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A List of New Year Renovation Resolutions

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With the start of the new year, it’s never too late to reflect on new resolutions to give your home a much-needed upgrade.

Sometimes, the smallest changes can accomplish the biggest transformations. As you start to ponder where to begin with your home renovation, we have created a list of new year renovation resolutions for your living space. Take a look, and hopefully, you can take a few from our list and make your house more awesome.

Declutter, Repurpose and Recycle
By removing excess items, you can create a brighter, more spacious atmosphere that’s perfect for starting the new year. Instead of throwing away items you no longer need, consider repurposing them or donating them to someone who can use them. This not only reduces waste but can also save you money in the long run. Recycling household products is another great way to clear space and improve your environment.

Look Into Roof Maintenance or Replacement
Taking care of your roof is critical in maintaining the safety and protection of your home, especially after the harsh winter weather. By inspecting your roof for any damage, leaks, or cracks at the beginning of the year, you can catch any potential issues early on, saving you both time and money in the long run. Consider replacing old roofing with newer, sturdier and more energy-efficient options such as metal or asphalt shingles. Not only will this add value to your home, but it will also ensure that your household is adequately protected from any external elements. Don't hesitate to look into roof maintenance or replacement this year to keep your home in tip-top shape or to reach out to residential roofers if you think you need a professional on the project.

Add Plants to Your Home Decor
Looking to spruce up your living space? Why not add some greenery to your home decor? Plants are a great way to add a touch of nature to your home, and studies show that having plants around can even improve your mood and sense of well-being. Not only do they look appealing, but certain plants also have air-purifying qualities, making them a great addition to any room. If you're new to the world of plants, don't worry - there are plenty of easy-to-maintain options such as Succulents, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Pothos and Ivy. So why not consider adding some green to your space today and see how it transforms your home?

Install New Cabinets, Countertops and Appliances
Upgrading your kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances can completely transform the heart of your home. If you're tired of looking at the same outdated design, consider investing in new, modern fixtures. Not only will it give your kitchen a fresh new look, but it will also improve the functionality of your space. Imagine cooking in a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and ample counter space. It's easy to see why making this update can make daily life easier and more enjoyable.

Add a Home Office or Entertainment Space
With remote work becoming a new norm, the need for a comfortable and functional home office space is undeniable. Working from the kitchen table or couch may not be a conducive environment, hence the need for a designated work area. Why not take it further and create an entertainment space? It's a great way to make your home feel more inviting, and you can utilize the space for casual hangouts with friends or family. Whether you choose a gaming room or mini bar, the possibilities are endless. It's time to spruce up your living space and make it more practical and enjoyable.

Upgrade Your Shower and Lighting
Transform your bathroom into a soothing retreat with a shower and lighting overhaul. Upgrade your shower system and give your bathroom a fresh look by adding new tiles, fixtures and shower heads. From rain shower heads to handhelds, the options are endless. To enhance your experience, install energy-efficient lighting that not only saves money but also creates an inviting atmosphere. With the right lighting, you won't dread getting ready in the morning or winding down before bed. Upgrade your shower and lighting to create a relaxing and rejuvenating spa-like heaven right in your home.

Update Your Exterior Siding
Whether you're looking to boost curb appeal or simply freshen up the look of your place, swapping out old, weathered siding for something shiny and new can make a world of difference. These days, vinyl siding is a top choice for many homeowners—not only is it cost-effective and easy to maintain, but it's also incredibly durable and can last for decades. So if the exterior of your home could use a bit of an update, companies such as Superior Products are ready to supply you with the materials you need to get started.

Home renovation resolutions can be a refreshing start to the new year. Taking the time to evaluate your living space and reflecting on how to make it more awesome can make a significant impact on your daily life. Whether you opt for decluttering and recycling or adding a home office, upgrading your kitchen, or adding plants to your decor, there are a plethora of options to make your home a happy and relaxing place to be. Start small, stay focused and enjoy the transformation of your home.

Read more at Rismedia.com

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

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Are the Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind?

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When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now.

You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in.

Here are the top 3 questions people are asking about today’s housing market, and the data to help answer them.

1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that impacts how much you can afford. That’s why so many buyers want to know what’s ahead for mortgage rates. The answer to that question is: no one can say for certain, but here’s what we know based on historical trends.

There’s a long-standing relationship between mortgage rates and inflation. Basically, when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to follow suit. Over the past year, inflation was up, so mortgage rates were as well. But inflation is easing now. And this is why the Federal Reserve has recently paused their federal funds rate hikes, which means many experts believe mortgage rates will begin to come down.

And in some ways, we’ve started to see hints of slightly lower mortgage rates in recent weeks. But it’s certainly been volatile and will likely continue to be that way going into next year. Some ongoing variation is to be expected, but the anticipation is, that in 2024, we’ll see a downward trend. As Aziz Sunderji, Strategist at Home Economics, says:

“The bottom line is that interest rates are likely to be lower-perhaps even lower than many optimists think – in the weeks and months to come.”

