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  • Buying a Home After a Foreclosure

    It is common for homeowners who’ve lost a home to foreclosure to feel a certain sense of defeat—and even a little fear—when it comes to trying to buy another home. Frankly, nobody wants to default on their mortgage and lose possession of their home even once, let alone think about going through it again.

    But once the market conditions, personal circumstances or financial situation that led to a homeowner going through a foreclosure change, there is hope for buying another home. The bottom line is that buyers who’ve gone through a foreclosure should be prepared to do a little more work and show a little more proof that they are financially ready to own a home again.

    Here are five things to expect when buying a home after a foreclosure:

    1. There might be a waiting period.
    If you’ve gone through a home foreclosure, the chances are good that you won’t be ready to turn around and buy a new home within months or even a year or so. The reality is that you likely wouldn’t be able to do so anyway. Lenders typically require buyers who’ve gone through foreclosure to wait anywhere from three to seven years before trying to purchase a new home. This waiting period gives buyers plenty of time to bounce back and improve whatever financial circumstances led to their foreclosure.

    2. You’ll need to prove your financial situation has improved.
    As buyers look to purchase a home after a foreclosure, they can use a waiting period to improve their financial situation. Like other home buyers, this is the time to work on paying down debts, saving money and improving your credit score. Because any lender will be aware of a previous foreclosure, buyers who want to purchase a home again might have to show several months of cash reserves on hand, whereas other home buyers might not be required to provide such stringent financial proof to qualify for a mortgage.

    3. You should be able to explain any financial hardships.
    Buyers who are trying to purchase a home after a foreclosure can expect to provide increased documentation. Foreclosures can happen to anyone, and lenders do understand that. But that doesn’t mean your lender won’t want to know about your personal experience when it comes to going through a foreclosure. Be prepared to explain whether it was a job loss, medical issue, market conditions or other circumstance that led to your foreclosure. It might be hard to talk about the situation, but it could help you qualify for buying another home.

    4. You might need to shop around for the right lender.
    This is advice given to every home buyer, but it is particularly true for buyers who have been through a foreclosure. If one lender won’t offer you a mortgage, shop around for another – and another if you need to. Every borrowing institution has varying requirements when it comes to loan approval. Don’t be discouraged if the first lender you seek out is not willing to offer you a loan.

    5. You could face a higher interest rate and down payment.
    When you are shopping around for the right lender after a foreclosure, you might notice that the terms offered differ from those offered for other buyers. You could be required to pay a higher interest rate or provide a larger down payment in order to purchase another home. This is another reason why a longer waiting period can help you better prepare for buying again. You’ll have more time to save money for any additional mortgage requirements you might face.

  • New Construction Loans: What You Need to Know

    If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve likely thought about how you are going to finance that home. But what if you’re considering building a new home, instead of buying from a seller? Can you go through the mortgage approval process in the same way? Well, sometimes.

    New construction loans can be obtained by a home builder or buyer. If you’re building a home with a large builder, you may not notice a difference in your mortgage process. However, if you decide to pursue your own construction loan, there are a few things you should know. Here are 10 differentiators about obtaining a new construction loan:

    1. Because construction loans are more high-risk investments, lenders may not advertise them as much as they promote more traditional mortgages. What does that mean for buyers? You may have to do some research with your own bank or credit union to find the right lender.

    2. Construction loans are usually short term. Because the home construction process typically lasts several months, construction loans are not structured to last more than a year or so.

    3. You may still need to save for a down payment. New construction loans are short term, so they are higher risk. For this reason, some lenders may require borrowers to put more money down up front. Do not be surprised if your lender wants you to pay 20% of the project’s cost up front.

    4. Buyers often pay interest only during construction. You may pay a heftier down payment for a new construction home, but because construction loans are short-term agreements, lenders often only require buyers to pay interest while their home is being built.

    5. Those interest rates may vary. Rates on new construction loans are usually higher than traditional mortgages. Interest rates may vary with a lender’s prime rate and could fluctuate during the payback period. So be sure to know what type of interest rate you have before signing on the line.

    6. Lenders may require additional information before you are approved. In addition to typical financial information submitted when applying for a mortgage, new construction lenders may want to see a project timetable and budget before they give the OK on a loan.

