Buying a home together? Avoid these common co-buying mistakes

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Lessons from the field that will save you time, money, and stress along your co-buying journey.

Most co-buyers are excited about the adventure of buying and owning a home together. At some point, many feel overwhelmed. This is normal. Buying a home is complicated, full stop. Compared to a married couple or a singleton, co-buyers have more research and planning to do. In fact, co-buyers face greater complexity across every aspect of their purchase and homeownership.

Here’s where many co-buyers who come to us say they’re having difficulties:

  • Navigating the process
  • Finding the right professionals
  • Managing market competition
  • Setting up co-ownership

While the preferences, circumstances, and goals vary from one situation to the next, there are common patterns and friction points.

In this post, we’ll look at how these obstacles hold co-buyers back. Understanding where things get tricky makes it easier to navigate around roadblocks.

⛔ Mistake #1: Searching for homes before getting approved for a mortgage

It may sound obvious. Still, nearly half of buyers start the home search before sorting out financing. This approach to home shopping is inefficient and ineffective.

First off, it’s shopping without a budget. According to a recent HarrisX survey, nearly 70% of first-time buyers misunderstood their budget.

Second, it generally results in disappointment. In competitive west coast markets, the most desirable homes are currently on the market for less than 14 days. Say you do find the perfect home online. By the time you and your co-buyer(s) have:

  1. worked through the important details of your joint purchase
  2. agreed on key elements of co-ownership
  3. secured financing

…there’s a good chance the home has already sold.

The costs of this approach can mount quickly, particularly in an environment where home prices are rising.

⛔ Mistake #2: Not getting clear about participation and contributions

It’s essential to get clear on who will be involved, how each party will participate, and what each party is bringing to the table.

→ Who will be an owner?

→ Who will be an occupant?

→ How much is each party contributing in cash up front?

→ How much will each party contribute to total monthly housing expenses?

→ What is each party’s credit situation?

These are just a few of the decisions that need to be ironed out—the earlier, the better. What you decide will impact every aspect of the purchase process and co-ownership. For starters, mortgage pre-approval will require clarity on these issues.

⛔ Mistake #3: Sticking to unrealistic expectations

It’s human to want more than we can afford, particularly when it comes to our home. A recent nationwide survey of first-time homebuyers found that 40% had to compromise on budget, features, amenities, or location. In competitive metros—where home prices are two to four times higher than the national average—most buyers have to compromise to get an offer accepted.

Managing expectations against reality is tough(er) for co-buyers. When compromise is required to successfully purchase a home, everyone must agree on what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Co-buyers may or may not have the flexibility or appetite to increase their budget, widen the geographic search area, or give up certain features. The list goes on. Ultimately, you need to weigh the desire to become a homeowner with the concessions required to get there.

⛔ Mistake #4: Selecting the wrong professionals

If you’re not a soccer fan, you’d probably struggle to put together a U.S. Olympic soccer team that could take home gold. Selecting the best professionals for your joint home purchase isn’t so different. Co-buyers depend on guidance from a range of pros who have the right skills, experience, and approach. There’s a vast spectrum of talent and different types of expertise. To achieve a successful outcome, the players have to work together.

It’s understandable why co-buyers struggle to select the right professionals in the wild. A typical home purchase involves 11 or more parties. Finding the right real estate agent, lender, attorney, and others—all with relevant experience in co-buying and co-ownership—would be a tall order. But having the right professional guidance is critical to a smooth purchase and the success of your co-ownership arrangement.

⛔ Mistake #5: Starting the journey without a roadmap (DIY approach)

Co-buying involves a multitude of moving parts before, during, and after the purchase. The decisions on any given issue—the target home, financial considerations, structuring co-ownership, day-to-day running of the home, etc.—have implications for other aspects of the co-buying journey.

Without a roadmap, navigating the co-buying process and decision points is (at best) inefficient. More unsavory outcomes include: not being ready in time to submit an offer, making multiple offers without success, the purchase falling through during closing, incurring unanticipated costs, incurring financial loss after the purchase, and experiencing disagreements during co-ownership.

“If you invest the time earlier to create structure and process around communication, planning, and goal setting, you can prevent missteps before they occur.”

-Christine Tsai

⛔ Mistake #6: Forgetting to plan your exit strategy

It’s said that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. One way or another, the co-ownership period will eventually conclude through sale, buyout, or transfer of ownership. What an exit looks like depends on how co-ownership is structured.

When a married couple owns a home and divorces, the process of dissolving jointly held assets is defined. Still, 71% of divorcees wish they had more guidance splitting assets (Fidelity 2019). Co-owners who are not married to one another do not benefit from established legal frameworks or structures. Even amicable conclusions to co-ownership can have unintended consequences and costs in the absence of a defined exit strategy.

 

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Marie Kondo Reveals Her Vows for the New Year—and How Her Tidying Advice Has Changed

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Every new year, countless vows are made to declutter—which explains the enduring popularity of Marie Kondo.

This tidying expert “sparked joy” around the world with the release of her bestselling book in 2010, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Since then, she’s starred in her own Netflix series, “Sparking Joy With Marie Kondo,” recently released yet another tome, “Kurashi at Home,” and has even encouraged us to add to our pile of possessions by launching her own line of organizational products.

