The 5 Best Things to Do When You Move into Your New Home

Moving into your dream home can be a daunting task. Between unpacking, cleaning, and trying to find that stray roll of toilet paper, it may feel like you’ve lost your mind in a sea of Bubble Wrap.

Here are five simple things that you should do during the first month in your new home. 

These may feel like back-burner tasks, but really, they’ll help you sleep better at night and make your new place feel less like a house and more like your home.

After cleaning and unpacking, what‘s next?

This handful of to-dos walks you through each of those tasks and why you should tackle them first and foremost.

Let’s get to it!

#1 Lock It Up

Security is the No. 1 concern for most people in a new environment. You can easily switch out your locks and deadbolts to your new home to protect your valuables and your family.

Now’s the time to consider the lockset finish, and the options are endless. When it comes to exterior locks, make sure you choose something that looks timeless and can be cleaned easily.

A new security system is also a good idea. The options for this are endless as well. Systems with online monitoring, smartphone compatibility, thermostat control, and even video monitors for the interior including the baby nursery are super helpful. Even if that room is empty now, it might not be in the future – so go ahead and secure it!

#2 Remove Toilet Seats

Some folks may think it’s unnecessary to replace toilet seats, but my point here is to simply remove them. By removing your toilet seats, you can really deep clean under the bolts and hinges where the “yucks” like to hide. Your goal is to make sure your royal throne is YOU-worthy.

You can reinstall your existing seat or opt to shop for a new one. New versions with night-lights, padding, or even child-sized attachments are available. Either way, you’ll know your favorite seat in the house is ready for your entire family.

#3 Improve Your Home's Air

Changing an air filter is a three-minute task, and it should be done right after moving into a new home – even if the previous owners swear the chore was just done. Changing out a filter can help improve the performance of your air conditioning and furnace and help with any allergens in the home.

This inexpensive fix can also save you money! The U.S. Department of Energy says that replacing your dirty air filter with a new one can lower your A/C’s energy consumption by 5 percent to 10 percent.

It’s a good idea to write the replacement date directly on the filter when you put it in so you can be sure you know how long it’s been since the last change.

Also, take the time to test and change out batteries in all your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These are often tested during inspections, but the batteries can die and tampered-with units aren’t uncommon, especially if a house was left vacant.

#4 Paint Your Front Door

Painting your front door (or freshening it up with a coat of oil if it’s wood) can show your new neighbors that you’ve arrived on the block and are investing in your home. This simple task is so easy!

After you do proper prep work, which includes sanding the surface, make sure you pick an exterior-grade paint and use a high-quality bristle brush to give it multiple thin coats for the best coverage. It’s a great time to show off your personal style, and these days any color goes!

Every day you walk in through your newly made-over door, you’ll feel welcomed into your new home and inspired to keep creating a space you love.

#5 Choose Your Signature Scent

Every house has a smell. You know what I’m talking about. It’s that “other people smell” that’s definitely not your own particular brand of aroma. Even if the smell isn’t bad, it just isn’t yours, and that makes you feel like an intruder in someone else’s space. Make your dream home even more dreamy by filling it with your signature scent.

Don’t have a signature scent? Check out a candle store or the air-freshener aisle to peruse the options, and then regularly use your favorite in your new home.

In homes that have particularly distressing “stanks,” try getting the carpets cleaned before moving in the furniture. It can eliminate the smell as well as remove allergens, dirt, and stains.

How Many of These 7 Real Estate Facts Did You Already Know?

There’s a ton of real estate intel on the interwebs. (Why, you’re looking at some of it right now!) But even if you consider yourself the most research-savvy digital consumer of all time, you may not know everything you need to in order to make the wisest decisions when negotiating a real estate transaction.

Maybe you’re already familiar with real estate terms like “escrow” and “easement.” But we’re not just talking about a few words that test your real estate vocabulary. We’re talking about processing the bazillions of details you’ll deal with to buy or sell a home.

Here’s a quick list of things you may not already know that could put, or keep, money in your wallet while you’re in the real estate game.

1. Home Ownership is an Important Way to Build Wealth

Home ownership isn’t for everybody. But those who step onto the home ownership ladder steadily build wealth over their lifetime. A typical homeowner’s net worth was $195,400, while that of the typical renter was $5,400, according to 2013 data from the Federal Reserve, the most recent available. New data is expected in 2016, and Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR), predicts it will show $225,000 to $230,000 in median net worth for homeowners and around $5,000 for renters.

