Here’s What Your Exterior House Color Says About You

As a kid, I loved clicking my seatbelt into place, sitting back, and watching houses whiz by the car window as my mum cruised to my grandparents’ house.

The 30-minute drive was ample time to study each and every home along the way, from whitewashed Colonials to little Capes with tan vinyl siding. I imagined what kinds of people lived inside these houses, dreaming up their personalities and the storylines of their lives.

Since those days, I’ve come to notice the significance of choosing a house’s exterior paint color. What kind of person opts for a dark brown versus a muted green, for example? What does that selection say about them? Here, find what a paint color might say about you.

Red

You’re classic.

Just because you’re a fan of classic design doesn’t mean you’re boring. Your deep red home is proof of that. You have a strong sense of what looks good to you, and you stick to it. It’s why you’re drawn to antiques, too — that vintage coffee table in your living room has charm, yes, but it also harkens to simpler times when there weren’t always so many decisions to make.

Yellow

You’re energetic.

Every time you’ve decided to move, whether to a new apartment or into your first house, you’ve searched for a home with entertaining in mind. Sure, everybody on HGTV loves to entertain, too, but you love it just a little more. You were born with boundless energy, and you delight in sharing that energy with others at gatherings you’ve planned. They’re bright, cheery, and fun-filled parties, just like your sunny yellow abode.

Charcoal

You’re stylish.

Some people equate the words trendy and stylish, but not you. You’re all style, no trend. Just because dark gray is in doesn’t mean you’re submitting to trends if you like it — it means everyone else is catching up to your sense of style. Similarly, you’ve been known to take calculated risks on occasion, and they’ve always paid off. Becoming the only house that’s not pastel-colored on your street was one of them. And boy, was it worth it.

White

You’re traditional.

You’d agree that tradition exists for a reason. The clean presentation of a white house with black shutters, for example, is timeless. But what you really love about this look is how straightforward it is. When the white paint starts to dull, it’s time for a new coat. No guessing games here, just easy-to-understand (and easy enough to perform) maintenance.

Brick

You’re reliable.

You’re the most loyal friend you know, and that’s saying something, considering you have a lot of wonderful friends. Being thought of as a solid person — someone you can lean on — is a great quality! Your brick apartment building is secure in a way, too. Even though you’ve been a renter for years, you know you won’t leave this place anytime soon. How could you, when all your best pals live down the street?

Green

You’re caring.

Your neighbors and friends get jealous of you from time to time, but you probably haven’t noticed. They covet how grounded you are. It’s easy to see how much you unabashedly love where you live, how much you respect the great outdoors, and how much pride you take in your yard. The outdoor string lights bedecking your side-yard patio are just the icing on the mossy-green cake.

Not seeing your home color? Get the full list on Apartment Therapy.

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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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Change Your Perspective: Inventory Isn’t Low, Active Listings Are

It’s no secret that the market is in a unique position right now. Active Listings are low, demand is high, interest rates are at never-before-seen levels, and there is a documented housing shortage across the U.S.

Your first reaction to those market conditions might be to panic or stress out. How are you as a real estate agent going to find a home for your client if it goes from market debut to pending within two days? Or how are you going to win that elusive listing when every day there are more headlines saying that inventory is so low, scaring homeowners and making them afraid to list their home because they think they will not have anything to buy.

It all comes down to perspective and mindset.

Pending home sales rose an unexpectedly high 8% this May compared to April, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). That’s also compared to an expected 1% drop, making it the highest level of sales activity for May since 2005.

What’s more, according to Knock, creators of HomeSwap, commission revenue is on pace to climb more than 16% this year for real estate agents. Knock also notes that this number surges past the $100 billion mark for the first time in history.

This is all taking place even despite a slight dip in the rate that agents are charging clients.

Additionally, according to Dr. Lawrence Yun of NAR, in his presentation during RISMedia’s Spring into Action event, existing-home sales were forecasted to increase by 10% this year. And that means–despite the headlines–inventory is actually up. It just goes from active to pending so fast fast it’s easy to miss that sales volume is actually up! So, if you’re looking for inspiration, this is it. Now is the perfect time for agents to get after it and rise above.

