Is Dave Ramsey Still Right About The Housing Market Not Crashing?

 Is money expert, Dave Ramsey, wrong or correct about the housing market?

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Bathroom Renovation: Keep the Bath Tub!

Why Keeping Your Bathtub Will Increase Your Home's Value
(by House Beautiful) Reports say that a third of those renovating are removing their tubs. Here’s the strong case for keeping them.

One thing everyone agrees on: A bathroom renovation is a smart investment. But as homeowners aim for more space, bathtubs are getting washed down the drain. According to a 2018 Houzz study, nearly 34 percent of boomers are nixing their tubs—and replacing them with massive walk-in showers.

I ❤ You, Isaiah!

Bad idea, say real-estate experts. “I’m now recommending bathtubs to my clients,” says Douglas Elliman broker John Gomes. “We’re making master bedrooms smaller to create larger bathrooms.” The reason is twofold: Bathtubs are great for families—at the end of the day, few kids take showers. And secondly, they facilitate the ultimate method of self-care. “People are starting to realize the immense benefits to pampering ourselves,” says designer Matthew Quinn. “It’s a luxury to be able to soak and recharge at the end of a long week.”

Why Keeping Your Bathtub Will Increase Your Home's Value

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Black Front Door & Green Board and Batten Siding (Hardie)

 

A Black Front Door Isn’t the Only Exterior Update That Will Boost Your Home’s Value

by Domino Magazine

Turns out, painting your front door black and maintaining a pristine garden aren’t the only ways to increase your home’s worth from the outside. While these minor revamps are certainly appealing because they’re low-lift, recent intel from Zillow reveals that there are other facade upgrades that are worth the investment. According to the popular real-estate site, which analyzed more than 3 million home sales and listing descriptions from 2020 to 2021, houses with metal roofs, as well those constructed in a modern farmhouse or mid-century style, can sell for around 2 percent more than expected. However, one value-boosting exterior feature especially caught our attention: board-and-batten siding. 

Photography by Dionel Fisher; Design by KLH Custom Homes

The Zillow report suggests that properties with this design can potentially sell for 1.6 percent more than those without it. While the style sounds straightforward (it consists of wide vertical planks, or boards, that are joined together by thin vertical strips called battens), there’s more to it than cool-looking grooves. Liz Hoekzema of the Michigan-based design-build firm KLH Custom Homes says that board siding is customizable in so many ways, “the most obvious of which is color (it can be painted or repainted any shade under the sun), but also the spacing and thickness of battens, how you trim windows and doors, and whether you mix it up with different varieties.” Homeowners can choose from an array of materials (wood, vinyl, steel—the list goes on and on), but Hoekzema is a big fan of cement board (also known as Hardie board) siding. 

In addition to being cost-effective and easy to install, the material has a strong fire-resistant rating, the designer points out. Overall, the style’s vertical orientation also allows it to shed water more effectively than homes with shake or lap siding. This way, your aesthetic preferences never infringe upon your personal safety. Whether you have a small or large home, Hoekzema notes that tight spacing makes for interesting textures, especially when contrasted with widely spaced battens (the KLH-designed house, pictured above, is a prime example). Plus she reveals that while it seems to lend itself to modern barn-inspired structures, it can also be used to achieve a more traditional design. In her words, this facade choice is “twofold” because it is visually appealing and functional (and not to forget, a pro for resale!). We’re convinced, to say the least. 

Black and Green Home Exterior

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My Chanel Bag Got Sold to a Millionaire $$ in California

I sold my beautiful, semi-classic Chanel bag 😔 and felt a little sad in spite of the monetary＄gain. 

It was one of two Chanel bags that I  owned; a staple, go-to black bag for dressy or any occasion. It left a void in my authentic-designer collection. The feeling was similar to losing a BFF to a new job across the country, lol.

 A quick search revealed the 💲 multi-million  dollar💲Starter Mansion that will be her new home. I felt somewhat better 😌

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

(Proverbs 22 )

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Real Estate: The Camille, Laguna Philippines

 Very Cute 😍 Brand-new Home

Our own daughter Camille was a cutie 😊 from the beginning -- fat cheeks, and all. She is grown, married, and a hard-working professional RN. Today, we celebrate her birthday.  Thank God for you, sweetheart ❤💖

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...

(Philippians 1)

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Real Estate: Booming Australian Housing Market

 Whoa, baby!

The continent of Australia has been on my mind lately because of a wonderful eBay purchase that I had made; and for the very attractive home of the kind Seller. #BeachVibe #OpenConcept

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding:

 but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

(Proverbs 14)

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Real Estate: Tom Cruise Telluride Estate Sold

 We're in the Hot 🔥 month of July 2021.  Of course you think of cold Winter 🏂 snow, and Tom Cruise's  (July 3rd) recent 59th 🎂Birthday! What a  nice "gift" to himself this year. I could use a tiny sliver of those millions, hahaha! 😆💲😆 ...  J/K

pc: Brett Schreckengost for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

pc: Brett Schreckengost for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

pc: Brett Schreckengost for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

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Tom Cruise

Telluride, Colorado

Tom Cruise's Ranch in CO

Sotheby's International Realty

Should 40-Year-Olds Sell or Upgrade Their Home?

