Housing Costs Take Blame; Rent vs Own; Rates on Autopilot

A current post in Freddie Mac's Insight blog looks again at the decline in homeownership among young adults and tries to determine the role played by rising housing costs. The post is based on recent research by the company's Economic and Housing Research Group headed by Chief Economist Sam Khater. Adults in the age group usually categorized as Millennials (25 to 34) have deferred homebuying as higher prices push it further into the future. The weakening affordability is particularly hard on first-time homebuyers because prices increase the fastest among the lower-priced homes they would typically buy. At the same time, these young adults, who comprise a large share of first-time buyers, are excluded from the benefits of rapidly rising home values. "Unable to buy, many young adults have continued

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/29/3429

Locked Out? Are Rising Housing Costs Barring Young Adults from Buying their First Homes?

Freddie Mac research reveals that higher rents and home prices are the primary reason behind the eight percent decrease in the homeownership rate among young adults (under age 35) since the rate's peak in 2004. What does the future hold for tomorrow's young adults? More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20180628_rising_housing_costs.html?attr=rssEHR

Real Estate Today's Fourth of July Special! - Show 490

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 490

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Real Estate Today's Fourth of July Special!"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- The Capital Gains Exclusion
- Homeownership in America
- Hot Or Not
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Extreme trampoline park Defy Indianapolis to open in Castleton

The gymnasium for thrill-seekers will include a stunt platform, trapeze area and foam pit. Also this week: a new Newk's, changes at the Fashion Mall and deals for Amazonians at Whole Foods.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69434-extreme-trampoline-park-defy-indianapolis-to-open-in-castleton

Rent Appreciating at a Faster Rate this Spring than Last in Over 3/4 of Nation's Largest Markets

Pittsburgh, Detroit and Houston reported the greatest jumps in annual rent growth compared to last year, according to the May Zillow Real Estate Market Report

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-28-Rent-Appreciating-at-a-Faster-Rate-this-Spring-than-Last-in-Over-3-4-of-Nations-Largest-Markets

Mortgages 2018 - Show 489

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 489

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Mortgages 2018."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Mortgage Checklist - Part 1
- Mortgage Checklist - Part 2
- Hot Or Not
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

West Coast Sellers See Biggest Gains on Home Sales

Home sellers in San Jose sold their homes for 54 percent more than they paid, for a median gain of $296,000

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-26-West-Coast-Sellers-See-Biggest-Gains-on-Home-Sales

Hot Home Trend: Bringing Back the Brass

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

We’ve seen brass fixtures gradually coming back over the last few years, and the trend is only getting bigger.

Golden brass tones can warm up some of your décor. However, after being inundated with silver finishes–like chrome and stainless steel–over the last few years, some still consider brass as looking dated. You certainly don’t have to go all 1980s and brass the entire house in fixtures to make a statement. Using brass in a few places as an accent is actually more on trend.

Mixing metals is on trend. Mixing together chrome, nickel, brass, and bronze fixtures and décor is being incorporated into several home styles too, from contemporary to traditional. Brass is being added into more kitchens, from brass pendant lights over a kitchen island, brass faucets, or even brass pulls to dress up the kitchen cabinets.

Should you consider mixing in a few brass pieces into your staging? Check out some of these examples from designers at Houzz.

Photo by Elizabeth Lawson Design – Look for kitchen design inspiration

Photo by Hunter Douglas – More bathroom photos

Photo by J & J Design Group, LLC. – More kitchen photos

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/06/25/hot-home-trend-bringing-back-the-brass/

Massive Government Reorganization Plan Includes Housing Changes; NAHB: Lumber Prices Hurting Affordability

The Trump Administration formally rolled out a plan on Tuesday to massively reorganize the federal government . The proposal is largely the work of Office of Management and Budget Director and acting head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Mick Mulvaney, but the Administration admits the blueprint for the reorganization was produced by the Heritage Foundation. The 132-page document touches nearly every part of the executive branch. Prior to the release, media attention was focused on the rumored plans, confirmed by the document release, to combine the cabinet level Departments of Labor and Education into a single unit called the Department of Education and the Workforce. The explanation for this change is the need to meet needs of American students and workers from education

