Category Archives: Kaya Wittenburg

How to Create an Effective 3D House Tour

In every industry, technology is impacting how business is done. The real estate industry is no exception.

Nowadays, if you want to stay ahead of the curve, your real estate company has to have the ability to facilitate 3D house tours that happen virtually. This will ensure that business doesn’t stall in the face of a pandemic or any other kind of event that could limit in-person contact.

Doing a 3D house tour right, however, is no easy task. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at what ingredients go into a successful 3D virtual house tours.

Start with the Right Software

The first thing that you will need in order to facilitate your house tour is the right software. Yes, you could always just upload a bunch of large, panoramic images to your website. However, these don’t have the same effect as a virtual tour that someone can navigate through on a website.

There are lots of different house tour options available on the market today. Pick one that is able to give you a good demo of their platform and also has a plethora of positive customer reviews to back up the quality of their product. 

Stage the Home

The next thing to remember is that you need to stage your home. Just as you would for an in-person tour, bring in cozy furniture and wall art that makes the space seem as lived-in as possible. This will enable your viewers to really imagine themselves in the space, which in turn will enable you to close at a higher rate.

Ensure There is Plenty of Light

One of the common problems that plague 3D house tours is a lack of light. The whole point of the tour is that the viewer is able to fully see the house. So why would you want to take the images of the house during a time when ample light isn’t streaming in?

Short answer: you wouldn’t.

Ensure that you take photos on a sunny day. Work with the time of the day so that your taking pictures right when the sun is perfectly angled to provide as much natural light as possible.

Make the Virtual Tour Easily Accessible On Your Site

Once you have your virtual tour uploaded on your website, make sure that it is easily accessible. After all, the last thing that you want to do is go through all of that work only for your would-be customers to never find the tour of the home for sale because your website is cluttered with other links!

How to Do a 3D House Tour the Right Way

There you have it. Now that you know how to do a 3D house tour the right way, all that remains is for you to pick a software, stage your home, and start taking pictures.

For more real estate advice, be sure to take some time to check out the rest of the articles available to read on the website before you leave!

Inheriting a House: What to Do With an Inheritance Property

Have you inherited a house? Knowing what to do next can be complicated. When you’re dealing with the emotions that come with taking possession of a home, you want to consider several factors with a clear head before you take action.

Keep reading to learn what you should do with inheritance property!

Investigate the Financial Obligations

Does the property have a mortgage? Knowing the answer to this question may impact how soon or if you decide to sell. If there is an ongoing mortgage, you may have to start making payments right away.

Are there any other outstanding debts associated with the property? Make sure you know the full scope of the property’s financial picture as you and any other heirs make plans. And yes, if you are not the only inheritor of the property, be sure that you are on the same page as everyone else!

Look at the Property’s Tax Situation

Do you have to pay taxes on inherited property? Fortunately, you won’t have federal taxes to worry about, but you will need to check into whether the house is impacted by state estate taxes. This will depend on where you live.

Selling an inherited house means you’d have capital gains or losses taxes to deal with. These taxes reflect any gains (or losses) in the property’s value from the time you inherit it to the time that you sell it.

When in doubt, talk with a financial planner or accountant to make sure that you know the implications of these taxes on your bottom line.

Evaluate the Condition of the Inheritance Property

If the paint’s peeling in the living room, that’s not a significant cost to fix. But if the HVAC system needs a replacement or the roof is caving in, you may have some significant costs on your hands.

Price out the necessary repairs and determine whether it makes more sense to unload the property or keep it. For around $400, you can get a home inspection. This is a valuable tool that can help make your decision easier.

What Will You Do With It?

You have several options to consider. Do you rent or sell? Or do you take up residence in the home?

If you decide to rent the property, make sure you know the ins and outs of acting as a landlord. One advantage to renting is that you may be able to get away with simple cosmetic updates if the house is otherwise safe to live in. A renter might not be there for the long haul, so as long as the property looks decent, you can earn an income stream.

Living in the property or hanging on to it can be to your benefit if you have sentimental attachments or simply want to take your time fixing the place up.

The Bottom Line

Inheritance property can be a blessing or a curse, but the most important place to start is with a full understanding of the property. Make sure that you are clear on the financial picture and can assess the property’s condition. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

When you’re ready to learn more about real estate, check back with us for more great articles!

