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By: Amethyst Marroquin   Last year, to celebrate Women's History Month, we rolled out a series of blog posts exploring the ups and downs of female homeownership. We delved into the sociodemographic factors at play, the various financial strategies employed, and the significant hurdles women face on their journey to owning a home. Fast forward to this year's Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report, and we see that 20% of last...

By: Nadia Evangelou Imagine this: You’ve found the perfect home for a buyer. They have secured financing and are preparing to close—only to discover that they can’t move forward without flood insurance. Lenders will require flood insurance before finalizing the loan if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). However, the standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover flooding. This means that without the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the...

By: Michael Hyman NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this January declined 4.9% from December 2024. January home sales reached a 4.08 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. January sales of existing homes rose 2.0% from January 2024. The national median existing-home price for all housing types reached $396,900 in January, up 4.8% from a year ago. Regionally, in January, all four regions showed price growth...

By: Jessica Lautz Entering the housing market remains elusive to many potential first-time buyers. Increasing new housing construction is one solution to this problem, which could alleviate the housing inventory crisis. At the same time, there is a dearth of inventory; home prices have jumped even in a high-interest rate environment, making the dream of homeownership completely out of reach for many. Potential first-time buyers are often also saddled with student debt, childcare costs,...

By: Jessica Lautz Flash back 44 years to 1981: both the Post-it Note and IBM's first microcomputer were introduced to the public, and Dolly Parton topped Billboard charts with "9 to 5." That same year, the National Association of REALTORS® first started the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, and a stunning finding was made: Single women outpaced single men in the housing market. In fact, single women were second only to married couples. Today, single women are...

By: Meghan Webber A popular new attraction in downtown Lansing has expanded in size and imagination. In the fall of 2024, members from the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® (GLAR) expanded on a parklet project they had launched in 2023 at the old Lansing Union Depot, a National Historic Site. The initial play area had brand new turf, a bench, a Lansing Union Depot timeline placard, and a train play set.   Photo Credit: Greater Lansing Association of...

By: Jessica Lautz   Facts: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac is flat at 6.95% vs 6.96% last week. At 6.95%, with 20% down, a monthly mortgage payment is $2,120 on a home with a price of $400,000. With 10% down, the typical payment would be $2,385. Positive: There is no expectation that mortgage rates will change in the coming months. Home buyers who are shopping should know that rates are expected to stay between 6-7%. As there is no expectation...

By: Jessica Lautz If one reminisces about 1995, one may remember their real estate office equipped with Windows 95. Fax machines were a staple in business communication, but electronic mail was slowly emerging as more common. VHS tapes were the most popular way to watch a movie, and CDs were becoming more common, replacing cassette tapes. Just 2% of home buyers looked for homes online in 1995 – compared to 100% last year. So why the comparisons to 1995? At 4.06 million,...

Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® join forces on Elmwood Park revamp. By: Neeley Erickson In November 2023, the Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® was awarded a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Placemaking Grant for the creation of Elmgrove Park in the village of Elmwood Park. This opportunity was brought forward by REALTOR® and Elmwood Park Trustee Jonathan Zivojnovic, whose dedication to community improvement is truly inspiring. Elmgrove...

By: Stephen Smith   The concept of an "Instagram-ready home" has emerged as a significant trend, reflecting a growing desire among homeowners to create spaces that are not just functional but aesthetically pleasing and primed to share with the world. But Instagram-ready homes are presenting challenges—and opportunities—for architects and builders. They’re finding they must balance aspirational beauty and home experience design—spaces that not only...

By: Jessica Lautz Today's young adults continue to face delays in homeownership compared to past generations at the same age. Not only is the homeownership rate lower for those under 35 today compared to past generations, but the first-time buyer share is lower, and the age of first-time buyers is older than seen historically. Let's break down these bleak data points.  When looking at the U.S. population by age group, one can visually see that Millennials are the largest...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey   Exterior color trends, horrifying home styles and the colors to avoid when selling a home were among the hottest topics this year at the Styled, Staged & Sold blog. Here’s a recap of the most popular blog posts from 2024: 1. Home Exteriors Try on 2024 Colors of the Year The trendiest colors of the year may provide the perfect exterior refresh to boost curb appeal. Photo credit: Dzinly (virtual...

Find out what styles are taking shape in home interiors and exteriors for the year ahead. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Many different styles are influencing today’s home trends, from rounded walls and furnishings to traditional styles mixed in with bolder textures and colors. The home remodeling site Houzz recently released its 2025 home design predictions. Here’s what made their list as the top trends to watch for next year: 1. English-style kitchens These cozy...

It’s often one of the first parts of a home that buyers see when touring properties. Here’s how to dress up the dining room to impress visitors. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The popularity of the dining room may be waning, but it hasn’t gone extinct. While many homeowners have turned their dining room into a home office or den—and many homebuilders have scrapped formal dining rooms from their blueprints—there’s still demand for the space. And in...

By: Anat Nusinovich In recent years, real estate taxes have exhibited a significant upward trend. Between the pre-pandemic period and last year, the national median annual tax surged by 23%, climbing from $2,480 in 2019 to $3,045 in 2023. This increase has been observed across all states, with each one recording a rise in the annual median tax paid on real estate over this period. Understanding property tax trends is important for both REALTORS® and home buyers, as these can make...

