of COVID-19.

On this Labor Day, we are especially grateful for the countless essential workers who have kept our economy moving throughout the course of the pandemic.

No words or actions will ever be enough to thank you for everything that you’ve done, but please know that your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed or appreciated, especially by those of us in the labor movement.

 

Billy Dycus is the president of the Tennessee AFL-CIO, which represents over 60,000 working people statewide.

 

Churchill Downs' first spectator-less race.

COURTESY OF COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINE

Every year since 1946, the first Saturday of May has been dedicated to a beloved horse racing tradition known as The Kentucky Derby. And while the official Run for the Roses was unfortunately rescheduled from its original May date due to the coronavirus, the "first Saturday" tradition will live on this weekend on September 5. This Saturday, fans will be able to tune in to NBC to watch the 146th Kentucky Derby race, which will be held without any spectators at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. If you're used to participating in a little traditional gambling fun, you can even visit KentuckyDerby.com to place virtual bets on the horses you think will run away with this year's top prize. For additional how-to-watch info, head to the Derby's home page.

In the meantime, there's no better way to prep for an epic at-home celebration than with delicious food and drink recipes! From traditional thumbprint cookies and bourbon cocktails to cute craft and decorating ideas (did someone say vintage trophies?), Here are some ways to celebrate one of the most exciting days in horse racing—no matter where you're watching from. Alright, y'all, we're off to the races!

 

1 Bake Up Derby-Inspired Thumbprint Cookies

Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from a famed Kentucky pie.

Get the recipe.

2 Serve a Classic Benedictine Spread

Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic.

Get the recipe.

3 Place Your Bets

This year, 13 horses will participate in the virtual race. For easy betting, give each guest four of their own color of washi tape–covered clothespins. Let them pick favorites by clipping the pins to the tails of paper prize ribbons. Set a per-bet amount (say, $2), and place cash in a trophy; distribute winnings accordingly. Or, this year, bet on who does household chores, like unloading the dishwasher or folding socks!

Get the Template

4 Fill a Trophy with Fresh-Picked Flowers

Pull out your collection of vintage trophies and fill them with blooms cut from your yard.

5 Set Up a Photo Booth

Smile and say “Eddie Arcaro” (one of the winningest jockeys) with a turf-backed photo booth stocked with props like paper prize ribbons, trophies, riding crops, and hats.

6 Whip Up Bourbon Cocktails

Dust off the punch bowl and stir up a Derby cocktail with bourbon, club soda, orange curacao, sweet vermouth, lime juice, and orange bitters. 

Get the recipe.

7 Dress Up Your Drinks

Trace a bow-tie pattern on craft paper; assemble. Cut a strip from color-coordinated paper, and wrap around glass; tape in place. Tape bow to strip, and let the “tie one on” jokes commence.

GET THE TEMPLATE

8 Make a Horseshoe Wreath

Source:  

It can be an extremely expensive endeavor to redesign a home. If resources are limited, don’t be discouraged. Consider ways you can use what is already in the home to enhance the look and cut down on costs. Bringing in just a few essential items can change the tone of a space and have a big impact. Here are some ideas.

 Architect, Monica Gibson offers up tips to create a more inviting space.

1. Add indoor plants

Adding plants in your living space is one of the easiest and best ways to transform your home. Plants usher in natural beauty and color to any room in the most affordable way. Regardless of the space you have, growing indoor plants is ideal for any room.

Try different ways of placing them to change the look of rooms. If you have less space, hang plants or place them on floating shelves. You also can use plants on the floor where space is available.

Do not let lack of natural light keep you from transforming your home with indoor plants. Invest in reliable grow lights to provide lighting to your plants. You now have a solution for brightening that boring corner in your living room.

2. Repaint the walls

Photo credit: Dunn-Edwards (paint color: Minty Fresh)

Another way to instantly transform your home on a budget is by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. You can decide to use the existing hue, or you can change it to a different shade for a fresher look. The latter, however, would mean changing a few accessories in the home to create a balanced feeling. Need some color inspiration? Take a look at 2020’s hottest paint colors

3. Swap Out window treatments

Many people underestimate the effect window treatments can have on a room. The color, texture, and fabric—and even how treatments are placed—can have a huge impact on the overall look of any room. Therefore, changing window treatments can transform a space without having to spend a fortune.

Consider creating an illusion of a high ceiling by raising the window panels to the top of walls. Opt for materials such as cotton, linen, and silk to add greater elegance to the windows. If you prefer having blinds, wood and woven bamboo always make for a great choice.

