Self-Employed and Ready to Buy a Home?

Being self-employed comes with many benefits. Buying a home isn’t one of them. When you work for yourself, the home buying process will be a little different than people who have jobs that provide them with W2’s at the end of the year. What’s the difference? You will need to provide a lot more documentation.

Because your income is structured differently you typically need to show at least two years of tax returns, which includes your 1040 tax returns, and all schedules. Why? Your bank is looking for consistencies in your income that show you are making enough money to get approved for the loan amount you want.

Here’s where it gets tricky. Individuals that are self-employed (yours truly included), tend to want to write off EVERYTHING we can! When you do this, you reduce your overall net income. This makes getting a mortgage harder because it reduces your debt-to-income ratio. If you plan on buying a home in the near future hold back on many deductions as possible. This may hurt you come tax time but it will help you in the long run to get the mortgage you want (and it’s only temporary, after you get the house you can go back to taking those deductions).

Make sure you register and license your business. This will show the bank you have a legitimate business.

Consider paying yourself as an employee so you can give yourself a W2 at the end of the year.

And of course, if possible lower your debt. Banks will see you as less of a risk if you don’t carry a lot of debt.

It’s not impossible to buy a home if you are self-employed. You just need to come up with a game plan so you’re not shocked when it comes time to chat with a lender!

5 Smart Home Products That Will Help You Save You Money

Smart-home technology offers entertainment, convenience, and peace of mind, but did you know that it can help lower energy bills and save homeowners money? These 5 smart home items are meant to help renters and homeowners alike save on their energy bills each month. It’s a win-win for both our wallets and the environment.

Nest Learning 3rd Generation Thermostat

Nest’s Learning Thermostat is a WiFi-enabled device that can automatically adjust heating and cooling settings for optimal performance — meaning it’s constantly making sure you’re saving energy. You can also change the temperature through the Nest app, or with your voice through your home assistant (Ok, Google, can you turn the heat up to 74?).

Studies have shown that homes with a Nest saved an average of 10-12% on heating, and 15% on cooling, with average savings ranging around $140 per year. This means that within two years of installing it, the Nest Thermostat literally pays for itself — it’s a surefire way to make sure you’re both doing something good for the environment and have lower bills every month.

Lutron Caseta Wireless Home Automation Smart Kit (light dimmers)

No one likes coming home at night to a pitch-black house. But, this kit allows you to turn on your lights from your phone — which also eliminates the need to set timers! It also has a light dimmer, which allows you to control the brightness of up to 17 light bulbs. Bonus: it takes less than 15 minutes to install, and is so easy that you can do it on your own!

Samsung SmartThins 120-Volt White Smart Plug

This smart plug, which works with a SmartThings hub or compatible devices with SmartThing hub functionality, will let you say goodbye to second guessing whether or not you turned off appliances, because it lets you control outlets from your phone.

Making something in a slow cooker, but won’t be home in time to turn it off? No biggie, just do it from your phone! The best part? If a light or electronic is left on, it sends a notification to your phone to notify you to turn it off.

If switching out the light switches with the Lutron Caseta is more than you’d like to take on, this is the perfect alternative (especially for renters!) so you can control lights when you aren’t home. It’s an amazing option for people who travel a lot or get home late. You may also love the Smart Plug as an alternative for controlling holiday twinkle lights so you don’t have to crawl under the tree or mess with timers.

Don’t have a SmartThings hub? No sweat! There is a range of smart plugs that are compatible with everything, and even a smart plug that doesn’t require a hub!

Samsung SmartThings ADT White Indoor Flood Sensor

Flooding can be a huge fear; pipes can burst or get clogged, and damage can be happening within your walls without you being aware of it.  This flood sensor can eliminate all your fears of flooding by sensing water leaks, which alerts you when pools of water form under your pipes. It’s perfect for any moisture-rich spot in your home, like your basement or under a sink. Plus, it’s small and sleek design makes it easy to tuck away, out of sight, out of mind.

