Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Despite Market Weakness; How Tax Bill Could Affect Property Values

Mortgage rates were broadly unchanged today, despite negative cues from underlying bond markets. In other words, the bonds that account for most mortgage rate movement suggested higher rates--at least if you're comparing today against yesterday's latest levels. The catch is that yesterday's mortgage rate sheets weren't based on the "latest levels." Bonds improved all day, and fairly substantially at that! Lenders offered lower rates in the afternoon, but they only make those adjustments once or twice on any given day (they prefer not to make them at all). As such, bonds continued to improve after the early afternoon glut of new lender rate sheets. With all of the above in mind, it's easier to reconcile today's seemingly paradoxical strength. Indeed, current bond market trading levels are right

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/28/3155

Lenders' Biggest Fear: Other Lenders; Big Break for Mortgage Rates; Pending Sales Press Higher

Mortgage lenders continue to see a negative profit outlook for the first quarter of the New Year, the fifth consecutive quarter they have done so. Thirty-eight percent of respondents to Fannie Mae's Fourth Quarter Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey® expect their profits to decline over the next three months while 46 percent think it will remain essentially the same. While institutions of all sizes and types generally reported an expected net decrease in profit margin, larger institutions were the most likely to do so. On net, lenders said they view competition from other lenders as their biggest hurdle to profitability. This sentiment, which has driven profit concerns for five consecutive quarters, reached its fourth straight survey high with 75 percent of those with a negative outlook naming

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/27/3153

Plans for barbecue joint on East 16th moved to backburner

Restaurateurs Peter George and Thomas Main had hoped to open their BBQ Barn in June, but now they're unsure if they'll pursue the concept at all, after experiencing costly delays.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66771-plans-for-barbecue-joint-on-east-16th-moved-to-backburner

All U.S. Homes Worth Cumulative $31.8 Trillion

Renters paid a record high $485.6 billion in 2017, a $4.9 billion increase from 2016

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-28-All-U-S-Homes-Worth-Cumulative-31-8-Trillion

"The Big Bang Theory's" Leonard and Penny Named Most Desirable Neighbors for 2018; The Simpsons Named Least Desirable Neighbors in 2017

One in three Americans say the Simpsons would be the worst TV family to have next door

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-27-The-Big-Bang-Theorys-Leonard-and-Penny-Named-Most-Desirable-Neighbors-for-2018-The-Simpsons-Named-Least-Desirable-Neighbors-in-2017

The Forecast: 2018 Trends in Staging

By Mary Purcell, MoneyGeek.com

Home staging has gone mainstream and is now widely used to make a home more attractive to potential buyers. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, a majority of real estate professionals believe staging increases the sale price of the home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.

But even if it doesn’t increase the value, most agents agree that staging reduces the amount of time the home sits on the market, which is music to any seller’s ears.

Not all homes need a dramatic makeover, but most homes will benefit from at least a thorough cleaning and culling.

“Staging and preparation can include as little as some fresh paint, but in most cases we also landscape, replace dated light fixtures and hardware, and in many cases refinish hardwood floors, replace countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.,” says Nicole Kennedy, a home staging expert in Piedmont, Calif.

Photo by Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign – More living room photos

 

Read on to learn what industry and design trends we can expect in 2018.

More real estate agents get on board

Lori Matzke, founder of HomeStagingExpert.com, provides home staging workshops around the country in addition to running her own staging business in Minnesota. She’s noticed an increased interest and involvement of real estate agents in the staging process.

“Back when I started staging (in 1999), agents were not interested; they didn’t want to have one more thing on their plate,” Matzke says. “My classes are now 90 to 95 percent agents. I think you’re going to see a lot more agents learning about staging and how to advise their clients, because more and more homeowners are demanding that.”

That doesn’t mean agents will be doing the staging themselves, but they will have an eye for what is needed, and will facilitate the interaction between the seller and the stager. “It really helps the homeowner to have an educated real estate agent,” says Matzke. If the agent has prepped the seller about what needs to be removed and cleaned out, it makes the stager’s job faster and cheaper.

Complete vs. partial staging

Staging can range from small efforts like decluttering to a complete move out and refurnishing. Complete staging of vacant homes is a growing trend, according to Matzke. Whether it’s new or model homes, or the seller has moved out, many stagers today only work with vacant homes.

In the booming Bay Area housing market, Kennedy says buyers are accustomed to short sales cycles, so having the home primed and ready is expected.

“Fewer than 10 percent of homes I stage are partial–where we keep some of the furniture and belongings, edit out and add in where needed,” notes Kennedy. “This can be challenging because the staging has to fit in with existing styles and pieces, but it can make more sense to sellers who are staying in the house through the sale.”

Matzke says the complete staging trend isn’t limited to hot real estate markets.

“It’s been trickling down into smaller markets, not just in the larger metropolitan areas,” she notes. The ubiquity of staging on HGTV shows has probably made the idea more palatable to sellers and agents across the county.

Embracing a personal touch

One of the golden rules of staging has long been to keep things neutral to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. But stagers are increasingly adding a little more design, style, and color to the home.

“Staging is becoming a bit more personal and less stale than it has been in the past,” Kennedy says. “It used to be standard to remove all family photos and personal items from the house, but today’s buyers prefer to see a house with a little personality. They want to see a ‘real’ house that they can imagine themselves in and small, personal details that create an aspirational image can help reach buyers on an emotional level.”

Matzke agrees. “It’s becoming trendy for stagers to do a little mixing with vintage pieces to give it a designer look. I think it gives the place more depth and I’m seeing more chatter about it on blogs.”

Following the design trends

While most of the staging do’s and don’ts will remain the same in 2018, our experts expect some new design trends to emerge in many staged homes next year:

• Color: After a few years in which just about every design magazine is covered in gray, Matzke has a bold prediction: Gray is dead. “People are embracing beige and creamy white again,” she says. “I think that’s good because not everybody’s furniture fits with gray.”

Stagers are also increasingly adding a pop of color or an upscale design element to appeal to design-conscious buyers.

“Adding a pop of color in a room through accessories or artwork is common,” says Matzke. “The two big colors I think you’ll see a lot of in 2018 are dark teal and millennial pink … especially if you’re marketing to first-time homebuyers or a younger crowd, you might want to add those colors.”

• Floors: It used to be that preparing a home for sale meant replacing old, stained carpet with new carpet, but Matzke says that, too, is changing. “A lot of people are replacing carpeting with wood and faux wood flooring–at least on the main floor,” she adds.
• Countertops: While quartz is the latest countertop trend among high-end homes for 2018, Matzke thinks most of America will stick with granite next year because of cost.  “Design magazines are pushing quartz, saying it’s going to be the hot trend for 2018,” Matzke says. “And for the really high-end homes they’re probably right, but for a majority of America, I think it’s still going to be granite.”
• Glam: Although it sounds counter to the rule of keeping things neutral, HGTV and design magazines have popularized a bit of glam. “For a long time you’ve seen people adding a little bit of rustic, heavy metal designs, but now you’re seeing a lot more shiny metallics,” Matzke says. “Even gold–it adds a bit of bling to the house.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher. She covers homebuying, savings and other personal finance-related topics for MoneyGeek.com. 

