The Pitfalls of Automated Home Values: Why They Often Get it Wrong

In today’s digital age, homeowners and prospective buyers have easy access to a wealth of information regarding real estate. Automated home valuation tools like Zillow’s Zestimate have become increasingly popular for estimating property values. However, these tools are far from infallible and often generate inaccurate estimates.

Sadly, most real estate consumers don’t understand this, leading to overpricing of homes.

In this blog post, we will explore why automated home values are frequently wrong and shed light on the factors on which websites like Zillow base their Zestimates.

Lack of human oversight

One of the primary reasons why automated home values often miss the mark is the absence of human oversight. These valuation tools rely on algorithms and data-driven models to estimate property values, disregarding the subjective factors that can significantly impact a home’s worth.

Automated systems often overlook the home’s unique features, renovations, neighborhood dynamics, and local market conditions. Consequently, this leads to inaccurate estimates, as algorithms fail to capture the full complexity of the housing market.

Insufficient data accuracy and completeness

Automated home valuation tools rely on vast amounts of data to generate estimates. Websites like Zillow aggregate data from various sources, including public records, tax assessments, and previous sales data. However, the accuracy and completeness of this data are not always guaranteed.

The most reliable information comes from an area’s Multiple Listing Service, to which Zillow doesn’t subscribe. Instead, the company relies on information submitted by real estate agents across the country, but not all real estate agents advertise on Zillow. Therefore, the important stuff doesn’t make it into the automated home value.

Then, there are real estate agents (who are required by their MLS to update their listings on that platform within a certain time period) who aren’t held to the same stringent rules.

They often neglect to update listing information on automated home value websites, causing information to become outdated. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding your dream home for sale on Zillow only to learn that it sold a week ago.

Inability to account for unique features and upgrades

Automated valuation tools struggle to account for the unique features and upgrades that differentiate one property from another. This is something a professional appraiser will not miss, by the way.

They often rely on general characteristics of similar homes in the area, failing to consider specific details that can significantly impact a property’s value. Features like a remodeled kitchen, a swimming pool, or a picturesque view can dramatically affect a home’s worth but are challenging for automated systems to accurately assess. Consequently, these tools may undervalue or overvalue a property, leading to misleading estimates.

Ignoring local market dynamics

Real estate markets are dynamic and can vary significantly from one location to another. Automated valuation tools, however, often fail to consider the intricacies of local markets.

They rely on broader market trends and regional averages, which may not accurately reflect the nuances of a specific neighborhood or city. Factors like school district quality, nearby amenities, transportation infrastructure, and local economic conditions can all influence property values, but they are difficult for automated systems to incorporate.

Consequently, estimates may not align with the reality of the local market, leading to erroneous valuations.

Lack of contextual understanding

Another inherent limitation of automated home valuation tools is their inability to accurately comprehend a property’s context. They fail to consider subjective factors such as curb appeal, architectural style, and overall condition.

The emotional appeal of a property, which can significantly impact its value, is challenging for algorithms to gauge. On the other hand, human appraisers can and do, recognize and factor in these nuanced elements when determining a property’s worth, providing a more comprehensive and accurate assessment.

While automated home valuation tools offer convenience and quick estimates, they are prone to significant inaccuracies.

It is crucial for homeowners and prospective buyers to approach automated home values with caution and rely on them as a starting point rather than a definitive measure of a property’s worth. For a more accurate appraisal, engaging the services of a local real estate agent is important if you hope to obtain the most money possible for your home.

Stop the Drip! A Simple Guide to Fixing a Dripping Kitchen Faucet

Is the sound of a dripping kitchen faucet driving you crazy? It may also be causing your water bill to soar.

The good news is that fixing it is easier than you might think. This blog post shows how to fix that pesky drip and save water and your sanity.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before getting started, make sure you have the necessary tools handy. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Screwdriver (both flathead and Phillips)
  • Replacement parts (such as O-rings and washers) specific to your faucet model. You can find these at a hardware store or online
  • Plumber’s grease

Step 2: Turn Off the Water

Locate the shut-off valves (typically resembling an outdoor faucet) under the sink and turn off the water supply to avoid any unwanted surprises. Clockwise usually closes the valve. Once the water is off, turn on the faucet to release any remaining water in the pipes.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

Now it’s time to take apart the faucet. Start by locating the handle and removing any decorative caps or covers. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry them off. Underneath, you’ll find screws holding the handle in place. Use the appropriate screwdriver (flathead or Phillips) to loosen and remove these screws. Once the screws are out, gently lift off the handle.