Rachio 16-Station Wi-Fi Compatible Irrigation Timer

If you classify as a homeowner with an abundant amount of yard space, this one’s for you! This timer for your sprinkler system is controllable by your phone and tablets, and automatically adjusts to the weather, based on your local weather forecast, so no more are the days of worrying if you’re over or underwatering your plants or yard. Did we mention you can save up to 50% of your outdoor water use? Meaning you can save water AND money at the same time.

Article courtesy of The Everygirl

Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Autumn is a great time to peruse your property, and assess things that might need preventive maintenance before the weather turns cold. Although a whole-house check can feel overwhelming, it’s essential so that you can avoid major repairs later.

Wondering where to start? Here’s a guide to fall chores you can’t afford to ignore.

Outdoor Jobs

Remove Dead Leaves

Fallen leaves can kill grass when they’re matted down by snow. Leaf piles can also attract rodents. But using leaf bags means work, and waste if they go into a landfill.
 Make use of your lawn mower’s mulching mode. Ground-up leaves nourish the soil, which saves you money down the line. You might need to make a few passes to slice the leaves small enough to decay. Along with saving the cost of leaf bags, you sidestep the back-breaking stooping and bending of raking and bagging.

Check the Roof

Leaks can eventually damage the wood sheathing and rafters below your shingles, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. Use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles safely from the ground. Consider having a roofing pro check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys for leaks, and the rubber boots near vents for cracks that can let moisture seep in.

Clear Gutters

Gutters stuffed with leaves, pine needles, and other debris can let water spill over the side, pool around your home’s foundation, and seep inside. Water that freezes in gutters can force snow and ice into roof shingles, causing damage and leaks. Consider a gutter-guard system to keep debris out. Make sure that gutter drains extend 5 feet from the house and that soil slopes away from the foundation 1 inch per foot for 6 feet or more.

Close Your Hose

Pipes can burst when water inside expands as it freezes, creating an expensive mess in your home. Shut off inside valves that control water flow to hose spigots. Then briefly open the spigots to drain any leftover water in pipes and hoses. Also drain water from supply lines for water sprinklers and pools, and shut off inside valves that control them. And help prevent freezing by insulating pipes in unheated areas.

Indoor Jobs

Get Your Heating System Serviced and Update the Thermostat

Photo courtesy of Honeywell

This might be the MOST important thing you do to prepare for winter!  Having your HVAC system serviced now will ensure that your heating system is functioning properly when you need it most. The last thing you want is for winter to come and your system decides to die. A simple inspection can save you money by making sure your system is working efficiently which helps keep your utility bills low. The other thing you can do is replace your thermostat.  This is something simple you can do yourself to help control the temperature in your home throughout the winter. Simply lowering temperatures by 10° F to 15° F while you’re at work or asleep can trim 15 percent from your heating bill.

Minimize Drafts

You want to check your home for any drafts around your windows and doors. You can purchase kits to seal your windows for around $25-40 per window. This can get really expensive, but it’s more affordable than replacing your windows. If you do have the money to replace drafty windows, now’s a good time to do so. You can also purchase new seals for your doors to help minimize drafts. 

Clean Your Chimney

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

A wood-burning fireplace may be cozy, but creosote buildup can impede the flow of smoke and cause chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even unused chimneys can develop cracks that weaken the structure. If your chimney hasn’t had a recent inspection, now’s the time.

Article courtesy of Consumer Reports and Unexpected Elegance

10 Ways to Plan Ahead for House Guests

Hosting Thanksgiving or another holiday celebration this year? Getting your home ready for all of your friends and family may seem like a stressful task, but with just a few simple steps, you can get your house ready and welcoming in no time.

Here are ten things you should do if you’re preparing for houseguests this holiday season.

A Quick Clean is All it Takes

It’s always a good idea to clean up around the house before guests arrive. No, you don’t have to go through every nook and cranny of your home with a duster. Simply take the vacuum on quick trip through all the spaces that you and your guests will be spending time in throughout their stay. A quick cleaning of the most noticeable surfaces (coffee tables, countertops, end tables, nightstands) goes a long way, too.