By: Amethyst Marroquin The Trend of Multi-Generational Living The concept of multi-generational housing— homes that have adult siblings, adult children over the age of 18, parents, and/or grandparents residing with the primary home buyer — has been gaining traction over the past decade. According to this year’s Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 17 percent of home purchased last year were multi-generational households, the highest proportion since NAR began...

By: Jesse Priddy It is no secret that housing prices have increased sharply over the past decade. In Q3 2024, the national median home price stood at $418,700—almost double the national median of $217,100 in 2014. This increase reflects the rapid appreciation seen in many metropolitan areas, driven by a combination of factors, including limited housing inventory and increased demand. In fact, of 180 metropolitan areas measured, 81 saw their median home price more than...

By: Jessica Lautz Facts: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac was essentially flat at 6.78% from 6.79% last week. At 6.78%, with 20% down, a monthly mortgage payment is $2,082 on a home with a price of $400,000. With 10% down, the typical payment would be $2,342. Positive: Mortgage applications increased this week despite higher rates over the last few weeks. The election was decided, and buyers have resumed their search after an election pause. Even...

Find out which recent trends could be damaging to your home or health. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Social media sites like TikTok have become popular places to get inspiration for remodeling projects, but some viral trends may be bad—or even dangerous—for the home. Take, for example, the “fridgescaping” trend, which entails decorating the inside of a refrigerator with non-traditional items, such as picture frames, mirrors, and even battery-operated...

The modern house is going dark. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey   Along the rows of white, light gray, or beige homes, some new properties are emerging and showing off a darker side. Black, chocolate brown or deep slate exterior colors offer a sharp contrast in neighborhoods. The black house has become a modern look. It may be used to make a bold statement or as an accent along the trim, door frames, or siding. Photo credit: Chuck Collier / Getty Images Black also...

Professional stagers are looking to create curated designs for a growing number of households with a single income and no children.  By: Evelyn Long Understanding the different needs and preferences of specific customer demographics is crucial for succeeding as a real estate agent. Among these groups, SINK home buyers—which stands for “single income, no kids”—represent a dynamic and influential segment, particularly among young professionals.  As...

These outdoor features can be selling points in real estate. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Homeowners are trying to squeeze in as much time outside as they can before the weather turns cold. Screened-in porches can expand a home’s living space, creating shaded areas and added protection from outdoor elements, and may even offer homeowners as much as a 75% return on investment at resale, according to HomeLight, an online real estate company. But sometimes, homeowners...

The rise of Hispanic buyers, their ongoing challenges of achieving homeownership, and the path to intergenerational wealth. By: Nadia Evangelou Hispanic Americans are not only the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the U.S. but also the fastest-growing demographic of homebuyers in the U.S. Over the past decade, the Hispanic community has been driving homeownership growth faster than any other demographic group. 2023 although their homeownership rate slightly fell from...

“Quiet luxury” is driving remodels. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey A mix of hand-crafted materials, beautiful lighting, and a vibe of serenity are trending in bathroom design. Sometimes the look comes off as bold, sometimes it’s more subtle. Fixr, a home remodeling website, surveyed about 70 top interior designers and home staging experts to uncover some of the biggest trends in bathroom design. Here’s what topped designers’ lists: Organic...

“Functional elegance” is the new mantra in kitchen design. Melissa Dittmann Tracey All-white and gray-hued kitchens are fading in popularity. Instead, warmer and darker woods and mixed metals are “creating quiet and understated luxury in the space,” Anna Gibson, owner and chief designer at AKG Design Studio, told the home remodeling site Fixr for its 2024 kitchen trends report. Fixr surveyed about 70 top interior designers and home staging experts to...

Make a room stand out with a coat of dark paint. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Lighter colors can certainly add a clean, fresh and bright look to interiors, but in a few spots in the home, homeowners are wanting to add a little more drama. They’re painting rooms black, a charcoal gray, chocolate brown or a deep navy or green. The richness of the darker colors can make the space stand out, particularly when the surrounding home interiors are wrapped in otherwise light, neutral...

Five tips from celebrity home stagers and designers that can make all the difference in making your listings look like a million bucks—or even more! By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Home staging can make all the difference in envisioning empty interiors into cozy spaces and turning lived-in places into a buyer’s dream home. Some staging projects only require a few key accessories, fluffing, and repositioning to make all the difference, while other projects require more heavy...

Dark interiors are on trend in these two eye-turning styles. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey In stark contrast to the prevailing popularity of bright whites, light grays, and airy interiors, a darker side of home design is being illuminated. Designers are calling it “dark” and “moody.” In fact, online searches for “moody living room” and “moody kitchen” have more than doubled compared to a year ago, according to the home remodeling site...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Nearly half of renovating homeowners say they’re targeting outdoor projects to upgrade their home’s curb appeal. They’re adding decks and porches, landscaping, and more, with “improving aesthetics” as their chief goal, according to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study(link is external), which is based on 1,000 respondents. The study found that renovating homeowners were prioritizing the following projects: Colorful...

