November 2024 - AltPDX

12 Different Types of Tiles, Explained by Home Design Experts

The type of tile you choose can make or break your remodel.

If you’ve never taken on a tiling project before, you might be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most commonly used, but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few. To make it even more complicated, not every type of tile works for every job, and of course, there’s your tile budget to consider.

It’s hard not to feel a little overwhelmed, which is why we did the hard work for you. Whether you’re shopping for an immediate project or just planning for the future, we enlisted some experts to guide you through the most common types of floor tiles and wall tiles. Find out which tiles are best for every type of home project to ensure you’ll love your remodel for years to come.

Tony Castellano, senior merchant for The Home Depot
Melissa Morgan, interior designer and the founder of M Interiors in San Antonio, Texas
Docia Boylen, franchise owner of Handyman Connection, a home remodeling and repair service based in Lakewood, Colorado

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Ceramic Tile

Pros

Good for high traffic areas
Easy to clean
Affordable

Cons

Require more maintenance
Surface is less forgiving than some other tiles

Ceramic tile is one of the most common types of tile found in the home because it’s suitable for many applications. “Increased durability makes ceramic tile perfect for any room in the house, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or even entryways,” says Tony Castellano.

“It’s easy to install, clean, and comes in hundreds of styles that can fit any design. For a bonus, if you’re looking to renovate on a budget, ceramic offers a great price point.”

When shopping, Castellano recommends checking the ceramic tile lot number to ensure you have a clean, uniform end result. “Additionally, make sure you understand the difference between glazed and unglazed. While unglazed gives an artistic, rustic finish, glazed ceramic tiles provide more protection for longer lasting floors.”

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Porcelain Tile

Pros

Durable
Suitable for many rooms and outdoors
Low maintenance
Affordable

Cons

Heavy
Not waterproof, water resistant

The other most common type of tile is porcelain, which differs from ceramic tile. “The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood—and without any of the maintenance,” Castellano says.

“You get the same elegant finish without any of the upkeep or weathering. In addition, as it’s an all-purpose tile, it comes in a variety of designs, colors, and styles to allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can even be used outdoors, as it will not freeze, fade, or crack.” Other applications for porcelain tile include bath or kitchen tile, high-traffic areas, and kitchen backsplashes.

The biggest drawback with porcelain tile is that installation can be tricky. While you can DIY an install, Castellano says many homeowners forget that you also need an adhesive when laying down this type of flooring.

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Glass Tile

Pros

Clean look
Stain resistant

Cons

Chips easily
Not good for high-traffic areas

Glass tile offers a clean and minimalistic aesthetic to any project. Interior designer Melissa Morgan says, “The stain resistance of glass makes it a fantastic alternative to natural stone. Red wine and any acidic foods like lemon and vinegar are wiped up with ease without any permanent staining”.

“A potential drawback is that glass will, of course, chip quite easily along the edges,” Morgan says. For that reason, she recommends not using glass tile in high-traffic areas like kitchen and bathroom floors. Instead, she suggests using them in smaller applications with less traction, such as gently used tabletops or desks, around the fireplace, or as a backsplash.

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Cement Tile

Pros

Versatile and available in lots of colors and styles
Good for indoor and outdoor use
Eco-friendly

Cons

Expensive
Difficult to lay
Must be resealed monthly

“Cement tiles have been around since the 19th century and they’re currently experiencing a bit of a boon in modern interior design”, says Docia Boylen, franchise owner of Handyman Connection.

“Cement tiles are extremely versatile and can provide you with amazing patterns and colors,” Boylen says. “Since the tiles are extremely porous, a patina can develop over time to enhance the pattern. They can also be sanded and resealed, like wood floors, if they get discolored over time.”

The biggest drawback to cement tiles is that they’re a beast to lay. Additionally, cement tile must be resealed once a month to maintain its beauty. Cement is best used in low-traffic areas and in small quantities.

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Marble Tile

Pros

Elegant look
Good for use in decorative features

Cons

Expensive
Requires lots of upkeep
Susceptible to scratches and stains

Though costly, marble tiles add an instant touch of elegance and refinement to any room. “If you’re looking to add beauty to any kitchen or bath, laying down marble tiles immediately upgrades the space,” Castellano says. “It also delivers texture and depth, as it’s either patterned or veined. You’ll never have the same piece.”

Marble requires a lot of upkeep to keep it looking pristine. And like any stone, marble tile is susceptible to scratches and stains in addition to being difficult to clean. “Due to marble’s predisposition to scratches, etching, and stains, it’s best used in low-traffic areas unless a sealant is applied,” Castellano says.

“Many homeowners avoid using marble in countertops and instead add marble in decorative features, such as shower floors, columns, and backsplashes.” By using it in smaller applications, you’ll also give your budget a breather.

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Mosaic Tile

Pros

Stain resistant
Do not chip easily
Easy to clean

Cons

Can look dated quickly

Mosaic tiles give you a chance to flex your creative interior design muscles because it comes in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, styles, and even materials. “Mosaic tiles work best on wall applications when an accent is needed. I recommend using them sparingly,” Morgan says.

She also notes that, depending on the type of tile you choose, mosaic tiles can look dated quickly. Keep that in mind as you select not just the tile, but the space where it will be installed.

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Granite Tile

Pros

Natural stone
Less expensive than marble

Cons

Can look cheap
Best in a secondary space

Granite is a natural stone that has a similar look and feel to marble because of its natural flecks, though there are some notable differences (like how you clean it). “Granite has been overused and tends to look like a cheaper alternative,” Morgan says.

That’s partly because it actually often is the cheaper alternative, which is nothing to balk at if you’re on a budget. Morgan recommends using granite tiles in a laundry room or other secondary space where performance and lower cost are your top priority.

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Limestone Tile

Pros

Natural appearance that mimics old architecture
Rich appearance
Wide variety of color and appearance options

Cons

Porous and must be sealed properly or will crack
Must use neutral pH cleaning solutions

Limestone is another type of natural stone tile. “To achieve a truly rustic style filled with natural tones, shades, and variation, lay down limestone tile,” Castellano says. “It delivers a natural appearance that’s almost reminiscent of ancient architecture and design. Durable but soft, limestone is also easy to shape and cut for specific patterns and placements.”

