Lifestyles at Grand Hampton Magazine - March 2024

8301 Dunham Station Drive • Tampa FL 33647

Melrose

President: Rich Craig

Vice President: Janet Wasserberger

Secretary: Rich Kennedy

Treasurer: Michael Holmes

Director at Large: Rob Norris

Community Association Manager - Chris Haines, LCAM chaines@melrosecorporation.com

grandhampton@melrosemanagement.com

Amenities Supervisor - Barry Moon bmoon@melrosemanagement.com

Lifestyle Director: Laurie Ferguson

grandhampton@melroselifestyle.com

Gate Access System

Please take the time to set your profile and guest list so the guards at the gate can get your family, friends, and preferred vendors in to see you as fast as possible.

Website: www.egrandhampton.com

Log onto www.gateaccess.net/login to get started. Your community code is GH. Your username is the primary phone number in our system. If you don’t know or have forgotten your Resident Access 4-digit security code, you would need to contact our office to obtain it at 813-973-8368.

Information on the website includes GH Events, Amenities & Rental Info., Forms and Documents for exterior alternations, list of Board of Directors, Board Meeting Minutes, Monthly Newsletter, Association Announcements. And more.

Guard House: (813) 907-9047

Accounting: 1-800-647-0055

Collection Day: Monday (trash) & Thursday (recycling & trash)

About Us

Not just your neighborhood professional real estate team - we also specialize in New Home Construction, Downsizing, Transitioning and the Senior Market.

ALove Your Life

By Laurie Ferguson/Lifestyle Manager

s we transition into the month of March, I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. With spring just around the corner, it's the perfect time to rejuvenate and reengage with our vibrant community here at Grand Hampton.

One of the cornerstones of a thriving community is the active participation of its residents. Engaging with your neighbors not only fosters a sense of belonging but also contributes to a happier and healthier lifestyle. As we embrace the spirit of community, let's remember the importance of staying active and engaged.

Here at Grand Hampton, we offer an array of activities and events designed to cater to every interest and age group. Whether it's a family event, an adult night out, or volunteering for a community initiative, there's something for everyone to get involved in.

Research has shown that individuals who actively participate in their community experience greater levels of satisfaction and well-being. By connecting with your neighbors, you not only expand your social circle but also create a support network that enhances your overall quality of life. So, I encourage each of you to take advantage of the opportunities available within our community. Whether it's striking up a conversation with a neighbor during a morning stroll or signing up for a community event, let's make a conscious effort to stay active and engaged. Together, we can continue to cultivate the strong sense of community that makes Grand Hampton such a special place to call home.

Mark your calendars for some exciting events happening in our community:

St. Patrick's Day Pool Party: Join us for a splash of green fun at our St. Patrick's Day Pool Party on March 17th. Bring your swimsuits and enjoy games, music, and refreshments by the poolside.

Potluck Lunch: Let's come together for a delicious potluck lunch on March 22nd. Bring your favorite dish to share with your neighbors and indulge in a feast of community camaraderie.

Pickleball Ribbon Cutting: Get ready to serve and volley as we inaugurate our newly added pickleball courts on March 22nd at 6:00pm. Join us for a friendly game and celebrate this exciting addition to our community amenities.

Easter Egg Hunt: Hop on over to the GH field for our annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 30th . Bring your baskets and join in the search for hidden treasures, followed by fun activities for the whole family.

We are truly fortunate to live in such a beautiful community, where friendships flourish and memories are made. Let's continue to cherish and nurture this special place we call home.

Wishing you all a wonderful month filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments shared with your loved ones.

Laurie Ferguson Lifestyle Director

Comedy Show Review

On February 24th, Grand Hampton's community room was transformed into a hub of laughter and joy as residents gathered for a memorable comedy show. The event was a roaring success, drawing in a full house with 50 attendees eagerly anticipating an evening of entertainment and laughter.

The atmosphere was electric as guests settled into their seats, eagerly awaiting the comedians to take the stage. And they did not disappoint. Four talented comedians brought their unique styles and humor, weaving anecdotes, observations, and witty remarks that had the audience in stitches from start to finish.

The diverse lineup ensured there was something for everyone, with each comedian resonating with different members of the audience. Laughter echoed through the room as jokes landed and comedic timing kept everyone engaged throughout the evening.