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a House in Miami

You’re ready for a lifestyle change— Miami, here we come!

What’s not to love about living in a beachside city rich in culture, diversity, and fun? If you’re moving to Miami soon, you may be looking for the perfect home or apartment for your needs.

When buying a house in Miami, or any city, it’s important to ask the right questions and do your homework before making an offer. Otherwise, you risk facing expensive problems in the future.

Before signing on the dotted line, keep reading to learn the top five questions to ask before buying a property in Miami.

1. When Buying a House in Miami, Ask If It’s in a Flood Zone

When starting to research houses for families in Miami, always check if the property is in a flood zone.

We love Miami for its proximity to the ocean, but this also means the city is at greater risk from flooding and hurricanes. Check out the flood map of the city to see where your potential property sits and whether you’re at risk.

Floods aren’t common, but they can do tremendous amounts of damage. Are you willing to take the risk?

2. How Much Will Insurance Cost?

Living in Miami can be a lot of fun, but it’s not fun to get stung with huge insurance premiums.

Before buying a home, check with insurance companies to get quotes on homeowner’s insurance. Living near the ocean can bring high insurance costs, so make sure you know what to expect before buying.

3. How Long Has the Home Been on the Market?

It’s always important to ask how long the home has been on the market before buying. If it appears too good to be true, but it’s been on the market for years, there may be a good reason for it.

Homes can hide all sorts of problems. For example, it could be over an airport flight path, be next to loud shops or restaurants, or have structural damage.

4. Have Any Renovations Been Done?

Dream homes can be found anywhere in the world, but if you’re set on Miami, make sure you research the home before making an offer.

In addition to a home inspection, check if any major indoor and outdoor renovations have been done. You need to be sure the construction was done to the city’s code, ensuring it’s of high standards.

If not, the renovations could have been done illegally. In that case, it will be up to you to fix them—plus, they may not be safe.

5. What Are the Neighbors Like?

Try to find out more about the surrounding properties or businesses around your house. Are the neighbors loud? Are you next to a busy restaurant that could become rowdy late into the night?

If you can, visit the property at several different times of day to check it out. This can help you get a better understanding of the neighborhood and its noise levels.

Find Your Perfect Miami Home Today

Now that you know which questions to ask, finding your dream house in Miami should be a breeze!

It can take some time to find the right property for your needs and budget, especially in expensive cities like Miami, but with some research and patience, you’ll be moving in before you know it.

Get started today— look online, meet with local realtors, and visit open homes until you find the home that’s right for you.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, please browse some of our additional content.

Thinking of Selling Your Home? How to Know the Right Time

Are you thinking of selling your home? Well, you’re not the only one. Over 5.3 million existing homes were sold in the United States last year.

It just goes to show how many Americans are looking to sell their property at any given time! Of course, their reasons for upping sticks and moving will vary. But you can bet your bottom dollar they all have one thing in common:

A desire to sell their house at the right time.

After all, timing is everything when it comes to getting the biggest possible payout for a property. You could sell too early when the market’s down and miss the spike that’s coming. Alternatively, you could wait too long and see the market crash.

Whatever happens, mistiming the sale is a recipe for losing huge sums of money. Want to avoid that fate? Let us help!

Keep reading to learn exactly when to sell your house.

The Market’s Hot

Selling your property when the market’s down is never ideal. Indeed, there could be an upswing just around the corner! You could sell today and see the value of property skyrocket in a weeks’ time.

You’d have lost thousands of dollars in the process.

It is, of course, far better to wait until the market’s running hot. You’ll see higher demand drive your home’s value up, delivering better offers from budding buyers as a result.

The tricky part is understanding the current state of the market! Want our advice?

Speak to a professional realtor for advice. They’ll know the local market better than anybody. Drawing upon their experience and expertise, they’ll let you know whether now’s a lucrative time to sell or not.

You Can’t Afford the Mortgage

Many people are forced to sell their home because, for one reason or another, life’s thrown them a curveball.

Their financial situation changes, they’re unable to keep up the mortgage repayments, and they have no choice but to downsize and/or move to a more affordable neighborhood.

