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When you think of chic statement pieces and finishing touches, Amazon is probably last on your list. Considering all the other homeware stores, a behemoth multinational best known for cheap plastic gadgets and air fryers simply isn’t as appealing.
I won’t lie to you – there’s a lot of cheap, tacky furniture and decor on Amazon. However, you can find some hidden gems with a little effort. In fact, Amazon is one of my go-to retailers for home decor because you can find amazing deals. What’s more, thanks to Amazon Prime, items also ship super fast, which always comes in handy when I’m refreshing my space for the fall and holiday seasons.
Amazon Prime Big Deals Days are almost here, bringing big discounts on a wide range of products. Our product testers have found some Amazon Prime Day deals that can save you hundreds of dollars. However, these offers are only for Amazon Prime members, and we’ve also seen some counter-sales from other big retailers. If you want to head straight to the deals, here’s what’s on offer:
- Amazon Prime Vacuum Deals: we’ve seen up to 60% off vacuum brands like Bissell, Dyson, Shark and more
- Amazon Prime Bedding Deals: more than 70% off sheets, mattresses, and headboards
- Amazon Prime Blender Deals: we’ve found more than $250 off blender brands like Vitamix, Nutribullet, Ninja and more
- Amazon Prime Air Fryer Deals: there’s more than $200 off air fryer brands like Instant, Ninja, Cosori and more
- Amazon Prime Coffee Maker Deals: up to 50% off brands like Keurig, Nespresso, De’Longhi and Casabrews
- Amazon Prime Stand Mixer Deals: more than 30% off brands like KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and more
- Best Buy Outlet Event : 50% off refurbished appliances and tech
- Walmart Shark Days: hundreds of dollars off a range of Shark products
Kitchen and Tablescapes
If you’re looking for accent pieces for your tablescape or need a new fruit bowl, you’ll find lots of decor options on Amazon. The marketplace is my go-to for stocking up on candlestick holders as well as centerpiece vases, fruit bowls, table linens, and more.
BlossoME Antique Ceramic White Vase
LOKUME Set of 12 Gold Candlestick Holders
Denique Yellow Ceramic Fruit Bowl
Every kitchen needs a fruit bowl, and I love the idea of incorporating something fun, sculptural, and a little unexpected. This ceramic fruit bowl boasts a gorgeous yellow glaze that adds a touch of sunshine to your abode. I love how it sits on a pedestal, too, which makes it feel more like a fruit display rather than a fruit bowl.
Furniture
Similar to the likes of IKEA, Wayfair, and Target, Amazon is home to a variety of furniture finds. I love Amazon because you can find budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice comfort or quality, making it a good place to find trendy accent pieces.
Karl Home Accent Chair Mid-Century Modern Chair
Accent chairs are one of my favorite types of furniture to find on Amazon. There are seriously so many good options, including dupes. For a classic mid-century modern accent chair, I love this style from Karl Home. It comes in several colors, including a gorgeous cream beige that goes with just about anything.
WILLIAMSPACE 129″ Sectional Sofa Couch
Amazon is also a great place to find cloud couch alternative, and this soft from WILLIAMSPACE is one of my favorites. For $2500 less than the original, this sectional features a U-shaped design with six modules that you can swap around to create a custom style.
LKTART Modern Imitation Rattan Coffee Table
Dough Bowl For Decor
BlossoME Ceramic Vase Home Decor
Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp
If you love candles but don’t want to light them, you can still reap the aromatic benefits with a candle warmer. This option features a built-in fairy lamp with a glass shade and chic brass and wood base that would look stunning with interiors featuring the eclectic vintage aesthetic.
Throw Pillows and Blankets
Accent pillows and throw blankets are some of my favorite ways to switch up my decor from season to season. I always find stylish options on Amazon and particularly love how you can purchase packs of pillow covers vs. stuffed pillows, which makes storing them from season to season much easier.
JOJUSIS Pack of 2 Faux Fur Plush Decorative Throw Pillow Covers
Adyrescia Chunky Knit Blanket Throw
Chunky knit blankets are one of the most popular home decor trends this year. If you don’t have the time to knit one yourself, you can get a gorgeous handmade throw blanket for under $50 at Amazon. The Adyrescia Chunky Knit Blanket Throw is made from chenille and comes in several different sizes, so you can add one to your couch or bed and even keep one folded up in your office for chilly mornings.
Saro Lifestyle Crochetage Collection Crochet Throw Pillow Cover
THKSHOUZ Rattan Wall Mirror
Asymmetrical Mirror for Wall Decor
Kate and Laurel Arendahl Traditional Arch Mirror
This trendy arch mirror boasts major vintage vibes but at a fraction of the cost. The chic arched mirror comes in several colors, including brass, cream, and black and four different sizes, so you can easily find an option that fits in virtually any space, including a bedroom, entryway, bathroom, or living room.
FAQs
When are the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days?
Prime Big Deal Days will run from October10th-11th, offering big discounts on a wide range of products.
Do you need to be a Prime member to shop Prime Big Deal Days?
Yes. Only Amazon Prime members can receive these discounts. Membership costs $14.99 a month.
Decor isn’t the only thing that will be on sale at Amazon. There’s plenty of vacuum deals, bedding deals, and air fryer deals throughout the event, as well as savings on tech.
Source: homesandgardens.com
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The full name of this program is USDA Rural Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.
