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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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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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 latest trends in bathroom remodeling.

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on November 8, 2024 In the latest Cost vs. Value, the average mid-range bathroom remodel costs just over $24,000, while a larger-scale remodel costs more than $72,000. Whether you're looking to simply make some cosmetic changes to your current space or tear your current bathroom to the ground, here's what's hot in the world of bathroom design. Seventy-nine percent of homeowners choose to maintain existing space when renovating their bathroom. Those who choose to expand their space do so by removing square footage from a closet or building an addition. More than 55% of all renovated bathrooms are a modest size of less than 100 square feet. As the average price of renovating a bathroom continues to rise, more and more homeowners are deciding to cut costs in an effort to save budget. Interestingly, in previous years, increasing the size of the shower was a major trend, but in 2024, we will see that trend begin to decrease and less people choose to expand the shower space. Wet rooms Wet rooms are gaining popularity year on year, with 13% of homeowners renovating their bathrooms choosing to add this feature. Not only is this a better use of space, but it is also great for residents aging in place, as these wet rooms are curbless entrances. Freestanding bathtubs The oversized garden tubs that graced new construction in the '90s are slowly being retired and replaced with sleek freestanding tubs. Thirty-seven percent of homeowners renovating their bathroom choose these space-saving tub styles, with the majority opting for a flat-bottom acrylic tub. Classic finishes While bold colors like green are trending, white has always been and continues to be the favorite color when it comes to vanities, countertops and tiles. Considering that white finishes have dominated the bathroom design world for decades, designing a bathroom using primarily white finishes will never go out of style. You can inject personality with easily changeable wall colors, greenery, and even artwork. Tile floors Tiles, tiles and more tiles! The vast majority of those who renovate their bathroom opt for tile floors and shower walls. The art of mixing metals in home design is not just for the kitchen, as this idea has slowly made its way to the bathroom as well. With interior designers leading the trend for this eclectic approach, more and more homeowners are opting for a more curated look and looking to achieve this by mixing metals. The key to achieving this look is to keep plumbing fixtures in the same metal family and then have fun with light fixtures, cabinet pulls, and other accessories. Showers without curb As more and more homeowners want to age in place, master bathrooms are being renovated with that in mind. Curbless showers are trendy and exceptionally functional, bridging the gap between accessibility and perfect design. Interested in seeing other trending home design ideas? Verify the latest trends in home improvement ROI. Transitional style is still king With 23% of homeowners choosing this aesthetic, transitional style is the most popular bathroom renovation style, ahead of contemporary (16%), modern (15%), traditional (11%), farmhouse style ( 5%) and eclectic (5%). ). Wooden dressing tables are now the most popular. White aside, wooden vanities are now the most popular choice for those renovating their bathrooms, with 26% opting for this style, followed by white (22%), gray (11%), blue (11%). ) and the whitish. (10%). However, white remains the most popular choice for vanities and shower walls. ________________________ 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 227 times, 3 visit(s) today

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The Smart Investor's Guide to Rental Portfolio Loans

Real Estate / DSKM

Consolidating properties into one portfolio loan can generate savings and simplify your strategy. When exploring financing options for rental properties, real estate investors often weigh the benefits of individual loans versus portfolio loans. Rental portfolio loans allow you to streamline all your rental investments into one neat package by combining your properties into one loan. This consolidation can offer better terms, including lower interest rates and reduced fees, making them advantageous for expansion. By understanding how these loans are structured and priced, you’ll know how to make informed decisions. This means looking not just at the surface numbers, but also considering how the terms of the loan (i.e., prepayment penalties, liquidity requirements, underwriting requirements, and other loan conditions) can affect your long-term profitability. Let’s look at rental portfolio loans and break down the calculations behind them using a real-world example so you can see the benefits. Ethan’s scenario: Individual loans vs. Portfolio loan Consider the following example to understand the math behind rental portfolio loans. Remember, this is an illustration, and your actual terms may vary. Ethan owns 10 rental properties. You are considering a rental portfolio loan to consolidate your investments. Here’s a comparison of your options: Individual loans Processing fee: $999 per property Origination fee: 1.5% or $2,000, whichever is greater Portfolio loan (for a loan of 10 properties) Processing fee: $6,000 (estimated) Origination fee: $1,000 By choosing the portfolio loan, Ethan sees a reduction in upfront fees, making it a more cost-effective option. Savings on interest rates Ethan will benefit significantly from a portfolio loan due to its lower interest rates compared to single asset DSCR rental financing. Even a modest 0.25% reduction could save you more than $10,000 over five years and $20,000 over 10 years, underscoring the significant long-term financial benefits of opting for this type of loan. Detailed financial breakdown For both individual and portfolio loans, Ethan’s loan amount is $1,000,000. However, the portfolio loan offers a lower interest rate (7.25%) than individual loans (7.5%), depending on your individual portfolio, resulting in lower monthly payments and significant savings over time. Additional considerations In addition to interest rate reductions that reduce monthly payments, there are also cost savings from consolidating escrow/title fees, legal fees, appraisals, due diligence and more. Portfolio lending streamlines these costs, offering a more predictable and manageable financial plan. Beyond cost savings, Ethan simplifies his rental property business with just one title policy, escrow, one set of loan documents, and monthly payment for his 10 properties. Looking at the numbers, Ethan realizes that the wallet loan is a no-brainer. Lower fees and significantly reduced interest rates mean more money in your pocket, plus an easier way to manage your expanding portfolio.

