Your Home, Your Life, 2018

Your Home 2018

Your Life

An advertising supplemenet of the Lewiston Tribune & Moscow-Pullman Daily News

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

Graduate from renting to owning

By Julie Ryan Evans | Realtor.com

W

hat if you’re ready to take a big step—moving out of a rental into a home you can call your own?

Buying a house, after all, is a great way to put down roots and build wealth (since homes tend to appreciate so you can sell later for a profit). But purchasing property isn’t a simple process, so you should make sure you’re prepared.

So, how do you know if you’re ready to move from an apartment to a house? Ask yourself these questions below to get a sense of where you’re at—or what you have to do to transition easily into home-buying mode once the time is right.

Can you afford to buy a home?

For starters, let’s talk money. Buying a home is a hefty purchase, probably the largest you’ll ever make. So, you’ll need a down payment (typically recommended to be 20% of the home’s purchase price) and steady income (i.e., a job) to pay your mortgage.

While renting might seem more economical than owning

at first glance, that’s not always the case; our rent vs. buy calculator can help you compare the costs. You might be surprised by the results!

Are you settled in your job?

Your job situation is not only important in terms of income to buy a home, but also whether you’re happy where you work and plan to stay put. Because once you own a home, your career prospects do narrow somewhat, purely because a home anchors you to one area.

How much home maintenance are you willing to tackle?

If you love the challenge of fixing a leaky faucet and figuring out which shrubs will flourish in your yard, homeownership may be right up your alley. But if the idea of mowing a lawn or messing with the HVAC makes you depressed, then you may want to stick with renting, which gives you a roof over your head without the work.

Julie Ryan Evans is an editor and writer. Follow @julieryanevans

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May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

A primer for first-time homebuyers

NewsUSA

A

fter having waited on the sidelines for what seemed like forever, first-time homebuyers last year made 38 percent of all U.S. single-family home purchases - the biggest share since 2000 - and the 2.07 million new or existing houses they bought ended up being 7 percent more than in 2016, Bloomberg.com reported. “Pent-up demand� is how the news site described it, citing Millennials as one of the driving forces.

But the market for house-hunting newbies like yourself has changed considerably from that most recent high mark of nearly two decades ago. And you know what they say: “Forewarned is forearmed.� Read on.

¡ There’s still a lot of all-cash buyers out there, so don’t be afraid to get creative Though the number of all-cash transactions peaked at 40 percent in 2011 and 2012 - with savvy investors still taking advantage of the subprime mortgage crisis by buying up homes many then rented out - last year’s 28.8 percent figure remains above normal.

(One reason for the tight inventory: “Investors (are) making too much money as landlords to sell,� according to MarketWatch.com.)

Granted, you’re at a disadvantage if someone else waves $500,000 in cash in front of a seller even if you arrive pre-approved for a mortgage. However, HDTV.com tells the story of a couple who got a “great deal� on their Denver home - yes, Denver - by adding a contingency to their $300,000 bid that they’d pay $1,000 over any other competing offer up to a maximum of $329,000.

important to figure that into your calculations,� said Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey.

You can play around with different looks (i.e., Victorian vs. ranch) by using the free Virtual Home Remodeler launched by GAF (gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. And the website’s GAF Master Elite Contractor database can help you find the most reputable and adequately insured professionals in your area.

¡ You may be being watched Literally.

With owners leerier these days of strangers walking through their properties, they’re increasingly employing devices capable of tracking prospective buyers’ conversations and actions.

Yes, it can be creepy. The bigger danger, though, as MarketWatch.com noted, is that - if you don’t watch what

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“Although unconventional,� the site admitted, “a creative strategy like this can be very effective in today’s market.�

¡ Don’t automatically reject a fixer-upper because you’re not handy enough to fix things like the roof Everyone knows you can save a bundle by buying a house that needs work, but some things - including electrical system overhauls and extensive roof repairs - are safer left to the pros. So the question becomes this: How far ahead would you come out, financially, after deducting those costs from the house’s likely postrenovation market value? “An attractive roof is the ultimate curb enhancer, so it’s

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

Make moving much easier

MetroCreative

I

t should come as no surprise that spring kicks off one of the busiest times of year in the housing market. Warm weather makes it more comfortable to see and display homes, leading to more listings and open houses.

Carefully vet these professionals, relying on third-party reviews as well as any information provided by the Better Business Bureau.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average person in the United States changes residences more than 11 times in his or her lifetime. With each move, the process of moving may become more familiar. But even the most practiced nomad can find moving to be an overwhelming experience.