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/22/3419

Inventory Worse Than it Looks?; Prices Still Rising; All About Purchases; 2 Rate Paradoxes

There has been a lot of hand-wringing for going on two years or so about the incredible shrinking inventory of homes for sale . This week CoreLogic analyst Molly Boesel joins the chorus with another analysis of the problem. Boesel says the inventory of existing homes is at its lowest level in more than 18 years and continues to decrease (although the National Association of Realtors now reports two consecutive months of increasing listings,) and new home construction isn't helping. This has resulted in an inventory shortage "at a time when demographic and economic indicators are moving upward for the housing market." A "month's supply" measure is used in most inventory reports. This indicates how many months it would take to sell the available inventory at the current sales pace and if no other

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/21/3417

Existing Home Sales Below Expectations; Mortgage Apps Improve

Analysts were expecting existing home sales to rebound in May after they fell behind year-ago levels in April. However, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported a second straight monthly loss , with the Northeast the only region where sales improved. Sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and cooperative apartments were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.43 million in May, a 0.4 percent decrease from April and down 3.0 percent from May 2017. It was the third straight year-over-year decline. April sales were also downgraded from 5.46 million to 5.45 million. The May results came in below the lowest of analysts' expectations as reported to Econoday. Those predictions ranged from 5.44 million to 5.65 million with a consensus of 5.50 million. Single-family

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/20/3415

Housing Starts Rebound; Fannie Outlook Cautious; New CFPB Director?

The White House announced on Monday the nomination of Kathy Kraninger as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to replace acting director Mick Mulvaney. The appointment caught many in Washington by surprise as Kraninger is not widely known and has not previously been active in the consumer arena according to many reports. Kraninger has been an associate director at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which Mulvaney also serves as director, for about a year. At OMB she oversees $250 billion in funding for seven cabinet departments and 30 agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Her previous role was as a staff member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. She has also worked for the Department of Transportation. Looking beyond

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/19/3413

Builder Confidence: Tariffs on Lumber Hurting Affordability; Tons of Tappable Equity

Builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes ended a three-month slide in May , as the Housing Market Index ticked up two points. This month that two-point gain evaporated as the index slid back down to 68. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said the retreat of the measure, which it sponsors in conjunction with Wells Fargo, in June was, in large part, due to elevated lumber prices. "Builders are optimistic about housing market conditions as consumer demand continues to grow," said NAHB Chairman Randy Noel. "However, builders are increasingly concerned that tariffs placed on Canadian lumber and other imported products are hurting housing affordability . Record-high lumber prices have added nearly $9,000 to the price of a new single-family home since January 2017

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/18/3411

Mortgages 2018 - Show 489

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 489

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Mortgages 2018."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Mortgage Checklist - Part 1
- Mortgage Checklist - Part 2
- Hot Or Not
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Indianapolis' Flat 12 Bierwerks unveils new family-friendly space

The brewery is following competitors that have opened up to minors. Also this week: Campbell's Highland Grill, Camp Bow Wow, Untuckit, Tandoor & Tikka, Qdoba

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69348-indianapolis-flat-12-bierwerks-brewery-unveils-new-family-friendly-space

Mortgage Payments Require Largest Share of Income Since 2009

Rising mortgage rates chip away at relatively affordable monthly housing costs Americans have enjoyed for a decade

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-21-Mortgage-Payments-Require-Largest-Share-of-Income-Since-2009

Homes with Tuxedo Kitchen Cabinets and Black Front Doors Can Sell Up to $6,000 More than Expected

For-sale listings with neutral wall colors accented by dark pops of color sell for more money, according to Zillow analysis; homes with red or brown wall colors can sell for less than expected

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-20-Homes-with-Tuxedo-Kitchen-Cabinets-and-Black-Front-Doors-Can-Sell-Up-to-6-000-More-than-Expected

Make the Front Porch a Selling Point

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

The front porch is making a comeback. And more builders are adding them back into new home designs.

The front porch was once a mainstay in home designs in the early 1900s. But over the years it has gotten swapped out for those street-facing garages. Also, homeowners sought more privacy and started favoring decks in their backyards than expansive front porches facing their neighbors.

