The Hottest Paint Colors of 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

The paint companies have released their color forecasts for the new year. Here are the hot hues expected to make waves in 2019. Which one is your favorite?

Living Coral / Photo Credit: Furniture Choice

Living Coral: Paint company Pantone announced “Living Coral” as its 2019 Color of the Year. The orange shade with golden undertones embodies “warmth and comfort,” Pantone says. “Living Coral easily delivers a graphic pop to a space,” says Rebecca Snowden, an interior style adviser at Furniture Choice. “Introducing it through small elements will brighten up a room, creating a sense of coziness that’s also fresh and chic.” For example, the energetic tone can liven up cushions, throws, and rugs in a living room. In a dining area, color blocked plates and coasters in the peachy hue may add some spark to a table arrangement, she says.

Blueprint / Photo credit: Behr

Blueprint: Behr has gone blue with its top color choice for the new year. Blueprint is a mid-tone blue that is described as warmer than denim but softer than navy. Behr is embracing a full range of blue, teal, and grays as key color choices in 2019. “Layer light and dark blues on walls, cabinets, furniture, and decor for impactful results,” Behr says.

Cavern Clay / Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams

Cavern Clay: Sherwin-Williams has picked a warm terra-cotta color called Cavern Clay as its 2019 Color of the Year. The color embodies an American Southwest, modern desert aesthetic. “This warm, earthy hue is both casual and refined,” Sherwin-Williams says. “It can be the backdrop of a playful, welcoming dining room or kitchen when paired with bright tiles, warm stone, and sculptural greenery.” It also compliments materials like leather and woodgrains.

Metropolitan Gray / Photo Credit: Benjamin Moore

Metropolitan Gray: Benjamin Moore expects the gray trend to continue in the new year, which is shown through its neutral pick with Metropolitan Gray. “It’s a color in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design,” says Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore’s director of strategic design intelligence. “Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous gray creates a soothing, impactful common ground.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/31/the-hottest-paint-colors-of-2019/

ROUNDUP: Tinker Coffee buys larger space, plans to open cafe

The roastery's new building is near 16 Tech. Also this week: JackRabbit, Derezzed Virtual Reality and Walmart pickup towers.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71862-roundup-tinker-coffee-moves-to-larger-space-plans-to-open-cafe

The Hottest Paint Colors of 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

The paint companies have released their color forecasts for the new year. Here are the hot hues expected to make waves in 2019. Which one is your favorite?

Living Coral / Photo Credit: Furniture Choice

Living Coral: Paint company Pantone announced “Living Coral” as its 2019 Color of the Year. The orange shade with golden undertones embodies “warmth and comfort,” Pantone says. “Living Coral easily delivers a graphic pop to a space,” says Rebecca Snowden, an interior style adviser at Furniture Choice. “Introducing it through small elements will brighten up a room, creating a sense of coziness that’s also fresh and chic.” For example, the energetic tone can liven up cushions, throws, and rugs in a living room. In a dining area, color blocked plates and coasters in the peachy hue may add some spark to a table arrangement, she says.

Blueprint / Photo credit: Behr

Blueprint: Behr has gone blue with its top color choice for the new year. Blueprint is a mid-tone blue that is described as warmer than denim but softer than navy. Behr is embracing a full range of blue, teal, and grays as key color choices in 2019. “Layer light and dark blues on walls, cabinets, furniture, and decor for impactful results,” Behr says.

Cavern Clay / Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams

Cavern Clay: Sherwin-Williams has picked a warm terra-cotta color called Cavern Clay as its 2019 Color of the Year. The color embodies an American Southwest, modern desert aesthetic. “This warm, earthy hue is both casual and refined,” Sherwin-Williams says. “It can be the backdrop of a playful, welcoming dining room or kitchen when paired with bright tiles, warm stone, and sculptural greenery.” It also compliments materials like leather and woodgrains.

Metropolitan Gray / Photo Credit: Benjamin Moore

Metropolitan Gray: Benjamin Moore expects the gray trend to continue in the new year, which is shown through its neutral pick with Metropolitan Gray. “It’s a color in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design,” says Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore’s director of strategic design intelligence. “Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous gray creates a soothing, impactful common ground.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/31/the-hottest-paint-colors-of-2019/

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/2gQfBsl4mns/

Pending Home Sales Foiled Again; Rates End Year at 4-Month Lows

Mortgage rates moved lower by an almost imperceptible amount today. The improvement was enough to bring the average lender to the lowest levels since the end of August, 2018. In other words, these are the best rates in 4 months. 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely away, stocks indeed tanked heading into the 4th quarter. And as I've mentioned many times since, that stock weakness was largely responsible for rates' ability to reclaim lost ground. This raises serious questions for the beginning of 2019 because the economic data and other indicators aren't necessarily looking like they justify all the pain we've seen

