Replacing your home’s windows can seem like a task that is not your top priority, but the benefits you can gain will make a huge difference.  Over time, windows need to be replaced, just like your appliances or roof shingles. Don’t wait until the weather gets cold, now is a good time to take a look at your windows and determine if they will need to be replaced.

1. Energy Efficiency

If you are starting to notice your energy bills are going up, you might want to take a look at your windows to see if they are the cause of the problem.  Window replacement is a common recommendation among construction professionals as a way to improve energy efficiency. According to a study on the energy performance of residential windows, new windows reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 22%.  Although new windows are an investment, they will save you money in the long run. Now is the time to swap out your old windows with double-pane, energy-efficient windows.

2. Window Defects

If you start to notice any defects in your windows, such as small cracks or chips, it is a good time to replace your windows.  Leaving a crack will only cause more damage in the future. Some problems include air leaks, water leaks, and letting in small insects. Visible cracks also weaken the strength of your window.  Having a crack or broken window can cause a lot of problems down the road. It is a good idea to replace them sooner rather than later to save money.

3. Security

Windows are an entry and exit point to your home so windows that aren't opening or locking correctly pose a security risk. Some signs that burglars might look for to identify vulnerable windows include old or wooden windows, windows with cracks, or condensation in windows.  You also don’t want small critters like bugs or chipmunks getting through window openings.  

4. Curb Appeal

Updating your windows might seem odd to increase your curb appeal, but instead of simply focusing on changing the outer appearance of your home, be sure to incorporate changes that add into your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency. For instance, if your window frames have rotted then you’re ready for new windows.  They will not only improve the functionality of your home, but the appearance too. Installing new windows will increase the value of your home and make it more appealing.

5. Value

If you’re thinking of selling your home in a few years, replacing the windows can help your home stand out in a crowded market, plus raise its value before you list your home. Some buyers love buying homes that are not only move-in ready, but updated with modern amenities. New windows improve your home’s marketability and help you command a higher selling price. 

If you have old windows in your home or are planning on listing your home soon, now is the time to replace your windows.  

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Choosing between installing artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, and natural grass can be a difficult decision for some homeowners. While you may be drawn to natural grass for its feel and organic look, there are a number of benefits to choosing synthetic turf that may make you think twice. If you are too busy to upkeep your lawn, turf provides less maintenance and a longer lifespan compared to traditional grass. It’s also typically created from recycled materials, comes in a variety of textures and colors, and even has the potential to increase your home value.

In some locations, it might even make sense to install artificial grass over natural grass. For example, if you live in a city that has a hot and dry climate, having turf can prevent your lawn from wilting and dying due to the amount of sun those cities get annually. However, if you’re set on using natural grass for your lawn, there are still many creative and aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate artificial grass into your lawn. Here are 8 ideas on how you can work with a synthetic turf company to beautify your yard.

1. Install a synthetic turf golf green 

Your short game is just as important as your long, so installing an artificial grass putting green is the perfect way to get some practice without leaving your home. Golf greens are easy to install and can be customizable. Typically, they are around 1,000-1,500 square feet. For best results, source out an area that is flat, has minimal bumps and extrusions, and gets just the right amount of sunlight. A local turf company can then help excavate, cut, and install the artificial grass and holes. Finished with the proper landscaping, golf greens can serve as a stunning backyard feature that is both aesthetic and fun for the whole family.

2. Build a dog area for play and potty time

If you own a dog and live in a small place like an apartment, having a synthetic turf potty pad for your dog can be a great solution. Typically, they are built with short bristles for cleaning and a drainage system to catch urine. Turf doggy mats are versatile in size and can fit on a sunroom, patio, terrace, or balcony. They are especially great for training puppies or older dogs with bad bladder control. When not in use, synthetic turf potty pads blend in to look like a patch of grass. Not to mention, it saves your real grass from developing brown spots.

If you have the outdoor space, you can use turf to create a play area for your pet. Pet-friendly synthetic turf is a great option if you are trying to keep your dog away from natural grass chemicals. Installing artificial grass for pets also helps prevent fleas and ticks, worrying about patches and brown spots, and digging unwanted holes. Give your dog the ability to roll around in the grass without the worry of getting sick.