4. Replace the pillows

Another underestimated way to greatly make your home more elegant: pillows—lots of them. Pillows can bring life to your living space. They also offer extra support on the sofa.

Consider replacing your old pillows and throw pillows for fuller ones. When it comes to throw pillows, experiment with colors and textures. If they are not worn out, just replace the covers with ones that have different colors and textures. Get more tips on using pillows in your staging.

5. Use wall hangings

A budget-friendly alternative to repainting the walls is to use wall hangings. Invest in unique art pieces, or have some customized. You can even add a painting that you made yourself to create a more personalized feel. Family portraits also make a great choice when it comes to wall hangings. But keep in mind that home stagers will often advise removing any personal photos prior to selling a home.

6. Get rid of old furniture

That old, ugly chair that you are holding on to for sentimental value is the undoing in your living room. You don’t want furniture that looks worn. Don’t worry about the cost of replacing it. Instead, take advantage of the empty space to rearrange the rest of the furniture for a fresh look.

Alternatively, find an affordable replacement in second-hand shops. You can always change the upholstery to have it match the rest of your furniture.

Take heart: There’s an endless list of design ideas to achieve a luxurious effect without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that labor costs are usually the biggest expense. If you eliminate that cost by doing more work yourself, you can find more savings. Also, be strategic by just replacing a few key items.

Avoid a complete redesign. Instead, change little pieces; it can go a long way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Monica Gibson is an architect, with a degree in architecture. She has eight-plus years of experience in interior and exterior design. Her mission is to inspire others to live their dreams and create their perfect sweet home. Lena puts a big effort into working with her clients and tries to help them in the best way she can.

 

Behr Paint Co. unveiled 21 versatile colors on Monday to make up its Color Trends 2021 Palette. The colors include neutrals mixed with some lavish bolds to create “energizing, yet comforting” focal points in a home, Behr says.

 

“This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with home,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color at Behr. “When our color team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization. A new, ‘elevated’ articulation of ‘comfort’ goes beyond traditional beige, gray, and green hues and embraces color in a way that can redefine and enhance any type of space inside or outside the home.”

Behr says color will play an increasing role in setting a mood for a space, creating a positive atmosphere, and providing a sense of well-being that ensures living and workspaces feel “pleasant, light, and productive.”

The 2021 Behr color palette is organized into six color themes: casual comfort, subtle focus, optimistic view, quiet haven, calm zone, and outdoor escape.

Here’s a breakdown of each theme, according to Behr:

Casual Comfort: Light and cozy neutrals offer an updated take on the casual farmhouse look, achievable with warm-toned hues like Almond Wisp PPU5-12  and Sierra N240-4

Optimistic View: An eclectic mix of bright, luxe shades evoke a Mediterranean or ’70s glam vibe, featuring festive colors like Saffron Strands PPU6-02 or Kalahari Sunset MQ1-25.

Subtle Focus: Soft pastels like Seaside Villa S190-1 and Wishful Green M410-2 are inspired by modern versions of art deco design and styling, surrounding a space in subtle sweetness.

Calm Zone: Nurturing blues and greens continue to trend alongside  society’s desire for selfcare and well-being, with colors like Jojoba N390-3 and Voyage PPU13-07 creating calm, restorative spaces.

Quiet Haven: Darker, evocative colors are fit for traditional and maximalist décor, with hues like Royal Orchard PPU11-01 and Broadway PPU18-20, creating boldness and balance..

Outdoor Escape: Any shade from the palette can be used to add curb appeal and expand your home’s livable space, whether it’s wrapping a home or targeting those focal points like doors, shutters or trim, you can find the hue that shows off your exterior. 

Behr has teamed with color influencers for a social media campaign called “21 Days, 21 Colors, 21 Projects” that will share DIY projects featuring a color from the palette under the hashtag “#21DaysOfColor.”

 

Source: Behr

About Behr Paint Company
Founded in 1947, Behr Paint Company is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains and surface preparation products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Remotely staging properties is a growing trend in the pandemic. And the service may stick around even after the health crisis is over, considering the success some stagers are having.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Home stager Francesca Mahoney was able to transform a space without ever stepping foot inside. Francesca along with Creekhill Designs LLC in Holly Springs, NC, did a video staging consultation with sellers in April, and then the home went under contract in just 12 hours. The homeowner emailed pictures of the home to Mahoney, and they met over a FaceTime video call for two hours to stage the 3,000-square-foot property, inside and out.

