Friday, June 28, 2019

Americans Rank Real Estate Best Investment for 6 Years Running!



Some Highlights:

  • Real estate has outranked stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds as the best long-term investment among Americans for the last 6 years.
  • Stock owners are more positive about real estate than stocks as an investment.
  • Of the 4 listed, real estate is the only investment you can also live in!

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Know What to Expect at Your Home Inspection



So you made an offer and it was accepted. Now, your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents oftentimes make your offer contingent on a clean home inspection.

This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you paid for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or in some cases, to walk away. Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report is filed.

How to Choose an Inspector

Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors that they have worked with in the past that they can recommend to you. HGTV recommends that you consider the following five areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:
1. Qualifications – find out what’s included in your inspection and if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.
2. Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your dream home. In most cases, the more detailed the report, the better.
3. References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients who you can call to ask about their experiences.
4. Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. Membership in one of these organizations often means that continued training and education are provided.
5. Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human, after all, and it is possible that they might have missed something they should have seen.
Ask your inspector if it’s okay for you to tag along during the inspection. That way they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.
Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof or crawling around in the attic and on the floors. The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace and chimney, the foundation, and so much more!

Bottom Line

They say, ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money into a home of your own. Work with a professional who you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new home so that you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Before You Look for Your Dream Home: Know What You Want vs. What You Need!



In this day and age of being able to shop for anything anywhere, it is really important to know what you’re looking for when you start your home search.


If you’ve been thinking about buying a home of your own for some time now, you’ve probably come up with a list of things that you’d LOVE to have in your new home. Many new homebuyers fantasize about the amenities that they see on television or Pinterest, and start looking at the countless homes listed for sale through rose-colored glasses.


Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Could the “man cave” of your dreams be a future renovation project instead of a make-or-break right now?
The first step in your home buying process should be getting pre-approved for your mortgage. This allows you to know your budget before you fall in love with a home that is way outside of it.

The next step is to list all the features of a home that you would like, and to qualify them as follows:
  • “Must-Haves” – if this property does not have these items, then it shouldn’t even be considered (ex: distance from work or family, number of bedrooms/bathrooms).
  • “Should-Haves” – if the property hits all of the ‘must-haves’ and some of the ‘should-haves,’ it stays in contention but does not need to have all of these features.
  • “Absolute-Wish List” – if we find a property in our budget that has all of the ‘must-haves,’ most of the ‘should-haves,’ and ANY of these, it’s the winner!

Bottom Line

Having this list fleshed out before starting your search will save you time and frustration. It also lets your agent know what features are most important to you before they start showing you houses in your desired area.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Planting an Edible Garden


While flower gardens are beautiful and peaceful, homeowners today are increasingly interested in planting small-scale edible gardens. The resulting produce may be better tasting than anything you can get in a supermarket. While you aren't likely to create a sustainable farm, you can have access to fresh produce straight from the garden whenever it's ready to harvest. From leafy greens to herbs and from fruits to vegetables, what you put into an edible garden is exactly what you get it out of it. Here are some tips on planting an edible garden.
The Style of Your Edible Garden
If you plan to sell your home in the future, it's especially important to pay attention to the style of your garden. For example, some people create an edible garden around already existing flower beds in their yard. Or they may use raised beds or pots if they're concerned about the impact of planting on their lawn.
Some cities allow homeowners to have a vegetable garden in their front yard. If that is a part of the culture of your city, it could be seen as a benefit for future resale. Before you plant anything, decide how you want it to look now and in the future.
What to Plant in Your Edible Garden
As long as you can eat it and it can grow in your climate, anything is possible in an edible garden. Popular home garden plants include:
  • Tomatoes.
  • Herbs.
  • Peppers.
  • Potatoes.
  • Carrots.
If you have the yard for it, consider planting a fruit or nut tree. These take a longer time before your first harvest, but there's nothing like apples fresh off the tree in the fall.
Soil and Sun Considerations
You'll need to take into account the amount and timing of the sunlight in your yard to determine how to plant your edible garden. Different plants require different levels and hours of sunlight, so start tracking how the sun hits your property throughout the day during the summer.
You may also want to evaluate your soil and supplement it with additional nutrients if it isn't conducive to growing things. An issue with your soil is also a great reason to consider using raised beds or pots, because they allow you to choose whatever type of soil you need.
Involve the Whole Family 
The idea of planting an edible garden is to enhance your life. It's a great activity for all ages, and you can get the entire family involved. Everyone can have a job, no matter how young or old. Gardening together can be a great bonding experience for the whole family.
You also get the satisfaction of your harvest. You can share your bounty with friends and neighbors, especially if you plant more than you can use before it spoils. Edible gardens pay for themselves very quickly.
Do you want more tips on growing an edible garden for you home? Contact us today.

