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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Revamp your kitchen

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“When Lexie and I bought our house last year I was in love with the original cabinets in the kitchen, as well as the corner window by the sink and the giant window in the dining area," Said West + Main agent Emily Hayduk. "Adding thick wood butcher block counter tops, a large tile design for the floor, and painting the cabinets a deep navy blue with gold hardware, along with a deep apron front sink and black faucet completely transformed the heart of our home! I love when people tell me my house is comfortable and livable – I want it to be welcoming and not feel like a showpiece!

Our fave special touch: the canisters and the metal bread box were Emily's Grandma's (the original Lexie!)

EMILY'S KITCHEN

LABOR - SINK + COUNTER INSTALL - $1,250

FLOORING AND WALL DEMO AND FINISHING - $2,200

MISC MATERIALS (BRUSHES, NAILS, FLOOR TRIM, ETC.) - $500

LARGE CERAMIC TILE – HOME DEPOT0 - $540

WHITE WASHED WOOD FOR WALL – HOME DEPOT – WEABER 4X4 WHITE WASH WEATHERED BOARDS - $33.50

BUTCHER BLOCK SLABS IN EUROPEAN WALNUT – HOME DEPOT – $600

VERY NAVY BEHR PAINT FOR CABINETS – HOME DEPOT - $42/ GALLON

GOLD KNOBS AND PULLS – HOBBY LOBBY - $60

FARMHOUSE SINK, FAUCET + HANGING DINING LAMP – WAYFAIR - $500

PROJECT TOTAL: $5,859

Chad Green purchased his home with the help of West + Main agent Joy Opp and had a pretty clear vision of what he wanted almost immediately.

"I wanted the main living and kitchen space to be beautifully integrated and to have a seamless flow for how we would live and function in our day to day lives," said Chad. "There were large windows in place that brought in so much of the outdoors and I wanted to play off of that so that it all felt connected."

Building the table that seconds as an island, the floating kitchen shelves and a fireplace mantel from light woods, Chad then added green plants of different varieties and sizes to help with visual connectivity.

"I put a lot of effort into all of the little details, as I wanted to find pleasure in all the time and activity taking place in our home," explained Chad. "It’s wonderful knowing each design decision, furnishings selection, etc. was thoughtful and intentional – smaller parts that made up the greater whole. I plan on raising my children here so this all had way more to do with creating the space we wanted to live and create memories in as opposed to making decisions based on future retail value."

Above: Before and after of Chad Green’s Kitchen + Living Space

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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10 Funny Little Details That Made Homebuyers Fall in Love With a House

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Love is subjective, often irrational. So is buying a home. Sometimes, it’s the littlest thing that tips the scales, where one thinks—no, knows—that a particular property is the one.

So lest you get too committed to your house-hunting checklist, we thought we’d share some surprise features that truly bowled over homebuyers, and made them realize without a doubt: “I’m home.”

1. A cappuccino station

“As a coffee aficionado, I have spent an untold number of hours in business meetings or personal get-togethers sitting in a coffee shop enjoying a cappuccino. What a wonderful surprise when I was walking through my new potential home to find not one, but three built-in Miele cappuccino machines—in the main kitchen, basement kitchen, and the bar area. This meant that at any given time of the day or night, I could make my own caffeine fix and never have to leave the house.”

2. A skylight that lets in the stars

“The first time I saw the huge skylight running through the center of this house’s living room, I immediately knew this was my dream home. I am someone who thoroughly enjoys nature. This skylight opens the room up and allows in plenty of natural light. The best part is that I can enjoy a sky full of stars from the comfort of my home. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or a bright sunny day, all I have to do is take a seat and enjoy the weather.”

3. A floor-to-ceiling Victorian mirror

“I can’t decide what seduced me more, the exterior Victorian elements, or the floor-to-ceiling Victorian mirror between the shuttered Jefferson windows in the parlor. After 15 years, we are still thrilled with it, every single day.”

4. A unique, statement color on the exterior

“When I was casually house hunting two years ago in Chicago, I saw a pink house online that had everything I wanted. The price was right, it was in an area that was on my list, and it was just enough space. When I went to go see it, surprise! It was actually more of a purple, which I adored even more. It felt like me. I love that my house is a standout in the neighborhood.”

