Still got cold feet about buying a home? Wait ’till 2016 rolls around! With the new year upon us, now’s the time for all you renters and first-time buyers out there to start organizing your finances and jump on the homeownership bandwagon.

Of course, it’s totally understandable for it to be overwhelming and even intimidating to jump into homebuyer status, given the recent financial crisis that plagued the nation. But given the key economic indicators that are flashing right now, 2016 is potentially the perfect time to buy.

And here’s why.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Still Ridiculously Low – But Not For Long

If you want to lock into a mortgage, now’s the time to do it. Consumers have had the benefit of low interest rates for quite some time now, but there’s talk of rates finally increasing in the new year. You likely won’t be seeing rates this low for a long time to come, so the earlier you lock in, the better.

As it stands right now, you can still get a rate around 4%. If you can lock a mortgage in while rates are still low, you can knock a good chunk of change off your mortgage payments. Low interest rates makes home buying more affordable. Put more of your hard-earned cash towards the principle instead of flushing in down the toilet in interest payments!

2. Rent Prices Are Forecasted to Spike

Renting might be a good way to get your feet wet in the real estate market, but it looks like rental rates are about to experience an uptick in 2016. In many of the major centers in the US, supply is running low while demand is still strong. This off-balance is causing rent prices to teeter to the side of landlords who are able to charge more for their units as supply continues to remain sparse compared to demand.

In the last year alone, nearly 90% of property managers across the US have jacked up their rent prices, with no sign of that slowing down any time soon. So instead of throwing your money away in rent, you could potentially spend the same amount each month to be put towards home ownership and building equity instead.

3. “Know Before You Owe” Mortgage Regulations Put Buyers in the Driver’s Seat

Ever try to navigate mortgage paperwork? It’s like reading a foreign language if you’re not an agent yourself. And if you’re not careful, you could wind up getting stuck with mortgage terms that you’re not comfortable with.

Well, not anymore, thanks to the new TRID rules that came into effect this past year. Also known as the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule, mortgage forms and loan costs are now being organized and stipulated in such a way as to make it a lot easier for the average homebuyer to understand all the terms involved. This gives consumers a better chance to make sound decisions and choices when it comes to their mortgages at the closing table. That way, there are no unpleasant surprises waiting for them once the keys are ready to be handed over.

4. Prices of Homes Will Be Scaling Back

For a while there, it was super tough for the average consumer to be able to afford some of the sky-high prices of homes that have been listed. And it still is in many centers across the country. But these prices are likely to slow down quite a bit in 2016, making home ownership more affordable for the average joe. Just don’t expect this price cut-back to be as pronounced in super-hot markets like San Francisco or NYC, where prices aren’t forecasted to pull back as much in the coming year.

5. More Properties Will Be Making Their Way to the Market

Along with the deceleration of home prices will come more homeowners listing their properties, giving homebuyers more selection. Let’s face it: anyone who’s hung onto property over the past few years has had the opportunity to build up serious equity as prices continued to skyrocket month after month. Many of these home owners want to cash in on that equity, and are more likely to list in 2016 to liquify their money. That means buyers will have more selection when it comes to he home-buying process.

Not only that, but the new home construction market is also probably going to grow in 2016 with builders placing more focus on starter and middle-range homes. That’ll do well to spike inventory and make it easier for homebuyers to snag a place. More homes on the market means the potential for prices to ease off even more.

All these forecasts for the new year point to fantastic possibilities for those who are finally looking to put their name on title of a home. Just make sure that you’ve got a professional real estate agent in your corner who’s experienced in the specific neighborhoods you’re looking to plant some roots in.

Design guru Nate Berkus and his equally design-savvy hubby Jeremiah Brent just listed their hoity toity Greenwich Village apartment for a cool $10.5 million.

It was only two short years ago that the design couple settled into this Lower Fifth Avenue apartment with their daughter Poppy after Oprah’s fave designer sold his 9th Street crib only a hop, skip and a jump away.

And considering the fact that they paid $5 million for it at the time, they’re making a pretty penny off the place if they get anywhere near what they’re asking. Perhaps it’s a bit on the ambitious side to be asking more than double what they paid only a couple of years ago, but it looks like Mr. Berkus and his husband really hold their redesign to the highest of standards.

Located just above Washington Square Park in the 1922-built building, the pad is positioned in the ideal spot surrounded rich cultural heritage that is unique only to the highly coveted Greenwich Village.

The couple designed every inch of it, so it’s a no-brainer that the 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom spread is a stunner. So striking was the renovation that the apartment was featured on the cover of Architectural Digest once the remodeling was complete.

The bright and airy penthouse duplex is bathed in white, and boasts cathedral-like coffered ceilings and gold and black accents throughout.

A key player in the 2,800 abode is the massive Carrie Bradshaw-esque closet that’s seriously bigger than most apartments in The Big Apple. The master bedroom boasts it own fireplace (one of three in the whole penthouse), as well as a spa-like master bath equipped with a glorious free-standing cast iron bath tub and double sinks.

