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Discover Spacious Living in Quiet, Charming Brightwood:
If you’re looking for a spacious apartment in a peaceful and welcoming neighborhood, 1400 Van Buren in Brightwood, Washington DC is the place to be. Nestled in this charming community, the one-bedroom apartments here offer a generous 1000 square feet of living space – a rare find in the city.
These thoughtfully designed apartments feature classic hardwood flooring, ceiling fans, central air conditioning, and a generously sized floor plan. With large windows and plenty of natural light, the one-bedroom apartments create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Residents of 1400 Van Buren benefit from convenient amenities such as controlled access, on-site maintenance, on-site management, and on-site laundry facilities. Plus, the property is cat-friendly, so your furry friend can join you in your new home.
The best part? One-bedroom apartments at 1400 Van Buren start at just $1705 per month, making them an affordable option for anyone looking for a spacious apartment in DC. Plus, WC Smith, the property management company, is known for its exceptional customer service. Their dedicated service teams are available around the clock to ensure that your needs are promptly addressed, and you can easily manage your resident account online at any time.
If you’re ready to discover spacious living in charming Brightwood, schedule a visit to the 1000-square-foot one-bedroom apartment at 1400 Van Buren today. You won’t be disappointed!
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Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.
Mike Holmes knows that all home renovations begin with the best of intentions. But if there’s one thing that can send things off the rails, it’s a contractor who isn’t up to snuff.
That’s why Holmes has made it his mission to teach homeowners how to keep projects on track on his show, “Holmes Family Rescue,” which recently premiered Season 2.
On the show, the Toronto-based builder and two of his children, Michael Holmes Jr. and Sherry Holmes, join forces to fix and finish remodels for families who’ve been left high and dry by the workers they originally hired for the jobs.
It’s a situation Mike himself has been in before when he paid someone to redo his driveway.
“It was nothing but a piece of crap, and I never heard from the guy again,” he admits to Realtor.com.
Hoping to help homeowners avoid a battle with a bad builder, Mike and Michael Jr. shared their tried-and-true blueprint for vetting contractors, as well as their personal renovation plans to accommodate the expanding Holmes family, which includes Mike’s newest granddaughter, born just earlier this month. If renovations are anywhere in your future, read on to learn a whole lot about what it takes to get the job done.
What went down with your own bad experience with a contractor?
Mike: I hired who I thought was a great paving guy in the neighborhood. I have a very large driveway, and it was good for the first couple of months, and then after that, it literally fell apart. He did not do what he said he was going to do, and of course, he never came back.
Michael Jr.: Oh, I remember. That was a big job. It had to be completely redone. [My dad] had to bring in a crew of a lot of machines to get that all done.
What is your advice for hiring a reliable contractor, and what are some red flags?
Mike: You need to learn to trust your instincts, because your instincts are almost never wrong.
I have three rules: One, slow down and take your time, because doing any construction on your home is going to take way more work for you than you could imagine. Two, educate yourself. What type of permits do I need? And No. 3, check out your contractor. I mean, we test-drive every single car that we buy in our lives.
Go check out the work that he has given you references for and ask the homeowners 101 questions: Did they start on time? Did they finish on time? Were they courteous? Were they clean? Did they charge you more money at the end of the job?
This is a job for you, and if you don’t do it that way, odds are you’re not going to be in a good position.
What are the most common issues or poor practices that you get called to fix?
Michael Jr.: Electrical is a very common one that we see. You have a handyman or you have a framer, and they’re like, “I can do your electrical as well.” And you end up seeing a ton of fire hazards at almost every job.
Mike: Once you see one thing wrong, odds are there are many things wrong. It’s very rare that it’s just going to be a bad electrician. It just doesn’t usually happen that way. It’s usually a contractor that’s brought in a plumber, or he’s done it himself. The electrical, he’s done it himself. The structural, he’s done it himself. So it tends to be not just one thing, but many things wrong.
A lot of money is inevitably involved in these transactions. How can homeowners protect their investments?
Mike: You should never put more than 10% down because, upon signing a contract, all you’re starting with is tying up their time. In other words, scheduling them.
Everyone needs to pay in milestones. Don’t give them half the money upfront, and then you’re hoping to hell that they come in and do the first half right. In milestones, at least you’re paying upon roughing of carpentry, roughing of plumbing, roughing of electrical.
Once passed by a building inspector, give your money up. That’s what we should be doing.
What rights and recourse do homeowners have if things go south?
Mike: There truly is no recourse. You’re never going to win hiring a lawyer. This is why your instincts need to be very clear. These red flags, start watching them from Day One and know when to stop the job and tell the contractor to leave your home.
What ends up happening is, much like this wonderful family [this season], they’re out their $400,000 and then they’re hoping that he’s going to come back and finish.
“Please, it’s almost done, just finish it, we need to get back in our home!” That is the worst trap you could ever get yourself into. And I wish—because if you stole a pack of gum, you could go to jail—contractors should be going to jail if they’re taking that much money from people and leaving them high and dry. That’s just not right.
What’s the worst state you’ve seen a contractor leave a job?
Michael Jr.: There’s one we did years ago. I was just joining the crew at this time, and this contractor came in, built a new house for these homeowners, and the structure was wrong, the electrical was wrong. Everything this contractor did was wrong, so much so that this house had to be torn down, rebuilt from scratch.
Thinking back to your first personal renovation, what lesson did you learn from that?
Mike: I did my first basement when I was 12! My first personal renovation was probably when [my oldest daughter] Amanda [Holmes] was born. It was the house that I purchased. Soon as I bought it and started renovating—yes, I was living in it, and I tell everyone don’t do that—the recession came and it kicked my butt. That was a whole new learning curve for me.
When it comes to construction, I’m not worried about it—there’s really nothing I can’t do. But I didn’t expect a recession to come in and smack me sideways.
Michael Jr.: Sherry and I, we bought a house together, and one of the biggest lessons I learned was that you need to be organized and you need to have a plan. Without a plan, I ended up turning two rooms into one bigger bedroom. I didn’t have a greater vision of this house and was just doing things off the top of my head, and I ended up having to fix this bedroom multiple times because there was a leak. We bit off a lot more than we could chew.
