Selling • February 19, 2024

Minimize Stress While Selling Your Home

by Meaghan McBoom

Happy property owners shaking hands with their Windermere Real Estate agent after a deal. Young interracial heterosexual couple handshaking real estate agent over a dining room table.

After years of collecting furniture, plants, and memories, the thought of preparing your home to sell and moving to a new one can be daunting and stir up a lot of emotions. But selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful; here are a few tips to help make it easier.

Involve your agent early

The earlier you involve your Windermere Real Estate agent, the better they can set you up for success. When you reach out to them, they’ll be able to evaluate your home with their expert opinion based on their experience, and determine what needs to be done.

You and your agent will come up with a plan and timeline that works for you. After they do a comparative market analysis, they’ll have a good idea of what it will take to get the best price for your home. They may suggest you move out so the home can be professionally staged and easily accessed by potential buyers, or if that’s not an option, they will provide insights on what you can do yourself so you can live there while it’s on the market.

They may also see opportunities that are easy to implement, like improving the landscaping for curb appeal or minor projects that can increase your home value.

Working with a real estate agent will help move you through the process of selling your home more efficiently. If you don’t already have an agent and would like to be connected to one, click the button below.

Get an inspection & make necessary repairs

Some sellers may be concerned that their property isn’t in the best condition and that this will impact their home’s value. While some repairs may need to be done before putting your home on the market, you might be surprised that you don’t have to fix everything.

By getting a pre-inspection you’ll know what all needs to be done right away and what can wait. Your Windermere agent will be able to help you understand the inspection report and make decisions based on the condition of your home and the current market. Some repairs will be more important than others, things like a new roof or water heater can help new buyers feel more comfortable in their purchase while a trending remodel may interfere with the buyers own plans for the space.

Split up the selling process into approachable pieces

Once you have a vision for everything that you need to do to get your home prepared to sell, it’s a good idea to split the full project into smaller pieces that you can tackle one by one. You’ll want to determine what needs to be done first, like an inspection or small remodel, and what items can be done at the same time, like moving out and staging. If you take this approach, the final preparations will feel less overwhelming.

When you prepare well ahead of time, the actual process of selling will be less overwhelming, and you’ll have the confidence that you’ve done everything you can to make the most of the investment you put into your home.

Then comes packing and moving, but don’t worry, we have some tips to make that easier too, read here.

Design • February 12, 2024

Benefits, Risks and Things to Consider Before You Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit to Your Home

by Meaghan McBoom

A Black heterosexual couple leaves their vacation rental with suitcases in hand, from the additional dwelling unit they stayed in with its own entrance.

Have you ever rented a unit in someone’s basement? Maybe your significant other’s mom moved into the apartment above your garage? Or have you ever travelled and stayed in a pool house? Commonly referred to as “Mother-In-Law” units, homeowners use these as a way to fill the space in their home and gain residual income, either from vacationers or long-term tenants.

The official terms for these units are Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) or Detached Additional Dwelling Units (DADU), and are defined as extra spaces in homes and on properties where someone can live completely independent of the main house.

These units can be almost anywhere on the property, but they are usually located in the basement, in the backyard, or above the garage. They have their own bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping space and they will sometimes share laundry with the residents in the main house.

Thinking of adding a unit to your home? Here are some benefits and risks, as well as important aspects to consider before you build:

Benefits

Homeowners can maximize their investment by renting out the extra space to long-term tenants or short-term vacationers. These tenants can help pay off debt or create an extra stream of income.

Depending on several factors, including the size of the unit, the local real estate market, and other factors, each homeowner should decide which option they are more comfortable with. These decisions should be made before they list the unit for rent to find the right audience.

More: How to Rent Out Your Vacation Home This Summer

Risks

If you’re considering renting your space to someone for a long-term lease, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of ending up with a tenant who turns into a financial burden. It’s strongly recommended that you use an application process to check backgrounds and employment history as a tool to get to know the potential tenant. Make sure to adhere to the National Fair Housing Laws and your local regulations.

If a short-term vacation rental makes more sense for you, many of the posting sites available have regulations and procedures to minimize the risks of having ill-intended strangers come through your property. You can determine which options are the best for you and be sure to take precautions like changing codes between visitors.

Things to Consider:

What are shared spaces?