Step 4: Identify the Problem

With the handle removed, you’ll now have access to the inner workings of the faucet. The most common culprits for a dripping faucet are worn-out O-rings and washers. Examine these parts for signs of damage, such as cracks or tears. If they look worn or damaged, it’s time to replace them.

Step 5: Replace the O-Rings and Washers

Carefully remove the old O-rings and washers using your fingers or a screwdriver. Take note of their size and shape; you’ll need to find suitable replacements. Take the old parts to a hardware store to ensure you get the correct ones. Once you have the new O-rings and washers, lubricate them with the plumber’s grease and carefully install them instead of the old ones.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

With the new O-rings and washers in place, it’s time to put everything back together. Start by reattaching the handle and tightening the screws. Then, place the decorative caps or covers back on and press them firmly into place. Now, turn the shut-off valves back on to restore the water supply.

Step 7: Check for Leaks

Once the water is back on, turn on the faucet and observe. Is the drip gone? Keep an eye out for any leaks around the handle or spout. If you notice any leaks, you might need to recheck the installation of the O-rings and washers or tighten the faucet components further.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully fixed a dripping kitchen faucet all by yourself. Not only have you saved water, but you’ve also gained valuable DIY skills.

 

 

The Pros and Cons of Adjustable-rate Mortgages

When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing a mortgage that suits your needs. One that might be worth your consideration is the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Yes, they received a bad rap during the housing implosion of 2008.

They’re making a comeback, however, largely due to escalating mortgage rates and high homebuyer demand.

These loans can be a boon for the buyer on a budget, but only if you’re familiar with both the pros and cons.

Let’s unpack both to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of adjustable-rate mortgages

One of the reasons that so many homebuyers have dropped out of the real estate market is rising mortgage rates. Every tick up in interest makes a home less affordable to those on tight budgets.

One reason that ARMs are appealing to these homebuyers is that they offer a lower initial  interest rate compared to fixed-rate mortgages. This is known as the initial rate, “… ranging from just 1 month to 5 years,” according to The Federal Reserve Board’s “Consumer Handbook: Adjustable-Rate Mortgages.”

This initial lower rate can make homeownership more affordable, especially for those planning to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts.

Once this initial rate expires, your rate is tied to a specific index, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or the U.S. Treasury Index.

As the index fluctuates, so does the interest rate on your ARM. The potential benefit of this is that if the index decreases, your interest rate and monthly payments could go down as well, leading to savings over the long term.

If you anticipate a change in income, plan to relocate, or expect to refinance in the near future, an adjustable-rate mortgage can provide the flexibility you need.

Disadvantages of adjustable-rate mortgages

The most significant drawback of adjustable-rate mortgages is the uncertainty and risk associated with interest rate fluctuations.

If interest rates rise, your monthly payments may increase significantly, making it challenging to budget and potentially causing financial strain.

Some adjustable-rate mortgages come with caps or limits on how much the interest rate can increase during an adjustment period or over the life of the loan.

That sounds like an advantage, and it is. But there’s a “but.” The caps may not provide enough protection if interest rates rise significantly, leaving homeowners exposed to potentially unaffordable payments.

Adjustable-rate mortgages can make long-term financial planning challenging. With the uncertainty of future interest rate changes, it’s difficult to determine precisely how much you’ll pay for your mortgage in the years ahead.

This lack of predictability can make it difficult to budget and plan for other financial goals, such as retirement or education expenses.

With typically lower initial rates, adjustable-rate mortgages may be the only way for some Americans to enter the market. However, it’s crucial to consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the potential impact of interest rate fluctuations.

We aren’t financial experts or mortgage specialists and urge you to contact either before deciding the type of mortgage that’s right for you.

What happens if your offer on a home is rejected?

What a thrill it is to finally find the house! Waiting for a response to the offer, however, is stressful. Will you win the home, or will the seller reject it?

The truth is the seller is more likely to either accept it or accept it with conditions. This means you will receive a counteroffer.

After all, they want to sell their home, so, at least in this scenario, they’re willing to negotiate.