    7. Lenders may check in on construction site progress. Lenders are interested in the length of time it may take to build a new home, so they may check in on construction progress from time to time. This is why it is a good idea to build time in for construction delays when you submit a timetable to your lender.

    8. Lenders may want proof you can pay for extras. What do we mean by extras? During the home-building process, buyers may decide they want to make changes from the original design plans such as upgraded appliances or fixtures. But, those extras cost extra money, of course. Before lenders are willing to let you borrow money, they may want to make sure you have enough saved up to pay for any extras that you might decide on during your build process.

    9. New construction loans may roll into a traditional mortgage. This type of new construction loan is called a construction-to-permanent loan. When you’re seeking a new construction loan, know that you may roll your loan into a traditional 15–30-year mortgage. So, while it may feel like a higher risk, you can feel confident in moving forward with a lender you trust.

    10. A change in your financial situation could affect final mortgage approval. Similar to the process for obtaining a traditional mortgage, any major changes to your financial situation could affect the possibility of rolling a new construction loan into a traditional mortgage. So, while you’re building, keep your credit, career, and finances in order to ensure smooth sailing when it comes to your home loan.

    New construction loans can seem more complicated than a traditional loan but with an experienced agent and lender by your side, the process can be just as smooth.

  • Solar Panels: Is Your House a Candidate?

    If you’re thinking about going solar, you’re probably wondering: Is solar cost-effective? Is my roof suitable for solar panels? Will solar energy generate enough electricity to power my home? Who makes the best solar panels?  But first, it’s important to explore if solar panels for your home make sense. Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you are interested in buying or leasing a solar energy system to make sure your home is best suited for making power with solar panels.

    Do I Have the Right Roof? The proper installation of solar panels will depend on the type of roof you have. The ideal roof materials are composite, asphalt type shingles, tiles made of concrete or a metal roof. You can still have solar panels installed if you have other materials like tile, wood, or clay, as long as they’re sturdy. It is also important to consider the amount of sunlight you get per day.  South, east or west-facing roofs are the most desirable. The roof should also be free of any obstructions such as vents, antennas, chimneys, or even wooded areas in the parts where your panels are being installed.

    Will it Help Save Money? Having solar panels installed won’t necessarily mean you don’t have to pay an energy bill, but it will certainly lower your monthly costs. Typically, solar panels will decrease your energy bill, but you are also eligible for a tax deduction.  The federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit, allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.

    How Many Panels Will I Need? The square feet of suitable roof space you need to install solar panels will vary by the size of the solar system you need. This, in turn, will vary with the amount of power you consume and the utility company. You can work out how many solar panels you need for your home using a solar panel calculator.

    What if my Roof isn’t right for Solar Panels? There are other solar options available if your roof isn’t ideal for installing a solar panel system, including:

    • Installing a ground-mounted solar panel system elsewhere on your property
    • Building a solar panel carport to simultaneously power your house and provide shade for your car
    • Invest in a share of a solar garden, which offers you the benefits of rooftop solar panels sourced from a large solar panel array in your community

    All of this could sum up to a great choice for the environment and an even better choice for your wallet!

  • Simple Ways to Refresh Your Space

    It’s easy to get sick of your home decor, especially if you have been staying home a lot.  With the warmer weather approaching, take some time to give your home a little refresh.  There’s no need to do a complete makeover of your home, just switch up a few things.  You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook!

    Take Advantage of Natural Light
    With spring on the horizon, we are starting to see a little more sun peeking out, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine fill your home.  The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.

    You can also take advantage of the natural light to add in some more houseplants or help your current ones thrive! By simply adding in natural light, you have so many options to refresh and enjoy your living space.

    Give Your Home a Good Clean
    It seems simple but giving your space a deep cleaning and decluttering can instantly revitalize a room and make your home much more livable.  Even if you only go this far, it will surely make a major difference in refreshing your home. Set goals to clean and declutter one space at a time, and then work to organize anything left behind.  This is an easy and rewarding way to give your home a quick refresh!

    Change Up Your Bedding
    Making small updates to your bedroom, like changing up your bedding can change the whole look of your room and give it a fresh feel. This is the perfect time of year to wake up your bedroom with some new bedding. Or simply refresh your look by switching out your heavy winter blankets, throws, and pillows with lighter-weight and lighter-toned versions.  You could also add some throw pillows or a blanket at the end of your bed to add different textures and colors.

