January Home To-Do List, Home Resolutions, 2023 Foreclosures, and Home Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2023

Your January Home To-Do List ⬇️
Happy New Year,  South Jersey!
You’re probably celebrating 2023 right now, but I couldn’t let the day get away without sharing my monthly home to-do list.
Here’s what to tackle this month:
❄️ Make a list of home projects you want to get done this year.
❄️ Pick a room to refresh (think: new paint colors, throw pillows, or anything else you can swap out).
❄️ Pack away the Christmas/holiday decorations.
❄️ Restock your home office with new supplies and accessories.
❄️ Clean out your pantry (it’s time to say goodbye to that Cream of Chicken soup that expired in 2018!).
❄️ Donate or consign clothing you haven’t worn in over a year.
❄️ Plan a winter or early spring getaway.
❄️ Buy fresh flowers for your home.
❄️ Wipe down kitchen cabinets and hardware.
❄️ Wash bedding, blankets and comforters.
But don’t even THINK about doing any of this today! Instead, cozy up with your family and friends. The to-do list can wait until tomorrow!
What would you add to the list? 

I almost didn’t post this. 👇
But I need some accountability, especially when it comes to my home-based New Year’s Resolutions!
So today, I’m sharing my 2023 home goals.
1. Keep the clutter at bay
Each month, I’m going to do a quick clutter check and trash or donate anything I don’t need or use on a regular basis.
2. Deep cleaning
Every 3 months, I’m plan to spend a weekend deep cleaning. And I really mean deep cleaning! Dust those light fixtures, ceiling fans, and baseboards! And this year, I’m hiring a professional take care of my carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
3. Safety first
Did you know it’s recommended to check on your smoke detectors every month? Until I started working in real estate, I sure didn’t! This year, I’ve set a reminder to make sure my smoke detector and security system is in working order.
That’s it for me! Do you have any home-based goals or resolutions? Let me know in the comments!
And if you need some recommendations for cleaning professionals or professional organizers, shoot me a message. I’m happy to help!

The shift in the housing market this year has many asking: “will there be a wave of foreclosures hitting the market?”
Although you might see headlines that report rising numbers of foreclosures, consider the context! During the pandemic, there was a nationwide foreclosure moratorium. Once that was lifted last year there was an uptick in foreclosure activity. Now, data from the New York Fed shows there are fewer foreclosures happening today than before the pandemic.
During the last housing market crash, between 2006 and 2014, about 9.3 million households went through foreclosure, gave up their home to a lender or sold in a distressed sale. This was, in part, due to relaxed lending standards (aka: people bought homes they could not actually afford).
Today, new lending standards have led to more qualified buyers and fewer homeowners are behind on their mortgages. Homeowners today have enough equity to sell their homes instead of resorting to foreclosure. Because home prices have been increasing since 2020, many homeowners have more equity than they even realize.
So, don’t let the headlines scare you! If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, my inbox is always open!

5 Interior Design Trends to Avoid in 2023 

We may be 4 days into the New Year, and word on the street is these design trends are on their way OUT.

But before we get into the nitty gritty, listen up: if you see anything on this list that you love, ignore it! Design is personal, so you do you!

Here’s what to consider kissing goodbye this year when it comes to interior design according to Forbes contributor Amanda Lauren:

1. Open Concept Floor Plans
This trend had its moment in the sun for a long time, but expect to see more closed floor plans in the future.

2. Light-toned Wood
Look for mixed and darker wood in 2023.

3. White and Gray Interior Paint
These very popular paint colors have been used for years to make spaces feel more open and light, but expect to see more creamy neutrals moving forward.

4. Fast Furniture
While affordable, fast furniture doesn’t last. Consider investing in a few quality pieces instead of a ton of cheaper options.

5. Rattan
Speaking of furniture, Rattan has had its moment to shine, but don’t expect this trend to continue.

Now it’s your turn to sound off! What design trends are you tired of?