2. Owning Real Estate Can Save You Hundreds in Taxes

If sending a chunk of your hard-earned money to Uncle Sam or your local government makes you nuts, real estate is for you. When you own, you may be eligible for a slew of real estate tax deductions and credits, including state and local income and property taxes, and mortgage interest and mortgage insurance payments. At the average tax rate, real estate deductions helped taxpayers save roughly $100 billion in 2015, according to an analysis by NAR.

3. Buyers Who Tapped Expert Real Estate Advice Were Glad They Did

When buyers who’ve recently worked with a real estate agent were asked why they teamed up with one, more than half said it was an important step in finding the right home, according to NAR’s “2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.” Nearly four out of five consumers, 78%, say their agent was a very useful source of information.

4. Sellers Were Just as Happy They Worked with a Real Estate Pro

Your fellow consumers wholeheartedly believe it’s important to work with an agent when selling. Nearly nine out of 10 sellers, or 89%, did just that. They also reported a median gain on the sale of their home of $40,000 more than they paid for it, according to NAR’s “2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.”

5. Sellers Who Spruce Up and Declutter Their Home Draw More Interest

Staging a home makes a big difference in buyers’ ability to see its potential. Four out of five real estate agents who work exclusively with buyers say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize themselves living in the staged home, according to NAR’s “2015 Profile of Home Staging." Nearly half say staging will increase a home's market value, and just under one-third say buyers are more willing to overlook a property’s faults when staging highlights its best features.

6. Sell-It-Yourselfers Are a Dwindling Crowd

The number of sellers who sold their home without a real estate pro has dropped to 8%, according to the buyer and seller study — the lowest share since this stat was first tracked in 1981.

7. Sellers Who Go It Alone Leave Money on the Table

The median price of homes sold without the expertise of a real estate agent was $210,000 in 2015. That’s $35,000 less than the median price of homes sold by sellers who worked with an agent, or $245,000, according to the buyer and seller study.

Three homeowner rights that are often underutilized

In the real estate realm, it's easy to feel like almost everything about the market, your mortgage and the value of your home is out of your control. But the truth is that there are many real estate rights that go unrecognized and, thus, unexercised:

1. The right to control your own utility bills. 

Many a homeowner feels slightly held hostage by their utility companies. Who else can you buy electricity, gas, or water from, they wonder briefly, before waving a mental white flag when they sign the check for their monthly payment?

In truth, there is much a homeowner can do to control both the amount and the provider of his utility services. You can go solar, whether by buying panels yourself or working with a solar power service that owns the panels and charges you a reduced, preset rate for energy over 20 years.

And there are many other investments you can make -- at many levels -- in improving your home's efficiency and, thus, reducing your utility bills. Things like installing dual-paned windows, improving your insulation, installing tankless or solar-powered water heaters, and converting every faucet to a low-flow fixture are among them.

On a less conventional side of things, installing graywater tanks that use wasted sink water for toilet flushing and landscaping, and replacing swathes of green lawn with low-water-consuming native landscaping or food gardens are some more work-intensive -- but more rewarding -- ways to put you back in control over your household's energy and water consumption (and expenses).

2. The right to fire your mortgage lender. 

Most people find their mortgages to be burdensome, to say the least. Even those who aren't among the 28 percent of homeowners with mortgages that are still underwater are almost always positioned such that their mortgage is their largest monthly expense and a looming financial obligation. Paying it off seems remote and hard to imagine; further, many homeowners will take out equity lines or refinance their mortgages over time, simply restarting the already long countdown to payoff.

But here's a shocker: Roughly one-third of American homes are owned outright by their owners, free and clear of a mortgage. Truth is, there are many ways to get your home unmortgaged, and not simply by asking your lender to forgive it.

You can exercise your right to live and own your home mortgage-free by pulling one or both of two basic levers: (1) you can cut your existing monthly spending and redirect your savings to paying down the principal balance of your home loan, (2) you can bring more income in, using that to pay your mortgage off earlier than planned, or (3) you can do both!

This might seem impossible, but if this is a right you'd like to exercise, calendar a few quiet hours to really review last month's bank statements. What you face is a decision about values and priorities: What's really important to you?

