Real Estate News and Updates
What Does Your Credit Score Mean?
In a previous blog, I discussed the importance of financial literacy education as a crucial tool for helping young adults become future homeowners and increase their economic well-being over time. In this blog, I will discuss how one’s credit score can affect the ability to obtain loans, and the cost of those loans. A credit […]
The Top Energy Efficient Home Trends That Home Buyers Want in 2019
Which energy efficient home features do home shoppers and homeowners really care about? A new report from Fixr breaks down some of the top trends.
Wage Versus Home Price Growth
By metro area Based on the headlines, home prices outpace wage growth. Indeed, in the last six years home prices increased 47 percent while wages rose 16 percent. What do these percentage changes actually mean for a typical homebuyer? How much did the typical salary increase in dollars? How much more do buyers need to […]
February 2019 Existing-Home Sales
NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this February, bounced back and was up 11.8 percent from January 2019. Despite the month over month gains, sales of existing-homes dropped 1.8 percent from February 2018. February’s existing home sales reached a 5.51 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, the highest since […]
How I Staged It: The Master Suite
A calming color scheme and carefully staged space can make buyers fall in love with the master suite. Get inspiration from these photos.
The 3 Most Important Rooms to Stage in a House
Staging not only results in a quicker sale but also tends to increase the home’s value too, according to the newly released 2019 Profile of Home Staging report conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Wealth Gains from Homeownership across Metro Areas in 2018
Homeownership has been associated with positive social outcomes[1], and is also the largest source of wealth among homeowning households. In 2016, the median net worth among homeowners was $231,400, with housing wealth making up 85 percent of wealth (average net housing wealth was $197,500).[2] Housing wealth contributes positively to the homeowner’s and children’s economic condition, […]
The Jewelry in Your Kitchen Design
Pendant lights that hang from the ceiling above your kitchen island is really a place to show off great lighting and dress up your kitchen.
7 Surprising Design Trends for the Home: Which Has Staying Power?
Here are some of our picks for biggest design surprises from IBS 2019 and the Kitchen & Bath Industry show.
January 2019 Existing-Home Sales
NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this January, fell for the third straight month and was down 1.2 percent from December 2018. Sales of existing homes dropped 8.5 percent from January 2018. January’s existing home sales reached a 4.94 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, the lowest since November […]
Home Buying Conditions by State in January 2019
Homebuying activity was essentially unchanged in January 2019 compared to one year ago, according to NAR’s January 2019 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.[1] The REALTORS® Buyer Traffic Index registered 52 in January 2019, just slightly above 50, a level that indicates no change in the overall direction of buyer traffic activity, One year ago, the REALTORS® […]
Using the Latest Decor Color and Trends to Attract Buyers
The key to making the best first impression for buyers is using on-trend styling touches to help them emotionally connect.
President’s Day 2019: How Does the White House Compare to the Average Home?
In the spirit of President’s Day we can use data from the 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers to see how the typical home differs from the White House. Typical Home Purchased in the U.S. 86% of buyers purchased a previously owned home, with 82% of buyers choosing a detached single-family home. Looking by first-time and […]
Home Buyer Households: Valentine’s Day 2019
Using data from the 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers we can break down household composition, and the relationship it has to home purchasing choices. Among all recent home buyers, 63 percent were married couples, 18 percent were single females, nine percent were single males, and eight percent were unmarried couples. Four percent of […]
3 Ways to Virtually ‘Marie Kondo’ Your Condo
The KonMarie method of tidying up applies not just to keeping your drawers neat and organized. KonMarie can also be applied during this spring’s real estate season. Here’s how.
How I Staged it: The Fireplace
Peruse this slideshow to see how staging and real estate professionals are accessorizing this hot home feature.
December 2018 Pending Home Sales
NAR released a summary of pending home sales data showing that December’s pending home sales pace was down 2.2 percent last month and fell 9.8 percent from a year ago. Pending sales represent homes that have a signed contract to purchase on them but have yet to close. They tend to lead existing-home sales data […]
7 Hot Home Design Trends to Watch in 2019
What is trending in home design in the new year? Here are some of the top trends you can expect to see more of.
REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey: December 2018 Highlights
The REALTORS® Confidence Index (RCI)[1] survey gathers monthly information from REALTORS® about local real estate market conditions, characteristics of buyers and sellers, and issues affecting homeownership and real estate transactions.[2] This report presents key results about market transactions from December 2018. View and download the full report here. Market Conditions and Expectations The REALTORS® Buyer […]
December 2018 Existing-Home Sales
NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this December, fell after two straight months of gains and was down 6.4 percent from November. Sales of existing-homes dropped 10.3 percent from December 2017. December’s existing-home sales reached a 4.99 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. The national median existing-home price for […]
Can a Shipping Container Home Be Stylish? Check This One Out!
