Design • October 4, 2023

5 Features of Greek Revival Architecture

by David Chan

A street-level view of an example of Greek Revival architecture. It is a white house with columns in the front, a pitched roof, and a very formal appearance.

Some home designs reach way back through history. Greek Revival architecture is inspired by the principles of design formed in ancient Greece. These stately homes evoke a formal and traditional atmosphere akin to the feeling you get standing in the presence of the Parthenon. Let’s explore the history and features of these unique homes to understand what makes them so special.

5 Features of Greek Revival Architecture

1. Grand Entryways with Columns: The columns found in Greek Revival architecture are the defining characteristic of the style. Without these towering features, these homes simply wouldn’t feel the same. When used in a residential setting, columns help to create a feeling of grand stature by combining stories and stretching the verticality of the house. Columns were commonly found in important buildings constructed in ancient Greece, and today, they give Greek Revival architecture its timeless appeal.

Timeless Home Design

2. Large Front Porches: In a residential setting, ample porch space creates a natural connection between the home and the outdoors. For all their grandeur, the way these homes are designed, there’s still a connection between them and their surrounding environment. As Greek Revival spread throughout the United States in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries, different variations of the style were adopted to fit needs of the homeowners in different regions. However, porch space remained a universal feature of homes created in this style.

7 Vintage Design Elements That Are Still Popular Today

A street-level view of an example of Greek Revival architecture. It is a white house with columns in the front, a second-story balcony, windows with shutters, and an overall formal appearance.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: tose

3. Decorative Windows: If the columns don’t give it away, the decorative dormer windows found in Greek Revival homes are a telltale sign of the style. These important features maximize natural light, which is perfectly displayed in the open layouts commonly found in these homes. The windows stretch vertically to complement the columns and give a very structured look to the exterior.

4. Ornate Details: Looking back at the most inspirational and renowned design works of ancient Greece, it’s no wonder that the opulent detailing of these magical buildings continued to be an important feature during the revival period. Intricate molding, ornate carvings, towering columns, and luxurious tile designs all reinforce the beauty of these homes. Marble was commonly used throughout these homes originally, inspired by the ancient Greeks’ preference for the rock in their building construction.

Timeless Tile Designs

A closeup view of a Greek Revival architecture house. The large front porch is straddled by tall white columns that reach up to the second story of the home.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: YangYin

5. Greek Revival Architecture Color Scheme: The dominant color in the Greek Revival palette is white. Yes, white marble was prevalent throughout temples in ancient Greece, but the preference for white amongst the designers behind the revival movement had just as much sway in how we see this style represented today. Many Greek Revival homes found today are constructed with wood or stucco and painted white. In terms of interior design, this typically whitewashed palette gives you a clean slate to decorate on top of. Primary colors and natural, organic hues pair well with these classic buildings.

Colorful Modern Design Trends for Your Home

To refine your taste in real estate and learn about different residential exteriors, explore our Architectural Styles page.

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: mtcurado

More • September 29, 2023

Windermere-UW Aspire Internship Builds in its Third Year

by Windermere Staff

Interns from the third year of the Windermere-UW Aspire internship pose for a photo with the Windermere Real Estate leaders they worked with this summer.

Written by: Samantha Enos – Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Windermere Real Estate

Formed in partnership with the University of Washington College of Built Environments, Windermere’s Aspire internship program launched in July 2021. The internship offers financial support, mentoring, and skill-building through academic and professional office settings to students, with a focus on those from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups.

After a successful first iteration of the Aspire internship in 2021 that saw all eight University of Washington students complete the program, Aspire 2022 had more than double the number of participants. This year, the Aspire program hosted 10 students over eight weeks. The interns met with seven Windermere offices from around the greater Seattle area and three of the company’s ancillary partners (CW Title, Penrith Home Loans, and HomeSight). This year’s curriculum covered the following topics:

Raising visibility of subsidized programs for home ownership
Affordable housing design
Financial literacy for young adults and the role of building wealth through homeownership
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the role for real estate agents as trusted partners

Throughout the course of the internship, the students impressively identified gaps within the housing industry and offered solutions to create meaningful change. With educational backgrounds ranging from architecture and communications to real estate and beyond, this year’s aspire students brought their unique perspectives together to propose practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues in the housing industry. To complete the program, students created presentations on diverse subjects such as access to fair housing, possible solutions to affordable housing issues, and methods of increasing financial literacy among youth. In return, they received invaluable insights into the residential real estate industry and a $3,000 scholarship to go toward their tuition at the University of Washington.

