5 Ways To Create Your Perfect Home Office

Remote jobs are becoming more and more common. Because of that, more and more people are in need of a home office. Whether you regularly bring home projects from the office or you work remotely from home full-time, being productive in a home office is always significantly more fun when your space is functional, personalized, and cozy. Here are five ways to create a spectacular home office that will make you look forward to the start of your work day.

1. Stock the essentials.
Do you have a spacious desk and a functional, comfortable chair? Does your office have a closing door? Those are essential elements of a good workspace. In addition, adequate lighting and sufficient storage are almost always necessary.

2. Choose a desk.
You can easily find a desk at a furniture store. OfficeMax and Target also have a variety of great options. You also might want to consider a secondhand desk, or a flea market find that just needs to be touched up.

3. Choose a chair.
For your desk, pick a chair that has an adjustable seat and armrests. If you need additional padding for spine comfort, you can find back and neck pillows on Amazon. If your office has room, consider adding a lounge chair for coffee and reading breaks.

4. Don’t forget the small details.
Make a list of everything you need, from pens and a stapler to file folders. Purchase the necessities in your favorite color palette. Add some framed artwork or personal photos to make your space feel cozy and comfortable. If you want to go the extra mile, layer a soft area rug under your desk.

5. Choose lighting.
Natural light is great, but you’ll need ambient and task lighting as well. Here is another opportunity to add a bit of personal style to your space via lamp shades, crystals and fixture finishes. Watch out for the possibility of glare, especially when finding a place for your computer screen.

If your office space doesn’t have a door, you can establish a sense of privacy by the way you orient your work surface or by using a screen or file cabinets to mark off the area.

3 Typical Moving Nightmares (and How to Avoid Them)

Moving is usually an extremely stressful experience. Problems can happen at every twist and turn, but fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent them. Here are three moving nightmares you might encounter, as well as smart ways to avoid them.

Bad Movers

• The movers show up late. Regardless of their excuses, the result will be unnecessary stress and wasted time.
• The movers are careless. If they’re inexperienced or lack proper equipment, your move can quickly turn into a worrisome nightmare.
• The movers are scammers. Moving scams often involve costs that are significantly more than you expected, as well as items being held hostage until you pay an extra “fee”. Make sure you go with a moving company that has a good reputation to avoid this situation.

Fortunately, you can avoid all of these moving nightmares with careful research. Before you hire anyone, make sure they’re licensed and experienced. You may also want to consider insurance for your belongings.

Traffic Issues

• Traffic jams and accidents. Depending on how bad the traffic jam is, there might not be enough time to complete your move on the day you planned. The scenario can get even worse, though, if the moving truck is involved in an accident. Your possessions could be badly damaged or destroyed.
• Breakdown. If the moving truck breaks down while traveling to your new home, you’ll have to wait for the moving company to send a new truck. Your items will have to be transferred again, and this can result in unexpected damage.
• Parking problems. The moving truck may have to circle the neighborhood for a ridiculously long time until they can find parking. In this situation, you’ll likely have to pay an extra fee for the delay.

There’s nothing you can do to prevent accidents and breakdowns. However, you can try to reserve a parking space near your old and new homes, and choose a moving company with experienced drivers.

Poor Organization

• Packing chaos. You might pack more than you imagined/discussed with the movers, and not everything will fit on the truck. Even worse, you might not be ready when the movers arrive. These situations will result in lost time and money.
• Furniture issues. If your large furniture doesn’t fit through the doors or up the stairs, you’re going to have major problems.
• Paperwork problems. If you forget to transfer your utilities, they won’t be turned on when you need them. If you forget to forward your mail, it won’t be delivered to your new home. If you forget to update your driver’s license, you could be fined.
• Spending too much. If you fail to create a budget or book the movers at the last minute, you’ll end up paying more than you wanted.
• Safety issues. Getting hurt is one of the worst things that can happen on moving day. Make every effort to prevent this worst case scenario.

The only way to prevent problems when moving is to plan your relocation with extensive detail and account for every possibility that might occur. Otherwise, you might find yourself with a moving nightmare on your hands.

Selling This Spring: 3 Challenges You’ll Face

The spring real estate market is in full swing! Because of this, both local and national demographics are changing. If you’re planning to sell, remember to keep track of the latest real estate movements. If you do, you’ll ensure a smooth sale. Here are three challenges that could likely impact sellers this spring.

