Helping Vets find their way to their perfect home.

Designers say these styles need to be ghosted.

October 16, 2023 Design & Architecture, Design Trends By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey

10. All-white bathrooms

In an interior design world that now howls for more color, all-white bathrooms are starting to feel cold and dead. More than a quarter of interior designers surveyed by Fixr.com, a home remodeling site, called out all-white bathrooms as the top home trend they hope will slither away into the ethos. Instead, designers want to see more color: Nearly 60% of designers called colorful bathroom interiors, especially through shower tiles, a hot trend to embrace this year.

9. Outdoor maximalism

Since the pandemic, homeowners have been trying to use every square inch of their yards. They’re filling their outdoor spaces with abundant potted plants intermingled with firepits, yard games, party lights, outdoor kitchens, statues and accessories, gardens—all accented by brightly colored furnishings, pillows and patterned rugs. Sure, color is in—but this can grow into an overly designed nightmare. Designers say it’s time to scale back some of that overdone outdoor style. Stick to one neutral color palette and let the greenery and nature surrounding you serve as your main outdoor focal point.

8. Black stainless steel appliances

We’ve heard the screams of horror from some homeowners who say this alternative stainless steel finish is not living up to its hype. They’ve complained it’s prone to peeling, chipping and flaking. Their complaints have even sparked a class-action lawsuit(link is external), accusing one major manufacturer for perceived defects from its black coating. Traditional silver metallic stainless and black stainless are actually made from the same material, but black stainless has a coat of black paint. If it scratches, the shiny steel could potentially pop through underneath and make for some highly visible scratches.

7. Bouclé fabrics

Bouclé has become a popular choice for sectional sofas and chairs. But they’re not just being used as accents; they’re getting scattered all over the home. Designers warn that the look isn’t aging well. Bouclé fabrics are made from a tightly woven, looped yarn material, often crafted from wool, cotton or linen. It appears lumpy, textured and foam-like. It’s often used in curved furnishings to offer warmth and cozy vibes. But here’s some bad news for bouclé: The fabric can be prone to pilling, is not pet-friendly and sometimes appears dirty, particularly when used in off-white or creamy fabrics.

6. Zellige tiles

These Moroccan clay tiles, which are often shaped like small squares, are known for their imperfections. No two Zellige tiles look alike. But those imperfections can look sloppy, particularly on a kitchen backsplash or as shower tile with a shiny glaze that spotlights its unevenness. Particularly concerning, Zellige tiles installed on the floor could pose a trip hazard due to their unevenness and irregular shapes.

5. Super shiny surfaces

Grab your sunglasses. From cabinet fronts to countertops, stainless steel appliances to range hoods, and backsplashes to floors, the trend toward shiny, glossy surfaces is reflecting poorly. These overly polished fixtures are now getting swapped out for more organic, natural materials and textures. Countertops, for example, were once favored in polished, super-shined quartz or granite. Designers are now showing preference for honed or matted finishes offering a softer sheen that’s less reflective and has a more organic, slightly textured finish.

4. Low backsplashes

Another fading trend is the mini backsplash, which has a small edging that creeps up ever-so slightly around bathroom and kitchen countertops. Under today’s design lens, these now appear unfinished and underwhelming. Plus, the lower backsplashes aren’t providing much protection for the walls—which is the original purpose of a backsplash, after all. Fixr.com called out low backsplashes as one of designers’ least favorite kitchen trends for 2023. Instead, take backsplashes to new heights—even all the way to the ceiling—for grander statements.

3. Mirrored furniture

Designers love mirrors, but the trend went into overdrive. Mirrored furnishings, like nightstands and dressers, were meant to exude luxury and Hollywood glam. But you may want to reserve that flashy bling for the lighting fixtures, not the furnishings. Mirrored furnishings were last popular in the 1980s, and their quick re-emergence lately is already feeling outdated. Plus, designers say that mirrored furnishings are prone to fingerprints, smudges and bad reflections. (We see what’s hiding under that bed!)