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/yUbnZaU12Rc/

Staying Warm - Show 464

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 464

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Staying Warm."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Disclosing Your Utility Bills
- Heating with a Fireplace
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Despite Market Weakness; How Tax Bill Could Affect Property Values

Mortgage rates were broadly unchanged today, despite negative cues from underlying bond markets. In other words, the bonds that account for most mortgage rate movement suggested higher rates--at least if you're comparing today against yesterday's latest levels. The catch is that yesterday's mortgage rate sheets weren't based on the "latest levels." Bonds improved all day, and fairly substantially at that! Lenders offered lower rates in the afternoon, but they only make those adjustments once or twice on any given day (they prefer not to make them at all). As such, bonds continued to improve after the early afternoon glut of new lender rate sheets. With all of the above in mind, it's easier to reconcile today's seemingly paradoxical strength. Indeed, current bond market trading levels are right

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/28/3155

Plans for barbecue joint on East 16th moved to backburner

Restaurateurs Peter George and Thomas Main had hoped to open their BBQ Barn in June, but now they're unsure if they'll pursue the concept at all, after experiencing costly delays.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66771-plans-for-barbecue-joint-on-east-16th-moved-to-backburner

All U.S. Homes Worth Cumulative $31.8 Trillion

Renters paid a record high $485.6 billion in 2017, a $4.9 billion increase from 2016

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-28-All-U-S-Homes-Worth-Cumulative-31-8-Trillion

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Lenders' Biggest Fear: Other Lenders; Big Break for Mortgage Rates; Pending Sales Press Higher

Mortgage lenders continue to see a negative profit outlook for the first quarter of the New Year, the fifth consecutive quarter they have done so. Thirty-eight percent of respondents to Fannie Mae's Fourth Quarter Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey® expect their profits to decline over the next three months while 46 percent think it will remain essentially the same. While institutions of all sizes and types generally reported an expected net decrease in profit margin, larger institutions were the most likely to do so. On net, lenders said they view competition from other lenders as their biggest hurdle to profitability. This sentiment, which has driven profit concerns for five consecutive quarters, reached its fourth straight survey high with 75 percent of those with a negative outlook naming

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/27/3153

The Forecast: 2018 Trends in Staging

By Mary Purcell, MoneyGeek.com

Home staging has gone mainstream and is now widely used to make a home more attractive to potential buyers. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, a majority of real estate professionals believe staging increases the sale price of the home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.

But even if it doesn’t increase the value, most agents agree that staging reduces the amount of time the home sits on the market, which is music to any seller’s ears.

Not all homes need a dramatic makeover, but most homes will benefit from at least a thorough cleaning and culling.

“Staging and preparation can include as little as some fresh paint, but in most cases we also landscape, replace dated light fixtures and hardware, and in many cases refinish hardwood floors, replace countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.,” says Nicole Kennedy, a home staging expert in Piedmont, Calif.

Photo by Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign – More living room photos

 

Read on to learn what industry and design trends we can expect in 2018.

More real estate agents get on board

Lori Matzke, founder of HomeStagingExpert.com, provides home staging workshops around the country in addition to running her own staging business in Minnesota. She’s noticed an increased interest and involvement of real estate agents in the staging process.

“Back when I started staging (in 1999), agents were not interested; they didn’t want to have one more thing on their plate,” Matzke says. “My classes are now 90 to 95 percent agents. I think you’re going to see a lot more agents learning about staging and how to advise their clients, because more and more homeowners are demanding that.”

That doesn’t mean agents will be doing the staging themselves, but they will have an eye for what is needed, and will facilitate the interaction between the seller and the stager. “It really helps the homeowner to have an educated real estate agent,” says Matzke. If the agent has prepped the seller about what needs to be removed and cleaned out, it makes the stager’s job faster and cheaper.

Complete vs. partial staging

Staging can range from small efforts like decluttering to a complete move out and refurnishing. Complete staging of vacant homes is a growing trend, according to Matzke. Whether it’s new or model homes, or the seller has moved out, many stagers today only work with vacant homes.

In the booming Bay Area housing market, Kennedy says buyers are accustomed to short sales cycles, so having the home primed and ready is expected.

“Fewer than 10 percent of homes I stage are partial–where we keep some of the furniture and belongings, edit out and add in where needed,” notes Kennedy. “This can be challenging because the staging has to fit in with existing styles and pieces, but it can make more sense to sellers who are staying in the house through the sale.”

Matzke says the complete staging trend isn’t limited to hot real estate markets.

“It’s been trickling down into smaller markets, not just in the larger metropolitan areas,” she notes. The ubiquity of staging on HGTV shows has probably made the idea more palatable to sellers and agents across the county.

Embracing a personal touch

One of the golden rules of staging has long been to keep things neutral to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. But stagers are increasingly adding a little more design, style, and color to the home.

“Staging is becoming a bit more personal and less stale than it has been in the past,” Kennedy says. “It used to be standard to remove all family photos and personal items from the house, but today’s buyers prefer to see a house with a little personality. They want to see a ‘real’ house that they can imagine themselves in and small, personal details that create an aspirational image can help reach buyers on an emotional level.”

Matzke agrees. “It’s becoming trendy for stagers to do a little mixing with vintage pieces to give it a designer look. I think it gives the place more depth and I’m seeing more chatter about it on blogs.”

Following the design trends

While most of the staging do’s and don’ts will remain the same in 2018, our experts expect some new design trends to emerge in many staged homes next year:

• Color: After a few years in which just about every design magazine is covered in gray, Matzke has a bold prediction: Gray is dead. “People are embracing beige and creamy white again,” she says. “I think that’s good because not everybody’s furniture fits with gray.”

Stagers are also increasingly adding a pop of color or an upscale design element to appeal to design-conscious buyers.

“Adding a pop of color in a room through accessories or artwork is common,” says Matzke. “The two big colors I think you’ll see a lot of in 2018 are dark teal and millennial pink … especially if you’re marketing to first-time homebuyers or a younger crowd, you might want to add those colors.”