Speaking of a volatile time in the market, do you have any advice for homeowners taking on a renovation right now?
Mike: Well, now is a different game. It’s just because of interest rates rising, and especially because of the costs of construction materials. You’ve got to be really careful. This is a time that you can really lose a lot of money if you’re not careful. Take your time, and check out your contractor. You can still do things, but be a little more realistic in the times that you’re playing with.
Michael Jr.: And not trying to spread yourself too thin. Prioritize your renovations. Try and work from the outside in. Life in general is just costing more money, and then hiring a contractor, they’re more expensive because there’s a shortage in skilled trade, materials cost more.
When it comes to your own homes, what upgrade have you done that makes you most happy?
Mike: I just finally, after all these years, fixed my house up, the whole first floor—kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, laundry room, new furnace, new ductwork, new electrical, new plumbing, new structure—and I think it was about time.
[My longtime partner] Anna [Zappia] deserved a new kitchen, and she finally got it. And it’s completely open concept, so every window on the first floor sees out to nothing but beautiful nature, trees, bushes, gardens. I love it, I really do.
Michael Jr.: My wife and I, two years ago now, we bought a building in downtown Meaford, Ontario. We opened her business in there, and then we did a major renovation on the second story and put in a yoga, Pilates, and fitness studio, a couple of practitioner rooms, a bathroom—completely redid it.
From the before and after, it was like a nightmare and [now] it’s stunning. There’s herringbone white oak flooring. Everything’s new, brand-new electrical, proper panel, so, pretty happy with that.
What still needs to be rescued or made right in your homes?
Michael Jr.: What you need is a spare bedroom for when your son and daughter and new granddaughter come and visit!
Mike: What we’re doing next is a sunroom off the house, and it’s something we’ve always wanted. And with that sunroom, Michael, I’m going to set up the rooms upstairs as a bedroom so you guys can come over and visit me.
Michael Jr.: There we go!
“Holmes Family Rescue” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on HGTV and streams on Max and HGTV GO.
Minimum-wage workers shouldn’t bother trying to find a two-bedroom apartment — anywhere in the U.S.
According to a new federal report, “in no state, metropolitan area, or county in the U.S. can a worker earning the federal or prevailing state or local minimum wage afford a modest two-bedroom rental home at fair market rent by working a standard 40-hour work week.”
The “Out of Reach” report reveals in stark terms the financial challenges facing renters, particularly in California.
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A California renter needs to make $42.25 an hour to afford a two-bedroom rental unit, the highest figure in the nation, according to the new study. The mean hourly wage for California renters, by contrast, is only $33.67.
Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York and Washington were the next four most expensive states after California, with renters needing to make at least $35 hourly to afford a two-bedroom apartment.
In California, Cristian Morales, 33, is an example of the struggle facing hourly wage earners to secure decent housing.
He makes $21 an hour as a laundry attendant at the Hilton Pasadena. The job, which he has held for nearly five years, can be stressful. “We have to be moving all the time and sometimes there’s not time to get our 10-minute breaks,” he said.
The hotel is frequently short-staffed, Morales said, which sometimes means that a 14-story chute gets packed with linens “all the way to the sixth floor” before he can get to it.
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Along with his wife and five children, Morales lived in a rental apartment in North Hills until 2020, when they could no longer afford the apartment. “Rent in L.A. went up, it’s super up. Groceries are up,” he said.
The family moved in with Morales’ in-laws in Baldwin Park, where three of the kids live in the front house, with their grandparents and the rest of the family living in the back house.
“Of course, I want my own place,” Morales said. “It’s not the same living with your father- and mother-in-law.”
The eight most expensive counties for renters in America were all in California, including Santa Barbara and Orange counties in Southern California, according to the report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
In the four most expensive counties — Santa Cruz, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo — a renter needs to make more than $60 an hour to afford a two-bedroom unit.
Santa Cruz County, where the mean renter income was estimated at $22.39 an hour, had the biggest discrepancy between actual income and the income required to afford a two-bedroom. The mean renter only made 34% of the income necessary to afford such a unit, according to the study.
“The affordable housing crisis worsened over the past few years as the COVID-19 pandemic, unusually low housing vacancy rates, skyrocketing rental prices and record-breaking inflation exacerbated the financial insecurity of low-income renters,” the report states.
California is the most renter-heavy state in the country, with 45% of housing units occupied by renters. Within the state, Los Angeles and San Francisco counties, where the rates are 62% and 54%, respectively, stand out.
Apartment owners are also speaking out about rents.
“We have been screaming for years and years that the lack of supply and construction of new housing is leading to this increase,” said Fred Sutton, a spokesperson for the California Apartment Assn., a group representing the rental housing industry.
“The costs of operating housing have skyrocketed over the last several years,” he said, noting that rent control, inflation and operating costs are factors in adjusting rents.
“Housing is becoming more and more scarce in the state, and some of the local municipalities have made it ever-increasingly harder to obtain,” Sutton said. He argued for reduced regulations on housing construction.
In all but three of California’s 58 counties, the mean wage for renters was not enough to afford a two-bedroom rental. The three counties where wages were high enough were all high-rent locales in the Bay Area: San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Mateo.
The report states that “renters are facing the effects of a long-standing trend in which rents have risen faster than wages.” Between 2001 and 2021, according to the report, median rents increased 17.9%, while median household income went up 3.2%.
In Arkansas, the nation’s cheapest state for renters, a renter can afford a two-bedroom unit with an hourly income of $16.27. That’s about one-third of the cost in California.
The Dakotas, Mississippi and West Virginia, all with hourly wages between $16 and $18, rounded out the five least expensive states. Minimum wages in all five states are far below California’s $15.50 rate: Arkansas’ is the highest, at $11, and North Dakota and Mississippi are the lowest, benchmarked to the federal level of $7.25.