The success of the comedy show is a testament to the thriving community spirit here at Grand Hampton. A big thank you to Kojo Prince, a Grand Hampton Resident, who sets up these great shows! Events like these not only provide entertainment but also foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. It was heartwarming to see neighbors come together to share in laughter and create lasting memories.

As the night came to a close, the smiles on everyone's faces spoke volumes. It was a night filled with laughter, joy, and a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate the simple pleasures in life. Here's to many more memorable events at Grand Hampton that bring us closer together and leave us with hearts full of laughter.

Show Review

MARCH 2024

3/7 BUNCO 7:00PM

BLINGO BINGO 7:00PM 3/14 3/17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY POOL PARTY 12:00PM-2:00PM

3/22 LUNCH WITH FRIENDS POTLUCK 12:00PM

EDWARD JONES PRESENTATION 7:00PM

3/22 PICKLEBALL RIBBON CUTTING 6:00PM-7:30PM 3/30

BOOK CLUB 7:00PM

EASTER EGG HUNT 11:00AM-1:00PM

LEARNING POSTER DESIGN

GRAND HAMPTON EVENTS

MUSIC

EMBRACE THE VIBES, FEEL ALIVE SPONSORS SPONSORS

Grand Premier Partners

Grand Community Partners

GH Event Partners

GH Partners

8th Annual Music Festival

Get ready to mark your calendars because on April 6th, 2024, Grand Hampton is hosting a spectacular Music Festival that promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone in our community.

Save the Date: April 6th, 2024

5:00pm-10:00pm

Prepare to immerse yourself in a night filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for the whole family. This is an event you won't want to miss, and you're encouraged to bring along your friends and loved ones to join in the festivities.

Our Music Festival lineup is sure to get you on your feet dancing! We've curated an outstanding selection of bands to provide a diverse and entertaining musical experience for all. Stay tuned for more details about the featured artists who will be gracing our stage. Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable treats from some of the best food trucks around. Our lineup includes: Aussie Grill, Craving Donuts, Wright

Kinda BBQ, Kettle Corn, Kelley's Hot Dogs, Freshly Squeezed Lemonade. We haven't forgotten about the little ones! A 92-foot inflatable will be on site to provide hours of entertainment for our young residents. Watch as they bounce, slide, and play in this exciting inflatable adventure. As your Lifestyle Director, my goal is to create memorable experiences that bring our community together. The Grand Hampton Music Festival on April 6th is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of our neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event. Save the date, invite your friends, and get ready for a day of music, food, and fun!

The Lazy Gardener

By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

To this day and, I believe, for the remainder of my gardening days, I will remain a lazy yet organized gardener. You, too, can have a beautiful garden while maintaining a lazy gardener lifestyle. Planning and time management are key components to success.

Right plant/right place, the first of the nine Florida Friendly Landscaping™ principles, includes knowledge of your site conditions. Other components are hydrozoning, consideration of plant size and keeping it simple.

Right Plant/Right Place: Analyze sun,

shade, water requirements and soil composition.

Lazy Watering: Hydrozone – group plants by water needs and harvest rainwater from roof structures for ornamental plants, not edibles. We offer three types of microirrigation classes: traditional for landscape beds, patio/container and vegetable garden kits.

Size: Determine garden dimensions, mature plant size and least number of plants needed to fill space. Lazy and smart gardeners do not plant for instant gratification but for mature plant size, saving time, work and money.

Keep It Simple: If you do not water during dry spells, plant drought-resistant bloomers or wait until the rainy season to plant. If you do not rake leaves or pine needles when they fall, create self-mulching landscape beds. If you do not plant annual flowers, plant perennials.

Sweat Savers: Repeat your successes and if you experience failures, determine why, and change your practice. Plant re-seeders. Remove dead flowers from a plant to encourage further blooming and save seeds. Use a timer system to perform 15 minutes of a dreaded gardening activity,

then stop when the timer goes off. You’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Time Saver: Wear gloves. This saves time cleaning your hands and fingernails. Two friends have gifted me with garden gloves that go to my elbows. This helps decrease my use of Band-Aids.

Maximize Your Laziness: Use your friends wisely. Start a friends’ gardening group. Learn to love volunteer plants (those that come up on their own) and permanently borrow plants from your friends and neighbors. Asking first is always a wise move! Divide and relocate perennials: no money spent, save on

gasoline and no need to shop. Do any gardeners dislike shopping for new, different, or more plants?

