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The best paint colors to sell your house quickly in 2025

Preparing your home to sell quickly includes updating your spaces with paint colors that will appeal to most buyers. While gray walls have been around for almost a decade, the tide is turning toward warm neutrals like soft white, cream, and even beige. Are you putting your home on the market soon or are you just ready for a color change? Here are our favorite and hard-working paint colors. sea pearl Don't leave all the gray paint colors behind just yet! It's the cool gray paint colors that seriously worry buyers, not the more balanced, warmer grays like Benjamin Moore Seapearl. white ballet Beige colors are still in fashion and are especially practical for updating homes with more dated fixtures. Benjamin Moore's Ballet White is a neutral pale beige. Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray is a classic warm gray that will never go out of style. white oyster Image via: willow houses Sherwin Williams Oyster White is a fantastic color to use indoors and outdoors. This color is a shade darker than off-white, which warms the outside nicely and provides a clean, welcoming backdrop inside. White Dove by Benjamin Moore White walls have been around for a couple of years, but instead of a stark white that can instantly cool you down, opt for a soft off-white like White Dove. White Dove also works great with many of the popular quartz shades and would look great on cabinets. pale oak Once an overlooked color now coming to the fore as homeowners tire of cold gray walls, Pale Oak is a warm middle ground. Warmer than gray but cooler than beige, Pale Oak is actually a taupe color that works great to soften a space. Manchester tan Many of us have kitchens that were built during the brown trend, leaving us stumped on how to update them without going over budget. Enter Manchester Tan. Technically speaking, Manchester Tan is a beige that has very neutral undertones and pairs very well with many of the dark brown granites still found in kitchens today. Healthy Navy Give your home office a dramatic facelift when you opt for an ultra-saturated shade like Hale Navy. With more homeowners looking for a dedicated workspace, give your home office a little extra love by refreshing the space with a bold hue. Hale Navy is a very deep navy blue with charcoal undertones, making it the perfect paint color for an office. tate olive Green is in fashion this year and adorns offices, kitchens and even outdoors. We like Benjamin Moore's Tate Olive for its nice muted green midway through. Keep reading: Paint color trends for 2025. ________________________________ Allen Tate is the largest real estate company in the Carolinas with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner at Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest private real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow services offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff. in 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com. Visited 3,763 times, 158 visits today

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Why this winter is the best time to sell

Real Estate / DSKM

Why this winter is the best time to sell Are you thinking about selling your house? History shows that winter may be your sweet spot. With serious buyers still looking and generally fewer homes for sale than other times of the year, your home could really stand out. If you would like to list your home and take advantage of these benefits, let's connect to explore your options today. Don't forget to check out our latest market reports! I'm Joe Peters, a real estate agent with over twenty years of experience at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. I work with people who want to buy or sell a home (or both) in Hunterdon or Somerset County, New Jersey. Clients rely on me for detailed market and neighborhood information and smooth real estate transactions. My access to big data through Coldwell Banker, plus current technology and marketing skills, give clients a unique advantage.

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Creating solid designs with natural stone