Monday, June 24, 2019

Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved!


In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show that you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Even if you are not in an incredibly competitive market, understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach.

Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the ‘My Home’ section of their website:
“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”
One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you through this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”


Freddie Mac describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:
  1. Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
  2. Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
  3. Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
  4. Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time
Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.

Bottom Line

Many potential homebuyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores necessary to qualify for a mortgage. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so today.

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Show Them You're Serious



June and July are the busiest home sale months of the year. When inventory is in short supply and you may be competing with other offers, it is important to show the seller you're serious. Make your offer look as good as possible because you may not get the chance to make or accept a counter-offer.
Put yourself in the seller's shoes.  Your home has just gone on the market.  There is lots of activity and suddenly, there is more than one offer to purchase.  The seller's first consideration may be to accept the highest offer but there are many other things to consider like closing dates, closing costs, possible repairs, contingencies and of course, the ability of the borrower to get a loan.
Offer a fair price for the property in your initial purchase agreement.  It shows sincerity and good faith that you're actually trying to purchase the home and not trying to take advantage of the seller.  The old adage that you can always go up later may never happen if there are multiple offers on the property in the beginning.
  1. Remove the uncertainty that you may not be approved for a mortgage by having a pre-approval letter from your mortgage company.
  2. Show your sincerity by increasing the normal amount of earnest money customary for the area and price of the home.  The earnest money will be applied toward your down payment and closing costs.  Consider placing even more money in escrow when the contingencies have been met.
  3. Specify a closing date in the contract but acknowledge that you can be flexible to accommodate the sellers' moving date.  If it becomes an issue, it still must be mutually agreed upon.
  4. Make the contingency periods shorter if possible to make the seller feel that they'll know sooner that the offer is solid.
  5. If the contingency really isn't important to you, leave it out of the offer.  The more contingencies included in a contract, the more the seller will wonder what might happen to keep it from closing.
  6. Write a personal note to the seller explaining why you like and want their home.  Consider including a picture of your family and pets.
  7. If you're not using a digital contract, physically sign the offer with a felt tip pen of contrasting color.  You'd be surprised how this adds a personal touch to the offer.
One way to eliminate the competition of multiple offers is by not procrastinating.  When you have decided to write a contract, don't wait; do it immediately and ask your agent to deliver it quickly.  Your agent will be able to help you craft a solid offer that makes you look serious and can give you advice that may be unique to your situation.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Summertime Selling Tips


Since school is out and the days are longer, summertime is the perfect time to put your house on the market. Take advantage of warmer weather to spruce up areas that need it. Make sure that when prospective buyers come to look at your home it gleams under the summer sun.

Freshen Up

It's amazing what a big difference a bit of freshening up can make. Indoor and outdoor spaces alike need to reflect the care you’ve given them. It's a good idea to patch holes in drywall, clean carpet and make any repairs that might be a safety concern. A fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic difference. Repaint any rooms that could use some brightening. You don't need to paint the exterior of your house to freshen it up. Try pressure washing siding and decking so that everything looks pristine.

Decorate More Generically

As precious as your family photos are, they are not ideal for potential homebuyers and can be distracting. Clear out any personal items in your home like photos, collections and award certificates. This also includes items that might be considered controversial, such as political flags or morally questionable paraphernalia. It’s not always easy, but it will help you sell more quickly in the long run.

Keep the Outdoors Great

Even if the sun can turn your skin to bronze, you don’t want the same effect on your lawn and garden. Water regularly to keep your grass lush and to make wilted flowers stand up tall and proud once more. Also, don’t underestimate the power of curb appeal; trimmed grass and hedges make a bigger difference than you might think.

Stage the Home

Once the house is clean and working like a well-oiled machine, make it even more beautiful with staging. Professionally staging the home means that furniture and decor are brought into the home by a decorator. This process makes for a clean and cohesive look. Staging can make a huge impact on people who are touring the house.
Use the brightest season of the year to highlight your home’s beauty. You already know it’s a gem, so show buyers why they should think so too!