Some financial experts advise that lunches and dinners out, coffee shop stops, and cable TV are common categories of budget leaks -- these seemingly small expenses add up. But don't go extreme and try to deprive yourself of every night out or coffee chat with your friends; it's not sustainable, and you'll end up turning these moments of happiness into moments of guilt. Instead, cut back where you feel you want to and also cast an eye at larger expenses that can be eliminated.

Some homeowners have found hundreds of dollars a month they could redirect away from cable TV packages they didn't really watch and payments for cars and other big toys (motorcycles, boats, etc.) they didn't really drive.

In the same vein, it can be relatively painless to turn your hobbies or passions into small-scale side businesses, generating some early mortgage payoff funds. I personally know folks doing this through part-time bookkeeping, getting a stand at the local farmers market or even doing some cake decorating on the side. As well, an increasing number of homeowners are using their own homes to generate side income, either renting out rooms or floors on an ongoing basis, or just for a couple of nights here and there on sites like Airbnb and VRBO.

3. The right to HOA sanity. 

While the vast majority of homeowner associations (HOAs) are functional and smooth, the fact is that many have at least the occasional personality or financial drama. Rapidly rising dues, inane restrictions on minutiae like the color of your window coverings, and scary "surprise" special assessments for unbudgeted property repairs have made many a home buyer simply refuse to even look at properties that belong to HOAs.

It would be naive and inaccurate to suggest that you can 100 percent bulletproof your HOA experience from these sorts of potential potholes, but there are a number of rights you can exercise to minimize their likelihood of happening.

First, exercise the right -- really, the responsibility -- to spot red flags of impending HOA dramas before you even close escrow, by truly reading all the HOA disclosures you receive, no matter how mind-numbingly long and boring they might seem. If you see that many homeowners are behind on their dues or that the HOA's budgets don't seem to include plans for reroofing buildings, replacing windows, or making similar repairs to the common areas over time, be concerned.

And don't forget the seemingly fluffy newsletters or the seemingly boilerplate board meeting minutes: That's often where talk of neighbor disputes and proposed dues hikes and special assessments pop up first.

Once you're part of the HOA, you have even more of a duty-slash-power to participate in it, if you want to do your part to avoid problems. Attending board meetings or even becoming a member of the board is not overkill if you want to have a hand in choosing the accountants, building managers, and contractors who will have such a huge impact on your experience as a member of an HOA.

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4 Common Real Estate Deal Killers

Recently, the sellers of an architect-designed home in the hills above Oakland, Calif., received two offers in less than two weeks. They accepted the offer from the buyers who seemed most committed to buying the house.

In less than 12 hours, the buyers backed out. Although they had been looking for a home for months and thought they'd decided where they wanted to live, they had a change of heart -- not about the house, but about the location. Buyer's remorse is one reason transactions fail.

The enthusiasm that permeated the home-sale market when the federal tax credits were available has waned. Economic news has been mixed at best. This has led to an increased reticence on the part of some home buyers.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: 

An easily avoidable reason why contracts fail is failure of sellers to disclose a significant defect in the property before the buyers make an offer. Some sellers resist having presale inspections done because they don't want buyers to know too much about what's wrong with their home until they fall in love with it.

This strategy might work for sellers in a hot market where prices are rising quickly. However, in today's market, buyers are diligent and cautious; falling in love takes a back seat to practicality.

In one case, sellers withheld a report that revealed significant foundation problems that could be fixed only at great expense. The buyers, who were buying at the top of their price range, were furious. 

They wouldn't have made an offer had they known about the foundation upfront, particularly since the seller was unwilling to correct the defect. They wasted time and money on their own inspections. The deal fell apart and the sellers had to put the house back on the market.

Often contacts are so loaded with conditions unacceptable to the sellers that they don't make it to first base.

One seller refused to respond to an offer because the price was very low, the offer was contingent on the sale of the buyers' home that was not yet on the market, and the buyers wanted the sellers to take their home off the market until the buyers found a buyer for their home.

Another culprit that can rattle a transaction, even one that's not full of unreasonable contingencies, are conditions pertaining to the buyers' financing. Well-qualified buyers were recently told by their lender that they had to increase their cash downpayment from 20 to 25 percent because of one late payment on their credit report.

The buyers had enough cash to increase their downpayment. But, when defects were pointed out during inspections, the buyers didn't have enough cash left to make the repairs. They asked the seller to credit them money at closing. The seller agreed and the sale closed. However, this could have blown the deal if the seller was unwilling or unable to pay for repairs.

