BeRealty April Newsletter


Modern houses we love:


​​​​​​​Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a Home

Looking to buy a home this year? Your tax refund could be a helpful resource in covering expenses like the down payment and closing costs.

Use your refund for:

1. Saving for a down payment:
Accumulating sufficient funds for a down payment stands as a significant hurdle to homeownership. Utilizing your tax refund can expedite progress toward this savings objective.

2. Covering closing costs:
Closing costs encompass various expenses incurred during the final stages of the home purchase process. Typically ranging between 2% and 5% of the property's total purchase price, these costs can be addressed by directing your tax refund towards them.

3. Lowering mortgage rates:
Some lenders offer the option to "buy down" your mortgage rate, which involves paying an upfront sum to secure a lower rate on your mortgage. This option may be advantageous if current rates and home prices strain your affordability threshold.

Bottom Line

In essence, your tax refund serves as a valuable resource in achieving your savings objectives for homeownership. 


Beltline houses we love:


Builders Are Building Smaller Homes


Affordability is still tight, so if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget.

Builders are currently focused on building these smaller homes and offering incentives. 

 

Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller


During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders focused on bigger homes, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.

But with the affordability challenges buyers face today, builders increasingly focus on bringing smaller single-family homes to the market.

The graph below uses data from the Census to show how this trend has evolved over the last few years:

Bottom Line

Builders want to build what they know will sell so they focus on where the demand is strongest.


Lake investment houses:


‘Urgency culture’ might lead you to burnout. How can you combat it?


If you always respond immediately to texts, it might be time for a shift in mindset. We asked experts for some strategies to combat urgency culture.


In today's fast-paced world, urgency culture has become pervasive, blurring the lines between what truly matters and what doesn't.

Whether it's responding to work emails at all hours or feeling the need to always be available, the pressure to act immediately can lead to burnout and increased stress levels.


Experts weigh in on how individuals can combat this culture and reclaim their well-being.


Strategies for Combatting Burnout

Experts suggest several strategies to counteract urgency culture and prevent burnout.


One approach is to pause before reacting to every demand, allowing individuals to assess whether it aligns with their priorities.

Setting clear expectations in relationships, both personal and professional, can help manage demands and reduce false urgency.

Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness, such as intentional breathing and movement, can provide a sense of control and calm in the face of urgency.

Embracing Single-Tasking and Mindfulness


Prioritizing single-tasking over multitasking can enhance focus and productivity.

By dedicating specific time blocks to each task, individuals can achieve a sense of accomplishment while minimizing distractions.

Mindfulness practices offer another effective way to combat urgency culture by increasing awareness, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance.

By cultivating nonjudgmental awareness of present experiences, individuals can disrupt habitual reactions and create space for more intentional
responses.


Feel free to contact me with any questions!


Web4Realty

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