Are you getting into dangerous territory with your finances? Think about selling now- before it’s too late. Wait too long and you could risk foreclosure.

It goes without saying that this situation is far from ideal. Acting early, though, is the best way to stop it from getting worse.

You’re Circumstances Have Changed

The decision to sell a house isn’t always about money! Sometimes, it’s more a matter of personal preference and circumstances.

Consider someone who’s lived in their first home for 5 to 10 years, built up enough equity, and wants to live in a nicer neighborhood. They could more than justify the decision to sell!

The same would apply to a married couple planning to have a family. Their starter home could be too small for children and/or too far away from good schools. It makes perfect sense that they’d move home to accommodate their changing needs.

Think about your current circumstances and how they might change in the coming years. You could decide to sell now in preparation for what’s to come.

You’re up for the Challenge

It’s worth remembering that selling and moving house isn’t always straightforward.

You’ve got to do your research, market your property, and do viewings with potential buyers. You’ve got to find a new house, sort out the mortgage arrangements, save the down payment, and navigate the legal side of things. Then you’ve got to organize inspections, pack your worldly possessions into boxes, and transport everything to the new place.

And so on! The whole process can take hard work, time, and effort to complete.

Thinking of selling your home? Make sure that you’re up for the challenge! If you feel ready to embrace the ups and downs to come, then now could be the perfect time to move.

You’ve Got the Money

Sometimes the best reason to sell a house is the simplest:

Because you can!

You might have worked hard for years, moved up in the company, and done well for yourself financially. You could decide to sell (assuming that the market’s solid) for the simple reason that you can afford to do so.

Your current house might feel too small or outdated. Why not move somewhere more modern and in-keeping with your lifestyle? If you’ve got the money to do it, then there’s nothing stopping you selling your home and finding somewhere preferable.

You’re Getting Longer in the Tooth

Waiting too long to sell your home can spell trouble when you’re getting older.

The property might not be set up to support someone with ailing physical capabilities. There might be a big staircase to get up and down, lots of maintenance work to do, minimal safety equipment in the bathroom, and a giant garden to tend outside.

Choosing not to sell (for sentimental or practical reasons) could lead to potential problems, such as falls. Furthermore, selling a house and moving somewhere new is far harder when you’ve got physical injuries and less energy to contend with!

Downsizing sooner rather than later is often a better idea.

You Dislike Where You Live

Last but not least, it’s worth considering how you feel about your current residence.

Do you dislike it or feel unsafe? Does it hold bad memories that are impossible to escape? Is the neighborhood dangerous and unwelcoming?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then now is as good a time as any to sell up and move (assuming that money isn’t an issue).

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Time It Right!

Millions of people sell their homes in American every year.

And the timing of the sale is all-important for every single one of them. Getting it wrong could lead to a whole host of financial, emotional, and practical challenges.

Are you thinking of selling your home? Well, we hope the suggestions in this post will help you decide whether or not the timing’s right!

Want to read more real estate articles like this one? Be sure to browse our blog for similar posts now.

 
 

5 Pro Tips for Paying off Your Mortgage Early

You can reduce stress and the amount of interest you pay by paying your home loan faster. Most mortgages take fifteen to thirty years to pay off, racking interest every year. On average, American homeowners pay over 5k per year in interest rates.

You can eliminate stress by learning how to cover costs quickly. It’s possible to pay off your home loan early. Here are five pro tips for paying off your mortgage early.

1. Make Bi-Weekly Payments

One of the easiest ways to pay your mortgage faster is to follow a bi-weekly schedule. By splitting the mortgage in half and paying it every two weeks, you’ll make an additional month’s worth of payments in a year. The best part is that they won’t leave a dent in your monthly finances.

2. Pay More Every Month

You can pay more per month towards the principal balance of the loan. For instance, you can pay it faster by including an additional hundred or more monthly. It will save money on interest rates and increase your equity.

3. Make Lump-Sum Payments

You can make lump-sum payments to your principal, as you go. Homeowners tend to use their extra cash to pay down the balance. These payments are great for times when you have additional money and can’t recast your mortgage.

4. Refinance for a Shorter Loan

Another option for paying off your mortgage early is to refinance for a shorter loan. You can use a refinance calculator to see if you’ll qualify for a lower interest rate from a mortgage company. You’ll need to consider how much you can save by picking this option because there could be refinancing fees by the lender.