It can help to put some belongings into a storage center prior to moving, and then gradually take items from the storage unit to your new home. This will free up space to make repairs to your new home and give you time to figure out decorating schemes while ensuring clutter won’t get in the way of renovation projects.

Those on the cusp of moving and nervous about packing up and leaving can employ a few tricks to make moving much easier.

· Secure temporary storage

New homeowners also can take their time sorting through boxes and getting rid of items they may not need in their new homes.

· Research areas carefully Buyers are advised to do their research when seeking new towns or cities to call home. There are many factors to consider, including school district ratings, proximity to shopping, distance from work/commute times, availability of transportation, climate, and crime ratings.

Before falling in love with a particular home, potential buyers can visit the area in which the home is located during a typical weekday to get a feel for the atmosphere.

Check out shopping centers, observe the residents and drive by the schools and businesses. This can help paint an accurate picture that may or may not differ from that depicted in the real estate listing.

· Stack the deck Working with qualified professionals who have gone through the moving process before can make for easier work for buyers and sellers. Ask for recommendations regarding real estate companies, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, insurance agents, and all of the other people who will assist with buying, selling and moving.

· Get estimates and verify licensing The BBB advises consumers to verify all licensing for movers. Solicit at least three in-home estimates and get those figures in writing. Confirm insurance coverage for the company chosen, and be sure to have all agreed upon information spelled out explicitly in a written contract.

Red flags to consider include movers who don’t make on-site inspections for estimates and those who demand payment in advance before the move.

· Have a first-week survival kit New homeowners can pick up takeout restaurant menus and premade grocery store meals. In addition, stock up on staples such as paper plates, toilet tissue, light bulbs, and cleaning supplies in advance of the move so you won’t have to unpack everything at mealtime or when you want to clean after arriving at your new home.

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

Home improvements for the weekend

MetroCreative

H

ome improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.

mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor.

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes.

· Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall space.

· Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room. · Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb. Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome

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· Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures. New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and low-flow faucets can help conserve water.

· Install a fresh light fixture. Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

Many projects can be completed over a weekend.

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

MetroCreative

R

eturns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home.

Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own

searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow.

When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

1. Maintain a lush green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem.

Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

2. Address brown patch.

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Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings.

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch.

Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards.

But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen.

Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

What does a Realtor do for you? ÂŽ

Realtor.com

W

hat does a RealtorÂŽ do? These professionals are members of the National Association of RealtorsÂŽ, and they can help you buy or sell a home.

For most Americans, a home is the most expensive purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. It’s a serious transaction with significant financial and emotional ramifications for the parties involved, and having proper representation is critical. So, what’s a RealtorŽ going to do for you ... and is it really necessary to hire one?

What does a RealtorÂŽ do?

In 2012, a full 89 percent of buyers used a real estate agent, and so did 88 percent of sellers. RealtorÂŽ representation during a real estate transaction is important for both buyers and sellers. Here are six of the chief reasons:

They take on fiduciary responsibility When you work with a RealtorÂŽ, their fiduciary responsibility is to you. That means you have an expert

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who is looking out for your best financial interests, an expert who’s contractually bound to do everything in their power to protect you. That’s big—the value of that commitment cannot be overstated. “For more than 100 years, RealtorsŽ have subscribed to the NAR’s strict Code of Ethics as a condition of membership,� says National Association of RealtorsŽ President Gary Thomas. “RealtorsŽ have the expertise and experience to help sellers protect their investment and help buyers build theirs.�

They keep up with changing real estate regulations.

Buying or selling a home is not like purchasing a plane ticket. Every home is different, and laws change every year and vary from state to state. Generally speaking, people purchase a new home every 7-10 years, and a lot can—and usually does—change between transactions.

RealtorsÂŽ are immersed in real estate, and they must stay current with all the updates in regulations, laws, contracts

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

and practices. Once you retain your Realtor®, they put that knowledge to work for you.

A Realtor® helps you find the right home, beyond square footage and baths.

Browsing online is a terrific way to start a home search— in fact, almost 90 percent of people start their home search online. But when it’s time to buy, knowing all the pros and cons of a property can help you make the right decision. Realtors® live and breathe real estate, and they can share information about a home that you wouldn’t otherwise know. For example, they can tell you about the perils of polybutylene piping (a plumbing material that’s prone to bursting), or the concerns with FRT plywood (a roofing material that can spontaneously combust in higher temperatures, like those in attics). Your Realtor® can go beyond the aesthetics and tell you important details about homes you’re considering. can bring an objective voice to a very subjective situation.

