3 Trends That Will Take Home Design by Storm in 2020

These are the three home design trends you’ll want to keep an eye out for in 2020.

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From shiny kitchen cabinets to wooden ceiling beams, several home design trends aim to liven up neutral interiors with the arrival of the new year. Today I want to discuss three trends in particular that you’ll want to keep an eye out for:

1. High-gloss sealed kitchen cabinetry. Flat-panel cabinets with a high-gloss finish are becoming increasingly popular in the market. The glossy finish helps to bounce light around the room, and a flat-panel design makes cabinets appear slimmer and more uniform. Combined, these features give your kitchen a modern look.

2. Wooden beams. Nowadays, more attention is being paid to dressing up your home’s ‘fifth wall’—your ceiling. Wood ceiling beams are one way to do that. Contrasting wooden beams can add some warmth and design to an otherwise all-white space. It can also help make the room appear larger by drawing the eye upward.

Combined, these features give your kitchen a modern look.

3. Brass accents. Kitchen designs are incorporating more contrasts, and brass certainly creates those effects. Darker kitchens paired with brass accents create a tasteful contrast that isn’t overbearing in the space.

These are just three of the major design trends heading our way in 2020. If you have any questions about other trends to look out for or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

How Can You Use Home Decor to Make Things More Cozy?

If you’re looking for a few ways to make your home cozier and inviting as the weather gets colder, you’re in luck. Here are my top tips.

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It’s that time of year where we channel the cozy and warm vibes as the weather gets colder. There are plenty of ways to bring a warm, rustic look to your home without breaking the bank. Here are three cozy ways to warm up your home decor this year:

1. Use canvas and burlap. Not only are these fabrics durable, but they give your home a more rustic feel. Seek out this fabric for your curtains, pillows, upholstery, and more. It really gives your home more of a cabin-like feel. The material works great on lampshades, ottomans, and barstools as well. Canvas laundry bags, magazine bags, and storage bags are good ideas, too.

Cozy textures are simple to add, but they should be done minimally.

2. Use natural colors. When considering paint, look to nature. Being immersed in the great outdoors is the idea, so focus on earth tones with splashes of colors. Look at browns, deep yellows, oranges, and greens for your color pallet.

3. Use cozy textures. This is simple to do and should be done minimally. Add a chunky knit blanket, woven basket, flannel sheets, or soft wool rugs.

These are just a few of the ways to get your home ready for the cold and keep you snug and cuddly inside. Stay warm out there!

If you have any real estate-related questions for me, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Why Is It so Important to Be Thankful?

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I can’t believe that it’s already November! I love Thanksgiving—it’s the time of year when we’re especially reminded of what we’re grateful for, but we should start to be grateful year-round. I think it’s a great way to live. If you ever have any questions about real estate, please don't hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email. I would love to help you.

How Pets Influence Real Estate Transactions

Pets are an important real estate influencer. Here’s what we mean by that.

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Believe it or not, today’s pets are real estate influencers. 

By that I mean they play a big role in real estate transactions: 81% of Americans say animal-related considerations play a role when they decide on their next living situation. Furthermore, 89% say they wouldn’t give up their pet because of any housing restrictions or limitations.

Before you sell, consult with your agent about small projects you can take on that highlight your home’s pet amenities.

The majority of pet owners consider their pets a part of their family, so it’s important to factor them in when choosing a place to live. Highlighting pet-friendly amenities in your listing, such as a spacious yard or a mudroom for dirty paws, can make it easier for buyers to find the home of their pets’ dreams. Other pet-friendly amenities to highlight include ample outdoor space, pet washing stations (e.g., a mudroom or laundry room), and pet doors.

The bottom line is, pets are influencing real estate like never before, so before you sell, consult with your agent about small projects you can take on that highlight your home’s pet amenities. If you’re looking to buy and you have pets, consult with your agent about which pet amenities you’re looking for in your next home. 

