ReCap

February
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Top choices for remodelers

The 2019 Houzz Kitchen Trends study1 analyzed kitchen remodeling choices from the past year. The findings may help customers narrow down their design choices.

  • ‘Transitional’ – which combines modern with traditional – is the #1 style choice (21% selected it). Contemporary and farmhouse are also popular.
  • Shaker is the top choice for cabinets (57%) followed by flat panel and raised panel. As for color‚ white (43%) beats wood (25%).
  • Most homeowners (54%) mix different finishes in hardware and fixtures. The most popular choices: nickel‚ chrome‚ and stainless steel.

Please contact me if you need assistance. I am always here to help.

1Erin Carlyle‚ “Top kitchen styles and cabinet features in kitchen remodels‚” Houzz‚ last updated January 16‚ 2019.

February
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Lower inventory a plus for winter sellers

The real estate market traditionally heats up in spring. However‚ listing a home in winter may bring a financial windfall for the seller.1 Here is why:

  • Less competition. Fewer homes for sale can mean buyers have less choices.
  • Cold-weather features are showcased. Such as roofs designed to handle harsh weather or shorter‚ low-maintenance driveways. Newer heating systems and fireplaces can also spark interest.
  • Serious buyers. Winter house hunters tend to be more serious in their searches. When the right property is found‚ they often act quickly.

I am always here to provide helpful information. If you have questions or need assistance‚ please contact me.

1Terri Williams‚ “Six reasons why selling a house in the winter may be the best decision ever‚” Realtor.com®, last updated October 8‚ 2018.

January
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Sales expected to grow 3.6%

Many markets are projected to remain hot in 2019 – including Metro Boston.1 According to Realtor.com®:

  • The Boston metropolitan area (which includes the city and most of Eastern Massachusetts) ranks as the 10th best market.
  • The area median home price will hit $496‚710; the number of homes sold will grow 3.6%.
  • The education‚ health care & technology industries are luring Millennials to Boston and its suburbs.
As always‚ Capstone Mortgage is here to provide timely market information. Please contact me if you have questions.

1Alison Underhill‚ “The 10 surprising housing markets poised to rule in 2019‚” Realtor.com®‚ last updated January 2‚ 2019.

October
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CapstoneMortgage_2018

Halloween fun facts

In honor of a truly unique holiday‚ here is Halloween-related trivia1:

  • Both Salem‚ Massachusetts‚ and Anoka‚ Minnesota‚ are the self-proclaimed Halloween capitals of the world.
  • Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of Halloween. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain‚ which marked the end of the Celtic calendar year.
  • In 2013‚ Keene‚ New Hampshire‚ set a Guinness World Record for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns with 30‚581 (breaking a record held by Boston).

However you celebrate‚ I hope the holiday is safe and festive. Happy Halloween.

1Karin Lehnardt‚ “41 spooky facts about Halloween‚” Fact Retriever‚ last updated August 20‚ 2016.

October
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Smart home gadgets in demand

Sixty percent of home shoppers said they would pay extra for high-tech amenities like a smart thermostat‚ security cameras or a smart lock.1 However‚ the preferred technology varies‚ depending on demographics:

  • Smart thermostats are mostly wanted by young singles and couples.
  • Families prefer smart garages (with features like app controls and voice commands).
  • Smart locks are favored by older buyers.

Overall‚ 53% of builders said they integrate smart technology into new homes. I hope you find this industry information helpful.

1“Smart-home gadgets buyers will pay extra to have‚” REALTOR® Magazine‚ last updated August 27‚ 2018.