The Type of Gift You Should Get for Each Zodiac Sign

 
 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and no, I don’t mean Sagittarius season. With the winter holidays right around the corner, many people are gearing up to purchase gifts for friends, family, and loved ones. 

Don’t know where to start? Astrology actually offers some useful information about the perfect gift for every person. By examining the properties of someone’s zodiac sign, it’s totally possible to hone in on what kind of present will make their heart sing. 

So, hey, consider letting the cosmos steer your holiday shopping this year. Below, read up on which gift best suits each of the 12 signs of the zodiac. If you’re familiar with your full astrological birth chart, read for your Rising sign, which represents your unique perspective, and your Venus sign, which signifies the things you find enjoyable or aesthetically pleasing. 

Happy gifting!

Aries: A bold accessory

Passionate and expressive, Aries placements know how to make a splash. Encourage their trademark boldness by gifting them a fun accessory that complements their personal style. The brighter and more whimsical, the better. (Pro tip: Aries governs the head, so hats, hair clips, or earrings are sure to be a hit.)

Taurus: A handmade item

Ruled by Venus, the planet of love and aesthetics, Taureans gravitate toward anything and everything beautiful. Make this Earth sign feel seen with a luxe, handmade item. You don’t have to make the gift yourself, either. The key here is that it was crafted and chosen with intention.

Gemini: A personalized momento

If there’s one thing those born under the sign of the Twins love, it’s their people. Melt a Gemini’s heart with a personalized memento representative of your relationship. Whether you opt for a framed photo of yourselves together or matching friendship bracelets, you’ll surely appeal to their not-so-secret sentimental side.

Cancer: A self-care kit

As the “mom friend” of the zodiac, Cancer placements often expend a lot of mental and emotional energy tending to the needs of others. Encourage the Cancerian in your life to put themselves first with a tailor-made self-care kit. It can be as simple as some sheet masks and a gift card to their favorite takeout spot or as elaborate as a full-on spa day.

Leo: Tickets to a show or event

It is no secret that Leos love a show. Make their inner Lion roar by taking them to a special event — perhaps a new production of their favorite musical or a stand-up show by a comedian they’re obsessed with. The more intricately you can tailor the evening to their niche interests and preferences, the better.

Virgo: A class or workshop

Consider gifting your favorite Virgo a class, workshop, or Skillshare course about a topic they’ve expressed interest in exploring. Virgos are ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and learning, so they’ll appreciate any opportunity to broaden their horizons (and as an agile-minded mutable sign, there’s no subject or skill they can’t pick up).

Libra: A book

Those born under this intellectual Air sign love the feeling of losing themselves in a good story. Their perfect gift? A riveting read. Fiction, memoir, poetry — any genre can work so long as it contains a strong narrative element. Bonus points for any book with a beautiful cover, which Venus-ruled Libra is sure to notice.

Scorpio: An ~ experience ~

Stuff comes and goes, but memories are forever. Just ask Scorpio, the sign most closely associated with nature’s death-rebirth cycles. To truly wow your favorite Scorp, give them the gift of an unforgettable one-on-one experience. Whether you opt for an adventurous date night or a once-in-a-lifetime overseas trip, you’re sure to make this guarded Water sign feel special.

Sagittarius: A practical gift

Ruled by outgoing, fun-loving Jupiter, Sags always seem to be doing the absolute most. Help your beloved Archer come back down to earth with a practical present that will bring ease to their everyday life. The more mundane, the better — think a gift card to their favorite local grocery store or a household apparatus they’ll use every single day.

Capricorn: A wall calendar or planner

An ultra-grounded, Saturn-ruled Earth sign, Capricorn placements thrive in the presence of organizational systems. Show them just how much you respect their structure-oriented mind by gifting them a wall calendar, planner, or bullet journal. They’ll feel seen, if a little bit dragged.

Aquarius: A fancy drink or substance

Aquarians love nothing more than being transported to another realm. Gift the Aqua in your life something that will help them get there mentally, be it a fancy natural wine or delicious CBD-infused edibles. And for the sober Aquarians out there — I see you, and I raise you a crisp, non-alcoholic wine paired with a classic sci-fi flick.

Pisces: A piece of art

Nothing speaks to this intuitive Water sign quite like visual art. Pay homage to their creative spirit with a piece of art they can showcase in their home. It can be a photograph, a watercolor painting, a tufted rug — anything, really. The medium doesn’t matter so much as the raw emotion it evokes.

Get more like this on Apartment Therapy.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

5 Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal To Your Home

 
 

Whether you are planning to sell your home or just want to make it one of the best-looking homes in your neighborhood, the good news is that you can use a variety of easy ideas to give your home the curb appeal it deserves.

If you're ready to get started, here are five things you can do that won't take much time and won't bust your budget along the way.

Paint Your Front Door
Buy a gallon of paint, give your door a new look, and your home will have instant curb appeal. Believe it or not, your door is what often gives people the first impression of your home. Whether you go bold and bright with your door or keep its color a bit more subtle, a newly-painted front door will be well worth the effort.