One thing to keep in mind about limestone tile is that it’s a porous rock. In order to ensure it lasts for a long time, it must be sealed properly; otherwise, it will crack and etch easily. Also, cleaning limestone can be a pain.

“To avoid ruining the stone, homeowners need to use neutral pH cleaning agents and avoid citrus and vinegar-based products,” says Castellano. “That said, the rich appearance and variety of colors or size make it a great option for really any space, especially outdoors. I recommend using limestone outdoors in a patio space to give the perfect final look.”

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Travertine Tile

Pros

Natural stone
Soft, subdued, neutral palette

Cons

Easily damaged by water, stains, traction
Can require extra maintenance

Like limestone, travertine tile offers a natural, one-of-a-kind aesthetic. “Its soft, subdued palette provides beautiful neutral tones,” Castellano says. “From gray to tan and beige, the swirling surface produces an elegant and unique statement.”

Just like other natural stone tile types, it’s easily impacted by water, stains, and traction. For that reason, travertine tile requires extra maintenance and occasional resealing.

“It’s best to use travertine tiles in low-traffic areas of the home. Also, to avoid scratches, etching, or stains, many designers and DIYers will apply these tiles to walls instead of floors,” he says. “If you are applying it to floors, make sure you know what type of sealant to use and what cleaning products to use.”

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Quarry Tile

Pros

Water-resistant and nonporous
Can be glazed or left natural
Do not require sealing
Slip resistant

Cons

Stain easily

Quarry tile is made with ground materials in a process that’s very similar to brick (though technically stronger). Quarry tile is made from ground minerals, like feldspar, clay, and shale, that are ground together and then baked at over 2000 degrees.

“They get their name from where the ground minerals come from: a quarry,” Boylen says. “Since these tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, they are naturally dense, nonporous, and water-resistant with an extremely low water absorption rate. They can be glazed or left in the natural finish. Another benefit is that they do not have to be sealed.”

Though durable, quarry tiles are susceptible to staining, so they shouldn’t be used in the kitchen. Boylen recommends them for other high-traffic areas since they offer a sense of purposeful design and are naturally slip-resistant.

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Metal Tile

Pros

Durable and modern
Develops a patina

Cons

Not suitable for flooring
Scratches and dents easily
Can be expensive

“Metal countertops offer superior durability and a chic and modern kitchen aesthetic,” Morgan says. “Although the cost for this type of tile is usually similar in pricing to natural stone, it will certainly withstand the test of time in both look and function.”

A primary consideration with metal tile is that it tends to scratch almost as soon as it’s installed. Some people prefer this naturally occurring patina, which can soften the overall effect.

If that’s not your preferred finish, then metal probably isn’t an ideal tile type for you. “Metal works great on any work surface, such as a kitchen, bar, or utility room,” Morgan says. “I would not recommend it for baths or, depending on the climate, outdoor use.”

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Resin Tile

Pros

Combines styles
Water resistant
Make your own tile patterns

Cons

Chip easily
Yellow over time

“Resin tiles are a great solution to combine styles you want,” Boylen says. “These tiles look great and are water-resistant. Plus, they are perfect for the DIYer since you can make your own tile patterns. The 3D patterns are also popular with resin and it can imitate the look of water and stones.”

Resin tile drawbacks include a propensity to chip, and yellow over time, especially when exposed to the sun. “I recommend resin flooring for water areas, like the bathroom and mudrooms. They also make great backsplashes and accent pieces,” Boylen says.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tile rating or grade?

Two crucial numbers are associated with picking tile: rating and grading. The rating and grading of a tile come from the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI), an organization that assesses the quality of enamel products throughout North America.1

PEI assigns tiles a hardness rating, which evaluates how much and what type of foot traffic they can handle. PEI ratings range from 0 to 5, with 0 being the most delicate and 5 being the most robust.

Grading assesses a tile’s quality. Grade 1 tiles have very few flaws; grade 2 tiles have some flaws and imperfections; grade 3 tiles are thin and made for wall use.
How thick are tiles?

Tiles also come in a variety of thicknesses. Floor tiles are the thickest, measuring 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Wall tiles are thinner, between 1/4 and 3/8 inch thick, and usually only available in three- to six-inch squares. Mosaic tiles are a category of their own, coming in two-inch pieces at a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Should I go for light or dark tiles?

The color of your tile can set the mood for the entire area or room. Looking to lighten up? Lighter tiles are the way to go. Need to warm everything up? Darker tiles can help with that. As you might expect, lighter tiles show debris and scuffs more easily and will likely need to be cleaned more frequently than dark tiles.

Bold patterns or bright tiles can add interest to a boring bathroom or brighten up a kitchen. But choose wisely—you’ll be with the design for a long time, so picking something trendy could be risky. You don’t want to get sick of the pattern and have to redo the tiling again!

For this and related articles, please visit RealSimple.com

November 30, 2024/by altpdx

Forget the White Picket Fence: Is Buying a Townhouse the New American Dream?

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Forget the White Picket Fence: Is Buying a Townhouse the New American Dream?

When Alisa Newman was shopping for a home earlier this year, she harbored no fantasies of a white picket fence surrounding a single-family home. Instead, she opted for a townhouse.

“I decided on a townhome because I am single and getting older, and I’m attracted by the prospect of less upkeep than with a single-family home,” she says.

Newman, who moved to Delaware, adds that her previous house in Coral Gables, FL, was a maintenance nightmare—particularly during hurricane season.

“The community where I’m buying has an HOA that will take care of lawn care and snow removal,” she says.

But it wasn’t just the low maintenance that drew Newman’s attention; it was also the price. At $620,000 for three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, it was far more affordable than single-family homes in the area.

And since it was new construction, she was able to order it to her specifications, requesting wood floors throughout rather than carpeting, a luxury primary bath, an upgraded kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and a security system. She even received $10,000 cash toward her closing costs.

Alisa Newman bought a townhome in this new development in Wilmington, DE.

(Realtor.com)

Newman decided to trade her stand-alone house for a townhouse.

(Alisa Newman)

Having less personal outdoor space now also doesn’t worry her because “it means less to take care of.”

Her only concern is slight: sharing walls with strangers.

“I’d like to know if the Rolling Stones or a family with 10 kids will be right next door, but my agent won’t tell me,” she says. “So if Mick and Keith are next door, I’ll just have to befriend them.”

