Palouse Living, November 2018

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Get the best mortgage

financing deal

November/December November/December 2018 2018 Moscow-Pullman Daily News Lewiston Tribune Moscow-Pullman D aily N ews & L ewiston T ribune

Home is not just a place, it’s a feeling.

Everyone has goals, but not always a plan to reach them. We can help you find home financing options to meet your needs, whether you’re: • Purchasing your first home • Looking to buy a second home • Interested in buying an investment property And, with our PriorityBuyer® preapproval, you can shop for your home with confidence.

Your home financing matters, contact me today.

Jesse Goodwater Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 208-883-5659 jesse.a.goodwater@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/jesse-goodwater NMLSR ID 259511 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS4670681 Expires 09/2019

| November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Palouse Living

Getting the best financing deal MetroCreative

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ew people are able to walk into a home, like what they see and then pay for a house in cash. In the vast majority of home purchases, mortgages make the dream of home ownership a reality.

Getting a mortgage requires research and some preparation on the part of borrowers if they hope to get the friendliest terms possible.

Homes are substantial, decades-long investments, so it’s smart to shop around to find the best rates and lenders available. These tips can make the process of applying and getting a mortgage go smoothly, and may even help borrowers save some money.

Learn your credit score Your credit score will be a factor in determining just how much bargaining power you have for lower interest rates on mortgage loans, according to the financial resource NerdWallet. The higher the credit score, the better. Well before shopping for a mortgage, manage your debt, paying it off if possible, and fix any black marks or mistakes on your

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

Get the best mortgage

financing deal

November/December November/December 2018 2018 Moscow-Pullman Moscow-Pullman D Daily aily N News ews & L Lewiston ewiston T Tribune ribune

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credit report.

· Investigate various lenders.

The Federal Trade Commission says to get information from various sources, whether they are commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, or thrift institutions.

Each is likely to quote different rates and prices, and the amount they’re willing to lend you may vary as well.

Investigating various lenders can help you rest easy knowing you got the best rate for you. Lenders may charge additional fees that can drive up the overall costs associated with getting a mortgage. Compare these fees as well so you can be sure you get the best deal.

Consider a mortgage broker Mortgage brokers will serve as the middle person in the transaction. A broker’s access to several different lenders can translate into a greater array of loan products and terms from which to choose.

Learn about rates Become informed of the rate trends in your area. Lower rates translate into significant savings amounts per month and over the life of the loan. Rate may be fixed, though some are adjustable-rate mortgages (also called a variable or floating rate). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial consultant can discuss what might be in your best interest.

Discuss points with your financial advisor and lender Some lenders allow you to pay points in advance, which will lower the interest rate. Get points quoted in dollar amounts so they’ll be easier to compare. If you’re unfamiliar with points, discuss the concept with your financial advisor.

The vast majority of homeowners secured a mortgage to purchase their homes. Learning about the mortgage process can help new buyers navigate these sometimes tricky financial waters.

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November/December 2018 | 3

Easy ways to save up money for your first home MetroCreative

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ome ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true.

on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account.

Become a more savvy grocery shopper Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money.

According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home.

However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”

Determine where your money is going If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going.

Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee

Dine in more often The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home.

Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies.

| November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season MetroCreative

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amilies big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together. For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes.

At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones. Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season.

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1. Prepare a familiar dish Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy on themselves by choosing dishes theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the (continued on page 7)

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Add a pop of purple MetroCreative

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antone named “Ultra Violet” its color of the year in 2018, helping to create a resurgence in popularity of all things purple. As a result, homeowners who pride themselves on staying on top of the latest trends have increasingly turned to purple when designing their home interiors.

Purple influences can range from the dramatic to the subtle. Here are some ways to embrace purple in your home.

Transition bedroom color

kitchens characterized by white cabinetry and stainless appliances with some well-placed grape focal points. A purple backsplash, purple-clad island or lavender bar stools can lend vibrancy to a space.

Purple powder room A purple guest bathroom is the ideal place to help overnight guests feel regal. Violet and deeper shades of purple can feel warm and luxurious. Beige or cream bathrooms can be enhanced with a deep purple bath mat, shower curtain and hand towels.

Purple is hot right now and turning up in unexpected places in many homes.

Purple has long been a favorite shade for adolescents who are growing up and moving away from pinks and peaches into more mature room colors. Purple looks well when accented by white, magenta and yellow.

Even though it is embraced by young girls, purple also can be used by adults who want to create soothing retreats in their bedrooms.

Create an accent wall A purple room may intimidate people who prefer mild, more neutral design schemes. But a purple accent wall can add a pop of color, suggest the home experts at Realtor. com. When it comes time to list a home, it’s easier for the next homeowner to embrace a purple accent wall than an entire room decorated in this jeweled tone.

Use accent items It’s easy to add a splash of plum or other variations of purple without making a permanent commitment. Dress up neutral decor with throw pillows, rugs, table linens, or draperies in all shades of purple. As trends change, it’s easy to exchange accent items.

Modern kitchen Homeowners can offset efficient, modern design in

6 | November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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(continued from page 5)

familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare.

2. Share some cooking duties Another way to simplify cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side dish or dessert. Guests who live nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance.

3. Only make what guests are likely to eat Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash.

Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly.

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If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together.

Hosts can employ various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November/December 2018 |

Small kitchen improvements that maximize functionality MetroCreative

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any homeowners wish for expansive kitchens.

