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Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

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With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait?

Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.

Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: 

“. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among the available inventory. And though there are technically fewer buyers overall, the homebuyers that are looking are far more serious about finding a home within a specific timeframe. . . selling your home during the holidays might be your best present this year.”

Here are four key reasons you may not want to wait to sell your house.

1. Serious Buyers Are Looking Right Now 

The holiday season doesn’t put a pause on the desire to own a home. Sure, some buyers might delay their search until next year, but others have a reason they need to move now. These buyers are highly motivated and ready to make a serious offer. As Investopedia says:

“Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. You Have an Inventory Edge

While there are more homes coming to the market right now, overall, the number of houses available to buy is still low. 

So, what does that mean for you? If you work with a trusted agent to price your house right, it could still sell pretty quickly. That’s because today’s buyers are on the hunt for quality options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You Have Control Over Your Showings 

Selling during the holidays doesn’t mean constantly disrupting your schedule. You have the flexibility to set up showings at times that work best for you. This is especially helpful during a busy season, and many buyers are likely to be more flexible with their schedules since they often have extra time off around the holidays.

Now, it’s always better to offer more flexible access to your house. But the reality is, you don’t have to stop the process entirely – especially when you have a great agent to help you navigate each step along the way.

4. Holiday Décor Can Make Your House Shine

For many buyers, a tastefully decorated home can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s easy for them to imagine holiday gatherings and cozy nights in a space that feels just right. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through. An article on holiday home-selling advises:

“If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.”

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during the holidays. Reach out to a local real estate agent and see if this is your moving season.

Read more like this at Keeping Current Matters

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How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

 
 

Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget.

If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says:

“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.”

But there are some things you’ll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too.

What is Co-Buying?

Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgage rates, it’s an option more people are turning to.

According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another 48% would consider doing it.

Why Consider Co-Buying?

The same survey also asked people about the perks of co-buying a home. Here are some of the top responses (see graph below):

Sharing Costs (67%): From saving for a down payment to managing monthly payments, buying a home is a big financial step. When you co-buy, you split these costs, making it easier to afford a home.

Affording a Better Home (56%): By pooling your financial resources, you may also be able to afford a larger or higher-quality home than you could have on your own. This may mean getting that extra bedroom, a bigger backyard, or living in a more desirable neighborhood.

Investment Opportunity (54%): Co-buying a home can also be an investment. You could buy a house with someone so you can rent out, which could help generate passive income.

Sharing Responsibilities (48%): Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintenance and upkeep and more. When you co-buy, you share these commitments, which can lighten the load for everyone involved.

Other Co-Buying Considerations

While co-buying has its benefits, there’s something else you need to consider before deciding if this approach is right for you. As Rocket Mortgage says:

“Buying a house with a friend or multiple friends might be a great way for you to achieve homeownership, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Before diving in, make sure you understand the financial and logistical hurdles you’ll face, as well as the human and emotional elements that might affect the purchase or, more importantly, your relationship.”

Basically, make sure you and your co-buyer are on the same page about things like how costs will be split, who will handle what responsibilities, and what will happen if one of you wants to sell your share of the home in the future. Leaning on an expert can help you weigh the pros and cons to make that conversation easier.

Bottom Line

If you're looking to get your foot in the door but are having a tough time at today's rates and prices, co-buying could be an option to make your move happen. But, it’s important to plan carefully and make sure that all parties are clear on the details. To figure out if co-buying makes sense for you, connect with a local real estate agent.

Read more like this at Keeping Current Matters

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Difficulties of Renovating Your Home’s Exterior During the Winter

 
 

Renovating your home's exterior during the winter months may seem daunting, but it can be a rewarding and practical choice.

Given the unique challenges of cold weather, it's important to approach these projects with a strategic mindset and proper planning. With potential hurdles like icy conditions and lower temperatures affecting materials and timelines, understanding how to navigate these aspects is key. Additionally, the winter season offers the opportunity to engage contractors who may be more readily available and able to focus on your project. Whether it's roof repairs, window replacements, or painting, there are benefits to tackling these tasks now, ensuring your home is ready to shine when spring arrives.

