new house

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

After a boost in July, the sales pace of new homes slowed in August, according to data published on Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

In August, the sales pace of new homes fell 8.7% compared to July, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 675,000. On a year-over-year basis, new home sales were up 5.8%.

However, mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 4% between July and August, the strongest pace of sales in three months.

“Homebuilders are still benefiting from very low inventory of existing homes for sale, which has driven more buyers to consider new construction,” Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant said. “But with mortgage rates elevated and home prices high, affordability is a growing concern for home buyers.”

​​The median sales price of a new house sold in August 2023 was $430,300, while the average sales price was $514,000. The seasonally‐adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of August was 436,000.  At the current sales rate, this represents a supply of 7.8 months.

The inventory of unsold new homes is at its highest since December, Holden Lewis, home expert at NerdWallet said, and builders will be motivated to offer incentives to get them sold.

“Look for a resurgence of mortgage-rate buydowns, in which the sellers give buyers a break on the monthly payments for the first one to three years,” he added. 

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

A couple of closely followed mortgage rates sank over the last seven days. Average 15-year fixed mortgage rates climbed, while average 30-year fixed mortgage rates shrank, while The average rate of the most common type of variable-rate mortgage, the 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage, decreased.

As inflation surged in 2022, so too did mortgage rates. To rein in price growth, the Federal Reserve began bumping up its federal funds rate — a short-term interest rate that determines what banks charge each other to borrow money. By making it more expensive to borrow, the central bank’s goal is to reduce prices by curtailing consumer spending.

During its July 26 meeting, the Fed initiated a 25-basis point (or 0.25%) hike to its federal funds rate, marking its 11th increase in the current rate hiking cycle. The most recent increase could have an impact on mortgage rates, but experts say the markets may have already factored it into rates.

About these rates: Like CNET, Bankrate is owned by Red Ventures. This tool features partner rates from lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates.

“Mortgage rates will continue to ebb and flow week to week, but ultimately, I think rates will stick to that 6% to 7% range we’re seeing now,” said Jacob Channel, senior economist at loan marketplace LendingTree.

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates directly, but it does play an influential role. Mortgage rates move around on a daily basis in response to a range of economic factors, including inflation, employment and the broader outlook for the economy. A lower inflation rate is good news for mortgage rates, but the potential for additional hikes from the central bank this year will keep upward pressure on already high rates.

Rather than worrying about mortgage rates, though, homebuyers should focus on what they can control: getting the best rate they can for their financial situation.

To increase your odds at qualifying for the lowest rate available, take the steps necessary to improve your credit score and to save for a down payment. Also, be sure to compare the rates and fees from multiple lenders to get the best deal. Looking at the annual percentage rate, or APR, will show you the total cost of borrowing and help you make an apples-to-apples comparison among lenders.

30-year fixed-rate mortgages

The average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate is 7.55%, which is a decrease of 1 basis point from seven days ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) The most common loan term is a 30-year fixed mortgage. A 30-year fixed mortgage will usually have a greater interest rate than a 15-year fixed rate mortgage — but also a lower monthly payment. Although you’ll pay more interest over time — you’re paying off your loan over a longer timeframe — if you’re looking for a lower monthly payment, a 30-year fixed mortgage may be a good option.

15-year fixed-rate mortgages

The average rate for a 15-year, fixed mortgage is 6.80%, which is an increase of 1 basis point from the same time last week. Compared to a 30-year fixed mortgage, a 15-year fixed mortgage with the same loan value and interest rate will have a bigger monthly payment. However, as long as you’re able to afford the monthly payments, there are several benefits to a 15-year loan. These include typically being able to get a lower interest rate, paying off your mortgage sooner, and paying less total interest in the long run.

5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages

A 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage has an average rate of 6.53%, a downtick of 3 basis points compared to a week ago. You’ll typically get a lower interest rate (compared to a 30-year fixed mortgage) with a 5/1 ARM in the first five years of the mortgage. But changes in the market could cause your interest rate to increase after that time, as detailed in the terms of your loan. For borrowers who plan to sell or refinance their house before the rate changes, an adjustable-rate mortgage could be a good option. Otherwise, changes in the market mean your interest rate may be significantly higher once the rate adjusts.