Townhouses: The new American dream?

With the salary needed to afford a home more than doubling since the COVID-19 pandemic, the dream of owning a home has become harder for the average American.

Many experts say the lack of homes is the main problem, so developers are building residences as fast as they can. Single-family home construction jumped 16% in September.

But what if the solution was not more houses, but smaller, more compact houses instead?

Enter the townhouse.

A townhome in the Overlook at Linden Run development in Wilmington is listed for $668,000.

(Realtor.com)

Buyers can customize many aspects of their townhome in Overlook at Linden Run.

(Realtor.com)

A townhouse—defined as a home where at least two floors share a wall with another home—might lack the space and privacy of a single-family residence, but it has a lot more going for those who need a more affordable entry point to homeownership.

“At current interest rates and assuming a 10% down payment, that’s a savings of roughly $185 per month,” says Realtor.com® economist Joel Berner.

And those savings are even more significant depending on where you shop.

“There are 36 ZIP codes here where townhomes are plentiful and offer a 30%-plus discount against single-family homes,” says Berner. “They tend to be in city centers of Atlantic markets where single-family homes are expensive. In these townhome hot spots, townhomes or row homes offer the best of both worlds: proximity to desirable parts of the city and the chance to own a piece of property at a more affordable price.”

In fact, seven ZIP codes exist where townhouses are selling for over a 50% discount versus single-family homes. The biggest discount is in Raleigh, NC, where a townhome costs a median of $463,335. Meanwhile, a stand-alone single-family house will run you about $2,499,250—making townhomes here 81.46% cheaper.

A newly constructed townhome in Raleigh, NC (like the ones here), can give you an 80% discount over a single-family dwelling.

(Realtor.com)

Why suburbia loves townhomes

While many urban areas such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City have always been townhome fans, suburbia has caught on at this point.

Land is no longer plentiful and cheap, not even way out in rural areas. Developers have to make their investment count, and builders can fit a lot more townhomes on a single plot of land than single-family homes. Multifamily buildings are more eco-friendly, with much less required clearing of forest or farmland.

Year-to-date starts of 2- to 4-bedroom-unit projects (typically townhomes) are up 31.5% across the country year over year, while single-family starts are up only 10.1%.

“The future of townhome sales looks strong at least in terms of volume of units coming onto the market,” says Berner.

The benefits of a townhouse

Some new homebuyers are already on to the new American dream.

Jacob Austin, who bought a KB Home townhome in a St. Augustine, FL, development called Orchard Park, says that he was happy to say goodbye to his single-family dwelling.

“I appreciated how low-maintenance a townhome is,” he says. “The townhome I live in is very spacious and similar to a single-family home inside, but more affordable than single-family resale homes in the area.”

A three-bedroom townhome in Orchard Park in St. Augustine, FL, will run around $260,000.

(KB Home)

The great room in an Orchard Park townhome by KB Home

(KB Home)

Elizabeth Boese, a real estate agent in Boulder, CO, says many of her clients chose a townhouse over a single-family when they saw the “amount of house” they could get for less money.

While concerns about having your neighbors so close remain a sticking point, construction improvements to block noise can help alleviate these potential issues.

“Some of the concerns I hear are that you share a wall with your neighbors, and buyers are worried about the noise,” says KB Home sales counselor Marianna Herman. “But we use great products and noise barriers that help eliminate much of the noise that you can hear, so our homebuyers are pleased with how quiet the home can be.”

Neighbors in close proximity can even be part of the appeal of the townhome, says architect James Schaefer, who specializes in designing them.

“Townhomes combine what is attractive about single-family homes—garage, yard, multiple bedrooms—with community and proximity to neighbors,” he says.

Yet noise aside, Boese says that townhouse owners might run into other issues that a single-family home wouldn’t present.

“If the roof is shared or connected to your neighbor, then life can be difficult if the roof needs to be replaced but the neighbor will not share the cost or is unwilling to replace their portion,” she warns.

She tells of one client who was trying to sell his unit, but photos of the roof clearly showed that it was replaced only up to the line of the neighbor’s.

“You can see the difference,” she says. “It makes it harder to sell, knowing someone has such a difficult neighbor.”

She advises looking for a townhome where the roof and exterior walls are individuated, so that each owner can maintain their individual sections.

Also, most townhome developments come with homeowners association fees. Be sure to read your HOA agreement thoroughly, and know what your fees do and don’t cover.

Will the townhome overtake the single-family home?

An op-ed in the Wall Street Journal posits that people should forget about the “antiquated” idea of a large single-family home in the suburbs and instead consider the townhouse.

But will townhouses truly take over in people’s minds and hearts?

Lawrence R. Samuel, author of “Home Ownership in America,” notes that in the 1960s, condos were lauded as a way for everyone to enjoy homeownership, while in the late 1970s, it was the mobile home. More recently, one can look at the popularity of the tiny house.

None has ended the rule of the single-family house.

“I don’t foresee any other form of housing, including townhomes, usurping the supremacy of the single-family house,” he says. “It ideally aligns with the core American values of independence and private property.”

He adds: “For better or worse, the image of the suburban house, complete with a white picket fence and a backyard of one’s own, is permanently etched in our minds.”

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 27, 2024/by altpdx

The Benefits of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent When Buying a New-Construction Home

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The Benefits of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent When Buying a New-Construction Home

When Carlos Gonzalez bought a house in Katy, Texas, in 2020, he admits it was a challenge.

“The negotiation process was lengthy, multiple inspections were necessary, and settling on a final price proved to be quite challenging,” he explains.

Two years later, in 2022, he decided to splurge on a brand-new home in a new-construction community in Katy. Although he acknowledges he paid “a higher overall cost” than for his resale home, he was relieved to find that navigating this type of purchase was much easier—and came with some surprising perks.

“The builder often picks up many closing costs and can show some flexibility with pricing,” he says.

For the existing home, he paid $210,000; and for the new-construction home, which is an investment home to rent out, he paid $270,000.

In both transactions, he used the same real estate agent, Veronica Mendoza, a real estate broker from Houston—and was glad in both instances that he did. Gonzalez believes that the guidance, expertise, and regular communication provided by his agent made the process much smoother.