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/28/3709

Shutdown Delays Housing Data; Home Prices Rising Less Quickly; Rates Steady

Mortgage rates were unchanged to slightly lower today, which is a major victory considering how yesterday left off. Specifically, bond markets had weakened significantly in the afternoon. Weaker bonds coincide with mortgage lenders raising rates, but only if there's enough weakness early enough in the day. Yesterday's pace resulted in some lenders raising rates right away while others put it off until this morning. All of the above meant that bond markets would have to have an amazing night in Europe and Asia if rates were to do anything other than move higher today. And that's exactly what happened (the amazing night in Europe and Asia). While this doesn't mean we're out of the woods in terms volatility going forward, it does mean we caught a friendly break. When such breaks occur near the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/27/3707

Home Price Gains Slowing, But Still up 5.5%; Rates Moving Higher Today or Tomorrow

Home prices continued to ratchet down their advances in October, fewer than half of the tracked cities saw prices increase on an unadjusted basis. The slowing is also beginning to show up in the annual readings. The Case-Shiller National Home Price Index which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.5 percent annual gain in October, unchanged from the year-over-year reading in September. That index had not been below 6.0 percent for a year until it dropped to 5.7 percent in August. Before seasonal adjustment the National Index managed a 0.1 percent gain for the month and 05 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite was up year-over-year by 4.7 percent, down from 4.9 percent the previous month and the 20-City Composite posted a 5.0 change, also 0.2 point lower than in September

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/26/3705

Pending Home Sales Foiled Again; Rates End Year at 4-Month Lows

Mortgage rates moved lower by an almost imperceptible amount today. The improvement was enough to bring the average lender to the lowest levels since the end of August, 2018. In other words, these are the best rates in 4 months. 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely away, stocks indeed tanked heading into the 4th quarter. And as I've mentioned many times since, that stock weakness was largely responsible for rates' ability to reclaim lost ground. This raises serious questions for the beginning of 2019 because the economic data and other indicators aren't necessarily looking like they justify all the pain we've seen

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/28/3709

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/2gQfBsl4mns/

Ten Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home - Show 516

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 516

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Ten Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- How Much is Your Home Really Worth?
- The Passage of Time
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Shutdown Delays Housing Data; Home Prices Rising Less Quickly; Rates Steady

Mortgage rates were unchanged to slightly lower today, which is a major victory considering how yesterday left off. Specifically, bond markets had weakened significantly in the afternoon. Weaker bonds coincide with mortgage lenders raising rates, but only if there's enough weakness early enough in the day. Yesterday's pace resulted in some lenders raising rates right away while others put it off until this morning. All of the above meant that bond markets would have to have an amazing night in Europe and Asia if rates were to do anything other than move higher today. And that's exactly what happened (the amazing night in Europe and Asia). While this doesn't mean we're out of the woods in terms volatility going forward, it does mean we caught a friendly break. When such breaks occur near the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/27/3707

ROUNDUP: Tinker Coffee buys larger space, plans to open cafe

The roastery's new building is near 16 Tech. Also this week: JackRabbit, Derezzed Virtual Reality and Walmart pickup towers.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71862-roundup-tinker-coffee-moves-to-larger-space-plans-to-open-cafe

Rising Mortgage Rates Take Big Bite out of Buyers' Budgets

A slowing housing market doesn't mean it has suddenly become a good time for prospective home buyers as rising rates keep mortgage payments climbing.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-27-Rising-Mortgage-Rates-Take-Big-Bite-out-of-Buyers-Budgets

Home Price Gains Slowing, But Still up 5.5%; Rates Moving Higher Today or Tomorrow

Home prices continued to ratchet down their advances in October, fewer than half of the tracked cities saw prices increase on an unadjusted basis. The slowing is also beginning to show up in the annual readings. The Case-Shiller National Home Price Index which covers all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.5 percent annual gain in October, unchanged from the year-over-year reading in September. That index had not been below 6.0 percent for a year until it dropped to 5.7 percent in August. Before seasonal adjustment the National Index managed a 0.1 percent gain for the month and 05 percent after adjustment. The 10-City Composite was up year-over-year by 4.7 percent, down from 4.9 percent the previous month and the 20-City Composite posted a 5.0 change, also 0.2 point lower than in September

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/26/3705

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/24/the-most-shared-kitchen-photo-of-2018/

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/24/the-most-shared-kitchen-photo-of-2018/

Peppy Grill closes for renovations

The 24-hour diner, which closed late last month, expects to reopen in March with all-new seating, flooring, kitchen equipment and a new indoor/outdoor seating area on the north side of the building.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71792-fountain-squares-peppy-grill-undergoing-major-renovations

Housing Inventory Grows for Third Straight Month

Growing inventory is a good signal for buyers, but meaningful change to market trends is yet to come

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-20-Housing-Inventory-Grows-for-Third-Straight-Month

Zillow Offers Coming to Dallas in 2019

Once Launched, Dallas-area Home Sellers Will Be Able to Request Cash Offers from Zillow

