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![By Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating What is the key to staging a home in appealing to a broad demographic? Presenting a property’s main rooms so buyers can see its true potential beyond what they read in the listing. A room showcased in a way that features the best use of the space will not only get noticed but will increase the perceived value and ultimately reduce the time spent on the market. The following are some examples of rooms that were “styled to sell” by meeting targeted buyer specific needs. Feature a Room’s Original Purpose […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1335-thumb-115x115.png "Before and After Photos: How Staging Can Make a Big Difference")
Before and After Photos: How Staging Can Make a Big Difference
Posted on September 3, 2018 | No CommentsBy Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating What is the key to staging a home in appealing to a broad demographic? Presenting a property’s main rooms so buyers can see its true potential beyond what they read in the listing. A room showcased in a way that features the best use of the space will not only get noticed but will increase the perceived value and ultimately reduce the time spent on the market. The following are some examples of rooms that were “styled to sell” by meeting targeted buyer specific needs. Feature a Room’s Original Purpose […] -
![Home stager: Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency, with offices in Portland, Ore., and Seattle The home: This Portland, Ore., home was a “complete and total fixer,” Riordan says. But it wasn’t anything that some savvy staging couldn’t fix. The 3,180-square-foot home was built in 1906 and features five bedrooms, 3.5 baths. It’s listed for $875,000. Riordan’s Staging Tips: Photo Credit: Justin Riordan, Spade and Archer Design Agency When staging a home, stick with neutral rugs with little to no pattern. This will keep the the rugs from distracting from the house itself. Photo Credit: Justin […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1333-thumb-115x115.png "Staged to Sell: A Fixer Upper to Show Stopper")
Staged to Sell: A Fixer Upper to Show Stopper
Posted on August 27, 2018 | No CommentsHome stager: Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency, with offices in Portland, Ore., and Seattle The home: This Portland, Ore., home was a “complete and total fixer,” Riordan says. But it wasn’t anything that some savvy staging couldn’t fix. The 3,180-square-foot home was built in 1906 and features five bedrooms, 3.5 baths. It’s listed for $875,000. Riordan’s Staging Tips: Photo Credit: Justin Riordan, Spade and Archer Design Agency When staging a home, stick with neutral rugs with little to no pattern. This will keep the the rugs from distracting from the house itself. Photo Credit: Justin […] -
![Where will housing be in 2020? According to the latest Metrostudy predictions, if all continues on its current track, construction costs could continue to increase, and mortgage rates could reel in. While rates have increased in the last six months, impacting affordability, the rise is not significant according to historical trends, says Mark Bound, chief economist and senior vice president at Metrostudy, a provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and residential construction industries. In the long term, Boud predicts mortgage interest rates will top out at 5.8 percent in 2020 and 2021, eventually being pulled down […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1331-thumb.jpg "Housing in 2020: Construction Costs Grow, Mortgage Rates Slow")
Housing in 2020: Construction Costs Grow, Mortgage Rates Slow
Posted on August 26, 2018 | No CommentsWhere will housing be in 2020? According to the latest Metrostudy predictions, if all continues on its current track, construction costs could continue to increase, and mortgage rates could reel in. While rates have increased in the last six months, impacting affordability, the rise is not significant according to historical trends, says Mark Bound, chief economist and senior vice president at Metrostudy, a provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and residential construction industries. In the long term, Boud predicts mortgage interest rates will top out at 5.8 percent in 2020 and 2021, eventually being pulled down […] -
![With Social Security trust fund reserves waning—predicted to be depleted by 2034, leaving Social Security unable to maintain full scheduled benefits—and the number of retirees expecting to receive benefits increasing, more and more Americans are relying on 401(k) savings to support their retirement living. In fact, Statista estimates there are 41.2 million households who presently own a 401(k) plan in the U.S. How does auto-enrollment fit in with these tax-advantaged savings accounts? There’s a clear benefit, as recently determined by 401(k) record-keeper Alight Solutions LLC in its 2017 Trends & Experience in Defined Contributions Plans report. Far more individuals contribute […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1322-thumb.jpg "401(k) Auto-Enrollment Connected to Early Withdrawals, With Housing Implications")
401(k) Auto-Enrollment Connected to Early Withdrawals, With Housing Implications
Posted on August 23, 2018 | No CommentsWith Social Security trust fund reserves waning—predicted to be depleted by 2034, leaving Social Security unable to maintain full scheduled benefits—and the number of retirees expecting to receive benefits increasing, more and more Americans are relying on 401(k) savings to support their retirement living. In fact, Statista estimates there are 41.2 million households who presently own a 401(k) plan in the U.S. How does auto-enrollment fit in with these tax-advantaged savings accounts? There’s a clear benefit, as recently determined by 401(k) record-keeper Alight Solutions LLC in its 2017 Trends & Experience in Defined Contributions Plans report. Far more individuals contribute […] -