    Rearrange Your Furniture
    Rearranging your furniture is an easy and free way to completely transform your space.  Try changing up things or even losing pieces that just don’t fit. You’d be surprised how doing this can make your space seem more open and change the whole look of the room, while also becoming more functional. Plus, it’s kind of fun to shake things up a bit and change your furniture layout.

    If you are feeling bored with your space, you don’t have to completely remodel your home to switch things up! By swapping out a few pieces, adding in some new decor, or even letting more light in, you can achieve the looks you want.  These are all cheap and easy alternatives that will have a major impact on your living space!

  • Weighing the Benefits of a Home Warranty

    When you invest in a home, whether it is brand new or beautifully aged, you want to make sure it is protected. Homeowners insurance, which is required when you purchase a home, covers major occurrences like fire and crime. However, homeowners’ insurance will not cover specific parts of your home, like your plumbing or heating and cooling system. Instead, you can opt for a home warranty that will take care of specific appliances and equipment if they need to be repaired or replaced.

    On a basic level, one of the biggest perks of buying a home warranty is purchasing peace of mind. When you have a warranty, you are entered into a contract with a company that already has an established list of reputable service providers on hand, ready to assist you if you need them. This means that homeowners who are covered simply need to contact their warranty company. The company will send out a contractor to assess the issue and take care of the service request.

    Another way that your home warranty can provide peace of mind is by simply knowing you have it – even if your home systems are operating perfectly. You just never know when your dishwasher might need to be repaired or you’ll have an unexpected plumbing issue. To know that you are covered against these costly and often unforeseen expenses can be reason enough to purchase a home warranty.

    Of course, as with any warranty, there are fees involved with having a home warranty. Homeowners pay an annual premium that is often around a few hundred dollars. In addition, similar to the way a deductible works with home insurance, there is a minor fee when a homeowner places a service request. However, when you’re considering the cost of replacing one of your home’s major appliances or your HVAC system, the annual premium and service charges are rather minimal.

    An important point to note about having a home warranty is that homeowners must exercise a bit of responsibility when it comes to the appliances and equipment that are covered. Many warranty contracts clearly state that home items must be properly maintained to qualify for coverage. If you follow the maintenance schedule for your major systems, this should be no problem. Homeowners who purchase older homes can run into difficulties proving the equipment they purchase within a home has been properly maintained. So, asking for service records and full disclosure when you buy an older home is especially important if you plan to purchase a home warranty.

    When you are thinking about a home warranty, think about this: your home is likely the largest investment you’ll ever make. A home warranty is one way to provide certain protection on that investment. If you know you want to move forward with a home warranty, here are a few tips:

    1. Do your research. There are a lot of home warranty companies and contracts out there. Find a reputable company with good reviews before entering into any agreement.

    2. Read the fine print. Each home warranty contract is different and will cover different appliances and equipment in your home. Find out what might be excluded and check on required maintenance before agreeing to any coverage plan.

    3. Consider the overall cost. There is no set price for a home warranty. Find out the exact cost of your annual premium and service fees before selecting and signing a warranty contract.

    Once you find a warranty that fits your home’s needs, enjoy the peace of mind and protection you’re provided!

  • Beat Cold and Germ Season at Home

    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!

  • 10 Questions to Ask Potential Roommates

    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!

  • Debunking 5 Home-buying Myths for First-time Homebuyers

    Buying a home is an exciting process that buyers should enjoy. Unfortunately, many first time homebuyers can feel overwhelmed with all of the advice they receive from family members or friends who have already gone through the process. While it’s nice to hear different perspectives, it is important to remember that every buyer has a unique experience — and there are some myths circulating about buying a home that everyone should ignore. Today, we’re debunking five of these fallacies so first-time homebuyers can feel more confident in taking the plunge!

    Myth #1: You Should Wait Until You Have 20% For Your Down Payment
    This myth has been perpetuated for years, but it’s simply not true in the current market. With low interest rates and plenty of mortgage options, first time homebuyers don’t need to wait until you have saved up 20%. In fact, there are plenty of mortgage programs available that only require 3%-5% down payments. Talk to your lender and see which option works best for you.

    Myth #2: You Need To Have Perfect Credit
    Again, this myth is false and can be easily debunked by speaking with your lender. While it does help to have a good credit score (650+), many lenders will work with first time homebuyers who have lower scores as well. The key is finding a lender who understands your current financial situation and can offer guidance on how to improve your credit score over time.