By: Barbara Ballinger Fifty-two years ago, Barb Schwartz debuted the concept of home staging based on her theatrical background and belief that properties could be improved before being listed. The staging process continues to evolve from its beginnings, which was mostly about simple decluttering and a few trending props. It has transitioned to extensive redecorating, including painting, bringing in new furnishings, and even having playlists to add the most soothing background...

The younger generation is shaking up home staging. By: Evelyn Long As real estate agents, you've likely noticed the landscape of home buying is rapidly changing. One of the most significant shifts is the entry into the market of the twenty-somethings part of Generation Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is bringing a fresh, vibrant perspective to homeownership and interior design and shaking up the traditional norms of property styling. To capture the attention of...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Photo credit: Victoriia Kovalchuk / Getty Images Forty-one percent of homeowners regret their color choice for the kitchen, according to a survey from Moneywise.(link is external) They may not have factored in the direction of the kitchen and whether it’s north-, south-, east- or west-facing, says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet Kitchens. She believes the orientation of the kitchen is a big factor in choosing the...

By: Farrah Wilder © George Falkowski REALTOR® Emeritus Bill Flagg was among the organizers of the 100th anniversary celebration of Kramer Manor, a historically Black community of homeowners. Kramer Manor is a bucolic neighborhood of approximately 100 homes in Fanwood and Scotch Plains, N.J. Although it appears similar to nearby subdivisions, it offers a unique and inspiring origin story of African American resilience and determination. This month, as Kramer Manor...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey   Photo credit: Gamespirit / Getty Images Vanity lighting, butcher block countertops and electric vehicle chargers are home features to rave about, according to a new study(link is external) from Frontdoor, a home maintenance company. Researchers honed in on about 100 trending home features and identified listings with these items to see if those homes tended to sell faster. Their findings can help you see what’s...

An interior designer shares the biggest errors young people make when outfitting a home for the first time. When decorating a home, poor planning for the size of the space, such as ordering a rug that’s too big or small, is a common mistake. B2C Furniture,(link is external) a sustainable furniture firm, crunched social media data to identify the most common furniture mistakes young adults make when outfitting a home for the first time. “For a lot of people in their...

Real estate professionals can use content sponsor AI HomeDesign to lower the costs and effort it takes to stage properties. By: Salar Davari © AndreyPopov - iStock/Getty Images Plus “AI will take your job… but to the next level!” This is the most accurate observation I’ve seen about generative artificial intelligence. AI is not taking your job—it’s making it easier! Let’s put aside all the futuristic conspiracies about...

Find out what kinds of home improvement endeavors consumers are researching online. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The majority of Americans say they’ve taken on DIY home improvement projects mostly as a way to save money, according to a survey from Angi, a home improvement resource. But homeowners admit they’ve taken on more than they should, often resulting in costly errors or delays that could hurt their home’s value. Eighty percent of survey respondents admit...

Rather than pavers and plantings, you can accentuate the driveway with stain colors that complement the house. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey A driveway is often an afterthought when it comes to a home’s curb appeal, but it can make a big difference. Paver overlays or border plantings can give the driveway an upgrade, but a colored sealant or stain that compliments the house may be all you need. You can match the colors of your house to your stain, which can help blend in the...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey What color should you choose to upgrade your deck and porch? The Behr Paint Company says “Tugboat” would be the trendiest choice for 2024. The paint firm chose the blended brown and gray color as its “2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year,” which “provides a new perspective on color for exterior wood stains, adding both character and freshness to projects,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative...

Not all cracks are the same. Learn how to separate minor cosmetic imperfections from more significant structural problems. By Courtney Klosterman, guest contributor from Hippo. (link is external) Cracks in the walls can reveal a lot about a home’s health. These imperfections are a natural result of everyday use, but sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious. The timing and severity of certain cracks may depend on factors like a home’s construction type,...

Landscape architects are moving away from straight edges and borders, incorporating more plants and hardscape elements. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey “Entangling” is a new buzzword in landscaping design as outdoor trends move away from clearly defined straight edges and borders. As the name implies, “entangled landscaping” mixes in a blend of plants and hardscapes. "Whether driven by aesthetic requests or as a byproduct of maintaining onsite...

The Wild West aesthetic adopts moody accents in this up-and-coming design palette. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey   Pinterest has identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. “Western” and “Gothic” may seem like a mismatch—but a melding of the two aesthetics also may come naturally to fans of the dark, moody cowboy drama “Yellowstone.” Western Gothic is a combo of dark color palettes with vintage...

It’s bold, but is it beautiful? By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Sherwin-Williams has launched a campaign to get more people to try what it’s calling “the loneliest color.” Kingdom Gold, a yellowish gold with green undertones, is one of the paint brand’s least popular selling colors. However, they believe homeowners are missing out on what a yellow pop could do to their interiors. Sherwin-Williams partnered with global fashion icon, Daniel Day, known as...

Create a warm, welcoming space by softening up the color palette. The softer shades of pastels can bring warmth to a living space, adding color but not in an overwhelming way. Touches of lighter shades can look luxurious and home stagers are turning to the hues to stage properties for sale. See how luxury developments across New York City are embracing the pastel color trend. 77 Greenwich(link is external) The luxury residential condominium features model residences that bring in...

