Group behind Bakersfield, Eagle, Krueger's planning more local eateries

The Cincinnati-based operator is preparing to open Krueger's Tavern on North Delaware Street. Also, in this week’s roundup: Launching Station, Between the Bun, Ruth's Chris and Bob Evans.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70658-group-behind-bakersfield-eagle-kruegers-planning-more-local-eateries

Economic Growth Quickens in the Second Quarter

Even with slightly improving inventory conditions and relenting home price pressures, home sales this year are now expected to come in just below last year's level. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20180924_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Mortgage Rates at 2-Week Lows; Freddie Gives Equity Ownership a Closer Look

Mortgage rates were slightly lower again today, but there are some caveats. First of all, the average lender wasn't in substantially better shape compared to yesterday afternoon. On top of that, bond markets (the underpinnings of mortgage rates) weakened throughout the day. If lenders were beginning their day looking at current bond market pricing, we'd likely have seen rates edge slightly HIGHER. As such, unless bonds manage to receive solid support from Asia and Europe on Monday morning, US lenders will likely be forced to bring rates a bit higher. Despite those gray clouds on the horizon, the average lender was indeed able to offer their lowest rates in 2 weeks for the entirety of the day, providing a much-needed respite from the recent spike toward long-term highs. Loan Originator Perspective

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/28/3568

Your New Condo - Show 503

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 503

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

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Condo Parking Spots
- Condos, Co-ops and Apartments
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Housing Sentiment Lukewarm; Pending Sales Slide; Rates Lowest in Over a Week

The leading indicator for existing home sales continued to struggle in August and for the fourth time in the last five months purchase contract executions fell back from those in the previous month. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said its Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), which is based on contract signings, dropped 1.8 percent to 104.2 from the July reading of 106.2. NAR said it was also the eighth straight month that its index was lower year-over-year. The August reading was down 2.3 percent from the level in August 2017. Expectations were not high for the August report. The consensus of analysts polled by Econoday was for the PHSI to be unchanged from July. The actual results were below even the lowest of analysts estimates which ranged from an 0.5 percent decline to a 2

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/27/3566

New Home Sales Reverse Course; Rates Improve After Fed; IRS Slams Door on Tax Dodge

New Home Sales posted a month-over-month increase for the first time since May according to Wednesday's report from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sales in August rose 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 629,000 from a revised rate of 608,000 in July. July's revision takes a little of the bloom off of the August report as July sales were originally reported at a rate of 627,000 units, already a 1.7 percent monthly loss. The August estimate however is a substantial 12.7 percent upgrade from last August's rate of 558,000 units. Econoday noted, prior to the report release, that new home sales had failed to meet the consensus estimate of its panel of analysts for two months, and by a substantial degree. It missed again this month but

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/26/3564

Home Prices Slowing Their Momentum, Catching up With Housing; Fed Tomorrow; Rates Sideways to Higher

Both of the major home price indexes that were released this morning showed continued deceleration in the rate of appreciation, even though July is usually one of the strongest months of the year for home price gains. The Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA's) House Price Index (HPI) and most variations of the three of the S&P CoreLogic Case Shiller Indices turned in slightly smaller increases in July than in June, both month-over-month and on an annual basis. The Case-Shiller National Index which covers all nine U.S. Census districts, reported prices were up 6.0 percent compared to July 2017. Last month's June to June comparison put the gain at 6.2 percent. The monthly figures also softened. Before seasonal adjustment, the Index posted a gain of 0.4 percent. and 0.2 percent after adjustment

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/25/3562

Housing vs Overall Economy; Bonds Gear up For Unfriendly Fed; Rates Treading Water

Freddie Mac's Economic and Housing Research Group said on Monday that the U.S. economy and job market are firing on nearly all cylinders , "but the housing market has essentially stalled ." The solid growth of the U.S. economy during the second quarter, an increase of 4.2 percent and exceeding forecasts of 4.1 percent, was the fastest in nearly four years. Solid consumer spending and business investment, the Group says in its September Forecast, should keep the economy on a very strong growth path of 3.0 percent this year, moderating to 2.4 percent next year. However, weaker affordability, homebuilder constraints, and ongoing supply and demand imbalances over the summer resulted in fewer home sales and less home construction compared to earlier in the year. Those sales declined in the second

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/24/3560

Flood Coverage Needs Flood of New Policies; Best Day of a Rotten Week

Even as flood water continue to sit in living rooms and kitchens across a large swath of North Carolina it is clear that most of those homes are not insured against the damage. Mary Williams Walsh, writing in the New York Times, says that in North Carolina and South Carolina, which suffered less widespread damage, only about 335,000 homes in total have flood insurance. The Urban Institute (UI) reports that the number of policies homeowners purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NIP) has declined over the last ten years and the total is now just over 5 million nationwide. There are also some private insurance policies, but nowhere near enough to cover the affected homes. Sarah Strochak, Jun Zhu, and Laurie Goodman used data from the Census Bureau's 2017 American Housing Survey

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/21/3558

Housing Sentiment Lukewarm; Pending Sales Slide; Rates Lowest in Over a Week

The leading indicator for existing home sales continued to struggle in August and for the fourth time in the last five months purchase contract executions fell back from those in the previous month. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said its Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), which is based on contract signings, dropped 1.8 percent to 104.2 from the July reading of 106.2. NAR said it was also the eighth straight month that its index was lower year-over-year. The August reading was down 2.3 percent from the level in August 2017. Expectations were not high for the August report. The consensus of analysts polled by Econoday was for the PHSI to be unchanged from July. The actual results were below even the lowest of analysts estimates which ranged from an 0.5 percent decline to a 2

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/27/3566

Thunderdome Restaurant Group opening Krueger's Tavern on Delaware Street

Cincinnati-based operator scouting other local sites. Also this week: Launching Station, Between the Bun, Ruth's Chris and Bob Evans.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70658-thunderdome-restaurant-group-opening-kruegers-tavern-on-delaware-street