Yet in the 12 years since she first encouraged household purging, Kondo’s approach to organization has evolved, expanding beyond streamlining our closets and cabinets into a whole way of life. Curious to hear what’s changed, we asked Kondo about her own New Year’s resolutions, the biggest mistakes people still make when decluttering, and much more that will help you live your best life at home in 2023 and beyond.

Marie Kondo practices category-based decluttering.
Marie Kondo practices category-based decluttering.

(KonMari Media, Inc.)

Clearing out clutter is a common New Year’s resolution. What’s your best advice for achieving that goal?

My best advice for those looking to initiate a New Year’s organization project is to think clearly about what intentions you want to set. Ask yourself what your ideal life looks like, and envision what exactly you want to be surrounded by.

When you work through this step of the decluttering process, you are really clarifying why you want to tidy and envisioning your best life.

I feel the same goes for setting a resolution; be honest with yourself and what you want out of the new year.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions and if so, what are they? What are you looking forward to in 2023 that will spark joy in your own life?

Winter months are the ideal time to go inward and plan for the year ahead. Journaling is how I sort my thoughts and tidy my mind. I use the opportunity to identify what I am looking forward to reorganizing, whether it be related to my personal or professional life.

To me, a fresh notebook can go a long way when it comes to getting your life in order, especially around the new year. I often will refer to what I’ve written to check back with my original resolutions and track how I’ve progressed, or if the original intention has evolved since working toward it.

The new year is a time of rich tradition in Japan, with family and friends gathering for days to celebrate the occasion. From writing intentions to eating symbolic foods, this time of year is great for resolution setting.

In 2023, I am setting the resolution to use something new. Replacing something that you often use, like a toothbrush, towels, or socks, can infuse fresh energy into our life and make the new year one that truly sparks joy.

What are the most common mistakes you see clients make when decluttering in the new year?

In the KonMari Method, we tidy by category and not by location. When clients tidy a single closet or room at a time, they’re repeating the same work in many locations. That is why my method believes in category-based decluttering, so you can tackle all of one category or type of item at once—beginning with clothes, then books, moving over to papers, then komono [miscellaneous items], and finally sentimental items.

Tidying in this specific order is not only efficient, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of the method and of yourself as you move along.

Marie Kondo journals to set organizational intentions.
Kondo journals to set organizational intentions.

(KonMari Media, Inc.)

Gifts are an inevitable part of the holiday season. … What’s your strategy for giving presents that don’t contribute to clutter, and how do you deal with receiving items that don’t spark joy?

When giving gifts, I urge people to follow these three steps: Think about the recipient’s lifestyle, imagine them using the gift, and let go of the end results.

When you think intentionally about what your friend or family member may need in their life, the process becomes a little simpler. It doesn’t have to spark joy for you, but it obviously should for them!

Lastly, I urge people to give gifts without expectations or an agenda, which can help both the giver and the receiver from feeling undue pressure or like they’ve fallen short.

My recommendation for making the most of gifts you’ve received is to try it out at least once.

The ability to feel what truly excites you is only gained through experience. Be adventurous and welcome things that are different. After trying the gift out, if it still doesn’t feel like a fit, thank it for the joy it brought when you first received it and let go with gratitude. There are many ways to mindfully discard an unused gift.

Marie Kondo with her new book, “Kurashi at Home.”
Kondo with her new book, “Kurashi at Home”

(KonMari Media, Inc.)

How is your new book an evolution or next step from your prior books on organizing and living your best life?

Writing “Kurashi at Home” gave me the opportunity to show readers how [to] tidy all aspects of your life, not just your home. Mindful rituals have always been very important to me, and while everyone’s daily rituals will look a little different, explore the ones that encourage you to achieve your best life.

The book goes into more depth about the steps to take to achieve Kurashi. It also offers inspiration throughout via wonderful imagery and my own personal rituals that I hope will help readers better understand how to surround themselves with joy.

How do you approach organizing your digital life?

When it comes to your computer, phone, or tablet files, identifying what exactly sparks joy in this capacity is that your files are organized and tidy, so you can find what you need when you need it.

Digital clutter can be more tedious and time-consuming to sort through, but once it’s done, you’ll feel relief each time you log on. Don’t be afraid to archive and store a majority of your data. If you aren’t using it every day or needing it readily available, it can definitely live elsewhere!

Now that she's a mother, Marie Kondo embraces the occasional mess.
Now that she’s a mother, Kondo embraces the occasional mess.

(KonMari Media, Inc.)

How has your organizing method evolved since having children?

Since having children, [my] method has not changed but my daily mindset definitely has. It will always stay true to its six basic principles, but since the founding of the method, I’ve become a mother and faced many business changes as well.

Before my children were born, it was easy to completely devote myself to tidying and the growth of the method and business. Now, since having children and learning to juggle my priorities, I have become less critical of messes in my life both literally and figuratively. I try to keep my life in order as much as possible, but with juggling a family and a brand, these days I am OK with—and embrace—the occasional mess.

