7 Little Ways You Can Upgrade Your Bathroom (Without Draining Your Savings)
Renovations can be expensive, even for a small utilitarian space such as a bathroom. But it's one of the most personal and private areas of our home, so, at some point in our lives, we’ve probably planned on turning it into a lavish space where we can have a relaxing self-care routine. If you’re someone who can’t commit to a full bathroom makeover for whatever reason—budget, time, or physical restrictions—this might seem like bad news. Except that it isn't, because here are seven ways you can make minor, but still noticeable, changes to your bath without the expense of remodeling. From simple swaps of everyday useful items to weekend projects that do not have to cost an arm and a leg, you can find something that suits your need for your much-needed bathroom facelift. 1. Get fancy with lighting. Upgrading your lighting fixtures is a simple yet effective way to elevate your bathroom, especially if you want to be able to adjust the lighting to suit your mood or task at hand. If you've got exposed bulbs, try swapping them out for more decorative ones. For those who have a bar light over the mirror, replace them with LEDs that are bright but not glaring—perfect for when you’re getting ready in the morning or applying makeup. Swapping out your vanity lighting is also possible to improve functionality. Likewise, bringing in some metallics, such as beautiful wall sconces or a charming chandelier, can add a sense of luxury.For a cozier bathroom, try adding dimmer lighting. A table lamp or pendant lights that emit a softer glow is a nice feature to have, especially if you’re taking a shower or winding down at night. You can also consider installing dimmer switches to improve the ambiance of the space. 2. Try new textiles. Refresh any bath in a matter of minutes by updating cozy essentials and soft surfaces, including rugs, mats, hand towels, and shower curtains. It's probably the easiest and most budget-friendly project, but it can be as transformative as a coat of paint. Moreover, these things are being used regularly so not only do they eventually wear out but they can harbor bad odors, too. Swapping them out to new ones will not only give life to the space but also help make it smell nice.Pick new hand towels with patterns for a pop of color, or go with seasonal-themed ones for a completely different feel. Mix and match the color of your bath mats instead of opting for boring ones. Or better yet, look for vintage-style rugs that are washable and low maintenance. 3. Hang a new mirror. Whether small or large, mirrors are fundamental fixtures in a bathroom as they can make the space seem larger. Also, they increase the amount of light by adding a more reflective surface. So if you want to add some glam in your bathroom even on a budget, replacing your dated mirror is a good place to start.Filigree-shaped mirrors can add a little bit of sparkle to your bathroom and can create a unique focal point. If you love large mirrors, you can hang one on the spot above the sink to cover most of the wall. But if the last thing you'd want is an oversized one, you can opt to hang two matching mirrors to break up the space and have a spot in between for art or a sconce. 4. Revamp your vanity. Replacing your vanity can instantly change the look of your bathroom while still saving some big bucks. But when your existing vanity already has a sturdy build and provides ample storage, repainting is a more budget-friendly solution while still achieving that bath refresh you need. Renew the look of your vanity with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Try to choose a bold color to create a playful focal point, especially in an otherwise neutral bathroom. 5. Swap out the shower head. Changing that old, crusty shower head that's been in your bathroom forever can make a huge difference. It’s also a budget-friendly update that won’t take much of your time but will give your shower a luxury spa feel. Think about installing a dual model that features a rain head and a detachable handheld sprayer, which makes rinsing hair and cleaning the tub much easier. Many affordable models are readily available at home centers and thread easily onto existing plumbing. Modern shower heads also provide more control options for a more personalized bathing experience. 6. Update your hardware and minor fixtures. To fully revamp your space, consider updating your hardware and fixtures as well. Installing new faucets, shower rods, towel bars, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls, among others, is relatively easy. Just remember to not get overboard as it could get a little pricier depending on your choice of design. While the ideal design is to match the hardware with major fixtures, you can introduce a second finish on knobs and accessories (such as using chrome and brass) that will add variety without overdoing it. Also, don't forget that the minor fixtures should not only be stylish but also durable and complement your bathroom's overall design theme. 7. Be creative with framed artwork. Adding artwork and/or wall decor to utilitarian places like bathrooms may be the last thing on your mind. But if you think about it, it's a creative way to add personality and change the mood of the room. Of course, you’d want to avoid putting any valuable art because the moisture can cause damage over time. Shift into thrift mode and frame items such as prints and photographs, printed fabric, and tapestries. Nature or plant-themed prints are also a popular choice. And if you’re crafty, you can even design an abstract piece on your own. You can often find inexpensive but unique vintage wall decors at thrift stores and flea markets to create a unique gallery wall that can be admired from the tub and soothe your nerves while relaxing into the night.