Economic Growth Quickens in the Second Quarter

Even with slightly improving inventory conditions and relenting home price pressures, home sales this year are now expected to come in just below last year's level. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20180924_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Zillow to Add Property Listings from RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., One of Central Toronto's Largest RE/MAX Brokerages

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-27-Zillow-to-Add-Property-Listings-from-RE-MAX-Ultimate-Realty-Inc-One-of-Central-Torontos-Largest-RE-MAX-Brokerages

Millennials face greatest hurdles even as housing market begins to soften

Contrary to your assumptions, seller concessions and price cuts are the norm even as home values continue to rise, according to the 2018 Zillow Group Report

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-27-Millennials-face-greatest-hurdles-even-as-housing-market-begins-to-soften

New Home Sales Reverse Course; Rates Improve After Fed; IRS Slams Door on Tax Dodge

New Home Sales posted a month-over-month increase for the first time since May according to Wednesday's report from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sales in August rose 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 629,000 from a revised rate of 608,000 in July. July's revision takes a little of the bloom off of the August report as July sales were originally reported at a rate of 627,000 units, already a 1.7 percent monthly loss. The August estimate however is a substantial 12.7 percent upgrade from last August's rate of 558,000 units. Econoday noted, prior to the report release, that new home sales had failed to meet the consensus estimate of its panel of analysts for two months, and by a substantial degree. It missed again this month but

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/26/3564

Zillow Signs New Canadian Listings Agreement with EXIT Realty Corp. International

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-26-Zillow-Signs-New-Canadian-Listings-Agreement-with-EXIT-Realty-Corp-International

Economic Growth Quickens in the Second Quarter

Even with slightly improving inventory conditions and relenting home price pressures, home sales this year are now expected to come in just below last year's level. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20180924_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Home Prices Slowing Their Momentum, Catching up With Housing; Fed Tomorrow; Rates Sideways to Higher

Both of the major home price indexes that were released this morning showed continued deceleration in the rate of appreciation, even though July is usually one of the strongest months of the year for home price gains. The Federal Housing Finance Agency's (FHFA's) House Price Index (HPI) and most variations of the three of the S&P CoreLogic Case Shiller Indices turned in slightly smaller increases in July than in June, both month-over-month and on an annual basis. The Case-Shiller National Index which covers all nine U.S. Census districts, reported prices were up 6.0 percent compared to July 2017. Last month's June to June comparison put the gain at 6.2 percent. The monthly figures also softened. Before seasonal adjustment, the Index posted a gain of 0.4 percent. and 0.2 percent after adjustment

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/25/3562

Hot Home Trend: Color Block Your Kitchen Cabinets

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Getting a little mismatchy in kitchen cabinet color designs is no longer being viewed as an unfinished reno job, but instead perfectly stylish in fitting with today’s trends. These “tuxedo kitchens,” as they’re nicknamed, are where the upper cabinets may be in one color—like in all white—and then the lower cabinets are in a contrasting shade, like a gray or dark walnut. It’s essentially a way to color block your cabinets.

The idea of going with two different shades on your kitchen cabinets may make some homeowners’ a little uneasy, but it’s nothing to fear nowadays and can actually make your kitchen look more open.

Typically, with tuxedo cabinets, the lighter color is on top and a darker color is on the bottom. It can help make a kitchen seem taller when the lighter color is above. It can also create a focal point, when a contrasting color is used on a kitchen island. And the differing shades can also break up the monotony of all one color cabinets, particularly in all-white kitchens.

Some real estate studies are suggesting that white cabinets contrasted by a dark navy blue or black kitchen island is among the most common tuxedo kitchen pairings in some real estate listings too.

Photo by Second Nature Interiors – Look for kitchen pictures

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design – Look for kitchen design inspiration

Photo by Maletz Design – More kitchen photos

Photo by Revision LLC – More kitchen photos

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/hf4ZW_he6MQ/

Housing vs Overall Economy; Bonds Gear up For Unfriendly Fed; Rates Treading Water

Freddie Mac's Economic and Housing Research Group said on Monday that the U.S. economy and job market are firing on nearly all cylinders , "but the housing market has essentially stalled ." The solid growth of the U.S. economy during the second quarter, an increase of 4.2 percent and exceeding forecasts of 4.1 percent, was the fastest in nearly four years. Solid consumer spending and business investment, the Group says in its September Forecast, should keep the economy on a very strong growth path of 3.0 percent this year, moderating to 2.4 percent next year. However, weaker affordability, homebuilder constraints, and ongoing supply and demand imbalances over the summer resulted in fewer home sales and less home construction compared to earlier in the year. Those sales declined in the second

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/24/3560

Economic Growth Quickens in the Second Quarter

Even with slightly improving inventory conditions and relenting home price pressures, home sales this year are now expected come in just below last year's level. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20180924_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Mount Comfort RV building $5M showroom to keep up with industry growth

Facility will accommodate almost twice as many employees. Also: Just Pop In!, PGA Tour Superstore, Jack's Donuts, Tractor Supply and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70565-mount-comfort-rv-expanding-to-keep-up-with-industry-growth

Hot Home Trend: Color Block Your Kitchen Cabinets

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Getting a little mismatchy in kitchen cabinet color designs is no longer being viewed as an unfinished reno job, but instead perfectly stylish in fitting with today’s trends. These “tuxedo kitchens,” as they’re nicknamed, are where the upper cabinets may be in one color—like in all white—and then the lower cabinets are in a contrasting shade, like a gray or dark walnut. It’s essentially a way to color block your cabinets.

The idea of going with two different shades on your kitchen cabinets may make some homeowners’ a little uneasy, but it’s nothing to fear nowadays and can actually make your kitchen look more open.