When one family member—spouse or kids—is messy and other is not, how should they approach finding an organizational system that works for them both?

It can be hard to find middle ground when a family member or roommate has a different living style than you. A few tips I recommend to create a functional, shared organizational system is to find a time that works for everyone, including kids, and commit to tidying and organizing together.

I also recommend dividing and conquering. Maybe your roommate or partner doesn’t mind vacuuming and sweeping, and you prefer to do the dishes and fold laundry—lean into each other’s tidying preferences.

Lastly, if you’re looking to incorporate your children more, I always tell parents to make organizing fun for children. Teach your children that everything has a home so when cleanup time comes around, it can be made into more of a fun game where children will want to tuck their toys into designated spots.

All in all, open dialogue and understanding of preferences can help you develop an organization system where everyone under one roof is held accountable!

Marie Kondo gives a home to every item in her house.
Kondo gives a home to every item in her house.

(KonMari Media, Inc.)

Working from home is now common. What’s the best way to keep spaces that serve dual purposes—work and personal—organized?

It is vital to keep dual-functioning, work-from-home spaces organized so when you are working from that area, you can have a productive and efficient day.

Go through your desk drawers and toss out old receipts, corral loose change, and recycle paper items that are no longer needed.

Consolidate same-category items versus having them loosely scattered in multiple areas. Office supplies, paperwork, books, and other items should all have a specific home within your desk area.

I also recommend making a clear separation of your professional and personal paperwork. Items like [a] bamboo file divider and organizer or letter and papers tray are a great addition to any desktop to keep important paperwork separate and neat.

You’ve been practicing and teaching your method for years. What new lessons have you learned, and what still surprises you about organization?

Since my first book, I’ve learned countless lessons both professionally and personally. Since meeting my husband and growing our family, I’ve learned how special raising children has been for both of us and helped us lead more fulfilled lives.

With the publishing of my latest book, “Kurashi at Home,” the opportunity to teach people how to apply the method to other areas of their life has been an exciting lesson that I’ve been developing for a while.

Organization is truly an act of self-care, and I am able to practice that craft each day, which is what makes my job feel so special. Tidying my surroundings and practicing a tidy lifestyle is constantly teaching me new lessons, and I cannot wait to continue to explore it further.

 

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7 Bathroom Renovation Projects That’ll Help—or Hurt—Your Home’s Value

Home improvements are—or should be—as much about the future value of your home as they are about improving your quality of life today.

You might think installing a lap pool–size bathtub in your bathroom is a great idea. But before sinking thousands of dollars into any home project, you might want to consider whether that $10,000 will deliver a return on investment, or ROI, when it’s time to sell your home.

ROI, simply put, can be calculated by adding up all of the costs associated with a home project, from materials to labor, and then factoring in the return the investment yields when it’s time to sell your house. You subtract the initial outlay of the investment from the final value.

Upgrades like radiant floor heating and a steam shower will transform your bathroom into a haven of luxury. But if your main goal is to invest in a renovation that’s smart for you and your wallet, you probably want to prioritize other projects.

Which bathroom improvements will deliver the best and worst ROI? Read on.

1. Fixing wear and tear: Good ROI

If there is cracked tile, moldy caulk, or any visible water damage, this might lead buyers to think that you’re deferring maintenance issues in general.

(Getty Images)

One of the most rewarding ways to improve your bathroom is to repair those little things that show the room’s wear and tear.

“When a buyer is assessing a home, bathrooms are one of the key talking points. If there is cracked tile, moldy caulk, or any visible water damage, this may trigger buyers to think that you’re deferring maintenance issues in general,” says Samantha Black, an interior designer at California’s Freemodel.

In addition to fixing your bathroom’s blemishes, you should consider replacing outdated or worn components.

“This can be as little as replacing or painting the vanity, bringing in new hardware, a new mirror, or updating your paint job,” Black says. “You can also install a new showerhead and toilet, all for as little as $2,000. A general face-lift and update will deliver a tenfold ROI.”

2. Adding a window: Good ROI

One under-the-radar project with excellent ROI is to add a window to the bathroom.

“I’ve found that adding a window delivers incredible ROI,” says Vivian Sahba, founder of the interior design studio Boucle San Francisco. “When we redid our granny flat, the window we added to the bathroom’s exterior wall was small—about 30 by 18 inches—but it transformed the tight dimensions of the space, flooding it with light and a sense of depth that was previously lacking.”

It was, Sahba explains, a part of a broad $40,000 renovation, but she says the window helped “justify a threefold valuation of the home when it came time to sell.”

3. Upgrading the flooring: Good ROI

The flooring can make or break the look of a bathroom. No matter how fancy your vanity, shower, and toilet are, a cracked or tired floor will automatically age and downgrade everything else.

“Flooring upgrades top the list in terms of ROI,” says Black. “Whether you are replacing tired linoleum or refreshing with a whole new tile scheme, having a clean, new floor in a room where cleanliness really matters is paramount.”

Flooring upgrades in your home can yield over 100% ROI, but be sure to choose your materials wisely to match your market and home. Don’t splurge for a marble mosaic if a more reasonably priced porcelain tile will do the job.