We’ll simplify its name here to the USDA Loan. If you prefer, our office calls it the Meat Loan.
This is the first of two articles. Article number one introduces the program’s benefits. Article two covers the qualifying aspect, which is easier than most consumers anticipate. We’ll need a program to compare to USDA, so we’ll use its closest relative, the FHA loan program.
Let’s get to the first USDA loan benefit:
1. No down payment required
That’s right, USDA loans require no down payment and have a standard 30-year fixed term.
2. Nominal mortgage insurance
In 18+ years of lending I’ve encountered zero home buyers who want or like mortgage insurance. Compared to similar down payment options across other programs, USDA loans require lowest-in-class mortgage insurance.
Government loans split their mortgage insurance (MI) between an upfront fee, financed into the loan amount, and the MI that contributes to the payment amount. The MI that contributes to one’s payment is known by different names, but we’ll call it the mortgage insurance factor or MI factor.
- USDA’s MI factor, also called its Guarantee Fee, is 0.35%. This program requires 0% down.
- USDA’s upfront fee is 1.00% or 0.01 times the loan amount, financed into the loan.
- FHA’s MI factor, also called its Mortgage Insurance Premium is 0.55%. This program requires at least 3.5% down.
- The upfront government fee for FHA is 1.75%, also financed into the loan amount.
When compared with FHA, the math above illustrates that the USDA loan saves 0.75% off the top of your closing costs. That’s a decent chunk of change for enhancing your appliances or interior decorating budget.
As of the writing of this article, rates are still volatile, and we’ll just use 7.50% for illustrating this comparison. When in doubt, ask your lender about your current rate scenario.
We’ll omit the unknown taxes and insurance from the payment, as their addition to payment is the same. Let’s compare the principal, interest & mortgage insurance (PIMI) payment between FHA (3.5% down) and USDA (0% down).
- USDA = $2,118 + $88 = $2,206 per month (PIMI payment)
- FHA = $2,059 + $135 = $2,194 per month (PIMI payment)
You read that correctly. The combined savings from 0.75% in closing costs and cheaper mortgage insurance brings this 0% ($0) USDA down payment within ≈$12 per month of its competing 3.5% ($9,500) FHA down payment.
3. Max loan amount calculation
Besides requiring zero down and its lower mortgage insurance, there is one more facet that makes the USDA program shine: its max loan amount calculation. Other Agency (Conventional or Government) loan programs base the max loan amount on the lesser of the purchase price versus appraised value.
USDA loans are unique as they base the max loan amount solely on the property’s appraised value. Supported by an appraised value that accommodates the purchase price + settlement costs (closing costs + prepaid expenses), there is truly no money required at closing. The program’s ability to finance settlement costs is unique to the USDA loan program. Ensure that your lender does not overlay guidelines that supersede any of the program’s benefits.
4. Qualifying
USDA’s program generally follows FHA’s guidelines, but the agency’s goal is to support rural housing. In doing so, they have two distinct qualifiers:
a. Property Eligibility
Let’s look at an example:
My hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, is considered ineligible for USDA financing. That ineligibility spans through the Madison-metro area. Beyond metro areas is generally fair game, until you get to other metro areas, such as Milwaukee
These ineligible areas are based on recent census data and then polished with criteria that USDA keeps to themselves. Keep in mind that USDA definition of “rural” is relative. In the Cheese State “rural” is different than “rural” in New Jersey, as population densities are far different.
Try zooming to various areas on USDA’s Property Eligibility map to familiarize yourself with its interface. Madison is located at mid-bottom of WI, if you want to check out my example. Prospective FHA home buyers are often surprised by the areas that report as eligible for the USDA program.
Note: Beware of external sites that claim USDA eligibility mapping. These sites simply scrape USDA’s data, so they lag behind. Stick to the .gov source.
b. Household Income Caps
This program’s guidelines distinguishes between two separate tiers of household income caps: 1-4 and 5+ person households. Married with 3 dependents? You’re in the 5+ (higher income cap) tier.
Even when income calculations exceed the USDA caps, know that there are deductions to help your scenario fit.
Subtracting documented childcare expenses is the most common deduction for lowering your household income calculation. There is a handy USDA calculator that accounts for common deductions.
Your USDA lender can help define and calculate deductions so help them earn their paycheck.
Note: USDA does not maintain a centralized database with approved lenders. If you think this program could be a good fit for your scenario, just ask your current preferred lender about it.
This information isn’t all-encompassing, so spend some time speaking with a lender who’s fluent in USDA guidelines. When home buyers’ scenarios fit into this program, financing homeownership gets a little easier.
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Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com
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Spring cleaning is definitely a thing, but what about decluttering and renovating when fall sets in? If you’re thinking about redoing your home or adding some new pieces to your dwelling, now’s a great time to do it. Wayfair’s two-day Way Day sale is back for a second time. During the event, you can save up to 80% off furniture like tables, chairs, mirrors, appliances, and much more. And with how much you can save, you’ll want to stock up. The sale doesn’t officially kick off until October 26, but you can start shopping now!
Save up to 80% on furniture and home decor | Wayfair
You read that right. There are tons of early sales you can snap up right now and running through October 24. Then, you can rack up some serious savings from October 26 through Octover 27. There’s plenty to choose from. In fact, the most difficult part of the entire thing may very well be figuring out when to stop! Mark your calendar and pay off those credit cards, because you’re definitely going to want to shop around with all these sales abound.