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Empty Nest? 5 Changes Your Home Needs Now That It’s Kid-Free


The house you raised your family in has seen a lot — a lot of love and laughter and maybe a little turmoil. Now that your home is officially kid-free, it is in dire need of some enhancements so you can make a smooth transition from being a full-time parent to having a less hands-on relationship with your children.
Check out these five changes your home is begging for now that you have an empty nest.
First-Floor Guest Bedroom
Think about rearranging the layout of your home now that the kids are out of the house. You might already have plans to turn one of your kids’ bedrooms into a guest bedroom; however, if it’s on the second floor, consider using a room on the first floor. For now, you can use it for guests, but if you plan to stay in your home for the rest of your life, you may want your bedroom to be on the first floor when you get older.
Create Extra Space With Fewer Walls
If you have a few smaller rooms that were once kids’ bedrooms, consider knocking down a wall or two to create one larger space. It makes sense to have lots of smaller rooms if you have a house full of kids, but now that it’s just you or you and your spouse, you can keep one bedroom for guests and create a bigger room to serve a more meaningful purpose, such as a studio, office or home gym.
Kitchen Facelift 
With lots of people in the house, it can be tricky to do any kind of home upgrade or renovation. Now that you have an empty nest, consider making kitchen upgrades that you’ve been putting off. Does the tile need work? Do the cabinets need replacing or maybe just some paint? You could also update old appliances — now is the best time to do whatever needs to be done to bring your kitchen up to date.
Master Bath Enhancements 
With kids out of the house, you will have more time to yourself and hopefully to pamper yourself. Make some updates to the master bathroom by changing the counters and cabinets and/or adding ambient lighting with a dimmer. Add a bench in the shower and a heated towel rack. Replace towels with ones that are plush and soft. Do whatever is necessary to make your bathroom feel more like a spa. You deserve it!
Update Your Most-Used Furniture
Maybe you didn’t want to invest in high-end furniture while you were raising kids because you feared stains and smears on expensive items. However, now is the time to invest in a little luxury. You can transform your home into more of an adults’ house by swapping out some older pieces of furniture for something tasteful and refined.
Looking for even more ways to update your home? Give us a call today! We love sharing our expertise.

Friday, June 14, 2019

Top 4 Renovations for the Greatest Return on Investment! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • If you are planning on listing your house for sale this year, these four home improvement projects will net you the most Return on Investment (ROI).
  • Minor renovations can go a long way toward improving the quality of your everyday life and/or impressing potential buyers.
  • Whether you plan to stay in your house for a long time or just a few years, it’s smart to know which home renovations add the most value.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Time for Your Dream Home, Gen X!


During the housing market crash, Gen X homeowners lost more wealth than other generations. However, things are changing now! A strong economy, increasing home prices, and the recovery of the housing market are helping this generation to regain their lost wealth.


According to Pew Research Center,
Their fortunes have rebounded more than those of other generations during the post-recession economic expansion and as home and stock prices have risen. Since 2010, the median net worth of Gen X households has risen 115%. In fact, in 2016, the most recent year with available data, the net worth of a typical Gen X household had surpassed what it was in 2007 ($84,200 vs. $63,400)”.
The same report also mentioned,
15% of Gen X’s homeowners were ‘underwater’ on their homes in 2010 (meaning they owed more than they owned). By 2016 only 3% were underwater.
As a result of homes regaining market value and their increasing net worth, many Gen Xers are presented with the opportunity of selling their current home in order to move up to the house they always dreamed of!

According to the 2019 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report by the National Associations of Realtors, in 2018 Gen Xers made up the second largest share of home buyers by generation at 24%.


The report also provided some highlights about their purchase:
  • Greatest share that purchased a multi-generational home (16%).
  • Largest share that purchased a detached single-family home (88%).
  • Highest median household income ($111,100).
  • Bought the most expensive homes of all the generations.
  • Job-related relocation was identified as the primary reason to buy.
But this generation is not only buying- they are selling too!
  • Largest share of home sellers (25%).
  • Highest median household income among sellers ($123,6000).
  • Tenure in the previous home was a median of 9 years.
  • House too small was indicated as the primary reason to sell.
  • 91% sold the home using a real estate professional.

Bottom Line

If you are a Gen Xer who would like to know exactly how much your house is worth today so that you can move up to the home of your dreams, contact a local real estate professional who can help you analyze your current circumstances.

Which #kitchen would you rather have: A or B? 🍳


Wednesday, June 12, 2019

3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today!


A lot is happening in the world, and it’s having a direct impact on the housing market. The reality is this: some of it is positive and some of it may be negative. Some we just don’t know yet.


The following three areas of the housing market are critical to understand: interest rates, building materials, and the outlook for an economic slowdown.