• Floors: It used to be that preparing a home for sale meant replacing old, stained carpet with new carpet, but Matzke says that, too, is changing. “A lot of people are replacing carpeting with wood and faux wood flooring–at least on the main floor,” she adds.
• Countertops: While quartz is the latest countertop trend among high-end homes for 2018, Matzke thinks most of America will stick with granite next year because of cost.  “Design magazines are pushing quartz, saying it’s going to be the hot trend for 2018,” Matzke says. “And for the really high-end homes they’re probably right, but for a majority of America, I think it’s still going to be granite.”
• Glam: Although it sounds counter to the rule of keeping things neutral, HGTV and design magazines have popularized a bit of glam. “For a long time you’ve seen people adding a little bit of rustic, heavy metal designs, but now you’re seeing a lot more shiny metallics,” Matzke says. “Even gold–it adds a bit of bling to the house.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher. She covers homebuying, savings and other personal finance-related topics for MoneyGeek.com. 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/25/the-forecast-2018-trends-in-staging/

Second Homes - Show 463

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 463

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Second Homes."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep it or Rent it?
- The RSPS Designation
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Second Homes - Show 463

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 463

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Second Homes."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep it or Rent it?
- The RSPS Designation
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

"The Big Bang Theory's" Leonard and Penny Named Most Desirable Neighbors for 2018; The Simpsons Named Least Desirable Neighbors in 2017

One in three Americans say the Simpsons would be the worst TV family to have next door

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-27-The-Big-Bang-Theorys-Leonard-and-Penny-Named-Most-Desirable-Neighbors-for-2018-The-Simpsons-Named-Least-Desirable-Neighbors-in-2017

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

The Forecast: 2018 Trends in Staging

By Mary Purcell, MoneyGeek.com

Home staging has gone mainstream and is now widely used to make a home more attractive to potential buyers. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, a majority of real estate professionals believe staging increases the sale price of the home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.

But even if it doesn’t increase the value, most agents agree that staging reduces the amount of time the home sits on the market, which is music to any seller’s ears.

Not all homes need a dramatic makeover, but most homes will benefit from at least a thorough cleaning and culling.

“Staging and preparation can include as little as some fresh paint, but in most cases we also landscape, replace dated light fixtures and hardware, and in many cases refinish hardwood floors, replace countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.,” says Nicole Kennedy, a home staging expert in Piedmont, Calif.

Photo by Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign – More living room photos

 

Read on to learn what industry and design trends we can expect in 2018.

More real estate agents get on board

Lori Matzke, founder of HomeStagingExpert.com, provides home staging workshops around the country in addition to running her own staging business in Minnesota. She’s noticed an increased interest and involvement of real estate agents in the staging process.

“Back when I started staging (in 1999), agents were not interested; they didn’t want to have one more thing on their plate,” Matzke says. “My classes are now 90 to 95 percent agents. I think you’re going to see a lot more agents learning about staging and how to advise their clients, because more and more homeowners are demanding that.”

That doesn’t mean agents will be doing the staging themselves, but they will have an eye for what is needed, and will facilitate the interaction between the seller and the stager. “It really helps the homeowner to have an educated real estate agent,” says Matzke. If the agent has prepped the seller about what needs to be removed and cleaned out, it makes the stager’s job faster and cheaper.

Complete vs. partial staging

Staging can range from small efforts like decluttering to a complete move out and refurnishing. Complete staging of vacant homes is a growing trend, according to Matzke. Whether it’s new or model homes, or the seller has moved out, many stagers today only work with vacant homes.

In the booming Bay Area housing market, Kennedy says buyers are accustomed to short sales cycles, so having the home primed and ready is expected.

“Fewer than 10 percent of homes I stage are partial–where we keep some of the furniture and belongings, edit out and add in where needed,” notes Kennedy. “This can be challenging because the staging has to fit in with existing styles and pieces, but it can make more sense to sellers who are staying in the house through the sale.”

Matzke says the complete staging trend isn’t limited to hot real estate markets.

“It’s been trickling down into smaller markets, not just in the larger metropolitan areas,” she notes. The ubiquity of staging on HGTV shows has probably made the idea more palatable to sellers and agents across the county.

Embracing a personal touch

One of the golden rules of staging has long been to keep things neutral to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. But stagers are increasingly adding a little more design, style, and color to the home.

“Staging is becoming a bit more personal and less stale than it has been in the past,” Kennedy says. “It used to be standard to remove all family photos and personal items from the house, but today’s buyers prefer to see a house with a little personality. They want to see a ‘real’ house that they can imagine themselves in and small, personal details that create an aspirational image can help reach buyers on an emotional level.”

Matzke agrees. “It’s becoming trendy for stagers to do a little mixing with vintage pieces to give it a designer look. I think it gives the place more depth and I’m seeing more chatter about it on blogs.”

Following the design trends

While most of the staging do’s and don’ts will remain the same in 2018, our experts expect some new design trends to emerge in many staged homes next year:

• Color: After a few years in which just about every design magazine is covered in gray, Matzke has a bold prediction: Gray is dead. “People are embracing beige and creamy white again,” she says. “I think that’s good because not everybody’s furniture fits with gray.”

Stagers are also increasingly adding a pop of color or an upscale design element to appeal to design-conscious buyers.

“Adding a pop of color in a room through accessories or artwork is common,” says Matzke. “The two big colors I think you’ll see a lot of in 2018 are dark teal and millennial pink … especially if you’re marketing to first-time homebuyers or a younger crowd, you might want to add those colors.”

• Floors: It used to be that preparing a home for sale meant replacing old, stained carpet with new carpet, but Matzke says that, too, is changing. “A lot of people are replacing carpeting with wood and faux wood flooring–at least on the main floor,” she adds.
• Countertops: While quartz is the latest countertop trend among high-end homes for 2018, Matzke thinks most of America will stick with granite next year because of cost.  “Design magazines are pushing quartz, saying it’s going to be the hot trend for 2018,” Matzke says. “And for the really high-end homes they’re probably right, but for a majority of America, I think it’s still going to be granite.”
• Glam: Although it sounds counter to the rule of keeping things neutral, HGTV and design magazines have popularized a bit of glam. “For a long time you’ve seen people adding a little bit of rustic, heavy metal designs, but now you’re seeing a lot more shiny metallics,” Matzke says. “Even gold–it adds a bit of bling to the house.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher. She covers homebuying, savings and other personal finance-related topics for MoneyGeek.com. 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/25/the-forecast-2018-trends-in-staging/

Second Homes - Show 463

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 463

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Second Homes."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep it or Rent it?
- The RSPS Designation
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Rent Growth Accelerates Going Into 2018

Median rent across the country rose 2.4 percent over the past year to $1,435 per month, according to Zillow's November Housing Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-21-Rent-Growth-Accelerates-Going-Into-2018

Bar Carts, All-White Kitchens and Succulents Expected to Go Out of Style in 2018

Floral prints and statement floors among top 2018 home design trends, according to the Zillow Home Trend Forecast

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-20-Bar-Carts-All-White-Kitchens-and-Succulents-Expected-to-Go-Out-of-Style-in-2018

The Forecast: 2018 Trends in Staging

By Mary Purcell, MoneyGeek.com

Home staging has gone mainstream and is now widely used to make a home more attractive to potential buyers. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, a majority of real estate professionals believe staging increases the sale price of the home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.

But even if it doesn’t increase the value, most agents agree that staging reduces the amount of time the home sits on the market, which is music to any seller’s ears.

Not all homes need a dramatic makeover, but most homes will benefit from at least a thorough cleaning and culling.

“Staging and preparation can include as little as some fresh paint, but in most cases we also landscape, replace dated light fixtures and hardware, and in many cases refinish hardwood floors, replace countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.,” says Nicole Kennedy, a home staging expert in Piedmont, Calif.

Photo by Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign – More living room photos

 

Read on to learn what industry and design trends we can expect in 2018.