Then, there are those situations when a seller outright rejects an offer.

This can happen for a number of reasons:

  • The seller accepted another offer.
  • The seller is unwilling to entertain any of your requests, such as paying closing costs or paying for expensive repairs or upgrades.
  • Your offer was far below what he or she will accept.

Those are just a few reasons an offer to purchase might be rejected.

Still want the home?

If so, it’s time to come up with a strategy. Again, we’ll need to discuss your goals and find out precisely what it is about this house that made you want to submit an offer.

Other issues we’ll need to discuss include the following:

Don’t take the rejection personally

Buying a home is a business transaction, yet both the seller and the buyer often have emotional “stuff” going on in the background.

Some sellers are emotionally attached to the home, while others are strictly business. Falling into the trap of over-analyzing the possible reasons behind the rejection is crazy-making.

Naturally, we will speak with the seller’s agent to get an answer to your “why?”  But you have options, so let’s move forward with one or more.

Can you go higher?

The most common reason an offer is rejected is the price offered is lower than what the seller wants. The only move you can make to combat this is to sweeten the deal by offering more for the home, if at all possible. Resubmit the offer at a higher price.

The terms may be unacceptable

There are certain contingencies that many sellers find unacceptable. The most common of these is the home sale contingency – when you make the purchase contingent on selling your current home.

Depending on the market, many sellers will reject an offer because of this. It’s too big of a gamble, and they may have other offers that don’t contain this clause.

Your offer may be rejected if the closing date is unacceptable. Although not common, it does happen. Whether the seller needs to close sooner or later than your stated closing date, they may have another offer that meets their goals.

If nothing seems to be working

It’s easy to become discouraged when your offer on a home is rejected, especially if you become emotionally attached during the process.

Make a note of the home’s features that attracted you the most so that we can keep an eye out for similar homes as they come on the market.

Your dream home is obtainable, and it’s out there. We won’t stop until we find it for you.

Let’s transform that unused closet

At one time, closets were the same size as a large room in our modern homes. In these spacious caverns, folks studied, wrote and spent time in contemplation.

Where did they keep their clothing, you ask? They stored them in wooden storage chests.

The closet as we know it today, “…a dedicated space built into the home for storage,”  came into being in the United States around 1840, according to the folks at Closets by Design.

And homebuyers fell in love with them. Naturally, home builders picked up on the feature; after all, people were willing to pay more for a home with closets.

Fast forward to 2023, when homes are vastly larger and not all of us have a hoard to store away. Believe it or not, some folks even have an unused closet.

If you are among these minimalists, read on to get some closet transformation ideas, many of which can be accomplished in one weekend.

Ditch the dining room table and create a brilliant workstation

The practice of transforming a closet into an office has become so popular there is a term for the result: Cloffice.

If you have an unused closet in the home, consider turning it into an office or a workstation. It’s a fun project that you can easily DIY over a weekend.

Step one is to determine if you’ll paint the closet’s interior. Many are so dreary that working in them may become drudgery.

Whether you know it as a closet bar or closet rod, that thing that holds your clothes hangers needs to be removed, if you didn’t do so while painting, before performing the next step in the transformation. Don’t dispose of it because if you ever sell the home, you’ll need to replace it.

Now you should have an empty closet, save for a shelf or shelves, set higher on the wall. On these shelves, use decorative boxes, trays or other organizational items to store small office supplies such as paper clips, staples, etc. Check out the ideas on Pinterest.com.

Don’t neglect installing suitable lighting. While overhead lighting is necessary, a desk lamp should also be on your shopping list. Shop for one that is adjustable, offers a generous amount of light, and has a small footprint.

Now all you need to do is figure out the desk situation. This can be as simple as plywood propped on short filing cabinets or a small version of an office desk. Get ideas online at TheCraftyBlogStalker.com and Remodelaholic.com.

Now, pull up that comfy chair you’ve chosen and get to work!

Curl up with a good book in your own reading nook

Shallow closets are ideal for this transformation idea. All you need is a comfy spot to lounge in and good lighting. But, really, the sky is the limit when designing this space.

Two examples we’ve found online are brilliant and include built-in window seats (our favorite) or a giant pouf to sit or lie on (this is especially cute for a child’s reading nook).

Good lighting is essential in this closet transformation.

From closet to laundry room? Yup!