Identify the areas where it will be comfortable sharing those spaces, and potentially appliances, with other people. This is just as much about your privacy preferences as it is a consideration of what makes the most sense depending on your set up and what you’re willing to invest to make it more comfortable.

For example, you might be okay with sharing the washer and dryer with tenants, but if those are located in the main house and the unit is detached, it might not make sense. For long-term tenants that likely means adding laundry to the unit, however you don’t need to supply a washer or dryer for vacation renters who will only stay for short periods.

How close are the units and what noise level are you comfortable with?

As a long-term landlord, tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment without the landlord impeding on their space or controlling their activities. If the unit is in the basement and the tenant has friends or family over, that noise could permeate into your unit in the late hours of the night. A way to prevent this is to be sure to layout quiet hours and expectations before they sign the lease or make an agreement so that you and the tenant are on the same page.

The same goes for the rules in the vacation rental listing. Managing expectations is the first way to create a relationship with the tenants, even for those who are only there for the weekend. Be clear in your rules and guidelines and have reminders in the unit.

What improvements are required?

Consider what elements and amenities the unit needs for the type of renter you want to attract. For example, long-term renters will need a kitchen, but vacationers will only likely need a kitchenette. Depending on the project, you might not get your money back in the short term, but if you’re dedicated to making the space worth it to rent it out over the next few years, improvements can be well worth the investment.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to be familiar with the rental market and regulations in both your local region and your neighborhood. Work with a Windermere Real Estate or Property Manager for an expert opinion.

Buying • February 5, 2024

Buying with Your Pets in Mind

by Sandy Dodge

Black heterosexual couples on a walk in a suburban neighborhood with their white fluffy goldendoodle dog.

For many of us, pets play a central role in our home life, so taking into account what is best for them when buying a home is important for both their happiness and that of your entire household.

Is the Neighborhood A Good Match For Your Pet?

When looking for homes that are well suited to both you and your furry companion, consider the area surrounding the home. If your pet is an indoor/outdoor animal, it’s important to examine the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood. If your pet spends time outside, a busy neighborhood could be dangerous, and depending on the level of traffic, he or she may need to be on a leash at all times.

How conducive is the neighborhood for taking your pet on walks? If you frequently walk your pet, look for neighborhoods with sidewalks. If your pet enjoys being off-leash, consider prioritizing homes with green belts, parks, trails, or designated off-leash areas nearby. It’s also a good idea to identify where the local emergency pet centers and veterinarian clinics are to insure there is sufficient medical care for your pet in proximity to where you live.

Does The House Meet the Needs of Your Pet?

Size: Is the house big enough? Depending on the type of pet, or breed of animal, space may be the most important factor in picking a pet-friendly home. If you are moving into a bigger space than you were in previously, understand your pet will likely take to the additional room differently. On the flip side, if you are downsizing, be mindful of how it might impact your pet.
Yard: If you have a pet that spends time outside, it’s important to pay particular attention to the yard. Is it large enough? Does it have a secure fence? Is there easy access between the home and the yard?
Flooring: Pet-friendly flooring can be tough. Surfaces that can be repaired or refinished when scratched are typically the best options for homes with pets. Sealing additional layers will build up the resistance to damage from paws, claws, and general pet wear and tear.
Carpet: Cats are notorious for clawing and scratching at carpet, and dogs are infamous for bringing the outdoors in with them. Consider carpeting of a lesser quality in the area where your pets spend most of the time, or search for carpets that are stain resistant and easy to clean.
Stairs: Older pets and multileveled homes are at odds. Consider the age of your pet and how active you expect them to be so that you don’t find yourself in a position where you’re having to carry your pet between floors.
Additions: If you’re comfortable with doing a little work on your potential home, you can consider adjustments that might make it a little more safe and comfortable for your pets. Adding an enclosed outdoor space for your cat called a catio or carving out space in the yard for a dog run can be just what your fur babies need.

More: 5 Pet Friendly House Cleaning Tips

What Does the HOA Say About Pets?

When looking at a home, ask whether or not it is a part of a Homeowners Association and what restrictions may apply to the property. For instance, certain HOA developments limit the number and/or type of pets per household.

Most pet owners take the needs of their pets seriously. In fact, in a recent Realtor.com survey, 95% of pet owners said that their pets needs were an important consideration when finding the right home to buy. When it comes down to it, prioritizing your pet when buying a home not only insures your pet’s well-being, but that of your household, as well.

