The kitchen is an undeniably important element of any home, and particularly so if you've got most of the family at home during these turbulent times. Trends will come and go as needs change, but here are some of the emerging trends that have been identified in this multifunctional part of your home!

TOUCHLESS APPLIANCES

Cleanliness and hygiene are high on everybody's priority list nowadays, which is why touchless appliances have increasingly become less about luxury, and more about sanitation and convenience. There are multiple options to explore throughout your everyday kitchen items, from motion-activated water taps to smart fridges and voice-activated apps for cooking. Especially if you've got a large household, or plan to have the occasional guests over, this can be a great way to bridge the demand for efficiency and cleanliness.

OPEN SHELVING

People fall all across the spectrum when it comes to organization habits in the kitchen, from completely open displays to cupboards and containers for every item possible. Open shelves are growing in popularity partly due to the effect it has on increasing the perception of space, and because it's a great way to display prized possessions and decorate if you find yourself spending more and more time in the kitchen.

ADDITONAL DISHWASHERS

If you're now cooking three meals a day for multiple members of the family, the kitchen sink is likely to overflow much faster than before. Double dishwashers are generating lots of interest when it comes to saving time, keeping sink and countertops clean, and helping keep different food remains such as meat and dairy dishes separate.

Consider what needs your household has and choose wisely!

Finding a new home can be intimidating for everyone, but it can be increasingly so for homebuyers who are self employed. Common challenges come from proving that you have a steady income, especially when you don't have employment letters or pay stubs on hand. With some careful planning, it can be much easier to navigate an already stressful process and find yourself a new place without breaking too much of a sweat.

ALTERNATIVE EVIDENCE FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY

• A few years of tax returns
• Self prepared profit and loss statement
• A business license
• Audited financial statements
• Signed documentation from a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) verifying your business
• Employer's liability insurance
• Signed documentation from clients including date and type of service provided 

FOCUS ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE

A high credit score can demonstrate your ability to pay off debts and be responsible with money. Aim to already have or establish a consistent track record for prospective landlords and lenders. You can keep your credit in check by keeping credit card balances low, paying accounts in time, and avoiding applying for other credit lines while you're applying for a mortgage.

SEPARATE PERSONAL AND BUSINESS EXPENSES

Keeping your accounts organized and separate helps lenders determine your business expenses and income more efficiently. Business expenses that are paid through a business account might not be held against you, since it's an asset for the business. On the flip side, be careful with deductions on business expenses, as this lowers your overall taxable income, which can hurt your chances when applying for a home loan.

Home buying is never easy, but keep these tips in mind when making your next significant life decision!

Home transformations are a great way to personalize your home and really make it your own, but if you're thinking about moving around and potentially selling the place, be aware of some changes that might be appealing to you, but not worth the compromise for prospective buyers.

ADDING EXTRA WALLS

Espcially right now, making use of extra space can seem like the smart thing to do, particularly if you have a sizeable, open concept living room or a larger studio. Putting up walls can effectively turn one room into two, creating a permanent work station or playroom instead of constantly reorganizing for different needs. A permanent wall can easily decrease appeal by making rooms appear much smaller than they actually are, disrupting natural lighting, or creating a mismatched overall look.

BOLD ACCENTS AND COLOURS

A splash of your unique creativity may excel at capturing your guests' attention and keep them asking questions, but it can be risky to assume that those looking for a new place to settle will be equally enthralled by the stark colours and unusual styles that made your home your prized piece of art. Opt to stick to designs and tones that resonate with the general population instead of only a select few, or consider having your home repainted prior to listing and marketing the property. Neutral shades and stylish yet classic furnishings are always a safe bet, especially if the buyer isn't interested in doing a complete transformation for themselves.