2. Dining benches

Backless bench seating used for kitchen dining tables were to help hide bulky chairs. These low-profile benches could easily slide underneath the table. They came in style with the farmhouse décor fad. But these benches are uncomfortable, cumbersome to slide onto, and can create an awkward moment of entrapment for whomever finds themselves stuck in the middle. Let’s bring back the chairs!  

1. Blobs

The “blobby” home trend—also dubbed the “blobject”—has ushered in amoeba-like shapes in décor and furnishings, including curvy tables, wavy mirrors, plump furnishings and mushroom-like lamps. Similarly, a TikTok trend earlier this year unleashed a popular and potentially dangerous DIY project: using spray-foam insulation(link is external) (the toxic industrial foam used by builders) to coat tables, mirrors and home accessories. This globby, gooey gak coated many home accessories, making for foamy, wavy edges. Interior design influencer Phoenix Grey, known as the “Design Daddy,” called this one of the worst home design trends of 2023 and said the result “looks like it’s pulled from the intestines of a horror movie.” We agree! The blobs and spray foam are in stark contrast to the straight edges and clean lines that once dominated interior design. We welcome change, but sometimes a blob is just a blob. And, well, that’s not always pretty. 

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Buying a house is one of the most exciting times in your life, but when you’re buying a house in another state, it adds a layer of complication (and stress) to the entire process. However, buying a house out of state is hardly unusual. This guide will show you what to consider when moving and how to get a mortgage loan out-of-state, so you can navigate the process with confidence.

American Eagle Mortgage : SEPTEMBER 2023

Why Consider Buying a House Out of State?

Relocation for Work or Family

Many homebuyers find themselves searching for a home in another state because they’re moving for a new job. Others may find that as their family grows, they want to relocate to their home state to receive the support of extended family. Likewise, retirees may move to a different state to be closer to their children or grandchildren.

If you’re relocating for work, be sure to discuss possible relocation services that may be available from your company. These packages can include financing house-hunting trips, covering your cost of moving and temporary housing you may need.

Improved Cost of Living

Some homebuyers discover that the cost of living is much lower in another state. That typically includes the housing market, which means that you can often purchase a larger home in a favorable location without having to increase your purchase budget.

Second Property Investment

Of course, you may not be moving at all but purchasing a home in another state to serve as a rental property. For example, you might purchase beachfront property in another state in the hopes of generating income from vacation rentals.

How to Research the Housing Market in Another State

It’s time to start house hunting – but how do you research the area if you live in a different state? Here are a few tips that can aid you in your search for an out-of-state home:

Using Online Real Estate Websites

You’re probably already familiar with most of the popular online real estate websites. You can conduct a home search in the state (or even city) where you’re moving to learn more about the real estate market. The best sites also provide photos or even virtual tours of available homes, which can give you a better feel for your options.

Working with Local Real Estate Agents

It’s important to try and work with a local real estate agent. They may be able to show you how to buy a house out of state since they’ve helped countless other homebuyers achieve the same goal. They can provide unique insights into local ordinances or laws pertaining to property lines and more.

And if you’re moving to a neighboring state, your real estate agent may be able to connect you to other real estate professionals in your new state who can guide you through the steps of buying a house in a different state.

Visiting the Area in Person

Depending on geography, traveling to the area can be the most challenging step. But if you’re planning to uproot your life to purchase a home in a new state, it may be worthwhile. A trip to your new city may also help you narrow down your desired neighborhood.

Compare Costs of Living

You can also use the internet to compare the costs of living between states and cities. The website bestplaces.net offers a cost-of-living calculator as well as online reviews and data on crime, home prices, and other details.

How to Get a Mortgage Loan Out-of-State

Financing is one of the most important steps of the homebuying process. The following tips can connect you to a mortgage lender that can provide guidance on how to get a mortgage loan out-of-state:

Finding a Lender in Another State

First, you’ll need to narrow your search for mortgage lenders licensed in the state to which you’re moving. Don’t worry if you can’t visit the mortgage loan officer in person; many of the core documents and processes can be completed electronically.