“My agent was constantly in touch with the builder’s agent, scheduling showings, checking the property’s readiness for viewings, and coordinating all the details,” Gonzalez explains. “Those tasks can be challenging.”

In both transactions, the sellers were the ones paying a 3% commission to Gonzalez’s agent.

New-Construction-Homebuyer — Carlos Gonzalez, a Texas homebuyer in front of his existing home.

Should you hire a buyer’s agent when purchasing new construction?

There’s an ongoing conversation about whether having a buyer’s agent is necessary when purchasing a new-construction home.

A buyer’s agent works for homebuyers to represent their best interests throughout the transaction, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Buyers can either pay the agent directly through a negotiated fee, or the agent may share in a commission from the listing broker.

It’s important to realize that if you’re dealing directly with a home seller’s agent, their primary goal is to achieve the best outcome for the seller, not necessarily for you. Meanwhile, builders often have their own real estate agent, only that agent is likely to direct you toward their specific development projects.

If your top priority is to find your dream home and you’re open to considering different areas or developments, having your own buyer’s agent can open the door to more options beyond just one subdivision.

If you do decide to employ the services of a buyer’s agent to purchase new construction, it’s best to work with one familiar with the process.

Mario Rodriguez, a real estate agent in Houston, learned a lot by working for a local builder several years ago.

“Working with a builder helped me learn what it takes to develop and build new construction homes, while also allowing me to explain the process to clients who are looking to purchase new-construction homes,” Rodriguez notes. “However, there are downsides: There’s a lot of paperwork involved when working with a builder, and you can’t be in two places at once, which means you have to spend a lot of time in the model home.”

An alternative: Agents partnering with builders

Many builders, rather than have their own on-staff agents, are now collaborating with independent agents or entire brokerage firms to offer tiered commission structures or bonuses that incentivize agents to highlight their developments. These agents could offer the best of both worlds, where they aren’t limited to any particular builder but still might have insider knowledge from a builder about better deals, upcoming promotions, and available lots that typical agents may not access.

Although some homebuyers worry about potential conflicts of interest that could arise from such arrangements, Rodriguez thinks he has been able to address both the needs of the buyer and builder at the same time.

“I believe that by understanding, listening, and offering guidance, agents can strike a balance between the goals of both the builder and the buyer,” he says.

New construction vs. resale commission

Traditionally, builders have offered a 3% commission to buyer’s agents; but since the NAR settlement, some buyers have opted to go without an agent in hopes of negotiating a better deal directly with the builder.

Ultimately, deciding to save a few thousand dollars by not using an agent is a personal choice. However, it’s essential to remember that while the builder’s agent may be knowledgeable, their primary focus is on meeting the builder’s goals, which is to sell the home—not necessarily to provide you with the best options tailored to your needs.

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 25, 2024/by altpdx

Real Estate Broker Reveals How To Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers—Especially in Colder Months

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Real Estate Broker Reveals How To Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers—Especially in Colder Months

A Florida real estate broker has revealed a list of tips for how homeowners can make their properties more appealing to prospective buyers—particularly in the colder months.

Chris Schwarz, a broker who owns White Whale Real Estate in the Daytona, FL, area, revealed his simple, yet effective, advice in a YouTube video. In it, he details how people can spruce up their homes to lure buyers.

But first, he says, it’s important to establish why you are putting your house on the market, and whether the time is truly right for you to sell.

“We always get asked, ‘Is it a good time to sell?’ And yes, there may be a better time to sell than not, but the most important question to ask yourself is what your goals are, and what you are trying to do for you and your family,” he explains.

If you are eager to sell your house because you already have your sights set on another location, he says, then the best way to see whether your home is going to be a hit is to put it on the market.

“A home can’t sell unless it’s listed and people know it’s for sale,” he points out.

But once you have made the decision to list your home, there are a number of simple ways to ensure that it catches the eye of prospective buyers.

Florida real estate broker Chris Schwarz offers homeowners tips on making their properties more appealing to prospective buyers—particularly in the colder months.

(YouTube/ Living in New Smyrna Beach FL )

Warm lighting is a winner

The first of Schwarz’s tips? Focus on warm lighting in the home.

“First up, let’s talk about lighting. So as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, lighting plays a huge role in how [homebuyers] are going to perceive your home when they show up to it,” he says.

“So as we know in the fall time, we have limited natural light and we really need to make up for that by having warm, cozy, natural lighting on the inside of the home.”

He advises replacing harsh cool-tone lightbulbs with soft white bulbs to “create a cozy, warm, welcoming atmosphere, which is exactly what buyers are looking for.”

Adding floor or table lamps to key areas of your home can also “help eliminate any of the dark corners that you may have,” he says.

Make a fun first impression—but keep it tasteful

Outside, Schwarz urges homeowners to consider adding lighted pathways or even hanging string lights to create an inviting, fun atmosphere.

“The overall thing that you’re trying to do is make your home feel inviting and welcoming to the buyer, making them feel comfortable and painting the picture of allowing them to see themselves living there,” he says.

Outdoor in general and seasonal decor is also important, he says. While holiday decorations are fine to have, they should be tasteful and low-key, especially when it comes to more dramatic celebrations like Halloween.

Halloween Decorations to Avoid — When it comes to seasonal decor, Schwarz advises that it be tasteful and low-key.

(Getty Images)

“One of the great things that you can do to keep up with a home appeal for your house is doing some nice tasteful decor outside. So don’t make it super crazy. Don’t make it super scary. If you have the scariest house on the block, people are not going to want to come to it,” he says.

“They’re not going to want to come check it out. They’re going to think it’s cluttered and probably not the best house for them.”

He recommends adding pumpkins and nice fall-colored plants to make the outside area of the home more tasteful and inviting.

Inside, Schwarz suggests adding throw blankets and pillows in a variety of fall hues, like mustard, yellow, burnt orange, and deep red.

“Those things will go a long way in helping accent the home,” he says.

Adding seasonal centerpieces is also a winner with buyers, he says, “like a bowl of fresh apples or a vase full of fall-colored flowers.”

Neaten things up

Tidy up the house inside and out, he continues.

“You want to make sure your home is tidy and good to go and people are going to show up to see the outside of your house starting out,” he says.

“The few big things here are going to be making sure your lawn is maintained and manicured throughout. Your gutters are clean. This is a big one a lot of people forget, but it does make a big difference when people show up and there’s overflowing dead leaves and whatever else that collects in gutters,” he says.

