HOUSING UPDATE
Luxurylivingisaboutmorethanjuststunningviewsandcutting-edge smart home technology it’s about elevating your lifestyle. And if you’re in the market for a million-dollar home, now is an excellent timetoexplorethethrivingluxurymarket Here’swhy
TheNumberofLuxuryHomesIsGrowing
The top of the market, or luxury homes, can mean different things depending on where you live But in general, these are homes that are in the top 5% price range in any area. According to a recent report from Redfin, the average value of those homes has risen to over one milliondollars:
“The median sale price for U.S. luxury homes, defined as the top 5% of listings, rose 9% year-over-year to a record $1.18 million during thesecondquarter.”
Thatsamereportgoesontoshowthepercentageofhomesvaluedat a million dollars or more has risen to an all-time high (see graph below):
With more million-dollar homes on the market and prices going up, you have luxury options to choose from and a chance to build significant long-term wealth.
That means, if this is your desired price range, you have optionstochoosefrom,eachwithdifferentfeaturesand styles
Whetheryou’relookingforthelatestdesigns,likemodern kitchenswithhigh-endappliances,exclusiveamenities,or enhanced privacy and security, the market that fits this lifestyleisgrowing.
YourLuxuryHomeIsanInvestment
In addition, a luxury home could help you build significant long-term wealth. As the Redfin quote mentioned earlier says, luxury home prices are rising. That may be the reason there are a lot of people investing in luxury real estate right now According to the August Luxury Market Report:
“By the end of July, the overall growth in the volume of sales in 2024 stood at 1482% for single-family homes and 1135% for attached homes compared to the same periodin2023.”
We’re here to help you purchase the home of your dreams. We know that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Few things give you more pride than owning your own home, and you will probably make no greater single investment in your lifetime We want to help you make that dream come true. There are many different types of loan programs you can choose from, and the best loan program for your neighbor may be different than the one that is right for you. From getting pre-approved to finding the perfect home, understanding the home buying process can help give you peace of mind. So can partnering with a mortgage lender you can trust Put our expertise to work for you Whether you ’ re building or buying your home, FBC is here to help you along the way!
The Loan Process
What people are saying:
The loan process could not have been any easier The whole FBC team made an arduous process simple All your employees are fantastic and I wouldn’t change a thing!
When you call us a personal advisor will review your credit profile to determine how our program will effectively increase your credit scores. Then your dedicated credit coach will provide a customized plan to quickly exceed the minimum credit qualification thresholds of a mortgage
The Rise of Wet Rooms and Why Homeowners Love Them
Popularinowner'ssuites,homeownersareaddingfreestandingtubstowalkinshowersfortheultimaterelaxationspace.
Wet rooms, or areas that combine a tub and shower, are becoming an increasingly popular bathroom design trend in the U S
Mitchell Parker, Houzz senior editor, helps break down the concept of a wet room, how it differs from traditional large showers, and why many homeowners are opting for this sleek, functional layout
For those that might not be familiar, how would you define a wet room?
In the U S , wet rooms typically combine a separate shower and a tub in the same area, allowing water from either element to be contained in one location, often behind a glass enclosure. A wet room can also be a bathroom with or without a tub in which the shower is open to the rest of the room
What features do wet rooms have? How do they differ from just large showers?
Wet rooms often have a barrier-free entry to the shower The flooring then has a slight gradient so water flows to the drain and not the rest of the bathroom Bathroom remodelers recommend a gradient of 1 5 to 2 degrees for floor slope with square or linear drains The floor needs a waterproof substrate beneath the tile. In a wet room, a larger wall area may need waterproofing compared with a large shower, and the walls are usually tiled from floor to ceiling. Wet rooms often combine a stand-alone tub and a shower area with multiple shower heads and sprays
Why do you believe homeowners want these spaces? What are the perks?
Functionally, this setup can improve accessibility for people with mobility issues. Homeowners are increasingly planning for special needs in their bathrooms, with a focus on aging household members The 2023 U S Houzz Bathroom Trends Study found that the ne remain the top priority, both currently (38 address the needs of aging household m add nonslip flooring (58%) and curbless s features in wet rooms.
What are the potential reasons for not incor
Renovating a bath with special waterproo tiling all the way to the ceiling adds to the wet room is … wet. Professionals recom either with matte tile finishes or mosaic tile that provide a solid grip underfoot through worry about moisture and mold, so pros rec is adequately ventilated with a powerful exh What’s the ideal size of a wet room and why
Wet rooms typically take up a larger area th we see these arrangements most often in p have been a few examples of small or uniq have benefited from the design
What materials are best for the walls and flo
Because of the openness of a wet room, the so using waterproof tile is essential. Porc practical than cement and natural stone bec for flooring should be nonslip Smaller m create better grip than larger tiles When grouting, professionals suggest choosing a less slippery
NATURAL FALL IDEAS THAT WILL COZY UP YOUR SPACE
The fall season is here and the smell of pumpkin spice, apple, and cinnamon is in the air. If you want to bring some fall vibes into your home, these natural fall decor ideas are sure to inspire you. The magic of autumn can be displayed in many ways in just about every space from the living room to the bedroom.
Embrace Fall Early
As soon as the leaves begin to change, trim some of the changing leaves and place them in a glass vase. Even if the leaves are just starting to fade from their summer green, embrace the changes as the fall season begins
Create a Simple Centerpiece
A fall centerpiece doesn't need to be fancy. Fill a basket with small pumpkins and gourds and place it at the center of the table Sit it on a burlap table runner which completes the look
Bring the Outside In
Place a rustic basket in the living room and fill it with logs It will give the hint that autumn is coming and soon there will be warm fires and cooler nights
Add Small Touches
Sometimes, less is more. If you're looking for a minimal look to your fall decorations, consider adding just a few touches by adding two small pumpkins to a bookshelf It's just a touch of fall but that's what makes it just so special
Try Seasonal Fruits
Apple picking is a beloved activity during fall, so why not use the extra apples for your own decor? Place a bowl of fresh apples in a wooden vessel and put them on a shelf with the rest of your decor, so it's easy to grab-and-go
Hang Some Baskets
Decorate a wall of the kitchen with some warm-colored baskets. They will give it a cozy look and add some texture to your walls. The great thing about these baskets is that you can easily transition them from one season to the next
Fill a Vase
When you decorate for fall, don't forget the space on your coffee table It's often the center of the living room and it's a great place to show off your favorite decoration. Put out a vase full of yellow and orange fall berries and leaves, for your visitors to admire.
Go With White Pumpkins
White pumpkins are elegant and understated, making them an excellent choice if you want a minimal, elegant, or natural look in your home You can place them just about anywhere to add some instant style )ut them in a basket or simply scatter them around the room
Build a Pumpkin Stack Planter
Here's a DIY fall room decoration that can be put anywhere, inside or out Start with a planter and then use a variety of materials including pumpkins and hydrangea to create a beautiful autumn decoration that you can make yourself
Warm Up With a Fire
This is a simple way to decorate for fall and it only takes a few minutes If you have a fireplace, then make sure you use it Fall is the perfect time for a warm fire that adds some incredible ambiance to your living room
BENJAMIN MOORE
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