For Morales, affordable housing for his family is a pipe dream. “In reality, we checked about a year ago, but it’s too expensive. It’s not like we can move to a single — I’ve got five kids.”
“It’s super hard to even find a place that we can all fit and have a little freedom,” he said.
Higher wages could make a difference. Morales belongs to the Unite Here Local 11 hotel workers’ union, and plans to go on strike this weekend alongside thousands of others, calling for higher wages.
“We’re ready, we’re motivated, and we believe that we deserve what we’re asking for,” he said.
A GUY who criticized his sister’s “tacky decor” has compared it to a bad home goods store.
Three items, in particular, came under his reproachful eye, and he was not impressed.
But his ironic delivery was lost on many viewers, who considered his appraisal unfair and disrespectful.
In the comments section of his post, he faced his own roasting and an onslaught of critics who wanted to forcefully share their views.
Alex Van Gurp (@alex.vangurp) has over 36,000 followers and another 455,000 likes.
In this video, he filmed himself at his sister’s home, reclining on the stairs, as he posed a question to his followers: “Would you have these things in your house?”
He then continued, focusing his attention on three household accessories: “There are tacky things in my sister’s house, that make no sense,” he said.
In his consideration, it wasn’t giving good vibes: “It’s giving bad Home Goods,” he shuddered.
First was an innocuous placemat with a jaunty nautical theme that said: “Life is better at the beach.”
“How do you not make fun of that? It’s right in front of you,” he said.
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Then came a sign that read: “Our Family,” mounted on the wall dedicated to her moms, dad, brothers, and sisters.
“Our family,” he said dripping with sarcasm.
Lastly, it was a utensil pot in the kitchen that was labeled: “Home sweet home.”
In another post, Alex acknowledged the flack he attracted after his video went up.
“You guys tore me apart,” he said. But he was at pains to explain that all was good between him and his sister.
“For real it’s all in good fun. Me and my sister are very close and I make fun of her house every single time I go.”
An example of the criticism he faced included this comment: “You forgot to include the judgemental sanctimonious brother.”
But there were those who also completely got his irony: “Yes, the signs that say kitchen, laundry, pantry. Lol. Live. Laugh. Love. No,” said this commenter.
The final remark reckoned he was hilarious: “I think it’s as funny as hell,” they said.
From soaking in a hot bath to indulging in self-care treatments like face masks and beauty routines, our bathrooms are like relaxation sanctuaries in our apartments. Close the door, and you have a tiny space all to yourself for some much-needed and well-deserved R&R. But tiny apartment bathrooms can also feel cramped and compact, with not enough space to create a soothing atmosphere. Luckily, there are tons of small ways you can turn that tiny bathroom into a snug and cozy oasis. Here are 20 small bathroom ideas so you can update your small bathroom and convert it into the self-care haven of your dreams.
20 ideas to make your small bathroom a spa
From investing in some plush, indulgent towels to adding shelving, these 20 small-bathroom-approved ideas will make any tiny apartment bathroom feel like an upscale spa.
1. Add plants
From helping purify your bathroom air to creating a natural, outdoorsy look, plants are a great and easy addition to your bathroom. In order to maximize space, hang them from the ceiling or use ledges and shelves.
2. Declutter and remove unnecessary items
Keeping things spic-and-span is key to creating a spa-like setting in your bathroom. Having too many things out on your counter or shelves is visually chaotic. Think about it: When you go to a spa, are lots of things left out and about? No, they keep things clean and neat so you can focus on getting grounded. Remove unnecessary items and keep your on-display goods to a minimum.
3. Keep it clean
Make this a habit and always clean up after yourself so your bathroom doesn’t become cluttered again. Clean it on a regular basis as well. Having a clean and organized space goes a long way to creating a soothing, relaxing environment. If you want to add bathroom decor, keep it simple and streamlined.
4. Make sure you have lots of storage options
One of the best ways to keep clutter to a minimum is by having lots of storage options. It’s your bathroom, so you still need a lot of stuff: toiletries, towels, beauty supplies. Take advantage of storage options like cabinets and cupboards to hide things out of sight and out of mind. You’ll have fast and easy access to all the things you need while creating the illusion of clutter-free minimalism. If you prefer on-display organization, wooden baskets and stylish organizers are another option.
5. Use up vertical space by adding shelves
In small apartment bathrooms, space comes at a premium. There often isn’t a ton of room on the floor, so you can maximize storage and style with open shelves. Creating sharp, clean lines, open shelving is a very on-trend way to use up vertical wall space. You can use them to store rolled-up towels, display plants and decor items or place toiletries. Just be sure to not over-crowd them or the effect won’t work as well.
6. Invest in a fancy showerhead
Treating yourself to a new showerhead is a super-easy way to make your bathroom more luxurious and indulgent. Available in tons of different materials and colors, you can choose options like gold or brass to accent your walls and floor. The type of showerhead matters too, from giant rain showers to multi-setting heads with different flows and pressure settings.
7. Get a bath tray
If you have a bathtub in your apartment bathroom, purchase a sleek and stylish bath tray or caddy to use during bathtime. Wooden ones are the best way to go, as the look mimics the refined, natural air of a spa. With a caddy, you can turn any bathtime into spa time, with a spot for books, snacks, candles or a glass of wine. Plus, they’re small and compact, making them easy to store away in between uses.
8. Elevate the floor with stick-and-peel tiles
One of the biggest challenges facing renters who want to upgrade any space in their apartment is the risk of damage. You want to make the space your own but don’t want to create lasting changes or damages that endanger your security deposit. An easy way to do this is by using stick-and-peel tiles. Available in tons of cool colors and designs, you can choose from a wide range of options that fits your bathroom’s look and aesthetic. Not only are they easy to install, but they easily come off come moving time as well.
9. Purchase plush towels
We all love those ultra-soft and fluffy towels you find at spas. Well, you can have those at home too. Find high-end towels from top brands and stores in your desired colors and prepare yourself to feel snuggled and cozy. Keeping them rolled up and on display is another way to recreate that quintessential spa look.
