Home Buying Tips

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home buying tips

home buying tipsIf you are looking to buy a house, I have a bunch of home buying tips that will help you sort through all of your options, understand the real cost of a home (and help you save money), and make the right choice. 

Buying a house is a huge purchase.

In fact, it is usually the largest purchase a person will ever make.

The median U.S. home value is $226,800 and the median price of homes currently listed is $291,900, according to Zillow. And, there are some areas that have much higher average home prices, like four to five times more.

Purchasing a house is a huge commitment, and it’s easy to get excited and forget to think about some very important things before plunking down a huge amount of money. There are just so many factors to think about, and not everyone will have the same concerns. 

To help you through the home buying process, today’s post is going to be like a mini first time home buyer guide. I’m going to cover some of my best home buying tips, like:

  • Whether or not you should rent instead of buy
  • How to set a budget (one of the most important steps to buying a house for the first time)
  • Deciding what you want in a home
  • How to research the true cost of a house
  • Thinking about how long you’ll live in an area (recouping your costs)
  • How to avoid feeling rushed
  • Do you really need the house you’re about to buy

Whether you are a first time home buyer or if this is your second house or more, these are all things you should be thinking about.

Actually, these are the exact same things me and Wes have thought about before buying our sailboat and RV. They might not be “normal” homes, but they are what we live in. Plus, they are still very large purchases that need to be carefully thought out.

The home buying tips that I’m about to give you are to help you analyze what’s best for your situation – whether that’s a 5000 sq. ft. house, a 500 sq. ft. tiny home, an RV, a condo, etc.

I’ve said it already, but buying a house is a large purchase! And, everyone has felt that dreadful feeling that comes after making a large purchase and realizing that you have made a mistake. Perhaps you don’t realize for months or years later, but you eventually understand that you should have thought out your purchase a little bit more.

No one wants to feel this way after buying a house!

Articles related to buying a house tips:

Here are my best home buying tips.

 

Should you rent instead?

Before we started RVing, we sold our house and rented one for a little while. This raised quite a few eyebrows and led to questions about renting vs. buying from nearly everyone.

I even had several people tell me that I was making a stupid mistake.

I wasn’t surprised, though. Many people believe the myth that if you are renting a home you don’t know how to manage your money and that buying is always better, no matter what.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sometimes buying can be the better decision, but there are times when renting can fit a person’s situation much better.

Buying a house can have a lot of positives, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right step for everyone.

To determine if renting is better for you, you’ll want to think about things such as:

  • How long you think you’ll live in the area.
  • Whether or not you’re ready to purchase a house, financially and/or responsibility wise.
  • Buying a home sometimes may be cheaper than renting, and the other way around.

Nearly everyone says that a house is a good investment. Many people will even go as far to say that doing anything other than owning a house would be a complete waste of money.

However, I don’t agree with that at all.

Buying a house isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t just jump at the opportunity to buy a house, especially any ol’ house. And, you should think about all of the factors before deciding that buying a house over renting one is the best and only decision for you.

For home more renting vs. home buying tips, please read My Opinion Of The Great Renting vs Buying Debate for more information.

 

Set a budget before you look at homes.

“What’s the smartest way to buy a house?”

The smartest way to buy a house is to first think about your budget.

One of the first things you will want to do is to set a budget – you can’t go very far in the home buying process without one. It’s how you will know what you want to be pre-approved for, and a realtor will need that information to really help you shop for homes.

You will want to set yourself a budget when it comes to the home as well as all of the other expenses that go along with owning a home.

You will want to look at your overall financial situation and analyze:

  • The income you earn.
  • The stability of your job.
  • The amount of money you have saved for the down payment, other home expenses, etc.
  • Your credit history and credit score.
  • The total monthly amount you feel comfortable paying for a home. Make sure you look at all the costs involved!
  • Your total amount of debt.

When buying a house, it takes realizing all of these factors to understand what you can truly afford and be comfortable with.

However, many people justify buying a house that is over their budget, but that is a bad plan. 

