“Friluftsliv” is a Scandinavian Word that Just Might Be the Key to Enjoying Fall and Winter in Quarantine

Remember life before COVID-19 when it was fun to come home after a long day and settle into your comfy couch with a hot cup of tea and maybe a fuzzy blanket?

Yeah…that hygge lifestyle, that being one of coziness and comfort, is something you’d never expect to tire of. But now, having just entered into the eighth month of the pandemic in the U.S., during which remaining home is the key to staying safe, many would do anything to break free from the constant hygge. 

That’s where friluftsliv (free-loofts-liv) comes in, a Scandinavian word and lifestyle that means “open-air living,” says Apartment Therapy.

Friluftsliv is a term first popularized in the 1850s by Norwegian playwright and poet, Henrik Ibsen, who used the word to describe the “value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical wellbeing,” as BBC writes. Since its origin, friluftsliv has become an important part of Scandinavian culture, so much so that outdoor activities occur all year round, despite deep winter freezes and large snowfalls.

The BBC reports that Swedes, Norwegians, and Danes use the term to refer to lunchtime runs mid-work day, commuting by bike or cross-country skis, or meeting up with friends at the lakeside sauna to catch up. It’s the idea of being outside at any chance you can get—which seems counterintuitive to fighting the coronavirus, but there are ways to engage in the friluftsliv lifestyle without putting yourself or others at risk.

If you have an outdoor space attached to your apartment or home, make use of it during all seasons. Install a small fire pit for use during the colder months, and invest in some cozy, warm clothing to better withstand the chill. As the Scandinavians say, per BBC, who talked to Tina Holm, a scientist at the Nordic headquarters of pharmaceutical and cosmetics firm Perrigo, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

You may also want to explore the road less traveled (literally) when it comes to going on nature walks or hikes. It can be hard to distance yourself from others on a popular hiking trail, so explore a less-popular path, or venture into the woods behind a rented Airbnb cabin in the forest.

Even though winter will eventually be here, it’s still important to get some fresh air into your lungs and leave the hygge of your home behind for an afternoon.

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Report: Prices Stuck in Summer Peak

While the markets may start slowing down in the weeks and months to come, prices are still holding strong, according to realtor.com®’s Weekly Housing Report for the week ending Oct. 3.

The report found that for the first week in October, the U.S. median home price stayed near its summer peak at $350,000, hitting a record-high growth of 12.9 percent YoY. Prices have grown over the past 21 consecutive weeks.

What about other market indicators? Current market inventory is down 38 percent YoY—a small improvement over last week when total inventory was down 39 percent. Additionally, new listings decreased 7 percent YoY, a drop from last week’s 6 percent decline. Buyer activity is still going strong as well. Homes are selling in 53 days—13 days faster YoY and on par with last week’s report.

“While buyers would normally begin to hunker down this time of year, we expect to see an unusually high number remain in the market this fall,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com®. “This gives sellers a rare opportunity to get top dollar for their home outside of the prime selling season, which may be motivating some to stay in the market. However, even with record-breaking prices, we’re not seeing sellers rush into the market with the same eagerness as buyers. Looking forward, a key question is whether this frenzied demand will continue into the spring or if we’ll see more balance between home buyers and sellers.”

For more price trend info, go to RIS Media.

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Average 30-year mortgage rate falls to another all-time low

30-year fixed loan now 5 basis points below the original record set in September

The average U.S. mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell to 2.81% this week, the lowest in Freddie Mac’s survey history, the mortgage giant said in a report on Thursday. The rate fell six basis points from the week prior and is now five basis points lower than the original all-time low set in mid-September.

The average fixed rate for a 15-year mortgage was 2.35%, falling from last week’s 2.37% — matching the record set three weeks ago.

There have now been 11 consecutive weeks when average mortgage rates have been below 3% and this is the tenth record this year rates have broken, said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

“Low mortgage rates have become a regular occurrence in the current environment,” Khater said. “Many people are benefitting as refinance activity remains strong. However, it’s important to remember that not all people are able to take advantage of low rates given the effects of the pandemic.”

Although mortgage applications fell seven basis points last week, purchase applications have now boasted 21 weeks of year-over-year gains.

In September, the Federal Reserve predicted that rates will remain low through 2023.

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

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.

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These 4 Things Create a “Perfect” Entryway

When it comes to your home—and plenty of other aspects of life—first impressions mean everything. Your entryway sets the tone for what the rest of the house will be like, according to Apartment Therapy.

So the next time you embark on home renovations, don’t just brush your entryway aside. Though small, the space abounds with room for creativity, so you can give its decor the TLC it deserves. Whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist style, real estate agents say these four things create the formula for a perfect entryway.

Good lighting

Tricia Lee, a Brooklyn-based real estate broker, doesn’t just see the entryway as the entrance to the home—it’s also the exit. “The last time that you’re going to see yourself before you walk out into the world is also usually in your entryway, so I think it’s important for good lighting—especially for those of us who have to take a last look or an ‘outfit of the day’ shot” she says.

Be it inviting, warm, or luxurious, lighting sets the mood for your home. A tasteful chandelier or fresh light bulbs in your overhead light source are crucial in creating the right ambiance.