If you’re moving for a new job, make sure to provide the lender with a copy of your job offer and your future salary.

Remote Inspection and Closing

Before you buy a home, you can conduct a remote home inspection and an appraisal to validate the condition and value of the home. Once you make a purchase, you’ll work with your lender and a title company to pay any closing costs to complete the sale.

Tomorrow’s Journey Starts Today!

August 2, 2023 | The City of Sanibel received the following information from Lee County

Information Received from Lee County:

Board votes to support “Savor the Shore” campaign to boost restaurants and attractions

Fort Myers, FL, Aug. 1, 2023 – The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to waive tolls on the Sanibel Causeway for the next six Sundays in support of the “Savor the Shore” campaign organized by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Tolls on the Causeway will be waived each Sunday through Sept. 10. The campaign is intended to encourage residents to enjoy access to local restaurants and attractions during the off-season. Tolls are waived each Sunday on the Causeway only, not additional Lee County bridges.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.

Contact: Betsy Clayton, APR/CPRC

Communications Director

Lee County Government

239-533-2221

LeeCountyPIO@leegov.com

24, July, 2023 | Peter Craig, Heidrick & Company Insurance

Bottom Line:

First, the not-so-good news. No, your property insurance bill isn’t likely to come down anytime soon. Now for the better news. Yes, you are likely to have access to more property insurance options soon which will provide the potential for you to be able to save in future years as the first meaningful signs of Florida’s property insurance reforms are starting to take hold in the insurance industry. It’s been years since we’ve had any positive news on Florida’s property insurance front. And with the average windstorm policy now in the neighborhood of $2,850 per single family home per year – the need for relief is no doubt here.

Florida’s officials prepared us for the likelihood that the reforms which were passed last year would take years to fully feel the effects of. And the primary reason for that is the need for Florida’s existing claims and lawsuits to work their way out of the system. And for perspective on just how long that can be, the final deadline for 2017’s Hurricane Irma claims was June 1st of this year. But while it may take years to see and feel the full effects of the reforms, the first sign as to if we’re on the right path is stability. And that’s what we’re starting to see. 

Aon has released a mid-year report on the worldwide property insurance market. And it just so happened that Florida’s improvements were a key storyline not just for the Florida property insurance market but throughout the world. Quoting the report: While still early days, there are encouraging signs of future growth opportunities for insurers and reinsurers in Florida. As tort reform leads to lower overall loss costs, insurance and reinsurance capital is likely to flow back into the market. Florida’s windstorm insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, continues to grow, creating opportunities for profitable depopulation. 

We’ve got a long way to go but we now have our first evidence that last year’s reforms are starting to work.

10, July, 2023 | Peter Craig, Heidrick & Company Insurance

Citizens is responsible for paying hurricane and other covered claims to its policyholders. If Citizens funds are depleted after a catastrophic event, resulting in a deficit, assessments are levied according to Florida law. This ability to levy assessments provides Citizens with resources to pay claims after an event. 

A broad base of licensed Florida property and casualty insurance companies, including property and automobile insurers are assessed if a deficit remains. These companies are required to remit their share of the Regular Assessment to Citizens within 30 days of the levy and are permitted to recoup this amount by passing it on their policyholders at renewal. Insureds who purchase coverage from surplus lines insurers are also subject to the regular assessment. This assessment can be up to 6 percent per account of assessable premium. That means that assessable insurers, and thus their policyholders, could be assessed a maximum of 18 percent of assessable premium if there is a deficit in all 3 of Citizens’ accounts. This assessment is a one-time assessment. Citizens policyholders are not charged this assessment. If the Citizens Policyholder Surcharge and the Regular Assessment do not cure a deficit for any account, the Emergency Assessment is levied.

