Welcome to your go-to guide for all things real estate, housing market, and home decor! Tired of scouring the internet for hours to keep up with industry trends? Look no further – here’s everything you need to know, all in one place and in a fraction of the time!
Recommended Reads
Mortgage rates just fell again. Here’s what you need to know.
Washington Post | Rachel Siegel | Sept 12
Mortgage rates just dropped to 6.2%, their lowest since April 2023, offering a breath of fresh air for potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance. This decline comes as the Federal Reserve gears up for its first rate cut since it began raising rates to combat inflation. While further drops in mortgage rates might be modest, they could still improve housing affordability. If rates continue to fall, it could encourage more homeowners to sell, adding much-needed inventory to the market.
Will homebuyer competition rise when mortgage interest rates are cut?
CBS News | Christy Bieber | Sept 12
As mortgage rates drop, competition among homebuyers is expected to heat up. While lower rates improve affordability, they could also trigger a surge in demand, driving up home prices and creating bidding wars. Many potential buyers who missed out on low rates during the pandemic may rush back into the market, further increasing competition. However, the influx of sellers—motivated by lower borrowing costs—could help balance supply and demand, potentially easing price pressures. Aspiring buyers should prepare financially and be ready to act quickly in this evolving market.
Economic and Housing Trends
Homebuyers are gaining leverage in these housing markets
FastCompany | Lance Lambert | Sept 9 |
Monitoring active listings and months of supply is the key to understanding home price momentum as an increase in active listings can hint at future pricing weaknesses, while a decline suggests a heating market. Nationally, active listings are on the rise but still below pre-pandemic levels. Florida, especially areas impacted by recent hurricanes, has seen significant inventory growth, leading to a softening market. Sun Belt and Mountain West regions, which saw rapid price growth during the pandemic, are also seeing inventory levels return to normal, unlike the Northeast and Midwest, where new home supply remains limited. The big question is whether rising inventory will lead to more widespread price declines.
An influx of young people entering the housing market next year will lead to a homebuilding boom
Business insider | Jennifer Sor | Sept 12 |
Get ready for a housing boom! A wave of younger buyers is poised to enter the market, which could be a big win for homebuilders. Experts predict that as mortgage rates drop, young Americans eager to own homes will jump into the market, boosting the construction and building materials sectors. The housing market, underbuilt for years, could see a surge in activity by 2025, especially as affordability improves with lower rates.
Home Aesthetics
As a color editor, I’ve seen hundreds of color trends come and go this year – these are the ones I think will stick for 2025
Homes and Gardens | Emily Moorman | Sept 8 |
As fall approaches, it’s time to reflect on the year’s standout color trends and predict what’s here to stay in 2025. Dark, earthy tones like rich greens and browns have been popular for creating cozy spaces, and they’re expected to remain strong through the new year. Red has made a bold comeback, evolving from a daring accent to a sophisticated choice for entire rooms. Calming blues and greens have emerged as the new neutrals, offering understated elegance, while warm-toned neutrals are replacing cooler shades for a more inviting atmosphere. Lastly, the trend of color drenching—using a single color throughout a room—continues to gain momentum, promising cohesive and stylish spaces in 2025.
The Right Way to Lay Out Your Dining Room: 5 Formulas Interior Designers Rely On
Wall Street Journal | Kathryn O’Shea-Evans | Sept 11 |
Designing a well-laid-out dining room is essential for creating enjoyable dining experiences. Experts recommend selecting the right table size—generally 42 to 44 inches wide—and ensuring ample space between seats for comfort. Leave sufficient room around the table for easy movement, with 54 inches being ideal. Lighting is crucial; hang chandeliers at 66 inches from the floor for optimal illumination. A generously sized rug helps with acoustics and comfort, extending at least 36 inches beyond the table’s edges. Lastly, choose seating that’s comfortable and practical, avoiding overly deep or heavy chairs to ensure a pleasant dining environment.