A side or console table

Nicole Beauchamp, a global real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers, maintains that a console table is an entryway staple. If you’re short on space, this piece of furniture can serve multiple purposes. “Having that entry side table can be where you drop your keys, where you put your mail,” Beauchamp says. “You can even put a vase with flowers there just to brighten your day.”

According to Lee, this thin table can also be a way for you to show your personality and design aesthetic. You can include artwork, candles, or a small sculpture to incorporate layering. Plus, along with beautifying the entrance of the home, a side table offers functionality. Not only can you place your keys and mask in a tray atop it, but you can also use the space under the table to store an umbrella basket or keep the shoes you wear all the time.

A mirror

You can’t have an entryway without a mirror. In a space that can oftentimes feel cramped, a mirror helps broaden the entrance.

It also gives you the chance to see how you’re presenting yourself for the day. It’s natural to check how you look when you step in and out of the house. “Sometimes you have that one hair that comes out of place,” Beauchamp says. “With a mirror, you always take that last look.”

Wallpaper

An unexpected entryway component? Wallpaper. It helps give your home a touch of excitement right away. As an added bonus, wallpaper in the entryway offers flexibility. “If you’re afraid to commit to wallpaper in your living room, you could redo your entryway,” Lee says. “It’s something that you can DIY and change it if you hate it.”

If you have an idea for a statement wall, but you’re not ready to take the leap covering a large wall, have fun with your entryway and test it out. Whether it’s classic florals or a more vibrant modern palms print, a small space bedecked in wallpaper is a great chance to ‘wow’ guests entering your home.

See more great information like this at Apartment Therapy!

If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.

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.

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How To Move to Another State Without A Hitch

Moving to another state can feel overwhelming. Even if you’re excited about the move—for a new job, for love, to be closer to family, to start over—it can still feel like there’s an entire mountain of logistical details to climb.

Packing your belongings is just the beginning of moving to another state. You’ll also need to find a new place to live, get a new job (or get into grad school!), update your address, register your car, set up utilities—the list goes on and on. But moving doesn’t have to be so complicated. Let’s break down how to complete an interstate move without a hitch.

What do I need to do to move to another state?

Before moving, you’ll first need to take care of a few things at home. If you’re renting, carefully review your lease to determine if you’ll have to pay a penalty for moving out early. You may even consider planning your move to coincide with the end of your existing lease, which is usually a lot simpler. If you’re a homeowner, you’ll need to decide what to do with your existing property—sell it ASAP? Rent it out? Use it as a short-term vacation rental?

At the same time, you’ll want to start thinking about a place to live in your new state. Familiarize yourself with different neighborhoods in your new city, then check out as many online home or apartment listings as possible to start budgeting for rent or mortgage payments.

It’s also a good idea to lean into existing local resources created specifically for new residents, says Cynthia Reid, a spokeswoman for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Take it from the experts who already live there—they really know what they’re talking about and are more than happy to share their expertise. 

“(Our organization) assists potential new residents with information about the city’s neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities and places to have fun,” she says. “Another essential asset that city chambers, OKC included, typically offer is a cost of living calculator, which is ideally updated throughout the year to reflect real-time costs of living.”

What do I need to change when moving to another state?

Aside from the obvious changes—your home, your job, your grocery store—there are lots of little updates you should remember to make when moving. And don’t stress out. It might seem like a lot, but just keep working through each task on your checklist, one by one.“Keep a list of things you need to do and check off as you go,” says Tracy Jones, a real estate agent preparing to move her family from Elkhart, Indiana, to Sarasota, Florida. A few examples:

How do I move to another state without a job?

People move to another state without a job all the time. In fact, it may actually be part of your job-hunting strategy. Why? Because employers often prefer to hire candidates with a local address. This signals to the hiring manager that you’ll be available to start working relatively soon and there likely won’t be any unexpected hiccups in bringing you on board.

If you’re planning to move to another state without a job, don’t wait until you arrive to start researching the job market. Before you start packing, do a deep dive into the local job market, including an inventory of reputable companies that align with your skills and expertise. When you arrive, you’ll be able to hit the ground running with applications and networking.

How much money do you need to move to a different state?

And speaking of cost of living: Your budget should be top of mind when moving to a different state. If you’re open to moving anywhere, consider researching cities with lower costs of living, which can help you save money month after month.

Your budget for moving to another state should include:

• Actual moving expenses. These are the real costs associated with renting a moving truck, hiring movers, renting a storage unit, shipping your belongings, flights, gas, hotels, fast food, and other costs you’ll incur while moving.

• Apartment application fees. Generally speaking, you’ll pay anywhere from $20 to $50 each time you apply for an apartment or rental property. You may also have to pay other fees, such as a background check fee or a credit check fee.

• Rental deposit. Your new landlord will likely ask for a security deposit upfront, which helps protect them if you cause damage to the home. Some landlords also ask you to pay first and last month’s rent ahead of time.

• Pet deposit. If you’re bringing a four-legged friend with you, prepare to pay a pet deposit ranging anywhere from $200 to $500.

• Utility deposits. When you’re setting up utilities such as gas, electric, water, sewer, trash, and internet, you may be required to pay a deposit upfront.

• Renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance. You can typically choose to pay this as a lump sum or monthly, though many insurers offer a discount if you pay in advance.

• New furniture or decor. Your new apartment may be larger or configured differently than your existing home. This means you might need to shell out some money for furniture.

For more moving tips, visit Apartment Therapy.

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