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Last updated on January 16, 2025 In a recent report by the National Association of Realtors, a list of 10 metropolitan areas were identified as hot spots for housing in 2025. Based on important factors such as the amount of affordable inventory available, higher income growth for adults youth and net migration in specific areas. Top 10 Housing Locations by 2025 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts-New Hampshire Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, North Carolina-South Carolina Grand Rapids-Kentwood, Michigan Greenville-Anderson, South Carolina Hartford-East-Hartford-Middletown, Connecticut Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Indiana Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas Knoxville, Tennessee Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Arizona San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas Given the continued rates of home appreciation in the Carolinas, and especially in the Charlotte and Greenville MSA, it does not make financial sense to continue waiting for “the right time to buy,” and we predict that more potential buyers will exit the market. step aside and enter the real estate market in 2025, especially as interest rates are expected to hit the low 6s. We will see an increase in inventory, the largest since 2019, as baby boomers downsize, current homeowners finally move out, and more new construction homes come to market. _____________________ Visited 6 times, 3 visit(s) today

Last updated on January 7, 2025 You don't have to wait for spring to get organized. Instead, why not resolve to say “see you later” to the growing collection of rarely used items in the most used areas of your home, like your bedroom closet, bathroom, and kitchen? Here are some simple solutions that will help us all reclaim much-needed personal space in the most popular rooms in your home. Storage solutions in dressers Flip the script and stack clothes vertically instead of horizontally. This space-saving trick allows for extra storage and helps you see what you have in your drawers without having to search. closet cleaning When it comes to cleaning out your bedroom closet, be tough. Donate any clothing that no longer fits, is out of style, or hasn't been worn in a year. Need help determining the latter? Try the coat rack trick. Here's how it works: Reverse all the clothes hanging in your closet so that the open end of each hanger faces you. Every time you wear an item of clothing, hang it in the closet in the opposite direction, with the opening facing away from you. After three to six months, you'll be surprised to see exactly which clothes you haven't touched. Don't want to donate? If you want to make some extra money, consider selling your clothes at a garage sale, street consignment sale, or through an online business like Posh brand. Purge your dresser Keeping a bathroom tidy can seem like a losing battle. A bottle of dry shampoo here, a capful of toothpaste there and the room can quickly feel cluttered. Whether you're a product junkie like me or a minimalist, the key to keeping a bathroom tidy is to adopt the mantra: lose it if you don't use it. Take inventory of everything under your sink and in your cabinets. Throw away bottles of half-used lotion, scrub, makeup, and hair products that you haven't used recently. If you purchase items in bulk from a retailer like Costco or BJ's, gather all duplicates and place them in a clearly labeled storage box elsewhere in your home. Many medications should not be exposed to moisture. Read your prescription labels carefully and replace any medications that are sensitive to moisture. Clean your kitchen counters When it comes to what's on the kitchen counter, unless it's Thanksgiving dinner, less is definitely more. An easy first step toward a tidy kitchen is to take care of the dishes. Put all your dirty dishes in the dishwasher or wash them in the sink as soon as possible after using them. Practice putting clean dishes away immediately after washing them to keep the dishwasher empty for dirty dishes. Next, take a close look at the small appliances that really belong on your countertops. Think of a coffee maker, toaster, and blender. Chances are you consume more cups of coffee a day than bagels and smoothies, so consider moving your toaster and blender to a lower cabinet in your kitchen. A word to the wise: don't try to do it all in one day. Set aside time: 15 minutes a night or several hours on the weekend. This way, you won't feel overwhelmed when sorting through your unwanted and unnecessary belongings. Junk drawer, no more! A “junk” drawer is an essential space in every home, but sometimes it is even necessary to clean these spaces. Take inventory of everything in your drawer and use dividers or clear plastic containers to keep everything under control. Pantry Organization Now that everyone is done digging through the pantry after the holidays, it's time to give this space a refresh. Take the time to sort similar items into attractive containers, place baking ingredients in large clear containers, add canned food storage, and leave room for miscellaneous items to make the most of your space. Ready for even more storage solutions? Verify Brilliant ways to put away your kids' mess. ________________________ 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 2 times, 1 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 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 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 August 1, 2024 A move-in ready home is highly desirable and tops most buyers' wish lists. However, if your home needs a lot of TLC, you may be wondering what your options are when it comes time to sell. Should you offer discounts on your home or invest time, energy, and/or money into updating certain spaces before listing it for sale? In today's post, we'll examine your options, taking into account the conditions of the real estate market right now. The homes on the market today fall into one of two groups Right now, there are two groups in terms of homes that are on the market. In the first group, we have houses with fair prices and in good or excellent condition. These houses sell in an average of 10 days. In the second group, there are homes that are not priced fairly and are not in good condition, and these homes sit on the market for 60 to 70 days and often sell after one or two price reductions. Are sellers offering concessions for homes that aren't move-in ready? In reality, we don't see many concessions for cosmetic improvements. Our real estate agents advise clients to price homes correctly from the start, meaning that the price reflects the state of the work needed. We are seeing more concessions being made on closing costs than recently, but that is generally to cover necessary repairs to a home. Does it make sense to improve my home before putting it up for sale? Our agents get this question very often and unfortunately there is no clear answer. Generally, the houses that are in the best condition are the ones that sell for much more than the asking price. However, the types of updates or repairs are different for every home, and the best thing you can do is contact your real estate agent many months before you plan to list your home to start a conversation about how to maximize the value of your home. Our agents offer a Physical startwhere you will be given a rough estimate of the value of your home in relation to the current market, as well as recommendations for repairs or improvements that will give you a return when you sell it. For example, many homeowners are surprised to discover that a large-scale kitchen or bathroom remodel doesn't make sense in terms of recouping their money years from now when they sell. Minor improvements to the kitchen or bathroom often pay off better than investing a lot of money in those areas. Exterior improvements are also always a good idea and often pay for themselves when the house is sold. It's never a bad idea to replace an old entry or garage door. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in terms of what you should or shouldn't upgrade, and these vary by area and even by neighborhood, so you should always contact a real estate agent who specializes in your general area first. Keepp reading: 14 items you shouldn't renovate before selling Visited 742 times, 35 visits today