Yes, it may sound wacky, but stick with us here. “Converting a closet into a laundry can be an inexpensive exercise as long as you have easy access to both plumbing and drainage,” according to an unnamed writer who took on the project and walks readers through it at Ideas2Live4.com.

We love the closet/laundry room with racks built into the doors to hold laundry soap and other supplies.

Think you can’t fit those appliances in the closet? The aforementioned unnamed writer says, “Most closets are 600mm (24″) deep. Most laundry appliances are around 500mm (20″) deep.”

With a bit of time and inspiration, you can quickly transform your unused closet into an area that is a joy to use.

Understanding foreclosure rates and their impact on the housing market

Well, this is certainly something we weren’t expecting. Major economists promised us that the economic downturn would be nothing like what we experienced in 2008.

Yet, a recent headline at Realtor.com warns us that “The number of homeowners receiving a dreaded foreclosure filing spiked in May.”

At first blush, it seems rather odd. We were reading about record home equity across the country just last year. But that was before the recent rate hikes.

According to CoreLogic, which keeps track of the ups and downs of home equity, Americans who currently hold a mortgage (about 63% of all homeowners) lost “…$108.4 billion since the first quarter of 2022” as of the first quarter of 2023.

California, Washington and Utah homeowners lead the pack with the highest losses. Overall, it impacts those who bought during the pandemic the hardest.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. “… while homeowners in some areas of the country who bought a property last spring have no equity due to price losses, forecasted home price appreciation over the next year should help many borrowers regain some of that lost equity,” the Core Logic study shows.

Not only does this bode well for current homeowners, but for homebuyers as well. The lesson seems to be:

Get into the market now before prices start to climb

Thanks to rising home prices, “The average U.S. homeowner now has more than $274,000 in equity — up significantly from $182,000 before the pandemic,” according to the Economy Team at CoreLogic.com.

How do foreclosure rates impact the housing market? Read on as we dive into the topic.

What are foreclosure rates?

Foreclosure is when a lender takes ownership of a property because the person who borrowed money to buy the property hasn’t been able to make their mortgage payments. Foreclosure rates tell us how many homes are going through this process.

They help us determine if more people struggle to keep up with their mortgage payments and what that means for the housing market.

The current situation

In the past year, foreclosure rates have been relatively low due to the government’s help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs were put in place to give temporary relief to homeowners who were facing financial difficulties.

However, as these programs ended, foreclosure rates began increasing. This could be because some people are still facing financial challenges or the pandemic’s impact on the economy continues.

Impact on the housing market

  1. More Houses for Sale: If foreclosure rates continue increasing, more houses will be available for sale. These bank-owned houses are often sold at lower prices, which could affect the overall value of homes in certain areas.
  2. Rentals and Prices: When people can’t afford their mortgage payments, they might choose to rent their homes instead. This means more rental properties become available. It could lead to lower rental prices, which would be good news for people looking to rent. However, it may create challenges for landlords who struggle to find tenants or earn enough money from their rental properties.
  3. Concerns for Lenders and Investors: When foreclosures happen, lenders who give loans to homeowners might not get all their money back. This can cause financial problems for the lenders.
  4. Housing Affordability: Foreclosures can have a mixed effect on housing affordability. On the one hand, if home prices go down because of more foreclosed properties being sold, it could make it easier for some people to buy homes. On the other hand, if the economy is affected by foreclosures, it can lead to job losses and financial difficulties, making it harder for people to afford housing.

Although most homeowners have fixed-rate mortgages, the increase in interest rates may still negatively impact them.

“… studies show that homeowners may face more economic challenges in rising interest rate environments. These issues can lead to more spending, more debt, and consequently, a higher foreclosure rate,” suggests the lawyers with Orlowsky & Wilson, Ltd., a Chicago area business and estate planning law firm.

They remind us that loan modifications are popular products for those struggling to pay their mortgage. These programs “… often prevent foreclosure,” keeping Americans in their homes.

“However, with mortgage rates topping 6%, many fewer modifications can be done today. In addition, some homeowners are trapped in mortgages they cannot pay, so foreclosure rates have ticked up,” they conclude.

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What can be done?

To reduce the negative impact of foreclosures on the housing market, the government can take steps to help struggling homeowners. They can offer programs to modify loans, provide financial counseling services, and create initiatives to prevent foreclosures. These efforts aim to assist homeowners in keeping their homes, and they also stabilize the housing market.