Typically, with tuxedo cabinets, the lighter color is on top and a darker color is on the bottom. It can help make a kitchen seem taller when the lighter color is above. It can also create a focal point, when a contrasting color is used on a kitchen island. And the differing shades can also break up the monotony of all one color cabinets, particularly in all-white kitchens.

Some real estate studies are suggesting that white cabinets contrasted by a dark navy blue or black kitchen island is among the most common tuxedo kitchen pairings in some real estate listings too.

Photo by Second Nature Interiors – Look for kitchen pictures

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design – Look for kitchen design inspiration

Photo by Maletz Design – More kitchen photos

Photo by Revision LLC – More kitchen photos

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/09/24/hot-home-trend-color-blocking-your-kitchen-cabinets/

Flood Coverage Needs Flood of New Policies; Best Day of a Rotten Week

Even as flood water continue to sit in living rooms and kitchens across a large swath of North Carolina it is clear that most of those homes are not insured against the damage. Mary Williams Walsh, writing in the New York Times, says that in North Carolina and South Carolina, which suffered less widespread damage, only about 335,000 homes in total have flood insurance. The Urban Institute (UI) reports that the number of policies homeowners purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NIP) has declined over the last ten years and the total is now just over 5 million nationwide. There are also some private insurance policies, but nowhere near enough to cover the affected homes. Sarah Strochak, Jun Zhu, and Laurie Goodman used data from the Census Bureau's 2017 American Housing Survey

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/21/3558

Existing Home Sales Level Off; Rates Try to Stop Bleeding; Long-Term Trend a Cheap Trick

It was a disappointment, but at least it wasn't a loss. Existing home sales, which were expected to increase in August after four straight months of declines instead remained unchanged from July. In fact, almost the entire report on August's existing home sales can be summarized by the word, "flat." Said sales of single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments were at the seasonally adjusted rate of 5.34 million, identical to the July rate. Sales in July had fallen 1.5 percent below those from a year earlier, and that too was unchanged in the August to August comparisons. Existing home sales were selling at an annual rate of 5.42 million in August of last year. Econoday said the analysts it polls were expecting at least a modest increase after months of lagging sales analysts

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/20/3556

Home Starts Improve, but There's a Catch; Rates Knocking on 5% Ceiling

Both permits and starts were expected to pick up in August, at least holding on to their slight gains in July. Housing starts did deliver, posting a strong increase, but permits, a leading indicator, were down sharply. The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development report that permits fell by 5.7 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,229,000 compared to the July rate of 1,303,000. The July number was a downward revision from the 1,311,000 units originally reported. This knocks the rate of permitting below the August 2017 level of 1,300,000 units by 5.5 percent. Analysts polled by Econoday were looking for permitting to come in at a consensus rate of 1,315,000 units with a range of 1,260,000 to 1,323,000. Permits for single family houses were reported

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/19/3554

Entry-Level Buyers Keep Builders Confident; Mortgage Rates Officially Highest in at Least 5 Years; Sea of Red

Mortgage rates edged up to 4-year highs with yesterday's bond market losses and things went from bad to worse today. Bond markets (which underlie and directly affect rates) are under extreme pressure today and have generally had a very bad September. Weakness in bonds equates to higher rates. So why are bonds weak? In part, this is weakness that was expected way back at the beginning of the year as the tax bill came to fruition and as economic data continued to suggest ongoing expansion. Given that the inflation/growth outlook was a whole lot worse in 2013 and early 2014 when 10yr Treasury yields briefly crested 3.0%, it stood to reason that those same yields would almost certainly need to move well over 3.0% this time around (inflation/growth are key factors in Treasury yields and rates in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/18/3552

Fannie Thinks Growth Just Peaked; Record-High Downpayments; Rates Hit 7-Year Highs

The robust growth in the economy in the second quarter may be the final peak of this expansion according to Fannie Mae's Economic Development Report for September. Initial data indicates the 4.2 percent growth last quarter appears to be moderating to the estimated third quarter gain of 3.2 percent predicted in the August report. All factors considered, including inventory restocking and increased government spending leads Fannie's Economic and Strategic Research Group (ESR) to expect full-year 2018 growth of 3.0 percent before a slowdown to 2.3 percent in 2019 as the fiscal stimulus runs its course. ESR expects consumer spending and business fixed investment growth to moderate but remain at a solid pace but expect that trade will drag on growth. Second quarter growth had benefitted in part

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/17/3550

Mount Comfort RV building $5M showroom to keep up with industry growth

Facility will accommodate almost twice as many employees. Also: Just Pop In!, PGA Tour Superstore, Jack's Donuts, Tractor Supply and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70565-mount-comfort-rv-expanding-to-keep-up-with-industry-growth

Mount Comfort RV building $5M showroom to keep up with industry growth

Facility will accommodate almost twice as many employees. Also: Just Pop In!, PGA Tour Superstore, Jack's Donuts, Tractor Supply and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70565-mount-comfort-rv-expanding-to-keep-up-with-industry-growth

Zillow Signs Listings Agreement with Right at Home Realty, Canada's Largest Independent Real Estate Brokerage

For-sale listings from Right at Home Realty will be featured on Zillow.com

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Zillow-Signs-Listings-Agreement-with-Right-at-Home-Realty-Canadas-Largest-Independent-Real-Estate-Brokerage

Rents Unchanged Year-Over-Year for First Time Since 2012

The median rent is lower than it was a year ago in 19 of the nation's 35 largest housing markets

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Rents-Unchanged-Year-Over-Year-for-First-Time-Since-2012

Find Out the New, Hot Home Color for 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Photo credit: Behr

The paint company Behr has named a rich, bluish hue its 2019 Color of the Year. Blueprint is a mid-tone blue that is described as warmer than denim but softer than navy.

Behr is predicting that embracing a full range of blue, teal,and gray will be a key style for home design in 2019. “Layer light and dark blues on walls, cabinets, furniture, and decor for impactful results,” Behr says.