Lazy Maintenance Plants: Slow growers need less pruning. Wide spreaders mean fewer plants required. Drought tolerance requires less watering. Pest and disease resistant need less lazy pest management.

Low Demands and High Returns include Plumbago, Beach Sunflower, Blue Flag & Walking Iris, Muhly Grass, Wire Grass, Salt Grass, Firebush, and Salvia. These are just a few. For more ideas, go to UF FFL and view a copy of The Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Guide

to Plant Selection and Landscape Design. In the newest version, the key to information provided is on our website.

Look for my suggestions on Limitations to Lazy Gardening in an upcoming addition. Any day we don’t learn something is a missed opportunity day! To view and register for upcoming workshops, go to the ‘UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County’ calendar of events. If you are not a Hillsborough County resident, check your local UF/IFAS Extension office for educational opportunities.

Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu.

Maximizing Convenience and Gate Access Control: The ABDI GateAccess App for Our Community

Dear Residents,

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the living experience in our community, we're excited to introduce you to an invaluable tool that will make your life both safer and more convenient – the ADBI GateAccess App. We’d like to share with you the benefits of this app and how it can streamline access for you, your guests, vendors, and even your favorite food deliveries like Uber Eats. Included with this article is also an instructional video that shows the app. and how to use it. You can access the video by clicking here.

The ABDI GateAccess App: Your Key to Convenience

Effortless Guest Registration:

One of the standout features of the ABDI GateAccess App is its ability to simplify guest registration. No more phone calls or waiting at the gate! You can now add your guests and regular visitors to the app, allowing them easy access to our community. Whether it's family, friends, or frequent service providers, adding them to your approved list is a breeze.

Seamless Vendor Access:

For those of you who rely on various vendors for home maintenance or other services, the app streamlines vendor access. You can pre-authorize their entry, ensuring that your scheduled services go

off without a hitch. It's all about efficiency and peace of mind.

Delivery Services Made Simple:

Many of us rely on food delivery services like Uber Eats or DoorDash for a quick meal. With the ABDI GateAccess App, you can provide delivery drivers with seamless access instructions, ensuring your meals arrive promptly and without any hiccups.

Get Started with the Gate Access App

1. Download the App: Simply download the ABDI GateAccess App from your smartphone's app store.

2. Registration: Register your account using your community credentials provided by our management team.

3. Add Guests and Vendors: You can easily add your guests and vendors to your approved list through the app. This can be done in advance. Guests can be added as permanent guests or temporary guests for specific days.

4. Receive Notifications: Enjoy the convenience of receiving notifications when your guests or vendors arrive and

access our community. Push notifications can be set up on the app., so you receive notifications when your guests arrive.

Finally, here are some tips for a smooth experience. To ensure the best experience with the ABDI GateAccess App, here are some additional tips:

1. Keep your approved guest and vendor lists up to date.

2. Keep your phone number and/or email address up to date.

3. Set up notifications to stay informed about access to your property.

4. Familiarize yourself with the app's user guide for any troubleshooting.

5. Store the guardhouse phone number, 813-907-9047, in your phone so you know when the gate guard is calling you.

We believe that the ABDI GateAccess App significantly improves your living experience by offering both convenience and enhanced access control. We encourage all residents to download and start using the app today to take full advantage of its features.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the app, our community management team is here to help. We're dedicated to making your life in our community as enjoyable and secure as possible.

Thank you for being a valued member of our community, and we look forward to seeing you embrace the convenience of the ABDI GateAccess App.

Sponsorship Opportunity at the 8th Annual Music Festival

By becoming a vendor or sponsor, you can showcase your products and or services in your own community!

Saturday, April 6th from 5pm – 10pm.

This is the community’s most exciting and well attended signature event, growing bigger and better each year. In past years it has drawn over 500 attendees. In a community of over 1,000 residential units, the Music Festival is open to Grand Hampton residents as well as their invited guests.

The festival will feature four high energy bands performing on a professional stage for everyone’s listening and dancing pleasure. Food trucks and activities for all the kids will round out the event. If you are interested in becoming a 2024 Sponsor please email: grandhampton@ melroselifestyle.com . Sponsorships range from $300 to $1,000

Laurie Ferguson Lifestyle Manager

Pickleball Courts Grand Opening

Friday, March 22nd, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Exciting news is on the horizon! We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand new pickleball courts, marking a significant milestone in the enhancement of our community's recreational facilities. Join us as we celebrate this occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, March 22nd, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Mark your calendars and save the date for an evening of festivities and fun as we officially unveil our pickleball courts. Located adjacent to the tennis courts, these courts are the result of months of planning and dedication to providing our residents with top-notch recreational amenities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will commence at 6:00 PM, followed by an opportunity for residents to try out the courts firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or a newcomer to the sport, this event promises to be an enjoyable experience for all.