Living • January 29, 2024

Simple Ways to Conserve Energy at Home

by Meaghan McBoom

Young smiling white woman wiping the dining table surface using a cloth and a spray bottle.

Whether you want to use less energy to reduce your carbon footprint or your monthly costs, there are plenty of easy ways to conserve the electricity and natural gas you’re using in your home. Energy conservation can be as simple as closing your curtains, changing a light bulb, turning down your thermostat, or closing the fireplace damper. Many of the most inexpensive solutions quickly pay for themselves in conservation, which you ultimately benefit from when you get your power bill.

Do Your Chores During “Off Peak” Hours

One of the biggest ways you can conserve energy is to take advantage of “off-peak” hours. This is a step that everyone can take because it simply involves shifting your use of major appliances, such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, to a time when the demand on the power supply is lower.

Check with your power company to see if they have peak hour rate changes and adjust your schedule as you can to do your laundry and dishes during the off-peak times.

And when it’s time, upgrade your large appliances to Energy Star products for the most efficient and use of your power.

Small Changes in Your Laundry Cycle

Another way you can save energy is by washing your clothes in cold water and only running full loads. This reduces the need for your machine to heat the water and has the double benefit of keeping your clothes in good condition for longer, further reducing your textile waste when you don’t have to replace your clothes as often.

To speed up the clothes drying process, add a dry towel or two to your machine to soak up excess moisture. Another option is wool dryer balls which not only help clothes dry faster, but you can also add drops of your favorite essential oils in place of single-use dryer sheets, which cause dust build up in your dryer vents and add to the landfill.

It’s also important to keep to a maintenance schedule with your washer and dryer. Clear out the lint trap after every load and make sure the dryer hose and vent are clear. Clean the filter on your washer once a month to keep things running efficiently.

More: Saving in the Laundry Room

Heating and Cooling Tips

Heating and cooling systems account for almost half of home energy consumption but luckily there are several easy ways you can reduce your home’s demand.

Conventional measures, such as setting back your thermostat, are effective at lowering your energy use and costs. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates you can save 10 percent on your power bill if you turn your thermostat temperature down by 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Here are a few ways you can reduce energy consumption and save money:

Experiment with the temperature that you’re most comfortable with to determine if you can keep your thermostat set to a lower temperature.
Set a schedule on your thermostat to change the temperature of your home when you’re asleep or not home, in the winter set it lower, in the summer set it higher.
Close your blinds and shades to keep the air from escaping through the windows, and to keep the sun from heating up the air inside your home.
Keep the fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire burning. Leaving the damper open can cause drafts and heat loss throughout your house.

It’s also important to keep your HVAC system clean and maintained. Change your furnace filter frequently, clear out any dusty ducts, and keep the air in your home clean with air purifiers. Doing so will enable your heating system to run more efficiently and be more cost-effective.

Update Your Lighting

It’s estimated that lighting accounts for 15 percent of your overall home energy bill, so another way you can conserve, other than turning the lights off when you leave a room, is by using energy-saving light emitting diodes (LEDs).

LEDs use about 90% less energy and last up to 25x longer than incandescent lightbulbs. They’re available in a number of shapes, sizes, and tones, making it an easy replacement for almost any bulb in your home. When shopping for LEDs, look for those with the Energy Star label on them—this ensures that you’re purchasing a product that has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

More: How to Find the Right Lighting For Your Home

For more information about energy conservation, please visit www.energystar.org.

Buying • January 22, 2024

To Buy New or Old, That is the Question

by Meaghan McBoom

Rear view of mid adult Black couple standing arm in arm and looking at facade of restored 1890 double fronted Victorian house.

If you’re shopping for a new home, there are a number of factors you need to consider in order to narrow down your search criteria. Because before you can get too deep into your home search, you need to identify your needs, figure out your wants, and decide if there are any deal breakers that don’t work for you, such as the age, style, and location of your dream house. As you weigh the option between a new build or an older resale, here are six differences to note.

The Neighborhood

Surprisingly, one of the biggest factors in choosing a new home isn’t the property itself, but rather the surrounding neighborhood. While new homes occasionally spring up in established communities, most are built in new developments. The settings are quite different, each with their own unique benefits.

Older neighborhoods often feature tree-lined streets; larger property lots; a wide array of architectural styles; easy access to mass transportation, restaurants, and local shops; and more established relationships among neighbors.

