David Johnston-Better Living Realty Group

Have you ever wondered??

What 5 Farmers Really Think About Modern Farmhouse Style The ubiquitous style that HGTV popularized is very different from the farmer’s classic home

Soothing earth tones and deep moody shades are among the most popular colors this year

Here's Every 2024 Color of the Year We Know So Far Soothing earth tones and deep moody shades are among the most popular colors this year. Here are all the 2024 colors of the year that have been announced so far, including a terra-cotta orange and dark olive green.

Ready for a big change but not a big price tag? Here are some home renovations to get you started that won't break the bank. Where would you start?

When it comes to picking artwork for the home, most people focus on their main gathering spaces first. But once the living room, family room, and even the hallway are filled with beautiful pieces galore, you're not off the hook quite yet. After all, don't forget that artwork can truly shine in any room of the house! And this means that it's critical that you don't forget to display it in the kitchen, too.

44 Creative Kitchen Wall Decor Ideas to Try Don't forget to hang artwork in the kitchen! These 44 creative wall decor ideas will inspire you to think about the decor of your kitchen.

How could this not make me smile? I'm honored.

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It's National Ice Cream Day‼️🍦
There’s no known inventor that can be credited with creating ice cream, unfortunately. But the history of ice cream is as rich as gelato. It’s been said that ice cream-like food was first consumed in China sometime between 618-97 AD. The first dish was made from flour, buffalo milk, and camphor, an organic compound commonly used in lotion. It’s also been noted that Alexander the Great adored ice and snow flavored with nectar and honey.

We’ve also identified that the Bible indicates that King Solomon enjoyed iced drinks during the harvest season. Speaking of homemade, during the Roman Empire, Caesar would send people to gather snow from the mountains, just to cover it in fruit and juices.

Close to a thousand years later in Italy, Marco Polo had returned from the Far East and bought back a recipe for what we now know as sherbet. It is assumed that this recipe developed into what we now know as ice cream which was once called ‘‘Cream Ice.’ It was in 1660 that the general public was presented with ice cream. An Italian man named Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli decided to perfect a machine made by his fisherman grandfather which produced top-quality gelato in his café. The recipe blended milk, butter, eggs, and cream and was sold in Paris.

The first mention of ice cream in the United States derives from a letter written in Maryland in 1744 by Governor William Bladen’s guest. Then, the New York Gazette on May 12, 1777, printed the first advert for ice cream in the United States. Following the American Revolution, ice cream became super popular in the US.

Since then ice cream has exploded onto the desert scene with the creation of home machines, as well as the emergence of ice cream vans, ice cream floats, sundaes, and well-known brands like ‘‘Ben and Jerry’s’’ and ‘‘Haagen-Dazs’’ that we still consume to this day. The effect of ice cream on society is so great, that the brain of an ice cream lover has been likened to that of an addict. When the brain wants ice cream, it reacts like a passionate fanatic.

Let’s acknowledge and celebrate homeownership and the tremendous benefits it can have on your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to relocate, I’m here to help you on your journey!

Barbie Gets a Dream House, What About Ken??

The Man Cave Is Getting a Rebrand: Meet the Ken Den Rebranding man caves as Ken Dens gives these spaces room to be more personalized—and more visually pleasing. Learn all about the Ken Den, including how to create a Ken Den in your home.

Looking for ways to cut down on your expenses and stay cool this summer? 😎🔋 Make simple household changes that will help you save money and energy while keeping your home comfortable! 💡💸

If you plan to sell your house this year, it’s time to go dark. For the last decade or so, homeowners have painted their walls in a variation of white to appeal to the broadest range of buyers, but a new paint color analysis has found that gray is what people are looking for in 2023. And not just any gray—shoppers are looking for dark, moody walls that add a feeling of coziness and comfort.

These Moody Paint Colors Could Increase Your Home’s Value by as Much as $2,500, According to a New Report A new Zillow report has identified the best paint colors for your kitchen, living room, front door, and more if you hope to sell your house this year—plus the colors that could hurt your sale price.