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

Don’t Let a “Blooper Room” Affect Your Home Sale

Here’s how you can fix any “blooper rooms” in your home. 

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Does your home have a “blooper room”?

This term is being used by real estate professionals to describe problematic spaces in homes that can turn off potential buyers. Just one room in your home that’s badly in need of work can make buyers look the other way entirely. For example, if your house has a dated kitchen that requires an entire renovation, buyers will likely pass on the property even if the rest of it caters to their tastes. 

The good news if you’re a home seller is if your home has a space like this, you don’t have to pay thousands to bring it up to date. Just a few upgrades may be enough to move it past “blooper room” status.

If your home has a space like this, you don’t have to pay thousands to bring it up to date.

Do you have a dark, dingy kitchen? Adding a fresh coat of paint to the cabinets will freshen it up. A gloomy, uninviting basement is another potential buyer turnoff, but if you give it a fresh coat of white, waterproof paint—even if it’s unfurnished—you’ll be able to clean and brighten up that space. 

Random “small rooms” are another type of blooper room that can make buyers hesitate. By “small room,” I mean a random, cramped room that’s too small to be of any specific use. They’re particularly problematic if they’re left empty or unstaged. If you have a small room, paint it white, declutter it, remove any old carpeting, and add some light to it. You might also consider converting that room into a walk-in closet. 

The last type of blooper room to be aware of is a “blah” laundry room. I know—laundry rooms aren’t supposed to be exciting, but they’re still an important room to buyers. Because they can often feel like cramped spaces, brightening them up is even more important. Buyers want a space that invokes cleanliness, order, and control. 


If you’d like to know more about how to take care of any blooper rooms in your home or you have any other real estate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you. 

2 Upgrades for a More Environmentally Friendly Home

Want to make some eco-friendly upgrades to your home? Here are two to consider.

There are many eco-friendly home upgrades you can make, and today we'll highlight two of the best options available.


The first is energy-efficient light bulbs. These types of bulbs have been around for some time, but many homeowners are just now starting to realize their benefits, which include a longer lifespan and the ability to reduce your electricity use.

Home automation is often thought of as a luxe amenity, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to make your home eco-friendly.

LED light bulbs come in a variety of colors and easily fit into many types of designer light fixtures, which allow you to incorporate stylish and efficient lighting design throughout your home.

The second is smart home technology. Home automation is often thought of as a luxe amenity, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to make your home eco-friendly because it allows appliances to run with the least amount of required energy.

Automated controls for security, temperature, and lighting that come from one single device will replace energy-consuming features and add extra function simultaneously. Additionally, the sleek design of many of these devices seamlessly blends technology throughout the home to complete a modern and stylish design. 

If you’d like to know more about what you can do to your home to make it more eco-friendly or you have any other real estate needs we can take care of, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

How to Sell Belongings for More Money Before You Move

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If you’ve ever moved from one home to the next, you know that not all of your belongings will come with you. 

Sorting old items into separate piles for things you want to donate, sell, keep, and trash is something everyone does (or at least, should do) before making a move. This not only makes the packing process easier, but it also helps give your new home a less cluttered feeling once you move in. Depending on the variety and number of items you have to sell, selling your old belongings could even cover some of your moving expenses. 

But moving, packing, and selling isn’t the focus of my message today. Instead, I want to talk about how you can earn more money for the items you choose to sell before you transition between homes. And with all the online marketplaces out there, it’s never been easier to sell your stuff. 

Without further ado, here are a few tips to help you maximize your earnings:

1. Sell items on the appropriate platforms. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell smaller items, while sites like Chairish are great for selling larger pieces like furniture.
2. Put time into your photos and descriptions. High-quality photos and thorough descriptions will bring you greater success when selling online. 
3. Don’t rely solely on online marketplaces. In-person garage sales can be a great way to get rid of items quickly. For these kinds of sales, bundling items and being open to haggling is a must. You should also advertise your sale ahead of time by signing up for Facebook groups. 
4. Time your sale with purpose. Like anything else, timing really does matter. And when you’re looking to sell personal belongings, a great time to do so is around the end of pay periods. This way, your customers will have plenty of money to spend. 