We can all find ways to panic in this kind of market. But if you focus on what’s actually working and change your perspective on what’s going on, you can end up currying everything in your favor to not only survive but thrive.

Set An Accurate Perspective
Real estate agents have continued to be the dominant option for buyers and sellers when it comes to finding an expert to help take care of their real estate needs. This creates an opportunity for real estate agents to set the tone and the perceptions accurately. And I notice that the agents that are excited and positive and, focusing on the fact that more homes are being sold this year, are the ones listing homes and helping both buyers and sellers win those homes in the few days that they are active. I love their “More transactions are being done this year, so why not be a party to those transactions instead of sitting on the sidelines” attitude.

Staying Engaged
As any good agent knows, success is about engagement, re-engagement and staying in touch. The positive approach is consistently asking current and past clients whether or not they’d like to be kept up to date about homes listed or sold within their surrounding area and providing value to them. Learning how to cater to your clients by researching the market, creating and sending out “In Your Neighborhood” reports and communicating valuable information that meets their needs, can help you pivot in this unexpected market.

In the end, agents shouldn’t fear these unique times. Changing your mindset at the start of each day can help you lay the groundwork for success no matter what the marketplace looks like.

Visit RISMedia for more like this.

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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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5 Surprising Foodie Destinations in the U.S.

From coast to coast, the United States is well stocked with culinary destinations, and their quality and variety stand out to even the most demanding palate.

However, the restaurant scene is always changing and the latest hotspots for delicious dining aren't always where you'd expect to find them. Before booking your next vacation, be sure to star these five remarkable and unexpected foodie destinations that are wowing those with an appetite for the unknown.

1. Reno, Nevada

Reno might label itself as the "biggest little city in the world," but if you've categorized as it a smaller Las Vegas, with staggering all-you-can-eat buffet menus and casino chain restaurants — think again. The scenic Lake Tahoe is only a short 45-minute drive away from downtown Reno, but you shouldn't bypass the city's melting point of meal options in a mad dash to get to the water.

With a myriad of healthy eateries, local breweries and charming breakfast spots, it's surprisingly easy to eat your way through Reno during the day but make sure you save room for dinner. Known for its traditional Basque-style meals inspired by old shepherd recipes, Reno serves up family-style dinners that leave everyone full. A Basque feast at Louis’ Basque Corner promises diners soup, salad, French bread, beans, steak or lamp chops, dessert, and house wine.    

The official state drink of Nevada — "Picon Punch" — consists of orange spirit, gentian and cinchona. You can try the Basque cocktail at Louis' or head to The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery, an old train depot-turned-brewery that offers some of the best beer in the city. If you're feeling fancy, don't forget to visit a casino where you don't need to gamble on good gastronomy. Located inside the Grand Sierra Resort, Charlie Palmer Steak is arguably one of the best steakhouses in the country and the filet mignon with peppercorn cream is bound to leave you weeping for more long after you leave Nevada.

2. Houston, Texas

By some measures, Houston is America's most diverse city, and that shines in a restaurant sector that's emerging to stake its place on the foodie map of the U.S.A. Undeniable buzz surrounds the neo-soul food menu at Indigo, a restaurant that uses high-end ingredients to reinvent traditional recipes that began with stews, pickled foods and spices and is set in a funky, denim-adorned atmosphere.

Riel, a restaurant with a surprising spread of northern French-Canadian and Ukrainian fare infused with the flavor of Texas' gulf coast guests a truly original dining experience, while Vietnamese, Cajun, and Louisiana Creole cuisine all have worthy representation in Houston's kitchens and at some of the city's best-known eateries like Crawfish & Noodles. These traditional entrées and cultures collide deliciously with one another. Everything really is bigger and maybe a bit better in Texas.

3. Detroit, Michigan

Move over, Chicago. One of the most surprising destinations on this list to many will be Detroit and its urban revival story of the decade. The former manufacturing hub of Motor City is putting its own spin on treasured American favorites. For example, the Detroit-style pizza that's becoming increasingly popular across America.