Flowers and Bushes
Should you add some pretty flowers, bushes and maybe even a tree or two to your home's yard, this will get your home noticed for all the right reasons. When people drive or walk by your home, they will immediately notice the bursts of color jumping out at them. Add some colored mulch to your flower beds and things look even better.

Install a New Fence
If you've got an old fence that needs to be replaced or just want to add some character to your home, install new fencing around your yard. In today's world, you can select from vinyl, wood, chain-link, wrought-iron or other types of fencing that will give your home just the look you desire. Available in many colors and styles, you can likely have whatever type of fence you can imagine.

Replace the Mailbox
In case you haven't noticed, today's mailboxes are not nearly as dull and boring as those from years past. In fact, you can get mailboxes today that can be customized to look like just about anything. If you really want to add curb appeal to your home, get a customized mailbox that resembles your home. Sure to get plenty of attention, you'll have the neatest mailbox on the block.

Pressure Wash the Exterior
Finally, get a pressure washer and give your home's exterior a good cleaning. Contrary to what you may think, there's probably more dirt and grime on your home's exterior than you realize. Once you're done pressure washing, you'll be amazed at the difference.

Whether you do one or all of these suggestions, your home will soon have curb appeal that makes everyone else in your neighborhood envious.

Keep reading.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

Heating Mistakes You May Be Making in Your Home

 
 

When winter arrives, people all over the country reach for their thermostats to turn on the heat.

Your furnace will keep your home warm and comfortable all year long, and makes surviving those cold winter days a little bit easier.

However, there is a chance you are making some mistakes when it comes to heating your home this winter. These mistakes may not only be costing you money, but could be decreasing the lifespan of your heating system as a whole.

With that in mind, this article is going to go over some common heating mistakes you need to watch out for in your home.

Not Maintaining Your Furnace
One common mistake many homeowners make is not maintaining their furnace properly. If you simply ignore your furnace and expect it to continue to work year after year, you will often be in for a rude awakening eventually.

Instead, consider bringing out an individual or company who specializes in furnace repair to come out to inspect and maintain the system. They will test and go through everything to make sure it is working as expected, and there are no issues developing. This comes with a cost, but is worth it for the peace of mind. Also, repairing a neglected furnace will cost a considerable amount more than getting it checked out every now and then.

In addition to having a professional come out and perform an annual check, there are some things you can do to keep it in good shape. This includes cleaning or changing out the filter, and making sure that the area around your furnace is kept clean and clear.

Blocking Your Vents
This is a common mistake that many people don’t even know that they’re making. If you block the vents and registers in your home, you aren’t allowing the heat to flow into the room, thus preventing it from warming up.

You could do this by having furniture over vents, blocking vents with piles or clothing, or having boxes or other debris inhibiting these registers. Blocking your vents is bad for a couple of different reasons.

First of all, it will stop your home from heating up and certain rooms will be colder than others if vents are blocked. This will also force the furnace to work harder and longer, which can send your bills skyrocketing and hurt the longevity of your furnace. As a result, make sure that all vents and registers in your home are clear from any debris, and able to fully disperse heat throughout your home.

Not Air Sealing Your Home
If your aim is to keep your home warm all winter, there is no doubting the importance of air sealing your home. If you have air gaps, leaks and drafts, it will let a lot of the cool outdoor air into your home. This will increase your heating bills and lead to the home being colder in some parts than others. Not only that, but some of the hot air that your furnace creates will escape through these same gaps.

Before winter hits, go through your home and see if you can identify any drafty areas or air leaks. These are generally around doors or windows, but can be anywhere. Once you have located these gaps, simply fill them to ensure there is a barrier between the interior and exterior air.

Get more tips like this on Housing Wire.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

5 Glamorous Bathroom Trends Making a Splash Right Now

 
 

More than any other room in the home, the bathroom is a place where homeowners can let their design imagination run wild.

It’s a space to try out new trends, experiment with bold colors, and embrace unique architectural details. Guests appreciate a powder room adorned in a fashion-forward wallpaper or a statement tile. And there’s nothing like stepping into a main bathroom, day in and day out, that celebrates your unique design point of view.

For this week’s trending Instagram decor, we decided to lean into the bold and the beautiful. Below, you’ll find five glamorous bathroom designs that are equal parts popular and refreshing.

1. All-blue bathroom

One simple way to bring a sophisticated design perspective to your bathroom is to pick a singular color and let it shine. The bathroom above from @elizabethhaydesign does a great job of illustrating this technique.

“Opt for vibrant tones in the bathroom such as blue, emerald, and rich purple to establish a striking, elegant atmosphere,” says Diana Viera, managing partner of Miami-based design firm Italkraft. “Balance darker shades with neutral colors like cream and beige, and accessorize with metallic decor accents for brightness.”

Get the look: Give your bathroom a strikingly elegant overhaul by repainting it in Benjamin Moore’s Marlboro Blue.

2. Arched shower door

We’re in love with the impact that these arches make in this bathroom posted by @houseliftdesign.