Depending on materials, you can expect to pay between $1.82 and $2.39 per square foot on bathroom flooring.

4. Replacing the vanity top: Good ROI

If your bathroom features a building-grade or decades-old vanity, it’s time to trade up.

“Most standard vanities from big-box stores look great at first, but the cheap laminate wears out quickly,” says Jeff Miller, owner of McHenry Roofing in Baltimore. “A high-ROI project is to swap out a cheap vanity top with a countertop made of high-quality material.”

The cost to replace a vanity top—taking into account materials and labor costs—is about $2,300 on average.

5. Updating the toilet: Good ROI

The first flushing toilet was invented in 1592, and the technology just keeps getting better. These days, if you install a smart toilet, you can reduce your water usage from the fixture by up to 30%. And seeing as the toilet accounts for almost 30% of all water used indoors in an average home, that means a lot less water waste and lighter utility bills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Investing in a new toilet offers great ROI,” says John Linden, an interior designer from Los Angeles with Mirror Coop. “They’ve come a long way in recent years, with more efficient models that use less water. Replacing an old toilet with a new one can bring in a return of up to 60%.”

6. Adding a whirlpool tub: Bad ROI

Ah, the siren song of the whirlpool tub. Many have heard it and succumbed, but don’t make the same mistake yourself.

“Whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs are expensive and provide one of the worst ROIs for a bathroom upgrade,” says Miller. “These tubs are costly to repair and have finicky components that always seem to give out at just the wrong time. More complexity means a higher potential for leaks and other issues, and this can be a major turnoff for potential homebuyers.

7. Adding luxury upgrades: Bad ROI

Investing in very specific, pricey amenities is typically a risky move if you’re trying to add value—even if they look and sound aspirational.

“Luxury additions almost never add the value you think they will and almost always have a very low ROI,” says Black. “Curbless showers, in-floor heating, steam showers, and even bidet washlets are some of the most frequently installed luxury upgrades I see.”

Generally, Black says, these updates cost several thousand dollars and rarely, if ever, recoup the costs.

“Often, they’re a turnoff for potential buyers,” Black says.

 

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8 Things You Should Get Rid of Before Moving Into Your New Home, According to Organizing Experts

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You finally found your new home (yay!) and you’re ready to start prepping for the big move. One of the best things you can do to make the whole process of putting everything you own into boxes feel significantly less onerous is simple (and free): Ruthlessly declutter before you start packing your things.

Not sure where to start? We checked in with Shira Gill, home organizing expert and author of Minimalista, and Ioana Galdau, professional organizer and founder of Sleek Living NY, for their best advice. (Warning: some of their suggestions may make you feel as if they’re spying on you.)

8 Things You Should Get Rid of Before Moving Into Your New Home, According to Organizing Experts

Below, the key clutter creators you should attack before moving day:

Things you haven’t used in a year

“If you haven’t used it in the past year, don’t bring that to the new house,” says Galdau. “It’s bad energy and a loss of time.” Gill agrees: “If it’s coated in dust, that’s a good indication you don’t use it very often.”

Things that are broken or incomplete

Pretty obvious, but: Don’t move the broken thing just to store it in your new home and not fix it again. Also, sister to broken things: items with missing parts, incomplete puzzles and games—anything rendered useless because it’s not all there.

Mystery items

Another category of stuff ripe for tossing, according to Gill: “the ‘what if?’ things. Random keys, cords, remotes.” (Either Gill has been to my house or these are common things to cling to.)

Anything you’d need to put in storage

Galdau is adamant: Do not waste your money or time on storage space. “You end up never going back for it,” she says. “Just sell it. Give it to somebody.”

Unfinished projects

The macrame, the DIY lava lamp, the opened seed-starting kit. Let them go, says Gill.

Things you got for free

Those hotel toiletries, corporate swag bags, and other freebies? You won’t miss them.

Duplicates

Both organizers say people often have more than enough of everything from tea and reusable bags to holiday decorations and office supplies. The same goes for wrapping paper, vases, dishware, and glassware. “One of the big categories I see is an insane number of bowls and platters for people who seldom entertain,” says Gill.

Sentimental items

These are some of the hardest things to part with. Galdau suggests that each member of the household should have one manageable-sized box for their most cherished memorabilia. Got kids? Galdau recommends one box for each child’s baby clothes, art projects, birthday cards, etc. (Good luck.)

What to do with all that junk

They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure–but it’s also true that sometimes junk is just junk. Below, a few resources for re-homing, reselling, or just getting rid of the stuff you don’t want anymore.

  • Charities like Goodwill and The Salvation Army are a great starting point.
  • Your local Buy Nothing Group is another great resource, especially for anything Goodwill won’t take.
  • For clothing, try Thredup or For Day’s Take Back Bag and earn credit toward someone else’s thrifted items.

 

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The Pros and Cons of a Mortgage Buy-Down for Homebuyers, According to Loan Experts

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Tough financial times call for creative financing. Historically high mortgage rates and a cooling housing market have caused buyers and sellers to look for novel ways to stretch their dollar and seal a deal.