MISMATCHED RENOVATIONS

Sometimes home projects happen on a whim, fueled by a spontaneous moment of inspiration. Other times, it's impractical to have the entire home renovated all in one go. In these circumstances, despite there being a lag in the overall timeline, it's important to ensure that one change doesn't differ drastically from the next. If you're redoing the flooring in one room before moving on to the next room months later, keep in mind that too many different types of floor coverings can present a disorganized look. The same thing can be said about surfaces, colours, and furnishings. At the end of the day, they should all complement one another!

Planning to buy or sell a home in the near future? From an outside perspective, it may seem relatively simple and while there may be aspects of working alone that individuals find appealing, real estate professionals have years of experience under their belts as well as plenty to offer, from vast networks to tips that are tried and true. Why use the help of a realtor? Find out below:

If you're on the search for a new home, a licensed realtor has the expertise to provide detailed market analysis when analyzing the best choices to suit your needs. From having worked in the industry, they can explain to you the current and projected market conditions, which may help you optimize the time of your purchase or associated sale. Assuming that you screen carefully for a diligent realtor, they can focus on your specific needs, research and arrange for you to see prospective homes, and inquire about important details that might otherwise go unaddressed. Once you find the perfect place, they are there to represent you in the negotiation process, assist with home inspections and support you through the entire closing process until you take possession.

Alternatively, if you're looking to sell your home, a licensed realtor is the best person to turn to when working out comparables in the process of arriving at the best asking price. Especially given the importance of marketing, they will have trusted connections who can help showcase your home in the best possible manner, from drone photography to virtual staging and video tours. Their expansive network of colleagues and clients will quickly help get the word out and your listing would be shared with a massive number of potential buyers. Similarly, realtors will help you through the entire negotation process and work by your side to ensure a smoothing closing. 

Working with a realtor takes away from the burden of having to either be already proficient or willing to spend a large amount of time becoming familiar with the relevant terminology and paperwork. Pricing your home and closing a deal can be intimidating on your own, and effective marketing will usuallyy require a significant level of dedication. With plenty of work on everybody's plate, you might want to consider whether one of these options would be more beneficial to you in the long run.

With more and more of us figuring out physical distancing requirements and starting to adjust to the new normal, we might be getting back to the to-do list that was temporarily stowed away. If you're in the market for a new home, chances are you still want to see the property in person, and that's where open houses come in! A majority of homes will still be inhabited by the sellers, so what does open house etiquette look like?

CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT ACCORDINGLY

While it's not necessary to go all out with a professional suit, how you present yourself in this setting is just as important as any other event. You may gain admittance to the home if you're dressed in sweatpants and flip flops, but you risk not being taken as seriously if you're actually invested in buying. Beyond that, proper attire shows both the sellers and real estate professionals involved that you're respectful and mindful of their living and working space.

BUYERS WITH AND WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

If you're already working with an agent, feel free to inform the agent holding the open house with something as simple as a business card. Realtors may forget to ask about this information in advance, but won't try to solicit you once this information is brought to attention. If you are without agent representation, open houses are a great way to find an agent since you get to witness them in live action and engage in face-to-face conversation. Feel free to ask for their contact information and set up a followup interview.

PRETEND ITS A GALLERY

Although homes are much less intimidating than display cases under harsh light in a museum, try to keep your hands and curiosity stowed away, especially if you have children in tow. Ask the agent whether shoes are preferred on or off, and avoid opening closed doors, drawers, and cabinets, especially if the home has yet to be vacated. Treat the home as respectfully as you'd like others to treat it, including asking about whether pictures are allowed.

All the best and happy browsing!

Chances are, the attic isn't the most popular room in your home, but that doesn't mean it needs to sit there gathering dust and cobwebs! Especially given the current work/study/play from home situation at the moment, a little bit of extra space can go miles, whether it be a quiet study nook or children's playroom that you're looking for. Updating your attic look also has the advantage of transforming your resale value! 