Foreclosure rates are significant to watch because they affect the housing market and everyone involved. More foreclosures mean more houses for sale, potentially lower rental prices, concerns for lenders and investors, and mixed effects on housing affordability.

Struggling to buy a home? Consider multi-gen living

In the 19th century, three generations living in the same home was a practice that dominated the American lifestyle. “Victorian society believed in the importance of family …  Lifespans were lengthening, and couples also married earlier and had children sooner, so families were likelier to have three living generations” in one home, according to Flora Davis at SilverCentury.org. So it was Grandpa, Gramma, Mom, Dad, and the kids, all living as roommates.

By 1900, “… 57 percent of Americans 65 and older—and 71 percent of widows—lived with one of their grown children,” Davis claims.

Along came the Great Depression, and it only made sense for multiple generations of Americans to share the burden of the cost of housing.

Until the advent of Social Security upended everything.

“… almost immediately, living arrangements began to change: soon all but the poorest elders could afford to live independently,” Davis says. “By 1990, just 20 percent lived with an adult child, down from 71 percent at the turn of the century,” she concludes.

Fast forward three years ago, and we see a resurgence in the trend. Around 15 percent of homebuyers surveyed by the National Association of Realtors had plans to include multiple generations in their new home. “That’s an 11 percent increase in multi-generational buyers over the prior year,” claims Davis.

A lot of this has to do with sky-high home prices, bringing sky-high mortgage payments. It’s a lot easier to deal with the cost when several adults are contributing to the budget, the child-care duties, and looking after the Grands.

Have you considered joining the trend? If so, read on for some tips to keep in mind.

What to look for when house hunting for a multi-gen home

As you can imagine, with so many people under one roof, privacy is at a premium. Ensure that the home you place an offer on has a space for each member of the family to call their own.

This can be as simple as putting up dividers in large spaces to taking on more involved tasks, such as constructing new walls.

You’ll need to look into the local zoning laws if you choose the latter or find a large home to take advantage of the former.

Remember that much of what you need to look for in a home depends on which generations will live there.

“If you have adult kids moving in, a loft or a finished lower-level apartment might work well,” according to real estate journalist Michele Lerner at NewHomeSource.com. “For families moving older people into their home” keep “…the multigenerational suite on the first floor to avoid stairs,” she concludes, citing Jeff Roos, with Lennar Homes.

Lennar, by the way, offers its own solution for multi-gen living known as NextGen “Home Within A Home.” This may be your solution if a newly constructed home hits your hot button.

Remember, even when shopping among newly constructed homes, you will want your own real estate agent. The new home community’s agent works for the builder. Always have your own representation.

Issues to consider

Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but the financial aspect of the home purchase and ongoing costs are a discussion that needs to take place early in the process. And the discussion should not be “a parent-kid thing,” according to John Graham, who co-authored a book on multigenerational living.

He goes on to caution that families should aim to “level the hierarchy of the family,” treating each member as an adult. Some of the topics of these conversations should include:

  • Who will buy the property?
  • How will the title be held? It’s essential to understand the different ways of holding a title. For instance, what happens to the home upon the death of the primary buyer?
  • How much will each adult contribute each month to the mortgage payment?
  • Lists of each family member’s must-haves in a home and those he or she can’t tolerate.

Talk to your attorney to ensure you’ve discussed all the ramifications.

Dysfunctional families may find the thought of multigenerational living intolerable. Still, it may be the ideal lifestyle for families who enjoy close ties and harbor respect for one another.

Make your spring/summer garage sale the talk of the neighborhood

It’s a mystery how they figured this out, but did you know that Americans hold 6.5 million to 9 million garage sales each year? According to Encyclopedia.com, the practice dates back to at least the 1950s.

If you’re considering removing unused household items, the garage sale is the ideal way to do it, provided you take the time to plan and prepare.

A good garage sale starts with a good plan

The first step in the planning process is to choose a date for the sale. Sounds easy, right?

You may be sorry if you just pull a date out of a hat. Instead, consider that there may be competition for your event. Check to ensure no significant sporting events are happening, live or televised.

Also, check to ensure there won’t be any popular local events, such as fairs, festivals, etc. Although there are a lot of die-hard garage sale fans, even they will skip a sale if there’s something else competing for their attention.