See, banks often pre-approve people for a mortgage payment that is higher than what they can afford to pay. You pre-approval number is not a good gauge of what you can afford because it doesn’t factor in the total cost of the house. 

What you can afford takes that above list into consideration, not just the number a bank gives you. Because of that, it can be a very bad idea to go over the number the bank pre-approves you for. You should always stick to an amount that you can afford.

When determining what you can afford, you will want to think about ALL of the costs that come with buying a house and living in it. This means that your research should not end with the purchase price of the house – it actually goes way past that, as discussed in a later section of my home buying tips. 

Think about what you want in a home.

If you are like most people, you’ve spent years thinking about what you want in a home. 

Now is the time to make a list of those things. This is an important step when it comes to home buying for beginners.

Buying a house can lead to a crazy amount of new feelings – happiness, stress, excitement, and more. This can sometimes make every house you look at seem like the perfect one, and that’s because they all seem so new and exciting. This even happens with houses that don’t have everything you need. And, it definitely happens with ones that have more than you need.

Before you put an offer on a house, you should think about the reasons for why you want a specific house. This is one of the first steps to finding a house that’s right for you, as this can make sure you are getting exactly what you want and need, rather than just being happy with any home.

I recommend creating a wish list that includes all of the things you want in a home. Your wish list could include things like:

  • The square footage of the home
  • Size of yard
  • If you want a fenced in yard
  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms you desire
  • The age of the home
  • The quality of the schools
  • The parking situation and whether or not there is a garage
  • The size of the kitchen
  • Pool or no pool
  • Style of home
  • Whether you want to be in the country or the city
  • Your budget, and this one is extremely important!

And, you’ll also want to create a list of things that you want to stay away from, such as if you don’t want a place with a pool, a home with a lot of yard maintenance, a home that is a fixer upper, and so on.

By having this wish list on hand, you’ll know exactly what you should be looking at, and what you should avoid.

Research all of the expenses.

Like you just read, the listing price of a home is not all that you should look at.

When you find a home that you think is right for you, you need to make sure that you can afford all of the costs that come with that home. 

Just because you can pay the monthly mortgage payment doesn’t mean that you can afford everything else that goes with it. There are ongoing costs when buying a house, which is something that many homebuyers forget about. 

In fact, U.S. homeowners, on average, spend more than $9,400 per year in hidden homeownership costs, and maintenance expenses cost homeowners an average of $6,300 per year in unavoidable hidden costs, according to MarketWatch. These include things like homeowners insurance, property taxes, and utilities. So, this is one of the best home buying tips to help you stay out of a bad financial situation.

Before making a home purchase, you should think about how much the home will cost you in the long run. There are many ways to think of this, such as:

  • Property taxes. These vary widely from town to town. You may find yourself looking at two similar houses with similar price tags, but the property taxes may vary by thousands of dollars annually. That is a LOT of money. While it may seem small when compared to the actual home purchase price, remember that you have to pay property taxes annually, and a difference of just $3,600 a year is $300 a month.
  • Gas. Many homes use gas to run the hot water heater, the stove, and so on.
  • Electricity. Generally, the bigger your home, the higher your electricity bill.
  • Sewer. This isn’t super expensive, but it is generally around $30-$50 a month.
  • Trash. This isn’t super expensive either, but it does cost money.
  • Water (and possibly irrigation).  Depending on how you use water and where you live, water bills can vary widely. I know many who live in areas where the average water bill is a few hundred dollars each month.
  • Home insurance. Home insurance can be cheap in some areas but crazy expensive in others. Don’t forget to look into the cost of earthquake, flood, and hurricane insurance, and know that it can add up quickly depending on where you live.
  • Maintenance and repairs. No matter how old your home is (even brand new homes), repair and maintenance costs will eventually come into play. In fact, U.S. homeowners pay an average of $3,435 per year in annual optional costs, including house cleaning, yard care, gutter cleaning, carpet cleaning, and pressure washing. But, don’t forget about things like needing a new roof or other repairs that may come up! Those are big expenses that you will need to be able to save up for.
  • Homeowners association fees. This can also vary widely. You should always see if the house you are interested in is part of an HOA. Often, the fees are high and involve rules you may not like.
  • Home furnishings. Furnishing your home can be done cheaply, but I know some who buy huge homes and can’t afford to put anything in them, such as a table, a bed, and so on. Why own a $500,000 house if you don’t have any furniture?