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

4 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time to Move

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For many of us, moving isn’t what we would call a joyous occasion. Even so, buyers who can maneuver a summer home purchase will find the process to be much smoother. 

Summer is, in fact, the best time of year to jump into the market, and here are four reasons to prove it:  

1. Long days with plenty of sun. Wintery conditions present all sorts of challenges when you’re moving. Rather than having to withstand the cold and snow, why not move when it’s warm and sunny out? Speaking of sunlight, summer brings longer days and more daylight, which means more time on a given day to move into and out of a home. This is especially advantageous if you decide to do the heavy lifting yourself rather than hiring movers.  

2. The children aren’t in school. Families with young children can make a summer move without all the headache-inducing disruptions to the school year and daily routines. Better still, since your kids will be on summer break, the moving process can be an all-hands-on-deck effort. 

3. Lots of yard sales. Once summer is underway, yard sales start sprouting up all over, which can be equally beneficial to sellers and buyers. As a seller, you can partner with your neighbors to get the word out that you’re holding a garage sale and get eyes and foot traffic directed toward your property. As a buyer, you’ll be able to attend as many garage sales as you want, and you’ll have a better chance of finding what you’re looking for. 

4. Summer is the peak selling season. The market is white hot at this time of year, so if you’re eager to move, know that you’re much more likely to pull off a successful home sale and purchase right now. Buyers come out en masse during spring and summer, with June being the best month to sell.  

I hope this list was all the convincing you needed to make your move this summer. If you have any further questions or need help buying or selling a home, please contact us by phone at 201-825-1266 or by email at JeffAdlerJeff@gmail.com. We hope to hear from you soon! 

6 Small Bathroom Updates That Make a Big Difference

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Bathroom upgrades bring some of the highest return of any home renovation projects, and today we’re going to cover six of the best upgrades any homeowner can make.

1. Update your showerhead. Not only does a new showerhead offer a more enjoyable experience, but it can also reduce your energy costs.
2. Install a soaker tub. The reign of the jacuzzi tub is over at long last. Now, soaker tubs have taken their place as the hottest trend in bathroom features today.
3. Add a walk-in shower. These features are also popular and make a great addition during any bathroom upgrade.
4. Swap large mirrors out for smaller ones. Mirrors that took up the entire space above a sink were once en vogue, but smaller, framed mirrors are now widely preferred.
5. Update the lighting. New lighting fixtures can make a room look and feel brand new.
6. Update the vanity. Swapping out certain features of the vanity to give it a more up-to-date and polished look can be a great way to transform the entire bathroom.
   

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

4 Questions Pet Owners Should Ask Themselves When Moving

There are four questions that pet owners need to ask when they buy a home.

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Make sure to ask these four questions if you’re searching for a new house for you and your animal companions:

1. What are the local pet laws? It’s not guaranteed that pets will be welcome in your new neighborhood, so make sure that you check your city and state laws for breed restrictions or limits on the number of animals that are allowed in a home.

2. Does the house have pet-friendly floors? Carpet is bound to be destroyed by claws and dirt, so we recommend that you opt for distressed hardwood floors instead. Your pet and wallet will thank you.

3. Can your pet handle the stairs? If your pets are growing older, consider whether they’ll be okay with the stairs in a multi-level property. To help your pets travel up and down with ease, look for a place with a carpet runner on the stairs.

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It’s not guaranteed that pets will be welcome in your new neighborhood, so make sure that you check your city and state laws for breed restrictions or limits on the number of animals that are allowed in a home.

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4. Is the neighborhood safe for pets to roam? Your four-legged friends need plenty of room to walk and play, so when you’re shopping for houses, make sure to peek around the neighborhood for parks and walking trails that are close by. You’ll both be very happy you did.