We would like to thank the Windermere owners and leadership team members who helped make this year’s Aspire internship possible. We can’t wait to work with a new group of students next year.

To learn about our DEI initiatives like the Aspire internship program, visit windermere.com/dei.

Samantha Enos currently serves on the Seattle-King County REALTORS® Board of Directors, is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Mentorship program and is the Chairperson of the Seattle-King County REALTORS® DEI committee. She also volunteers on the Juanita High School DEI committee.

Featured Image Source: Windermere Real Estate

Living • September 27, 2023

Here’s Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

by Windermere Staff

A middle-aged man cleans gutters as he does fall home maintenance. He wears glasses and rubber gloves and stands on a ladder.

The leaves changing color is a sign that you may have some fall home maintenance tasks to tackle. With summer in the rearview and colder temperatures ahead, being proactive now will keep your home in pristine condition throughout the autumn days and nights. We’ve compiled a list of several tasks to tackle around your home this fall.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Clean Gutters

Water damage can spell serious trouble for homeowners. And with many climates experiencing additional rainfall this time of year, it’s time to prepare accordingly.

Start by ensuring that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. (Don’t attempt this task yourself if you have a multi-story house with a steep roof; hire a professional instead.)
If your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to clean out your gutters a few times a year, especially in the fall. Check to make sure your gutters are flush with the roof and attached securely, repairing any areas that sag or sections where the water can easily collect and overflow.
Clean out the gutters and downspouts, checking that outlet strainers are in good shape, and are firmly in place. Finally, check that your downspouts direct water away from your house, not straight along the foundation.
If you haven’t already, you may want to consider installing gutter guards. Gutter guards create a barrier so water can get through to your gutters, but debris can’t, limiting gutter buildup (and the time you spend cleaning out your gutters). There are DIY installation kits available, or you can always hire a professional to install a gutter guard system.
If you have a sump pump under your house, now is a good time to test it. Run a hose to make sure draining water travels directly to the pump and that the pump removes the water efficiently and expels it well away from the foundation. For more information about how sump pumps work, go to howstuffworks.com.

Check for Leaks

The best opportunity to catch leaks is the first heavy rain after a long dry spell, when roofing materials are contracted. Check the underside of the roof, looking for signs of moisture on joints or insulation. Mark any leaks that you find and then hire a roofing specialist to repair them. Waiting for leaks to show up on your ceiling is a recipe for disaster. By then, it’s too late to act; insulation and sheet rock will have already sustained damaged, and you could have a mold problem on your hands.

Don’t forget the basement. Check your foundation for cracks, erosion, plants growing inside, broken windows, and gaps in the window and door weatherstripping. Make sure to properly seal any leaks while the weather is nice. This will ensure materials dry properly.

Fall Home Maintenance: Pest Prevention

Rodents are determined and opportunistic, and they can do tremendous amounts of property damage (and endanger your family’s health). As temperatures cool, take measures to prevent roof rats and other critters from moving in. Branches that touch your house and overhang your roof are convenient on-ramps for invaders, so trim back branches so they’re at least four feet from the house. If you do hear scuttling overhead or discover rodent droppings in your attic, crawl space or basement, take immediate action.

Tips for Home Pest Control and Prevention

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling Systems

Preventative maintenance is especially crucial for your home’s heating and air-conditioning systems. Fall is a smart time to have your systems checked and tuned up if necessary. Don’t wait for extreme temperatures to arrive when service companies are slammed with emergency calls. Between tune-ups, keep your system performing optimally by cleaning and/or replacing air filters as needed.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, a professional inspection and cleaning will help prevent potentially lethal chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if you don’t use your fireplace often, always keep a supply of dry firewood or sawdust-composite logs so you have a backup heat source in an emergency.

Tips for Emergency Preparedness

Insulate & Seal Your Home

Insulating your home is a cost-efficient investment, whether you’re trying to keep the interior warm in the winter or cool in the summer. Aside from more major improvements like energy-efficient windows and insulation, there are some quick fixes and projects that you can tackle DIY.