Another way to ensure your sale is a success is to plan it for when it’s more likely your customers will have money to spend.

The Yard Sale Queen offers a brilliant suggestion: find out when employees of some of the larger businesses in your area get paid and hold your sale the weekend after payday.

Typically, folks get paid on the first and 15th of each month.

Consider the following as well:

  • Make a sketch of the garage or yard, noting where the tables and racks will be located. Ensure there is room to walk between these items and that you can see all items from wherever you plan to be stationed.
  • This one is tedious, but you’ll be so glad you took the time to do it. Create a list of everything that will be up for sale and how much you want.
  • As something sells, cross it off the list and note how much you received for it.
  • Price items clearly.
  • Enlist help from family and friends.
  • Round up an extension cord so that folks can test out electronics and small appliances.
  • Save all of your grocery bags, Amazon boxes, and packing material. They will come in handy for fragile items.
  • Selling clothing? The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you go through all the pants pockets, and compartments in purses, and fan out books to ensure no money or other valuables are hidden within.

The Day before the Sale

Now you must let everyone know about your super-fantastic garage or yard sale. Advertise it on Facebook, NextDoor, and other social media platforms you use frequently.

  • Create signs that can direct customers to the home. Start placing them on the busy streets first.
  • Get some change and small bills from the bank to make the change.
  • Determine how you will hold the cash during the sale. A cashbox isn’t a good idea as it’s too easy for someone to walk away with it. A “fanny sack” that you wear around your waist or a wallet in your pocket is a much safer way to hold your cash.

Additional considerations for a winning yard sale

If you live in a gated community, getting people into the sale is more challenging. Contact your homeowners association (HOA) first to determine what rules they have about yard sales and if there are any restrictions.

Check local regulations to ensure your street signs aren’t violating any city or municipal codes.

Be aware of some of the more common scams:

  • When making change, don’t immediately pocket the bill the customer gives you. Hold it in your hand or place it under a paperweight while you make change. This way, the customer can’t claim to have given you a larger bill.
  • Large groups of customers arriving at once or rowdy children can be distracting. Have someone help you monitor folks when they may be deliberately trying to distract you.
  • The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you always look inside any large items you sell before allowing the customer to leave to ensure something else isn’t hidden within.

 

What’s happening there between the curb and your home’s front door?

What happens — or doesn’t — in that area is known in real estate circles as “curb appeal,” and it makes or breaks your home’s first impression.

The focal point of this area is the entryway to the home – the front door and surrounding area. This is where your guests’ eyes will settle as they approach your home.

If you are one of those brave souls who got past the unattractiveness of a home’s exterior and decided to purchase anyway, or if you’re planning on selling your home, let’s figure out how to make your front door entrance warm and inviting.

Considerations

When planning the landscaping for your front entry, there are three primary considerations, according to Environmental Landscape Associates, a Pennsylvania design firm:

  • Principles
  • Program
  • Elements

Important principles include ensuring that the design is in synch with and complements the architectural style of your home. In other words, don’t go for a cottage garden entryway on a house with modern architecture.

Especially if you plan on putting the home on the market, curb appeal is far more critical than your personal taste in landscaping.

The second consideration, the program, is part of the process wherein you’ll need to determine how to utilize the space. Is the entryway merely for front-door access, or will there be entertainment elements also?

Large porches can accommodate seating and dining areas that become part of the home’s curb appeal. Don’t forget any privacy concerns. If you need to screen the front windows from neighbors or passing traffic, the barrier must coordinate with the other elements.

The design elements include everything you’ll need to create it, such as hardscape elements (bricks, pavers, etc.) and plants – both in the ground and in containers.

When deciding which plants to purchase, refer back to the principles and the program to ensure everything flows and is tied together at the end of the project.

Formal Entry Ideas

Formal entryways should exude symmetry. Think “organized.” Both sides of the entryway should mirror one another. This balanced approach lends a formal feel to the area.

Use patterned hardscapes, formal, shaped hedges, and elegant groundcovers. Hedging to consider includes:

  • Juniper
  • Rosemary
  • Boxwood
  • Holly

Frame the front door by planting – either in the ground or in attractive containers – identical plants on either side.