Now, we’re seeing those iconic front porches coming back.

And the younger generation is bringing a different spin to this idea of “porching.” There’s this growing movement called “Porchfest.” This is where neighborhoods across the country are holding events, like music festivals or even a speaker series, right from homeowners’ front porches.

So if the listing you’re staging has a front porch, make sure to take advantage. Add some rocking chairs, a porch swing, or outdoor furniture–complete with cushions and pillows–to show it off as a place to sip lemonade, relax, and mingle with neighbors on a warm summer day.

Look at how some of these designers on Houzz used the front porch to boost a home’s curb appeal.

Photo by Designstorms LLC – Browse porch ideas

Photo by Highland Homes, Inc. – Discover porch design ideas

Photo by Dalrymple | Sallis Architecture – More porch ideas

Photo by Siemasko + Verbridge – Discover porch design ideas

Photo by Rethink Design Studio – Browse porch photos

Photo by The Cobalt Companies, LLC – Search porch pictures

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/06/18/make-the-front-porch-a-selling-point/

The Summer Market - Show 488

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 488

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

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Volts! Not Horsepower!
- Storm Shelters
- Hot Or Not
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Staged to Sell: This Staged Home Sold for 107% Above Asking Price

Home stagers: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, real estate pros and owners of Ambiance Decorators LLC

The home: A single-family home located in Upper Montclair in Essex County, N.J. The home was staged by Amy Burke and Katie Miedler, and sold for 107 percent of the asking price at $1,073,575. Burke and Miedler sought to stage the home with a “fresh, updated, classic, and timeless” look.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

 

Stagers’ tips:

• Curtains: Sheer curtains are great for softening windows and letting the light in. They do not compete with the design and are not too “style specific” so they are often processed as calming.
• Plants: Plants are so important in design for color and texture. They also add interest by bringing the outdoors in.
• Colors:Soft colors present a calming affect allowing buyers to view the room as relaxing and peaceful.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Furniture: It’s often best to leave out the chairs at the head of the dining table…this prevents the back of the chair from stopping your eye in a photograph.
• Accessories: A beautiful runner, arrangement of flowers and a few candles create a classic centerpiece.
• Art: Art is the last item added to the design. We often add neutral art to complete the look of the room but not distract buyers from focus on the space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Accessories: Just a few accessories on the bookshelf will highlight the space without feeling overwhelming or cluttered.
• Lighting: It’s always best to compliment the furniture arrangement with lighting. If there’s not enough space for end tables, floor lamps are a great option.
• Furniture: A padded bench is a great option for a coffee table to add a little something different.

 

Have a home you recently staged that you’d like to show off here at Styled Staged & Sold? Submit your staging photos for consideration, along with three to five of your best spruce-up tips. Contact Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/GknVMKdTfk0/

Milktooth chef Jonathan Brooks opens Beholder restaurant

Also this week: Commissary Barber and Barista, Pots & Pans Pie Co., Big Bazaar Indian Grocery and Kitchen, Indy E Cigs, and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69222-milktooth-chef-jonathan-brooks-opens-beholder-restaurant

Vacation Home Markets Haven't Yet Regained All Their Lost Value

Markets with the highest concentrations of vacation homes saw a more exaggerated bubble and bust cycle than the rest of the housing market

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-13-Vacation-Home-Markets-Havent-Yet-Regained-All-Their-Lost-Value

Staged to Sell: This Staged Home Sold for 107% Above Asking Price

Home stagers: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, real estate pros and owners of Ambiance Decorators LLC

The home: A single-family home located in Upper Montclair in Essex County, N.J. The home was staged by Amy Burke and Katie Miedler, and sold for 107 percent of the asking price at $1,073,575. Burke and Miedler sought to stage the home with a “fresh, updated, classic, and timeless” look.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

 

Stagers’ tips:

• Curtains: Sheer curtains are great for softening windows and letting the light in. They do not compete with the design and are not too “style specific” so they are often processed as calming.
• Plants: Plants are so important in design for color and texture. They also add interest by bringing the outdoors in.
• Colors:Soft colors present a calming affect allowing buyers to view the room as relaxing and peaceful.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Furniture: It’s often best to leave out the chairs at the head of the dining table…this prevents the back of the chair from stopping your eye in a photograph.
• Accessories: A beautiful runner, arrangement of flowers and a few candles create a classic centerpiece.
• Art: Art is the last item added to the design. We often add neutral art to complete the look of the room but not distract buyers from focus on the space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Accessories: Just a few accessories on the bookshelf will highlight the space without feeling overwhelming or cluttered.
• Lighting: It’s always best to compliment the furniture arrangement with lighting. If there’s not enough space for end tables, floor lamps are a great option.
• Furniture: A padded bench is a great option for a coffee table to add a little something different.

 

Have a home you recently staged that you’d like to show off here at Styled Staged & Sold? Submit your staging photos for consideration, along with three to five of your best spruce-up tips. Contact Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/GknVMKdTfk0/

Circle Centre mall to renovate its entrances

The project is the first step in a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the downtown retail hub. Also in Property Lines: Crew Carwash, Joella's Hot Chicken, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Poke Guru and Game Paradise.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69130-circle-centre-mall-to-renovate-its-entrances

Staged to Sell: This Staged Home Sold for 107% Above Asking Price

Home stagers: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, real estate pros and owners of Ambiance Decorators LLC

The home: A single-family home located in Upper Montclair in Essex County, N.J. The home was staged by Amy and Katie, and sold for 107 percent of the asking price at $1,073,575. Amy and Katie sought to stage the home with a “fresh, updated, classic, and timeless” look.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

 

Stagers’ tips:

• Curtains: Sheer curtains are great for softening windows and letting the light in. They do not compete with the design and are not too “style specific” so they are often processed as calming.
• Plants: Plants are so important in design for color and texture. They also add interest by bringing the outdoors in.
• Colors:Soft colors present a calming affect allowing buyers to view the room as relaxing and peaceful.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Furniture: It’s often best to leave out the chairs at the head of the dining table…this prevents the back of the chair from stopping your eye in a photograph.
• Accessories: A beautiful runner, arrangement of flowers and a few candles create a classic centerpiece.
• Art: Art is the last item added to the design. We often add neutral art to complete the look of the room but not distract buyers from focus on the space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: Amy Burke & Katie Miedler, Ambiance Decorators LLC

Stagers’ tips:

• Accessories: Just a few accessories on the bookshelf will highlight the space without feeling overwhelming or cluttered.
• Lighting: It’s always best to compliment the furniture arrangement with lighting. If there’s not enough space for end tables, floor lamps are a great option.
• Furniture: A padded bench is a great option for a coffee table to add a little something different.

 

Have a home you recently staged that you’d like to show off here at Styled Staged & Sold? Submit your staging photos for consideration, along with three to five of your best spruce-up tips. Contact Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/06/11/staged-to-sell-this-staged-home-sold-for-107-above-asking-price/

Circle Centre mall to renovate its entrances

The project is the first step in a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the downtown retail hub. Also in Property Lines: Crew Carwash, Joella's Hot Chicken, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Poke Guru and Game Paradise.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69130-circle-centre-mall-to-renovate-its-entrances

Birth Rates are Falling Most where Homes are Appreciating Fastest

It's common for birth-rates to tick up as the economy improves, but the number of babies being born is falling even as the economy has recovered from the Great Recession

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-06-Birth-Rates-are-Falling-Most-where-Homes-are-Appreciating-Fastest

Zillow Partners with CENTURY 21 Canada; Will Feature Canadian Listings on Zillow This Year

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-06-Zillow-Partners-with-CENTURY-21-Canada-Will-Feature-Canadian-Listings-on-Zillow-This-Year

Hot Home Trend: Geometric Patterns in Décor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Color forecaster Pantone cited geometric patterns as one of the top home design trends to watch in 2018. Shapes and, in particular, circular ones are being showcased in more home decor. Greater use of bold, circular patterns are being infused into everything from accent pillows and rugs to wall art and even tile backsplashes.