More advice includes a freshly painted front door.

“This one is huge and can go a long way. I mean, think about it: You’re walking up to a house for the very first time and you show up to a busted ugly door that’s beat down and just looks bad. It’s going to give off a bad impression,” he warns.

“And when people think something looks ugly from the outside, they’re already thinking in their mind it’s going to be ugly in the inside.”

Energy efficiency during the winter months is a big concern for people, so Schwarz says to point out programmable thermostats and any insulation you might have.

“It could be the deciding factor whether they want to purchase that home or another one based on how much money they’ll be able to save overall on a monthly basis,” he says.

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 22, 2024/by altpdx

Update! From Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate to Dutch Boy’s Mapped Blue: See All the 2025 Colors of the Year We Know So Far

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For some, it’s pumpkin spice season. For those in the design world, it’s Color of the Year season, when paint companies and aesthetic authorities release their picks for the hues that will be influential and impactful in the year to come. In years past, we’ve seen bright, punchy peaches, terra cottas, and teals, but this year so far has a richer, earthier quality to it. Read on for the shades that have been announced so far, and check back often for updates.

2025 color of the year benjamin moore cinnamon slate

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2025: Cinnamon Slate

About the color: Part plum, part brown, this nearly perfect mauve is subtle but powerful. It’s soft enough to work in just about any space without screaming “Purple!” but deep enough that it’s uber-chic. I can see this color enduring, always feeling new but also like it’s always been there.

Paint with it: Cinnamon Slate is begging to go on a wood fireplace surround, on interior doors, and any and all molding. The tint is almost velvety and would be stunning in a flat or eggshell finish.

Accessorize with it: Heirloom TENCEL™ Linen Duvet Cover, from $330 at Parachute

2025 color of the year dunn edwards caramelized

Dunn-Edwards Color of the Year 2025: Caramelized

About the color: Brown is one of the most popular neutrals of the moment, but for anyone who can’t quite lean into the deep earth tone, Caramelized might be just right. It’s a warm terracotta that reads peachy for a sunbaked look. It’s versatile but pigmented enough to still make a statement.

Paint with it: The tawny brown is ideal for a home exterior finished in stucco or plaster, as the imperfect natural materials give the paint movement and variation. Caramelized would also look great in any interior space where you already have other warm neutrals and light oak or maple wood furniture.

Accessorize with it: Solenn Light Sand Ceramic Sculpture Table Lamp Base, $49 at World Market

2025 color of the year glidden purple basil

Glidden Color of the Year 2025: Purple Basil

About the color: Purple Basil is one of three in this color family for 2025, but while Benjamin Moore’s COTY leans brown and earthy, and Minwax’s Violet is punchy and playful, Glidden took a richer yet still saturated approach. It’s unapologetic, maximalist and daring.

Paint with it: Depending on your house style (for instance, if you live in an old Craftsman or a Victorian), Purple Basil would be killer on window trim or any other trim accent on your exterior. And since that won’t work for everyone, try it in a power bath paired with a complementary wallpaper.

Accessorize with it: Kieron Dark Purple Pillow Cover, $38 at Mark & Day]

2025 color of the year krylon hammered black

Krylon Color of the Year: Hammered Black

About the color: As much a texture as it is a color, Hammered Black adds a modern edge to anything you take the can to while also feeling storied and stately.

Paint with it: This hammered finish in a stately black is incredibly versatile. I’d take it to any vase or plant pot you want to give a fresh update to, a small side table, a 1980s-era shiny brass chandelier or a mirror that could use new life.

Accessorize with it: 6th Anniversary Iron Deep Bowl, Forged Hammered, $184 at Etsy

Behr Color of the Year 2025: Rumors

About the color: Rumors is a deep ruby red, a moodier answer to one of 2024’s biggest color trends: unexpected (bright) red. Its undertones have enough blue to feel saturated but not shocking, and can transform depending on the sheen you pick.

Paint with it: A color this rich and romantic begs to cover the walls of a cozy TV room, elegant bathroom or office (as long as you have good natural light!).

Accessorize with it: Shallow Dinner Set, $156 at East Fork

2025 color of the year stainmaster truffle

Stainmaster Color of the Year 2025: Truffle

About the color: Not quite gray, not quite brown, Truffle is a good, modern stop in between. It would look glorious with warm jewel tones (think olive green or citrine velvet) or lots of creams, beiges, and oatmeals in natural textures like linen.

Paint with it: If you’ve considered color drenching, Truffle in a flat or satin finish would be incredibly chic, enveloping, and warm in a bedroom suite, media room or even a mudroom.

Accessorize with it: Deep Brown 20″x20″ Washed Organic Cotton Velvet Throw Pillow with Feather Insert, $55 at Crate & Barrel

Minwax Color of the Year 2025: Violet

About the color: A shade of purple is always a bit of a wild card pick since it’s not a common color in most people’s home-hue Rolodex. But since Minwax is not meant for walls (it’s a wood stain), there’s more room to play. Violet is whimsical, spirited, and a little Victorian.

Paint with it: If you’re after something unexpected and playful, try Violet on a wood bathroom vanity or window trim. It would also be great on any kid furniture.

Accessorize with it: Osmos Studio Iris Vase, $79 at West Elm

2025 color of the year hgtv home sherwin-williams quietude

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2025: Quietude

About the color: Quietude feels like a safe bet for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, but that doesn’t make it any less of a classic. It’s a beautiful sea glass hue with some gray in it to make it milky and pleasing on large-scale furniture or any wall in basically any room of the house.

Paint with it: This pleasant green with blue undertones has enough depth to be used on the exterior of your home (it would be great on a Colonial or even Craftsman bungalow with a deep red accent trim). If your exteriors are all set, try it on the walls of a kitchen with deep green cabinets.

Accessorize with it: Cotton Weave Blanket Throw in Thyme, $44 at The Company Store

Valspar Color of the Year 2025: Encore

About the color: For 2025, Valspar is betting on Encore, a fully saturated cobalt blue. We saw some bold blues pop up in Delft and Chinoiserie this past year, and if this color is any indication, the happy hue is ready to leap off small-scale decor and onto your walls and casegoods.