Here are kitchen design don’ts to avoid, according to an interior designer. When designing your kitchen, there are so many things to consider, from the colors and layout to the appliances and materials. A kitchen design should be thought of as a long-term investment, considering it’s one of the most expensive areas to renovate in a home. Yet, two-thirds of about 2,000 consumers recently surveyed about their kitchen remodel say they have design regrets, according to a...

Online views for real estate listings may provide insight into the architectural styles home buyers favor. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Americans love a ranch-style home, which is the most admired home layout in 19 states, according to a new study from American Home Shield. Researchers analyzed thousands of real estate listings across the country to identify which common home styles are most and least admired in the U.S. Preferences in house style can differ...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The typical all-white bathroom is getting a color treatment. In its 2024 trends report, Wow Design(link is external) shows how more color is entering bathroom design. 1: Nature-Inspired Hues From Wow Design’s trend report: “Small tiles in a mix of warm and neutral shades can be harmoniously combined on walls and floors to tell a story, transforming living spaces into cozy, meaningful backdrops.” Casa Lagos, The...

Outdoor spaces have been getting an upgrade with luxury finishes you’d expect to find inside the home, enabling year-round enjoyment. These spaces have carved-out, cozy areas that feature comfy sofas for curling up next to an outdoor fireplace. Check out these designer spaces for inspiration. Indoor-Outdoor Blends Bianca Ecklund Design,(link is external) Southern California Designed by: Bianca Ecklund Design / Photo by Lauren Taylor  A Tropical...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey A 134-year-old farmhouse in Williamsburg, Va., earned the title of “Ugliest House of the Year” from HomeVestors of America in 2023. However, the property has overcome its dilapidated past with an impressive remodel.  The 2,277-square-foot home, which was originally built in the 1890s, had been severely neglected. In the 1960s, the land surrounding the home was developed into a neighborhood, but the farmhouse, sitting on 70 acres, was...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Don’t underestimate how a coat of white paint can add depth and character to your interiors—but make sure you choose the right white. Photo credit: C2 Paint White paint isn’t all the same. There is an infinite array of whites to choose from, including stark and creamy shades. “Each has their DNA,” says Philippa Radon, C2 paint and design expert. “Those heralding a creamier, softer side seem to be drawing...

Young buyers are researching real estate agents and properties on social media. Content sponsor get.realtor helps you amp up your online presence. © anyaberkut - iStock/Getty Images Plus A new generation of home buyers is beginning the house hunt not by searching online listings but by participating in virtual tours and open houses. Instead, young buyers are connecting with REALTORS® and researching properties and neighborhoods on social media platforms like TikTok,...

By: Amethyst Marroquin In March 1987, Congress passed a resolution establishing March as Women’s History Month. Women's History Month gives us a chance to celebrate and recognize the contributions, achievements, and struggles of women throughout history. As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's worth noting the impressive progress women have made in the realm of homeownership, overcoming plenty of hurdles along the way. We're seeing more and more women becoming...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey ©2023 Levi Ellyson/501Studios, courtesy Pro Builder Media Nestled within a desert landscape, the 2024 New American Home—a newly constructed property with the latest homebuilding advancements, which was unveiled at the International Builders’ Show in February—shows off ultra-energy efficiency, the latest smart technology, and blended indoor-outdoor spaces. This year’s home spans 7,722 square feet and features five...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey There’s a reason why home stagers prefer white or neutral colors when preparing a home for the market. Some colors can be distracting and a turn-off to home buyers.  Photo credit: Archideaphoto / Getty Images Rethink a red-painted living room or dining area; red is the most off-putting color, according to a survey of home staging and design professionals conducted by the home remodeling site Fixr.com.(link is...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The listing agents have preserved the history of the property where Jeff Bezos invented his trillion-dollar company. © Mai Huang The home in Bellevue, Wash., where Jeff Bezos started Amazon out of the garage is under contract thanks to the listing agents’ smart, throwback marketing. The blank-slate garage(link is external) in the remodeled three-bedroom, two-bathroom house features a replica of the famous 1990s-era...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Watch for the fusion of nature, technology, and personalization to make a bigger statement in kitchens, with attention to sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics, says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet,(link is external) a U.K.-based kitchen retailer. Nash offers her predictions for the kitchen trends she expects to catch on in 2024, including:  Black Kitchens Photo credit: Magnet Over the last year, black has become...

You may have already spotted many of the 2024 Colors of the Year inside homes—but how about outside? Jackie Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly, a virtual design platform that allows users to test different home exterior features, says a pop of color may be just what a home needs to spice up its curb appeal in the new year. From darker grays to every shade of blue, Dzinly’s virtual platform offers an illustration of how some of the 2024 Colors of the Year could work on a...

What home improvement projects should your clients take on this year? After crunching the latest data from Thumbtack, a home services website, design expert Morgan Olsen chimes in with her picks for the “ins” and “outs” of the new year. IN: Smarter homes Photo credit: ArchiViz / Getty Images Engineering and technical design services have jumped 105% year over year as more homeowners seek to invest in smart-home upgrades. This may include everything from...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Storage is a coveted amenity for homeowners and home buyers alike. Some of the latest design trends for 2024 are helping to clear the clutter discreetly and stylishly. Houzz, a home remodeling website, expects “appliance garages” to be a growing home trend for 2024. These nooks conceal countertop appliances, like blenders, coffee makers, and toasters—while also keeping them easily accessible and organized. “While they have been...