5. Recast Your Mortgage

Unlike when you refinance, mortgage recasting lets you keep your existing loan and pays a lump sum toward the principal. Your lender will adjust your schedule to reflect the new balance. The fees are lower than refinancing, you get to keep your low-interest rate, and lower high-interest rates.

Benefits of Paying off Your Mortgage Early

You don’t have to be stuck paying a home loan month after month, year after year. There are benefits to paying off your mortgage early. Some of these include the following:

  • Save thousands on interest
  • Can cancel private mortgage insurance
  • Home eligible to be leveraged
  • Money left for other things
  • And more benefits

There could be some cons to paying off your mortgage early. Some lenders may charge borrowers a fee for early payoffs. You should review the prepayment policies and discuss options with your lender before paying more than what’s required.

Plan Your Finances Successfully

You can use these five pro tips for paying off your mortgage early. Interest rates stack higher the longer you take to pay. Plan your finances for success to enjoy the benefits faster.

We can help you understand your finance and create a plan. Explore our blog longer for the top financial advice. Learn more on our website!

5 Property Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Are you trying to become the best property manager you can be? Want to avoid making the biggest property management mistakes?

If you’re managing property and want to have as easy a time as possible doing it, you need to make sure you work smart, not hard. Preparing for the biggest potential mistakes is critical if you want to avoid running into any big issues with clients or tenants.

Luckily, we’re here to be your guide. Here are the top 5 property management mistakes you’ll want to avoid making. 

1. Not Screening Tenants Thoroughly

One of the biggest mistakes property managers make is failing to do their due diligence when it comes to screening potential tenants.

It’s important that you have a standardized process for vetting potential tenants and that you’re putting the time and effort into finding out more information about them. This may mean performing background checks, verifying income or credit scores, and interviewing them to ensure that they’ll be the right fit.

2. Making Things Difficult For Tenants

Another mistake that property managers make is that they don’t ensure that things are as simple and easy for tenants.

Property managers should facilitate great communication with tenants and should ensure that essential duties are made as easy as possible for them. Allowing for online rent payments, for example, will make things easier for tenants while also making it more likely that no payments will be missed.

3. Not Building Strong Contractor Relationships

One mistake that you’ll want to avoid making when managing a property is failing to build great relationships with contractors.

When it comes to making repairs and maintaining a property, it’s not in your best interest to use different contractors every time. It’s better to find some skilled and reliable workers who you can build an ongoing relationship with for any of your service or repair needs.

4. Not Inspecting a Property Regularly

If you’re a property manager, then it’s important that you make routine inspections and repairs a part of the job. Let your tenants know when they move in that you’ll want to check out the property for issues from time to time and make updates as needed.

At the very least, doing an inspection yearly will help ensure your property stays in great shape and you’ll prevent more extensive problems from emerging later on down the road.

5. Leaving Marketing Up to Chance

If you provide property management services, then it’s also essential that you market your business properly. Don’t get complacent and neglect your duties to seek out new clients and new properties to manage.

Learn some basic marketing skills and figure out how to market your services properly, both online and offline. You should also keep up with all of the latest real estate market trends to ensure you’re marketing your services properly at any given time.

Avoiding These Property Management Mistakes

If you want to ensure that your business grows strong and you don’t hit any major roadblocks, you need to make sure you’re avoiding these property management mistakes. With a little bit of careful preparation and awareness, you’ll be able to ensure you have a much easier time as a property manager.

Looking for more real estate tips and tricks? Explore our blog now to find more helpful real estate strategies and advice.

How Long Does It Take to Move to Your New Home?

Moving from one home to another is an amazing venture that so many homeowners embark upon. 

Consider every factor involved whether you’re moving to a different city for a new job or just want to move to a new county in the same state. 

But how long does it take to move?

The points below will assist you when you’re trying to move to a new house. 

Understand the Distance From Your Current Home

Get an approximation of how far you’re moving before hiring a professional mover. The reason for this is that movers tend to charge by the difference. 

Knowing how far you’re moving also affects the time it takes. You’ll be able to reverse engineer this distance and determine how much time you should carve out for the move.  