If an exterior door doesn’t have a snug seal when closed, replace the weather stripping; self-adhesive foam stripping is much simpler to install than traditional vinyl stripping. If there is a gap under the door (which can happen over time as a house settles), you may need to realign it and replace the vinyl door bottom and/or door sweep. Air also sneaks inside through electrical outlets and light switches on exterior walls. Dye-cut foam outlet seals placed behind the wall plates are a quick and inexpensive solution.

For more tips on seasonal home maintenance, home repair tips and more, visit the Living category of our blog:

Windermere Blog | Living

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: svetikd

Market News • September 25, 2023

How Low Inventory Is Affecting the Housing Market

by Afshan Adil

Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner demonstrates how the U.S. housing market is adapting to low inventory levels. He touches on the new construction industry, supply changes in large metro areas, median home sale prices, and more.

This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.

Low Inventory Housing Market

Hello there, I’m Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to this month’s episode of Monday with Matthew. As we are all aware, the housing market has softened considerably with the number of existing homes available to buy close to record lows. Today we are going to talk about supply, and how the market is starting to adapt to low inventory levels.

Housing Market Inventory

A bar graph showing the average number of homes on the market in the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. A line crosses through the bar graph showing months supply. inventory peaked in 2007 at roughly 3.5 million homes for sale. In 2023, inventory rose above 1 million for the first time since 2020.

This chart shows the average number of homes on the market by year. Although year to date we have seen a little bit of an uptick, it’s clear the country remains supply-starved. And with just over three months of inventory—as opposed to the normal four to six—the market is clearly out of balance. But even though inventory levels have risen nationally, as I’ve said many times before, not all markets are equal.

Housing Inventory Changes in Metro Areas

A scatter plot showing the changes in inventory levels of homes for sale in different metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. from Q2 2019 to Q2 2022. Only Austin, Texas had more homes for sale higher in the second quarter of this year than it had in the second quarter of 2019.

This chart shows how supply levels have changed. The data here is representative of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the country. The horizontal axis shows the change in inventory versus the second quarter of 2022, while the vertical axis shows the difference and the number of homes for sale versus the second quarter of 2019. I think you’ll agree that the difference is stark. Although two-thirds of the metropolitan areas have seen the number of homes for sale improved versus the same period a year ago, just one (Austin, TX) had more homes for sale higher in the second quarter of this year than it had in the second quarter of 2019.

And even more stark was the fact that inventory levels in 53 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas were down by more than 50% compared to the same period three years ago.

Interestingly, on a percentage basis, smaller metro areas saw the greatest decline compared to three years ago. For example, in Hartford, CT, the average number of homes on the market in the second quarter was just over 900, down by 80% from the second quarter of 2019 where there was an average of over 4,400 units for sale. Supply levels were down by 78% in Stamford, CT; 75% in New Haven, CT; and 74% in Allentown, PA.

It is true that supply levels are generally higher when compared to a year ago, with the greatest increase being seen in select markets in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma; however, other than in Austin, supply levels remain well below their long-term averages. So, how is the market adapting? The answer is rather interesting. Even with all the talk of escalating material, land, and labor costs, it’s the new home industry that has been taking advantage of the lack of housing supply.

New Construction Market Trends

A line graph showing the share of new construction homes compared to single-family homes being resold from 1983 to 2023. The most significant portion of the graph is the steady increase from roughly 5% in 2011 to nearly 35% in 2023. In conclusion, new construction homes have a growing market share.

This chart shows the share of new homes on the market compared to their resale counterparts—here we are just looking at single-family homes. Historically, new construction makes up roughly 10% of active listings at any one time, but as you can see here, that share has been rising not just since the end of the pandemic but for the past several years. Although off the high seen a few months ago, 30% of the single-family homes for sale this July were brand new. I find this particularly interesting because, historically speaking, a premium was paid in order to buy a new home rather than an existing one.

Median Sale Prices: New and Existing Homes

A double line graph showing median sale prices for new and existing homes from 1990 to 2022. The new homes line is consistently above the existing homes line. Both lines started around $100,000 in 1990 and in 2023, reached $455,800 for new homes and $392,800 for existing homes.

As you can see here, the spread in median sale prices, which was pretty stable from 1990 until the bursting of the housing bubble, grew significantly starting in 2011 and in 2022. The premium averaged 16%. But when we look a bit closer at the numbers, they gives us a somewhat different picture.

