Three ideas for your bathroom remodel

Not only will an updated bathroom be visually appealing, but it can also help save money in the long run. Investing in quality materials such as tile flooring or energy-efficient lighting may cost more upfront, but they can prevent costly repairs down the line.

Upgrading the features within your bathroom not only makes it look better – but adds convenience too! Adding a rainfall shower head or hands-free faucets can make for a much more enjoyable experience.

Here are three bathroom remodel ideas.

Vanity

Not only does a new vanity bring immediate visual appeal, but it can also add valuable storage space and make your bathroom more convenient.

When shopping for a new vanity, consider the material of the countertop and sink. Many homeowners opt for granite or quartz as they offer beautiful finishes and durability. Other materials such as marble, concrete and ceramic can also provide unique looks that might instantly upgrade any bathroom.

Next up is size – always measure out the dimensions of your current vanity before heading out to shop. This will give you an idea of what size replacement you need to fit in the same spot. Also, think about additional features like towel bars or drawers. These are often helpful additions if you struggle with storage space in your bathroom.

Finally, consider style! Look at different vanities both online and in stores to get an idea of what fits best with your tastes and existing décor. There are endless design possibilities from classic farmhouse styles to modern floating shelves – so be sure to find one that suits you.

Lighting

Consider installing new lighting fixtures – it’s a simple and effective way to bring life to the space, while also creating a unique atmosphere.

When choosing new lighting, begin by considering the size of your bathroom. If you have a larger space, opt for multiple lights in different areas – this will spread out the illumination while creating more impactful effects. If you have smaller bathrooms, consider fewer fixtures, but of larger sizes as they may still produce enough light without overtaking the room.

Maybe opt for energy-efficient LED or fluorescent bulbs as these last longer and don’t require frequent replacements like incandescent ones usually do. Motion sensors are another great addition if you want to minimize electricity usage even further.

Flooring

If you want something that looks good, but is also easy to maintain, opt for hardwood or laminate flooring – these materials are available in a variety of tones and textures that can easily fit with almost any décor. On the other hand, tiled floors provide more sophisticated beauty while still being easy to clean and maintain.

Don’t forget about budget either! Research different price ranges so you know what kind of plan you need to follow when installing new flooring. Be sure to buy extra material just in case – this will save you time and money in case there are any mishaps during installation.

Finally, take into account maintenance after installation is complete. Harder surfaces such as stone or ceramic tile require polishing or sealing from time-to-time, which can add up in costs over the years. Soft woods like bamboo may require less maintenance overall, but should still get cleaned regularly to prevent surface damage caused by dust or dirt buildup.

If you have any questions about purchasing a home in Twin Falls, Idaho, contact us today about a home loan.

The history of Twin Falls, Idaho

Located in south-central Idaho, Twin Falls is a city with a rich and varied history. From its beginnings as an early settler’s homestead, to its rapid growth as a tourism destination, this small town has undergone many changes over the years – it even briefly served as the state capital!

Let’s take a look at some key moments in the history of Twin Falls.

Founding

The city dates back to the late 1800s. Originally settled by Mormon pioneers, this small settlement eventually became known as “Twin Falls” due to two waterfalls located nearby. Its two beautiful waterfalls are Shoshone Falls and Pillar Falls. Both of these iconic falls are located just outside of town and are a major attraction for visitors from near and far.

Shoshone Falls: Shoshone Falls stands as one of the largest waterfalls in America. It is 212 feet tall and known as the “Niagara of the West.” The falls can be seen year-round, but they really come alive during spring runoff when they reach their fullest power.

Pillar Falls: Located just 5 miles away from Shoshone Falls, Pillar Falls stands at an impressive 80 feet tall. Its calming ambiance is a great place to relax and get away from it all! The falls feature various colorful rocks that have been smoothed by centuries of rushing water.

Growth and Expansion

By 1890, Twin Falls had blossomed into an important agricultural center – its fertile lands provided plenty of opportunity for growth. Along with agriculture, tourism soon developed in the area as well – visitors were drawn to its unique setting and beautiful waterfalls.

In 1907, Twin Falls served briefly as the provisional state capital when Boise experienced flooding. This was a testament to how far it had come.

Modern Times

Today, Twin Falls is home to around 50,000 people and plays host to various attractions including Shoshone Falls Park and Magic Valley Mall. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day popularity, this city has certainly come a long way.

Alongside economic development, Twin Falls is also home to various public services such as hospitals and educational institutions. These institutions provide a vital resource for locals – their presence demonstrates how far the town has come.

Many people love to call Twin Falls home. If you are interested in purchasing a home in Twin Falls, contact us today about a home loan.

Seller profits reach all-time high in 2021 real estate market

At the start of the pandemic, no one really knew what direction the real estate market would take. Before long, it was clear that it wasn’t slowing down.

As a result, homeowners who sold in 2021 earned a median profit of nearly $100,000, according to ATTOM data. That margin represents a nearly 46% gain from 2020.

The return on investment was the largest for home sellers since at least 2008. Profits rose in 90% of the 173 metro areas that were surveyed.

Profitable returns on investments aren’t new in the real estate world. The trajectory of profits has risen over the last decade for consecutive years. The difference since the pandemic has been the rate at which they have gone up. Between 2020 and 2021, profits shot up by more than 10%. As far as the median home price, it gained 17% in 2022, which is record-breaking good.

The big question before many home buyers and sellers is what’s in store for 2022. Will prices and profits continue on their current path? It’s unlikely. ATTOM flags some signs that could indicate price flattening in 2022.

If projections pan out, the market will see a slight decline to profits and to affordability as prices continue to rise. A repeat of 2021 is doubtful. The imbalance between demand and supply is likely to drive prices upward, but perhaps not as aggressively as the last two years or so.

Many real estate watchers will remember 2021 as one of the greatest years for home sellers, and one of the more difficult ones for those who tried to break through the barriers of homeownership.

The highest profits were realized along the West Coast; Boise led the way with a gain of 121.8%. Virtually every region tracked by ATTOM experienced some level of increase to the median price of at least 10%.

Home sellers who placed their properties on the market were relative newcomers to ownership. They had lived in their homes for an average of about six years before deciding to move on. The average amount of time spent in the home before selling dropped over the last couple of years as more homeowners saw an opportunity to make a substantial profit.

As a homeowner, you may also be weighing your options, wondering what your place is in today’s market. Whether buying a smaller home or upgrading into something that better suits the needs of your growing family, our real estate professionals can help you reach your goals.

As interest rates begin to head in the opposite direction, you might also consider a refinance mortgage loan that lets you reduce your monthly mortgage payments or secures you a lump sum of cash through your home’s growing equity.

Whatever your real estate vision is, we can help. Please contact us today to learn about how you can take advantage of today’s market dynamics and fulfill your next real estate dream.