February is the month of love, and while we often think about relationships and romance, it’s a great time to focus on loving where you live a little more. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your space or considering making the move from renting to owning, there are plenty of ways to create a home you truly love. Here are five suggestions to help you love your space a little more.
Personalize your space with meaningful upgrades
A few updates can make a big impact. Here are some inexpensive suggestions to spruce up your current space this winter:
- Fresh paint - A new coat of paint can completely change a room’s feel.
- Lighting upgrades
- Simple DIY touches - Hang artwork or bring in cozy textures like throw blankets and pillows.
- Indoor plants - Adding a new plant can help boost your mood and purify the air during winter.
Declutter and reorganize
A cluttered home can feel overwhelming. February is a great time to get organized with the following tips:
- Sort through belongings and donate or sell what you don’t need (and make some extra money while you’re at it)!
- Invest in stylish storage solutions to keep things tidy.
- Rearrange furniture or add a new piece to bring an updated look to your space.
Upgrade your home with smart financing options
If you're a homeowner, your home equity (the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) could be the key to effortlessly transforming your space. Consider a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to fund larger renovations like kitchen remodels, new flooring, a basement upgrade or home addition. This type of financing lets you use money that you’ve built up in your home to further improve your home’s value. For example, adding energy-efficient improvements like solar panels or new appliances are a great way to save additional money in the long run. But there are several ways to make use of your home equity to help you love it more!
Consider buying instead of renting
If you’re currently renting and dreaming of a place to truly make your own, homeownership might be the next step to help you love where you live. When you buy, you immediately start building equity in your home which means each payment can help you build long-term wealth. You will also enjoy stability and the freedom to do what you want in your space without landlord restrictions. Not to mention, there can be potential tax benefits that come with being a homeowner.
Learn more about the process and benefits of homeownership at our upcoming Coffee & Conversations event on the topic of homebuying Saturday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.
Get involved in your community
Loving where you live isn’t just about your home—it’s about your community too! We encourage you to seek out and support a new local business or restaurant, attend a local event or find a way to get involved with community groups or volunteering. Help spread the love around!
Whether you’re thinking about buying a home or using home equity to upgrade your current space, Credit Union of Ohio is here to help. Our mortgage and home equity solutions make it easier to finance the home of your dreams. Contact us today to learn how we can help make homeownership and home improvements more affordable for you, and most importantly help you love where you live a little more.