You’ve been looking in earnest at resale homes, but on a tour of the outskirts of town, you see something off in the distance. A series of signs and banners are everywhere, leading Hansel-and-Gretel style to a brand spanking new set of stunning, lit-up model homes. The curiosity is killing you, so you take all the requisite turns to reach the model home sales office. There, you are greeted by a friendly salesperson (usually a licensed real estate agent) who works exclusively on behalf of the builder.

New homes. First time buyers. Has kind of a ring to it, doesn’t it? Both the newly-built structure and the newly-minted occupant are excited to be together, especially in these days of multiple offers and rising prices for resale homes all over the U.S. According to the February survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), the study revealed that first-time home buyers now account for a whopping 43 percent of the new home market.

Your bathrooms can look like 1996. Your carpeting might need to be 86ed, replaced with hardwood. But if all you do is take the time to remodel your kitchen from top to bottom; it’s likely an investment you’ll never regret.

Some employers have been hesitant give up control of their charges but seeing a need for work/life balance, finally began to give in, offering “work from home Friday.” Nothing, however, prepared them for 100% remote work caused by the pandemic. What about productivity? Tech support? Connectivity? Teamwork and meetings?