Low appraisals also have been a factor in keeping transactions from closing. The situation has improved recently due to a lift in home-sale activity, however, following the expiration of the federal tax credit on April 30, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® reported a decline in pending sales -- accepted offers that have not yet closed.. 

If pending sales continue to decline, this could have a negative impact on home prices, which could lead to more low appraisals. Lenders want appraisers to use comparable sales that occurred within the last three months. 

Keep in mind that the home-sale market is a local business. Although national trends and consumer confidence impact local markets, prices tend to hold up well for well-priced homes in high-demand, low-inventory neighborhoods.

Agent Communication

Finding the right stager

Buyers in some areas complain about walking into an open house and finding dirty laundry in bedrooms. 

In places like the San Francisco Bay Area, so many listings are well presented for sale that sellers who don't stage their homes are at a disadvantage.

Occasionally, a home shows beautifully as is and needs little work to get it ready to sell. 

A listing in the hills above Oakland, Calif., came on the market last year without the aid of a professional stager and sold for the asking price within a week. The house had just been renovated and the sellers had great taste. Their furnishings and paint colors were perfect for the house.

Most sellers need to put more effort into preparing their homes for sale if they want to sell successfully. Some of this work can be done on their own, like decluttering, painting and sprucing up the yard, if they have the skills, time, and are so inclined.
Many sellers will benefit from hiring a stager, which is a decorator who specializes in preparing homes for sale. Finding the right stager is important. You want to hire someone who will give your home a look that will sell it for the highest price possible.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: One way to get familiar with different stagers' work and style is to visit Sunday open houses. Usually stagers display their business cards at the property. If not, ask the agent holding the house open if it was staged. If so, ask for the stager's name.

Most professional stagers have Web sites where you can find out more about them and preview samples of past staging jobs. Your real estate agent is a good resource. Some real estate agents have a favorite stager. If your agent has had success working with that stager, that could be an obvious choice. You're looking for results. A stager who has a good track record in your area is someone to seriously consider.

If you live in an area where staging is not popular, ask your agent for the name of an interior decorator to consult with about how best to arrange your furniture and artwork. Make sure, before you pay for a consultation, that this person also can select colors for you if your home needs painting. 

Some sellers talk to several stagers before deciding on one. Each stager should meet with you at the property. Try to arrange for your agent to attend the meeting to give input on how the house should be staged to appeal to the most buyers. For example, should a bonus room be staged as a den or home office?

Find out if the stager can use some of your personal possessions -- those that are appropriate for selling the house. The staging cost should be less if the stager doesn't have to bring in as much furniture and accessories. Ask if the stager will select paint colors. If not, there might be an additional cost for hiring a colorist.

A stager should provide you with a written proposal, including the scope and price of the job, the term of the contract, and the cost to extend, if you need it. In this market, it could take months to sell your home. Staging contracts usually run for two to three months from the date the house is staged. Extensions are usually 10 percent to 25 percent of the original fee for each additional month.

Deciding who should stage your home shouldn't be based on price alone. A cheap look is not going to generate an enthusiastic response. Go with the best stager you can afford.You want your home to look amazingly good so that it creates a buzz among buyers and their agents.

       

 

A Year-Round Guide for Home Maintenance

Homeowners know the satisfying, deep pleasure of a house that's in good order—a house where appliances are working, the paint is not chipped, and that dust under the refrigerator is gone (at least temporarily).

A regular home maintenance program will keep your house fresh and clean, help prevent expensive repairs and ensure your house is as safe as possible, For a newbie, it can be a steep learning curve figuring out when to clean which filter, how often you're supposed to clean out a chimney and what, exactly, a sump pump is. Sticking to a year-round home maintenance schedule will break the tasks up and will keep you on track with repairs and upkeep. Since most of the big jobs have to be tackled one, two or four times a year, grouping task by season is a good way to create a maintenance routine.

With every season change or clean filters on the air conditioner or heater unit. Vacuum or dust indoor vents.

Clean and freshen the kitchen garbage disposal using ice cubes or small bits of lemon peel. Running a few small ice cubes through the disposal will knock debris from blades and a few small pieces of citrus peel will keep it smelling fresh. For maximum results, make ice cubes with pure lemon juice and run them though the machine.