Source: theinventory.com
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Whether you’re selling your home to begin a new adventure or refinancing your existing home, getting an appraisal with the value you want is an important hurdle to clear. You may feel that the appraisal process is out of your control, but there are many easy and inexpensive ways to get both yourself and your home ready.
We put together a checklist of our top tips below. But first, let’s quickly cover the basics of home appraisals.
What Is a Home Appraisal and Why Is It Important?
A home appraisal is an unbiased report on the value of your home performed by a trained and state-licensed individual. Appraisals are an essential part of the home financing process, ensuring the homebuyer, seller and mortgage lender each have an impartial, consistent and accurate assessment of the value of the property under consideration.
The lender is responsible for ensuring that your home provides adequate collateral for the mortgage. For most loans, the lender obtains a signed and completed appraisal report that accurately reflects the market value, condition and marketability of the property.
It’s the appraiser’s job to provide a factual, unbiased and detailed description of the property and the neighborhood. They must take into account all factors that influence a home’s value when developing the market value opinion in the appraisal report.
Home Appraisal Cost
While home appraisal costs can vary by state and property size, the fee can range between $300 and $1,200. Most fall somewhere around $600-$1,000, with costs based primarily on the geographical area of the home.
How Long Does a Home Appraisal Take?
From start to finish, the home appraisal process usually takes approximately 7-10 days to complete.
The required in-person visit by a home appraiser can take over an hour, depending on the size of your home. However, several other steps are involved in making an unbiased and professional assessment of your home’s value. Your appraiser will research trends, local county records and recently closed comparable homes in your area, known in the industry as “comps.”
Once your appraiser compiles and analyzes all the information and data, they will present a final report of your home’s value.
What Do Home Appraisers Look For?
A home appraiser uses several sources of information to determine a property’s value. As part of the assessment, the appraiser will visit the property in person and review recently completed sales of comparable homes. Common factors examined during home appraisals include:
Property size. In real estate appraisals, size significantly affects the final number. In general, the higher the square footage of a home, the higher its value. An appraiser will also look at the kitchen, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and closets.
Exterior condition. When assigning a value to your property, the appraiser will consider not only the exterior appearance of your home but also its condition. They will check the following:
- The condition of the roof, foundation, siding, gutters, chimney and walls, looking for signs of leaks, mold and other safety hazards
- Lot size, including front and backyard square footage
- Pool, outdoor kitchen, deck, porch and other amenities
Interior condition. Again, this refers not only to the appearance of the interior but also to the working condition of standard household assets such as:
- Plumbing
- Electrical and HVAC systems
- Doors and windows
- Light fixtures
- Any kitchen appliances to be included in the sale
Attic, basement and foundation. A finished basement or attic may impact a home’s value, but these areas must meet specific requirements to be considered part of the Gross Living Area (GLA). An appraiser will also evaluate your home’s foundation and its condition.
Home improvements and renovations. Tell your appraiser about any work or upgrades you have done to spruce up your home. This can include anything from the central air system you installed 10 years ago to the kitchen flooring and countertops you just renovated (along with the new oven and fridge to match, of course).
What Hurts a Home Appraisal?
If an appraisal is in your future, it’s essential to understand the factors that could negatively impact it, such as the following:
- Low-value comps and decreasing neighborhood property values
- Poorly maintained interior or exterior
- Age of the home
- Location, such as a flood zone or busy road
- Signs of mold, insect infestation, leaks or other safety concerns
- Issues with the home’s systems, such as plumbing, electric or HVAC
- Lack of parking
- Hazardous construction materials like lead paint or asbestos tile
- Outdated or faulty plumbing, electrical and heating systems
Some issues are in your control and some may not be. Whether you choose to address the correctable concerns or not, being aware of crucial appraisal criteria can help you avoid the potential unwelcome surprise of a lower-than-expected home value.
Top 7 Tips Home Appraisal Checklist
How does one best prepare for a home appraisal? We put together a checklist of common (and not-so-common) tips to help you get a high valuation from your appraiser.
1. Do Your Own Appraisal
Imagine that you are the appraiser. Walk around your home’s interior and exterior and really scrutinize it as if you were going to complete the appraisal report yourself. Take note of any obvious damage or deferred maintenance that needs your attention. Leaks, broken systems and damaged surfaces should all go on your list of things to repair.
Thoroughly inspect safety equipment like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and home security systems. Are they all functioning, or do parts or entire systems need to be replaced? Make a plan to repair these issues and clean up any cosmetic issues that may have occurred as a result.
2. Investigate Comps
Check out recent home sales in your neighborhood. What has the price range been for homes with features and updates similar to yours? The values of these comparable homes should be similar to what your home will appraise for. This information can help you know where to focus your time, efforts and funds.
If you know a neighbor (or real estate agent) who recently sold a home in your area, contact them to find out if there were any appraisal issues or insights that they can share.
If you’re working with a real estate agent, you can request that they collect some comps for you and your appraiser to review. Particularly if your home has unique or uncommon features, your agent may need to get creative while staying within the guidelines for selecting comps.
A quick way to get a rough idea of how much your home is worth is to use a home value estimator calculator. Add some basic information to gauge your home’s current value and view recent home sales in your area.
