The concept of a tiny home is nothing new. In recent years, we've seen high-profile design concepts styled by IKEA, and discussed rumors that Elon Musk is picking up a prefabricated unit to use as a Texas guest house. However, what is new is the way these structures are designed to look incredibly chic.

Far from the basic utility pods of the past, the Customizable Prefab Mobile Modular Cabin (available on Amazon) is the most design-forward and sophisticated tiny home I've noticed on the market today. Like all micro-properties, it maximizes small-room living, but it does so in a high-end, contemporary way that's often felt missing in the past.

The unit, which comes with a pricetag of just under $18K, is a brilliant blueprint for the future of permanent housing. It simultaneously aligns with the growing demand for more affordable, lower-maintenance lifestyles without compromising style – as industry experts explain.

'As a person who works in the building materials industry, I can say that this growing interest around tiny homes speaks to a larger view on housing itself,' comments Brian Rocha, the VP for Operations and Sales at Ashby Lumber.

'Whether it be a first home, a backyard accessory dwelling, or downsizing, buyers want cheaper, efficient, and lower-maintenance options. The use of prefabrication also reduces construction time, as much of the construction is done in a controlled environment, and reduces material waste.'

However, while this housing design trend may seem low-stress and low-maintenance (at least compared to a more conventional home), Brian explains that there are some hidden considerations before you invest.

'If you are going to make a tiny home, it is not usually a simple or inexpensive project. My advice for buyers is to look beyond the price and inquire about the required materials, foundation, utility connections, site preparation, permits required to build such a structure, transportation, and local zoning ordinances,' he says.

'These costs may represent a big part of the overall budget. Successful projects begin with a plan, so that the home will work on both the property and for the homeowner long term.'

Plus, while the Mobile Modular Cabin is a contemporary example of tiny home living, there are more rustic or traditonal models to consider. You can browse some stand-out properties below.

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Estate sales can be some of the best places to shop for vintage items. The selection can be vast, the pieces unique, and the prices low. However, it is often a very different experience from sourcing pieces at an antiques store or even buying from an online marketplace. Estate sales can be fast paced, competitive, and sometimes a bit confusing to navigate.

So it can help to know more about what to avoid at an estate sale then what to look out for at an estate sale. These sales can feel a bit like the Wild West, often with no refunds and no guarantees. There is no going back, so if you spend unwisely, you could come to regret it.

To help guide your next estate sale visit, we reached out to seasoned buyers and interior designers who decorate with antiques to get their advice on which pieces you should not bring home.

What Should You Avoid Buying at an Estate Sale?

Generally speaking, most of the interior designers we spoke to love a good estate sale for sourcing antiques, as they offer all sorts of unique items, and you can examine pieces up close. However, broken items and those in need of significant repair are often red flags, such as damaged furniture, worn textiles and carpets, vintage lighting, and sets of items with missing parts. Of course, items with hygiene concerns, such as old cookware, mattresses, and bed linens, are also best avoided.

‘Do remember that many antiques need refurbishment. Don’t get carried away buying something thinking it is good value when it actually needs to go to the restorers. Factor in your prices, it could end up costing rather a lot or may just sit in the hallway gathering dust,’ advises Nicky Mudie, founder of Violet & George.

On the flip side, many expressed the opinion that collecting is individual and there can be a time and a place for everything, so don't necessarily be put off by certain items if you love decorating with vintage. ‘I can’t think of too many things to avoid at an estate sale because if you love it, it becomes your treasure even if it’s someone else’s trash,’ says Gaia Guidi Filippi, principal designer of Gaia G Interiors.

That being said, see this list of items not to buy at an estate sale as a bit of a warning, you might not always follow the rules, but do always consider why and what the plan is before you bring something home.

1. Damaged Furniture That's Beyond Repair

Estate sales are wonderful places to pick up characterful pieces of wooden furniture which are often of superior quality to modern pieces and crafted with time-honored techniques. That said, it’s important to pay attention to their condition. While it can be tempting to be swayed by something at a bargain price in need of repair, it could end up being far more costly than it’s worth.

When it comes to materials, look for pieces crafted from solid wood like walnut or mahogany, advises Sara Swabb, founder of Storie Collective. ‘These timeless items have lasting value and can be restored or reimagined in a modern space. They bring a sense of history and character to any home.'

The odd scratch and scuff are part and parcel of antiques and add to their patina and unique charm, but take care with pieces riddled with woodworm damage or wood decay. ‘Wooden furniture with excessive holes – small holes or powdery residue could indicate woodworm, which can spread to other pieces in your home,’ advises interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.

In addition to rotting or damaged wood, be wary of pieces that aren’t sturdy, says Maryland-based interior designer Kelley Proxmire. ‘I avoid any wobbly tables and chairs. Some furniture can be repaired, but typically I avoid any wobbly furniture pieces, such as tables and chairs, because it is often too costly to repair them and the quality might be poor.’

A piece that every vintage lover needs in their toolkit is a furniture touch-up marker, this will quickly get rid of those smaller scratches, so don't be put off by those.

2. Heavily Worn Soft Furnishings

Whether used as artwork, cushions, or bedspreads, decorating with vintage textiles is a fabulous way to bring color, texture, and warmth to interiors as they often display unique patterns and skilled craftsmanship.

However, ‘unless they have undeniable vintage value, stay away from items that are too worn or damaged,’ advises Sara Swabb. ‘Stains or frays can take away from the beauty of the piece and often require costly repairs.’ With wool items, you’ll also need to look out for signs of moth damage.

Estate sales are often awash with old table linens, but unless they're in tip-top condition, it’s best to walk on past, says Kelley Proxmire. ‘I avoid old linens that are not perfect, such as yellow-toned linens. Yellowed old linens can rarely be cleaned to look crisp and fresh, so I would avoid them, as well as any bedding that is discolored. Also, be careful when selecting kitchen and table linens as some stains never come out.'

While vintage textiles can be incredibly beautiful, they also often come in irregular sizes and limited lengths. Unless you have an intended purpose in mind for the fabric, such as a cushion or a lampshade, then fabric remnants can have limited uses.

3. Old Carpets

As with vintage textiles, antique rugs and carpets can have problems, so they must be examined thoroughly before buying at an estate sale. And always make sure you see these pieces in real life. As Harriet Hansard, interior designer at Joanna Wood, says, 'When shopping for antiques, it’s always important to see things in real life. Photographs can often be misleading, and you can’t always be sure of the quality of the item. I would probably not buy an antique carpet for my house. They can often have wear and moth damage and require costly treatment and fumigation.'

Interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe also stresses the need to be vigilant for moth damage when it comes to second-hand rugs and carpets. 'Moths can quickly infest other textiles, so always check for signs of damage before bringing vintage carpets home.'

A vintage rug can add so much character to a room, but just be aware that a good quality piece in a good size is going to be costly, so if the price is really low at an estate sale, it's likely too good to be true. If you want to create that same characterful, lived-in look, there are some beautiful vintage styles that won't have any wear and tear or moth issues. Ruggable's Calabria Coral Multicolor Rug has the same feel as a beautifully worn Persian Rug, and the Artemis Vintage Medallion Rug from Rugs USA also has that distressed look you are likely after.

4. Vintage Lighting and Electrical Items

Always take caution when buying electronics at an estate sale, especially the very tempting vintage lighting. Of course, pieces in working order can be a bargain, but in an estate sale situation, it can be hard to tell if it's in working order. It’s best to avoid broken lighting as these items may need considerable work before they are safe to use in modern settings.

'Vintage lighting and appliances often need rewiring to be safe for modern use. Unless you're prepared for the cost of professional restoration, they can be more trouble than they’re worth,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe.

Estate sale hunter Elizabeth White Cook, also tends to steer clear of vintage lighting. 'Unless it's purely for decorative purposes rather than function, I tend to avoid antique lighting. The wiring is often outdated and incompatible with modern bulbs, and I've ended up spending more on rewiring than on the fixture itself.'

If an item has been tested and you’ve fallen in love with it, ‘always test them before purchasing,’ says Sarah Jane, thrifting and vintage influencer. ‘Most estate sales will have all the lights on to demonstrate that they work, and since you're in someone’s house with access to outlets, it’s easy to check,' she adds. Bear in mind that ‘estate sales usually do not offer guarantees or warranties, so you may end up with a non-working item you cannot return.’

With whimsical, decorative lighting being such a big design trend right now there are plenty of replicas that you know will work with modern electrics. The Garda Sconce from Lulu and Georgia is something you would snap up second hand, but this so much easier to install.

5. Incomplete Sets

Take extra care when buying items at an estate sale that come in sets such as silver cutlery services, tea sets, and games with counters. Of course, there’s no harm in buying a decorative piece of china or a teacup and saucer that’s caught your eye to put on display, but if you’re looking for something to hold its value, then it's best to buy a complete set.

‘When acquiring pieces that are part of a set, it is only recommended that you purchase a full set, or a quantity large enough to be useful and of interest to a collector,’ says Anthony Barzilay Freund. ‘Beautiful tableware, whether it be sterling silver flatware, crystal stemware, or porcelain dinner services, can often be found in like-new condition, and classic designs by Tiffany, Baccarat, and Royal Copenhagen still hold collectors’ interest.’

6. Ivory and Taxidermy

You can find all kinds of weird and wonderful things at estate sales, but do be aware that there are actually laws around materials like ivory and bone.

While the sale of elephant ivory items is generally prohibited, some antique ivory items are exempt and can be purchased if they meet the ESA antiques exemption rules. In order to legally purchase the item, it must come with the correct documentation, and at an estate sale that can be hard to get hold of.

'Stay clear of anything that is banned, such as ivory and scrimshaw, unless it has been verified,' advises Nicky Mudie of Violet & George. 'Personally, I am not that keen on taxidermy, especially animal heads.' Taxidermy is personal taste, but it can harbor some unpleasant surprises like pests, and older pieces might have been preserved with arsenic soap, so something you definitely don't want to bring into your home.

Estate sales can be a gold mine for finding great secondhand pieces at amazing prices, but it’s important not to be blinded by low price tags. Consider whether the piece is right for you and how much work you’ll need to put in to make it usable.

There are exceptions to these rules, and if you’ve fallen hard for an antique tablecloth or a slightly worse-for-wear chair, it’s not necessarily a hard no. As Molly Kunselman of Molly Kunselman Design explains, ‘Buy it because it speaks to you, not because you think it's valuable, trendy, or simply a great deal. If you find an item you love but it has a blemish, such as a ceramic piece with a small chip, buy it anyway. You can probably negotiate the price down due to the blemish, but more importantly, a small imperfection speaks to the story the piece is part of.’

Buying, selling, and renting a home has never been a simple process. From deciphering paperwork to managing tenants, the journey from start to finish can take months.

But AI is transforming the way the property market works by removing the slow, arduous tasks that drain time and energy, experts in the field say. Tasks that once took days now take minutes, freeing buyers, sellers, landlords, and renters to focus on the important decisions.

They come at a time where AI is booming, as a recent Brooking survey revealed that more than half of US adults now use AI at home for personal or professional reasons.

To make the most of these increasingly useful tools, property and tech professionals reveal four AI tools that are already reshaping the market, and you should have on your radar – just make sure you know your home-buying jargon.

4 AI Tools to Save Time and Energy When Buying, Selling, or Renting a Property

‘The largest difference for me is the speed,’ says Joe Ellul-Turner, real estate expert and CEO of Darscover.

‘Now it takes minutes for tasks that previously took days, such as pricing analysis, tenant screening, and review of documents. It allows me as a professional to concentrate on relationship building instead,’ he adds.

1. Use Casafy AI for Smarter Property Searches

Searching for properties can be one of the most time-consuming and overwhelming parts of the process. Buyers can spend weeks scrolling listings that don’t quite match their needs, while investors still rely on physically driving neighborhoods to spot opportunities – particularly during competitive periods such as when buying a house in summer or in fall.

Casafy AI makes it easier by relying on visual data. Its vision-based AI scans maps and images for properties based on visible features such as pools, roof damage, or neglected exteriors.

Danielle Turner, founder of Property AI Tools, explains, ‘Casafy AI is an innovative property search tool that enables you to find your ideal property visually. Simply ask Casafy’s AI agent what you’re looking for, and its vision engine will scour the map to find matches.’

She adds that it’s particularly valuable for investors, ‘If you’re old school and like to drive around your neighbourhood to find new deals, this will eliminate the need to do so and allow you to find buying opportunities before your competition.’

Using a faster and easier approach can help make everything more straightforward, while avoiding the kinds of compromises home buyers should never make.

Joe believes tools like this also reduce pricing risk, ‘Pricing AI systems lower the risk of overpricing or underpricing a property,’ he says, adding, ‘This is because screening platforms lower the risk of eviction by revealing potential problems sooner and more objectively.’

2. Try BidCompare AI for Repair and Renovation Quotes

For sellers, few stages are more stressful than deciding what to fix before listing. If poorly managed, inspections, repairs, and renovations can become too expensive.

‘Ensuring contractor bids are accurate and cover the full project scope has always been mission critical,’ says Paul Dashevsky, Co-CEO at GreatBuildz, ‘but comparing multiple bids for a true apples-to-apples assessment was incredibly time-consuming.’

That's why Paul's team developed BidCompare AI. The free tool analyzes renovation and repair quotes in minutes, highlighting inconsistencies, missing line items, and potential red flags – important when navigating design decisions to avoid if you want to sell your home, or if you're weighing up things you shouldn’t fix if you want to sell your house fast.

‘BidCompareAI saves homeowners from manually combing through bids and the overwhelm that comes with it,’ Paul explains. ‘It also helps prevent artificially inflated costs and reduces the likelihood of expensive change orders later.’

3. MagicDoor Delivers AI-Automated Rental Management

Rental management involves separate systems for listings, screening, maintenance, and renewals. MagicDoor brings these moving parts into a single AI-powered platform.

Danielle describes MagicDoor as ‘a central hub for managing all rental listings and the full resident journey. From first contact and tenant screening, all the way through to maintenance and renewal.

'Use it to simplify the whole management process and embed AI into all areas of operations to supercharge portfolio management of residential, commercial, and more. It’s ideal for busy teams and individual landlords who want a single platform to manage their business,' she continues.

This kind of automation is increasingly important as tenant expectations rise. Addressing issues quickly – especially those renter complaints that landlords should never delay dealing with – can keep tenancies smooth and stress-free. AI systems can flag urgent issues, schedule maintenance, and keep communication consistent.

Joe also highlights fairness as a major advantage. ‘Systems operate on equal standards, which reduces bias by human screening,’ he explains. For landlords managing cleaning, inspections, and turnover, this can quickly become part of the landlord cleaning checklist.

4. Turn to Avail for Easier Leasing

Lease agreements, disclosures, and legal language fill the renting and leasing process with arduous paperwork, but Avail can do much of the legwork for you.

Avail uses AI to analyze leases, generate summaries, and surface key clauses in seconds. According to Shane Lucado, founder and CEO of InPerSuit, ‘Avail is best at managing leases and screening tenants, with background checks, credit checks, and income verification displayed in a one-click, e-signature interface.’

For landlords and buyers, Shane says that it can save up to 85 percent of the time typically spent reviewing contracts. For renters who understand why renting can be a positive lifestyle choice, knowing that the process is fair and straightforward can remove some friction from the process.

Next, learn interior designer Jess Cooney's five key investments that make a home exceptional, and how you can use smart tech at home.

Envisioning yourself in a property is one of the most challenging aspects of searching for your next home. While there are some features you should never compromise on, it's worth knowing what you can look past when viewing a potential future home.

No matter the house style, seeing past superficial design choices is crucial to securing a gem. Shelves of clutter or outdated fixtures might jar the eye, but they're not dealbreakers when buying a house and can easily be changed to suit your style.

Peter Yera, Director of Design and Development at Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, says 'They say first impressions are everything, but I beg to differ when looking at properties. I urge prospective buyers to view properties with an open mind with creative possibilities. Many elements, including interior design choices, whether they be affixed, fastened, glued, or secured, can be easily removed, updated, or upgraded to align with your design aesthetic.'

From outdated carpet to retro lighting, it's easy to find faults in a potential purchase, but it's useful to consider these six things to look past to get things into perspective.

1. Outdated decor and fixtures

Even the most valuable house styles feature outdated decor, so it's worth bearing in mind that surface-level decoration is an impermanent detail that can be easily changed. Many things that make a home look dated are tricky to look past, but Ishita Lalan, Principal Designer at Ishita Interiors, says to ignore them. 'Outdated fixtures like yellowed grout, old faucets, or dated light switches that can feel off at first, but they’re inexpensive and easy to upgrade once you move in.'

Andrew Boast, Director & Founder at SAM Conveyancing, agrees, he says, 'It’s surprisingly common for buyers to walk into a house, take one look at the avocado bathroom suite, 80s carpets, or orange walls, and run for the hills, but the décor is purely cosmetic and, in most cases, not a reflection of its quality or potential.'

He adds, 'In fact, outdated interiors can be a golden opportunity because they often put other buyers off, meaning you might be able to negotiate a better price. Once you own the home, redecorating is one of the most affordable and satisfying projects you can tackle, and even just a fresh coat of paint, replacing old curtains or carpets, or swapping out light fixtures or cabinet handles, can completely transform a space. Instead, focus on the layout and structure of the home, not what the seller has done with it.'

'Many times, homes with the worst decor have been well-loved and cared for, just not updated, giving you a blank slate to start with.'

2. Lighting

Lighting can make or break a home. While it can be off-putting to see a property that's been fitted with retro sconces, pendants, and flush mounts, it's worth knowing that with some help from a handyman, fixtures can be replaced with newer styles that are more suited to your tastes.

Interior designer Kate Bendewald says, 'I always tell my clients: don’t let bad lighting be a dealbreaker. Outdated or unflattering fixtures can make an otherwise great space feel dull or dated, but lighting is one of the easiest things to change and has one of the biggest impacts. Swapping in the right pendant or sconce can completely shift the mood and elevate the overall design, often without much cost or effort.'

Rachel Beeman, interior designer at Rae Elizabeth Designs, agrees. 'Sometimes homes are priced lower just because of old or not-so-stylish lighting ideas, but these are pretty simple to replace. Honestly, getting your own hardware, outlet covers, and light fixtures helps make the room more your style!'

3. Flooring – specifically carpet

Although removing and replacing carpet can seem like a chore, it's not a detail that should majorly sway your decision on a property. A house fitted with a distinct carpet style over a decade ago is likely to look dated and a little fusty, but it's not hard to rectify this design choice when you move in.

Rachel says, 'I know this can be a huge turn-off, especially when there’s carpet in the bathroom, but some homes have a cool surprise underneath. If not, flooring can be replaced.'

It's important to focus on the bigger picture when it comes to choosing a house. 'The main thing to focus on is the more permanent hard finishes over things like paint and window treatments. Unless you plan to change the hard finishes, work with them and not against them, and change the easier things,' Rachel adds.

Liz Williams, Founder and Principal Designer of Liz Williams Interiors, says, 'Don’t let old or unattractive flooring scare you off, whether it’s worn carpet, dated tile, or tired wood. Flooring is one of the most transformative (and usually straightforward) updates you can make. With so many beautiful options available now from wide-plank hardwood to natural stone to durable luxury vinyl, it’s an investment that can instantly elevate the entire feel of a home.'

4. Wall color

Paint can drastically alter the vibe of a home. A simple lick can improve a space, but can also ruin one too. It's both a blessing and a curse when it comes to buying, as a house covered head to toe in once-trendy avocado or purple color can be added to the 'no' pile due to its dated connotations.

However, Liz says, 'Paint is one of the simplest and most affordable things to change. If a room feels dark or heavy because of the current color, don’t let that throw you. Fresh paint can completely transform the light and mood of a space in a day.'

Although it's good to be aware of dated paint trends, don't let them dictate your stance on a house. Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build, says, 'Wall colors are one of the easiest things to change, and can really improve the character of an entire space. Especially if you feel like a room is too dark, a lighter paint color can completely remake it.'

If you buy a home that's donning a rather retro palette, consider using the most timeless paint colors when you redecorate to ensure it stands the test of time and future design trends.

5. Old appliances

It would be nice to buy a property that's been recently renovated and fitted with the latest appliances, but don't be put off if the house you've got your eye on hasn't been updated in a while. If you've found a home that ticks every box, it's worth remembering that appliances can be swapped out and shouldn't determine whether you make an offer.

Ishita Lalan says, 'Often the appliances are functional. Swapping these out after closing might be more cost-effective than paying a premium upfront, even more so if the seller leaves them at a lowered price.'

Whether it's a slightly retro oven that needs updating or a fridge that's putting you off, try to ignore pieces that are easy to remove and rebuy. The bones of a property are far more important than easy-to-change pieces like appliances; you want to invest in the architecture, not its contents.

6. Lack of curb appeal

Curb appeal is important, of course, but it's worth knowing that exterior details on a property's facade can be tweaked to an extent. Whether it's paint color or an old-fashioned front door, these things can make the exterior of your home look dated, but shouldn't dictate a sale.

Andrew says, 'First impressions matter, but they can also be misleading. Buyers often get put off by a scruffy front garden, peeling paint, or an unloved façade, but these are usually some of the cheapest things to fix.'

'Power-washing driveways, tidying up overgrown plants, repainting the front door, or adding some potted plants can transform the look of a home. Even larger jobs, such as replacing windows or re-rendering, can often be done over time without needing to delay the purchase. What’s more, a home with poor curb appeal might offer better value because other buyers have been scared off, allowing you to negotiate or benefit from a drop in price down the line.'

It's not always easy looking past jarring decor or outdated features, but try to consider the property's architecture before writing it off completely. We talk a lot about the 'bones' of a house for a reason.

Most of the details that initially spark your attention can be changed and shouldn't be factored into a decision. Whether it's a living room that feels like going back to the 1900s or a kitchen straight out of the '60s, consider exactly what pieces and features you dislike and weigh up how easily they'll be to replace.

Warmer weather, longer days, and school vacations make summer a great time to look at moving home.

However, this peak season for real estate promotes some unique challenges when looking for your dream house and registering your interest, with higher competition and slower lenders possibly standing in the way of your perfect sale. Luckily, real estate experts have all the tips you need to put you ahead of the sunshine rush.

Here’s what you need to consider when looking to buy a house in the summer months.

Buying a house in summer

Although the paperwork and general process are the same, shopping for a new property in summer can feel a lot different from buying a house in spring, or buying a home in fall. The market changes significantly and with it, the prices and availability.

1. Competition will be higher in most states

Because of the longer, dryer days, most home markets will see a boom of properties for sale, and forgetting about the competition is one of the top home buyer mistakes.

Robert Washington, broker at Savvy Buyers Realty explains, ‘Regarding home buying in the summer, there is usually more competition from other buyers and sellers tend to have the upper hand during negotiations.’

It is worth mentioning, however, that this is not the case in every state. Robert continues, ‘In Florida, for example, where we are located, summer is typically our slower season. Buying here in the summer will likely mean lower levels of competition from other buyers and an increased likelihood of having more favorable terms being accepted by sellers.’

2. Prices may be higher

Alexei Morgado, realtor, CEO, and founder at Lexawise warns, ‘Because competition between buyers is higher in the summer, prices can rise due to this increased demand that motivates several offer scenarios. Studies have shown the busiest moving times of the year occur during June, July, and August.

‘Strong offers may be made by motivated buyers who want to act quickly, which can make the buying process more challenging even though there's a higher amount of listings.’

Just because prices and competition are higher, doesn't mean you should ignore the signs a house isn’t worth buying. It is better to miss out on a property than end up with an unexpected fixer-upper home.

To beat the mad rush, Alexei instead suggests, ‘You can start your search earlier than others to find the house of your dreams, secure a mortgage pre-approval to clearly understand your budget, and position yourself as a serious buyer, something that sellers always appreciate.’

3. There will likely be more choice

If you want to increase the likelihood of finding your forever home, summer might also be the best time for you to get moving.

Alexei explains, ‘Normally, summer comes with a higher home inventory, and the number of sellers listing their properties in the summer gives buyers a lot of options to choose from. Plus, scheduling open housing and viewing property inspections is more easily done during longer daylight hours and nicer weather.’

4. Warm weather could hide faults

Unlike buying or selling a home in winter, warm summer weather and bright sunshine can hide a myriad of faults.

Nathan Richardson, founder and real estate expert at Cashforhome advises, ‘Do not skip inspections because the summer heat creates the perfect cover for red flags like leaky roofs, damp walls, and other issues that could end up resulting in costly repairs.’

There are some structural issues you can’t afford to ignore when buying a property, so create your list of acceptable maintenance work and stick to it to avoid a home that becomes a money pit.

5. Lenders may be slower

Key jargon a first-time buyer should know can be confusing at the best of times, but couple that with longer wait times to lenders to approve lines of credit, and the process can feel a little disorienting. You must be prepared for delays in the busiest real estate season of the year.

Robert Washington-Broker warns, ‘The home buying process can be a little slower during summer than other times of the year due to kids being out of school and a higher likelihood of travel. Plus, lenders and title companies tend to move a little slower during the summer since they are short-staffed due to some of their team members vacationing and higher demand.’

A good file organizer with tabs, such as this expandable file folder, from Walmart, makes keeping track of all the essential paperwork easy. It is also easy to take with you to viewings and meetings.

Meet the experts

FAQs

What season is the cheapest to buy a house?

Typically, winter offers the most affordable house prices as there is less demand through the colder weather and around the holidays. On the opposite side of the spectrum, summer is the most expensive, as people take advantage of school vacations and drier weather to make moving easier.

Alexei concludes, ‘While it's important to move fast, you must ensure that you make good decisions supported by assessments and inspections. Do not be afraid to be flexible because by being open to adjusting your criteria or timeline, you could gain more options to find a property that meets your needs. And last but not least, make sure you work with a good, preferably the best available, real estate agent.’

