You’ve probably heard that renting rooms in your own home is becoming quite common. Perhaps you’re just searching for a roommate for your next semester at college. Maybe you’re a landlord who is trying to pair roommates together. In any case, finding the right roommate can be difficult. But you can help yourself by asking a few good questions upfront.

Here are 10 things you’ll want to find out about a potential roommate before you move in with them:

• 1. Will they be able to afford rent each month? Of course, the very first question you want to ask any roommate is if they will be able to pay for their share of the rent, utilities, and any other regular fees. If they do not have a reliable source of income, you may need to stop asking questions and move on.
• 2. What is their definition of clean? Some people are content with regular clutter. Some people cannot go to bed at night if even one pillow is out of place on their couch. If you and your roommate cannot come to an agreement on an acceptable level of cleanliness in your home, you may have regular disagreements.
• 3. Are they an early riser or a night owl? If you know that you need to be in bed by 9pm most nights, but your roommate is often up until midnight, you could face a few clashes in the mornings and evenings. The living arrangement could still work, but this is something you’ll want to know before your alarm clock goes off.
• 4. What does comfortable mean to them? When you’re living with a roommate, you’ve got to find the balance between home comfort and affordable utility costs. Will your roommate be more willing to pay a little extra each month for comfort or would they rather bundle up while they’re at home?
• 5. Do they have frequent visitors? Why ask this question? Because, if your roommate has frequent visitors, you’ll also have frequent visitors. It is important for you and your roommate to talk about this before any visitors start flowing in.
• 6. What does home security mean to them? While you don’t need to talk about a home monitoring system with a potential roommate, you should find out what level of security makes them feel comfortable at home. Do they always lock the doors and windows when they leave? Is that a “must” for you? If you cannot agree on home safety, it may be very difficult to live together.
• 7. How long do they think they will need a roommate? Are you looking for a long-term live-in roommate? Or do you just need to live with a roommate for your final semester of school? Find a roommate who is looking for a similar living arrangement that will fit your needs.
• 8. Are they looking for a friendship, too? You may be looking for someone to simply share the rent and other living costs. However, some roommates may be seeking a real friendship. If you’re constantly on the go and don’t feel like you have time to cultivate a new friendship, it is nice to let a new roommate know this from the get-go.
• 9. What happens with the groceries? And the cooking? Will you and your roommate go grocery shopping together? Will you share the food in the refrigerator? It may sound like a minor issue, but if you find that your roommate is constantly eating the last of your favorite foods, it could be a major problem around the house!
• 10. What do they do for fun? Whether you’re looking for a new best friend in your next roommate or not, you’re likely to spend some of your free time together. Maybe you and your new roommate will be able to catch up on a favorite TV show together—or maybe you can teach each other something new.

The bottom line when it comes to looking for a roommate? Find someone with similar views on the things that matter most to you. Beyond that, let a person’s differences teach you something new. Best of luck in your search for a roommate.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

If you’re considering a home renovation, you likely know that it can add value to your home, improve its functionality, and create a more comfortable living environment for you and your family. But the journey from start to finish is often long and complex. Before starting any project, it’s essential to understand the basics of what goes into a home renovation so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any costly surprises. Realtor and author Laurel Jonas has provided a quick guide to set you up for success!

What Type of Renovation?

With so many options, it can be challenging to determine what type of renovation to embark on. Here are a few renovation ideas that can boost the value and comfort of your home:

Home Office: The rise of remote work and people’s desire for an organized workspace in their homes has caused home offices to rise in popularity. The typical home office consists of a desk, chair, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and other items that foster productivity. If you go this route, it’s essential to design your office so that you have plenty of space to work and store all your items. You’ll also want adequate lighting (including natural light, if possible) and multipurpose furniture to maximize your space. Add a sleeper sofa and storage ottoman, and your office can even double as a guestroom!

Kitchen Remodel: Kitchen renovations bring some of the highest ROI according to Remodeling Magazine, but they require you to consider many elements — including countertops, cabinetry hardware, flooring, and others. The size and layout of your kitchen will play an integral role in choosing the materials you use, so be strategic at every step of the process.

