| real estate |
What to give new homeowners this holiday season
The real estate market has been a wild ride in recent years . Sellers have cashed in on record-breaking profits , and buyers have had to compete against many others — sometimes in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties . Once listed , homes are selling fast . As interest rates rise and inventory increases , things are likely to change , though for some it did not come soon enough .
Individuals who were lucky enough to find a new home this year may discover they now have little money to outfit those homes . Shoppers with new homeowners on their holiday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones outfit their homes this season . The following are some home-related gift ideas to get shoppers started .
• Video / smart doorbell : Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options , there ’ s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells . These doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting homeowners to someone at the door , while providing surveillance of the comings and goings outside of the home . Depending on the product , a subscription may be needed to access video history . Doorbells range from $ 50 to $ 200 and more depending on features and resolution .
• Furniture gift card : There ’ s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home , particularly if they ’ re coming from an apartment or a smaller place . Many people also like to update furnishings when they move into new places . A gift card to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas , dining sets , lamps , rugs , and more .
• Household tool kit : What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit ? Home improvement retailers often package common tools needed in carrying cases or sets , but shoppers can grab separate items they think will be used and group them together into one gift . Pliers , screwdrivers , wrenches , a level , and measuring tape are good starter tools .
• Customized doormat : Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners ’ names , such as Welcome to the Smith Home . Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques .
• Programmable thermostat : A programmable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on their energy bills . Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption .
• Linens : A high thread count sheet set or plush Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners think to get for themselves . But these luxurious gifts can make life at home more comfortable .
Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor . Carefully curated gifts can tap into what new homeowners need the most . n
30 Winter 2023 Thomasville Scene