If you are on the other side of the coin, there are several things to know about selling a home in summer to help you stand out in a busy market, too.

Buying your first house is hugely exciting but it can also feel understandably daunting, particularly if you are unfamiliar with much of the jargon that goes along with the process.

We spoke to top real estate experts to compile this house-buying jargon buster so if you are considering buying a house in spring, you'll be able to move forward with confidence.

Every term a first time buyer should know

'Real estate jargon can feel overwhelming, but if you don’t understand it, you risk making mistakes that could cost you time, money, or even the deal itself,' explains Yoann Dorat from One Sotheby's International Realty, a seasoned professional in the luxury real estate market who has successfully completed over 400 transactions.

Understanding the jargon before you embark on your home-buying journey will help ensure your purchase runs smoothly and without any nasty surprises.

We also spoke to Alexandra Gupta from The Corcoran Group, named in the top one per cent of agents nationwide, to compile these first time buyer tips about the important terms to familiarize yourself with.

Adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)

Whether you are buying a house in fall or at any other time of the year, you need to get to grips with the various mortgage options you'll be faced with.

'An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) means the interest rate can change, often after an initial fixed period,' explains Alexandra Gupta.

'Misunderstanding how an ARM works could lead to unexpected payment increases down the road,' adds Yoann Dorat.

Your other option will be a fixed rate mortgage.

Appraisal

When buying a house you need to look out for the signs a house isn't worth the investment – this is where an appraisal comes in.

An appraisal is an independent assessment of the home’s value, usually done by a professional appraiser. 'If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer, you may need to renegotiate the price or make up the difference in cash,' explains Alexandra Gupta.

Closing costs

These are fees paid at the end of the transaction, covering things like loan origination, title insurance and escrow fees. 'Buyers often underestimate these costs, which can range from 2–5% of the home’s purchase price,' explains Yoann Dorat. 'Not budgeting for them can create last-minute financial stress.'

'Many buyers focus only on the down payment and forget about the closing costs,' adds Alexandra. 'If you don't budget for them, you may end up scrambling to come up with thousands of dollars at the last minute.'

Contingency

A contingency is a condition in the sale agreement that must be met for the transaction to move forward. If you are thinking of renovating a house, this is an essential term to know.

'Common contingencies include financing, inspections and appraisal conditions,' says Alexandra Gupta. 'Without understanding contingencies, you may unknowingly waive important protections, putting you at risk of buying a property with hidden issues.'

'An inspection contingency allows you to back out if the home has major issues,' adds Yoann. 'If you waive contingencies without understanding the risks, you could be stuck with unexpected repairs.'

Down payment

This is an initial payment made by potential home buyers toward the purchase price of the house.

While real estate trends vary, down payments typically range from 3% to 20%, and are held in escrow until closing.

Earnest money

This is a deposit you put down to show you’re serious about buying the home.

'This money is held in escrow and applied to your down payment or closing costs,' explains Yoann Dorit. 'If you back out of the deal for a reason not covered by your contingencies, you could lose this deposit.'

Escrow

'A neutral third party holds funds such as your down payment until certain conditions are met in the transaction,' says Alexandra. 'If you’re unfamiliar with escrow, you might be confused about why certain funds aren’t available right away, or how your deposit is being protected during the transaction.'

There are certain compromises home buyers should never make so if you are at all confused about this, be sure to ask your real estate agent.

Equity

'This is the portion of the home that you own outright, calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance from the home’s current market value,' explains Alexandra. 'If you don’t understand equity, you may overestimate how much you can borrow or fail to recognize how your investment is growing over time.'

Fixed rate mortgage

'A fixed-rate mortgage means your interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term,' explains Alexandra.

This can be reassuring if you are planning on implementing some renovation ideas in the future as knowing your repayments won't change can help when it comes to budgeting for these.

Be aware that sometimes a fixed rate is only for a small, set number of years and will revert to a variable rate after, meaning your payments could go up or down after this period.

Be careful to check how many years the fixed rate is for, and whether it really is the entire duration of your mortgage, for example 25 years, or just for the next two, three, four or five years. Your financial or mortgage advisor, or your mortgage company can clarify this for you.

Fixtures

'Fixtures are items that are affixed to the property and are included in the sale of the home,' explains Alexandra Gupta. 'Though they are not technically fixtures, most kitchen appliances are included in the purchase.'

Fittings are usually white goods. Fixtures are usually items such as integrated appliances, fitted units for storage in the bathroom, kitchen or other rooms, and hard-to-remove items fixed to the house itself such as carpets or hard floors.

Check with the seller or your realtor about other fixtures such as chandeliers, curtains and rails, or you might buy the house expecting to see these items left behind by the seller, but find they have rightly taken their fittings with them.

Personal property

'These are items that are not affixed to the property that the seller will be keeping,' explains Robert Washington. 'The sellers are also responsible for removing any personal property items prior to closing.'

It could include things such as bed frames, sofas, small appliances, which the seller takes with them to their new home.

If you are currently renting, look into how professional organizers declutter to move to help things feel a little less chaotic when you finally pack up and move into your first owned home.

Pre-approval

This is a term that relates to your mortgage – so add it to your moving house checklist.

'This is when a lender checks your financials and agrees to lend you a certain amount of money, subject to conditions, before you start house-hunting,' adds Alexandra. 'Without pre-approval, sellers may hesitate to negotiate with you because they’re unsure you can secure financing. It’s crucial for making competitive offers.'

Once you have found the property you wish to buy, that pre-approval will revert to a full mortgage application linked to your finances and the property in particular you wish to buy.

Pre-qualification

'Pre-qualification is a basic estimate of how much you can borrow based on self-reported info,' explains Yoann.

It differs from pre-approval as this is just a lender's preliminary assessment of your financial situation. You inform them of factors such as your income, debt and bank balances. This allows them to give you an idea of the price range of homes you may be qualified to buy.

Make sure you also research how much does it cost to hire movers as this can really add to outgoings.

You can also use a free mortgage calculator online to get an idea of how much you can borrow. This can help guide you in your search, or help you decide on what to ask for in your pre-approval.

Principal vs interest

When looking into how much does it cost to move, you need to understand all the terms relating to your future mortgage payments.

'Principal is the amount you borrow, while interest is what you pay the lender for the loan,' says Yoann Dorit. 'Understanding these terms helps you see how much of your payment goes toward paying down your loan versus lender profit. It also helps you evaluate the impact of different loan terms on your budget.'

The higher the interest rate, the more you'll pay over the life of your mortgage.

FAQs

What are the dangers of misunderstanding house buying jargon?

While you might think you can muddle along without fully understanding all the terms thrown at you during the house buying process, it really isn't worth the risk, particularly when buying a historic home, which comes with additional issues to be aware of.

'Misunderstanding terms like interest rates, monthly payments or down payments can put your finances at risk,' warns Alexandra Gupta. 'For instance, you may agree to a loan that’s too expensive for you if you don’t fully understand the interest rate, potentially leading to missed payments or even foreclosure.'

Foreclosure is the legal process by which a mortgage lender or bank will recover the debt (your mortgage loan), which was secured against your property. This means they'll take your home to help repay the debt you can no longer afford. This will tank your credit rating, making it much harder to get another mortgage, or other credit facilities such as an unsecured loan, credit card, store credit or overdraft.

'Home buying comes with a lot of upfront costs (like closing costs) and long-term obligations (like mortgage payments),' continues Alexandra. 'If you're not familiar with these, you could be surprised by costs you didn’t budget for, which can disrupt your home ownership goals.

'Understanding contingencies and other terms lets you make smarter decisions in negotiations,' further adds Alexandra. 'For example, knowing how to include an inspection contingency in your offer can protect you from buying a home with major problems that would be costly to fix. Understanding what equity is allows you to track your investment in your home over time and make informed decisions about when to sell or refinance.'

Does terminology differ depending on where you live?

In short, yes. Different parts of the country use slightly different terminology, so do be aware of this, particularly when buying a fixer upper home.

'The biggest issue that I have as a South Florida real estate broker, is buyers coming from different markets and not understanding the jargon or thinking that the jargon from that previous area translates to the new market they are purchasing in,' points out Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker for 25 years at Echo Fine Properties.

'For example, the "Effective Date" in Florida means time starts on the day when all parties sign off on the deal, continues Jeff. 'In markets like NY, a lawyer writes up the contract. In Florida, we have pre-written and legal contracts. A contact signed off on is hard right away.

'In some markets, the lingo of "as is" might mean the buyer is taking it "as is" literally. In our market, it means that the buyer has a right to inspection but can cancel or renegotiate for any reason at all with no loss of deposit or further penalty.

'NY has "on or about" where closings can be moved,' adds Jeff. 'Our day of closing is the day of closing. Buyer needs to wire the money and the seller has to turn over the keys.'

Meet the experts

Sometimes you might not have all the space you need within your existing property – take a look at our house extension ideas to see whether you really need to move on.

There's no doubt that selling your home is a stressful experience – particularly if you are struggling to sell.

While this can be due to a myriad of reasons, when it comes to attracting potential buyers, small home upgrades can make a big difference in securing the sale.

From glazing to conversions, we spoke to real estate agents for their advice on which small home upgrades are actually worth doing, so you'll be clued up about buying or selling a home in winter.

Small home upgrades that can boost value by 20 per cent

1. Double glazing

Adding double glazing to your windows comes with a host of benefits that extend beyond keeping you cozy – doing so also increases the value of your property by 10%.

Dave Sayce, founder and managing director at Compare My Move, identifies that these are a smart home improvement for winter, working to keep heat in and cold out. This means that your home then experiences better temperature moderation all year round, improving your home's EPC rating, and helping you, and therefore potential buyers, to save money at home.

Additionally, if your home is located in a busy or built-up area, double glazing can reduce noise pollution, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

You can also soundproof windows by sealing gaps and cracks, using caulk such as the number one top rated DAP INC 18152 10.1oz White Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk with Silicone available at Amazon, or by applying soundproof window film, such as the Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit available at Amazon. Durable and easy to use, this product saves up to 35 per cent of heat loss, and installs to a crystal clear finish using just a standard hair dryer.

2. Log burners

Bringing wood burner ideas into your home makes the space feel cozy and atmospheric, but, as a long-term investment, they can also add up to 5% to your property's value, says Sayce. In particular, they are a great way to save money on your energy bills, and you can cost effectively run a long burner by selecting the right wood.

'If you have a chimney already, then replacing an open fire with a log burner is a straightforward switch,' says Liz Foulds, director at Logs Direct. 'And, when you're burning well-seasoned, kiln-dried logs, you can be sure that you're using it with sustainability in mind, as the low moisture content means less smoke is produced.

'Plus, log burners tend to be made with long-lasting and easy to maintain materials, meaning you're unlikely to ever have to replace it.'

Therefore, the cost of adding a log burner to your home in comparison to larger renovations which you may undertake before selling is considerably lower. However, it is important to know that log burners are only as valuable as the ease of sourcing fuel for the fire, so consider this before taking the plunge on one. Firelogs, such as the bestselling Duraflame Gold Ultra Premium 4.5 lb. Firelogs are available at Walmart, and are fast and easy to light if you're not sure how to start a fire in a fireplace.

3. Garden upgrades

In need of some curb appeal ideas? Another effective home upgrade to boost the value of your home is by making sure your garden and front yard look well maintained.

'Having an unkempt and messy garden can deter buyers, whereas having a well-maintained and landscaped garden can add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home,' says real estate expert Sayce. 'This value increase will differ depending on where you are. In places where space is limited like large cities, a garden can add a lot more to your property than when the property is in the countryside, in which there is a lot of space.'

To do so, you can hire a professional gardener, or learn how to upgrade curb appeal in one weekend, by making small changes like adding small plants around your door. 'How you choose to landscape your garden will be to your own tastes and there are many different options to choose from,' adds Sayce. 'This can include replacing real grass with artificial astro turf which requires much less maintenance, installing decking or patios, and leveling and terracing your space.'

When it comes to what adds the most curb appeal, these changes tend to be larger, such as investing in a front porch renovation, or laying the foundation for a driveway. If you have the budget, these will also greatly attract potential buyers.

The rule of thumb is however much you spend on overhauling your yard, it will likely add value to the tune of double that amount.

4. Conversions

House extension ideas are undoubtedly one of the best ways to add value to your property, but they can also be incredibly expensive to undertake.

Instead, real estate expert Sayce recommends converting a pre-existing space in your home that you seldom use, such as a loft or cellar to add a useful room to your property, estimating that this can add up to 20% to the house value. Converting any of these spaces to a bedroom, in particular, will add the higher end of the 20%.

However, experts warn against DIY home improvements that could devalue your property, detailing garage conversions as one of them. This is because potential buyers are likely to want a usable garage for storage and parking, so stick to other renovation projects that will add value to your home.

Depending on your budget, you may also choose to convert one of your spaces into a wet room with plumbing, for added practicality. We love these wet room ideas and small wet room ideas, if you're in need of some inspiration.

FAQs

What is the cheapest upgrade to add value to your home?

By far one of the easiest and cheapest ways to add value to your home is painting your front door, so your home appears clean, stylish and maintained from the offset.

These front door color ideas, from designers and paint experts, are the perfect place to start if you're not sure which shade to go for to boost your curb appeal.

There are also front door colors to avoid, so steer clear of anything too dark, bright or white, which will be difficult to maintain and keep clean.

Ultimately, how you upgrade your home will come down to your budget, and how much time you can commit to making changes before selling up and moving, points out real estate expert, Sayce.

If you're in need of a quick fix, undertaking minor maintenance and cleaning tasks when your home is being valued, such as cleaning gutters from the roof and replacing cracked windows, can make a real difference, without too much effort or cost.

Buying a house is stressful at the best of times, but throw in the changing weather during fall, the start of the school year, and an upcoming holiday season, and the pressure really piles up.

That is why top brokers are urging potential buyers to make a solid game plan before delving into what is usually a quieter market.

Here, our pros share the seven things you need to know about buying a house in fall to help you make a sound decision and ensure a smooth sales process.

What to know about buying a home in fall

Like buying a house in spring, fall offers a unique opportunity to see houses in their full light. Changing weather conditions means you get an idea of what it is like to both keep properties cool and warm and what the houses look like in differing lights, while shopping outside of summer offers a relatively quiet market with less competition.

With that in mind, this is what to know about house shopping in fall to help you take advantage of this beautiful but socially busy time of year.

1. Prices might be higher

You might not like to hear it, but common real estate trends will usually see house prices increase in the fall season.

Sarah Goss, managing broker at Southwestern Real Estate says, ‘When buying in the Fall you'll also want to understand that prices are elevated as a result of May and June being historically some of the highest closing values. Those are the closings that today's sellers are using to derive their current list prices.

‘Although an appraiser can justify that higher price, the market typically cools in Fall, there is less competition for buyers, and that causes prices to stabilize or drop a bit. This also equates to reluctant sellers so negotiations may be a bit more time-consuming.’

2. You’ll likely have less competition

On the positive side, you will have less competition when it comes to closing. However, other buyers will be serious about wanting to find a spot before the holidays, so you will still need to stand out, reminds Cindy Raney, global luxury property specialist at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Properties.

‘Buying in the fall can be advantageous due to the limited competition among buyers. With fewer listings available, the market might feel quieter, but the homes that are on the market often come from motivated sellers. It’s important to be ready to act quickly, as serious buyers are in the market and motivated to secure a home before the year ends.’

Even when facing a race to close, remember the compromises home buyers should never make to ensure you end up with a property that you will continue to love past the first viewing.

3. Consider why it didn't sell over summer

Selling a home in summer is considered to be the smartest move if you want a large pool of buyers. If houses have been listed for a while and are still on the market come fall, you need to ask some serious questions as to why it hasn't sold before you make your decision.

Nikki Beauchamp, associate broker at Sotheby's International Realty, says, ‘Be on the lookout for homes that are well priced (but you may also wish to look at those that have languished, examine the reasons why they may have lingered and determine if there is additional negotiability and if so on what basis ).

‘Your home inspections will provide you clarity as to the current condition of the asset you are purchasing and help you to understand what your costs of ownership will be beyond the purchase price and if there are any major or material investments that will be required imminently.’

4. Consider getting an inspector

On the topic of investors, they are particularly important in fall when you will be wanting to move into a home that is already fit to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable over the coming winter.

Latham Jenkins, broker at Live Water Properties, says, ‘Fall weather can reveal issues that might not be apparent in other seasons, like roof leaks or poor insulation. Look closely at the home’s exterior and ask about the maintenance history. Homes that are well-prepared for the fall and winter seasons are likely to be better cared for overall.’

Consider asking the seller or their agent for the details of anything they have done to prepare a home for fall, such as service receipts for HVAC and heating systems, as this will give you a good idea of the quality of the fittings and maintenance.

5. It's a good time to get an agent

A good broker is important no matter the time of year, but given the smaller market and potentially higher prices, fall is a great time to work with a reputable agent to help find the right property. Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, agents at Compass suggest ‘engaging a seasoned broker who knows the area well and can guide you on the best strategy for securing your dream home.’

6. Consider getting pre-approval to stand out

If you really want to stand out on the market and be seen as a serious buyer, consider getting pre-approval first before entering into negotiations. This is an especially good tip for first time home buyers.

Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, real estate experts, say, ‘Before seriously exploring the market, be sure to have a pre-approval (not pre-qualification) in hand. That proves to sellers that you have the financial wherewithal to get to a closing table – and that can help you stand out from the competition.’

7. Consider the implications of moving at this time

Moving house is one of most stressful life events so be as prepped as possible to shave off some of the difficulty. From writing a moving house checklist, to working with professional movers and sorting out dates ahead of time, keep an eye on the many moving parts of a house move to reduce anxiety.

Before buying a house in fall, consider if this is a process you are happy to do during a busy season with unpredictable weather and big holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner. If there are any unexpected hold-ups, you might find yourself moving of Christmas and New Year. Consider this worst-case scenario and decide if you want to take the plunge in fall.

Latham Jenkins, broker, also reminds us that, ‘Buying in the fall means you’ll be moving in as winter approaches. Evaluate how the property will fare in colder weather – think about heating systems, snow removal, and access to essential services. Being mindful of these factors will help ensure you’re making a sound investment that’s ready for the challenges of winter.’

If the home you have your heart set on needs renovations, will you have a functional bathroom and kitchen when you move in, or will you be having work done over winter to get it up and running?

Buying and moving during fall offers a lot of possibilities and challenges that make this buying period incredibly unique. Remember, however, that markets vary widely depending on your location and current market events. As such, always work with a reputable agent to help you through the process in your area for the most satisfying and worthy results.

Next, delve into what experts say you can do when moving house with pets to ease the transition on them.

While the basics of selling a home usually stay the same, the seasons can make a massive difference to the market and the buyers who might be interested in your property.

Fall usually marks a slight decline in market activity, but this doesn't mean worse prospects for selling your home, especially if you take our panel of experts' advice and swot up on easy hacks to speed up selling a house in this seasonal slump.

Here, expert real estate agents reveal the six things you need to know about selling a home in fall to ensure a speedy sale.

Everything you need to know about selling a home in fall

Much like selling a home in summer, changing your sales approach to fit the season, the weather, and the approaching holidays will help to attract buyers – especially in a season where they are looking for somewhere cozy to host family and friends and make new memories.

With that in mind, here are the six things to consider before making a fall listing.

1. There are fewer homes on the market

Given that summer is usually the peak for market activity, fall usually has fewer homes on the market, reveals Ashley Nemecek, real estate agent at Douglas Elliman. ‘This can result in increased interest in your listing,’ she says.

As a result, it is important to make adequate time for viewings and consider looking at more serious buyers with pre-approval first to make the process easier and avoid lots of back and forth. It is a great way to sell a house quickly without extra added stress.

2. It pays to highlight cozy features

As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, it is important to take note of the cozy home features house buyers want and make an effort to highlight them.

Sarah Goss, managing broker at Southwestern Real Estate, suggests ‘creating the right mood as Fall is all about the comforts of home. Staging a house with freshly picked apples, cozy blankets, spice candles, and a light breeze from a cracked window to create an atmosphere that rivals Grandma's best hug.’

If you have a real fireplace, now is the time to prep your chimney for winter and light it up for that instant cozy appeal.

3. Buyers may be more motivated

Along with increased buyer interest and a lack of options on the market, buyers may be looking for a quick purchase to get settled before the height of the holiday period, points out Cindy Raney, global luxury property specialist at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Properties.

‘This period is an excellent time to sell, as buyers are often motivated to close before the holiday season,' Cindy says. 'As the holidays approach, many sellers feel inclined to take their homes off the market, but we see things differently.

‘We believe this is an opportune time to keep listings active. With fewer homes on the market, competition is limited, and the buyers who are looking tend to be serious and ready to make decisions.’

4. Lighting makes a massive difference

Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon, agents at Compass say, ‘With days getting shorter, consider optimal showing times that show the home in its best light (pun intended). The soft amber tones of autumn light can add an extra sense of coziness to the space.’

It is also worth investing in upgrading home and porch lighting ideas to make a home look cozy and invite potential buyers in. Every little helps when it comes to helping buyers imagine a future life in your property.

5. Curb appeal matters

With fall comes a long list of fall lawn care tasks. Just because you are looking to move out of the property does not mean that you should neglect your curb appeal ideas – especially if you want a quick sale.

Ashley Nemecek, real estate agent, recommends ‘boosting curb appeal by raking leaves, refreshing garden beds with seasonal flowers, and adding a touch of seasonal accents outside.’

6. Complete repairs before the cold weather

After the curb appeal is dealt with, it is worth taking some time to prepare a home for fall by running some general maintenance, suggests Latham Jenkins, broker at Live Water Properties.

He advises, ‘Fall buyers appreciate a move-in-ready home that they can settle into without needing to handle immediate maintenance tasks during the colder months.’

Consider checking the HVAC and heating systems, servicing them, and keeping hold of the documents to give buyers peace of mind. Similarly, repair any structural damage to the exterior of the home, such as repairing cracked siding to stop water leaks. Nothing puts buyers off like water damager and mold creeping in.

Keep in mind that the property market fluctuates year to year and from location to location. It is always advisable to get a trusted, reputable estate agent on board to help you through the process for the quickest and least stressful sale.

Next, learn how to stage your home for success, as well as the things you should never do when staging a house.

If you are thinking about selling your property in the not-too-distant future you need to familiarize yourself with the red flags that scare off potential buyers before going to market – in many cases, even small changes and updates will make all the difference to the speed and ease with which you get to move on.

We spoke to a range of property experts for their views on the mistakes they see homeowners making again and again that prevent them from selling their houses. We also asked them for the top ways in which people can make their homes more saleable to get the best price in the least time.

If you have started scanning the property market for your dream home then make sure you are aware of the features house buyers want and make you home as attractive to prospective buyers as possible with our top expert advice.

Red flags that scare off potential buyers

While not all buyers will be looking for the same thing from a property, there tend to be certain factors that will always act as deterrents. Understanding what these are and what you can do to put them right is key to increase the value for your home, and get the best price when you sell.

1. Lack of curb appeal

This is something that all of our experts agreed on – an untidy or ugly exterior.

Margy DeFazio, a realtor in Morristown NJ with over 25 years experience says, 'The exterior of a home is the first impression buyers get. Unkempt lawns, peeling paint and outdated landscaping can significantly impact a buyer’s perception before they even step inside.

'According to experts, buyers form an impression, unconsciously, within the first seven seconds of viewing a home in person. If the initial impression is poor it's very hard for a buyer to want to purchase the home.'

Stacy Brown, director of technical training at Real Property Management agrees. 'The main thing that puts buyers off is the lack of curb appeal,' says Stacy. 'Putting time and effort into the interior of a home is important, but the first thing buyers see is the exterior. Make sure the landscape is refreshed, the sidewalk and exterior of the house should be power washed and add a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, window panes and doors.'

'An unkempt entryway, a dirty front door in need of cleaning or painting, overgrown landscaping and grass, debris in the front yard and so on give a very negative first impression,' adds Kirstin D Conti, broker-owner at Peacock Premier Properties.

'If a property's yard or exterior doesn't appear well-maintained, buyers may assume the inside hasn't been taken care of and choose not to tour it,' points out Laura Adams, a senior real estate analyst at Aceable. 'Investing in landscaping, lawn care, pressure washing and exterior paint can make a property more attractive, inviting buyers to see the interior.'

There are loads of ways to upgrade curb appeal in a weekend or less, including adding pots and plants around your front door and regularly power washing your driveway.

The Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer from Amazon has two removable tanks that allow you to carry two different types of detergent depending on the surface you are cleaning.

2. Bad smells, clutter and dirt

Walking into a house and being greeted by bad smells and piles of mess covered in dust is never going to be a good start.

Chrysti Peek, broker/team leader at Chrysti & Co Team brokered by Exp Realty says, 'The top dealbreaker is smell, hands down. Pet smell, smoke smell, cooking smells, damp smells... I can't tell you how many clients have passed over an otherwise perfect home because of questionable odors.'

Learn about the things people with nice-smelling homes always do to get you started.

Margy DeFazio agrees. 'Unpleasant smells from pets, smoking, or cooking can be immediate turn-offs. Pet smells, especially, are often cause for buyers to immediately eliminate a home from consideration. Sometimes, just the sight of a cat toy or a litter box can be a deal breaker.

'Similarly, a cluttered or dirty home can make any property unappealing and can prevent buyers from visualizing themselves living in the space,' adds Margy.

'Upon entering the home, a clean tidy environment that is uncluttered is best,' says Kristen D Conti. 'If any repairs are needed, do those in advance or risk people making much lower offers by overstating the cost of repairs.'