By: Jessica Lautz Reminiscing on 1995, one might recall a typical Thursday night watching Seinfeld (pre-DVR) and a Friday night hitting up the local Blockbuster to grab the latest release (was a double feature of Braveheart and Clueless the first "Barbenheimer?"). Their office computer might be running Windows 95, and the internet was in its infancy. Only 2% of home buyers looked for homes online that year—it was 100% last year. So why the comparisons to 1995? At...

Say goodbye to the ordinary as home design moves toward the extraordinary with an extra-personalized aesthetic. By: Krisztina Bell Homes today fulfill a lot more purposes, providing comfort, wellness, and an eco-friendly and personalized space—all in a technological way. Home layouts are being reconfigured, too. Dining rooms have become nearly extinct, living spaces are being designed for flexibility, and wellness rooms are channeling more positive vibes. Homes have been...

From mixed-up backsplashes to fluted accents, here are a few of the home trends that add a more customized touch. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Home design is moving past all-white and neutral colors to a more personality-infused style that focuses on the details, big and small. From texturized prints to one-of-a-kind pieces, home design in 2024 will offer plenty of bolder interiors and exteriors. Houzz,(link is external) a home remodeling site, offers up a few of the home...

Try these looks to cozy up your home staging this winter. As the nights get colder, our homes should feel cozier. Pinterest is showcasing several trends to do just that. RubyHome Luxury Real Estate in Los Angeles researched the latest search data on Pinterest to uncover trending interior design styles for this winter. They also offer ideas on how to channel each trend into a home or listing. 1. Winter front porch decor Consumer interest for “winter front porch decor” is...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Exterior color trends, scream-worthy 2023 styles, and home staging trends and tips were “hot” topics in 2023 at the Styled, Staged & Sold blog. Here were the top five published articles from the blog in 2023: Photo credit: Alside 5 Most Popular Colors for a Home’s Exterior Homeowners aim to lighten up their home’s look on the outside, a new survey finds. Photo credit: ArchiViz / Getty Images 10...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey You don’t have to rid your wintertime listing of its holiday spirit just because it’s on the market. Many home stagers say they still like to incorporate décor of the season. But they emphasize that subtlety is key. One of the hottest holiday decorating styles this year—Scandinavian design—offers a minimalist look along with a festive flair. The style embraces simplicity and focuses on neutral color tones as well as natural...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Holiday decorations are channeling the most popular home design trends, bringing holly, jolly vibes that move beyond the classic red-and-green color palette. Etsy’s 2023 Holiday Trends(link is external) report recently called out some of the buzzworthy styles trending this holiday season, including: Candycore Photo courtesy: Etsy Channeling the “Barbiecore” and “Mermaidcore” design fads,...

Many paint companies have chosen a variation of this universal color as their pick for the 2024 Color of the Year. Several choices for the 2024 Color of the Year are looking a little blue. Blue tends to mix well with white, beige, and gray, which are popular interior colors. So, blue home accessories—or even a blue accent wall—may be the perfect compliment. Every year, major paint companies make their predictions for the hottest colors in home design in the new year. Many...

By: Michael Hyman NAR released a summary of existing home sales data showing that housing market activity this October declined 4.1% from September 2023. October’s existing home sales reached a 3.79 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. October’s sales of existing homes weakened 14.6% from October 2022. The national median existing home price for all housing types reached $391,800 in October, up 3.4% from a year ago. Regionally, in October,...

By: Jessica Lautz Mortgage interest rates are showing signs of relief for home buyers. They have now dropped to 7.44% from 7.5% the week prior. The three-week drop is a steady sign we likely have hit a peak and are headed south for mortgage rates, especially as the 10-year treasury continues its fall from a peak of 5% to 4.4% today. Late fall and early winter are typically slower home sales months, as home buyers generally do not want to uproot their family in the middle of the...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The metallic sheen of stainless steel is evolving beyond appliances—to countertops and cabinets. Google searches for “stainless steel kitchen islands” are up 200% year over year, while searches for “stainless steel kitchen pantries”—which are outfitted with shiny metal shelves and carts—also are experiencing a rapid rise, according to a recent report from Magnet,(link is external) a U.K.-based kitchen...

By: Wes Martin Content sponsor Real Estate Webmasters earns top awards for its custom websites, which give agents and brokers a powerful online presence. © Antonio_Diaz - iStock/Getty Images Plus One of the cornerstones of the real estate industry is continually seeking innovation to curate a seamless buyer and seller experience. A shining example of this is Real Estate Webmasters(link is external), a technology and consulting firm that set a benchmark in the...