Clear the Way for Coats

Whether your guests are staying multiple nights or just for a few hours, you can make a great first impression by preparing the entryway to your home for the coats your guests are sure to be wearing. Make it evident where guests can leave their coats, whether you have some hooks to hang them on or a handful of hangers in a closet to use.

Prepare a Welcome Basket for Overnight Guests

In the rush of the holiday season, it probably won’t come as a surprise if someone forgets their toothbrush or shampoo. Leaving a small basket filled with toiletries in the guest room is a great way to welcome your guests and ensure they have everything they need to be comfortable for the duration of their stay.

Extra Blankets? Yes, Please.

It goes without saying that you’ll want to give your guests some fresh sheets for their bed. But it’s also a good idea to leave out an extra blanket or two in the guest room should someone need them in the night.

You Can Always Count on Candles

Set a warm, relaxed mood throughout your entire home by strategically placing candles. Not only will your home smell wonderful, but it’ll provide the perfect ambience for the holidays, too.

Don’t Try to Do It All

There’s no better way to make a house guest feel uncomfortable than to be working, cleaning, and cooking the whole time your guests are with you. Give you and your guests a chance to relax and enjoy each other. No one will care if the kitchen is sparkling or the sheets are ironed. And when there is work to do, accept every offer wash the dishes or set the table. Be a team and let everyone help out.

Have a Plan

Make a written list of things to do and try to have a loose schedule for each day of the visit. Don’t waste time planning at the last minute or the time will fly by. Once you’ve all decided what you’ll do, make sure everyone is ready to go as scheduled.

Get out of the House

With extra people in the house, you might feel overwhelmed. Check out schedules for plays, concerts, movies, or museum exhibitions. If you are able, buy the tickets so that there’s no excuse for not going. Be sure everyone knows the schedule.

Have Fun Outside

Depending on the weather where you live, plan a long hike, a bike ride, go ice skating at a local rink or even plan a picnic in the local park. If it’s too chilly, drive away to a new town for luncheon at a charming cafe, hike indoors around the local mall, or visit a rec center where everyone can work out on their machine or activity of choice.

Most of All, Enjoy It

Photo courtesy Shutterstock

It may seem like a lot to remember and get ready during a busy time of the year, but once your guests are settled in, be sure to take some time to enjoy the company of your closest family and friends. Happy holidays!

How to Get Your Gutters Ready for Fall and Winter

When fall arrives, it’s time to prepare for the stormy, rainy, snowy winter months ahead. Among your top priorities should be gutter cleaning and repair. Here are some ways to keep your roof draining and the water flowing freely all winter long.

1. Clean leaves and other debris out of the gutters.

  • An old plastic spatula makes a great tool for cleaning debris from gutters. It doesn’t scratch up the gutter, and you can cut it with snips to fit gutter contours. Grime wipes right off the spatula too, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Your plumber’s snake is a great tool for pulling clumps of wet leaves out of clogged downspouts.

2. Repair sagging metal gutters by mounting a gutter hanger.

  • Hook the hanger under the front edge and over the back edge of the gutter.
  • Then drive the hex head screw through the wood trim behind the gutter.
  • The hangers will be stronger if you screw them into a rafter.
  • Look for nail heads, which indicate rafter locations.
  • Add new hangers about every 3 ft. along the entire length of the gutters, if the old ones have let go.
  • Another style of gutter hanger slides under the shingles and is nailed to the roof boards. If you use this type, be sure the shingles are flexible enough to be lifted without breaking.

3. Seal leaking end caps.

  • Even if you have seamless gutters, there’s going to come a time when the end caps leak. If that time has arrived, seal the leaks.
  • Scour off oxidation around the seam or end cap with a scrub brush or coarse steel wool.
  • Rinse with water and let the area dry.
  • Squirt a bead of sealer around the seam or end cap and work it in with a gloved finger. Let it dry.