Bathroom Addition: Tabor Design Build notes that adding a second bathroom can provide more privacy when entertaining guests or growing your family. One of the most critical factors is selecting fixtures and finishes that tie together nicely with your home’s existing decor, especially if you plan on installing new features like heated floors or motion-activated lighting systems.

The Renovation Process in Three Phases

As you decide which type of home renovation to pursue, start preparing for what the process might look like. Here’s a quick breakdown of a typical renovation in three phases:

Phase 1

First, you’ll need to determine the scope of work necessary by defining the project budget and researching potential materials and fixtures. Then, choose licensed and experienced designers and contractors who can make the process significantly smoother. Contractors typically use construction software and apps that help streamline operations, such as construction takeoff and estimating software. This technology is a key to success when it comes to accurately – and quickly – generating estimates based on material and labor costs, and project timelines are included. You’ll also want to get any permits and licenses required by local authorities before beginning any work.

Phase 2

Deadlines are typically tight regarding renovations, which is why it’s so important to monitor your progress weekly to ensure no major snags arise between contractors or among different sub-trades involved in executing specific phases of the project. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to keep everyone on track while giving insight into potential decisions; you may need to compromise to stay within the budget or timeline.

Phase 3

After the primary construction work has been done on your home renovation, you’ll be able to put the final touches on your project by adding light fixtures, installing insulation, painting walls, hanging artwork, etc. Then, you can expect the final safety checks, inspection, and energy audit to confirm nothing was overlooked and that your home is move-in ready.

Will You Get a Home Warranty?

Many homeowners choose to purchase a home warranty after a home renovation. Generally, a home warranty provides coverage for repairs and replacement of major systems and appliances in your home. It can save you money and provide peace of mind should something break down unexpectedly. 

That said, you’ll want to be aware of any exclusions and the types of services that are included in the plan before signing up with a provider. Also, you should prepare for the cost of a home warranty and weigh it against its potential value before making a decision.

Renovating your home can bring significant benefits in terms of property value, indoor environment, and other factors. Remember to consider designing a home office, getting a home warranty, and following the other tips above. The better you prepare now, the smoother and more successful your home-improvement journey will be!

Year after year, Realtor and author Laurel Jonas of Northwest Realty Group sells millions of dollars in real estate by making her clients needs a top priority. Team up with Laurel today by calling 208-758-9000!

You might have noticed that subtly longer days and milder temperatures have been creeping back onto the scene lately. It’s true, spring is on the horizon. But we’re not in the clear just yet. In fact, in addition to those days of sunshine and fresh air we’ve been treated to recently, many of us also have been battling end-of-season cold and flu germs.

Once germs infest your home, they typically take a turn in each member of your family. To get your crew through to spring’s fresh air, here are eight ways to keep your home safe from germs:

• 1. Set (and keep) a cleaning schedule. Our first and best defense against germs is to keep a clean house. Of course, on top of your work and school schedule, home cleaning duties can be overwhelming. To make sure you’re not feeling like every Saturday must be devoted to cleaning your house from top to bottom, set a cleaning schedule where you tackle a task or two each day. This way, cleaning your home will be less of a chore—and more about keeping out germs that can make you sick.

• 2. Change your air filters. This chore is on every seasonal home maintenance task list out there. Though it might seem unnecessary at times, changing your HVAC system’s filter can help keep you safe from harmful germs. So, instead of dreading this regular home maintenance task—just make sure you do it on time each quarter. 

• 3. Circulate the air in your home. In winter, there can be a major lack of fresh air in our homes. Combat stagnant air by continuing to run your ceiling fans throughout the season. This will help improve your indoor air and keep those flu and cold germs from settling in your home.

• 4. Increase indoor humidity. Speaking of improving your indoor air quality in winter, make sure you invest in a humidifier for your home. The moisture in the air can help prevent sinus infections and other germs from manifesting.