3. Use synthetic turf walls and dividers for privacy

Fences can be an eyesore. However, they are critical for privacy and to keep intruders out. Installing artificial grass fences or hedges is a great way to maintain privacy, while also elevating the look of your backyard by adding greenery. If you are looking for flexibility, some individual paneled artificial grass fences come on rollers that can be used to section certain parts of your yard if you are hosting a garden party or small get together.

4. Make an entertainment area for backyard hangouts

Do you love to have people over for bonfires, casual wine nights, or backyard parties? Maybe you want to kick your feet up by the fire while you sip on a glass of wine. If you are worried about your feet suffering from uncomfortable surfaces, installing artificial grass around your bonfire pits and patio is a comfortable and stylish solution. Section off a small area, place patio furniture on top, and enjoy a relaxing hangout area on the turf.

5. Create an elegant driveway

For a touch of added elegance, use synthetic turf in between your driveway to bring in patterns and color to the exterior of your home. Real grass can become compact due to the weight of a car. Installing artificial grass between flagstones or concrete can make your driveway pop and always looks fresh.

6. Cover your outdoor furniture with synthetic turf

If you’re tired of boring patio furniture, a fun and unique way to include synthetic turf in your backyard is by purchasing turf-covered furniture. These pieces are designed for outdoor living, are low maintenance, and can be left outside year-round. They are a great way to blend nature with your home and can be designed to look good under a deck, gazebo, fire pit, or play area.

7. Design a multipurpose sports field

For the athlete looking for a way to get some practice in, installing an artificial grass sports field in a larger backyard can get you the training you need without having to go to the local park. Multipurpose sports fields can be used for soccer, lacrosse, or even spikeball whether you want to increase your skills or just get a friendly game in.

8. Construct a playground

When constructing your playground, safety will likely be top of mind. In that case, you’ll want to choose a surface that has some cushion to it and is free of chemicals. Synthetic turf is a great alternative to wood chips or gravel, as it has a soft texture and natural aesthetic feel. You can even include a shock pad underneath turf to reduce fall injuries.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208HomesForSale@gmail.com

Have you found your dream home, but the kitchen size is less than desirable? Don’t worry! There are so many different ways to organize your kitchen and surrounding areas to maximize space and minimize worry.

Make Use of Open Wall Space

When you have a small space it's important to make use of any space you have.  Open wall space is a great place to start. You should consider hanging hooks to store your pots and pans. If you are lacking in countertop space consider using a magnetic knife strip instead of a knife block.  You can also store lids to pans here as well.

Add a Shelf Above Your Cabinets

 Consider adding a shelf above your cabinets for optimal storage.  You can store small things here like plates, coffee mugs, or pans. This will free up space in your cabinets and leave your kitchen more organized.

Purchase Drawer Organizers and Storage Bins

Throwing all of your kitchen supplies into a drawer will leave you unorganized and with little space.  Consider purchasing a drawer organizer for your kitchen utensils and bins to organize your pantry. This also might clear up some space on your kitchen countertops.

Add Shelving on the Back of Cabinet Doors

Dishes and pantry items can only be stacked so high before cabinets start to feel totally unorganized. Most cabinets never seem to have enough permanent shelves, so the best solution to get the most storage is adding expandable shelves or even baskets that hang just below the shelf.

Make Use of Cabinet Sides

If you have a cabinet that doesn’t touch a wall on both sides, you can utilize the open side for extra storage. Use it to mount shelves or hang smaller items, like cutting boards, magnetic strips, or a spice rack. This will take away clutter from your countertops and leave you feeling more organized.

When you have minimal kitchen space to prep, work, and cook on, every square inch is precious.  These organization tips should help make room in your kitchen and leave you feeling like you have a new space.  

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

From searching for homes to picking up your new keys on closing day, buying a home is an exciting process. Many first-time homebuyers also have the benefit of receiving advice from family members or friends who’ve already gone through the process. While it is certainly good to hear a few different perspectives while you’re buying a home, buyers should also know to take any home-buying advice with a grain of salt.

First of all, every buyer’s experience is different. Secondly, there are a lot of myths that circulate about buying a home. Today, we’re debunking some of the most popular home-buying myths.

Here are five fallacies that first-time home-buyers can ignore:

• 1. You’ll save money if you don’t use a real estate agent.

Of course, this myth is one that we take personally. And why not? It is simply not true. Even if you think you’re prepared to search for a home, schedule all of your showings, complete the proper paperwork and take yourself through closing (all incredibly good reasons to have a real estate agent), why would you not get one – particularly if you know that sellers typically cover all agent fees? A real estate agent’s commission is built into the selling price of a home. That means it has already been determined by the time you might consider buying, or even touring through, a home.

