We’ve all heard about a home with “curb appeal” and one of the best way to boost your home’s appeal and ultimately value is through the front door. That’s because the front door is the focal point of most homes and the color is a powerful statement. There is a psychology behind door colors and even some historical meaning. So, before you grab your brush and paint find out the meaning of popular front door colors.
Traditional and Bold
Red is one of the most popular door colors across the United States. Historically, in Scotland and Ireland painting your door red could mean your mortgage is paid off. In China, a red door often signified a home with good luck, but back on this side of the Atlantic it typically symbolizes hospitality and gives off a positive, neighborly vibe. Still feeling friendly, but red isn’t your color? Well, blue is a great alternative. According to color psychologists, blue can signify an inviting home that’s trustworthy. A blue door can range from a bright sky blue to a dark navy, to a softer turquoise color. Another inviting positive and bold front door color is yellow. Yellow is linked to optimism and extraversion. Guests will expect sunny rooms and cheerful decor inside. Yellow tends to look best as an accent color on a door, rather than the entire home color and looks great against darker siding or brick.
Clean and Crisp
Black is becoming more popular and can make a home pop. Some may consider it a more traditional, or formal color, but it can give a home a modern look, and set against a colorful exterior can even give it a playful feel. Color psychologists say a black door gives the feeling of security and protection to those who come to visit or stay. To play it safe and still give the front of your house a facelift consider the least neutral of the neutrals, white. This common door color can give the feeling of a fresh, organized, and clean home and looks great against brick or colored siding.
Fun and Playful
Feeling fun, adventurous and young? Orange, pink, or violet may be the right shade for you? Any of these colors can make a positive statement and make your home stand out on the street, but it’s important to make sure the rest of the home won’t clash or throw off these bold color choices. A great place in The Treasure Valley to check out fun door colors is in many of the older neighborhoods. Take a stroll in Boise’s historic Northend or Nampa’s downtown historic area to see a range of colorful front doors or drive through Boise’s Bench with mid-century homes full of fun, colorful, and unique doors for every taste. Here are a few of my favorites around town:
Considering selling your home and want to add curb appeal? Call Jennifer Louis for a free home value consultation to discover how to increase your home’s value in today’s market (208) 509-9122.
Many in the Boise area have joined the ranks of those working from home. Without a traditional home office, it can be challenging to tune out the distractions of others at home, daily chores, and household needs. Establishing a go-to work zone will help you regain that focus. Here are some fantastic ideas to convert unused space into a perfect workplace:
The Closet
If you happen to have an extra closet this can be fantastic, tucked away space for an office. Consider clearing out space and installing shelving and a small desk. Remove the doors for more space while you work, or keep them on and close the “office” when you’re finished for the day. These small home office ideas can also work with an armoire or TV Cabinet.
Under the Stairs
Boise Home Office Under Stairs
Many Boise homes from the turn of the century and mid-century era have stairs leading to a second level or a basement. Unless the space under the stairs is necessary for the structure of the home this space can often be opened up and provide a great cozy spot for an office. Make sure to install an electrical outlet and consider light fixtures. Maximize productivity by installing shelving and storage bins in the vertical space.
The Entryway
If you happen to have a large entryway into your home this can be a great workspace that is rarely used other than for the occasional visitor or Amazon deliveries. Hang a large mirror to make space feel less narrow and find a desk that blends with the rest of the decor or that can be folded up after work.
The Garage
If you are fortunate to have a large garage or one that you mostly use for storage why not set up space in it for an office? Remove old shelving or rearrange the space to give you a flexible workspace. Make sure to have it insulated and get electricity run to your work area to keep you working all year round. Ask me if converting a garage to sqft adds value to your home.
The Storage Shed
If you don’t have one already consider installing a garden shed in your yard if you have space. Make sure to get a window installed for natural light, electrical and get it insulated to keep you warm or cool depending on the time of year. This out of the house space can give you the privacy and quiet desired and keep the commute to a minimum. This is a great alternative for a small home office space when multiple family members need a home office. Here’s a fantastic, affordable local Idaho custom garden shed company.
The Laundry Room
Both small and large laundry rooms can be a great area to create a workspace. Transform a folding table into a desk during work hours and install shelving and storage bins to maximize the space. Consider changing out older, bulky machines for stackables to create more space. Dedicate a time for laundry to be done that is not during work hours to ensure a quiet, calm work area.
There are many other spaces around a home, large or small that can serve as a functional, comfortable workspace. The key is to find a spot that flows with the layout of the home but provides a dedicated spot to keep your work in one area.
One of my favorite things in taking buyers to visit homes is offering suggestions of ways to use the space to meet their needs. Whether it be an art room, home office, pantry, playroom, etc. there are so many ways to create new space even in an older home.