4. Add gutter covers.

  • Add a gutter cover to reduce the amount of debris that enters your gutter system in the first place.
  • Begin by cleaning debris from gutters, using a scoop and a bucket to avoid leaving a trail of debris around the house.

5. Install gutter and roof heating cables.

  • Adding gutter heating products is a great idea if you live in a place that gets cold in the winter, as they help prevent ice dams.
  • Purchase a heated cable specifically designed for gutters and rooftops.
  • Install it in the fall when it’s dry outside and safe to use a ladder.
  • Take one end of the cable, beginning at the corner of your roof and run zigzags to create 15-inch-wide triangles, running the cable from the overhang to the warm area of your roof.
  • Secure the cable to each shingle where the roof cable bends using brackets.
  • Run the roof cable along the inside of your gutter and down the gutter’s downspout.
  • Plug it into a GFI (grounded) outlet.

Article courtesy of Family Handyman.com

6 Tasks That Every Smart Homeowner Does in October

Temps are more chilly than warm. That’s when veteran homeowners know it’s time to do these six things if they want to avoid grief or overspending:

#1 Buy Appliances

Image: Pierre Desrosiers/Getty

Whisper to them. Do a rain dance. Whatever it takes to get your old appliances to wait until fall to go on the fritz. Manufacturers bring out their latest models during the fall, and store owners offer big sales on appliances they want to move out — like last year’s most popular dishwasher. So September, October, and November are great months to buy.

#2 Switch the Direction of Ceiling Fans

Image: Hunter Fan

Most have a switch to allow the ceiling fan blades to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise — one way pushes air down to create a nice breeze and the other sucks air up, helping to distribute the heat. Think counterclockwise when it’s warm and clockwise when it’s cool.

#3 Clean Windows

Daylight is about to dwindle so why not get as much of it as you can? Clean off all the bugs, dust, and grime from your windows while the weather is still warm enough to do so. For streak-free windows, combine ¼-cup of white vinegar with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of eco-friendly dish detergent and 2 cups of water.

Image: Prideaux Design & Alta Constructors, designer/Matt Vacca, photographer

If window cleaning isn’t a DIY job at your home, schedule a professional window cleaner (who, unlike most of us, is able to do it even when temperatures plummet) before the end of the month. The closer it gets to the holidays, the busier they get. Bright sunshine on winter’s darkest days makes it totally worthwhile.

#4 Schedule a Heating Unit Checkup

To ensure your family will be able to feel their toes all winter, schedule early in the month for your heating unit to be serviced. As temperatures drop, service companies get busier.

Whether you hire your heating company’s technician or a contractor to do it, they’ll clean soot and corrosion from the combustion chamber, replace filters, and check the whole system for leaks, clogs, or damage. Nothing pairs with a pending blizzard better than the assurance that you’ll be weathering the storm with warm air piping through the vents and cocoa in hand.

#5 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace

It’s time to dust off and sweep the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So yeah, it’s pretty important.

Tip: If you don’t already have a chimney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it — and (yikes!) into your house.

#6 Insulate Exposed Pipes

Image: Emily Plummer (Instagram: @1930s_house_emiliaplum)

If you’ve ever dealt with a burst pipe, you know it’s a sad, wet disaster worth preventing. To avoid the stressful (not to mention, expensive) ordeal, prep your home’s exposed pipes with foam or heat tape — choosing which one will work best with your climate — to keep those pipes toasty. Remember: The most at-risk pipes are often those in unheated areas such as an attics, crawl spaces, and garages, so secure those first.

Mortgage Rates and the Fed Cut

The Federal Reserve cut its short-term benchmark rate, dropping a quarter-percentage point to a range between 1.75% and 2%. This follows a landmark rate cut in July, the first since 2008.

But what does the Fed’s decision mean for your own financial life? Interest rates affect the cost of borrowing, so a rate change can mean different things for your mortgage, your student loans and more. Below, we outline a few things to watch for.

