At Home with Connie Sadowski, Real Estate Expert

By Ashley Fahey – Editor, The National Observer: Real Estate Edition, The Business Journals Restrictions around building new housing is a commonly cited hurdle to affordability in many U.S. markets.   Housing affordability is becoming a bigger issue for U.S. voters, spurring policymakers — especially at the state and local levels — to consider new measures aimed at easing the burden facing both renters and prospective homeowners.   While every city, county or region thinks about housing affordability (and potential solutions) differently, several common policy changes are being pursued, especially to ease restrictions around building new housing. New research from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia, outlines some of the biggest reforms being adopted across the U.S. today and offers a menu of potential options for policymakers to consider. Emily Hamilton, senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatu...

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own personal situation and your finances matter too. As an article from NerdWallet says: “Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals and readiness to become a homeowner.” Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move. 1. Do You Have a Stable Job? One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you...

  Dive into the art of home organization with my top tips. Ready to turn your house into a dream home? Let's declutter and design for a lifestyle that speaks volumes. Sure, I'd be happy to help! Organizing your home can make a significant difference in creating a comfortable and efficient living space. Here are some top tips for home organization: 1. **Declutter First:** Before organizing, go through your belongings and declutter. Donate or discard items you no longer need or use. This will make the organizing process much easier. 2. **Room by Room:** Take it one room at a time. Start with a room that needs the most attention. Divide the room into zones and focus on organizing one zone before moving on to the next. 3. **Storage Solutions:** Invest in storage solutions that suit your needs. Consider bins, baskets, shelves, and storage furniture. Utilize vertical space to maximize storage. 4. **Labeling:** Labeling is key to maintaining an organized space. Clearly label container...