A double line graph showing median sale prices for new and existing homes from January 2012 to January 2023. The new homes line is consistently above the existing homes line. In 2023, the spread has dropped to just 6%. In June of this year the difference was only $1,000.

You can see here the spread has dropped to just 6%. And in June of this year, the difference was a mere $1,000.

With the share of new homes for sale holding at a four-decade high, the share of sales themselves is at a level we haven’t seen since 2005. But even though we know that there is demand for housing, shouldn’t sales be constrained by mortgage rates? Well, what is happening is that builders are attracting buyers through incentives, and here we’re talking about mortgage rate buydowns which are becoming increasingly prevalent across the country.

In fact, a recent survey from John Burns Consulting suggested that 30% of home builders reported using interest buydowns more in the second quarter of this year than they had previously. And this is attracting buyers to visit new development communities.

An example of these buydowns is the 2/1 program that DR Horton—the largest home builder in the country—is offering at some communities. This program gives buyers a mortgage rate that starts at 3% for the first year, rises to 4% in year two, and then goes to 5% for the balance of the 30-year term. That’s pretty compelling, given where mortgage rates are today.

The bottom line is that as far as I can see, the new home industry will continue to take an outsized share of the market for the balance of 2023 and likely through most of 2024. That said, once the market starts to normalize, I expect them to pull back from these incentive programs, making them more likely to start raising asking prices, and we will return to the traditional spread between the prices of new and resale homes.

Although it’s pleasing to see more homes being built, I still believe that the country will still be running a housing deficit when it comes to meeting demographic demand and this will continue to hurt first-time buyers who continue to be priced out of the market.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject so feel free to leave your comments below. Until next month, stay safe out there and I’ll see you soon. Bye now.

To see the latest real estate market data for your area, visit our Market Update page.

About Matthew Gardner

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Design • September 20, 2023

5 Features of Traditional Interior Design

by David Chan

There is perhaps no other home décor style as comforting as traditional interior design. Rooted in the masterfully crafted Chippendale and Thomas Sheraton furniture designs and classic Queen Anne colors, traditional décor is one vintage style that stood the test of time. Here are five distinct features of traditional interior design.

5 Features of Traditional Interior Design

1. Dark Wood Finishes

Part of the reason for traditional design’s timeless appeal is its use of woodworking. With woodwork as a foundation, this design style feels classic but not dated. The dark, bold colors resemble the Victorian style, but traditional interiors are simpler and less ornate. The dark tones of the wood create a foundation for a more colorful decorative palette.

A sectional couch in a light grey color wraps into the corner of a living room on a rug on a hardwood floor. Large windows are on the right and the walls have board and batten with framed art on each wall.

Image Source: AI Generated image in Traditional Interior Design Style – for inspirational use only

2. Traditional Design Color Palette

Traditional design can handle a heavier color palette while still providing comfort. The darker wood tones allow for darker color to be used elsewhere throughout a space, such as dark window coverings. Floral, plain colors, and muted plaids are all common color schemes. Walls are often covered with patterned wallpaper, floral designs, or damask. In terms of designs, traditional interiors pair well with geometrics and small, striking yet understated patterns.

3. Hardwood Flooring

This design style is classic from the floor to the ceiling. You won’t find laminate or tile flooring in the common areas of a home that adheres to the principles of traditional interior design. Complimenting the surrounding woodwork, homes designed in this style have solid hardwood flooring. How to Choose the Best Flooring

A traditionally designed living room. A dark fireplace is on the left and light colored couches surround a coffee table. The room as a lamp on a side table on the left and a fig tree plant in the corner on the right.

Image Source: AI Generated image in Traditional Interior Design Style – for inspirational use only

4. Traditional Decorations

The decorations used in traditional design help to reinforce its unique, classic-yet-comfortable ambiance. Table lamps and vases are typical of a traditional interior, often displayed in pairs to create symmetry. Though these accessories are bold, they are never too ornate or over-the-top enough to dominate the room.

5. Design Philosophy

Traditional design is calm and orderly. Whereas a more eclectic interior design style may offer more surprises throughout its spaces, a traditional interior is more predictable. Even the textiles used are subtle, with typical materials ranging from cotton and fur to velvet and silk.

