Real Estate

Best Places for Christmas Shopping in Brevard North Carolina Best Places for Christmas Shopping in Brevard, North Carolina

Best Places for Christmas Shopping in Brevard, North Carolina

Last updated on December 5, 2024 Even small towns can offer some of the best charms that Western North Carolina has to offer. Ask the 7,800 residents of Brevard, the county seat of Transylvania. The city has distinguished itself as an epicenter of outdoor adventures, education, art and music. And those eclectic features make it a great place to #ShopLocal during the holidays. If you still need gifts for all members of the family, there are few places more varied and of better quality than these. Here's our guide to the best Christmas shopping in Brevard, North Carolina. Do you like to buy gifts or make them? Brevard Clay offers the unique combination of a professional art gallery and an interactive art experience! Discover a curated collection of functional, affordable ceramics and other local crafts from nearly a dozen local artists. Or make something beautiful to give to a loved one. Brevard Clay is also a great place to take a group of friends or family of all ages for a creative gathering. They offer “paint your own pottery” options or more intensive “clay experiences.” 84 E Main Street, Brevard | (828) 884-2529 | brevardclay.com We love to support women-owned businessesand Brevard Hemp is one of our favorites. If you are new to the world of CBD products, there is no reason to be nervous. Brevard Hemp sells all quality CBD products made in the USA. All farms, suppliers and producers represented have been carefully vetted to bring you the purest and most effective products available on the market. Look for different symptoms and conditions for everyone on your list, even pets! 19 N Caldwell Street, Brevard | (828) 884-8420 | brevardhemp.com Located in the center of town, Broad Street Wines combines a great selection of wine and beer with friendly, knowledgeable service, all in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Find carefully selected, high-quality products at a great price, as well as individualized service that will exceed your expectations. From award-winning, small-production wines to unique brewery favorites and quality cigars, you'll find something for every taste and budget. 30 S Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 883-2101 | broadstreetwines.com DD Bullwinkel loves the outdoors, just like you. As Brevard's premier outdoor retailer, they are committed to providing the best items and supplies the outdoor industry has to offer. You will find affordable clothing, footwear and equipment, rich in quality and design. And you'll meet trained staff who will help you find it, tell you all about it, and teach you how to use it. DD Bullwinkel's is locally owned and independent. 60 E Main Street, Brevard | (828) 862-4700 | ddbullwinkels.com In 1995, Ed and Sally Wright founded Diamond Rush Jewelers. Over the years, the business has remained anchored in strong family and faith ties and values. In fact, they treat you like family from the moment you walk into one of their stores. Diamond Rush offers a full range of services, ranging from jewelry repair and design to re-stringing, watch repair and custom orders. Not sure what you want? They have a Gift Ideas section on their website! 24 S Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 883-4312 | diamondrushjewelers.com Your furballs deserve a happy holiday too! The Grateful Dog was created in 2014 to help animals and their owners. Their goal is to provide only the best in nutrition to the animals of Transylvania County. The company supports local rescues and shelters, and actively works with them to place homeless animals in loving forever homes. They are a great place to get foods, treats, and supplements that your dog or cat will love. 29 W French Broad Street, Suite 105, Brevard | (828) 883-4383 | gratefuldognc.com Shop great gifts and give back at Gravy. This retail craft market features more than 70 merchants, many of them local artists. Whether you're looking for art and jewelry, antiques, children's gifts, home goods, accessories, fresh plants, local jams and honey, or more, they have what you need. And you can feel doubly good about all your purchases. 100% of the proceeds from items donated by the community at their flea market booth benefit the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County! 17 W Main Street, Brevard | (828) 862-4900 | facebook.com/Gravy The headers of the French wide riverone of the oldest rivers in the world, are located near Brevard. Just a few miles west of town, the expert guides at Headwaters Outfitters help residents and visitors alike take advantage of all the river has to offer. Their family outings are designed to get everyone out on the water, whether you like fly fishing, paddling, or tubing. Book a trip for next spring or shop for his and her socks, clothes, and gear. 25 Parkway Road, Rosman | (828) 877-3106 | headwatersoutfitters.com Highland Books has been providing an independent bookstore experience to Brevard readers since 1975. Find new books, classic books, big books, little books, and books we all know and love. Highland also sells Fair Trade gift items and has the best selection of cards in town. Ask about their staff picks or play it safe and get a gift card for the reader in your life. Don't see the titles you're looking for? Call the store directly or, better yet, visit us! 36 W Main Street, Brevard | (828) 884-2424 | highlandbooksonline.com Magnolia Vintage Co.: if you are buying for vintage lovers Reduce, reuse and rewear vintage clothing! Magnolia Vintage Co. makes it easy for you to do just that. Owner Mary Bradford has lovingly curated some of the best vintage clothing out there. Whether you're looking for jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, or Western-inspired clothing, you're sure to find some treasures in your size. 67 E Main Street, Brevard | magnoliavintageco.com Main Street Ltd – If you are buying campers Located in the heart of Brevard, Main Street Ltd is a must-visit store offering eclectic gifts, unique decor, and your favorite brands. Visit us and discover a great selection of women's clothing,