Understanding the Challenges of Cold Weather Renovations
Redoing your home exterior during the winter brings unique challenges that differ from warmer-season projects. The cold temperatures can affect materials like paint, concrete, and caulk, which might not set or cure properly, leading to longer drying times and potential issues with adhesion. Workers must also contend with less daylight, which can extend the time it takes to complete a project since their working hours are shorter. Additionally, safety is a primary concern, given the potential for icy conditions that can make ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops slippery and hazardous. It's important to consider these factors when planning home exterior projects in cold weather to ensure that the work can be done safely and effectively.

Preparing for Roof Repairs in Winter
Roof repairs during the winter can present several logistical and material-related challenges. Cold weather can make roofing materials more brittle and difficult to manipulate, increasing the risk of damage during installation. Furthermore, snow and ice on roofs can create additional hazards for workers, potentially leading to delays as conditions need to be safe before they can proceed. The fluctuating temperatures can also impact the adherence of roofing materials, necessitating careful scheduling to take advantage of milder days. It's best to hire professionals, like those at Brown's Roofing, for any necessary repairs, and to have a contingency plan in place, as unexpected weather conditions can disrupt timelines and progress.

Navigating Paint and Finishing Work
Winter's cool and often damp conditions can impact exterior painting and finishing, demanding careful consideration of timing and product selection. Many paints and stains require a minimum temperature to apply and dry correctly, and cold weather might necessitate the use of specialized products formulated for lower-temperature application. Properly managing moisture levels is crucial, as excess humidity can alter the elasticity of a finish, leading to premature cracking or peeling. Completing such tasks during intermittent warmer spells can help improve outcomes, as these conditions allow for more effective drying. Homeowners should be prepared for extended project timelines, as the unpredictability of winter weather affects when outdoor tasks can be safely tackled.

What to Expect When Replacing Windows
Replacing windows in cold weather requires careful preparation and timing, as exposure to the elements can significantly impact interior comfort. Windows should ideally be replaced one at a time by professionals to minimize heat loss while new units are being installed. The installation process may take longer due to potential complications with caulking and insulation, which are more challenging to apply and cure in lower temperatures. Exterior sealants need to be chosen specifically for cold conditions to ensure they adhere properly and perform well. Despite these challenges, replacing windows in the winter is possible with thorough planning, appropriate materials, and motivation to learn more about the process.

Recognizing the Benefits of Winter Renovations
Despite the challenges, winter exterior renovations offer some unique advantages. Contractors often have greater availability and flexibility during this season, which can mean reduced wait times for starting a project. Without the summer rush, you might also experience greater attention to detail and more personalized service, as crews aren't juggling as many simultaneous jobs. The lack of foliage and plant growth around the home also makes it easier to access and assess exteriors, facilitating work on vegetation-obscured areas. Additionally, completing projects during the off-season means that your home is prepared and looking its best once the warmer weather arrives.

Embarking on winter exterior renovations can certainly come with its set of challenges, yet the potential benefits make it an appealing option for many homeowners. By understanding the unique conditions of the cold season and planning accordingly, you can successfully navigate through any obstacles. With professionals at your side and the right materials in hand, your renovation project can not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also prepare it for the seasons to come. Winter is a quieter time for renovations, which means you might enjoy more attention to detail from your chosen crew. As you move forward, these efforts can pay off in a beautifully updated home that greets the spring with the fresh look it deserves.

Read more at Housecall

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These 3 Old-School Home Features Are Making a Comeback, According to Pros

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Some home designs are cool forever, like basically anything touched by Frank Lloyd Wright.

But even so, trends are cyclical — it’s not uncommon to see what’s old become new again. Home features also go through their fair share of deaths and revivals. Jessica Feuerstein and Elina Edelman, two real estate agents based out of Armonk, New York, tell me the old trends that they’re seeing buyers ask for right now as they search for houses.