3. Get Superficial
Clean your house from top to bottom and remove extra clutter. Once you’ve scrubbed and straightened up everything possible, consider making some easy, low-cost cosmetic updates that can have a big impact, like the following:
- Paint or touch up existing paint
- Hang updated window treatments
- Replace worn faucets, doorknobs and cabinet hardware
If you’ve been planning to update your decor after you move, consider bringing in a few of the newer pieces to make the old house look fresh and modern. Downsizing or packing for a long-distance move? Ask your real estate agent if they have staging furnishings you can borrow or recommendations for a service you can use.
4. Make Your Outdoor Areas Truly Great
Now that your home’s interior looks fantastic, it’s time to pay attention to the exterior. Make sure that your landscaping is looking its best by doing the following:
- Mow your lawn, trim your trees and bushes
- Remove weeds and dead vegetation
- Add color with inexpensive, seasonal flowers in the spring, summer or fall, and ensure that snow removal is neat and tidy in the winter
You’ll also want to:
- Remove outdoor clutter, like yard tools and stray toys, from everywhere on the property
- Consider staging any outdoor living spaces with new furniture or accessories
- Power wash your home’s exterior, as well as your driveway and any deck or patio surfaces
- Ensure your pool is well-maintained and in safe operating condition
Most of this can be accomplished in a weekend, and the increased curb appeal will be worth it.
Check out expert tips for outdoor home renovations — you may find just the right improvement to increase your value!
5. Be Sure To Share Your Upgrades
Tell your home appraiser about the improvements you’ve made to your home. Inform them of upgrades like the following that will positively impact your appraisal value:
- New features that you have added, like a security system
- Updated HVAC units
- Exterior improvements like siding, gutters or a new roof
- High-value room remodels like kitchens and bathrooms
An easy way to make sure that your appraiser remembers all of these improvements is to create and share a short, one-page list detailing each. You should have this list ready in advance and include any applicable permit information.
6. Know Your Neighborhood
Make your appraiser aware of any recent improvements in your overall neighborhood. It’s worth mentioning things like:
- New or highly rated schools
- Parks
- Transportation enhancements
- Shopping
- Other beneficial amenities
These kinds of changes can add significant value to your home, and if your appraiser is not a local resident, they may not be aware of them. Appraisers are often familiar with the general area, but you probably know your specific neighborhood better than they do.
7. Stay Focused
While you are working your way through the tasks and updates listed above, it’s important to remember not to go overboard and take on too many projects. Invest your time, money and effort only on issues that clearly need attention. If you’re getting an appraisal for a home you’re selling, you most likely already have a buyer who liked your home enough in its current state to make an offer on it. Making unnecessary major changes could end up being a waste of your time and resources.
Your home’s selling price is affected by much more than just the appraisal! Find out how the time of year can increase your sale price.
Although it’s not possible to change your bungalow into a country estate overnight, taking the time to tackle a few strategic projects before your appraisal can help put you in a better position to get the outcome you want. If you’re ready to move or refinance the home you love living in, get a custom mortgage rate quote from Pennymac today. Our Loan Experts can answer your questions and help guide you through the mortgage loan process.
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Source: pennymac.com
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Buying a home is an exciting—and typically very expensive—venture. Understanding the mortgage process, your financial status, and what you really want and need in a home are all important to ensuring a desirable outcome when you begin your home search. But what you might not realize is that when you do find the home that ticks most of the boxes, you don’t necessarily have to pay what the seller is asking. Learn more about negotiating house prices below.
Tips for Negotiating House Price
Can You Offer Less Than Asking Price on a House?
It may feel odd to haggle over house price, but you can offer less than what the seller is asking for a home. That’s why it’s called making an offer. The seller doesn’t have to accept the offer, though, and you might find yourself entering into negotiations if you do want the home. During this process, it’s important to balance your desire for the home with a practical approach to how much you should, can, or even want to spend on it.
Tips for Negotiating House Prices
Knowing how to negotiate house price is important because it helps you get a better deal. But you aren’t the only one that might be making an offer, so you also want to follow some best practices so your dream home doesn’t get scooped up by someone else while you’re hedging your bets with the seller.
1. Partner with a real estate agent who can help.
You might start by entering the homebuying process with a bit of help. A qualified real estate agent can serve as your partner as you look for homes and make offers. Here are some of the services a real estate agent can do for you:
- Help you drill down to what you really want in a home
- Offer greater understanding of the local real estate market
- Find homes that meet your criteria that you might not know were for sale or be able to find otherwise
- Arrange showings
- Act as your go-between and advisor during negotiations with sellers
It’s important to note that not all real estate agents have negotiation experience or even offer this service in an aggressive manner. As a buyer hiring an agent, make sure you look for one with experience writing real estate contracts and negotiating on behalf of clients.
2. Understand how motivated the seller is.
Try to gauge how motivated a seller is to determine where you can start your negotiation. For example, a seller that must sell one home before buying another may be motivated to sell at anything but a loss. But one that doesn’t have to sell the home or is listing a property just to see if it might sell isn’t that motivated and may be able to reject any offer under asking price.
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A good real estate agent can also help you understand seller motivation. Here’s some information that can help you gauge it:
- How long the house has been on the market. In general, the longer a home is on the market, the likelier a seller is to accept a lower offer.
- How many offers have been made. If the seller hasn’t had any offers over a period of time, they may be more willing to consider yours. If they’ve declined many offers, it could be a sign they aren’t super motivated.