10. Get a towel warmer
Another great thing about spas? Your towels are usually already pre-warmed, enfolding you in soft, cozy fabric after you emerge from the pool or sauna. But did you know you can do that at home yourself? Towel warmers are available in a wide range of styles, from small bins you can tuck into a corner to towel racks you can attach to the wall if you don’t have much floor space. With a towel warmer, a pre-heated towel is ready and waiting for you after your bath, completing the spa experience.
11. Paint it white or neutral tones
Color is key to making a space feel relaxing and at ease. Opt for soothing tones like white or neutral colors like tan, beige or delicate pastel hues. Plus, you can always paint over it when it’s time to leave. Adding a neutral stick-and-peel wallpaper is another option.
12. Hang eucalyptus in the shower
The scent of eucalyptus is a near-ubiquitous spa sensory experience. And it makes sense why. This heavenly-smelling plant has tons of health benefits, from promoting relaxation to even helping relieve cold and sickness symptoms. While you could always light a eucalyptus candle or diffuse eucalyptus oil, why not go for the real deal? Purchase a bundle of eucalyptus at the store, smoosh the leaves slightly with a rolling pin and leave it to hang under your showerhead. Come shower time, the hot water will help release the scent, perfuming your bathroom just like a spa.
13. Add candles
From infusing your bathroom with relaxing scents to creating a soft, cozy glow, candles are an affordable and easy way to elevate your bathroom. Many also come in cute, stylish packaging, which goes the extra mile in helping create a look. Light candles while enjoying your bath for a soothing sensory experience.
14. Scent the space with a diffuser
Another way to add scent to your spa bathroom is with an infuser. Design-forward ones will match your aesthetic and you can customize the scent based on your mood.
15. Get cool, boldly patterned bathmats
For a pop of color or pattern, zhuzh up your bathroom floor with a fun bathmat. Different styles and sizes can make the floor more visually interesting, plus it feels great underfoot.
16. Use wooden accents
From natural scents to organic materials, spas love to use natural, outdoorsy elements to create a soothing, healing environment. Along with plants, using wood accents will help recreate the look. This could range from woven laundry baskets to natural wood shelves. It’ll make the space feel both rustic and natural, yet clean and sophisticated.
17. Invest in high-end toiletries
Going to spas, you’ll notice that they always use higher-end toiletries for things like soap, shampoo and body wash. From the texture to the scent to the packaging, fancy toiletries will make you look and feel more luxurious. These can also function as statement pieces, sitting out on your bathroom counter or shelves as the sole decor.
18. Create soft lighting
Lighting is key to creating that soft, soothing spa atmosphere. Instead of using a harsh overhead light, add backlighting behind your mirror, a cute hanging light fixture or even battery-powered light fixtures that attach to walls. Adding a dimmer option is another way to create the right mood. You can keep the light low when you’re trying to relax or ramp it up when you’re getting ready and need full lighting.
19. Get a design-forward shower curtain
In small bathrooms, shower curtains can take up a ton of visual space. If that’s the case in your bathroom, you want to make that space fit your aesthetic. Instead of generic shower curtains, find ones with interesting textures, stylish patterns or soothing colors.
20. It’s bidet time
Looking to be on-trend with your bathroom amenities? Add a bidet to your toilet. Popularized by the Japanese, bidets make even using the bathroom feel fancy and luxurious. Get a deep, complete clean after relieving yourself and leave feeling more refreshed than ever.
Save your money on a spa and treat yourself at home with these small bathroom ideas
As nice as it is to have a spa day, you can’t always find the time to fit it into your schedule or budget. Creating an at-home spa in your bathroom lets you indulge in much-needed self-care whenever you need it.
Still looking for a new place to spruce up the bathroom? Take a look here first.
You’ve pulled yourself out of debt, are saving a reasonable amount of income for your retirement, have built an emergency fund, and your daily needs are easily met with your income. Congratulations! Now what?
That’s exactly where I was in 2007. I sold my business and generated a huge windfall — over a million dollars. I paid off all my debt. And then I looked around and said, “Oh, crap.”
I had absolutely no idea what to do with my money. Previously, any extra money I’d earned was immediately stuffed back into my business, and I had been running deficits nearly everywhere. This was the first time in my adult life I’d ever had my head above water, financially speaking.
Over the next three months, I proceeded to blow over $50,000. Oh, don’t get me wrong — it was fun! I bought a new car (that I still drive), some really beautiful artwork from artists I loved (that looks great on my walls), and thousands of dollars in clothes, new furniture, and other indulgences, such as $4,000 custom hand-made stereo speakers (that I’m listening to right now.)
It was fun…for a couple months. Then it got boring.
My Spiral Into Depression
Like many lottery winners, I spiraled into depression. The business I had spent six years of my life building was gone. I felt adrift — like I had no purpose. Despite having been “successful”, no one knew who I was. I had marginalized most of my personal relationships in favor of growing my business and working myself to death. And money wasn’t going to buy me out of the situation.
Slowly, I pulled myself out of my depression. I realized I had the opportunity to make myself into anyone I wanted to be. I could do anything I wanted. I had complete freedom. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying.
I bought a shelf full of self-help books and read them all, relentlessly seeking to answer the many questions I had. Some of them were philosophical, like “What made me successful when so many others have failed?” Some were practical, like “How do I invest my money?” But all of them led back to one deeper question: “What should I do to be happy?” I soon realized the latter question was incorrect. The better question was, “Who should I be to be happy?”
In December 2007, I started blogging. I exposed a significant amount of my business life and thoughts. I wrote about my successes and my mistakes and failures. I enjoyed writing, doing videos, and interacting with my readers. Helping others figure out their purpose, their businesses, and their websites and blogs was a fantastic experience.
Spending With a Purpose
I made a point of trying to achieve greater states of happiness on a daily basis. Instead of being merely content — or even apathetic — with my current state of being, I realized I could be happier daily. And suddenly it hit me: I understood what I wanted to do with my money. I wanted to outsource pretty much everything I hated doing.
