June: Sustainable Summer Decorating

W ith the summer sun shining bright and warmer temps creating a relaxing air, you may be looking for a way to bring those easygoing vibes indoors by refreshing your home’s design. Try these ideas for seasonal updates that will not only look great but be kind to Mother Earth too. Lighten up An easy first step is opening up your spaces. Replace heavy and dark window coverings with  light-colored cotton curtains  to let in the sunshine and allow views of your yard or garden. Then clear all surfaces of decor, leaving only a few items of your choice, for a soothing and clean look. However, refrain from adding anything to the landfill when possible—instead, simply store items you won’t be using for the season and donate what you don’t want to keep. Paint it If your walls are dark or dingy, considering brightening them up with a new coat of paint; colors like peach and teal offer both great summer vibes and versatility for the rest of the year. To keep it green, opt for paints that a...

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):

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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 worth. The Urban Institute says:

“Homeownership is critical for wealth building and financial stability.”

2. Rent Keeps Rising in the Long Run

Here’s another reason you may want to think about buying a home instead of renting – rent just keeps going up over the years. Sure, it might be cheaper to rent right now in some areas, but every time you renew your lease or sign a new one, you’re likely to feel the squeeze of your rent getting higher. According to data from iProperty Management, rent has been going up pretty consistently for the last 60 years, too (see graph below):

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So how do you escape the cycle of rising rents? Buying a home with a fixed-rate mortgage helps you stabilize your housing costs and say goodbye to those annoying rent increases. That kind of stability is a big deal.

Your housing payments are like an investment, and you've got a decision to make. Do you want to invest in yourself or keep paying your landlord?

When you own your home, you're investing in your own future. And even when renting is cheaper, that money you pay every month is gone for good.

As Dr. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“If a homebuyer is financially stable, able to manage monthly mortgage costs and can handle the associated household maintenance expenses, then it makes sense to purchase a home.”

Bottom Line

If you're tired of your rent going up and want to explore the many benefits of homeownership, let’s talk to explore your options.

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