Think About Whether You’re Hiring Movers or Renting a Truck

People that move generally either hire moving professionals to do the heavy lifting or they rent a truck and do it themselves.  

Hiring movers will inevitably speed up your move and reduce the stress that comes with it. Renting moving trucks will take a bit longer but will save you lots of time. 

You can also rent out storage units so you don’t have to move all at once.

Take the time to mull through moving trucks and storage rentals so you can find the best option for the job. 

Consider Your Moving Date and Time Window

You also have to consider the time of year you’re moving. The summertime is the most in-demand moving timeframe. This peak season is when booking calendars fill up. 

The sooner you get an appointment on the books the easier it’ll be to have your move handled in a timely fashion. 

Nailing down your moving date will cost you a deposit but will secure the timeframe that you need. Also remain mindful of the time of day when you’re booking the move.

Know the traffic patterns where you live and stay away from rush hour or other hangups that will slow your move.  

Address All of Your Packing Needs

Expedient and productive packing will also help keep your move on track. It’ll take you far more time to do your own packing, so plan ahead and get as many boxes as you need. 

Moving companies can also offer you a packing service that is quicker and more convenient. They offer package deals and can also offer you shipping prices to your destination. 

How Long Does it Take to Move?

So how long does it take to move? These points explain the main factors that affect this situation. 

Each move is different, but understanding the factors that drive the price up will help you get where you need to go. 

Take the time to reach out to a handful of different professional movers. They will assist you when you’re moving any distance and for any kind of home.

These points will get you started. 

Use the tips and start putting together the best move possible. 

 
 

How to Buy a Home Without a Realtor: A Guide

Did you know that right now it’s a seller’s market? If you’re ready to buy a house and save money, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over how to buy a home without a realtor. You can save money and improve your negotiating skills.

Want to learn more? Keep reading!

Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

First, you need to get a preapproval. A preapproval will reveal how much you can afford when shopping for a house.

This way, you don’t end up looking at houses that are way outside of your budget. Having a preapproval will also be a great indicator to sellers that you’re serious about buying. It will show that your financing isn’t going to fall through.

Start Checking Out Neighborhoods

Where do you want to live? Start researching different neighborhoods and learn about the average price of houses. What do you value in a community?

Would you like to buy a home that’s close to top public schools? Some people prefer to find a house that’s close to public transportation. By selecting a neighborhood or two, you can narrow down your search for houses.

Choose a Property

Select a few houses in the neighborhood to check out. You’ll want to keep a list of properties that fit your budget.

After you find a house online, you’ll be able to visit in person. Online listings will include the realtor or owner’s number. If there isn’t an open house, you could call the real estate agent and ask for a tour.

When you attend an open house, study the condition of the property. What’s included in the sale? Will the furniture or any appliances stay? You’ll need this information when you make an offer.

If you want to consider different houses when buying a home, learn more about rent to own homes.

Get the Seller Disclosure Statement

A seller disclosure statement will outline known issues with the house. Also, buyers will learn about remodeling work sellers completed on the home.

Some items could include plumbing, electrical, or heating problems. You might read about structural issues or a history of damage from termites.

Other sellers might have an issue of water or mild damage. Sellers only have to share the problems they know exist. Depending on the state, sellers can avoid disclosing issues.

Before making an offer, look into the disclosure laws. Some states use the “Caveat Emptor” or “buyer beware” rule. The rule means it’s the buyer’s responsibility to determine what’s wrong with the house.

If your state uses this rule, you’ll want to create a list of questions. Ask about any problems with the home’s plumbing or heating system. Is there any asbestos in the house?

How old is the roof, and when did it have a repair? Have the homeowners had any problems with mold or termites?

Time to Offer

After you find a house, you can make your offer. First, you’ll want to consider how much homes cost in that area and how long it has been on the market.

Are there any issues that will need to get fixed? All these things can factor into the price of the home.

Try to offer a bit lower than your preapproval. This way, you’ll have room to be able to negotiate.

Once you have decided on an offer, write an official letter. The letter should include your full legal name, the address of the home, and the names of others buying the house.

You’ll add the amount you’re going to offer for the house. Add any conditions that need to get done before the sale gets completed.

Are there any seller concessions you want to add? Provide a photocopy of your preapproval letter. Include items that you wanted in the sale like window dressings or appliances.

