Skip to main content

The Perks of Buying over Renting

  The Perks of Buying over Renting Thinking about buying a home? While today’s  mortgage rates  might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get  your own place . 1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way  home prices  are headed. Make no mistake, nationally they’re still going up. In fact, over the long-term,  home prices  almost always go up ( see graph below ): Using  data  from the  Federal Reserve  (the Fed), you can see the overall trend is home prices have climbed steadily for the past 60 years. There was an exception during the 2008 housing crash when prices didn't follow the normal pattern, but generally, home values kept rising. This is a big reason why  buying a home  can be better than  renting . As prices go up and you pay down your mortgage, you build  equity . Over time, this growing equity can really increase your net wort

10 Cozy Updates to Get You Through Winter

It’s been almost an entire month since Christmas, and I’m still missing the sparkling lights, fragrant greenery and general festive fun that the holidays bring. With all my Christmas decorations packed up, I can’t help but feel like my house is missing something. So instead of leaving my home in a blank state until the next holiday rolls around, it’s time to add some winter charm to my humble abode. That’s where these sparkly, warm and cozy winter decorating ideas come into play.

Magnolia Garland

If you miss your holiday garland as much as I miss mine, this magnolia leaf alternative is the perfect way to brighten up your mantel and bring some non-Christmas greenery back into the house.




Yarn Wreath

A naked door is a sad door. So, instead of letting your bare entrance get you down, dress it up with a colorful wreath that celebrates the season.


 Sweater Pillow

During the holidays, my throw pillows get a major Christmas update. And now that they're gone, my regular pillows just aren't cutting it. This easy DIY not only adds a cozy winter touch to your decor, it also makes the most of those old sweaters you haven't been able to part with.

Yarn-Wrapped Pinecones

Remember how those colorful Christmas ornaments used to light up the room? Don't say goodbye. Instead, try your hand at these wintery yarn-wrapped pinecones. Just wrap your yarn around the pinecones and place them in a bowl for the perfect seasonal centerpiece.



 Ice Lights

Unless you're one of those people who leaves your Christmas lights up all year, you're probably used to coming home to a dark, uninviting front porch. Lucky for you, this beautiful ice lantern takes advantage of the cold weather, illuminating your porch in perfect winter fashion.

 New Hue

If you're really looking to make a change, consider giving your home a brand-new color scheme for the new year. Wallpaper, paint or even just a couple of fun throw pillows should do the trick.


Mirrors

One simple way to add some sparkle to your home is including a great mirror. Not only will it cast more light throughout the room, it will also serve as a great replacement to the fabulous Christmas-themed mantel you've been missing.




 Faux Fur

If you want to create instant warmth, both visually and physically, adding some faux fur throws is definitely the way to go. If you need more inspiration, check out our favorite ways to cozy up your home with fur.



Mixed Metal

Not only is mixing metals super trendy for 2016 (see what these designers had to say), it's also a great way to add instant warmth to your home. If silver and gold is too bold for your taste, gold and bronze is a great first step. 



  
 Winter White

There's nothing like winter white in the form of a comfy sweater to turn your home into an ultra-cozy atmosphere. Want to see more wintry white spaces? Check out these white interiors that'll give you the warm fuzzies.


  Original Article via Better Homes and Gardens

Comments