5 Ways to Create a Statement With Your Garage Door

 
 

Home customization is virtually limitless these days, and your garage door is no exception.

The traditional white paneled rectangle has transformed into a blank canvas for creativity and self-expression. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered. With a little creativity and some simple tips, you can transform your garage door into a welcoming and eye-catching feature that will impress anyone passing by. Here are five ways you can create a statement with your garage door and elevate the curb appeal of your home.

Roll Up Your Sleeves and Paint
One of the easiest ways to make a statement with your garage door is by giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain. Choose bold colors that complement your home's exterior, or opt for a unique pattern or design. You can also add details with stencils or tape for a more personalized touch. Just make sure to use exterior-grade paint and stain to ensure durability.

When painting or staining your garage door, be smart about your approach. Start by thoroughly cleaning and sanding the surface to remove any dirt or imperfections. Prime the door with a quality exterior primer before applying the paint or stain. It's also a good idea to test out your chosen color or design on a small area of the door first to ensure you're happy with the result. And don't forget to properly seal and protect your door after painting or staining to maintain its vibrancy and protect it from the elements.

Get Creative With Windows and Glass
Adding windows or glass panels to your garage door not only adds visual interest but also allows natural light to enter your garage space. You can choose from different styles and shapes of windows to match your home's architecture and personal style. Additionally, frosted or tinted glass can also provide privacy while still adding a modern touch.

If you're not sure where to start or how to properly install windows or glass panels on your garage or entry doors, it's best to seek professional help. Many garage door companies offer installation services for added convenience and safety. They can also provide guidance on the best type of windows or glass for your specific door and needs.

Add Some New Hardware
Adding hardware accents, such as handles and hinges, can instantly transform the look of your garage door. These small details can add a rustic or industrial feel, depending on the style you choose. Additionally, you can also opt for decorative faux hardware to achieve the same effect without drilling into your garage door.

To ensure that your hardware doesn't fall off, make sure to choose high-quality and durable pieces. If you're adding hardware to a metal garage door, use self-tapping screws instead of regular ones for a more secure hold. Also, regularly check and tighten any loose screws or hinges to prevent them from falling off. And remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommended weight limits when installing hardware on your garage door.

Get Decals Made
If you're feeling artistic, why not create your own custom decals for your garage door? You can use vinyl stickers or stencils to create a unique design or even showcase your family's name or favorite sports team. This is a great option for those who want to add a personal touch without making any permanent changes to their garage door.

There are many online printing companies that offer custom decal making services. You can also visit your local print shop or craft store for more options and personalized assistance. Just make sure to choose a high-quality and weather-resistant material for your decals, so they don't fade or peel over time.

Add a Light Touch
Last but not least, adding lighting fixtures above your garage door can create an eye-catching statement at night. You can choose from different styles such as wall sconces or hanging pendant lights to match your home's overall aesthetic. Not only will it add visual interest, but also provide added safety and security for your home.

In addition to being a design feature, lighting can also serve practical purposes for your garage door. Installing motion-sensor lights above your garage door can help deter potential intruders by illuminating the area if any movement is detected. You can also opt for smart lighting that can be controlled remotely through a mobile app, providing added peace of mind when you're away from home. Proper lighting can also improve visibility when entering or exiting your garage, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety for you and your family.

Some Things to Avoid
While there are many ways to create a statement with your garage door, there are also some things you should avoid. For instance, it's best to stay away from overly trendy designs or colors that may become outdated quickly. It's also important to consider the overall aesthetic of your home and choose elements that complement it rather than clash with it.

Additionally, avoid any modifications or additions that may compromise the functionality of your garage door, such as blocking its movement or interfering with its sensors. And always make sure to follow safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions when making any changes or enhancements to your garage door.

With these five tips, you can easily create a statement with your garage door and enhance the overall look of your home. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Your garage door is an extension of your home's exterior, so make sure it reflects your personal style and adds to the curb appeal of your property. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your garage door.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits Your Community

 
 

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, it’s important to know it doesn’t just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.

Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes (see visual below):

 
 

When a house is sold, it really boosts the local economy. That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community:

“. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”

It makes sense that housing creates a lot of jobs because so many different kinds of work are involved in the industry.

Think about all the people involved with selling a house—city officials, contractors, lawyers, real estate agents, specialists, etc. Everyone has a job to do to make your deal go through. So, each transaction is a big help to those who work and live in your community.

Put simply, when you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neighbors. So, when you decide to move, you’re not just meeting your own needs—you’re also doing something good for your community. Just knowing your move helps so many people around you can give you a sense of empowerment as you make your decision this year.

Bottom Line

Every time a home is sold, it really helps out the local economy. If you’re ready to move, get in touch with a local real estate agent. It won’t just change your life—it’ll also do a lot of good for the whole community.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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What's Motivating Your Move?

 
 

Thinking about selling your house?

As you make your decision, consider what’s pushing you to think about moving. A recent survey from Realtor.com looked into why people want to sell their homes this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below):

 
 

Let’s take a closer look and see if they’re motivating you to make a change too.

1. To Make a Profit

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Well, here’s some good news – the latest data shows most sellers get a great return on their investment when they sell. ATTOM, a property data provider, explains:

“. . . home sellers made a $121,000 profit on the typical sale in 2023, generating a 56.5 percent return on investment.”

That’s significant. And here’s one contributing factor. During the pandemic, home prices skyrocketed. There was way more buyer demand than homes available for sale and that combination pushed prices up.

Now, home prices are still rising, just not as fast. That ongoing appreciation is good news for your bottom line. Any profit you make can help offset some of today’s affordability challenges when you buy your next home.

If you want to know how much your house is worth now and what’s going on with prices in your area, talk to a local real estate agent.

2. For Family Reasons

Maybe you want to be near relatives to help take care of older family members or to have more support nearby. Or maybe you’re just eager to spend time together on special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

Selling a house and moving closer to the people who matter the most to you helps keep you connected. If the distance is making you miss out on some big milestones in their lives, it might be time to talk to a local real estate agent to find a place close by. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget.”

Bottom Line

If you're thinking about selling your house, there’s probably a good reason for it. Why not talk to a local real estate agent? They can help you make the right move to reach your goals this year.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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Weekly mortgage refinance demand rose 5% after a slight dip in mortgage rates

 
 

Mortgage rates are significantly higher than they were at the start of this year, but they pulled back slightly last week after several weeks of straight increases.

That was enough to spark some new demand, especially for refinances.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) decreased to 7.18% from 7.29%, with points unchanged at 0.65 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment.

“Treasury rates and mortgage rates fell last week on the news of a slowing job market, with wage growth at the slowest pace since 2021, and the Federal Reserve’s announced plans to ease quantitative tightening in June and to maintain its view that another rate hike is unlikely,” said Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s senior vice president and chief economist.

The rate for Federal Housing Administration loans fell below 7% for the first time in three weeks, which is a welcome sign for first-time buyers, who tend to use FHA loans.

“First-time homebuyers account for roughly half of purchase loans, and the government lending programs are an important source of financing for these homebuyers. The gain in FHA activity is a sign that this segment of the market is active,” Fratantoni added.

The dip in rates caused refinance demand to increase 5% for the week, although it was still 6% lower than the year-earlier week. Rates are 70 basis points higher than they were a year ago, so there are very few borrowers who can benefit from a refinance. A basis point is one-hundredth of a percentage point.

Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home rose 2% for the week but were still 17% lower than the same week a year earlier. Affordability is hitting potential buyers hard, as home prices continue to climb. Tight supply is keeping the competition high, resulting in very few bargains.

Mortgage rates fell further to start this week. The next big piece of economic data comes next week, with the release of the monthly consumer price index. That could move rates sharply in either direction, depending on what it says about inflation.

Read more at CNBC.com

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Building a Foundation: Preparing Your Adult Child for Their First Home Investment

 
 

Picture this… Your child has reached a major milestone in their life—purchasing their first home.