The sizable gourmet chef’s kitchen is equipped with an 8-burner range, a butcher’s block, marble counters, and skylights, and spills into a formal dining area. You’ll be lead to private living quarters on the lower level via the fabulous wrought iron staircase – it’s the perfect spot for overnight guests to get a little ‘me’ time. On the upper end, the dramatic all-glass double-doored terrace overlooks the dazzle of lower Fifth Avenue.

Whoever decides to put in an offer on this puppy will have the option to purchase the gorgeous furniture that already adorns the place. It’s not necessarily part of the sale, per se, but for the right price, the power couple will entertain any offers on special request. And buyers should also take note of the hefty maintenance fees: a cool $7,073 per month.

Based on how truly magnificent this place is, it’s probably going to sting a little to cut ties with it. Whatever the case may be, one thing’s for sure – Nate’s new place is going to have to feature an equally large wardrobe and shoe closet – after all, you can’t go backwards. And Poppy’s only going to get older, which means the shoe collection is only beginning.

So where is the Berkus-Brent family off to next? West Hollywood, where they recently purchased a $2.36 million 4-bedroom home. Looks like an expansion of the family is in the works, perhaps?

Not one, but two colors have been chosen by Pantone as the ‘it’ shades of 2016.

The winners? Pantone 13-1520 TCX (Rose Quartz) and Pantone 14-3919-TCX (Serenity). In layman’s terms, that would be pastel pink and pastel blue (with a touch of lavender).

So what’s up with these specific color choices? According to Pantone, it all has to do with the blurred lines in the gender realm of our current times. That’s right – the colors of the year have been heavily influenced by cultural forces, and more specifically, the acceptance of gender fluidity in society.

No other two colors are more representative of gender – traditionally, pink for girls and blue for boys. And by choosing these two specific hues, Pantone hopes to help shatter the stereotype that each of these colors belongs exclusively to one gender over the other.

And if you thought these particular shades were stuck in the 80s, or could only work in a kid’s bedroom, think again. The softness of these colors provides designers and homeowners more flexibility when decorating a home’s interior. Not only can they be used on their own, they can also be used together within the same space to add luxury and refinement.

Incorporating these two blissful colors into your home can be done any number of ways without turning your home into an Easter egg.

Offset their demure side

These colors are naturally gentle. To bring in a little more drama, these hues can be combined with deeper, darker shades of the same color, such as navy blue or mauve. And to go modern and contemporary, use neutrals like off-white or cool gray coupled with Pantone’s choices.

Stick with their original effect

Serenity is the perfect color to use in bedrooms or other settings where a calm, serene effect is sought. The blue with a hint of soft purple is named accordingly, as it truly evokes a soothing, tranquil feeling, which is ideal for any space where you want a calming ambience.

Go subtle

If you’re sort of embracing these colors, but aren’t so bold as to lather them all over your walls, you can always start off small and infuse your space with Rose Quartz and Serenity via accessories. Whether it’s artwork, throw pillows, flowers or vases, you can easily use these winning shades of pink and blue without having to fully commit to them. Or else dedicate only one ‘accent’ wall to one of these colors, and complement it with a variety of neutral wall art.

Bring it outside

You don’t have to confine these two colors to the interior only. In fact, Rose Quartz and Serenity were meant to be outside! Think about the colors of many of your favorite followers – from bluebells to peonies. Many of them are already sporting these colors, so it only makes sense to add a splash of Serenity or Rose Quartz to your garden fence or landscaping trim.

Go all out

If you’re head-over-heels in love with Pantone’s choices and aren’t scared of commitment, then cover all your walls in one of the shades and use the other in your sofas and chairs. And if that’s still not enough for you, throw in an area rug with one of these colors to really show your support of Pantone’s choices for 2016.

Regardless of the societal message behind these two particular colors, one thing is for sure: they really do look lovely together. They’re both beautifully pleasant shades that make great companions with each other, even without the political message behind them.

Good things come in small packages. Last least that’s the case with the shrinking apartments that are sweeping across major cities in the US.

They’re called micro apartments, and they can be as small as 150 square feet – much smaller than your average studio apartment.

These tiny units are the latest housing trend that’s allowing urbanites to be able to afford living smack dab in the center of the bustling city without being house poor. They’re a phenomenon that’s typically associated with big, expensive cities, though the trend is sprawling outside these typical borders.

This living craze reportedly has its roots in Seattle, where the city’s affordable housing problem was addressed by launching minuscule pads that, while definitely short on space, are certainly much more affordable than your average apartment in the city.

Micro Apartments Widespread

Since then, this trend has gained momentum across the country, with major cities joining the bandwagon, including the likes of San Francisco, Portland, Boston, and New York City. But even cities that you wouldn’t expect to see micro apartments popping up in are experiencing a surge in these new urban-style units, including Des Moines, Omaha, and other cities in the Mid-West.