• 5. Start spring cleaning early. Home cleaning tasks like vacuuming and dusting are easy to remember on a weekly basis. However, did you know that regularly wiping down your blinds and ceiling fans can help to prevent germs from finding a resting place in your home? Instead of saving these tasks for spring cleaning, tackle them before the warmer season arrives.

• 6. Always put the toilet seat down. Here is an easy defense against flu and cold germs—and any other germs for that matter. Simply keep your toilet seat down. Lowering the lid before you flush and when your toilet is not in use will help keep germs away from you and your family members.

• 7. Look at light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls. From your smartphone to your remote controls to doorknobs and beyond, so many things in our homes involve our touch. Take a look at your bathroom light switch for instance. You might be surprised at how much dirt and dust can compile in such a small area. Make it a habit to wipe down any devices, doorknobs, and other hand-friendly parts of your home.

• 8. Wash your hands. It’s advice that probably has come from every parent out there. Routinely wash your hands to prevent them from collecting and spreading any germs throughout your home. The advice is no different during cold and flu season. Step up hand-washing efforts around your home to help keep germs out.

The moral of this healthy home story? Give your home a little extra TLC – cleaning, maintenance, and care – to be sure you and your family stay germ-free for the remainder of cold and flu season. A healthier season will be here in no time at all!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Is 2023 finally the year you push your credit score to Very Good? With the New Year finally here, it’s the perfect time to set goals and improve your credit score. With a few simple changes to your spending habits and payments, you can be well on your way to a better credit score in a couple of months! Here are some resolutions to help raise your credit score.  

Pay Bills on Time

You probably already know late payments can hurt your credit score. And while carrying a credit card balance comes with its own financial risks, it’s important to know that most credit card accounts will only report a late payment to a credit bureau if you fail to make the minimum payment more than 30 days from the due date. So, if you’re able to pay your bills in full every month, keep doing so. But if you’re in a jam and can’t pay the full amount by the due date, just make sure to pay as much as you can and, at the least, the minimum.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low

When your credit utilization is low, lenders will see you as less of a risk and your credit score will remain a lot higher. Credit Utilization is the amount of credit line you have versus the amount used. The lower the number, the better! To raise your credit score, keep credit utilization below 30%, but it’s a good idea to aim for 10% or less whenever possible. It’s okay to put most purchases on a primary card to maximize rewards, but make sure you aren’t damaging your credit score in the process by approaching your limits.

Choose the Right Card For You

There are a lot of credit card options out there and choosing the right card for you is just as important as paying off your card on time! Maybe you are paying a yearly fee that you don’t need to or perhaps you’d rather have a card that pays for travel as opposed to a percentage of cashback. Before you open a new card, make sure you look into all the benefits it has to offer. You can even use multiple cards. For example, one card might give better cashback on gas and one card might offer better travel points.  It’s okay to use both as long as you are diligent about paying them off!

Use Your Credit Card for Points

One of the biggest benefits of a credit card is the cashback and points that you receive.  Aim to use your credit card as a debit card and only put on it what you can afford. If you only use your credit card on what you can afford and then pay it off in full each month this will not only help you earn the maximum amount of points, but also help raise your credit score and help lenders see you as low risk!

Stick to a Budget

If you are working to raise your credit score this year, have your New Years’ resolution be to actually stick to a budget! A reasonable budget is key to prevent overspending that can harm your credit score. A good starting point is to lay out a long-term budget that covers all monthly expenses along with a few contingencies for unplanned bills. It’s always important to have money in savings for emergencies like car breakdowns, house repairs, and medical expenses.

Also, avoid opening new credit accounts just to get rewards.  If you have a larger credit limit, you’re likely to overspend and carry a balance – wiping out your rewards with interest charges.

Watch Your Credit Score

When you are trying to raise your credit score, it’s also important to monitor where your credit is currently sitting. There are a lot of great apps like Mint and Experian that not only show you your current Credit and FICO score but also have great built-in budget tools to keep you on track. 

Whether you are trying to raise your credit score, or gain the maximum amount of credit card benefits, focusing on budgeting and paying off your cards will help! This year, make it a resolution to say goodbye to credit card debt and hello to a better credit score!