For more inspiration and interior design tips, visit the Design category of our blog:

Windermere Blog | Design

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: irina88w

Buying • September 18, 2023

Buying an Equestrian Property: Prioritizing House vs Land

by David Chan

An equestrian property with a circular horse arena next to a three-story traditional Colonial-style home.

Equestrian properties are unique. If you’re thinking about buying equestrian property, you have to weigh different aspects of a listing than you would for a typical single-family home purchase. As you look at properties, you will face the dilemma of whether to prioritize the property’s land or the house itself. In the end, the right equestrian property depends on your specific needs. The following information will help you along that decision-making process to find the right home for you.

Buying an Equestrian Property

It’s vital that you work with an experienced equestrian real estate agent as you go about the process of searching for a home. Your agent will be able to pinpoint listings that match your criteria and reach out to the listing agent representing the seller. Learning more about how an equestrian property creates value for its owners will inform your discussions with your agent.

Equestrian Property: The House

A well-designed house will enhance your daily life and provide comfort for your household. Features like a spacious kitchen, an open living room area, outdoor living areas, and modern amenities can maximize your enjoyment of your time at home. Flexible interior spaces with the ability to be converted into a home gym or home office may be more valuable to you, depending on your lifestyle. If these characteristics are a top priority, communicate to your agent that these features are must-haves.

Equestrian Property: The Land

The equine lifestyle requires a property to have more than just ample backyard space. Whatever your goals as an equestrian homeowner, your horses’ experience will be dictated by the land. Consider the facilities you plan on setting up. The quality of the land and its suitability for the kinds of training you have in mind are very important, especially if your livelihood and your equestrian activities are intertwined. Different equestrian disciplines require different footing; consider each property’s ability to accommodate your specific discipline.

Equestrian operations often expand over time, so it pays to think about each property’s potential in terms of how it could grow in the future. The same can be said for customization: purchasing land with the potential to build custom equestrian facilities allows you to tailor the property to your goals and the needs of your horses.

House vs. Land

Finding the balance between the right house and the right land is a balancing act, but with the right communication between you and your agent, you’ll find it. Prioritize your needs and consider your budget throughout the process to continue to narrow down the list of fitting listings. As with any real estate purchase, location plays a significant role, but as an equestrian homeowner, you’ll be thinking about the future of your horses, your business, and your equine pursuits. If a property isn’t able to meet these standards, it may not be the right one for you.

For more information on finding the right property and for answers to all your home buying questions, connect with an experienced Equestrian Advisor:

Windermere Equestrian Advisors

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: JamesBrey

Living • September 13, 2023

5 Tips for a Tidy Home

by David Chan

A Black mother and her son are pulling laundry from the washing machine as they work together to keep a tidy home.

Maintaining a tidy home not only helps it to look its best, but it also makes for a more peaceful and organized living environment. Regardless of the size of your home, these tips will help you achieve and maintain a consistently tidy and inviting living space that you, your household, and your guests will enjoy. With a few simple steps, you can go from cluttered to tidy in no time.

5 Tips for a Tidy Home

1. Start by Decluttering

The first step on your journey to tidiness is getting rid of clutter lying around your home. Go through each room and evaluate your belongings, asking yourself what is truly necessary among them. If something isn’t a keeper, consider donating, selling, or discarding it. Decluttering creates more spaces and will make cleaning up easier in the long run. Not sure where to start? Focus your initial decluttering efforts on the closets throughout your home and see how much space you can open up for belongings that are currently stored elsewhere.

5 tips for Organizing Your Closet

2. Find Your Cleaning Routine

Making your home tidy is one thing; keeping your home tidy is another. The difference between the two is finding and establishing a cleaning routine that works for you, whether that means doing a few upkeep chores daily or hit “reset” by dedicating a chunk of time to it once a week. Whatever you choose, consistency is key. Include quick tasks like making the bed, wiping down kitchen counters, and doing a load of laundry. Having a routine in place will help you keep up the momentum that’s required to maintain a tidy home.