Jennifer Louis, Boise Area Real Estate Expert is a relocation specialist for Boise and the Treasure Valley. Helping hundreds succeed in finding their perfect home while simultaneously assisting homeowners to prepare and sell their homes.
Do you have the feeling it’s time to move, but then you keep asking yourself, Am I ready to sell my house? Times are strange. Where will I go next? And then there are all those memories packed inside those four walls, not to mention, it’s the most valuable possession you own.
Reflecting on if you’re ready to sell is important since selling at the wrong time can cause trouble for years to come. So how do you know if it’s the right time to take the leap and sell? Here are 5 tell-tale signs you are ready to sell:
1. You Have Equity In Your Home
From a financial point of view, you are in a good position to sell your home when you have built equity. During the housing crisis back in 2008 millions of homeowners ended up with negative equity, meaning they owed more on their homes than they were worth.
Selling when you have negative equity is not the ideal situation. That’s called a short sale. Breaking even on your home sale is better, but it’s not the best scenario. If you’re in either situation, don’t sell unless you have to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure.
For the last several years, home values in Boise and the entire Treasure Valley have increased rapidly meaning most homeowners are building equity. Their homes are now worth more than they owe on them, and that trend will persist as they pay down their mortgages and home values continue to increase.
So how to figure out how much equity you have in your home? It’s less complicated than it seems to get a general idea. Here’s how you do the math:
On your latest mortgage statement locate your current mortgage balance. Next, you need to find out your home’s value on the current market. You can use online valuation sites, but since Idaho is a non-disclosure state those prices are not accurate but can give you a rough estimate. Ideally, if you’re considering selling you should ask an experienced real estate agent in Boise or the surrounding area to provide you a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA. Boise real estate agents will typically do this for you at no charge.
Now with those two numbers, simply subtract your mortgage balance from your home’s estimated market value. The number you come up with will provide you a good idea of how much equity you have.
Example:
$379,000 Current Home Value
– $225,295 Mortgage Balance
=$153,705 Equity
A good rule of thumb to know if you have enough equity is that you have enough to pay off your current mortgage with enough left over to provide a 20% down payment on your next home. But if your sale can also cover your closing costs, moving expenses, and even larger down payment—that’s even better. Another advantage to a 20% or more down payment on a home will eliminate having to pay private mortgage insurance or PMI which will save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year.
2. You Can Afford a Home to Meet Your Current Needs
Probably the main reason you are considering selling is based on how well your home meets your everyday needs. Perhaps it could be that with the recent changes in 2020 you now will be working from home indefinitely and the kitchen counter isn’t the ideal work area. Maybe you could use another bedroom (or more) for your growing family. Or maybe the situation has changed and your kids have all moved out and you’re ready to downsize. It’s freeing to sell large home, pay cash for a smaller one, and invest the rest for your retirement.
Whatever the reason for the change, make sure your mortgage fits your budget. A good recommendation is to keep your monthly payment to 25% or less of your take-home pay on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage.
3. You Can Cover The Costs To Move Out of Pocket
It can be easy to get carried away by the excitement of your next home that you forget to account for the cost of moving out of your current one. Hiring professional movers? Save up cash to cover the cost of packing up and hauling your stuff away.
You should also invest a little to make sure your current home is in tip-top shape to bring in top dollar. Focus your home improvement on paint, curb appeal, plus kitchen and bath upgrades. If you have the cash and your roof or HVAC are nearing the end of their lives get them replaced as this will give confidence to the new buyers and bring in a higher price.
Remember whatever you put into your home you make back and usually double when you sell. That means if you invest $10K into getting your home in shape you can expect a minimum of $20K more in return when you sell. If you are on more of a budget, a little bit of fresh paint and elbow grease can go a long way into making a great impression—and getting your home sold fast!
4. You’re Emotionally Ready To Sell Your Home
The finances are one thing, but selling your home is an emotional issue too. Ask yourself the following questions before you put the “For Sale” sign out front:
Are you ready to put in the work, pack your house to get it ready for potential buyers?
Are you prepared to be able to leave your homes so it can be shown to buyers?
Are you ready for honest negotiations over what buyers are willing to pay for your home or may want to be fixed on your home before they agree to buy?
Are you ready to move out and leave the place where your family has made memories?
Finally, have you looked at what is out there on the market for your next home, and are you ready to start the home hunting process?
You must be ready both financially and emotionally before you sell. It’s also good to note that in Boise’s hot real estate market buying a home can be a challenge and more expensive than what you are used to. Being realistic and not expecting to sell high and buy low is important, but rather understand you are selling to better accommodate the next chapter in your life.
Having a local real estate agent in Boise or the surrounding area guide you decipher if this is the right time financially and emotionally is a great step if you are still on the fence about selling.