Real Estate / DSKM

Natural stone transcends temporary trends to offer timeless elegance and durability in interior design. YesStrong, impressive and timeless interiors come from the materials you include in your design. Although there is an endless selection of fashion options available, incorporating nature through the use of natural stone can help you keep your design timeless and attractive, regardless of how trends change. Due to its longevity, natural stone is a cost-effective material and a big selling point. Whether you use it in your investment properties, new construction or renovations, natural stone creates beautiful interiors that will captivate all your potential clients. Gone are the days when natural stone was only used in fireplaces. Today, natural stone is used in virtually every aspect of design. From shower walls to kitchen backsplashes, interior flooring and even accent walls, natural stone makes a strong statement. Try using natural stone as an accent wall on the bed wall in the master bedroom, or add it to the kitchen backsplash for a more rustic/ranch feel. Adding it to the bar wall is a very popular application because it protects the wall from people kicking and smearing the paint while sitting at the bar. For a quick fireplace makeover, try using stone stringer sheets to give any fireplace a quick facelift with a more modern look. The stone-human connection Stonework has been linked to humans since the time of prehistoric people who lived in caves. Its telluric character is understood as our connection with the land. From the Egyptian pyramids to Greek temples and other ancient stone monuments around the world, there is no denying that humans have an unspoken connection with natural stone. Because of this connection, using natural stone indoors connects the earth to humans, creating intrigue and adding familiarity. Timelessness and beauty Trendy materials on the market may cost less than natural stone, but they can quickly start to look old and dated. Natural stone, however, will maintain its value longer, if not forever, because it adds timeless beauty to any design. Since no natural stone is the same, it adds interest and elegance. Gives any design a bold, personalized feel, adding sophistication to the home. In a competitive real estate market, a high-quality material like natural stone can set your property apart from others. Variations Natural stone comes in all shapes and sizes. Examples include travertine, sandstone, bluestone, limestone, onyx, and basalt. The color also varies greatly from one stone to another, which increases its beauty, but you will have to pay special attention when selecting each piece. Natural stone slabs, such as marble or granite, should be placed side by side during selection to ensure colors match. When using natural stone in a fireplace design, you may need to hand-select each stone one at a time to ensure the masonry looks cohesive and to control color selection. It is also important to be aware of the condition of each stone. Because natural stone is extracted from the earth by forceful measures, some stones may be damaged. Durability The durability of natural stone should be one of its strong points when incorporating it into your next design. Natural stone is easy to maintain and most can be cleaned quickly with just a damp cloth or sponge. Although natural stones are usually stain resistant, please confirm this before purchasing. Stones like marble are more porous and will stain over time. Sealers are available to protect natural stone from stains and highlight the rich vibrant color and natural beauty of the stone. Cleaning the stone with water will help you decide if the stone will give you a better color with a more wet appearance before applying a permanent sealer. Environmentally friendly Being an environmentally friendly material, natural stone can even help control allergies by reducing allergens in the air. Being a natural material, natural stone is non-toxic and biodegradable. Natural stone will even recycle heat from the sun, helping to reduce energy costs depending on how much stone you use in the home and whether it is located in an area that receives morning or afternoon sun. Application Considerations Selecting and working with natural stone can be difficult if certain steps are not followed during the design process. You must carefully consider how the stone will be assembled and applied, again because its characteristics will vary thanks to Mother Nature. Meticulously placing each piece of stone before placing it in the mortar ensures that your design will be to your liking before it is permanently set. Doing this advanced work will not only allow you to see what the shape will look like, but also work with the color variations of each stone. For example, natural stone from a quarry in the Rocky Mountains of Montana comes in different shades of gray, rust, and brown. These full size stone veneers are a great example of how many color variations natural stone can have within a project. Taking the extra step to lay out the design stone by stone beforehand prevents the project from becoming too gray or brown in one place, which would detract from the beauty of the design. Obtaining and selecting your stone Finding natural stone today has become much easier. Almost any landscape garden will have a good selection of stones to choose from. Large hardware stores now offer a significant selection of natural stone, due to its popularity in the design world. However, before you go shopping, find out which stone is best suited for your project. As with any material used in design, certain natural stones define certain design styles. For example, a travertine stone is best suited for a Tuscan style design, and limestone will always make a great statement in a ranch style home design. These basic design concepts apply whether you use natural stone inside or outside the home. A solid choice Incorporating natural stone into home design offers both aesthetic and practical benefits, making it a timeless choice for homeowners. Its durability ensures longevity and

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Investors are not buying all the houses

Real Estate / DSKM

Investors are not buying all the houses There is a misconception that big investors, like Wall Street, are buying up all the homes. But it’s simply not true. The data shows that the proportion of homes bought by investors is actually declining. And most of them are not even big investors, they are people like their neighbors who own second homes. So don’t believe everything you hear about the real estate market. come on connect to explore your options today.