Top 5 Reasons to Try Pickleball

Accessible to All Ages and Skill Levels: Pickleball is a sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels, making it a fantastic activity for families and friends to participate in together.

Great Exercise: Pickleball provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while also improving agility, balance, and coordination. It's a fun way to stay active and healthy.

Social Interaction: Pickleball is a social sport that fosters camaraderie and friendly competition. Playing with others allows you to meet new people and strengthen existing friendships within the community.

Easy to Learn: Unlike some sports that have a steep learning curve, pickleball is relatively easy to pick up. With basic rules and techniques, beginners can quickly get into the game and start having fun.

Addictive Fun: Once you start playing pickleball, it's hard to stop! Many enthu-

siasts find themselves hooked on the fast-paced action and exciting rallies that pickleball offers.

To add to the excitement of the evening, we will be hosting a raffle for everyone who participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tries out the pickleball courts. Don't miss your chance to win some fantastic prizes!

Refreshments will be provided during the event, including complimentary drinks and snacks for all attendees. It's the perfect opportunity to mingle with neighbors and enjoy some delicious treats while celebrating the addition of our new pickleball courts.

We can't wait to see you all there as we come together to celebrate this exciting milestone for our community. Let's make this ribbon-cutting ceremony a memorable occasion filled with laughter, camaraderie, and plenty of pickleball fun!

For

Laurie

Aluna's Zodiac

By Aluna Michaels

MARCH 2024

Pisces (Feb. 19 –March 20) – Happy birthday Pisces! It’s a great relationships month. If single, you can meet a steady, commitment-focused person who’s also fun and exciting! If partnered, you can reconnect on topics and activities that originally drew you together. However, if there’s boundary issues, they have to be addressed. Financially, you’ll also need to look at longterm goals and make sure you are spending/ investing your money as wisely as possible.

Aries (March 21 –April 19) — In both areas of relationships and money, it’s important to meditate on how you could be deceiving yourself. Be sure you’re not in denial of bad spending habits, or believing someone’s shady financial stories. In the same way, if you’ve been hanging on too long in a partnership, be direct and ask their intentions. Knowledge and clarity are power; you aren’t being “nosey” or “needy”. Trust yourself! You’ll need to be still in order for your inner truth to speak to you. Don’t get distracted or too busy to listen to your heart’s wisdom!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Allow yourself to have fun with friends, and to “indulge” in hobbies and stimulating activities. You can leap over any shyness to meet new people who could become meaningful friends. You can also find you have powerful talents that provide a sense of purpose for you and your community. Look for a “prosperity accountability buddy”. Bond with a trusted pal to work on breaking limited financial thinking, and take steps toward manifesting abundance!

Gemini (May 21 –June 20) – You can have an exciting breakthrough at work! Even if you’ve been doing

seemingly thankless tasks, now you can be noticed and promoted. It’s a good time to start a new educational program that gives you more respect in your career. Meditate and visualize yourself in positions of authority to overcome any “impostor syndrome”. Brainwash yourself in a positive way so you get used to the idea of your well-deserved success!

Cancer (June 21 –July 22) – You’ll have lots of energy for meditation and spiritual growth this month. Try new forms of connecting with your inner self and with the Universe! Focus especially on self-compassion before self-improvement or “being better”. Have flexibility within your spiritual routine so you don’t pressure yourself. When you do use affirmations, allow yourself to dream big! Be bold in what you feel you deserve to receive from life. This opens your abundance consciousness.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – If you have any issues around sexuality, intimacy and trusting others, this month offers lots of healing! You can release past wounds, while keeping a balance of healthy boundaries and an open heart. You can also make strides in shifting negative financial subtexts from family and society. Even intergenerational trauma can be addressed in terms of the potential “messiness” of blending money and relationships. Also, be around positive minded friends so you don’t have to boost anyone’s mood right now!

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – You can be starting a new relationship, or solidifying a current partnership. A new person will be focused on commitment and have clear communication about intentions. If longer partnerships have been plagued with any “weirdness”, you’ll be able to be direct in

seeing how serious or not they are about the bond. You won’t want to waste time and shouldn’t! Don’t be ashamed of seeking fulfillment. You deserve stability!