There are certain things that make your home smell good all the time, including certain houseplants and diffusers – we love this Jasmine Aroma Diffuser from Wayfair for its subtle appearance and ease of use.

3. Signs of structural issues

Certain sights are immediately off-putting for any potential buyer so making sure you deal with these before viewing commences is important.

'Signs of water damage (for example from flooding) are a huge red flag to homebuyers,' says Margy DeFazio. 'Even if the initial cause of the problem, like a leaking pipe or roof, has been repaired, failure to correct the resulting evidence of damage to paint or sheetrock can turn buyers off immediately.

'Similarly, cracks in walls or ceilings can raise concerns about the property’s integrity and future repair costs,' explains Margy.

'Any exterior or interior cracks in a home's structure could indicate potential problems with its foundation or raise safety concerns,' says Laura Adams. 'Also, fresh paint on interior ceilings or walls indicate recent water leaks.'

Familiarize yourself with how to paint over water marks and invest in a product such as Zinnser Covers Up from Amazon which is a spray that covers stains in seconds.

4. Non-permitted additions

If you (or a previous owner of your home) made alterations or built some home addition ideas without gaining the necessary permissions, selling it on is going to prove tricky.

'Another big issue here is non-permitted additions or improvements,' warns Kristen D Conti. 'We carefully check the county records to ensure all we see has been permitted. Much of it has not and this problem has been exacerbated by Hurricane Ian. There were not enough contractors or there were contractors who were not licensed doing repairs. This can result in huge issues with obtaining financing.'

Make sure you have all work approved and signed off before trying to sell.

5. Obvious poor maintenance

Signs that a property has not been well cared for will instantly give buyers the impression that they should expect to walk into a money pit.

'Gutters full of debris, rotting trim and windows and doors that stick, don't open or have gaps will all put buyers on the alert to look for more problems,' says Chrysti Peek. 'Little red flags snowball fast.'

'Deferred maintenance and outdated kitchens and bathrooms are key areas that buyers focus on,' explains Margy DeFazio. 'Obviously, dated appliances, old fixtures and worn-out cabinets or countertops can make a home less appealing. What is less obvious to sellers is that potential buyers can make assumptions about the condition of a home's plumbing and electric. Even if these systems have been updated to current standards, buyers may assume they are in need of attention and/or repair.'

Simply learning how to clean gutters from the roof and getting the job done before selling will help so much. Don't fancy getting on the roof? Arm yourself with this 12FT Telescopic Gutter Cleaning Tool from Amazon which makes life easier when cleaning gutters from the ground.

6. Non hurricane-resistant homes

If you have an older roof you may well run into difficulties when it comes to selling, with many insurance companies swerving these types of property – something which is bound to put buyers off.

For many buyers, if you have neglected to look into how to prepare your house for hurricane season, they will immediately walk away. Learn how much a new roof will cost.

'In states like Florida, home insurance companies won't write new policies on properties with older roofs,' explains Laura Adams. 'So, be sure you understand whether a listing would be insurable for a potential buyer. Replacing a roof before putting a property on the market and adjusting the listing price could pay off for a seller.'

'Red flags here in SW Florida are homes that are not hurricane resistant,' adds Kristen D Conti. 'Roofs older than 10 years, windows and doors that are not hurricane resistant, lack of hurricane shutters, older hot water heaters and HVAC systems, electrical panels that are not updated, and plumbing with older cast iron pipes. All of these affect insurance rates.'

7. The presence of mold

If there is one thing that homeowners and potential buyers dread it has to be the sight of mold. Not only is it ugly but it is also a sign that there is something wrong with the way the house is working – not to mention a risk to health.

Matthew Bizzarro, CEO and founder at The Bizzarro Agency says, 'A big red flag is mold. In many ways, mold is worse than asbestos. Asbestos in insulation or floor tiles is a known quantity. Once specialists remove the products it’s in, it’s gone. But mold spreads and can be anywhere in the home, which means it’s hard to guarantee it’s been removed entirely.'

You should first find out what is causing the mold and then look into how to get rid of black mold and prevent it's return. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray from Amazon is a lifesaver, removing black mold and mildew stains with no need for scrubbing.

Moldy carpets may need specialist treatment as often, the moisture used to clean carpets yourself can cause further mold in the layers beneath.

8. No air conditioning system

There are certain things these days that homeowners just assume will be in place, including up-to-date heating and cooling systems. The presence (or lack of) air conditioning can be a deal breaker for home buyers.

'Houses that don’t have central AC can instantly put buyers off,' says Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant. 'While this may have more or less of an impact depending on the area’s weather and temperature norms, it’s usually going to devalue a home by anywhere from 10-20%.

'Central AC is something that has come to be expected, so when older homes that don’t have it are being sold, buyers will instantly recognize that as a home improvement project they will have to take on.'

There are lots of air conditioning types available so be sure to look into this if your home is currently without. It will also come in handy to have this knowledge when looking around properties to buy.

Consider fitting something like the Cooper & Hunter MIA Series, Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heater from Amazon which is ductless meaning less disruption during installation.

9. Noise and lack of privacy

While you can't pick your home up and move it, it is worth bearing this next one in mind to see if there is anything you can do to help attract potential buyers.

'Homes located near busy roads, airports or noisy neighbors can be less attractive,' points out Margy DeFazio. 'Lack of privacy, especially in outdoor spaces, can also be a concern.'

Take a look around at ways you can increase the privacy of your home and in your backyard – could your garden fence ideas be upgraded to provide more privacy? High hedging and fast-growing plants are all brilliant ideas, as are patio privacy ideas, and garden screens.

If passers by tend to peer into your front windows, up your front yard privacy with shutter ideas that will keep out prying eyes at the same time as allowing in natural light. We love these Bali Custom Composite Shutters from Lowes as they can be fitted on a DIY basis.

10. Awkward layouts and wasted space

Before inviting prospective buyers into your home to view have a good look around at how you are using the space. If there are dark corners and areas of space that seem wasted, address these and make them look more usable – even looking into the best ways of lighting a dark room and zoning your interior design will make a world of difference.

'Awkward room arrangements or inefficient floor plans can be a major deterrent,' warns Margy DeFazio. 'Buyers typically look for functional and practical spaces that suit their lifestyle.

'This is where staging can really make an unexpectedly large impact on a potential buyer's impression of a home,' continues Margy. 'Showing how an odd or awkward space can be utilized as a quiet reading nook or exercise studio can go a long way in selling a home.'

FAQs

What small changes can help sell a house?

You'll be pleased to hear that there are lots of little updates you can make before selling your home that will instantly make it more appealing to buyers and that might just mean the difference between them choosing to buy your home or another. Do take the time to look into the outdated features stopping you from selling your home.

'It's worth noting that 23% of buyers' agents polled by NAR said that home staging makes their clients more likely to overlook other property faults,' points out Chrysti Peek. 'They need to feel the value of living there in order to accept the cost of being the next owner.'

'A lot of sellers overlook the fact that deal breakers aren't necessarily red flags, it's just expense,' continues Chrysti. 'Repainting the 90's maroon walls, swapping out the Formica countertop and replacing the gnarly carpet also go a long way.

There is no denying that selling your home and moving is incredibly stressful but the outcome is usually well worth all that waiting and effort. Our moving house checklist should help the whole process run a little smoother.

We all know that curb appeal is crucial when selling a house. First impressions count, with most people making up their minds about a home even before they’ve stepped inside. 

If you’re reading this, you already know that your curb appeal could be improved. Perhaps your home looks a little tired, or maybe you just want to stand out from neighboring properties a bit more. The problem many homeowners face, though, is that they don’t have much time to work on their home’s curb appeal. In many cases, you may only have a weekend to spruce up the house before it goes on sale. 

If that is you, don’t worry too much about only having a weekend. We’ve spoken to several real estate professionals, all of whom had helpful tips for making a big difference in just a single weekend. Most of these quick curb appeal upgrades are very easy and don’t require any specialist skill. Some of them are obvious, while others will be small details you likely have overlooked but that will make a surprisingly big difference.

Ready to give your home the curb appeal it deserves in just 48 short hours? Here’s what you’ll need to do. 

1. Repaint your front door

Your front door is your calling card. It is the first thing anybody visiting your home notices, and updating it can dramatically impact your home's overall curb appeal. Seamus Nally, real estate expert and CEO at TurboTenant points out that front doors have such a big impact on how your home is perceived because front doors 'are the central element that eyes are drawn to.' If you think about it, it's true: the front door is pretty much exactly at the center of your house, and eye level to boot. 

Despite this fact, many homeowners neglect their front doors, leaving many years before repaintings, which results in front doors that ‘look both outdated and worn due to weather factors’, says Seamus. His advice is to paint your door a statement or new color,' he says. 'You can expect a big impact, even though it’s a small area comparatively and doesn’t take much effort.’ Don’t just go for the same color the door has always been: go a bit bolder this time, exploring front door color ideas that harmonize with the overall look of your property.   

2. Add plants around the entrance to your home

Updated front yard landscaping can go a very long way to enhancing your curb appeal. The great thing is you don't need to spend longer than a weekend - or a ton of money, for that matter - achieving impressive results. The devil is in the detail. 

Your first move should always be to add high-impact, seasonal flowers and plants. A home that is bursting with natural color and foliage around the entrance is much more appealing than a bare entrance with just a lawn. Even people who don’t have a green thumb will appreciate a few plant pots: after all, if they don’t feel like maintaining them they could always just remove them. 

And while we’re on the subject of plant pots, Haley Bartlett, realtor at Your Aussie Agent, has a great, simple tip to enhance your curb appeal even more: choose ‘a new ceramic pot that matches the door color along with seasonal plantings can help a home stand out.’

Matching your landscaping colors and front door color creates an elegant and put-together look that buyers will appreciate.

Finally, you can think a bit beyond seasonal plantings, if you have a little bit more time and patience during your curb makeover weekend. Nikki Beauchamp, an Associate Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty, recommends ‘choosing appropriate greenery that can be somewhat easily maintained beyond the photo shoot.’' This is a very important point: while buyers are impressed by a well-maintained yard, they will want to know how realistically they can maintain it. So, choose low-maintenance shrubs and trees that you can actively advertise as such. 

It goes without saying that all shrubs should be trimmed: a luscious garden adds curb appeal, but an overgrown one detracts from it. And don't forget to mulch: all of our experts agree that fresh, colorful mulch enhances curb appeal.

3. Give your facade and driveway a power wash

As Haley Bartlett emphasizes, ‘a pressure washer can be such a handy tool to have.' If you don’t have a pressure washer already, get one. A good-quality pressure-washer, such as the Kärcher K1700 Max, from Amazon will make a huge difference to how your whole property looks. There’s a lot you can accomplish with one over a weekend, too. Haley recommends focusing on getting rid ‘of built-up dirt, spider webs, and leaves. Be sure to pressure wash the driveway too. This will leave your home looking fresh and new.’

You don’t have to buy a power washer if you don’t want one. Blake Blahut, Broker Associate & Realtor at Realty ONE Group, tells us that you can get a service to power wash your house for a few hundred dollars, or ‘you could rent one from your local hardware store and DIY.’ Whichever route you choose, don’t skip this part, especially when it comes to power washing your driveway: ‘There is a distinct difference between a dirty driveway and a clean one as people walk toward the front door’, says Blake.

You can even use a pressure washer to clean your windows, however, make sure you do so on the lowest pressure setting.

4. Get a new mailbox

‘This is something that many don't think about, but it can change the way people view the house before they even drive up in front of it’, Blake Blahut stresses. A new mailbox will cost you ‘a few hundred bucks and maybe a few hours over a weekend,' but the payoff is big. In fact, Blake goes as far as to say that replacing an old mailbox is ‘ is one of the most overlooked curb appeal upgrades there is.’ This Gaines - Keystone Series Mailbox from Amazon is a beautiful choice. 

Don’t want to get a new mailbox? Paint your existing one. Even that will catch people’s attention and signal that your property is well looked after. 

5. Add porch seating

Got a front porch? Even if you don’t use yours much, create a cozy and inviting porch look by getting a couple of porch seats. A big part of enhancing your home’s curb appeal is helping people imagine how they could be using their new space, so adding porch seats shows potential buyers 'how they can be enjoying the porch when they move in’, according to Haley Bartlett.

6. Update you outdoor lighting

Great outdoor lighting is invaluable for enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Think of it as stage lighting of sorts: use it to accent your home’s best features, making it easy for potential buyers to appreciate the best of what the house has to offer. 

Blake Blahut believes that the effort of installing a new garage and exterior lights is well worth the huge payoff: ‘For as little as a hundred or several hundred dollars (depending on how fancy you want to go) and a couple of hours, you can make your house really stand out from the rest of your neighbors on the street.’

And even if you’ll be conducting viewings during the day, potential buyers will notice nice new lighting fixtures, whether it’s an elegant front porch light or whimsical solar garden lighting.   

7. Update your house numbers

Believe it or not, even something as tiny as replacing your house numbers with something more chic and modern can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Talyn Provo, real estate agent at Douglas Elliman, recommends replacing old house numbers with ‘modern, easy to read ones.’ This is a quick and easy job, but it helps create a positive first impression.  

FAQs

Can I improve my curb appeal without plants?

If you feel like you don’t have time to create a new planting scheme, or you simply don’t have the time to water new plants, there are other things you can do to create an inviting look once you’ve cleaned everything. Talyn Provo recommends focusing on the following accents: 

• Decorative features: consider adding a garden flag, birdbaths, or decorative stones. 
• Outdoor rugs: ‘Place a durable outdoor rug on a porch or patio area for added color and texture.’ 
• Seasonal Decor: ‘hang a wreath on your front door for a welcoming touch!’ 

Do I need to hire someone to upgrade my curb appeal in a weekend? 

If you only have a single weekend free to upgrade your curb appeal, you may be wondering whether you realistically have the time to do it all before the viewings commence. 

The answer will depend on how many of you there are in your household. Cindy Raney, a Global Luxury Property Specialist and founder of Cindy Raney & Team, ‘While hiring a handyman, painter, or landscaper can be helpful, many of these tasks can be tackled by a family over a weekend.’

Even if yours is a family of two, you can accomplish most of the curb appeal upgrades we’ve outlined without additional help. If you are selling your home on your own and have a little extra budget, you likely will find that hiring a professional or two will make the weekend-long upgrades much more achievable. 

Many of these beautiful garden ideas will even work to make a backyard look nice, too.

Summer is arguably one of the better times to try and sell a house. The weather is perfect for showcasing both the inside and outside of a property and families have more flexibility with their spare time now that school has finished for another year.

That being said, the good weather doesn't, unfortunately, make the actual process of marketing and selling much simpler. While your home might look its best in the sunshine, you still need to entice buyers in a busy market. That is where dressing your home up to reflect the season can help to set you apart.

We talked to top real estate agents to hear their thoughts on what you need to know about selling your home in the summer to put you ahead of other sellers in your area.

What you need to know about selling your home in summer

Much like buying or selling a home in winter, understanding how to market your home during a particular season can make all the difference in enticing prospective buyers. These six seasonal highlights could be the defining factor in a quick sale.

1. Landscaping makes a lot of difference

Landscaping and curb appeal matter year-round, but we cannot underestimate their sway in summer.

‘When preparing their home for the market, sellers should give equal weight to the outside and garden area of the home,’ begins Fiona Dogan, realtor at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. ‘First impressions in the summer months are more important than any other season. If it does not look stunning in the summer, it likely will never look stunning.’

Fiona then recommends focusing first on preparing garden beds and lawns, tending to blooms, and mulching to show the property at its best. Then, ‘ensure decks and patios are in excellent condition and stage them like an interior room. It’s the perfect time to do outdoor "lifestyle" photos – a bottle of wine, glasses, and flowers on a patio table; candles at sunset or twilight.

‘Finish by highlighting special features such as a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, gazebo, sunroom, outdoor sports court or putting green,’ she continues. ‘Take care to showcase anything on the outside of the house that sets it apart in the summer months.'

2. You need to be flexible with viewings

When it comes to selling a house in summer, one easy hack to speed up the selling of your home is to be as flexible with viewings as possible, says Joe Muck, realtor at J Muck Realty:

‘Selling your home in the summertime is a bit different than other times of the year. One thing I remind clients of is that buyers will have more availability to schedule showings than in other seasons because kids are out of school, so their availability opens up. This means that you, as a seller, should also be more flexible if you are still occupying the home to make it available for showings.’

What’s more, you should be aware that summer, while a peak time for selling, is also a peak time for vacations reminds Jared Bennett, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass Real Estate:

‘People travel on weekends during summer months so it's important to host weekday open houses to avoid a decline in attendance. People who take the time to attend a weekday open house are often more serious and motivated buyers.'

3. Emphasize local schools

Even if you do not have children yourself, or you are an empty nester, never underestimate the power of local schools to help you sell a home – especially larger family-style homes, suggests Chassaddi Rice, real estate expert and house flipper. It is a great way to sell a house fast.

‘Emphasize the school district in your area, as this is a big reason many people choose to move in the Summer, so they can get settled before the school year,’ she explains. ‘If there are any interesting facts or impressive statistics about the schools near your home, it’s important your realtor shares with any potential buyers, especially during the summer.'

4. Keep the home cool

Keeping a home cool in a heatwave is another attractive element that will entice new buyers, especially as the summers continue to get hotter and hotter, points out Cindy Raney, global luxury property specialist at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Properties.

She recommends ‘keeping air conditioning on and temperature cool especially on very warm days. Buyers will feel uncomfortable if they walk into a warm stuffy home.’

5. Lighten up interiors

Summer offers us plenty of natural light to play with – so emphasize this, urges Mabel Banda, broker associate at Douglas Elliman.

‘Summer is associated with brightness, relaxation, and fun. Remove heavy drapes and clean windows thoroughly to increase natural light in your home. Consider light, neutral colors for any touch-up painting to make spaces feel larger and more inviting.

‘For an added extra touch, consider keeping water in the refrigerator for people touring – everyone appreciates nice cold water in the summer,’ she adds.

6. Avoid overpricing

It shouldn't be a surprise that pricing your home right is crucial when selling, but this is particularly prudent in summer, suggests Madison Sutton, a commercial and residential licensed salesperson at Serhant:

‘While summer typically brings more buyers to the market, this year we're seeing some unique factors at play. Buyers are out there, but they're more discerning and price-sensitive than before, especially in the NYC market. This is why pricing your property appropriately to the market is crucial.

‘I always advise my clients against overpricing their homes to negotiate later. A well-priced home will get attention and bring people through the doors. At the end of the day, the market will speak for itself, and I'd much rather see my clients fielding multiple offers than dealing with multiple price reductions and extended days on market (DOMs).

‘Accurate pricing from the start can be the difference between a quick, successful sale and a lengthy, frustrating process.'

If you are wondering whether you should sell your house now as the weather warms up, the answer seems to be – yes! Selling in summer offers you plenty of opportunities to showcase the unique features of your home and the surrounding land – just be sure to take steps to show them at their best for quick sale results.

Buying the worst house on the street can have its advantages. The only way is up, right? It may look an eyesore now, but that just means there is more scope to mold it into a beautiful home.

And the silver lining to its ugliness is that its lack of appeal might be reflected in a super-low price. A property that has stood empty for months or even years could be open to offers that fit right into your budget – and leave plenty left over for the very necessary updates and home renovations.

Whatever your reasons for buying a fixer-upper, whether it is the only house available in a sought-after location, affordability, or you're looking for a home-improvement project to build up your skills in creating a bespoke house for you and your family, you need to be prepared for the challenge. 

What to look for in a fixer upper

Read our expert advice on what to look for in a handyman special to make sure that you don’t get out of your depth and your fixer-upper home becomes a real downer.

1. Inspect what lies beneath

Once you’ve found a potential project, conduct a thorough inspection before purchase to get an idea of just how deep its issues run.

‘I always ask "What's the skeleton?",' says Justin White, a contractor and garage remodel/installation expert. 'In other words, what's the baseline level of work simply needed to make the house functional – fixing foundations, rewiring electricity, updating plumbing, etc. These basics can often be surprisingly costly, so it's important to get informed estimates from trusted contractors early on.

‘I'd also advise doing as much investigative demolition as possible during viewings. Remove light fixtures, lift basement floorboards, poke around behind walls and under sinks. Hidden rot or structural issues can blow budgets quickly if left unseen. Document everything thoroughly with photos and notes that contractors can reference.’

Hiring a qualified home inspector to draw up a report can also give a fuller picture of the property’s condition and whether it has serious structural defects and failing foundations that are behind the large cracks and the sagging ceilings.

2. Don't let rotten plumbing drain your budget

Problem plumbing can be an overlooked issue when weighing up jobs to do in a fixer-upper home. The cause is often misdiagnosed, warns master plumber Max Hicks, and what looks like a simple fix could be concealing the need for a costly repair of the entire system.

‘A good example is a slow-draining water issue,' Max explains. 'People tend to assume it's a simple clog, but it can actually indicate a more serious and expensive problem, especially in older homes built before 1984 when cast iron pipes were used for sewage. Over time, these pipes can rust, deteriorate, and break.

‘So, what seemed like a $50 drain clog fix can turn into a several-thousand-dollar project to replace all the pipes in the house. I highly recommend getting a sewer camera inspection along with the standard inspection to ensure that your slow-draining water won't end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars.’

3. Crunch the numbers before you buy

The asking price may seem too tempting to resist, but it’s no bargain if you have to spend a small fortune just to make it habitable. You need to drill down into the potential costs of everything to avoid buying a money pit that will exhaust you and your savings.

‘Once deficiencies are identified, estimate the repair costs. Obtain quotes from people who can do the work, or research material and labor costs,’ advises Andriy Boyko of A.O. Handy Inc. ‘Expect the unexpected and include a contingency for when you have to adapt your budget and your schedule.

‘Determine the savings between the purchase and renovation costs of the fixer-upper and that of turnkey properties in the area, then factor in whether the total investment – the upfront cost and the long-term expense – is worth the investment.’

4. Is it a risk to your health and wallet?

If the dilapidation is due to age and not just neglect, you need to consider that it might’ve been built using materials that have now been banned due to their toxicity – and their removal won’t be cheap.

‘A home from 1950-1980 can be a health hazard as contractors of that era used lead and asbestos,’ says realtor Matt Strickland. ‘It can cost $94 per square meter on average to remove asbestos and $959 for lead paint removal.

‘Historic houses have architectural details of the bygone era, and only expert craftsmen can bring back the former glory of a home – costing hundreds of thousands to millions in the process.’

5. Be honest about your ability to DIY

Part of the appeal of fixing up a house could lie in a desire the 'do it yourself' and develop your home-improvement skills. You can create something truly bespoke and take pride in what you have accomplished. 

But you need to be mindful that this approach will inevitably take longer and if you overestimate your capabilities, you may need to pay a professional to finish what you’ve started or fix your mistakes.

‘It's critical for potential buyers of fixer-uppers to realistically evaluate their own skills and tolerances,’ says Eric Bramlett, owner of Bramlett Residential. ‘Are you confident handling basic tasks but willing to hire help for more complex jobs, or do you see yourself tackling most repairs independently?

'While doing some work yourself can save money, attempting something outside your abilities can become a costly stressor. I advise clients to think pragmatically about whether the scope of renovations warrants bringing in experienced subs for portions of the work.’

6. Investigate the potential for improvement

You may have big ambitions for transforming the property, but you must assess their feasibility and whether you have the room and the right to accomplish all your plans.

Do you have space to make layout changes or even to extend? Are there zoning regulations and neighborhood restrictions that might impact your updates?

Also consider whether some of your ideas might be too grand by comparing it to work that has been done on other properties nearby, and the ceiling price for sales locally.

You want your updates to add value and represent a good return on your investment. You don't want to end up doing so much that you can't hope to recoup what you have spent should you decide to sell.

When you want a good return on your investment (ROI), you need to know what home improvements will add most value to your house. Use our guide to plan your renovation and get the biggest bang for your buck when transforming a rundown home.

Undertaking renovations and repairs without professional help may seem a great way to save money and eliminate the hassle of calling in professional help, however, this can be a big mistake. 

Potential buyers are quick to spot shoddy workmanship and may perceive it as a red flag, affecting their willingness to invest. In addition to this, attempting household projects you shouldn't DIY can inadvertently lower a home's market value, result in non-compliance with local building codes, and pose safety risks.

We talked to real estate agents about the DIY projects that have left homeowners regretting their decision and losing money, so you can avoid making the same errors. 

The DIY projects real estate agents want you to stop doing yourself

'While a DIY project that has been well done could improve your home's marketability, a poorly executed DIY project could also scare off interested buyers or force them to negotiate,' warns Martin Boonzaayer, the CEO of Trusted Home Buyer. 

'Knowing how to do some DIY projects successfully doesn't mean that all projects require DIY skills.' Some DIY jobs would make an excellent weekend project, but in terms of increasing your asking price tag for your house, it might not be a good idea to do certain jobs on your own, including those below.

1. Roof jobs

'Replacing or re-shingling a roof seems easy enough from the ground. But once you are up there, issues like improper underlayment, ventilation mistakes, and poor flashing installation can quickly turn into disastrous leaks and rot that will have inspectors and buyers running for the hills,' warns Richard Mews, real estate agent and CEO of Sell With Richard. 'Roofing is best handled by professionals.'

2. Complex tiling jobs

While it is possible to tile a wall yourself, unless you are very confident in your ability to achieve professional-style results, attempting a DIY approach could be a costly error.

'Tiling requires a high degree of precision,' says Mike Wall, a real estate investor at EZ Sell Homebuyers. 'Poorly executed tiling in bathrooms or kitchens can lead to water damage and visually detract from the space.' 

And that's not all. Improper surface preparation and adhesive application means tiles won't adhere well, resulting in loose tiles. A poorly planned tile layout can lead to awkward cuts, misaligned patterns, and uneven grout lines. Other potential mishaps include poor grouting and a lack of expansion joints. 