Test fire extinguishers to check their pressure and inspect to make sure they're accessible and not broken or missing parts.

Wipe down the washing machine and clean the interior by running an empty load with a cup of bleach, a cup of white vinegar OR laundry detergent. Use the machine's hottest setting.

Test all ground-fault circuit interrupters.

Every spring and fall

Clean and repair roof gutters. Make sure downspouts are in good repair and aiming at least 2 feet away from your home's foundation.

Change smoke detector batteries.

Flush out the water heater. Remove sediment that has collected by opening the drain valve and letting water run until clear.

Wipe down refrigerator inside and out. Clean drawers and shelves with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Toss mystery freezer items and expired condiments. Sweep underneath and vacuum condenser coils.

Wash windows and screens.

Check drains and clear of debris. To clean a drain, pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with a pot of boiling water.

Clean faucet aerators and shower heads. To remove mineral deposits from shower heads, detach and submerge them in white vinegar for a few hours.

Clean the inside of the dishwasher with hot soapy water and a scrub brush. Clear the drain bin of debris and rinse it off. Run the machine empty on the hottest setting with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. (You can also put a pack of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap cup or sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the over the bottom of the tub and run empty.)

Clean the grills and coils on air conditioning units and clear the surroundings of debris and overgrown plants.

Give your grill a thorough cleaning. Soak the grates in soapy water and scrub with steel wool. Check hoses, hinges, and knobs, and remove rust with a wire brush.

Fall

Take a walk around the exterior of the house and give it a thorough visual inspection. Look for leaks, termite damage, rodent nests, cracks in the foundation and rot. Seal cracks and gaps in siding and around windows. Repair siding where necessary. Touch up paint on exterior and trim.

Power-wash the exterior of the house.

Clear lint from dryer hose. Use a vacuum or long flexible brush.

Clean carpets and have floors re-polished or sealed.

Check electrical cords and make sure they're in good repair.

Check door and window locks, door knobs and handles and cabinet hardware. Tighten, replace or repair as needed.

Check indoor and outdoor air vents and make sure they are not blocked by debris.

Trim back trees and shrubs and make sure they aren't touching the house, roof or gutters.

Spring

Dust blinds and vacuum or wash curtains.

Replace storm windows with screens. Repair damaged screens.

Clean kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.

Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.

Inspect your chimney and fireplace, looking for obvious cracks or leaks. Check the chimney cap or spark arrester to make sure it's intact and free of nests or other blockage. Spring is a good time for a professional chimney cleaning because it's off-season. You'll need a cleaning every 2-3 years or after a burning a cord of wood.

Go through kitchen and bathroom cabinets and clear out expired foods, cosmetics and medications.

Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles and worn or exposed areas. Make repairs immediately to avoid messy and expensive damage.

Reseal wooden decking and outdoor furniture with UV-resistant sealer.

Test pressure relief valve on water heater.

Examine your bath and shower areas and re-caulk as needed.

Lubricate garage door springs

If your house has a sump pump, make sure there aren't any leaks and remove any debris. To test to see if it's functioning property, pour about five gallons of water into it and make sure it turns on.

Top Architecture Trends of 2014

1. Tranquility
More homeowners are seeing their homes as a place to get away from it all and relax, especially in certain rooms, particularly the bathroom. The spa bathroom is really big as a result of more people traveling to nice hotels. In 2014, we’re likely to see bathrooms with walk-in showers, roomy bathtubs and tranquil designs become a big trend for homeowners.

2. Mission Control
In the past the kitchen was often built at the back of the house, attached to the garage, and away from high traffic areas, but that tradition is changing. In 2014 we’ll see the kitchen as the focal point of the house, often placed in the center of an open floor plan, especially as more homeowners start to use their kitchen space as a multitasking room, or as “mission control.” By having the kitchen centered and open, parents can help children with homework, talk or pay bills all while making meals.

3. Traditional Design
While “midcentury modern design is thriving” and will continue to do so in 2014, more homeowners are looking at traditional home styles. For example, Craftsman homes with large porches, front columns and detailed gables will make a comeback in 2014. Queen Anne-style homes with asymmetrical facades and detailed gables may also see a resurgence. However, attention to detail will be important as homeowners look for exact replicas of the original styles.