1. Interest Rates

One of the most important things to consider when buying a home is the interest rate you will be charged to borrow the money. In our recent post we posed the question, “Are Low Interest Rates Here To Stay?” The latest information from Freddie Mac makes it appear they are. We are currently at a 21-month low in interest rates.3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today! | Keeping Current Matters

2. Building Materials

Talk of tariffs could also affect the housing market. According to a recent article, the National Association of Home Builders reports that as much as $10 billion in goods imported from China are used in homebuilding. Depending on the outcome of the tariff and trade discussions between several countries, there could be as much as a 25% boost in the cost of building materials.

3. Economic Slowdown

In a prior blog post on this topic, we began the year with many economic leaders thinking we could expect a recession in late 2019 or early 2020. As spring approached, we reported that economists had started to push that projection past 2020.  Now, three leading surveys indicate that it may begin in the next eighteen months.3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today! | Keeping Current Matters

Bottom Line

We are in a strong housing market. Wages are increasing, home prices are appreciating, and mortgage rates are the lowest they have been in 21 months.  Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, it’s a great time to be in the market.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Check Out the HOA




Understand your relationship to the HOA.
 Generally, when a home (or lot) that is part of an HOA is purchased, the buyer automatically becomes a member of the HOA. As a member, the homeowner must comply with the rules of HOA membership, including payment of HOA dues and following all conditions and restrictions in the community.

Monday, June 10, 2019

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers


Freddie Mac recently released a report entitled, “Perceptions of Down Payment Consumer Research.” Their research revealed that,
“For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the largest barrier to achieving the goal of homeownership. Part of the challenge for those planning to purchase a home is their perception of how much they will need to save for the down payment…
…Based on our recent survey of individuals planning to purchase a home in the next three years, nearly a third think they need to put more than 20% down.”

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Buyers often overestimate the funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the same report:
22% of renters and 31% of homeowners believe lenders require 20% or more of a home’s sale price as a down payment for a typical mortgage today. And,
“If a 20% down payment was required, 70% of those who were planning to buy a home in the next three years said it would delay them from purchasing and nearly 30% indicated they would never be able to afford a home.”  
While many believe at least 20% down is necessary to buy the home of their dreams, they do not realize programs are available which permit as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined!

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”

Many either don’t know or are misinformed concerning the FICO® score necessary to qualify, believing a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.


To debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers | Keeping Current MattersAs indicated in the chart above, 52.4% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.

Thursday, June 6, 2019

What is Important to Boomers when Selling their House?


If you are a “baby boomer” (born between 1946 and 1964), you may be thinking about selling your current home. Your children may have finally moved out. Your large, four-bedroom house with three bathrooms no longer fits the bill. Taxes are too high.

Utilities are too expensive. Cleaning and repair are too difficult. You may be ready to move into a home that better fits your current lifestyle. Many fellow boomers have already made the move you may be considering.

The National Association of Realtors recently released their 2019 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Report. The report revealed many interesting tidbits about both categories of baby boomers: younger boomers (ages 54 to 63) and older boomers (64 to72). Here are a few of the more interesting topics.

Percentage of Buyers who Looked Online First

  • All Buyers: 44%
  • Younger Boomers: 46%
  • Older Boomers: 44%

Where Boomers Found the Home They Purchased

The two major ways buyers found the home they purchased:
  • All buyers: 50% on the internet, 28% through a real estate agent
  • Younger Boomers: 46% on the internet, 33% through a real estate agent
  • Older Boomers: 36% on the internet, 35% through a real estate agent

Distance Seller Moved

The distance between the home they purchased and the home they recently sold was much greater for boomers than the average seller.
  • All sellers: 20 miles
  • Younger Boomers: 27 miles
  • Older Boomers: 50 miles

Tenure in Previous Home of Seller

The percentage of older boomers who lived in their previous home for more than 20 years was almost twice the amount of the average seller.
  • All sellers: 16%
  • Younger Boomers: 20%
  • Older Boomers: 31%

Primary Reason to Sell their Previous Home

  • Want to move closer to friends or family
  • Home too large
  • Retirement

View of Homeownership as a Financial Investment

  • 83% of Younger Boomers see homeownership as a good investment
  • 82% of Older Boomers see homeownership as a good investment

Bottom Line

If you are a boomer and thinking about selling, now might be the time to contact an agent to help determine your options.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home

We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful and compelling ones.

No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, that feeling of safety and security you gain from owning your own home is simultaneously one of the greatest and most difficult to describe.


