Author: Kovacs

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

Posted on | by Kovacs

As the leaves begin to change color and autumn sets in, now is the time to start thinking about fall home maintenance. It is essential to take some time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months.

1.      Check Your Furnace

One of the most important things you can do is change your furnace filter. A dirty filter will not only make your furnace work harder, but it can also lead to poor indoor air quality. In addition, it’s a good idea to have your furnace serviced by a professional to ensure it’s running efficiently and won’t break down when you need it most.

2.      Inspect Your Fireplace

Another essential task is to inspect and clean your fireplace and chimney. This will help prevent a dangerous fire from starting in your home.

3.      Inspect Roof & Gutters

While you’re at it, also take a look at your roof and gutters. Remove any accumulated debris over the summer and ensure they are in good condition. By taking care of these tasks now, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and comfortable winter indoors.

4.      Check Smoke & CO Detectors

Another important thing you need to do is check all of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are vital for keeping your family safe and should be checked regularly to ensure they are working correctly.

5.      Reverse Your Fan

You should also take a few minutes to reverse the settings on your ceiling fan. During the summer, the blades should rotate counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. But in the fall and winter, you’ll want the blades to rotate clockwise, so that warm air is pushed down from the ceiling

 Taking care of a few simple tasks can keep your home in top shape all year long.

Three Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market

Posted on | by Kovacs

It’s clear the 2022 housing market has been defined by rising mortgage rates. With rates on the rise, it’s also become more costly to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Compared to one year ago, the monthly mortgage payment rose to $1,944 from $1,265, an increase of 53.7%.”

If you’re thinking of buying a home or have been trying to recently, that’s a big increase in monthly mortgage payment – and it may be causing you to press pause on your plans. This jump is making homes less affordable, especially compared to the last two years when mortgage rates were at historic lows.

The good news is you can navigate today’s housing market and this rising rate environment with a few simple tips. Here are three things you may want to consider to help make your homeownership goals a reality.

1. Expand Your Search Area and Criteria

If you’ve been looking for a home in the city center or a specific area that’s starting to feel out of your price range, you may want to try looking a little further out in a location that could be more affordable. Expanding your search location or re-prioritizing the items on your wish list can open up opportunities you haven’t considered, and that could help you afford more of what you need (and want) in a home. As CNET notes:

“Area growth is likely to keep pace with the market, which means that the outskirts of town might be hopping within five years. Consider stepping out of your ideal location by searching in the nearby cities. You may find better prices and more square footage.”

2. Explore Alternative Financing Options

Working with a trusted lender to learn about the different loan types and options is essential too. According to Nerd Wallet:

“A variety of mortgages are available with varying down payment and eligibility requirements.”

Experts know how to point you in the right direction when it comes to exploring ways to find the best home loan for your situation. With rising mortgage rates making it more costly to finance a home today, there may be an ideal option out there your loan officer can introduce you to. This could make a home purchase more affordable and within your financial reach over the life of your loan.

3. Look for Grants, Gift Funds, and Down Payment Assistance

There are also many options available when it comes to securing the funding you need to purchase a home. One valuable resource to explore is downpaymentresource.com. Searching for specific down payment assistance options available in your local community could be a game changer when it comes to taking your first step toward homeownership. As NAR indicates:

“Many local governments and non-profit organizations offer down-payment assistance grants and loans, targeted to area borrowers and often with specific borrower requirements.”

Plus, there are programs and special benefits for individuals working in certain professions or with unique statuses, including teachers, doctors and nurses, and veterans.

Ultimately, that means there are many federal, state, and local programs available for you to explore. The best way to do that is to connect with a local real estate professional and your lender to learn more about what’s available in your area.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been searching for a home and have found yourself stepping out of the process because you’re worried about rising costs, let’s connect. Having a team of local advisors on your side may be just what you need to guide your search in a new and more affordable direction.

Wallpaper Trends 2022

Posted on | by Kovacs

Wallpaper is making a big comeback as a stylish way to dress up walls. Interior designers and homeowners alike have long used wallpaper to add style and personality to a room. In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional patterns and towards more modern designs. However, the current crop of wallpapers is beginning to show its age. If you’re looking for something new and stylish, here are some of the hottest wallpaper trends for 2022.

One of the biggest trends next year will be grass-cloth wallpapers. These styles are made from natural materials like jute or bamboo, giving them a textured look that is both stylish and earthy. Grass-cloth wallpapers are also available in a variety of colors, making it easy to find one that matches your existing décor.

Another popular choice for 2022 is metallic wallpaper. These styles can help to brighten up a space and add a bit of luxury. Metallic wallpapers come in a wide range of colors, including gold, silver, copper, and even bronze. If you’re looking for something truly unique, you can even find metallic wallpapers with patterns embossed into them.

Prints are also making a comeback in a big way next year. Floral prints have been popular for centuries, but they’re currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. If florals aren’t your thing, there are also plenty of other prints to choose from, including geometric designs, abstract patterns, and even animal prints wallpaper trends showcasing trends that will be hot in 2022! Whichever style you choose, make sure to select a high-quality wallpaper to ensure it lasts for years to come.