More real estate agents get on board

Lori Matzke, founder of HomeStagingExpert.com, provides home staging workshops around the country in addition to running her own staging business in Minnesota. She’s noticed an increased interest and involvement of real estate agents in the staging process.

“Back when I started staging (in 1999), agents were not interested; they didn’t want to have one more thing on their plate,” Matzke says. “My classes are now 90 to 95 percent agents. I think you’re going to see a lot more agents learning about staging and how to advise their clients, because more and more homeowners are demanding that.”

That doesn’t mean agents will be doing the staging themselves, but they will have an eye for what is needed, and will facilitate the interaction between the seller and the stager. “It really helps the homeowner to have an educated real estate agent,” says Matzke. If the agent has prepped the seller about what needs to be removed and cleaned out, it makes the stager’s job faster and cheaper.

Complete vs. partial staging

Staging can range from small efforts like decluttering to a complete move out and refurnishing. Complete staging of vacant homes is a growing trend, according to Matzke. Whether it’s new or model homes, or the seller has moved out, many stagers today only work with vacant homes.

In the booming Bay Area housing market, Kennedy says buyers are accustomed to short sales cycles, so having the home primed and ready is expected.

“Fewer than 10 percent of homes I stage are partial–where we keep some of the furniture and belongings, edit out and add in where needed,” notes Kennedy. “This can be challenging because the staging has to fit in with existing styles and pieces, but it can make more sense to sellers who are staying in the house through the sale.”

Matzke says the complete staging trend isn’t limited to hot real estate markets.

“It’s been trickling down into smaller markets, not just in the larger metropolitan areas,” she notes. The ubiquity of staging on HGTV shows has probably made the idea more palatable to sellers and agents across the county.

Embracing a personal touch

One of the golden rules of staging has long been to keep things neutral to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. But stagers are increasingly adding a little more design, style, and color to the home.

“Staging is becoming a bit more personal and less stale than it has been in the past,” Kennedy says. “It used to be standard to remove all family photos and personal items from the house, but today’s buyers prefer to see a house with a little personality. They want to see a ‘real’ house that they can imagine themselves in and small, personal details that create an aspirational image can help reach buyers on an emotional level.”

Matzke agrees. “It’s becoming trendy for stagers to do a little mixing with vintage pieces to give it a designer look. I think it gives the place more depth and I’m seeing more chatter about it on blogs.”

Following the design trends

While most of the staging do’s and don’ts will remain the same in 2018, our experts expect some new design trends to emerge in many staged homes next year:

• Color: After a few years in which just about every design magazine is covered in gray, Matzke has a bold prediction: Gray is dead. “People are embracing beige and creamy white again,” she says. “I think that’s good because not everybody’s furniture fits with gray.”

Stagers are also increasingly adding a pop of color or an upscale design element to appeal to design-conscious buyers.

“Adding a pop of color in a room through accessories or artwork is common,” says Matzke. “The two big colors I think you’ll see a lot of in 2018 are dark teal and millennial pink … especially if you’re marketing to first-time homebuyers or a younger crowd, you might want to add those colors.”

• Floors: It used to be that preparing a home for sale meant replacing old, stained carpet with new carpet, but Matzke says that, too, is changing. “A lot of people are replacing carpeting with wood and faux wood flooring–at least on the main floor,” she adds.
• Countertops: While quartz is the latest countertop trend among high-end homes for 2018, Matzke thinks most of America will stick with granite next year because of cost.  “Design magazines are pushing quartz, saying it’s going to be the hot trend for 2018,” Matzke says. “And for the really high-end homes they’re probably right, but for a majority of America, I think it’s still going to be granite.”
• Glam: Although it sounds counter to the rule of keeping things neutral, HGTV and design magazines have popularized a bit of glam. “For a long time you’ve seen people adding a little bit of rustic, heavy metal designs, but now you’re seeing a lot more shiny metallics,” Matzke says. “Even gold–it adds a bit of bling to the house.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher. She covers homebuying, savings and other personal finance-related topics for MoneyGeek.com. 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/25/the-forecast-2018-trends-in-staging/

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Rent Growth Accelerates Going Into 2018

Median rent across the country rose 2.4 percent over the past year to $1,435 per month, according to Zillow's November Housing Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-21-Rent-Growth-Accelerates-Going-Into-2018

Bar Carts, All-White Kitchens and Succulents Expected to Go Out of Style in 2018

Floral prints and statement floors among top 2018 home design trends, according to the Zillow Home Trend Forecast

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-20-Bar-Carts-All-White-Kitchens-and-Succulents-Expected-to-Go-Out-of-Style-in-2018

Roundup: Rock Bottom on northwest side closes; new dates for Musk eatery openings

The Colorado-based micro-brewery offered craft beer in Indianapolis long before the trend took off. to become much more competitive. The downtown location remains open.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66731-roundup-rock-bottom-on-northwest-side-closes-new-dates-for-musk-eatery-openings

Before and After Disasters, Multifamily Responds

In this Freddie Mac Multifamily Podcast, hear hosts Steve Guggenmos and Aaron Dunn talk with their guests about recent natural disasters and our response to them. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20171219_before_and_after_disasters.html?attr=rssCB

The Forecast: 2018 Trends in Staging

By Mary Purcell, MoneyGeek.com

Home staging has gone mainstream and is now widely used to make a home more attractive to potential buyers. According to a 2017 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, a majority of real estate professionals believe staging increases the sale price of the home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.

But even if it doesn’t increase the value, most agents agree that staging reduces the amount of time the home sits on the market, which is music to any seller’s ears.

Not all homes need a dramatic makeover, but most homes will benefit from at least a thorough cleaning and culling.

“Staging and preparation can include as little as some fresh paint, but in most cases we also landscape, replace dated light fixtures and hardware, and in many cases refinish hardwood floors, replace countertops, bathroom fixtures, etc.,” says Nicole Kennedy, a home staging expert in Piedmont, Calif.

Photo by Bungalow Home Staging & Redesign – More living room photos

 

Read on to learn what industry and design trends we can expect in 2018.

More real estate agents get on board

Lori Matzke, founder of HomeStagingExpert.com, provides home staging workshops around the country in addition to running her own staging business in Minnesota. She’s noticed an increased interest and involvement of real estate agents in the staging process.

“Back when I started staging (in 1999), agents were not interested; they didn’t want to have one more thing on their plate,” Matzke says. “My classes are now 90 to 95 percent agents. I think you’re going to see a lot more agents learning about staging and how to advise their clients, because more and more homeowners are demanding that.”

That doesn’t mean agents will be doing the staging themselves, but they will have an eye for what is needed, and will facilitate the interaction between the seller and the stager. “It really helps the homeowner to have an educated real estate agent,” says Matzke. If the agent has prepped the seller about what needs to be removed and cleaned out, it makes the stager’s job faster and cheaper.

Complete vs. partial staging

Staging can range from small efforts like decluttering to a complete move out and refurnishing. Complete staging of vacant homes is a growing trend, according to Matzke. Whether it’s new or model homes, or the seller has moved out, many stagers today only work with vacant homes.