Always remember to add up the total cost when deciding to buy a house!

Estimate how long you will live in the area.

This is one of the home buying tips you might not think of because you are so anxious to be moving. How could you possibly think about moving again already?! 

One of the best tips before buying a house is to think about how long you will live there.

Here’s why this is important to think about – it usually takes around five years to recoup the costs you paid to purchase a house. If you only live in a house for one or two years, then you may lose money on closing costs, due to the volatility of the real estate market, and more. Plus, it usually takes some time and legwork to buy a house, so you may not want to do it again so soon.

This is why you’ll want to think about how long you’ll be living in the area before you purchase your home.

You’ll want to make sure that the house will be suitable for you for at least five years, so you’ll want to think about things such as:

  • Are you happy with the area?
  • How are the schools?
  • Is the house big enough if you plan on starting a family?
  • Do you plan on working in the area for at least 5 years?

And so on. 

You really need to think about your future when deciding to buy a house.

 

Don’t feel rushed.

“How long should you give yourself to buy a house?”

This is one of the home buying tips that is hard during a seller’s market, which is what’s happening in many areas right now. Knowing that homes are selling very quickly, you may feel rushed to find a house and put an offer in. 

It’s also tempting to jump on a house the minute you find something you like, but if the purchase can wait 24 hours, then you may want to delay it. This will allow you more time to think about the purchase, go over your budget again, let any butterflies you have about the home purchase go away, and so on.

You will be able to make a much more rational decision if you think about your decision for at least 24 hours.

Plus, for all you know, you may even realize that you don’t want the house at all!

Do you really need or want that home?

“How do you make sure you get the house you want?”

Finally, the last of my home buying tips is to think about whether or not you actually need the house you are about to buy. It sounds easy enough, but many people do not even think about asking this question. When in fact, it is one of the most important questions to ask when buying a house (or any large purchase for that matter).

Really dig deep and ask yourself this simple question. Sure, you might think you want the house, but have you also been able to spend time thinking about the rest of my tips? 

Do you know the full cost of the house? Are you okay spending that much? Does the house have everything you need? 

Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and it deserves a lot of time and thought for you to make the best decision.

Have you bought a home recently? What other home buying tips should people think about?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

What Singles Look For in a Home

Single and ready to…own a home? Today, more and more people are looking to buy a home before they enter into relationships. In 2015, singles…

The post What Singles Look For in a Home first appeared on Century 21®.

Home Buying & Selling Tips for the Spring

Spring is in the air and you know what that means, freshly bloomed flowers and brand new houses out on the market. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell this season we’ve put together a few tips to help make the process less frustrating than your spring cleaning. Home Buying Tips 1. Know your needs: […]

The post Home Buying & Selling Tips for the Spring appeared first on Zoocasa Blog.

Buying a home without a garage/driveway? Consider this…

If you’re looking to save some money by avoiding the purchase of a vehicle, you might be interested in buying a home without a garage or driveway. Great thinking, if you plan to live in a metropolis with lots of public transportation at your doorstep. If you’re not sure whether to buy a home with or without […]

The post Buying a home without a garage/driveway? Consider this… appeared first on Zoocasa Blog.

How to Get a Shower Curtain to Stop Sticking—Plus More Shower Curtain Hacks

How to keep a shower curtain from sticking

If you’ve ever had a shower curtain liner that kept sticking to you while you were trying to shower, you know it’s less funny, more annoying. Get rid of this problem forever with a spray bottle! Pour a tablespoon of liquid fabric softener into the empty bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray on the liner just before you shower and it will always stay in its proper place.