But it doesn't stop with pizza. Rose's Fine Food is an old-school diner made new again — thriving on a classic home menu of pancakes, barbecue, and melty sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients. For more nourishing nosh, the Detroit Vegan Soul offers a hearty menu of salads, soups and sandwiches for herbivores and meat-eaters alike. You won't even notice it's vegan.

And Detroit offers diverse eats too. There's exceptional Thai food to be had at Bangkok 96, a delicious haunt complemented by original cocktails, and you can also take a trip to Greektown, a predominantly Greek neighborhood that boasts all the gyros, souvlaki, and baklava you could hope for.

4. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Unlike its state abbreviation, Oklahoma cuisine isn't just "O.K." Oklahoma City has been on a serious upswing in the last decade and the local options for quality restaurants have multiplied. The Press showcases the state's distinctive style of cuisine, a rich blend of southern and midwestern dishes dusted with a touch of international pizzazz. You can't find flavored foods like "Candy Apple Pork Belly" at home.

At the cutting edge of seasonal and local food trends, Nonesuch, named America's Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit magazine, offers a whopping 10-course meal option inspired by the "fields, farmers, and Oklahoma terroir." A series of scrumptious steakhouses, breakfast, and brunch destinations also come together to make Oklahoma City well worth a visit.

5. Spokane, Washington

Seattle might have the cozy chowders of Pike Place Market and a mean espresso, but Spokane deserves proper recognition as one of Washington's finest foodie haunts. Local restaurants highlight the Pacific Northwest's flair for farm-to-table dining with a local ingredient-inspired menu at Luna Restaurant and house-cured bacon and hand-pressed burgers at 1898 Public House.

The city also boasts the Cork District, a wine neighborhood that has grown in tandem with the culinary scene and now hosts almost 20 wineries and a farmer's market and performance venue called the Kendall Yards Night Market that lets you shop for fresh produce before you dine al fresco under the stars.

Keep reading on The Discoverer.

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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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Minimalists Share the 4 Organization Rules They Live By

When you picture a minimalist, what do you see? Is it someone who only dresses in neutral, coordinating colors?

A person who only owns one pair of shoes for each season? Someone who refuses to purchase unnecessary home decor or sentimental knick-knacks? It’s true that a minimalist could very well meet any of these descriptions (there are many ways to be a minimalist), but minimalism is, at its core, a lot simpler than any of that. Really, it’s all about mindset shifts.

Minimalism as a concept can often feel intimidating or even a little pretentious to some. But when you break it down to simple mindset shifts, it feels a little more accessible. One self-proclaimed minimalist, Carrie Reese, told me their approach to minimalism is simply governed by repeating the phrase “I have everything I need,” again and again — just five little words.

While cutting things back to the bare minimum when it comes to possessions is certainly not realistic for everyone, I assume you’re reading this because you want to start simplifying your life at least a little bit. Adopting a minimalist principle or two can be a gentle and gradual process that works to enhance the life you’re already living (yes, even if you want to own more than 10 pairs of shoes… for each season).

If you’re looking to learn about some other minimalist-approved life rules to bring into your own day-to-day schedule, here are nine places to start. 

“One In, Two Out” 

Sure, you might have heard of the one in, one out rule where you donate or get rid of one piece of clothing (or furniture, etc.) for every one you bring into your home. But have you considered the one in, two out version?

Carine Vinett, founder and CEO of Chic Shop, told me that living in a small space means it’s imperative that clutter isn’t building up over time. “I have a one in, two (or more) out rule,” Vinett said.  “I’m always going through my daughter Valentina’s clothes and toys, especially when the season’s change and around her birthday when I know there will be an influx of toys.”

Have a Yearly “Purge”

Self-proclaimed minimalist Megan Peterson keeps things organized in her home by having a yearly, top-to-bottom cleanout that she calls “the purge.”

“Every year we do ‘the purge’ and systematically work through every room in the house to toss clutter, donate, or sell items we no longer use,” Peterson explained. Once the unnecessary items are gone, she and her partner “functionally organize whatever survives.” 