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The Best Vacation Activities in North and South Carolina

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on November 22, 2024 Get into the Christmas spirit when you attend some of the best and brightest events in North and South Carolina! Charlotte Vacation Activities Winter Festival at Carowinds – winter festival is the most immersive holiday event in the area. November 15 – January 4. Details Holiday Lights at Charlotte Motor Speedway – See over 5 million lights over 4 miles at this incredible display! November 22 – January 5. Details Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field – One of Charlotte's newest events allows visitors to snowboard, ice skate, and see the field lit up. November 27 – January 3. Details Ballantyne's Backyard Holiday Lights Spectacular: Witness over 1 million lights along a half-mile walking trail, plus a nightly visit from Santa! From December 5 to 29. Details Gingerbread Lane at The Ballantyne Hotel – A classic family tradition, see gingerbread houses for all ages. From December 15 to 28. Details Christmastown USA in McAdenville – One of the top attractions in North Carolina, McAdenville is Christmastown, USA, where you can see countless houses decorated for the holidays! From December 2 to 26. Details Kannapolis Celebration of Lights: See the holiday lights and the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra. November 16 – December 30. Details Holidays at the Garden at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden – A beautiful light walking tour through the gardens. November 29 – December 29. Details Pirate Christmas Lights at High Seas Mini Golf – Miniature golf and lights – what could be better? November 22 – January 19. Details Camp North End Mistletoe Market – Shop on 76 acres, get creative with art activities and ice skating, and enjoy live musical performances every Saturday from December 7-21. Details Go ice skating carowinds, Birkdale Village, Whitewater centerand Far North Camp! Please check each website for opening dates and times. Lake Norman Christmas Lighted Boat Parade – See boats beautifully decorated with Christmas lights at multiple viewing points around Lake Norman on December 21 at 5:30 p.m. Details Western North Carolina Holiday Events Christmas at Biltmore: See America's largest house, all beautifully lit for the holidays. November 2 – January 5. Details Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum – Known as Asheville's Brightest Christmas Tradition! November 15 – December 31. Details Canton Ice Rink – Head to Sorrells Street Park for some winter fun at “The Rink” in Canton. It opens December 1, just in time for the festivities at Sorrells Street Park. Details Waynesville “One Night Before Christmas” Street Fair: A winter wonderland with hundreds of luminaries lining brick sidewalks, twinkling baubles on trees and downtown store windows, plus live music and caroling. The event is usually held in mid-December. Details Downtown Waynesville Christmas Parade – This year's theme is Haywood's strong mountain traditions, where prizes will be awarded to the top three floats in the parade! December 2 at 6 pm Details Christmas in Saluda's Hometown: Saluda's local businesses are the heart of this event. Experience the warmth of the holiday season with activities designed to delight all ages! December 13. Details Light up the night in Brevard – experience twinkling lights, illuminated snowflakes, and beautifully decorated storefronts. December 7 From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Details Holiday activities in the Highlands Ice Skating – Ice skating in the town of Highlands is an unbeatable Christmas tradition! Open for the season on November 21st. Details Snow Tubing: Highlands Outpost is open for snow tubing until the end of the season! Details Home for the Holidays – Celebrate the most magical time of the year at Highlands PAC with their annual Christmas extravaganza. From December 6 to 21. Details Cashiers 50th Annual Peppermint Stick Parade – a beloved tradition for fifty years! Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m. Details Boone/Blowing Rock Holiday Events Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort – Tour the Chetola Resort while it's all decked out for Christmas! November 29 – January 25. Details Choose and cut your own Christmas tree! There are many farms to choose from. Appalachian Evergreens Inc is now open for the season on select dates from November 16th to December 8th. Details (link to AT blog post once published) Boone Holiday Parade – See marching shows, decorated floats, Christmas costumes, and see Santa himself. December 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Details Blowing Rock Christmas Walk – See all the shops decorated for Christmas and enjoy snacks along the way. December 13. Details Christmas in the Park and City Lighting: Watch Blowing Rock light up and enjoy hot chocolate, caroling, and visits with Santa. November 29 from 12:00 to 18:30. Details Tweetsie Christmas – Christmas activities for the whole family, including a 20-minute outdoor evening train ride. November 29 at 5 pm – December 30 at 9 pm Details Chetola Festival of Lights: Enjoy thousands of dazzling illuminations throughout the resort. November 29 at 5 pm – January 26 at 9 pm Details Blowing Rock Christmas Parade: November 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Details Christmas activities in triad Nutcracker Ballet: See the holiday tradition at the Tanger Center in Greensboro. From December 6 to 8. Details Winter Wonderlights – Experience the wonders at the Greensboro Science Center. Open now until December 31. Details Tanglewood Festival of Lights: Tanglewood Park is transformed into a sparkling Winter Wonderland with over a million twinkling lights. November 17 to January 1 Details Downtown Greensboro Christmas Parade – Be a part of this treasured Christmas tradition! December 7th. Details. Downtown in December: A variety of holiday events held downtown in the month of December and some continuing into January. Details Winterfest – This event will feature numerous vendors, bounce houses, game trucks, Santa Claus, and of course, the amusements of City Lake Park. December 14 Details Triangle Festive Events Annual Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting: Nov. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Details Winter Wonderland in Park West Village: Kids can enjoy storytime with Santa, train rides, face painting, crafts and a screening of The Polar