1. The market is slowing down. Affordability concerns and rising rates are causing slower activity. This makes it even more important for sellers to perform significant renovations to help them stand out from other properties. This also means that high quality listing photos, intriguing open houses, and a willingness to negotiate are essential.
2. Market demographics are changing. Millennials are rushing to buy homes, and their pace and expectations are vastly different from previous generations, especially baby boomers. Millennial buyers desire certain upgrades and floor plans. They also have extremely high standards. They know what they want, and they’re money-conscious. It’s extremely important to understand market demographics when you’re trying to sell your home.
3. Impact of the “HGTV generation.” You might wonder why current buyers are so knowledgable, and the answer will probably surprise you: real estate TV shows and channels. Buyers are more meticulous about materials and finishes than previous generations, and they’re more wary of home inspection items. Upgrades are now seen as standard, and for sellers, it’s more intimidating than ever to decide on renovations that will result in a return on investment.

The real estate market is still a seller’s game, but sellers have to work harder to get the price they want. If you’re planning to put your home on the market, make sure your home is current and upgraded to attract the growing millennial market of buyers.

5 Interior Design Tips For Students On a Budget

You’re finally adulting! You’re no longer in your parents’ house or a cramped dorm. You have an actual apartment. So, what do you do next? Decorate, of course! Remember, it’s going to take a little while for your new place to feel like home. Here are five interior design tips to inspire your journey.

1. Be cautious with colors.
Be careful not to add too many colors to your apartment, especially if you’re starting with a clean slate. If you go color crazy, your space will resemble a dorm room, and that’s probably not what you want. If you want your apartment to feel more mature, stick to neutral colors, and then mix in one bright color you really enjoy.

2. Add window treatments.
Blinds and curtains add privacy. They also make your apartment feel cozy and put together. People frequently overlook their windows, so be sure to keep yours in mind as you decorate.

3. Hang art like an expert.
It’s common to hang posters with thumbtacks in dorm rooms, but the same rules won’t apply in your apartment. Invest in some quality nails, screws, adhesives, and hooks to hang artwork like a professional. Just check with your landlord to make sure you’re allowed to put holes in the walls.

4. Pick out an area rug.
Whether you need to cover cold hardwood flooring or stained carpet, the right area rug will make a huge difference in your apartment. They add texture and color without completely overwhelming a room. Make sure you choose one that matches your color scheme.

5. Coordinate your furniture.
Secondhand furniture will definitely give your space character, but be careful that you don’t go overboard. Curating a trendy but classic apartment is all about experimentation. You might have to play with a few different arrangements before you get it just right.

4 Tips To Get Ahead In Real Estate Investment

The number of real estate buyers in the United States has doubled over the last four years. Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon. This recent spike isn’t surprising, though. Because of the looming gap between the average income and rental costs, more and more people are using investment properties to increase their pay. In turn, this allows them to both own real estate and use it as a financial asset.

1. Get educated.
Before you purchase an investment property, it’s important to understand your finances. Buyers who are more aware of their financial capacity are more likely to be successful in the world of real estate. When investing in multiple properties, you’ll have to take out loans. Having more debt than necessary can hurt your odds of being approved for a mortgage. It’s also important to be knowledgeable of the terms and topics regularly used in real estate. If you want to understand what industry professionals are talking about, as well as current market conditions, consider taking a real estate course.

2. Buy a low-cost home.
First time real estate investors should err on the side of caution. There’s a high chance they’ll be scammed or misinformed about the neighborhood the property is in, the state of the property, or even the value of the property. It’s better to buy a low-cost home that allows some wiggle room for renovation repairs and gives them a better chance of breaking even if things don’t go well. This strategy reduces risk in a first time investment.

3. Clear out as many debts as you can before you invest.
Before you begin investing in real estate, you should have as few debts as possible. This includes student loans, car loans, and even credit card debt. Having fewer debts gives you more financial freedom when it comes to purchasing properties, fixing them up, and listing them for sale again. Having fewer financial burdens also means that it becomes easier to repay any mortgages that you might have taken out in the investment process.

4.Consider renting.
If you own multiple properties, and one is fully paid off, why not rent it out? Doing so can help pay for your mortgage on the other. Once the mortgages are cleared, consider putting other property up for sale and using the earnings from that liquidated asset to purchase another piece of property with a higher chance of returns.

5 Home Renovations That Aren’t Worth the Cost

When it comes to home improvements, project ideas can be daunting. Buyers might appreciate upgrades you make, but they probably won’t be willing to pay more for them. Before you embark on any extensive home renovations, figure out an investment that makes sense for you as the current owner. Below are five home renovations that just aren’t worth the cost.