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – You can be making tons of money at work! You can get a promotion, or start a fulfilling new job. Anything you’ve been striving for over the past year can come to fruition. Even if you feel all efforts have been in vain, this month will be a wonderful surprise! Issues with health can resolve, especially if stress related . . . and most health issues are! Meditate on sending loving thoughts to your body, especially “problem” areas. Be kind and inclusive to all of yourself!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) –

Like some other signs, you might be starting a sexy new relationship that also has staying power! If partnered, you can rekindle sparks. Even if you’ve been blocked for quite a while, you can figure out the cause, heal it and open your chakras to love and passion! You can also rediscover long dormant artistic talents or sports prowess. Have fun exploring these sides of yourself and you’ll feel happy having a well-rounded life!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

– You can have healing breakthroughs with childhood or other longstanding issues. Even if you’ve basically given up on things changing, you’ve already put in the work and the rewards manifest now! If you’ve been searching for a new home, that can show up at this time too! Make a sacred place in your

home for meditation, yoga, or just relaxing. This will ground you, soothe scattered energy and connect you with your intuitive guidance.

Capricorn

(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

– Negative self-talk is not motivating, it’s discouraging! This month’s planets can help you re-train your thinking so you’ll see gentle, yet persistent encouragement gives more inner vitality to accomplish your goals. Find a friend to help you stay accountable to maintaining this kinder inner dialog. Work with affirmations that challenge your limited thinking, and be patient for them to feel true. It’s ok if they don’t seem so at first!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – This is a strong financial month! You might be surprised to see how far you’ve come reducing debt, creating a savings, or prospering from investments! If you need to continue to take steps toward solvency, be sure to allow yourself some “fun money” so you don’t feel discouraged. You have enough discipline and more prosperity is flowing in! You’ll also have breakthroughs with self-esteem and body image. Meditate on sending kindness and appreciation to your body!

Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com

Mastering The

Art of the Party

Insights from Frank Clemente, Creative Director of FrankLynn Visual Marketing

As someone deeply entrenched in the world of visual marketing and event planning, I've learned a thing or two about creating memorable experiences. From corporate galas to intimate gatherings, the essence of successful event design boils down to a delicate balance of creativity, organization, and attention to detail. Here are some invaluable do's and don'ts to consider when orchestrating your next soirée:

Do: Define Your Vision

Every great event begins with a clear vision. Take the time to articulate your goals, theme, and desired atmosphere. Whether it's a sophisticated cocktail affair or a whimsical garden party, a defined vision will serve as your compass throughout the planning process and help ensure your guests depart with the message you wish to give.

Don't: Underestimate the Power of Timing

Timing is everything in the world of events, especially in Florida. Be mindful of key dates, holidays, and competing events that could impact attendance. The Florida party season from September to May is a small window of opportunity, so plan accordingly. Additionally, create a comprehensive timeline outlining tasks and deadlines to ensure a seamless execution on the day of the event.

Do: Set a Clear Budget

Setting a firm budget from the start allows you to maximize funds for all event elements. Detailing expenses ensures that you direct your funds towards the most important aspects of your party and are able to add your unique “stamp” or personality to everything from food to decor without overspending.

Don’t: Bring Gifts

More and more people are shifting away from traditional gifts towards philanthropic giving. Encourage attendees to contribute to a chosen non-profit organization or cause, communicated clearly in event invitations and promotional materials.

Do: Curate an Inviting Atmosphere

The ambiance of your event sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Pay attention to lighting, décor, and music to create a cohesive atmosphere that resonates with your guests. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, ambient lighting, and curated playlists can elevate even the simplest of gatherings.

Don't: Neglect the Guest Experience

Ultimately, the success of your event hinges on the satisfaction of your guests. Anticipate their needs by

providing ample seating, signage, and amenities. Additionally, consider interactive elements such as photo booths or themed activities to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the evening.

Do: Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to guest lists and refreshments, quality always trumps quantity. Focus on inviting individuals who will contribute positively to the atmosphere and vibe of your event. Similarly, opt for high-quality food and beverages that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Don't: Forget to Plan for the Unexpected

No matter how meticulously you plan, unforeseen circumstances are bound to arise. Be prepared to adapt and problem-solve on the fly, whether it's unexpected weather changes or last-minute cancellations. A calm and composed demeanor will reassure guests and ensure a smooth transition.