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Prices will rise 4.4%

Real Estate / DSKM

Imagine the hustle and bustle of a busy city where people are always on the go, especially when it comes to buying homes. Goldman Sachs predicts home prices will rise more than 4% in 2024 and 2025a projection that many are following closely as the real estate market continues to show signs of life. With factors such as changes in interest rates and the fluctuating job market at play, this forecast raises many questions about what it means for home buyers, homeowners and those looking to invest in property. Real estate market forecast for next year: prices will rise by 4.4% Key takeaways: House prices in the US they are expected to increase 4.5% in 2024 and 4.4% in 2025. Lower interest rates due to Federal Reserve Stocks are driving this rise. He housing supply remains limited, contributing to continued price appreciation. Recent mortgage rate decreases have not yet led to a significant increase in applications. different United States regions are experiencing varying levels of price growth, with the Midwest and Northeast showing the strongest increases. US Real Estate Market Outlook 🏠 House prices is expected to increase 4.5% in 2024 4.4% in 2025 📉 Interest rates Lower rates due to Federal Reserve behavior 📦 Housing offer remains limited contributing to price appreciation 📝 Mortgage applications No significant increase despite the recent the rate decreases 🗺️ Regional variations Midwest and Northeast demonstration stronger increases The real estate market has always been influenced by a multitude of factors, and recent analysis from Goldman Sachs sheds light on what the future could hold. Goldman Sachs analysts They have increased the price of their home appreciation forecasts based on several vital factors, stating that the economy remains strong and interest rates are expected to decline. But what does this mean for the average person? Let's delve into this important topic. Current trends in home prices The market has experienced significant fluctuations as a result of economic conditions and global events. At the start of the pandemic, many feared a drop in property values. Contrary to what was expected, the opposite happened. As many people turned to homeownership during the lockdowns, demand for housing increased. This caused an unprecedented rise in prices, which peaked around 20% annually. Recently, annual house price growth has stabilized around 5.5%hinting that demand is far from satisfied, especially with a demographic increase of potential buyers looking for homes in the age group of 30 to 39 years who are forming families. Interestingly, the cost of mortgages has seen a substantial decline, from a peak above 7.8% in October 2023 unless 6.5% recently. This decline in mortgage rates paves the way for more affordable home buying opportunities, allowing more potential homeowners the opportunity to enter the market despite historic affordability challenges. Factors driving house price growth A key factor driving the rise in home prices as forecast by Goldman Sachs is the forecast interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. As the labor market shows signs of easing, economists predict that the Federal Reserve will implement multiple rate cuts in the near future. Lower rates mean lower borrowing costs, which in turn makes homes more affordable for buyers even as prices continue to rise. Interestingly, the phrase “bad news is probably good news” reflects the current sentiment in the market. Analysts suggest that concerns about economic downturns may lead to interest cuts that ultimately benefit homebuyers. As employment concerns continue to circulate, it appears that home prices are resilient, and low permanent layoff rates support a stable labor market. The affordability conundrum While home prices are rising, the issue of affordability It is still a hot topic. Current affordability levels are said to be the worst since the beginning of 1980s. The anxiety surrounding rising prices has led many to wonder if potential buyers will be priced out of the market entirely. In the past, affordability issues were often resolved by sudden drops in home prices. However, Goldman Sachs believes that the current scenario may lead to a more gradual return to normalized levels of affordability. With mortgage rates expected to continue to decline and real disposable incomes to grow modestly, there may still be hope for buyers looking to enter the market. Regional variations in house prices Projected growth in home values is not uniform across the United States. According to Goldman Sachs, some regions are experiencing much healthier appreciation rates than others. He MidwestOften recognized as the most affordable part of the country, it is seeing notable price increases, particularly in cities like cleveland and chicago. He Northeastwith centers like New York and BostonIt has also shown strong growth in house prices. On the contrary, in Californiamarkets like san diego are thriving, despite historic concerns about affordability challenges. Meanwhile, the Southeastespecially Floridahas shown a drop in affordability that challenges its previous status as a budget destination. The future of home prices and the economy Looking ahead, Goldman Sachs has expressed optimism about the housing market and expects it to remain buoyant with 4.5% growth in 2024 and 4.4% in 2025. There are a couple of factors contributing to this positive outlook. First, the anticipated interest rate cuts It seems likely to encourage buyer activity when it comes to mortgages. Analysts predict that reductions in borrowing costs will help buyers who have been on the fence for quite some time. Second, while affordability issues persist, revenue growth It is expected to remain positive, providing more purchasing power to buyers. The challenge remains to see whether these factors will create a balance, stabilizing the market without resulting in a drastic drop in house prices. Consumer sentiment and market anticipations Despite notable changes in mortgage rates, the market has yet to see an increase in mortgage applications. This stagnation could be due to a combination of seasonal predictability and buyers' hesitancy to jump into a fluctuating market. As families begin to settle into a routine with school-aged children, it is common for many to decide not to move during this