- Whether the seller is on a deadline. If the seller has to move or needs to sell the home in a short time period for any other reason, it may put you in a good position as a buyer.
- The home has been foreclosed on, which means the lender may be motivated to sell it to recoup whatever it can.
3. Be realistic with your offer.
Whatever state the markets and the seller are in, make sure you’re realistic when you make an offer. First, that means being realistic about what you can pay every month and whether you can get approved for a mortgage for the offer amount.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start negotiating can be a good idea. This process lets you know around what amount you’re likely to be approved for, how much down payment you might need, and whether you can get an interest rate that works for you. It also demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer and that you are likely to be able to obtain funding if your offer is accepted. That can make a difference in negotiations.
On the flip side, you should also be realistic about what the seller is likely to accept as an offer. Lowball offers can be seen as insulting and don’t set you on a good foundation for future negotiations.
What is considered a lowball offer? That varies, and your real estate agent can help you determine an appropriate offer in each case.
4. Show enthusiasm but don’t be too tied to the property.
The art of negotiation involves keeping a straight face, right? Actually, in the homebuying process, it might benefit you to demonstrate that you do really like the home in question. After all, the seller may have called this property home for a number of years and be personally attached to it. Selling it to someone else who will genuinely love and care for it could be important.
If it comes down to two similar offers from separate buyers and you’re the one who was delighted with the home and the seller saw you connect with the property, the odds might balance out in your favor. Just don’t overdo it and ensure that you’re making logical choices about financial matters no matter how much you love a house.
5. Put a deadline on the offer.
Finally, put a deadline on your offer. That helps reduce the chances that competing offers might come in and pushes the seller to make a decision or counteroffer so you can move on with the negotiation or your hunt for a different home.
What Else Can You Negotiate with Home Sellers?
If the seller’s firm on the price, you might be able to negotiate other things. Here are some tactics to consider:
- Ask the seller to pay some or all of the closing costs.
- Use the home inspection to point out items of concern and ask the seller to make repairs to the home in exchange for you paying the full asking price.
- Agree to make certain repairs yourself, but ask the seller to agree to a cash payout at closing. This means they come to closing with a check for you to cover the costs of the repairs.
- Get creative and ask the seller to leave certain appliances, such as a washer and dryer or refrigerator in the home.
Shop Mortgages Online
If you’re ready to buy your next home, you can start the mortgage process online. Follow these steps to get started.
- Check your credit. You can sign up for ExtraCredit to see 28 FICO® Scores, including those commonly used by mortgage lenders.
- Make sure your credit score is accurate by challenging inaccurate negative items, if necessary.
- Continue to make strong financial decisions to help boost your score so you stand a better chance at getting approved for a mortgage.
- Shop mortgage rates at Credit.com, get pre-approved or apply for a mortgage with one of our partner lenders.
Source: credit.com
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A new year often sparks urges for a refresh — toward healthy habits, goal setting, clutter clearing and bringing in more positive energy. For home decor enthusiasts, that all translates to the home, and often means clearing out the old and bringing in the new. Unlike fashion, though, home decor trends tend to take their time easing into major seasonal shifts (it’s easier and cheaper to swap out your wardrobe than your decor — sustainable too!). Some home decor trends that are here to stay going into 2024? Sustainability and indoor-outdoor living, the former driven by millennials and Gen Z, according to a new design report by global surfacing company Cosentino.
They pulled designer and homeowner data to forecast top trends for 2024 and beyond, along with insights from some of the country’s top designers. We asked some of our favorite designers too what they think will be hot next year. Here are new trends to watch and incorporate into your home – plus, rental hacks to try if you’re not down with a whole renovation!
Enter The “Spathroom”
Design: Devon Grace Interiors | Photo: Dustin Halleck
Spas are all about relaxation and self care, not rushing out in the morning to work. Big bathtubs, open showers, saunas, and spa-like amenities are all going to be a big trend in 2024. According to the report, designers and homeowners agreed that a spa-inspired bathroom was among their top 3 home priorities overall.
Photo by Viktorya Sergeeva for Pexels
Rental hack: If you’re not ready to remodel or you rent, things like marble or stone accessories, plants, and if there’s room, a chair or settee will give your bath an elevated sanctuary feel. Adding a bath shelf is an easy and affordable way to create an ultimate spa bath too!
Bold Dramatic Moves
Design: Maestri Studio | Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker
The neutral trend transitioned into more earthy tones in 2023 and will get even bolder come the new year. “I think 2024 is going to be all about bold, dramatic moves,” says Devon Wegman, founder and design director of Devon Grace Interiors in Chicago. “People are tired of playing it safe and sticking with neutrals, soft textures everywhere. Today, we’re incorporating more and more graphic stone, provocative artwork, area rugs and large statement chandeliers in spaces.”
Glam Metallics Are A Go
Cosentino Le Chic Eclectic Pearl Collection
Metallics always add a bit of luxe glamour to a space and 2024 takes them up a notch, using them in areas like kitchens and baths. According to the design report, designers chose metallic accents as their top up-and-coming trend, while homeowners rated it number two.
Photo by Sammsara Luxury Modern Home for Pexels
Rental hack:Add a vintage mirror, gold-based vase or lamps, or metallic drawer pulls to upgrade your decor.
