The Timeless Appeal of Butler’s Pantries: From Victorian Origins to Modern Functionality

What is a Butler's Pantry?

A butler's pantry, sometimes referred to as a scullery, is a small, transitional space between the kitchen and dining room. Traditionally found in larger homes, these rooms are gaining popularity among modern homeowners for their practicality and charm. Butler's pantries serve two primary functions: storage and staging. They are ideal for hiding kitchen items such as fine china, silverware, and small appliances that homeowners might want to keep out of sight, particularly in open-concept homes. Beyond pantry staples, butler's pantries can store table linens, wine glasses, and cooking supplies, creating an organized, clutter-free kitchen.

Additionally, the butler's pantry functions as a prep space for meal staging. Many butler's pantries are equipped with countertops, making them an ideal spot to prepare food or store dishes before serving. They help keep the main kitchen area free for cooking while minimizing foot traffic. Homeowners often use these spaces to house coffee makers, wine, and other beverage-making appliances, freeing up valuable counter space in the kitchen itself.

The Evolution and Modern Use of Butler's Pantries

The butler's pantry originated during the Victorian Era (mid-1800s to early 1900s) in England, when wealthy families employed butlers to manage their homes. The pantry was not only a storage area but also served as the butler's office, where they kept inventory of wine and other valuable items. This room allowed the butler to oversee the family's dining needs while having their own space near the kitchen and dining areas.

Today, butler's pantries remain popular even though most families no longer employ butlers. They have evolved to become a key feature in many modern homes, offering much-needed storage and counter space. With more than 60% of homebuyers expressing interest in this feature, it is clear that butler's pantries continue to meet the needs of modern households. They help reduce clutter, organize appliances, and enhance kitchen functionality. Homeowners are increasingly incorporating butler's pantries into their kitchen designs, recognizing the value of this timeless space.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

Navigating the Real Estate Closing Process

After your offer to purchase a home is accepted, the journey to becoming a homeowner enters the under-contract phase, leading up to the final real estate closing day. During this period, several crucial steps must be completed to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. While this process typically takes about a month, it can vary based on specific circumstances that may arise. Below is an overview of the steps involved, from the moment your offer is accepted to the day you receive the keys to your new home.

Understanding the Real Estate Closing

The real estate closing is the final stage of a home purchase, where all necessary tasks are completed to prepare the property for transfer. During this time, multiple inspections are conducted to assess the physical condition of the home and to ensure the financial and legal aspects of the transaction are in order.

Various factors can affect the timeline of your closing. Discoveries made during a home inspection, appraisal, or title review can lead to delays or, in some cases, the termination of the sale. For instance, if a lien is found on the property that the sale proceeds won't cover, the buyer may have the option to withdraw from the purchase without penalty, thanks to contingencies often included in real estate contracts.

The 9 Key Steps in the Real Estate Closing Process

While your real estate agent will handle most of the tasks during closing, as a buyer, it's essential to understand the steps involved:

1. Secure Escrow and Title Services The seller's real estate company typically sets up a neutral third-party escrow account to hold the buyer's earnest money, which is usually applied toward the down payment. Additionally, the buyer's agent will conduct a title search and obtain title insurance to ensure clear ownership of the property. If any issues arise, it may be necessary to consult a real estate attorney.
2. Understand and Negotiate Closing Costs Buyers should carefully review all closing documents, either independently or with the help of an attorney, to understand and potentially negotiate fees associated with inspections, appraisals, and other closing services. While there may be limited room for negotiation, being informed can help avoid unnecessary costs.
3. Perform Inspections and Appraisals Schedule a home inspection to identify any necessary repairs and an appraisal to determine the property's value. Depending on the inspector's findings, additional inspections, such as for pests, may be required. These inspections are critical in deciding whether to move forward with the purchase or renegotiate terms.
4. Lock in Your Interest Rate Buyers should contact their lender to secure a mortgage rate, protecting against potential fluctuations that could affect monthly payments. It's important to maintain financial stability during this period, as significant changes in your financial situation, like financing a new car, could impact your mortgage approval.
5. Remove Contingencies Once all inspections and disclosures are satisfactory, contingencies in the purchase offer can be removed. If issues are identified, negotiations may be necessary to settle on new terms before moving forward with the transaction.
6. Meet Funding Requirements Beyond the initial earnest money deposit, buyers need to secure the remaining funds required for closing, typically through a cashier's check from their bank. Timely completion of this step is crucial to avoid jeopardizing the deal.
7. Final Walk-Through Before closing, conduct a final walk-through of the property to ensure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed and that no new issues have arisen. This step is essential for removing final contingencies.
8. Review and Sign Closing Documents On closing day, the buyer will meet with a real estate closing agent to sign the necessary documents and officially take possession of the property. It's important to review all documents carefully and seek clarification if needed.
9. Receive the Keys Once everything is signed and finalized, the buyer will receive the keys to their new home, marking the end of the closing process and the beginning of the moving and unpacking phase.

Final Thoughts on Real Estate Closings

The real estate closing process can be lengthy and detailed, but with the guidance of an experienced real estate agent, it typically proceeds smoothly. By addressing issues as they arise and staying informed, you can ensure that you secure the best possible terms before closing day.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

New Inclusive Playgrounds Under Construction at Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau State Parks

Construction has officially begun on new playground projects at Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau state parks, marking a significant step toward creating inclusive play spaces for children of all ages and abilities. These specialized playgrounds are designed to offer multi-sensory play experiences, allowing children with diverse needs to play and interact together in a safe and engaging environment.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser expressed his enthusiasm for the project, noting the progress made so far. "While there is still much work to be done, we are one step closer to completing the new playgrounds now that the concrete has been poured at both sites," Nungesser said. "We're excited to bring these special playgrounds to reality for children of all abilities to enjoy and explore. We also hope to add projects such as these to our other 19 state parks."

Each playground will cover an area of approximately 7,200 to 7,300 square feet and will feature not only specialized play equipment but also shaded areas, benches, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable and accessible space for all visitors. The playgrounds are expected to be completed by October.

The funding for these projects was provided through a Land and Water Conservation Fund 50% cost-share grant, reflecting a commitment to enhancing public spaces and making them more inclusive for all community members.

These new playgrounds represent a significant advancement in creating accessible recreational spaces and set the stage for similar projects to be implemented across the state's park system in the future.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

The Rise of Slab Foundations in New Home Construction

In 2023, the construction landscape for new single-family homes saw a significant shift towards slab foundations, marking a clear trend in residential building practices. According to an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) based on data from the Survey of Construction (SOC), slab foundations became the dominant choice, with 72.4% of new homes built on this type of foundation. This represents a steady increase from 45.8% in 2000, highlighting a growing preference for slabs over the past two decades.

The most notable change occurred between 2022 and 2023, with the share of new homes built on slabs jumping by 3.9 percentage points—a significant rise compared to the average annual increase of 1.93 percentage points over the previous five years.

Decline in Basements and Crawl Spaces

As slab foundations gained popularity, the share of homes with full or partial basements continued to decline. In 2023, only 16.6% of new single-family homes were constructed with basements, down from 19.6% in 2022, marking a 3 percentage point decrease. Additionally, homes built with crawl spaces have become increasingly rare, with just 9.9% of new homes utilizing this foundation type in 2023.

Regional Preferences: Climate and Building Codes Drive Foundation Choices

The choice of foundation type is heavily influenced by regional climate and local building codes. In colder regions, where building codes require foundations to extend below the frost line, full or partial basements are the preferred choice. These basements not only comply with frost line requirements but also provide additional finished floor space at a relatively low additional cost. The regions with the highest percentage of new homes built with basements in 2023 include the West North Central (63.9%), New England (62.1%), Middle Atlantic (48.1%), and East North Central (48%) divisions.