A shipping container for hauling heavy freight in trains, trucks, and ships isn’t often associated with anything glamorous. But the home industry is proving otherwise.
November 2018 Housing Affordability Index
At the national level, housing affordability is down from last month and down from a year ago. Mortgage rates rose to 4.99 percent this November, up 19.1 percent compared to 4.19 percent a year ago. Housing affordability declined from a year ago in November moving the index down 10.6 percent from 161.0 to 144.0. The […]
High-Tech Home Design From CES 2019
As more homes get teched out, how do you make a home smart but stylish too? CES 2019—Las Vegas’ annual mega tech show—is showing off thousands of high-tech products, including a growing number to outfit a smart home.
Throwback Thursday: First-Time Homebuyers Then and Now
In 1981 when NAR first started tracking the data, the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 29. They made up 44 percent of all homebuyers. Sixty-eight percent of first-time buyers were married couples, 12 percent were single female and 13 percent were single male (seven percent were other). In contrast, in 2018, the average […]
Why You Should Consider Staging the Staircase
A great staircase can be attention-getting in your listing. Don’t forget to stage it and highlight it in your property photos to give it the attention it deserves.
The Hottest Paint Colors of 2019
The paint companies have released their color forecasts for the new year. Which one is your favorite?
Staged to Sell: A Fixer Upper to Show Stopper
Justin Riordan with the Spade and Archer Design Agency offers up three tips in how he staged this former fixer upper.
The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018
Of the 17 million professional photos of home interiors and exteriors on Houzz, it was this photo of a gray and walnut kitchen that captured the most attention over the year.
Properties Typically on the Market for Longer Days in November 2018
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, respondents reported that properties were typically on the market for 42 days (36 days in October 2018; 40 days in November 2017), according to the November 2018 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.[1] Properties are staying longer on the market due to slower demand with mortgage rates rising and with new […]
Holiday Lighting Tips for Safety and Style
Framing a home in a glow of lights can show off your holiday spirit and your home. But there’s a technique to getting it just right. Here are some tips from the pros.
Property Values By State from 2005-2018
Home price appreciation is an important topic in today’s economy. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), we can analyze the gains and losses of property values over time. I estimated the median property values by state in 2018 using the FHFA index and the median property values from the (ACS). I then calculated […]
How much of my income goes towards housing?
With rates rising and home price growth starting to slow, I started to consider how much income is used towards housing in this current economic climate. Mortgage rates are trending upwards to near the highs of 2011 at 4.98 percent, home prices are still rising but at a slower pace, and the median income has […]
It’s Easy Being Green: How to Add This Year’s Hottest Hues of Green to Your Décor
This year in home decor, green is really having its moment. Learn how to infuse more green into your listing.
In Which States Did Properties Sell Most Quickly in August 2018?
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, respondents reported that properties were typically on the market for 29 days, just a day shorter time compared to one year ago (30 days), according to the August 2018 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.[1] This indicates that in many states, the supply of homes for sale is still inadequate compared […]
How to Understand Home Staging Pricing and Proposals: Do’s and Don’ts
By Audra Slinkey, Home Staging Resource A lot of real estate agents are looking for a good, reliable home stager that can magically transform their listings into the price point their seller is hoping to achieve. The trouble and confusion sometimes comes when the real estate professional asks a few home stagers to “bid” or […]
Homeowners’ Favorite Décor Pieces by State
What’s your state’s favorite home accessory—centerpiece bowls, trays, throw blankets, vases, or more? Take a look at this chart from a survey conducted by Next Day Blinds to find out.
The Secret to Kitchen Envy: A Stylish Island
Home buyers love kitchen islands. Make it the showpiece of your kitchen.