In the family room, Mahoney honed in on the fireplace in the back corner. She had the sellers move the sofa and pare down the furniture and accessories, which drew eyes to the fireplace first. She also urged the sellers to remove distracting decorative items and accessories, limiting kitchen countertops to only three items.

On curb appeal, she guided them in showcasing the front porch, such as with the addition of rocking chairs, hanging baskets of flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and a new doormat. “Today’s buyers are very discerning due to HGTV and Pinterest,” Mahoney says. “Getting compelling and beautiful listing photos is always critical, but even more so in our current reality.”

Mahoney plans to continue offering remote staging consultations even after the pandemic. “I have been pleasantly surprised at how effective they are,” Mahoney says.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

 

Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine

 

Housing is giving a boost to the economic recovery and housing inventories. Single-family and multifamily construction jumped nearly 23% last month, the Commerce Department reports. This marks the highest production rate since February.

Broken out, single-family construction jumped in July by 8.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 940,000. The multifamily sector, which encompasses apartment buildings and condos, rose 58.4% to a 556,000 pace, the Commerce Department reports.

“The market is being buoyed by historically low interest rates, a focus on the importance of housing, and a shift to the suburbs as more buyers are seeking homes in suburban communities, exurbs, and more affordable low-density markets,” says Robert Dietz, the NAHB’s chief economist.

New construction for single-family and multifamily units now nearly matches pre-pandemic activity from the first quarter. “Such growth is needed to steadily relieve the housing shortage,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®. “This kind of growth is also a major contributor to local economic recovery.”

However, Yun cautions that the increase in multifamily units may lead to an oversupply of apartment buildings, notably in city centers where there has been some shift in consumer preference for single-family homes in the suburbs during the pandemic.

On new-home construction, buyers may face higher prices. Builders caution that an increase in lumber prices—by more than 110% since mid-April--is adding about $14,000 to the cost of building each new single-family home.

Nevertheless, high buyer demand is still increasing the construction of single-family units, a sign Yun says is “welcome.” Housing inventory nationwide for homes for sale is down by 19% from a year ago. “There is intense buyer competition in the market as a result,” he notes. In particular, the Western region of the U.S. is seeing competition, as new-home construction is not rising as much and the inventory shortage is most pronounced.

Combined single-family and multifamily starts saw the largest jump last month in the Northeast, increasing 9.3% annually, followed by a 5.9% increase in the Midwest and a 5.2% uptick in the South. The West saw the lowest increase but still rose 1.4% annually.

Despite the recent increases in new-home construction, Yun predicts inventory shortages will remain problematic for the remainder of the year but sees an opportunity for a more balanced market with housing supply in 2021.

Housing permits, a gauge for future construction, rose 18.8% to a 1.50 million unit annual rate in July, the Commerce Department reports. Single-family permits jumped 17% while multifamily permits increased 22.5%. Housing permits were highest in the South, up 5.4%, and the Midwest was up 3.2% annually, but permits were down 6.2% in the Northeast and by 1.6% in the West.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® and National Association of Home Builders

 

29th Annual NH Water Ski Championships

Presented by: Abenaki Water Ski Club
Location: Back Bay
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Telephone: 603-520-5413
Web: Abenaki Water Ski Club

When: Saturday, August 22, 2020

Time:   8:00 AM  4:00 PM

Spectators can easily access viewing of show from along Bridge Falls Path. Stand or bring a chair! Benches, picnic tables and public restrooms available. Unlimited, free parking in Glendon Street Parking Lot.

Slalom  2C,  Trick 2C,  Jump  2C

Both rounds of each event: Slalom then tricks then jump. Boys-girls-women-men 30-32-34-36. Same order for all 3 events.

 

Open floor plans, smart homes, and outdoor areas are among the features in top demand for home shoppers this year. Home improvement website Fixr’s recent study, Single-Family Home Construction and Remodeling Trends 2020, highlights the renovation and construction choices of buyers and homeowners in 2020. The results reveal some key areas of interest in home design.

By Yuka Kato

1. Open floor plan and two-story homes represent the most popular layouts.

While there has been a trend toward open floor plans for the past few years, 2020 is seeing an overwhelming consensus: 90% of experts selected an open floor plan as the most popular single-family layout. And it’s likely to remain so in the future.