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-19-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Dallas-in-2019

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/24/the-most-shared-kitchen-photo-of-2018/

Housing Inventory Grows for Third Straight Month

Growing inventory is a good signal for buyers, but meaningful change to market trends is yet to come

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-20-Housing-Inventory-Grows-for-Third-Straight-Month

Zillow Offers Coming to Dallas in 2019

Once Launched, Dallas-area Home Sellers Will Be Able to Request Cash Offers from Zillow

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-19-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Dallas-in-2019

The Most Shared Kitchen Photo of 2018

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

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:

Photo by Stonington Cabinetry & Designs – Look for kitchen design inspiration

The kitchen was designed by Justin and Tyler Sachs of Stonington Cabinetry & Designs. The kitchen features a combination of gray and white accents and warm wood, like the walnut on the island, vent hood, and open shelving.

“Though white cabinets are still a favorite, gray is now the top wall color choice,” says Houzz editor and writer Gwendolyn Purdom. “Renovating homeowners are also opting for features such as Shaker-style cabinets, L-shaped layouts and engineered quartz counters more than in years past—and this kitchen highlights all three.”

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/24/the-most-shared-kitchen-photo-of-2018/

Modestly Higher Rates Despite Stronger Bond Market; QM Rule Could Hurt Self-Employed; Shutdown Impact on Lenders

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher yet again today. This reinforces our sense from yesterday that rates may have already found their post-Fed floor. The thing that makes today's modest weakness somewhat surprising is the fact that underlying bond markets actually suggested rates could improve. Actually, it would be more surprising to see this during a more normal time of year for the mortgage market. On the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, it's not uncommon to see lenders being a bit more conservative with mortgage rate offerings. In the bigger picture , rates are still very close to their lowest levels in months. In fact, with the exception of the past 2 days, today's rates are easily the lowest since the beginning of September. In general, if the broader economy (and the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/21/3701

Rates May Already Be Bouncing; ARMs Coming Back; Less Debt=More Defense Against Next Downturn

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher today. As such, they remain quite close to their lowest levels in roughly 4 months--a distinction achieved yesterday following the Fed announcement and press conference. Actually, it may be more fair to give credit to sharp losses in the stock market for yesterday's drop in rates. Today, however, another move lower in stocks failed to push rates any lower. In other words, the bond market (which dictates rate movement) seems to have found its floor as of yesterday afternoon. Rates weren't willing to break yesterday's best levels despite numerous attempts today--not to mention the stock market losses. When we talk about "numerous attempts" or numerous iterations of any specific interest rate move during a single business day, we'll generally need

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/20/3699

Fed Hikes, Rates Fall; Existing Home Sales Improve Again; Fannie/Freddie Reform Heating Up

Mortgage rates fell today even though the Fed "raised rates." What's up with that? There are all kinds of rates. Some are fixed. Some are adjustable. Some apply to longer-term debt (like mortgages) while others govern very short time frames (like overnight!). Short and long term rates can affect one another, but they don't always move in the same direction or by the same amount. The rate the Fed adjusts (aptly named, the Fed Funds Rate), governs only the shortest-time frames (generally overnight loans among big banks). That means mortgage rates don't have to follow the Fed Funds Rate, even though Fed policy has a profound effect on overall interest rate volatility. The reason that mortgage rates fell after the Fed rate hike is even easier to understand. It has to do with how traders account

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/19/3697

One Region Rules Realtor Survey; Rates Lowest Since August; A Positive Housing Report?!

Only about one third of Americans told the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) in a recent survey that they thought it was a good time to buy a home. Respondents to NAR's fourth quarter Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey were generally upbeat about the economy, with 59 percent of those polls believing it is improving. However only 34 percent strongly believe that it is a good time to buy. NAR says that despite the overall optimism and the recent direction of home prices the sentiment on home buying continued to diminish at the close of 2018. Thirty-nine percent had expressed a positive attitude toward homebuying in the third quarter survey and 43 percent did so one year ago. The percentage of those who believe that is not a good time to buy was unchanged in the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/18/3695

Builder Confidence Down Big; Mortgage Rates Little-Changed Despite Market Gains

Mortgage rates were fairly flat yet again today. Unlike Friday, today's market movement made a case for a bit of a drop. "Market gains" mean different things when talking about bonds/rates (as opposed to stocks). In today's case, bond markets improved while stocks lost ground. In fact, the pace at which stocks lost ground largely explains bond market gains (investors often seek safe-havens when stocks are panicking, and bond markets can be one of those havens). As money flows into bond markets, bond prices rise and rates fall. Mortgage rates are ultimately determined by mortgage lenders, but they'll usually change rate sheets in the middle of the day if bonds are improving quickly enough. Today's bond market gains were big enough to justify so-called "reprices" among mortgage lenders, but that