In the booming Bay Area housing market, Kennedy says buyers are accustomed to short sales cycles, so having the home primed and ready is expected.

“Fewer than 10 percent of homes I stage are partial–where we keep some of the furniture and belongings, edit out and add in where needed,” notes Kennedy. “This can be challenging because the staging has to fit in with existing styles and pieces, but it can make more sense to sellers who are staying in the house through the sale.”

Matzke says the complete staging trend isn’t limited to hot real estate markets.

“It’s been trickling down into smaller markets, not just in the larger metropolitan areas,” she notes. The ubiquity of staging on HGTV shows has probably made the idea more palatable to sellers and agents across the county.

Embracing a personal touch

One of the golden rules of staging has long been to keep things neutral to appeal to the widest range of potential buyers. But stagers are increasingly adding a little more design, style, and color to the home.

“Staging is becoming a bit more personal and less stale than it has been in the past,” Kennedy says. “It used to be standard to remove all family photos and personal items from the house, but today’s buyers prefer to see a house with a little personality. They want to see a ‘real’ house that they can imagine themselves in and small, personal details that create an aspirational image can help reach buyers on an emotional level.”

Matzke agrees. “It’s becoming trendy for stagers to do a little mixing with vintage pieces to give it a designer look. I think it gives the place more depth and I’m seeing more chatter about it on blogs.”

Following the design trends

While most of the staging do’s and don’ts will remain the same in 2018, our experts expect some new design trends to emerge in many staged homes next year:

• Color: After a few years in which just about every design magazine is covered in gray, Matzke has a bold prediction: Gray is dead. “People are embracing beige and creamy white again,” she says. “I think that’s good because not everybody’s furniture fits with gray.”

Stagers are also increasingly adding a pop of color or an upscale design element to appeal to design-conscious buyers.

“Adding a pop of color in a room through accessories or artwork is common,” says Matzke. “The two big colors I think you’ll see a lot of in 2018 are dark teal and millennial pink … especially if you’re marketing to first-time homebuyers or a younger crowd, you might want to add those colors.”

• Floors: It used to be that preparing a home for sale meant replacing old, stained carpet with new carpet, but Matzke says that, too, is changing. “A lot of people are replacing carpeting with wood and faux wood flooring–at least on the main floor,” she adds.
• Countertops: While quartz is the latest countertop trend among high-end homes for 2018, Matzke thinks most of America will stick with granite next year because of cost.  “Design magazines are pushing quartz, saying it’s going to be the hot trend for 2018,” Matzke says. “And for the really high-end homes they’re probably right, but for a majority of America, I think it’s still going to be granite.”
• Glam: Although it sounds counter to the rule of keeping things neutral, HGTV and design magazines have popularized a bit of glam. “For a long time you’ve seen people adding a little bit of rustic, heavy metal designs, but now you’re seeing a lot more shiny metallics,” Matzke says. “Even gold–it adds a bit of bling to the house.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Purcell is a freelance writer and health and finance researcher. She covers homebuying, savings and other personal finance-related topics for MoneyGeek.com. 

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/25/the-forecast-2018-trends-in-staging/

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Roundup: Rock Bottom on northwest side closes; new dates for Musk eatery openings

The Colorado-based micro-brewery offered craft beer in Indianapolis long before the trend took off. to become much more competitive. The downtown location remains open.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66731-roundup-rock-bottom-on-northwest-side-closes-new-dates-for-musk-eatery-openings

New Home Sales Obliterate Forecasts; Mortgage Rates Barely Budge as Markets Head Home For Holidays

Mortgage rates didn't move much today, which is a victory unto itself on a week with 3 of the worse consecutive days of the year. In fact, lenders that changed rates at all today generally offered slight improvements in terms of upfront costs. In other words, quoted rates remained unchanged, but some lenders slightly decreased the costs associated with those rates (or increased the available lender credit) by a fraction of a point. Despite the presence of several economic reports that would typically have some impact on intraday rate movements, bond markets were stone silent today--a reflection of the impending holiday weekend. Lenders will of course be closed on Monday for Christmas. In the shortened week that follows, lenders tend to play things fairly conservatively, meaning risk and reward

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/22/3149

Second Homes - Show 463

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 463

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Second Homes."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep it or Rent it?
- The RSPS Designation
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Rates May be Calming Down; Credit Standards Loosen; Fannie/Freddie Will Get to Keep Some Profits

Mortgage rates edged just slightly higher again today, capping the sharpest 3-day increase since late June and leaving the average lender more than an eighth of a percentage point higher than they were on Monday. While an eighth of a point may have been a fairly typical "big week" in previous years, it's been uncommon in 2017--especially since the range of rates began to narrow at the end of October. Today's weakness in mortgage rates--although small--is at odds with slight improvements in bond markets (which underlie rates). Part of the reason is timing. Bonds weakened into the afternoon yesterday, but few lenders adjusted rate sheets accordingly. That means they began today at a relative disadvantage--one that's reflected in the rate sheet changes. The average lender is now quoting conventional

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/21/3147

White Emerges as ‘It’ Color for Holiday Staging

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

White has become a classy go-to color this holiday season, and it’s perfect when staging a home during the holidays. Whether it’s white table linens, holiday stockings, ornaments, or even an all-white tree, the neutral color can be a way to decorate a home for-sale during the holidays without distracting from the home’s overall decor. More traditional holiday hues—like red and green—can take on more prominence in a home. But white blends right in to any color scheme, and can still offer warmth and yuletide cheer for the holidays.

The white artificial Christmas tree is among one of the hottest holiday decorating trends this year. These trees can look elegant and be a perfect staging solution for the holidays, in which your owners still want a tree but you don’t want it to overpower or distract a space.

There is a decorating trick to these trees in staging, however. Unlike more traditional Christmas trees, white trees tend to pull from a more muted color scheme.

Photo by Balsam Hill – Look for home design pictures

Here are a few other tips to decorating an all-white or white-frosted tree:
White LED lights: The base of all-white lights will help create a soft, warm glow on your tree. Red, blue, or multicolored lights on an all-white tree will really stand out so it may be best to avoid when staging.

Use white ornaments: White on white? You bet! The key here is to mix in different textures of ornaments to avoid too monochromatic of a look.

Avoid contrasting colors: Besides white, use more softer shades like creams and soft grays for the ornaments and garland. Contrasting colors, like red or blue, may be too harsh against the all-white base.

Add some shine: Mix in some sparkle with silver or gold ornaments or accent picks.

Channel a farmhouse look: The white tree can be perfect to complete a farmhouse look. Decorate the tree with a burlap ribbon in a zig-zag pattern all the way down the tree, and repeat all around. Add in a few white spray-painted pinecones and even some cotton accents.

