APM BLOG

You’ve just bought a home. Congrats! Now, you may wake up every morning feeling exactly as you did when you were renting. After all, aside from a new home and possibly a new neighborhood, not much has changed in your day-to-day life. 

While this may be true of your daily routine, your first year as a homeowner comes with some subtle differences compared to renting. For one, you’ve locked in your housing costs—and your residence—for as long as you want. There is also the peace of mind that comes with knowing that this property is yours. 

July 4—also known as Independence Day in the U.S.—celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  

You may have known that much, but there is so much more behind this beloved summer holiday, so let’s dive right in!

Believe it or not, there are many, many people who want to see you in the home of your dreams. We know that dream doesn’t always seem attainable. Money can be tight, and a down payment is just one more thing you have to save for.

Interest rates are still attractive, and inventory is creeping up, which means now is a great time to jump into the housing market! Here’s the thing, though. While “Zillowing” has become one of America’s favorite pastimes, actually buying a home isn’t as simple as jumping into the market. Unless you’re a cash buyer. In which case, bravo to you! 

The flowers are popping, the rabbits are hopping, and that dark winter sky is in the rearview mirror. That can only mean one thing: spring is finally here!

Your kids may feel more cooped up than usual this year thanks to the pandemic, homeschooling, and a series of winter storms throughout much of the U.S. So dust off your outdoor clothes and head into the sunshine—we’re about to make up for that lost time.

We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home, but what happens when the home you love no longer meets all your needs? You may feel trapped in the home you have, but that’s not really the case. You do have a few options to consider.

An accessory dwelling unit, or “ADU,” is a fancy phrase for a smaller stand-alone space on your property. They’re oftentimes referred to as guest houses, granny flats, or even pool houses. These modest spaces are functional, livable, and super convenient if you need more room but don’t feel like packing up and moving into a new home entirely.

The reasons to build an accessory dwelling unit are almost as diverse as the units themselves. Maybe your home feels cramped now that you’re trying to work from home while your kids are homeschooling. Maybe you have parents or in-laws who are at that stage where they need a little help but aren’t ready (or you’re not ready) for an assisted facility. The same can be true of college students or adult children who need to save money or perhaps have encountered some career or financial obstacles.

Everyone under one roof. The notion is becoming more and more common nowadays, especially during the pandemic. You have college students who no longer need to live on campus due to remote learning, adult children who are trying to save money, and aging parents who may need assistance but are not comfortable in a nursing home environment right now.

There are many benefits of living in a multigenerational home, not the least of which is the quality time you have with family members that you would otherwise miss out on. This has become particularly relevant during the pandemic, as social distancing and restrictions often prevent loved ones from not only gathering on a regular basis but also on family-focused holidays. This scenario is even more heartbreaking for elderly relatives, especially those in nursing homes whose compromised immune systems mean visitors are often not allowed.

New Year, new you, right? This mantra doesn’t just apply to fitness goals—it encompasses all the resolutions you commit to tackling in 2021 with renewed purpose. For many, those resolutions take the form of financial goals (hey, new year, new home does have a nice ring to it!).

Whether you’re looking to make a big-ticket purchase, plump up your savings account, or embark on a trip around the world once COVID-19 is history, establishing a few financial goals will ensure your wallet and heart are on the same page.

The 2020 holiday season will undoubtedly be one for the books. While the phrase “home for the holidays” may take on new meaning, there is still lots to be thankful for as we inch toward the New Year.

Here are just a few things on our radar.

When we think of Thanksgiving celebrations, we likely think of family, friends, amazing food, festive cocktails, and tunes. We also may think of that post-feast nap on the couch! You likely have already established your traditions over the years that might include specific menus, pre- or post-dinner activities, and even the guest list. Traditions are a wonderful way to bring family history and beloved memories with us throughout the generations. While it’s important (dare we say imperative?) to keep traditions going, it’s also fun to create new traditions to add to the mix as well.

Halloween, as well as our everyday lives, looks a bit different this year. We’re navigating through a pandemic and adapting at every turn. Halloween brings a unique set of problems when you have little ones, who sometimes plan months in advance for the big day. The good news is that we can still make it fun and safe  for everyone with a little planning and creativity. Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas to consider:

The new COVID world has been challenging for all of us. From working from home, while assisting children with distance learning, and trying to keep a household running is a lot on the plate! With this new normal, we’ve put together a few tips to help balance the thousand balls you have in the air. 

Moving to a new neighborhood can be so exciting! You’ve got a new home to make your own, a neighborhood to explore and different amenities at your disposal. This is a brand-new chapter filled with endless possibilities! 

Relocating is on the minds of many Americans right now for a few reasons. These include the current work-from-home (WFH) culture spurred by COVID-19, career changes and low interest rates. Companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter have even given many employees the permanent option of working from home. This is causing change in our major cities as workers consider where they would want to live if their job’s location wasn’t a factor.

Memorial Day is traditionally celebrated with cookouts and parties and often signifies the beginning of the summer season. It’s important, however, to respect and observe the actual meaning of Memorial Day, which is a National Day of Mourning honoring those who have died serving the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s important to remember that for many, this is a tough day. It’s difficult to raise a glass and light off fireworks and smile with the crowd when the observance hits close to home.

April showers bring May flowers, right? Well, yes…if the seeds have already been planted! If not, this is the ideal time to give your outdoor space a little TLC. Fixing up your yard can foster a pride in ownership, give the neighbors something beautiful to look at and, best of all, even increase the selling value of your home!

Your home is where your heart is. For most of us right now, it’s also where our business is, our family is and our attention is. It’s safe to say your home is where you’re spending the majority of your time – and quite possibly a majority of your income – so make sure this investment pays off by keeping your home in the best shape possible!