New developments are better known for wider streets and quiet cul-de-sacs; controlled development; fewer above ground utilities; more parks; and often newer public facilities (schools, libraries, pools, etc.).

Consider your daily work commute, too. While not always true, older neighborhoods tend to be closer to major employment centers, mass transportation, and multiple car routes (neighborhood arterials, highways, and freeways), and new construction homes are usually found on the outskirts of city limits where there’s more land available for the development. The main exception being new townhouses on lots in the middle of established neighborhoods.

Design and Layout

If you like Victorian, Craftsman, or Cape Cod style homes, it used to be that you would have to buy an older home from the appropriate era. But with new-home builders now offering modern takes on those classic designs, that’s no longer the case. There are even modern log homes available.

Have you given much thought to what type of floor plan you want? If you have your heart set on an open-concept layout with an entertainment kitchen, spacious primary suite, and walk-in closets, you’ll likely want to buy a newer home—or plan to do some heavy remodeling of an older home. Unless they’ve already been remodeled, most older homes feature more closed floor plans with structural separation between rooms.

If you have a specific home décor style in mind, you’ll want to take that into consideration, as well. Professional designers say it’s typically best if the style and era of your furnishings match the style and era of your house. But if you are willing to adapt, then the options are wide open.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Homes built before material and labor costs spiked in the late 1950s have a reputation for higher-grade lumber and old-world craftsmanship like hardwood floors, old-growth timber supports, ornate siding, artistic molding, etc.

However, newer homes have the benefit of modern materials and more advanced building codes, such as copper or polyurethane plumbing, better insulation, double-pane windows, modern electrical wiring, earthquake/ windstorm supports, and so on.

Current Condition

The condition of a home for sale is a top consideration for any buyer, whether you plan to do a little work or not. However, age is a factor here, as well. For example, if the exterior of a newer home needs repainting, it’s a relatively easy task to determine the cost. But if it’s a home built before the 1970s, you have to also consider the fact that the underlying paint is most likely lead-based, and that the wood siding may have rot or other structural issues that need to be addressed before it can be re-coated.

On the flip side, the mechanicals in older homes (lights, heating systems, sump pump, etc.) tend to be better built and last longer.

Regardless of the age of the home or the apparent condition, it’s important to get a home inspection from a professional.

Outdoor Space

One of the great things about older homes is that they usually come with mature trees and bushes already in place. Buyers of new homes may have to wait years for ornamental trees, fruit trees, roses, ferns, and other long-term vegetation to fill in a yard, create shade, provide privacy, and develop into an inviting outdoor space. However, maybe you have the patience and interest in building the yard you want, or you’re one of the many homeowners who prefer the wide-open, low-maintenance benefits of a lightly planted yard.

Car Considerations

Like it or not, most of us are dependent on our cars for daily transportation. And here again, you’ll find a big difference between newer and older homes.

Newer homes in developments almost always feature ample off-street parking: usually a two-car garage and a wide driveway. Some new construction even includes electric vehicle charging stations as electric and hybrid cars become more mainstream. An older home, depending on just how old it is, may not offer a garage—and if it does, there’s often only enough space for one small or mid-sized car. For people who don’t want to leave their car on the street, this alone can be a determining factor.

Finalizing Your Decision

While the differences between older and newer homes are striking, there’s certainly no right or wrong answer. It is a matter of personal taste, and what is available in your desired area. To quickly determine which direction your taste trends, use the information above to make a list of your most desired features, then categorize those according to the type of house in which they’re most likely to be found. The results can often be telling.

If you have questions about newer versus older homes or are looking for a real estate agent in your area, we have professionals who can help you.

More • January 15, 2024

Windermere Foundation Brings Cheer, Laughter, and Basic Needs in the Final Months of 2023

by Meaghan McBoom

Three candid photos from featured events, on the left Windermere Real Estate Agents from East Inc. wrap gifts for their Windermere For Kids event. The middle is shot from behind someone with their paddle raised at the Seattle Comedy Night. On the right is a photo of Saturday Nigh Live Comedian, Colin Jost, on stage during his set.

Windermere Real Estate offices throughout the Western U.S. brought holiday cheer and laughter to their local communities during the holiday season of 2023, wrapping up a year of giving that raised over $2.9 million for the Windermere Foundation, bringing the total raised since 1989 to more than $53 million.

Here are a few examples of the support provided by Windermere offices through the Windermere Foundation in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Bringing Holiday Cheer

Under Cover Elves in Central Washington

Windermere Group One continued a tradition and brought some holiday cheer to 21 deserving local families with their “Under Cover Elves” program. Since 2010, they have worked with the counselors at local schools to find and “adopt” families who were not able to buy gifts due to their financial situations. This year, some of the families were homeless, others were struggling after layoffs.

The school counselors mentioned too, that many support programs were not happening this year for families in need and they were grateful that the local Windermere offices were making this happen with Windermere Foundation funds.

More than 40 Windermere Real Estate agents and staff volunteers went shopping with the kids to buy presents for their parents and siblings. Many of the kids didn’t ask for things themselves, most lists consisted of everyday essentials like food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. But the volunteers were determined to add a few surprises too, so they did some digging while they shopped to find toys that they could add to the presents under the tree.

“The families were blown away from this event, so many thank you’s and tears of gratitude,” said Mikaya Blossner-Hill, the Marketing Director for the Windermere Group One offices.

A large group of people pose smiling in the Windermere Bozeman, MT office with a giant check made out to Greater Gallatin United Way for $5,000.

Image Sources: Windermere Bozeman, MT on Facebook

Giving Back in Bozeman, Montana

The team at the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office is fully devoted to supporting their neighbors in need and have a collective commitment to bettering the community they call home. One example of this is the $5,000 donation they made from the Windermere Foundation to the during the Greater Gallatin United Way weeks leading up to the holidays. The Greater Gallatin United Way raises funds from the community in order to invest in local non-profits working in four impact areas: basic needs (shelter, food security, transportation, and childcare), early learning, youth success, and behavioral health and mental well-being. The members of the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office say that they feel incredibly fortunate to have the Greater Gallatin United Way looking out for their neighbors and their community.

2 photos lined up horizontally showing different angles of the "Dogs of Windermere Calendar" for 2023-2024. On the far left is the calendar open to May with a black french bulldog. The center shows the calendar open to may and a calendar closed with the front cover showing. On the right is a photo of the front page with a chocolate lab, the center

Image Source: Melissa Freels, Director of Marketing Windermere Services, Oregon

Raising Funds with a Crowd Favorite in Portland, Oregon

The Windermere Johnson office in Portland, Oregon held a fundraiser that made many people smile and raised money for the Windermere Foundation. At the end of 2023 they put together a “Dogs of Windermere” calendar for the year 2024. This adorable fundraiser earned over $1,100 for the Windermere Foundation by selling copies of the calendars and with submissions from agents who sent in the cutest photos of their dogs they could muster; it wasn’t that hard. With such a successful first run they plan to do it again next year.

Windermere For Kids in Bellevue, Washington

Continuing their yearly tradition, Windermere East, Inc. helped deliver holiday spirit to low-income and homeless families from in and around Bellevue, Washington with their “Windermere for Kids” event. In December, they invited over 100 local children to the Marketplace at Factoria to do their holiday shopping with 250 agents from six Windermere offices.

Each child and their families received $250 to buy gifts at Target, which were then wrapped by the Windermere Real Estate agents while the families enjoyed snacks and took photos with an elf. And as an added treat, the agents who helped them shop added a surprise gift for each “Little Shopper.”

A group of Windermere agents pose smiling by paper bags full of food from their annual Can the Cats Food Drive benefiting Missoula Food Bank and Community Center.

Image Sources: Windermere Missoula, MT on Facebook

Can the Cats in Missoula, Montana

The agents in the Windemere Missoula office continued their tradition of collecting and donating food to the for their annual “Can the Cats Food Drive”. Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Can the Cats Food Drive is held every November leading up to the University of Montana vs. Montana State University “Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild” rivalry football game. Missoulians are encouraged to donate food and cash which benefits thousands of households experiencing food insecurity in Missoula County. The Windermere Missoula team collected over 2,000 pounds of food from their local community which was delivered in bags donated by WinCo Foods Missoula. This was the eighth year Windermere Missoula participated in this event which Managing Broker John Brauer says is great fun and an incredible team-building experience.

Bringing Laughter and Raising Funds in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington

Comedy Night

The Windermere Foundation expanded the annual comedy night held in Portland, OR for the last 22 years to bring even more laughter and raise more money with another event in Seattle, WA.

Both events in 2023 featured Saturday Night Live comedian, Colin Jost. Together they raised over $1.1 million for local organizations supporting youth and families in need.

The annual Steve Allen Comedy Show in Portland, OR was founded by Windermere and benefits non-profit organization New Avenues for Youth, which is dedicated to the prevention and intervention of homelessness for Portland-area young people. The event helps New Avenues for Youth provide programs and services to young people in Portland that focus on the individual – their experiences, identities, needs and goals—and helping them make positive changes in their lives. From meals and counseling to job training and housing, their equity-based services address the many barriers to stability and well-being that young people face.

The inaugural Windermere Foundation Comedy Night in Seattle was organized by and benefited the Windermere Foundation, which has been giving back to the local communities where Windermere Real Estate agents live and work for 35 years. More than 400 people came together for a laughter-filled evening that included dinner, drinks, and an amazing amount of generosity. The money raised from ticket sales and the paddle raise will support organizations in the Seattle area that provide services to low-income and homeless children and families.

Design • January 8, 2024

Pantone 2024 Color of the Year: How to Use Peach Fuzz in your Home

by Meaghan McBoom

Abstract design in shades of Peach Fuzz. Text overlay reads Color of the Year 2024 PANTONE Peach Fuzz 13-1023.

The global color experts at Pantone have spoken, announcing the 2024 Color of the Year to be “Peach Fuzz.” Leatrice Eiseman, the Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute shared this explanation on the website, “in seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance.”

The gentle color brings to mind an embrace that’s calm and nurturing. Reminiscent of the sun on the horizon, or a fruity drink that promises refreshment, Peach Fuzz has a lot of potential in our homes this year.

Pantone Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz

Peach Fuzz is a light pink-orange hue and is described by Pantone Color Institute as subtly sensual, calm, and comforting. Chosen because of its ability to conjure feelings of tenderness, community, and collaboration, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is as modern as it is vintage and “reflects the past yet has been refashioned with a contemporary ambience,” making it accessible for homes and décor of any decade.

How to Use Peach Fuzz in Your Home

While recent trends have leaned into the monochrome look, Peach Fuzz is versatile in palettes that range from earthy to colorful to neutral. The warm hue can be integrated with a variety of existing décor styles and is only restrained to the homeowner’s preferences.

Using Peach Fuzz with an Earthy Aesthetic

If you’ve already developed a warm palette in your space using earthy browns, greens, and blues, Peach Fuzz can offer warmth and interest. Similar to that pink-orange golden hour that casts a warm light across the landscape, this color of the year can bring sunshine to your space through glass elements like candle sticks, vases, and pendant lights.

Consider lighting your space with tapered candles in transparent orange candle stick holders, or tea lights in short peach hurricanes. Or hang a light with an orange pendant to diffuse the lightbulb and bring that sunset look inside your home all evening. Peach vases are another option to combine your love of nature with the sunny warm hue. Consider a translucent glass vase, or maybe one shaped like a mushroom.

A living room with an earthy palette of browns and greens has peach colored pendant lights hanging from the ceiling.

Image Source: Naseem designer on Pinterest

Adding Peach Fuzz to a Colorful Room

Do you prefer a colorful approach to your home’s décor? Peach Fuzz can add a lovely backdrop to help gemstone colors pop out even more. Any good palette is a balancing act, and this peach color can sway that balance supporting your jewels and highlighting their rich shades. Add PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz to your background pieces, like throw blankets, rugs, and walls, then layer your gemstone pieces atop.

A living room with a colorful palette of jewel tones with a bright orange couch, yellow and blue throw pillow, and black and gold accents includes a Peach Fuzz colored accent wall with a gallery of art displayed.

Image Source: Hunker on Pinterest

Peach Fuzz in a Neutral Room

Many homeowners find that a neutral palette of light and warm off-whites, beiges, and natural woods is more pleasant and easier to maintain. If your home enjoys this minimalist simplicity, and you would like to add another warm color to your aesthetic, Peach Fuzz may be the right one for you.

Adding throw blankets and pillows is a great way to add color to your neutral room, as is replacing your rug with one that includes the pink-orange color in the design. You may also consider swapping out some decorative pieces like coffee table books, vases, and figurines for Peach Fuzz colored replacements.

A living room with a neutral palette of white, natural wood, and browns includes orange hued accents in the rug, throw pillows, and displayed décor on the shelves.