Photo by Michelle – Browse living room photos

Photo by Michelle – Search living room design ideas

Photo by Regina Gust Designs – Search living room pictures

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/a9idgHI08Yw/

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Roundup: Rock Bottom on northwest side closes; new dates for Musk eatery openings

The Colorado-based micro-brewery offered craft beer in Indianapolis long before the trend took off. to become much more competitive. The downtown location remains open.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66731-roundup-rock-bottom-on-northwest-side-closes-new-dates-for-musk-eatery-openings

Menswear patch: Downtown clothing store relocating to core of Mile Square

J. Benzal exited Massachusetts Avenue in October and is moving to new space near where a national men's clothier closed earlier this year.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66755-menswear-patch-downtown-clothing-store-relocating-to-core-of-mile-square

Rent Growth Accelerates Going Into 2018

Median rent across the country rose 2.4 percent over the past year to $1,435 per month, according to Zillow's November Housing Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-21-Rent-Growth-Accelerates-Going-Into-2018

Before and After Disasters, Multifamily Responds

In this Freddie Mac Multifamily Podcast, hear hosts Steve Guggenmos and Aaron Dunn talk with their guests about recent natural disasters and our response to them. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20171219_before_and_after_disasters.html?attr=rssCB

Rates Highest in Months; Home Sales Surge; Tax Bill's Housing Implications

Mortgage rates continued higher today, largely due to momentum in bond markets (which dictate rates) carrying over from yesterday. Trading was far less active today and the movement was much smaller. Even so, any amount of additional weakness would have been enough to confirm a shift in what had been an exceptionally flat rate range over the past 3 months. The average lender has moved an eighth of percentage point (.125%) higher in rate over the past 2 days, leaving them right in line with late October's levels. Unfortunately late October marked a brief period of highs rates, and you'd have to go back to early July to see anything similar. On a final, downbeat note, we haven't seen conclusively higher rates since May 2017. As we discussed yesterday, bond markets are making these moves for their

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/20/3145

Bar Carts, All-White Kitchens and Succulents Expected to Go Out of Style in 2018

Floral prints and statement floors among top 2018 home design trends, according to the Zillow Home Trend Forecast

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-20-Bar-Carts-All-White-Kitchens-and-Succulents-Expected-to-Go-Out-of-Style-in-2018

Mortgage Rates Surge to Recent Highs; Tax Bill Effect on Homebuying Demand; New Construction Remains Solid

Mortgage rates surged higher today, ultimately making it back to levels not seen since late October in some cases (depending on the lender). Part of the reason rates were able to cover so much ground in a single day is that the recent range has been exceptionally narrow. In fact, it wouldn't be too surprising to see the same interest rate quoted today and yesterday with the difference being higher closing costs for today's quote. All that having been said, many borrowers will actually be looking at the next eighth of a percent (.125%) higher in rate. Given that the tax bill passed the House today (actually, it looks like it may have to go for a revote tomorrow, due to a technicality), it's easy to assume the move in rates is related. It's not. The move in rates is it's own animal, having to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/19/3143

Homebuilder Confidence at 18-Year High; Fannie Forecast Improves, Tax Bill Seen as Double-Edged Sword

Despite the disruptions from several hurricanes and an expected drag from trade in the fourth quarter, Fannie Mae says it expects 2017 to finish with higher growth than its own economists predicted, even last month. The company's forecast for economic growth this year, contained in its December Economic Developments report, was bumped up by one-tenth point from the previous quarter to 2.5 percent due to an upgraded third quarter GDP estimate, up 0.2 point to 3.3 percent annualized, and an expected solid fourth quarter. GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 2.1 percent for all of 2018. Of course, all bets must be hedged as Congress tries to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the tax cut, and Fannie Mae is doing so to theirs, saying they will wait to see the final bill before estimating

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/18/3141

Mortgage Rates Hold Recent Lows; Fannie and Freddie May Get Another Jumpstart

Mortgage rates moved slightly lower today, despite movement in bond markets that would have suggested otherwise. The paradoxical strength is likely due to the fact that bonds improved faster yesterday without mortgage lenders adjusting rate sheets accordingly. In other words, we began the day with an advantage thanks to lenders being overly cautious yesterday. From here we could even see a few lenders adjust rate sheets for the better as bonds have managed to find their footing at the end of the day. To put this talk of "improved rates" in context, many prospective borrowers would not see any difference between today's loan quotes and yesterday's. Some lenders didn't make any changes. Others merely offered modest reductions in upfront costs. It's only when we look at the average lender and

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/15/3137

Downpayments at Record Highs; Automated Appraisals Don't Paint Whole Picture; Tax Bill Doubts Help Rates

Homebuyers ponied up the highest downpayments on record to purchase homes in the third quarter of 2017. ATTOM Data Solutions' (formerly RealtyTrac) Residential Property Loan Origination Report says that the median down payment for a single-family home or condo purchased with financing during the quarter rose to $20,000 from $18,162 in the second quarter of this year. In the third quarter of last year the median was $14,400. The most recent number is the highest in ATTOMs records which date back to 2000. The $20,000 downpayment represents 7.6 percent of the median sales price during the quarter of $263,000. The percentage amount was also a recent high, up from 7.1 percent the previous quarter and 6.1 percent in the third quarter of 2016. It was the highest downpayment percentage since the third

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/14/3135

Rates Drop After Inflation Data and Fed; Realtors Raise Alarm on Tax Bill; Fannie/Freddie Evictions Pause

Mortgage rates fell fairly quickly this afternoon following the Federal Reserves updated economic projections. While it is indeed true that the Fed "raised rates" this afternoon, there are two reasons that doesn't matter. First of all, the rate the Fed adjusts (aptly named, the Fed Funds Rate), governs only the shortest-time frames (overnight loans among big banks). Although its effects radiate to longer-term debt like mortgages, the two are far from joined at the hip. Short term rates often move one direction while long term rates move another . More importantly, EVERYONE responsible for trading the bonds that govern interest rates (and I do mean every last person without a single exception) was well aware that the Fed would be hiking rates today. No Fed rate hike has been better telegraphed

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/13/3133

Mortgage Rates Surge to Recent Highs; Tax Bill Effect on Homebuying Demand; New Construction Remains Solid

Mortgage rates surged higher today, ultimately making it back to levels not seen since late October in some cases (depending on the lender). Part of the reason rates were able to cover so much ground in a single day is that the recent range has been exceptionally narrow. In fact, it wouldn't be too surprising to see the same interest rate quoted today and yesterday with the difference being higher closing costs for today's quote. All that having been said, many borrowers will actually be looking at the next eighth of a percent (.125%) higher in rate. Given that the tax bill passed the House today (actually, it looks like it may have to go for a revote tomorrow, due to a technicality), it's easy to assume the move in rates is related. It's not. The move in rates is it's own animal, having to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/19/3143

Roundup: Rock Bottom on northwest side closes; new dates for Musk eatery openings

The Colorado-based micro-brewery offered craft beer in Indianapolis long before the trend took off—but no longer.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66731-roundup-rock-bottom-on-northwest-side-closes-new-dates-for-musk-eatery-openings

The Winter Market - Show 462

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 462

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "The Winter Market."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Buying a Home in December
- Selling in the Winter
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

'Premier restaurant' envisioned to anchor $81.4M hotel across from fieldhouse

The 316-room, dual-brand hotel building is expected to be finished in April 2019, about two years before the city hosts the NBA All-Star Game.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66679-premier-restaurant-envisioned-to-anchor-814m-downtown-hotel