5. A calm, soothing kitchen

“After viewing just shy of 80 homes, I walked into this one and fell in love with the calm color of the kitchen walls. My spouse was at work; I said to leave immediately. We bid a few hours later and signed that night. The kitchen color was—and still is—just a shade off from Tiffany blue. With glass subway tile behind the sink, the blue was just so calming, perfect for a busy kitchen and the center of family life. Nine years later, I still feel calm and happy walking into my kitchen.”

6. An alfresco home gym

“I had first seen another house with an outdoor gym while walking around, and was so jealous! It was so inviting, and I remember thinking I would stick with my workouts more if I had a setup like that. So when I got the chance to move into a space with my own outdoor gym, four blocks from Santa Monica Beach, it felt like a luxury. And during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s been a blessing for my sanity.”

7. A venerable tree

“When I toured what’s now our house, I instantly fell in love with the tree it was constructed around. According to arborist estimates, it’s well over 200 years old. To me, it was evident that the tree would provide health and happiness for our household. The tree and the vast courtyard it sits in just felt like a place where we could be ourselves, sipping on a morning coffee or evening mezcal.”

8. A low-maintenance lawn with vacation vibes

“The feature that made me fall in love with my home was its low-water, tropical-inspired yard. Succulents, banana plants, and a palm tree, along with a synthetic lawn, create a great low-maintenance space to enjoy the sun. It even had a place in a corner just the right size for a hot tub. It was such a joy during the pandemic—our yard became our escape. On sunny days, it was like our own little slice of the Caribbean, where we could just sit and enjoy a cocktail or watch the hummingbirds.”

9. Gardens that give veggies galore

“My wife and I loved basically everything about our 1868 home when we first came to view it. However, it was the garden that really set it apart. Not only did it have amazing gardens full of mature trees, shrubs, roses, and flowering plants, it had a massive vegetable garden, half a dozen greenhouses, and an array of fruit trees. The greenhouses in particular felt like a real value-add; they were bursting with food. Not only were we buying a house, but we were also buying a supermarket!”

10. A home that matched her cat

“I bought my home because the interior color of the home complements my cat’s fur coloring. I wanted him to match every room. He even has his own bedroom. I am in the midst of decorating—in cat-friendly hues, of course!”

Read more stories like this on Realtor.com

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: All Fired Up

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Transform your fireplace into a focal point with fresh paint, new tiling and shelves for display.

No matter the style of your home, if it was built between 1970 and 2010, your living area could probably get a big boost from a fireplace makeover. It's one of those intimidating projects, because you'll probably be dealing with brick or stone, maybe a gas insert, and a flue...but it's definitely big on ROI, because it's also a focal point. West + Main agent Laurie and her family had their fireplace on their to-do list for several years.

“We wanted to get rid of the ‘90’s inset arch’ which made the room feel plain and dated. It was always tricky trying to find something to hang to fill the arched space. And we definitely wanted to add value both for us and for when we decide to move in the future. I had received bids from $1300-$2700 for a custom mantle, and finally found the one we loved at Lowe’s through their special order dept....it’s real wood that’s hollowed out to help with the weight and installation. It’s so beautiful and totally exceeded our expectations. Our living room actually looks bigger to us now. It feels warm and cozy with the added tile to the ceiling and mantle, but also looks more modern chic.”
— Laurie

Above: Before and after of Laurie’s living space

LAURIE'S FIREPLACE

MATERIALS - LOWE'S

TILES - $2900
BUILDING MATERIALS - $750 MANTLE - $285

LABOR - TILE + ELECTRICAL - $5163 TOTAL COST: $9098

Virginia and Michael recently bought their home with the help of West + Main agents Sue + Mark.

"I started with the mantle, which I copied from an amazing tutorial from bloggers Coco and Jack," said Virginia. "For the built-ins I ended up using builder grade pre-assembled upper cabinets set on top of a 2x4 frame to raise them for the toe kick. The shelves are constructed from 1/2" sanded plywood with 1x2 pine faces to give them a neat finished look. I also removed the plantation shutters which were blocking all the light (something a plant lover like me cannot abide by). I painted the whole room in Sherwin Williams Greenblack to add a dramatic contrast to the rest of my house which is painted white."