Mortgages

Ahead of the September Fed meeting, mortgage rates reached a three-year low. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 3.56%, according to Freddie Mac. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note—currently around 1.75%—is used as a benchmark for different types of loans, including mortgages.

For those who are considering refinancing, falling rates could mean it is a good time to do so. Since the Fed’s last rate cut in July, mortgage refinancing has ticked up. Applications were up 169% in the first week of September from a year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Credit Cards

The average annual percentage rate for a new card is currently 19.24%, according to WalletHub’s September survey of more than 1,000 credit-card offers.

A decrease in interest rates can affect the average credit-card APR, which is pegged to the prime rate. That is influenced more by what the Fed does with short-term rates than longer-term yields. When interest rates are high, those carrying a hefty credit-card balance pay more.

Student Loans

For those with federal loans, interest rates are set every May based on the 10-year Treasury note auction and are fixed for the life of the loan. The rate for direct subsidized and unsubsidized undergraduate loans disbursed between now and June 30, 2020, is 4.53%.

While this rate cut won’t affect federal student loans, if low yields continue it could have an impact on loans for the 2020-2021 academic year.

If you have private education loans, however, you could pay less interest because those rates are tied to the London interbank offered rate.

High-Yield Savings Accounts and CDs

Get ready for that email from your bank that is probably going to land and tell you interest rates have changed.

The interest rates offered on savings accounts and many certificates of deposit move with the federal-funds rate set by the Fed. Firms started cutting rates on high-yield offerings over the summer. Now, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ’s Marcus account has decreased to 2.00% and Ally Financial Inc. ’s account remains at 1.9%. Robo advisers Betterment and Wealthfront have their saving products at 2.44% and 2.32%, respectively.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the average APY on a one-year CD is 0.54%, but better offers are still around, including Barclay’s at 2.40% and Marcus’s at 2.25%.

Car Loans

The average rate on a five-year new-car loan is 4.58%, according to Bankrate.com.

Most auto loans have fixed interest rates, which are pegged to Treasury yields. There isn’t a direct line between Fed moves on short-term rates and what dealers and auto lenders can charge.

Article courtesy of The Wall Street Journal

Three Home Buying Myths You Need to Know

If you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, chances are you’re getting tons of advice from everyone you mention it to. It can be pretty overwhelming which is why I want to share 3 home buying myths you need to know if you’re considering homeownership. These will help debunk some of the things you may be hearing from people who want to give their advice from the kindness of their hearts but probably aren’t professionals.

MYTH #1: You Have to Put 20% Down to Purchase a Home

This could be the biggest home buying myth of all time! Putting a minimum of 20% down on a house does have some financial benefits .. BUT it isn’t required.

There are several options when it comes to financing your home so you’ll want to meet with a local lender to discuss these options before jumping head first into the process.

There are loans that require as little as 3% down as well as resources for buyers struggling with down payment money and first time home buyer programs.

MYTH #1 Tip: Do not get pre-approved from an online lender. Find someone local who you can actually sit down with, understand your options and make the best decision for your financial future.

MYTH #2: It Doesn’t Matter if I Don’t Have a Real Estate Agent

Some buyers prefer not to commit to working with one specific agent and therefore they don’t take advantage of hiring a buyer’s agent to help them with their home purchase. This means they’re on their own for scheduling showings, being alerted of new listings and when it comes time to negotiations, they won’t have anyone working in their best interest.

This is not a great combination because it can prevent you from getting an accepted offer on the house you really love because you haven’t been educated on the market or how quickly you need to make a move. It could also result in you losing money or overspending because you don’t have anyone negotiating on your behalf. I don’t know about you but if I’m buying my first house, or any house for that matter, that does not sound like a situation I want to be in.

MYTH #2 Tip: Did you know that when you buy a home, it’s generally the seller who pays your agent’s commission? With that in mind, why wouldn’t you want a pro by your side?

MYTH #3: Wait Until “Spring” to Start Looking For Homes

Real Estate Agents hear this ALL. THE. TIME. I want to share why you shouldn’t wait for a specific time of year to start your home search, especially Spring.