1. Major kitchen remodel
Major kitchen remodels are expensive (usually around $60,000), and they don’t receive an enormous return on investment. If you’re planning on selling within the next few years, you might want to leave that job to the new owners. Minor kitchen upgrades, however, can definitely be worth your time and money. Focus on the kitchen areas you use the most, and skip the rest.

2. Swimming pools
Pools seem like a done deal in regards to increasing the value of your home, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Just like kitchen remodels, they’re expensive to install, and they don’t receive a large return on investment. Some buyers also see pools as a major liability and an unnecessary expense. When making the decision to invest in a pool or not, consider the climate of your area. Swimming pools in Florida are worth more than swimming pools in Oklahoma.

3. Finished basements
This can be a practical investment, if you’re planning to live in your house for awhile. Even better, buyers love them! If you can do most of the work yourself, you might get a good return on your investment. However, a full-scale basement renovation done by a contractor will likely take more time and money than you’ll be able to earn back when you sell your home. If you decide against this renovation, but your home has the potential for a gorgeous finished basement, make sure you advertise that fact in your listing.

4. Additions
There are many reasons to consider an addition…a space for the kids, the in-laws, or more room for your hobbies. But if you’re looking for a big return, addition are almost never worth it. A bathroom addition has the lowest return, next to decks, family rooms, and master suites. These projects all cost thousands of dollars, so make sure you genuinely want the addition, even if you won’t see a return in the future.

5. Backup electric generator
Potential buyers might be impressed with your backup generator, but it won’t score you a great return. Unless you live in an area where backup generators are necessary, or the backup generator is necessary for a home business or a family member who suffers from a chronic heath condition, it might be better to invest in more basic structures of the house.

6 Wise Home Buying Tips | April 2019

There are both efficient and inefficient ways to buy a home. Making poor decisions will cost you a lot of money, frustration, and unnecessary stress. If you use proven best practices, however, you’ll likely walk away with a diamond in the rough and a huge smile on your face.

1. Research agents thoroughly before choosing one.
Choosing the right real estate agent can make an enormous difference when it comes to finding your dream home and staying within your budget. It’s important that you work well together, as it could be months before your home buying journey is complete. Sit down for a cup of coffee with a few agents and do plenty of research on them before you make any decisions. Make sure you find out how long they’ve worked in real estate, what type of properties they specialize in, how often they’ll send you listings, if they’ll show your home when you’re available, and if they’ve worked with any other clients in your area.

2. Search Facebook for local real estate groups.
If you’re looking to connect with real estate agents in an unfamiliar area, social media might be your best bet. Search for local real estate groups on Facebook, and join all of them. Then, post across all of these groups that you’re looking to buy a home in a specific area, what your requirements are, and if they have any listings to share with you.

3. When there are multiple offers, add a personal touch.
If you want to stand out in a pool of potential buyers, add a personal note. Include a creative story about yourself, why they should choose you, and how you plan to make the house a home. Talk about your family, which will undoubtedly pull at the seller’s heartstrings.

4. Make sure you can afford it.
If you’re focused on saving up a down payment, that’s great. However, there are other fees required for a home purchase that you should keep in mind. Begin budgeting for a down payment, closing costs, and other costs as early as possible. It’s crucial that you have enough saved for a down payment, origination fees, mortgage payments, legal fees, and a broker’s commission. Some additional hidden costs include property taxes, insurance premiums, and HOA dues. It’s extremely important to figure all this out before committing to a property for the long haul.

5. Buy a home below your means.
Spend the least amount of money possible on a home that meets your needs and brings you joy, even if you have plenty more to spend. Shoot for a home that’s 75% or less of what you’re approved for. That way, you can continue to save for emergency situations, travel, and other things you enjoy. How exactly can you do that? Look for an outdated home in a desirable neighborhood. It might need a new kitchen or a new bathroom, but if the bones are solid, you can slowly but surely transform it into your dream home.

6. Ask for reductions after the inspection.
Take advantage of the inspection! If you find interior or exterior issues, and the seller needs to sell quickly, you have a good chance of making post-inspection negotiations. Good inspections often reveal unexpected defects and problems, so don’t be afraid to ask for a reduction in price.

5 Reasons Millennials Should Buy a Condo

Many millennials choose renting over buying. But with rental costs skyrocketing, homeownership might not be a bad idea. Rent has grown at almost twice the pace of wages. Because of this, you might doubt your ability to afford a house of your own. However, if you have an entry-level job, along with a decent credit score, you can likely afford a condo. Here are five reasons you might want to invest in your own property as soon as possible.