The color matches with the jewel tone trend that has been taking off in 2018, which also has seen the popularity of dark greens and purples in decor.

Blueprint is a dark color but can also be a classic that can be mixed with many color combos and in different home styles too, the company notes. The color can work as an accent wall color, on kitchen cabinets, in home accessories, bedding or blankets, or furnishings.

Gray will remain a hot neutral in 2019, but color forecasters believe that as warmer tones in taupe and terra-cotta rise in popularity, earthy blues and brown combinations will grow too.

Also, Behr predicts that powder blue, blush peach, and tinted lilac will emerge as new neutrals in the new year as well. These colors  create “relaxed and expansive spaces,” the company says. “Matte finishes emphasize softness, while metal accents add glamour.”

Photo credit: Behr

Photo credit: Behr

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/Ey2HecN_euE/

Flood Coverage Needs Flood of New Policies; Best Day of a Rotten Week

Even as flood water continue to sit in living rooms and kitchens across a large swath of North Carolina it is clear that most of those homes are not insured against the damage. Mary Williams Walsh, writing in the New York Times, says that in North Carolina and South Carolina, which suffered less widespread damage, only about 335,000 homes in total have flood insurance. The Urban Institute (UI) reports that the number of policies homeowners purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NIP) has declined over the last ten years and the total is now just over 5 million nationwide. There are also some private insurance policies, but nowhere near enough to cover the affected homes. Sarah Strochak, Jun Zhu, and Laurie Goodman used data from the Census Bureau's 2017 American Housing Survey

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/21/3558

Existing Home Sales Level Off; Rates Try to Stop Bleeding; Long-Term Trend a Cheap Trick

It was a disappointment, but at least it wasn't a loss. Existing home sales, which were expected to increase in August after four straight months of declines instead remained unchanged from July. In fact, almost the entire report on August's existing home sales can be summarized by the word, "flat." Said sales of single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments were at the seasonally adjusted rate of 5.34 million, identical to the July rate. Sales in July had fallen 1.5 percent below those from a year earlier, and that too was unchanged in the August to August comparisons. Existing home sales were selling at an annual rate of 5.42 million in August of last year. Econoday said the analysts it polls were expecting at least a modest increase after months of lagging sales analysts

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/20/3556

Home Starts Improve, but There's a Catch; Rates Knocking on 5% Ceiling

Both permits and starts were expected to pick up in August, at least holding on to their slight gains in July. Housing starts did deliver, posting a strong increase, but permits, a leading indicator, were down sharply. The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development report that permits fell by 5.7 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,229,000 compared to the July rate of 1,303,000. The July number was a downward revision from the 1,311,000 units originally reported. This knocks the rate of permitting below the August 2017 level of 1,300,000 units by 5.5 percent. Analysts polled by Econoday were looking for permitting to come in at a consensus rate of 1,315,000 units with a range of 1,260,000 to 1,323,000. Permits for single family houses were reported

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/19/3554

Entry-Level Buyers Keep Builders Confident; Mortgage Rates Officially Highest in at Least 5 Years; Sea of Red

Mortgage rates edged up to 4-year highs with yesterday's bond market losses and things went from bad to worse today. Bond markets (which underlie and directly affect rates) are under extreme pressure today and have generally had a very bad September. Weakness in bonds equates to higher rates. So why are bonds weak? In part, this is weakness that was expected way back at the beginning of the year as the tax bill came to fruition and as economic data continued to suggest ongoing expansion. Given that the inflation/growth outlook was a whole lot worse in 2013 and early 2014 when 10yr Treasury yields briefly crested 3.0%, it stood to reason that those same yields would almost certainly need to move well over 3.0% this time around (inflation/growth are key factors in Treasury yields and rates in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/18/3552

Fannie Thinks Growth Just Peaked; Record-High Downpayments; Rates Hit 7-Year Highs

The robust growth in the economy in the second quarter may be the final peak of this expansion according to Fannie Mae's Economic Development Report for September. Initial data indicates the 4.2 percent growth last quarter appears to be moderating to the estimated third quarter gain of 3.2 percent predicted in the August report. All factors considered, including inventory restocking and increased government spending leads Fannie's Economic and Strategic Research Group (ESR) to expect full-year 2018 growth of 3.0 percent before a slowdown to 2.3 percent in 2019 as the fiscal stimulus runs its course. ESR expects consumer spending and business fixed investment growth to moderate but remain at a solid pace but expect that trade will drag on growth. Second quarter growth had benefitted in part

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/17/3550

Mount Comfort RV building $5M showroom to keep up with industry growth

Facility will accommodate almost twice as many employees. Also: Just Pop In!, PGA Tour Superstore, Jack's Donuts, Tractor Supply and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70565-mount-comfort-rv-expanding-to-keep-up-with-industry-growth

Zillow Signs Listings Agreement with Right at Home Realty, Canada's Largest Independent Real Estate Brokerage

For-sale listings from Right at Home Realty will be featured on Zillow.com

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Zillow-Signs-Listings-Agreement-with-Right-at-Home-Realty-Canadas-Largest-Independent-Real-Estate-Brokerage

Rents Unchanged Year-Over-Year for First Time Since 2012

The median rent is lower than it was a year ago in 19 of the nation's 35 largest housing markets

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Rents-Unchanged-Year-Over-Year-for-First-Time-Since-2012

Find Out the New, Hot Home Color for 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Photo credit: Behr

The paint company Behr has named a rich, bluish hue its 2019 Color of the Year. Blueprint is a mid-tone blue that is described as warmer than denim but softer than navy.

Behr is predicting that embracing a full range of blue, teal,and gray will be a key style for home design in 2019. “Layer light and dark blues on walls, cabinets, furniture, and decor for impactful results,” Behr says.

The color matches with the jewel tone trend that has been taking off in 2018, which also has seen the popularity of dark greens and purples in decor.