    Myth #3: You Need To Buy A House As Soon As Possible
    This might be the most dangerous myth on our list because it puts unnecessary pressure on first time homebuyers before they even begin their search! There’s no rush when buying a house – take your time and look at all of your options before making any decisions. After all, this isn’t just any purchase – this is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime!

    Myth #4: You Can Skimp On Getting A Professional Inspection
    While it may seem like an unnecessary expense upfront, hiring a professional inspector for an inspection before closing on a home is non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter if you think the house looks perfect – inspections are designed to uncover hidden issues like mold or structural problems that could become expensive headaches down the line if left unchecked. Make sure you get an inspection before closing on any property!

    Myth #5: Location Is All That Matters When Buying A Home
    While location certainly plays a role in determining how much value homeowners can expect their property to retain over time, other factors are also important when shopping around for properties. Don’t forget to factor in things like schools, taxes, neighborhood amenities like parks or shopping centers nearby — those all play into whether or not you love where you live after settling into your new home!

    Conclusion: Taking advice from family members or friends about buying a home can be helpful but ultimately each buyer’s experience is unique – so take any advice with a grain of salt! We hope this post helped debunk some common misconceptions so that first-time homebuyers can make informed decisions about their future homes without feeling overwhelmed by misinformation or outdated real estate practices!

    If you are a first time homebuyer and want expert help please Contact Us Today

     

  • Six Tips for Finding the Right Rental Property

    If your future plan includes moving out on your own, you may have a few concerns as you plan to spread your wings. Unless you’ve been saving funds and working on your finances for the last year or so, you may not be quite ready to buy a home yet. So, how can you find a rental property that is right for you? With a little help, of course!

    Here are six tips for finding the right rental, right now:

    1. Know What You Can Afford
    Before you even begin to scour the rental market in your area, you’ve got to know your monthly budget. Fiscal experts suggest that renters (and buyers for that matter) spend between 20-30% of their gross monthly income on housing. But let’s not forget that in addition to a monthly rental fee, you’ll also be incurring monthly utility costs, cable/internet subscription fees and possibly trash removal costs, if your landlord is not footing the bill for that fee. Crunch a few numbers to see what portion of your monthly pay you’ll feel comfortable parting with for housing costs.

    2. Determine “Must Have” Features
    In some ways, finding the right rental property is a lot like finding the right home to buy. You certainly want to be comfortable in your chosen rental for the entire length of your lease. So, don’t settle for a rental just for the sake of being on your own. If proximity to work, shopping or public transportation are high on your priorities list, find a property that meets those standards. If on-site laundry is something you can’t do without, don’t consider a rental property that would require you to pack up and head to the laundromat. When it comes down to your everyday living, you’ve got to know what you can – and cannot – do without!

    3. Don’t Sacrifice Safety
    Being on your own is an awesomely-free feeling; but you shouldn’t feel so free that you don’t feel safe! If you’re searching for the right rental property this year, resolve to only scope out properties in safe neighborhoods and question potential landlords on their safety features. When touring through potential rentals, take a specific look at entrances, door locks and even windows!

    4. Do Your Research
    When you’re searching for a rental property, there is no doubt that you’re trying to impress potential landlords. Don’t forget that the impressing should go both ways. If you fall in love with a rental property, make sure that you and the landlord will get along as well. You can find out about a potential landlord by inquiring about their tenant turnover rate. You also can ask to speak with current or previous tenants, who are sure to give you an honest opinion about their rental experience. It is one thing to find a great rental property, but it also is important to make sure you can deal with a landlord for the entire length of your lease.

    5. Be Prepared
    Finding the right rental property and landlord for you is only half of the battle – you’ve also got to secure them! Many landlords will require documentation to ensure that you’re not only able to afford their property, but also that you’ll take good care of it. In addition to running a credit and background check on rental applicants, landlords also may require potential renters to submit proof of employment, like pay stubs or tax returns. Some may even require reference letters. Prepare a few of these documents ahead of time, so you’re ready when your potential landlord makes these requests.

    6. Understand Your Lease
    When you do find the rental property and landlord that seem like the right fit for you, you’ll need to sign on the dotted line before calling them your own. Before you add your signature to any legally binding document, make sure that you’re aware of what that signature means. Determine the length of the lease, what is included and what you may or may not be responsible for upon move-out. Further, even after you sign the lease, document the initial condition of the property with photos, so that you and your landlord are well aware of any imperfections that may be pre-existing.