Mortgage rate trends

Mortgage rates were historically low throughout most of 2020 and 2021, but increased steadily throughout 2022 as the Federal Reserve began aggressively hiking interest rates. Now, mortgage rates are well above where they were a year ago. What does this mean for homebuyers this year?

“Mortgage rates have hovered in the 6% to 7% range for the past 10 months. Though home prices have softened slightly nationally, the still-high cost of borrowing means hopeful home buyers have felt little relief,” said Hannah Jones, economic research analyst at Realtor.com.

However, if inflation continues to decline and the Fed is able to hold rates where they are and eventually cut them, mortgage rates are likely to decrease slightly in 2023. However, they’re highly unlikely to return to the rock-bottom levels of just a few years ago.

The most recent housing forecast from Fannie Mae calls for the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to close out the year at around 6.6%.

“Mortgage rates have been volatile for some time now and while they could eventually start trending down over the next six months to a year as inflation growth continues to cool, their path is probably going to be bumpy,” Channel said.

We use information collected by Bankrate to track changes in these daily rates. This table summarizes the average rates offered by lenders across the US:

Today’s mortgage interest rates

Loan term Today’s Rate Last week Change
30-year mortgage rate 7.55% 7.56% -0.01
15-year fixed rate 6.80% 6.79% +0.01
30-year jumbo mortgage rate 7.58% 7.58% N/C
30-year mortgage refinance rate 7.73% 7.75% -0.02

Rates as of Sept. 18, 2023.

How to find personalized mortgage rates

To find a personalized mortgage rate, speak to your local mortgage broker or use an online mortgage service. Make sure to take into account your current finances and your goals when trying to find a mortgage.

Specific mortgage interest rates will vary based on factors including credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio and loan-to-value ratio. Generally, you want a good credit score, a higher down payment, a lower DTI and a lower LTV to get a lower interest rate.

The interest rate isn’t the only factor that affects the cost of your home. Be sure to also consider additional factors such as fees, closing costs, taxes and discount points. Make sure you speak with a variety of lenders — like local and national banks, credit unions and online lenders — and comparison shop to find the best mortgage loan for you.

What is a good loan term?

One important consideration when choosing a mortgage is the loan term, or payment schedule. The loan terms most commonly offered are 15 years and 30 years, although you can also find 10-, 20- and 40-year mortgages. Mortgages are further divided into fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. For fixed-rate mortgages, interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan. Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rates for an adjustable-rate mortgage are only the same for a certain amount of time (commonly five, seven or 10 years). After that, the rate changes annually based on the current interest rate in the market.

One thing to think about when choosing between a fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage is the length of time you plan on living in your home. For people who plan on living long-term in a new house, fixed-rate mortgages may be the better option. While adjustable-rate mortgages might have lower interest rates upfront, fixed-rate mortgages are more stable over time. If you aren’t planning to keep your new home for more than three to 10 years, though, an adjustable-rate mortgage may give you a better deal. There is no best loan term as a general rule; it all depends on your goals and your current financial situation. Be sure to do your research and know what’s most important to you when choosing a mortgage.

Source: cnet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Posted on: September 18, 2023

The Federal Open Market Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2023. A policy update, which will include any rate adjustments, is expected to be announced on September 20. As the next meeting date approaches, all eyes are on the decision-makers at the Federal Reserve.

Let’s explore what experts expect in the coming meeting and what that could mean for home buyers.

Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Sep 18th, 2023)

What the experts expect

The CME FedWatch Tool, a tool investors use to predict Fed policy changes, indicates that there is over a 90% chance that the Fed will keep interest rates the same at the meeting later this month. As of September 6, there’s less than a 10% chance the Fed will increase the federal funds rate.

Although this tool is helpful, it’s not a foolproof estimation. In August, Jerome H. Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, made a speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium. Powell kicked things off by saying, “It is the Fed’s job to bring inflation down to our 2 percent goal, and we will do so. We have tightened policy significantly over the past year. Although inflation has moved down from its peak — a welcome development — it remains too high. We are prepared to raise rates further if appropriate, and intend to hold policy at a restrictive level until we are confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward our objective.”

It’s impossible to know what will ultimately come out of the FOMC meeting. But many expect rates to stand where they are.

Could mortgage rates fall?