In order to live a simpler, calmer, but more effective life, I had to drop the shackles of wanting to do everything myself. To allow time to meditate, think, write, and create, I had to get rid of the drudgery of daily tasks. I realized my money could serve a fantastic dual purpose: To allow others, whose passion is cooking, cleaning, or assisting in various ways to help me — while I supported them by giving them income to do what they loved.
My life fundamentally changed that day. I started hiring people to do everything I didn’t want to do. The first step was to hire a cleaning service. Then I hired a personal assistant to work out of my house, filing papers, doing laundry, and organizing. I hired virtual assistants to do all the menial tasks I hated doing: bookkeeping; video editing; audio editing; even setting up my Facebook fan page. (Lisa, my VA who set up the Facebook page for me, said happily: “I can’t believe I get paid to do this!” And I realized…we’re both lucky.)
My Daily Routine
I wake up in the morning and my VAs have sent me their updates. I am building a business where I create how-to videos for small business owners and bloggers who want to drive more traffic to their sites and get more customers.
I learned meditation, and currently spend about 40 minutes a day relaxing. I also spend a few hours a day doing the parts of my business I love, from creating videos to writing to programming. When I walk down to the kitchen, it’s clean; Elia, my housekeeper, comes in every week to make sure it’s spotless. She spends 2 hours cleaning our kitchen; total cost to me: $30.
My VA in the Philippines edits my videos and does a fantastic job for $3.33/hour.
Whenever I do an interview with another entrepreneur, I send it to another VA in the Philippines, who, for $9/hour, edits it perfectly, getting rid of all the strange pauses and “um”s. I send the edited interview off to a transcriptionist. For less than $30, I get back an excellent transcription, often 12-16 pages long.
Lisa, my VA here in the U.S., has set up an entire website and integrated it with a shopping cart for my customers to order products and access them once they have ordered. She charges $30/hour (my most expensive staff member) and she’s worth every penny.
I treat my staff members well, and they love the fact that they can work from home and get paid great wages ($3/hour in in the Philippines is equal to about a $65,000/year wage here in the U.S.) They are happy — I can see it in their emails and text chat messages.
My partner Richard and I fight less. There’s no scrapping over who will do a certain task. If no one wants to do it, we work together to figure out how to hire someone.
A Disease Opens My Eyes
I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease. The management of the disease may sound simple, but it’s not: eliminate wheat, oats, barley and rye from your diet. Most restaurants have very few gluten-free items; I’m lucky if I can order one non-salad item from a typical menu. Some restaurants are impossible to eat at; soy sauce, for instance, has wheat in it. I’ve gotten sick from things as odd as bacon, cake frosting, and ranch dressing.
After a few weeks of eating mostly hot dogs and tuna fish, I grew tired of my limited options. I thought about learning to cook, but it wasn’t something that excited me. So we hired a personal chef to cook our meals — one who understands the challenge of cooking gluten-free. We pay her $10/hour, including travel time to deliver the food to us, and she gets a fun side job.
In a randomly-chosen week before I hired a personal chef, I ate out four times and went to the grocery store twice. I spent a total of $179.91 on restaurants and groceries. Last week, I spent $215.49, including groceries, for eating out and paying my personal chef. My “eating out” expenses dropped from $86.14 to just $32.28 — over 60% less! My total spent was $35.58 more, but to me, that’s a small price to pay for gourmet food of my choice delivered to my door. Another remarkable and unexpected side effect was that I no longer have an urge to go out and spend money at fancy restaurants — I simply ask my chef to make what I want and deliver it to me.
It has been more than two years since I sold my business, and I am happier than I have ever been. I made different choices than most: We rent a house instead of owning (a savings of nearly $4,000/month in our neighborhood — more than our monthly rent payment!); we only have basic cable; we don’t have a landline, credit card debt, car payments, or student loans.
I chose, instead of buying more Stuff, to live a more fulfilled life. For me, even more important than holding onto my money tightly was to learn to let it go — to give it to others in exchange for work well done, and to trust that they could do tasks well. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Opening a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged way to set aside money for college. The money you contribute can grow tax-deferred and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. While there is no federal tax break for making 529 plan contributions, you may be able to claim one at the state level. Breaking down the 529 tax deduction by state can give you an idea of how you might be able to benefit when saving for college. Need help creating a college savings plan? Get connected with a financial advisor near you to learn more.
Understanding 529 Plan Tax Deductions
Tax deductions are amounts that reduce your taxable income for the year. You can claim both federal and state tax deductions. They’re different from tax credits, which reduce your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Claiming tax deductions can help you to pay less in taxes or garner a bigger refund if you typically get money back at the state or federal level. Some deductions are above-the-line, while others require you to itemize on your tax return. Credits, meanwhile, lower your tax bill.
The federal government offers some tax deductions for education, but a deduction for 529 plan contributions isn’t one of them. You can, however, deduct interest paid to student loans. The American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit can also be claimed to offset higher education expenses.
529 Tax Deduction by State
Every state offers at least one 529 plan, but states are not required to offer a tax deduction or other tax breaks for education. That being said, a number of states do offer deductions if you’re making contributions to a 529 plan. States can also offer credits or other tax breaks as an incentive to save for college.
Nine states do not have income tax which means they don’t offer a 529 plan deduction. Those states are Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. California, Hawaii and Kentucky do not offer any type of 529 tax deduction but do assess income tax.
This table breaks down the 529 tax deduction by state.