    Once you’ve scoured rental properties and secured your short-term living arrangements, pick up rental insurance to cover your belongings in your new home. Undoubtedly, your landlord carries insurance on their property, but that does not cover the items you bring inside. So, protect your property, begin the decorating process, and enjoy your new rental property!

  • Give Your Home a Morale Makeover

    7 easy ways to revitalize your space and boost your mood

    With many Americans spending a lot more time at home, you may find your house taking on the roles of office, classroom, gym and community center — and it’s easy to feel uninspired by your surroundings after occupying the same space day in, day out. But all hope is not lost: There are simple and inexpensive ways to transform your home into a fresh and stimulating environment. Give your home some TLC with these seven tips from interior decorators, feng shui experts and design enthusiasts.

    Break it up

    If you’re working at home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting responsibilities. To help stay on track, designate different areas for specific activities. It’s important to ‘compartmentalize’ your living space. Assign specific areas for fitness, work and leisure: Dig out a yoga mat from under the bed and dedicate an area to working out. Clean and organize the desk in the living room or office to serve as a ‘command station’ for going online and making phone calls. The bedroom doubles as another workspace and is perfect for napping or watching movies in bed. If you live in a studio, you can simulate separate “rooms” by splitting up the space with curtains, bookshelves or other furniture.

    Experiment with color

    Painting the walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to immediately invigorate any home. For a classic look that will hold up against almost any decor, opt for cool neutrals; if you prefer something more dramatic, consider adding a pop of color to a feature wall. Feng shui experts and interior designers recommend greens and blues: they are most associated with health, calm and well being. If you’re not ready to commit to painting, it is suggested to use accessories like throw pillows, an area rug, curtains or artwork to bring color into your space.

    Streamline and declutter

    With millions of us now living and working alongside family members, significant others and roommates, our homes may suddenly seem more cramped than ever before. There’s no better way to create spatial harmony than decluttering: it works a powerful magic in that it gets your entire space up to speed with you.  Experts recommend starting small with a contained space like a bathroom, which “will give you a quick feeling of accomplishment and encourage you to do the next space.” The benefits of a tidy space extend beyond aesthetics — research has found that clearing clutter can lower stress levels.

    Do a digital detox

    The digital detox movement is not new, but it’s worth revisiting in this climate of constant COVID-19 news and social media chatter. Though it’s important to stay informed about the health crisis, it’s easy to slip from a healthy level of engagement to compulsive checking. To reduce screen dependence, set up manageable boundaries based on time or place. For example, designate dinnertime as phone-free, or remove mobile tech devices from your bedroom for a daily reset.

    Invigorate with scents

    Scent is a powerful vehicle for uplifting your mood. Every room should have a different scent track to score your moment. Use woody scents like cedar, palo santo, oud, copal and frankincense to feel grounded; rosemary for invigoration; and incense to focus and meditate. There are many ways to suffuse a room with scent — candles, oil diffusers, air mists and fresh flowers, to name a few. For a more subtle effect, crack open a window to balance out your chosen fragrance with fresh air.

    Greenify and purify

    While you’re staying put, there’s no better time to bring the outside world in. If there’s one thing that makes a space feel livable, it’s some elements of green. Not only do plants bring light and color, they also add oxygen to your home — something that many of us could use more of as we hunker down indoors. Consider the level of care you want to give: Some folks may find something less fussy to be easier to deal with, whereas others may want a more ‘high-maintenance’ plant that requires attention every day. Whichever plant you choose, she says that the ritual of maintaining it can be deeply healing.

    Lighten up

    Natural light is the top office perk, according to a study of workplace benefits published in the Harvard Business Review. If your home is now your office, you have more control than ever over the light conditions of your workday. To maximize your exposure to natural light, position your desk near a window and keep drapes and shades open during the daytime. If you don’t have much natural light coming in, it is recommended to affix aluminum mini-blinds to your windows. You can direct or cut out light (and inquisitive neighbors across the street) as needed, and when the sun hits them just right, you can use them to throw light into the room without getting blinded. Adding reflective surfaces — like a mirror, lacquered table, or chrome lamp — enhances the light in dark rooms.