 If you have any questions about this or other real estate topics, we encourage you to reach out to us. We’d love to speak with you. 

Focus on These 2 Rooms When Preparing Your Home for Sale

When buyers view homes in person, their focus tends to shift toward two main areas of a home. Knowing what they are will help you maximize your sale price.

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When buyers are looking at properties, they tend to focus on two main areas of a house: 1. The kitchen. Everyone gathers in the kitchen. If you’re thinking about upgrading your home to add value before selling, focus on this area. Modern-style kitchens are very popular right now. Buyers like to see lighter shades in the cupboards and countertops. It’s also OK to add in a few traditional elements, but stay away from rounded countertops, because those have really fallen out of fashion.

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If you’re going to spend money on upgrades, spend it in these two places.

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2. The master bathroom. Buyers love to see upgraded master showers, freestanding tubs, and tile flooring. If you have carpet in your bathroom around the toilet or tub area, that must go. It’s a complete no-no. It's a huge turn-off for buyers. Buyers prefer light colors here as well.

If you’re going to spend money on upgrades to attract buyers and add value to your home, these are the two main areas you’ll want to focus on. If you want any further tips or have any other questions that we can answer for you, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Don’t Make These 5 Common Home Selling Mistakes

What should home sellers know before they begin their journey? Here are five great tips.

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I’m here today to talk to you about common mistakes that could sink your chances of a successful home sale. Though there really is a wealth of information out there for buyers, there isn’t as much available for those looking to sell. That’s why I’m here today to share with you five common but critical mistakes sellers should avoid when it comes time to list their property: 1. Pricing your home too high. There are three ways you can price your home: You can price it above market value and hope that a buyer comes along; you can price it at market value and take advantage of the interest it generates; or you can price below market value and potentially drum up a bidding war. Typically, pricing at or below market value is the best strategy in our market. 2. Not hiring a real estate agent. Many sellers assume that they can save money by not hiring an agent. However, the commission fee is a small price to pay for the service that an experienced agent can provide. Top-quality Realtors know how to leverage cutting-edge marketing techniques to help you earn top dollar for your home.

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Ordering a pre-listing inspection allows you to get ahead of any potential issues.

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3. Not making home improvements before listing. Sellers should do whatever it takes to make their property shine before putting it on the market. Decluttering, cleaning, and staging can really go a long way. If your home doesn’t make a good first impression on buyers, you won’t be able to command the price that you deserve.


4. Not ordering a pre-listing inspection. Ordering an inspection before your home hits the market will allow you to identify and possibly resolve issues ahead of time. Also, having a home inspection report ready for buyers to review can really expedite the process.

5. Being present during showings. Buyers probably won’t be comfortable expressing their honest opinions about your property if you’re there listening in. When it comes time for a showing, it’s best for sellers to be gone altogether.

We hope these tips were helpful to you. If you have any questions for us in the meantime or if you need our assistance with buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Key Trends to Watch in 2019

We’ll be seeing a change in inventory and a new generation in our market in 2019.

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There are a few trends we’ll be seeing as we make our way through 2019.

For several years, we’ve had a very low amount of home inventory in our market. More homes are coming on the market, but they’re still not enough to keep up with buyer demand. Nationwide, inventory hit the lowest level in recorded history last winter and only recently began to recover. We expect this growth to continue, but not at a large rate—we predict around 7%.

Just a few years ago, most millennials were barely old enough to buy a home. Now they make up the majority of the home buying market, and this will continue to be the case in 2019. Currently, this generation accounts for about 45% of mortgages, compared to baby boomers at 17% and Gen Xers at 37%. And the homes millennials are buying aren’t just starter homes—many are already moving up.

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Inventory hit the lowest level in recorded history last winter and only recently began to recover.

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If you have any questions about the landscape of the 2019 market, need further information, or would like to talk about your home buying or selling needs, reach out to us at 201-825-1266 or send an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.