“We are seeing a trend toward the classic arched shower and tub alcoves right now, because people are craving more character and design that’s reminiscent of the past,” says designer Jennifer Davis, of Davis Interiors. “Arches create visual interest and offer a softness to the typical hard edges in the bathroom.”

Get the look: If you’re handy and ready to take on a bathroom renovation, check out this DIY plywood arch.

3. Patterned wallpaper

Printed wallpaper was all the rage in 2022, and this bold pattern seen in a post by @maddiegdesigns creates an unexpectedly elegant vibe in this glam powder room.

“Make a statement with eye-catching wallpaper in high-contrast hues,” says Viera.

Get the look: Make an eye-catching statement in your powder room with this geometric wallpaper.

4. Fixed-panel tub door

Any bathroom design feature that’s functional and aesthetically beautiful is an A-plus in our book. That’s why we’re giving a big thumbs-up to this chic fixed-panel tub door from @makemyhomepretty.

“The fixed-panel door on the tub is a much crisper and cleaner look than sliding doors with tracks that get dirty,” says Davis. “They are also quite popular right now because they make the room feel larger as opposed to a shower curtain or bulky doors on a track, which close off that additional square footage.”

Get the look: Make your tub more efficient and design-friendly with this fixed-panel tub door.

5. Leafy greens

f geometric patterns aren’t your style but you still want to experiment with bold wallpaper in the bathroom, go for something natural. It’s easy to fall in love with a leafy green wallpaper like the one seen in this bathroom posted by @_havensent_.

“Patterns that feature elements of nature create a connection between the indoors and outdoors,” says Viera. “Hop on this trend by incorporating these motifs into your decor with patterned wallpaper in the bathroom.”

See all the trends.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

The housing market downturn is different this time

 
 

Low delinquency rates and healthy household net worth point to faster recovery: Stratmor

Many lenders are not getting a sense of déjà vu with the current mortgage industry downturn, according to mortgage advisory firm Stratmor Group.

“This one feels different,” a recent Stratmor report states, citing executives in the mortgage industry. 

This time around, the fast mortgage rate increase, the large origination volume decrease and margin compression could cause an “unprecedented amount of excess capacity, and many lenders will need to sell or simply won’t survive,” Jim Cameron, Stratmor’s senior partner of Stratmor, said. 

Of the top five monthly mortgage rate increases to occur since 1984, three took place during the first 10 months of 2022 — one in September (89 bps), April (81 bps) and October (79 bps). 

Meanwhile, forecast volume for 2022 is expected to drop by $2.18 trillion — the largest dollar volume drop in history. At 49%, this year’s forecasted decline would be the largest percentage decline in year over year volume since 1990, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association

In addition, more lenders are chasing fewer loans, and the speed and severity of this downturn has created revenue and margin compression on “steroids,” the report states. With 35-plus years of mortgage rates on a declining trend, rates bottomed out in 2020, limiting “the possibility of a major refinance boom bailing out the industry.” 

While 2021 was a record year for production volume at $4.4 trillion, the largest decrease in revenue occurred in 2021 in both retail, which dropped 68.8 bps, and wholesale, which declined 137 bps, followed by the first half of 2022, according to the MBA and Stratmor Peer Group Roundtables (PGR) program. 

That’s not to say there is no hope. Demographics, low delinquencies and healthier-than-normal household net worth are some of the factors that Stratmor believes will lead the downturn to be shorter than usual.

A large cohort of 28- to 38-year-olds in prime homebuying age will drive purchase business in the next three to five years, Cameron said, and historically low delinquency rates will mean more borrowers will be eligible for new purchase or refinance loans. 

Household net worth has also been on a rising trend since 2009. In addition, household financial obligation ratio, which is at 14.27, and debt service ratio, which is at 9.58, are much lower than historical averages, and are lower than when the U.S. economy entered the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008. 

“This is good news for lenders — as we emerge from this mortgage market downturn, borrowers and prospective borrowers will be in a better position to qualify for mortgages and to make their payments once they close their loans. While the recession risk looms large, at least households are in much better shape with respect to net worth, delinquencies and the ability to meet financial obligations,” the report notes. 

Non-bank lenders, particularly independent mortgage bankers (IMBs), are more likely to react quickly to shed staff during a downturn as compared with banks, the report adds. 

Warehouse lenders require non-banks to maintain compliance with profitability, capital and liquidity covenants. Non-banks also typically don’t have lines of business other than loan servicing to subsidize mortgage, which means that cutting costs and shedding capacity is a matter of survival — especially for those without a servicing portfolio. 

Since non-banks accounted for 63% of the entire market in 2021, up from 24% in 2010, and are “more likely to consolidate, this would argue for a shorter duration downturn,” the report states. 

“This may be the most painful downturn in mortgage banking history in terms of the severity of the downturn and the speed with which it occurred,” Cameron said.

But some bright spots in demographics, low delinquencies and healthier than normal household net worth “may help hasten us toward the day when we can return to “normal” with revenue rationalizing, capacity adjusted and a return to profits that are reasonable based on the risks of the business,” Cameron said.

Read more here.

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

Search Homes in Colorado

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon