Living in an apartment or rental home does have its perks: You can test out different neighborhoods and locations, you have the flexibility to move, and you have access to great amenities like a gym or pool. But there’s a reason that owning a home, rather than renting one, is a highly desired achievement.

Maybe the thought of having your own place has crossed your mind only recently, or maybe you’re regularly saving a chunk of your paycheck for that future down payment. No matter where you are in the process of considering homeownership, here are the unmistakable signs that you’re ready to buy your first home.

1. You Want to Get to Know Your Neighbors

Because renters don’t tend to live in one apartment for very long, it can be difficult to meet people who live in your building. But when you buy a home and are more invested in your community, it’s easier to forge lasting friendships.

2. You Want to Customize Your Space

Many rental communities have limits on what you can customize in your unit. You may be able to paint your walls a different color, but you may not be able to replace the countertops or appliances that come standard in your apartment.

3. You Want More Space or Amenities

You daydream about having a home with a large kitchen, dining room, basement, garage, or maybe even a home office or bonus room for your hobbies.

4. You Regularly Drive by Your Favorite Neighborhoods

You have a list of at least three communities (or maybe even houses) that you would love to live in when you’re ready to buy a home. You might even attend an open house or two.

5. You’re Eager to Put Down Roots

A home is more than a financial investment. It’s your own space, a private retreat, and the start of a new chapter in your life. You’ll love being able to make lasting memories with your new neighbors and enjoying all the amenities near your home.

6. You’re Constantly Browsing Home Improvement Sites

Instead of scrolling through social media, you’re scrolling through home decor websites or binge-watching HGTV. You now have dozens of ideas for how you’re going to decorate everything from the bathrooms to the entryway.

7. You Have Money Saved Up for a Down Payment

A down payment is essential to buying the home of your dreams. But once you see your savings account grow, you know your new home is just within reach.

In today’s market,  it’s not uncommon to be in competition with several other buyers for your dream home.   When you find that perfect house, with the chic chandelier and the doggy door for Fido,  the last thing you want to do is lose it because your offer didn’t stand out to the seller, Taking the time to put forth a well-written offer can work wonders for a buyer. Each seller and agent may have different opinions on what makes the best offer, but here are some that we’ve found are the most consistent:

1. Include a pre-approval.

If you want to show the seller that you’re serious about buying a home,  get pre-approved before you ever sign an offer.   Not only does it show that you didn’t just waltz up, see the for sale sign and throw something out there, but it also alleviates some of the seller’s worries that you’ll back out when the bank finds out your credit isn’t actually as good as you thought it was.  Be sure to include that pre-approval letter from the bank with the signed offer.

2.  Make a decent earnest money deposit.

When you’re sure you can’t picture yourself without this house,  be ready to boost your earnest money deposit. Earnest money shows the seller that you’re putting your money where your mouth is, and you’re prepared to give up that chunk of cash if you back of the contract for any reason other than those allowed under the contract terms.  There is usually a typical amount offered for your area, so if you really want to look good, go above and beyond that amount.

3.  Remove all the contingencies you can.

Having two mortgages while trying to sell the home you’re in now isn’t really a dream that anyone has, but if you have the cash to do it, it’s definitely going to make your offer more desirable.  Anytime you can waive contingencies in the contract, like the sale of your current home,  it gives the seller more confidence that the deal will go through without a hitch.  Another option would be to shorten the typical time periods.  If it’s customary for your inspection period to be 15 days, shorten it to 10 to let the seller know you’re looking to make this happen quickly.

4.  Make it Your Best

When you’re up against multiple offers,  don’t waste a lot of time expecting to negotiate.  Base your offer on solid research of surrounding comparables and really offer what you’d be willing to pay.  If you don’t,  your offer may be tossed aside for others that did. This includes more than the price, too.  Maybe pay out of pocket for some of those extras, like a home warranty or closing costs, instead of asking the seller to contribute.

5. Get Personal

It’s time to let the seller know why you’re dying to buy their house, and be honest.  Is it because you want to raise your family in the neighborhood?  Do you see Fido rolling around in the big, fenced backyard?  Connecting with the seller and creating a sense of relatability can go a long way, but avoid sounding desperate.  The idea is to keep it short, simple, and honest, and don’t forget to have your buyer’s agent proofread it. Don’t hesitate to go out of the box to make your offer standout to the seller. It may end up getting you your dream home.

Artificial plants may never die, but having live plants in your home will make your home look and feel better. Nothing brings life into a home better than well-maintained greenery.  Most indoor trees are easy to take care of and only need adequate water and a spot where they'll get enough light. You can fill your home with trees or just add enough to a room to beautify empty space. Here are the best indoor plants to add life and coziness to your home. 

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig

You probably have a friend who has a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree in their home right now, and for good reason. They only need regular watering and indirect light, and are the perfect size to add a touch of greenery to a room. Be sure not to overwater this tree, as it will drop leaves quickly.

2. Weeping Fig

This tree is one of the most popular indoor trees. It has slightly arching branches and can fill out quite well if taken care of. Like the Fiddle Leaf, it prefers indirect light but it doesn't like cold drafts or hot, dry air. This tree is best kept away from doors and A/C vents. The Weeping Fig is known to shed less than a quarter of its leaves in the fall and sprout them again in the spring, so keep that in mind when buying one.

3. Areca Palm

If you want to add a beachy vibe to your home, this feathery palm will do just that. It thrives in bright spaces and can grow up to 10 inches in a year, reaching 6-7 feet indoors. In the spring and summer, the Areca Palm likes light, constant moisture. During the winter months, it works best to let it dry out a bit between waterings. 

4. Rubber Tree

The Rubber Tree is one of the easiest to grow indoors. If you want a darker-colored plant, consider this tree that only requires moderate light. Occasional pruning will help the tree look its best, but be sure to wear gardening gloves to keep the sap off of your fingers. 

5. Ponytail Palm

If remembering to water plants isn't your forte, this is the plant for you. The Ponytail Palm stores moisture in its base so it will be just fine if you forget a week or two of watering. The plant has long, strappy leaves that add the perfect touch to a contemporary room. It prefers indirect, bright light and is slow-growing.

6. Lacy Leaf Philodendron

If you're looking for an easy plant that will live long, this is the one for you. With massive glossy leaves, this philodendron can grow up to 6 feet wide, so keep this one in mind if you have a large space to fill. This plant only needs watered when the soil becomes dry and requires moderate light. 

When you choose to make improvements to your home, you probably think about design and decor options, paint colors, if the project will increase your property value, or if you’ll need to hire anyone to help you with the job. But there is another, extremely important consideration you need to make – whether or not you will need a building permit for your project.

It is essential for homeowners to know which projects require approval and the potential consequences for making changes without it. So before you start tinkering with electrical wiring or knocking down walls, make sure you understand the ins and outs of building permits and when they are required. 

What is a building permit?

A building permit is a legal document issued from the local government that allows you to proceed with construction on a project. Building permits ensure that your home improvement or remodeling project meets important requirements that minimize potential health and safety risks, such as structural collapse, fire hazard, and electrical shock. Though obtaining a building permit may feel like a nuisance, it’s important to remember that the process is put in place to keep you and your family safe and to protect your investment

Home improvements that require a building permit

Although requirements vary from city to city, the general rule of thumb is that structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work will require a residential permit. Here is a breakdown of the most common home improvement projects that require a building permit: 

• Fencing installation or repair: When you install or repair a fence, it’s important to check with your city to see if there is a height restriction. Be sure to have a fencing contractor inquire about such restrictions to avoid having to cut the fence or take it down after installation.

• Window installations: When you install new windows that are bigger than your old windows, a permit is required to cut holes for them. This will also include cutting holes for skylights and new doors with windows. Be sure to reach out to a professional window installer who can acquire those permits.

• Plumbing and electrical work: When installing or replacing plumbing, you will likely need to submit a permit application. The same rule applies when installing or replacing electrical wiring, whether it’s an outlet, switch, ceiling fan, or overhead lighting. The cases where you won’t need a permit or inspection include smaller projects like repairs and light fixture installations.

• Structural changes: When you make any kind of structural changes to your property, the contractor will need to obtain a permit. This may include changes to the load-bearing walls, balconies, decks, porches, roofs, or foundation flooring.

• Heating maintenance: If you replace the water heater, the heating contractor you’ve hired to do the work will need to get a permit. Changes to the ventilation system, gas and wood fireplaces, and ducts will also require a permit. This does not include filter changes, motor lubrication, or equipment cleaning.

• Additions and remodels: Additions, new construction, remodels, repairs, replacements, and upgrades totaling $5,000 or more will require a permit. This will include detached structures like garages, sheds, and platforms. Exceptions to this rule include construction that’s less than 200 square feet, as well as painting, carpeting, and wallpaper.

Home improvement projects that don’t require a permit

There will be some home improvement projects that won’t require a permit, like small plumbing and electrical projects. Other projects you can do without a permit include:

•  Painting and wallpapering
• Installing flooring like hardwood, carpeting, linoleum, or vinyl tile
• Minor electrical repairs
• Installing new countertops
• Installing or replacing a faucet
• Landscaping work

As mentioned, rules vary from region to region, so just because someone you know didn’t need a permit, doesn’t mean you won’t. If you’re unsure, contact your local building office and ask. It’s better to check beforehand, as the call could save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

Who gets the building permit?

If you hire a contractor to complete the project, they will most often obtain the permit. This is because, generally, the person or company who pulls the permit is also the person that is responsible for making sure the project is up to code. If you pull the permit yourself, you will be considered the contractor (in the eyes of your local government) and therefore, are liable if there is a construction problem. 

What happens if you don’t get a building permit?

Unfortunately, homeowners often decide not to get a building permit as a way to save time and money. However, performing work on your home without the necessary approvals can put you in direct violation of city codes and regulations. Some possible consequences for not getting a permit include: 

If code enforcement authorities become aware of your violation, there can be fines and penalties that far exceed the cost of the original permit. In addition, government officials may require homeowners or contractors to tear out work and do it over.

If you try to sell your house in the future, a home inspection will likely be conducted. The inspection may uncover any home improvement projects that were done without the proper permits. This can hold up a home sale and you may even have to undo the previous work and start again.

In the unfortunate event of a major plumbing problem, fire, or structural collapse, if it’s discovered that the problem is the result of work that was done without a building permit, your homeowners’ insurance may not cover the damage.

Building permits can sometimes seem like a hassle. However, in many cases, getting a permit could mean giving up less than an hour of your time and spending a few hundred dollars. With all of the potential consequences at stake, you’re better safe than sorry.  So if you need a building permit for your home improvement project, do yourself a favor and be sure to get one.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

New Listings: 318 Down 17.2%
Pending sales: 198 Down 18.9%
Closed Sales: 143 Down 37%
Days on Market Until Sold: 71 Up 57.8%
Percent to List Price Received: 97.5% Down 3.8%
Months of Inventory: 2.7 Up 125%
Average Sales Price: $655,492 Down 13%

Stats are compared to April 2022 previously owned properties only in Kootenai County.️

Today’s home searches do not begin by simply driving by a “for sale” sign and stopping in to view a home. In many cases, buyers begin searching for their next properties from the comforts of their current homes.

In fact, online home searches have become such a reality for today’s home buyers that listing photos have become an integral part of curb appeal. If you’re planning to start your new home search online, how can you be sure you’re finding a home that will match your needs?

Here are five tips to help you get your online home search started:

1. Know your needs and wants list.

One major difference between searching for homes online and scouring local neighborhoods for available homes is the sheer number of homes available. If you don’t have a clear idea of the features you want to find in a home, you might spend a lot of time sorting through available inventory online to find even a couple homes that meet your desired criteria. Spend some time before you begin your search and determine the home features that are most important to you. Focus your online efforts on finding homes that meet all or most of those criteria.