Paint with it: Encore is a bright, clear blue that benefits from lots of sunlight to really shine. Should you have an alcove or room with floor-to-ceiling built-ins, you won’t regret bringing this moment into your home.

Accessorize with it: Honey & Ivy Mooshie Table Lamp in Midnight Blue, $39 at Urban Outfitters

2025 color of the year dutch boy mapped blue

Dutch Boy Paints Color of the Year 2025: Mapped Blue

About the color: Similar to Quietude but with a bit more blue, Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy Paints is another easy-going COTY that works in a multitude of settings and applications. It’s calming, soft and a solid color for anyone wanting to dip their toes in the non-neutral pool of design.

Paint with it: Mapped Blue might just have gotten its name from the fact that it can “cover the map” of places to use it. It would make a great kitchen cabinet or bathroom vanity shade, but would be happy on the walls (and ceilings and moldings) of any living room or sleep space.

Accessorize with it: “Teal And Sage II” by Victoria Barnes Painting Print – 36” x 36”, $64 at Wayfair

C2 Color of the Year 2025: Raku #549

About the color: C2 and Stainmaster are on similar wavelengths for 2025 in the brown family, but unlike Truffle, Raku has a burnt brick red quality that looks almost like earthenware. Applied in a matte finish, it begs you to run your hands along it. Pair it with deep burgundies to bring out its red or sumptuous chocolate browns and black for a monochrome contemporary vibe.

Paint with it: A color like Raku craves filling the nooks and crannies of trimwork, so try it in any room with lots of woodwork, picture frame molding or the like.

Accessorize with it: Barcelona Brown and Black Diamond Geo Tufted Wool Area Rug, $200 at World Market

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 21, 2024/by altpdx

Portland Restaurant Openings You May Have Missed

Neighborhood News, News

A red monochromatic collaged image with the words “now open” written across in large yellow font.

Chicha San Chen

What it is: Taiwan-founded bubble tea chain Chicha San Chen has opened its first Oregon location at Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton, serving freshly brewed tea drinks with toppings such as konjac and taro balls.
When it opened: September 6
Where it is: 3205 SW Cedar Hills Boulevard #8
Learn more: Chicha San Chen

1919

What it is: A Richmond neighborhood lounge in the former Sessionable space serving limoncello and Aperol spritzes alongside dishes including house-made minestrone soup and bruschetta.
When it opened: September 2
Where it is: 3588 SE Division Street
Learn more: 1919

Dodo Dumpling

What it is: This Northwest District restaurant makes steamed and pan-fried dumplings with fillings like Carlton Farms pork, Painted Hills beef, curry chicken, corn cheese, and miso mushroom veggie.
When it opened: September 1
Where it is: 1902 NW 24th Avenue
Learn more: Dodo Dumpling Is Coming to NW Portland

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

What it is: An outpost of Japan-born conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is now open at Beaverton Town Square.
When it opened: September 1
Where it is: 11703 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway
Learn more: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Le Petit Cafe NW

What it is: This daytime cafe in Slabtown serves bagel sandwiches, croissant sandwiches, baked goods from La Provence, coffee drinks, and fresh juices.
When it opened: August 28
Where it is: 2031 NW Front Avenue
Learn more: Le Petit Cafe PDX

Mémoire Cà Phê

What it is: Matta owner Richard Le, Portland Ca Phe owner Kim Dam, and HeyDay owner Lisa Nguyen have teamed up to open this Vietnamese American brunch spot with dishes like fried chicken on a pandan waffle, breakfast burritos with fish sauce bacon, and black sesame cinnamon rolls.
When it opened: August 24
Where it is: 1495 NE Alberta Street
Learn more: This New Vietnamese American Cafe Will Blend McDonald’s Breakfast With Pandan Waffles

Caseus Diem

What it is: This Division Street cheese shop sells cheese by the pound and serves customizable cheese boards with charcuterie.
When it opened: August 24
Where it is: 3320 SE Division Street
Learn more: A New Richmond Cheese Shop Will Carry 75 Types of Cheese

The Smokin’ Oak

What it is: A Central Texas-style barbecue cart serving Frito pie, Texas red chili, brisket sandwiches, and barbecue plates has opened at Cartside Food Carts.
When it opened: August 16
Where it is: 1825 N Williams Avenue
Learn more: The Smokin’ Oak

For this and more local foodie news, please visit PDX.Eater.com

November 19, 2024/by altpdx

The Difference Between a Renovation and a Remodel, According to Pros

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They say Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither was your dream home. If we’re totally honest, very few domestic endeavors compare to the time, energy, and (sometimes) stress of tackling a home renovation. Or is it a remodel? Chances are, you probably use the words renovation and remodel interchangeably. This may not seem like a big deal when faced with the cost to remodel a house, but it could still reveal the extent of your experience (or lack thereof) with home updates.

Remodel vs. Renovation

No matter which term you use, there’s a good chance whoever you’re talking to knows what you’re referring to, but have you ever stopped and wondered if you’re using the correct word? Or if the contractors, designers, paint pros, and other experts you’re working with think you’re unfamiliar with the process because you’re using the wrong word?

Is there a difference between a remodel and a renovation? Well, it depends on who you ask.

Definitions

Technically, a renovation and remodel are defined differently. While a remodel changes the form of something (like adding a new shower to an existing bathroom), a renovation focuses more on restoring something old into good repair (fixing up a creaky floor, for example).

What Do the Pros Say?

Over the years, the design world has closed the gap on differences between remodels and renovations. When we asked JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers—former Bachelorette couple and stars of the CNBC show Cash Pad—the duo insisted the two terms can be used interchangeably. “I think renovation and remodel are often used hand in hand,” Rodgers says. “We’re making subtle, very pointed changes in order to turn [a space] into something that functionally makes sense.”

In their experience, the term renovation (or remodel!) is often associated with a completely different word: flipping. And while home makeovers can help increase your space’s value—which is especially convenient if you’re looking to sell—they’re not always synonymous with flips.

“I think sometimes people get remodel and flipped mixed up,” Fletcher says. “All the homes I’ve always done have been remodels and were never flipped because I keep them as rentals. Remodeling a home is taking what it is and sort of changing it into a better form.”

The Bottom Line

Whether you call it a renovation or a remodel, one thing’s for sure: It’s important to plan your project with care. One of the biggest tips the duo has for undergoing your home project is to pay attention to the rooms you use the most (and least!) and spend accordingly.

