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10 Things a Stylist Avoids in Her Own Home—And You Should, Too

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Stylist Dorcia Kelley is no stranger to picture-perfect interiors.

As a seasoned pro in the design world, she’s spent countless hours preparing homes for photo shoots, turning already beautiful spaces into magazine-ready masterpieces. Over the years, Kelley has developed an eye for what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to creating a home that feels both stylish and personal. “Your taste is your taste,” she explains. “All I’m here to do is elevate it a little bit. I never want anybody to feel bad for something they’re doing from their heart.” In her own home, Kelley takes a more personal, mindful approach. Below, she shares the 10 things she would never do—plus her thoughtful advice on creating a space you love while staying true to your own style.

Buy Fake Plants

“Faux plants attract a lot of unnecessary dust,” Kelley says. “Meanwhile real plants clean the air in your home. I don’t think people talk about that enough. Between the beauty products being soaked into our skin and the processed food we eat, are we gonna do one thing right? Let’s put some real plants in our houses.”

Put Out a Welcome Mat

“You shouldn’t need a mat or sign to tell people that your home feels welcoming,” says the stylist. “Your home should embody that through the styling, the design, and the colors.” 

Load Up Shelves With Tchotchkes

A crowded display leaves no room for a focal point, Kelley says: “Your eye is trying to capture every book, every little accessory, every photograph.”

Use White Felt Furniture Pads

“Do people realize that they carry this padding in various colors to match your wood or whatever color your furniture is?” she asks. Now you know. 

Paint Every Room a Different Color

Kelley is more of a neutrals fan, but if she were going to play with color, she’d make sure there was a transition between each room. “So say you have a blue living room. You should put 50% to 30% white paint in that same blue, and paint the wall in the hallway or going up the adjacent staircase,” she says. 

Hang a Gallery Wall

“What happened to people putting really curated artwork or even photographs on a wall?” Kelley asks. “Blow a photograph up and make one focal point.”

Put Too Many Pillows on the Sofa

“I have two pillows on each couch, and they are there to prop you up. When the pillows cover the entire couch, you have to take them off to sit down anyway. And that’s a pet peeve,” she reveals.

Live With Contractor Lighting

“Lighting can tell the story of your entire home. Change your lighting. It’s going to solve a lot of your problems. And I’m not just saying change the bulb—add a beautiful fixture,” Kelley says. 

Install a Regular-Length Shower Curtain

“Always buy an extra-long shower curtain. It should go all the way up toward the ceiling as far as it can, and then it should drop long so that you can’t see the tub,” she advises.

Burn a Bunch of Scented Candles

“I think you should try to have a signature scent for your home or even just stick to a particular brand that you like, so you won’t have all these random candles sitting around your house,” Kelley says.

Read more at Domino.com

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Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home

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For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes.

Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says:

“As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.”

So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s break down the best way to make sure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today.

Choosing the Right Builder

The key to making sure you get a quality newly built home is to choose a good builder. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years. That’s why the Mortgage Reports offers this advice:

“When embarking on the journey of buying a new construction home, one of the most important steps is selecting the right builder. This decision can significantly impact the quality and satisfaction you derive from your new home.”

And while you could dig into research about all the builders in your area, there’s an easier option to get the job done: lean on a pro. When you work with a local real estate agent, they already know about the builders and the new home communities under construction in your area.

Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other buyers who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the things your agent will help you with:

1. The Builder’s Reputation: Your agent will help point you toward builders with strong reputations and positive reviews from previous buyers. Additionally, your agent will make sure the builder is licensed and insured. Membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is also a good sign of a builder’s commitment to industry standards.

2. Their Model Homes: Your agent will also be able to tell you if the builders have model homes you can tour. And when your agent walks through the model with you, they’ll draw your attention to the little details that matter most. Things like the quality of finishes, layout, and overall feel of the home.

3. Builder Warranties: Your agent will also be able to help you navigate any builder offers or incentives. Reputable builders often provide warranties to cover major structural elements of the home for a significant period of time. This is a testament to their confidence in the quality of their construction.

4. Getting Inspections: Even with new homes, inspections are crucial. Your agent will coordinate the inspections with licensed professionals to ensure the home meets safety and quality standards before you move in.

Agents Are the MVP When You’re Buying a Brand-New Home

Maybe that’s why data shows homebuyers unanimously scored their agents higher than their builders when looking back on their recent purchase:

 
 

So, you don’t need to worry that they just don’t make them like they used to. By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent to choose a reputable builder, you can feel confident when buying a newly built home today. As Realtor.com says:

“If you are interested in buying a new construction . . . You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.”

Bottom Line

If you’re considering buying a brand-new home, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Work with a local real estate agent to find a home you’ll love and be proud to call your own.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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6 Essential Home Selling Tips for First-Timers

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Selling your first home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.

It's a big step in your life, and you want to make sure you do it right. But don't worry if you're not sure where to start—we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll share six essential tips for first-time home sellers that will help you through the process with confidence and ease. So let's get started on making your home selling journey a success!