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/17/3693

Modestly Higher Rates Despite Stronger Bond Market; QM Rule Could Hurt Self-Employed; Shutdown Impact on Lenders

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher yet again today. This reinforces our sense from yesterday that rates may have already found their post-Fed floor. The thing that makes today's modest weakness somewhat surprising is the fact that underlying bond markets actually suggested rates could improve. Actually, it would be more surprising to see this during a more normal time of year for the mortgage market. On the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, it's not uncommon to see lenders being a bit more conservative with mortgage rate offerings. In the bigger picture , rates are still very close to their lowest levels in months. In fact, with the exception of the past 2 days, today's rates are easily the lowest since the beginning of September. In general, if the broader economy (and the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/21/3701

Rates May Already Be Bouncing; ARMs Coming Back; Less Debt=More Defense Against Next Downturn

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher today. As such, they remain quite close to their lowest levels in roughly 4 months--a distinction achieved yesterday following the Fed announcement and press conference. Actually, it may be more fair to give credit to sharp losses in the stock market for yesterday's drop in rates. Today, however, another move lower in stocks failed to push rates any lower. In other words, the bond market (which dictates rate movement) seems to have found its floor as of yesterday afternoon. Rates weren't willing to break yesterday's best levels despite numerous attempts today--not to mention the stock market losses. When we talk about "numerous attempts" or numerous iterations of any specific interest rate move during a single business day, we'll generally need

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/20/3699

Fed Hikes, Rates Fall; Existing Home Sales Improve Again; Fannie/Freddie Reform Heating Up

Mortgage rates fell today even though the Fed "raised rates." What's up with that? There are all kinds of rates. Some are fixed. Some are adjustable. Some apply to longer-term debt (like mortgages) while others govern very short time frames (like overnight!). Short and long term rates can affect one another, but they don't always move in the same direction or by the same amount. The rate the Fed adjusts (aptly named, the Fed Funds Rate), governs only the shortest-time frames (generally overnight loans among big banks). That means mortgage rates don't have to follow the Fed Funds Rate, even though Fed policy has a profound effect on overall interest rate volatility. The reason that mortgage rates fell after the Fed rate hike is even easier to understand. It has to do with how traders account

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/19/3697

One Region Rules Realtor Survey; Rates Lowest Since August; A Positive Housing Report?!

Only about one third of Americans told the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) in a recent survey that they thought it was a good time to buy a home. Respondents to NAR's fourth quarter Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey were generally upbeat about the economy, with 59 percent of those polls believing it is improving. However only 34 percent strongly believe that it is a good time to buy. NAR says that despite the overall optimism and the recent direction of home prices the sentiment on home buying continued to diminish at the close of 2018. Thirty-nine percent had expressed a positive attitude toward homebuying in the third quarter survey and 43 percent did so one year ago. The percentage of those who believe that is not a good time to buy was unchanged in the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/18/3695

Builder Confidence Down Big; Mortgage Rates Little-Changed Despite Market Gains

Mortgage rates were fairly flat yet again today. Unlike Friday, today's market movement made a case for a bit of a drop. "Market gains" mean different things when talking about bonds/rates (as opposed to stocks). In today's case, bond markets improved while stocks lost ground. In fact, the pace at which stocks lost ground largely explains bond market gains (investors often seek safe-havens when stocks are panicking, and bond markets can be one of those havens). As money flows into bond markets, bond prices rise and rates fall. Mortgage rates are ultimately determined by mortgage lenders, but they'll usually change rate sheets in the middle of the day if bonds are improving quickly enough. Today's bond market gains were big enough to justify so-called "reprices" among mortgage lenders, but that

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/17/3693

Housing Inventory Grows for Third Straight Month

Growing inventory is a good signal for buyers, but meaningful change to market trends is yet to come

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-20-Housing-Inventory-Grows-for-Third-Straight-Month

Zillow Offers Coming to Dallas in 2019

Once Launched, Dallas-area Home Sellers Will Be Able to Request Cash Offers from Zillow

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-19-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Dallas-in-2019

Peppy Grill closes for renovations

The 24-hour diner, which closed late last month, expects to reopen in March with all-new seating, flooring, kitchen equipment and a new indoor/outdoor seating area on the north side of the building.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71792-fountain-squares-peppy-grill-undergoing-major-renovations

Holiday Lighting Tips for Safety and Style

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Framing a home in a glow of lights can show off your holiday spirit and your home this season. Depending on how much you commit too, you could become the talk of the town. But there’s that fine line between magical glow of holiday spirit and, well, the one that sent Clark Griswold from “Christmas Vacation” yelling expletives.

(LEFT: Photo by Holiday Creations Pro, Inc. – Look for exterior home pictures)

 

A recent Boston Globe article offered tips from the pros in getting the former, and not the latter, in your holiday light display this season.