5. You Know What’s Going On In Your Local Real Estate Market
You’ve been following the real estate facts and trends for the past couple of years and realize that real estate in Boise, Idaho continues to increase in value. Although we can’t predict 100% how the housing market will perform in 2021 we can estimate based on the past year that home prices will continue to rise as we move into the next year.
Supply and demand is the reason we can reasonably expect the market to stay hot as we venture into 2021. Boise is at just a two week supply of homes for sale and Ada and Canyon Counties, in general, are not too far from that number. With buyers moving here from all over the country to escape big-city life and get a taste of the great lifestyle and more affordable living in Southern Idaho it appears the demand will continue to grow.
In other words, if you are selling a house there is no better time financially as it is definitely in the seller’s favor to sell. Buying can be more challenging, but as prices continue to increase that means buying sooner than later could mean starting to build equity quickly.
So, are you ready to sell? Maybe you didn’t meet all the five signs and need to reevaluate later. Regardless, if you have questions and want more information about the local real estate market and if it makes sense to sell please contact top real estate agent for Boise, Idaho, and the surrounding area, Jennifer Louis at (208) 509-9122 or [email protected] for a free consultation, with no obligation.
Cucina Di Paolo is a Boise icon and legend, due to their location and Betty the Washerwoman, and of course their famous lasagna. Some would even say this family-owned restaurant serves Boise’s favorite Italian Lasagna.
Update: On October 24, 2020, the co-owner and Chef of Cucina di Paolo, Paul Wegner passed away. You can read his obituary written by his beloved wife and business partner here(warning: have kleenex on hand).
This small business has touched the hearts and stomachs of locals and those passing through for nearly 30 years. If you were ever lucky enough to have been there during their mad lunch rush you would have seen the Wegners in full swing, cooking gourmet meals, making customers smile, all while never missing a beat.
2020 has been a tough year for so many of our local businesses in the Boise Metro Area. If you have the chance and would like to try a knock your socks off lasagna, (just like your Italian grandma used to make) then you must head over to Cucina di Paolo.
Original blog post:
In this video, we explore and taste the delicious recipes of the well-known little eatery on Vista Ave in Boise’s Bench neighborhood. Known for their home-cooked meals, and out-of-the-world lasagna and desserts, the Owners, Paul and Mary Jean Wegner make Cucina di Paolo a MUST to dine in or take out when in Boise.
When we first moved to The Bench in Boise one of the first things we noticed was Betty the Washerwoman, a mechanical woman washing clothes far above the cozy little Cucina di Paolo. We noticed she was dressed for the season and each month we anticipated her next costume. From a spring cleaning outfit to a school teacher to the Spring Bunny, Betty has yet to disappoint.
After months of passing and noticing a constant full parking lot in front of Cucina di Paolo, we decided to check it out ourselves. We were not disappointed. The cozy restaurant is typically full at lunch and dinner with customers waiting in line to order. The place is bursting with energy as Paul Wegner bustles around the kitchen preparing his delicious recipes while Mary Jean takes orders, prepares her scrumptious desserts, jokes, and chats with the guests.
We ordered the most delicious lasagna and homemade meatballs and we knew we were in love. Not to mention the adorable side patio with plenty of cozy seating to make you feel you’re right in Italy eating Mama’s homemade cooking. And that’s the feeling that Cucina di Paolo gives, great homecooked food, made with love by people who truly love Boise. If you haven’t checked it out yet we highly recommend it. Let us know what you think.
Moving to Boise or new to the area? Check out other great blog articles introducing the wonderful neighborhoods around town, local businesses, and fun activities for the whole family, and of course insight into the Boise real estate market. Considering buying a home? Click here to get started.
Jennifer Louis is a Real Estate Agent servicing the entire Boise Metro Area passionate about the homes in the area and the local community. If you’d like to learn more about this fantastic area, a home for sale, or how to best prepare your home to sell please set up a free consultation at (208) 509-9122 or [email protected]
Quickly becoming one of Boise’s most sought after neighborhoods, Hillcrest is located in Boise’s Central/South Bench area and is next to the Hillcrest Country Club. Known for it’s tree-lined streets, tucked away in the South part of the Central Bench with charming mid-century homes and beautiful views of the Owyhee Mountains. If you’d like to know more about one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boise please let me know.
Jennifer Louis, Boise Area Real Estate Expert is a relocation specialist for Boise and the Treasure Valley. Helping hundreds succeed in finding their perfect home while simultaneously assisting homeowners to prepare and sell their homes.
Jennifer Louis, Boise Area Real Estate Expert is a relocation specialist for Boise and the Treasure Valley. Helping hundreds succeed in finding their perfect home while simultaneously assisting homeowners to prepare and sell their homes. 