Hard to believe but homes are more affordale now than they've been in years. What? Don't believe me. I know. That statement sounds a bit preposterous, but bear with me, and try to think in terms of purchasing power - not price tag.

Yes, home prices have risen sharply in the past few months. In fact. Home prices have risen for the past eight years straight. But if you just look at the price tag you're not "doing the math". Home prices today are UP, but interest rates are down. WAY DOWN. Lower interest rates equate to more purchasing power. According to data and analytics leader Black Knight, buyers today can afford on average $32,000 more home than they could last year. And California home prices are the most affordable they have been since January 2017. 

So don't let rising home prices scare you out of the market, or force you to delay your home search and possibly miss out on today's great rates. Do the math. You'll see that with the incredibly low interest rates available today, you just may have way more purchasing power than you think.

Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room. A dedicated workspace in your home can be designed to increase productivity and comfort. Here are 5 ideas to get you started. 

1. Invest in a good office chair. Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your back will thank you. Purchasing one with multiple adjustments is ideal so it fits you just right.
2. Switch up your lighting. Fluorescent lighting has been proven to be hard on the eyes. Make the switch to LED or halogen light bulbs in your home office and try to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, consider finding a desk lamp to reduce headaches and eye strain.
3. Keep essentials in reach and organized. Nothing says productivity like a clean, neat workspace. Select a desk with a lot of storage or install creative shelving to keep items like pens, pencils, extra batteries, calculators, notepads, and more stored within arm’s reach.
4. Decorate bright. Pick a color you love and use it to spice up the room. Use cheery yellow or red or relaxing tones like green and blue, instead of beiges and browns.
5. Aim for the view. If possible, place your desk so you are facing a window instead of a blank wall. Natural light can do wonders for staying alert and you can give yourself a short mental break when necessary by looking to the outdoors.