A lot goes into closing your home purchase or sale; we call all the fees associated with completing your transaction “closing costs.” If you want to know more about what to expect at closing, I can help explain it. Let’s find a time to chat📲

I know your furry friends hold a special place in your heart, but they don't have to hamper your open house success. As your trusted real estate agent, I can show you how to stage your home beautifully while keeping your pets happy. Let's create an inviting space that captures buyers' hearts, both human and four-legged! 🐶🐱💖

There’s nothing like a happy client, is there?

See more: https://app.realsatisfied.com/David-Johnston

Your credit score helps lenders see how you've handled debt in the past; the higher your score, the lower the interest rate on your mortgage might be. So, as you can imagine, it's good to raise your score in preparation for applying for a loan

For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to Forbes:

“. . . if the idea of vacationing at the same place every year makes you feel instantaneously relaxed, buying a vacation home might be a wise move.”
To help you decide if making a move like this is right for you, let’s explore why you may want to consider purchasing a vacation home today.

Benefits of Owning Your Vacation Home
You don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay. It can be a challenge to find a rental where you want, when you want. Some summer vacation destinations are more popular than others, meaning your favorite place may be booked up in advance. Bankrate explains why owning your vacation home means you don’t have to worry about that sort of inconvenience:

“. . . a second home can offer a place to have quality time with your family and ensures that you always have a vacation destination.”
It’s an investment. Home values typically appreciate over the long haul. That holds true for your vacation home as well, especially if it’s in an area with growing market demand. This can help grow your net worth with time.

Vacation homes may provide tax benefits. If you own a vacation home, you may be eligible for tax deductions based on where it is. However, before buying, you’ll want to consult with a tax professional to discuss first as taxes can vary by location.

It could potentially turn into a retirement location. If you love the location of your vacation home, you could potentially sell your primary residence and retire there in the future.

How a Pro Can Help You Find Your Perfect Match
As you’re preparing for summer vacation, remember, you could potentially visit your second home instead of another rental unit or hotel. If that sounds appealing to you, a

local real estate agent is your best resource. They have the knowledge and resources to help you understand the area and what vacation homes are available in your budget. Plus, these agents can explain the perks of how owning a second home can benefit you.

Bottom Line
If any of these reasons for owning a vacation home resonate with you, let’s connect. You still have time to enjoy spending the summer in your vacation home.

A slowdown in renovation projects is settling in after a pandemic-fueled boom, but there are plenty of reasons why the pullback may not last long.

Is the Remodeling Boom Over—or Just on Pause? A slowdown in renovation projects is settling in after a pandemic-fueled boom, but there are plenty of reasons why the pullback may not last long.

Stop throwing your money away on rent and start building equity in your own 'home sweet home'! 🏡💰 Contact me today to make your dream home a reality. 🙌🏼

Let’s acknowledge and celebrate homeownership and the tremendous benefits it can have on your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to relocate, I’m here to help you on your journey!

These 50 'Bolwoningen' spherical homes were built in the Netherlands as an experiment in affordable housing. 40 years later, they're just a strange. Let me know what you think👇

Tour the Most Unusual Neighborhood in the World In one Dutch community, residents live in giant concrete spheres that were once experiments for affordable housing

Did you get a new roof in the last year?? If so you can save 💰💰💰 by calling your insurance company and asking for a discount📣
They won't do it automatically, so call them📲

Do you know the difference???

Contemporary vs. Modern Design: Key Differences Between the Styles Color, contrast, and curves are just some of the ways to identify these two popular—and often confused—decorating styles. Designer Mary Best identifies the key features of contemporary vs. modern decorating styles, highlighting how they differ.

While these two terms sound interchangeable, they are very different. Understanding the differences and when to complete each step is essential but can also be confusing. But don't fret; I can help you every step of the way. I'm only a message away!

Mortgage terms can be straightforward, like fixed-rate mortgages, but sometimes they can be trickier. I can't stress enough how helpful it is to work with a loan officer who knows their stuff. And I just so happen to work with the best. Remember, when I'm your agent, my connections are your connections.

Let’s acknowledge and celebrate homeownership and the tremendous benefits it can have on your life. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to relocate, I’m here to help you on your journey