“A Place For Everything, and Everything in Its Place”

Ashley La Fond, an organization consultant for Open Spaces, told me that the phrase “a place for everything, and everything in its place” is her go-to organization rule when it comes to minimalism. 

“By making an intentional decision about where things should be stored, and giving everything a ‘place’ you no longer have to search for the belongings that you need, and it makes cleanup a breeze,” La Fond said. “Take this one step further, and store items where they are intended to be used. This makes completing tasks much more streamlined and efficient.” 

“Clear Surfaces, Clear Mind”

Is your brain feeling a little cluttered? Having more trouble focusing than usual? That messy desktop probably isn’t helping, according to La Fond. 

“Clutter isn’t just seen, it’s felt. Keep your surfaces clean and free of any unnecessary items… to avoid distractions and the disorganization that creates mental clutter,” La Fond said. “Limit what you keep out to the things that you use daily — store everything else out of sight.”

Looking for an easy way to quickly declutter surfaces without getting rid of everything you own? La Fond suggested using a nesting tray or designated bin for every item in a certain area (say, a desk or a kitchen table). “If the container of choice starts to overflow, then you know it’s time to do an edit,” La Fond says. 

Want more minimalist tips? Read the full story here.

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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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The housing market is losing steam

66,000 new home sales in June, down from 68,000 sales in May

Mortgage applications for new home purchases in June decreased 3% from May and 23.8% year over year, suggesting a slowdown in the housing market, according to a recent report from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

New single-family home sales were reported at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 704,000 units in June, a decrease of 5% from May’s pace of 741,000. The MBA estimates there were 66,000 new home sales in June, down from 68,000 such sales in May.

Overall sales of new homes are still down 7% from last year, according to Joel Kan, MBA associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting.

“Last year was the strongest year in the housing market for new home sales in over a decade,” he said. “Right now, homebuilders are encountering stronger headwinds, as severe price increases for key building materials, rising regulatory costs, and labor shortages impact their ability to raise production. This has dampened new home sales and quickened home-price growth.”

Mark Palim, deputy chief economist at Fannie Mae, said anecdotal reports of builders delaying or turning down orders to clear a growing construction backlog appears to be borne out by the recent housing starts data.

“The month’s increase in single-family starts coincided with a slowdown in single-family permits, which fell 6.3 percent,” Palim said Tuesday. “While this data tends to be noisy on a month-to-month basis, the divergence between starts and permits is consistent with builders struggling to keep up with orders, as is the tick up in homes authorized but not yet started. With lumber prices recently pulling back, we expect some near-term strength in construction. However, June’s starts gain was somewhat smaller than we had anticipated while the fall in permits was greater. Therefore, a modest downward revision to our near-term forecast is likely.”

Homes for sale are still being snatched up quickly throughout the country, but a recent slowdown in bidding wars may signal some buyer fatigue in the housing market. Redfin reported recently that 65% of home offers written by company agents in June faced competition, down from a rate of 72.1% in May and a peak of 74.1% in April. New listings are also up 4% year over year, meaning more properties are hitting the housing market for buyers to bid on.

In 2018-2019, total housing market inventory was in the range between 1.52 million and 1.92 million, and that level of inventory helped to drive real home-price growth in 2019 into negative territory briefly. Existing home sales during those years stayed in the monthly sale range of 4.98 million to 5.61 million homes, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and after eight months of consecutive gains spanning 2020 and 2021, the consequences of low home inventory finally caught up with the housing market in February 2021.

Conventional mortgage loans composed 74.4% of loan applications in June, while FHA loans composed 14%. RHS/USDA loans composed 1% and VA loans composed 10.6%. The average loan size of new homes increased from $384,323 in May to $392,370 in June.

“Still-low levels of for-sale inventory are also pushing prices higher as competition for available units remains high among prospective buyers,” Kan said. “In addition to price increases, we are also seeing fewer purchase transactions in the lower price tiers as more of these potential buyers are being priced out of the market, further exerting upward pressure on loan balances.” - Housing Wire

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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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