1. You can probably still live in your favorite area.
A single family home in your favorite neighborhood is probably out of your budget, but you may be able to afford a condo. In urban downtown areas, condos and townhomes are a great option.

2. You’ll save money.
You’re probably paying more in rent right now than you would pay for a mortgage and HOA fees combined. It’s true that your future condo will be smaller than a single family home, but that means your utility bills will be smaller, too. And condos generally require less maintenance than actual homes.

3. You’ll save time.
With a condo, you won’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, or shoveling snow. In addition, HOAs typically handle external issues, so you probably won’t have many weekend projects to complete.

4. You’ll make new friends.
Single family homes are generally located a good distance from your favorite urban hangouts. But if you live near a downtown area, your condo neighbors might include young professionals, grad students, and young families. This will make it easier to meet people and cultivate new friendships.

5. You’ll have a solid future investment.
If you anticipate moving after a few years, check with your HOA and see if you’re allowed to rent out your place. If they give you the green light, then once you outgrow your downtown digs, you can rent out your condo and save that extra cash.

Spring Yard Prep: 5 Tips For a Great Lawn in Miami

Even if your lawn is made primarily of weeds, you can easily transform it with some basic spring maintenance! Try out these five tips to prepare your lawn for sunshine and warmer weather.

1. Get rid of weeds.
Proper feeding practices, watering, and mowing are the best methods to prevent weeds, but weed populations that are already established require more significant steps. Use an herbicide to stop weeds before they sprout, and if you detect any stray weeds that have already developed, remove them.  If your lawn has any bare spots, fill them with sod or seed.

2. Use your lawnmower.
Lawnmowers can’t stay in good shape without routine maintenance. If you haven’t already done so, replace the mower’s oil and gas. You also might want to replace the spark plug and air filter. Sharpen the blade with a metal file if you notice it becoming dull, clean the exterior, and pump the tires with air.

3. Prevent thatch.
Thatch is the spongy layer of dead grass that builds up on your lawn. It’s normal to have a thin layer, but it typically causes problems beyond that. Thatch is most likely to build up in lawns with acidic soil that have been strongly treated with pesticides and herbicides. If you notice thatch on your block, prevent it with core aeration. This allows air to reach the soil and break down thatch.

4. Resod and reseed.
If your lawn is a complete disaster, you might need to start from scratch. Remove your existing lawn with a sod cutter. After that, replace it with soil and a grass variety that makes sense for your region. This might take a day or two. Amend the bare soil with topsoil or composted manure, and lay down the sod or planting seeds. After planting, water your lawn often until new grass develops.

5. Establish good habits from the very beginning.
If you don’t already fertilize, you should start now. Keep the instructions on hand, and write down the fertilization dates in your calendar so you don’t forget. Start the season off right by mowing often, inspecting your sprinklers and pipes, and edging the parameters of your lawn. These positive habits will persist month after month.

Buying a Home and Choosing a Neighborhood: The 2019 Guide

The housing market is finally starting to cool after years of increased prices, frenzied open houses, and hot competition. This is great news for first time home buyers! How did this change happen? Inventory is slowly rising, prices are slowly dropping, and listings are lingering on the market for longer than usual. Here are five ways to navigate this new housing market.

1. Thoroughly research each neighborhood.
Neighborhood regret happens often. Fortunately, when houses linger on the market, you have plenty of time to explore the area and decide if it will fit your lifestyle. Before you commit to a home, do your online research via Trulia Neighborhoods. If you’re local, examine the neighborhood by foot, and drive around during different times of the day. Look up crime statistics, school zones, and honest resident reviews. Do as much digging as you possibly can.

2. Look at cities you thought you couldn’t afford.
If you’ve always wanted to move to San Diego or New York City, there’s evidence that prices have already reached their heights. You might not find a great deal, but with the market cooling, it might be easier to find the right home for you.

3. Consider older homes.
New housing inventory is low, but there’s an abundance of older homes just waiting to be snatched up. If you can adjust your expectations when it comes to luxury features, a fixer-upper is worth considering. There’s beauty and charm in quirky details, and you’ll have a larger inventory to choose from.

4. Look inland.
Head away from the coasts, if you’re looking for something more affordable. Typically, home prices will be much cheaper inland. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality of life, either! You just might have to trade an ocean view for a mountain view.

5. Get ready to negotiate.
Prices aren’t drastically dropping, despite increases in inventory. Some sellers might not want to negotiate, but it’s worth it to ask. If they won’t budge on price, you could negotiate for them to make repairs or property improvements. It might not change the sticker price, but it will still be extra cash in your pocket.