Mortgage interest rates have been on the rise since March 2022. Until that point, American home buyers were enjoying historically low interest rates on home loans. But that all changed when interest rates started climbing.

Since March 2022, mortgage interest rates have increased dramatically. From an average of 3.76% on 30-year fixed-rate loans in March 2022, rates are currently sitting at 7.18% for the same loan type. Rising rates mean more expensive loan options for prospective homeowners. In some households, higher interest rates have put a home purchase out of reach.

If the Federal Reserve pauses its ongoing battle against inflation, interest rates will remain steady at the upcoming meeting. For potential home buyers, this pause will allow mortgage rates to remain where they are for now. The interest rate stability could be a game-changer for anyone looking to buy a home.

Beyond holding rates steady, some experts foresee a pause in interest rate hikes, leading to a drop in home loan interest rates. More stability in the market could allow lenders to offer slightly lower rates for home buyers.

Check your VA mortgage rates. Start here (Sep 18th, 2023)

What this means for you

If you are looking to take out a loan of any kind, a pause on interest rate hikes is a welcome reprieve. At the very least, you won’t face any higher interest rates. But in the best-case scenario, you can take advantage of the market’s temporary stability to lock in a slightly lower interest rate.

For anyone looking to purchase a home, a pause in rate hikes could be the signal that the cooling housing market has been waiting for. Any dip in mortgage rates could reignite the hot market conditions that persisted throughout 2021.

If you want to make a mortgage move, by either purchasing a new house or refinancing your current mortgage loan, a pause on interest rate hikes might be the appropriate time to act on your plans.

Future rate hikes

If the Federal Reserve doesn’t increase interest rates at the upcoming meeting, it will mark a big change. We’ve been seeing rates climb for over a year. A pause to higher rates would be a welcome reprieve.

Of course, we can only wait to see what the Fed will do at the next meeting. But even if interest rate hikes are paused for this meeting, it’s possible rate hikes will continue at the next meeting. After all, Powell’s recent speech made it clear that taming inflation is still the top priority for the Federal Reserve.

If you are planning to take out a home loan in the near future, keeping an eye on the changing interest rate market could make a big difference. A higher interest rate could eat into your home purchase budget, which means locking in the lowest possible rate is critical.

Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Sep 18th, 2023)

Source: militaryvaloan.com

Apache is functioning normally

Deciding whether to transform your current house into your ideal home or start over with a fresh new space requires careful thought and consideration. There are two options to consider — stay and renovate or move to find something more suitable for your needs. This choice may make some people feel like they are at a crossroads.

Here are some steps you can take to help guide this important decision.

Get an Idea of How Much You Can Afford

If you’re considering moving, it’s important to understand how much of a mortgage you’ll qualify for and how much you can afford to spend on your new home. Connecting with a lender like Pennymac is a great first step. Our Home Connect resource can help set you up for success if and when you’re ready to begin your home search. Explore mortgage options, get BuyerReady Certified and receive advice from trusted real estate professionals.

Get a Comparative Home Analysis

Ask a realtor to provide you with a comparative home analysis to estimate the value of your current home. Determine if your home’s features align with your desires and needs. For example, do you need an extra bedroom to accommodate a new member of the household or your new work-from-home plans?

Understand Your Location Limits

Do you love where you live right now? Suppose you adore your neighborhood or town, but your house just isn’t appropriately sized for you and your loved ones. In that case, consider adding on to your house, whether that’s another bathroom or a second story.

On the other hand, If you have children, you may weigh the desire for a new school district with better academic programs. Or maybe you want to move closer to work. It really boils down to what your main priorities are.

If you’re looking to move to a larger home, keep in mind that a bigger house in your preferred area will likely have higher taxes, utility bills, homeowners insurance premiums and maintenance upkeep costs. On the flip side, if a move means you’ll have a shorter commute, you will save time and transportation costs. Prioritizing your location needs and determining what you are willing to spend or sacrifice to achieve your goals will help influence your decision.

Renovation Reality Check

Choosing whether to remodel or move depends on a lot of factors. Can you be creative with your existing rooms and make relatively easy and straightforward renovations, or are your requirements complex, expensive and challenging to complete?

Hire an architect or contractor to help pinpoint issues with your current house and decide what you need from your home. Want to add a second story? Get estimates on how long that might take and how much it might cost, and determine if you’re okay with living through such a major renovation.