Tiles can be a costly investment, but they can also increase the value of your property, so rather than adopting a DIY approach at the most essential stage, the installation of tiles, it's best to let professionals execute your tile ideas.

3. Basement finishing

'Turning that unfinished basement into usable living space seems straightforward, however, between properly waterproofing, installing egress windows, and running new electrical and HVAC – there are a million ways an amateur basement renovation can go off the rails,' warns Richard Mews. 'This can lead to moisture issues, code violations, and value-killing fixes down the road.'

For example, Jonathan Faccone, founder of Halo Homebuyers says: 'I think DIY basement waterproofing projects may provide temporary solutions but can fail to address underlying moisture issues and structural vulnerabilities. Inadequate waterproofing measures can result in basement flooding, mold growth, and foundation damage, compromising the habitability and value of your home.'

Due to the locations, positioned below ground, basements often require more extensive and specific measures than other spaces in the home, so to ensure they are properly waterproofed, ventilated, and insulted, consult a professional to prevent damage to your basement.

4. Exterior modifications and landscaping

Exterior modifications such as landscaping can significantly enhance curb appeal, yet poorly thought-out designs can deter potential buyers.

Michael Kootchick, real estate developer and leader at OneStop ADU says: 'Exterior modifications such as DIY decking or landscaping undertaken without proper foundation and drainage considerations can lead to significant issues. Poorly executed outdoor projects can lead to problems like water damage to the property’s foundation or suboptimal curb appeal, both of which play crucial roles in the valuation of a property. 

'DIY driveway paving projects may result in uneven surfaces, inadequate drainage, and premature deterioration, detracting from your home's curb appeal and overall aesthetic,' adds Alex Locklear, realtor and the founder of NC Cash Homebuyers. 

'It's important to hire a professional contractor who has the knowledge and resources to properly prepare the area, use high-quality materials, and ensure proper installation for a long-lasting and visually appealing driveway design.' 

Ensuring that such projects meet professional standards not only boosts aesthetic appeal but also secures the functional integrity of the property, safeguarding your investment.

5. DIY bathroom remodelling

Like with basements, DIY bathroom remodels are not a great idea unless you have professional grade knowledge, skills, and tools, since they are more complex than putting together flatpack furniture – they require complex installations.

The improper installation of water lines resulted in a severe leakage that compromised the integrity of the bathroom's structure. Going down this route may leave you having to not only redo the plumbing work but also address water damage and mold issues. These remediation expenses may double your initial remodel budget expectations, rather than cutting costs, plus it will make your home more unattractive to homebuyers.

6. Electrical work

'Dealing with a few light fixtures or outlet swaps is manageable for keen DIYers. But any major electrical work like upgrading panels, running new wiring through walls, or anything that could create fire risks is best left to licensed electricians who can ensure your home is safely up to code,' says Richard Mews.

Playing with wiring is a bad idea. It's bad for you, and bad for your pocketbook. Faulty electrical work is a major turnoff to buyers and could result in substantial repairs before you close. Leave wiring to the pros.

7. Exterior insulation

When it comes to re-insulating, installing new house wrap moisture barriers, or re-siding your home's exterior, cutting corners leads to moisture intrusion nightmares. From rot and mold to complete system failures, improper installation negates any resale value you hoped to gain with these cosmetic upgrades.

'Inexperienced DIYers often overlook the importance of proper permitting and adherence to building codes,' says Brett Johnson, real estate agent and owner of New Era Home Buyers. Without the proper permits, you risk facing fines, having to redo the work to meet code standards, and potentially even lowering your home's value if the work is subpar or not up to code.

Buying a house can be a complex and overwhelming, especially if you're a first-time homebuyer. Understanding everything you need to do before and during househunting and buying can make this process easier and less stressful. 

Different seasons bring different opportunities and challenges when it comes to how to buy a house, so understanding the specific strengths and extra caveats of buying in spring will enable you to adopt the most effective house-buying strategies. 

In this guide, our property experts cover everything you need to know about buying a house in spring and offer advice to ensure you can successfully snag your dream home.

Buying a house in spring 

Having a clear list of priorities and essential preparation tasks for buying in spring can help you navigate through a multitude of choices and approach this process tactically. Remember to prioritize what matters most to you while remaining flexible.

1. Understand market dynamics

'Take the time to research and understand the current market conditions in your desired area,' advises Mehdi Khachani, real estate expert and CEO of JMK Property Management. 'Spring often increases the number of houses on the market, but it also leads to heightened competition among buyers. Knowing what to expect can help you formulate a winning strategy.'

'Let's start with why spring is such a popular time for buying a house,' says Pavel Khaykin, Founder of Pavel Buys Houses. 'One of the main reasons is that many families prefer to move during the summer months when their kids are out of school. This means that they need to purchase their new home in the spring in order to have enough time to settle in before the start of the school year.

'Another reason for the spring housing market boom is that many people receive their tax refunds around this time, providing them with extra funds to put towards a down payment or closing costs.

'Additionally, the warmer weather and blooming flowers can make properties look more appealing and inviting, increasing demand for homes on the market.'

'With the increased demand, sellers might have the upper hand in negotiations,' says Yosef Adde, real estate expert and Founder of I Buy LA. 'It is vital to do thorough research on the local market and be aware of the prices of similar houses in the area. This will give you a better understanding of what you can afford and the negotiating power you possess.'

2. Start early

Spring is a busy season for real estate transactions. So, to stay ahead of the competition, begin your search as early as possible. This allows you to explore various options and make informed decisions without feeling rushed.

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only gives you a clear idea of your budget but also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer, potentially giving you an edge in negotiations.

'Work with a reputable lender to assess your financial situation and determine the best mortgage option for your investment goals,' recommends Alex Locklear, a realtor and Founder of NC Cash Homebuyers. 'You can also use this pre-approval as a bargaining chip while negotiating the price of the house.'

4. Check for seasonal maintenance needs

You should conduct thorough inspections and due diligence to uncover any potential issues with the property you are seeking to buy. 

'Spring allows you to do a more thorough assessment of a property's condition,' explains Nick Hedberg, real estate agent and CEO of As-Is Home Buyer. 'Checking out landscaping, exterior maintenance issues like roof or siding condition, drainage around the foundation, and other potential problem areas is much easier when snow is not covering everything. You can also get a better read on things like street parking and neighborhood noise levels.' 

'From an interior perspective, spring brings more consistent temperatures to test airflow and identify insulation issues, musty odors, or humidity problems that may not be as apparent during heating seasons.'

Another aspect to consider during spring house hunting is the house's condition. 'The winter months can be harsh on properties, and some issues may arise during spring. It is crucial to have a home inspection done by a professional to identify any potential problems and negotiate repairs with the seller,' advises Yosef Adde. 'This will save you from costly surprises down the road.'

5. Attend open houses

Spring is the season for open houses. Attend as many as you can to get a feel for different neighborhoods, explore property features, and gauge market prices. This firsthand experience will better equip you to make informed decisions.

6. Be ready to act quickly

In a competitive market, desirable properties can get snatched up swiftly. Be prepared to act fast when you find a house that meets your criteria. Having your finances in order and being decisive can make all the difference.

'It's important to remember that increased demand often comes with increased competition. This means that you may face bidding wars or have to act quickly in order to secure your desired property,' explains Pavel Khaykin. 'It's a good idea to have all your financial documents and pre-approval letter from a lender ready before starting your search, so you can make a strong offer when you find the perfect home.'

7. Consider potential renovations

'Spring is a great time to envision the potential of a property. While touring homes, keep an open mind about renovations or upgrades that could add value in the long run,' advises Mehdi Khachani. 'Consult with professionals to assess feasibility and costs.'

Budget for potential upgrades repairs or replacements based on inspection findings when considering a property. This will include the cost of materials, labor, and any necessary upgrades or improvements.

Understanding how these factor into the home's overall value and your budget constraints will help you avoid any unwanted surprises after buying. Additionally, developing a proactive maintenance plan early can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.

8. Work with a seasoned agent

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the local market trends can significantly streamline your house-hunting process,' says Mehdi Khachani.  'They can provide valuable guidance, negotiate on your behalf, and help you secure the best possible deal.

'Additionally, with increased competition, negotiation skills become invaluable. Work closely with your real estate agent to craft compelling offers and negotiate favorable terms.' 

FAQs

What should you do before selling a house in spring?

'Spring is an ideal time to assess the condition of seasonal features before selling your house,' says Alex Locklear. 'These can include air conditioning units, sprinkler systems, and outdoor lighting. Make sure these systems are in good working order and factor any necessary repairs or maintenance into your budget. You can also ask the seller to handle these repairs before closing on the house.'

Despite only being a few months apart, buying a house in summer can be drastically different to spring, making market research a must before diving in.

Embarking on a home renovation is both exciting and stressful. From the project's scope to the smallest design detail, there are so many decisions to make that it can often feel overwhelming. 

Finding the right architect to oversee and execute your project is crucial to successfully renovating a house. But the question remains: how do you make sure you end up hiring the right one?

Residential architects vary a great deal in the size of practice, experience, and areas of expertise. Depending on the type of home you have and what you want done with it, your choices will be very different. No matter what you do, don’t just Google ‘architects near me’ and hope for the best. Doing thorough research and making sure your home and your architect are the perfect fit will pay off in the long run. 

How to find the perfect architect

We’ve asked licensed architects to shed some light on how to find the right architect for your home renovation. Here’s what they told us:

1. Do your research

This may seem like it goes without saying in our digital age, but reading up on a few firms that operate in your area is a very good idea before hiring an architect. 

Lee Calisti is the Strategic Construction Advisor at Real Estate Bees; he is an architect licensed in Pennsylvania and is NCARB-certified. Lee tells us that ‘all good architects today have some digital presence'. He recommends looking architects up online and vetting them by 'reviewing their portfolio, reading articles they’ve written or been quoted in, and watching videos that feature them.’

It’s also an excellent idea to read some client reviews on Google. While media exposure is generally a good thing, you still want some testimonials from recent clients. Did the architect deliver the renovation project within the timeframe promised? Was the result what the homeowner wanted? Was communication good? 

2. Decide if you like the architect's style

This really is crucial while doing your initial research. While browsing the architect’s portfolio, do you like what you see? If your first thought when looking at the pictures is, ‘I’m not sure I like this,’ move on swiftly. 

Lee Calisti recommends ignoring the usual statements architects’ websites may make about tailoring their approach to each client: ‘Yes, architects will tell you that they will design a solution that meets the constraints and the context and whatever other criteria you throw at them. Nevertheless, ask yourself if this architect will deliver the kind of solution you would like to see.’ 

Ideally, the architect’s work should speak to you immediately – and that should be consistent when looking at multiple projects they’ve completed. In other words, you should see a consistent style across their portfolio; if their projects look very different from one another, this could be a red flag. 

As Lee explains, ‘good architects, in my opinion, are good at a limited menu.’ So, if you want someone really good at restoring a historic home, look for an architect who works with historic properties. If you are renovating a mid-century apartment, find an architect who has worked with mid-century homes before. 

3. Be honest about your expectations and preferences

You’ve found an architect whose work you like. Now is the time to get in touch with them to discuss your home renovation project. This is your opportunity to be very honest and precise about what you want:

‘Tell them what you’re thinking, what you like, and what you don’t like,' advises Lee. Also, be very upfront about your budget and timeframe. The more detail you can provide, the better equipped the architect will be to gauge whether they can deliver the project. 

A good architect will never take up a job they know they can’t deliver for one reason or another. They also need to know early on how flexible and open to suggestions you are. Some people are happy for the architect to take the reins a bit more, especially when they’re not so sure about the smaller details. On the other hand, if you have very detailed plans and a clear vision for what you want, the time to communicate that to the architect is before you’ve agreed to work with them. 

4. Pay attention to their communication style

It’s not all about how well you communicate what you want, though. Communication should be successful both ways, so pay attention to what questions the architect asks you about your home renovation. 

Licensed Architect Jeff Akerman explains further: ‘It's the architect's job to ask the right questions, targeting key aspects of your lifestyle, standards, processes, and preferences.’

The point about lifestyle is an important one. A good architect ‘not only possesses the technical expertise to realize your vision but also understands your particular design tastes and unique lifestyle requirements.’ They should ask you questions about how you plan to use specific rooms, for example. After all, they’ll be in charge of making sure that you end up with a home, not just a house. So, ‘it's important that the architect appreciates the emotional connection humans naturally have to the place they live.'

On a purely human level, you also want to work with someone kind and easy to talk to. Jeff believes that a ‘mutual understanding and rapport from the outset’ is essential. 

5. Make sure they understand local laws and regulations

Last but not least, you need to make sure that your chosen architect possesses a balance of the creative and the logistical aspects of the job. 

Jeff Akerman emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the architect has the ability to navigate local regulations and zoning laws: 'You want your renovation to be compliant and hassle-free.' 

This is especially true if you are renovating a home in a conservation zone or the building is historic (or 'listed' if you are based in the UK). 

FAQs

What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing an architect?

We hate to say this, but the biggest mistakes are usually made when homeowners don’t communicate their needs and wants clearly at the outset. And the area this most often applies to is budgeting. 

Under-budgeting – or worse, not knowing your budget – inevitably leads to misunderstandings and difficulties somewhere along the project. Lee Calisti says, 'If you don’t know your budget, you should do more research and accept that construction will cost far more than you think or want.’

Once you know your budget, things get much easier because ‘the architect’s role is to work within the boundaries of your budget.’ That means ’you may have to make hard decisions about what you can include in the scope of work. Some aspects might have to wait until a later phase or be scrapped altogether.’ 

Reducing the scope of your project may be the only way to save money on your home renovation. It’s best to know this at the beginning than ever be in a position where you realize you’re running out of money halfway through a home renovation.  

Selling your home and wondering why, despite lots of showings, there haven’t been any offers? The reason could be that outdated features may be stopping you from selling your home.

There are some items and finishes that are a major turnoff for buyers because they envisage dealing with them will take too much time, or cause too much trouble or expense. And while it’s true that some buyers do take on home renovation projects providing they think these are worth the investment, that’s definitely not the case for every potential purchaser. 

To help you discover if your home contains something that’s putting off buyers, we asked real estate experts to share their insights, and these are the passé features they told us can prevent offers from coming in.

Outdated features stopping you from selling your home

Housebuyers can find it hard to see past some finishes and items when they look at a home. The result? They won’t make an offer at all because the work they think is required isn’t something they want to take on.

While there are some room colors that mean lower offers, there are features that, although they might be relatively easy to deal with, result in buyers not making an offer at all. 

This advice from real estate professionals will allow you to look at your home with a fresh eye to discover whether it’s harboring the obsolete features buyers just don’t want to have to tackle.

1. Popcorn ceilings

Textured ceilings are a feature that put potential buyers off, according to Chelsea Werner , global real estate advisor at ONE Sotheby’s. 

‘Ceilings adorned with a popcorn texture, once trendy, are now considered passé and can date a home,’ says Chelsea. ‘Many buyers prefer smooth or textured ceilings. Typically, the removal of popcorn ceilings can be an additional expense and an inconvenience for potential homeowners.’

2. Carpet

While you might be a fan of cozy carpet underfoot, it could be scaring away buyers. ‘Carpeting is definitely high on the list of outdated features that prevent home sales,’ says Jared Blumberg, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass.

‘No matter how nice the pattern or quality, most people do not like carpeting in their homes and prefer almost any other flooring type in its place,’ he explains. ‘Wood floors – like wood floor ideas for living rooms and wood floor ideas for bedrooms – are certainly the top choice for buyers, but even a nice well-placed floor tile could be attractive. 

‘Even if the carpeting can be removed, there can be a mystery of what is underneath and the current condition of it,’ Jared adds. ‘Removing carpeting and having to add new flooring can be an expensive undertaking that most buyers do not want to bother with. Whatever you do, please do not put carpet in your bathroom. I have seen this more times than I probably should have.’

3. Colored baths

Grown used to your colored bathroom fittings? Be prepared for buyers not to be so tolerant of these blasts from the past and show their preference for white bathroom ideas.

That goes for a colored toilet, bathtub, and/or sink. ‘If the bath features are old and white, a buyer can wrap their head around refreshing the flooring with minimal outlay,’ explains Sarah Goss, managing broker at Southwestern Real Estate. ‘If the shower, bathtub, toilet, etc. are Pepto pink, a buyer will see a total gut job and way too much time and money to be invested.’

4. Sliding barn doors

Sliding barn doors are a much more recent favorite than some of the features that scare away offers, but while barn doors are still in style and therefore an option for those staying put, if you’re selling, they can be a problem. 

‘One of the surprising features that is really pushing buyers away from homes is the inclusion of barn doors that slide,’ says realtor Maureen McDermut, of Sotheby’s International in Santa Barbara. ‘They were trendy for about five years but have since become an eyesore to some, and buyers don’t want to have to convert these into traditional doors.’

5. Dark cabinets

Look to kitchen and bathroom cabinets for a possible reason why your home isn’t selling. ‘Dark cabinets, and especially 1980s and 1990s oak cabinets, are just out of style,’ says Missy Derr, real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers Atlanta. ‘Overwhelmingly, buyers want white or light-colored cabinetry. It’s fresh and it’s highly desirable.’

You might be able to rescue the situation, though. ‘If a full kitchen or bathroom remodel is out of the question regarding time, or monetary constraints prohibit it, then the best thing one can do is pay to have cabinets painted,’ she suggests. Prefer to DIY? You can paint cabinets without sanding.

6. Old wallpaper

Think your old wallpaper’s a great retro feature? Think again, says Bradley Wilson, licensed real estate salesperson with Finger Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty in Skaneateles, NY, and also Richardson Sotheby’s in San Luis Obispo, CA.

‘Outdated wallpaper can deter buyers due to the uncertainty of what might be hidden beneath or behind it,’ he says. ‘The removal process is hard work, and buyers may worry about potential issues lurking behind it, making it a less appealing feature.’

7. Home theaters and sound systems

If you have a home theater and sound system with plenty of wires on show, it could be deterring buyers. 

‘The older home theater/sound systems required racks to hold all the various amplifiers and all the wiring that was required before everything became wireless,’ says John Gluch realtor and real estate coach at Gluch Group. ‘These tend to be a nightmare. They’re difficult to deal with and they break frequently. The sound system technology now is much better.’

8. Sliding glass doors

Super-sleek modern sliding glass doors are fine, but what can stop you from selling your home are the old-fashioned versions, according to real estate investor Danny Johnson of Danny Buys Houses.

‘Old sliding glass doors are almost always a buzz kill,’ he says. ‘Nobody wants to have to jiggle the door as you slide it to get it opened or have to slide a bar down to lock the door. Swapping out these old doors with French doors goes a long way to making a home much more appealing.’

9. Sunken living rooms

OK, it worked in Don Draper’s New York city apartment in Mad Men, but now the sunken living room can frighten the offers away.

‘These were so popular in the 1960s and 1970s,‘ says independent real estate broker in San Diego County, California Mylène Merlo. ‘Many were designed to create a separate cozy gathering space. Today, they are considered tripping hazards, and break up the floor plan. 

‘Remedies can be expensive – if the ceilings are high, many homeowners will pay a contractor to raise the floor and even it out with the rest of the space. Home buyers generally prefer a flowing open floor plan; sticking to one-floor height is a big plus.’

10. Brass-framed shower enclosures

A brass-framed shower enclosure might be what’s stopping the offers from coming in when you’re selling a house. 

‘In the 1990s and early 2000s, brass-framed shower enclosures were prevalent in bathrooms,’ says real estate investor Chris McGuire, Founder of Real Estate Exam Ninja. ‘However, the brass finish can make a bathroom feel dated and less luxurious. Buyers now tend to prefer frameless or brushed nickel shower enclosures, which provide a more modern and sleek appearance. Upgrading the shower enclosure can greatly enhance the overall appeal of a bathroom.’

FAQs

Do I need to fix everything before selling a house?

You don’t need to fix everything before selling a house, but there are some things you should address. ‘If a buyer has no idea of the cost involved with bringing plumbing or electrical up to code and it’s creating a safety concern, it will likely be too much to bear,’ says Sarah Goss, managing broker at Southwestern Real Estate. 

Some buyers are prepared to see beyond the outdated features, of course. If you are one of these, be sure to get in the know about the home renovation mistakes to avoid. You can save money on home renovations, too. Calling in the pros? The questions to ask a contractor before you hire them will ensure you get the right person.

While the process of trying to sell your home can feel daunting, there are some simple yet highly effective hacks that can reel in buyers quickly.

Every seller wants to increase their chances of an offer to avoid having their home on the market for longer than expected, and while making big upgrades can improve your home's appeal, these can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, small details can make a significant difference. The key is to appeal to potential buyers when finding ways to sell a house fast.

We asked property experts what were the simple tricks that they have found make houses sell much quicker. These are the seven techniques and tweaks you can make to ensure selling your home is a smooth and speedy process.

Easy hacks to speed up the selling of your home

'Simple yet impactful, these easy home selling hacks create an environment where buyers can visualize themselves moving in immediately,' says Jim Gray, real estate professional and a performance coach at Agent Advice. 'With some strategic prep, you could be holding that sold sign before you know it!'

So before you resign yourself to playing the long listing game, try implementing a few of these tricks.

1. Depersonalize the space

'Personalizing can help make a house a home, but it’s important that potential buyers can envision your property as their own. To do this it's essential to avoid having too many personal possessions, such as family photos, around the home,' explains Gavin Powell, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes.

'Buyers will be keen to view a home as a blank canvas, which can be challenging when walls and shelves are covered in another family’s photos.'

2. Improve the curb appeal with small touches

First impressions are everything, so you've got to bring your A-game when it comes to curb appeal ideas. Potential buyers only get to see your home for a small window of time, and minor issues that might seem trivial could leave a lasting impression.

'The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so make sure it looks inviting and well-maintained,' advises Adam Chahl, real estate agent at Place Real Estate.

'Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint on the front door, a well-mowed lawn, and well-maintained landscaping can go a long way in creating curb appeal,' he explains. 'You can also opt for simple and inexpensive upgrades like adding new house numbers, a welcoming doormat, or some potted plants to add charm and personality,'

Additionally, consider power wash siding and walkways to ensure they look fresh. These small updates can make a big difference in attracting buyers to your home.

3. Remove obstructions to make the space seem larger

When staging your home for potential buyers, it's important to remove any items that are not contributing to the overall appeal of the space. These items can draw attention away from your home's best features and make it feel cluttered and smaller than it actually is.

For instance, Gavin Powell says: 'A crowded driveway can make the property appear smaller than it is. Simply removing any obstructions such as cars can give the illusion of more space, which can be attractive to potential buyers.

'Coats and shoes can take up excess space and collect dust and dirt. Clearing these items away ensures that the hallway is clean and tidy, and feels larger.

'Ensure your outdoor space is also clear of any distractions such as laundry, as this creates a more inviting environment for viewers and allows them to focus on the important features and potential of the property.'

By tactically removing anything non-essential, you'll create distinct living spaces that showcase the home's spaciousness and flow.

4. Get quality photos

'In the digital age, stunning visuals are paramount. High-quality images can attract more online views and generate greater interest among prospective buyers,' explains Mehdi Khachani, CEO of JMK Property Management. 'Make sure your agent uses a professional photographer to capture your home's best features.'

Well-lit, clean photography with the correct angles that clearly and accurately showcase your property to get the most interest, likes, and appointments.

5. Have a flexible viewing schedule

'Accommodate potential buyers by offering flexible viewing hours,' recommends Mehdi Khachani. 'This increases the likelihood of attracting serious buyers who may have tight schedules.'

Allowing showings during evenings and weekends, even with short notice, can help to draw in more interested parties.

6. Maximize lighting

'Brilliant lighting can make even a small room feel huge. During showings, fling open those curtains to increase natural light in your home,' recommends Jim Gray. 'But don't stop there – incorporate ample lamps and even under-cabinet lighting to eliminate dark corners and show buyers how bright and airy the home can feel.'

You can find low-cost lighting tricks that could add value to your home instantly, that you can temporarily install to illuminate the best parts of your house for the showing. We recommend these rechargeable wireless strip lights, from Amazon. 

7. Invite potential buyers back for another viewing

'Buying a house is usually the biggest purchase that most people make, so there is every chance potential buyers will want to view the property more than once,' says David Wilson.

'Sometimes buyers can feel that they are taking your time, so at the end of the viewing, take the time to welcome them back for another viewing or send them a follow-up message.'

FAQs

What is something you must do if you want to sell your home quickly?

'The number one thing that delivers when it comes to selling your home at its highest value is staging a home professionally,' says Jared Blumberg, real estate salesperson at Compass.

'When someone looks at your property online you have only eight seconds to capture their attention before they move on to the next one. A well-staged home will make for incredible photos and show in its best possible light. 

'I have seen it time and time again where a home is on and off the market for months or years, a new real estate agent is hired who brings in a great home stager and then it is sold in a matter of weeks. 

'It may not be the cheapest option, but it without question is the most bang for your buck that is a near guarantee to get results.'

This technique helps potential buyers imagine how their life could be in this particular space, ultimately speeding up the decision-making process.

Jim Gray, real estate professional, advises that you should try to be as flexible and responsive as possible throughout the process: 'You never know when that perfect buyer is going to want to swing by, so accommodate showing requests whenever you can. Reply promptly to inquiries and queries to demonstrate your eagerness.' 

A motivated seller who makes the process easy can be a tiebreaker against other properties.

Charm is abundant in a historic property. They hold history and character – but with it comes unique maintenance concerns that are not for the faint-hearted. So, is it a good idea to buy a historic home? 

Whether you have plans to restore a historic home to its former glory or update a historic home for modern living, there are several concerns around planning permission and structural integrity that can sometimes get in the way. 