The Invention and Evolution of a Space and Place Called the Ghetto
“Ghetto.” The word evokes a long and vexing tradition of racial imagery and history in the United States. We may think we know what the word means, but where does it come from? Why does it carry such socio-cultural weight? Mitchell Duneier explores these questions in his examination of the evolution of the word in […]
Selling Your Home Solo to Save Money? You’ll Actually Make Less Than You Think
Some homeowners opt to sell their residence without a real estate agent to get around paying a commission and make more of the profit. Forty-three percent of people (down from 48 percent last year) who sell without a real estate agent think that if they sell themselves, they’ll end up doing a little extra work […]
Online Home Value Estimates Are NOT Appraisals
This blog was originally published on June 29, 2017. It has since been updated to reflect new data. Consumers who are seriously in the home buying and home selling market should be mindful of a variety of competing home price estimators. Solely relying on just one price estimate is likely to skew the views of […]
Most Beloved Outdoor Remodeling Projects for 2018
The results are in! We have the latest on what outdoor remodeling projects give homeowners the greatest satisfaction, according to the new 2018 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features. First, the top two projects that scored a perfect 10 on the Joy Score were adding a fire feature, such as a fire pit to the backyard, […]
Population and Employment Growth Fuel Homebuying in the West and South States
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, respondents are asked “Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?” Respondents rate buyer traffic as “Stronger” (100), “Stable” (50), or “Weaker” (0), and the responses are compiled into a diffusion […]
Hot Home Trend: Bringing Back the Brass
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine We’ve seen brass fixtures gradually coming back over the last few years, and the trend is only getting bigger. Golden brass tones can warm up some of your décor. However, after being inundated with silver finishes–like chrome and stainless steel–over the last few years, some still consider brass as […]
Make the Front Porch a Selling Point
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine The front porch is making a comeback. And more builders are adding them back into new home designs. The front porch was once a mainstay in home designs in the early 1900s. But over the years it has gotten swapped out for those street-facing garages. Also, homeowners sought more […]
In Which States Did Properties Sell Most Quickly in April 2018?
Amid strong demand and tight supply, REALTORS® reported that properties that sold in April 2018 were typically on the market for 26 days, down from 29 days compared to the same month last year, according to the April 2018 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.[1] The median days on market have been broadly on a downtrend since […]
Staged to Sell: This Staged Home Sold for 107% Above Asking Price
View inside this single-family home in Essex County, N.J., to see how real estate pros and stagers Amy Burke and Katie Miedler transformed this property and showcased it as “fresh, updated, classic, and timeless.”
How to Make a New House Your Own
The keys are in your buyer’s hands! They’ve gone through the process … the search, deciding, inspection, stress, closing, and finally, the elation of buying a new home. Now, they have to make it their own. Here’s how.
Hot Home Trend: Edison Bulbs
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Does your listing’s lighting need a contemporary makeover? Edison bulbs may be the answer. These clear glass light bulbs, in which the center is exposed, have a nostalgic-like appearance and let out a nice warm glow. They stand out, instead of allowing your lighting to blend in. Edison bulbs […]
Staged to Sell: View Inside This Rosedale, Md. Home
Have a home you recently staged that you’d like to show off here at Styled Staged & Sold? Check out this staged property from Cyndi Ryan with Staging Gracefully, Middle River, Md.
March 2018 Housing Affordability Index
At the national level, housing affordability is down from last month and down from a year ago. Mortgage rates rose to 4.42 percent this March, up 8.2 percent compared to 4.28 percent a year ago. Housing affordability declined from a year ago in March moving the index down 7.0 percent from 150.4 to 161.7. The […]
What’s the Buzz Behind the Lagom Home Style?
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Just when everyone was getting their hygge on—a new staging style has taken hold. Instead of it being all about cozying up your home décor, now it’s all about stripping it down and being minimal. The Scandinavian concept of lagom began taking hold last year and is catching on […]
Property Values By State from 2005-2017
Home price appreciation is an important topic in today’s economy. Using data from the American Community Survey (ACS), we can analyze the gains and losses of property values over time. I estimated the median property values by state in 2017 using the FHFA index and the median property values from the (ACS). I then calculated […]
Hot Home Trend: Stylish Cowhide
From rustic to modern to even the most luxurious interiors, homeowners are sprucing up their spaces with cowhide.
Hot Home Trend: Vertical Gardens
Want to add some greenery or garden to a backyard but tight on space? Try a vertical garden. By going up with your plants instead of spreading them out, you’ll be able to squeeze a garden in even the smallest of spots.
Which Remodeling Personality Type Are You?
What’s your home improvement persona: The Sensible Improver, the Project Planner, the Reliable Renovator, the Visionary, or the Extrovert? View this infographic.
Hot Home Trend: Double-Pocket Doors That Make a Statement
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine Pocket doors are not only getting a chic makeover in recent years, but they really can be key to solving some design challenges in small spaces too. And for the “wow” factor, try a double-pocket door. Pocket doors are those that slide right into the wall when opened. It’s […]
Hot Home Trend: Bring on the Velvet
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine We’re seeing a revival of the 1960s love for velvet in home décor. Velvet has been making its way into more fashion and now it’s expected to make a bigger splash in home décor in 2018. This heavier fabric can add some luster to a space through upholstery, drapery, […]
Raw Count of Home Sales (January 2018)
Existing-home sales declined 2.3 percent in January from one month prior while new home sales dropped 7.8 percent. These headline figures are seasonally adjusted figures and are reported in the news. However, for everyday practitioners, simple raw counts of home sales are often more meaningful than the seasonally adjusted figures. The raw count determines income […]
Does the Color Purple Have a Place in Staging?