Buyers, scared by lofty mortgage rates that threaten to add hundreds of dollars to their monthly housing bill, are seeking out mortgage buy-downs as a way to trim some of that excess. Sellers, desperate to unload homes, are often willing to help out.

Simply put, a mortgage rate buy-down is upfront money, often paid by the home seller (builders and lenders can also front the cost), to “buy down” the interest rate on the buyer’s loan for a period of time. This temporarily eases a buyer’s mortgage woes.

But just how practical are mortgage buy-downs for homebuyers?

We reached out to real estate experts for insight into the benefits and drawbacks of a mortgage buy-down. Here’s what they had to say.

The Pros and Cons of a Mortgage Buy-Down for Homebuyers, According to Loan Experts

Pro: Lower monthly bills

There are different types of buy-downs, but all of them lower your interest rate.

“While these funds are temporary, they immediately lower buyers’ monthly payments, making homeownership more affordable in the short term,” says Shri Ganeshram, who works with real estate investors on financing as CEO of Awning.com in San Francisco.

Con: When the buy-down expires, regular payments may come as a shock

One of the biggest downsides of a buy-down is that it’s temporary. A buy-down will offer homebuyers a lower monthly mortgage payment for a set period of time, typically one to three years. But once the buy-down expires, your bills could become a lot heftier.

“When the initial buy-down period ends, your interest rate may reset to a higher rate than before,” says Shaun Martin, owner and CEO of We Buy Houses in Denver.

If this does happen, it may defeat the purpose of the buy-down and potentially lead to more costly payments down the line. It’s a risk that buyers have to consider and should discuss with their lender.

Pro: They can provide cash flow for repairs or furniture

As every homeowner knows, moving into a new home—no matter how perfect it might seem initially, and no matter how many furnishings you already have on hand—often entails a series of unexpected fixes and furniture buys. The break you’ll get on your mortgage bill courtesy of a buy-down can leave you with some cash on hand.

“Buy-downs can be especially valuable for investors or owners who need to make repairs to the home or furnish it,” Ganeshram points out.

Con: Not all lenders offer buy-downs, and terms vary

Buy-downs are not offered universally, and when they are offered, one lender’s terms might differ considerably from another’s in the same region.

“Not all lenders will offer mortgage buy-downs, so you may need to shop around,” Martin says. “Additionally, the terms of buy-downs can vary from lender to lender, so it is important to do your research and find one that best meets your needs.”

Weighing the pros and cons

Whether or not a buy-down is right for you might also depend on your timeline and how long you plan to live in the home.

“If you’re planning on selling your home in a few years, a buy-down is a smart move,” says Emmanuel Guignard, senior mortgage broker and director of Loanscope. “But if you don’t have a steady income and are planning on living in the house long term, you may struggle to make the repayments.”

When making this momentous decision, it’s important to consult professionals.

“My advice is to consult a mortgage professional and understand the terms and conditions of the buy-down, including the buy-down period, the increase in payments after the period, and the costs associated with the buy-down before making a decision,” Ganeshram says. “Ask them to do a calculation of how much you would save on the monthly payment in total versus how much they are asking you to commit upfront.”

Buy now, pay later is great in theory. But in practice, it depends on how much you need to pay back and whether you have the cash to cover it.

 

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Poll: Homeowners Value Their Yards More

More than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard say the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home, according to a poll of 1,700 consumers by the TurfMutt Foundation. Since the pandemic began, homeowners are showing more appreciation for their yards and spending more time in them, the poll found.

What’s more, 72% of consumers say a spacious yard would be at the top of their wish list if they were searching for a new home. Homeowners are more willing to invest in their yards and are using them for everyday activities, including work-from-home office space, according to the survey.

“What we are seeing with Americans is greater reliance on the backyard as an extension of the home,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. “It’s not just a place that looks pretty—it’s a place to live and do daily activities such as working, dining, and relaxing. They’ve discovered that ‘backyarding’ is a better way to live and there’s no turning back. They are also willing to hire professionals and invest money into yard improvements.”

A group of six people sit in a yard at a barbecue enjoying a meal together.

Eighty-four percent of respondents say they plan to invest more in their yard in 2022, including by purchasing plants, trees, flowers, vegetables to plant; purchasing items to maintain or improve their grassy areas; and installing or updating hardscaping themselves, the survey shows. Other popular projects include interest in installing a fence (19%) or a shed (15%) or adding a swimming pool (10%).

Besides refocusing the yard space for entertaining, relaxing, or doing hobbies, a yard also has become a place to work from. Fifty-eight percent of respondents said they’ve spent time performing job-related functions in their yard during the pandemic, with men doing so more often than women.

Find this article and more on Realtor Magazine.

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It’s What’s on the Outside That Matters: 5 Trends in Exterior Home Colors

Choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior can seem like a crazily daunting task. So many options! So crucial in making the right first impression on guests or potential buyers!  Should you go with basic beige, ho-hum neutral colors or (way) outside the paintbox?

Thanks in part to influential designers like Joanna Gaines, more homeowners today are stepping away from the traditional paint colors and choosing less common, modern palettes, like cheery teal or moody charcoal gray.