“Being realistic with why you use your space will help you not overspend,” Fletcher suggests. “Maybe don’t break the bank on a ton of cabinetry that you’re never going to use or an island that can seat 12 people if you don’t entertain a lot.”

For this and similar articles, please visit RealSimple.com

November 17, 2024/by altpdx

Cheap Tricks: How To Prep Your House To Sell When You’re Broke

News

If you’re planning to sell your home anytime soon, you’ve likely heard one phrase repeatedly: curb appeal. In other words, you have to make your well-loved, lived-in home catch the eye of potential buyers in the best possible way.

“Buyers are making decisions about your listing in the first seven seconds of arriving,” says Tiffany Szakal, agent and managing broker at The Local Element in Grand Rapids, MI.

But it usually takes a lot of elbow grease—not to mention a large check—to spruce up your house to sell.

So what’s a seller to do if they’re strapped for cash and can’t afford to replace the ’90s linoleum floor in the bathroom with fancy new tile? (Or maybe you don’t want to throw money at improvements you’ll never get to enjoy.)

Don’t sweat it. We gathered some cheap tricks from the pros that will make your home irresistible to homebuyers.

Cheap Tricks: How To Prep Your House To Sell When You’re Broke

Paint the right rooms

Do you have a meager paint budget? Don’t worry, you don’t have to repaint the entire house in the latest trendy paint colors to impress homebuyers. But you should take a close look at the rooms homebuyers focus on the most.

“I think about bathrooms and kitchens,” says Wendy Gladson, a real estate consultant at Compass in Los Angeles. “It doesn’t take much paint because there are generally more cabinets than wall space.”

Painting the living room is always a good idea, too, just because it’s the first inside impression.

“Surprisingly, the garage door is something that should also be high on the priority list,” says Gladson. “In some cases, it makes up 40% of the front of the home. And a quick coat of fresh paint will go a long way toward brightening the home’s first impression.”

And while buying paint, get some for the front door, too. Pro tip: Yellow and cherry red attract buyers.

Get discounted staging advice

Whether it’s the paint colors or oddly arranged furniture, many homebuyers just can’t get past what’s in front of them and visualize how they’ll make their home instantly appealing.

Home staging helps eliminate the guesswork, but the whole shebang of staging services can get pricey. Luckily, many stagers offer a consultation or hourly fee.

“It’s a cheaper alternative to using all of their product, and sometimes something as simple as moving the sofa to a different position in the house makes a world of difference,” says Gladson.

Also, stage your closets and pantry

Staging isn’t just for furniture and artwork. Stage your closets, pantries, and cabinets to show their storage capacity. And since you can do this yourself, it will cost you nothing!

“An extra-full pantry and closet don’t allow a buyer to visualize the space, especially in dark rooms or areas,” says Martha Gaffney, a strategic real estate adviser at Real Estate Bees in Pelham, NY.

So remove half to one-third of the stuff in your closet, pantry, and cabinets. Homebuyers should be able to see most of the floor and the ceiling.

Restore dull and drab wood floors

Refinishing hardwood floors is pricey.

Yet you can easily breathe new life into old floors and even fill in scratches by mopping on a water-based polyurethane wood floor restorer to get back that rich, high-gloss finish of a newer floor.

And one application should last through all the foot traffic of your open houses.

DIY upholstery cleaning

Sure, there are other things you would rather do on a Saturday than lugging around a rented carpet and upholstery cleaner room to room. But it is a chore that pays off, especially when you have pets.

Homebuyers pick up pet smells as soon as they walk through the front door. But the sellers tend to be nose-blind and don’t realize how badly Fido is stinking up the home.

So invite your brutally honest friends over after you clean all the pet areas. If they still smell pet-related odors, find the culprit and deodorize it.

Let there be light

Natural light makes a home feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting. And if your home is lacking natural light, there’s an easy trick to let more light in instantly.

“Wash your windows and remove the screens as they filter light,” says Gladson. Install full-spectrum lightbulbs that mimic the midday sun for rooms lacking in natural light.

Renovate on the cheap

Consider second-hand stores when you want to make a few improvements but have limited funds.

“I highly recommend your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore,” says Szakal, of The Local Element.

“They have a ton of renovation items, including paint, cabinets, hardware, appliances, tile, etc., for affordable prices,” says Szakal. “And a big bonus is that your purchase helps contribute to affordable homeownership in your community.”

Don’t forget the yard, either. Grab some garden gloves and tools and tidy things up.

“This is a high-impact, no-to-low-dollar investment area where a seller can make a huge difference,” she adds.

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 15, 2024/by altpdx

5 Ways First-Time Homebuyers Ruin Their Credit Score—and Their Odds of Buying a House

News

When it comes to shopping for a mortgage to buy a house, one critical factor to check is your credit score. Lenders use your credit score (aka FICO score) to decide whether to loan you money to buy a home and at what interest rate.

“Lenders grant credit based on their confidence you can be trusted to pay back what you borrowed,” says Stephen Rosen, head of sales at mortgage company Better. “If you are worthy of a lender’s financial trust, you are said to be creditworthy, or to have ‘good credit.’ Building credit is almost like building a reputation with lenders.”

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. While the definition of good/bad credit varies slightly from creditor to creditor, here’s a general rundown:

Excellent credit score: 750–850
Good credit score: 700–749
Fair credit score: 650–699
Poor credit score: 649 and lower

Unfortunately, it’s easy to make mistakes that lower your credit score and jeopardize your odds of getting a home loan. Here are the five worst credit mistakes a homebuyer can make—plus how to turn things around and get your credit back on track.

5 Ways First-Time Homebuyers Ruin Their Credit Score—and Their Odds of Buying a House

1. History of late or missing payments

Whether or not you’ve paid your bills is a top concern for lenders. As such, your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. Late payments, missed payments, and loan defaults like tax liens take a heavy toll on credit. Even worse, if you have not made a payment on your credit card debts for a while—six months or more—your creditor can “charge off” your account as uncollectable and sell it to a collection agency.

The obvious fix here is to pay off your debts on time or by remembering your monthly payment.