As quarantine periods and social distancing guidelines force families to spend more time together at home, large common areas command a premium value. Family rooms, dens, and open kitchen areas are acquiring new importance.

Another large percentage—77%—are favoring two-story houses in 2020. Compare this to the 29% who preferred single-story homes, or the 2% who favor split-level residences.

2. Smart homes rank first among design choices.

A growing trend in home design is the smart home, in which AI-based automation systems are seamlessly incorporated into electric circuits, heating/cooling systems, and entrances. Buyers this year are likely to appreciate homes in which smart thermostats, security cameras, and smart outlets are already installed.

3. Most homeowners make accessibility modifications to their home for future personal use.

Homeowners looking to age in place are exploring renovations that allow them to do so more easily. Homes with accessibility features likely will be more attractive to senior buyers as they look toward a future of independence, even as their physical abilities may decrease. This future need is a motivating factor behind such renovations (54%) than current personal use (11%) or current use for an aging relative (22%).

Buyers also are evaluating potential homes with accessibility modifications in mind. For instance, a front yard with space for a ramp will be more appealing than one with front steps leading directly to the street.

4. Energy efficient homes with tight building envelopes are among the top designs for green construction.

As Americans deal with furloughs, layoffs, and economic uncertainty, many are paying more attention to their energy bills. Energy efficient homes are suddenly much more attractive than conventional properties, and buyers who may not have ever considered green construction are making energy efficiency a priority.

Sixty-two percent of design experts say energy efficient homes are a top priority in 2020, according to Fixr’s study, far outweighing other options like cool roofs or solar panels.

Experts say a tight building envelope—more than exterior or interior insulation—is the most common way to prevent energy seepage. A tight building envelope minimizes air transfer and can be an important feature of an energy efficient and environmentally friendly home. A home with both effective insulation and a tight building envelope will provide the best value to a buyer who desires lower energy bills and minimal heating requirements.

5. Family space and outdoor kitchens are trending in 2020.

Outdoor playsets, firepits, and recreation-oriented yards are seeing an uptick in popularity, especially among married couples with kids. 

This is a 2020 trend that has only been cemented by quarantine rules and social distancing regulations. As playgrounds, parks, and outdoor amusements became unavailable, families were forced to think in terms of what outdoor activities they could offer their children on their own property.

But outdoor living spaces aren’t limited to playgrounds, decks, and patios. Fixr’s research shows that outdoor kitchens were nearly twice as popular as a traditional patio. The outdoor kitchen is another trend that has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve in 2020 and 2021. New recommendations for socially distant entertaining, which may be better suited for meals and meetings with friends outside, may increase the number of homeowners wanting both outdoor kitchens and seating spaces.

6. Contemporary and modern will be the most common styles used in modular construction.

Modular and prefab construction continues to be widely used, and Millennials are most likely to build modular homes. As part of the Fixr survey, consumers were asked which style of prefab building would be most popular in 2020. A large majority (62%) indicated that a contemporary, modern style would be most commonly selected by home buyers. The runner-up choice was ranch-style—but it was only selected by 22% of respondents.

This year has been in many ways an uncharted year, full of unexpected surprises. But even as priorities have changed, many home buying and renovation trends have remained consistent. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Yuka Kato is an industry analyst at fixr.com, a leading home improvement website dedicated to providing the most accurate cost guides and advice. She writes about interesting trends and insights in the construction and remodeling industry.

Are you getting ready to move to a new home or just looking for ways to help keep your family healthy as cold and flu season approaches? Find tips to help you manage your goals this summer in the article below.

   

By Christopher Kelly of RE/MAX

Summer is one of the most popular times to move, but how do you gather your friends, family, or hired movers together safely while practicing safe social distancing? Whoever you recruit to help move your belongings from point a to point b, here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe.

Provide Essentials 

Make sure you have soap, water, hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and shoe covers available during your move. These items, when used correctly, can help prevent the spread of germs.

Set Some Ground Rules

Whether the people helping you move are there as volunteers or earning a living, you should take charge and outline basic precautions you want everyone to use. Ask your helpers to wear a mask, wash or sanitize their hands often, and stay 6 feet apart whenever possible.

Use New Boxes

Experts estimate that cardboard can carry COVID-19 for 24 hours, so it may be best to invest in new boxes instead of opting for used boxes for your next move. You can purchase moving boxes from most moving or storage companies.

Sanitize Before and After the Move

Sanitize your furniture, boxes, and household touch points before your moving help arrives to help create a safe moving environment. You should also sanitize these items after unloading them at your new house.

