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5 design moves that Christina Haack from HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” has ditched in favor of some hot new style moves…..
I love all of that which she has ditched!!!
Christina Haack of “Flip of Flop” reveals 5 older trends (which may or may not be witnessed at the Huard household) that could stand to be left behind and replaced with some more appealing finishes! With so many homeowners choosing to improve their current living situation via a move or a renovation, these tips are timely and useful. They are also rather moderate in nature which heightens the “do-ability” factor. It’s one thing to admire a trend that is attractive and appealing and it’s another to know that it’s obtainable! Click below to read the article featuring 5 trends that perhaps you want to put in the rear view mirror much like the past 16 months! Stay well and reach out to me for any real estate advice or assistance! I love what I do and I’m here to do it for YOU!
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/check-out-christina-haacks-changing-style/
The RI real estate market “temp” is on par with the elevated temps we are enjoying there in the Ocean State. SPF 70 required!
It’s front page news and “front and center” for buyers and sellers engaged in this high velocity real estate market here in Rhode Island. Homes being listed competitively are closing at prices well over asking. Multiple offers with minimal contingencies ruling the day for buyers eager to hear those ever elusive, highly coveted “Offer Accepted” words.
With 6 closings upcoming I can attest that there is nothing “slow” or moderate about this market. The Providence Journal released an article highlighting just how elevated and intense this market is and it shows no signs of slowing down. The lack of inventory is not likely to change significantly enough to make an impact, for quite some time. Between the cost of materials to build, and the “catch 22” of folks having nowhere to move to, it will be a while before this market moderates. Experts are predicting continued strength for at least the next two years before it moderates. With loans being more strictly regulated AND the advantageous interest rates, buyers are very well fortified as contenders in this seller’s market. They are well qualified and they simply can afford “more home” due to how low their monthly payments are. So while prices are sky high, buying power is also at an all-time high.
It’s a market where agency of utmost competency is key and pure fortitude and drive is needed on behalf of agents and their Realtor. While it may take more offers than before, winning bids to get that home you desire is most certainly doable and this former athlete runs on pure compete!
Meet Matthew King of Taco Box Trailer in Warren, RI. Huge small business love felt by this Realtor and resident
Sponsoring the Parkbench
https://parkbench.com/blog/taco-box-trailer-food-drink-barrington-matthew-king
Oh me oh my, it’s Warren, RI!
Have you been to adorable and endearing Warren, RI lately? It’s that little haven right between Barrington and Bristol….Do you know the one? The one where you can bike to Del’s on the East Bay Bike Path, grab some hot weiners at Rod’s Grille by the old Jamiels or head down to Water Street for some of the best eats around? Yes it’s that little spot of which I speak!
What used to be a cut through en route to Bristol is now a destination of growing magnitude! Have you heard of all those amazing new food trucks and pop-up shops and farm- to- table eateries popping up over the East Bay and PVD? Well many of them got their start right HERE in Warren at the culinary/ entrepreneur think tank/kickstarter known as Hope & Main. The notion of every great product starts from one great idea is proof positive with Hope & Main where many of RI’s most innovative and popular food destinations have their origins.
Warren truly is a tiny town that has it all; wonderful restaurants, waterfront homes, art galleries and boutiques, an adorable beach, a clam shack/ seafood company rockstar known as Blount Seafood, all with a quirky vibe destined to remain uniquely Warren’s. So take a stroll over to Warren via the ” bridges” or bike on in via the East Bay Bike Path and stroll down Water St and prepare to be amazed. While you’re there? Take a trip to the Huard Household’s Warren fave known as the Taco Box Trailer. It’s located right behind the Del’s…How’s that for “Native Rhody” directions?
How to LEGALLY avoid Capital Gains Tax!!!!
Great article by BiggerPockets ( one of my faves to follow ) on how to legally avoid capital gains tax. Looking to have up $250 k as a single filer or $500 k as a married couple, exempt from the capital gains tax burden? Read below for specific ownership conditions that need to be met.
Experts Say Home Prices Will Continue to Appreciate
It’s clear that consumers are concerned about how quickly home values are rising. Many people fear the speed of appreciation may lead to a crash in prices later this year. In fact, Google reports that the search for “When is the housing market going to crash?” has actually spiked 2450% over the past month.
In addition, Jim Dalrymple II of Inman News notes:
“One of the most noteworthy things that came up in Inman’s conversations with agents was that every single one said they’ve had conversations with clients about whether or not the market is heading into a bubble.”
To alleviate some of these concerns, let’s look at what several financial analysts are saying about the current residential real estate market. Within the last thirty days, four of the major financial services giants came to the same conclusion: the housing market is strong, and price appreciation will continue. Here are their statements on the issue:
Goldman Sachs’ Research Note on Housing:
“Strong demand for housing looks sustainable. Even before the pandemic, demographic tailwinds and historically-low mortgage rates had pushed demand to high levels. … consumer surveys indicate that household buying intentions are now the highest in 20 years. … As a result, the model projects double-digit price gains both this year and next.”
Joe Seydl, Senior Markets Economist, J.P.Morgan:
“Homebuyers—interest rates are still historically low, though they are inching up. Housing prices have spiked during the last six-to-nine months, but we don’t expect them to fall soon, and we believe they are more likely to keep rising. If you are looking to purchase a new home, conditions now may be better than 12 months hence.”
Morgan Stanley, Thoughts on the Market Podcast:
“Unlike 15 years ago, the euphoria in today’s home prices comes down to the simple logic of supply and demand. And we at Morgan Stanley conclude that this time the sector is on a sustainably, sturdy foundation . . . . This robust demand and highly challenged supply, along with tight mortgage lending standards, may continue to bode well for home prices. Higher interest rates and post pandemic moves could likely slow the pace of appreciation, but the upward trajectory remains very much on course.”
Merrill Lynch’s Capital Market Outlook:
“There are reasons to believe that this is likely to be an unusually long and strong housing expansion. Demand is very strong because the biggest demographic cohort in history is moving through the household-formation and peak home-buying stages of its life cycle. Coronavirus-related preference changes have also sharply boosted home buying demand. At the same time, supply is unusually tight, with available homes for sale at record-low levels. Double-digit price gains are rationing the supply.”
Bottom Line
If you’re concerned about making the decision to buy or sell right now, let’s connect to discuss what’s happening in our local Rhode Island market. I am here to help!
Four ways to maximize the sale of your house!
4 Tips to Maximize the Sale of Your House
Homeowners ready to make a move are definitely in a great position to sell today. Housing inventory is incredibly low, driving up buyer competition. This gives homeowners leverage to sell for the best possible terms, and it’s fueling a steady rise in home prices.
In such a hot market, houses are selling quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are typically on the market for just 18 short days. In Rhode Island many listings like my own recent ones are going under contract on day 3. Despite the speed and opportunity for sellers, there are still steps you can take to prep your house to shine so you get the greatest possible return.
1. Make Buyers Feel at Home
One of the ways to make this happen is to take time to declutter. Pack away any personal items like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. The more neutral and tidy the space, the easier it is for a buyer to picture themselves living there. According to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging by NAR:
“82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”
Not only will your house potentially attract the attention of more buyers and likely sell quickly, but the same report also notes:
“Eighteen percent of sellers’ agents said home staging increased the dollar value of a residence between 6% and 10%.”
As Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavior Insights for NAR, says:
“Staging a home helps consumers see the full potential of a given space or property…It features the home in its best light and helps would-be buyers envision its various possibilities.”
2. Keep It Clean
On top of making an effort to declutter, it’s important to keep your house neat and clean. Before a buyer stops by, be sure to pick up toys, make the beds, and wash the dishes. This is one more way to reduce the number of things that can distract a buyer from the appeal of the home.
Ensure your home smells fresh and clean as well. Buyers will remember the smell of your house, and according to the same report from NAR, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms of the house to focus on if you want to attract more buyers.
3. Give Buyers Access
Buyers are less likely to make an offer on your house if they aren’t able to easily schedule a time to check it out. If your home is available anytime, that opens up more opportunities for multiple buyers to go from curious to eager. It also allows buyers on tight schedules to still get in to see your house.
While health continues to be a great concern throughout the country, it’s important to work with your agent to find the best safety measures and digital practices for your listing. This will drive visibility and create access options that also keep everyone in the process safe. A strong and rich online presence is vital. Having a virtual tour is a great tool online shoppers can tap into.
4. Price It Right
Even in a sellers’ market, it’s crucial to set your house at the right price to maximize selling potential. Pricing your house too high is actually a detriment to the sale. The goal is to drive high attention from competing buyers and let bidding wars push the final sales price up.
Work with your trusted real estate professional to determine the best list price for your house. Having an expert on your side in this process is truly essential.
Bottom Line
If you want to sell on your terms, in the least amount of time, and for the best price, today’s market sets the stage to make that happen. A huge component of what I bring to the table as an agent is my emphasis on helping and assisting. A huge effort is imparted to make sure you feel guided and assisted every step of the way. Instructing you on what needs to be done to get your home ready to list and HOW to do it is a huge part of what my clients’ refer to as the “Huard Hustle!” Need help getting started? Reach on out. Helping my clients is my “Why!”
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle and the life of a candle will not be shortened.” Buddha
“Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha
I am a big believer in this tenet and clearly so are the people who comprise my “village.” Each time I sound the alarm, that there is a need worthy of answering, my neighbors, friends, colleagues and family members line up in droves. I do believe with all my heart that we ALL want to help others. We all have an innate desire to help, to support, to lessen the pain of those around us. Each day I am reminded of just how vibrant this inclination is within so many I am blessed to know and love. Throughout all the years of my “rallying calls” and no matter what the need at hand, countless members of all different networks and spheres of mine have come running. Running to offer their time, their gifts, their donations and their love.
My most recent “call to action” was the latest in a series of efforts to give back and to support those within my community. A community for me extends way beyond RI zip codes or town lines, especially when I’ve lived in so many and work as a Realtor in almost all of them! Community knows no borders, translates in a variety of different ways and is based upon a shared experience. Experiences I have been blessed to share with so many that forever bond us together.
It might be my Save A Lab or City Year community, my Barrington or Brown University communities or my Barrington high alum, La Salle, Governor’s Academy, South Shore Kings, Bridgewater Bandits, PHC, or Friars hockey communities. It may be my Brookline Public School community or my Lesley University or Boston community. No matter what the need, I hear from members of EACH and EVERY community with each “call for support ” I make !!!! How amazing is that?
It’s amazing and it’s reassuring. It reminds us that we ALL are here to help each other. Here to help in small ways and in larger, more “organized” ways. My belief system is based upon the notion that each act of kindness spreads ripples of goodness. Whether it be the look in the eye and the “Thank you” you shared with the bagger at the supermarket, or the offer to hold the door open for someone entering a store to the grand gestures like donating gifts for a family who lost everything in a fire. To me, every little bit counts.
Every bit of goodness sends out ripples of hope. To all of who keep sending that ripple out? I say “thank you.” For you all are embodying the tenet of Buddha above ….” Thousands of candles can be lighted by a single candle and the life of that candle can never be shortened.” Keep sharing those lights dear friends…..they are making a difference….a huge one. 
What Defines Me As A Rhode Island Realtor?
I am fueled daily by the desire to make a difference in the lives of all those around me. A focus that is universal and all-encompassing and innate. It’s a focus on helping others. Real Estate is the perfect conduit to do just that. To be highly engaged throughout RI in a profession that is built on my role in advocating, guiding, and championing others truly is a gift. I simply love what I do and whom I do it for and give my ALL and then some to each and every client!
Curious about life in Barrington, RI?
I may be small in stature but I am BIG on supporting others. For me, it’s my “why.” I am “still” here despite years of severe health challenges so that I can help people. I believe that to be true with all of my heart. Each day my intention is one of helping others. It’s what has me rising early, with a game plan in mind and has me resting a weary head at night, thinking of who else needs to be helped, guided or supported. It’s my why.
It’s why being a Realtor brings me such a great sense of reward. Each day I’m able to guide, advocate and fight for those that I care about deeply. It was the same satisfying feeling I got from teaching elementary school in Brookline Ma. To know that each day I was making a difference in the lives of my first, second and third graders was the best feeling ever. A feeling that had me arriving at 6 am to start preparing for the day and one that had me up late at night planning for the next morning’s lessons. I still have that sense of drive and discipline as a Realtor. Early mornings and late nights fueled by my desire to make a significant difference in the lives of others.
It is within that framework that I decided to sponsor Parkbench, Barrington RI. I wanted to create a site that supported the small businesses that fuel our little town in Barrington, RI. To be able to highlight their hard work, their ingenuity and their fortitude especially during a pandemic became a “must do.” In so doing I hope to shine the light not only on the heartbeat behind our small town but on the way of life and the incredible humans that make this seaside town, my hometown, so endearing.