“We’re seeing homeowners go a bit bolder when it comes to curb appeal,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. “While variations of white traditionally make a popular exterior paint color choice for many different types of housing styles—and are an easy way to play it safe—dark grays and browns are increasing in popularity … [or] painting the body a bold color like green or blue, or adding a pop of red on the front door.”

Sue Kim, senior color designer at Sherwin-Williams, agrees.

“Accent colors and colorful pastels are suggesting that homeowners are taking a step outside of their comfort zone,” she says.

Here’s a look at some of the top trends in exterior paint colors right now.

1. Sea blues

Photo by Paintco Professional Painters

Eager to venture beyond a neutral palette, but antsy about committing to too much flashy curb appeal? Watery hues are a charming way to settle the conflict.

From faint skylike shades to rich jewel tones, blues can make a big splash, and don’t get you caught up in the learning curve that more outspoken colors involve. Take Oceanside, Sherwin-Williams’ choice for 2018 Color of the Year—an intense shade of blue-green that, according to the company’s color experts, encapsulates a sense of adventure.

On the contrary, blue—perfect chameleon that it is—can also offer up a serene vibe. Given the technology taking over our days, Kim says, a sea-meets-the-horizon blue lends a feeling of calm when you drive up to your house.

“A light and crisp sea blue provides a renewing moment that we’re craving,” she says.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Oceanside or Behr’s Waterfall

 

2. All black

Photo by ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects

It might feel like a scary choice, but an eye-catching dark exterior can really make your home (and the trim) stand out.

“An interesting trend we’ve been seeing is all-black exteriors,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “It makes a statement and is a marked departure from the light neutrals of Scandinavian design.”

It’s no surprise the look has proven a go-to for certain top-tier celebs. Whether it’s Calvin Klein‘s all-black-and-glass mansion, including shutters and trim, in the Hamptons or, just down the road, Madonna‘s moody black farmhouse-style compound, a black exterior demands a certain degree of chutzpah. But if you can pull the trigger, it’s a contemporary look that conveys a fearless sophistication.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Tricorn Black for a bold black, or Benjamin Moore’s Twilight Zone for a matte look.

3. Taupe

Photo by Atelier A Bellavance Architect

If you’re looking for an alternative to beige, greige, or gray, Woelfel recommends a taupe exterior—a cross between dark brown and gray paint colors.

“Grays remain a key neutral for exteriors, but warmer tones in taupe and brown are on the rise,” she says. “Taupe is a great foundation paint color that looks stunning on a variety of architectural types and pairs well with white trim, shutters, and a bright-red front door.”

But a word of caution: When going with taupe (or any shade of brown or gray, really) be sure to consider your home’s position in relation to the sun.

“It will drastically impact how the color appears,” Woelfel says.

Try: Sherwin-Williams’ Tavern Taupe or Behr’s Classic Taupe

4. Spanish moss

Photo by Crisp Architects

Even if you live in the ‘burbs, a nature-inspired paint color can make your home look and feel more like a retreat. That’s why Vincente Wolf, a spokesman for PPG paints, recommends going with a woodsy green exterior, like Spanish moss—even for the trim.

“It has all the brownish tones of tree bark, which allows the house to slip into nature and makes the greenery pop, too,” Wolf says.

Try: Valspar’s Spanish Moss

5. Neutral with a bold front door

Photo by GROUNDS KEEPER

Not ready to take the plunge on a new paint color, but want to up your curb appeal? Consider a fun front-door color to change the entire look of your exterior. Try a bright red, blue, or even pastel to show off your home’s personality, and cover shutters and trim in a more neutral exterior color.

“A bold color makes an impression on anyone who walks through the front door,” Woelfel says.

For this article and more, visit Realtor.com

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How Long Does Paint Last? The Expiration Date on Your Home’s Exterior and More Outdoors

How long does paint last? This question might sneak up on you as your home’s exterior paint job starts looking a bit worse for wear. After all, it takes effort to keep a house in tiptop shape, and if something’s gotta give, whatever’s outdoors tends to go first.

And not just your house, but everything outside your home. Your lawn mower, gardening tools, and patio set take a beating all summer—and may soon be exposed to even harsher elements as the weather turns. All of this means that homeowners everywhere are advised to take stock of how their outdoor areas are faring.

To help, here are the expiration dates for six common exterior items, plus ways to extend their life spans so you can eke out a bit more time before you shell out for a replacement.

How long does an exterior paint job last?

Photo by Paintco Professional Painters 

Life span: About 10 years

Rain, sleet, hail, your kids’ balls slamming against the wall, and more impact your home’s exterior paint.

“The paint’s chemical compound breaks down due to oxidation as weather, expansion, and contraction take their toll,” explains Tina Nokes, owner of Five Star Painting in Virginia’s Loudoun County.

Make it last longer: “Be sure to fix caulk around windows, door jambs, and trim to keep it sealed and moisture-free,” says Nokes. And if it truly is time to repaint, power-wash the sides first to help fresh paint adhere better, and use a primer so the new coat goes on smoothly. And consider picking a lighter color over a dark one since dark shades fade faster in the sun.