In essence, successful party planning is a delicate dance of creativity, organization, and flexibility. By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you'll be well-equipped to orchestrate a truly unforgettable event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests. Cheers to the art of celebration! •

Frank Clemente

FrankLynn Visual Marketing

"We believe great events have the power to forge lasting connections and memories. With over 20 years of experience, FLVM specializes in crafting unforgettable balls, galas, corporate events, and upscale private parties. Our passion lies in creating experiences that endure beyond the moment."

For more information, visit the FLVM website https://franklynn.org/

Navigating the Crossroads: A Comprehensive Look at the 2024 Housing Market

The 2024 housing market stands at a crossroads, brimming with complexities and opportunities for both buyers and sellers. While low inventory continues to grant sellers leverage, whispers of change are emerging, painting a nuanced picture compared to the stark dynamics of 2023. Buckle up, because it’s likely to be a bumpy ride.

Sellers: Maintaining Leverage

While Market Dynamics Evolve

While bidding wars have calmed down, sellers still enjoy the upper hand thanks to limited inventory. Well-maintained, well-priced homes in coveted locations remain highly sought-after. However, the market landscape is starting to shift. High mortgage rates, though dipping from their peak, dampen buyer enthusiasm. Additionally, homeowners locked into historically low rates are hesitant to enter the market, further constraining supply.

Finding the Right Fit: Buyers Prioritize Affordability and Long-Term Value

Affordability remains a significant hurdle for buyers. High prices and interest rates

create a challenging equation, forcing many to wait on the sidelines. However, there are glimpses of hope. Experts predict mortgage rates could dip further later in the year, potentially reigniting buyer activity. As more homeowners inevitably enter the market due to life events, inventory may slowly inch upwards, offering more choices. 2024 won’t be a buyer’s bonanza, but it might offer more breathing room.

Price Predictions: A Gentle

Ascent, Not a Dramatic Plunge

Double-digit home price growth is likely over, but experts don’t anticipate a dramatic decline either. Most forecasts predict a moderate increase of 1-2% in 2024. This stability stems from the supply-demand imbalance and homeowners’ reluctance to give up their low rates. However, regional variations are expected, with some markets experiencing slightly higher or lower growth.

Renewed Activity in Housing Market:

Sales Predicted to Rise in 2024

Home sales are predicted to rebound by 13% in 2024, fueled by declining rates, potential inventory increase, and pent-up

demand. However, the pace is unlikely to reach 2021’s record levels due to affordability concerns and lingering uncertainties.

Expert Insights:

Charting the Course Through Uncertainty

Navigating this intricate market requires expert guidance. Real estate agents can provide invaluable insights and strategies for both buyers and sellers. For sellers, timing the listing strategically and understanding buyer preferences are crucial. Buyers need to carefully assess their budget, explore financing options, and be ready to act quickly for the right opportunity.

Beyond the Headlines: Key Factors to Watch

Several key factors can significantly impact the market trajectory:

• The Fed’s monetary policy: Continued rate hikes could dampen buyer activity, while cuts could trigger a surge in demand.

• Economic performance: A strong economy could boost buyer confidence, while a slowdown could lead to more caution.

• Geopolitical events: Global uncertainties can impact housing market sentiment and investment patterns.

The Bottom Line: The 2024 Housing Market Holds Evolving Conditions

The 2024 housing market promises to be dynamic and unpredictable. Market power currently favors sellers, however, changes in inventory and buyer preferences could impact this dynamic. Patient, strategic, and well-informed buyers may find opportunities later in the year. Stay informed, be adaptable, and seek professional guidance to navigate this complex landscape and make informed decisions. Remember, this is just a snapshot, and consulting a local real estate professional can provide valuable, location-specific insights.

If you have real estate questions, please contact Jen Wiggins with any questions.

Jennifer Wiggins, PA, REALTOR® Smith & Associates Real Estate

MARCH 2-3

JULIAN B. LANE RIVERFRONT PARK

“ART ENABLES US TO FIND OURSELVES AND LOSE OURSELVES AT THE SAME TIME.”

-Thomas Merton

Find yourself immersed in two days of fine art, food, music, and merrymaking. 250+ fine artists, 14 emerging artists, Remote Artists Studios, more than a dozen musical performances, and much more at one of America’s most prestigious juried art festivals.