Sliding Barn Doors for Beginners

The cottage look has become a huge trend for homeowners, especially those with older homes that have lost a lot of their original charm to generic remodels over generations. One of the big elements of this new wave in design is the sliding barn door, a simple door mounted on a track that slides to cover a doorway. It’s not a fancy invention, nor is it a new one, so why are they getting so much attention all of a sudden?

The Sliding Barn Door Aesthetic

Sliding barn doors add a ton of cottage chic to a home, especially one that’s already boasting pre-modern features like custom hand-built kitchen cabinetry, built-in storage, and unusual spaces. The sliding barn door is a simple but elegant touch. It’s literally just a door built from wooden slats, just like you’d see on an old-fashioned barn on a farm. That rugged, simple look complements a lot of different styles, especially considering the many different kinds of materials that can be used to achieve the final result.

Considerations Before Installing Sliding Barn Doors

There are many things to consider before you choose sliding barn doors for your home. The first, and most important, is whether or not a barn door actually makes sense with the rest of your design. If you’re literally choosing a barn door because they’re trending right now, that’s about the worst possible reason to make the call. Instead, ask yourself if you really like the cottage chic look, and if you do, if it makes sense with the other design choices you’re making in your home. Although some purists may argue that there’s absolutely no place for a cottage look in a modern home, most designers would agree that the most important thing is consistency. After all, a lot of homes built in the last 40 or so years don’t really have a strong aesthetic of their own, which leaves a lot of room for creative minds to wander.

If you do decide you want to go with a barn door, and it’s consistent with the styling of your home, keep these additional things in mind while choosing the door and where it will be installed:

• Barn doors don’t insulate well. Because barn doors hang on a sliding track, rather than sealing shut, there’s more air, light, and sound infiltration around them. This is fine for a lot of uses, but may make them a poor choice for spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms where you’d like more privacy. If you have pets, for safety’s sake, choose a door and hardware that are heavy enough to keep the bottom of the door from being shoved forward to allow a smart dog or cat to open these doors from the bottom.
• They do save a ton of space. Even though they’re not the greatest doors for insulation, barn doors can save a ton of space that a regular door will require to swing. Instead of losing a whole wall to opening a door, you can instead move the furniture a few inches off the wall to allow the barn door to slide behind. Unlike pocket doors, you don’t need to tear out a wall to install a barn door; you simply run along the outer wall. This can also help minimize the impact of doors that cover water closets and pantries.
• Planning is important. Before you decide that you absolutely must have a barn door, look very carefully at the space where you think it should go. Remember, the door will need room to move along a track, so there must be room on both sides of the door opening (at least enough to allow for the hardware), and no elements that stick out of the wall. If you’ve got a flat light switch or outlet that will end up under the door, consider how that will affect your ability to use the electricity in the room.

Ready for That New Barn Door?

Whether you’ve decided that a barn door is absolutely a necessity in your home, or you simply want a second opinion before you dive in, your HomeKeepr community has the experts to help steer you right. Whether you need an interior designer or a general contractor, HomeKeepr can help you find the barn door experts you need.

How Much Leverage Do Todays House Sellers Have?

How Much Leverage Do Todays House Sellers Have?

The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short supply of houses. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales are up 23.7% from the same time last year while the inventory of homes available for sale is down 25.7%. There are 360,000 fewer single-family homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. This increase in demand coupled with such limited supply is leading to more bidding wars throughout the country.

Rose Quint, Assistant Vice President for Survey Research with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), recently reported:

The number one reason long-time searchers haven't made a home purchase is not because of their inability to find an affordably-priced home, but because they continue to get outbid by other offers.

A survey in the NAHB report showed that 40% of buyers have been outbid for a home they wanted to purchase. This is more than twice the percentage in 2019, which was 19%.

What does this mean for sellers today?

It means sellers have tremendous leverage when negotiating with buyers.

In negotiations, leverage is the power that one side may have to influence the other side while moving closer to their negotiating position. A party’s leverage is based on its ability to award benefits or eliminate costs on the other side.

In todays market, a buyer wants three things:

1. To buy a home
2. To buy now before prices continue to appreciate
3. To buy now and take advantage of historically low mortgage rates while they last

These three buyer needs give the homeowner tremendous leverage when selling their house. Most realize this leverage enables the seller to sell at a good price. However, there may be another need the seller has that can be satisfied by using this leverage.

Here's an example:

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently identified a situation in which many sellers are finding themselves today:

As mortgage rates are expected to remain near 3%, millennials continue to form households and more existing homeowners tap their equity for the purchase of a better home Many homeowners may want to upgrade, but do not for fear that they will be unable to find a home to buy.

She then offers a possible solution:

While the fear of not being able to find something to buy will not disappear in a limited supply environment, new housing supply can incentivize existing homeowners to move.

There's no doubt many sellers would love to build a new home to perfectly fit their changing wants and needs. However, most builders require that they sell their house first. If the seller sells their home, where would they live while their new home is being constructed?

Going back to the concept of leverage:

As mentioned, buyers have compelling reasons to purchase a home now, and many homeowners have challenges to address if they want to sell. Perhaps they can make a deal to satisfy each parties needs. But how?

The seller may decide to sell their home to the buyer at todays price, which will enable the purchaser to take advantage of current mortgage rates. In return, the buyer might lease the house back to the seller for a pre-determined length of time while the sellers new home is being built. A true win-win negotiation.

Not every buyer will agree to such a deal but you only need one.

That's just one example of how a seller might be able to overcome a challenge because of the leverage they have in todays market. Maybe you feel a need to make certain repairs before selling. Perhaps you need time to get permits or approvals for certain upgrades you made to the house. Whatever the challenge, you may be able to work it out.

Bottom Line

If you're considering selling your house now but worry a huge obstacle stands in your way, let’s connect. Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.

 

Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

 Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

If you're looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you're not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, its normal to wonder if you'll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of available homes for sale is at an all-time low the lowest point recorded since NAR began tracking this metric in 1982. There are, however, more homes expected to hit the market later this year. Lets break down the three key places they'll likely come from as 2021 continues on.

1. Homeowners Who Didn't Sell Last Year

In 2020, many sellers decided to pause their moving plans for a number of different reasons. From health concerns about the pandemic to financial uncertainty, plenty of homeowners decided not to move last year.

Now that vaccines are being distributed and there's a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it should bring some peace of mind to many potential sellers. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:

Fortunately for would-be homebuyers, we expect sellers to return to the market as we see improvement in the economy and progress against the coronavirus.

Many of the homeowners who decided not to sell in 2020 will enter the market later this year as they begin to feel more comfortable showing their house in person, understanding their financial situation, and simply having more security in life.

2. More New Homes Will Be Built

Last year was a strong year for home builders, and according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 2021 is expected to be even better:

For 2021, NAHB expects ongoing growth for single-family construction. It will be the first year for which total single-family construction will exceed 1 million starts since the Great Recession.

With more houses being built in many markets around the country, homeowners looking for new houses that meet their changing needs will be able to move into their dream homes. When they sell their current houses, this will create opportunities for those looking to find a home that's already built to do so. It sets a simple chain reaction in motion for hopeful buyers.

3. Those Impacted Financially by the Economic Crisis

Many experts don't anticipate a large wave of foreclosures coming to the market, given the forbearance options afforded to current homeowners throughout the pandemic. Some homeowners who have been impacted economically will, however, need to move this year. There are also homeowners who didn't take advantage of the forbearance option or were already in a foreclosure situation before the pandemic began. In those cases, homeowners may decide to sell their houses instead of going into the foreclosure process, especially given the equity in homes today. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains:

Given the huge price gains recently, I don’t think many homes will have to go to foreclosure I think homes will just be sold, and there will be cash left over for the seller, even in a distressed situation. So that’s a bit of a silver lining in that we don’t expect a massive sale of distressed properties.

As we can see, it looks like were going to have an increase in the number of homes for sale in 2021. With fears of the pandemic starting to ease, new homes being built, and more listings coming to the market prior to foreclosure, there's hope if you're planning to buy this year. And if you're thinking of selling and making a move, doing so while demand for your house is high might create an outstanding move-up option for you.

Bottom Line

Housing demand is high and supply is low, so if you're thinking of moving, its a great time to do so. There are likely many buyers who are looking for a home just like yours, and there are options coming for you to find a new house too. Lets connect today to see how you can benefit from the opportunities available in our local market.

 

3 Ways You'll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

3 Ways You'll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we've realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you're a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that's largely uncertain. If you're a repeat buyer looking for your dream home, making a move might give you the space or features you need to find greater success and happiness in a new normal way of life. Whatever your motivations are, here are three reasons why becoming a homeowner now may help you win big in the long run.

1. Buying a Home Is a Great Investment

Several recent reports indicate that real estate is still a good investment, topping other options such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings. Why? Real estate helps you build equity, a type of forced savings that grows your net worth. According to the latest Equity Report from ATTOM Data Solutions:

The count of equity-rich properties in the fourth quarter of 2020 represented 30.2 percent, or about one in three, of the 59 million mortgaged homes in the United States. That was up from 28.3 percent in the third quarter of 2020, 27.5 percent in the second quarter and 26.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019, despite the ongoing economic damage caused by the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Low

The Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac indicates interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have fallen since November 2018 when they hit 4.94%. In their latest forecast, Freddie Mac expects rates to remain low, leveling out to an average of 2.9% in 2021.

When you purchase a home at a low mortgage rate, it will impact your monthly mortgage payment, giving you the opportunity to likely get more house for your money.

3. Investing in Your Future Pays Off

There are some renters who haven't purchased a home yet because they're uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. What many renters don't realize, though, is the financial power of equity.

As a homeowner, your monthly mortgage payment becomes a form of forced savings you can reinvest later in life as you see fit. You can use it in a variety of ways, like to fund a loved ones education, move up to a bigger home, or start your own business. As a renter, you're actually growing your landlords equity instead of your own.

If you're ready to put your monthly payments to work for you and take steps toward those dreams and goals, purchasing a home may be the way to go, especially as rental prices continue to rise.

Bottom Line

Buying a home sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings and long-term financial growth. Lets connect to determine if homeownership is the right choice for you this year.

 

Make Spring Cleaning Easy with Built-In Storage

It might be a bit on the chilly side now, but it’s not going to be long before spring cleaning season is upon us again. It’s a great way to refresh spaces and toss out that stuff that’s just been collecting with no real purpose. But what do you do with the stuff you DO want to keep? Maybe you need some more storage spaces!

These days, there are tons of prefabricated kits that can help you turn your home into an organizational powerhouse, as well as plenty of small projects that you can do over a weekend to prepare for the inevitable. If you start building your future storage now, you’ll be totally ready for sorting and putting away when the grass starts to green again.

Built-In Storage Kits

You don’t have to be Bob Villa to install any of the many basic storage systems that are available through big box storages and home improvement centers across the country. Some are designed with specific kinds of storage in mind, like closet systems that help you make more room out of nothing at all. Other systems are designed to be extra sturdy for more challenging spaces, like garages or utility rooms. These out of the box systems are a great way to add built-in storage, even if you’re not particularly handy. They often feature pre-cut pieces with just a few fasteners you’ll need to insert into the wall, along with step-by-step instructions to help you succeed.

But if you’re feeling up to it, don’t hesitate to pick up add-on parts for those systems, or go off the map entirely and use them in unexpected places, like under stairs, in mudrooms, and in other odd spaces in your house. Every nook can become mega storage if you have the right kind of system to install there.

Building From Scratch

If you’re a little braver, or have some experience with home repairs, you may want to take a serious look at spaces like garage ceilings, wall voids, rafters, and attic knee walls for room you can reclaim. Ensure there’s no electrical wire or plumbing running in the space you have your eye on for extra storage, though. Skipping this step can lead to some serious repercussions, including, but not limited to, electrocution and pipe ruptures.

However, with a careful hand, you can take those formerly useless stretches of wall or ceiling and add things like built-in bookcases, cabinets, and drawers. Remember that your built-in can only be as deep as the void, minus the thickness of the back materials, so choose your spaces accordingly. Attic knee walls are especially fun options, since there are usually deep voids behind them that you can transform into your storage fantasies.