2. Use available tools to narrow your home search.

Once you have a good grasp of the home features you’re looking for, allow online search capabilities to assist you! Use search filters to eliminate homes that are not in your price range, or those that do not have the features you’re looking for. Want a single-family ranch with at least three bedrooms, a finished basement, and a little yard space? Use search filters to find homes that might meet all or most of those wants.

3. Be sure to do neighborhood research.

You can learn a lot about a home through an online search. Once you find a home or homes that might be right for you, be sure to take time to learn about their neighborhoods too. Check out what kinds of restaurants, entertainment options, and amenities are nearby. Learn about the schools, commutes and crime rates too. Even if a home seems to have everything you’re looking for, it’s location might not be right for you and your family. Research any neighborhoods you might not be familiar with when you’re searching online.

4. Don’t believe everything you see.

A picture is worth 1,000 words, right? When it comes to an online home search, buyers might need to make sure those 1,000 words are accurate. Professional listing photos can paint an incredible picture of a home. And kudos to all sellers who represent their homes with awesome listing photos. But, buyers beware, seeing really is believing when it comes to a home. Let online photos draw you into a home, but take the next step and schedule a showing before becoming too captivated. Make sure the real thing lives up to the online representation during your home search.

5. Hire a professional to guide your search.

An online search is a great place to start looking for a new home. Once you find a home or a few homes that you’re interested in, allow a professional real estate agent to schedule showings for you. Once you share the homes you’re interested in with your agent, he or she might be able to point you to other homes that meet your desired criteria too. Of course, your agent will also represent your needs when it comes to negotiating a price, working with inspectors and other service professionals, and helping you get all the way to closing.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

When you invest in a home, whether it is brand new or beautifully aged, you want to make sure it is protected. Homeowners insurance, which is required when you purchase a home, covers major occurrences like fire and crime. However, homeowners’ insurance will not cover specific parts of your home, like your plumbing or heating and cooling system. Instead, you can opt for a home warranty that will take care of specific appliances and equipment if they need to be repaired or replaced.  

On a basic level, one of the biggest perks of buying a home warranty is purchasing peace of mind. When you have a warranty, you are entered into a contract with a company that already has an established list of reputable service providers on hand, ready to assist you if you need them. This means that homeowners who are covered simply need to contact their warranty company. The company will send out a contractor to assess the issue and take care of the service request.

Another way that your home warranty can provide peace of mind is by simply knowing you have it – even if your home systems are operating perfectly. You just never know when your dishwasher might need to be repaired or you’ll have an unexpected plumbing issue. To know that you are covered against these costly and often unforeseen expenses can be reason enough to purchase a home warranty.

Of course, as with any warranty, there are fees involved with having a home warranty. Homeowners pay an annual premium that is often around a few hundred dollars. In addition, similar to the way a deductible works with home insurance, there is a minor fee when a homeowner places a service request. However, when you’re considering the cost of replacing one of your home’s major appliances or your HVAC system, the annual premium and service charges are rather minimal.

An important point to note about having a home warranty is that homeowners must exercise a bit of responsibility when it comes to the appliances and equipment that are covered. Many warranty contracts clearly state that home items must be properly maintained to qualify for coverage. If you follow the maintenance schedule for your major systems, this should be no problem. Homeowners who purchase older homes can run into difficulties proving the equipment they purchase within a home has been properly maintained. So, asking for service records and full disclosure when you buy an older home is especially important if you plan to purchase a home warranty.

When you are thinking about a home warranty, think about this: your home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. A home warranty is one way to provide certain protection on that investment. If you know you want to move forward with a home warranty, here are a few tips:

• 1. Do your research. There are a lot of home warranty companies and contracts out there. Find a reputable company with good reviews before entering into any agreement.
• 2. Read the fine print. Each home warranty contract is different and will cover different appliances and equipment in your home. Find out what might be excluded and check on required maintenance before agreeing to any coverage plan.
• 3. Consider the overall cost. There is no set price for a home warranty. Find out the exact cost of your annual premium and service fees before selecting and signing a warranty contract.

Once you find a warranty that fits your home’s needs, enjoy the peace of mind and protection you’re provided!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

If your future plan includes moving out on your own, you may have a few concerns as you plan to spread your wings. Unless you’ve been saving funds and working on your finances for the last year or so, you may not be quite ready to buy a home yet. So, how can you find a rental property that is right for you? With a little help, of course!

Here are six tips for finding the right rental, right now:

1. Know What You Can Afford

Before you even begin to scour the rental market in your area, you’ve got to know your monthly budget. Fiscal experts suggest that renters (and buyers for that matter) spend between 20-30% of their gross monthly income on housing. But let’s not forget that in addition to a monthly rental fee, you’ll also be incurring monthly utility costs, cable/internet subscription fees and possibly trash removal costs, if your landlord is not footing the bill for that fee. Crunch a few numbers to see what portion of your monthly pay you’ll feel comfortable parting with for housing costs.

2. Determine “Must Have” Features

In some ways, finding the right rental property is a lot like finding the right home to buy. You certainly want to be comfortable in your chosen rental for the entire length of your lease. So, don’t settle for a rental just for the sake of being on your own. If proximity to work, shopping or public transportation are high on your priorities list, find a property that meets those standards. If on-site laundry is something you can’t do without, don’t consider a rental property that would require you to pack up and head to the laundromat. When it comes down to your everyday living, you’ve got to know what you can – and cannot – do without!

3. Don’t Sacrifice Safety

Being on your own is an awesomely-free feeling; but you shouldn’t feel so free that you don’t feel safe! If you’re searching for the right rental property this year, resolve to only scope out properties in safe neighborhoods and question potential landlords on their safety features. When touring through potential rentals, take a specific look at entrances, door locks and even windows!

4. Do Your Research

When you’re searching for a rental property, there is no doubt that you’re trying to impress potential landlords. Don’t forget that the impressing should go both ways. If you fall in love with a rental property, make sure that you and the landlord will get along as well. You can find out about a potential landlord by inquiring about their tenant turnover rate. You also can ask to speak with current or previous tenants, who are sure to give you an honest opinion about their rental experience. It is one thing to find a great rental property, but it also is important to make sure you can deal with a landlord for the entire length of your lease.

5. Be Prepared

Finding the right rental property and landlord for you is only half of the battle – you’ve also got to secure them! Many landlords will require documentation to ensure that you’re not only able to afford their property, but also that you’ll take good care of it. In addition to running a credit and background check on rental applicants, landlords also may require potential renters to submit proof of employment, like pay stubs or tax returns. Some may even require reference letters. Prepare a few of these documents ahead of time, so you’re ready when your potential landlord makes these requests.

6. Understand Your Lease

When you do find the rental property and landlord that seem like the right fit for you, you’ll need to sign on the dotted line before calling them your own. Before you add your signature to any legally binding document, make sure that you’re aware of what that signature means. Determine the length of the lease, what is included and what you may or may not be responsible for upon move-out. Further, even after you sign the lease, document the initial condition of the property with photos, so that you and your landlord are well aware of any imperfections that may be pre-existing.

Once you’ve scoured rental properties and secured your short-term living arrangements, pick up rental insurance to cover your belongings in your new home. Undoubtedly, your landlord carries insurance on their property, but that does not cover the items you bring inside. So, protect your property, begin the decorating process, and enjoy your new rental property!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Even the happiest of professionals can admit that they dream of retirement from time to time – and maybe even more frequently. And, why not? For many, retirement means more time to spend with those you love, doing the things you love.

But when you’re used to an income that allows you to live a particular lifestyle, then that income changes, it can be difficult to maintain the lifestyle you’ve grown accustomed to. Some retirees look at the lifestyle change as an opportunity to sell their home and simplify. Some homeowners decide to stay in their homes long after retirement. How will you know what decision is right for you?