How long do outdoor power outlets last?

Photo by Linn Gresham Haute Decor 

Life span: Mere weeks if the outlet isn’t up to code—or decades if made from quality materials

These little plugs need to withstand UV rays and wet conditions, reports Scott Kainz, owner of Mr. Electric in LaCrosse, WI.

Make it last longer: Unfortunately, you can’t improve shoddy outlets. Ask an electrician to assess what you have (he’ll look for weather-resistant substances and heavy-duty covers).

“High-quality covers and materials are now required for new outlets in the national electric code,” Kainz adds.

How long do lawn mowers last?

Photo by Easy Storage Products, LLC 

Life span: A decade or two

“A lawn mower is a very durable product that just requires regular maintenance to work well,” explains Jordan Ribelin, a Lowe’s outdoor expert.

Make it last longer: After every mow, check for loose fasteners and then tighten them.

“Clean off dirt, clippings, and other debris from the grass catcher, and watch oil and gas levels,” adds Ribelin.

How long do garden tools last?

Photo by Mark Hickman Homes 

Life span: Five years for rakes; 20 years or more for metal tools

Garden tools should last for years, if you don’t leave them out in the rain. More delicate items such as rakes made from bamboo tend to break and wear, so they’ll need replacing sooner.

Make it last longer: Scrub tools regularly, and remove rust with steel wool. Sharpen edges with a metal file, and then apply a thin coat of lubricating oil to keep rust at bay. Hang tools on a peg board to protect new edges, rather than lean them upright.

How long does patio furniture last?

Photo by Oakley Home Builders

Life span: A lifetime for teak and wrought iron, 10 to 20 years for other materials

Wrought iron and teak are top of the line and should last as long as you do. Other woods, plastic, and resin can start to look shabby and grow mold much sooner. Coastal homeowners have to contend with salty air and humidity, while mountain dwellers’ furniture will become sticky with sap.

Make it last longer: Keep your outdoor set longer by investing in the right covers or storage. Zip-up cases or a dry garage or basement will protect your chairs during winter months. Deep cleaning with a pressure washer on the lowest setting is smart, too, adds Ribelin.

How long do garden hoses last?

Photo by Nicola’s Garden Art Inc. 

Life span: Seven years for a rubber hose; a lifetime for the coiled ones

The biggest threat to a hose is water, mold, and mildew—as well as twists and tangles.

Make it last longer: Don’t leave your hose in a garage where it could freeze and crack in cold weather (the basement is a better bet). Invest in a hose reel to prevent tangles.

For this article and more like it, visit Realtor.com.

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Before rushing into the hot housing market, here’s how to set yourself up for success

Looking for a new home may seem like a daunting task these days.

Prices are up, inventory is low and mortgage rates are rising.

Thoughtful Couple Standing Outdoors In Front Of House With For Sale Sign In Garden

That’s why, in this environment, it pays to do your homework before you enter the market. Once you start looking, you’ll have to move at light speed to place an offer, explains Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights for the National Association of Realtors.

“As interest rates are climbing, there has been a rush to lock in lower relative rates, while at the same time the inventory of homes has hit all-time lows,” she said.

The median price of a home in January jumped to $350,300, an increase of 15.4% from January 2021, according to the National Association of Realtors. Homes are spending an average of 19 days on the market.

Meanwhile, the mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan is 4.17%, according to Mortgage Daily News. Early last year, they were less than 3%.

With that in mind, here’s what you can do now to put yourself in the best position to find your new home.

Learn the language

Becoming familiar with real-estate lingo, like closing costs and home inspections, is part of the process. Yet learning the language before you jump in can help you move quickly.

“Your offer will likely be up against other buyers, so educate yourself with your agent on what terms like earnest deposit, appraisal contingency, home inspection contingency, and appraisal gap mean before viewing homes,” Lautz suggested.

Earnest money is the deposit you put down on the property you’d like to buy. It shows good faith, and the funds eventually go toward the down payment and closing costs. An appraisal contingency is a provision in your contract that allows you to back out if the appraisal price comes in lower than the sale price. That difference in the appraisal and sale prices is known as an appraisal gap.

Similarly, a home inspection contingency gives you an out if there are issues that arise during the home inspection. In both cases, you can also try to negotiate with the seller instead of pulling out of the sale.

Since competition is so fierce, many buyers have been waving contingencies in order to get a leg up.

Make a list

Write down your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.

This way, when you have to make a quick decision you already know what trade-offs you want to make.

It can also help you in a bidding war, which is easy to get carried away with in a highly competitive market.

“Focus on the goal you set out for yourself, like your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and your budget,” Hale said. “Stick to that. Be persistent.”

Tackle debt

Momo Productions | Digitalvision | Getty Images

Mortgage lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt relative to your income, when determining your loan. If you have debt, try to pay it down before you start house hunting, Lautz advises.

Consider using any bonus money or cash gifts to pay it off. If you don’t have debt, put that cash into savings to help with your down payment.

Know your credit

Your credit score is also an important factor in getting a mortgage and the type of loan you’ll get. It also impacts the interest rate you’ll receive and potentially how much money you need for a down payment.