 

 

With a little effort, you can build a swanky bird paradise even your fussiest feathered friend will love.

Source: Zillow Feed

While you’re spending time at home, why not find ways to bring the natural world to you? Backyard bird watching is an enjoyable way to experience your local ecosystem up close.

It takes more than a bird feeder to attract a colorful variety of songbirds to your backyard. Think of your feeder as a drive-thru fast-food joint in an unsafe neighborhood: The birds will stop to eat, but they won’t stick around for very long. They want to get home to their comfy nest in an exclusive deciduous broadleaf community, where they can get fancier food anyway.

If you want to see more than bird backsides at a millet buffet, you need to give them all the luxuries they’ve come to expect.

Create a habitat

Birds prefer townhomes to single-level ranch houses. They need perches for preening, thickets for hiding, branches for bickering, wide-open spaces for showing off, and, eventually, a tree cavity where they can nest and paint their nursery a nice robin’s-egg blue.

Give them privacy by planting walls of foliage. Native shrubs, small trees, and even tall grasses and perennials offer the versatility they need to make a quick escape.

Create a ceiling of tall deciduous and evergreen trees at the back of your property, and plant small understory trees between them and your house. Selectively prune lower limbs of shrubs and small trees so you can easily see perching birds from your window. They’ll appreciate the perch, and you’ll appreciate the camera angle.

Grow your own birdseed

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but, conveniently enough, birdseed does! It also grows on shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals and anything else that qualifies as a plant.

To grow the seed that your local bird species prefer, however, choose the native plants that they’d otherwise find in the wild. Native plants vary by region, but some good choices include coneflower, blanketflower, beautyberry, asters and sunflowers.

Attract hummingbirds with nectar-filled trumpet honeysuckle and cardinal flowers. Native oaks, hollies, dogwoods, sumac, cedars and spruces provide nuts and berries, as well as shelter.

Stage your birdhouse

Research the birds that you’d like to attract, and give them the house that suits their needs. For example, bluebirds like their nesting boxes out in the open, while chickadees like thick leaf cover.

Whichever bird you try to attract, keep that nesting box away from human noise and activity so you’ll never have to witness the heartbreaking sight of abandoned eggs in an empty nest. Also, keep your cat indoors, if possible. Otherwise, you may find birds not only in your backyard but on your front doorstep too.

If birds haven’t moved in yet, be patient. Sometimes all your birdhouse needs is a little lichen, moss, or wear and tear to make it more appealing.

Turn a birdbath into a Jacuzzi

If your birdbath is emptier than a swimming pool in January, there could be a reason. The ideal birdbath doesn’t look like you’d expect — it’s placed directly on the ground in a shady space with nearby shrubs.

Add some gravel to the basin so birds can find their footing, and even add a few rocks on the outside to serve as steps. Include a small pump or fountain, if possible. This turns your birdbath into a miniature water feature, and the circulation keeps the water clean and helps birds cool off on hot days.

Leave the leaf litter

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of gardening chores, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re absolutely allowed to keep that accumulation of dead leaves and small branches on your garden’s floor. It gives birds everything they could ever ask for — bugs and other small animals for snacking, materials for nesting, and even a hiding place from predators.

If things begin to look untidy, just break down the larger branches by hand or with a pair of anvil pruners, and spread everything out evenly. Everyone loves free mulch.

Invest in your feeder

Rather than spending money on multiple feeders that you have to replace year after year, invest in a feeder that’s made with quality materials, has a tightly fitting lid, and drains easily. Better yet, purchase a sturdy pole and squirrel baffle.

Even the best feeder will need maintenance, so give it a thorough cleaning every year, and break up any clogged holes so moisture doesn’t accumulate. Trust me on this — cleaning out a maggot-infested feeder is something nobody should have to experience.

 

 

Working from home? Get tips to make your workspace more functional, fun and productive. Even if you set up shop on your bed. WFH is the new normal for many Americans. Here’s how to get your workspace functioning well — and looking great.

    

From Zillow.com

With social distancing mandates in effect across much of the country, many people working in industries deemed “non-essential” are doing their work from home. And while the constant stream of COVID-19 news, in addition to caretaking or homeschooling responsibilities, can make it hard to stay focused on work, modifying your space can help. An organized and visually appealing work area can help you feel more productive — and more relaxed.

Here are five tips for elevating your home workspace.