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Why this winter is the best time to sell Why this winter is the best time to sell

Why this winter is the best time to sell

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 Creating solid designs with natural stone

Creating solid designs with natural stone

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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7 Fun and Festive Christmas Decoration and Food Ideas You 7 Fun and Festive Christmas Decoration and Food Ideas You Should Try

7 Fun and Festive Christmas Decoration and Food Ideas You Should Try

Last updated on December 5, 2024 In today's post, we've rounded up 7 fun Christmas-themed food and decor ideas that will make your holiday even more merry. It's time to get crafty or start cooking! paper bag stars This incredibly affordable DIY is a real showstopper. This craft requires scissors, paper bags, and a glue gun. Easily transform your space into a winter wonderland with this fun craft. salted caramel If you have 30 minutes, you have a delicious dessert to feed a crowd. If you've spaced out your neighbors' gifts, this one is also great to whip up in no time and run over. You will find the recipe here. make real eggnog Those who are firmly in the “never again eggnog” camp will probably change their minds after taking a sip of this festive drink. The recipe linked in the previous post is made with spirits; here is a great non-alcoholic eggnog recipe. orange garland Do you want to take your garland, centerpiece or table decoration to the next level? Nothing enhances a Christmas arrangement more than dried oranges. Instructions: You will need 4 to 5 large oranges, maybe less depending on how long you want your garland to last. Cut the oranges into thin slices and place them on a baking sheet. Cook at 170 for 4-6 hours until dry. (Oranges should continue drying overnight) Poke holes in the dried oranges and string them with twine, fishing line, or thin ribbon. Christmas landscape Trader Joes or another local grocery store with lots of flowers is a great destination to purchase all the essentials for this totally royal tablescape. Look for eucalyptus, persimmons, artichokes, blueberries, and pomegranates to complete this pretty centerpiece. Make Christmas-themed ice cubes Even your ice cubes can spread Christmas cheer when you make them with Christmas themes! Most recipes Use plain old ice cube trays, but we think this idea would look beautiful with spherical ice mold trays. Use oranges, rosemary, pomegranate, or even cranberries to add a whimsical touch to your drinks this December. Try These Festive Cloth Napkin Folding Techniques Speaking of ideas for table decorations, don't forget to decorate your napkins. Follow the DIY tutorial above to fold your napkin like a Christmas tree or try one of these others. creative napkin folds to decorate your table. Looking for ways to entertain out-of-town guests? Try our giant list of holiday events in the Carolinas. ___________________ 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 513 times, 10 visit(s) today

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Three Simple Criteria to Qualify for a Capital Gains Three Simple Criteria to Qualify for a Capital Gains Tax Exemption

Three Simple Criteria to Qualify for a Capital Gains Tax Exemption

Learn how to exclude capital gains taxes on the sale of your home and save money. Are you thinking about selling your home and wondering how to pay taxes after the sale of your home? Many sellers are missing out on potential savings because they don’t know they can apply for an IRS exemption. First, what is capital gains tax? This tax applies to the profits you make when selling your home. Simply put, your profit is the difference between what you paid for your home and the price you sold it for. The good news is that you can subtract certain costs from your profits. This includes all the renovations and improvements you made to the home over time, including the cost of preparing your home to sell, such as closing costs. This total is called the cost basis. “You don’t necessarily have to pay capital gains taxes when you sell your home.” But I have even better news. The IRS offers an exemption that allows most owners to exclude a large portion of their profits from capital gains taxes. If you are single, you can exclude $250,000 of profit; If you are married and filing jointly, you can exclude up to $500,000. To qualify for this exemption, you must meet three criteria: Property. You must have owned the home for at least two years. Wear. It should have been your primary residence for at least two of the last five years before you sold it. Exclusion frequency. You have not used the exclusion in the last two years. If you meet all of these requirements, you may not owe any capital gains tax. However, If your earnings exceed these limits, you could be responsible for paying taxes on the excess amount. It’s a good idea to check with your CPA or accountant to make sure you calculate your cost basis correctly and include everything allowable. I hope this information helps reduce your stress about selling your home. You don’t necessarily have to pay capital gains taxes when you sell your home. Most likely, if you meet the three criteria I mentioned above. It is a common misconception that you should move your profits next door. Instead, you can take a portion of your earnings and invest it in your next home or other things, whether it’s saving it or even planning a trip around the world.

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Investors are not buying all the houses Investors are not buying all the houses

Investors are not buying all the houses

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 The Best Vacation Activities in North and South Carolina

The Best Vacation Activities in North and South Carolina

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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Goldman Sachs expects home prices to rise more than 4 Prices will rise 4.4%

Prices will rise 4.4%

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 The latest trends in home renovations

The latest trends in home renovations

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

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

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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