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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

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

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

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

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

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

Last updated on November 6, 2024 Housing inventory recently hit a 4-year high in September, as the lower-than-low housing inventory levels we experienced during the pandemic are slowly fading as more and more homes come to market. What's more, new homes for sale have increased 4.7% nationally, despite the headwind of mortgage interest rates. With more listings than we've seen in recent years, if you're selling or about to sell, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of how long the entire process might take, from start to finish. It's a good idea to manage expectations when listing your home, and to that end, here's what we're seeing both nationally and locally in terms of average days on market (DOM). DOM national average Today, what's happening nationally is just a snapshot of what's likely happening in your area, as real estate becomes increasingly hyperlocal. At the national level, the latest data shows us that days on market are 55 days. This figure is much higher than the average 48 days on market we experienced this time last year, when inventory shortages were a much bigger issue than today. However, while DOMs have increased year over year, time on market is still well below the averages we saw in the pre-pandemic market. In 2017, days on market were around 64 days, and this was during a seller's market. Regional average DOM Locally, here's what we're seeing in our markets (based on Q3 data): Charlotte: 44 SUN Triad: 42 SUN Triangle: 40 SUN Upstate: 50 DOM Mountain lakes: 77 SUN Asheville: 70 SUN Highlands: 161 SUN What does all this mean for sellers? Even as days on market slowly inch toward pre-pandemic levels, the issue remains: There are still more buyers than sellers. A home that is priced well from the start, has been well maintained, and is properly staged and marketed will sell quickly. As you prepare your home to list, here are some tips to keep in mind: Correct price Even in a seller's market, homeowners should not “test the market” by pricing their home too high. Buyers are getting smarter and, with all the data at their fingertips, they know when something is overpriced. An overpriced home is sure to stay on the market longer than its properly priced counterparts, and when this happens, it leads buyers to ask the question: “What's wrong with that home?” This is still a fast-paced market and buyers take notice when the same home keeps showing up in their search, week after week. Testing the waters with price ends up backfiring, forcing sellers who try this strategy to significantly lower the price of their home. TLDR: Homes that are well priced and in good condition are still oversubscribed and receive multiple offers. Therefore, it's important to price your home right from the start. Instead of pricing your home based on what you think it's worth, let the market determine the sales price for maximum exposure. stage to sell You've heard the saying, “A house staged is a house sold,” and these famous last words echoed by real estate agents around the world couldn't be more true. Homes on the market that are under contract days after listing are impeccably staged. All surfaces are free of clutter. All closets are organized and have about 1/3 of the space empty. All extra rooms and garages are collected and organized to show their potential. All the walls are painted in light, cool neutrals and the curb appeal is so good it practically invites you in for a hot cup of tea. If you need information on elements and practical tips for staging, be sure to check out: How to prepare your garage to sell it. ________________________ 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 times, 3 visits today

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

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

Last updated on September 25, 2024 Last week, the Federal Reserve delivered some good news by issuing its first interest rate cut in four years, helping to make mortgages more affordable for Americans. The half-point rate cut is twice as large as expected, indicating the Fed believes inflation is now under control, allowing it to focus on preventing a recession and limiting job losses. While mortgage rates are not directly tied to the federal funds rate, they do follow long-term trends in the bond market. Mortgage rates have already fallen about a percentage point since May and nearly 2% from record highs.. Mortgage rates are likely to It could continue to fall if the Fed continues to cut short-term rates further. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, said: “These lower rates have not yet induced a major shift in homebuyer and seller activity as home sales remain sluggish, but they have provided some long-awaited relief to homebuyers’ purchasing power.” What’s more, monthly mortgage rates for a median-priced home have dropped by nearly $300 a month, and homeowners can now expect to spend around $2,100 a month. As we prepare to enter the fourth quarter of 2024, leading mortgage experts have predicted what consumers can expect in 2025 in terms of mortgage interest rates. By the fourth quarter of 2025, the Mortgage Bankers Association projects rates will be 5.8%, and the bond market is currently pricing in even lower rates. We believe that with rates declining, both buyers and sellers will be more willing to enter the market. As rates decline, increased buyer demand and a likely increase in appreciation are expected. One strategy that buyers are currently employing is to purchase the home early, thereby locking in lower home prices while planning to refinance at even lower rates when the time is right. Visited 746 times, 2 visits today