“My husband plays piano beautifully, and now that we are planning to stay put for a while, we decided to go with a moody library/music room vibe,” said Virginia. “Craigslist is full of gorgeous free or nearly free pianos, and we found the perfect one for our space. We did pay for it to be moved, which ran $400, but the piano made it safely and in-tune, so it was well spent! Our whole family has enjoyed playing, and our children are keen to keep learning. I am looking forward to family Christmas carols.”
— Virginia

Above: Before and after of Virginia and Michael’s living space

VIRGINIA’S FIREPLACE

BUILDER GRADE UPPER CABINETS - HOME DEPOT

TILE - FLOOR & DECOR - $25

WOOD - HOME DEPOT

FLOORING - LUXURY VINYL PLANS - $1200

WALL COLOR - GREENBLACK BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS

TOTAL COST FOR MATERIALS ~ $1000

STYLING BY ROGALA DESIGN - VISIT ROGALADESIGN.COM

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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Enhance Your Home Safety in 2022 With These Exterior and Interior Checks

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Regular inspections of your home can help you address issues before they cause any harm, and the new year is the perfect reminder to cross this task off your list.

While seasonal home inspections are the ultimate way to stay on top of maintenance and potential risks, performing an in-depth safety check at least once a year will ensure that you identify minor concerns before they become expensive problems.

When performing home safety checks, you’ll want to keep an eye out for anything that could pose a potential threat–reduce the risk of fire, criminal or pest intruders, structural damage or accidents. Doing a complete walkthrough of your home with a checklist is a good idea, but many items on the checklist should be inspected or maintained more than once a year.

What to Look for on Your Home’s Exterior

Water damage can lead to major problems, and this usually begins with issues on the home’s exterior–specifically problems with the roof. Keep an eye out for missing or loose shingles, interior leaks or any other signs of damage. You should have a licensed professional formally inspect your roof once a year, but you might consider checking in on the condition of your roof yourself after any extreme weather. Of course, if you can’t safely get on the roof yourself, always hire a professional.

Also, don’t forget about annual chimney maintenance if your home has a wood-burning stove. Backed-up gutters can also cause water damage, especially during the winter months. When you're checking your roof, take the time to make sure gutters are clean and draining properly.

Safely moving around the home’s exterior is also a key consideration. Check handrails, stairs and walkways to make sure everything is secure and free of debris. If you live in a climate with winter weather, make note of areas that might become especially slippery in wet or cold conditions. In addition, ensure that your exterior lighting provides visibility for all walkways and doorways to keep everyone safe in the dark. Proper lighting is also a smart way to deter criminal activity. Crime may or may not be a major concern for your location, but it’s always good to be aware of potential threats. In addition to good lighting, consider installing security cameras or video doorbells to enhance home security.

While you’re checking out the home’s exterior, don’t forget to examine any outdoor vents. They should be properly sealed and clear of any obstruction to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the home. Don’t forget to protect any outdoor water faucets in the winter months to avoid frozen pipes.

Examine the Safety of Your Home’s Interior

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers should be placed strategically on every floor of your home. Be sure to replace fire extinguishers as needed, test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries on an annual basis. Go through each one of your major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washers and dryers to make sure everything is working as it should. Give everything a good clean to avoid buildup that could present a fire hazard. Your HVAC system and water heater should be inspected, cleaned and serviced by a professional at least once a year.

Examine the electrical and plumbing of your home. Check on water supply and pressure for sinks, toilets and showers. Be sure to look for any signs of leaks at the same time. Test every light switch and check all of your wall outlets to make sure they are functioning properly and not showing any signs of faulty wiring. Warm outlets or light switches can be a sign of a bigger issue. Relocate any electrical equipment as needed to avoid overloading single outlets.

Make sure all of your doors and windows close securely and have working locks. Look for cracks, water stains or other damage to your ceilings, walls and floors that could indicate foundational damage or water damage or even allow pests to enter the home.