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The latest trends in home renovations

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on November 15, 2024 The home renovation trend continues as homeowners look to improve their living spaces, add square footage, and remodel dated spaces in their homes. Recently, home renovation spending has skyrocketed to new heights: The median spend was $24,000, up from just $15,000 in 2020. Are you planning a renovation project soon? This is what's trendy: Kitchens and bathrooms account for the majority of expenses According to a recent HOUZZ study, 29% of homeowners who were renovating said they intended to remodel their kitchen in the next year, 27% said they planned to remodel their guest bathroom, and 25% intended to remodel your master bathroom. The average spend on kitchen renovations is now $24,000 and $15,000 on bathrooms. Main trends in kitchen renovation An island spanning at least 7 feet. White still dominates cabinet color choices, but the color is making waves, with blue cabinets being chosen 25% of the time and green cabinets 4% of the time. Warm wood tones are making a comeback, with 24% of homeowners opting for wood cabinets. High-tech appliances are gaining popularity, with 34% of homeowners replacing outdated appliances with smart ones. Ceramic tile remains a timeless choice for backsplash, and the vast majority of homeowners choose this option, followed by a smaller number of those who choose to carry countertop material to the backsplash. The best trends in bathroom renovation 64% of those who renovate their bathroom do so with aging in place in mind. The growing trend of adding wet rooms to bathrooms continues. A wet room encompasses the bathtub and shower behind a glass partition. The color white dominates all categories of the bathroom except the vanity, where wood is the main option. Freestanding bathtubs are still king, but built-in bathtubs are making a comeback: 39% of renovators opt for this style. Tiles are by far the most popular material for shower walls and floors. Outdoor improvements Homeowners continue to invest in their curb appeal as more and more choose to spend money on outdoor spaces and improve the aesthetics of their home's exterior. These are the top trends in outdoor improvements: Decks continue to be the biggest spenders in outdoor upgrades, with 44% of homeowners renovating their outdoor space opting to install a deck, followed by 23% who add a porch and 20% who add a porch structure. shade. Outdoor kitchens continue to be popular as homeowners look to expand their outdoor living space. 77% of homeowners who undergo an exterior improvement project invest in serious landscaping, while 78% improve or add exterior lighting. You may also be interested in: Paint Color Trends for 2025 Are Here! ___________________ Allen Tate is the largest real estate company in the Carolinas with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner at Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest private real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow services offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff. in 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com. Visited 983 times, 83 visit(s) today

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The big difference between the net worth of the tenant and the owner

Real Estate / DSKM

The big difference between the net worth of the tenant and the owner Did you know that the net worth of a typical homeowner is approximately 40 times that of a renter? This is because home ownership is the number one way to build wealth in this country. When you own a home, your net worth increases as you pay off your mortgage and the value of your home increases. Want to learn more about this great financial benefit or programs that could help you become a homeowner?

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Is it a good time to sell a house or should I wait until 2025?