Pie Five closes near Monument Circle, making way for burger chain

The fast-fire pizza chain on Saturday shut its doors, but it won't be long before another fast-casual option opens in the same high-visibility location.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66666-pie-five-closes-near-monument-circle-making-way-for-burger-chain

Construction set to begin on $17M downtown hotel

The project has been in the works for two years. A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for Wednesday at the site, two blocks east of Lucas Oil Stadium.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66653-construction-set-to-begin-on-17m-downtown-hotel

Homebuilder Confidence at 18-Year High; Fannie Forecast Improves, Tax Bill Seen as Double-Edged Sword

Despite the disruptions from several hurricanes and an expected drag from trade in the fourth quarter, Fannie Mae says it expects 2017 to finish with higher growth than its own economists predicted, even last month. The company's forecast for economic growth this year, contained in its December Economic Developments report, was bumped up by one-tenth point from the previous quarter to 2.5 percent due to an upgraded third quarter GDP estimate, up 0.2 point to 3.3 percent annualized, and an expected solid fourth quarter. GDP growth is expected to decelerate to 2.1 percent for all of 2018. Of course, all bets must be hedged as Congress tries to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the tax cut, and Fannie Mae is doing so to theirs, saying they will wait to see the final bill before estimating

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/12/18/3141

White Emerges as ‘It’ Color for Holiday Staging

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

White has become a classy go-to color this holiday season, and it’s perfect when staging a home during the holidays. Whether it’s white table linens, holiday stockings, ornaments, or even an all-white tree, the neutral color can be a way to decorate a home for-sale during the holidays without distracting from the home’s overall decor. More traditional holiday hues—like red and green—can take on more prominence in a home. But white blends right in to any color scheme, and can still offer warmth and yuletide cheer for the holidays.

The white artificial Christmas tree is among one of the hottest holiday decorating trends this year. These trees can look elegant and be a perfect staging solution for the holidays, in which your owners still want a tree but you don’t want it to overpower or distract a space.

There is a decorating trick to these trees in staging, however. Unlike more traditional Christmas trees, white trees tend to pull from a more muted color scheme.

Photo by Balsam Hill – Look for home design pictures

Here are a few other tips to decorating an all-white or white-frosted tree:
White LED lights: The base of all-white lights will help create a soft, warm glow on your tree. Red, blue, or multicolored lights on an all-white tree will really stand out so it may be best to avoid when staging.

Use white ornaments: White on white? You bet! The key here is to mix in different textures of ornaments to avoid too monochromatic of a look.

Avoid contrasting colors: Besides white, use more softer shades like creams and soft grays for the ornaments and garland. Contrasting colors, like red or blue, may be too harsh against the all-white base.

Add some shine: Mix in some sparkle with silver or gold ornaments or accent picks.

Channel a farmhouse look: The white tree can be perfect to complete a farmhouse look. Decorate the tree with a burlap ribbon in a zig-zag pattern all the way down the tree, and repeat all around. Add in a few white spray-painted pinecones and even some cotton accents.

Photo by Michelle – Browse living room photos

Photo by Michelle – Search living room design ideas

Photo by Regina Gust Designs – Search living room pictures

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/18/white-emerges-as-it-color-for-holiday-staging/

White Emerges as ‘It’ Color for Holiday Staging

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

White has become a classy go-to color this holiday season, and it’s perfect when staging a home during the holidays. Whether it’s white table linens, holiday stockings, ornaments, or even an all-white tree, the neutral color can be a way to decorate a home for-sale during the holidays without distracting from the home’s overall decor. More traditional holiday hues—like red and green—can take on more prominence in a home. But white blends right in to any color scheme, and can still offer warmth and yuletide cheer for the holidays.

The white artificial Christmas tree is among one of the hottest holiday decorating trends this year. These trees can look elegant and be a perfect staging solution for the holidays, in which your owners still want a tree but you don’t want it to overpower or distract a space.

There is a decorating trick to these trees in staging, however. Unlike more traditional Christmas trees, white trees tend to pull from a more muted color scheme.

Photo by Balsam Hill – Look for home design pictures

Here are a few other tips to decorating an all-white or white-frosted tree:
White LED lights: The base of all-white lights will help create a soft, warm glow on your tree. Red, blue, or multicolored lights on an all-white tree will really stand out so it may be best to avoid when staging.

Use white ornaments: White on white? You bet! The key here is to mix in different textures of ornaments to avoid too monochromatic of a look.

Avoid contrasting colors: Besides white, use more softer shades like creams and soft grays for the ornaments and garland. Contrasting colors, like red or blue, may be too harsh against the all-white base.

Add some shine: Mix in some sparkle with silver or gold ornaments or accent picks.

Channel a farmhouse look: The white tree can be perfect to complete a farmhouse look. Decorate the tree with a burlap ribbon in a zig-zag pattern all the way down the tree, and repeat all around. Add in a few white spray-painted pinecones and even some cotton accents.

Photo by Michelle – Browse living room photos

Photo by Michelle – Search living room design ideas

Photo by Regina Gust Designs – Search living room pictures

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/18/white-emerges-as-it-color-for-holiday-staging/

White Emerges as ‘It’ Color for Holiday Staging

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

White has become a classy go-to color this holiday season, and it’s perfect when staging a home during the holidays. Whether it’s white table linens, holiday stockings, ornaments, or even an all-white tree, the neutral color can be a way to decorate a home for-sale during the holidays without distracting from the home’s overall decor. More traditional holiday hues—like red and green—can take on more prominence in a home. But white blends right in to any color scheme, and can still offer warmth and yuletide cheer for the holidays.

The white artificial Christmas tree is among one of the hottest holiday decorating trends this year. These trees can look elegant and be a perfect staging solution for the holidays, in which your owners still want a tree but you don’t want it to overpower or distract a space.

There is a decorating trick to these trees in staging, however. Unlike more traditional Christmas trees, white trees tend to pull from a more muted color scheme.

Photo by Balsam Hill – Look for home design pictures

Here are a few other tips to decorating an all-white or white-frosted tree:
White LED lights: The base of all-white lights will help create a soft, warm glow on your tree. Red, blue, or multicolored lights on an all-white tree will really stand out so it may be best to avoid when staging.

Use white ornaments: White on white? You bet! The key here is to mix in different textures of ornaments to avoid too monochromatic of a look.

Avoid contrasting colors: Besides white, use more softer shades like creams and soft grays for the ornaments and garland. Contrasting colors, like red or blue, may be too harsh against the all-white base.

Add some shine: Mix in some sparkle with silver or gold ornaments or accent picks.

Channel a farmhouse look: The white tree can be perfect to complete a farmhouse look. Decorate the tree with a burlap ribbon in a zig-zag pattern all the way down the tree, and repeat all around. Add in a few white spray-painted pinecones and even some cotton accents.