6 Commonly Missed Cleaning Spots

A man is cleaning his kitchen stovetop. He is wearing orange rubber gloves and scrubbing soap over the surface as he works to keep a tidy home.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: DGLimages

3. Prioritize Storage

Everything in your home has to go somewhere. To stay organized, store your items neatly in dedicated bins to maximize your storage efficiency. Keeping items accessible but stored out of sight will give you more room in the open areas of your home and help each room feel tidier. Use containers, shelves, and organizers to keep items like toys, books, and accessories neatly arranged. In the closet, you can maximize space by using hangers, bins, and dividers to keep your wardrobe and accessories in order.

4. Multi-Purpose Cleaning Products

Using multi-purpose cleaning products will simplify your cleaning process and get your home sparkling clean. Having a single cleaner to tackle tough stains and messes around the house can save you money too. Natural cleaning solutions that you can find in the aisles of your grocery store will streamline your cleaning efforts without spraying chemicals throughout the house. Things like lemons, salt, and vinegar will eliminate household odors and can even help to keep bugs and pests at bay. When shopping for cleaning products, look for organic solutions that won’t harm members of your household and your pets.

5 Pet-Friendly House Cleaning Tips

5. Areas of Focus

Turn your attention to high-traffic areas throughout the house such as the living room and the kitchen. Improvements in your home’s tidiness in these areas will go a long way in contributing to its overall cleanliness. Also, focus on cleaning your appliances. These machines are the workhorses behind a well-functioning home, so giving them some attention will help keep things tidy at home in the long run.

7 Tips for Cleaning Your Appliances

For more home improvement tips, visit the Living category of our blog:

Windermere Blog | Living

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: PeopleImages

Buying • September 11, 2023

What Does DOM Mean in Real Estate?

by David Chan

A closeup of a person’s hands holding a tablet searching for homes online. They are looking at a listing for $700,000.

As you start searching for homes, you’ll likely come across different terms that describe the status of different listings. One term, “Days on Market” (DOM), can play a role in your strategy for making an offer. Knowing what this term means will help to inform your discussions with your agent as you go about finding the right home for you.

What is Days on Market (DOM)?

Days on Market (DOM) is a metric used by real estate professionals (and home buyers) to measure the time that a certain property has been listed for sale. In other words, it’s the running total number of days since a home hit the market. Different factors contribute to how long a home is on the market, including the home’s features, its location, and the local market conditions. Brush up on seller’s and buyer’s markets to understand how these market conditions affect days on market.

Why does DOM matter?

Buyer Hesitancy: Just like contingent and pending listings, a home with a longer Days on Market may make buyers think there is something wrong with the property. The right buyer may very well come along, not swayed in their decision by the DOM number, but for some, it raises questions about why the home hasn’t sold yet.
Market Value: Over time, Days on Market can impact the home’s listing price and how much it ultimately sells for. If a property stays on the market for an extended period, the seller may need to reduce the price to prevent it from going stale. On the other hand, the longer the DOM, the more leverage a buyer potentially has to negotiate a more favorable offer.
Local Market Conditions: Looking at trends in DOM can give both buyers and sellers a better understanding of local market conditions. If homes are flying off the market left and right with low DOM, it’s a competitive market that favors sellers. Buyers will be more likely to remove contingencies to make their offer stand out amongst the competition. If DOM is high across the board, the market is not as competitive, and buyers have more leverage.
Negotiations: The leverage created by Days on Market flows through to negotiations. If you have leverage on your side, you can expect that the seller will be more willing to negotiate on price or repairs than they would if the tables were turned. Make sure you and your agent are on the same page regarding how the DOM figures you’re seeing locally will affect your strategy for making an offer on a house.

Talk to your real estate agent for more information about Days on Market (DOM) and how long homes are staying on the market near you. This one statistic could alter your strategy for approaching the market and, when the time comes, how you put together your offer on a home. Connect with an experienced Windermere Real Estate agent today to learn more:

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: SDI Productions

Design • September 6, 2023

A Guide to Permits and Regulations for ADUs, Sheds, & More

by David Chan

A yellow backyard shed ADU surrounded by green hedges and flower beds with long yellow flowers in them.

The desire to maximize property value among homeowners is stronger now than ever. As the movement of short-term rentals, turnkey properties, and real estate investment continue to grow in popularity, it’s worth it to take a moment and understand the regulations that dictate a property’s potential. Understanding a bit more about the process for obtaining the necessary permits to build structures on your property will help you avoid getting bogged down in legalities when trying to complete these projects.