Emergency Assessments can be up to 10% per account per year for each of Citizens’ three accounts. It is levied on both Citizens and non-Citizens policyholders for as many years as necessary until the deficit is resolved.

24, May, 2023 | American Eagle Mortgage

An FHA 203K loan, also known as a rehab loan, is a type of loan offered by the Federal Housing Administration. This loan allows you to purchase or refinance a home that needs repairs or renovations. The main benefit of this loan is that you can include the cost of home renovation in the total loan amount, making it easier to finance your home improvements.

An advantage of this renovation loan is that you don’t need all the money upfront. This can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to buy a house in an area with high-priced homes or if you don’t have enough savings to cover the costs of home repairs.

Two Types of FHA 203K Loans

Standard FHA 203K

Standard 203K loans cover repairs such as structural work or extensive repairs. So, the maximum amount loaned is not capped although the minimum amount that can be collected is $5,000.

Some repairs a standard FHA 203K loan covers include:

• Repairs or renovations that require architectural plans or engineering work
• Improvement of health or safety concerns
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
• Improvements or additions that need an architectural plan
• Major landscaping work

Limited FHA 203K

Limited 203K loans are used for homes that do not require many repairs. These loan types do not cover the house’s structural work. Also, limited 203K loan requirements state that the house must be livable throughout repairs and renovation. These loans are capped at a $35,000 budget.

Examples of repairs that limited FHA 203K loan covers include:

• Replacement or repairs for heating and cooling systems
• Plumbing and electrical fixes
• Window or door replacements and repairs
• Making the home more energy efficient
• Replacement or repairs on roofing and gutters

Eligibility Requirements

Down payment, credit score, and history

As always, a low credit score will affect anything regarding loans. Your credit score, credit history, and down payment must be within acceptable limits.

If you plan on making a 3.5% down payment, you will need a minimum credit score of 580. Any score between 500-579 requires a 10% minimum. Some lenders have different minimum score requirements, so it is best to check with a loan officer first.

Mortgage insurance premiums

A mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) are critical components of all FHA loans. They protect lenders if a borrower defaults on the loan. MIPs do not have a set rate, while UFMIPs do.

The MIP is paid on a monthly basis with the mortgage. UFMIP can be financed into the loan amount, so the borrower does not have to pay it out of pocket at the time of closing.

Unlike how conventional loans can be removed once the borrower reaches a certain level of equity in the home, MIPs cannot be canceled.

Lender Choice

Not all lenders can be hired when it comes to an FHA 203K loan since they must be FHA-approved. Do your research and compare rates, fees, and services among different lenders. More information or Apply now…

Design experts are sharing what’s in this year, plus what styles are on the way out.

BY MONIQUE VALERISUPDATED: FEB 23, 2023

If you’ve been searching for the right opportunity to add more style, vigor and comfort to your space, you’ll appreciate this list. We checked in with professional designers and industry players for their take on the top interior design trends for 2023.

Some of their picks confirm that certain things like: shades of blue, personality-packed rugs fit for maximalists, statement window treatments and high-style marble slabs in kitchens, stand the test of time. After all, a few of these were also highlighted in our feature on the leading design trends for 2022. But other trend predictions may surprise you: plaster walls, high-gloss wood finishes and full-on craft rooms are just a few examples to note.

All in all, use this list of the biggest design trends for 2023, including trending kitchen ideas, to bring your own space to life in the coming year. And remember that this forecast isn’t a mandate to embark on a gut renovation if that’s not in the cards for you right now. Sometimes the smallest design upgrades — the right color palette, hardware style, piece of furniture or decorative accent — are all it takes to give a room a fresh, picture-perfect look. Get started on your dream kitchen, living room, bedroom retreat or just about any other space that could use a refresh.

1. Sustainable Design Choices
2. Indestructible Fabrics
3. Saturated Paint Colors
4. Plaster
5. Micro Luxury
6. Listening Rooms
7. Natural Stone Slabs
8. Muted Colors

Read More…