In contrast, in warmer climates where the frost line is not a concern, slab foundations are favored for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Slab foundations are particularly prevalent in the West South Central (96.9%), Pacific (86.5%), South Atlantic (83.3%), and Mountain (52.9%) divisions.

The trend towards slab foundations in new home construction reflects broader changes in building practices, driven by factors such as climate, cost, and regional building codes. As these trends continue to evolve, slab foundations are likely to remain a popular choice, especially in warmer regions, while basements will continue to be favored in colder areas where they offer both practicality and added living space.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

The Benefits and Role of Homeownership in Wealth Accumulation: An Analysis of U.S. Households

Homeownership provides numerous advantages to households, offering not only a stable living environment but also a valuable opportunity to accumulate wealth over time through the building of equity. By 2022, 66.1% of U.S. households were homeowners, highlighting the significance of homeownership in American life. For those who owned homes, the median net housing value (the value of the home minus any home-secured debt) saw a substantial increase from $139,000 in 2019 to $201,000 in 2022, driven by rising home prices and relatively stable mortgage debt.

This article delves into the findings from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), a detailed triennial survey of U.S. family finances conducted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Unlike the quarterly Financial Accounts of the United States, which provides aggregated data on household balance sheets, the SCF offers granular, family-level insights into household finances, collected every three years since 1989.

Homeownership: A Key Component of Household Wealth

Homeownership plays a critical role in wealth accumulation for households. According to the 2022 SCF data, the primary residence continues to be the largest asset category on household balance sheets. In 2022, the total value of primary residences across the U.S. stood at $40.9 trillion, accounting for over a quarter of all household assets. This figure surpasses other significant asset categories such as business interests (20%, $30.8 trillion), other financial assets (19%, $29.8 trillion), and retirement accounts (15%, $23.8 trillion).

The primary residence not only represents the largest asset category but is also widely held by households. In 2022, approximately 66% of households owned a primary residence. In contrast, just over half of households (54%) held retirement accounts, and 21% owned stocks or bonds. Other financial assets, such as checking accounts, money market accounts, and prepaid debit cards, were held by 99% of households, serving more for transactional purposes than wealth accumulation.

Wealth Distribution Across Age Groups

The total value of assets varies significantly across age groups. In 2022, households under the age of 35 held assets totaling $7.6 trillion, while households aged 65 or older held assets valued at $65.9 trillion. This stark difference illustrates how the value of assets typically increases with age.

The composition of assets on household balance sheets also changes with age. For households under 65, the primary residence is the largest asset category. However, for those aged 65 or older, other financial assets surpass the primary residence as the largest asset category. Although the value of the primary residence increases with age, its share of total assets decreases, reflecting a shift toward other asset categories such as stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts.

The Impact of Educational Attainment on Wealth

Educational attainment is closely linked to the value of assets held by households. Households with a bachelor's degree or higher hold assets valued at five times those held by households with some college or an associate degree.

While the primary residence remains the largest asset category across all educational levels, its share of total assets varies. For households with a bachelor's degree or higher, the primary residence represents 23% of total assets, with significant holdings in business interests, other financial assets, and retirement accounts. In contrast, for households without a high school diploma or GED, the primary residence accounts for half of their total assets.

In conclusion, homeownership is a cornerstone of wealth accumulation in the U.S., with its importance varying across different age and education groups. As households age or achieve higher educational levels, their asset portfolios diversify, reflecting broader opportunities for wealth building beyond homeownership.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

THE WEALTH-BUILDING POWER OF HOMEOWNERSHIP

Homeownership plays a crucial role in a household's accumulation of wealth. This article delves into the impact of owning versus renting by examining the balance sheets of homeowner and renter households across assets, debt, and net worth.

Households that own a primary residence build equity, while renters do not. In the third quarter of 2023, CoreLogic's homeowner report revealed that U.S. homeowners with mortgages saw their equity increase by a total of $1.1 trillion, a 6.8% gain from the same period in 2022. Homeowners typically own additional assets beyond their primary residence.

