By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine
After five years of downsizing, home owners are showing a desire for more space. In the past year, builders are reporting higher demand for larger homes.
In fact, 84 percent of home owners between the ages of 18 and 59 say they have no intentions of downsizing–even among Baby Boomers who often show preferences to downsize during retirement, according to a recent survey by PulteGroup of about 500 home owners. Many home owners–particularly younger generations–are saying they need more space than what they currently have.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine
Home interiors are going green this year. Pantone has named “Emerald” its color of the year for 2013.
Pantone describes the jewel-like hue as a “lively, radiant, lush green” that can offer sophistication and luxury.
“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”
Emerald paint, accents, and accessories will likely be decorating more home interiors this year. Pantone says that Emerald can be used to add luxury to an entryway, powder room, dining room, or study, or it can help transform a living room by using it as an accent wall. Emerald-colored bedding, pillows, and bath towels will also likely be making its way into more decors this year, Pantone says.
Emerald replaces last year’s color of the year — the reddish orange color known as “tangerine tango.”
By Ken Torrino
Every year, when January rolls around, we make a resolution regarding our diet or spending to live out a better year. So often we let the needs of our home slip through our mind, but a home could use some New Year’s resolutions too!
In 2013, home renovation is focused on improving safety and efficiency in the home. Whether you are in a high-end market like New York City real estate or not, a home can become even more valuable with home renovations.
Here are some suggestions for a few New Year’s resolutions to increase energy efficiency for homes in 2013. Continue reading »
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine
Photo Credit: HomeThangs.com
Kitchens are a popular spot that home shoppers judge in a home. So what are the trends in the kitchen for 2013? HomeThangs.com, a home improvement superstore, offers up some of the following kitchen design predictions for the New Year:
1. Modern style: Kitchens are getting more modern in style, boasting simplified lines and offering up big, open spaces perfect for entertaining.
2. Tucked-away appliances: Appliances designed to blend in with the rest of the kitchen, like with the same wood of the cabinets, are becoming more popular. Also, some appliances, like undercounter or mini refrigerators or trash compactors, are being tucked away into a kitchen island.
3. Lots of lights: Great lighting in the kitchen is becoming more important, with lighting being layered with a mixture of task lighting and ambient lighting. Under-cabinet LED lights are becoming more commonplace.
4. Supersized kitchen islands: “2013 kitchen design trends are moving away from dining rooms and toward eating, drinking, and interacting in the kitchen itself, and a large kitchen island complete with bar stools is the perfect way to make this happen,” according to HomeThangs.com. this helps to create “a nice open-air feeling – especially if one can be used to bridge kitchen and living areas, another major 2013 kitchen design trend.” Continue reading »
By Ed Michelson, HomeVestors of America Inc.
Saving money on energy costs is always a good investment. With winter fast approaching, it is that time of year when families must determine how much they want to spend on energy costs. There are, however, some simple tricks to cut costs while turning up the heat.
By Stephen Jones, DIYTools.co.uk
People generally love a beautiful new kitchen. With state of the art appliances, they feel as though they are master chefs in the comfort of their own homes. However, many people also remodel their kitchens to improve the resale value of their homes. Perhaps they plan to sell in the near future, or they just want to be prepared for down the road. In any case, be sure to follow these do’s and don’ts of kitchen remodeling.
Don’t Go Crazy with the Refinance!
One idea home owners might have is to refinance their home with a cash-out option and then use that money to rebuild the kitchen. However, this might wind up just letting them break even. Continue reading »
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine
Great staging can help buyers fall in love with a home, but can some lucky numbers help get them through the front door?
Some numbers may be more lucky than others when pricing a home for sale, according to market psychology. For example, prices ending in “9” can make some buyers feel like they’re getting a deal. So “$149,999” versus “$150,000” may not change the value too much, but it can sound like a better deal to potential buyers. Suddenly, the home is priced in the $140,000 range rather than the $150,000 range.
Fifty-three percent of listed homes that Trulia recently analyzed had a price ending in a “9.” Five was also a common last number. Continue reading »
By Myra Nourmand
During the holidays, winter cheer is everywhere. Holiday carols fill homes, stores are beautifully decorated, and there’s a general feeling of joy as families gather and fulfill each other’s wish-lists.
No doubt, people are in a buying spirit. In fact, I’ve closed deals on Christmas and New Years. For home buyers looking forward to starting off fresh for the New Year, you want to create a warm and inviting space that will set your home apart from the rest.
Here are five easy ways to do this: Continue reading »
When trying to sell a home during the cooler months, it’s important to warm up the interiors and give the home a “homey” cozy look, agents say.
AOL Real Estate recently highlighted some tips for warming up your listings this fall and winter. Here are a few ideas:
1. Offer up some cozy smells: “We take some big old pots and dump cider in them, then warm it up and the whole house smells good,” Idaho real estate professional Gail Hartnett told AOL Real Estate. “It’s just a warm, homey smell that makes people feel good when they enter.” Continue reading »
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