By checking your credit score ahead of time, you’ll know whether you’ll need to make any changes or adjustments to try to increase that number.

Also, get a copy of your credit report to check for any errors or unpaid bills, which may also affect your credit score. Consumers can get their credit report up to once a week for free from the nation’s three largest credit reporting firms — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — through April.

Talk to a mortgage lender

Reach out to a lender as soon as possible, at least to ask questions and find out what they need from you in order to preapprove a mortgage.

Using online calculators can help you figure out what you can afford and whether it makes sense to buy or rent. You’ll also want to know how much money you’ll need to bring to closing, since there are fees — known as closing costs — that are due in addition to your down payment.

You can also get preapproved for a mortgage before you start house hunting, since you’ll need it before you submit a contract for a house.

Have a budget

Just because you are preapproved by a mortgage lender for a certain amount of money to spend doesn’t mean that is your budget.

Look at your monthly expenses to determine what you can afford to pay each month. Don’t forget about interest rates. If they continue to rise before you close on the home, they will increase your monthly mortgage payments.

Consider expanding your market, if possible, to find lower-priced options.

“This is the time to go to overlooked areas if there are any in your market,” Lautz said.

For this article and more like it, visit cnbc.com

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How to Clean Painted Walls

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Your home’s floors obviously need regular cleaning, but what about your walls? Although painted walls don’t accumulate dirt the same way that floors do, they will start to gather dust, grime, and stains over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Plan to clean your painted walls about once a year, doing so gently so as not to damage the finish of the paint.

Wall cleaning is just one part of keeping your home tidy, and it’s a big job. If you need help, consider calling a professional service like The Cleaning Authority. This nationwide company knows the best way to clean walls and other surfaces, and you can easily get a free estimate on its website.

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However, if you’d prefer to do it yourself, here’s how to clean painted walls.

 

Prepare to Clean

Before you start soaping up sponges, make sure to get your home ready for this process. For starters, dust the walls you’ll be cleaning to remove any surface-level dirt. You can do this with a dusting cloth, a vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment, or a rag around a clean mop head. To get into corners or around baseboards and molding, a foam craft brush is great for detail work.

Also, put down a drop cloth or tarp against the walls you plan to clean. Although you don’t want to use enough water that it actually runs down the walls, there are always drips and spills with any cleaning project, so protect your floors.

 

Pick Your Cleaning Solution

Which cleaner you use will depend on the type of paint on your walls. Matte, flat, eggshell, or stain finishes are slightly more delicate and need a very mild cleaning solution. Use a small amount of dye-free hand soap or dishwashing detergent dissolved in warm water.

Glossy and semi-glossy finishes are a bit hardier, and you can use cleaners with a degreasing agent, including stronger types of dish soap. You can also use most non-abrasive multipurpose cleaners on this type of paint or make your own by mixing one teaspoon of liquid dish soap and ¼ teaspoon of white vinegar into one quart of water. This cleaner should work on most latex paints.

Finally, oil-based paints can take a slightly stronger cleanser. Use the same mixture from above or substitute a small amount of ammonia for the vinegar. You can consider adding an ounce of borax for every pint of water, as well.

If you have any doubts about how well your wall’s paint will stand up to these cleansers, test a small, inconspicuous area first.

 

Wash Gently

It’s a good idea to have two buckets and two sponges on hand: one for the cleaning solution and one for plain water to rinse. Use non-abrasive sponges (that is, the smooth side—not the scrubby side) and wring out the sponge so that it’s only mildly damp before touching it to the wall. Too much water can create bubbling or watermarks.

Start at the top of the wall and work downward in small sections, rinsing each area after you’ve cleaned it. Scrub gently, applying very little pressure and working in circular motions. Glossy and semi-glossy finishes are prone to scratching, so be particularly careful on those surfaces. Give extra care to areas around light switches or door frames. Also, be careful not to let any water drip into electrical outlets, wall jacks, or light switches.

 

Spot Treat for Stains

Walls can accumulate stains over time, so if you encounter any streaks or marks that a mild cleaning solution can’t seem to remove, don’t panic. You can make a paste out of baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Give it a few minutes to set, and then wipe it away. Be careful not to scrub the mixture too hard, though, because baking soda can be abrasive.

A little bit of hydrogen peroxide can take care of red wine stains, and rubbing alcohol is worth a try. Always try gentler methods before working your way up to harsher cleansers. Cleaning products like stain removal pens and magic erasers can also help out. No matter what cleaner you use, make sure to wipe any residue away with a damp sponge afterward.

 

Dry the Walls

Since your sponge should be merely damp, there shouldn’t be much water left on the walls after rinsing, but you may want to hand-dry your wall with a towel anyway. If you removed any hanging pictures or other items from the wall, make sure it has thoroughly dried before replacing them. You might want to wait to clean your walls until the weather is warm and dry so you can open your windows to speed the process up.

For help or advice on how to clean walls, The Cleaning Authority offers its services in 45 states across the country, including all but Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Get a free estimate from the company today.

 

For this and similar articles, please visit This Old House

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