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: A Gem in the Pacific Northwest

Nestled in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Coeur d'Alene is a gem of a city that offers its residents a unique blend of natural beauty, urban amenities, and small-town charm. With its stunning lakeside setting, friendly community, and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, it's no wonder that Coeur d'Alene is one of the most desirable places to live in Idaho.

The heart of Coeur d'Alene is its stunning lake, which provides a stunning backdrop for the city's many parks, beaches, and marinas. Whether you're looking for a place to swim, boat, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the lake, you'll find it here. The city also offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and ski resorts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Coeur d'Alene is a vibrant and thriving city with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to a number of museums, galleries, and performance spaces, as well as a vibrant downtown that is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. Whether you're looking for a quiet night out with friends or a night on the town, you'll find it here in Coeur d'Alene.

Despite its urban amenities, Coeur d'Alene still maintains a small-town feel. Residents here are friendly and tight-knit, making it easy to form close relationships and become a part of the community. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, you'll find that Coeur d'Alene is a welcoming and inclusive place to call home.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Coeur d'Alene is an affordable place to live, especially when compared to other cities in the Pacific Northwest. Housing prices here are reasonable, and the cost of living is relatively low, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stretch their budget.

In conclusion, Coeur d'Alene is a city that truly has it all. With its stunning natural beauty, urban amenities, and small-town charm, it's no wonder that so many people are proud to call this place home. Whether you're looking for a place to raise a family, start a business, or simply enjoy life, you'll find it here in Coeur d'Alene. 

If you're thinking of moving to Coeur d'Alene, please check out my other blog post: What a wish I knew Before I Moved Here. Please feel free to call me if you have any particular questions or would like to discuss your move, you can reach me at 208-758-9000.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

208HomesForSale@gmail.com

Cold weather tends to keep some of us indoors during the long winter months. But there is some hope in battling the cabin fever that can make us feel a little blue. Houseplants are a great way to bring some fresh air and greenery into your home during winter.

With National Houseplant Appreciation Day (January 10) just passed, what better way to start combatting cabin fever than by adding a few houseplants to your home? Here are 10 easy-to-care-for houseplants that can help bring fresh life to your home this winter and all year long:

• 1. Garden Mums: Still have some mums left over from this fall? Keep them around to help you get through the cold this winter. They’re colorful and they’ll help provide cleaner, fresher air in your home during any season.
• 2. Spider Plants: This is one type of spider you’ll always be glad to find in your home. Spider plants add great color and grow well with little care. In fact, this plant doesn’t need much light and is even happy when its soil dries out between watering.
• 3. Ficus Trees: Want to add some height to the greens in your home? Bring in a ficus tree that could grow to be taller than you! This houseplant does like a lot of light, but it can grow well with little water.
• 4. Aloe Plants: You probably already know that this plant’s gel can help soothe burns and cuts. But did you also know that an aloe plant can help soothe cabin fever? This sun-loving plant will help clean the air in your home in addition to showing off its bright green hue.
• 5. Peace Lilies: Not only will this plant help freshen the air in your home all year long, but its flowers will also be a welcome sight each summer. Peace lilies do well in shady areas and will droop a bit to let you know they need a drink of water.
• 6. Bamboo Palms: Though it is important to make sure this houseplant gets lots of water, the bamboo palm grows well in both sun and shade. It can last in a home for years, which makes this houseplant an excellent addition to your regular décor.
• 7. Dragon Trees: If you’re looking to add more than just fresh green to your home, consider the dragon tree. Its leaves can be either green or purple! The dragon tree doesn’t need much light and will happily live indoors or outside once warmer weather arrives.
• 8. Chinese Evergreen: Also known for its vibrant colors, the Chinese evergreen grows well with little light. It is great for most homeowners but is one that pet owners might want to stay away from as it can be toxic to our four-legged family members.
• 9. Snake Plants: Don’t be turned away by this houseplant’s name. The snake plant can be a beautiful addition to your home décor. The fact that it is easy to care for doesn’t hurt either! This plant does well in dry conditions with some sun and occasional water.
• 10. English Ivy: With just a little water, a little sun and a little shade, an English ivy plant can thrive in your home all winter long. In fact, it can live for several years. Or, once the weather breaks, you could transfer this houseplant outdoors to welcome spring.