Blueprint is a dark color but can also be a classic that can be mixed with many color combos and in different home styles too, the company notes. The color can work as an accent wall color, on kitchen cabinets, in home accessories, bedding or blankets, or furnishings.

Gray will remain a hot neutral in 2019, but color forecasters believe that as warmer tones in taupe and terra-cotta rise in popularity, earthy blues and brown combinations will grow too.

Also, Behr predicts that powder blue, blush peach, and tinted lilac will emerge as new neutrals in the new year as well. These colors  create “relaxed and expansive spaces,” the company says. “Matte finishes emphasize softness, while metal accents add glamour.”

Photo credit: Behr

Photo credit: Behr

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/Ey2HecN_euE/

Flood Coverage Needs Flood of New Policies; Best Day of a Rotten Week

Even as flood water continue to sit in living rooms and kitchens across a large swath of North Carolina it is clear that most of those homes are not insured against the damage. Mary Williams Walsh, writing in the New York Times, says that in North Carolina and South Carolina, which suffered less widespread damage, only about 335,000 homes in total have flood insurance. The Urban Institute (UI) reports that the number of policies homeowners purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NIP) has declined over the last ten years and the total is now just over 5 million nationwide. There are also some private insurance policies, but nowhere near enough to cover the affected homes. Sarah Strochak, Jun Zhu, and Laurie Goodman used data from the Census Bureau's 2017 American Housing Survey

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/21/3558

The Fall Market - Show 502

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 502

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

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Hurricane Relief
- Favorite Time of Year
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Existing Home Sales Level Off; Rates Try to Stop Bleeding; Long-Term Trend a Cheap Trick

It was a disappointment, but at least it wasn't a loss. Existing home sales, which were expected to increase in August after four straight months of declines instead remained unchanged from July. In fact, almost the entire report on August's existing home sales can be summarized by the word, "flat." Said sales of single-family homes, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments were at the seasonally adjusted rate of 5.34 million, identical to the July rate. Sales in July had fallen 1.5 percent below those from a year earlier, and that too was unchanged in the August to August comparisons. Existing home sales were selling at an annual rate of 5.42 million in August of last year. Econoday said the analysts it polls were expecting at least a modest increase after months of lagging sales analysts

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/20/3556

Mount Comfort RV building $5M showroom to keep up with industry growth

Facility will accommodate almost twice as many employees. Also: Just Pop In!, PGA Tour Superstore, Jack's Donuts, Tractor Supply and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70565-mount-comfort-rv-expanding-to-keep-up-with-industry-growth

Zillow Signs Listings Agreement with Right at Home Realty, Canada's Largest Independent Real Estate Brokerage

For-sale listings from Right at Home Realty will be featured on Zillow.com

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Zillow-Signs-Listings-Agreement-with-Right-at-Home-Realty-Canadas-Largest-Independent-Real-Estate-Brokerage

Rents Unchanged Year-Over-Year for First Time Since 2012

The median rent is lower than it was a year ago in 19 of the nation's 35 largest housing markets

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-20-Rents-Unchanged-Year-Over-Year-for-First-Time-Since-2012

A Decade After Housing Bust, Recovery is a Story of Location

A Handful of Powerful Markets Lead the Nation's Recovery, But Millions of Homeowners Are Still Waiting to Regain Lost Value

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-13-A-Decade-After-Housing-Bust-Recovery-is-a-Story-of-Location

Home Starts Improve, but There's a Catch; Rates Knocking on 5% Ceiling

Both permits and starts were expected to pick up in August, at least holding on to their slight gains in July. Housing starts did deliver, posting a strong increase, but permits, a leading indicator, were down sharply. The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development report that permits fell by 5.7 percent in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,229,000 compared to the July rate of 1,303,000. The July number was a downward revision from the 1,311,000 units originally reported. This knocks the rate of permitting below the August 2017 level of 1,300,000 units by 5.5 percent. Analysts polled by Econoday were looking for permitting to come in at a consensus rate of 1,315,000 units with a range of 1,260,000 to 1,323,000. Permits for single family houses were reported

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/19/3554

A Decade After Housing Bust, Recovery is a Story of Location

A Handful of Powerful Markets Lead the Nation's Recovery, But Millions of Homeowners Are Still Waiting to Regain Lost Value

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-13-A-Decade-After-Housing-Bust-Recovery-is-a-Story-of-Location

Entry-Level Buyers Keep Builders Confident; Mortgage Rates Officially Highest in at Least 5 Years; Sea of Red

Mortgage rates edged up to 4-year highs with yesterday's bond market losses and things went from bad to worse today. Bond markets (which underlie and directly affect rates) are under extreme pressure today and have generally had a very bad September. Weakness in bonds equates to higher rates. So why are bonds weak? In part, this is weakness that was expected way back at the beginning of the year as the tax bill came to fruition and as economic data continued to suggest ongoing expansion. Given that the inflation/growth outlook was a whole lot worse in 2013 and early 2014 when 10yr Treasury yields briefly crested 3.0%, it stood to reason that those same yields would almost certainly need to move well over 3.0% this time around (inflation/growth are key factors in Treasury yields and rates in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/18/3552

Fannie Thinks Growth Just Peaked; Record-High Downpayments; Rates Hit 7-Year Highs

The robust growth in the economy in the second quarter may be the final peak of this expansion according to Fannie Mae's Economic Development Report for September. Initial data indicates the 4.2 percent growth last quarter appears to be moderating to the estimated third quarter gain of 3.2 percent predicted in the August report. All factors considered, including inventory restocking and increased government spending leads Fannie's Economic and Strategic Research Group (ESR) to expect full-year 2018 growth of 3.0 percent before a slowdown to 2.3 percent in 2019 as the fiscal stimulus runs its course. ESR expects consumer spending and business fixed investment growth to moderate but remain at a solid pace but expect that trade will drag on growth. Second quarter growth had benefitted in part