Outline the date you hope to move into the home, and the time you desire to close. Make sure you provide a deadline for the offer.

You can submit your offer to the listing agent. If the owner is selling the house, send your offer to them. Your seller will either accept, deny, or provide a counteroffer.

Work With a Home Inspector and a Lawyer

Inspections can bring to light any hidden issues that the seller doesn’t even know about their house. A review will cover elements like the structure, plumbing, and heating system.

Some states want you to work with a real estate attorney to finish the sale and transfer titles. In states where you don’t need a real estate attorney, a lawyer can help you complete the paperwork.

Negotiating the Sale

If the inspector provides new information, you can negotiate with the seller.

First, you could ask the seller to repair the issues before the closing. You could also ask for reimbursement of the amount it would cost to fix the problem. You’ll want to have someone provide an approximate estimate first.

You could also ask for a lower sale price if there are massive repairs needed. If the repairs are too big or you don’t want to go further, you can cancel the sale. Negotiate in writing and keep records of communication.

Complete the Sale and Financing

When you have reached an agreement, it’s time to close on the loan. When the underwriter analyzes the loan file, they will approve or deny it.

Once you’re in the clear, the lender sends a Closing Disclosure. The Closing Disclosure provides terms about your loan, interest rate, and closing costs.

If everything looks good, you’ll want to contact the lender and schedule the closing date.

Now You Know More About How to Buy a Home Without a Realtor

We hope this guide on buying a home without a real estate agent was helpful. Now that you know how to buy a home without a realtor start searching. 

Research homes in your budget range, and try to get a preapproval beforehand. Good luck shopping around for a new home. 

Keep browsing other helpful resources on construction, real estate, and more.

How to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent: 5 Key Tips

Did you know the average real estate agent salary in Canada is $60,219?

However, you should keep in mind you can earn a lot more if you put in the work. Maybe you’re a newbie or veteran who wants to become the top dog in your real estate market.

You might be wondering how to be a successful real estate agent. While there’s a sweet science to helping clients sell their property or secure their dream home, it’s easier than you think.

Want to learn how? We’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best-kept secrets for how to become a top real estate agent.

1. Harness the Power of Communication

Communication is vital to success in real estate. Today, technology makes it easier for real estate agents to communicate with their clients. When you meet with your client, try gaining insight into their preferred communication method.

Believe it or not, some clients might prefer an old school phone call while others gravitate toward text messages. Successful agents separate themselves from their competitors by being available to their clients. In any real estate transaction, you should make sure to establish clear communication from start to finish.

2. Build a Network

If you’re just getting started, you might not know anyone in your real estate market. As you keep helping clients, you’ll start building a network.

However, becoming a member of local organizations or attending professional networking events can help you build relationships. Try contacting local investors, vendors, lawyers, and even accountants to expand your network while generating leads.

3. Host as Many Open Houses as You Can

Hosting open houses is a free and easy way to boost your lead generation. You’ll be able to get to know different neighborhoods and its residents.

The best thing about this strategy is you won’t have to spend a dime. You can advertise them on your social media and place signs near the home. Promoting the open house will ensure its success and speed the process of securing the best deal for your client.

4. Become the Go-to Expert

Top real estate agents tend to specialize in a certain market. These agents have a network in the market and know these neighborhoods like the back of their hands.

Work on your skills and building a reputation providing the best service and deals to your clients. Gradually, you’ll become a well established agent in your locality.

5. Work on Your Brand

Do you have an online presence? If not, you should create social media pages for your business.

You can showcase customer testimonials, open houses, and even your listings. While it’s pretty easy to do it yourself, hiring a social media manager will ensure you obtain the best results.

That’s How to Be a Successful Real Estate Agent!

Learning how to be a successful real estate agent is the first step to building the life of your dreams while becoming your own boss. Like any business owner, it’s vital to develop a business plan. Take a look at your status quo and where you want to take your real estate career.

Make sure to set clear short and long term goals. Depending on your brokerage, you might have access to different tools to accelerate your journey to success.

Did you find this article interesting? Keep browsing the rest of our site to find more tips and advice to take your real estate game to the next level.