Select a color palette. Will you do white lights or multi-color lights? Choose one and stick to it. Keep your color palette simple, such as with just warm colors or just cool colors, suggests April Tougas-Schavone with the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Mass., which hosts a big holiday lighting event each year. “You get a much bigger impact if you stay with one or two colors rather than following five different colors in one area,” she told The Boston Globe. “It looks much more professional and refined.” Also, choose between traditional incandescent bulbs and more energy efficient LEDs.

Choose the bulb size. You also have choices of mini lights or larger C7 or C9 bulbs—plump, old-fashioned Christmas lights. Some designers like to hang these in vertical strands from high branches, or to use meteor or snowdrop lights. These lights are a dripping down ball of light through a tube. The plump C7 or C9 lights can be good for using on evergreen trees or along rooflines. Wrapping tree trunks or branches with a tight coil of mini lights is always popular, designers say. “They take the longest [to install], but they’re worth every minute,” Michael Rose, owner of Christmas Décor by Suburban Lawn and Sprinkler Co. in Framingham, Mass., told the Boston Globe.

Test out your lights first. Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours stringing lights but then finally turning them on to admire and finding they don’t work. Test the lights out before you hang.

Check for safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were 14,700 decorating-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms during the 2016 holiday season. Forty-one percent involved falls. Use a sturdy ladder and be mindful of safety if you’re installing the lights yourself. Also, check that all of the lights and extension cords are rated for outdoor use. Don’t use cut or frayed cords or any lights with cracked bulbs. Experts recommend plugging the lights into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, which will automatically shut off power if a ground fault is detected from water or a damaged cord. Purchase extension cords or adapters that add GFCI protection to any three-prong outlet.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/_S-vlupQOxw/

Modestly Higher Rates Despite Stronger Bond Market; QM Rule Could Hurt Self-Employed; Shutdown Impact on Lenders

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher yet again today. This reinforces our sense from yesterday that rates may have already found their post-Fed floor. The thing that makes today's modest weakness somewhat surprising is the fact that underlying bond markets actually suggested rates could improve. Actually, it would be more surprising to see this during a more normal time of year for the mortgage market. On the days leading up to the Christmas holiday, it's not uncommon to see lenders being a bit more conservative with mortgage rate offerings. In the bigger picture , rates are still very close to their lowest levels in months. In fact, with the exception of the past 2 days, today's rates are easily the lowest since the beginning of September. In general, if the broader economy (and the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/21/3701

Your Green Home - Show 515

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 515

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Your Green Home."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Net-Zero
- The Home Energy Audit
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Peppy Grill closes for renovations

The 24-hour diner, which closed late last month, expects to reopen in March with all-new seating, flooring, kitchen equipment and a new indoor/outdoor seating area on the north side of the building.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71792-fountain-squares-peppy-grill-undergoing-major-renovations

Housing Inventory Grows for Third Straight Month

Growing inventory is a good signal for buyers, but meaningful change to market trends is yet to come

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-20-Housing-Inventory-Grows-for-Third-Straight-Month

Zillow Offers Coming to Dallas in 2019

Once Launched, Dallas-area Home Sellers Will Be Able to Request Cash Offers from Zillow

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-19-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Dallas-in-2019

Holiday Lighting Tips for Safety and Style

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Framing a home in a glow of lights can show off your holiday spirit and your home this season. Depending on how much you commit too, you could become the talk of the town. But there’s that fine line between magical glow of holiday spirit and, well, the one that sent Clark Griswold from “Christmas Vacation” yelling expletives.

(LEFT: Photo by Holiday Creations Pro, Inc. – Look for exterior home pictures)

 

A recent Boston Globe article offered tips from the pros in getting the former, and not the latter, in your holiday light display this season.

Select a color palette. Will you do white lights or multi-color lights? Choose one and stick to it. Keep your color palette simple, such as with just warm colors or just cool colors, suggests April Tougas-Schavone with the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Mass., which hosts a big holiday lighting event each year. “You get a much bigger impact if you stay with one or two colors rather than following five different colors in one area,” she told The Boston Globe. “It looks much more professional and refined.” Also, choose between traditional incandescent bulbs and more energy efficient LEDs.

Choose the bulb size. You also have choices of mini lights or larger C7 or C9 bulbs—plump, old-fashioned Christmas lights. Some designers like to hang these in vertical strands from high branches, or to use meteor or snowdrop lights. These lights are a dripping down ball of light through a tube. The plump C7 or C9 lights can be good for using on evergreen trees or along rooflines. Wrapping tree trunks or branches with a tight coil of mini lights is always popular, designers say. “They take the longest [to install], but they’re worth every minute,” Michael Rose, owner of Christmas Décor by Suburban Lawn and Sprinkler Co. in Framingham, Mass., told the Boston Globe.

Test out your lights first. Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours stringing lights but then finally turning them on to admire and finding they don’t work. Test the lights out before you hang.