Stop mildew before it starts

Avoid leaving a shower curtain bunched up after use, especially in a small bathroom—the steam encourages mildew. Always pulled it closed after bathing, and if small spots of mildew do appear, dab with baking soda on a damp cloth. Wash larger areas in hot detergent, rub with lemon juice, and dry in the sun, if possible.

5 Shortcuts to Make Cleaning Your Bathroom Easy

Keep mildew off the bottom of your shower curtain

If you have a pair of pinking shears (scissors with a zigzagging edge used in sewing), put them to good use in the bathroom. Use them to cut the bottom of your shower curtain liner: The uneven hem allows water to more easily slide off, making bottom-of-the-curtain mildew a thing of the past.

How to get mildew off a shower curtain

Need to remove mildew from a plastic shower curtain? Try running it through the washing machine (on cold) with two large, white bath towels. Add a little bleach in with your usual detergent, and use 1 cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle to prevent future mildew growth. Or, rub a wedge of lemon on the stains and leave the curtain out in the sun. By the time it dries, the stains will be gone.

Make a shower curtain liner last forever

Keep soap scum and mildew off your shower curtain on the regular with the help of hydrogen peroxide. Stick the curtain and a bath towel into your washing machine, pour in regular detergent, and start the wash. Add 1 cup peroxide during the rinse cycle. Do this once a month and you’ll pretty much never have to buy another shower curtain liner again.

It’s also said that soaking a shower curtain liner in saltwater before you use in can help repel mildew.

Keep shower curtain rings from squeaking

Do the rings on your shower curtain squeak as they run along the rod? The solution is simple: Just rub some petroleum jelly or car wax along the rod and they’ll slide right along it without making a noise.

18 Quick and Easy Shower Cleaning Hacks

10 Hacks to Keep Your Toilet Clean

Clean your toilet while you sleep

To remove hard-water deposits in your toilet bowl, pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight before scrubbing.

Whiten toilet bowls

Forget the nasty chemicals and overpowering scents! You can use ½ cup lemon juice in your toilet bowl to deodorize and remove stains naturally. Let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing clean.

Looking for more creative uses for lemons? Check out Domestic CEO's guide to Using Lemons to Clean Your Home

Remove toilet stains

The tannins in tea can help lift any stubborn stains. Tannins also have antimicrobial properties. To take advantage, just leave some brewed tea in the toilet bowl for several minutes to several hours (depending on the severity of the stains). Then brush the bowl, and flush the stains away.

Make your bowl smile

For a cheap and easy way to clean your toilet, use mouthwash. Just as it cleans away germs in your mouth, it will do the same in your toilet bowl. Pour 1 capful into the bowl, leave for 10 to 15 minutes, and wipe clean with your toilet brush.

Reach under the rim

Clearing away dirt and deposits under the rim can be tricky. But a smart tool can help. Purchase a package of those cotton coils used for perms (you can find them at a beauty supply store). Soak the coil in a basin with vinegar. You might want to do this right in the shower to avoid drips. Then stuff the toilet’s rim with the coil. Allow the vinegar to work on the stains overnight, then remove and throw away the coil, and flush the toilet to rinse.

Speedy toilet-cleaning relief

To make this nasty chore easier on your gag reflex, drop two Alka-Seltzer tablets into the bowl twice a week. After 15 minutes, swipe around the bowl with a toilet brush. Your toilet will be spotless!

A fizzy denture tablet works well for this hack, too.

Take soda to the can

Cola contains phosphoric acid, which can lift stubborn stains such as rust. That makes it a good toilet cleaner: Pour the cola directly into the bowl, leave it for an hour, and then flush.

Lift with lemonade mix

Instant lemonade mixes like Kool-Aid contain citric acid, which works great to battle mineral deposits. Sprinkle the powder around your toilet bowl, let sit for a minute or two, then scrub with a toilet brush.

Trick to dry that toilet brush

We all know it’s gross to stick that brush back into the holder wet. But what’s the solution? Close the seat on top of the brush’s handle so it’s sandwiched and secure, with the brush in position to drip-dry over the toilet bowl. Come back for it later when it’s dry and ready to stash away with much less ick.