Commit to your space

For those of us who don’t have a home office — which is a lot of people — work-from-home routines can easily get derailed. Designating an area for work, even if that place is the bill-paying area in your kitchen, is a way to stay in your routine and get yourself in the work mindset. Whatever spot you choose, just make sure it feels like a dedicated and functional work area. That means adequate lighting, a comfortable chair — the right height for typing without strain — a seamless tech setup that allows you to take and make video calls without having to fiddle with plugs or wires, and an overall lack of clutter on your desk and the surrounding area.

Declutter

This seems obvious, but let’s level with ourselves. When do we really get around to cleaning our desks? Well, now’s the time. Toss anything that needs to be thrown out, pair like items with like, contain those stray pens in one nice decorative cup, and make sure you have all your workday essentials close at hand and non-essential items moved elsewhere.

Curate an inspiration board

Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time to look ahead. And that wall you’re looking at beyond your laptop should inspire you. This is as good a time as ever to put together an inspiration board and fill it with what makes you happy, from images of your favorite people and pets, to pics of your goals (like that fabulous vacation you are going to take once we’ve all gotten through this tough time!). And yes, you can put your to-dos and important reminders up there too — but keep the focus on the positive and uplifting, and keep it right in your line of sight.

Do a background check

If video calls are part of your new day-to-day, think about what your colleagues are seeing behind you — like that pile of laundry or those mostly empty wine glasses. Keep things clean and uncluttered. And if you have the space, show off your style. Some good background options might be your favorite art piece, interesting souvenirs or a not-overly-stuffed bookcase. Lastly, remember lighting: Your space should be adequately lit, or it’ll look like you’re dialing in from a submarine.

Set the mood

Never got your dream office? This is your moment. We bet scented candles aren’t allowed in your regular workspace, but you get to make the rules at home. Aromatherapy diffusers are another option if you’re worried about curious kids or pets. And now your playlist can softly waft overhead rather than through earphones. Similarly, set out some healthy snacks to avoid refrigerator trips, and nosh away. It’s OK for your home office to feel like your home, and especially now, it’s important to take time to indulge yourself with some creature comforts that feed your soul and make you feel calm and inspired.

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make, so there's no question that you should make an effort to spend your money wisely. Especially when you're unfamiliar with the process, it's easy to make mistakes that can have a big impact on your wallet. With that in mind, here are some of the biggest money mistakes buyers make.

 

By Tara Mastroeni 

Forgetting to shop around for a lender:

Buyers need to remember to shop around when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. You might meet a lender who, on paper, offers the most competitive rate, but don't forget to take into account other factors as well. Some banks may have special programs for first-time home buyers, or they may put money toward closing costs, or toward your downpayment. Your goal should be to find the loan that makes the most sense for you, overall.

Not working with a lender before shopping for a home:

Some buyers fail to get their finances and credit score in order, work with a lender and get pre-approved before they start their home search. Ideally, buyers should make certain they are vetted with a lender and ready to go prior to their home search. This ensures that when they see a home they absolutely love, they can move on it quickly. There's nothing worse than seeing the hurt and disappointment in a buyer who has fallen in love with a home, but is not financially ready to make an offer.

Buying a home above your budget:

Don’t look for a home that's at the very top end of your monthly budget. You need to consider what you'll do if your income goes down or some other unexpected expenses suddenly come up. Also, when buying a home, you need to factor in added costs such as higher heating and cooling, property taxes, maintenance costs. You'll also want to leave room in the budget for other expenditures such as saving for things like retirement, college funds for your children, or vacations.

Skipping the home inspection:

A lot of buyers who are penny wise and pound foolish. They think they can save a few hundred dollars by skipping inspections. While this may be true, skipping inspections can lead to them spending thousands of dollars in necessary repairs down the road.

Opening new lines of credit during underwriting:

One of the biggest financial mistakes a buyer can make is opening new lines of credit during underwriting, Whether they purchase a car or open new credit cards to purchase furniture are huge mistakes because the underwriter has to include the new debt with their debt-to-income ratio.

Unfortunately, people believe if they have an approval or conditional approval from their lender it’s okay to open the new lines of credit, but what they fail to realize is that the underwriter has to pull a new credit report on the day of closing to ensure they haven’t obtained any new debt. Of course, if they have, then the lender has to recalculate the new debt-to-income ratio and may not be able to issue a new approval.

Contributor for Forbes Magazine: Tara Mastroeni