Buyers face challenging conditions, but can increase their odds with preparation and flexibility. The spring shopping season — traditionally the time when the greatest number of home buyers are hunting for homes — is shaping up to be a sizzler. Home shoppers are facing some of the most challenging housing market conditions in generations, including […]
Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes
Why Some First-Time Buyers Are Getting a ‘Second Home’ … and Still Renting
Investment and vacation homes can be an affordable option for new buyers. Read on for pros and cons of this route to homeownership. Young renters who are priced out of homes in their metro areas could get a foothold in the housing market by buying what has traditionally been considered a “second home” before they […]
What Your Houseplants Need to Get Through Winter
With just a little care, your indoor plants can thrive in the winter. If your houseplants are looking less than lush this time of year, you’re likely not alone. Blame it on dry air, shorter days, changing light patterns, cold drafts — and the fact that some plants go nearly dormant in winter anyway, even […]
8 Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable
The following tips not only may have cost-saving benefits, but some eco-friendly features may help you sell your home faster. The market for sustainable home products has exploded in recent years, offering homeowners the opportunity to practice energy and water conservation right at home. Zillow researchers named sustainability a top home trend for 2022, especially among […]
These Are the 7 Biggest Trends Predicted to Influence Home Projects This Year
Homeowners expect to invest in features to make their homes more comfortable, livable and sustainable. High style will take a back seat to comfort and calm in 2022 as homeowners invest in features and projects that foster a sense of renewal and reflect core values around sustainability and self-care, Zillow analysts predict. Projects and features […]
Homebuyers: Buckle up for another brutal spring housing market
It’s usually around this time of year, with the holiday season firmly in the rearview mirror, that homebuyers and sellers alike begin to make their way back into the market. That will continue to pick up each week until March arrives. At that point, the industry’s busy season—known as the spring real estate market—will be […]
5 Supply Chain Shortages Homeowners Need To Prepare For Now
As the crisp air settles in, you might be planning a fall renovation. Maybe you’ll finally replace that horribly lumpy sofa or get around to painting your 1970s bathroom a warm rose instead of avocado green. Unfortunately, those seemingly simple upgrades may not be quite so easy this year. Thanks to myriad supply chain issues […]
Raise the Roof (or Build Out Back): Home Addition Costs by Room
Has the COVID-19 pandemic made you feel like your suddenly overstuffed home somehow shrank? Or do you live in a medium-sized home you wish was (extra) large? Or maybe you want to upsize, but the current market’s high prices has you making do with less room. If you’ve outgrown your space—or simply want to maximize your […]
Moving Stress: Why You Feel It and How to Cope
Moving is often one of the most stressful and emotional life events. Try these strategies to stay calm. Moving can be one of the most exciting times in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. In a Zillow survey of recent movers, about half said they experienced stress (55%) and anxiety (48%) […]
New Construction or Existing Homes? The Pros and Cons of Both
In today’s hot housing market, buyers are likely to consider every available home for sale. And while each home has its unique charms, newly built homes and resale homes come with different upsides and downsides. As you weigh whether to buy a brand new home or a pre-owned one, here are some factors to consider. […]