“Generally speaking, what helps build credit is paying your balance on time,” says Ace Watanasuparp, national director of strategic sales for Citizens Home Mortgage. “Set up automatic payments to ensure that you never miss one, and if you have the funds, set up the automatic payments a day or two before the due date.”

If auto-paying isn’t your thing, set calendar reminders for each bill’s due date to make sure everything gets paid on time, Rosen suggests.

2. High credit balances

Your debt load makes up 30% of your credit score. As such, carrying a high credit card balance can also drag down your score.

Ideally, you want your credit utilization—the amount of debt you have compared with your credit limit—to be low, about 30% to 40% of your credit limit. So if you have a $5,000 credit limit, using $2,000 a month rather than maxing out the whole $5,000 will help you build a better credit score.

“The lower your outstanding balances, the better your credit score,” Rosen adds. He suggests setting up credit card alerts so you can keep up with how much of your credit limit is being used.

3. Short or spotty credit history

The length of your credit history makes up 15% of your score. And the longer your accounts remain open, the better. This includes your credit cards, student loans, car loans, or rental history.

“Lenders will want the client to have more than 24 months of credit history,” Watanasuparp says.

If you have old credit cards that are still good but you don’t use them, don’t close those accounts. Closing paid-off credit cards can actually harm your credit score, as it reduces the overall length of your credit history.

“It’s better to keep it open and use the credit line from time to time than closing the credit card,” Rosen says.

4. Limited mix of credit

Credit mix is the variety of loans in your credit file, such as credit cards, student loans, and car loans. Having a mix of credit is good, because it demonstrates you can juggle paying off several different debts at a time. A mix of credit contributes to 10% of your credit score.

“Ignoring credit mix can drag down your credit score,” Rosen says. On the flip side, “understanding and improving it can give you a boost.”

However, don’t open extra credit cards or take out new loans for the sake of having a good mix of credit if you can’t handle paying them, Watanasuparp warns. Otherwise, it will do more harm than good.

5. Too much new credit

New credit makes up 10% of your score. What lenders don’t want to see is that you have opened numerous low-limit credit card accounts, or put in multiple applications for new credit within a short period of time. They interpret this as a signal that you have difficulty handling credit. Furthermore, opening new lines of credit decreases the average length of your credit history, which can also hurt your score.

You could have too much credit if you struggle to make your monthly payments, and have a high amount of debt—especially new debt. So avoid opening new lines of credit unless necessary and when you know you can pay your bill each month.

How long does it take to repair your credit score?

If you’ve made a credit mistake like one of those listed above, it’s not the end of the world. Just start now to build up your credit again. However, it will take time, so be patient.

“Repairing your credit involves smaller tasks that can take anywhere from several weeks to several years to complete,” Rosen says.

Some of the items that stay on your credit report for years include the following:

Bankruptcy: seven to 10 years

Foreclosure/mortgage default: seven years
Tax liens (unpaid property tax): up to 10 years for unpaid liens
Charged-off accounts: seven years
Lawsuits and judgments: seven years (even if a judgment has been satisfied)

Past credit score blemishes won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage, however. Talk with your lender and be prepared to explain what happened in the past and what steps you have made to correct the issue.

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

November 12, 2024/by altpdx

Frosty Fixups: 10 Ways to Winterize Your Home

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‘Tis the season for cold weather maintenance.

Winter is right around the corner! For some, this is simply a cooler time of year. For others, a blanket of snow and freezing temperatures are in the forecast. Whatever your local climate during the colder months, taking time to prepare your home now will be beneficial throughout the season.

If you want to reduce heating costs and protect your home, this list of winterization tips will keep you warm and safe all winter long.

Easy Ways to Save Energy.

A home prepared for colder weather after following tips to winterize your home

Install a programmable thermostat. Did you know the Department of Energy recommends keeping the heater at 68°F during the day in the winter? To keep energy costs down, a programmable thermostat is ideal. This gadget lets you customize your heating system to reduce the temperature where possible and warm things up when it’s time to get comfortable.

Keep drafts out of your home. Weather stripping, door sweeps, storm doors, and storm windows are a few simple additions to reduce heat loss during the winter months. These add-ons can be inexpensive and easy, especially when you consider the savings you’ll see on your monthly heating bill.

Clean or replace your furnace filter. Before you turn your furnace on, take time to check the filter. A dirty filter clogged with lint, pollen, dust, and other gunk can spread allergens throughout the house, obstruct airflow, and lead to expensive repairs. Stocking up on your filter of choice early will further simplify this easy task!

Reverse ceiling fans. Most ceiling fans allow you to change the direction and speed of the rotation. By simply reversing your fans and slowing them down, warm air will be pushed gently down to floor level, creating a more comfortable environment without upping your heating bill.

Get an energy audit. Your local power company may offer energy assessments. This service is often free, and will help you identify changes to make your home more energy efficient and save on your energy bill.

Safety Tips for Winter.

Protect your pipes. For much of the United States, the coldest months bring the risk of frozen pipes that can burst and cause water damage. You can winterize indoor pipes with insulation, drain exterior pipes, and turn off and insulate exterior faucets. Be sure to take time to check for leaks.

Inspect the attic. Attic importance is twofold. First, it is where roof problems show themselves, with water damage and mold as two common indicators. Second, proper attic insulation is key for keeping heating costs down and the cold out. If your inspection reveals drips or cold spots, it’s probably time for roof repairs or insulation improvements.

Clean your fireplace and chimney. With over 20,000 fires caused by chimneys each year, servicing your fireplace is critical to keeping your house safe. Start by hiring a professional chimney sweep to thoroughly clean soot and other debris before winter use. Continue to keep your fires safe by cleaning out any ash that accumulates in the firebox.

Trim branches. Snow and ice buildup can cause branches to snap, leading to property damage or downed power lines. Trimming foliage near your house and calling in professionals for larger branches will keep your home safe.

Prepare for winter weather conditions. Taking the time to put fall tools away, prep your winter maintenance gear, and store or protect patio furniture from the elements will leave you ready for the season.

A good move as we enter the new year is to contact one of our dedicated loan officers! They can direct you to local professionals, review financing options, and help you secure a renovation loan to fund projects big and small. Your loan officer will take the time to discuss your mortgage and how we can meet your home financing needs now, and for years to come.

For this and related articles, please visit CrossCountry Mortgage

November 11, 2024/by altpdx