• 2. You must put 20% down on a home to get a conventional home loan.

This myth may have been true many years ago, but it is completely outdated. In the past, some lenders would only approve a mortgage if a buyer could pay 20% of a home’s price up front. However, times have changed. Today, buyers can get a conventional home loan by putting down as little as 3% to 5% of a home’s price. Instead of covering that cost up front, they often pay private mortgage insurance, or PMI, until they reach the balance of the 20%.

• 3. You can skip the home inspection – especially on a new home.

This myth is simply poor advice no matter where it comes from. Home inspections are imperative to the buying process. Bringing in an impartial home inspector to make sure a home is structurally sound is, without a doubt, a great idea. Often, your home-buying contract may contain a clause that allows you to walk away from a potential home if an inspector finds a major issue. Even new homes may contain mistakes that are not visible to the everyday eye. Let an inspector help you make sure your home is move-in ready before you close on a home that has more issues than you’ve bargained for.

• 4. If the house is great the neighborhood doesn't really matter.

It's the perfect house at the perfect price, but the neighborhood is not quite what you imagined. Should you purchase it? Maybe not! Once you move in, you'll notice the neighborhood plays a bigger role than you ever imagined. So, before you buy, consider your commute, nearby amenities, accessibility, and other factors that will affect your daily life.

• 5. The amount you are pre-approved for is the amount you should spend.

This myth is a recipe for financial disaster. Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount does not mean that you should buy a home that will extend your budget to those lengths. What many first-time buyers may fail to realize is that there are many other costs that come along with home ownership. Just some of these responsibilities can include closing costs, monthly utilities, homeowner association fees, renovations, and regular home maintenance—to name a few! Buying a home that takes you to the full extent of your budget may only cause financial problems when any other issues arise in your home or personal life.

If you’re a first-time home buyer ready to begin exploring potential homes, get excited about the process. Take the advice that family members or friends want to give, but recognize that some of their advice may be mere opinions.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

With the end of the year here, home sellers are doing whatever they can to make their homes the most on the market. To attract prospective buyers, things like well-maintained curb appeal and properly staged rooms are a major help. But there is one factor that can drive buyers to—or from—a home in a hurry. If the sales price is wrong on an otherwise perfect home, it may never stand a chance of selling.

If you’re planning to list your home this fall, you’ll obviously want to set a fair and competitive price. To do so, make sure your professional real estate agent completes a comparative market analysis, or a CMA. This report of similar homes that are currently listed, have recently sold or have even been withdrawn from the market, can give sellers the extra confidence and peace of mind that they are setting the right price to get their home sold.

Why is it so important to compare your home to others on the market? Reviewing other homes that are currently for sale makes you familiar with your competition, but it won’t dictate your sales price point. Instead, your agent will review similar homes that already have sold (typically within the last three months). These homes paint a truer picture of what buyers are willing to pay—and where appraisers are likely to value your home. Armed with this knowledge, sellers can more easily set the right price for their homes.

What aspects go into a CMA? With so many homes on the market, how is a real estate professional to know which homes to compare a seller’s home to? Well, they examine a few key factors in homes that have recently sold:

1. Age

When real estate agents look for comparable homes, they look for homes that were built around the same time. Particularly in today’s planned developments, construction and layout among homes are similar, which makes for a more even comparison. So, if a home that has recently sold has the same layout as a seller’s home, it might be a good candidate for the CMA.

2. Size

Of course, square footage is also an important factor when completing a CMA. But, as we’ve mentioned, when real estate agents compare similar homes, they also look at the layout. Why? It is a lot easier to compare two two-story homes to each other than it is to compare one two-story home with a ranch. Agents will look for homes that have similar square footage and structure when they are completing a comparative market analysis.

3. Location

Frankly, a two-story home in the city and a two-story home in a far-off suburb are not ideal for a CMA. Though they may have a similar construction date and layout, their respective locations make them far less than a match when it comes to an equal comparison. Instead, agents look for homes that have recently sold in or near the same neighborhoods where their clients are planning to list their homes.

