Helpful Tips for Working From Home Post-Pandemic

Helpful Tips for Working From Home Post-Pandemic


Many of us have been patiently (or not so patiently) awaiting the day things would start to return to normal. Businesses have started opening their doors again, people are getting vaccinated, and mask mandates are beginning to be lifted. However, while our favorite restaurants and coffee shops may be opening back up, the pandemic is still very much a reality.


Many companies are still allowing their employees to continue to work from the comfort of their own homes. Now that there are many things once again demanding our time and attention, it’s important to set up the ideal home workspace—post-pandemic style.


Post-Pandemic WFH Tips

Here are a few tips that we recommend for making your working from home experience that much better!


1. Invest in your workspace.

Now that we are a year and a half into working from home, it might be time to ditch the make-shift kitchen table/office desk and invest in creating a nice space to work. Find a space in your home that is quiet and cozy, set up a desk and chair, maybe add a candle and some desk decor, and watch your productivity skyrocket!


2. Get out of the house more often.

Whether it’s setting up an outdoor workspace on your patio or it’s being intentional to schedule more outings with friends after (or before) work hours, getting out of the house more will help you to be more productive when you are home. When your home becomes your office it can be harder to turn your work brain off, so getting out of the house more often can help you get a bit of a reset.


3. Clean your space.

When you are home all the time it can be easy to let the dishes pile up and let the laundry go unfolded. Focusing on work proves to be difficult when things are a little too messy. Take some intentional time to tidy up your space before jumping into work for the day. That way you can focus better and you don’t have to apologize to your co-workers when on a zoom call!


4. Change the scenery.

Now that things are opening back up, take this opportunity to work from coffee shops when you need a change of scenery. Avoid the monotonous day by changing minor things about your schedule, like adding lunch dates to your calendar or sitting in a coffee shop for part of the day while you work.


5. Get “ready” every day.

One of the pros of working from home is that you really can wear whatever you want. Comfort is key! But long gone are the days of coasting by and barely brushing our teeth; we are in the big leagues now as we move into a more permanent WFH situation. Taking 15 minutes out of your morning to get ready and prepare for the day will make a massive difference in helping you feel ready for your workday. No worries though-sweatpants and loungewear are here to stay.


Hopefully, these tips and tricks help you transition into a more permanent mindset when it comes to working from home. But remember, we are all in this together! The world is changing drastically so take it easy on yourself, you’re doing great!

Why Cash Buyers Dominate the 2024 Real Estate Market

By Luminate Marketing Team • 28 Apr, 2024
The 2024 real estate market is ROUGH. Losing to multiple offers, emotional frustration, and the stress from competing offers is discouraging to say the least. Notably 32% of home sales are being clinched by all-cash buyers, the strategic advantage of wielding cash has never been clearer. This resurgence in all-cash transactions underscores a market where immediacy and certainty reign supreme, especially as home prices continue their upward trajectory against a backdrop of scarce inventory. Within this context, it’s prudent to evaluate every option that can help you sell an existing home and get your offer accepted on a new home. Navigating the Alternatives iBuyers : These entities provide a quick, straightforward selling process for homeowners looking to bypass the traditional market. By making instant cash offers, iBuyers appeal to those seeking immediacy and convenience. However, this often comes at a cost, including service fees and potentially lower offer prices, as the iBuyer model is designed for speed over maximizing seller profits. Power Buyers : Power buyer programs cater to homeowners wishing to purchase their next home before selling their current one. They typically employ financial tools like bridge loans to facilitate this process, offering a solution to the timing mismatch between buying and selling. While this approach adds flexibility, it can also introduce complexity and additional costs into the transaction. But it's important to remember that not all of the innovative iBuyer and Power Buyer programs are the same. It's all about finding the right fit for your situation. Luminate's Unique Approach At Luminate Home Loans, we've carved out our own niche in the market. We offer a program that turns our clients into cash buyers. This isn't just a minor perk; it's a game-changer. Being a cash buyer makes your offer far more appealing to sellers, cutting through the delays that often come with loan approvals. Our approach is designed with you, the homeowner, in mind. We give you the immediate advantage of a cash offer, coupled with the flexibility to choose the best financing option for you down the line. It's about giving you control and confidence in your home-buying journey. If you're navigating the complexities of buying and selling homes, our program might just be the solution you've been searching for. We focus on ensuring our processes are straightforward, your personal information is secure, and the transition to your new home is as smooth as possible. With Luminate, you're not just moving houses. You're stepping into a well-thought-out system designed to get you into your dream home with ease and certainty. If this sounds like what you need, we're here to make it happen.