Check for safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were 14,700 decorating-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms during the 2016 holiday season. Forty-one percent involved falls. Use a sturdy ladder and be mindful of safety if you’re installing the lights yourself. Also, check that all of the lights and extension cords are rated for outdoor use. Don’t use cut or frayed cords or any lights with cracked bulbs. Experts recommend plugging the lights into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, which will automatically shut off power if a ground fault is detected from water or a damaged cord. Purchase extension cords or adapters that add GFCI protection to any three-prong outlet.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/_S-vlupQOxw/

Millennial Home Buyers Most Likely to Put Less Than 20% Down

The largest generation of home buyers also gets the most money from friends or family to make it work, and is most likely to tap multiple sources

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-14-Millennial-Home-Buyers-Most-Likely-to-Put-Less-Than-20-Down

Rates May Already Be Bouncing; ARMs Coming Back; Less Debt=More Defense Against Next Downturn

Mortgage rates were steady to slightly higher today. As such, they remain quite close to their lowest levels in roughly 4 months--a distinction achieved yesterday following the Fed announcement and press conference. Actually, it may be more fair to give credit to sharp losses in the stock market for yesterday's drop in rates. Today, however, another move lower in stocks failed to push rates any lower. In other words, the bond market (which dictates rate movement) seems to have found its floor as of yesterday afternoon. Rates weren't willing to break yesterday's best levels despite numerous attempts today--not to mention the stock market losses. When we talk about "numerous attempts" or numerous iterations of any specific interest rate move during a single business day, we'll generally need

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/20/3699

Peppy Grill closes for renovations

The 24-hour diner, which closed late last month, expects to reopen in March with all-new seating, flooring, kitchen equipment and a new indoor/outdoor seating area on the north side of the building.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71792-fountain-squares-peppy-grill-undergoing-major-renovations

Housing Inventory Grows for Third Straight Month

Growing inventory is a good signal for buyers, but meaningful change to market trends is yet to come

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-20-Housing-Inventory-Grows-for-Third-Straight-Month

Fed Hikes, Rates Fall; Existing Home Sales Improve Again; Fannie/Freddie Reform Heating Up

Mortgage rates fell today even though the Fed "raised rates." What's up with that? There are all kinds of rates. Some are fixed. Some are adjustable. Some apply to longer-term debt (like mortgages) while others govern very short time frames (like overnight!). Short and long term rates can affect one another, but they don't always move in the same direction or by the same amount. The rate the Fed adjusts (aptly named, the Fed Funds Rate), governs only the shortest-time frames (generally overnight loans among big banks). That means mortgage rates don't have to follow the Fed Funds Rate, even though Fed policy has a profound effect on overall interest rate volatility. The reason that mortgage rates fell after the Fed rate hike is even easier to understand. It has to do with how traders account

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/19/3697

Zillow Offers Coming to Dallas in 2019

Once Launched, Dallas-area Home Sellers Will Be Able to Request Cash Offers from Zillow

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-19-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Dallas-in-2019

One Region Rules Realtor Survey; Rates Lowest Since August; A Positive Housing Report?!

Only about one third of Americans told the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) in a recent survey that they thought it was a good time to buy a home. Respondents to NAR's fourth quarter Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey were generally upbeat about the economy, with 59 percent of those polls believing it is improving. However only 34 percent strongly believe that it is a good time to buy. NAR says that despite the overall optimism and the recent direction of home prices the sentiment on home buying continued to diminish at the close of 2018. Thirty-nine percent had expressed a positive attitude toward homebuying in the third quarter survey and 43 percent did so one year ago. The percentage of those who believe that is not a good time to buy was unchanged in the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/18/3695

Millennial Home Buyers Most Likely to Put Less Than 20% Down

The largest generation of home buyers also gets the most money from friends or family to make it work, and is most likely to tap multiple sources

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-14-Millennial-Home-Buyers-Most-Likely-to-Put-Less-Than-20-Down

Zillow Offers Launches in Charlotte; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offer from Zillow

With the opening of its first North Carolina market today, Zillow Offers is now available in a total of five markets nationwide

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-12-Zillow-Offers-Launches-in-Charlotte-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offer-from-Zillow

Zillow Offers Coming to Riverside in Early 2019; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offers from Zillow

Riverside is Zillow Offers' first California market

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-11-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Riverside-in-Early-2019-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offers-from-Zillow

Homelessness Rate Increases Faster in Least Affordable Rental Markets

If the rent burden increases by 2 percentage points, an additional 1,500 Americans will become homeless

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-11-Homelessness-Rate-Increases-Faster-in-Least-Affordable-Rental-Markets

Builder Confidence Down Big; Mortgage Rates Little-Changed Despite Market Gains

Mortgage rates were fairly flat yet again today. Unlike Friday, today's market movement made a case for a bit of a drop. "Market gains" mean different things when talking about bonds/rates (as opposed to stocks). In today's case, bond markets improved while stocks lost ground. In fact, the pace at which stocks lost ground largely explains bond market gains (investors often seek safe-havens when stocks are panicking, and bond markets can be one of those havens). As money flows into bond markets, bond prices rise and rates fall. Mortgage rates are ultimately determined by mortgage lenders, but they'll usually change rate sheets in the middle of the day if bonds are improving quickly enough. Today's bond market gains were big enough to justify so-called "reprices" among mortgage lenders, but that

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/12/17/3693

Holiday Lighting Tips for Safety and Style

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Framing a home in a glow of lights can show off your holiday spirit and your home this season. Depending on how much you commit too, you could become the talk of the town. But there’s that fine line between magical glow of holiday spirit and, well, the one that sent Clark Griswold from “Christmas Vacation” yelling expletives.

