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With a year of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, stay-at-home restrictions are finally starting to soften, mask orders are decreasing across the country, and vaccinations are heating up state by state.

While 2020 might’ve been a year of financial hardships, there’s plenty of opportunity to make up for any losses in 2021, especially if you’re a homeowner eager to sell, as sellers are primed to take advantage of the housing market and win big in the coming months!

COVID-19 sparked the seller’s market: high buyer demand & low inventory

As the whole world reeled at the start of the pandemic, real estate agents were quick to adapt — developing new digital closing technology and virtual tours that make the home buying and selling process doable from home!

However, despite the assurances of selling safely, sellers were still hesitant, which is completely understandable as the home selling process normally includes plenty of foot traffic in and out of the home — something not ideal when owners fear bringing a deadly virus into their family home.

So did buyers have this same hesitance? In actuality, buyers entered the market in full force in 2020 — perhaps more so than before the pandemic’s beginning, and not without reason, as buyers were given unprecedented incentives to jump head first into the market.

As the world grappled with remote work and school, homeowner needs shifted. Buyers might have initially wanted to steer clear of the virus and postpone their real estate plans, but the pressure to provide more space for their family and better work-from-home and school-from-home environments won out.

In addition, now that commuting into work was no longer an issue, buyers sought out cheaper accommodation outside of larger cities.

But perhaps the most influential incentive driving buyers to the market is the low mortgage rates, which reached an all-time low back in December. While these rates are slowly rising, they’re still low in comparison to normal market rates, and buyers are now finding the process more affordable.

So as buyers flocked to the market, sellers continued to press pause on their real estate plans. This led to extremely high demand and extremely low inventory. In fact, according to HomeLight’s Spring 2021 survey, 97% of real estate agents would describe their local market conditions as a seller’s market.

Bidding wars are increasing across the country and home prices are rising, according to top real estate agents. If you put your home on the market now, you’ll have buyers knocking on your door in no time!

What renovations buyers want to see

While the seller’s market almost guarantees you’ll sell for a favorable price, small renovation projects will only increase your sale price and give you some extra money in your pocket. Buyer needs have shifted dramatically during the pandemic, so your main focus should now be spent in the kitchen and outdoor areas.

Top kitchen amenities, according to top real estate agents, include extra bar seating, large kitchen islands, storage space, and wine fridges. Outside, focus on entertainment-focused amenities, including fire pits, built-in grills, outdoor lights, and comfortable outdoor furnishings. Beware of hefty investments — like installing an in-ground pool or adding a home office — as these investments may not offer the same return as others.

So long as you find an experienced, professional realtor to have on your side, you’ll have no problem selling — especially under the current market conditions, so don’t postpone and contact a real estate agent today!

The retro furniture trend is becoming more popular, thanks to nostalgia!

With environmental issues being a hot subject in the media these days, demand for sustainable furniture and accessories is on the rise. Promoting healthy environmental behavior within the home has progressed beyond discussions about pesticides and food, and now includes artifacts, fabrics, and paints. As the industry explores new manufacturing technology and encourages sustainability, the Millennial generation’s increasing interest in antique furniture and decor is paving the way.

There are a few reasons why vintage furniture is becoming a go-to option for many people, and because this trend is only predicted to intensify in the future, we’ve compiled our thoughts on the vintage furniture trend’s future.

Environmental issues are being addressed

We’ve seen swift furniture take over the business landscape over the last couple of decades. Disposable flatpacks eventually filtered into our lives, offering easy and worry-free alternatives to our evolving lifestyle requirements.
With the increase of versatility, it’s easy to think about furniture as a temporary alternative

functional items designed to last a few years before being discarded.

However, the environmental pressures that this mentality has generated over time are mounting. We should no longer turn our backs and pretend that this is a long-term strategy.

The sources of the ingredients used in the manufacturing process is also being investigated. While environmentally friendly processes and recycled materials may increase the cost of furniture, shoppers seem to be willing to pay brands for their responsible behavior.

Vintage is environmentally friendly

Yet, no matter how hard we try to do the right thing to use only environmentally friendly goods and processes, new technologies continue to fuel the consumerist beast.

Choosing antique, on the other hand, means using what is still available. It entails paying tribute to the craftsmanship of the past and accepting consistency that has stood the test of time.

We are not only recycled, but we are also keeping our hands on furniture that will last for decades, putting less strain on landfills.

Personal expression is aided by vintage products

Our personal aesthetics began to disappear as mass-produced furniture shaped the business landscape. But we had no idea how uniform our homes had been until we opened our doors to social media.

Vintage furniture can be a valuable partner in the war against monotony. These pieces are not only uncommon (and occasionally sometimes one-of-a-kind), but they also make for personalization and innovation. You can transform a drab thrift find into a collectible with a little paint or a basic upholstery work.

It’s all about the story and the relationship

Every piece of vintage furniture has a story to tell. Discovering the object’s fascinating past adds to the excitement and helps one admire it even more. Exploring the motives for our insatiable need for stories can be a depressing journey, but one thing is certain: we will continue to favor home decorating styles that emphasize realism and imperfection. For example, Biedermeier furniture and interior design are considered the first major flowering of chic bourgeois taste in interior design today. Biedermeier is a style that spans the spectrum from austere to opulent, but it is never grandiose in its celebration of comfort, domestic intimacy, and usefulness.

Vintage evokes a sense of peace and coziness

We feel at ease in our homes as we see worn parts of the patina and tiny bruises. They offer ease and understanding of the inevitable deterioration of objects by reminding us that nothing is too fragile.