Modernized kitchens that include sought after features and showcase the latest trends go a long way to improving the overall value of a home.

As desirable as such kitchens may be, some homes simply don’t have enough space for a centerfold-worthy kitchen featuring an island, wine refrigerator and walk-in pantry.

However, homeowners with small kitchens can still improve the form and function of their existing spaces.

Reconfigure and revamp cabinetry Homeowners whose kitchens are small often lament their lack of storage. Redesigning the layout of cabinets, and possibly adding some more cabinetry, may take care of certain storage issues.

The experts at Merit Kitchens suggest utilizing corner space with LeMans units, lazy susans and other gadgets to make access to these areas easier.

Going vertical with wall cabinets that extend to the ceiling also can add more storage, as can roll-in work carts.

Work with the walls Small kitchens require clever usage of vertical space.

Vertical storage units, hooks, shelving, and more can move items out of drawers and off of counters. Consider an underthe-cabinet toaster oven and microwave to create more

counter space.

Use scaled-down appliances Shop with size in mind when looking at new appliances if you have a small kitchen. Compact versions won’t take up as much space as larger alternatives. Homeowners should consider the ultimate function of the kitchen and then think about which appliances will serve them well. Homeowners with small kitchens may not need a large stand mixer or an oversized commercial stove.

Add some glass The DIY Network recommends incorporating glass to improve the perception of space in small kitchens. Glass lets you see through the objects, thereby enhancing the feeling of spaciousness or what designers call “negative space.” Glass also can be reflective, visually expanding the space.

materials

Embrace high-end

It costs less to renovate small spaces than bigger areas, so homeowners may be able to afford high-end materials that really add personality to a kitchen. Flooring, counter materials and quality fixtures can really set small kitchens apart.

Small kitchens can be culinary havens with the right improvements to maximize the space.

| November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Did you know?

MetroCreative

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ccording to the State of the Nation’s Housing 2018 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, nearly half of all renters are paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing.

The report also noted that, between 1990 and 2016, national median rent rose 20 percent faster than overall inflation. That’s likely one reason why many people within the United States are leaving behind states that have traditionally been associated with high costs of living.

An analysis of data from Realtor.com found that many Americans are leaving states with high costs of living, high taxes and lagging job markets in favor of places with more affordable costs of living. After examining data from the U.S. Census Bureau and using its own search data of homes across the nation, Realtor.com found that the state of New

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York had the highest negative net migration in the United States. That means more people were leaving the state of New York to live elsewhere than any other state in the country.

Cost of living no doubt drives much of that migration, as a survey from the Council for Community and Economic Research found that, in the first quarter of 2018, New York was the third most expensive state to live in the United States, behind only Hawaii and California.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November/December 2018 |

How agents and sellers can work together MetroCreative

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elling a home can be stressful. Despite this, 5.51 million existing U.S. homes were sold in 2017, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®. In many cases, homeowners choose to work with real estate agents to facilitate the process of listing, showing and selling their homes.

Real estate agents are valuable assets. Agents have neighborhood knowledge, are educated in pricing trends, can filter phone calls or emails from buyers who aren’t serious, and can organize all of the people necessary for a closing.

Real estate agents provide many services that the average person may not have the time nor the experience to handle.

When selecting an agent to sell a home, homeowners may not understand that the terms real estate agent and REALTOR® are not interchangeable. Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR® is the latter is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR ensures that members subscribe to a certain code of ethics.

There are many qualified agents, but an agent cannot do his or her job well without some help on the part of the homeowner. These tips can make the process of selling a home go smoothly.

Price the home correctly Homeowners should trust the agent’s ability to price a home for the market. Everyone wants to get the most money possible, but listing the home for more than it’s worth may

cause it to sit unnecessarily for several weeks or months, which could raise red flags among potential buyers.

Market the home A real estate agent will list the home via a multiple listing service (MLS) on a private website, in newspapers, and wherever else he or she feels is pertinent. Homeowners can share the listing via social media and word of mouth to help increase the chances of selling the home.

Be available Limiting the time an agent can show the house to potential buyers is in no one’s best interest.

Sellers should be ready and willing to open their homes, which is the best way to make a sale.

An agent may suggest a lock box so the home can be shown when homeowners are not on the property.

Make suggested renovations Agents know which features can make or break a sale.

Homeowners should be amenable to certain suggestions, such as neutral paint colors, removing personal effects and clearing clutter.

Give recommendations Real estate is a commission-based industry. Agents often tirelessly put in hours and only reap rewards if the house is sold. A homeowner who was satisfied with an agent can then recommend that person to friends or family.

By working with real estate professionals, homeowners can sell their homes quickly.

10 | November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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Did you know?

MetroCreative

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ne way to improve curb appeal and set a property apart from others is to add decorative effects to walkways, patios and driveways.

Although many homeowners turn to materials such as pavers, flagstone or brick for these purposes, a versatile and often cost-effective idea is to rely on stamped concrete.

Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, is textured, patterned or embossed to mimic the look of other materials, notably brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, and wood. Stamped concrete can be used on patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and even interior flooring.

The concrete is poured and then patterned using special tools. Installing stamped concrete is best left to concrete design specialists with extensive experience in this difficult craft.

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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | November/December 2018 | 11

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12 | November/December 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

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