(LEFT: Photo by Holiday Creations Pro, Inc. – Look for exterior home pictures)

 

A recent Boston Globe article offered tips from the pros in getting the former, and not the latter, in your holiday light display this season.

Select a color palette. Will you do white lights or multi-color lights? Choose one and stick to it. Keep your color palette simple, such as with just warm colors or just cool colors, suggests April Tougas-Schavone with the Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Mass., which hosts a big holiday lighting event each year. “You get a much bigger impact if you stay with one or two colors rather than following five different colors in one area,” she told The Boston Globe. “It looks much more professional and refined.” Also, choose between traditional incandescent bulbs and more energy efficient LEDs.

Choose the bulb size. You also have choices of mini lights or larger C7 or C9 bulbs—plump, old-fashioned Christmas lights. Some designers like to hang these in vertical strands from high branches, or to use meteor or snowdrop lights. These lights are a dripping down ball of light through a tube. The plump C7 or C9 lights can be good for using on evergreen trees or along rooflines. Wrapping tree trunks or branches with a tight coil of mini lights is always popular, designers say. “They take the longest [to install], but they’re worth every minute,” Michael Rose, owner of Christmas Décor by Suburban Lawn and Sprinkler Co. in Framingham, Mass., told the Boston Globe.

Test out your lights first. Nothing is more frustrating than spending hours stringing lights but then finally turning them on to admire and finding they don’t work. Test the lights out before you hang.

Check for safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates there were 14,700 decorating-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms during the 2016 holiday season. Forty-one percent involved falls. Use a sturdy ladder and be mindful of safety if you’re installing the lights yourself. Also, check that all of the lights and extension cords are rated for outdoor use. Don’t use cut or frayed cords or any lights with cracked bulbs. Experts recommend plugging the lights into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet, which will automatically shut off power if a ground fault is detected from water or a damaged cord. Purchase extension cords or adapters that add GFCI protection to any three-prong outlet.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/12/17/holiday-lighting-tips-for-safety-and-style/

4 Tips for Using Paint to Update a Home

Photo Credit: Clare

Painting a room can be a quick, transformative update for new homeowners to accomplish. Say your clients recently purchased a home and now they need a little design inspiration to bring it into all its glory. Paint is often the fastest and more transformative way to quickly update a space. Interior decorator Nicole Gibbons, who become known as the “paint maven” with her own brand, Clare, has four tips for using color to update a room. Here are a few of her insider tips:

Photo credit: Clare

• Pare down your color choices.Research shows that it typically takes an average of four months to choose paint color, which is an unsettling statistic for Gibbons. Tell your clients to focus on a more narrow, curated palette from the get-go, which will help them to not become overwhelmed.
• Try the color on. Peel and stick color samples are a great way to try out a color without the mess of mini cans of paint and partially painted walls.
• Shine a light on it. View potential paint color at different times of day, Gibbons recommends, and in different artificial lighting to get the full impact of the color.
• Don’t forget the primer.“Think of primer as a base coat that creates the foundation for a flawless paint job,” Gibbons writes. It covers imperfections, creates a uniform surface, and neutralized the color so the paint your client chooses appears in its truest, most brilliant form. Two coats may be needed if you’re toning down a higher-gloss paint finish in a switch to matte, or if you’re going from a darker to a lighter hue.

Source: Nicole Gibbons, clare.com

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/3J_rCcjqBf0/

Add Some Plaid to Your Holiday Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Holiday decor is going gingham style this year. Checkered plaid is one of 2018’s hottest holiday design accessory. Black and white or red and black buffalo prints are popping up in everything from Christmas stockings, ornaments, table runners, and wreaths.

The buffalo prints are really a nod to the cozy farmhouse and rustic design styles. Mix black and white buffalo prints with some burlap, greenery, and the warm, yellow glow of lights and candles and you have a very welcoming home this holiday season.