Understanding Your Time Commitment Matters

Buying and selling at the same time can be a lengthy process. Organizing your home and putting it on the market can take months, plus there can be some financial and emotional uncertainty when buying and selling. It may take time to get the sale price you want and to find your ideal next home.

If you decide to move forward with buying and selling your home simultaneously, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent and have a plan for how you’ll manage the process. Timing everything right is essential since you don’t want to be paying two mortgages at once if you’re still waiting to sell your current home.

You’ll also want a savings buffer to help financially manage any complications or slowdowns. For example, you may need to temporarily stay in a hotel or put your furniture in storage.

Contingency Acceptance

A contingency clause in real estate is part of a purchase agreement that outlines specific conditions that must be met in order for the contract to be valid and binding. In some markets, home sale contingency offers are allowed, which means your bid for a house is contingent on the sale of your former abode.

In other markets, home buyer-feeding frenzies can prohibit contingent offers. When you put your house on the market, you have to decide if you’ll buy a new house first or make a contingent offer. If contingent offers are out of the question, you may require a temporary rental after escrow closes on your old home and you’re still looking for your next one.

Closing Costs

In addition to your down payment, you’ll have to pay closing costs, just like you did when you purchased your existing home. After figuring in closing costs, commission, title insurance and additional transaction costs involved in your home sale and purchase, it may be much less expensive to stay in your house and renovate. So don’t forget to calculate closing costs when deciding whether or not to move, but don’t hesitate to negotiate any of those costs either.

Current vs. Past Mortgage Rate, Cash-Out Refinance and Second Mortgage Considerations

A cash-out refinance is when a homeowner refinances their existing mortgage, taking out a new loan for more money than they currently owe. The difference between the new loan amount and the old mortgage balance is given to the homeowner in cash. This allows the homeowner to tap into their home’s equity and use the money for various purposes, including home renovations.

If you have a higher interest rate than the current market, compare keeping your mortgage — and perhaps refinancing at a lower rate and taking cash out to make upgrades — to getting a new house with a new mortgage at a lower rate.

Either way, a lower-rate market can prove to be very favorable whether you stay and renovate or go and start fresh.

However, if your current rate is lower than the current market, it may be in your best interest to explore a second mortgage option that allows you to access the equity in your home while maintaining your low rate on the first.

Evaluate Your Motivators to Move

Many individuals who decide to sell have outgrown their current house and don’t want to build an addition or are too busy to manage an extensive renovation project. There are also those homeowners who have too small a lot to work with, need to move closer to work or are not that vested in remaining in the neighborhood.

Aside from the desire to upsize your home, some other motivators for selling can be:

  • The need for a less expensive home
  • Readiness to downsize
  • The ability to pay cash for the next home
  • The want or need to relocate for a job, school district, family situation, better climate, etc.
  • Favorable market conditions

Identifying the primary motivators for your move can help you decide if you should sell your house now or wait.

Ready to Downsize?

Those in a life stage where they are often uniquely ready to leave behind the maintenance of their current home. Trading in the three-bedroom house for a low-up keep city condo provides more opportunities for enjoying the retirement years.

Here are some signs downsizing may be right for you:

  • Housing expenses have increased and you want to cut costs
  • There are unused rooms in your home
  • You desire a more low-maintenance lifestyle
  • You want a change, such as being closer to family, relocating to a different climate or moving into an amenity-filled active community.

So, What Is the Bottom Line? Should I Sell My House Now?

Making a final decision as to whether or not you should sell your house is as personal and individual as the home you’re thinking about giving up or buying. But with the right calculations and information, you’re closer to finding a long-term solution that will work best for you. Ready to sell your home and begin looking for your new one? Chat with a Pennymac Loan Expert, or use one of our mortgage calculators and start your home buying journey today.

Share

Categories

buying a home selling a home home improvement renovations real estate

Source: pennymac.com

Apache is functioning normally

In the picturesque landscapes of Connecticut, from vibrant cities like Hartford to scenic towns like Mystic, the real estate market thrives on details that span centuries of architectural evolution. Navigating this market, especially the home inspection phase, becomes a crucial endeavor for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, a home inspection can illuminate potential issues, ensuring they make a well-informed investment. For sellers, it provides a transparent platform to address any concerns and validate their asking price.