There is less competition when you’re not in the prime months for buying and selling real estate. Buying in the “off season” could save you money because there are less buyers out which means less potential competition when writing an offer. It’s best to start your home search when you are ready rather than waiting for a certain time of year. There are always new listings coming on the market and you could be missing your perfect house if you want to start your search until a specific time of year.

If you’re considering homeownership, you’re already ahead of the game by knowing about these 3 myths. Your next step should be to sit down with a local Real Estate Agent who can go over the entire process with you and set you up for success.

MYTH #3 Tip: You face less competition in the fall, and you may be able to move more quickly because sellers are looking to close the deal fast.

Top Lifestyle Considerations when Buying a Home

You’re not just buying a house, you’re buying a lifestyle! That means when you’re writing out your list of must have home features and deal breakers, you need to think beyond the “house data” and figure out which features to focus on that will give you the lifestyle you want to live! As a buyer, you might say you’re looking for a 3 bedroom home with a finished basement on at least an acre and with an updated kitchen. An example of what you really might be looking for is a place to raise your growing family, a kitchen that overlooks the private backyard where you can watch your kids play catch while you make dinner, and extra space in the basement for games, toys and movie night! That’s just an example but I think you get the idea. So the lifestyle you are going to have in your new home is something you want to consider when determining which home features are best for your needs.

LOCATION

You hear it all the time in the real estate world – it’s all about the location, location, location, location… and it really is true! While you can change paint colors, counter tops and put on that massive deck you’ve always dreamed of, you can’t move your house to a new spot (not without a lot of money anyways).

Think of things like what your work commute will be like, how far of a drive you’re willing to have each day, the features you want in your community, and the school district you want to be in if that is important to you. Do you want to be in walking distance to downtown? Do you want to be set further back from the road for privacy? What about the size of the city you live in? Do you want the feel of a small town lifestyle or are you happier in a busier city? The location of your home will be something that isn’t going to change so figure out what is essential to you when it comes to the location of your home and the lifestyle it will create!

Pro Tip: Drive or walk around the area’s you are researching.  Make sure to take note of distances and time that it takes to get to some of the places you may be going to often.

Home Features

Now let’s talk about the home features that fit your lifestyle. When you think of home features it’s easy to automatically jump to your running list of criteria such as the size of the garage, how many bedrooms you want, that must have updated kitchen and all of the “house data” we mentioned. However, you are ultimately buying a lifestyle, not just a house. So here are some things for you to consider when it comes to the type of lifestyle you are ultimately looking for when you make a move! Write down these questions and really think about what your answers are:

  1. Where do you spend most of your time at home? If you love to cook and spend most of your time in the kitchen, you’ll want to prioritize the layout of the kitchen when looking for a home. You can always add in upgraded quartz countertops or that dreamy double oven but the size, layout and location of the kitchen should be a top concern if you don’t want to do any major renovations.
  2. What is something you wish you had in your current home? Open layout, home office, finished basement? Think of what you are missing in your current home that would make your new home more useful or enjoyable.
  3. What is something you no longer want in your current home? Is your yard a lot to maintain and you want something smaller less maintenance? Maybe it’s the opposite and your current yard is just too small for the lifestyle making one of your top priorities a bigger yard with privacy.
  4. Which room in your house do you spend the most time in? This is important. Identify the room you and your family use the most. What is it lacking and what elements would make it better?
  5. How much space do you need to live comfortably and be able to enjoy the things you love the most? Bigger is not always better. You want a home that fits your needs but you also, don’t want a home that is so big you have wasted space and is costly to maintain. Consider your overall lifestyle, and how your home will fit into this lifestyle.

These questions will help you determine which features could be the most important to focus on when the time comes to look for a new home. Maybe features like hardwood floors aren’t as necessary as having a layout that is perfect for entertaining and hosting holiday parties. You can always swap out flooring later but the layout will be a little harder to change!