Photo by Michelle Hinckley – Search bedroom design ideas

Photo by Lindsey Lang Design Ltd – Browse kitchen photos

Photo by Astro Design Centre – Browse kitchen photos

 

Wallpaper trends are showcasing more geometric shapes too. For example, check out these two photos below from designers featured at Houzz. One, showcases a geometric wallpaper that is more subtle in a silver color and used an accent wall. The other photo showcases geometric shapes in a more dramatic way where the wallpaper serves as a focal point and then the rest of the decor is in solid colors.

Photo by Oliver Simon Design – Discover bedroom design ideas

Photo by Greg Natale – More bedroom photos

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/ViJk2CJjMl0/

Speed Real Estate - Show 487

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 487

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

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Price it Right
- Don't Lose that Money!
- Hot Or Not
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Circle Centre mall to renovate its entrances

The project is the first step in a multi-million-dollar upgrade of the downtown retail hub. Also in Property Lines: Crew Carwash, Joella's Hot Chicken, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Poke Guru and Game Paradise.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/69130-circle-centre-mall-to-renovate-its-entrances

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady; Credit Easing? Depends Where You Look

Mortgage rates were little-changed today after rising somewhat quickly over the past 4 business days. This leaves them right on the top dead center of the proverbial fence. Or perhaps it's fairer to say A proverbial fence. While rates are like any other financial instrument whose future can't be predicted, they do tend to pause and congregate at some levels more than others. We'll often see rising rates repeatedly run into a ceiling that goes on to become a floor in the future. This cycle can often repeat itself several times. That's the sort of fence we're dealing with at the moment. This fence marked a low range for rates in late April after having been more of a ceiling in Feb/Mar. Most recently, rates broke back below the fence with last week's European political drama. Now, as that drama

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/5/3392

Mortgage Rates Continue Higher; Home Price Gains Unsustainable in Any Scenario

Mortgage rates continued higher , adding onto a trend that began last Wednesday. A day earlier, rates hit their best levels in more than a month due to political risks in Europe. The trend back toward higher rates has coincided with the defusing of those risks. Heading into this week, we said rates would be " deciding " if they could remain under a key ceiling. When we're looking at the mortgage market, rates aren't as precise as, say, the US Treasury market. For instance, 2 different lenders could be more than an eighth of a percent off from each other despite almost always moving by the same amount in the same direction every day. Because of that, it can make sense to follow key levels in terms of 10yr Treasury yields. If mortgage rates could only have one yardstick against which to measure

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/4/3390

Mortgage Rates Higher After Jobs Data and Progress in Italy; Solid Construction Numbers in April

Mortgage rates move higher today, mostly due to waning political risks in Italy. To be honest, I only really put the jobs data in the headline because the mighty Employment Situation Report is a perennial market mover--especially for rates. In today's case, however, bond market trading levels (the stuff that dictates rates) ended the day right where they were just BEFORE the jobs report came out. Nonetheless, those trading levels were sufficient for a noticeable move higher in rates. That means rates were rising due to something that happened before the jobs report. When it comes to the US bond market and this week's volatility, Italian politics have been at center stage. Today was something of a closing act in that regard as the Italian President finally confirmed a new Finance Minister. Failure

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/6/1/3387

How to Help Homebuyers; Rates Slightly Higher After Yesterday's Big Drop; Applications Down Again

Mortgage rates were somewhat higher today as politicians struck a more conciliatory tone in Italy. To be clear, we are indeed talking about mortgage rates in the United States in relation to European politics. It's not the first time and it likely won't be the last. The European Union is massive in terms of the size of its economy and its impacts on the global financial system. Threats to the stability of the EU cause shockwaves in financial markets. Those shockwaves have an impact on everything from stock prices to mortgage rates. The latest threat is Italy's would-be government: a coalition between 2 parties that are both less than enthusiastic about Italy remaining in the EU. They drafted a lawmaking gameplan 2 weeks ago, and while it didn't include any specific goals regarding the country

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/5/30/3385

Birth Rates are Falling Most where Homes are Appreciating Fastest

It's common for birth-rates to tick up as the economy improves, but the number of babies being born is falling even as the economy has recovered from the Great Recession