This Redfin article is designed to illuminate the significance of home inspections in Connecticut and offer invaluable expert insights to prospective homebuyers and sellers. Let’s delve into the essential factors you should keep in mind.

DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images

Why should you get a home inspection in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a state rich in architectural history and diverse in its landscape, obtaining a home inspection is paramount for both buyers and sellers. The state is home to properties that range from historic colonial estates to modern builds, each with its unique set of attributes and potential concerns. Given the region’s varied weather patterns, homes may be subjected to conditions that can affect their structure, from heavy snowfall to coastal storm surges.

“Home inspections have unbelievable value. A good home inspection provides the consumer a detailed report on what systems are working well and which ones are not, without the interest of selling a contracting service. Whether it’s an ‘as is’ or full contingency inspection, it’s the best opportunity to really understand the pros and cons of your investment,” recommends JPL Inspectors.

“Conducting an inspection with a licensed property inspector can potentially save a buyer tens of thousands of dollars with the information provided,” recommends Compass Property Inspections. 

Are there any specialized inspections that Connecticut buyers should consider?

In Connecticut, given its mix of old and new properties and unique environmental factors, buyers should consider several specialized inspections. Older homes might need a thorough structural assessment to pinpoint age-related issues or outdated construction techniques. Coastal or flood-prone properties can benefit from a flood risk evaluation. Given the state’s climate, checks for mold or moisture, particularly in basements or attics, are valuable. Homes with wells should undergo water quality tests.

“An issue we do encounter relatively often in Connecticut is high radon. Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible radioactive gas naturally released from rocks and soil into the home. A radon test should always be offered during the home inspection. Most home buyers choose to test, just to be safe,” suggests Mark’s Inspections. “Something else you always want to look out for is evidence of an underground oil tank. Buyers will not be able to transfer a sale if there is an underground oil tank present.”

Are home inspections required in Connecticut?

“While a home inspection is not required legally or mandated in the state of Connecticut, it is an essential step in the whole home buying process and should be performed as soon as you are ready to put an offer in. A good home inspector can help you avoid the costly mistake of buying a property in need of expensive repairs,” shares Sonic Home Inspections.

“A home may look good to a buyer but only a home inspection can uncover some costly issues that may not be so readily visible to an untrained eye,” continues Sonic Home Inspections. “The most frequent issues found in homes in Connecticut have to do with some sort of moisture intrusion. Whether it’s issues in the foundation due to moisture intrusion or perhaps issues in the attic due to leaky roofs moisture intrusion is the most common issue found in homes in CT.” 

“While you aren’t necessarily required to do a home inspection when buying or selling a home in Connecticut, it’s a financially smart thing to do to insure your safety and comfort,” National Property Inspections.

“For example, if you move into your new house and the HVAC system fails, you have to pay for the repairs out of your pocket. If you conducted an inspection and found out the HVAC system needs repairs, you could have saved thousands by either requesting a price credit for the issue, or have the seller make repairs before the closing at no cost to you.”

How much does a home inspection cost in Connecticut?

“Home inspection costs can range anywhere from $300 for a small coop to thousands, it really depends on the property being inspected. On average though, a home inspection should cost between $600-$700 for a single family home,” says Mark’s Inspections.

Can you sell a house in Connecticut without an inspection?

Yes, in Connecticut, you can sell a house without an inspection. A home inspection is primarily for the benefit of the buyer, giving them a clear understanding of the property’s condition before finalizing the purchase. It’s worth noting that while a seller might not initiate an inspection, a buyer will likely request one as a condition of the purchase agreement. If significant issues are discovered during the buyer’s inspection, it could lead to negotiations or even the buyer backing out of the deal. Therefore, some sellers opt for a pre-listing inspection to identify and address potential problems beforehand, ensuring a smoother sales process.

“With a highly-competitive housing market driven by high-demand and limited inventory, waiving home inspections has become a trend to make buyer’s offers more appealing. This is a high risk for buyers to take, and is something I do not recommend due to the liability and risks it brings,” advises Prime Home Inspecting. “Skipping an inspection is like buying a car without looking under the hood or taking it for a test drive. It’s simply a matter of you don’t know what you don’t know.”