You can also add a little mouthwash to the toilet brush holder to help fight germs while the brush is in storage.

Protect TP Rolls

If your toddler or fur baby likes to unroll or shred your toilet paper, you’re not alone. Simply slipping a rubber band around the roll will keep it safe from curious hands and paws.

5 Exterior Home Remodeling Trends for 2021

Regular home remodeling projects are necessary to ensure the functionality of your home and keep it up-to-date with the contemporary market, both factors that are critical in solidifying its resale value. To this effect, while interior projects such as kitchen expansions and master bathroom makeovers are exciting, it is the exterior projects that will create the stunning first impression.

While interior projects such as kitchen expansions and master bathroom makeovers are exciting, it is the exterior projects that will create the stunning first impression.

From enhancing curb appeal to insulating the home from the forces of nature, the following 5 exterior home remodeling trends are set to grow throughout the remainder of 2021, making for great places to start if you are searching for a place to invest your renovation budget.

1. Contrasting colors

Homeowners are moving away from the notion of one solid color being the classiest option for home exteriors. In 2021, homeowners are getting a bit more creative in their quest to create stunning curb appeal, using innovative siding materials and robust color contrasts to create a home that truly stands out. These contrasts can be achieved in a number of ways, such as dark navy with off-white accents or a creamy white with black elevations for an exceptionally bold appearance.

In order to make a contrasting color scheme work, it is essential to use high-quality siding that will maintain its color and shape in the face of the various forces of nature.

Products such as wood planks look nice when new, but need assiduous maintenance to prevent cracking and peeling from UV-exposure, while vinyl siding is known to loosen or detach when exposed to heavy wind gusts.

This makes metal lap siding a strong choice, as it is extremely durable and will maintain its color throughout the life of the house with little maintenance, keeping the contrasts in your exterior just as pronounced as the day you made the renovation.

2. Pergola additions

The COVID-19 pandemic created the need for more functional space in homes. With nowhere to go, people quickly realized the need for diversity in their property to keep from going stir crazy. This has led to the continued rise of functional exterior living areas in 2021.

To ensure the livability of exterior spaces, a popular trend is to add an architectural pergola to decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. This is especially relevant as summer quickly approaches and the need for shade intensifies. In addition to the functional protective aspect of pergolas, they can also help improve curb appeal when carefully selected to match your siding choice.

3. Extra windows

Bright, well-lit interiors have been a trend for a number of years and are set to remain en vogue throughout 2021. As homeowners continue to make environmental friendliness a top priority, those homes that are able to passively use the sun to light and heat their spaces are all of the rage. This puts windows on center stage for passively designed homes, as they are the essential element for letting the sun go to work.

If you are concerned that a window-heavy exterior will have a negative impact on your curb appeal, it may be worthwhile to consider composite wood shutter options. These innovative shutters allow you to maintain the bright and airy benefits of extra windows while also providing the touch of contrast that is popular in exterior color schemes for 2021.

4. Front porches

Building on the idea of functional exterior living spaces, the backyard and deck are no longer the only places to turn if you want to step outside and enjoy a change of scenery. Homeowners are increasingly adding larger front porches as one of their exterior renovation projects in 2021, creating the opportunity for more diverse furniture choices and accessories to spend increased time on the street side of the home. Another trend that took root as a result of social isolation from the pandemic, the bustle outside the front porch creates a favorable alternative to the classic tranquility of backyard privacy.

Another trend that took root as a result of social isolation from the pandemic, the bustle outside the front porch creates a favorable alternative to the classic tranquility of backyard privacy.

5. Innovative garages

The garage has come a long way over the years. No longer just a storage unit with bikes hanging from the walls and rake handles poking out of every crevice, the garage must have the potential to serve as space for the home offices and workout areas that have proliferated across the country. As noted by Houston Home Remodeling Pros, modern garages need to be welcoming, luxurious spaces that enhance a home’s comfort. 