Improving Your Home: 6 Pro Tips for How to Make Your Home Cozy

Are you looking for ways to make your home feel more comfortable? Perhaps you’ve just moved in and need pointers are how to provide more comfort in the home. Maybe you’re just wanting to provide an upgrade to your home of several years.

Whatever the case might be, you don’t have to spend a fortune to boost your home’s coziness. Part of the comfort will be knowing you didn’t overspend to achieve it.

See below for tips on how to make your home cozy. Use this in-depth guide as a way to get maximum return on your investment.

1. Invest in Artwork

Who doesn’t appreciate a good piece of artwork? It makes the entire home more centered and peaceful. The great part about adding artwork is that beauty can be placed in the eye of the beholder.

You don’t have to try and flatter anyone else with the artwork you choose to place in your home. If it makes you happy, then that’s all that matters!

If you have neutral wall colors, then you won’t have to worry about the different colors in the artwork you choose. If you don’t have neutral wall colors, then try to find artwork with colors that match the vibe in each room. You’ll thank yourself later!

2. Maximize Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in our lives. Natural lighting gives us many health benefits, while other lighting helps illuminate the darkest of spaces.

Think of it this way: you’re much more stress-free when you can see every aspect of the room. Putting in one overhead light won’t solve your problem. You need lighting of different shapes and kinds to bring more comfort!

Try mixing it up with things such as lamps, string lighting, track lighting, wall-mounted lights, or downlights in each room. If you’re trying to impress people, you might also consider a chandelier near the entryway of your home.

3. Creating a Healthy Budget

As previously mentioned, if you shop til you drop for a comfier home, you’ll find yourself less pleased with the outcome. 

Many people spend top dollar on certain items just because they have a top designer brand on them. However, taking the time to find more cost-effective pieces, materials, and other items can help you feel more comfortable about the investments you made.

Start by setting a realistic budget for this project. How much are you looking to add? Is there a specific date that you’re looking to finish by? What kind of pieces are you wanting to buy? How much do they cost?

Be sure to list each item that you want to add, then place a budget for each item on that list. This will hold you accountable to the budget by having smaller, more measurable goals to achieve.

Remember, you don’t have to finish this in one fell swoop. Adding a few features over time can help you ramp up the comfiness of your home and give you a larger budget to maximize.

4. Take Advantage of Rugs

Who doesn’t appreciate a nice, professionally-installed wood floor? It looks beautiful, lasts forever, and is worth its weight in gold.

The only problem is that during the wintertime, it can feel like you’re walking on a sheet of ice. The same goes for all different hard floor types. Unless you were born out in the snow, feeling like you’re walking on an iceberg probably isn’t comfortable.

For that reason, you need to maximize the different rugs that are out there on the market. They can add a different tone to any room and will give your feet relief from the cold winter floors.

5. Use the Touch of a Professional

Perhaps you understand the need to redesign your home and make it comfier, but you lack the motivation to do so. Many people want to switch up their home decor, but don’t have the skillset or passion to do so.

Lucky for you, there are many amazing interior designers out there who are willing to help. These professionals have an immense passion for home design and have a wealth of knowledge on the different materials, brands, and features to get the job done right.

To start, fill out this interior design questionnaire and you’ll be on your way to a healthier comfier home. The best tip on how to make a house feel homey is by joining forces with a professional.

6. Rid Your Home of Clutter

Of course, there are two sides to making your home feel comfier. First, is investing in more features to add to your home. Second is taking the time to go through your home and purge all non-essential items.

While that painting in your living room might be a family heirloom, if it’s cutting into your home’s comfort, it needs to be removed. Consider placing it in storage where it will remain safe and well-protected.

Try to keep your floors as spaced out as possible by removing old worn-out furniture, getting rid of old light fixtures, replacing old rugs, etc. 

Some things don’t have to be thrown out, they just need to be revitalized. For example, that old worn-out cabinet might just need to be sanded down and have a fresh coat of paint applied to it. Before you know it, it will look as if you bought a new cabinet.

How to Make Your Home Cozy: Replace, Reshape, and Redesign

Now that you’ve seen several tips on how to make your home cozy, be sure to use these pointers to your advantage.

Take the time to go through your home and make a list for different features you might be interested in adding on a room by room basis. 

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on redesigning your home, as well as many other helpful topics.