529 Tax Deductions by State
Alabama
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Alaska
None
Arizona
$2,000 single or head of household; $4,000 joint filers
Arkansas
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
California
None
Colorado
Full contribution
Connecticut
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Delaware
$1,000 single filers; $2,000 joint filers
Florida
None
Georgia
$4,000 single filers; $8,000 joint filers
Hawaii
None
Idaho
$6,000 single filers; $12,000 joint filers
Illinois
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Indiana
20% tax credit on contributions (maximum credit $1,500)
Iowa
$3,785 per beneficiary
Kansas
$3,000 single filers; $6,000 joint filers
Kentucky
None
Louisiana
$2,400 single filers; $4,800 joint filers
Maine
Up to $1,000 per beneficiary
Maryland
$2,500 single filers; $5,000 joint filers
Massachusetts
$1,000 single filers; $2,000 joint filers
Michigan
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Minnesota
$1,500 single filers; $3,000 joint filers
Mississippi
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Missouri
$8,000 single filers; $16,000 joint filers
Montana
$3,000 single filers; $6,000 joint filers
Nebraska
$10,000 single filers; $5,000 married filing separately
Nevada
None
New Hampshire
None
New Jersey
$10,000 per taxpayer
New Mexico
Full contribution
New York
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
North Carolina
None
North Dakota
$5,000 single filers; $10,000 joint filers
Ohio
Up to $4,000 per beneficiary
Oklahoma
$10,000 single filers; $20,000 joint filers
Oregon
$150 tax credit single filers; $300 tax credit joint filers
Pennsylvania
$17,000 single filers; $34,000 joint filers
Rhode Island
$500 single filers; $1,000 joint filers
South Carolina
Full contribution
South Dakota
None
Tennessee
None
Texas
None
Utah
4.95% tax credit per beneficiary
Vermont
10% credit on up to $2,500 for single filers; $5,000 joint filers (maximum $250 per taxpayer, per beneficiary; VHEIP is the only eligible plan)
Virginia
Up to $4,000 per account
Washington, D.C.
$4,000 single filers; $8,000 joint filers
Washington
None
West Virginia
Full contribution
Wisconsin
$3,860 per beneficiary; $1,930 for divorced parents or those married filing separately
Wyoming
None
Claiming 529 Plan Tax Benefits
To claim a tax deduction or credit for 529 plan contributions, you must live and file taxes in a state that offers these benefits. You must also be eligible to get a tax break, based on your relationship with the account beneficiary.
In most states, any contributor to a 529 plan can claim a tax break, regardless of whether they’re the account owner or not. However, some states limit tax benefits to account owners only. That means grandparents, aunts and uncles or other contributors would be excluded from deducting contributions or claiming tax credits.
The good news is that there are no time limits on claiming education tax benefits associated with a 529 college savings plan if you’re eligible to do so. Unlike Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which require you to withdraw all assets once the beneficiary turns 30, 529 plan money can stay in the account indefinitely. So, as long as you’re making contributions you could still claim a deduction or tax credit if you’re eligible.
Is Contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan Worth It?
Saving money in a 529 plan can be worth it for a few reasons, starting with the laundry list of tax breaks they offer. Contributions grow on a tax-deferred basis, so you’re not having to pay tax on any earnings while the money is in the account. Any qualified withdrawals are tax-free, as long as you use them for eligible higher education expenses. You can also withdraw up to $10,000 without a tax penalty to pay for qualified expenses for grades K-12.
You can open a 529 plan and contribute money to it on behalf of any eligible beneficiary, including yourself or your spouse. Should your beneficiary decide not to go to college or if they don’t use up all of their savings, you could transfer the money to a different beneficiary. And as outlined in the table above, some states offer tax breaks for college savings in the form of deductions or credits.
Aside from those benefits, a 529 plan can offer a better rate of return on your money compared to keeping money in a high-yield savings account or even a CD. They also allow for more flexibility than savings bonds. And while you could tap into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to pay for college, that could shortchange your retirement savings and potentially trigger some tax consequences.
The Bottom Line
Getting a head start on college planning can help you to be better prepared when it’s time for your student to head off to school. Saving money in a 529 plan can benefit you at tax time and your money may have more room to grow than it would sitting in a bank account. Reviewing your 529 tax deduction by state can help you figure out how much of an additional tax advantage you might get from saving.
Financial Planning Tips
If you’re ready to start saving for college but you don’t know how to approach it, getting professional advice can help. A financial advisor can walk you through different college savings options so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and situation. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t need to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
When comparing 529 savings plans, remember that you’re not locked into choosing your state’s plan. You could invest in a different state’s plan if you prefer the range of investment options offered or if another plan allows for higher lifetime contribution limits. Keep in mind, however, that your choice of plan may affect your ability to deduct those contributions on your state income tax return.
Rebecca Lake, CEPF®
Rebecca Lake is a retirement, investing and estate planning expert who has been writing about personal finance for a decade. Her expertise in the finance niche also extends to home buying, credit cards, banking and small business. She’s worked directly with several major financial and insurance brands, including Citibank, Discover and AIG and her writing has appeared online at U.S. News and World Report, CreditCards.com and Investopedia. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and she also attended Charleston Southern University as a graduate student. Originally from central Virginia, she now lives on the North Carolina coast along with her two children.
An endlessly elegant Hawaiian escape above the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Kailua Kona, HI, has hit the market for $29 million, making it the Big Island‘s most expensive listing.
Set on the island’s west coast, the six-bedroom, 8,318-square-foot abode is a true beauty.
“One of the most impressive features of the property is the commanding view of the coastline from atop the Four Seasons Resort,” says listing agent Frank Schenk, of Coldwell Banker Island Properties – Kona. “The elevation is 125 feet above sea level, so you have panoramic views of the Ke’olu Championship Golf Course and the Four Seasons Resort below. It’s like an eagle’s nest.”
The residence sits on 1.3 private acres, with unobstructed views of the white-sand beaches. A gated motor court opens to the spacious home, detached garage, courtyard, waterfall, and pond.
‘Hawaiian flair’
Inside the home, there are two laundry rooms, several sitting areas, and a media room.
The open floor plan features a spacious living and dining area with soaring wood ceilings. Doors here open to astonishing oceanfront views.
“It has a Hawaiian flair, but it’s contemporary Hawaiian,” Schenk says of the sleek design.
Schenk notes that the property offers resort living.
“The next buyer will appreciate its location at the Hualalai Resort,” he says. “It’s very exclusive. All of the homes here are used as secondary homes. There are over 300 at the Four Seasons Resort, and only two owners are here six months or so out of the year. The next owner will probably own multiple properties and will be looking for privacy.”