In order to make this a reality, the garage doors replacements must look the part and mesh with the home’s exterior decor. Functional windows, decorative hardware, and contrasting colors to match the rest of the house are great ways to make sure the comfort of your garage is evoked from an outside perspective.

How to Get Rid of Scuff Marks on Your Shoes

Getting rid of scuff marks can be tough, but there are a couple tried and true methods to help you out, including using nail polish remover and lemon juice. Keep reading for more.

How to Scrub Away Scuffs

If you have black scuff marks on your shoes—or even your luggage or other items—lemon juice can help. Sprinkle salt over a lemon wedge and rub it over the mark. Then wipe with a paper towel or dry cloth. You can also try using vinegar.

Get Rid of Scuffs with Nail Polish Remover

Just about any scuff mark can be removed with the help of some nail polish remover. Wet a rag with some, then rub on the scuffmark lightly but quickly. You may need to give your shoes the once-over with a damp cloth afterwards.

See also: 4 Surprising Items You Can Clean in a Washing Machine

Get Stains off Suede

If you have suede (or faux suede) shoes, removing stains is easy. Just brush them with an emery board, like you’d usually use for your fingernails.

Remove Marks from Patent Leather

If your patent leather shoe or other item has a scuff mark, use rubbing alcohol to get it off. Dampen a paper towel or rag with some, then wipe the mark off. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, you can also use a window cleaner like Windex or hand sanitizer, both of which contain a lot of alcohol.

Check out Who Knew's 6 Second Uses for Hand Sanitizer

How to Get Marks Off White Canvas Shoes

Are your white shoes suffering from scuff marks? Rub a little baking soda into the offending areas and the marks will practically disappear. If you have a white paint marker or even some old-school White-Out, you can use that to cover the mark as well. 

For more cleaning tips for around the house, check out our Cleaning Tips board on Pinterest. 

6 Things You Didn’t Know Could Fertilize Your Houseplants

Cereal crumb fertilizer

Did you know that cereal crumbs are great for houseplants? The grains they’re made up of are also great for supplying nutrients to the soil! Each time you have some crumbs left in your cereal box, add them to your house plant and gently cover them with soil.

Plants love starch

Your houseplants need nourishment, particularly in the dead of winter when the sunlight is limited—but  there’s no need to buy expensive plant food. Just remember to save the water in which you boil potatoes or pasta, let it cool, and use it to water your plants. They love the starchy water!

Feed plants from your fish tank

If you’re cleaning your fish bowl or tank, use the old water to fertilize your plants! It contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—all three function as natural fertilizers for plants. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Club soda for houseplants

If it’s been a long time since you’ve replaced your plant’s potting soil, help it get back some of the nutrients it lost with club soda. The minerals in the soda are some of the same that soil is enriched with. Just make sure to bring the soda up to room temperature before using.You can even use flat club soda!

Prevent mold and fungus

Most powdered flower “food” works by lowering the pH level of the water, so that it’s still good for fresh flowers, but bad for any bacteria that may want to grow. If you notice fungus or mold cropping up on your plant or its soil, lower its pH with aspirin. Just crush one tablet into approximately one quart of water, and stir until it dissolves. Then use this water to water your plant.

See also: 10 Hacks for Beautiful Flower Arrangements That Last

Put produce peels to work

You don’t need a compost pile to use fruit and vegetable peelings to fertilize your plants! Instead, save peels from produce in your fridge or freezer. When you have at least a cup of them, soak them overnight in cold water. Remove the peels and the water left behind is now a fertilizer for your plants that’s rich in nutrients and minerals and completely natural. 

For more tips like these, follow our Gardening and Yard Tips board on Pinterest and don't forget to to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

6 Amazing Home Improvements for Quality of Life

It is easy to get stuck focusing on the wrong things when deciding where and how to renovate our homes. We know that it’s important to get as much return on our investment as possible when improving our house, so adding value is crucial. However, if you are planning on staying in your home for a while, investing in quality of life is essential too. Your home should not be just a brick-and-mortar investment that you look forward to selling one day in the distant future. The perfect home is one where you can relax and unwind, escaping from the common stresses of day-to-day life. If you’re thinking of making some changes to your home, and you want to do something that you know is going to make you happier, the following options might be ideal for you.