Interest in living in the downtown core has extended well beyond east- and west-coastal cities that are known for dizzying housing prices. And the rental price crunch that has been plaguing residents in crowded cities is widespread. About 40% of renters in the country spend more than one-third of their income on housing.

It’s a Win-Win For Both Tenants and Developers

It’s all about simple economics: smaller apartments equals more affordability and options for tenants. And the developers behind these communes are benefitting from them as well. They’re essentially getting a higher price per square foot, while offering budget-conscious renters a much cheaper overall rental price. According to the Urban Land Institute (ULI), units that are less than 600 square feet cost approximately $2.65 per square foot — that’s 81% more than apartments over the 1,000 square-foot mark.

Many of these micro apartments share communal kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces, while others offer amenities such as Wi-Fi and kitchenettes. They typically come furnished, though not much is needed in such limited quarters. They tend to range in price anywhere from $350 to $800 per month, including utilities.

And while these minuscule units might be small on square footage, their designs are ingenious. The development companies behind these apartments create designs that are focused specifically on how residents move about through these smaller spaces. Flow and functionality is as good as it can get, considering the limited square footage – residents don’t necessarily have to wake up from their beds to the sight of dirty dishes piled up in their kitchenette sinks.

They’re Not Just For Young Urbanites

Despite the average size of new homes getting bigger each year, some people are trying to do more with less – MUCH less. Micro apartments and tiny houses are hailed as much more environmentally friendly, efficient, more affordable, and even more communal. Considering the small confines of these spaces, residents are more likely to get out more and socialize.

While it was originally thought that only the young demographic would consider calling these living quarters home, residents are increasingly discrediting this idea as many middle-aged professionals and even the elderly are enjoying the convenience, low maintenance, and low rents that come with micro apartment living.

Just like any big city in the US, there’s a demand for downtown living. And if you want to want to rent a place for less than $1,500 and live on your own sans roommate, it basically needs to be a micro apartment. And the majority of residents that call these places home are more than fine with it.

Going home for the holidays? You’ll be in good company: one-quarter of Americans take to the open road – or sky – to reunite with family to celebrate the holidays every year.

Besides meaning a time to enjoy the company of loved ones, it also means that thieves are on the prowl, waiting for families to vacate their homes to provide them with an increased opportunity to steal.

If you want to make sure that all your valuables are protected when you’re gone, you’ll need to take measures to secure your property against break-and-enters. And oftentimes that means making it look as if you’re still at home, even if you’re not.

Put a Hold on Your Newspaper and Mail Delivery

Want to send the message out to thieves that you’re not around for a few days? Let your mail and newspapers pile up. Of course, that’s not what you want to happen, so you’d be well-advised to make a call to put a hold on mail and newspaper delivery until you get back. The local post office can hold your mail for up to 30 days, and the newspaper can be postponed indefinitely.

Set a Timer For Your Lights

When you’re out of town, set a timer for all the lights inside and outside your home. Having an automatic timer will set the lights to come on and off at certain times, making it look as if someone is there. Having said that, you should have a close look at any strings of holiday lights before putting them on a timer. Any cords that are frayed or damaged in some way pose a fire hazard. If that’s the case, go buy yourself some new ones.

Make Sure Everything is Locked Up – Including Your Windows

That goes without saying, right? Who leaves their home – for days at a time, no less – without locking the doors or windows?

Lots of people.

It can happen to the best of us. But if you’re in the habit of leaving your doors and windows unlocked more often than not, the holidays are the perfect time to whip into shape. Start making it a habit of asking yourself certain questions before leaving your house, including whether or not the home is adequately secured and locked up. A well-secured home is more of a deterrent to would-be burglars. The easier you make it for them to get into your home, the better the odds of them taking action.

Install Deadbolts on All Exterior Doors

Make it harder for burglars to break into your home by deadbolting all the doors that lead to the outside. It’s just another hindrance for thieves who are scoping out targets in your neighborhood. Even if you’re only leaving the house for a half hour while you pick up groceries, you should deadbolt your doors every time.

Don’t Advertise Your Vacation on Social Media

People just love posting about all their daily happenings on Facebook and Twitter, whether it’s the new cookie recipe they’ve discovered or how disappointed they were in last’s night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

But one thing you should never post on social media is how much you’re enjoying your vacation abroad. Broadcasting where you are and how long you’ll be there can be a real danger. You’re basically announcing to the world – including criminals – that your home is vacant at the moment.

Keep the fact that you’re nowhere near home offline, and wait until you’re home to post your favorite holiday trip photos.

Install a Home Security System

One of the best things you can do to prevent a break-in during the holidays is to have a professional home security system set up. One of the great things about these systems is that they give you peace of mind knowing that they’re always working – whether you’re asleep, at work, or on vacation. Having your home monitored with a sounding alarm that immediately dispatches the authorities is a fantastic way to ward off thievery.

The holidays are a happy and joyous time – the last thing you want is for this cheerful season to be ruined after having your home ransacked. Take these steps to keep your home and valuables as safe as possible while you’re enjoying your holidays abroad.