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-06-Birth-Rates-are-Falling-Most-where-Homes-are-Appreciating-Fastest

Zillow Partners with CENTURY 21 Canada; Will Feature Canadian Listings on Zillow This Year

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-06-06-Zillow-Partners-with-CENTURY-21-Canada-Will-Feature-Canadian-Listings-on-Zillow-This-Year

Hot Home Trend: Geometric Patterns in Décor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Color forecaster Pantone cited geometric patterns as one of the top home design trends to watch in 2018. Shapes and, in particular, circular ones are being showcased in more home decor. Greater use of bold, circular patterns are being infused into everything from accent pillows and rugs to wall art and even tile backsplashes.

Photo by Michelle Hinckley – Search bedroom design ideas

Photo by Lindsey Lang Design Ltd – Browse kitchen photos

Photo by Astro Design Centre – Browse kitchen photos

 

Wallpaper trends are showcasing more geometric shapes too. For example, check out these two photos below from designers featured at Houzz. One, showcases a geometric wallpaper that is more subtle in a silver color and used an accent wall. The other photo showcases geometric shapes in a more dramatic way where the wallpaper serves as a focal point and then the rest of the decor is in solid colors.

Photo by Oliver Simon Design – Discover bedroom design ideas

Photo by Greg Natale – More bedroom photos

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/06/04/hot-home-trend-geometric-patterns-in-decor/

How to Make a New House Your Own

By Julea Joseph, guest contributor

The keys are in your buyer’s hands! They’ve gone through the process … the search, deciding, inspection, stress, closing, and finally, the elation of buying a new home. Now, they have to make it their own. Here’s how.

Color –  Paint is the least expensive, easiest way to update a space.  It can individualize a room and put your personal stamp on your home. Pick your color style: From modern farmhouse neutrals to Boho bold colors. Whatever is in your style files (Pinterest, HOUZZ, tear-sheets), color can showcase it. And color doesn’t have to be just on the walls. If you want to keep the wall color simple, infuse color with your furniture, art, or accessory choices. Get your craft on by painting a piece of furniture, or recover your dining chairs seats with new fabric. Try trending wallpaper on a single accent wall or powder room. Create a signature look with a statement making front door color. With color, the change is quick, easy and all you.

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore

Your Favorite Things –  A home should hold your beautiful art, furniture, passed down family treasures, and loved flowers in your garden beds.  Simple daily rituals with favorite things, cozy slippers slipped on at the end of day, or tossing your keys into that old bowl, will infuse you into the home. It could be something new that defines your new chapter of home. That perfect comfy sofa you spied, a fresh new style that you’ve wanted to try out, fun new pillows to add a splash to a patio set. By incorporating these favorite things, you’ll become instantly grounded in your new space.

Photo credit: Julea Joseph, Reinventing Space

Make Your Bed! – A bed is your personal haven and cocoon. Dressing your bed makes your home environment feel luxurious. Even if the bedroom still has boxes, you can sleep well with a beautifully made bed. I like to mix old with new. New, fresh, very fancy (the best you can afford) sheets, a stylish linen duvet set slipped over your old favorite down comforter and pillows. Pair the bedding with Grandma’s quilt or your favorite throw at the end of the bed and you’ll be ready for a great night’s sleep.

Photo credit: Julea Joseph, Reinventing Space

Room to Room – This is where you channel Frances Mayer, the character from “Under the Tuscan Sun” – by going room to room to make it yours. Don’t try to tackle the entire home’s decorating and styling needs, instead, try to work on the spaces you spend the most time in first.

Photo credit: Julea Joseph, Reinventing Space

Five Senses – Nothing says home more than seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and feeling your favorites things of home. Put out those family photos, beloved books, play music, light some candles in your favor scent, open your favorite wine, and curl up on that fluffy sofa and celebrate home.

Photo credit: Julea Joseph, Reinventing Space

This post originally appeared at Reinventing Space. Reprinted with permissions. Copyright 2018. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julea Joseph is the owner and lead designer at Reinventing Space in Chicago. Visit her website and blog at Julea.com.

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