The current environment makes it a great time to be a home buyer right now. Mortgage rates are at a record low. In addition, last week FHA announced it will be decreasing mortgage insurance premiums. Premiums for mortgage insurance are collected as a means to protect the FHA in case a borrower defaults. The rates have been lowered for FHA loans to .85% from 1.35%. What does this mean for buyers? This will drastically cut costs for buyers using a FHA loan with PMI (mortgage insurance premiums), making a home purchase more affordable. Read more here.

On a smaller scale, the Denver housing market is expected to continue growing. Here the Denver market is ranked #4 out of 10 of the hottest markets. Hosuing sales are expected to increase by 15%. 

Considering buying or selling this year? 

I am always looking for creative ways to use things in a home. I think an easy way to incorporate your style into your home is with the smaller pieces such as end tables, nightstands, console tables etc. Not everything has to be matchy matchy, actually, your style and personality comes through when furniture does not all match. I have been on the lookout for unique end tables for my home and also would LOVE a bar cart. Well, what if I did a bar cart end table? I have seen a lot of inspiration for doing just this. 

Source 

Oversized mirror behind the couch.

Stacked horizontal Mirrors

Mirror laid against the wall

A collage of mirrors.

Mirrors above the nightstands.

Do you use mirrors in your home to make the room feel larger? How else have you used mirrors in your home? 

As I mentioned here, cement is a great option for countertops. At the time, I was only thinking about countertops in the kitchen but I saw this great picture of cement countertops in the bathroom. The use of white and softer accents tones down the cold austere look of cement.

What do you think? Do you like the cement counters in a bathroom?

Have you been thinking about purchasing a distressed home? 

There are two ways to purchase distressed properties: short sales and foreclosures. Currently in the Denver market there is a small supply of either type of distressed property but of the two, short sales are in higher supply. A short sale is when the borrower owes more on the home than what it is worth and the bank agrees to allow the borrower to sell the property for less than the amount owed. The price of the home will need to be approved by the bank and because of this, the short sale process can be rather long. If a buyer has the time and patience, a short sale may be a great option. Often times short sales allow the home to be purchased at a discount and are in better condition than a foreclosed home since it is still owned by the home owner. 

Thinking of purchasing a short sale? Contact your real estate agent to discuss possible short sales in your market.

In addition to taking time off during the holiday season, I moved. This would mark my fourth move in 2014. This home will be a more permanent place for me and dear I say – will be HOME! I moved on New Years Eve with the intent to start 2015 in a happy home.When I moved to Denver I unpacked what I needed to which mainly consisted of clothes, shoes and bedding and left the rest in storage units. Yes, plural I had more than one storage unit so literally, my things were all through Denver. 

This move and unpacking everything was a very personal experience. No one likes to move, myself included, but unpacking my things after almost a year was the most exciting experience. Every little thing that I unpacked I felt like I had to personally touch, not because I am materialistic but because I was finally bringing all of my things to my home. Even though this home is completely different ascetic than my condo in Denver, it is so nice to have a few select things from my home in New Hampshire.

2014 ended up being all about change – relocating to Denver, changing careers, meeting new coworkers and friends, deviating from my “normal” 9-5 life to a life where I work every day of the week, starting a business, moving out of my home and moving into 3 temporary homes. 2015 will be about rebuilding a new life and a new home – both will look completely different than the last. Relocating can be a toll because even though the physical act has taken place, such as driving out to the new location, the emotional and mental aspects of relocating often don’t kick in until months later.  It seems once the adrenaline wears off, the realization that you are miles from “home” sets in.

When you move to a new place, what helps you make it home? Is it unpacking your possessions? Or having all your family members in one place?

In addition to writing for Daigle’s Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth’s expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.