Do I need a permit to build an ADU?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other additional property structures have emerged as viable options for homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential. These structures offer additional living space while creating opportunities to generate extra income or accommodate multigenerational family members. But before you break ground on your building project, here are some of the things you should keep in mind.

Permits and Regulations: No matter where you live, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate permit before you begin the construction process. Permits ensure that your project complies with local building codes and regulations. Though some guidelines are universal, keep in mind that every local area has its own specific building requirements for residential properties.
Code Compliance: Building codes aren’t just red tape for the sake of red tape; they exist to make sure that all buildings are safe. Whether you’re building the structures on your property DIY or hiring a professional to do the job, you are the one kickstarting the project, not your local municipality. But by having these codes in place, they can ensure that you’re adhering to the required standards of safety. Before you even start on your project, familiarize yourself with your local codes and regulations. Contact your local zoning department or building authority to learn more.
Applying for a Permit: The permit application process varies by location. Typically, you’re required to submit detailed plans for your project with documents that outline its scope, size, etc. Whether you submit architectural drawings, engineering plans, or some other form of detailed blueprint, be prepared for a thorough review on behalf of your local authority to make sure your project complies with the rules.

Whatever project you have in mind—ADU, garden shed, pool house—it’s important to become well-versed in the permits and regulations that will allow you to get it built hassle-free. Consult with local authorities to get the full picture of what’s required from you. Once you’ve checked all the boxes, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing the value of your property. Pair your building project with these design ideas to take your backyard to the next level:

5 Design Ideas to Improve Your Backyard

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Onfokus

Buying • August 30, 2023

What to Do After Moving Into a New Home

by David Chan

A young White woman looks at her checklist on her phone as she sits on the living room floor of her new home after moving in. Her belongings are scattered around the room. Some things are still in boxes, and others are unpacked.

Nothing beats the feeling of buying a new home. You’ve worked hard with your agent to find the right home for you, you’ve worked with the seller to finalize the deal, and you’ve signed all the paperwork to transfer ownership. Congratulations! Everything has led to securing your new home, so now that you’re officially moving, what do you do next? Here’s a quick guide to the move-in process to help you get settled into your new home.

Moving Day

The day you move, you’ll be juggling all kinds of timelines at once. You’re coordinating with movers, arranging for trucks to be picked up and dropped off, and making sure that nothing gets damaged in the process. The best thing you can do on this chaotic but exciting day is to be available. Being on hand at your new home to answer the mover’s questions will help speed up the process.

It helps to have a checklist of your important items to make sure nothing has gotten lost during the moving process. Check these items off one by one as the movers bring them in. Next, you’ll want to confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use. Check all lights, smoke detectors, appliances, CO2 alarms, your home security system, fire extinguishers, etc. Finally, install new locks and make sure your keys work properly.

A Black heterosexual couple sits smiling on the living room floor of their new home after moving in. There are boxes on the hardwood floor around them. The woman jokingly holds a piece of cardboard that arches over the couple imitating a roof over their heads.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: skynesher

What to Do After Moving In

Clean and Unpack: Before you start emptying your boxes, it’s a good idea to wipe down the surfaces to keep your items from getting dirty. A full deep cleaning of your home may not be in the cards just yet since there’s still plenty of moving to be done, which inevitably brings more dust and dirt in the house.
Childproof and Pet-Safe Home: If you’ve got little ones and/or pets, this is the time to set up their accommodations. Learn more about how to properly childproof your home so your kids can feel like it’s home sweet home from day one. When preparing to house your pets, keep in mind that some cleaning methods are more pet-friendly than others.
Setup and Organize: Now it’s time to get everything in its right place. Organize room by room, storing items in logical places where you won’t forget them as soon as they’re stowed away. The first rooms you’ll want to tackle are the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. These are the rooms you’ll need the most during the first few days in your new home, so having them put together will better position you to tackle the rest of the house. Getting your closets, bathroom cabinets, and kitchen drawers organized from the start will make for a more enjoyable moving process.
Update Your Information: You’ll also want to update your address everywhere it’s applicable as soon as possible, consider setting up mail forwarding to ensure you don’t miss any important mail in the meantime.

For more information on the moving process, visit our comprehensive Moving Checklist, available as a interactive webpage and downloadable PDF here:

Moving Checklist

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: FreshSplash