Hotel Vibes
Design: JOSHUA SMITH | Photo: Lance Gerber
Travel can bring major inspo to your decor. According to the report, 70 percent of designers find inspiration from resorts and hotels. Look at bedding, art, and elegant details next time you’re staying at or just dining at a resort or hotel. Even a thoughtfully designed Airbnb can inspire your design to upgrade your personal home style.
Photo by Kader D. Kahraman for Pexels
Rental hack:“Grand, luxurious floral arrangements are a hallmark of hotel lobbies,” says Sarah Eilers of Houston-based Lucas/Eilers Design Associates. “Placing a floral arrangement on a console table or in an elegant vase in your entryway can set the tone for your entire home.”
Kitchen Is King
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
The central headquarters of any home, the kitchen remains a focal point for design. Homeowners are looking to upgrade their kitchens for their own use (the best appliances and conveniences) but also for entertaining their guests with comfortable spaces to sit and have conversation.
Investment in the kitchen remains the number one priority for homeowners and designers in terms of budget too. More than 80 percent of designers are now bringing kitchens to the backyard as well, says the Cosentino report.
Photo by Alexy Almond for Pexels
Rental hack: Bring in furniture you can take with you that creates an inviting space for you and your guest; add a chandelier or pendant to replace rental “boob” lights; and create a counter “scape” with cutting board, vase, and cookbooks as a focal point.
Brown In All Its Shades
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
“We’ll be drowning in brown in all the best ways in 2024,” says Brad Ramsey, principal and founder of Nashville-based Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Think about coffee, cappuccino, and lattes and how those warm colors hit the spot just like your afternoon Starbucks fix.”
Design: Living with Lolo | Photo: Life Created
Look to make brown your next color accent. Pair your woods and leathers with a complimentary color to offset the mix of brown tones. Greenery always helps to infuse more color too!
Patterns and Bold Marble
Design: Urbanology Designs | Photo: Matti Gresham
Designers all agree that the rustic farmhouse aesthetic is out for 2024. “I think it’s time for the coastal California look to step aside. This came in hot after Modern Farmhouse faded away, and I think people are ready for more drama and uniqueness,” adds Wegman. Don’t second guess yourself in 2024 in all the ways, including decor — the bolder you are, the better!
Biophilic Design Elements
Photo by Charlotte May for Pexels
Bring the outdoors in for a healthy, happy home in 2024. “Biophilic design will thrive in 2024,” says Ginger Curtis, CEO and founder of Urbanology Designs in Dallas. “This trend centers around bringing the outdoors inside, creating spaces that foster a stronger connection with nature. Expect to see more indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials like stone and wood, and large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the barrier between the interior and exterior.”
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Header image via Cosentino
Source: brit.co
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A stylish duplex loft with 14-foot ceilings and oversized windows in West Chelsea has recently landed on the market. And it has some star power to add to its appeal.
The New York City apartment — set in the former industrial-turned-luxury-condo Loft 25 building at 420 West 25th Street — was once owned by veteran actor Matthew Modine, and served as his home for close to five years.
Renowned for his versatile career, which spans iconic films and TV shows such as Full Metal Jacket, Birdy, and a captivating portrayal of Dr. Martin Brenner in the critically acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things, Modine also made an appearance in this summer’s blockbuster Christopher Nolan-directed movie, Oppenheimer.
In 2008, Modine acquired his stylish urban retreat, a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment with an exquisite private terrace. Set within the meticulously converted building that echoes the artistic spirit of Chelsea, the abode served as a tranquil haven for the actor during his time in the city.
Related: 10 Real-life Stranger Things houses & how much they’re worth
He then brought it to market in late 2012 and capitalized on his star power to attract buyers. How, you might ask?
Well, the movie and TV star narrated (and made a brief appearance) in the property’s video listing, going over some of the most notable features of his NYC abode. And it did the trick, as Modine sold the place in early 2013 for $2,175,000.
Now, 10 years after its former celebrity owner parted ways with the West Chelsea condo, the 1,668-square-foot unit is back on the market. The property is listed for $2.5 million with Jed Lewin, Esq. and Monica Park, both with The Agency.
Set in a converted industrial loft building in the heart of Chelsea’s vibrant Gallery District, the stylish unit has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1 half bath, and an open-concept living area accented by a ventless Carrara marble fireplace.
Fully renovated — with no expenses spared — the duplex loft features an impressive gourmet kitchen fitted with top-of-the-line appliances (Miele, Sub-Zero, Wolf), flowing Calacatta marble countertops, and ample storage.
Both bedrooms are generously sized, offering peaceful retreats with en-suite bathrooms adorned with exquisite Waterworks fixtures, according to the listing.
Tall, 14-foot ceilings and oversized windows that flood the space with natural southern light add to the loft’s appeal, as does the charming outdoor space, where we find a secluded retreat equipped with a full-sized grill.
Future owners and residents also get to enjoy all the perks that come with living in the Loft 25 building, and to immerse themselves in the West Chelsea art scene, with galleries and cultural venues just steps away.
A full-service luxury doorman condo, the building has a full-time staff, a live-in super, and a whole range of upscale amenities, including a gym, screening room, zen garden, and a 5,000-square-foot roof deck complete with gas grills, an outdoor shower, and panoramic views.