Pantone selected Ultra Violet as its 2018 Color of the Year. The vibrant color is popping up in more fashion, but when it comes to home design, is it just too bold for staging?
REALTORS® Expect Prices to Increase to Nearly 4% in Next 12 Months
In the monthly REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey, the National Association of REALTORS® asks members “In the neighborhood or area where you make most of your sales, what are your expectations for residential property prices over the next year?” Among the REALTOR® respondents who responded to the January 2018 survey, the median expected price change for […]
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is celebrated internationally on March 8th each year. It is a day to acknowledge the economic, political, and social achievements of women. In recognition of this day we can examine the profile of women REALTORS® using the 2017 Member Profile. Women in Real Estate: Women make up 63% of all REALTORS®, with […]
2018 Home Trends to Guide Your Staging
Article Submitted by Fixr.com Before you’re able to successfully stage a home for sale, you need to understand your target audience, and the kinds of things they’re looking for in a home. Home buyers today are much more savvy than previous generations; they know what...
Hot Home Trend: Go Big With Your Tile
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Supersized tiles are making over more floors, and this may be welcome news to many homeowners. Large format tiles means less grout to clean. The large tile trend may be partially motivated out of function, not just aesthetics. More homeowners are experimenting with larger tile sizes, whether with porcelain, […]
Using Tax Refund for a Downpayment
Here is some insight on how Americans can invest their tax return and how first-time home buyers may look to invest long term. One of the major hurdles for potential home buyers is the downpayment. With a sizable tax refund, the average American would have a sizeable or partial downpayment depending on which region or […]
Styling Tips to ‘Wow’ Spring-Time Home Buyers
By Patti Stern, PJ & Co. Staging and Interior Decorating The new year and the upcoming spring season brings with it a fresh outlook and new beginnings. What will prospective home buyers be thinking about while searching for their new “happy place”? For sellers preparing their homes to sell this spring, that means engaging buyers […]
President’s Day 2018: How Does the White House Compare to the Average Home?
In the spirit of President’s Day we can use data from the 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers to see how the typical home differs from the White House. Typical Home Purchased in the U.S. 85% of buyers purchased a previously owned home, with 83% of buyers choosing a detached single-family home. Looking by first-time and […]
REALTORS® Reported Strong Buyer Demand and Tight Supply in December 2017
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, respondents are asked “Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?” Respondents rate buyer traffic as “Stronger” (100), “Stable” (50), or “Weaker” (0) and the responses are compiled into a diffusion […]
Home Buyer Households: Valentine’s Day 2018
Using data from the 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers we can break down household composition, and the relationship it has to home purchasing choices. Among all recent home buyers, 65 percent were married couples, 18 percent were single females, eight percent were unmarried couples, and seven percent were single males. Three percent of […]
December 2017 Housing Affordability Index
At the national level, housing affordability is practically flat from last month and down from a year ago. Mortgage rates increased to 4.22 percent this December, up 1.7 percent compared to 4.15 percent a year ago. Housing affordability declined from a year ago in December moving the index down 2.3 percent from 163.8 to 160.1. […]
Home Sellers Had 2 to 3 Buyer Offers in 2017
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, seller’s agents who closed a sale are asked “How many offers were received for the most recent property you sold in the past month? Among seller’s agents who closed a sale in December 2017, the respondents reported they received 2.2 offers (which means sellers received between two to three […]
What Would an Increase in Mortgage Rates Mean for Homebuyers?
Experts forecast that the U.S. economy is in for yet another solid year of strength, albeit not at the same level as in 2017. NAR expects that the mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage will rise to 4.4 percent in 2018 from 3.9 percent in the last quarter of 2017[1], an increase of 50 […]
7 Ways to Add More Romance to a Home’s Decor
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Love is in the air with Valentine’s Day this week. But a romantic flair to warm up your home design may very well be in style year-round. In fact, one-third of homeowners say they intended to renovate their master bedrooms to create a more romantic or intimate space, according […]
In Which States Did Properties Sell Most Quickly in December 2017?
Amid strong demand and tight supply, REALTORS® reported that properties that sold in December 2017 were typically on the market for 40 days in November 2017, down from 52 days compared to the same month last year, according to the December 2017 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.[1] The median days on market have been broadly on […]
Effective Habits of Time-Block ‘Bouncers’
By Lee Davenport Time-blocking (designating time on your schedule to work on a specific task) isn’t really a challenge. Whether you prefer pen and paper or an online system, you can fill your schedule with items galore. But the real trick is staying consistent with time-blocking. It helps if you know how to be a […]
Hot Home Trend: Black Is Back
Black fixtures, appliances, and even black furniture are emerging as one of the hottest trends in the new year.