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/17/3550

Rates Jump to 4-Month Highs; Cheaper Homes Driving Sales; Florence to Cost $3-5 bln

Mortgage rates had a bad day. Even after a weaker reading on Retail Sales (something that normally helps), the bond market lost ground. Unfortunately, that's consistent with the rest of the week as investors have largely shunned bonds. Lower demand for bonds = higher rates. Perhaps "shunned" isn't the perfect word. Investors are indeed buying bonds, but there have been so many to buy this week that sellers have had to lower prices to get them out the door. That's a bit of an oversimplification of the how things actually work, but the dynamic of higher supply driving higher rates is at the heart of the issue. Beyond that, investors are nervous about buying bonds too aggressively in an environment where wages are rising, retail sales are holding steady at long-term highs, consumer sentiment is

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/14/3546

Mortgage Fraud Risks Rise, Especially Income Fraud; CPI Not Much Help For Rates

The risk of mortgage fraud jumped by 12.4 percent on an annual basis in the second quarter, the seventh consecutive quarter in which it has increased . CoreLogic said its Mortgage Application Fraud Risk Index now puts the rate of fraud at 0.92 percent or one of every 109 mortgage applications received. In the second quarter of last year the index was 0.82 percent or 1 in 122 applications. The increase was present in all market segments, but the segment for conforming mortgages with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios of 80 percent or less experienced the largest. Purchase applications overall grew more than refinances with the exception of jumbo refis, possibly because that segment suffered the largest decline in volume. Jumbo refinances had an index of 266 while purchase applications overall were at

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/13/3544

Most Credit Scores Rose After Reporting Changes; Some Fell; Rates Unchanged; Volatility Ahead

Mortgage rates managed to remain unchanged today despite the fact that underlying bond markets were stronger. Stronger bond markets are typically associated with lower rates, but in today's case, markets had some catching up to do. At issue is the timing of yesterday's weakness. Bond markets had lost ground throughout the day (something that can sometimes result in lenders changing rates in the middle of the day). A few lenders indeed pulled the trigger on such "mid-day price changes," but the average lender did not. Simply put, that left the average lender with a little bit of weakness to price into today's rates. The moderate amount of improvement in underlying bond markets was just enough to offset that implied weakness, thus leaving the average lender unchanged. The stakes remain high as

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/12/3542

More Competition and Less Demand; Lender Margins Looking Dismal; Jumbo Guidelines Tighten

Mortgage lenders appear to be holding credit standards stable despite increasing competition and declining demand and profit expectations. Fannie Mae's third quarter Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey found an increasing number of respondents reporting a net negative profit margin outlook, the eighth consecutive quarter they have done so. The net negative was 20 percent compared to 17 percent in the second quarter and 12 percent in the third quarter of 2017, however it was lower than in either the fourth quarter of last year or the first quarter of this year when the net negatives were 22 percent and 31 percent respectively. The low expectations for profitability come amid further erosion of mortgage demand. Regardless of the loan type, GSE-eligible, non-GSE eligible, and government, the net

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/11/3540

Construction Labor Shortage Pushing Home Prices; Rates Highest in a Month

Mortgage rates were slightly higher today, depending on the lender . Many lenders ended up raising rates last Friday afternoon as underlying bond markets weakened. The remaining lenders had more distance to cover in terms of getting caught up with market movements. The average lender is just slightly worse off. Unfortunately, that puts rates at the highest levels in more than a month. Whereas there was clear cause and effect behind Friday's rate spike, today has been relatively drama-free and movement free. This can be viewed positively or negatively. On the one hand, it's nice to see rates seemingly holding their ground here after Friday's spike. On the other hand, the fact that rates AREN'T doing more to recover suggests they're not too terribly opposed to feeling out these new, higher levels

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/10/3538

Find Out the New, Hot Home Color for 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine

Photo credit: Behr

The paint company Behr has named a rich, bluish hue its 2019 Color of the Year. Blueprint is a mid-tone blue that is described as warmer than denim but softer than navy.

Behr is predicting that embracing a full range of blue, teal,and gray will be a key style for home design in 2019. “Layer light and dark blues on walls, cabinets, furniture, and decor for impactful results,” Behr says.

The color matches with the jewel tone trend that has been taking off in 2018, which also has seen the popularity of dark greens and purples in decor.

Blueprint is a dark color but can also be a classic that can be mixed with many color combos and in different home styles too, the company notes. The color can work as an accent wall color, on kitchen cabinets, in home accessories, bedding or blankets, or furnishings.

Gray will remain a hot neutral in 2019, but color forecasters believe that as warmer tones in taupe and terra-cotta rise in popularity, earthy blues and brown combinations will grow too.

Also, Behr predicts that powder blue, blush peach, and tinted lilac will emerge as new neutrals in the new year as well. These colors  create “relaxed and expansive spaces,” the company says. “Matte finishes emphasize softness, while metal accents add glamour.”

Photo credit: Behr

Photo credit: Behr

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/09/17/find-out-the-new-hot-home-color-for-2019/

How to Understand Home Staging Pricing and Proposals: Do’s and Don’ts

By Audra Slinkey, Home Staging Resource

A lot of real estate agents are looking for a good, reliable home stager that can magically transform their listings into the price point their seller is hoping to achieve.  The trouble and confusion sometimes comes when the real estate professional asks a few home stagers to “bid” or present a proposal on their vacant home.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Helen Bartlett of Refined Interior Staging Solutions in Kansas City

The vacant staging proposal price can range anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000 for a smaller home, so do you just pick the best priced stager?

I think we can all agree that there is a BIG difference between Walmart and Restoration Hardware when it comes to furnishings, so choosing a home stager on price alone is not a good idea … here’s why.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo Credit: HSR Certified Corrine Kaas of Harmonizing Homes

The professionally certified and trained home stager ranks the home based on “luxury level” and places the most ideal furnishings that kind of buyer would “expect” in the home.  In each area across the country, there is a certain buyer “expectation” that corresponds to price point and location.