Photo by Michelle – Browse living room photos

Photo by Michelle – Search living room design ideas

Photo by Regina Gust Designs – Search living room pictures

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/12/18/white-emerges-as-it-color-for-holiday-staging/

Tips on Christmas Decor Home Staging

By Merri Cvetan, guest contributor

If you’re staging your home during this time of the year, adding a bit of holiday cheer to your decor can make a big impression on potential buyers. Use these tips to create a simple, polished look that puts your home in its best light this holiday season.

Choose the Right Christmas Tree

When showing your home, include holiday decor that allows potential buyers to picture themselves in the space. For example, choose a tree that allows other aspects of your home to shine. Your living room or entryway will look bigger if you opt for a small artificial tree over a 6-foot live pine. An artificial tree is also less messy than a real one, meaning your home will always be neat and tidy and ready for the next showing.

Light It Up

The Christmas light possibilities are endless, but when you’re staging a home for sale, think simple and low-key and stick to one style. An over-the-top display might not reflect the tastes of your potential buyers, and too many decorations can take away from the room itself.

Take advantage of the many styles of Christmas tree lights available to give your home an understated yet inviting holiday look. Opt for something different, like an artificial white tree decorated with white LED lights. Finally, choose ornaments and trim that coordinate with the lights. Add a few silver and red ornaments for extra sparkle and color. It’s just enough Christmas for your family to enjoy without overpowering the room.

Decorate Your Mantel

The fireplace is an important focal point. Keep it simple and elegant to help potential buyers imagine opening their own Christmas gifts around a roaring fire.

Don’t completely cover the mantel. Pack away any personal family photos or the kids’ school crafts. Drape a garland across the mantel, allowing the branches to hang over the edge. A string of simple white LED lights adds just enough illumination to highlight the fireplace.

Add a few candles and a simple vase to reflect the light. A rustic wreath on the wall above the mantel completes the scene without distracting from the main event. This style is classic enough to appeal to a variety of buyers while still capturing the holiday spirit.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

Increase your curb appeal and make a good impression from the get-go by decorating the outside of your home. Consider your neighborhood, too–if all of your neighbors have lights and outdoor decorations, you don’t want to be the only home without them.

Keep things simple and easy with a festive wreath on the door to greet potential buyers. Wrap a garland or string of lights around your front porch (or hang them around your entryway), then finish the look with lanterns or a potted evergreen. Finally, make sure your walkway is clear of snow or ice.

Welcome Buyers With the Spirit of the Holidays

During an open house, create the feel of a festive holiday party by offering seasonal snacks like gingerbread cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate, and apple cider. Keeping mulled hot apple cider simmering on the stove will also make the whole house smell good. Light a fire in your fireplace to make the home feel cozy and warm, helping visitors envision living there. When it comes to impressing potential buyers, these small touches can make all the difference.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Merri Cvetan is an interior designer who writes about home decor topics for The Home Depot. See more from The Home Depot on holiday lighting and decorating ideas here. 

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/gtC2iA97JCY/

The Winter Market - Show 462

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 462

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "The Winter Market."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Buying a Home in December
- Selling in the Winter
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

'Premier restaurant' envisioned to anchor $81.4M hotel across from fieldhouse

The 316-room, dual-brand hotel building is expected to be finished in April 2019, about two years before the city hosts the NBA All-Star Game.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66679-premier-restaurant-envisioned-to-anchor-814m-downtown-hotel

Share of Adults Living with Roommates Higher than Ever Before

As rents across the country rise, many working adults are doubling up with roommates or parents in order to cut costs and share living expenses

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-14-Share-of-Adults-Living-with-Roommates-Higher-than-Ever-Before

Pie Five closes near Monument Circle, making way for burger chain

The fast-fire pizza chain on Saturday shut its doors, but it won't be long before another fast-casual option opens in the same high-visibility location.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66666-pie-five-closes-near-monument-circle-making-way-for-burger-chain

Single-Family Rental Boom Lowered Annual Home Sales by 270,000 Homes

The number of single-family homes that are rented grew by more than 5 million between 2006 and 2017

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-12-13-Single-Family-Rental-Boom-Lowered-Annual-Home-Sales-by-270-000-Homes

Construction set to begin on $17M downtown hotel

The project has been in the works for two years. A ceremonial groundbreaking is set for Wednesday at the site, two blocks east of Lucas Oil Stadium.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/66653-construction-set-to-begin-on-17m-downtown-hotel

Tips on Christmas Decor Home Staging

By Merri Cvetan, guest contributor

If you’re staging your home during this time of the year, adding a bit of holiday cheer to your decor can make a big impression on potential buyers. Use these tips to create a simple, polished look that puts your home in its best light this holiday season.

Choose the Right Christmas Tree

When showing your home, include holiday decor that allows potential buyers to picture themselves in the space. For example, choose a tree that allows other aspects of your home to shine. Your living room or entryway will look bigger if you opt for a small artificial tree over a 6-foot live pine. An artificial tree is also less messy than a real one, meaning your home will always be neat and tidy and ready for the next showing.

Light It Up

The Christmas light possibilities are endless, but when you’re staging a home for sale, think simple and low-key and stick to one style. An over-the-top display might not reflect the tastes of your potential buyers, and too many decorations can take away from the room itself.

Take advantage of the many styles of Christmas tree lights available to give your home an understated yet inviting holiday look. Opt for something different, like an artificial white tree decorated with white LED lights. Finally, choose ornaments and trim that coordinate with the lights. Add a few silver and red ornaments for extra sparkle and color. It’s just enough Christmas for your family to enjoy without overpowering the room.

Decorate Your Mantel

The fireplace is an important focal point. Keep it simple and elegant to help potential buyers imagine opening their own Christmas gifts around a roaring fire.

Don’t completely cover the mantel. Pack away any personal family photos or the kids’ school crafts. Drape a garland across the mantel, allowing the branches to hang over the edge. A string of simple white LED lights adds just enough illumination to highlight the fireplace.

Add a few candles and a simple vase to reflect the light. A rustic wreath on the wall above the mantel completes the scene without distracting from the main event. This style is classic enough to appeal to a variety of buyers while still capturing the holiday spirit.

Don’t Forget the Exterior

Increase your curb appeal and make a good impression from the get-go by decorating the outside of your home. Consider your neighborhood, too–if all of your neighbors have lights and outdoor decorations, you don’t want to be the only home without them.

Keep things simple and easy with a festive wreath on the door to greet potential buyers. Wrap a garland or string of lights around your front porch (or hang them around your entryway), then finish the look with lanterns or a potted evergreen. Finally, make sure your walkway is clear of snow or ice.

Welcome Buyers With the Spirit of the Holidays

During an open house, create the feel of a festive holiday party by offering seasonal snacks like gingerbread cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate, and apple cider. Keeping mulled hot apple cider simmering on the stove will also make the whole house smell good. Light a fire in your fireplace to make the home feel cozy and warm, helping visitors envision living there. When it comes to impressing potential buyers, these small touches can make all the difference.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Merri Cvetan is an interior designer who writes about home decor topics for The Home Depot. See more from The Home Depot on holiday lighting and decorating ideas here. 

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/gtC2iA97JCY/