Contracts and negotiations

Realtors® follow a code of ethics

Finding the right home is the fun part. Then the real work begins. Today’s contracts can be 50 pages long, not counting addendums and riders. Realtors® can help you navigate these complex documents and craft an attractive offer that makes sense for you. Plus, when it comes to negotiation, your Realtor® is your advocate and

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

Host a successful open house

MetroCreative

W

hen selling their homes, homeowners can employ several strategies in an effort to drum up interest among potential buyers. One such strategy is to host an open house, which invites prospective buyers to tour the property.

properties, so sellers can make sure their agents are taking advantage of these wildly popular sites. Some even allow sellers to list their homes on apps that buyers can peruse on their smartphones.

Realtors have long used open houses to introduce properties to the market, and a well-planned open house can help sellers generate numerous offers in a single day.

Traditional publicity should not be overlooked when promoting an open house. A $5 “Open House� lawn sign is an effective and inexpensive way to attract buyers who are driving through desirable neighborhoods looking for their next homes.

Whether working with a realtor or listing homes on their own, homeowners can follow a few simple tips to ensure their open house is a success.

¡ Generate publicity in traditional ways as well.

While the Internet is a valuable resource to promote your open house, the sheer volume of online listings can make it hard to reach potential buyers. A traditional lawn sign and a listing in your local newspaper are budget-friendly promotional opportunities that can generate interest in your open house.

¡ Generate publicity online.

Nowadays many prospective home buyers do the bulk of their research via their computers and devices.

By advertising their open houses online, sellers have the potential to reach a wide array of buyers.

Many real estate agents employ sites such as Zillow.com and Trulia.com to promote open houses and showcase

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¡ Invite your neighbors.

Neighbors can be great salesmen for your home and the community where you live. Invite friendly neighbors to your open house and encourage them to chat with prospective buyers.

Buyers will appreciate neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; firsthand knowledge about the community, and their friendliness can help to create a strong first impression that increases buyer interest in your home.

¡ Consider some changes to your home decor.

When hosting an open house, you might not need to go so far as to stage your home, but you may want to make some changes to the decor to make your home more neutral and appealing to buyers from all walks of life.

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Remove any potentially controversial artwork or decorative items, replacing them with more neutral items that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offend or distract any potential buyers.

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Unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re selling the home on your own, resist the temptation to attend your open house. Let your realtor do the work. Your absence can make it easier for potential buyers to see themselves in your home, while your presence may make them uncomfortable or hesitant to explore the property and ask any questions.

When hosting an open house, sellers can take several steps to make their homes more appealing to buyers.

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

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May 20, 2018

5 clues it’s time to make an offer

By Jamie Wiebe | Realtor.com

H

omes are expensive, and getting even more so every day. (Also, water is wet and the sky is blue!)

Making an offer over asking price—sometimes by absurd amounts—has become a harrowing norm for today’s buyers.

But even as the market rockets upward, there are always those buyers. You know the type: You visit their new home for a dinner party, and halfway through the meal, they lean over to whisper in your ear.

Then you proceed to silently hate them forever. Because.

Homes. Are. Expensive.

But getting an awesome deal on a house isn’t impossible, even in a hot market. If you learn to read the signals, you just might find sellers who are amenable to an offer below asking price.

To be clear: Real estate pros warn against extremely lowball offers (typically more than 15% below listing price) because you might offend the sellers—even if the home’s

been on the market for months. Strategize with your agent to determine both how far under listing price you’re comfortable going, and what you think the sellers might respond to.

Not sure where to start? These five signs will help you determine when the time is right for a low offer.

1. When the buyer wants out Not every seller wants to wait for an over-the-top, somuch-money-it-takes-your-breath-away offer. Some homeowners want to sell quickly, and they’re willing to accept lower offers to do so.

“Submitting a lowball offer has more to do with circumstances than the actual property itself,” says Than Merrill, a real estate investor in San Diego. Lowballs “grow increasingly attractive to homeowners the more desperate they become to sell their property.”

A little bit of sleuthing by you and your real estate agent can go a long way in figuring out the sellers’ motivation: Have they recently gone into default on their loan? Are they trying to move to a new state for a job, or to take care of elderly relatives? Did they inherit the house but don’t have any interest in the real estate game?

“If you can identify what the seller really wants or needs, you may be able to negotiate a better deal,” Merrill says.

“You never know until you ask.”

2. When the home is blatantly, obnoxiously overpriced Just because a home is expensive doesn’t mean it’s overpriced—it might just be worth every penny. But sellers do often get an inflated sense of their home’s value. And those homes can languish on the market.