Taking regular inventory of your home will help you catch any issues in the early stages, hopefully preventing any major damage to your property. Aim to make each room in your home as safe as possible for every member of your family, no matter their age. Unfortunately, even with the best planning, accidents still happen. Make sure your homeowners insurance policy is up to date and adequate for your home in order to fully protect your investment.

Get more tips like this on RISMedia.

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‘Home price growth may return to normalcy.’ 5 economists and real estate pros predict what will happen in the housing market in 2022

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Predictions on mortgage rates, housing prices, and more.

It’s been a wild ride for home buyers and aspiring home buyers over the past year, with bidding wars and rising prices — as interest rates held near historic lows (see the lowest rates you might qualify for here). Here’s what five economists and real estate pros told us they thought would happen in 2022.

Prediction 1: Mortgage rates will rise

“Mortgage rates snapped upward in January as mortgage investors realized what the Fed intends to do, which is raise interest rates aggressively this year,” says Holden Lewis, home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet. “Now, mortgage rates are rising more gradually as markets wait for the Fed to clarify their timetable.”

“For perspective, the 30-year mortgage averaged 4.09% in the 2010s and 12.71% in the 1980s, people bought plenty of houses in both eras,” says Lewis. This month, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst Greg McBride says he expects 30-year fixed rate mortgages to average between 3.65% and 3.85%, with the 15-year fixed ranging between 2.8% and 3%. “The bulk of these rate increase moves were made in January as markets reset their expectations on the Federal Reserve. Moves in the next few weeks, however, should be more subdued,” says McBride.

But with rates rising for the past few months, reaching their highest levels since March 2020, Gregory Heym, chief economist at Brown Harris Stevens, says they are likely to continue to rise as the Federal Reserve tapers its bond purchases, which will lead to a rate hike most likely in March. Of course, mortgages go up and down week to week, but Lewis says: “Expect more up weeks than down weeks in 2022.”  (See the lowest rates you might qualify for here.)

Even though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, the overall tightening policy of stopping the purchase of mortgage-backed securities and raising of the short-term Fed funds rate will push mortgage rates up. In fact, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, says: “The average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is likely to reach 3.8% by the fourth quarter.”

Prediction 2: Home price growth may ‘return to normalcy’

Heym says the market is suffering from record-low inventory levels, which has driven prices to new highs even as the number of sales has declined. “I don’t expect this to change in the next few months as home builders can’t build houses fast enough to help the supply issue,” says Heym. Specifically, Yun says home prices are solidly higher by double-digit percentages compared to one ago. “However, with mortgage rates moving up and some home buyers getting priced out, home price growth will return to normalcy, to around 5% for all of 2022,” says Yun.

Prediction 3: Expect near-term bidding wars

The clock is also ticking as 2021 interest rate locks with 60-90 day expirations are set to mature any day. But what does this mean for buyers? Essentially, they’re rushing and overbidding on properties in the hopes of securing a low interest rate before the next Fed increase. “This is causing bidding war frenzies,” says Pierre Debbas, managing partner of real estate law firm Romer Debbas LLP. 

Prediction 4: It will still be a tough market for buyers though

Buyers will continue to have limited options in most areas as inventory will remain scarce, pros say. “Prices will continue to rise, which combined with higher mortgage rates, will drive some buyers out of the market,” says Heym. That said, it will continue to be a strong seller’s market, which means if you’ve been thinking about listing your home — there’s no time like the present. 

While power will remain firmly in the hands of sellers this year, according to Nicole Bachaud, a Zillow economist, prices will rise substantially. “We’re seeing monthly growth accelerate earlier in the year than normal, but we don’t expect they’ll rise quite as much as they did in 2021,” says Bachaud. According to data from Zillow, home values in 2021 ended up 19.6% for the year and the forecast calls for 16.4% growth in 2022.

Prediction 5: But there are still wildcards

The big wildcard is the permanency of work-from-home policies or even hybrid models of employment. “That will lead to changes in residential locational choices with more households willing to buy a home farther away from job locations and home price growth therefore will be stronger in small towns and exurbs compared to downtown locations,” says Yun.

Prediction 6: Spring will bring more activity

With the spring home shopping season right around the corner, expect activity to heat up. “It’s likely inventory and sales will pick up over the next few months,” says Bachaud.

Learn more on Market Watch.

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