Hello Everyone! Happy 2018!
A new year is a fresh start. I know it is easy to get side tracked from working on your personal goals (professional, personal, financial, creative, real estate, etc.) when there is a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world. Remember to be kind to yourself! Take care of your health. Adjust your goals if necessary, but keep headed in the direction that you want to go!
Did you know you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down?
Each January I make a vision board to help me visualize what I am working towards. I also make a list of goals (personal, professional, etc.) and then I break them down by the 4 quarters on the year and then I break them down again and make months actionable lists to help keep me on track. I use Circa notebooks and Evernote to keep my lists organized. I also just started using the app Routinist to help me remember to do some key things everyday.
My goals for 2018 (the cliff note version):
- Start vlogging on real estate and design … I’ll be on YouTube soon
- Cook more and set a pretty table (omg, I’ve gained 15lbs in last couple of years mostly eating out.)
- Read (or listen) to a lot more books on Audible
- Regular exercise (more pilates, hikes in JT, etc.)
- Working on my personal garden in LA (which has been ignored the last few years) and just generally trying to add more adventure into our life.
+ I’d love for you to ask me about how I’m doing with my goals and help keep me accountable!
Some things to think about:
What gave you the most joy and fullfilment last year?
What are you doing to keep yourself inspired and excited?
What are your goals for 2018? How are you going to get there?
MARKET UPDATES / FINANCE / INVESTMENT
Jobs report is in employment numbers disappoint, rates and wages on the rise
Are your taxes going up or down ? Use NYT calculator
How rising prices will help you build equity
Case study on how one person saved 30% of their income for a year
3-15 unit properties may offer highest return
Nationally, renter boom ending
Landlords may be getting tax break with new bill
Buildings built specifically for home sharing (Airbnb, etc.) starting to be built
Ramit on how to use money to buy back your time
Argument that luxury units being built will be the affordable housing of the future
Home values predicted to go up 4.1% in 2018
Best cities to buy in in 2018
SELLERS
Should boomers rent or sell after downsizing?
Time on market drops to new low
HOME BUYING PROCESS
What will be like to buy in LA in 2018? Expect rising prices, lots of competition
Why getting pre approved is the first step
Low inventory will remain a major issue in 2018
Benefits of using a realtor in home search
Tips for painlessly saving for a downpayment
Why is there so much paperwork?!
LOCAL
Pollen opens up in old FIX Coffee space on Echo Park Ave
Things to look forward to in LA this year
Craft beer bar opens in Lincoln Heights
DESIGN / HOME / RENOVATION / LIVING
Our real estate choices make adult friendships more difficult
Decor trends for 2018, lavender is back
Mobile homes/ RV’s/Trailers are having a comeback
Going out to lunch a dying tradition as more people working from home
Things you should clean in your house but probably never have
Walkability high on buyers list
Sunset has some surprising plant combinations
Turn a closet into a mini home office
Pantone color of the year…2018
Emily Henderson’s top 10 blog posts of the year
Best citrus varieties to plant
A brief history of NIMBY-ism
Roundup of the best storage bins
Marie Kondo is going to have a TV show
Obamas favorite books of 2017