Golfers, rejoice: The locale is adjacent to hole #1 of the members’ Ke’olu Championship Golf Course and is within walking distance of the Ke’olu Clubhouse.
It’s also centrally located with an airport, just 10 minutes away for private jets.
“Security is at the gated entry, so it is very private and many people don’t know about this place,” Schenk says. “Those who do know have likely heard about it from their friends.”
While the home is certainly designed for comfort, it’s also thoughtfully laid out with entertaining in mind.
“Most of the bedrooms on the island are detached dwellings, so guests have to walk outside, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing; but if you have kids, it’s not ideal,” Schenk says. “This home has two primary suites on either ends of the home, making it ideal for families. The other bedrooms are en suite, as well.”
One primary suite even boasts its own private, outdoor soaking tub; garden shower; and built-in lounge.
Designed to maximize outdoor leisure, the property features an infinity-edge pool and spa and an open-air kitchen.
From a cozy, sunken fire-pit area to a large, covered lanai, there are several places to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
“Everywhere in the main home, there is a nice zone to relax,” Schenk says. “The area surrounding the fire pit is a great spot to go out and enjoy the stars at night.”
From upscale areas of Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and Baltimore to waterfront properties on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland offers a wealth of luxurious properties that offer a combination of elegance, comfort, and functionality. But what are the most sought-after home features that luxury homebuyers desire in this upscale market?
In this Redfin article, we will explore the top amenities and popular features that increase the allure and value of luxury homes in Maryland. Whether you’re a potential buyer seeking inspiration or a homeowner looking to enhance your property, join us as we delve into the world of luxury living and discover the must-have features that define Maryland’s most coveted residences.
7 most popular luxury home features in Maryland
1. Eye-catching curb appeal to attract luxury buyers
Creating excellent curb appeal is crucial when it comes to making a lasting impression on potential buyers in Maryland. The exterior of a home sets the stage for what lies inside, and a well-maintained and inviting exterior can pique buyers’ curiosity and make them eager to explore further. From the moment they step onto the property, buyers can get a sense of the overall aesthetics and condition of the home.
It’s important to consider the season and make updates accordingly. During the spring and fall, focus on tasks such as freshening up mulch, pruning shrubs, adding seasonal flowers, staining the deck, power washing walkways, and cleaning gutters. These simple yet impactful updates can greatly enhance the overall appearance of the home and create an inviting atmosphere that draws buyers in.
2. An expansive kitchen for entertaining
Buyers are often drawn to homes with updated kitchens because they recognize the value and enjoyment that comes with a well-appointed culinary space. Whether it’s preparing meals for loved ones or hosting social events, an updated kitchen sets the stage for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.
In luxury Maryland homes, you can expect to find high-end countertops crafted from premium materials such as granite, quartz, or marble. These countertops not only add a touch of elegance but also provide durability and easy maintenance. Additionally, the cabinetry in an updated kitchen is typically designed with a blend of functionality and style, featuring custom-made or semi-custom options that offer ample storage space and sleek designs.
Top-of-the-line appliances are another hallmark of an updated luxury kitchen. From professional-grade stovetops and ovens to built-in refrigerators and dishwashers, these appliances combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance. Homeowners can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of appliances that are designed to meet the demands of modern lifestyles.
3. High-end materials to heighten the luxe effect
In luxury Maryland homes, attention to detail is essential, including the materials used throughout the interior. From the flooring to the smallest fixtures, only the finest materials are chosen to create a truly upscale living environment. In terms of flooring, luxury homes often feature exquisite options such as marble, hardwood, or designer tiles that add elegance and sophistication to each room. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal, but also provide durability and longevity.
When it comes to other aspects of the interior, luxury Maryland homes boast updated features that reflect the latest trends and advancements in technology. From state-of-the-art appliances to high-end light switches and fixtures, every aspect of the home is carefully selected to offer the best in terms of functionality and aesthetics. These modern and upgraded elements not only elevate the overall ambiance, but also provide convenience and efficiency for homeowners.
4. A spa-like bathroom and custom closets
An updated bathroom is a key luxury home feature in Maryland, particularly the primary bath, designed with luxurious finishes and attention to detail to create a spa-like experience.
Luxury bathrooms often feature high-end materials such as marble or granite countertops, exquisite tile work, and premium fixtures.
The focus of an updated bathroom in a luxury home is to enhance the personal space and lifestyle of the homeowners. It goes beyond mere functionality and incorporates elements of comfort and indulgence. Features such as spacious walk-in showers with multiple shower heads, soaking tubs, heated floors, and smart technology for lighting and temperature control are often included to enhance the overall bathing experience.
Custom-built separate his-and-her walk-in closets are a sought-after addition in luxury homes. These closets are designed to maximize personal space and organization, offering ample storage for clothing, accessories, and personal belongings. With dedicated space for each partner, these closets ensure convenience and ease when getting ready for the day.
5. Smart home innovations for luxury living
Smart home features have become highly desirable and sought-after in luxury Maryland homes. These features encompass a range of technological advancements that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and overall home management.
Updated light fixtures and switches allow homeowners to easily control and customize the lighting ambiance throughout their living spaces. With smart thermostats, temperature control can be managed remotely, optimizing energy usage and providing personalized comfort.
Luxury homes often incorporate energy-efficient appliances, which not only contribute to a greener lifestyle, but also offer the latest advancements in functionality and performance.
6. A stylized mudroom for convenience
In today’s fast-paced and busy lifestyles, homeowners value functionality and efficiency. A mudroom offers the perfect solution by providing a designated area to remove and store outerwear, shoes, and other outdoor accessories. This helps keep the main living areas clean and clutter-free, promoting a sense of order and organization. Homeowners can incorporate custom storage solutions such as built-in cubbies, shelves, and cabinets to accommodate individual needs. The materials and finishes selected for the mudroom can complement the overall interior design style of the home, further enhancing its visual appeal.