Butler’s Pantries

 
 

Named for the area where a home’s staff (ha!) might store fine china and polish silverware, the butler’s pantry was a popular feature in high-end homes during the 19th century. They also acted as a transitional space between the kitchen and the formal dining room. While a regular pantry serves more as a dry food storage area, the butler’s pantry features cabinetry and countertop space, making it more suited for food prep. Eventually they fell out of fashion due to space restrictions and societal changes — but they’re making a comeback.

“Butler’s pantries are returning as functional spaces hidden away from the main kitchen,” Feuerstein explains. “The return of the butler’s pantry reflects a desire for organization and functionality, especially in open-concept homes where clutter can be more noticeable.” 

While the butler’s pantry originated in historic homes as a space for storage and food prep — and they’re often used for the same purposes today — many modern homeowners convert their butler’s pantry to suit their needs, such as a coffee station or even wine storage. 

Freestanding Bathtubs 

 
 

“Freestanding bathtubs are making a comeback because of their luxurious and calming appeal, catering to people’s desire for relaxation and wellness at home,” Edelman says. “They add a spa-like element to the bathroom that feels indulgent yet functional.” 

Most homes today have showers as standard features, and some may not even have tubs at all. But freestanding tubs were commonplace until well after the advent of modern plumbing, due to their ability to hold water in a home that may not have had running water. It wasn’t until the 1960s that running water became completely ubiquitous across the United States, even in rural areas, thus the popularity of the shower or shower bathtub combination grew. 

Today, people want the bathtub to be a place to relax and unwind, rather than simply wash the day off. 

“Freestanding bathtubs are being reimagined as luxurious spa-like centerpieces in modern bathrooms,” Edelman says.

Wallpaper

 
 

For a long time, wallpaper had kind of a bad rap in interior design. Just uttering the word reminded people of a stuffy, outdated home. But with its intricate designs and statement-making appeal, wallpaper has been making a comeback. 

“Today’s homeowners are looking to inject personality and creativity into their spaces,” Feuerstein says. “And wallpaper offers an easy way to make a bold statement.”

Wallpaper can easily be added to any room, whether a homeowner is trying to evoke an updated callback to the history of their home or to create a modern statement wall in their bedroom. 

Read more like this at Apartment Therapy.

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11 Illuminating Kitchen Lighting Ideas Homeowners Need to Try

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How your kitchen is lit can affect how well your spaghetti squash is sautéed or whether your guests feel welcome when you’re sharing cocktails at the kitchen island.

The kitchen is a home’s most multifunctional space – and how this gathering area is lit can affect how well your spaghetti squash is sauteed or whether your guests feel welcome when you’re sharing cocktails at the kitchen island.

How does a homeowner accomplish both at the same time? Designer Paul de Andrade, owner of Studio Kestrel in New York City, says the best kitchen lighting designs require multiple light sources in varying types, all of which are tunable.

For example, de Andrade recommends using high-quality LED strip lights under cabinets, which illuminate the entire countertop area. He suggests lighting with a color-rendering index, or CRI, of 90+ so strawberries look bright red and salads look crisp green.

“Lower quality lighting can make your countertop look washed out and sepia colored, which makes food seem dull and unappealing,” de Andrade says.

Here are 11 similarly bright techniques interior designers and kitchen experts propose that will make any kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

Layer Those Lights

Kitchens have a lot of activity: cooking, hanging out or entertaining. That means lots of lighting in various spaces, says Jessie Brinkley, an architectural designer with Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Illinois.

“Kitchens require a lot of functionality in addition to beauty. Since there are so many affordable options available today, we are seeing layers of lighting that offer up lots of operational flexibility," Brinkley says. "Function task lighting and decorative lighting – small recessed, under-cabinet, in-cabinet, pendant lighting – work in combination.”

Consider a Chandelier

If you want to make a style statement, add a bit of fanciness to the kitchen, says Courtney Cole, an Australian interior designer with TileCloud.

