January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.

There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.

1. FHA Loans

If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:

Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.

Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means, when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.

The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify.

2. Homeownership Assistance Programs

And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:

Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.

Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost.

Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:

“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”

If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, connect with an expert agent and trusted lender.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

The Rise of the Instagram-Ready Home

January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

“Home” has become a place to show off on social media. But how do you balance a home that’s designed to envy against one that is also functional for everyday life?

The concept of an "Instagram-ready home" has emerged as a significant trend, reflecting a growing desire among homeowners to create spaces that are not just functional but aesthetically pleasing and primed to share with the world. But Instagram-ready homes are presenting challenges—and opportunities—for architects and builders. They’re finding they must balance aspirational beauty and home experience design—spaces that not only captivate an online audience but also nurture the well-being of those who live in them.

To pull this off requires a thoughtful integration of comfort, functionality and emotional appeal so that the home is as fulfilling in real-life as it is on social media.

Understanding the Instagram Aesthetic

So, what exactly is an Instagram-ready home? Well, it is one where rooms photograph well to show off on social media. On the surface, that may seem simple enough, but this requires a deep understanding of lighting, composition and the interplay between technology and aesthetics. Architects and builders are now being forced to think like photographers and social media influencers, envisioning how each room will translate into a compelling image or video.

To create truly Instagram-worthy spaces, professionals must start with a solid foundation of design principles. Clean lines, balanced proportions and a cohesive color palette also are essential. However, it's the thoughtful incorporation of unique elements that will make a space stand out on social media. This could include statement architectural features, such as dramatic staircases or floor-to-ceiling windows, and carefully curated design elements, like custom artwork or unique furniture pieces.

The Role of Technology in Creating Instagram-Ready Homes

As with many homes today, technology also plays an important role in creating versatile, photogenic spaces. For example, mechanical window shades and tunable lighting systems offer the ability to set different moods and environments within each room, allowing for a variety of aesthetics to be captured and shared. These features not only improve the visual appeal of a space but also provide practical benefits in terms of energy efficiency and comfort, supporting the broader goals of an intuitive home design.

However, these technologies must be hidden from plain view to accommodate the Instagram-ready design and purpose. Televisions that emerge from custom cabinetry or appear as paintings when not in use can help maintain a clean, uncluttered look while still providing real-life entertainment options.

Smart glass that can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button or whisper of a voice command offers privacy and visual interest, perfect for creating Instagram stories or reels, while also enhancing the overall home experience.

Balancing Form and Function

While the goal of creating Instagram-ready spaces is to produce visually stunning environments, functionality of spaces can’t be sacrificed. The challenge for architects and builders lies in creating seamless luxury and modern residential experiences that help homeowners live in harmony with their homes while enabling them to showcase this harmony to the outer world. This means considering how rooms will be used in real life, not just how they will appear in photographs.

For example, an all-white kitchen may look stunning on social media, but it may not be practical for a family with young children. Similarly, open concept living spaces are popular on Instagram but may not suit homeowners who value privacy or separate areas for different activities.

The Impact on Design Process

The rise of Instagram-ready homes has significantly impacted the design and construction process. Architects and builders must now consider how natural and artificial light will interact with spaces throughout the day, ensuring that rooms are photogenic at all times. This may involve strategic placement of windows, the use of reflective surfaces or the incorporation of lighting fixtures that can be easily adjusted for optimal photo opportunities. Certain textures and colors may look different on camera than they do in person, requiring careful consideration and testing during the design phase.

Instagram-ready homes present both challenges and opportunities for the architecture and construction industries. By embracing this trend, professionals can create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also functional, comfortable and truly reflective of the homeowner's lifestyle. The key lies in striking a balance between the desire for shareable, aesthetically pleasing spaces and the fundamental principles of good design that have always been at the heart of architecture and home building.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

8 Things Pro Gardeners Want You to Do Now to Grow Vibrant Spring Flowers

January 29, 2025

Sam Kornick

Colorado, Minnesota, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

These cold weather to-dos can make a big difference come springtime.

Wandering through your yard or garden right now may not be the most joyful experience; the trees are without their fluttering green leaves, the bushes look scraggly and those once-colorful flowers now lie dormant. Fast forward just a few months, though, and it’s an entirely different scene. You can make the view even better by tending to a few small to-dos leading up to warmer weather. Here’s what gardening experts say you should do now for a beautiful spring garden.

(Re)Design Your Garden Now

If you’re starting from scratch or you’d like to make changes to your garden, now’s the perfect time to draw up your plans.

“Winter is the perfect time to review your garden's performance, noting which plants thrived and which underperformed [last year],” notes Jessica Booth, a landscape architect at Yost Design. “Use this time to plan improvements, such as dividing perennials, adding fertilizer, or designing new beds.”

While planning, also observe site conditions like sunlight and moisture while researching plant options.

Learn More About Plants

Along with planning out your garden, Madeline Hooper, host of the PBS show Garden Fit, says it’s a great time to invest in a little plant education. “Find a local botanical garden, school, or nursery that gives classes on a variety of gardening topics and let the experts get you up to speed,” she suggests. You can also find free videos and articles online to learn more.