The increasing popularity of mudrooms among potential homebuyers for Redfin Premier listings is a reflection of the desire for a seamless and well-organized lifestyle. It not only enhances the functionality and convenience of a luxury home, but also adds value and desirability in the competitive real estate market. Homebuyers recognize the practicality and efficiency that a mudroom brings, making it a must-have feature for those seeking a convenient and well-designed living environment.
7. A focus on sustainability
Sustainably sourced materials for floors and building materials have gained popularity in luxury homes. Homeowners are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices and prefer materials that are eco-friendly and responsibly sourced. These materials not only contribute to a more sustainable home, but also add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the interior design.
High-efficiency heating and cooling units are another important aspect of smart home features in luxury properties. These systems optimize energy consumption, provide precise temperature control, and ensure a comfortable indoor environment year-round. By utilizing advanced technologies and smart controls, these systems offer both energy savings and enhanced comfort.
8. The perfect color palette for your space
Choosing the right paint colors is essential in transforming the look and feel of a home. Today’s contemporary paint colors reflect modern design trends, adding freshness and style to each room. A cohesive color palette creates flow and coordination with furniture and decor, enhancing the overall appeal. Up-to-date paint colors contribute to a sense of modernity and timelessness, attracting potential buyers looking for a well-maintained space. Neutral tones provide versatility and allow buyers to envision their own style. Consider factors like natural light and room size when selecting colors. Consulting with professionals can provide valuable guidance in choosing the perfect paint colors for your home.
Extra features and amenities to help stand out
In the luxury real estate market, there are several additional features and amenities that can elevate a Redfin Premier listing, making it stand out from other luxury properties. Two such features that have gained popularity are an upper-level laundry room and a butler’s kitchen. These additions not only enhance the functionality and convenience of the home, but also contribute to its overall appeal and desirability among potential buyers who are willing to pay a premium.
An upper-level laundry room
Placing the laundry facilities on the same floor as the bedrooms eliminates the need to carry heavy loads of laundry up and down the stairs, saving time and effort. This feature offers a practical solution for managing household chores and streamlining daily routines. Additionally, an upper-level laundry room can also include custom storage solutions, built-in cabinets, and countertops, further enhancing its functionality and organization.
A butler’s kitchen
This additional kitchen space is designed to facilitate meal preparation, entertaining, and catering without interfering with the main kitchen used for everyday cooking. It typically includes extra countertop space, sink, refrigerator, and storage for cookware and supplies. The butler’s kitchen allows homeowners to entertain guests and host elaborate events with ease, keeping the main kitchen tidy and private. This feature is particularly appealing to those who enjoy hosting gatherings or have a preference for professional-level cooking and entertaining.
Which cities in Maryland are known for luxury homes and features?
If you’re in the market to buy a luxury home, living in Chevy Chase, Bethesda and Potomac are renowned for their exceptional luxury homes and features in the Maryland real estate market. These upscale areas have a reputation for offering an unparalleled lifestyle, combining exquisite architectural designs with top-of-the-line amenities.
In May 2023, the average median sale price for properties in these cities reached $1,343,500. This figure significantly exceeds both the national median sale price and the state of Maryland’s median sale price by nearly $1 million, highlighting the desirability of these upscale communities.
A final note on luxury home features in Maryland
It’s crucial to consult with your real estate agent about the latest trends that can make a Maryland home feel luxurious. The real estate market is constantly evolving, and what was considered luxurious in the past may not hold the same appeal today.
If you’re buying a house in Maryland, your agent can provide valuable insights into emerging design styles, sought-after amenities, and popular features that are in demand among luxury homebuyers. Their expertise and knowledge of the luxury market will help you make informed decisions that maximize the appeal and value of your property in the eyes of discerning buyers.
We do our fair share of running around our cities exploring, perusing, eating, shopping and drinking. We call it “work,” but really, it’s what our life goals are made of! It’s an especially good day when we stumble upon something so good, we name it the best. We discovered this sweet shop over a year ago and have been loyal to it since. Every couple of months we pop in to see what newly curated treasures adorn the shelves and every time, every time, we fall in love with it all over again. Properly named and popularly adored, I Love Neighbor is the best decor store in Oakland and here’s why!
You’re strolling down Piedmont Ave on what’s likely a gorgeous day in Oakland. The East Bay is always good for sunshine! On any particular day, the City Across the Bay is at least 5 degrees warmer and the sky much sunnier than fog-ridden San Francisco. As you pass all of the usual suspects, some that have occupied the street for years – decades, even – Fenton’s Creamery, Lost and Found Antiques, Issues, you mosey past something new, fresh, young: I Love Neighbor. You go in duh! and your eyes become as big as saucers as they proceed to soak up every little nook and cranny of this gorgeously curated space.
Brass chandeliers made by local artists, glass and ceramic mobiles, vintage paintings and antique taxidermy all hang from the walls or soar from the tall, wood beam ceilings above you. Black and white Icelandic sheepskins, classic striped foutas, colorful Moroccan rugs and handmade textiles from artists in Brooklyn adorn a mid-century chair or spill over a dip-dyed ladder.
Locally made candles, cocktail syrups and shrubs, organic soaps and detergents peach oil laundry detergent. hello! line the chic shelves. Grey washed live-edge bowls, smoothly carved horn spoons, unique candlesticks, tiny leather coin pouches, brass scissors in every size and rope dog leashes all make the cut in their well-stocked cabinets.
And, the staff! Well, they’ll become your new best friends not only because they are so friendly, but they’ll also indulge you as you jabber about loving everrrrr-y-thing. They’ll likely tell you about the item in your hand and somehow convince you, in a way your best friend would, that you need it. The store is inviting, never stuffy or intimidating and there’s a backyard luring you in for “just a peek through the back door” yet it enticies you to sit down and stay a while – a neighborly Oakland mentality if we’ve ever seen one!
So if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by Neighbor. And if you’re not, do yourself a favor and be in the neighborhood! To all our buddies in San Francisco who rarely find themselves breaking out of their norm, I Love Neighbor is worth the quick drive over the bridge and we dare you, just dare you, to not fall in love!
original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick