A breakdown of sustainable upgrades by budget and the potential utility bill savings. About a third of agents and brokers are using green data fields in their MLSs to promote sustainable home features, believing them to be a selling point, according to the 2023 REALTORS® and Sustainability Report from the National Association of REALTORS®. Many homeowners may …
Tag: News
Oct 08
Let the Staircase Set the Stage for Style
The staircase is often a focal point in a home, but also the last on the priority list when it comes to design or remodeling. However, prioritizing the staircase can set the tone for the rest of the design. Key Takeaways Few homeowners turn down a house because of the style and construction of the …
Oct 07
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Reclaimed Wood
From salvaged barn doors to tree bark, reclaimed wood makes a statement in building and design projects. Take a walk down the aisles of any big-box retailer’s home goods section and you’ll come across decor made from what looks like distressed wood. The rustic look has been all the rage for years, but many of …
Oct 04
How to Stretch a Kitchen Remodeling Budget
Kitchen remodels are generally expensive, but homeowners can find ways to scale back while still achieving their goals. Three key takeaways: Often the center of the home, the kitchen garners much attention. That’s why when something’s amiss, it might be too glaring to overlook. Take, for instance, an inefficient layout, poorly functioning appliances or lack …
Oct 03
10 Home Design Trends Your Clients Will Love in 2024
Houzz, a remodeling website, chimes in with predictions for the most buzzworthy home features in the new year. Stylish storage, bolder patterns and textures and colors beyond the whites and grays are expected to shake up home design in 2024. Houzz, a home renovation and design platform, weighs in with its predictions for the home …
Oct 02
Inside Home Systems: A Guide to Heat Pumps
Heat pumps offer an efficient alternative to standard HVAC systems and are often a selling point for sustainability-conscious buyers. Homeowners in America installed 4 million heat pumps in 2022, beating out fossil-fuel-powered gas furnaces for the first time ever. Why? Cost savings, efficiency, versatility and safety. As heat pumps continue to go mainstream, it is …
Oct 02
Real Estate and Design Trends to Watch in 2024
From ecosystem conservation to “new” darker neutrals in exterior paint, we look at the trends set to take hold in the industry this year. Three Key Takeaways Staying abreast of what’s new and innovative in design and real estate is important, not to be trendy but to learn about innovative materials, systems and products to …
Sep 30
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Rattan
From cane frames to woven chair backs, a touch of fast-growing rattan adds warmth to interiors. Did you know your porch’s wicker furniture and the arched cane bookshelf at your favorite coffee shop might be made from the same material? Warm and natural, rattan has been an interior design mainstay for decades, most notably in …
Sep 30
Is the Home Office Getting a Pink Slip?
Designers and stagers are finding ways to offer people who work from home more versatility than a dedicated workspace often provides. Even though remote work remains commonplace, some real estate professionals and home stagers say the home office is losing its luster. Many home buyers are reclaiming this space for other nonwork uses. The shunning …
Sep 27
Bathrooms: Smaller in Size, Big on Tech and Flair
Bathrooms are getting smaller, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on amenities. Smart tech, comfort and spa-like serenity still set the tone. Three key takeaways: Bathrooms are expected to get smaller in new construction, according to Carrie Tolman, associate principal with KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group in Chicago. As such, she expects the popular spa-inspired …
Sep 27
Sustainable Material Spotlight: Concrete
From textured walls to industrial-style flooring, concrete makes an excellent choice for eco-conscious clients searching for high style and low maintenance. Concrete has been a construction mainstay for a very long time. Perhaps that’s why many Americans consider concrete a purely functional material. But designers say this durable material can also add sleek sophistication and …
Sep 26
It Pays to Be Green
Homeowners unlock federal energy-efficiency rebates, influencing market trends. The housing market stands on the verge of a significant transformation, driven by evolving sustainability trends that are reshaping buyer preferences and home construction standards. In fact, the 2023 National Association of REALTORS®’ Sustainability Report for the residential sector highlights the consistent demand for energy-efficient features, transcending …