Here, professional contractors and real estate agents weigh up the pros and cons of buying a historic home to help you make the best property choices. 

Is it a good idea to buy a historic home?

Just because historic homes can be a handful doesn't mean that you should avoid them entirely. The age of the property, where it is built, how it was built, and how it has been looked after all play big parts in helping you decide if it is worth buying a house. These are the seven things you should consider before putting in an offer.  

The Pros

1. They were built to last  

'Even if historic homes get a bit of a bad wrap for owners battling to keep a poorly insulated house warm or deal with moisture issues, you can rest assured that they are made with materials designed to last,' begins Danny Johnson, residential developer and owner of Danny Buys Houses:

‘'They don't build them like they used to' – there's a reason that statement is being made more and more. The building materials and craftsmanship used to build these beautiful houses are very difficult to find these days unless you have an unlimited budget,’ he shares. 

2. They have unique character and charm  

Historic homes are popular for a reason – they are awe-inspiring. With well-cared-for historic property, you won’t have to make a conscious effort to add value to your home; it will gain it naturally as it continues to age. 

‘Historic homes in NYC often boast unparalleled architectural details and craftsmanship, offering buyers a one-of-a-kind living experience. We see a great demand for anything like converted churches or schools,’ shares Madison Sutton, real estate agent at SERHANT. ‘Purchasing a historic home allows buyers to own a piece of NYC's rich cultural and architectural heritage, adding a sense of prestige and pride to homeownership. Unique homes will always be in demand in NYC.’ 

3. They are often in prized locations 

'Historic homes usually also come with a fantastic location,' points out Lindsey Harn, a top real estate agent with Christie's International Real Estate. ‘Older homes tend to be closer to town and more conveniently located to shops, restaurants, etc. So you can enjoy the convenience of an amazing location,’ she explains. 

Some older homes are also pleasantly situated in the countryside, allowing for spectacular views and relaxation. In a way, they can be the ultimate wellness homes – there is nothing not to like. 

4. They offer a great ROI 

Although not everyone buys to sell, it is worth considering the return on your investment when picking a property. Historic homes naturally increase in value as they age – so long as they are looked after well and don't fall into disrepair. Not to mention that a well-carried-out renovation will boost its value immensely – more so than adding the best ROI home improvements to a modern build, suggests Nancy Batchelor, Vice President at Compass. 

However, she says that not everyone is cut out to do a remodel, so it needs careful consideration before investing. 

The Cons

1. Remodeling is often more expensive 

There is more to think about before planning a remodel of a historic home compared to modern builds, not to mention that it is often more expensive as more needs to be replaced, rewired, or worked around. 

‘The typical recommendation is to set a budget and then double it,’ warns Danny Johnson, home renovator. ‘Opening walls in these homes tends to uncover lots of surprises. This can be in the form of an old knob and tube wiring that is still hot, lack of insulation, or old termite or water damage.’ 

What’s more, when renovating an old property, you may have to go custom for many appliances and fittings to help them fit in, reminds Missy Derr, real estate advisor at Engel & Volkers: 

‘A direct example of this is my bathroom remodel. Standard bathtubs are 60'', however, my bathroom was only 57'' wide. This required a specially ordered pedestal tub as I wanted to honor my own home's 1920s build date plus my own desire to enjoy bubble baths.’

2. They require constant maintenance  

Home maintenance is a must with any house, but it is far more involved in a historic property, especially maintenance tasks to lower energy bills which are typically higher in older homes. 

‘Historic homes often require ongoing maintenance and preservation efforts to upkeep their structural integrity and historical character, which can result in higher maintenance costs compared to newer properties,’ says estate agent Madison Sutton. Done properly, however, these tasks will keep the home in top condition for years to come.

3. They lack modern amenities  

Depending on the location and age of the property, some historic homes lack modern amenities, estate agent Madison Sutton continues. It will be up to you to decide if the charm and character of the space are worth more than having the biggest and best home upgrades or eco-home improvements.  

FAQs

Why are old houses built so well? 

Older homes and historic properties are usually more sturdy as they were made with higher quality materials and built more slowly compared to modern builds that are put up quickly and cheaply to accommodate a rapidly growing population and a steep increase in second (or more) homes. This is also why a historic home (when looked after) is likely to last longer than most modern builds despite having stood for far longer.  

How old does a house have to be to be considered historic?  

As it stands, a building or home is considered historic if it was built before 1945. Any building built in the last 30 years is considered a ‘new build,’ as they are yet to be tested by the rigors of time. A building also usually gains this title thanks to interesting features (such as character features or build techniques) and their location.  

'Buying a historic home is not for the faint of heart,’ concludes Missy Derr, real estate advisor. ‘Projects will run over budget. Defects will be hidden. However, if you are patient and careful with your home, your budget, and yourself you will find that the opportunity you have given yourself will reward you.’ 

Buying a house is an investment it’s vital to be cautious about. Whether it’s a fixer-upper or not, there are some issues that mean a house could end up costing more than it’s worth.

A home inspection will give you valuable information, of course, but your own observations when you first see the house can give you plenty of insight into possible problems if you know what you should be looking for.

We asked real estate and construction professionals to share the signs that a house isn’t worth the investment so you can swerve the heartache that comes with bills you weren’t expecting and a purchase that could prove very costly.

7 signs a house isn’t worth the investment

Many homebuyers are happy to take on home renovation projects, but some issues aren’t worth the investment. Taking on a house with these problems can leave owners out of pocket and full of buyer remorse.

We’ve put together a guide to the red flag issues any house purchaser should be on the lookout for.

1. Cracking or sagging

Some problems are difficult to solve. ‘One major red flag is when a house has serious structural issues like a cracking foundation or sagging floors and roofs,’ explains licensed real estate agent Shannon Feick from ASAP Properties. 

‘These types of problems can be signs that the house is unsafe to live in. Repairing structural damage is incredibly expensive and also risky because it can reveal even more issues once you start the work. 

‘Buyers should look for uneven floors, doors that won’t close properly, or cracks along the walls and foundation as evidence of these issues.’

2. Foundation out of level

Foundation problems can become apparent in a house with additions or that has previously been remodeled. 

‘One sure sign a house is going to be too expensive for investment is when a house has been added onto or even just remodeled while the foundation was out of level,’ says real estate entrepreneur Danny Johnson, owner at Danny Buys Houses. 

‘This problem is difficult to cure because it might be impossible to get the entire house onto a single-level plane. It’s also possible that leveling the foundation will crack drywall, crack floor tile, push doorways out of square, and generally disrupt everything in the house so that it all needs to be redone. 

‘Be on the lookout for floors that slope in one room but are level in an adjacent room. On one occasion, I noticed there were cabinet filler pieces that had been cut into a wedge shape to try to mask the fact that it butted up against a wall that was not plumb. Placing a level on the countertops confirmed that the cabinets and countertops were not level.’

3. Outdated plumbing or electrical systems

Consider the age of plumbing and electrical systems to avoid buyer remorse. ‘For homes built several decades ago, the plumbing might be made of materials that are now known to be problematic, such as galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which can corrode, leak, or burst, leading to significant water damage,’ explains Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Massachusetts-based construction company Bonsai Builders.

‘Similarly, electrical systems that haven’t been updated to current standards can pose serious safety hazards, including fire risks. Updating these systems can be invasive and expensive, often requiring walls to be opened up, which adds to the overall renovation costs.’

4. Roof and siding in bad shape

Be aware of the possibility of roof and siding problems to swerve a bad investment. ‘If shingles are missing, curling, or you spot stains on interior ceilings, the roof may need more than just minor repairs – it could require a full replacement,’ says Heath Birdsong, project manager at Ridgeline Construction Roofing & Exteriors.

‘Similarly, with siding, if you see widespread rot, mold, or warping, it’s not just a cosmetic issue. These problems can signal deeper structural damage from water infiltration, leading to costly repairs. Replacing a roof or siding involves not just the outer materials but potentially fixing underlying damage. It’s a big investment, and while a new roof or siding can improve a home’s value, the costs can outweigh the benefits if the damage is severe.’

5. Hazardous materials

Another concern around older homes is hazardous materials. ‘The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead-based paint can be a red flag,’ says Kristin Hintlian.

‘These materials were common in older homes but require specialized removal processes that can substantially increase renovation costs. They also pose health risks during renovation, necessitating the involvement of professionals trained in hazardous material removal. 

‘When these materials are discovered, it's not just a matter of updating aesthetics or improving functionality; it’s about making the home safe for occupancy, which can dramatically impact your budget and timeline.’

6. Lingering on the market

A house that has been listed for a long time could also suggest an issue. ‘A red flag to look out for that may indicate a house isn’t worth the investment is if the house has been on the market for a long time – longer than you would expect for a house of its listing price and apparent quality,’ explains Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant and a landlord of several residential properties in upstate New York and Colorado.

‘Much of the time, this could indicate that there are issues with the home that aren’t instantly visible. There may have been other potential buyers who had completed pre-offer inspections only to discover some problems that made the investment not worth it for them. This could also indicate that the seller is not willing to negotiate much on price, even with home issues being discovered.’

7. Drained inground pools

Be aware that an empty pool might bring serious costs. ‘We’ve bought a house in San Antonio before where the pool was empty when we bought the house,’ recalls Danny  Johnson. ‘The pool needed to be replastered and tiled. We paid thousands of dollars to do this, and it looked amazing. 

‘The problem we faced became apparent when the pool was finished and filled with water. I found it was terribly out of whack. You could not tell the pool was low on one side without water in it. After being filled, you could see where the water line did not match the tile border. It was way off! Leveling an inground pool is very expensive, and you run the risk of breaking plumbing. It’s best to avoid this situation altogether.’

FAQs

How do you tell if your house is a bad investment?

Look out for the signs that you will need to undertake work on a property to avoid costly renovation mistakes. ‘When it comes to major issues with a property, it’s important that one assesses each individual item that will need to be replaced or repaired and truly assess whether that is worth the investment or not,’ says Sebastian Jania, Director of Ontario Property Buyers. ‘Once one starts to go into more extensive renovations beyond cosmetic ones, it starts to be less and less worth it to do those renovations, especially if one is inexperienced with such extensive projects.’

It’s the big ticket items that any prospective homebuyer needs to be mindful of when considering a purchase – but if you’re not ready to walk away, call in a licensed inspector to conduct a full home inspection. ‘They can give great insight of big ticket item expenses that might be needed immediately,’ says Blake Blahut, broker associate and realtor at Realty ONE Group. ‘More often than not, these excessive expenses do not yield a return.’

Buying and selling property is one of the most stressful life events, but it also presents an opportunity for exciting new beginnings.

With the 2025 property market already on an upwards swing and interest rates continuing to fall, being clued up on the top 10 rising real estate trends can help you buy and sell with confidence this year.

From small upgrades that can boost home value to larger investment renovations, here's why these trends will impact your property journey.

Real estate trends 2025

1. Integrated smart home technology

As Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group, one of South Florida's most prominent real estate luxury sales and development firms, explains, 'Technology continues to play a critical role in the design marketing of condos. From virtual tours to smart home features, technology is making it easier for buyers to find and invest in properties that suit their exact needs,' making everyday life a little easier and more relaxed.

'Moving forward, I expect even more advancements in tech-driven amenities and services that enhance convenience and connectivity, such as remote management of rental units, automated home systems, and personalized digital concierge services.'

Furthermore, Liz Hogan, executive director of luxury estates at Compass Real Estate notes that these smart features, such as integrated security systems, speaker systems, and home automation, are now features that buyers in today's market typically have as part of their criteria when shopping for homes. She shares, 'I believe that this trend will only become more relevant as time progresses, and will revolutionize the standard for the kinds of amenities homes will include and what buyers look for.

‘Implementing smart home technology will benefit both the buyer and seller because the buyer will be buying a property that already has the smart home technology installed around the property, and the seller gets to charge a "premium" in the price for already including that amenity as part of the property.’

This heightened importance of technology is also echoed in virtual viewings – a trend still overhanging from the pandemic – which now, as mentioned by Defortuna, has taken on a new form, with the use of virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) technologies.

Keith Sant, realtor, founder, and CEO of Kind House Buyers, says, 'In the real estate industry, these technologies are expected to change how buyers experience properties. With VR, potential buyers can virtually tour a property right from their couch. This saves time and effort for both buyers and sellers, and lets buyers get a feel for the space without physically being there. On the other hand, AR can give valuable info about a property, like square footage, room dimensions, and potential renovations. These techs will make the buying process more efficient and convenient for everyone involved.’

Online real estate will also continue in 2025, with digital auctions, viewings, and agents making buying and selling more convenient. ‘But, make sure to do your homework and choose reputable online platforms for a smooth and successful transaction,’ Sant urges.

2. Increased interest in sustainable properties

Sustainable homes with significant eco-home improvements will also continue to dominate the spotlight in 2025, particularly as concerns about climate change and rising fuel prices reach an all time high.

Nathan Richardson, founder of CashForHome.com, advises, 'Among buyers, there is an increasing priority for energy-efficient features such as solar panels, smart thermostats, and high-performance insulation material.

'These reduce utility costs (helping you to save money at home and cut energy bills) but also match well with the growing eco-conscious mindset of millennials and those from Generation Z who are joining the market.

'These houses will appeal not only to this category of buyers, but also be viewed as future-proof investments.'

Additionally, when it comes to re-selling later down the line, Chelsea Werner, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass, adds, 'Homes designed for energy efficiency also help buyers with certain tax breaks, and makes it more attractive for resale value.'

Therefore, anything from investing in eco-heating to installing solar panels will be enough to help persuade buyers to your side.

All prices correct at time of publication.

3. Warm neutrals

When it comes to 2025 interiors ins and outs, one of the biggest switches has been a move towards warmer paint colors, as opposed to the crisper, cooler tones that dominated over the last few years.

Ashley DeHart, founder of Realty from DeHart, says, 'Some trends we will start seeing in 2025 are a shift from the white and gray theme that has had a foothold on interior design for a while to more 'greige' and warm neutral colors.'

This is something that Michael Altneu, VP of Global Luxury at Coldwell Banker agrees with, identifying it in their 2025 Trend Report. He says, 'With its strong emphasis on open floor plans and sleek lines softened with a natural material palette, 53.9% of Luxury Property Specialists cite that warm modernism is the most popular design style among today's affluent homebuyers.'

To decorate with neutrals, opt for the best warm neutral paints in your space, for a grounding feel and relaxing vibe.

4. Bringing the outside in

In 2025, there is also an increased focus on bringing the outside in, says luxury property expert Altneu.

He explains, 'Over 60% of Luxury Property Specialists surveyed identified indoor/ outdoor merging as among their top three luxury design features that are most popular with their clients, emphasizing the integration of nature into interior spaces.'

As identified by realtor DeHart, the modern twist on this trend is less about ivy wall stencils popular in the 90s and 00s, for example, and more about styling with natural materials, like bamboo accents, indoor plants, and eco-friendly materials and goods.

This may also be represented in large windows, or a balance of a home's façade and interior decor with nature, tying in your home's natural environment for harmonious design.

5. Homes with wellness spaces

Another quality of life upgrade that makes any property more appealing in 2025 is wellness in design. Think home gyms, saunas, and plunge pools, shares Lisa Simonsen, luxury real estate agent with Brown Harris Stevens in New York. ‘These are the new "amenity status symbols",’ she explains.

Luxury property expert Altneu identifies that, according to 74.4% of Luxury Property Specialists, a spa-like primary bath is the most popular wellness amenity, followed by fitness studios (47.1%).

If you are looking to improve the quality of wellness spaces in your home, something as simple as a spa bathroom can make an impact on a buyer. And, for a lower cost option, why not make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa, using cotton wool balls or pads, and essential oils, such as the Mainstays 100% Pure Essential Oil available at Walmart.

6. Flexible, multi-functional rooms

Real estate expert Richardson asserts, 'Another trend in 2025 is flexibility in spaces. Buyers are looking for homes where they can have multifunctional rooms that can serve as a home office, fitness studio, or guest room, depending on their needs due to the hybrid work model,' which has become adopted more and more since the fallout of the pandemic.

'This makes it easier for homeowners to move their property within a competitive market because it adds great value to it,' and is therefore one of the best ways to add value to your home in 2025.

As Paul Dashevsky, tiny home Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) authority, and co-founder and co-CEO of GreatBuildz explains, this is most commonly seen in the investment of flexible tiny homes. which have become a huge trend in modern real estate marketplace, exemplified by the extreme media buzz around Amazon now selling 'tiny homes,' complete with balconies and picture windows.

Yes, really, properties such as the Modern 2-Storey Tiny House 2 Bedrooms Portable Prefabricated Garden Home can be purchased at Amazon, for under $20,000.

'The rise of the tiny home Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has been nothing short of spectacular,' says Dashevsky. 'Once a niche residential real estate concept, ADUs, often referred to as guest houses, granny flats, 'casitas' or in-law suites, have exploded in popularity, transforming backyards across the nation.

'This surge in interest reflects a growing need for flexible living spaces, a desire to increase property value (with renovation projects that will add value to your home), a means to generate revenue, and even a solution to some housing challenges.'

7. Personalization

Following a similar trend to warm, welcoming neutrals, an increasing number of buyers are also looking for personalized features when it comes to buying and selling property in 2025, says realtor DeHart.

She explains, 'We are seeing an uptick in people personalizing their homes to showcase their own style. Hidden book nooks, garden walls, and other features have been popping up, with social media platforms like TikTok pushing the trend.

'As people see others doing unique projects in their home, with step-by-step instructions, it has emboldened viewers to jump on the bandwagon.

'That being said,' she warns, 'not all of these things are great for resale value. The more nuanced the changes you make to your home are, the smaller the pool of potential buyers will see it as an asset.'

For something a little more mainstream, Jennifer Roberts, broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg, suggests taking advantage of wallpaper trends. She says, 'Homeowners are moving away from open floor plans and wanting distinct rooms that provide cozy spaces and functionality. Wallpaper is making a big comeback,' and is an easy way to inject personality in a space without changing aspects permanently.

8. Climate-proof design

Adam Hamilton, CEO of REI Hub advises that future-proofing homes against extreme weather is also becoming an attractive feature in the real estate market of 2025.

He says, 'Something that more buyers are frequently asking about, and that I think will continue to be popular in 2025, is climate-proof design. The specifics of this can vary depending on where the home is located.

'For example, buyers often want hurricane windows in areas where hurricanes and high winds are a top risk. Or, in areas where earthquakes are a concern, seismic retrofitting is popular. Not only are upgrades like these capable of making a home better equipped to withstand a major storm, they can also bring down homeowners insurance costs, which is a major plus.'

9. First-time luxury

According to luxury real estate expert Altneu, the way first-time buyers are buying a house is also changing in 2025.

He says, 'Luxury developers are focusing on personalized designs and strong, long-term investment potential to meet evolving luxury buyer expectations. In fact, a majority (47.9%) of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury specialists reported an increase in first-time luxury home-buyers.'

While, obviously, more expensive, this is an effective way to avoid buyer's remorse, and any signs a house isn't worth the investment.

10. A demand for space

Finally, and perhaps most unsurprisingly, John Walkup, co-founder of UrbanDigs, points out that demand for space – in suburban and other areas – will remain a trend.

'It's likely that the demand for suburban/ exurban spaces will continue,' he says. 'This will largely be driven by the proliferation of remote work.'

FAQs

Which room adds the most value to a house? 

Kitchens continue to add the most value to a home, especially when recently redecorated or remodeled with up-to-date appliances and cabinetry. Large, self-contained kitchens with an island or dining space are often seen as the most appealing going into the 2025 market, according to realtors.

Does interior design increase home value?  

Investing in your home’s interior design and its notable features, such as bathrooms and kitchens, will add value to your home and make it more alluring to buyers – especially if it is recently renovated and provides buyers with a space they will not have to splurge on when they first move in. Using interior design trends in easily changeable spots can help to pull buyers in, but sticking to timeless choices in main areas will ensure a sale.

'A home that stands out in 2025 will be a mix of desirable smart technology, eco-friendly features, and thoughtful design catering to contemporary lifestyles,' says property expert Richardson. 'Homeowners who invest in upgrades like an inviting outdoor space, well-lit home office, or energy-efficient appliances can significantly increase the appeal of their property to buyers. With these ongoing trends, homes are now better positioned for future-forward buyers in this dynamic real estate market.'

Next, find out about which gardening trends will be huge in 2025, to prepare your home for sale both inside and outside.

Buying or selling a home in winter has traditionally been portrayed as difficult and best avoided unless you are desperate to move. Skeptics will say things like 'winter is a slow time of year' or 'it’s too cold and no one wants to view homes'. Worse still, some people believe you will get less for your home if you sell in winter. But are these assumptions really true?

Buying a house or selling your home during the winter months is certainly more complex than during the summer months. But listing your property at this time of the year has its benefits, and those looking to buy a new home may find they encounter fewer competitors.  

We asked real estate experts to weigh in on what buying or selling a home in winter is really like. Below, they offer their wisdom and advice on what you should know.

Selling a home in winter isn’t as much of an issue as it once was

Is everything you’ve heard about winter being a tough time to sell wrong? Not quite. Is it as difficult to sell in winter as it used to be? Also not quite true. The truth is that it has become easier to sell during the winter months. 

Steve deGuzman is a realtor and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, and he acknowledges that ‘traditionally, fewer people are looking to sell or purchase homes in the winter months.' The reasons are obvious: 'The weather is not as nice, the trees are bare, and it's more difficult to improve the curb appeal.'

'However, with the more widespread adoption of home-buying apps and virtual home tours, the seasonality of house sales has become less of an issue. These tools can give prospective buyers the best possible representation of a home right from their computer or device.'

Of course, virtual tours will never fully replace in-person tours - after all, buying a home is still a huge decision, and most people will want to visit the home at some point. Real estate technology is making it a little easier to get a buyer interested, though. That initial interest may just get them to book an in-person viewing, even if the weather’s cold. 

2. Winter can be a good time to buy

The disadvantage of buying a home in winter is that fewer people put their homes up for sale, which means a lower inventory. At the same time, as a buyer, you still may find winter to be advantageous because in deGuzman’s words: 'there is also less competition from other prospective buyers.' You may find the whole process of looking and making an offer for a house a little less stressful and daunting in winter. 

'Moreover, the owners of homes for sale in winter months may be more motivated to sell and accept offers due to the lower pool of potential buyers,' says deGuzman.

Frances Katzen, The founder and leader of The Katzen Team at Douglas Elliman, agrees, recommending buyers take advantage of the relative quiet of the winter months: ‘When there is less movement, and it’s not as busy, you have more negotiability,' she explains. 'Some sellers might be willing to offer off-season discounts.'

This, of course, is not a guarantee, and any winter discount will be small. Still, combined with reduced competition, the room to negotiate is still to be taken into account if you’re buying. 

3. Winter is a great time to check the energy efficiency of a house

There’s another important advantage to buying a home in winter, and it has to do with gauging how energy-efficient it is. If you’re buying in the spring and summer, you may not even think about checking how well the attic is insulated or how warm the house feels. But these are essential considerations if you’re buying in a climate with cold winters and want to cut energy bills. 

Frances Katzen tells us that winter is 'a great time to check for efficiency firsthand to evaluate the insulation, windows, fireplace, furnace, or water heater.’  

If you’ve found that you like a home, but it’s not energy efficient and will require eco-friendly home improvements, you may have more negotiating power with the seller. However, if you want to move in ASAP and it’s winter, you may need to weigh the potential discomfort (and high energy bills) against any potential savings on the home.

4. You may need to stage your home differently if selling in winter

By staging a house, we don’t mean you’ll have to redecorate completely. However, you may need to make a few effective changes that will make your home more appealing to winter buyers. 

Typically, a home will appear darker and less appealing in winter than in the summer, so you, the seller, will need to compensate for the darkness. Frances Katzen recommends making your house look 'as cozy and as bright as possible by utilizing white bedding and bringing in as much natural lighting as you can.' 

Improving natural light can be as simple as pulling all the curtains to the side of the window. If you are hosting viewings after dark, ensure your home is well-lit with plenty of attractive side lighting.

One thing you should never do as a winter seller is neglect your outdoor spaces. Sure, they won’t look as attractive as in summer, but buyers still want to imagine enjoying the deck/barbecue in the summer, so make sure you point out all the outdoor amenities. 

FAQs

You may have noticed a pattern here: buyers seem to get more benefits in winter than sellers. Does this mean that you shouldn’t list your home right now? Not necessarily. It's important to weigh up the pros and cons before listing your property on the market and if you have a specific figure in mind, don't be afraid to stick to it. Winter will only be around for so long, so you may decide to hold out and buy or sell a home in summer instead. 

Taking on a fixer-upper that you intend to transform into your own dream home and renovating to sell require two very different mindsets. So it's no surprise that people make house-flipping mistakes.

Whether you are adding value to a home for substantial returns or are decorating a forever home, both will likely involve demo days, reconfiguration, and a lot of manual labor.

Real Housewives newcomer Erin Lichy is the founder of the renovation, house-flipping and development company Homegirl. She has shared the three most common mistakes people make in this area, and what to do instead.

House flipping mistakes

For the best ROI home improvements, she explains why a forensic examination of the people who will be buying it is key, as well as materials and trends to avoid.

1. Using overtly niche materials

First, Erin Lichy cautions against choosing anything too unusual when renovating a fixer-upper. Terrazzo tiles might make our hearts sing, and win over some prospective buyers, but the design simply has to appeal to a large number of buyers, otherwise, the sale process could take far longer than planned.

'Onyx countertops are cool but not functional, and not for everyone,' adds Erin. Similarly, she says that you should avoid having too many matching fabrics – on curtains, wallpaper, and bedding, for instance. 'Finally, avoid using too many built-ins that may suit one buyer but not another.'