Sell, or Upgrade --That is the question!!

Know your "Why". 

 Inevitably, more house means more problems.

 (Funny that we've done 4 out of 5 on their renovation list 😉)

Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate. (Proverbs 24 )

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Real Estate: Actor Bryan Cranston Sells His Beach House for More Than Asking Price

The house ( nicknamed "Three Palms" )was listed for $4,995,000; and property records show that the home has sold for $5,450,000 — $455,000 above asking price, nice !! 

"I put my heart, soul and blood, sweat and often tears into it," the Breaking Bad star said of the custom-built home - People Magazine

Photo Credits:  JAKE CRYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Bryan Cranston

Bryan Cranston's Beach House

The Spaces: Bryan Cranston's House

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Home Renovations For Maximum Resale Value

 We will be doing two major renovations this year, Lord willing:  Windows, and Siding.  

The goal for these changes  is to achieve  our version of Modern Farmhouse from the exterior.

Renovations need not be major or costly.  Doing any of the ideas below will pay-off financially down the road, whether the Real Estate market is hot or not:

For a Reno With Maximum Resale Value, Focus on These 7 Details - Domino Magazine

A larger master suite may not be the best idea.

We all want our homes to be a reflection of who we are. That’s what makes renovating so energizing. But if you plan to live in your space for only a few years—let’s say less than five—it’s best to keep in mind the potential for resale before picking blue countertops or painting the rooms black. Every choice you make could entice or detract a potential buyer.

So where should you start when renovating with resale in mind? First, make sure all systems are in good working order and there are no structural issues before turning your attention to the areas that matter most to buyers. Focusing your time and money on remodeling the most visible parts of your home, for instance, tends to bring the best value, and kitchens have one of the highest rates of return. 

pc: Domino Magazine

In one New York City building where Sweeten renovated two kitchens, both apartments sold at $100,000 above asking price (in one case, far exceeding the purchase price for the exact same non-renovated unit on a higher floor). Want a similar return rate? Pay attention to these seven details above all else.

Replace Any Outdated or Worn Items

Lighting or plumbing that looks like it’s from the ’80s won’t make the best first impression. Instead, substitute existing fixtures for more modern varieties with clean lines. Get rid of timeworn trends that serve no purpose—glass-block walls, faux wood paneling, etc. If you’re swapping out kitchen appliances, consider purchasing name brands that can be touted in a real-estate listing (for instance, a Sub-Zero fridge).

Refinish Your Floors

This is a necessity if your flooring isn’t in great shape, but it’s also generally one of the best investments to improve a space because of the large surface it covers. Carpets are a turnoff for many buyers.

pc: Cambria

A Fresh Coat of Neutral Paint Can Do Wonders

Some homeowners want to do it themselves (though if you ask them afterward, they often say they’d hire a pro the next time). Whatever route you choose, covering purple or pink walls with a palatable light cream or beige will go a long way in attracting buyers who don’t see past existing finishes.

Play Up the Kitchen for That Positive First Impression

Change out kitchen cabinet fronts by sanding and repainting or replacing the existing doors and hardware. If you have a very dark kitchen, going lighter will almost certainly appeal more to buyers. Replacing countertops and backsplashes can have a major impact if your budget allows.

pc: Magnolia Realty

Make the Bathroom Sparkle

If you’re not looking for a gut renovation, the easiest and most affordable way to update the bath is to paint and replace the medicine cabinet and mirror. Updating the tile and vanity and reglazing the tub can also revive the space. For a small bathroom, consider a floating vanity, which gives the illusion of more space.

pc: Domino Magazine

Think Hard About Layout Changes

Eliminating a bedroom to create a big master suite means one less bedroom in the listing. You may lose buyers looking for a certain number of rooms. Similarly, converting your hall bathroom tub into a shower may hurt your resale chances if families with small children are the primary buyers. However, it’s an easier choice if you have two bathrooms with tubs. In an ideal scenario, you’ll want to consult a local real-estate agent to advise on what a typical buyer wants in your neighborhood.

Add Flex Spaces to Show Versatility

Help buyers envision the possibilities for the space by putting up pressurized walls to create an office nook or adding sliding doors across a large living room to create a den or meditation zone. By putting in the work to create an inviting vision for the space, you’ll make sure anyone who walks through the door can picture living in your home.

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Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4 )

Renos For Maximum Value

House & Home: Meaningful & Modern Wow Doors

Beautiful Doors:  either by design,  size, aesthetics, or meaningful experience

Photo by Four Corners Construction, L.P.

pocket doors @ apartment in Europe

Front doors set the tone for what lies ahead. - HOUZZ

BIL during our visit to Versailles, France

curious grandson figuring-out the back door

Photo by Mark A Silva, Architect 

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(John 10)

Colors That Increase Your Home's Value

When to Paint Your Door Green

16 Dream Doors






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