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Start selling your home in 2025: The essential things you need to do right now

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on October 17, 2024 The real estate market in 2025 is poised to have more inventory and more buyers than we have seen recently. If you plan to sell your home in the new year, now is the time to move forward by checking off these important to-dos. Request a pre-inspection Costing only $200-500 depending on the size of your home, a prior inspection should be your first stop in terms of preparing your home to sell. Getting ahead of the game and scheduling a pre-inspection well before putting your home on the market has many advantages; On the one hand, you will know the condition of your house in advance and will have the opportunity to make repairs. Doing the pre-inspection process ahead of time will also give you peace of mind and allow your listing to stand out, which will put buyers’ minds at ease. Schedule a physical exam at home If you are thinking about selling in the near future, a physical examination of the home is necessary. During a home physical exam, you will undergo a real estate market analysis, which will give you an estimate of the value of your home and what you can expect to see in the real estate market in your area over the next 6 to 12 months. Your real estate agent will also discuss home repairs and improvements that can increase the value of your home, giving you that extra boost to stand out from the competition. Clean up the mess The process of clearing clutter can be arduous, especially if you have lived in your home for many years. Get a head start by going room by room to clear clutter. While you don’t have to save everything, you should approach your home decor from a minimalist design perspective to get better results with buyers. Did you know that storage space is one of the things buyers worry about most when purchasing a new home? Demonstrate your home’s storage capacity by arranging storage areas to leave at least 1/3 of the space open. Empty spaces in cabinets, closets and storage areas to give the illusion of ample space. Don’t forget about high-trash areas, such as the garage, attic, and bonus room, during this process. While you’re at it, go ahead and start depersonalizing your space. Remember that future buyers will walk through your home trying to imagine what their life would be like in your space—the fewer family photos, the better. Make minor repairs Now is the time to work your way into a contractor’s schedule to address issues you’ve been putting off for a while or issues that were discovered during the pre-inspection. Skilled workers are often in high demand with a long backlog; Don’t be caught out by not having time to fix problems that would otherwise deter buyers. Repaint in neutral colors If the walls of your home are bathed in dark, muddy beige tones from the ’90s, it’s time to refresh your space to attract buyers and make your home look more move-in ready. Replace darker-toned beige walls with fresh beige colors like Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan or Sherwin Williams Neutral Ground. Fresh colors can also update your space, and you can try Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray or Sherwin Williams Oyster White. _____________________ Visited 869 times, 5 visit(s) today

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8 Design Trends Seen in the HGTV Urban Oasis Home

Real Estate / DSKM

Last updated on October 15, 2024 HGTV has done it again: taking a humble home in Kansas City, Missouri, and remodeling it into an urban oasis, ready to be given away to one lucky winner. Taking a cue from Scandinavian modern design influences, interior designer Carmeon Hamilton outfitted this urban beauty with layers of texture, organic elements, and plenty of color. Here are the 8 design trends we saw in this wonderful home. Color, color and more color! HGTV Urban Oasis 2024 in Kansas City, MO Image via: Carmen Hamilton White walls have been trending for several years now, but instead of keeping the entire palette neutral as typically seen in modern Scandinavian designs, designer Carmeon Hamilton opted to infuse each space with tons of color. Bold blues, yellows, rust and many jewel tones are carefully woven throughout the home. Pops of color can also be seen within the home's large collection of vivid works of art. Lots of space to entertain HGTV Urban Oasis 2024 in Kansas City, MO Image via: Carmen Hamilton The trend of wanting space to entertain at home has only increased in recent years, and the Urban Oasis Home has many features conducive to entertaining. From the spacious living room with seating for a crowd, to the spacious kitchen with an oversized island, wet bar, and large outdoor dining room, entertaining is a breeze in this home. wood tones Image of HGTV's Urban Oasis via: Carmen Hamilton Natural wood tones have made quite a resurgence lately, and Urban Oasis has used beautiful wood tones throughout. Wood beams, cabinets, wall moldings, and floors work to ground the space with organic materials. Interestingly, while white cabinets remain the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen cabinets, wood cabinets are now the second most requested material in the kitchen, with 24% of homeowners building or renovating their kitchen opting now for this natural material. natural light Natural light is key in any renovation or new construction, and Urban Oasis is no exception. Large windows let in natural light, as do the many skylights throughout the second floor. Wet room Wet rooms have been trending for a couple of years now and lucky Urban Oasis winners will be able to experience this spa-like bathroom in their new home. A wet room is just what it sounds like: a space enclosed behind glass for your shower and freestanding bathtub. Indoor Outdoor Entertainment Outdoor entertaining spaces that function as second living rooms remain highly sought after. The Urban Oasis features a fire pit with comfortable seating, a dining area, and a separate outdoor living room, virtually doubling your entertaining space. Wellness salon HGTV Urban Oasis 2024 in Kansas City, MO Image via: Carmen Hamilton Forget a flex space with room to exercise; Urban Oasis takes the free space sometimes used to store a treadmill and reinvents what at-home workouts can be with a multi-purpose wellness space. The space comes complete with a projector for streaming workouts, a dry sauna, a meditation area, and even a tea bar. Upstairs landing space In the past, extra upstairs space enclosed behind a door was all the rage; Now, as open concept living becomes more and more accepted, an open upstairs loft is highly desirable. It's also a big trend in new construction: An upstairs landing space can serve as a secondary living room, teen hangout, or hobby room. At Urban Oasis, the upstairs landing zone is a designated music room, with space to display instruments, plenty of storage for records, a keyboard, and comfortable seating. Ready to call this urban oasis home? Enter the HGTV Urban Oasis Giveaway 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 462 times, 447 visits today

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