4. Passive Homes
More U.S.-based architects are expected to include passive-house elements in their 2014 designs. Originally a European design, a passive house is built to work with the climate. For example, its roof may be pitched to make use of wind power, or it could have large windows installed to attract sunlight that heats the home. A passive-house design can slash energy consumption by up to 90 percent, according to Passive House Institute U.S.

5. Flex Rooms
Between the recession and the growing number of senior citizens in the United States, more households are becoming multigenerational. That change is leading to a developing trend in home building flex rooms. Typically bedrooms, flex rooms are designed to give more privacy to larger families and usually include a separate space such as a reading area or study off the main bedroom area. These rooms may also be built with a change in mind. Many flex spaces include a private entrance, which could later become a rental unit.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

10 Hottest Fresh Architecture Trends in 2014

1.  Passive Homes

One of the most prevalent trends in the architectural world today is the shift towards a reduction in the consumption of energy; a reduction in carbon emissions, a focus on green principles. The passive home deals with this entire issue of wasted energy and carbon emissions, and it’s because of this solution which PassivHaus provides which has made them the center of focus and architectural design thus far in 2014.

As mentioned in one of our other articles, ‘Passive Houses: 13 Reasons Why the Future Will Be Dominated by this New Pioneering Trend‘, we show how a passive home can save up to 90% in heating costs.  As a large chunk of the world’s energy consumption is gobbled up by the home, if only this trend became accessible to every single person, the positive impact on the world would be significant.

We envisage, as the economic woes of the world start to lift, more and more governments will begin to offer PassivHaus grants and funding.  If this happens: This’ll be a trend which will have a very real impact in changing the world and our children’s future for the better.

Passive homes will be a strong trend in 2014; but mark our words that this trend will continue to swell year on year for the foreseeable future.

2.  Designing for Relaxation

It has been said that the living of today are exposed to more information in one day (content of the New York Times) than an average person in the 17th century is exposed to in their entire lifetime.  One could argue that the type of information a person of the 17th century was exposed to is of a different kind of information in which most of us today would be blind to; but let’s focus in on the principle of information overload.

The fact is that most people don’t know how to organize and process the sheer volumes of information they face everyday; what’s important and what isn’t; etc.  It’s for this very reason more and more people are turning an area of their home into a place of retreat; a place to relax and unwind.  The most popular choice in 2014 is the home spa; a place where one can escape to and unwind.  

The home spa industry is growing at a healthy rate.  In quarter four of 2013, it grew by 10% compared to the same quarter the previous year. The home spa industry is healthy and will continue to be a favorite in architectural design in 2014.

Further evidence of this trend can be demonstrated through new builds in the United States.  Over 50% of new builds are now equipped with a whirlpool bath.

3.  Flex Rooms

What are flex rooms?  Flex rooms are rooms or areas in the house which have a range of uses, or could be changed at some point during the year.  It’s usually a place in the house which is used for more than one purpose, for example an entrance hall also being used as a dining room.

Why is this a popular trend and why will it be strong in 2014?  The strength behind this trend can find its strength in three main factors; baby boomers, income and versatility.

Let’s start with baby boomers.  Architects are now designing homes to accommodate the growing elderly population who are opting to stay with family.  These houses have to be well organized, usually segregated from the rest of the house in some way in a self contained unit.  This allows for separation between the family (sanity preservation) and it also allows the living space to be rented out if need be.

Secondly, income.  As disposable income has dropped significantly and pensions lost in the crash of 2008, retirees have been forced to move in with their families as they simply can’t afford to live by themselves, or pay for a retirement home.

Thirdly, versatility.  Options are empowering and give the homeowner choices.  Flex rooms enable maximum usage with the space given; maximum usage output per square foot of living space – It also allows for change of use if so required.

 4.  Prefabricated Buildings

With the development of manufacturing technology, investment into the whole area of prefabrication (especially in China) has helped move this trend into significance.  Don’t just think homes either, this trend stretches far and wide, encompassing hotels, office buildings, sheds and end of garden builds.

The main draw of this trend are the monetary savings in which it offers.  The repetitive manufacturing process means savings in raw materials and saving in manpower.  Entire walls and furnished floor space are pre-made in a factory, which are then delivered direct to the plot, ready to be assembled in some giant Meccano like structure.

Project management is easier, build time is less, work force required is reduced; all money saving factors and all reasons why this is a growing trend which’ll continue to develop in 2014.