Frederick Peters, a contributor for Forbes, recently wrote about that feeling, and the pride that comes from owning your own home.
“As homeowners discover, living in an owned home feels different from living in a rented home. It’s not just that an owner can personalize the space; it touches a chord even more fundamental than that.
Homeownership enhances the longing for self-determination at the heart of the American Dream. First-time homeowners, young or old, radiate not only pride but also a sense of arrival, a sense of being where they belong. It cannot be duplicated by owning a 99-year lease.”

Bottom Line

Owning a home brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence that cannot be achieved through renting. If you are debating renewing your lease, meet with a local real estate professional first. They can help answer any questions you have about what your next steps should be and what is required in today’s market!

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

5 Lawn Care Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Yard


Everyone wants a lawn covered with lush green grass and verdant plants. But what mistakes are preventing you from achieving this? Read on to learn about some common lawn care mistakes and how to prevent them.


1. Cutting Grass Too Short
Experts advise cutting off no more than 30 percent of the grass blade in a single pass. Cutting your grass too short or trimming it down to half of its previous size might be appealing—after all, if your grass is shorter, it will take longer to grow back—but this is not good for the long-term health of your lawn.
In addition to damaging the blade, cutting your grass too short can indirectly damage the root system. This damage will limit the grass's ability to collect light and absorb water, leading to wilting or even plant death. Keeping your grass longer will help it to grow fuller and become more lush.

2. Using Only One Type of Seed
Using a mixture of seeds will result in a mixture of plant types. Different types of grass will survive better in different conditions. The different species will balance out each other's strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a more resilient lawn overall. This will make your turf more likely to survive extreme weather conditions such as prolonged heat or drought.

3. Ignoring the pH of the Soil
The optimal pH for grass is between 6.0 and 6.5. For reference, a neutral pH, such as that of water, is 7.0. This means that your lawn's soil should be slightly acidic in order to bolster plant growth. Sending away a soil sample for testing can be an easy way to get a gage on your lawn's pH. If the pH is out of whack, it can easily be adjusted using sulfur or lime treatments.

4. Forgetting to Sharpen Your Lawn Mower's Blade
A sharp blade will cut your grass more cleanly, while a dull blade can cause bruising and other damage to each blade of grass. Damaged blades of grass are more susceptible to death or disease, so using a sharp lawn mower blade can contribute to the overall health of your lawn.

Most people should sharpen their lawn mower blades approximately twice a year. A good sign that your blade is too dull is that your lawn mower is tearing or crushing your grass instead of cutting it cleanly.

5. Collecting Grass Clippings
Many lawn mowers come with an attached bag that will gather up the grass as it is cut. This is a visually appealing strategy, but it is not good for your lawn's long-term health. Instead, you should leave the grass clippings spread around your lawn. This self-mulching strategy will help fertilize your remaining grass. In particular, this is useful in maintaining your soil's nitrogen levels—a key factor in lawn health.


If you can avoid making these 5 common lawn care mistakes, you will enjoy a lush, green lawn throughout the year.

Monday, June 3, 2019

Classic Meets Modern


Natural and neutral are two buzzwords for 2019’s decor style, flooring included. Current flooring trends are warm and earthy, inviting tones and textures that hearken back to Mother Earth. The flooring choices go on and on, but the most popular choices are also the most classic.

Wood and Faux Wood

Using wood to cover your floors is a tale as old as time, but the difference is that options are broader now than they’ve ever been. Eco-friendly and durable choices are also beautiful alternatives to real wood.
  • Today's vinyl and laminate options are anything but your grandma’s flooring! These popular flooring options have received a makeover so they are not only heavy-duty and waterproof but still attractive and elegant.
  • High variation tones blend with light and dark woods to make a dramatic impact on any room or hallway. These tones come in all ranges of color, from light greys and whites to dark browns and cherry tones.
  • Gone are the days of glossy and perfect hallways: textures and distressed wood grain are making a comeback in a big way.

Carpet

A classy choice to warm up any room, carpet is not what it used to be. Made with families and heavy use in mind, carpets today are being made with resilient materials that are also soft and friendly.
  • Waterproof carpet. Yes, you read that right! Shaw has come up with a technology called LifeGuard that will keep liquid at bay and not soak into the carpet.
  • In addition to keeping the carpet dry, LifeGuard technology provides an easy-to-clean surface. Adios, germs!
  • Carpet manufacturers have the environment in mind while creating material these days: Most carpet is being made from recycled materials.
Whether it is time to sell, buy or update, these classic choices for flooring are both practical and beautiful. They withstand the test of time and live beyond the current year’s trends. Educate yourself on what is practical in your situation to find a flooring solution that works for you.