Research the Market
Before putting your home on the market, you need to do your research and understand the current real estate scene. Look into recent sales in your area to get an idea of how much homes are selling for and how long they stay on the market. This will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect for your own sale.

You should also research any trends or changes in the housing market that may affect your sale. For example, if interest rates have gone up or down, this could impact buyer demand and ultimately, the price you can sell your home for. Being aware of these factors will help you make informed decisions throughout the selling process.

Consider Hiring a Real Estate Agent
While it's possible to sell your home on your own, it can be a time-consuming task for anyone. Consider hiring a real estate agent who can help guide you through the process and handle all the details for you. They are experts in the field and have experience negotiating, marketing and navigating legal documents.

When looking for an agent, make sure to do your research and find someone who is knowledgeable about your local market and has a proven track record of successful sales. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently sold their homes.

Price Your Home Competitively
One of the most critical factors in selling your home is pricing it competitively. Overpricing your home may lead to it staying on the market for longer than necessary, while underpricing means you could be losing out on potential profits.

Your real estate agent can help you determine a fair and competitive price for your home based on market research and the condition of your property. Be open to their advice and consider making adjustments if needed.

Stage Your Home
First impressions are crucial when it comes to selling a home. Staging involves decluttering, deep cleaning and arranging furniture in a way that showcases the best features of your space. A well-staged home can attract more buyers and potentially lead to a higher sale price.

When staging your home, try to create a neutral and inviting atmosphere that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. You can also add some personal touches, such as fresh flowers or scented candles, to make the space feel more welcoming.

While staging can be beneficial, there are also some common mistakes that first-time sellers should avoid. These include over-decorating or personalizing the space too much, not properly decluttering and neglecting to make necessary repairs or updates. If you're not sure what to do with your space, your real estate agent can provide guidance on how to best stage your home for a successful sale.

Be Flexible With Showings
As a first-time home seller, it's easy to get caught up in the stress of having strangers walk through your home. But remember, the more showings you have, the higher chance of receiving an offer. Make sure to be flexible with showing times and keep your home clean and presentable at all times. It may also be helpful to have a plan for where you will go during showings, whether it's taking a walk or going out for coffee.

During showings, potential buyers will schedule a time to view your home with their real estate agent. Your agent will be present to handle the showing and answer any questions that may arise. Try to make sure your home is in top condition for each showing, as this could potentially lead to an offer. Remember to also be open and honest about any known issues or repairs needed in the home.

Don't Neglect Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks from the outside, and it plays a significant role in making a good first impression on potential buyers. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door can make a big difference. If your home is in dire need of a facelift, consider hiring a professional landscaper or investing in small upgrades to boost your curb appeal and make your home stand out.

While improving curb appeal can help attract potential buyers, there are also some common mistakes you should avoid. These include overdoing it with landscaping and adding too many personal touches, like lawn ornaments or excessive decorations. Be sure to create a clean and inviting outdoor space without going overboard. Additionally, make sure to address any major issues like cracked sidewalks or broken fences, as these would deter buyers from even entering your home.

By following these essential tips, you'll be on your way to a successful home selling experience. Remember to stay informed, listen to the advice of professionals and keep an open mind throughout the process. Good luck!

Read more at Rismedia.com

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The Benefits of Using Your Equity To Make a Bigger Down Payment

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Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home.

That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):

 
 

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.

Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer

1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run

When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.

2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.

3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower

A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”

Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.

Bottom Line

Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.

If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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The 20-minute trick that will help a carved pumpkin last for weeks

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Carving a pumpkin is one of the joys of autumn, but they typically only last between three and five days before beginning to rot.

To stop your pumpkin from looking sunken, sad and smelly, experts have recommended a clever 20-minute vinegar trick that could help your carved creations last for weeks in the run-up to Halloween and beyond.

Better still, this simple solution is an eco-friendly alternative to the trend of spraying pumpkins with bleach.

It's also safe for wildlife too, so you don't have to worry if you leave your pumpkin outside.

"The vinegar kills fungus, making it hard for the pumpkin to rot. That's why vinegar-soaked pumpkins look so new; they're unblemished by the grossness that inevitably befalls their untreated peers," says the team at Taste of Home.

How to preserve a carved pumpkin with vinegar

Want to give this trick a go? According to Taste of Home, you can make your fresh pumpkin last longer by using vinegar and water. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Choose a healthy pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch. "Make sure there are no soft spots or discolored areas, and avoid any gourd that's too bruised," says the team.

2. Next, carve your pumpkin with your desired design. Browse our guide on pumpkin carving ideas for plenty of inspiration.

3. Fill a large bucket with 10 parts water and one part vinegar (the bucket needs to be big enough for your pumpkins). Some experts also suggest doing this in the bath or a large sink.

4. Submerge your pumpkin in the vinegar and water solution, leaving them for 20-30 minutes. Once the time is up, pull them out and let them air-dry. You can then place your carved pumpkins outside for a long-lasting display.

Read more at CountryLiving.com

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