Real Estate / DSKM

Are you wondering if now is the right time to sell your home or if you should wait until 2025? Overall, it’s a good time to sell a home in late 2024, especially if you’re in a seller’s market, but the market is showing signs of slowing, which may continue into 2025. However, the ideal time to sell varies depending on numerous factors, including local market conditions, personal circumstances, and predictions for the future of the real estate market. Let’s dive into the details to help you make the best decision for your specific situation. Is it a good time to sell a house or should I wait until 2025? Understand the typical best time to sell a home in the US. In the United States, conventional wisdom has long been that the spring and early summer months (roughly March through June) are the optimal time to sell a house. There are a few reasons for this: Increased buyer activity: Historically, the spring season sees an influx of buyers eager to move before the school year begins or enjoy the warm weather. This increased demand can translate into more potential offers and faster sales. Pleasant climate: Spring and early summer typically offer favorable weather conditions, making it easier for buyers to tour homes and participate in open houses. School Year Transition: Families often want to complete their moves before the new school year begins, leading to an increase in buying and selling activity. However, these traditional trends have been somewhat altered in recent years. The real estate market has experienced a lot of volatility, influenced by economic conditions, interest rates and inventory levels. While spring and early summer can still be advantageous, it is not always a guaranteed formula for success. Current real estate market conditions (end of 2024) Source: Fannie Mae The real estate market at the end of 2024 shows some signs of cooling after a period of intense activity. While we have seen a significant improvement in housing sentiment over the past two years, according to Fannie Mae, there are some factors to consider: Consumer confidence: The Fannie Mae Home Buying Sentiment Index (HPSI) has increased, indicating that consumers are feeling a little better about the housing market. But the percentage of consumers who think it’s a good time to buy a home remains relatively low (to 20% in October 2024). Good time to sell: While there is a higher proportion of consumers who believe it is a good time to sell compared to those who believe it is a good time to buy, the proportion of sellers actually decreased slightly to 64% in October 2024 from the month former. This indicates some weakening in the sellers’ market. Mortgage rates: While mortgage rates have seen some fluctuation, they have been a major concern for potential buyers. In the first half of October 2024, consumers were slightly more optimistic about mortgage rate reductions, but a subsequent increase in rates may have impacted that sentiment. Home Price Expectations: Consumers still anticipate home prices to rise over the next 12 months. However, the net share of those anticipating price increases has increased only slightly, indicating that the rapid rise of recent years may be stabilizing. Rental Preference: A direct result of the high home prices of recent years is a growing preference for renting, especially in the context of consumers’ future housing decisions. With rental growth expected to be modest in 2025, more attractive deals may be found in the rental market. Factors to consider before selling your home in late 2024 Before making a decision about selling your home in late 2024, it is wise to consider these important factors: Local Market Conditions: Your local market will have a big impact on your ability to sell your home quickly and for a good price. If you live in a competitive market with high demand and low inventory, you may be in a more advantageous position compared to a market with a surplus of homes for sale. Talk to a real estate agent in your area to get a more accurate picture of your local market trends. Inventory levels: If your area has a greater number of homes currently for sale, you may experience more competition and a longer time on the market. On the other hand, if there is little inventory, you will probably have more bargaining power. Your personal circumstances: Your own individual situation should always be a primary consideration in any housing decision. Are you moving for work, need to downsize, or just looking for a change of pace? Interest rates: Fluctuating interest rates have a large effect on buyers’ ability to obtain a mortgage. If rates are going up, you may find a smaller pool of potential buyers and a potential impact on your sales price. In my opinion, if you need to sell, it is still a reasonable time to do so. However, the market is changing, and you may want to keep in mind that prices may not continue to rise as they did in previous years. What about waiting to sell in 2025? Many people are wondering if it would be better to postpone selling their home and wait for market conditions to improve in 2025. It’s a valid question, and here’s what I’ve been thinking and reading about it: Deceleration potential: Experts predict that the housing market could experience a modest slowdown in 2025. This could be due to factors such as higher interest rates, lower buyer demand, and a possible increase in housing inventory. Mortgage Rate Predictions: Experts predict that mortgage rates may continue to be a challenge for buyers in 2025. Economic uncertainty: The overall economic outlook remains a source of uncertainty. A possible recession or economic slowdown can have a substantial impact on the real estate market. Increased inventory: There is a possibility that more homeowners will decide to list their properties for sale in 2025, which could lead to a greater inventory of homes for sale. Should

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The 5 Most Common Improvements Sellers Make Before Listing Their Home

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on November 13, 2024 According to a recent report, nearly 65% of all sellers who recently listed their home for sale did at least two projects to help present their home in the best light possible before selling it. While not all projects generate a significant return when sold, there are several projects that make financial sense and virtually pay for themselves at the closing table. Before revealing the list of the best projects to tackle before selling, it is imperative that you understand that this is a general list, compiled using national data. After reading this list, your next order of business should be to find an experienced real estate agent in your area who can talk to you about the exact elements you should consider improving to maximize the sale of your home. Now that you understand that caveat, here are the most common improvements sellers make before putting their home on the market. fresh paint If you're selling your home in the future, you can bet there will be paint cans involved. Buyers are looking for a fresh, neutral canvas to imagine their new life in their home. The best thing to do is to repaint all the walls with pale neutral paint colors. Cool gray paint colors were trending years ago, but today's buyers crave warmer spaces. Stick to warmer neutrals like Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan, Edgecomb Gray or Classic Grey. If it's been a while since you touched up the trim or it looks dirty, it's also a good idea to repaint it to keep it looking clean and crisp. While you're at it, you may have to show your exterior some love with a more modern paint color. Curb appeal improvements are especially important when selling, so if your home needs a new or updated coat of paint, don't overlook this investment. If your exterior has seen better days and even the most current color can't fix it, it might be time to replace your siding. The latest Cost vs. Value lists this investment as a great value, and owners can expect to recover between 88 and 94% of their costs. Curb Appeal Improvements The goal with the right curb appeal is to welcome buyers into your home. It's mentally difficult for buyers to get over a bad first impression, and for that reason, exterior and curb appeal improvements are often at the top of sellers' to-do lists. These are the best improvements that can be made based on return on investment: Liner replacement Garage door replacement Paint your front door Entry door replacement (steel) In addition to these big-ticket items, in a recent survey by Zillow, investing in landscaping topped most sellers' lists. Ranging in cost from $500 to $3000, if you're willing to put in some effort here, you can save a lot of time. How about a new roof? How does that compare in terms of ROI? Unfortunately, replacing a roof at the end of its useful life is not something that will necessarily increase the value of your home, as it is something that buyers expect to be in good condition. Keep in mind that a roof that needs a lot of care and attention will be flagged on an inspection report and may give buyers cause for concern. New lighting Now here's a task you can easily accomplish in a weekend: contemplate the power of proper lighting! About a third of sellers seriously upgrade the lighting in their home before listing. What's more, a recent report showed that upgrading lights to LED lighting is associated with a 1.5% sales premium. While we're talking about lighting, don't underestimate the power of lamps! Lamps create a cozy atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated with overhead lighting. If you're missing a good number of lamps in each living space (ideally at least 3, but the more the better), it's time to turn to Home Goods or Target to invest in some ambiance. Bathroom Updates Many sellers think they have to clean out outdated bathrooms before putting their home on the market, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Minor bathroom updates are where sellers see the biggest return on their investment. Things like replacing outdated lighting fixtures, adding framed mirrors, replacing worn knobs and plumbing fixtures, and refinishing a worn bathtub are worthwhile investments. Minor updates in kitchen. Spending money to invest in the appearance of your kitchen just got easier, as the Cost Vs. Most recent value indicates that a minor kitchen remodel typically returns over 96% when it comes time to sell. With an average cost of $26,000, a minor kitchen remodel includes: New shaker-style door and drawer fronts New hardware new appliances New sink/faucet RVP floors New countertops/backsplash As with all major investments you make before selling, it's best to talk to your real estate agent before starting any large-scale project. Look for a real estate agent with local experience; You want an expert with knowledge of your local area who knows what projects are worth doing based on the price of your home. If you are seriously considering selling your home soon, we recommend a physical exam! Whether you're planning to sell soon or stay in your home for years to come, a home physical exam can help you save money in the long run by helping you make smart decisions when remodeling or repairing your home as it ages. If you are ready to receive a complete “checkup” on your home, the real estate experts at Allen Tate are here to help. Fill this form To start today! ________________________ Allen Tate is the largest real estate company in the Carolinas with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner at Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest private real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow services offices

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