Understanding Economic Shifts: How Rising Fast Food Prices Intersect with the Housing Market

By Luminate Marketing Team • 21 Apr, 2024
Have you been noticing the prices of fast food and other products going up? Well, you're not alone. Across the country, families are feeling the financial pain of previously low-priced items suddenly costing double (or triple!) what they’re used to. For example, a lunch for two in California at a fast food chain can easily be $40 nowadays, which is a big jump for places that tout “cheap fast food.” But why exactly is this happening, and what does it have to do with you buying a home? Keep reading for more insights. Why Are Prices Going Up? Starting in April of 2024, the minimum wage for fast-food and healthcare facility employees in California was increased. As a result, their wages went from $16/hour to $20/hour in order to provide better wages and living conditions for these workers. This rise in minimum wage, while much needed for the economy, is happening all across the nation. And when businesses have to pay their employees more, they often raise their prices to cover the costs. Which, unfortunately, means the burger and fries you love might cost more now. What Does This Have to Do with Housing? In recent news, you may have heard of President Biden’s housing plan to help first-time homebuyers and to reduce housing costs. This plan would give money to first-time homebuyers and some families looking to sell their homes. But just like with the fast-food industry, the effects can vary. In some places like California, where not enough houses are available, making homes more affordable might not be enough. In other places, it might help a bit more. So, What's the Best Move for Homebuyers? If you're thinking about buying a home in the near future, it's good to know about these changes and plans. By staying informed and working with an expert lender, you can take advantage of any changes as soon as they happen. But even though extra money in the economy sounds great, it's important to look at the whole picture, like how many houses are available and how much they cost. If more homes become available and the costs of borrowing money for a home go down, this could be a better outcome for buyers vs money that is thrown into the economy. Conclusion Understanding these changes can help you make better, informed choices about your financial future. Whether you're saving up for a big purchase or just deciding where to grab lunch, let us help you save money where it counts! Reach out to us today so we can help you navigate your home-buying journey without having to skip out on the fries.

Buying Your First Rental Property (The Journey Is Easier Than You Might Think)

By Luminate Marketing Team • 14 Apr, 2024
Hello, aspiring real estate investors! Imagine embarking on an exciting journey, one that mirrors the adventure of setting sail on a grand voyage, but in this case, your destination is acquiring your first rental property. This journey isn’t just thrilling; it's a strategic move toward financial growth and building a substantial investment portfolio. Let’s navigate through this process together, turning complex information into an engaging and understandable guide. We'll draw from the deep well of knowledge provided by industry experts to ensure you’re well-equipped for the journey ahead. Preparing for Departure Before you dive into the real estate market, it’s crucial to ensure your financial foundation is solid. This means having a substantial down payment saved up, maintaining a healthy debt-to-income ratio, and organizing your financial documents. Think of these steps as preparing your vessel for the journey, ensuring it’s seaworthy and ready to navigate through financial seas. Becoming familiar with the rental property market is also essential. Understanding key metrics like Return on Investment (ROI) and the significance of location can help you make informed decisions. It’s akin to studying the stars for navigation, allowing you to identify promising territories and avoid potential pitfalls. Embarking on Your Voyage Choosing the right financing option is crucial and can be compared to selecting the best ship for your journey. With the fluctuating nature of mortgage rates, a strategic approach to financing, such as considering Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs), can optimize your cash flow and smooth the path toward your investment goals. Finding the right property is the heart of your adventure. It involves identifying a property that aligns with your investment strategy, whether it’s a charming single-family home or a multi-unit dwelling brimming with potential. This step requires thorough inspection and analysis, ensuring the property’s condition and potential appeal to tenants match your expectations. Due diligence is your moment to confront any hidden challenges. It involves a detailed examination of the property’s physical and financial condition, ensuring there are no hidden legal issues or maintenance nightmares that could derail your investment. Navigating Toward Treasure With your offer accepted, the real work begins. Transitioning from buyer to landlord involves unlocking the property’s potential and setting the stage for a successful rental venture. Whether you manage the property yourself or employ a professional property manager, the objective is to cultivate a profitable and well-maintained rental property. As you gain experience, your focus will shift toward expansion and leveraging your initial success to finance further investments. This stage is about growth, optimizing tax strategies, and building a robust portfolio that reflects your ambition and savvy investment choices. Charting a Successful Course In conclusion, the journey to buying and managing your first rental property, while filled with challenges, is ripe with opportunities for financial and personal development. It requires a blend of financial diligence, market insight, and strategic planning, guided by the wisdom of experienced investors. For those ready to take on this adventure, the rewards extend beyond financial gains to the enrichment of life’s experiences and the thrill of the chase. As you stand at the threshold of this exciting venture, remember that success lies in thorough preparation, continuous learning, and an adventurous spirit. Here’s to a prosperous journey and fruitful investments in the vibrant world of rental property ownership. Happy investing!
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