By: Victoria Holmen To get in the Halloween spirit, we asked real estate professionals to share their creepiest stories from the field. © Vitalii Petrushenko - iStock/Getty Images Plus We love ghost stories. Ever heard this one? For Halloween, we asked real estate professionals to share their creepiest stories from their time working in the field. And based on what we received ... well, let's just say your clients may not want to know what’s lurking out...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Jay Granieri of One Sotheby’s International Realty in Fort Lauderdale says America’s fastest-growing sport is a perfect match for finding new leads. © Courtesy of Jay Granieri REALTOR® Jay Granieri, foreground, has picked up the sport pickleball, which offers a unique opportunity to expand his sphere, he says. Jay Granieri discovered his love for pickleball as the sport realized a massive resurgence in American popularity...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey You needn’t be scared of the bold and colorful styles spicing up more interiors lately. (Yes, that even includes Barbiecore—for now.) Instead, the aesthetics that have grown tiresome in the eyes of many designers tend to fail at successfully balancing that fine line between too little and too much, along with embracing some unusual shapes (hello, blobs and spray foam!) and scratchy fabrics (we see you, bouclé).  Each year, new...

By: Abby Shah Are you hungry for wisdom from those who have navigated the complex terrain of the housing market and emerged victorious? In the world of real estate, recommendations from members of the 2023 class of 30 Under 30 can be invaluable. Whether you're a new real estate professional or simply looking to expand your literary horizons, prepare to add some compelling titles to your reading list as we explore the literary favorites of these rising stars in the real...

Accent the kitchen counters by dressing up what you put behind them. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey The backsplash is an important accent when you want to spruce up the kitchen. The home remodeling site Fixr recently surveyed designers and highlighted some of the most popular backsplash trends. (link is external) Subway Tiles Photo credit: YinYang / Getty Images A classic style remains popular. Subway tiles can be stacked horizontally or installed in herringbone...

By: Sidnee Holmes The world of residential real estate is exciting and full of opportunities, but it also comes with unique safety considerations. Meeting prospective clients, often for the first time, is integral to the job. Recent data on residential REALTOR® safety looks at how professionals in the field are taking proactive steps to protect themselves while serving their clients. Let's take a look below. Meeting Prospective Clients According to recent data, 65% of...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Don’t leave a listing’s interior blank. The sellers may have already moved out, and the emptiness left behind can make for a bad first impression to buyers who want to visualize how to use the space. The emptiness also could make rooms look smaller. Home stagers can help to paint the picture with a few furnishings and accessories, like plants, tabletop accents, pillows, and blankets. Nikki Watson, founder of The Design Quad in Dallas, and her...

Every part of that yard—even the sides of it—can be part of creating that outdoor oasis. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey More homeowners are looking to the side areas around their homes, aiming to maximize every square inch of their outdoor space. Lot sizes are becoming smaller at a time when homeowners want to get more use out of their yards, including entertaining, relaxing, gardening, and cooking. Home buyers, too, are eyeing the potential of outdoor space when...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey More color is entering bathroom design, as the all-white floors, tiles, and cabinets are growing more blah and forgettable in the eyes of designers. A recent survey from the home remodeling site Fixr found that more than a quarter of designers called “all-white bathrooms” one of the trends they most hope will go away in 2023. Instead, designers say it’s all about adding more color into bathroom design this year. And nearly 60% of...

By: Oleh Sorokin While recent economic and market indicators remain mixed, commercial real estate continued to slow down in July. Interest rates have risen at the fastest pace in decades, although inflation dropped to 3.2%. In the meantime, the banks have already reported tighter standards and weaker demand for all commercial real estate loan categories, according to the Federal Reserve’s July Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey. With the recent U.S. credit downgrade, getting a...

By: Dina Cheney From Beyoncé to “Barbie,” women are having a big moment. But in real estate, women have long been a force to be reckoned with. © Iryna Veklich - Moment/Getty Images CNN calls 2023 the “summer of girl power(link is external).” The Wall Street Journal declared recently, “Women Own This Summer—The Economy Proves It(link is external).” The billion-dollar box-office smash...

By: Michael Hyman At the national level, housing affordability declined in June compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index. Compared to the prior month, the monthly mortgage payment increased by 6.6%, while the median price of single-family homes increased by 3.6%. The monthly mortgage payment increased by $135 from last month. Compared to one year ago, affordability fell in June as the monthly mortgage payment climbed 12.1% and median...

Artificial intelligence is changing how agents and brokers do business. REALTOR® Magazine’s article Start Experimenting With AI Now helps real estate professionals stay on top of this emerging technology, and ways to use it, as well as provide pointers on what to avoid. Take tomorrow’s tech for a test drive today. Attend the iOi Summit, August 29-30 in Miami Beach, FL. Register(link is external) Talk of artificial intelligence seems to be...

REALTOR® Magazine’s Ultimate Smart Home Series helps real estate professionals and homeowners discover the best ways to incorporate smart home technology into your home life. Take tomorrow’s tech for a test drive today. Attend the iOi Summit, August 29-30 in Miami Beach, FL. Register(link is external) As technology continues to shape the way people interact with their homes, here are five key advancements from REALTOR® Magazine’s recent...

Updating a bathroom can help increase a home’s appeal. Find out consumer preferences when it comes to preferred updates. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey   Photo courtesy: Signature Hardware and James Martin Vanties at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery / Linear Vanity, and Lentz Faucet Wet baths—which are, essentially, open-concept bathrooms—have been gaining popularity. But two-thirds of consumers say they still prefer a standard bathroom...