Cookie-cutter interiors quickly lose their appeal, but homes that require time to unravel by layering antiques with modern items retain their appeal because they look timeless, original, and highly personal.

It is beneficial to one’s financial situation

Vintage and antique items will range in price from a penny to a fortune, depending on what you’re searching for and how careful and committed you are in your quest. But one thing is certain: they retain their importance and the excellent efficiency of their construction.

Hanoi is one of the most underrated cities when it comes to living. Being the capital of Vietnam, it has not been under the spotlight that it deserves. However, after the summit between Trump and Kim in this city, many people are turning their heads towards it.

Many young people are flocking to the city because of the lifestyle that it provides, as well as the booming economy of Vietnam, providing jobs to millions. In this article, we will discuss the reasons which should be kept in mind before making the decision of living in Hanoi.

The Food is Amazing

The food that you will get in the city is incredible. There is so much variety of food available that you can try a new dish every other day. Within each dish, due to the diverse cultures in Vietnam, many variations are available.

Therefore, if you are a foodie, Hanoi is the place for you to live. Bu Cha, Cha Ca, and Pho Bo is some of the most famous dishes in the entire country and easily available in the city. Although, if you are not used to using sticks, you better start taking online tutorials because using sticks to eat is a norm.

It is Inexpensive

Another important factor in deciding where to live is the cost of living in the area. Hanoi, like many other South Eastern cities, is very much affordable. Not only is everything inexpensive, but there is also no compromise on the quality.

Boarding is also very affordable, with houses on sharing basis available at less than 300 dollars a month. The prices of food and other items such as beer and wine too are very low. So you can survive within a very low budget.

The Visa Process in Tiring

A con of living in Hanoi is that the visa process is tiresome. You will have to visit the embassy many times before they approve your visa. Additionally, you will have to hire a consultant to get done with the process easily.

However, it is a one-time problem. Once you have settled, you can travel hassle-free.

There is Pollution

If you are a person who has breathing problems or just does not like pollution, then the capital of Vietnam might not be the best place for you. Although there are neighborhoods with cleaner environments, overall pollution is rampant due to factories and cars.

Conclusion

Above, we covered some of the things to consider before moving. We suggest that you travel there on a trip before making the final decision.

When talking about New York, it is always said that it never sleeps. This is very true. It is because most of the people are busy in their hustles in this fast-moving city during the day. They get their share of fun during the New York City night.

There are numerous things to do in New York at night. Here are some activities and stuff that you better not miss. If you miss these, you will miss out on experiencing the city to the fullest.

Sightseeing

Although sightseeing can be done during the day as well, doing it at night brings out the best. As the sun sets and buildings get illuminated by their lights, the views are worth watching.

One World Observatory in Manhattan is one such place. Visiting it will only enrich your knowledge of the state; it is the perfect place to see all the five boroughs. The hustle and bustle of this megacity can be seen from that height too.

The top of Rockefeller center also provides beautiful views of the entire district. The Highline is the place for sunset lovers where you can observe it with all its magnificence.

Watch Sports

If you are a sports lover, your list of things to do in NYC at night must include going to a sporting event. The state hosts numerous sporting events. There is always a basketball, baseball, or soccer game secluded for the night.

Recently many boxing and UFC events are also being held. WWE and other wrestling distributors are also flocking to the city for better viewership. As the people of New York are lively, the experience in a stadium is an out-of-this-world experience.

Go to a Show

If you want to experience the new york night in all its colors, going to shows is never to be missed. The city is known for its Broadway shows. There are 41 theatres alone in the Theatre District of New York.

These shows cater to people having diverse choices. You get to see classical plays in one theatre while an adjacent one will have a performance of a contemporary play. Thus, you get to see the show of your choice whenever you want.

Conclusion

Being in the busiest city in the world is an experience of its own. However, to add to it, you must not miss out on the things mentioned above. They will add fun even if you are visiting New York for vacations or live there.

If you are a frequent traveler or read travel blogs, you must have come across Bali. It was even declared as the top travel destination by TripAdvisor. This spotlight has contributed to another rising trend.

More and more people are now thinking of settling and permanently living in Bali. However, they cannot find the information required before taking this important decision. In this article, we have researched and summarized some pros and cons that you must be aware of before moving to Bali.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bali is one of the most pertinent questions. It is because people moving there have a limited budget, usually consisting of their savings at the time of retirement. Therefore they are concerned about it.

The city can be categorized as a place with a very low cost of living. The rents for apartments as well as not-so extravagant villas range between 500-1000 dollars a month. However, if you are rich, many other options are also available.

Other necessities such as food and transportation too are very much affordable. Moreover, if you are a party person, the nightlife can be enjoyed with minimum expenditure.

It is a tourist hotspot

This is a good or bad factor, depending on your preference. Being on almost all of the top 10 travel destinations, many tourists visit it for vacations.

If you like socializing and want to meet new people every day, then living in Bali is the best place. People from almost every country visit it every year. You can make friends with people from various cultures and backgrounds. However, there are places in the city with a relatively calm environment for people that want a peaceful place to live.

Internet Facilities

Many people that live there have complained about the internet services being slow. Although the speed is sufficient for normal browsing, you might face problems if you require it for more serious stuff.

If you are not into social media and the internet and can live without high-speed internet for live streaming, you will be good to go.

Travel Across Asia

If you permanently move to Bali, it can be used as a base for traveling across Asia. Moreover, Indonesia has various places to be explored, so you will never run out of places to visit over the weekend.

Conclusion

These were some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of living in Bali. It might be very beautiful, but you must take into account these reasons before making a final decision.