DO make sure the furnishings enhance and correspond with the buyer expectation for that home.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Donna Dazzo of Designed to Appeal in New York City

It’s not a matter of simply choosing a couch/chair/coffee table/rug to go into the space … it’s an art form. Professional stagers tend to base their price on the VALUE of the furnishings that go into that home. This is how they calculate their return on investment (ROI) and cover their costs, so that their business will be around in a year. This is also how they are able to stay on trend, turn over older furnishings, and present the home in a fresh, modern way every time.

BEFORE

AFTER  

Photo credit: HSR Certified Leia Ward of LTW Design in Connecticut

DON’T choose on price alone. 

Going with the lowest priced staging proposal could mean you are getting low priced furnishings, which ultimately could hurt the sale of the home. Here are a couple questions to ask a home stager rather than base your choice on price:

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Glenda Evers of Elite Interiors

DO ask them what kind of “look” can I expect to go in this home?

This is their chance to show and talk you through their expertise and show you their work. If they fumble or choose a style that does not fit the style or luxury level of the home, then I would question their credibility and training.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Jeff Johnson of the Home Staging Pros in Florida

DO ask them if they buy wholesale?

The certified stager knows how to buy wholesale and can get AMAZING prices on luxury furnishings (thus more bang for your buck!) But some home stagers are not certified or trained in this kind of advanced shopping.

I train on this extensively, and here’s an example of the kind of pricing you can get by going to the market. I love the look of layered rugs and this zebra hide rug costs only $99 at the market … what?!

 

DON’T base your choice on experience alone. 

Staging will always be an art form and some of the most talented stagers I’ve seen who do not sacrifice on quality of materials are brand new to the industry. Their heart and soul is placed into that home and it shows.  Take a chance and try someone new.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Leslie Anderson of Leslie Anderson Interiors in Virginia

A good rule of thumb is to consider spending a little less or around 1 percent the value of the home on vacant staging in order for the staging to match the luxury level of the home. The million-plus dollar home needs to be staged like a million bucks …. buyers expect this.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Birgit Anich of BA Staging and Interiors in Connecticut

If the seller’s furnishings are over 10 years old then DO have them consider “moving out” beforehand, so that they can make an extra 5 to 10 percent the value of the home in the sale.  According to recent staging statistics, the seller who spends close to 1 percent on staging usually sees over a 10 percent return on investment. There does appear to be a connection between spending more and getting more.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Corrine McKendrick of Pacific Home Design

Photo credit: HSR Grad Corrine McKendrick of Pacific Home Design

DO educate the seller on how they can get the best price for their home by staging.

I’m seeing a lot of smart agents educating their sellers on this critical cost, sometimes even paying it up front (for the cash poor seller) and then charging it in closing as part of their fee. We all know that markets go up and down, but the real estate agent who consistently puts the best marketed and priced product on the market for the sellers, is the one that will be around forever.

To find home stagers that do the kind of work featured above, visit Directory of Certified Home Stagers and Designers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Audra Slinkey is president and founder of the Home Staging Resource, an advanced home staging and redesign certification training company.  Slinkey has been awarded the “Most Innovative Product of the Year Award” three times for her training and serves on the board of the Real Estate Staging Association. Slinkey is a published author and international speaker on staging, color, and design. She is proud and privileged to help create and mentor thousands of staging and design businesses across the globe.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/-Vm7hZ6Gumc/

Living Room Theater to bring upscale arthouse concept to Bottleworks

The Portland company had originally targeted Fountain Square. Also: Nesso, The Inferno Room, Scarlet Lane, Luciana's, TeeJay's Sweet Tooth and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70459-living-room-theater-to-bring-upscale-arthouse-concept-to-bottleworks-project

A Decade After Housing Bust, Recovery is a Story of Location

A Handful of Powerful Markets Lead the Nation's Recovery, But Millions of Homeowners Are Still Waiting to Regain Lost Value

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-13-A-Decade-After-Housing-Bust-Recovery-is-a-Story-of-Location

Zillow Begins Buying and Selling Homes in Atlanta

Zillow Offers launches first Eastern United States market today

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-10-Zillow-Begins-Buying-and-Selling-Homes-in-Atlanta

Rates Jump to 4-Month Highs; Cheaper Homes Driving Sales; Florence to Cost $3-5 bln

Mortgage rates had a bad day. Even after a weaker reading on Retail Sales (something that normally helps), the bond market lost ground. Unfortunately, that's consistent with the rest of the week as investors have largely shunned bonds. Lower demand for bonds = higher rates. Perhaps "shunned" isn't the perfect word. Investors are indeed buying bonds, but there have been so many to buy this week that sellers have had to lower prices to get them out the door. That's a bit of an oversimplification of the how things actually work, but the dynamic of higher supply driving higher rates is at the heart of the issue. Beyond that, investors are nervous about buying bonds too aggressively in an environment where wages are rising, retail sales are holding steady at long-term highs, consumer sentiment is

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/14/3546

Show Me the Money! - Show 501

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 501

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Show Me the Money!"