I think one of the most powerful visual examples of the power of prefabrication can be seen in this video where a 30 story building is built in 15 days.

5.  Health Conscious Designs

The materials which are used in building, decorating and furnishing the home are an issue which is being addressed by architects and designers.

Paints, upholstery, insulation, wood stain and other synthetic materials used in the home which cause hypoallergenic reactions and possible serious health problems are being replaced with those which don’t have such negative side effects.

Alternatives to these potentially unhealthy materials are always available, it’s just a matter of sourcing them at a price which clients are willing to pay.  It may be a matter of selling the potentially significant health benefits of these materials to help overcome the potential cost increase; the winning strategy to win their approval.  It’s just like the concept: If you have never had a heart attack, eat and live as though you have had one, to prevent (or at least reduce the risk) that problem from occurring.

In the same vein, architects are looking to cut down on the hypoallergenic and prospective carcinogenic materials, a trend which we’ll see in 2014.

6.  Kitchens: Hub of the Home

This is one which we particularly like; the kitchen being the focal point of the home.  No longer will the kitchen be that room which is built in the dark recesses of the house – Now it’s being elevated to center stage.  The kitchen is set to be the room in the house which is being used for more than just cooking.  We are seeing it being used as a place to think, study and work in addition to whole range of other multitasking uses.

It’s a similar dynamic to the flex home, but more specific.  Having the kitchen as the hive of activity within the house is great for bringing the family together and strengthening relationships.  It’s the trend for 2014 which should continue for years to come.

7.  Inventive Storage Capacity

You might have noticed while driving around the massive, often bold colored storage locker buildings; they’re everywhere.  It seems like this trend has grown like an out-of-control garden over the past 10 years, but there is a fundamental reason for it.  People have acquired so much ‘stuff’ they don’t know what to do with it, so much so that they are paying monthly payments to store their junk precious items in storage.

Without tackling the underlying problems that would be the job of psychiatry professionals; architects realize the need and are catering for it.  More storage space is obviously needed in the home, and they are designing varied solutions with style & finesse.  Clutter around the house can be unsightly, and in a world of design where less is more, clutter needs to be dealt with; even if it’s merely storing it.

Again, based on need, this trend is a growth trend which’ll be popular in 2014.

8.  Reusing Existing Buildings

Some of the best designs in 2014 won’t necessarily be newly built buildings on the cutting edge of architectural genius, but rather using the existing shells of buildings to build around.  Buildings which have a rustic industrial aura, church buildings, factories and buildings with historical character are all existing buildings or derelict shells have character features which are difficult to recreate in modern design.  It’s a wonderful endeavor that helps to save historical beauty, which is why we’re glad this is a growing trend in 2014.

9.  Utilizing the Outdoors

Where the outdoors was once a place exclusively for the garden or yard, it is now being used for outdoor rooms.  The advance of outdoor eco-friendly materials has enabled architects to become more creative with the use of outdoor areas.  Space is a valuable commodity, so it makes logical sense that this trend is growing; especially as population growth increases whilst house prices remain staunch.  The trend will be especially popular in areas where the weather is kind, but even in places such as the U.K. you’ll find brave and creative architects making it work.

10.  Disaster-Friendly Designs

It seems that nobody is safe from flooding, storms, fires and earthquakes these days.  Growing up in England I’ve always categorized these dangers as problems that other country’s have.Hurricanes: I think Florida.  Earthquakes I think Tektonic regions.  Floods I think of Tsunamis in tropical countries.  England this winter has experienced the worst flooding in 250 years, with flooded homes and damage costing an estimated $2 billion dollars.  Whatever the cause for the erratic conditions we are facing as a human race; it’s reach is far and wide, and it’s an issue for geographical areas which previously weren’t affected – These areas are now investing into solutions to protect against such natural disasters.

As such, architects are now future proofing their designs for natural disasters such as flooding, storms and the likes.  This is a trend which has been forced upon us by need, and it’s an important one for coming decade.

Why it pays to use a Realtor

Five Tips to Win a Multiple Offer Situation on a Home

Don’t lose your game face. Though multiple offers aren’t quite the jungle they were back in 2012, homes in popular neighborhoods continue to face stiff competition. In August 2013, 60.5% of offers written by agents across the country faced bidding wars, a drop from 63.3% in August 2012. It signals a welcome trend for buyers, but tight inventory conditions and relatively low mortgage rates mean that multiple offer situations are still a reality. 