“Chandeliers are returning to kitchens, especially in more traditional or farmhouse-style spaces. If you want to give the room a luxurious touch, these will give you just that – especially when used over a dining area or kitchen island,” Cole says.

Mix Up Your Finishes

Not every light in your kitchen needs to be made from glass, says Alan Berman, president at Archetype Architecture in New York City.

“Think brass, leather, marble and artisan glass fixtures that tell a story. Mixing textures and styles creates a vibrant visual experience, making spaces feel alive and expressive with lighting as a key narrative element,” Berman says.

Try a Trend

Kitchen trends that are popular and will continue to evolve in the years ahead include biophilic or nature-inspired design as well as sustainability, says Riki Lent, senior vice president of Kalco Lighting and Allegri Crystal in New Windsor, New York. This translates to kitchens that have warmer tones, softer shapes and an increased use of renewable materials.

“There’s also a strong desire to infuse personality into interiors, so handcrafted elements that artfully infuse unique materials are becoming more important,” Lent says.

Move Past Pedestrian Pendant Lights

Pendant lighting is a homeowner’s chance to make a statement, de Andrade says. “Nowadays there are so many beautiful options, so try something sculptural or alabaster or rattan," he says. "It’s a great way to break away from the often boring and utilitarian design of a kitchen and create a space that blends seamlessly with the rest of your home.”

Don’t Be Down on Downlights

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so its lighting needs to reflect that and be bright, warm and welcoming, says Antonia Caicedo, the interior architect and design director at Jimeco Interiors in Miami Shores, Florida.

"Overly bright lighting that works well in a garage or office space may not be the best for a kitchen space. Opt for a mix of downlights and pendants to achieve the perfect combination of functional and decorative,” Caicedo says.

Dimmer May Be Better

Dimmer switches can be a kitchen’s best assets, says Ashley Macuga, principal designer at Collected Interiors in San Francisco.

“Bedtime doesn’t necessarily mean a kitchen’s work is done. The middle of the night glass of water or midnight snack is better enjoyed under the soft glow of a sink pendant light," Macuga says. "Kept on a warm dim, it mimics the natural glow of sunset, helping you see without signaling to your brain that it’s time to wake up and start the day.”

Use Lights to Show Off Your Stuff

If you have a special piece you love to serve on or maybe a great family collectible, light it up, says Gabrielle Bove, owner of Opaline Interiors Studio in Boston.

“I love to hide LED tape lighting in specialty display cabinets to highlight my clients’ dinnerware and glassware collections. These types of lights are perfect to turn on when you have company over for a dinner party and provide an element of interest,” Bove says.

Take Tech to the Next Level

Bryce Crowley is co-owner of Kitchen Solvers of La Crosse in Wisconsin, working with clients on new custom cabinetry designs. He says homeowners need to add technology to their kitchen-lighting schemes.

“The integration of smart-lighting technology allows homeowners to control brightness and color temperature via smartphone apps or voice commands, enhancing the kitchen’s versatility for different tasks and moods,” says Crowley.

Add Smaller Shelf Lamps

Many homeowners have small or open shelving on either side of their sinks, and these areas can become landing zones for junk or miscellany. Instead, add pretty pendants on either side or bring in a decorative lamp to that otherwise dead space, says Tracy Metro, a Los Angeles-based interior designer and host of interior design show "House Doctor" on Netflix. “If you have opening shelving in your kitchen, putting a small table lamp on the shelf with a special shade adds so much style to the kitchen,” Metro says.

Don’t Forget the Small Details

Everyone always thinks about what’s above our heads – what about those spaces at our feet? That’s where a homeowner with a great designer can have some fun, says Leslie Dapper, lead designer at Rumor Designs in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

“Under-cabinet lighting and toe-kick lighting for kitchens are both great ideas and easy to do yourself with things like LED light strips and rechargeable lights,” Dapper says.

Read more at USNews.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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