You don’t need much to make your home feel like a winter wonderland this holiday season. Here are few ideas to help you decorate any space in your home – no extra large christmas tree required!

Snuggly Bedding

• • Now is the time to bust out those cozy flannel sheets and warm plaid blankets! Place a warm fuzzy blanket on your sofa along with some holiday throw pillows and voila – easy festive living room decor!

Mantle Decorations

• • A simple green garland that can be purchased at any garden center or local tree farm looks holiday-ready when draped over your mantle. Add candles (battery operated is recommended), twinkle lights, nutcrackers, pine cones, etc. for a little extra holiday cheer.

Pine Cone Garlands

• • Speaking of garlands and pine cones, why not combine the two? Whether you buy pine cones or forage your own, you can elevate them with brushed on gold leaf. Attach them to some rope for a rustic natural feel and drape them across your mantle, entry or doorways.

Hot Beverage Bar

• • Nothing says cozy winter time like a specific station set up for hot drinks. A tray stocked with the makings of your favorite hot beverage is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Use an insulated thermos to keep hot drinks toasty, and prop up a sign to let guests know what’s on tap. Garnish with marshmallows, candy canes, and cinnamon sticks.

Branch in a Vase

• • This may seem very simplistic, but trust me when I say it can be a huge statement piece in any space. Take a fresh cutting from a tree outside and place it in a large jar with cold water. Surround it with white candles or even tiny presents. If you don’t have the space for a large christmas tree, this is a great alternative. It’s simple, beautiful, and very hygge (a mood of coziness and “comfortable conviviality” with feelings of wellness and contentment).

Holiday Books

• • By strategically placing your favorite holiday books beneath a glass-top coffee table or propped up between bookends on a console table, you create fun and personalized holiday decor. Try using vintage children’s picture books or holiday classics like “Little Women” or “A Christmas Carol”.

Sprig of Red Berries

• • This is one of the most cost effective ways to decorate for the holidays. Take some red berry sprigs and pop them in a glass or ceramic vase you already own. Not only does this bring color to any room in your home, it also brings warmth. Try placing them on your mantle, in your powder room, bookshelves, or on bedside tables.

Chalk Art

• • Transform a chalkboard or a chalkboard painted wall into a holiday prop. Draw a wintry scene or a christmas tree. You can even place some wrapped gifts under your hand drawn christmas tree for added decor.

Mini Wreaths in Your Window

• • You can find mini wreaths at craft stores or even create some of your own. Hang an assortment of wreath sizes from your window with red ribbon at different lengths for a stunning effect that works great indoors and outdoors.

Advent Garland

• • Kids or no kids, advent calendars can be a lot of fun! Have a pet? Consider filling it with toys and treats for your furry best friend. These festive calendars look great hung up on a blank wall, banister or above your mantle.

A lot goes into buying a home! To make things a little easier to understand, here is a quick overview so you are prepared and have an idea of what to expect when it’s time for you to buy. 

Decide on a Budget for Your Purchase

• • One of the most important steps of the home buying process is figuring out what your budget is. During this process, you’ll want to start talking to lenders, finding out about interest rates, obtain pre-approval letters. Your lender will help you figure out your debt-to-income ratio and what kind of loan you qualify for. While deciding on your budget, keep in mind that HOA dues, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and private mortgage insurance can all factor into your monthly mortgage payment.

Pick a Location

• • Do some research on various neighborhoods and find out what area you think would suit you best. Make a list of priorities you need in a neighborhood – Do you need a shorter commute? What about school districts? Would you rather be close to shops, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. or in a more secluded area? These are all things to consider when figuring out the best location for you to call home.

Find “The” Home

• • And don’t skip out on asking your Realtor for help (and hopefully that Realtor is me 😉)! Home search websites are great and all, but sometimes the information can be out of date and because they use algorithms, you might not see all of the listings in the location you are looking for. Realtors have various tools not available to the public and they have access to the Regional Multiple Listing Service – the largest real estate listing database in the area. Realtors can keep you in the loop of the newest listings that specifically fit your needs and wants of your future home. Once you’ve found “the one”, it’s time for your next step!

Do Your Due Diligence

• • Find out as much information possible about the home. See if HOA dues apply and how that’ll affect your mortgage payments. Was a home inspection done prior to the house going on the market? If so, review it and make sure the condition of the home is to your liking. In most cases, sellers will fill out a “Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement”. This form discloses information about the property that the seller is aware of. If it has already been provided by the listing agent, go over it with your Realtor and see if anything on the disclosure statement raises any red flags. Think about any renovations and repairs you might want to do to the home and decide whether or not that fits into your budget.

Make an Offer

• • It’s offer time! After doing your due diligence, discuss with your Realtor the amount you should offer for the home. Depending on the market, your offer price might be higher or lower than the listing price. In a highly competitive market, offer prices are usually higher than the listing price. Your Realtor will write up the offer for you to sign and submit it on your behalf to the seller’s agent.

Finalize and Close

• • You just got a call that your offer has been accepted! But now what? Normally after your offer is accepted, you will need to act out certain terms and conditions of your offer. That typically includes providing your pre-approval letter or proof of funds, depositing your earnest money deposit, reviewing the title report and disclosures, schedule a home inspection and have your lender order an appraisal. Once all of the contingencies and terms have been met, you are on your way to closing! Prior to closing, you will receive a final settlement statement from title detailing your closing costs and a closing disclosure from your lender detailing your monthly mortgage payments. Closing will take place on the day specified in your offer contract and you can either sign at the title company where you are closing or you can sign digitally. Once title receives your funds to close, you will sign your closing documents and then move forward with possession. The possession date can either be the same day as closing or it could take place after closing depending on what is spelled out in your contract. During possession, you’ll receive the keys to your new home and VOILA! You’ve successfully gone through the grueling home buying process and are now a homeowner!