Pro Tip: Make a list of the features that you crave. Then, rank each of those features by importance. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find a property that will check off every single box on this list, this exercise will help you focus on properties that work for you.

SAFETY

Is the area you are looking in safe? While some consider safety to be the most important factor in a neighborhood, not everyone can afford to live in a gated community, nor does everyone want to live in a community like that. However, you can look at the local police reports to see what mischief goes on in a specific area. You can even use online resources like crime maps to get an idea of the crime rate in certain areas.

*Realtors cannot discuss criminal Activity With Clients

Pro Tip: Ring has a downloadable app called Neighbors that shows you the local incidents in a given area.

BUDGET

Your lifestyle budget. It’s important to consider how much you can afford comfortably, not just what you can afford on paper.  Many buyers are pre-approved for a significantly higher amount than what they are actually comfortable spending on a monthly basis. Think about other expenses you have when it comes to your lifestyle – what else is important to you? Do you love to travel or go out to nice dinners on a regular basis? Do you love attending as many games of your favorite football team as possible? What hobbies do you have that cost money every month? Make sure to budget for your lifestyle, not just your house.

Pro Tip: Make sure the amount you spend on your house doesn’t eat up all of your extra funds so you’re not glued to the house and can’t have any fun doing the things you love!

There you have it, the top lifestyle considerations for buying a home! Location, home features that fit your lifestyle, and budgeting for your lifestyle! If you’re considering buying a new home in the near future and you want to chat more about the type of lifestyle you’re looking for, comment below or send us a direct message so we can set up a time to grab coffee!

Haven’s spotlight on a local company we love! We hope you give them a try!

Erin Taylor & Leigh-Ann Houchin of 2 Girls with Curls

H: Tell us a little about 2 Girls with Curls:

2GWC: While working at Whole Foods Market in 2011. We were constantly discussing challenges when it came to their hair, especially when finding suitable products. Even with so many new hair care lines on the market it was difficult to find that magical product that was free from chemicals, and still made our hair look healthy, moisturized and beautiful.

One day, half jokingly, we said we should start our own hair care line. This small idea grew into something tangible as we started concocting products in our own kitchens. Several months of research, along with some failed recipes led us to creating the 2 Girls with Curls product line.

H: What inspired you to start this business?

2GWC: We were inspired by the lack of natural products on the shelves that catered to curly hair.  We had both tried several brands but didn’t like the results on our hair. They were either to oily, made our hair too crunchy or had a very strong and undesirable smell.  We were on a mission to create products that increased the health of the hair while also making it look and smell great. 

H: What has been your biggest challenge through this whole process?

2GWC: Not having owned a business of this type we had a lot of learning to do.  Most of the learning was happening as we were progressing with the business because we were more concerned about creating products, not running a business. Another huge challenge has been marketing and brand awareness.  Social Media and word of mouth is the primary way people are hearing about new products. Not having a strong sense of the social media world and how to use it to market our products was keeping us from reaching new audiences.  We recently hired someone to manage our social media accounts and have already seen some positive effects as a result.  

H: What do you find most enjoyable about owning a local business?

2GWC: In the beginning we were just really happy to have products that were making our hair healthy. Ultimately, we love having something that we can call our own. We are very proud of our products and the hard work it took to get our business up and running, and we enjoy sharing this love with potential customers. Living in Columbus, where local brands are celebrated, it’s nice to be included in that celebration. 

H: What do you do for fun when you both aren’t working?

2GWC: Leigh-Ann enjoys traveling, yoga and hanging out with her boyfriend. Erin enjoys spending time outdoors, attending local events, healthy cooking and hanging out with her husband.  Both of us consider ourselves foodies and enjoy exploring the city’s food and craft beer scene. 

H: Where can we find your products?

2GWC: Right now you can find us online at www.naturallycurly.com and locally at Whole Foods, Cliff Wellness, in Grandview, Barre3 in Powell and the Wild Ramp in Huntington, West Virginia and of course at https://www.2curlygirls.com.