Expert advice for Connecticut buyers before they get a home inspection

“A septic system replacement is one of the costliest repairs a homeowner can incur, so skipping a septic system inspection when buying a home is not advised. Although not required, we strongly suggest pumping out the tank at the time of the septic inspection to properly check for any cracks, leaks, or deterioration in the septic tank. The extra dollars spent on the septic pumping could save you thousands if any issues are present,” says Skips Wastewater Services.

Connecticut home inspection: the bottom line

Buyers and sellers alike must be mindful of the specific conditions, from coastal influences to the state’s varying climate, that can impact a property’s integrity. Ultimately, a comprehensive home inspection isn’t just a procedural step in Connecticut—it’s an essential tool that ensures transparency, trust, and a smooth transaction.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Moving home is such an exciting time. I am a bit of a moving addict actually, it comes with the territory of being a serial renter. I would get so excited about starting over with my interior design style, choosing new sheets, picking out new prints, and deciding what style of rug would suit my new place best.

And after years of moving, I have worked out what pieces are the most important. I have noticed what pieces come with from home to home, and what’s made it out of the rentals and finally into my own space with me. 

interior trends, so it can be tricky investing in pieces for a new home that will stand the test of time. But as both a pro home mover and the Head of Design at Homes & Gardens, I feel equipped enough to share with you the new house decor buys I have never regretted buying. And yes, they are purely aesthetical decor, and of course, you want to be making practical investments like the best mattress, and good quality kitchen appliances too, but I think investing in decor is equally important when shopping for a new home.

What to buy for a new home

Moving into a new home can be a stressful time, so I do think it’s important to allow yourself to get a bit excited about investing in new timeless pieces and treating yourself to decor that’s going to instantly elevate your home and make the new space feel more like you. 

Some of these buys are ones I think have longevity and will stay with you move after move, but I’ve also pieces I think are key to making a house feel like a home and for me are the first things I pull out of the boxes when I get to a new space.

West Elm Jute Boucle Rug

Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror

Wall decor ideas are always something I focus on in a new home. Bare walls can be quite intense when you are faced with how to fill all that blank space. But I think mirrors are far easier to shop for and get right, than prints. Print trends come and go and it can take time to find pieces you really love and stay with you, but mirrors have more longevity, mirror trends don’t switch up all that often, and I’ve found the mirrors I have invested in have stood the test of time.

Case in point, the Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror. It lived leaning up against a wall in one of my apartments and it still worked.

Pom Pom At Home Chatham Cotton Matelasse Coverlet

best bed sheets are always worth in investing in for a new home. I recommend stocking up on a few sets in seasonal sales, so you can always have a nice set on rotation. Again, like with the rugs I like to have mostly plain, simple bedding that can adapt to my ever-changing tastes and interior design trends. You can always switch up the look with cushions and throws too.

I like that this set as it has a subtle texture to it, it adds interest without the need for color or a bold pattern. It would love wonderful layering up with both soft neutrals and brighter colors depending on the look you want to achieve. 

Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Marana Table Lamp

home feel more cozy. In fact, lamps are the first thing I unpack. I dot them around my new space and they even make a sea of boxes look more inviting. I have found the lighting that I have bought and never regretted are table and floor lamps. I’ve left ceiling lamps and light shades behind before, but never my accent lighting.

CB2 White Picture Frame

Anthropologie Glenna Platter

kitchen countertops and add them to kitchen shelving with my cookbooks.

A Table Full of Love by Sky McApline

Crate and Barrel Edge Drink Glasses

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle

best candles I never regret buying are ones that double up as decor and can be on show all the time. 

Diptyque candles instantly elevate a space, and when moving I always unpack them pretty quickly and dot them around surfaces to make the chaos feel slightly calmer and more sophisticated. Diptyque’s ‘Feu de Bois’ is ideal for this time of year, smokey and woodsy and delicious.  

So there is my list of new home buys I think are essential. A mix of both investment pieces that every new home should have, and small items that you should treat yourself to to instantly make your space feel more like home. I will say when moving into a new home, do spend a bit of time in the space before buying anything new, the pieces I don’t regret buying are ones I have mulled over, or have had a vision that I know I will love for years to come, not just panic bought because something is on trend or because I am desperate to fill a blank space.  

Source: homesandgardens.com