Some Special Options for Kitchens

Kitchens are notorious for lacking storage or working space, but they also offer a lot of small spaces that most people tend to overlook. For example, if you have a lot of mugs or tea cups, the simple act of installing mug hooks under your upper cabinets can permanently free up shelf space. The inside of your cabinets can host shallow storage racks, which are great for holding cleaning supplies, spices, and other small items.

Another option might be adding a rail to your backsplash, enabling you to hang up items that tend to end up scattered in the kitchen. Wouldn’t it be nice to actually know where the potholders are at any given time? You can do the same thing with pegboards or heavy duty metal sheets you can attach pots, pans, utensils, and the like to with magnetic hooks.

Need Help With Your Storage Projects?

Sometimes, you can be long on ideas for new storage, but short on the skill or time to execute them. That’s where your friendly HomeKeepr community comes into play! Whether you want to simply change out the system in your closet, or you plan to add a whole bunch of built-in bookcases in your living room, you’ll find a highly recommended professional to help get the job done.

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

In todays housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they're also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you're like many millennials who are spending much more time at home these days, you may have a growing need for more space or upgraded features, making moving more desirable than ever.

For those millennials who already own a home, there's a great opportunity to move up in 2021. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

Older millennials will be trade-up buyers with many having owned their first homes long enough to see substantial equity gains.

Even if you bought a home sometime in the last few years, you may have more equity than you realize, and that's a big factor to consider when you're thinking about moving. According to the Homeowner Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic:

In the third quarter of 2020, the average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity during the past year. This marks the largest average equity gain since the first quarter of 2014.

Growing equity can be the driver you're looking for to fund your next move, especially if what you need in a home is changing right now. As equity builds over time, it can be put toward the down payment on your next home.

In addition to equity gains, todays housing market affordability is powered by record-low mortgage rates, so moving at a time when you can get more for your money may be more realistic than you think.

Bottom Line

If you're a millennial thinking about moving this year, you're not alone. Lets connect to shed light on the equity you have in your current home and the opportunities it can create.

 

Olive Hill at Riverstone

Olive Hill at Riverstone Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price Trends

Shayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Olive Hill At Riverstone neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Sugar Land Texas 77479 zip code in Fort Bend County. Olive Hill At Riverstone has 45 single family properties with a median build year of 2013 and a median size of 5,509 Sqft., these home values range between $779 - $934 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $144.21 while the median appraised value is $ 153.93/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Olive Hill At Riverstone and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.

Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Olive Hill At Riverstone - Bookmark the page and check back often or create your own Listing Alert System to Notify you when a property in Olive Hill At Riverstone Sugar Land Texas 77479 hits the Market!

Find Olive Hill At Riverstone Real Estate and Olive Hill At Riverstone Homes For Sale. Olive Hill At Riverstone in Fort Bend County can be found using Neighborhood Information Finder. Detailed information includes Olive Hill At Riverstone Real Estate Profile, Olive Hill At Riverstone Trending Homes, Schools Nearby Olive Hill At Riverstone, Places Nearby Olive Hill At Riverstone and Events Nearby Olive Hill At Riverstone. Click here to find recently sold properties in Olive Hill At Riverstone, Foreclosures in Olive Hill At Riverstone, recently listed homes in Olive Hill At Riverstone.

Olive Hill At Riverstone is a subdivision located in Fort Bend County which is within the Texas. The Olive Hill At Riverstone subdivision is surrounded with restaurants, education opportunities, entertainment venues, shopping and more. See below for more information on the surrounding resources for the Olive Hill At Riverstone subdivision.

 

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Olive Hill At Riverstone Real Estate Overview:

• The average price of the homes for sale in Olive Hill At Riverstone is $ 1,079,400.
• The average square feet of the homes in Olive Hill At Riverstone is 5,509 sqft.

 

For more info on Olive Hill At Riverstone of Sugar Land Texas or any of the other Communities within the Fort Bend County area CLICK HERE or Text / Call 832-449-6060

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