 A HOME OFFICE ABOVE ALL THE HUBBUB

Are you constantly trying to find a blank wall to serve as the background for a video meeting? Is it impossible to get a few minutes of peace and quiet to find your focus? A little bit of remodeling and redecorating can transform your attic into a private space designated for work. If you've got students in the house, this can double as a cozy study spot free from distractions. 

A PLAYROOM FOR THE YOUNG ONES

Horror movies tend to do attics a little dirty, but they can be just as inviting as any other space in the home with a little love and care. With the entire family at home, it might be tedious to have to constantly transform communal spaces from playroom to home gym all the time. By providing an established space for playing, studying, and learning, children can benefit from having their own allotted spaces and even begin to take on certain responsibilities. 

A GUEST SUITE FOR YOUR VISITORS

If you have a large family or enjoy hosting, a studio apartment is a popular way to create a hospitable space for any guests while increasing privacy for all parties involved. For longer stays, including a bathroom and kitchenette is the smart way to go to ensure everything necessarry is covered. During quieter times of the year, you'll also have the option to rent out the suite for additional income. Definitely something to think about!

No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.

PRIORITIZE SERVICE AND VALUE

When choosing an insurance provider, ask around for recommendations. Check with neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who have filed an insurance claim in the past. Find out if they had a positive or negative experience. Read online reviews. Ask your real estate agent for a referral to a reputable insurance broker who can help you compare your options.

Don’t just choose the cheapest policy. Instead, search for one that offers excellent client service and provides the best coverage for the cost.

CONSIDER A HIGHER DEDUCTIBLE

A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying on a loss before your insurance company will pay a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premiums.

Note that in some cases, your insurance policy may have a separate or higher deductible for certain kinds of claims, such as those caused by floods, windstorms, hail, or earthquakes. While a higher deductible can save you money on your premiums, opt for one that is still affordable given your current financial situation.

TRY BUNDLING YOUR COVERAGE

Combining your home, automobile, and other policies under one insurer can often result in a significant discount. And some insurers offer additional benefits, such as a single deductible if property insured by multiple policies is damaged. For instance, if a fire destroys your home and your car, you may only have to pay the higher of the two deductibles. Bundling can also make payment and renewal of your policies more convenient.

However, bundling isn't always the best or least expensive option. In some cases, you may find better coverage options, service, and/or pricing if you split your policies between multiple insurers. So be sure to consider all of your options before making a final decision.

Have you recently put your property on the market or are thinking about selling your home in the near future? With buying and selling activity exceeding historical levels, how can you stand out with just a little bit of work? Check out advice from home stagers about undesirable features that could turn away prospective home buyers, and replace them with strategies that will increase the chances of selling your home.

CLUTTER HAS NO PLACE

Crowded rooms not only look less visually appealing, they can also give off the impression that cleanliness and hygiene are not prioritized. Be consistent throughout the home; just because one rooom looks magnificently put together, it will be altogether forgotten when your home buyers stumble upon the disorganization across the hall. Even with spaces that are less commonly accessed or out of sight, buyers may form their own judgments based off of first impressions and assume that what's present in one room extends to the rest.

MOULD IS A RED FLAG

No matter how beuatiful the rest of the home is, or how impeccably it's been staged, the smallest signs of damp stains, stained ceilings, or crumbling plaster work can easily turn a prospective buyer away. Apart from the fact that it's visually unappealing, this also signals potential problems down the line and a more expensive investment than what might have been envisioned.

OVERGROWN GARDENS NEED SOME WORK

Landscaping, yardwork, and garden maintenance can take up a lot of your attention, particularly if you have a sizeable property. Gardens surrounding the home itself form a significant part of first impressions, which can negatively downplay your chances of selling if the buyer is already turned off by knee-high weeds or the leaves stuck to their shirt. A well-kept exterior does an amazing job of signalling to buyers that the interior is just as likely to be equally well cared for.

If you're thinking of selling, the bottom line is to put yourself in a potential buyer's shoes, and think about what would put you most at ease and most willing to commit to a large investment.