By: Tracey Hawkins Security expert Tracey Hawkins, host of a new real estate safety podcast, deconstructs a recent article from The New York Times that calls out the lack of protections for agents and brokers. Ian Nolan / Cultura / Getty Images The New York Times recently painted(link is external) the real estate industry as encouraging dangerous business practices in pursuit of a deal while offering little protection and safety guidance to agents and...

By: Lawrence Yun Share Low inflation means low mortgage rates. Therefore, decelerating consumer prices could steadily lift home sales and increase home production in a few months. CPI rose by 3% from one year ago, which is much lower than the 8–9% hikes of last summer and is the slowest gain in over 2 years. Falling gasoline prices and healthcare service costs were helpful. Rents are still climbing at a brisk pace, rising by 8.3%, but have turned the corner for sure....

Seventy-eight percent of homeowners say they have buyer’s remorse over purchasing their home within the last 12 months, mostly because of unexpected repair costs, according to a survey from Hippo, a home insurance group. Proactive home maintenance, however, can help ward off many repair nightmares. After all, two-thirds of homeowners who experienced a repair issue admit the problem could’ve been prevented with proactive maintenance, another Hippo survey finds. (link is...

By: Jessica Lautz There is good news to be celebrated in the new home sector. All measures, from new home sales to housing starts to building permits and housing completions, are up year-over-year. Given the dearth of housing inventory in the Existing-Home Sales sector, this is cause for celebration. Many current homeowners are unlikely to ditch their golden handcuffs of low-interest rate mortgages and may have some separation anxiety with moving. New home inventory...

Often referred to as the jewelry of home design, try dressing up a home with these three lighting trends. By: Krisztina Bell The right lighting fixture can play a prominent design role, modernizing and upgrading the style of a space. I recently spotted several lighting trends while attending the recent Spring Market for designers in High Point, N.C. Here are a few: Black fixtures. Black is classic and dramatic, and it can fit into a traditional look or provide a modern...

Trying to Predict the Future Is Fraught with Peril Few would argue that we are living in turbulent times. Experts across disciplines have adopted an acronym for the current business environment that was first coined by the U.S. military to describe the chaotic situations in modern war-torn landscapes: VUCA, which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. This is how we now describe our current business environment. Volatility, amplified by accelerating change,...

The staircase is often in a prominent spot in a home and can set the tone for the rest of the home. Here are some ways to freshen its look. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey In the 1990s, oak staircases with oak railings and stair treads were commonplace. But nowadays, the oak staircase is dated and no longer matches lighter design styles. Homeowners are finding that there are plenty of things they can do to give an oak staircase a modern update. Here are a few ideas: Paint the...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Deep, rich brown stain colors are splashing across back decks, porches, and even front doors this year. The paint firm Behr announced its first-ever Stain Color of the Year: Cordovan Brown. It’s a classic, dark brown shade that still allows the wood grain to pop through. The deeper stain color can ground space and pairs best with softer, lighter, natural colors for furnishings or accents, designers note. You might pair Cordovan Brown with Blank...

Photo courtesy: Freemodel About the home: Three bedrooms, one bath, 1,050 square feet Location: San Mateo, Calif. Estimated value before renovations: $900,000 Sale price after renovations: $1.3 million (sold in February) About the Renovation Designer Azary Khalfan of Freemodel, a presale home renovation company, worked with real estate agent Alana Corso of Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno to target home improvements with high ROIs that would put this home on...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Home buyers are willing to spend an extra $50,000 for an eco-friendly home that saves on energy costs, according to a new report(link is external) from Payless Power, an energy provider based in Texas. “With energy costs skyrocketing for households across the U.S., many are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on energy providers,” the report notes. The company surveyed more than 1,000 Americans to examine their energy use and...

Whether channeling a more natural or coastal vibe, more renovators are using color in the hopes that their kitchens leave a more lasting impression. Photo credit: Magnet Kitchens Colors are spicing up the kitchen design. Magnet, a kitchen retailer based in the United Kingdom, recently analyzed sales trends as well as social media and Google search data among U.S. and U.K. consumers to identify the most popular trends. Say goodbye to all-white, cookie-cutter kitchens as colors like...

By: Michael Hyman NAR released a summary of pending home sales data showing that March's pending home sales pace fell 5.2% last month and 23.2% from a year ago. Pending sales represent homes that have a signed purchase contract on them but have yet to close. They tend to lead existing-home sales data by 1 to 2 months. All four regions showed double-digit declines from a year ago. The West had the largest dip of 32.2%, followed by the Northeast with a drop in...

One remodeling firm says more customers are looking to liven up predominantly white and gray rooms. Minimalist interiors may be losing favor to more memorable, texture-filled, or color-drenched styles. Even all-white, spa-like bathrooms are getting more colorful and textured. Liston Design Build, a home remodeling contractor, identifies the following trends that they believe will shape many homeowners’ decisions and purchases this year. All Those Cozy, Warm...

Properties aren’t selling as quickly as they did just a year ago, making pre-listing prep all the more important, the NAR report finds. Melissa Dittmann Tracey Home buyers, many of whom are stretching their budgets to the max, are clamoring for move-in-ready properties that don’t require extra repair expenses. Home staging can boost the move-in-ready appeal and sway buyers—even if the home isn’t in pristine condition, according to the National...

