HOUSING UPDATE
Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in yourfavor.
YouLikelyWon’tFeelasRushed
Homes tend to take a little longer to sell during this time of year. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the average time a house sits on the market jumps up during the winter months (see thegreenbarsinthegraphbelow):
SOURCE: NAR
Thisispartlybecausefewerbuyersareactiveatthistimeofyear–and that decrease in buyer competition means the houses that are on the market aren’t going to be snatched up as quickly So, if you decide to buy a home in the next couple of months, you’ll likely have more time to consider your options and negotiate a deal without feeling as pressured
And since homes generally take longer to sell during the winter, sellers are often more motivated to close a deal That can work in your favor, too AccordingtoNAR:
Buying a home during the winter means less competition, motivated sellers, and potentially lower prices, too.
Whether it’s compromising on price, covering closing costs or repairs, or including extras like appliances, you have more room toaskforwhatyouneed.
HomesAreLessExpensiveintheWinter
With less competition from other buyers and sellers who are morewillingtonegotiate,youmayseeslightlylowerpricestoo In fact, according to NAR, homes are typically about 5% less expensive now compared to when prices normally peak in the summer
That might not seem like a huge difference, but on a $400,000 home,itcouldmeansavingsof$20,000onthepurchaseprice.
You can see this expected seasonal shift in home prices taking place this year. Take a look at the graph below showing the mediansalespriceofexistinghomes(homesthatwerepreviously owned) over the past 12 months. You’ll notice in the green bars that prices were lower in the winter months last year, and it seems like that’s going to happen again this year. That gives you thechancetomakeyourbudgetgofurther:
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Taylor Morrison's Top 10 Design Trends for 2025
Heading into 2025, new-home buyers are embracing a range of design trends, including rich, bold color schemes, functional spaces, timeless style, and more inclusive design. Taylor Morrison No. 7 on the 2024 Builder 100 shared its top predictions for the new year from its design and architectural experts.
1. Universal Design:
In 2025, expect to see more designs, layouts, and concepts that create a more inclusive environment and can cater to a variety of needs for any family Examples include a curbless shower, sensory-friendly materials, and fewer hallways throughout the home.
2. Familiar Families:
As multigenerational housing continues to grow in popularity, home builders will offer more floor plans and housing options to accommodate this, including ensuites, casitas, and dedicated secondary living spaces
3 Outside In:
The builder is always looking for new ways to bring the outdoors in This year, their team is focused on the number, size, and location of windows to improve indooroutdoor connectivity. Windows that extend to the floor of a home will become a very popular way to achieve that goal
4. Sensory Details:
Whether it's the way a house smells with a curated scent or how the lights turn on sensory design is making a big impact Sensory design incorporates both visua and non-visual elements, activating all major senses including sight, sound, touch smell, and taste.
5 Entryway Envy:
‘Walk-through' laundry rooms, where you enter the home from the garage and walk through the laundry, have been popular for years, but everyday entries are quickly growing in popularity These might include a small vestibule or hall and can even include a small alcove for shoes, key drop, or a backpack valet
6. Calming Vibes:
The latest Pinterest trend report shows people want to bring more calming and peaceful vibes into their homes, with searches for "zen house" up 405% Aesthetic like Rom-com Core bring a cozy and nostalgic feel with natural materials and muted, earthy tones.
7 Cut Clutter:
In an effort to maximize space, many builders have shrunk floor plans by eliminating excess square footage without changing the function or livability of homes. In several markets, Taylor Morrison is designing homes with fewer hallways so buyers can enjoy better home flow, more natural light, and savings on construction costs
8. Enduring Elegance:
Designs today are lasting much longer, and with that, there is a push for more timeless designs among consumers Rather than selecting trendy items, many buyers are going with timeless options with a longer trajectory for choices like countertops, cabinets, and stained wood.
9. More Modern Farmhouse:
Modern farmhouse continues to be a top choice among elevation styles across the country, reports Taylor Morrison. Additional trending exterior elevations include transitional and soft modern
10. Warm Colors:
This year, the builder chose Clove (SW 9605) from Sherwin-Williams' Color Capsule of the Year as its foundation for its color collection. They partnered this rich tone with City Loft (SW 7631). This warm neutral can be used for large spaces or hallways to bring in warmth while still feeling light and open
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR HOUSE WARM DURING THE WINTER
With winter temperatures well underway, you may be looking for ways to keep the warmth inside your home and the cold out Not only will this make you more comfortable at home but it will also save you money on heating bills in the long run HVAC experts share their top tips and tricks guaranteed to keep you warm this winter
1 Seal Those Drafty Spots
Ever feel that annoying cold breeze sneaking in around your windows and doors? That’s not just cold coming in it's heat escaping Sealing gaps throughout the home is a simple fix and can be done by simply adding weather stripping around your windows or a draft guard under your door. One overlooked spot can be your home’s ductwork. Ryan Camp, owner and founder of Harrington Air Conditioning, recommends looking there first to ensure your home is properly insulated “Sealing and insulating the ducts not only improves heating efficiency but also ensures that the warm air reaches every corner of your home,” Camp says
2 Smart Thermostat Equals Smart Heating
Why heat an empty house? A programmable thermostat lets you schedule your heating based on your routine. Set it to lower it while you’re asleep or away, and have it warm up your home for when you wake up or return. “Setting it back 7°F to 10°F for eight hours daily can save up to 10% on heating bills annually,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab
3. Shut the Door on Unused Rooms
Got rooms you don’t use often? Close the doors and vents to them! This keeps the warm air circulating in the rooms you use most like your living room or bedroom without wasting energy on empty spaces. “Just be careful not to do this if your HVAC system relies on balanced airflow, as it could affect efficiency,” Mitchell says
4. Flip Your Ceiling Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. HVAC pros highly recommend setting your fans to spin clockwise during the winter so they push warm air down to you “It’s a small change with a big impact on how cozy your room feels,” says Francis Kaspar, an HVAC technician at The Chill Brothers “This simple adjustment can save you up to 10% on heating costs,” Mitchell says.
5. Maintaining Your HVAC
Is a Must
Your heating system works hard all winter, so give it a little TLC. Changing your air filters regularly, keeping your vents clear of dust and debris, and getting a professional tune-up every now and then can make all the difference in your HVAC system’s performance and overall home heating
6 Use Heavy Curtains and Thermal Liners
Curtains don’t have to just be decoration they can also keep your home warm. Swap out lightweight summer curtains for heavier thermal drapes in the winter. Keeping them open during the day allows natural sunlight to warm up your home’s interior, then close them at night to lock in the heat “Properly insulating windows with curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25%,” says Mitchell
7 Utilize Zoned Heating
If your home has multiple levels or rooms that aren’t always in use, consider installing a zoned heating system so you can put your home’s energy towards the rooms you occupy the most This allows you to heat specific areas based on your needs, which can save energy and reduce heating costs,” says Camp.
BENJAMIN MOORE
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