1. Be realistic

If you’re looking for a home in a sought-after neighborhood, be aware that a winning offer will likely be at or above asking price. This knowledge will help you construct a competitive offer at the outset that is still within your comfort zone. In early 2013, many buyers waived inspection and financing contingencies in an effort to win the bid. This approach can be effective, but it can also be an uncomfortable level of risk for some buyers. Knowing what you’re willing to do in advance will make it easier to make decisions when the timing demands it.

2. Prepare your financing

Whether you’re planning to get a mortgage or are paying in cash, make sure you have financial documentation ready to send. If you’re getting a mortgage, you’ll need a pre-approval letter. Being pre-qualified doesn’t cut it, since it doesn’t formally verify your income, assets and credit. If you’re paying in cash, be ready to submit proof of funds, which can be an original bank statement, open equity line of credit, copy of a money market account balance, or certified financial statement. Pre-approval or proof of funds need to be available at a moment’s notice and are expected, not optional. In addition, offering earnest money (often 1-3% of the purchase price) is another signal to the seller that you’re serious, so think about how much you’re willing to pledge.

3. Do a pre-inspection

In the past, inspections typically happened right after a seller accepted a buyer’s offer. However, the rise of bidding wars prompted savvy buyers to schedule inspections before placing an offer, giving them more knowledge about the home and making it easier to waive inspection contingencies. Doing a pre-inspection can put you ahead of other buyers by removing complexity from your offer, and also shows a seller that you mean business.

4. Be flexible

Selling a home can be a whirlwind. Any flexibility a buyer can offer a seller has the potential to reward them. Being lenient on closing or possession dates might make an offer more palatable to a seller in the midst of one of life’s most stressful times; moving.

5. Personal touch

Though it isn’t standard practice in every market, personal notes from potential buyers can humanize a transaction and tip the scales in your favor. I’ve seen several instances where offers were accepted based on the letter, even though they weren’t the highest. This works particularly well if the sellers are attached to their home, but not always so well for estates, where family members may have competing priorities and be less emotionally attached to the home.
If you’re anticipating a multiple offer situation, be sure to discuss your strategy and the risks involved with your real estate agent. With the right attitude and approach, you can get the house you’re looking for. 

Renting vs buying. Khan Academy Video

Happy New Year!

18 Photos Of LA Decorated For Xmas In the '30s, '40s, & '50s

    

• November 24, 1945: Santa Claus Lane parade at Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas

18 images

Didn't all the Christmas light displays look so much quainter in the olden days, juxtaposed with Studebakers and GIs? Maybe it's just that a place could be known far and wide back then as the Christmas House with not much more than some fake snow, a few lights, and a cut-out Santa. Maybe it's that Claudette Colbert was around to get in on the action. Whatever it was, it sure is nice to look at. Enjoy these photos of Los Angeles dressed up for Christmas in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s, and Merry Christmas, if that's your thing!

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  Ca. 1950: Hollywood Boulevard
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  Decmeber 20, 1937: Boyle Heights Christmas House, dreamed up and decorated by 22-year-old George C. Skinner, who got mail addressed to just "Christmas House"
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  December 16, 1938: Kids playing at Boyle Heights's Christmas House
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  1940-something: Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Plaza Drive
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  1959: "Stanley Russell, chauffeur for late Cecil B. De Mille and now free-lance chauffeur, decorates his lawn at 7736 Paso Robles Ave., Van Nuys, with mechanized display to delight neighborhood children. Passers-by believe display which Russell built himself to be operated by 'electric eye.'"
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  December 18, 1954: Looking west on Compton Boulevard from Alameda Street in Compton
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  Ca. 1953: Grauman's Chinese Theatr
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  December 11, 1937: Brand Boulevard in Glendale
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  1935: Main and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach
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  1948: Probably Van Nuys Boulevard
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  Ca. 1950: Hollywood Boulevard
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  No date: Somewhere in Hollywood
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  No date: Hollywood
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  No date: Hollywood Boulevard the night before the Santa Claus Lane Parade
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  1932: Claudette Colbert inspecting a wreath with her face in it at Hollywood and Vine
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  November 21, 1940: Christmas parade at Broadway and Seventh Street Downtown
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  July 29, 1960: A prank in Granada Hills