This is an exciting time filled with anticipation, nerves and perhaps a little bit of stress. As parents, it's natural to want to help your child every step of the way, especially when it comes to such a significant investment. That's why we've put together this guide to help you prepare your adult child for their first home investment. Whether it's financial advice, homebuying tips,or emotional support, we've got you both covered.

Financial Preparation
One of the most crucial aspects of purchasing a home is financial preparation. As parents, you have likely already instilled good financial habits in your child, but buying a house requires a different level of planning and readiness. Here are some key areas to focus on when preparing your child for their first home investment.

Credit Score
A strong credit score is essential when it comes to securing a home loan. Advise your child to check their credit score before beginning the home buying process and if necessary, work on improving it. A high credit score will not only make it easier to get approved for a loan, but also result in better interest rates.

Savings
Encourage your child to save up for a down payment as early as possible. The larger the down payment, the lower their mortgage payments will be. Additionally, having a significant amount of savings shows lenders that your child is financially responsible and committed to making this investment.

Budgeting
Buying a home comes with many expenses beyond just the mortgage payments. Help your child create a budget that takes into account additional costs such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance. Any new homeowner needs to understand the full financial commitment of owning a home.

Home Buying Tips
As your child begins their search for their first home, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. It isn't rocket science, but a few insider tips never hurt, either:

Location
When looking at potential homes, remind your child to consider the location carefully. Factors such as proximity to work, school districts and neighborhood safety are all important aspects to consider. It's also a good idea to research the area's market trends and potential for future growth. Even a little bit of research can go a long way!

Realistic Expectations
It's natural for your child to have high expectations for their first home, but it's also a good idea to temper those expectations with the reality of their budget. Help them understand what they can realistically afford and guide them towards homes that fit within their means.

Home Inspection
Encourage your child to get a professional home inspection before finalizing the purchase. This will ensure that any potential issues with the home are identified and addressed before they become costly problems. It's better to be safe than sorry when making such a significant investment.

Emotional Support
Buying a home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and your child may need some extra support during this time. You've most likely already experienced this, so here's how you can help:

Listen and Offer Advice
Your child may have questions or concerns throughout the home buying process. Be there to listen and offer your advice, but also allow them to make their own decisions. This is a big step towards independence, so it's good for them to feel in control of the process.

Celebrate Their Accomplishment
Purchasing a home is a significant achievement, so be sure to celebrate with your child once everything is finalized. They need to feel supported and recognized for this major milestone in their life.

Be Understanding
Don't forget to be patient and understanding. This may be a stressful time for them, so try to be empathetic and offer your support in any way they need. Whether it's a listening ear or helping out with some of the tasks involved, your presence and support will mean everything to them.

When They Become Homeowners
After all the preparation and hard work, your child will finally become a homeowner. But even after they've moved in, continue to offer support and guidance as needed. Whether it's helping with home maintenance or offering financial advice, being there for them during this new chapter is invaluable.

Give Them Some Pointers
As they adjust to homeownership, your child may need some practical advice on how to maintain and take care of their new property. Offer your years of experience and knowledge on home maintenance, gardening and other essential tasks. This will not only save them money but also help them feel more confident in their newfound role as a homeowner.

Recommend Contractors and Professional Help
Sometimes, unexpected issues may arise that require the expertise of professionals. As a homeowner, it's important for your child to have reliable contacts for services such as plumbing, electrical work, residential roofing installation and HVAC maintenance. Share any recommendations you have with them to make their life easier.

Enjoy Their Space With Them
Don't forget to celebrate and enjoy your child's new home with them. Whether it's hosting family gatherings or simply spending quality time together, their new home will be a special place for both of you.

With this guide, you can help prepare your adult child for their first home investment both financially and emotionally. Encourage them to carefully consider all aspects of the home buying process and be there to support them every step of the way. Congratulations again on this exciting milestone in both your lives, and don't forget to visit their new home for dinner!

Read more at RisMedia.com

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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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