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Work with your agent to look at the comps for your area, and find out what other homes are selling for. If there’s one that makes you say they’re out of their damn minds, it might be ripe for a low offer.

“Overpriced homes can be a good target for making a lowball offer,” says RJ Winberg, an agent in Orange County, CA. “You may in fact be the only offer this frustrated and anxious seller has seen yet.”

3. When you’re not picky Maybe you have a flexible wish list. Two bedrooms,

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

three bedrooms—more space is great but you really need only one, right? Perhaps you care only about how your house looks on the inside. Or maybe you’re planning a full renovation no matter what you buy.

If all you care about is price, don’t feel bad throwing below-asking offers left and right.

“Most buyers are going all-in and looking for their dream home, but some buyers are more concerned about whether or not they’re getting a good deal than how ideal the actual house is,” Winberg says. “If you go around making lowball offers on every home you could conceivably see yourself living in, chances are you will eventually find a seller who will entertain your offer.”

4. When the home has hopped on and off the market Keep your eyes peeled for a home that’s been on and off, then on and off, the market. This home might be a prime candidate for your low offer. After all, imagine the seller’s irritation: Listing a home can be an arduous process, filled with open houses, surprise showings, and negotiations—only to have the buyer back out at the last minute.

“This often means that the seller is getting frustrated with the process of being on the market and may be more

15

open to accepting a lower offer, just to get through the process,” says Klaus Gonche, a Realtor® in Florida.

But before you make an offer, see if your agent can get some intel: It’s possible there’s another reason the sellers are listing and relisting their house—such as they don’t actually want to sell.

5. When the home is outdated Elizabeth Gigler, an agent in Naperville, IL, has three requirements for going in low: First, the home must have been on the market for more than 60 days. Second, the home must have old mechanicals. (Updating a vintage HVAC system could cost thousands of dollars—meaning that a low offer is entirely justified.) Third, the home “is completely outdated,” she says.

That ‘70s-era burnt orange shag carpeting isn’t anyone’s style these days. The sellers might presume they’ll get full asking price without swapping in something more neutral; however, they might change their tune after a few months on the market without any offers.

That’s when you swoop in with a low offer—and get yourself a killer deal to brag about at your next dinner party.

Jamie Wiebe writes about home design and real estate for realtor. com. She has previously written for House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Real Simple, Veranda, and more. Follow @jamie__wiebe

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

Tips for first-time real estate investors MetroCreative

R

eal estate can be a good investment that helps build wealth and secure a financial future.

According to Investopedia, average 20-year returns in commercial real estate hover around 9.5 percent, while residential and diversified real estate average returns of 10.6 percent.

Investors should not just make sure they can meet that 20 percent requirement, but also ensure they have enough capital left after making their down payments to address any repairs that need to be made. If not, they might have trouble attracting renters willing to pay enough in rent.

¡ Interest rates

Such figures may seem too good to ignore for many prospective real estate investors. But investing in real estate can be risky, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that first-time investors consider a host of factors before deciding to delve into the real estate market.

Prospective real estate investors may be surprised to learn that investment property loans are often subject to higher interest rates than those for home buyers borrowing to purchase a primary residence, says Quicken Loans.

¡ Current finances Real estate can potentially yield big returns, but these may only materialize after investors spend ample amounts of money refurbishing or even maintaining their investment properties. Prospective investors without the capital on hand to finance repairs or routine maintenance may find it difficult to make their properties appealing to potential tenants, which can make it harder to meet mortgage payments.

Prospective investors who already have sizable debts, be it consumer debt or existing mortgage payments, may want to pay down those debts before investing in real estate.

¡ Down payments According to Wells Fargo, mortgage insurance does not cover investment property, and loans typically require a minimum down payment of 20 percent of the value of the property. So prospective investors cannot count on mortgage insurance to finance their investments in real estate.

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¡ Financial reserves Some lenders may require that prospective investors have sizable financial reserves before they will lend them money to invest in real estate. Some may require that borrowers have several monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of reserves to finance both their personal lives and their investments.

If a 20 percent down payment would make that impossible, then prospective investors may want to wait a little longer to invest and save more money until their financial reserves would prove more acceptable to lenders.

Investing in real estate can yield big returns. But firsttime investors should know that such investments are vastly different than investing in a home for oneself.

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Investors should not count on getting the same or better interest rates for their investment properties that they did when buying the homes they currently live in.