4. Extras

So, a real estate agent finds a few homes with similar construction dates, layouts, and locations. What do they look for next? The amenities. Ideally, if a seller is hoping to set a higher price point, their home will have a few more amenities or upgrades than homes that have recently sold. We’re talking about finished basements, upgraded flooring and possibly an incredible walk-out deck. OK, that may be a stretch, but if a seller is hoping to set a higher price, upgrades matter when it comes to a CMA.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Buying a Home with Friends: Conversations to Have Beforehand

Some of them have been around since you were a child. Some you may have found in college. Some may even be in your neighborhood or at work. No, we’re not talking about your sweater collection—though sweater season is in full swing. We’re talking about your friends. You know, the people who you rely on, confide in and maybe even vacation withY

ou probably have no reservations about sharing secrets with your friends, but have you ever considered sharing a mortgage with them? It is not uncommon for friends to join forces to take on a second mortgage for a vacation home or investment property. It seems like a no-brainer, right? You’ve already vowed to be friends forever. A 15-or-30-year mortgage should be no problem

However, even the most maintenance-free friendships can face some tough times when it comes to sharing a home purchase. That is unless both parties are prepared for what co-ownership may bring. If you’re considering buying a second home with a friend, here are three major conversations you must have first.

How will you split the costs?

Unless you and a friend are planning to pay for a second home with cash, you’ll both be responsible for making monthly mortgage payments on the property. And, no, splitting a mortgage is not like splitting the bill for a night out. Having a conversation about fees like the down payment, closing costs and monthly mortgage payment is crucial before you even begin to consider looking at homes together.

While you’re chatting, don’t forget to include other monthly homeownership fees like utilities, regular maintenance, homeowner association dues or other services. It is also important to bring up potential scenarios like plumbing issues, roof leaks or other home damage. How will you split all of the certain costs that come along with owning a home?

What will happen if someone is unable to hold up their end of the deal or wants to get out of the mortgage?

Any conversation about the potential costs of owning a second home must be accompanied by a conversation about what will happen in the event that one or both parties is unable to make their payments or wants to leave the agreement altogether. Though this conversation may not be as fun as reminiscing about your old college antics, it is a must-have talk before you can confidently enter a home purchase with a friend.

With all the excitement of potentially owning a vacation home or investment property, who wants to get mired down by thinking about the negative aspects of sharing a mortgage? Hard times happen for everyone. Before they happen in your blissful home-buying experience, have a plan. Will one person take over the entire mortgage payment? Will you be forced to sell the property? Make sure you consider the “what ifs” before you and your friend are forced into an uncomfortable situation.

How will you use your new property?

Once you get the tougher financial conversations out of the way, you can begin to consider the possibilities of what it will be like to own a second home with your friend. If you’re planning to purchase the home as a vacation property, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to split time there, vacation together or rent it out on a seasonal basis.

If you and a friend are looking to buy a second home as an investment property (or if you’re planning to rent out that vacation home), you’ll need to draft a rental agreement, plus decide how you’ll deal with tenants and their issues. You’ll also need to map out a plan for marketing and maintaining your property so that it continues to be a worthwhile investment.

Are you prepared to have a few tough financial conversations with a friend? Are you also prepared to face a few certain disagreements along the way to happy homeownership? If you confidently answered “yes,” you—and your friendship—may be ready to stand the test of owning a second home together!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average borrower with a home loan has almost $300,000 in equity right now.

As you weigh your options, especially in the face of inflation and talk of a recession, it’s important to understand your assets and how you can leverage them. A real estate professional is the best resource to help you understand how much home equity you have and advise you on some of the ways you can use it.  Here are a few examples.

1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller. No matter the situation, consider using your equity to power a move into a home that fits your changing lifestyle. 

If you want to upgrade your house, you can put your equity toward a down payment on the home of your dreams. And if you’re planning to downsize, you may be surprised that your equity may cover some, if not all, of the cost of your next home. A real estate advisor can help you figure out how much equity you have and how you can use it toward the purchase of your next home.

2. Reinvest in Your Current House

According to a recent survey, 39% of homeowners would invest in home improvement projects if they chose to access their equity. This is a great option if you want to change some things about your living space but you aren’t ready to make a move just yet.

Home improvement projects allow you to customize your home to suit your needs and sense of style. Just remember to think ahead with any updates you make, as some renovations add more value to your home and are more likely to appeal to future buyers than others. For example, a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows refinishing or replacing wood flooring has a high-cost recovery. Lean on a local professional for the best advice on which projects to invest in to get the greatest return on your investment when you sell.

