OCTOBER 2022 | WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?

» Is your listing languishing? Strategies to reset and freshen your approach
» Brighten a dark room using these designer tips
» Top U.S. cities to celebrate HalloweenIs your listing languishing? Strategies to reset and freshen your approach

So your house is lingering on the market for weeks, perhaps even months — long after you had hoped to get an offer. Navigating through a buyer’s market has its difficulties, but these time-tested tips can breathe new life into your listing.

Reconsider your asking price

While everyone wants to sell at top value, it’s smart to verify that your pricing isn’t out of sync with the rest of the market. Even a small price adjustment can revive interest in your home.

Take a break

If you’re not in a time crunch, pausing your listing can give you time to reset and reenergize your strategy. Also, when your property is back up on the listings, a new email blast will go out, getting your property in front of a new batch of buyers and real estate agents.

Invest in curb appeal

Don’t underestimate the power of a first impression. A few updates to your exterior — a fresh coat of paint, potted plants, a power wash — can be the ultimate refresh.

Hire a professional

When marketing your house, top-notch visuals can give your listing the edge in a competitive market. Once a professional stager gets your home in top selling condition, hire a photographer to make compelling images to increase clicks and views.

Brighten a dark room using these designer tips

As the days grow shorter, there’s no reason to endure a dreary room. Take on some of these weekend projects and enjoy the transformation.

Go with light hues on floors and walls

White paint or white tiling is the simplest way to get light bouncing around the room.

Bright accents

Going bold on hues and fun patterns for rugs, throw pillows and accent chairs brings instant levity to living rooms, bedrooms and other spaces.

Open the window

That is, retire the heavy drapes and let the sun shine in. Your plants and pets will thank you for it.

Mirror, mirror

A large panel of reflecting glass can dial up the brightness in a winter room — while a pretty frame adds a focal point.

Shine on

Choosing upholstery and accessories featuring metallics adds another place to bounce off rays of light.

Think like a lighting designer

Before shopping for lamps and fixtures, consider what the room needs at different times of day. Wall sconces are essential during twilight and on cloudy days. Also, consider the temperature of the light bulbs — cool lights and warm lighting can impact the mood of the room.

Get your greens

In the depths of winter and dark skies, touches of living green add life and cheer to any space. To achieve a more impactful design with plants, build a living wall.

Top U.S. cities to celebrate Halloween

Sleepy Hollow, New York: Haunted historic sites and live theater

St. Helens, Oregon: All-ages fun in a charming small town

Anoka, Minnesota: Chock-full of family-friendly activities

Las Vegas: Partying for the 21-and-older crowd

New Orleans: Festivals and haunted sites

SEPTEMBER 2022 | WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE?
» At long last, is the tide turning in favor of home buyers?
» Want a friendlier neighborhood? Consider adding a front yard patio
» Which college towns have the best tailgating?

At long last, is the tide turning in favor of home buyers?
Planning to look for a new home sometime soon? After two years of a robust seller’s market, the tide is turning in the buyer’s favor. Caveat: These trends may or may not apply to your region, but these indicators are showing up in the housing market at large.
Bidding wars are down
If you find a place you love, you have a much better chance of finding breathing room at the offer table. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, bidding wars dipped below 50% of housing sales, according to Redfin. While some properties are receiving multiple offers, there are many great homes that are not, which can only help.
Housing inventory is up
If you’re hoping to find a great place in a specific location or neighborhood, you may be in luck. In June 2022, the number of available properties rose 2%, which is the first increase since July 2019. At the same time, home sales are down 16%, suggesting the competition for available homes has cooled.
Home costs? Well, also up
Another thing to prepare for is a higher house payment. Property values continue to appreciate, but the rate of growth is starting slow. At the same time, interest rates have elevated by two percentage points since the start of the year.

Want a friendlier neighborhood? Consider adding a front yard patio
Taking the party out front is a great way to invite neighbors to stop and chat for a spell. Instead of retreating into the backyard, create outdoor living space out front. Just like a Southern front porch minus the construction costs! Here are the elements to create your sweet space.
Comfortable seating: A pair of patio chairs creates an instant conversation corner. Add a side table to hold cold drinks and snacks and you’re set!
Lay the foundation: All you need is a small space for a patio, which leaves room in the budget for pretty artisanal blocks to create that Old World look.
Lighting: Invest in patio and landscape lighting. As dusk sets in, experiment with placement to find the perfect arrangement. Lanterns, candles and Tiki torches can also set the mood.
Flora: Strategic landscaping will make your front yard patio complete. If the yard doesn’t have trees, set up an arbor to make shade. Fragrant flowers and pretty potted containers will also make your space like none other in the neighborhood!

Which college towns have the best tailgating?
Which college towns have the best tailgating?
LSU — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
University of South Carolina — Columbia, South Carolina
University of Mississippi — Oxford, Mississippi
North Dakota State University — Fargo, North Dakota
University of Tennessee — Knoxville, Tennessee
Source: Insider.com