2. Where Are Home Prices Headed?

While there’s been a lot of concern prices would come crashing down this year, data shows that didn’t happen. In fact, home prices are rising in most of the nation. Experts say that trend will continue, just at a slower pace that’s much more normal for the housing market – and that’s a good thing.

To help show just how confident experts are in this continued appreciation, take a look at the Home Price Expectation Survey from Pulsenomics. It’s a survey of a national panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. As the graph below shows, the consensus is, that prices will keep climbing next year, and in the years to come.

 
 

3. Is a Recession Around the Corner?

While recession talk has been a common thing over the past few years, there’s good news on that front.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) polls experts on this topic regularly. And last year at this time, most of them thought a recession would have happened by now. But as experts look at all the leading indicators today, they’re changing their minds and saying a recession is getting less and less likely. The latest results show that more experts now think we’re not headed for another recession (see chart below):

 
 

This is big news for the housing market. And while the 48% to 52% split may seem close to half and half, the key thing to focus on is that the majority of these experts think we’ve avoided a recession already.

Bottom Line

The big takeaway? The data shows there isn’t cause for concern – there are actually more signs of hope. Reach out to a local real estate agent to talk more about the housing market questions on your mind heading into the new year. 

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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

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Homebuyers Will Be So Thankful To Hear These Strangely Hopeful New Housing Statistics

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Now that the holiday season is in full swing, the housing market typically slows down until the new year. This holiday housing market, however, might be a whole different world.

One reason for this is that mortgage rates have dropped again, averaging 7.29% for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan in the week ending Nov. 22. (The results include an adjustment for the observance of Thanksgiving.)

“In recent weeks, rates have dropped by half a percent,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. However, “potential homebuyers continue to hold out for lower rates and more inventory. This dynamic is reflected in the latest data showing that existing-home sales have fallen to a 13-year low.”

Yet the latest housing statistics from Realtor.com® show a glimmer of hope coming down the pike: For the week ending Nov. 18, new listings shot up a whopping 5% compared with last year.

We’ll break down what this and other just-released real estate statistics mean for buyers and sellers in this latest installment of “How’s the Housing Market This Week?”

Why more homes are hitting the market

Housing inventory has been famously scarce in recent months, but in the past three weeks, there’s been an upward trend of new listings coming to market.

“With the number of homes for sale already limited, a pickup in new listings is a welcomed change to recent inventory woes,” notes Realtor.com economic research analyst Hannah Jones in her analysis.

In addition to this gush of fresh listings, the total number of active listings (both new and old) increased by 1.5% for the week ending Nov. 18 compared with a year earlier. This is the second week in a row that these numbers exceed last year’s levels.

Granted, Jones points out that, “from a longer-term macroeconomic perspective, housing remains undersupplied.”

Pull back to the big picture, and you might be shocked to know that the number of for-sale homes is currently 41.8% below pre-pandemic levels.

Still, more homes are slowly but surely coming—particularly since both housing starts and housing permits have been climbing month over month.

The latest trend in home prices

On the not-so-good news front? So far at least, home prices are still rising.

The nation’s median list price ticked up by 1.2% over last year’s levels for the week ending Nov. 18.

“Though prices have continued to climb over last year’s level, mortgage rates have fallen for the last three weeks, promising relief for buyers,” Jones points out.

As more homes come to market and ease supply issues, prices might soon settle down, too.

“More active inventory will take some pressure off of home prices,” Jones explains. “And falling home prices, coupled with falling mortgage rates, will help buyers trickle back into the housing market.”

Still, this “gift” is more of a consolation prize, at least at this point.

“Prices remain higher than a year ago, and rates remain in the mid-7% range,” Jones concludes. “Meaning that unaffordability is likely to persist for the time being.”

Why the pace of home sales is picking up

While the pace of home sales tends to slow to a crawl in the fall, this season has been different on this front, too.

“This fall, the time a typical home spends on the market is growing much more slowly than is typical for this season,” says Jones.

In fact, the pace of sales has recently been speeding up. For the week ending Nov. 18, homes spent four fewer days on the market compared with this same time last year.

The take-home lesson for buyers is that if they see a home they like, they should not wait to close the deal—and that this holiday housing market is shaping up to be a highly unusual one.

Read more at Realtor.com

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

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Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season?

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This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays?

Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year.

But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Fortune Builders explains:

“ . . . while a majority of people take a step back from the real estate market during the holiday months, you may find when the temperature drops, your potential for a great real estate deal starts to rise.”

To help prove that point, here are four reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house.

1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. While a few buyers might opt to delay their moving plans until January, others may need to move now because something in their life has changed. The buyers who look for homes at this time of year are usually motivated to make their move happen and are eager to buy. A recent article from Investopedia says:

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

2. While the supply of homes for sale has increased a little bit lately, overall inventory is still lower than it was before the pandemic. What does that mean for you? If you work with an agent to price your house at market value, it could still sell quickly because today’s buyers are craving more options – and your home may be exactly what they’re searching for.

3. You can determine the days and times that are most convenient for you for home showings. That can help you minimize disruptions to your own schedule, which can be especially important during this busy time of year. Plus, you may find buyers are more flexible on when they’ll tour a house this time of year because they have more time off from work around the holidays.