Test Your Soil

Winter is also an ideal time to gather soil samples for testing, and most state cooperative extensions offer this service. “These tests reveal what nutrients your soil lacks and recommend fertilizers or amendments to improve it,” Booth explains. “The cooperative extension can also provide tailored advice based on the specific plants you’re growing.” For example, a rhododendron bed requires different soil pH and nutrients than a vegetable garden or lawn.

Start Composting and Mulching

Speaking of soil nutrients, most plants heavily rely on the health of the soil. If you have the space, consider adding a composting bin. “Creating a compost bin with kitchen scraps is an easy, cost-effective way to enrich your garden without purchasing compost,” Booth says.

Your compost can be added to the soil once you’re ready to begin planting and/or once plants start growing again. Booth notes that, “Mulching further enhances soil health by adding organic matter, conserving moisture, and insulating plants during winter.”

Together, composting, and mulching support a thriving, nutrient-rich garden ecosystem.

Start Some Seeds Indoors

You can get a head start on any new garden additions by growing them indoors. This is especially worthwhile if you’re starting anything from seed, or if you’re buying smaller seedlings that take time to grow. Use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix, and place them in a warm, well-lit area or under grow lights. Check seed packets for specific timing and care instructions based on your growing zone.

Prune Select Trees and Shrubs

In mid-to-late winter you can begin pruning some trees and shrubs. Booth says that pruning is ideal for plants like butterfly bushes, roses, callicarpa, panicle hydrangeas, and some shade trees.

“These benefit from pruning to prevent storm damage, maintain a youthful appearance, and encourage vigorous new growth,” Booth says. “Since these shrubs bloom on new wood, winter pruning also leads to more abundant summer blooms.”

She adds that, in late winter, you can prune large shade trees. This allows them to begin healing pruning wounds in early spring, reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

Clean Up Debris and Clutter

Once ice and snow start melting away and the ground begins to thaw, walk through your garden to clean up fallen branches, leaves, and other debris that may have accumulated. This helps your garden look tidy, of course, but also helps prevent pests and diseases from making their way into your space. Be careful to avoid disturbing any plants that might have already started emerging.

Protect Early Bloomers From Frost

Winter weather has a way of coming back just when you think you’re cleared for spring takeoff. Pay attention to forecasts and cover any early bloomer perennials with fabric if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. You can use frost clothes, burlap, or even an overturned bucket to shield these tender shoots during cold snaps. Old sheets and towels work in a pinch, too.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

January 29, 2025

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Listings

Just Listed: Timeless Mid-Century Ranch in Downtown Longmont

January 29, 2025

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Listings

Just six blocks from Main Street, this cherished mid-century modern home offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility

Nestled on a peaceful, tree-filled corner lot facing 10th Street, it provides a serene retreat while keeping you close to Longmont’s best downtown restaurants, shops, and breweries.Enjoy the ease of single-level living in this solid brick ranch, featuring double-pane custom windows and prized original features like oak hardwood floors, a laundry chute, handcrafted cabinetry, and a spacious two-car garage. Owned by the same family since it was built, the home is bathed in natural light, highlighting freshly painted interiors and new plush basement carpeting. A south-facing bay window in the living room invites you to relax in warm sunshine year-round, while the fenced backyard—complete with a dog run and irrigation system—offers a shaded outdoor escape. Upgraded appliances include an industrial kitchen range for culinary enthusiasts and a new LG washer and dryer to simplify laundry day. Lend your vision to this well cared-for property to create a home where vintage personality meets modern comfort.

Listed by Rebecca Holley for West + Main Homes. Please contact Rebecca for current pricing + availability.

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(720) 903-2912
hello@westandmainhomes.com

Presented by:
Rebecca Holley
(303) 919-7017
rebecca@westandmainhomes.com

Search homes in Colorado

January 29, 2025

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Listings

Just Listed: Picturesque mountain views at this stunning northwest Arvada home!

January 29, 2025

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Listings

Picturesque mountain views and a spacious Candelas backyard await you at this stunning northwest Arvada home!

Step inside to soaring ceilings and beautiful wood floors. Plenty of living space in the light-filled, west-facing living and dining room. The modern kitchen offers tons of cabinet storage space, plus a butler’s pantry and a huge food storage pantry (or convert this space to a coffee bar or pocket office). This home offers four bedrooms all on the same upper level - a rare find! Send the kids downstairs to the giant rec room in the basement, which was just finished a few years ago and offers two additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Many options for work-from-home office spaces throughout this home. Step outside to your large backyard, one of the biggest in Candelas, with a semi-covered back patio and gardening space. Don't forget the 3-car tandem garage with ample storage space. Candelas is a vibrant community with year-round social events, neighborhood K-8 school, parks, sports fields and miles of connected trails. New restaurants and a grocery store are less than a mile away. The community pool and fitness center are so close, take a peek on your way into the neighborhood!

Don’t miss the opportunity to make this beautiful property your next home!

Listed by Lora Martinez for West + Main Homes. Please contact Lora for current pricing + availability.