Upgrade your bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most essential spaces in your home for quality of life. It’s where you spend a significant portion of your time taking care of yourself, so it should feel like an oasis of tranquility whenever possible. Think about how you can transform your current bathroom to make your everyday maintenance experiences feel as wonderful as possible. Would installing a larger bath so you can fully stretch out and enjoy some bubbles after a long day make you happier? Are you looking to switch your bath to a shower, so you don’t have to worry about spending time to fill an entire bath when you’re rushing to work? Make your bathroom into a place that’s perfect for your needs. Don’t forget to invest in your plumbing too. Installing a whole-house fiation system doesn’t just make your water taste better, it can also reduce the risk of dry skin and hair from your shower.

Invest in a good night’s sleep

Life is easier when you sleep well. Unfortunately, too many people fail to invest properly in a good night’s sleep. We choose beds and mattresses based on their affordability and can sometimes ignore things like bedding. Next time you have some spare cash set aside for updating your home, ask yourself how you can make your bedroom more welcoming. If you are constantly struggling to find the right level of comfort on your existing bed, then it might be time to update with a new frame or mattress. If your bedroom feels cluttered, think about how you can open up the space by transforming cupboards into built-in storage spaces.

The more comfortable you are in your bedroom, the more likely it is that you’ll sleep well.

Invest in a passion

We all have things in life that we enjoy. For some, it’s reading a good book, for others, it’s spending a few hours on a video game. If your home doesn’t have the perfect space for you to indulge in that passion, it’s tough to achieve the best quality of life. Ask yourself what you wish you could spend more time doing when you are at home, and how you can bring that passion into your space. If you have a love of gaming, for instance, you might decide to turn a spare bedroom into a games room, where you can relax with friends without disturbing your partner if they are watching the television in the living room. If you love sewing but you struggle to keep all of your equipment organized in your bedroom, transform your spare bedroom into a crafts space. You can even look into converting your garage or your loft into an extra room.

Ask yourself what you wish you could spend more time doing when you are at home, and how you can bring that passion into your space.

Install a home lift

No matter what kind of life you imagine for yourself in the years to come, the chances are that you will want to have control over where you live. As we get older, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain our independence, particularly if we suffer from health and mobility issues. Making investments now so you can comfortably age in a place you're familiar with is an amazing way to reduce the stress associated with getting older. One of the best ways to do this is to look into domestic lifts advice so you can install your own home lift. A home lift isn’t just a way to get up and down the stairs if you have mobility problems – although that is an excellent benefit. This investment can also help with things like cleaning your home (transporting equipment between floors) and reducing the impact on your joints.

Transform your garden

For many people, their home is not just a building with four walls and a roof; it is also the surrounding space around that property too. Whether you have a small yard or a large garden, making the most of your exterior space can significantly improve your quality of life. Spending more time with nature can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. Plus, a garden gives you other ways to invest in your wellbeing. For instance, with your own garden space, you can make a vegetable patch where you can grow your own organic foods and save money on your groceries. Even if you have a limited amount of space, you could use it to grow herbs that spice up your kitchen routine and give you more flavor in your day-to-day life.

Spending more time with nature can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Improve your air quality

Finally, do not underestimate the power of air quality when it comes to improving your health and wellbeing. It’s easy to assume that we’re exposed to more pollution and contaminants outside than we are when we’re in our home – but the opposite is actually true. The air in your home can quickly grow stagnant, and it is often exposed to a range of substances that can make it harder to breathe easily. With that in mind, look to improve your air quality. Get a set of filters for your air system or conditioning products if you have one with HEPA fiation levels. If you don’t have air conditioning, look into adding new vents to your property to help move air around as effectively as possible. You can also look into other tools for improving air quality, like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or humidifiers.