Each person and their financial situation at retirement are different. But if you’re inching closer to retirement and you’re not sure what to do with your home, here are five signs that it might be time for you to sell:

1. You need more money.

Selling your home when you retire will allow you to downsize and simplify a bit, which can equate to fewer financial commitments. However, if your home is paid off, selling might also add to your retirement funds, which will allow you more freedom to travel or enjoy the things you’ve been looking forward to.

2. You’re looking for less responsibility.

Owning and maintaining a home requires quite a bit of cleaning, seasonal maintenance, and upkeep in general. When you sell a larger home to move into a smaller space or one with added amenities, like landscaping or housekeeping, you can say goodbye to some of the time-consuming tasks that come along with home ownership.

3. You feel like you don’t fit in.

When you’re a new family and you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors who are at similar stages of life, the sense of community can be amazing. If you grow older and notice that your neighbors seem to be turning over every few years, new families might remain the community norm. If you’ve watched your children grow up and leave the nest, it may be your turn to flock to somewhere new next.

4. Your retirement plans include a lot of travel time.

If your retirement aspirations have you sailing around the world or visiting cities and countries you’ve never seen, it simply might not make sense to hang on to a big home. If you do, you’ll need to hire someone to handle the regular maintenance and upkeep responsibilities. If traveling is high on your retirement priority list, you may only need a small crash pad where you can stay between trips.

5. If you have children, they have moved away.

For grandparents, retirement can mean taking on a new role of spending more time with their grandchildren. If your children have moved away and seeing your grandkids means you’ll need to leave your home for an extended period, it may not make much sense to keep the home you’ve been living in. On a similar note, if your children have moved away and you intend for them to be your heirs, it may make financial sense to leave them a nest egg, rather than a piece of property that is far from them. They’ll eventually have to sell or hire someone to look after the home, which may not be financially worth it!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

While you may think the terms “real estate agent” and “realtor” can be used interchangeably, that is just not the case. In fact, there are several differences between the two. Today, we’re shedding some light on a few of those determining factors – along with some similarities, too.

First and foremost, they’re both legit. Both real estate agents and realtors have taken the necessary courses and passed the required licensure exam to help buyers and sellers complete their real estate transactions. That may be their biggest similarity. Their biggest difference is pretty simple too… Realtors belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), while real estate agents do not. What does that mean?

Realtors practice real estate under the NAR code of ethics. Basically, they agree to work with other real estate professionals to ensure that their clients’ best interests are met. What does that mean to a buyer and seller? Well, obviously, it means their realtor pledges to do their best to help their client buy or sell a home. What it does not mean for those clients is that their realtor will do this unethically. Realtors also pledge to treat all parties in a transaction with honesty.

What are the consequences for violating the NAR code? That is pretty simple too. Realtors who are found to have acted in a way that is not in accordance with the code of ethics can have their “realtor” title removed.

Do these differences mean that you’ll only receive honest, reputable service from a realtor? Absolutely not. What this information means is that you need to choose the person who will be representing your home sale or purchase very carefully.

Here are three tips to help you make sure you select the right real estate agent:

1. Take advice from family and friends.

When a family member or friend has had a good (or bad) experience during a real estate transaction, they are bound to want to talk about it. If you have friends or family members who are particularly happy with their home sale or purchase, find out what it was they liked most about their real estate professional – and find out if they would use that person again.

2. Read the reviews.

Family members and friends are not the only people who want to share their opinions about their real estate transactions. Use tools like social media sites and online reviews to confirm the word-of-mouth advice you receive.

3. Conduct your own interviews.

As with any advice, take real estate recommendations in stride. Reach out to the real estate agents or realtors who’ve helped your family and friends. But make sure they can help you too. Ask them about the things that matter most to you when it comes to your transaction. See if they will be a good fit for you. Once you’re satisfied, select your real estate professional, and rely on their honesty and expertise to carry your home sale or purchase to completion.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com