 

Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

Wayfair table runner

Wayfair tree skirt

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/EWuiv55MHbQ/

4 Tips for Using Paint to Update a Home

Photo Credit: Clare

Painting a room can be a quick, transformative update for new homeowners to accomplish. Say your clients recently purchased a home and now they need a little design inspiration to bring it into all its glory. Paint is often the fastest and more transformative way to quickly update a space. Interior decorator Nicole Gibbons, who become known as the “paint maven” with her own brand, Clare, has four tips for using color to update a room. Here are a few of her insider tips:

Photo credit: Clare

• Pare down your color choices.Research shows that it typically takes an average of four months to choose paint color, which is an unsettling statistic for Gibbons. Tell your clients to focus on a more narrow, curated palette from the get-go, which will help them to not become overwhelmed.
• Try the color on. Peel and stick color samples are a great way to try out a color without the mess of mini cans of paint and partially painted walls.
• Shine a light on it. View potential paint color at different times of day, Gibbons recommends, and in different artificial lighting to get the full impact of the color.
• Don’t forget the primer.“Think of primer as a base coat that creates the foundation for a flawless paint job,” Gibbons writes. It covers imperfections, creates a uniform surface, and neutralized the color so the paint your client chooses appears in its truest, most brilliant form. Two coats may be needed if you’re toning down a higher-gloss paint finish in a switch to matte, or if you’re going from a darker to a lighter hue.

Source: Nicole Gibbons, clare.com

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/3J_rCcjqBf0/

Add Some Plaid to Your Holiday Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Holiday decor is going gingham style this year. Checkered plaid is one of 2018’s hottest holiday design accessory. Black and white or red and black buffalo prints are popping up in everything from Christmas stockings, ornaments, table runners, and wreaths.

The buffalo prints are really a nod to the cozy farmhouse and rustic design styles. Mix black and white buffalo prints with some burlap, greenery, and the warm, yellow glow of lights and candles and you have a very welcoming home this holiday season.

 

Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

Wayfair table runner

Wayfair tree skirt

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/EWuiv55MHbQ/

Millennial Home Buyers Most Likely to Put Less Than 20% Down

The largest generation of home buyers also gets the most money from friends or family to make it work, and is most likely to tap multiple sources

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-14-Millennial-Home-Buyers-Most-Likely-to-Put-Less-Than-20-Down

ROUNDUP: City Dogs Grocery to open Fountain Square store

Its second store in the downtown area will replace one in Broad Ripple. Also this week: Carvana, Vispring, Texas Roadhouse, Aldi, Dunkin' Donuts and Jimmy John's

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71707-property-lines-template

4 Tips for Using Paint to Update a Home

Photo Credit: Clare

Painting a room can be a quick, transformative update for new homeowners to accomplish. Say your clients recently purchased a home and now they need a little design inspiration to bring it into all its glory. Paint is often the fastest and more transformative way to quickly update a space. Interior decorator Nicole Gibbons, who become known as the “paint maven” with her own brand, Clare, has four tips for using color to update a room. Here are a few of her insider tips:

Photo credit: Clare

• Pare down your color choices.Research shows that it typically takes an average of four months to choose paint color, which is an unsettling statistic for Gibbons. Tell your clients to focus on a more narrow, curated palette from the get-go, which will help them to not become overwhelmed.
• Try the color on. Peel and stick color samples are a great way to try out a color without the mess of mini cans of paint and partially painted walls.
• Shine a light on it. View potential paint color at different times of day, Gibbons recommends, and in different artificial lighting to get the full impact of the color.
• Don’t forget the primer.“Think of primer as a base coat that creates the foundation for a flawless paint job,” Gibbons writes. It covers imperfections, creates a uniform surface, and neutralized the color so the paint your client chooses appears in its truest, most brilliant form. Two coats may be needed if you’re toning down a higher-gloss paint finish in a switch to matte, or if you’re going from a darker to a lighter hue.

Source: Nicole Gibbons, clare.com

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/3J_rCcjqBf0/

Zillow Offers Launches in Charlotte; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offer from Zillow

With the opening of its first North Carolina market today, Zillow Offers is now available in a total of five markets nationwide

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-12-Zillow-Offers-Launches-in-Charlotte-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offer-from-Zillow

Zillow Offers Coming to Riverside in Early 2019; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offers from Zillow

Riverside is Zillow Offers' first California market

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-11-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Riverside-in-Early-2019-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offers-from-Zillow

Homelessness Rate Increases Faster in Least Affordable Rental Markets

If the rent burden increases by 2 percentage points, an additional 1,500 Americans will become homeless

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-12-11-Homelessness-Rate-Increases-Faster-in-Least-Affordable-Rental-Markets

Add Some Plaid to Your Holiday Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Holiday decor is going gingham style this year. Checkered plaid is one of 2018’s hottest holiday design accessory. Black and white or red and black buffalo prints are popping up in everything from Christmas stockings, ornaments, table runners, and wreaths.

The buffalo prints are really a nod to the cozy farmhouse and rustic design styles. Mix black and white buffalo prints with some burlap, greenery, and the warm, yellow glow of lights and candles and you have a very welcoming home this holiday season.

 

Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash

Wayfair table runner

Wayfair tree skirt

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/EWuiv55MHbQ/