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he 2020 housing market was plagued by low inventory, rising home prices, and endless bidding wars, making it hard for some would-be homeowners to get their foot in the door. Will 2021 be any different? Or, will it be a good time to buy a house? If you’ve been eyeing a home purchase but have […]

Spending on residential improvements will continue to grow at a healthy pace over the next two years, according to experts speaking at an online press conference hosted by NAHB Remodelers during the 2021 IBSx. Professional remodelers from across the country agreed with the forecast, citing increased demand during COVID-19 and consumer confidence. The remodeling market […]

As we all slog through the past weeks of this pandemic winter, there can be no such thing as too much escapism. The smash success of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” in late December was a clear sign that people needed to trade bleak winterscapes and bad news for lavish, colorful sets and salacious gossip, 19th-century style. If […]

What are the tax benefits of owning a home? Plenty of homeowners are asking themselves this right around now as they prepare to file their taxes. You may recall the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years—went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. The […]

By Sue Bady Two significant developments in the housing market that have emerged recently are increased demand for housing in lower-density areas, i.e. suburbs, and a higher number of existing buildings being converted to apartments. While these trends were already occurring prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve accelerated, according to a recent NAHB webinar. NAHB […]

With six more weeks of winter still ahead (thanks for nothing,Punxsutawney Phil!), what better time to make your living room the cozy haven it’s meant to be? If your great room could use some comfort and warmth, never fear—we’re here, as always, to provide you with much needed decor therapy. We scrolled through what’s trending on […]

By Sue Bady My previous blog post explored two current developments in real estate, i.e., higher demand for housing in the suburbs and a higher percentage of adaptive reuse activity, where existing buildings are renovated as apartments. In this post, three leading American architects call out specific modifications in housing design that buyers are beginning to […]

So many new build homes are, shall we say, lacking “character” in certain areas. Some of the most neglected spaces are the entryways, mudrooms and walk-through pantries that are so common in modern suburban design! This home entryway makeover added character, function and of course a little bit of pretty to a builder basic space! […]

Believe it or not, your hallway doesn’t have to be an eyesore. While it’s a space that’s often overlooked, a few decorating tricks can make it work harder and look more stylish in an instant. When it comes to design choices, the possibilities are endless. You can install wallpaper, go for two tones with paint, arrange […]

The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell four basis points last week to 2.73%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. This is the second week mortgage rates have ticked downwards since Jan. 14’s sudden jump. The 15-year fixed mortgage rate also shifted downward to 2.2 from 2.21 the week prior. With last […]