In contrast, renters miss out on wealth accumulation from home price appreciation and mortgage paydown. Additionally, renters generally own fewer assets in aggregate compared to homeowners.

The wealth gap between homeowners and renters is influenced by both home equity and other asset ownership. Most households will experience periods as both renters and homeowners. According to prior NAHB analysis, about 9 out of 10 households will own a home at some point in their lives, highlighting the rental market's role in the journey to homeownership.

In 2022, while nearly every family owned some assets, homeowners owned the majority. The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) shows that households owning a primary residence also tend to own other significant assets, such as additional real estate, vehicles, business interests, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts.

Renters, on the other hand, own far fewer assets. For example, homeowners collectively owned 16 times more stocks and bonds and 15 times more business interests and retirement accounts than renters.

The median values of assets, debt, and net worth for homeowners and renters, broken down by age categories in 2022, reveal that homeownership and housing wealth are strongly age-associated. The median value of the primary residence increases for homeowners aged 35 to 54 and then declines slightly for those aged 55 and above. Similarly, the median value of homeowners' other financial assets rises with age, while retirement account values peak for those aged 45 to 54.

Although the median values of business interests, other non-financial assets, and stocks and bonds among homeowners were zero for fewer than half of homeowners at any age, the value of these assets increased across age categories for those who owned them.

For renters, more than half owned some financial assets, but these did not accumulate with age. Notably, fewer than half of renters owned retirement accounts, additional real estate, other non-financial assets, or business interests at any age. Financial and non-financial asset values for renters aged 65 or older were nearly half the median value of those under 35.

Regarding debt, the primary home mortgage is the largest liability for homeowners. However, the median value of mortgage debt decreases between the ages of 35 and 64, with more than half of homeowners over 65 being mortgage-free and debt-free in other major categories.

For renters, credit card and installment debt are the largest liabilities. The median value of this debt declines between the ages of 35 and 64 and is zero for renters aged 65 or older.

Net worth, defined as the difference between assets and liabilities, is significantly higher for homeowners. In 2022, homeowners had a median net worth of $396,000, while renters had a median net worth of just $10,400. The primary residence equity is the largest component of homeowners' net worth, whereas for renters, non-primary residence equity forms a larger portion, reflecting other accumulated assets.

Across all age groups, the median primary residence equity for homeowners increases, primarily due to lower mortgage debt rather than higher home values. In 2022, homeowners' median net worth was approximately 38 times that of renters. Excluding primary residence equity, homeowners' median non-residence equity was still 15 times that of renters.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#

ST. TAMMANY PARISH RANKS THIRD IN STATE FOR VISITOR SPENDING

St. Tammany Parish has secured the third spot in the state for visitor spending, surpassing Baton Rouge, according to Donna O'Daniels, President and CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission.

This information was shared during O'Daniels' staff report at the board's June 25 meeting in Covington. In 2023, visitor spending in St. Tammany Parish reached $1.3 billion, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. This spending supported 13,907 jobs and generated $426 million in employment earnings. Additionally, visitors contributed $127 million in state and local tax revenues.

"Bottom line, that means that if it were not for the state and local taxes paid by tourists visiting St. Tammany Parish, each household would pay $1,345 more in taxes each year," O'Daniels noted.

The financial report for April and May was presented by Finance and Administration Vice President Devan Richoux, who reported a year-to-date net surplus of $984 and a 3% decrease in year-to-date tax revenues.

Richoux also provided updates on the visitor center's renovation, including the completion of interior demolition, exterior pressure washing and painting, installation of new plumbing lines, and the beginning of interior framing for a new restroom.

Chief Marketing Officer Katie Guasco updated the board on the new website, scheduled to launch on Aug. 28. The redesigned site will feature a new layout and include a community relations video for visitors.

After the meeting, the board celebrated administrative assistant Rae Shipley, who is retiring after 26 years with the commission.

The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20 at 2 p.m., at the Harbor Center near Slidell.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

end#