![One of the biggest challenges for first-time homebuyers is saving. Coming up with a down payment is a hurdle for the majority of millennials, shows study after study—but, there are areas where the average earnings are enough to save sufficiently, according to an analysis recently released by RealEstate.com. The easiest market? Chicago, where the average first-timer can save 20 percent for a starter in just over three years. 1. Chicago, Ill. Annual Household Income for Millennials: $50,500 Annual Millennial Savings: $10,821 Median Starter Value: $177,300 Down Payment (20%): $35,460Savings Timeline: 3 years, 3 months 2. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Annual Household […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1324-thumb.jpg "Challenged by a Down Payment? The Easiest Markets to Save For")
Challenged by a Down Payment? The Easiest Markets to Save For
Posted on August 23, 2018 | No CommentsOne of the biggest challenges for first-time homebuyers is saving. Coming up with a down payment is a hurdle for the majority of millennials, shows study after study—but, there are areas where the average earnings are enough to save sufficiently, according to an analysis recently released by RealEstate.com. The easiest market? Chicago, where the average first-timer can save 20 percent for a starter in just over three years. 1. Chicago, Ill. Annual Household Income for Millennials: $50,500 Annual Millennial Savings: $10,821 Median Starter Value: $177,300 Down Payment (20%): $35,460Savings Timeline: 3 years, 3 months 2. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Annual Household […] -
![Editor’s Note: The Disruptor Roundup analyzes companies implementing unconventional models. Divvy This tech-powered, rent-to-own platform was launched at the end of 2017, and provides consumers with the ability to transition from renting to homeownership with a three-year program that amasses a down payment within its required monthly payments. Currently available in Atlanta, Cleveland and Memphis, Divvy is looking to expand to other markets. Divvy purchases homes on behalf of consumers. There are, however, restrictions. Divvy cannot purchase and lease condos, non-bank approved short sales, auction properties, manufactured or mobile homes, undeveloped lots, homes in pre- or mid-construction or properties with […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1320-thumb.jpg "Disruptor Roundup: Divvy Takes on Rent-to-Own")
Disruptor Roundup: Divvy Takes on Rent-to-Own
Posted on August 21, 2018 | No CommentsEditor’s Note: The Disruptor Roundup analyzes companies implementing unconventional models. Divvy This tech-powered, rent-to-own platform was launched at the end of 2017, and provides consumers with the ability to transition from renting to homeownership with a three-year program that amasses a down payment within its required monthly payments. Currently available in Atlanta, Cleveland and Memphis, Divvy is looking to expand to other markets. Divvy purchases homes on behalf of consumers. There are, however, restrictions. Divvy cannot purchase and lease condos, non-bank approved short sales, auction properties, manufactured or mobile homes, undeveloped lots, homes in pre- or mid-construction or properties with […] -
![Photo credit: VHT Studios By Brian Balduf, VHT Studios Technology and the convenience it offers to buyers and sellers has changed real estate forever. The days of starting a home search inside the office or car of a real estate professional and touring five or six houses are long gone. Now, interested buyers expect to “shop” for their new home whenever they want on whichever device they desire and they often spend hours clicking through listings online before ever scheduling a visit. As a result, savvy real estate professionals are using many new tools to help their listings gain an […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1318-thumb-115x115.png "Virtual Staging Transforms Cold, Vacant Spaces Into Warm, Welcoming Homes")
Virtual Staging Transforms Cold, Vacant Spaces Into Warm, Welcoming Homes
Posted on August 20, 2018 | No CommentsPhoto credit: VHT Studios By Brian Balduf, VHT Studios Technology and the convenience it offers to buyers and sellers has changed real estate forever. The days of starting a home search inside the office or car of a real estate professional and touring five or six houses are long gone. Now, interested buyers expect to “shop” for their new home whenever they want on whichever device they desire and they often spend hours clicking through listings online before ever scheduling a visit. As a result, savvy real estate professionals are using many new tools to help their listings gain an […] -
![Invasive plants can ruin a perfectly functioning ecosystem, creating issues for years and potentially changing landscapes forever. The key to controlling invasives is to be sure they don’t get where they don’t belong, according to The Nature Conservancy (nature.org). The environmental nonprofit says that the best way to fight invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Every consumer can play a role in stopping the introduction and spread of invasive species. The Conservancy says everyone can help protect native plants and animals by following these six easy guidelines: Verify that the plants you’re buying for […]](http://livinghouston.hdvproductions.org/wp-content/themes/arras/images/thumbnail.png "What Are the Worst Invasive Plants—and How Can You Stop Them?")
What Are the Worst Invasive Plants—and How Can You Stop Them?
Posted on August 14, 2018 | No CommentsInvasive plants can ruin a perfectly functioning ecosystem, creating issues for years and potentially changing landscapes forever. The key to controlling invasives is to be sure they don’t get where they don’t belong, according to The Nature Conservancy (nature.org). The environmental nonprofit says that the best way to fight invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Every consumer can play a role in stopping the introduction and spread of invasive species. The Conservancy says everyone can help protect native plants and animals by following these six easy guidelines: Verify that the plants you’re buying for […]