Image Source: Brighten Made on Pinterest

Check out more interior design ideas on our blog.

Design • December 11, 2023

What is Italianate Architecture?

by Sandy Dodge

An example of Italianate architecture: a brick three-story house with decorative windows and a columned entryway. Ornate details are found throughout the woodwork.

Italianate architecture has roots in Italy’s countryside villas, palaces, and overall romantic building aesthetic. Those ancient buildings inspired a new wave of home design that borrowed from the classic concepts found throughout a country beloved for its classic details and charm. Let’s dive into this special version of Mediterranean design to learn what makes it so appealing.

History of Italianate Architecture

Emerging in the early 1800s as part of a classic architecture movement of the time, the Italianate architectural style was inspired by Italy’s awesome and inspiring classic buildings. The goal in creating this style of home design was to share the grand and charming characteristics of Italian architecture with the world. Closely associated with the Victorian period, Italianate architecture gained popularity in Europe and the U.S. during the 19^th century.

An example of Italianate architecture: a stucco two-story house with dressed windows, a central awning on the top floor, and a gated entry. The house’s exterior is a classic Tuscan yellow.

Italianate architecture detached house | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: tomch

What is Italianate architecture?

For those who dream of taking a vacation to an Italian villa or countryside estate, this architectural style is for you. Square and symmetrical, homes built in this style are typically constructed from brick, stone, or stucco with well-constructed masonry walls. Common features of these distinct homes include tile flooring, columned entryways, and rounded windows.

Italianate houses typically have low-pitched roofs or a belvedere to capture views and emphasize verticality. The windows are a focal point of Italianate home exteriors. Tall and narrow, they are decorated with elaborate crown molding or hoods, evoking the grandeur of palatial Italian buildings. The Italianate style comes in many shapes and sizes, from townhouses and row houses to countryside estates and mansions.

An example of Italianate architecture: an extended row house structure in downtown Trieste, Italy. Each room has a curved window decorated with ornate trim facing the street and a small ledge. There are columns on the ground floor and halfway up the central building.

Italianate architecture row house in Trieste, Italy | Image Source: Getty Images | Image Source: Leonid Andronov

Market News • December 4, 2023

10 Housing Predictions for 2024

by Windermere Economics

This video shows Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner’s Top 10 Predictions for 2024. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market. See more market insights on our blog here.

Matthew Gardner’s Top 10 Predictions for 2024

1. Still no housing bubble

This was number one on my list last year and, so far, my forecast was spot on. The reason why I’m calling it out again is because the market performed better in 2023 than I expected. Continued price growth, combined with significantly higher mortgage rates, might suggest to some that the market will implode in 2024, but I find this implausible.

2. Mortgage rates will drop, but not quickly

The U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient, which has led the Federal Reserve to indicate that they will keep mortgage rates higher for longer to tame inflation. But data shows inflation and the broader economy are starting to slow, which should allow mortgage rates to ease in 2024. That said, I think rates will only fall to around 6% by the end of the year.

3. Listing activity will rise modestly

Although I expect a modest increase in listing activity in 2024, many homeowners will be hesitant to sell and lose their current mortgage rate. The latest data shows 80% of mortgaged homeowners in the U.S. have rates at or below 5%. Although they may not be inclined to sell right now, when rates fall to within 1.5% of their current rate, some will be motivated to move.

4.Home prices will rise, but not much

While many forecasters said home prices would fall in 2023, that was not the case, as the lack of inventory propped up home values. Given that it’s unlikely that there will be a significant increase in the number of homes for sale, I don’t expect prices to drop in 2024. However, growth will be a very modest 1%, which is the lowest pace seen for many years, but growth all the same.

5. Home values in markets that crashed will recover

During the pandemic there were a number of more affordable markets across the country that experienced significant price increases, followed by price declines post-pandemic. I expected home prices in those areas to take longer to recover than the rest of the nation, but I’m surprised by how quickly they have started to grow, with most markets having either matched their historic highs or getting close to it – even in the face of very high borrowing costs. In 2024, I expect prices to match or exceed their 2022 highs in the vast majority of metro areas across the country.

6. New construction will gain market share

Although new construction remains tepid, builders are benefiting from the lack of supply in the resale market and are taking a greater share of listings. While this might sound like a positive for builders, it’s coming at a cost through lower list prices and increased incentives such as mortgage rate buy downs. Although material costs have softened, it will remain very hard for builders to deliver enough housing to meet the demand.