2. Not doing enough future market research

The second house-flipping error Erin has often observed people make is overlooking the importance of future market research. 'ALWAYS understand your buyer! Most simple but most overlooked. It's not about what YOU like, it's about what they want,' she says. The key is to 'understand buyers and how the neighborhood is changing and what its needs are.' 

The New York Post shared an example of how she transformed a two-story home on Bleecker Street and sold it for £1.7m by being finely tuned into what was going on in the housing market in New York. Erin knew that many buyers would be relocating to Bushwick from the East Village and Williamsburg, where views and outdoor areas are hard to come by, and ensured these two features were included in the renovation.

As a rule of thumb, Erin also recommends keeping to a neutral palette: 'Clean and bright always wins. If you have a big enough space where you can add pops of color, great but if it's a smaller space and you simply want to sell, you want to appeal to a larger buyer pool.'

3. Following stale trends

Erin says house flippers should stay well away from over-done interior design trends such as wall-to-wall carpet, modern farmhouse, or 'the black hardware EVERYWHERE trend.' Opt for classic designs that stand the test of time and read up on the room colors real estate agents say will sell a house fastest. 

Instead of including designs inspired by fleeting trends, she recommends choosing timeless finishes and adding fun through decor that adds character but can be easily swapped out at a later date. 

Whatever space you are decorating, focus on value-adding designs, from living room features that add value to quick and easy updates: 'Whether it be updating hardware throughout or gutting a kitchen, one should always ask themselves what would add value to this home. Consider whether the home has enough storage, gets enough light, and has an open feel. Address each one with the same importance,' she says.

FAQs

House-flipping means thinking about the big things, like layout changes and who will be buying the property, as well as the small details: 'I like to use a lot of small decor items to make the space feel lived in like throws, vases, candlesticks, kitchenware, etc. I also think having linens out and even slippers by the bed help buyers imagine themselves in the space.'

Selling Sunset's Jason Oppenheim is among the most famous realtors in the US – and he's also the 'best' – according to those in the know. So, of course, when he shares advice on selling – we take note. 

The Netflix star and founder of the Oppenheim Group sat down with H&G to discuss the room he calls the 'centerpiece of your home: the kitchen. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this space is the one that Jason recommends upgrading (above all else) before listing. However, the process doesn't need to be as expensive as it sounds – and it can often lead to a 'significant' return. 

'If I’m uplifting a home slightly, I like to paint the kitchen cabinetry, often just white. You can replace the cabinet pulls for a couple of hundred dollars, and often, you can get away with just replacing the countertops,' Jason says. 

While it helps to replace your cabinet poles and countertops, Jason explains that paint is the most impactful way to elevate your kitchen – and the entirety of your property. 

'I always look for bang for your buck. Everyone wants to make sure whatever they invest in their house – they will get at least a two to three-dollar return. The first thing I would have to say is paint. This is generally the best – and most cost-effective – way to add value to any property,' he says.

And, while many fresh colors are likely to add value to your home, Jason recommends going white (or off-white) – an apt choice – considering his recent partnership with Behr. Jason used their Designer Collection shades in his recent penthouse renovation – but he often chooses neutral tones for his clients, too.

'After painting, you can go to hardwood flooring, cleaning, countertops, and staging; these are all things that offer pretty significant returns.'

In terms of kitchen colors, Jason uses the same hues in his own residence. 'I bought a home in Newport Beach; I didn’t redo the entire kitchen – I just repainted the cabinets white and replaced the poles and the countertops for around $8-9K,' he says. 

Changing these three things upgrades 'the centerpiece of your home' without the huge investment, but the return may pleasantly surprise you. 'You can get five times your return on investment for doing so. Begin with your kitchen and then your living room – these are the two most important.'

You can shop for the all-important white paint, along with other shades from Behr's designer collection below.

As far as dream homes go, a historic, red-brick townhouse nestled on a tree-lined street in the heart of Georgetown – arguably one of DC’s prettiest neighborhoods – is definitely high on the list.

But a current listing fitting that exact description beats them all. This particular house isn't just a beautiful home. The townhouse at 3321 Dent Pl NW, which dates back to 1942, also boasts some iconic former residents: former President John F. Kennedy, Jr. and former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

The couple moved into the three-story townhouse in January 1954, just after their wedding. In May 1954, they granted full access to rookie photographer Orlando Suero, who spent five days taking pictures of John and Jackie Kennedy, many of them in the house. 

'In December of 1953, John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier Kennedy signed their first lease as a newly married couple here, at 3321 Dent Place NW,' says the listing. 'JFK, still a junior senator at the time, and Jackie enjoyed hosting formal dinner parties and relaxing in the townhouse backyard garden – documented in the photo-illustrated chronicle Camelot at Dawn.' (available at Amazon).

The photos taken in the house have become iconic because they are so unguarded. John is shown working at home, and painting in the backyard, while Jackie is shown gardening and preparing dinner. The couple is also shown reading the morning papers at the breakfast table, and browsing their wedding photos, hosting casual dinner parties, and even playing football with neighbors Bobby and Ethel Kennedy.

The nearly 100 mostly unseen photos Suero took for the book show how idyllic the young couple's life was during the five months they lived in the house. 'This remarkable document of John and Jacqueline Kennedy's first year of marriage recalls the romance and the promise embodied by their life together in America's last age of innocence,' says the publicity for the publishers.

Spotted on RedFin and listed by Michael Brennan of Compass, the house’s specs are appealing in their own right, even without any knowledge of its previous tenants. 

With four bedrooms, four baths, and over 3,000 square feet, it’s a stunning amount of space for the heart of a major city. Along with a detached garage, the home also comes complete with a fairly sprawling garden – two more enviable traits, considering its urban location. 

Even so, the home’s history is the biggest draw. For a cool $2m, you can look just as iconic and chic. 

While some elements of the home today, such as the kitchen (above), could use some upgrading to fit with current tastes, there are plenty of other beautiful details worth saving, such as the panels around the fireplace in the living space. 

Although the listing (below) reveals the couple never personally owned the home, it has its own special history with the current owners. 'The four-level property has been with the same family since it was built in 1942,' says the write-up on Redfin. 

While some of the rooms have been changed and updated over time, there are still plenty of period features to admire. 'This classic Georgetown home retains numerous period details, including wide-board Canadian oak floors, a wood-burning fireplace, an expansive dining room with real oak molding, and a sun-filled living room with a wall of windows overlooking the garden,' says the listing. 

Outside, the backyard (below) is still very much the same as it was, designed in a beautiful English garden style, 'complete with profusions of purple bearded iris and white peonies,' says the listing. 

Though the house sits on a beautiful and quiet residential street, 3321 Dent Pl NW is near some of DC’s finest shops and restaurants. It's also a short walk from a few of the city's most famous attractions, including Georgetown University and M Street, and a metro ride away from the city's most iconic tourist spots – including, of course, The Kennedy Center.

Wondering, how much does it cost to hire movers? Calling in a moving company can make your relocation a whole lot less effortful than DIYing, so paying for pros is definitely an option worth considering.

Move yourself and you’ll need to hire a truck and pay for gas as well as do the heavy lifting – and you may well have to call on family or friends to help with the load. Using professionals, whether one of the best interstate moving companies or local movers, on the other hand, could save time, trouble, and stress.

Of course, hiring movers is just one of the moving costs you'll need to budget for. This guide to how much it costs to hire movers to help you decide if this is the right option and, if so, set aside the budget for the job.

Average costs to hire movers

What can you expect to pay to hire movers? ‘On average, hiring movers costs between $900 and $2,500,’ says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi. 

‘The exact cost will depend on the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, the exact date and time you move, and whether or not you add on additional services.’

These are the details of the elements that will determine the final cost to hire movers.

Mover costs according to your home's size

As you’d expect, the larger your home, the bigger the cost to hire movers.

‘The size of your home is a huge factor when determining your moving costs,’ says Mallory. ‘Larger homes have more items that need to be moved, which means the movers need more materials, a larger truck and more labor time to move your belongings. 

‘The cost of hiring movers for a small one-bedroom home starts between $240 and $500, while moving a large five-bedroom home can start from $800 to $1,500.’

Mover costs according to distance

As you’d also predict, moving across town will cost you less than moving to a different state. 

‘Distance is another important cost factor when hiring movers,’ says Mallory. ‘Short-distance moves are significantly less expensive than cross-country moves. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay $1,400 for every 7,400 pounds for a move within your state, or $5,600 for the same amount of weight to move from one state to another.’

Moving costs according to accessibility

Accessibility is an element of the cost of moving people often forget to take into account when hiring pros, but it matters. 

‘A single-story home with a private driveway is a lot easier and more accessible for movers than a nine-story walk-up building,’ says Mallory. ‘Make sure to talk to your movers about the accessibility of your home to get an accurate moving quote.’

Packing and other services

Moving home is hard, time-consuming work, so you might want to get the movers to help with extra tasks. ‘Many moving companies offer additional services to help you move,’ says Mallory. 

‘For example, you can hire the company to pack up your belongings in addition to moving them. You can expect to pay an additional $1,000 for an add-on packing service.’ Some movers will also disassemble and reassemble furniture, so you may want to get a price for this option when you get quotes. 

Bear in mind, too, that you may need to pay extra to move a speciality item like a piano, a pool table or to ship a car, so get a price if any of these apply in your case to be sure of what the total cost to hire movers will be.

FAQs

If you’re planning to relocate to a new house or apartment, one of the questions you’re bound to ask is how much does it cost to move? 

Whether you call in one of the best interstate moving companies, or pack and load yourself, it’s important to be able to set aside sufficient budget for the task.

The cost to move will be influenced by elements such as the size of your home and how far you’re moving, as well as whether you opt to DIY or use a moving company and, if it’s the latter you prefer, which of the company’s services you select.

Here, we take a look at how much it costs to move whether you hire movers or do all the work yourself.

Average US moving costs

Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, and whether you call on the professionals to do the heavy lifting and more influences the average cost of a move.

‘Hiring professionals for a local move costs around $1,800, whereas costs for long distance movers are usually around $2,500,’ says Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist for Fixr. 

‘To move DIY, expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $2,500 depending on the costs to rent a moving truck, the amount of belongings to be moved, and the distance traveled between homes.’

Costs for professional movers

The cost to hire movers will depend on a number of elements. ‘The cost to hire professional movers will depend on the distance of the move, the weight of your belongings, and any additional services you might need, such as packing and unpacking,’ explains Cristina. 

‘Larger homes will increase moving costs as they require more movers. The number of bedrooms and the distance traveled will determine the overall costs of moving.’

Cristina offers the following guides to moving service costs. 

250 mile move One bedroom house $750 to $1,500; two to three bedroom house $1,000 to $1,750; four to five bedroom house $1,500 to $2,500

1,000 mile move One bedroom house $1,500 to $3,000; two to three bedroom house $2,000 to $8,000; four to five bedroom house $4,000 to $10,000

2,500 mile move One bedroom house $2,750 to $6,000; two to three bedroom house $3,250 to $8,000; four to five bedroom house $5,000 to $15,000

When you’re hiring professional movers, be sure about what the service entails, and think about whether you’d like any additional tasks completed. ‘A professional moving company will generally include packing, loading, transportation, unloading and unpacking in the appropriate rooms of the destination home,’ says Cristina.

‘Some full-service companies will include disassembly and reassembly: if you have large items such as furniture that need to be disassembled in order to fit through doorways or down narrow staircases, the movers can take care of this for you.’

Costs, as you’d expect, vary according to the service level you opt for. ‘Labor-only services will simply load your belongings onto a truck and unload them at your destination,’ explains Cristina. ‘Full-service movers will take care of every aspect of the moving process, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking your belongings. Labor-only services will cost between $600 and $2,500, whereas the costs for full-service movers can range from $2,000 to $8,000.’

‘Your move’s cost will be impacted by any additional services you choose, such as disassembling and reassembling furniture, the relocation of specialty items, and the use of moving supplies like stretch wrap, felt pads, and mattress bags provided by the movers,’ she adds.

Costs to move DIY

Thinking of taking on the work yourself? ‘If you are able to do all the packing and loading yourself, you may be able to save some money on your move by taking the DIY route,’ says Cristina. 

‘DIY moving still entails costs for rental of a moving truck, as well as for fuel and any additional expenses such as hotels or meals if you are traveling a long distance. The average cost to hire a moving truck is between $650 and $2,500.’

It’s also possible to take a partial DIY approach. You could hire a shipping container, which is delivered for you to pack then transported to your new location. The average cost for moving this way ranges from $800 to $3,000, according to Fixr. 

Alternatively, you might think of using a freight trailer moving service, where you rent space in a trailer, van, shipping container or boat. The average cost is $2,000 to $6,000, according to Fixr.

There is an additional cost to consider if you aren’t hiring movers. ‘Keep in mind that if you are opting for a DIY move, you'll have to pay for the packing material yourself,’ says Cristina. For example, Fixr’s research shows that a large box costs $3 to $4; a wardrobe box $8 to $20; a glass packing box $10 to $20; bubble wrap $10 to $50; and protective wrapping paper $10 to $50.

Just as with hiring the pros to move, house size and distance count.‘The size of your home will determine what size truck you will need to move your belongings, meaning the larger the home, the higher the costs will be to rent a moving truck,’ says Cristina.

‘DIY moving costs also depend on the number of belongings to be moved, as packing supplies such as moving boxes and bubble wrap will be needed.

‘The distance traveled with a rental moving truck will also determine the costs of moving DIY as you need to consider expenses such as gas, tolls, food, and overnight stays.’

FAQs

When it comes to the real estate industry, few figures rival Emma Hernan. The star of Netflix's Selling Sunset is behind the most powerful sales in Los Angeles – responsible for million-dollar properties between West Hollywood to Newport Beach and beyond. So, when it comes to adding value to your home, you could do far worse than follow her advice. 

'Honestly, I can’t tell you how many houses I walk through at any given price point. From a million dollars to over twenty million dollars,' Emma says in an exclusive interview with H&G. Whatever the price point, however, the answer to boosting your house value remains the same. And the best part? The process is unexpectedly simple. 'I tell both buyers and sellers to invest in screwless switch plates,' the Oppenheim Group agent says. 

'Replacing the old outlet and just adding those adds so much to a house. They’re very easy and inexpensive. I like to give people advice that is not a huge fix. You don’t need to rearrange your whole house.'

Mastering your lighting ideas is always important, but as Emma says, its impact when selling a home is unrivaled. It is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that her advice doesn't end there.

'I tell any client that’s selling a house (and when they’re buying as well) to swap out any old incandescent light bulbs and put in warm 3000 LED lights,' Emma says. 'It will change the entire feeling of the home.' The agent explains that adding 3000 LED lights – even if you're not selling – will make your home feel 'brand new' – and help create the ambiance you want to omit to your guests or buyers. 

'It’s an easy and inexpensive fix. You can order all of them from Amazon [we found a deal below], and it’s super simple to install them yourself,' Emma says. 'I like to give people advice that is not only easy but inexpensive but will add so much value.'

'Put in a couple of hundred dollars versus thousands of dollars, and it just makes all the difference in the world,' Emma adds. Of course, we're making the change asap. 

The costs you'll incur when selling a house can be significant. But selling costs are just one of the expenses you’ll entail during the process of relocating, so getting in the know about them is vital to managing your finances.

There are some fees you might have considered already – like agent commission if you’re planning to use a pro – but there are other costs you may not have thought about that should be factored into the total you’ll pay if you're thinking of selling your house now. Being aware of what these are will ensure you don’t get an unpleasant surprise when you receive the closing statement, which, on average is around $30,000.

Here, we provide an expert guide to the cost to sell a house to help you draw up a budget.

How much does it cost to sell a house?

‘The average price to sell a house will vary depending on a few different factors such as your house itself, the current state of your local market, the cost of living, as well as the list prices of other homes in your area,’ explains Shelly Salas, HomeLight elite agent in Killeen, Texas.

‘It’s estimated that the average cost to sell a house is about $31,308, but there might be a little bit of leeway to recoup some of the costs. For example, if we’re in a seller’s market, you might be able to get the buyer to cover more of the costs than usual, especially if there are various offers coming through on the property. 

‘If the market is more in favor of the buyer, you may have to do more of the heavy lifting by putting in additional work and money to help attract attention from buyers.’

As for the cost to sell a house as a percentage of the sale price? ‘While each market is different and the cost to sell a home will vary from brokerage to brokerage, typically a seller can expect the cost to range from 10 to 12 per cent of the sales price,’ says Shelly.

Agent commission cost to sell a house

Agent commission is likely to be the largest of the costs involved in selling a house, but it isn’t a fixed amount. ‘The first thing all sellers should know is that commissions are negotiable,’ says Shelly. ‘There is no set amount that all agents charge. 

‘According to HomeLight’s transaction data, the national average real estate agent commission is 5.8 per cent of the property sales price. Over the past three years, agent commissions have averaged at about 5.47 per cent which covers both the listing agent and buyer’s agent fees.’

Marketing costs to sell a house

There may be other costs when selling your home. ‘Some agents will charge additional fees such as marketing fees, staging fees, etc, but it varies by realtor,’ explains Shelly. ‘For example, my team doesn’t add on any extra fees when marketing a client’s home. For those realtors who do charge additional fees when marketing a home, it’s important to keep in mind as a seller that you can always negotiate these additional fees. 

‘When an agent markets your house, there are a few fees you might have to pay. Staging and prep costs can range between 1 to 4 per cent of the typical sale price. When preparing your home for sale, it’s important to declutter ($400 for a dumpster rental) and deep clean the property ($300 per clean), apply a fresh coat of paint if needed ($1,900), brighten up the flooring ($1,800), spruce up your curb appeal ($3,500), and stage your home ($1,600). 

‘A seller who completes all of the tasks above would spend nearly $9,500 getting their home ready to market, which comes to around 3 per cent of today’s median home sale price which sits at $357,300.’

Costs to sell your home yourself

Decided to sell your home yourself to cut costs? ‘If you’re interested in marketing your home yourself, all you have to do is follow a few simple steps,’ says Shelly. ‘First, set a competitive price, which is considered by many agents to be the most important step of a marketing plan. Next, take professional photos of your home to attract a larger pool of potential buyers. In fact, homes with high quality photographs sell 32 per cent faster than those without visuals, according to research from VHT Studios.

‘Another great strategy is to make sure your listing description is appealing and creative. Think about how you’d like to depict your home by painting a picture in the buyer’s mind about what sets your property apart from the others in your neighborhood. Highlighting your home’s outdoor features as well as energy-efficient features, which are top buyer preferences today, can also help attract potential buyers. According to HomeLight’s research, 47 per cent of real estate agents have noticed homebuyers prioritizing energy-efficient features in their home search. 

‘Last but not least, if you know your home is in a prime location, sell that! HomeLight’s 2022 Buyer and Seller Insights report found that the top location-related features in a buyer’s home search include nearby necessities such as gas stations and grocery stores (49 per cent); a walkable neighborhood (35 per cent); a quality school district (31 per cent); proximity to work (30 per cent); and proximity to restaurants and shopping (24 per cent).’

Taxes and fees to sell a house

There may be additional costs you should bear in mind. ‘Sellers are typically responsible for prorated taxes from January 1st up to the day of the actual sale of the home,’ says Shelly. ‘Most settlement companies have additional fees as well as recording fees and document preparation fees, but these should all be included in the initial percentage cost breakdown that the agent presents to the seller during their initial consultation.’

Who pays closing costs?

The buyer of a home is responsible for many of the closing costs, but the seller is liable for some of them. These typically include transfer tax, title insurance, prorated property taxes and homeowner association fees.

Bear in mind, too, that you might be asked to pay some of the buyer’s costs in a buyer’s market where there’s a surplus of homes for sale and low buyer demand. 

What brings most value to a house?

To bring most value to a house in preparation for selling it, consider taking on one or more of the top remodeling projects revealed in the 2022 remodeling impact report from the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Refinishing hardwood floors is the project that pays back the most at resale, garnering 147 per cent of its cost, according to the study. This is followed by new hardwood flooring (118 per cent), and upgrading insulation (100 per cent).

Forget the hype around HGTV's House Hunters – in real life, house hunting can be a frustrating and drawn out affair – all those properties that look great on the real estate agent’s website, only to disappoint when you see them in person, or that are snapped up before you can arrange a viewing. 

But what if you could hire a professional house hunter to do the legwork for you in buying a house? A passionate property expert with an enviable contacts book, an encyclopaedic knowledge of your desired area, and the inside track on what homes are due to come on to the market, and who goes the extra mile to find you the perfect properties, even before they hit the listings? Yes, please.

House hunter services are increasingly sought out by clients who want to take the angst out of finding their forever home. We caught up with some of the best on the property trail to find out how they work, and what you can learn from them.

What a profile house hunter does that other real estate agents don't

The whole point of a house hunter is that they have access ordinary buyers don't, and they can leverage their network and insider knowledge to give you the key to the door of an incredible home. This is what they do. 

1. Find off-market homes

Native New Yorker, historian and real estate agent McKenzie Ryan says her knowledge of buildings, architecture, and neighborhoods far exceeds that of a standard broker. 

'I can really visualize and strategically guide my clients to the exact home that they are looking for,' she says. 'I have an inventory of off-market homes for sale as well as "likely to sell" owners who I can easily match with the right buyer, and vice versa. 

2. Use old-school and new-age resources

'Additionally, if we have exhausted all resources,' continues McKenzie, 'I use both old-school and new-age resources like handwritten letters to homeowners who have a property that fits my buyer's search, and will also post stories on my social media to tap my network of brokers and owners. 

'I have successfully utilized my social media to discover off-market and whisper listings for my clients, especially in low-inventory markets.'

3. Build close relationships with local real estate agents

'With a good contacts book and by really getting to know an area, a house-hunter will be introduced to houses that you don’t find online or in a real estate agent’s window,' says Katy Campbell, UK house-hunter and creator of eye-candy Instagram account @katy_campbell_house_hunter. 

'I have very close relationships with real estate agents, I know lots of people, and I have a big social media presence, so I get calls every day about houses that are coming up for sale.'

4. Offer virtual, FaceTime house viewings

'Where I operate, which is the whole of the Cotswolds and east towards Oxford in the UK, many of the most sought-after homes are sold off market,' continues Katy. 'I will go to view them and, if it looks really exciting, I might FaceTime my clients from the property and show them around. If they like it, I’ll make sure they are the first person through the door and help them to secure it before it even goes to market.'

5. Have a 'getting to know you' buyer interview

For McKenzie, it's all about performing at her peak for her clients.

'House hunting in Manhattan is its very own sport. Luckily, I trained for the Olympics as a Rhythmic Gymnast and have the determination, stamina, and real estate knowledge needed to find my clients the perfect home,' she says. 'I walk my clients through a 10-step buyer interview process so we can get extremely clear on what is most important to them in their future home.'

6. Build a relationship with you, the buyer

The rapport between client and agent is crucial.

'We’re working one-to-one, so it’s really important to build a relationship. It’s reassuring for them to know that if they call, it’s me on the line. And that if I recommend a house, it’s because I’ve seen it myself,' says Katy Campbell. 

'During the briefing process, I take a lot of time to understand their lifestyle, if they will be living as a family, do they want a separate bathroom and dressing room, how much space they need, how big a garden or yard they are willing to take on. The two key factors are budget and space, followed by the period of the property and any essential features. I only work with a handful of clients at a time, as there’s a lot of time and mileage that goes into finding houses.'

7. Know that it's about the community, not just the house

A great house hunter needs a really in-depth understanding of neighborhoods, buildings, history, architecture and of course, relationships. 'Oftentimes, a client will describe how they want to live rather than where they want to live,' says McKenzie Ryan.

'In New York City specifically, a buyer will often describe the type of amenities they want in their neighborhood, their ideal commute time, and the ideal style of the interior space. While a good house-hunter is immediately able to compute a number of options for their client, a great house-hunter can recommend specific buildings, and even listings they've recently toured. 

'Additionally, having strong relationships with other brokers who perhaps do a lot of work in specific neighborhoods or, for example, sell a lot of lofts or townhouses, is highly important in being able to facilitate a transaction for your buyer.'

'Clients also want to know about the community nearby, so if there are schools or a good restaurant close by. I might see a house that’s not in the precise location we talked about, or is a bit smaller than the clients specified, but I can see there’s room to build out the property,' says Katy.

8. Take time to find the right home

'Most of my clients give themselves a year to find a house, but occasionally it can be as quick as 10 weeks between viewing a property and having an offer accepted,' Katy Campbell says. 'Sadly, when I get to a house it’s often obvious that there’s something wrong with it – it might be close to a road, or have a huge pylon outside, or a quarry at the end of the garden. 

How much do house hunters charge and what do you get?

Both McKenzie and Katy work off a percentage of the property sale price for their fees, which is typical for house hunters.

'Everyone will have different fees. I also know that I save my clients’ money, as they don’t have to take the time off work for lots of viewings,' says Katy Campbell. 'I can also introduce them to architects and designers to help them achieve the home of their dreams.'

'Make sure you know what you are paying for,' suggests McKenzie. 'Communication is at the core of every successful relationship and home purchase. I recommend working with a house-hunter who has an intake or interview process and additionally, offers a weekly "touch base" time. 

'It's also important to agree the type of communication that best suits the client – for example, call, email, text, or Facetime. So Happy Hunting!'

Is now a good time to sell a house? It’s the question you’re bound to ask if you aren’t in the position where selling immediately is imperative, but instead you have the opportunity to weigh up the pros and cons of putting your home up for sale.

There are a number of factors you should take into account so you can make the best decision for your circumstances if you have the time to think about when to sell rather than being required to relocate or downsize immediately. Where you live, interest rates, and the time of year are among the elements that you need to consider.