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Heads Up! Here Are 5 Issues That Could Delay Your Real Estate Closing
Whether you're the one buying or selling a home, the real estate closing is sure to be both exciting and daunting for you. Even though both parties agreed on a chosen date and might be pleased with the dollar amount on the table, there are still plenty of surprises that can be tricky to deal with. According to February 2024 data from the REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 11 percent of contracts in the past three months encountered delays, while six percent were terminated.While no one wants to wait longer than they need to for a real estate transaction to be completed, you may find your closing date delayed for several reasons. Some issues are relatively easy to solve, while others can be deal-breakers. Here are five of the most common problems that lead to delayed closings, and some tips on managing them. 1. Challenges in the buyer's financing Delayed or denied financing is a common cause of prolonged closing. Many home buyers, especially first-timers, don't realize that even though they were pre-approved for a mortgage months before and they already have a mortgage commitment, the loan is still not guaranteed. The lender still needs to review their credit and bank statements one final time within a few days of closing.Things could go wrong when that second verification reveals a new credit line that’s been opened (for a new car, new house stuff, etc), a change in employment, or some other issues. Remember that even the smallest changes in your financial situation can create problems up to the moment you close on the property. So changing jobs, applying for a new credit card, falling behind in paying your debts, receiving a cash gift, or having a sudden large deposit in your bank account are not advisable since the lender may request additional information or documentation, which could throw a wrench into the process.To avoid this: Don’t make any sudden financial moves in the weeks between loan approval and closing. Also, don’t forget to contact your lender days before closing to discuss and solve any issues that may have turned up. 2. Any discrepancy in the home's appraisal value A home appraisal determines the market value of a home. Lenders require an appraisal to verify that the property is indeed worth the price a buyer has agreed to pay for. The bank's appraisal value must match or exceed the home’s value or sale price. If the appraisal value falls short, the bank will delay the closing.Appraisal gaps, which is the difference between the appraised value of a home and the agreed-upon price, have recently become much more common because of soaring home prices. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the deal is off, addressing it can take time. In fact, according to the REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey by the National Association of REALTORS® in February 2024, seven percent of contracts had delayed settlement due to appraisal issues. To avoid this: With the consensus of both parties, the seller can complete necessary repairs to increase the home’s value, or simply bring down their selling price. Buyers should also be prepared to pay the difference if the appraisal is too low. The parties could also contest the appraisal. Whichever the eventual solution, the closing date will likely move further into the future. 3. Issues with real estate title A real estate title asserts someone's legal right of ownership of a property. Before you buy or own your house, the title must be transferred from the seller’s name to yours. You also need to make sure that the person you’re buying from actually has the right to sell the property. This is when a title search becomes important. According to Bankrate, a title search is a process in which a title company or attorney examines public records to make sure that there are no claims, liens, or issues with a property that could result in another person or entity asserting they have a stake in the home. Issues such as tax liens or claims on the property from a relative or co-owner can postpone a real estate closing. Even unpaid HOA dues and minor errors in the home’s public records can cause significant confusion, putting a transaction on hold until everything is sorted out.To avoid this: A seller may be able to get ahead of title problems by having a real estate attorney track the home’s title history. But since problems with a real estate title can be the result of past mistakes, there’s not much a buyer can do to avoid them. They will definitely need some time to resolve, so a little flexibility and patience can go a long way. It may be frustrating, but it’s better to be safe than sorry before claiming your way into homeownership. 4. Problems with the money transfer On real estate closing day, you'll have to prepare the correct amount of funds to cover your down payment and closing costs. If there’s a problem with your fund transfer, you can expect to experience delays. While some financial institutions and title companies prefer cashier’s or certified checks, others require funds to be transferred electronically. If you’re instructed to wire funds, it’s critical to talk to your settlement agent or attorney about what their wiring requirements are.To avoid this: Before closing day, make sure to communicate with your real estate agent and lender about what form of payment is required. Also, be informed and know exactly what’s expected from you in the closing costs and certified funds. Don’t forget to have your checkbook with you and be ready to pay for small items that might crop up, such as an unpaid electric bill. 5. Ugly revelations during the final walkthrough The final walkthrough is typically completed after the seller has moved out a few days before, or even on the day of, settlement. It allows buyers to do one last check on the property, making sure that the home they're purchasing is in the same condition it was when they agreed to buy it (or even better). Surprises can arise during the final walkthrough that can influence the real estate transaction. Here are just a few of them:Missing fixtures - Misunderstandings about which items stay and which go with the seller is a common issue. Perhaps you’ve taken a liking to a particular household item and assumed it would stay, only to find out that the sellers took it with them. Unless you’re really attached to the item, you may want to let this one slide if you want this deal to go through. Unfinished repairs - If the seller “forgets” to fix any agreed-upon repairs or simply neglects to do them by the closing date, you might not be able to close on your loan until those repairs are complete. If you’re working with a trusted real estate agent, they’ll ensure that the repairs you’ve negotiated are completed well before the closing is scheduled to prevent delays.Other last-minute revelations - Double-check if the appliances are working properly; that the utilities and other home systems are functioning, and even see to it that the toilets are working!To avoid this: Good communication is essential in solving any of the problems that arise during the final walkthrough. Be very detailed in your contract about what stays and what goes, and make sure it reflects your expectations. The same can be said about agreed-upon repairs after the home inspection. The safety and soundness of the property are of utmost priority, so ensuring that the seller either completes the necessary repairs, settles on a lower sales price, or even makes some other concession, will prevent the date of the closing from being pushed back.
Review of 2 new Splashpads in Kyle, Texas!
☀️Summer is here! It is HOT! The city of Kyle, Texas opened two new splash pads last month so I decided to take my nephew and let him review them! Both are open daily from 9am-8pm and are FREE to the public! The 2024 Season is May 9-Sept 22. 💦The first one we visited is located at 1100 W. Center Street in Kyle. It is right by the Kyle pool. 💦The second one we visited is located at 295 Hallie Drive in Kyle. 🛑 Please note the city has rules that must be followed at each splash pad and there is no lifeguard on duty. Play at your own risk! ✅ Share this post with someone you think might be interested! ✅ Save this post so you have the details at your fingertips! 😎 More summer fun ideas coming next week! Be sure and follow me so you don’t miss it!
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