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Choosing a lender and the right home mortgage consultant is as important as choosing a mortgage. A powerful combination is imperative for you today and tomorrow. Backed by Wells Fargo, you can expect the best possible service from us to help you: • Plan effectively • Purchase confidently • Own successfully You’ll find loan options for most kinds of home financing needs. Plus resources to help you prepare for homeownership and feel more comfortable in today’s real estate market Contact one of our Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultants for your PriorityBuyer® preapproval today.

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Jody Lauzon Home Mortgage Consultant 208-799-6270 jody.lauzon@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/jody-lauzon NMLSR ID 400375

Teresa D. Koepke Home Mortgage Consultant 208-305-5904 teresa.d.koepke@wellsfargo.com www.teresakoepke.com NMLSR ID 755325

Wesley Lloyd Gossage Branch Manager 208-799-6255 wesley.gossage@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 400369

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

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18

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

May 20, 2018

Create a sale-worthy showplace

MetroCreative

T

he sentiment “don’t judge a book by its cover” can be applied to many situations. When it comes to selling their homes, homeowners should remember this adage as they prepare their homes for prospective buyers.

Statista indicates that there were 560,000 houses sold in the United States in 2016. The Canadian Real Estate Association said a record 536,118 residential properties changed hands in 2016, marking a 6.3 percent increase from 2015.

Homeowners who want to make their properties stand out can take the following steps.

· De-personalize the home Homeowners fill their spaces with family photos, heirlooms, personal interests, and other conversation pieces. Prospective buyers may not be able to see past personal belongings and may even be distracted by them. For example, buyers who have strong beliefs about animal welfare may not buy a home displaying hunting trophies. Remove personalized items where possible, replacing them with generic items.

· Improve the exterior HGTV says that curb appeal is crucial to making a strong first impression. A messy or lackluster landscape can turn buyers away even before they reach the front door. Mow the lawn and make sure shrubbery has been trimmed. Seasonal potted flowers and plants can help make the house look polished. Repair cracks or damaged walkways, and consider a fresh coat of paint on trim around windows and doors. Pressure-wash siding if

necessary.

· Put things in storage Rent a storage unit to house items that can make a home appear cluttered. Clean out closets and cabinets, so that when buyers “snoop” during appointments or open houses they see orderly storage areas. If closets are brimming with stuff, buyers may assume the house doesn’t have enough storage space and move on.

· Make it light and bright Open up all of the drapes and blinds, and turn on overhead lights so the house is well-lit. Add table lamps or other fixtures to especially dim rooms.

· Create a hotel experience Forbes suggests making bathrooms look like a spa.

Stack a few pretty washcloths tied with ribbon, add some scented candles and faux plants and buy bathmats and towels in coordinating tones.

Remove extraneous items from kitchen counters and replace them with vases of flowers. In addition, set up dining spaces as if one were sitting down to a meal, and ensure appliances are sparkling clean.

· Use common ‘scents’ Skip the fish, bacon or other aromatic meals for a few days, as such foods can leave lingering aromas. Baked goods, vanilla and cinnamon might make for more appealing scents.

Making a home sell fast involves preparation and the knowledge that buyers are often greatly influenced by their first impressions.

May 20, 2018

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

19

What is the tiny house movement?

MetroCreative

T

he tiny house movement has transformed the way many people look at housing and how it can help them downsize not only their residences, but also their lives.

Living small has been embraced as an eco-friendly way to cut costs and simplify life. According to the tiny house resource The Tiny Life, the typical American home is 2,600 square feet, while the typical tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. Proponents of the small house movement say that living the tiny life isn’t really a sacrifice, but a way to experience a simpler, fuller life that frees them from expensive mortgage payments and unnecessary clutter.

One of the advantages of tiny house living is that buyers are often able to buy their homes (whether stationary or mobile) outright, eliminating the need to finance their purchases. Tiny homes also boast much lower utility bills than more traditional homes. Outfitting tiny homes with wood-burning appliances can keep heating costs to a minimum. In some instances, tiny homes are completely

off the grid, harvesting electricity through solar panels and employing rain-capturing technology to supply water.

According to the resource Living Big in a Tiny House, the tiny house movement is eco-friendly. Small homes create much smaller carbon footprints than large homes.

In addition, the resources needed to build and sustain such homes pales in comparison to those needed to build and maintain more traditional homes. Furthermore, with less interior space, residents of tiny homes are less likely to acquire items they don’t necessarily need, reducing clutter and saving money.

Tiny home lifestyle statistics: · Sixty-eight percent of tiny house people have no mortgage, and 78 percent own their home. · The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 for doit-yourselfers. · Eighty-nine percent of tiny house dwellers have less credit card debt than the average person.

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