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Closing Costs
- The Summary Sheet
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Mortgage Fraud Risks Rise, Especially Income Fraud; CPI Not Much Help For Rates

The risk of mortgage fraud jumped by 12.4 percent on an annual basis in the second quarter, the seventh consecutive quarter in which it has increased . CoreLogic said its Mortgage Application Fraud Risk Index now puts the rate of fraud at 0.92 percent or one of every 109 mortgage applications received. In the second quarter of last year the index was 0.82 percent or 1 in 122 applications. The increase was present in all market segments, but the segment for conforming mortgages with loan-to-value (LTV) ratios of 80 percent or less experienced the largest. Purchase applications overall grew more than refinances with the exception of jumbo refis, possibly because that segment suffered the largest decline in volume. Jumbo refinances had an index of 266 while purchase applications overall were at

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/13/3544

Living Room Theater to bring upscale arthouse concept to Bottleworks

The Portland company had originally targeted Fountain Square. Also: Nesso, The Inferno Room, Scarlet Lane, Luciana's, TeeJay's Sweet Tooth and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/70459-living-room-theater-to-bring-upscale-arthouse-concept-to-bottleworks-project

A Decade After Housing Bust, Recovery is a Story of Location

A Handful of Powerful Markets Lead the Nation's Recovery, But Millions of Homeowners Are Still Waiting to Regain Lost Value

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-09-13-A-Decade-After-Housing-Bust-Recovery-is-a-Story-of-Location

Most Credit Scores Rose After Reporting Changes; Some Fell; Rates Unchanged; Volatility Ahead

Mortgage rates managed to remain unchanged today despite the fact that underlying bond markets were stronger. Stronger bond markets are typically associated with lower rates, but in today's case, markets had some catching up to do. At issue is the timing of yesterday's weakness. Bond markets had lost ground throughout the day (something that can sometimes result in lenders changing rates in the middle of the day). A few lenders indeed pulled the trigger on such "mid-day price changes," but the average lender did not. Simply put, that left the average lender with a little bit of weakness to price into today's rates. The moderate amount of improvement in underlying bond markets was just enough to offset that implied weakness, thus leaving the average lender unchanged. The stakes remain high as

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/9/12/3542

How to Understand Home Staging Pricing and Proposals: Do’s and Don’ts

By Audra Slinkey, Home Staging Resource

A lot of real estate agents are looking for a good, reliable home stager that can magically transform their listings into the price point their seller is hoping to achieve.  The trouble and confusion sometimes comes when the real estate professional asks a few home stagers to “bid” or present a proposal on their vacant home.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Helen Bartlett of Refined Interior Staging Solutions in Kansas City

The vacant staging proposal price can range anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000 for a smaller home, so do you just pick the best priced stager?

I think we can all agree that there is a BIG difference between Walmart and Restoration Hardware when it comes to furnishings, so choosing a home stager on price alone is not a good idea … here’s why.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo Credit: HSR Certified Corrine Kaas of Harmonizing Homes

The professionally certified and trained home stager ranks the home based on “luxury level” and places the most ideal furnishings that kind of buyer would “expect” in the home.  In each area across the country, there is a certain buyer “expectation” that corresponds to price point and location.

DO make sure the furnishings enhance and correspond with the buyer expectation for that home.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Donna Dazzo of Designed to Appeal in New York City

It’s not a matter of simply choosing a couch/chair/coffee table/rug to go into the space … it’s an art form. Professional stagers tend to base their price on the VALUE of the furnishings that go into that home. This is how they calculate their return on investment (ROI) and cover their costs, so that their business will be around in a year. This is also how they are able to stay on trend, turn over older furnishings, and present the home in a fresh, modern way every time.

BEFORE

AFTER  

Photo credit: HSR Certified Leia Ward of LTW Design in Connecticut

DON’T choose on price alone. 

Going with the lowest priced staging proposal could mean you are getting low priced furnishings, which ultimately could hurt the sale of the home. Here are a couple questions to ask a home stager rather than base your choice on price:

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Glenda Evers of Elite Interiors

DO ask them what kind of “look” can I expect to go in this home?

This is their chance to show and talk you through their expertise and show you their work. If they fumble or choose a style that does not fit the style or luxury level of the home, then I would question their credibility and training.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Certified Jeff Johnson of the Home Staging Pros in Florida

DO ask them if they buy wholesale?

The certified stager knows how to buy wholesale and can get AMAZING prices on luxury furnishings (thus more bang for your buck!) But some home stagers are not certified or trained in this kind of advanced shopping.

I train on this extensively, and here’s an example of the kind of pricing you can get by going to the market. I love the look of layered rugs and this zebra hide rug costs only $99 at the market … what?!

 

DON’T base your choice on experience alone. 

Staging will always be an art form and some of the most talented stagers I’ve seen who do not sacrifice on quality of materials are brand new to the industry. Their heart and soul is placed into that home and it shows.  Take a chance and try someone new.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Leslie Anderson of Leslie Anderson Interiors in Virginia

A good rule of thumb is to consider spending a little less or around 1 percent the value of the home on vacant staging in order for the staging to match the luxury level of the home. The million-plus dollar home needs to be staged like a million bucks …. buyers expect this.

BEFORE

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Birgit Anich of BA Staging and Interiors in Connecticut

If the seller’s furnishings are over 10 years old then DO have them consider “moving out” beforehand, so that they can make an extra 5 to 10 percent the value of the home in the sale.  According to recent staging statistics, the seller who spends close to 1 percent on staging usually sees over a 10 percent return on investment. There does appear to be a connection between spending more and getting more.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

Photo credit: HSR Grad Corrine McKendrick of Pacific Home Design

Photo credit: HSR Grad Corrine McKendrick of Pacific Home Design

DO educate the seller on how they can get the best price for their home by staging.

I’m seeing a lot of smart agents educating their sellers on this critical cost, sometimes even paying it up front (for the cash poor seller) and then charging it in closing as part of their fee. We all know that markets go up and down, but the real estate agent who consistently puts the best marketed and priced product on the market for the sellers, is the one that will be around forever.

To find home stagers that do the kind of work featured above, visit Directory of Certified Home Stagers and Designers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Audra Slinkey is president and founder of the Home Staging Resource, an advanced home staging and redesign certification training company.  Slinkey has been awarded the “Most Innovative Product of the Year Award” three times for her training and serves on the board of the Real Estate Staging Association. Slinkey is a published author and international speaker on staging, color, and design. She is proud and privileged to help create and mentor thousands of staging and design businesses across the globe.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/-Vm7hZ6Gumc/