If you're getting the recommended 7+ hours of sleep every night, you're spending a significant amount of time in your bedroom. Add in our pandemic-affected reality, and you might be only leaving it for water or food breaks!

Despite the fact that your bedroom is often much more secluded compared to other rooms that guests will frequently occupy, there are certainly trends that aren't meant to stay, and some to keep an eye out for! 

1. DOUBLING AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL WORK SPACES

With many of us adjusting to the new normal of working from home, bedrooms might not just serve as sleeping quarters anymore, which makes space and lighting enormously more important. Some people may have opted for a make-shift work station with the assumption that this is more temporary than not, but many are are starting to realize that built-in work spaces might make the best use of bedroom space that is otherwise unoccupied. if you'e going to be spending hours at a time holed up in these spaces, make sure it's properly lit and functional enough to be both productive and comfortable.

2. DOUBLING AS WELLNESS SPACES

It's hard to sit at your desk for hours on end, especially with high levels of caution prompted by going to the gym or even a walk in the neighborhood. Try getting creative by opening up some space for a mini yoga corner, or some free weights you can easily access. Alternatively, set up a mini spa section where you can take a midday break to pamper yourself. Given that there aren't too many external choices right now, it's important to create a sanctuary for you to take care of yourself.

3. LIVE PLANTS REPLACING ARTIFICIAL ONES

Although they may both end up collecting lots of dust, artificial plants are much easier to manage than their living, breathing counterparts. Counterintuitively, this may actually encourage plant owners to redirect their attention to live plants, especially since we now have fewer opportunities to access nature itself. Spending time at home with live, air-purifying plants can really benefit your mood, and watching them flourish in your care is a great way to pass any extra time you may have on your hands.

4. TURNING TOWARDS BALCONIES

Sometimes, balconies can just end up as a visually appealing addition or extra storage space. More and more people are realizing the benefits of having your own outdoor space to use at your leisure. Sip your morning coffee admiring the early morning glow or spend an afternoon working in the warmth of the sun. Keep your eyes out, this feature might not be reserved for just the master bedroom in the future!

There's just something about waking up to a clean and crisp bedroom design, or seeing the way your guests' eyes light up when they take in the flawlessly modern decor you've outdone yourself with. Whether you're looking to do a complete renovation project or just wanting to test out select changes here and there, here are some ideas for designs that will truly make a statement!

1. DRAW ATTENTION TO A FOCAL POINT

Sometimes smaller rooms can be harder to be creative with, especially with the perception that there's not a lot of space to play around, However, these spaces, such as a bathroom, den, or storage space often lead to the most surprising transformations with the right amount of thought. Test out monochromatic murals that span the width or length of a wall, which will create a lengthening effect while drawing all the attention to a specific point of your choosing. 

2. INCORPORATE NATURAL MATERIALS

Ever thought about how the simplicity of nature is really the essence of its beauty? It's undeniable that there's something ethereal about being surrounded by the cool tones of the great outdoors, or the fresh scent of minimally processed materials. Try highlighting neutral colours and a simplistic but tasteful room with wooden accents here and there. 

3. CHOOSE ATMOSPHERIC LIGHTING

Many of us may immediately turn to bright lights when we think about a modern look, but lighting is actually the best way to create an authentic atmosphere that balances the sharp and clean edges with a sense of comfort. Since you most likely want your home to be an inviting and relaxing space, avoid overpowering white lights, and consider warmer lighting scattered throughout the room for an even and comforting feel.

4. HIGHLIGHT MINIMALISM

Our current take on what's modern is really centered around the idea of minimalism and zero clutter. Achieved very often through built-in storage, this strategy makes the most of the space that's available, and leaves your rooms feeling put-together and streamlined. This is especially helpful with medicine cabinets, shelves, and even some kitchen storage!

Source: https://www.realhomes.com/au/design/modern-bathroom-ideas