By: Lawrence Yun Calmer inflation means lower mortgage rates, eventually. The 5% consumer price inflation in March is a steady improvement from 9% last summer, 8% in autumn, 7% during Christmas, and 6% in the early months of this year. The ideal inflation of 2% is still maybe a year away, but this directional improvement is a clear signal to the Fed to change it's tightening monetary policy, especially considering that many regional banks are still on the edge of further...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Source: Alside The majority of homeowners say they would like to lighten up their home’s exterior with a neutral color palette, according to a new survey of more than 1,400 respondents conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by Alside, an exterior building product firm. The top five most popular siding colors for 2023, as identified by survey respondents, are: Off-white/cream White Light gray Light brown Medium...

By: Michael Hyman At the national level, housing affordability rose in January compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index. Compared to the prior month, the monthly mortgage payment decreased by 3.3% while the median price of single-family homes declined by 2.4%, making home buying more affordable in January. The monthly mortgage payment decreased by $62 from last month. Compared to one year ago, affordability fell in January as the...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Biophilic design is all about infusing nature into a home’s style. A part of the wellness movement, the biophilic design aims to satisfy our innate desire for a greater connection to nature. Homeowners and interior designers are increasingly finding ways to incorporate natural vibes by adding plants and greenery, natural light, and water features. The trend involves much more than sticking a houseplant in the corner of a...

By: Jessica Lautz Did you know there are currently more households with pets than with children? According to the U.S. Census, the share of families with children living in their homes under the age of 18 has continued to decline. The share with children in 2022 stands at 40%, down from 48% in 2002. This is likely for two reasons: birthrates overall have been declining (outside of the increase in the last year), and there is a large share of Baby Boomer households whose children...

By: Catherine Mesick NAR members make a difference in their communities every day. The REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors program shares heartwarming stories on social media. © MicroStockHub - iStock/Getty Images Plus Every November, the National Association of REALTORS®’ Good Neighbor Awards honors five members who have given generously of their time to help their communities through volunteer work. Winners in 2022 supported people...

By: Ron Deedrick Commuters in Belleville, Ill., now have a bright, vibrant pedestrian plaza with live greenery thanks to the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI). Working in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP, the St. Clair County Transit District, and the City of Belleville, RASI helped to create a greenspace/arts plaza around the Belleville Transit Center for commuters to enjoy. The original site was dilapidated and drab. “When we...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey From Pantone’s Viva Magenta to Sherwin-Williams’ Redend Point, the 2023 Colors of the Year—reddish and pinkish hues—may serve as inspiration for your clients’ next home improvement project. “People are ready to bring color back into the home, taking a step outside their color comfort zones,” says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development at Benjamin Moore. The paint firm chose a red-orange hue...

By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey From opening up kitchens to the outdoors to shifting cabinet styles, a range of kitchen trends are moving away from all-white, cookie-cutter designs to featuring a variety of fixtures and finishes. In the new 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, about 3,600 homeowners who’ve recently remodeled their kitchen or are in the process of doing so share what’s topping their to-do renovation list. Here are some of the trends that emerged: 1....

By: Jessica Lautz Multi-generational home buying is a way for families to care for one another, support one another, and often buy a home that may have been previously out of reach. Multi-generational buying may be a home where families live in the same home with elderly parents, children who have boomeranged back home, or other extended family members. While this is not a new concept of living, it is one which has gained recent popularity. This past year, NAR collected data in...

The new book explores the latest innovations in modular housing, a construction method that is winning admirers—including actor Robert Redford. © Gordon Scott This modular house in Los Angeles, like all of the homes featured in Sheri Koones’ book “Prefabulous for Everyone,” has green and energy-efficient features like mini split heat pumps, ENERGY STAR appliances, and high-performance windows and doors. Sheri Koones never expected to become an expert on...

By: Michael Hyman NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this December declined 1.5% from November 2022. December’s existing-home sales reached a 4.02 million seasonally adjusted annual rate. December’s sales of existing homes weakened by 34.0% from December 2021, marking eleven consecutive months of home sales declines. December’s annual figure of 5.03 was the lowest since 2014 when the sales pace was at 4.94...

The remodeling boom continues. Here are some popular house projects that handyman professionals are increasingly being called upon to help with. A handyman can help with a range of home remodeling projects. Derek Christian, owner of the Handyman Connection in Blue Ash, Ohio, offers some of the trends he’s noticing with remodels: 1. Airbnb-friendly spaces “We are seeing a big trend toward consumers, especially younger first-time home buyers, creating a second rentable space...

Here’s one home style that could be described as eerily bold. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery’s latest style report, “2023 Trends & Influences IX(link is external),” calls out “gothic glam” as a trend to watch in the new year. Signatures of this look include statement lighting fixtures, such as wrought-iron chandeliers and candelabras. To soften the style, pair it next to tall windows that flood a room with natural light, but also add...

A few updates—big or small—can dress up a home’s outside. By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey Buyers get their first impression of a home from its exterior, and a dated look on the outside may signal to them that the inside needs work, too. Jackie Mosher, cofounder of Dzinly(link is external), a virtual design platform enabling users to test different home exterior features, shares which styles are fading in popularity and offers suggestions to give them a...