Celebrate a belated National Houseplant Appreciation Day by picking up an easy-to-care-for green or two for your home decor.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Whether you are an owner looking to invest in your property or a real estate professional working to help a seller, the topic of basement remodeling is sure to come up. Before beginning any project, it is important to understand what you want to get out of the remodel, what is possible on your budget and whether you will receive a return on your investment when you decide to sell your home. Achieving a return on investment can sometimes be difficult. The following are three key considerations for you to keep in mind.

Moisture

If you are taking a basement from unfinished to finished, you will have to take moisture into account. Any leaks, condensation or flooding will have to be dealt with before you start remodeling. This can be a large factor in your rate of return, because the cost to fix these issues can run into the thousands of dollars. If you neglect to deal with these issues first, however, you will pay far more in mold removal, ruined carpets and musty smells.

Labor costs

If you plan on hiring contractors, keep in mind that labor is typically the largest part of the cost. A rule of thumb is that materials are about one-third of the cost to the owner and labor accounts for the other two-thirds. This means that handy homeowners can save significant money by doing part of the remodeling job by themselves. Keep in mind that attempting to do a job that you are not qualified for may end up causing damage or simply look shoddy, which can ultimately mean more expense to pay someone to undo your mistakes. Plumbing and electrical work should always be left to professionals, but installing insulation, hanging drywall, painting and even installing carpet may be within reach.

Egress

Often, for a basement room to be considered a bedroom, building codes will require that a basement have a window large enough for occupants to safely escape in the event of a fire, and for a firefighter to enter wearing full gear. This is important, because adding an exit to your basement's foundation can be expensive if there isn't one present already.

Remodeling a basement can be fun, but to get the best return on your investment, it may take some elbow grease. For those homeowners willing to take the time to do the job inexpensively and effectively, however, there can be a significant payoff.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

Since winterizing your home is a must-do for the cold-weather season, we’ve compiled a quick list of five steps you can quickly take to prepare your home for winter weather:

Check for Drafts

Though you may be preparing to welcome family and friends to your home this holiday season, you’ll want to keep Jack Frost out. So, inspect your door and window frames for possible drafts. If you find that cold air is seeping in, simply caulk or install weather-stripping around the frames. Adding a draft guard to your doors is a simple fix that will keep cold air from coming inside, too.

Inspect Heating Systems

The last major home system you want to have problems with during the winter is your heating system. Before the weather outside gets too frightful, have a professional make sure that your heating system is running efficiently. On your end, make sure to replace your furnace filters. During the cold season, it is a good idea to do this once a month. If you have and regularly use a fireplace, have the chimney cleaned out as well.

Clean the Gutters

While you’re up on the roof hanging your holiday lights, glance down at your gutters. If they’re filled with leaves, twigs or other debris, you’ve got to get that gunk out of there before snow and ice further clog them. Allowing your gutters to clog up is like inviting standing water, mold, mildew and other pests in to damage your home. Do your due diligence to clean out your gutters before you’re trying to chunk away at ice that’s covering the current mess.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

This may be the easiest home winterization tip yet! Reversing your ceiling fans will help you to better heat your home and save some money while doing so! In the summer months, ceiling fans should be running counterclockwise to drive down cool air. When winter hits, allowing the fans to run clockwise allows warm air to circulate through your home.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

If you don’t have one already, it may be time to buy yourself an early holiday gift. Investing in a programmable thermostat will help you to keep your home warm when you’re inside, but keep the heat turned down when you’re at work, school or even when you’re sleeping at night. Adjusting the temperature based on your activity is a great way to save on winter heating costs.

Laurel Jonas

208-758-9000

Northwest Realty Group

208homesforsale@gmail.com

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