3. Pursue Your Personal Goals

In addition to making a move or updating your house, home equity can also help you achieve the life goals you’ve dreamed of. That could mean investing in a new business venture, retiring, or downsizing, or funding an education. While you shouldn’t use your equity for unnecessary spending, leveraging it to start a business or putting it toward education costs can help you achieve other lifelong goals.

Bottom Line

Your equity can be a game changer. If you’re unsure how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect so you can start planning your next move.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

➡️New Listings: 189 Down 17.5%
➡️Pending sales:  160 Down 9.6%
➡️Closed Sales: 106 Down 32.1%
➡️Days on Market Until Sold: 75 Up 33.9%
➡️Percent to List Price Received: 96.8 Down 3.3%
➡️Months of Inventory: 1.7 Up 183.3%
➡️Average Sales Price: $570,942 Down 16.6%

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

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

208HomesForSale@gmail.com

Northwest Realty Group

More and more millennial buyers are entering the real estate market these days, which means that the time to start saving money is now! Since many millennials are typically still in college—and college can be a very difficult place to save money—we’ve decided to compile a quick list of tips to help this enterprising group of future home buyers start saving toward that first big home purchase.

No, it’s not Money Management: 101, but here are 10 quick money tips for college students:

• 1. Buy used books. Then, sell them when you’re done. Unless it is an absolute requirement from one of your professors, there is no need to buy brand new textbooks. Find used books from the bookstore or from some of your classmates. Pass them on to other students at the end of the semester.

• 2. Get a roommate. Whether you’re living in on-campus dorms or at an off-campus apartment, your housing costs are sure to decrease if you split them with one or more roommates. So, find a friend or two and share those housing costs!

• 3. Take advantage of being a student. You may be surprised how much you can save by simply showing off your college I.D. College students are able to get discounts at retail stores, restaurants, and other places.

• 4. Skip a spring break trip. You don’t have to spend your spring break at some hot spot to make it memorable. You’ll save money and gain a sense of accomplishment if you do something domestically, like volunteering or visiting your family!

• 5. Cut out the coffee shop. We get it; grabbing a latte on the way to your 8 a.m. class can be a necessity from time to time, but it doesn’t need to be an everyday occurrence. Cut out a few trips to your favorite coffee shop (or happy hour) and watch your savings start to grow.

• 6. Track your spending. Get an app or use that notebook you bought for class and have failed to crack open. Whichever you choose, start to track the way you’re spending your money. It is much easier to hold yourself accountable when the financial figures are right in front of you. 

• 7. Get a job. This tip is two-fold. Not only will working on or off campus prevent you from spending some of your money, but it also will help you to earn and save more! Even if you are working only 10 hours each week, the extra money can make a difference.

• 8. Be careful with credit. College students are often presented with new credit card offers. There is nothing wrong with building your credit, but it becomes a problem when you’re making major purchases against your own credit. Sure, you should establish some credit, but don’t go crazy just because you’ve got credit.

• 9. Don’t overspend on food. Just because you have a roommate, does not mean that you have to pay to feed a whole army! If you’ve got a meal plan, use it; but, be sure you’re clear about what it includes. Only pay for what you’re using.

• 10. Do without a car. It is good for the environment, and it is good for your bank account. Instead of driving your car to class, opt for public transportation… or, even walking! You could be in better physical—and financial—health!

If you’re in college, there is no better time than now to start getting smart about your spending and saving habits. Study up on ways you can start saving money at home now. 

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Coeur d'Alene is a city in Idaho with a population of around 50,000 people. It is located in Kootenai County and is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and lakefront location.

In recent years, Coeur d'Alene has experienced steady job growth across a variety of industries. According to data from the Idaho Department of Labor, the top industries in the area include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and professional and technical services.

The unemployment rate in Kootenai County was 3.1% as of October 2022 which is a little higher than the state average of 2.9%, which is lower than the national average. This suggests that there are opportunities for job seekers in the region, though the specific job market can vary depending on factors such as education, skills, and experience.

The average salary in Kootenai County is $58,752. Of course this depends on the job, location, skill and employee. This salary is higher than the average salary in the United States which comes out to an average of $54,132.

Overall, while the job market in Coeur d'Alene may be competitive in some fields, there are opportunities available across a range of industries. Job seekers may want to research specific companies and industries in the region and network with local professionals to learn more about potential job opportunities.

If you are interested in the area and have any questions, please call or email me. I am happy to help, answer questions or guide you in the right direction. 

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com