To help guide your decision, we’ve put together the details on what to think about when selling a house fast, or slowly, and drawn on the expertise of real estate specialists.

Should I sell my house now?

The appetite for selling a house now remains strong. Of the Americans who tried to sell their homes in 2022, but didn’t, some 67 per cent say they plan to return to the market and sell a house in 2023, HomeLight’s buyer and seller insights for end of year 2022 reveal.

But what do you need to think about in making your decision whether you’re planning to return to market or listing your home for the first time? These are the things you should keep in mind.

Time of year for selling a house

Spring and summer are, as a rule, the best times of the year to sell a house, although this matters more if you live in a region with a colder climate. Selling in these seasons also gives buyers who need to be in their new home before school starts the time to meet their deadline. 

Homebuying goes on year round, of course, but you might want to hold off on selling your house in the later part of the year; buyers with kids in school will have aimed to have found somewhere, while in general there will be fewer people looking for homes as the holiday season comes around.

The economy

Like the weather, the economy is a factor over which you have no control, but if your decision to sell is one based on the long term rather than an immediate requirement, you can make it part of your thinking when deciding whether to sell your house now.

‘From a seller’s perspective, one should generally strive to sell a home during a non-recessionary period,’ says Andrew Griffith, proprietor of Andrew Griffith CPA and associate professor of accounting at the LaPenta School of Business of Iona University. 

‘When the economy in an area is having a hard time, one should expect that home prices will be suppressed. Most sellers would benefit by waiting until the economy recovers. The exception to this statement is if the seller intends to move from a state with a high cost of living (eg New York, California, etc) to a state with a low cost of living (eg Texas, Oklahoma, etc). When such a move is expected, the seller’s overall economic health would improve simply by relocating to a lower cost of living state. Depending on the circumstances of a seller’s financial situation, that seller may benefit by selling their home and relocating immediately afterwards.’

Interest rates

Low interest rates bring buyers to market which is good for sellers, increasing house prices and leading to multiple offers for homes. 

Interest rates have already risen so, as a prospective seller, what do you need to bear in mind in light of this? ‘If you decide not to list your home and interest rates go up, a buyer who could buy your home today may not be able to qualify in the future ultimately affecting what you net after the transaction is complete,’ says Justin Sisson, realtor at Bickmore & Associates.   

‘If you list now and rates come down in the future, then you likely could have some more money in your pocket. You will just need to assess your tolerance for risk to make that decision.’

Housing supply

Another element you need to consider if you’re thinking should I sell my house now is housing supply or inventory. In other words, are there plenty of homes on the market or are there fewer available? If it’s the latter, there will be more demand for the houses that are on offer, they are likely to sell more quickly, and prices tend to increase. 

Current conditions? ‘The demand for housing continues to outpace supply,’ according to Lawrence Yun, NAR (National Association of Realtors) chief economist and senior vice president of research. But get in the know about your area. ‘It’s important to know your local market conditions before deciding to sell or not,’ says licensed realtor Rinal Patel, co-founder of We Buy Philly Home.

Personal circumstances

Your own circumstances are always crucial in timing the sale of a house, and you should think about any subsequent purchase along with the sale of your current home. ‘Most sellers have more equity in their property than they’ve ever had before, which means if they need to sell to buy, they may have some wiggle room in pricing and will still have a healthy down payment or enough cash to significantly buy down their interest rate, keeping their new monthly payments in check,’ points out Sarah Renard of Windermere Realty Trust. 

But think ‘opportunity costs’ if it’s not essential to sell right now, advises Doug Greene, owner of Signature Properties. ‘What are you walking away from? Is the house fairly maintenance free? That’s a difficult proposition for many to abandon. What about your interest rate? If you refinanced or purchased in the last few years then you might be paying half as much (or less) in interest on your loan than what it would cost you to borrow that same amount right now.’

Will house prices drop soon in the US?

The NAR (National Association of Realtors) has predicted that house prices will remain stable overall in 2023; and if your house has features that buyers want, that's good news. 

‘Half of the country may experience small price gains, while the other half may see slight price declines,’ said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist and senior vice president of research. ‘However, markets in California may be the exception, with San Francisco, for example, likely to register price drops of 10 to 15 per cent.’

Should I sell my house during inflation?

Selling your house during inflation may be the right move, but there are a number of elements to think about first. 

‘First and foremost, you should consult with a real estate agent or mortgage lender to get an idea of the current market conditions and your options,’ says Zackary Smigel, a real estate expert and the founder of Real Estate License Wizard. 

‘Second, it’s essential to consider your budget – does selling now make sense based on how much money you want to raise? 

‘Third, think about what needs to be done for the house to be ready for sale (eg updating appliances and removing clutter). 

‘Fourth, determine when you would like the house sold (ideally within six to 12 months). 

‘Fifth, consider any renovations that may need to be made before putting your home on the market (eg adding insulation around windows or refreshing landscaping ). 

‘Sixth and finally, factor in unexpected expenses such as inspections or repairs that may come up during negotiations.’

Should I buy a house now? Or should I wait? You’re bound to have wondered what’s the right course of action if circumstances leave you the option of going ahead or biding your time, and whether you’re buying a first property or selling a house to move to another location, upsize or downsize.

The question is best answered by starting with your own finances and then looking at all the elements that play into a decision on the timing of a house purchase – including the interest rates that affect the cost of borrowing and the supply of homes on the market where you want to live.

Our guide has the lowdown on what you need to take into account when buying a house and what the experts think. 

Should I buy a house now? Or should I wait?

The questions should I buy a house now, or should I wait will be on many people’s minds. The November 2022 Fannie Mae home purchase sentiment index (HPSI), which reflects consumer views on the real estate market, revealed elevated mortgage rates are continuing to constrain affordability, and 62 per cent of respondents said they expected mortgage rates to rise further over the next year. 

‘Both consumer homebuying and home-selling sentiment are significantly lower than they were last year, which, in our view, is unsurprising considering mortgage rates have more than doubled and home prices remain elevated,’ said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae senior vice president and chief economist.  

But the right time to buy a house will depend on your own circumstances and, here, we look at what you need to consider to make the best decision.

Assess your personal finances

Before you consider the current real estate market, your priority has to be assessing your individual situation. ‘If you are in a strong position to purchase your dream home – ample cash reserves, good credit scores, and solid employment – and you find your dream home, then now is absolutely a good time to buy a house,’ says Nate Workman of Workman Success Systems, which specializes in coaching real estate teams and companies.

Focus on prices

Your personal finances will determine whether you can afford to buy a house in the area where you want to live. But do bear in mind that those buying now have increased leverage, HomeLight’s buyer and seller insights for end of year 2022 have revealed. 

In the survey, nearly 30 per cent of buyers said the seller completed repair requests or provided a repairs credit at closing; 25 per cent said the deal was closed on their preferred timeline; 21 per cent said they negotiated a lower price than the home was listed for; and those who negotiated a lower offer saved $49,843 off the list price on average.

Consider interest rates

Interest rates rose seven times in 2022, bringing higher mortgage rates. ‘Interest rates are considerably higher than we’ve seen over the last 10 plus years,’ says David Zeff, a realtor in Gaithersburg, Maryland, ‘but interest rates are always changing. In a higher rate market, my recommendation is to buy the home with the understanding that you can always refinance later if the rates come down.  

‘On the flip side, if you buy now and the rates wind up going up, you are the clear winner in that scenario.’

Understand the local market

The local market should always be factored into the decision about whether to buy a house now despite what the national trends are. 

‘From a buyer’s perspective, home prices tend to be suppressed during difficult economic times,’ explains Andrew Griffith, proprietor of Andrew Griffith CPA and associate professor of accounting at the LaPenta School of Business of Iona University. ‘This means that the time to buy is when unemployment rates are rising. 

‘In some communities, there are so few buyers that homes can literally sit on the market for years before the next willing buyer shows an interest in that property. Homes that have been on the market for longer periods of time tend to offer better sale price negotiation opportunities than those that have been on the market for a short period of time. 

‘In areas where the average time on the market for real estate is very short, a home that has been on the market for a long period of time may need a lot of work or is priced too high. 

‘Even in that environment, one can find a great home at a reasonable price by simply expanding the area that one is exploring. For example, instead of looking in an area that is within 15 miles of an employer, one would probably benefit financially by expanding that distance to 30 miles. Ultimately, using one’s work location for a current employer as a base point is not a good long term decision-making strategy as most people in the workforce today will not stay with the same employer for longer than five years.’

Factor in housing supply

Take into account the availability of homes for sale in your chosen location. If it’s plentiful, waiting can be worthwhile. But if housing inventory is low, waiting can be a bad strategy.

‘Increase in supply along with waning demand gives you more power as a buyer,’ explains certified public accountant Paul Sundin, a tax strategist, and CEO of Emparion. ‘More sellers are willing to negotiate their prices and terms. On top of this, as a buyer, you’ll have more time to think about your purchase and create leverage.’

Think long term

If you’re currently renting a home, this should factor into your thinking about whether to buy a house now or wait. Alex Mendel real estate agent and team leader of the Mendel Group brokered by EXP Realty says, ‘“I’m going to wait till home prices go down” is something I have been hearing from buyers since I first became a real estate agent in 2013. 

‘All those people that have still been waiting for prices to go down for years and years without ever buying a home have been paying their landlord’s mortgage, and building up someone else’s equity with nothing to show for it. While, yes, interest rates are at a 10 year high, the old saying goes “the interest rate on your rent is 100 per cent”. 

‘Buyers are in a stronger position than they have been in the last two years, with sellers open to taking lower prices, and offering seller concessions that many buyers are using to help buy down their mortgage rate. 

‘One thing is guaranteed, mortgage rates will fluctuate much more than home prices. Buying now and refinancing when interest rates inevitably go down is the winning strategy. It’s never wise to try and time the real estate market – or you’ll be stuck paying rent forever, and will never buy a home.’

But do take into consideration how long you might stay in a house. ‘Are you ready to settle in one location?’ asks Julia Pham, a wealth advisor and certified financial planner at Halbert Hargrove. ‘The best time to take on a big asset, and potentially a big liability (hello, mortgage payments!), is when you feel stable in your life and are ready to put down roots. If you do end up purchasing a home, you should stay long enough to offset the cost of the transaction, such as closing costs, your selling agent’s commission and expenses to prep your home for a sale. Typically, that takes about five years.’

Should I buy a house now or should I wait?

The answer to the question should I buy a house now or should I wait? ‘The truth is that it is not possible to predict the future pricing of assets such as housing so I wouldn’t advise that anyone try to time the market,’ advises residential real estate developer and Illinois licensed real estate broker Bill Samuel of Blue Ladder Development. 

But what you can do is understand the local market plus assess your own financial position. Julia Pham, wealth advisor and certified financial planner at Halbert Hargrove asks, ‘Have you looked over your budget to see what you can afford? When figuring out your budget and what it costs to own a home, don’t forget to add in things like property tax, insurance, homeowners’ association dues, additional maintenance costs – think lawn care, pool upkeep, home repairs, etc – and perhaps the additional costs of utilities if you’re moving into a larger home. 

‘Have you saved enough for a down payment? While most lenders require at least 3 per cent, typical new home buyers put down 6 per cent, on average. You may hear 20 per cent thrown around a lot; that’s because it's the required down payment to avoid paying for mortgage insurance.

‘How’s your credit score? Your credit score is something that you want to make sure to have in order before you apply for a mortgage.’

As if the world could not get enough of her right now, Taylor Swift's previous NYC townhouse has gone up for rent for $45,000 a month – and yes, this is the home that famously inspired her hit song, Cornelia Road.

The property is just one of the singer's many past homes, with the bulk of Taylor Swift's property portfolio now worth around $81 million, many of which are amongst the world's best homes. 

So, as the world battles for tickets to her 2023 Eras tour, we break down what we know about the immense New York City home.

The listing, held by The Corcoran Group, played host to Taylor in 2016 as the star's nearby Tribeca townhouse was undergoing renovations and boasts four bedrooms, an impressive five bathrooms, and two powder rooms over 5,500 square feet. Although only staying in the home briefly, the location holds a special place in Taylor's heart (as Cornelia Street lyrically documents) as it acted as the backdrop to the start of the star's romance with actor Joe Alwyn. 

The home itself is expansive for a city townhouse with dramatic double-height ceilings throughout, three gas fireplaces and one wood-burning fireplace idea in the living room perfect for romantic nights in, and gorgeous hardwood flooring ideas.

The bedroom ideas have two floors to themselves, with two of the guest bedrooms benefitting from private terraces and the primary suite containing spacious walk-in closet ideas as well as a stunning marble bathroom complete with a sky-lit, walk-in shower. 

Outside the home offers a private garage, perfect for A-lister privacy, as well as a secluded roof-top terrace offering uninterrupted views of downtown Manhattan. The exterior of the property also features one of the home's standout additions – a double-height, double wooden front door which proves to be a stunning architectural feature both outside and in. The entry dates back to around 1870 when the home was used as a carriage house. 

Beamed ceiling ideas provide architectural interest throughout the property and show off the age of the property while newer leaded glass windows in the living room add subtle updates without besmirching the charm and character. 

On the first level of the home, the kitchen features top-of-the-range appliances and granite countertops and opens up to the open-plan dining space - a room accentuated by dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the West Village. 

As with any celebrity home, the property features immaculate luxury amenities, the most famous of which is the indoor pool ideas that were referenced in Cornelia Street's lyrics. The pool sits next door to the living room and is approximately 30 feet by 15 feet, as well as five-and-a-half feet deep. 

Source: New York Post.

Today, September 28, marks national neighbor day, and there is perhaps no better way to mark it than with a celebration of America's 25 most neighborly cities. 

We often feature some of the world's best homes, admired for their grand architecture and inspiring decor ideas. However, an important part of a home's charm is in its location, and these 25 are especially noteworthy. 

The study by Neighbor assessed a host of factors, including charitable donations, volunteering, and happiness levels. For the first time this year, the study also surveyed Americans about their neighborly habits, their relationships with their neighbors, and what they think makes a community most neighborly. 

The results? The researchers declared Rochester, New York, as America's most neighborly city, closely followed by Madison, Wisconsin; Provo, Utah; Oxnard, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Rochester climbed from second place last year after ranking third overall for neighborly acts and forth for volunteering. The researchers also praised the city for its charitable giving and happiness levels alongside the natural amenities that residents enjoy. 

The city is also home to Art Park, the only state park in the US that's dedicated to visual and performing arts. Therefore, Rochester may well be the best place to buy a house if you're enthusiastic about culture. 

'One of the things we often hear from visitors is how welcoming and friendly Rochesterians are,’ said Don Jeffries, the president and CEO of Visit Rochester, when the city ranked second in 2021. 'This ranking is well-deserved and captures the warm welcome visitors can expect when they visit Greater Rochester.'

Madison, Wisconsin, fell from the top spot in 2021 to second place, but it still boasts the most local nonprofits per capita on this year's list of 16.6 per 10,000 residents. 'It's clear that those who live in Madison love to help each other out, and this city still has a well-deserved spot in the top two,' Neighbor says. 

Meanwhile, Provo, Utah, made significant progress from last year, climbing from 23rd place to third in 2022. This city had the highest rate of charitable giving, alongside the highest volume of residents who reported volunteering for local organizations.

After Rochester, Madison, and Provo? The complete list of the most neighborly cities is right here:

• Rochester, New York
• Madison, Wisconsin
• Provo, Utah
• Oxnard, California
• Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Poughkeepsie, New York
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
• Des Moines, Iowa
• San Jose, California
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Ogden, Utah
• Seattle, Washington
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• New Haven, Connecticut
• Portland, Oregon
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Toledo, Ohio
• Springfield, Massachusetts 
• Albany, New York
• Allentown, Pennsylvania
• Spokane, Washington

Whether you're looking for how to find your forever home or you're searching out a friendly vacation spot these cities deserve a place at the top of your agenda. We'll meet you in Rochester.

The question of how to navigate multiple offers on a house is increasingly prominent – as the current property market continues to exhibit increased demand. Competition for every type of property is high, so if you’re selling, it’s more than possible that you will need to consider more than one offer before accepting. 

And while you may have researched how to buy a house – the prospect of choosing – or competing against – multiple offers adds another layer of stress to the process. However, despite the added complexities, experts explain that having multiple offers on a house is a positive thing – most especially as you’re likely to receive a better price for your home. 

Why might you have multiple offers on your property? Well, maybe you know the best ways to add value to your home  (and those home improvements that won't add value). Or perhaps your house is in a prime, sought-after location. Whatever the reason, the process of choosing and accepting an offer remains the same. Here's what you need to know.

Is it OK to have multiple offers on a house?

Yes, it is certainly okay to have multiple offers on a house. In fact, Dennis Shirshikov, a Strategist at Awning suggests it is a good thing as you are likely to receive a better deal for your property. 'It’s absolutely ok to have multiple offers on your house and can be quite common in a hot market,' he says. Here's what you need to remember:

What happens when there are multiple offers on a house?

The purpose here is to get as much information as possible on what the seller wants – you may be surprised by what sways them in your favor.

'Does the seller need a leaseback or long closing period? Would they rather sell all their furniture and just leave the house as is?' says Christian, the CEO of Repair Pricer. Being accommodating can count as much as extra money, but you won't know unless you ask. 

Christian cautions that sometimes, what a seller truly wants is a buyer who will give the property due respect: 'Do they want a buyer who will appreciate the house for what it is and not tear it down to build a McMansion? You’ll be surprised that what really swings offers in buyers’ directions is the small stuff that no one bothers to ask about. 

'An extra $15,000 may not be important to a seller who’s poured 10 years of their life into restoring a property and simply wants it to be preserved and appreciated by the right buyer.'

The problem is that many buyers feel unsure of how to open this type of discussion – which is why often they end up walking away. 

However, you should acknowledge that multiple offers often generate 'tense situations' and find ways to 'leave the emotion out of it if possible' – even if this means never picking up the phone and doing everything in writing (email is fine, clarifies Christian).

Finally, once you've gathered as much information as possible, put in your offer 'even if you don’t think you’re in with a shot.' This is not just hoping for luck; there's a logical reason behind giving it a go: 'In markets where multiple offers are common, buyers (especially investors) will often place offers on multiple properties and actually walk away from executed contracts when they find a better option, which leaves the property available for another buyer. 

'This is where it’s important to make it clear that you are willing to be a 'backup buyer' should the winning offer fall through, and if your state law allows, make arrangements so that your offer becomes an executed contract if this happens.' 

Can you put multiple offers on houses?

You can put multiple offers on houses – and it's a common practice amongst buyers. There is no law against making offers on more multiple houses. However, as a seller, this can put you in a difficult position, since you can never be sure if the buyer you have accepted an offer from or are considering is as serious as you are about your property.

Can a seller accept multiple offers on a house? 

No, you can only accept one offer for the home at a time. Dennis explains that you will need to wait for any offer to fall through before accepting another. 'However, you can get in touch with multiple offer makers and give them the opportunity to increase or adjust their offer to be more competitive.'

Plus, it is worth noting that, as a seller, you must decide which type of buyer is best-suited before accepting an offer. Before proceeding with any option, it is always best to ensure that the buyer has been accepted for a mortgage to prevent any deal from falling through when you're ready to sell. 

Knowing the best ways to add value to your home has always been important – but never more so than in 2022, as house prices and mortgage rates* continue to rise following the pandemic. 

Knowing how to make your house stand out to potential buyers can often feel overwhelming – especially in such an ever-changing, competitive market – but the process doesn't need to be complex. If you steer away from the home improvements that won't add value – and focus on the renovation ideas that will sell your home (for the right price) fast. 

The home improvements that can add value – according to experts

Designing your dream home doesn’t come cheap, and when it comes to renovating a house, it's imperative to ensure you’re spending your money wisely.

Our advice, before you begin any major project, is to speak with a trusted local real estate agent for advice about which home improvements they think will make the most difference where you live. However, while each property differs, some are usually always worth the investment. Here are the top renovation and decorating ideas to try this year. 

1. Boost curb appeal 

The best place to begin when creating a powerful first impression is on the outside. Whether you're experimenting with new front door color ideas or you hire a professional landscaper to accentuate your front yard, you only have one chance to set the tone your home deserves. 

'Hiring a landscaper is time and money well spent,' says Chase Michels of The Michels Group by Compass. 'A review of research by Alex X. Niemiera, a horticulturist at Virginia Tech, found that a well-landscaped home had a 5.5-12.7% price advantage over a home with no landscaping. That translates into an extra $16,500 to $38,100 in value on a $300,000 home,' Chase says. 

'Niemera states that the number-one thing that buyers are looking for in landscaping is a sophisticated design. Close behind are plant size and maturity.'

2. Adding stone veneer 

According to Chase, adding stone veneer is one of the most impactful ways to generate a profit from a renovation. 

'Adding manufactured stone veneer is the number one project for recouping your investment. The 2020 national average stone veneer job costs $9,357 and the average resale value added was $8,943 for a cost recoup of 95.6%.' So, if you're looking for traditional garden ideas with economical benefits, this renovation is the solution. 

3. Replacing your garage door

Designing and organizing a garage may not seem impactful in the overall scheme of your home. However, Chase explains, it is one of the best investments you can make to generate a return. 'The 2020 average job cost was $3,695 and added $3,491 in resale value for a 94.5% cost recoup,' the realtor shares. However, he recommends doing it sooner rather than later, so you can enjoy its benefits for a longer time. 

'Go ahead and make the updates while you live in the home instead of making them right before you resell it,' he says.

4. Painting and giving your interiors a decor refresh

The old adage holds true: flirting with new paint ideas does wonders. The same can be said for wallpaper, new carpeting or drapes or just simply a general decor refresh. However, painting is one of the cheapest and impactful ways to add value to your home.

'On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, tape, drop cloths, and brushes. Studies show that painting the interior of a home has an average return of 100-120% on the investment,' Chase says. 'A crisp, clean property appeals to the buyer and makes a huge difference.'

And even if you're not selling, there's no harm in redecorating now and again to ensure your home looks its best. So you can continue to enjoy living there too. 

5. Paint your exteriors

Don't use all your color ideas up on your interiors. While it is important to colorize the inside of your home, the exterior is just as impactful. 

'Painting the exterior is also a cost-effective upgrade for a home. According to Consumer Reports, an exterior paint job can potentially increase the value of your home from 2-5%,' Chase says. 'Selecting the right exterior paint will give your home a clean look and the widest range of buyers and help improve its value.'

6. Adding a conservatory or sunroom

Research shows that adding a new conservatory or sunroom is one of the most cost-effective ways to add value to your home. 

The average cost is around $12,000, but adding one will bring an estimated 6% uplift to the value of your property. On a house price of $320,000, that’s a boost of $19,000, adding $8,000 to your property’s price once the cost of the project is accounted for.

7. Replacing a dated kitchen

Updating your kitchen ideas is nearly always money well spent. At upwards of $12,000, it’s an expensive home improvement but one that can boost your property's value by 5.5%, which equates to $17,400 on the average property. 

Once the cost of the work is covered, a new kitchen will still add $6,700 in additional value to your home. Failing that, replacing a tired old kitchen worktop is an easy win when considering ways to improve your home.  

8. Manicuring your front yard

If you have ever walked past a home and 'stopped to smell the roses', you'll recognize the importance of a beautifully manicured front garden. But what can you do to make sure your front yard landscaping ideas set the right tone for the rest of your home?

A report found that 67% of people are more inclined to view a house if the garden is up to scratch, as it means less work and better views. Surveying 3,400 people, OnBuy’s Garden Furniture sector presented images of 20 similar-looking houses with different plants in the front garden and asked respondents to rank the houses from most to least desirable.

Hydrangeas rank first, with 78% choosing them as most desirable. The bold flowers are perfect as the ever-changing blooms bring a new sense of character to the front garden. Although their gorgeous appearance can seem high maintenance, with the correct care, they are fairly easy to grow.

In second place are lilies; these minimal effort flowers caught the eye of 71% of potential buyers, who think it makes a home’s exterior more attractive. The flowers return year after year and require minimal care, so they’re definitely worth planting.

Lavender is the third most desired choice, with the fragrant flowering plant attracting 64% of respondents’ attention. The Mediterranean evergreen shrub repels bugs due to its fragrance, and it’s easy to grow, as long as it is kept away from moist, wet areas.

The secret to having a garden that appeals to more of your senses is to choose scented flowers that bloom at different times of the year and give perfume at different times of the day. For example, lavender planted on either side of a path is popular for good reason as you brush the blooms as you pass, and so release the scent.

9. Updating a boiler / central heating

A new boiler or central heating system ($2,883) is an important factor to consider, especially if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. 

And, if you are planning to sell your home, a dated or inefficient boiler can put potential buyers off. It's important to tend to these basics before you put any love into your decor.

10. Fixing a damaged roof

A new roof ($2,200) is essential for insulation and structural reasons. So, while it may seem like a costly investment now, it is better to ensure your home is safe and leak-free before inviting surveyors, estate agents, and potential buyers to your home. 

11. Adding a new bathroom

Playing with new bathroom ideas (around $1,762) is also one of the best tasks to undertake regarding the value-added once the cost of the work is accounted for. It is often said that potential buyers' look at the kitchen and bathroom first before pursuing a property.

12. Adding double glazing

Double glazing doesn’t add much immediate value and it is costly, however, it will cover its own cost and will bring a long-term benefit where energy efficiency is concerned – and it will save buyers from having to take on the task. 

13. Accentuating a sunny spot in the garden

A recent survey conducted by Rightmove in the UK showed that homes with highly-coveted south-facing gardens could be worth up to $30,000 more than those without. The data looked at just under 400,000 three and four bedroom homes and found that a south-facing garden was one of the prime factors for adding value to a home. 