4. And finally, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. For those buyers, it’s easy to picture gathering with their loved ones in the home and making memories of their own. An article on selling at this time of year offers this advice:

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

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put your house on the market during the holiday season. Connect with a real estate agent and see if it's the right time for you to sell.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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

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Known and Little Known Fixes for Making Moving Easier

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Moving can be incredibly stressful even for the most organized person.

There is no way to completely eliminate the stress, but there are some known and little known fixes for making it easier. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that can help you make the moving process go smoother and reduce the stress associated with it.

Create a Moving Checklist
Creating a comprehensive moving checklist can make all the difference between utter chaos and an organized effort to move. A moving checklist is an essential tool that will allow you to stay organized, plan ahead, and tackle each task step by step. From packing and cleaning to notifying utility companies and updating your address, a well-crafted checklist will ensure that you don't forget anything important. It will also provide you with a sense of control during a chaotic time, making the move a smoother and more manageable process.

Change Your Address Ahead of Time
To make the transition of moving from place to place as smooth as possible, it's important to remember to change your address ahead of time. By doing so, you'll avoid any missed bills or important mail during the moving process. It's easy to forget to update all of your accounts, so make a list of the important ones, such as the post office, your bank, and credit card companies. Taking the time to update your information will save you a headache later on. Being proactive in changing your address is a practical and responsible way to ensure a successful move.

Get Proper Insurance Coverage
If you're planning a move, it's crucial to consider getting proper insurance coverage to protect your belongings in case of any unforeseen accidents or damages. Don't rely solely on your moving company's insurance, which may not fully cover the value of your possessions. Instead, consider purchasing additional insurance coverage for your move. While it may feel like an extra expense, it's a small price to pay for the reassurance that you won't be out of pocket if the worst happens. Proper insurance coverage is a practical and essential step for anyone moving home, and it can save you a lot of stress and hassle in the long run. Don't compromise on the safety of your belongings by skipping this important step.

Use Proper Packing Materials
When preparing for a move, investing in proper packing materials is essential. Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts are all items that can help keep your belongings safe and secure during the journey. It's important to avoid using bags or garbage bags as they are not durable enough to withstand the pressure of transit. One ripped bag could mean the destruction of precious items. By using the appropriate materials, you'll not only ensure the safety of your belongings but also have peace of mind during the moving process. So take your time to stock up on the right packing materials before the big day arrives, and you'll be well on your way to a successful move.

Donate and Sell Items
Before embarking on your move, it's wise to take stock of your belongings and examine what is truly essential for you to keep. By making a concerted effort to donate or sell some of your items, you'll lessen the items you need to move and create an opportunity to earn some extra money or provide for those who don’t have what they need. In addition, this is a prime opportunity to declutter your home and begin anew in your future home. Rather than transporting unnecessary possessions, it's practical to downsize and make your relocation less overwhelming. Put these tips to work and you'll be amazed at how hassle-free your move can be.

Properly Label Boxes
When you're in the midst of packing for a move, it's easy to overlook the importance of labeling your boxes. However, taking the time to properly label each box can save you a lot of time and stress once you get to the unpacking stage. You don't have to get too fancy with your labeling - even something as simple as writing the contents of the box on the outside can be a huge help. If you want to take it a step further, consider using color-coded stickers or markers to indicate which boxes belong in which rooms. No matter what method you choose, make sure you're consistent with your labeling so that everything is easy to find once you start unpacking. 

Make Copies of Important Documents
Making copies of important documents is a practical and essential step to take before anything gets lost or misplaced during a move. Birth certificates, passports, and other vital paperwork are crucial to have on hand, so having extra copies can save you time, stress, and hassle. Imagine arriving at your new home and realizing one of these documents is nowhere to be found – it could potentially jeopardize your future plans and cause unnecessary headaches. By taking the initiative to make copies of important documents, you are ensuring the smoothest transition possible and establishing peace of mind.

Hire a Professional Moving Company
If you're looking for a way to ease the burden of getting everything you own from one place to another, hiring a professional moving company is an excellent option. Professional movers have the experience and know-how necessary to handle every aspect of your move, from packing your belongings to ensuring they're transported safely to your new home. By working with a professional moving company, you can reduce the stress and hassle of your move, giving you time to focus on settling into your new home. So, if you have the budget, consider hiring a professional moving company for your next relocation. You'll be glad you did.

Pack a "Moving Day" Essentials Bag
With boxes and chaos everywhere, things can easily become disorganized. You don't want to end up in a situation where you don't know where your essential items are. That's why packing an "essentials bag" is crucial. It's important to think about what you require every day, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and necessary medication. Additionally, ensure that you have important documents and a phone charger in your essentials bag. This way, you can easily access everything you need without having to rummage around in boxes. With this simple but practical tip, you'll have one less thing to worry about on the big day.

Moving doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By taking the time to plan ahead, utilize proper materials and services, and stay organized throughout the process, you can make your move easier and smoother. With these known and little-known fixes, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that may come your way during a relocation.

Read more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

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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