Informal Entry Ideas

You can get a lot more creative when creating informally landscaped entryways. Use natural stones on the walkway and, set them in irregular patterns, mix and match shrubs and perennial flowering plants. Line the walkway with interesting edging materials, such as a small white picket fence or colorful flowers.

If you aim for a relaxed feel, such as with a cottage entryway, use fragrant flowering plants such as roses, lilies, lavender, and thyme.

Soften a concrete or rigid walkway surface by lining it with soft-colored plants, such as dusty millers, combined with any red- or pink-foliage landscape plants, such as begonias or multi-colored coleus.

Year-Round Appeal

Whether your landscaping at the front door entrance is formal or casual, ensure it remains interesting all year. Combine deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs so the entry isn’t completely bare when the leaves fall.

The experts with the University of Missouri Extension suggest choosing deciduous trees that bear flowers in the spring and summer, have good foliage color in the fall, and have an exciting branch structure.

Consider a mixture of the following plants:

  • Ornamental grass
  • Woody ornamentals, such as abelia and Japanese bayberry
  • Perennials, such as sedum

Put it all together

When the aim is to focus on the entryway, the most common arrangement of plants is to place large plants at both ends of the house and progressively smaller plants as you move toward the door.

The University above of Missouri Extension agents also suggests using odd numbers of plants in groupings – such as three or five – when designing an informal entryway. Your goal is formal, with symmetry and order, and use even number groupings.

The path to your front door, whether it heads straight to it or meanders a bit, requires landscaping to fit the home’s architecture and to provide year-round interest.

After all, this area is your home’s welcoming “handshake,” according to the editors of Sunset Magazine. Avoid giving your visitor the limp fish while you don’t want to offer a bone-crusher.

 

House or Condo: How to decide

Apples and oranges — that’s what condos and houses are. Sure, they both provide a roof over your head, and they’re both financial investments, but that’s where the similarities end.

Just as when we compare apples and oranges, houses and condos differ by price, taste, and by how they will be used.

The most significant difference between owning a condo and owning a house

Precisely what do you own when you buy them?

When you buy a house, you also typically own the land on which it sits and everything else permanently attached to the land. On the other hand, when you purchase a condo, you own only what lies between the walls of your unit.

The rest of the complex, the “common areas,” are owned in common by all the unit owners. You have the right to use the common areas but not alter them in any way. Some items considered common areas include:

  • Fitness center
  • Lobby
  • Pool
  • Mailroom
  • Tennis courts
  • Elevators
  • Landscaping

The Advantages of Purchasing a Condo

The price is the most obvious advantage of buying a condo rather than a house. Although luxury condominiums can be pricey, condos are far less expensive than houses.

For instance, the average price of a single-family home nationwide is $250,000, while the average price of a condo is $149,900.

Other advantages include:

  • Less maintenance — The Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is usually responsible for maintenance decisions, and all the owners share the cost of common area upkeep. This includes big-ticket items such as air-conditioning units, the roof, and fencing.
  • On-site amenities — While pools and fitness centers are common, the sky is the limit regarding condo amenities. Some complexes offer dog parks, clubhouses, a concierge, or rooftop gardens. Many high-end condo communities offer luxuries you may be unable to afford in the single-family home market.
  • Lower cost of living — While you will most likely pay a maintenance fee each month, it typically includes water, trash, and sewer costs. Sometimes utilities are included in the fee. The HOA pays for the insurance on the entire complex, so you may need only to cover what is inside your unit.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Condo

Judging by the sheer number of Americans that choose to purchase and live in condos, the disadvantages of condo living aren’t insurmountable. Here are a few disadvantages to weigh against the advantages:

  • HOA — Some homeowner’s associations can be quite intrusive, with restrictions that may border the ridiculous. Some raise the maintenance fees annually while ignoring maintenance needs.
  • Space and privacy — most condo complexes have a decided lack of both.
  • Tenant neighbors — HOAs find it challenging to enforce the complex’s rules on tenants and typically go after the absentee owner. Some owners are diligent about disciplining their tenants, others – not so much.

If you’re leaning toward purchasing a condo instead of a house, be sure that you read every word on every page of the HOA documents that will be supplied to you.

Pay close attention to the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs). You must follow these rules when you purchase a condo in a complex. It’s dry stuff but contains all the information you need to determine if this is the right condo for you.

If you have any questions about anything written in those documents, we urge you to take the paperwork to your attorney for a translation.