7. Housing affordability will get worse

With home prices continuing to rise and the pace of borrowing costs far exceeding income growth, affordability will likely erode further in 2024. For affordability to improve, it would require either a significant drop in home values, a significant drop in mortgage rates, a significant increase in household incomes, or some combination of the three. But I’m afraid this is very unlikely. First-time home buyers will be the hardest hit by this continued lack of affordable housing.

8. Government needs to continue taking housing seriously

The government has started to take housing and affordability more seriously, with several states already having adopted new land use policies aimed at releasing developable land. In 2024, I hope cities and counties will continue to ease their restrictive land use policies. I also hope they’ll continue to streamline the permitting process and reduce the fees that are charged to builders, as these costs are passed directly onto the home buyer, which further impacts affordability.

9. Foreclosure activity won’t impact the market

Many expected that the end of forbearance would bring a veritable tsunami of homes to market, but that didn’t happen. At its peak, almost 1-in-10 homes in America were in the program, but that has fallen to below 1%. That said, foreclosure starts have picked up, but still remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Look for delinquency levels to continue rising in 2024, but they will only be returning to the long-term average and are not a cause for concern.

10. Sales will rise but remain the lowest in 15 years

2023 will likely be remembered as the year when home sales were the lowest since the housing bubble burst in 2008. I expect the number of homes for sale to improve modestly in 2024 which, combined with mortgage rates trending lower, should result in about 4.4 million home sales. Ultimately though, demand exceeding supply will mean that sellers will still have the upper hand.

About Matthew Gardner

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Selling • November 27, 2023

High ROI Upgrades for Equestrian Properties

by Sandy Dodge

Two horses graze in the foreground on an equestrian property. Behind them is a traditional two-story house with a wraparound porch and several windows.

For equestrian homeowners who are thinking about selling, there’s a long list of to-dos to get to. Not only do you need to spruce up the home itself, but your surrounding property should be in prime condition as well. To maximize your return on investment and drive buyer interest, consider making strategic upgrades that enhance both your home and your land. Improvements like these will add value to your home and cater to the equestrian enthusiasts.

Boost Equestrian Property Value

Equestrian Facilities

What truly matters to equestrian buyers? Their horses. Knowing that their horses have access to high-quality facilities will be the key to attracting serious buyers. Focus your upgrading efforts on the stables and barns. Proper ventilation, spacious stalls, and easy access to the surrounding pastures on the property.

Buyers also want to know that their horses will be safe, so secure fencing is a must. Consider investing in durable fencing materials like vinyl, wood, or pipe fencing depending on the area that needs fixing and/or upgrading. Make sure all paddocks are fenced off appropriately. This is certainly a factor equestrian buyers will consider as they compare your property to other listings.

Depending on what discipline you’ve trained on your property, your riding arena will have different footing. Talk to an equestrian real estate specialist about best practices for upgrading and cleaning up your arena as you prepare to sell, they’ll be aware of any recent buyer trends and patterns you might want to lean into. What’s most important is that your riding arena look professional and clean, ready for buyers who are looking to train or compete.

The inside of a large enclosed riding arena on an equestrian property.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JamesBrey

Equestrian Property Value: Landscaping

Maintaining an equestrian property is more time consuming than caring for a typical single-family home, but as you prepare to sell, your land maintenance will kick into high gear. Well-kept landscaping will not only increase your home value, but it will also provide a safe environment for the eventual buyer’s horses. This is especially important if your property has scenic trails; landscaping features like these are a selling point and should be treated with care accordingly.

Home Improvements

The typical high ROI remodeling projects like upgrading your bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen apply for equestrian homeowners as well, but there are certain equestrian-specific upgrades that will apply uniquely to home buyers with horses. A remodeled mudroom or tack room will help you differentiate your listing, as will sustainable upgrades like solar panels or renewable energy capabilities throughout the property. Sustainability continues to grow in importance for homeowners of all types, equestrian included. Now more than ever buyers are mindful of ways they can sustainably manage their property. If you invest in eco-friendly improvements, your property could appeal to a wider pool of buyers.

By making upgrades like these, you’ll present your equestrian property in the best light, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of engaging buyers who are willing to pay a premium. For more information on how to prepare your property for sale, connect with an experienced equestrian advisor:

Windermere Equestrian Advisors