Tackling a ktichen remodel? Start here.
by MIKE HALL Broker/Owner/Agent
Investing in the kitchen is usually a smart decision for homeowners. But it's a big project that carries a hefty pricetag of anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Before you make any calls, make sure you know what you want. Take some time to look over and create a collage, either online, on your phone or in a folder of what you like of the following:
1. Cabinets - Kitchen cabinets with drawers that pull-out are fantastic.
2. Sinks - From farmhouse to undermount, know your budget and your kitchen use.
3. Countertops - Consider quartz.
4. Flooring - Hardwood is preferable if you have the budget.
5. Appliances - New finishes that offer an alternative to stainless steel are on the rise.
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Stats to make you smile.
by MIKE HALL Owner/Broker/Agent
A recent report from the National Association of Realtors released some statistics that show home buying is on an upward trek. A few highlights from a story published by the National Mortgage News includes:
- Closings on existing properties, which usually occur a month or two after a contract is signed, rose 5.1 percent to a 5.35 million annualized rate.
- The share of first-time buyers matched the highest level since September 2012.First-time buyers accounted for 32 percent of all purchases in May, up from 27 percent a year earlier.
- Compared with a year earlier, purchases increased 5.1 percent in May before adjusting for seasonal variations.
- The median price of an existing home rose 7.9 percent from May 2014 to $228,700. The appreciation was led by a 10.2 percent year-to-year advance in the West and a 9.4 percent gain in the Midwest.
- Prices have been bolstered by a dearth of supply on the market. The number of previously owned homes for sale rose 1.8 percent in May to 2.3 million.
- At the current sales pace, it would take 5.1 months to sell those houses, compared with 5.2 months at the end of the prior month.
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