Home improvement remains a hot trend as people update their spaces to be more functional for the long-term. Facing lean housing inventory, more would-be move-up home buyers may be feeling stuck in place. As they wait out the market, many continue to tackle remodeling projects on their current home. In fact, remodeling activity surged to …
Tag: News
Nov 05
Multifamily Series: How Affordable Housing is Changing
The shortage of affordable multifamily housing continues nationwide. The good news is that developers and architects are bringing solutions to the multifamily market. Three key takeaways: It’s no secret that affordable housing is in short supply. Both the single-family and multifamily market struggle to meet the need. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, …
Nov 01
Help Homeowners Maintain Their Vacation Homes
Owning a vacation house sounds idyllic, but even living in paradise requires preventive maintenance and ongoing care. Help guide your clients on smart planning. Three Key Takeaways: Generally, vacation homes differ from primary residences in one major way: they usually stay vacant for long periods. Not being on the premises regularly can lead to serious …
Oct 31
Home Upgrades for Owners on Any Budget
Here’s a breakdown by budget of the projects that can save homeowners money on energy bills—and the potential savings. Energy-efficient home upgrades could help homeowners cut their annual energy bills in half while also reducing their home’s carbon footprint. But even though consumers are showing a greater interest in sustainability, nearly a third say they …
Oct 30
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Bamboo
Bamboo is fast-growing, lightweight and durable. These days, designers have bamboo product options for any room and style. If you’ve ever been to a tiki bar or set up tiki torches in the yard, you’ve seen bamboo products in action. Bamboo has long been a mainstay in tropical locations. It is also one of the …
Oct 29
Outdoor Spaces That Inspire Play
Curb appeal is important, but more homeowners want a yard that is useful and fun, inspiring movement and play. Outdoor improvements like patios, pools and flower gardens have long been homeowner priorities, but the emphasis on creating an outdoor oasis increased in recent years, largely due to the pandemic. It looks like the trend is …
Oct 28
Hot Home Design Trends This Summer
Find out what home styles—both interior and exterior—are seeing dramatic increases in online searches. Homeowners are trying to maximize their space by taking on remodeling projects geared toward creating new living areas while overhauling their property’s style, according to the 2023 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report. Houzz, a home improvement site, analyzed the latest …
Oct 25
Multifamily Series: Refinement in Luxury Living
At the high end, for-sale and rental multifamily luxury housing delivers the crème de la crème in technology, concierge-style services and amenities. In many metros and suburban markets, luxury living means for-sale apartments that start at $1 million and rentals that are also uber-expensive. One recent for-sale listing in Boston’s chic Back Bay neighborhood was …
Oct 24
Dark Sky Illumination Trend Addresses Adverse Effects of Light Pollution
A growing number of cities are passing ordinances to decrease night-time light pollution, and agents in the know are better equipped to help clients. For years part of the emphasis on beautifying outdoor yards included some form of landscape illumination. The goal was to up-light trees and shrubs, accent flower beds, pools, paths and houses …
Oct 22
Small Homes Help Fill a Big Void
While typically small in square footage, accessory dwelling units deliver affordable housing at a time of great need. The Need Is Real Reasons for interest vary but the most prevalent may be that ADUs are making a dent in the country’s housing supply shortage. “They’re not the only solution but one tool in the toolkit,” …
Oct 22
Outdoor Projects That Pay Off the Most
What pays off the most when it comes to curb appeal? Ninety-two percent of REALTORS® recommend that sellers improve their curb appeal before listing their home for sale, according to a survey from the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. What pays off the most when it comes to curb …
Oct 21
Modular Stacks Up to Stick-built
As a way to deliver quality housing faster, communities are embracing modular options. There have never been more options available in home building than there are today, and yet site-built construction remains the predominant method of building single-family homes. According to analysis from the Urban Institute, site-built (also known as stick-built) construction accounts for 97% …