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Source: fancypantshomes.com
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Searching for a new apartment often takes a lot of time and research; in fact, it can be disheartening if you have a hard time finding an apartment you love. And that’s why winter is the best time to rent an apartment. You might be surprised at how easy it is to discover your next apartment, one that you can’t wait to turn into a home.
1. There often is lower demand in the winter
It’s no secret people love to move in the summer. The weather usually is great, the kids are out of school for families looking to relocate and there often is less demand on our time for other activities. In fact, 40 percent of all moves occur in the summer, with just 5% taking place in November and December. As a result, apartment shoppers can find some great apartments for rent, particularly new apartments that may be completed during the season.
2. You could find more options for apartment size, style
In tandem with lower demand, renters may find there is a wider variety of apartment sizes and styles available during the winter than in other seasons. Because demand is lower, it might be easier to find that two-bedroom apartment you wanted instead of having to settle for a one-bedroom unit. This also applies to those new apartments that are completed during the winter. That means you could land a great apartment with new appliances, updated finishes and special spaces such as a sunroom or screened porch.
3. There could be more availability with movers
Because people don’t move as often during the winter, you may be able to book your movers on your timetable instead of having to wait for one to become available. This is important so you can schedule the movers around your commitments and work schedule and don’t have to use valuable personal or vacation days for moving instead. Also, during this slower season, movers may not be as rushed, so might be less likely to damage your items.
4. You could have more time off to move
No one wants to spend their personal or vacation days moving instead of on a much-needed vacation. When moving in the winter, particularly around the holidays, you likely could have extra days off that won’t interfere with your PTO or vacation days. Although no one wants to spend their holidays moving, it could prove beneficial if you don’t have to take off extra time at work.
5. You could snag an apartment when a fall graduate vacates
Looking for an apartment near a college campus could be especially challenging because many, if not most, apartments are already booked from September through May. However, if you are moving to a college town during the winter, particularly in December or January, you could score an apartment when a fall graduate prepares to move out. After all, no landlord wants an apartment to sit empty until the new students arrive in August or September.
6. You could save money
While you may not be looking for a less expensive apartment, you could still score one during the winter. No landlord wants a vacant apartment, so it’s not uncommon for them to run rent specials during the winter when demand is low. This could range from waiving the security deposit to offering a free month of rent to reducing rent for the entire term of the rental agreement.
7. It’s a good time to negotiate preferred rental terms
Because landlords want to rent empty apartments during the winter, the tenant is in a good position to negotiate the rental agreement terms. This could include asking for a shorter- or longer-term lease, waiving fees such as those for pets or upgrading the appliances in the unit. If there’s something you want, now is the time to ask. The worst that could happen is the landlord says no.
Yes, winter is the best time to rent an apartment
As you can see, renting an apartment during the winter could provide many benefits, so don’t hesitate to start looking for a new apartment when the weather turns cold. You could end up scoring a hot deal on your next home.
Source: rent.com
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Ever wondered where Jen Landon — best known as “Teeter” from the immensely popular neo-Western drama series, Yellowstone — rests her head at night?
Landon, who first rose to fame playing Gwen Norbeck Munson in the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, a role that earned her three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series, owns a stylish architectural townhome in Venice, Calif., one that she’s now ready to part ways with. And it looks like she’s headed towards a speedy sale.
The Yellowstone actress listed her 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in mid-September, asking $1,795,000 for her stylish Venice pad. A couple of weeks later, the property is already under contract, with listing agents Katie Crain and John Podhor with Compass having already secured a buyer for the charming celebrity home.
Inside ‘Yellowstone’ actress Jen Landon’s house in Venice, Calif.
While it bears no resemblance to the sprawling Yellowstone ranch, Jen Landon’s house has quite a few noteworthy features, including a killer location in one of the most desirable pockets of Venice.
The 2-bedroom townhome is “perfectly located West of Lincoln and just a few blocks away from both Abbot Kinney and Rose Ave, close to the endless amount of incredible restaurants and shops that the neighborhood has to offer,” according to listing agent Katie Crain.
Built in 2009, the townhome sits behind lush bamboo hedges to ensure the utmost privacy for its current celebrity owner. And while it’s impressive by all accounts, the Yellowstone actress’s house is a refreshing change from the massive abodes Hollywood actors and TV stars tend to call home.
The home’s bright and eye-catching exterior fits right in with the vibrant, eclectic Venice community
The 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence boasts soaring ceilings, bamboo floors, and large glass windows throughout its somewhat modest 1,930 sq. ft.
The open living and dining areas flow seamlessly to an impressive kitchen that features PaperStone countertops, a breakfast bar, ample storage, and high-end appliances
The upstairs primary bedroom comes with a lounge area, custom closet, en-suite bathroom with a separate soaking tub, rain shower and dual vanity
The Venice townhouse has a generously sized rooftop deck with breathtaking 360-degree views, creating the perfect space for entertaining guests
The eco-friendly home’s expansive roof space can also be used to plant an edible garden, as it was designed and piped for this exact purpose
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Source: fancypantshomes.com
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I bought two laundromats over the last year and I have learned so much after diving into the business headfirst. I am not an expert on laundromats but I have learned enough to point out some of the pros and cons for someone thinking about geting into the business. I bought one of the laundromats with the real estate and the other I am leasing. There are pros and cons to both of those structures as well. I love the business and people can make a lot of money but it is not as easy as it may appear.
Why did I want to get into the laundromat business?
My main career is real estate. I own commercial, multifamily, and single-family rentals. I flip houses and I also own a real estate brokerage and have an online presence with this blog and social media. I have a successful YouTube channel and love doing different things. I have always wanted a brick-and-mortar business to go along with my real estate and online businesses. In 2022 I bought a building that came with a liquor store and a mini-mart. That has been a fantastic experience and I loved every inch of it. I also bought a bar in 2022 which was a horrible experience I never want to experience again!
Being in the online real estate niche I have met many interesting investors and business people including Brandon from Investment Joy who owns laundromats. I loved watching him collect quarters and it appeared his laundromats had done very well. I decided that would be a business I wanted to get into at some point even before I bought the liquor store. I even tried to turn one of the bars I bought into a laundromat without any success. Then I ended up buying an 8 plex with coin-op laundry and I realized how much I love collecting quarters.
I knew I wanted a laundromat but I was not sure how to get one because starting a laundromat is so difficult and I had never seen one for sale in my area before.
How to get started investing in real estate
Why did my first attempts at starting a laundromat fail?
Since I could not find any laundromats for sale I tried to start one from scratch. I had bought a building in a small town that used to be a bar but the bar shut down during covid. I was thinking of opening it back up as a bar again but that did not go as planned. There were no laundromats in this town or any of the other towns within 10 miles so I thought the area would work well.
I will be the first to tell you I was naive and in way over my head. I did not realize how hard it would be to start a laundromat from scratch. Here are some of the issues I ran into.
- The city wanted me to bring 2 shares of water to get a laundromat approved in my building. I am in Northern Colorado and that would have cost me $70k for each share if I could find them.
- To buy all new equipment (for a fairly small building) was going to cost me more than $200,000. Commercial washers and dryers are expensive and most companies offer financing for that reason.
- Not only did I need new equipment but I needed to upgrade the electrical, gas, and plumbing. Many of the big washers require 3-phase electricity.
- To run big machines you usually need a concrete slab to handle the weight and torque they produce. My building had wood floors with a crawl space.
After looking at the numbers, I knew there was no way this laundromat was ever going to make money if I financed all of the equipment and repairs. It was going to cost me close to $500k to start this laundromat in a building I already owned and it was not going to be very big. I thought I was being clever starting a laundromat and could not figure out why no one else had done it yet. I realized there was a reason very few people start new laundromats!
How did I find a laundromat for sale?
I put my dreams on hold for a while but as I was still very active in the real estate world. I post videos of all of my deals on my YouTube channel including my effort to start a laundromat that did not work.
Because of my videos, someone reached on on YouTube and said their family might have a laundromat for sale soon. This was a very small laundromat with a very small car wash in a small town but it was better than nothing. I talked to the person who said it might be for sale but we could not get a deal done. They wanted to trade a house for the property and I did not have anything they wanted.
Then about 6 months later, they reached back out and said they really wanted to sell now. It took months but eventually, we made a deal I was able to buy an existing building with a laundromat, a small apartment, a 2-bay car wash, and a 600 sqft shop. I paid $310,000 for everything which is not bad considering I am in Colorado where real estate is very expensive.
This laundromat had only top-loading washers and very old dryers but it has taught me a ton about the business. I am working on getting better machines for it now which is not easy to do!
What have I learned from my first laundromat?
There were many things I did not know about owning a laundromat before I bought it. I tend to jump into things before I know everything which can be good and bad. The previous owners gave me almost no information on the utilities, income, or the property at all. However, I knew the apartment, shop, and space where the laundromat was were worth what I paid even if the laundromat was not there.
Here are some key points I have learned so far. I will be totally honest and admit the business is not making money yet but I think it will eventually.
- Finding big machines is very hard! I thought it would be easy to find some of the bigger machines the other YouTube laundromat guys mention are their big money makers and it is not. The big companies with new or used machines will not even return my calls or emails because I am so small. I have found some bigger machines but I had to search far and wide for used machines from individuals in my state.
- Finding people to work on the machines is hard! I have called every appliance person I know in the area and most of them don’t work on appliances anymore and those that do won’t work on laundromats. I have found some people but they are pretty far away, charge me trip fees, and take their time. I found that most laundromat owners work on the machines themselves.
- The big machines are not a simple installation. I have a couple of larger machines but they need a concrete pad, 3 phase-electric, and someone who knows what they are doing. I am not sure my small laundromat will ever be able to use the big machines because it also has a wood floor with a crawl space.
- Finding parts to repair machines is hard! After finding some people who can work on the machines I ordered parts or tried to order parts for some of the broken machines I have. I actually took over a second laundromat with bigger machines and some of the parts needed are not being manufactured and are out of stock everywhere.
- Used machines are so much cheaper than new ones. While it is hard to find used equipment it does come up for sale occasionally. Some companies and people will tell you, you must have all new but I have found others who swear by used equipment. Instead of spending $200k you could spend $40k for the same machines but realize you may need to repair the older machines more often.
Conclusion
It took me a long time to find a laundromat, to learn the ins and outs, and to network with people in the industry. However, it has been a ton of fun and I have just scratched the surface of the industry. I plan to improve my laundromats and document everything I learn along the way. I took over the lease on a newer bigger laundromat this summer as well and I can’t wait to see how it does when we open. I found that laundromat through networking and people knowing I was looking for machines from my YouTube videos.
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Source: investfourmore.com