Of course, there's not much you can do to change the orientation of your garden, but if you are planning to sell and don't already have one, it's time to create a defined seating area in a sunny spot in your garden so that potential buyers can picture themselves enjoying the weather. 

'Without a doubt, we’ve seen huge demand for homes with a south-facing garden,' says David Phillip, partner of David Phillip Real Estate Agents in Yorkshire. 'You’d be amazed at how many people turn up to a viewing and use the compass on their phone to work out where the sun is coming from; it’s a really important requirement.'

14. Playing with a Scandinavian-style decor scheme

Scandinavian decor has been influencing the way we design our homes for decades, but did you know that it can also add value to your home once it comes time to sell up and move on?

Following analysis by Bankrate of the most popular décor designs and hundreds of house prices on online real estate platform Zoopla to determine which interior design style adds the most value to your home, Scandinavian-style was declared the most popular.

15. Decluttering and depersonalizing to add value

Buyers need to see the space they are getting to see how good value it is. They want to see the condition of the walls and floor, which is difficult when most of it is covered with other people’s belongings. When following the right decluttering tips, you are also allowing the buyer to see the space and imagine themselves living in it – you are selling a lifestyle and a dream.

Nobody has the exact same taste in décor, and future buyers must be able to visualize themselves living in your space, so consider removing any decoration that shows too much personality. Just because something adds character to the property to make it your home, this doesn’t necessarily mean any value is being added to the property’s saleability.

16. Wash the windows

Getting down to basics now... Prospective buyers will pay more attention to windows, and they will immediately give a sense of how well maintained the rest of the house is. If you have easy access give them a thorough wash and if your house has wooden windows, then consider giving them a fresh lick of paint to stop them looking old and cracked.

17. Making your home improvements 'smart'

Energy-saving and environmentally-friendly enhancements may be good for the planet – but they are also good for your home and your pocket. So what are the top eco-friendly, 'smart' home improvements that you could be making?

With ‘home improvement’ searches up 380% according to Google Trends, it seems we’re focused on updating and fixing-up our homes during lockdown. Interestingly, according to a recent report by Rated People, nearly a third of homeowners (31%) are looking to specifically take on eco-related work at home this year – showing that energy efficiency and green issues are of high importance to homeowners.

The report, which surveyed over 1,000 homeowners, also reveals the top 10 eco focuses that homeowners are tackling – with the number one improvement simply being to install smart lighting, energy efficient LED bulbs that can be automated and controlled via an app. Nearly a third (31%) are making this style of lighting their priority with their home improvements, with upgrading to eco-friendly appliances and double-glazing next on the list, followed by home chargers for electric cars and upgrading insulation.

*According to a Housing Market Prediction by Forbes.

Finding the perfect beach house is a challenge because it has to suit you and your family – and most likely, earn its keep by appealing to renters when it's not in use

As second home sales continue to soar, and we all look for the best place to buy a house these are the spots to keep an eye on for the perfect escape.

If you're not tempted by the best places to buy a second home in Europe and prefer a spot within the US vacation rental site, Vacasa, has revealed the best places to buy a beach house in a new report. Vacasa analyzed home sales and vacation rental performance data from the last 12 months for vacation destinations throughout the US.

Best place to buy a beach house in US

From Alabama to Michigan, these are the best places to buy a beach house in the US right now.

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama

At number one on the list and with more than 32 miles of sandy white beaches, Gulf Shores is a mecca of pure paradise on the Alabama coastline, says Daned Kirkham, senior director of real estate at Vacasa. However, this family-friendly destination offers more than just beach life; award-winning restaurants, championship golf, amusement parks, and water sports draw visitors year-round.

A Gulf Shores vacation home or condo will cost around $400,000, but can yield a cap rate (rate of rental return) of more than 10 per cent. 'It’s this attractive gross rental revenue which makes Gulf Shores the top destination for a beach home,' says Vicky Noufal, owner of the Platinum Group Real Estate team at Pearson Smith Realty.

2. Corolla, North Carolina

The popularity of the Outer Banks may have grown given recent international exposure on the hit Netflix show of the same name, but those lucky enough to be familiar with this area already know that is one of the best places to buy a beach house in North Carolina.

With minimal development, but access to high-end dining, shopping, and entertainment, it’s popular with those seeking a rejuvenating getaway, says Daned Kirkham. You’ll be paying an average of $608,953, but to shore up the investment, a vacation rental property in Corolla could net approximately $77,000 in median annual gross rental revenue. 'Corolla is a highly-admired vacation destination,' says realtor Ben Fisher, of the Fisher Group.

If you’re looking for coastal living room ideas, 'the spacious vacation rentals in Corolla offer top-of-the-class amenities, including private pools, game rooms, hot tubs, volleyball courts and more,' adds Ben.

3. Navarre Beach and Daytona Beach, Florida

Navarre Beach, FL is famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters, warm climate and spectacular views, and Vacasa found this relaxing beach community just east of Pensacola an affordable place to invest. The median home sale price sits under $400,000 at $382,392, boasting a 6.6 percent cap rate to boot.

Vacasa also picks out Daytona Beach, renowned for miles of white sand, scuba diving, golfing and shopping, in its top five. 'This is a smart choice for those who want to make a great real estate investment,' says Vicky. 'Because Daytona Beach real estate values are going up, the rental market is also very strong in this area.' Currently, Vacasa finds the median price to be £247,960, pulling in a cap rate of 6.5 percent, so the home of NASCAR speedway looks like a sound bet.

4. New Buffalo, Michigan

The Gateway of Michigan may not immediately strike as beach house territory, but take a closer look, and you’ll find the beach-like lakeshore has much to offer, say Vacasa.

A small lighthouse anchors the city, which lies just one hour from Chicago, and is ideal for a quick trip to kick back. Those who love to live a peaceful life with suburban feeling are shifting to this area, Vacasa reports.

'How awesome would be a town that is just a few moments off the highway, but seems to be completely far from the hustles and bustles of the city center?' says Ben. 'New Buffalo is that, exactly. An overwhelming vision of Lake Michigan, and a lot more delights to offer beyond that. If you spend a sunny afternoon there playing on the sand or go on a boating adventure in the launch area, you will agree with it too.'

With a median property price of $569,873, New Buffalo has a charming downtown district flanked with restaurants and breweries, plus a casino and active marina. Holding steady at a 6.6 per cent cap rate, the median annual gross rental revenue in this mid-west escape is just over $58,000.

If you're looking for a summer beach house one of these locations could be a great investment option. 

Installing a tennis court might be an expensive investment. However, according to real estate experts, this recreational feature is still very much in demand and could add value to your home.

As model Kate Upton and baseball star Justin Verlander list their $11.75m colonial-style home in Benedict Canyon, Hollywood - complete with tennis court - we spoke to several real estate experts to find out if you’re looking to add value to your home could finding space for a tennis court serve up results should you come to sell?

Will a tennis court add value to a property?

Global real estate advisor Susan Smith at Hilton & Hyland, who is handling the sale of Upton and Verlander’s Benedict Canyon home explains that a tennis court estate will usually attract a premium because it needs a lot of land, so usually, it’s part of a larger estate overall. However, she points out that tennis courts have risen in popularity recently.

'In the last one and half years tennis court estates have increased in value because during Covid any activities that can be done at home have made properties more desirable. There has definitely been an increase in the popularity of tennis,' she says.

Susan also points out that the traditional-style Beverly Hills property, with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a theater room, and a separate guest suite, comes with added cachet because 'in Los Angeles, one cannot build a new tennis court with lights so a lot of the older estates where tennis court lights exist are much more desirable.'

It’s all about the room to breathe, says Chase Michels at Compass Real Estate. 'In the current climate, excess space and land are very desirable and viewed as a plus.'

'The uber-wealthy are in search of spacious retreats away from city high-rises. An estate further out from a large city with land and extra amenities is typically cheaper than the luxurious high-rises they sold or are coming from. This is bolstering the high-end luxury market in many suburbs,' he says.

Gideon Lang-Laddie, a broker with The Agency, Savills associate in California points out that tennis courts are also valuable in terms of practicality as an entertaining garden idea. 'They can easily be multi-purpose, and offer tennis, basketball, soccer, and other uses.'

How much does it cost to install a tennis court?

Former professional tennis player turned real estate broker Sarah Stone, of the Elwell at Elliman Team at Douglas Elliman, says that you’ll need up to half a million dollars to add a court to your property.

“The construction of tennis courts takes on all sort of variables cost-wise, from the tennis court servicers and builders, contractors, engineers, fencing, landscaping, surface selection, architecture, and eventually permitting, runs about $250,000-$500,000.'

Clay courts require an irrigation system to water the courts daily, adds Sarah: 'And you’ll need to have it serviced at least once a week for it to perform optimally, running around $15,000 per summer, as opposed to hard surface courts which are much easier to maintain, yet lack the visual splendor.'

It is important to factor in the cost of maintenance when installing a tennis court as Gideon warns that an uncared-for tennis court can also be a drawback. 

'We’ve seen this when the court in question has gone unused and unloved for an extensive period, a not uncommon phenomenon,' he warns. 'Whilst a dilapidated court appeals to some buyers as a value-add opportunity, there will always be some for whom the question of what to do with that court, or the need to restore or refurbish it, will be a negative and a distraction.'

Porticos have influenced architectural designs since Ancient Greece, but it's easy to see why their allure endures. This grand feature is an immediate sign of grandeur and creates the right sort of first impression for all who visit your home. However, real estate experts have revealed that a portico's benefit extends beyond its aesthetic. 

According to those in the know, porticos can add 6% or more to your property –meaning it is one of the best ways to add value to a home. 

'Adding a portico can increase your home value by 6% and more. It increases your home's curb appeal and makes your home stand out from other conventional homes,' says Vicky Noufal, the owner of the Platinum Group Real Estate team at Pearson Smith Realty. 'Eventually, it increases the possibility of a successful home sale.'  

Why does a portico add value to your home?  

What makes a Portico so attractive to buyers? Here, real estate agents explain what you need to know. 

Functional Value 

The appeal behind a portico comes down to multiple factors. Ron Wysocarski, a Florida-based real estate broker, explains that, besides its beauty, it offers a great way of sheltering from the elements. 

'A portico creates obstacles for entering unwanted elements in your entryway. Thus, it will prevent you from cleaning your entryway repeatedly. So, in the long run, it adds value to your home,' he explains. Alongside unfavorable elements, the expert explains that porticos can also minimize the number of UV rays – to add a 'different dimension' to your home's entryway ideas. 

Park City real estate agent Ben Fisher adds that a portico allows you to enjoy a front entry that is 'dry after rain and has lights at night' – both of which are attractive to potential buyers. 

Aesthetic value 

'Curb appeal is never limited to aesthetics,' Ben says. 'The better a home looks, the higher value you can ask for it. Adding an extra layer of elegance to your home and making the home stand out from the traditional ones, a portico can help you with that.'

This timeless front door idea will both increase the value of your home and, as Ben adds, it may even reduce its time on the market. Will you make the investment? 

Spa bathrooms are at the peak of the most fashionable design trends this 2022. Gwyneth Paltrow recently unveiled her luxury shower and tiled-spa pool to the world, but she is not alone in her adoration for the movement. Instead, a study* explained that searches for walk-in showers have surged by 100% – even before the actress's influence. 

Spa bathroom ideas consist of therapeutic statement pieces that would not appear displaced in a boutique hotel (or Gwyneth's bathroom), including double-shower heads and large soaking tubs. 

However, while these features are beneficial to your wellness – and your home's aesthetic – property experts have suggested that they are a value-increasing investment to your property too. 

How much value will a spa bathroom add to your home? 

'A spa bathroom will add value to a home. While the amount depends on several factors, typically homeowners can expect an increase of 50% - 60% of the renovation cost,' explains Ben Goheen, a real estate appraiser at Metrowide Appraisals. 

While you can increase your return on a luxury shower, the experts suggest that the most sizable investment comes in the shape of a soaking tub. 

'A tub can add more than $10,000 to the value of your home,' adds property expert Zac Houghton of Loftera. 'With so much money to be made from this area of the home, it's not surprising that bathrooms are often the focal point of many renovations.'

Zac also referred to an investigation by real estate firm Zillow who discovered that properties with spa baths 'sold for nearly $2,000 more than those without them when sold again in two years' time.'

Realtor Lisa Mark from Oak & Co in California adds that this bathroom idea will set your property aside in a 'hyper competitive' market – as sophisticated buyers are willing to pay more for all spa bathroom features.

'Buyers who want their main bedroom to feel more like a retreat will love a spa bathroom. Luxury bathroom features most desired in this style of the spa-like bathroom include rain showerheads, steam showers, extra vanities with double sinks, heated floors, and even heated towel racks,' Lisa explains. 

The realtor urges you to invest in this modern bathroom idea to provide buyers with a significant selling point. However, even if you're not on the market, we imagine this interior design trend is worth the investment.  

*Study by Drench.co.uk 

If anybody knows how to sell a house, it is Hayley Orrantia. The actress, who is best known for starring in ABC’s The Goldbergs, launched a home flipping company in Tennessee – and with her job comes the knowledge of how the best ways to add value to your home. 

While the question of value-increasing features is ever-changing, Hayley explains that adding storage space will always benefit your home. It’s a method she’s tried and tested in her projects – and one that you can easily incorporate before putting your home on the market. 

This is how to make money from your storage ideas, the Hayley Orrantia way.

Using storage to add value to your home 

‘I like to add as much storage as humanly possible,’ Hayley shares in an exclusive interview with H&G. The expert explains that, when she is flipping a home, she wants the new owner to feel like ‘there’s room for everything.’ 

‘We try to imagine what it would be like to live there and exactly how we would want to best utilize the space,’ she says. 

Hayley shares the example of a recent flip where the ‘closet space was incredibly small,’ so she added ‘built-in drawers to the wall on either side of the closet doors.’ These drawers turned an empty space into a storage feature that can be used by the new homeowners – and consequently, make the home more appealing to potential buyers. 

‘If there’s empty space there, always consider it a spot for a built-in because you’ll never regret more storage space,’ the expert shares. 

Hayley Orrantia is not exclusive in her admiration for these bedroom storage ideas. Instead, real estate agents, such as the Founder, and CEO at Windy City HomeBuyer, Tomas Satas, similarly recommend accentuating your closet space when selling. 

Tomas explains how you can ‘ never go wrong with more closet space’ – especially amid the pandemic when people are using larger walk-in closets as an office space. 

Whether you’re re-evaluating your living room storage ideas for selling – or you’re also turning your closet into an office space, Hayley’s secret remains true. If you prioritize storage, you could add a sizable amount to your home. 

For more home-flipping inspiration, you can keep up with Hayley's business Instagram and Tiktok page. 

Sean 'Diddy' Combs's former home has just entered the market for $14.5 million. 

The aptly-named Crown Jewel of Beverly Crest epitomizes SoCal luxury living – situated moments above Sunset Boulevard and the Beverly Hills Hotel – sits effortlessly in the Crest streets of Beverly Hills. The recently renovated Modern Classic comes complete with panoramic views of the Santa Monica mountains and the Pacific Ocean. 

The home, which is named as an 'entertainer’s paradise' by listing agents Compass, the home is one of the most exciting properties in SoCal's real estate market – and one of the world's best homes. Here we tour the magnificent property. 

American rapper, Sean John Combs, who is also known professionally as Puff Daddy, lived in the home from 2008 to 2013. He is also known as a record producer and entrepreneur who was amongst Fortune magazine's top 40 entrepreneurs under 40 in the early 2000s. 

The musician's former home is a trove of decorating ideas, shown firstly through its grand foyer that sets the tone for the entirety of the property. This level boasts three separate en-suite bedrooms and an open-plan living room with pocket doors that frame the Los Angeles skyline.

The middle level has reset luxe kitchen ideas with its stainless steel appliances and black marble island that creates a juxtaposition against the white marble floor and ceiling. The floor also features a dining area and entertainer’s bar. 

This July, the multi-level property also played host to the first-ever NFT MetaHills Mixer & Gallery – which further emphasizes the home's position as the ultimate party place.

Meanwhile, the top floor plays host to the primary suite (one of five-bedrooms in the property) with an adjoining marble clad bathroom that comes with a dual shower and soaking tub. And of course, views across the prestigious 90210 postcode as standard. 

Perhaps the most striking part of the home is the coveted backyard overlooks the LA basin. This recently renovated space offers a range of modern garden ideas including an infinity pool and a chef’s kitchen barbecue station.

Sean Combs's home is listed with Aleks Lipovic and Holland Ashrafnia and Aaron Kirman of Aaron Kirman Group at Compass for $14.5 million. 

Julia Child's former home in northwest Washington, D.C., is currently listed for $3.5 million. The chef and television host gained national admiration after introducing French gastronomy to the public following the release of her cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking. 

The home's kitchen later featured in The French Chef – the long-running series that accelerated Julia's fame and allowed her to become one of America's favorite TV cooking personalities. In 2009, the kitchen also welcomed actress Meryl Streep during the filming of Julie & Julia – a film that explores the chef's life. 

The listing offers an opportunity to own one of the best-known kitchens in the U.S., in one of the world's best homes. Here, we explore the famous property. 

While it is perhaps inevitable to begin at the kitchen, the home is also a trove of contemporary living room ideas, following several renovations since 2015. Key design features include the exposed brick wall and original beams that complement Georgetown's colonial architecture beyond the patio door. 

The room exhibits a sophisticated neutral palette that acts as a soft backdrop for its collection of houseplants and green-hued soft furnishings that pay tribute to the most popular color trends. The open-plan space also boasts a fireplace that acts as a reminder of the postcode's rich history.

This living space leads to the home's most famous room, the chef's kitchen. However, despite its prestige, the room looks somewhat unrecognizable from its retro roots. Instead, the space is a maze of modern kitchen ideas – from its marble-hued kitchen island to its integrated appliances that give the room an almost 'invisible-kitchen' effect.  

Beyond the floating staircase, the upper level has three bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding tub

While Julia Child's home is best-known from the inside, the current exteriors are similarly noteworthy. The backyard space epitomizes urban garden ideas with its paved outdoor dining area – complete with a full-size table and separate lounge area. 

Though, this is the only fitting exterior for a house that is so associated with its gastronomical legacy. Meanwhile, the butter-yellow-colored façade is an equally apt tribute to the chef who labeled the property as her 'little jewel' throughout her career. 

Julia Child's home, at 2706 Olive Street, is currently listed with Jonathan Taylor and Maxwell Rabin of Sotheby's International Realty for $3.5 million.  

New research has revealed the top destinations for US home buyers. If you are a savvy property investor, the most popular countries probably will not surprise you; if you are just starting out on your international home-buying journey, take note of these locations: more buyers will eventually mean higher prices, so you'll want to act sooner rather than later.

Figuring out how to buy a house is also about knowing where to buy a house, and these top destinations have a lot going for them, as confirmed by experienced real estate experts. 

1. Mexico

The study conducted by the international real estate search portal Point2 analyzed Google searches for homes over the past year. The top spot is confidently held by Mexico, beloved by Americans for generations and still immensely popular. 

According to the Financial Times, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, two of the best  places to buy a vacation home in Mexico, 'have seen huge levels of residential development, largely fuelled by droves of expats from the US and Canada.' 

The fact is that Mexico remains an affordable destination to buy a home – a luxurious three-bedroom condo can be bought for under $500,000. 

The pandemic without a doubt has fueled the fire of Americans' appetite for homes in Mexico. The climate, the beaches, and the proximity to the US all play a part. 

2. Canada

Canada is an interesting one – it was only number seven in 2015, but has climbed steadily to the second spot, and has held this position since 2018. The most sought-after locations? Vancouver and Toronto – the two major Canadian cities that have been favorites with foreign investors for many years. According to some estimates, over 50 per cent of homes in Toronto are internationally owned. 

Jane Londerville, a real estate professor at the University of Guelph in Southern Ontario, has explained that the popularity of Canada is due to its image as 'a very safe, calm economy', safe for investing. 

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has overtaken Puerto Rico – Americans now search for Costa Rican homes 46,610 times every month. It's not really surprising given the increasing prominence of this tropical country as a place with good governance, unspoiled natural beauty, and leadership on climate change action. 

What's even better is the fact that Americans have the same rights as Costa Ricans when it comes to home ownership. And – Costa Rica is actively building condos, including in popular locations such as Tamarindo and Jaco. While Costa Rica is quite a bit further away from the US than Mexico, it will appeal to buyers who want a home in a more tranquil and pristine location. 

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas, you may be wondering if it's realistic to sell your house in time for the winter holidays. Experienced real estate experts have told us: 'yes, you can.' But you do need a bit of know-how to make your home more appealing to buyers during this time of year.

Staging a house is always important to make sure you sell quickly, but it is doubly so if you have a Christmas deadline in mind. Here are the top tips to make it happen – fast.

1. Create curb appeal

Unsurprisingly, curb appeal ideas come first when it comes to selling during the fall and winter. Kristina Morales, a realtor with over 20 years of professional experience, told us that 'updated landscaping is one of the most cost effective ways to boost your home’s appeal. Replace dead plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees. Trim plants that need it. Keep your front yard walkway mowed and raked.'

Next, examine the exterior of your property for any obvious flaws that need addressing: 'peeling paint, rotting wood trim, gutters that need cleaning, anything that needs fixing should to be fixed now. A house with a dilapidated exterior will be crossed off most buyers’ lists before they even go inside'. 

2. Invest in good lighting

Ample lighting should be your top priority if selling you home in the winter. Khari Washington, a broker and owner of 1st United Realty & Mortgage, explains that the sun goes down a lot earlier, and many buyers will want to see homes after work. A seller should make sure every room in their house has ample lighting, and the exterior should also have efficient lighting throughout.'

Khari recommends investing in 'beautiful light fixtures and lamps with warm-toned lighting' as they 'can make a home feel cozy for the holidays.' Outside, 'beautiful solar garden lighting ideas and hanging lights will make the exterior look inviting, and exterior floodlighting will make sure that buyers can see everything.' 

3. Keep the seasonal decor simple and tasteful

The big question for many buyers will be: to decorate or not to decorate? Will your Christmas decorating ideas endear or put off buyers? Molly Gallagher, who is a realtor and partner at Falk Ruvin Gallagher Team, recommends acknowledging the season, but 'in a way that doesn't overwhelm a buyer and adds to your home's appeal.' 

You can 'start outside by filling outdoor pots with greens, branches and pinecones. This will add a nice warm welcome to your home and make a great first impression.' Next, 'inside your home, consider adding evergreen boughs – and bows – that are neutral or have a tasteful winter theme – white, burlap, silver or gold. Use fruits like pomegranates, apples, pears and lemons to decorate by placing them among evergreens in a bowl or along a mantle for a stylish and natural touch that smells delicious.'

Molly's top tip is 'to keep it simple, pretty and fresh.' Avoid decorations that are too bright and anything inflatable.

4. Put away all gifts

This may go against your family tradition, as some people really like putting gifts under the tree several weeks before Christmas, but Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective, cautions against this: 'We highly recommend not leaving out any gifts, whether they are wrapped or unwrapped. This can make the home feel too in-personal and hard for the potential buyer to imagine their own family in the home.'

5. Don't neglect the financial side

Finally, while the decorative aspects of home staging are important, they will go to waste if your home is unfairly priced. Dan Beaulieu, Real Estate Expert & Founder of Burlington House Buyers, points out that an unfair or an overly high price will push away all the potential buyers as no one is looking for negotiable prices in this small window of time. 

However, if you put up a price that buyers find realistic, affordable, and competitive, you may get many more offers than expected. Comparing your home with other similar properties on the market can help you price it fairly, which can trigger the sale to be completed much quicker.'

With all of these professional tips in mind, it's perfectly possible to sell your home in time for Christmas. 

With so many beautiful regions to choose from, it can be hard to know the best places to buy property in Europe. With almost year-round sunshine, sparkling azure seas, sun-soaked hidden coves and pristine beaches, there's certainly plenty of alluring holiday hotspots.

A top tip is to start your search in an upscale region or up-and-coming area. 'When you think about buying a second home, you should always consider buying in prime locations, as these will always keep or increase the value of your investment,' suggests Smadar Kahana, Managing Director Engel & Völkers Marbella.

However, if return on investment isn't your main concern, you can widen your search area to suit your needs. If you are second home hunting from the UK you might be wondering if you can still buy property in Europe after Brexit. The good news is yes you can, but there will be a little more red tape involved.

But don't let the red tape deter you from buying a home in Europe. From high-style spots in France (Deauville is divine, to wellbeing destinations in Switzerland (Davos is a beauty), we've tapped a host of international real estate agents to give your the steer on the best places to buy property in Europe below.

Best places to buy property in Europe in 2021

1. Limassol, Cyprus

Cyprus is reachable in a little over four hours from either London, Moscow or Dubai. Along with easy access, its obvious appeal lies in the fact that it's known as Europe's sunniest island.

Matea Leko, Marketing and Sales Director from Londa Residences says: 'Offering the biggest port on the island, Limassol is a buzzing destination offering the best of cosmopolitan lifestyle mixed with a rich history and old world charm, with a vibrant centre including restaurants, bars, boutiques and the acclaimed Limassol Marina. 

'With a dedicated cohort of discerning guests returning year after year, seduced by Limassol’s coastline location and boutique offering, it's no wonder there is high demand for properties in the area.'

2. St Emilion, France

St Emilion is a stunning medieval village surrounded by some of the most highly regarded vineyards in the world. The picturesque town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts charming cobbled streets and bucolic views.

'Along with excellent access (Bordeaux airport is 45 minutes away and the TGV rail service at Libourne is 15 minutes), St Emilion has incredible restaurant choices and some of the best croissants you will ever buy,' says Anthony Mackle, Agent Commercial at Maxwell-Baynes / Christie's International Real Estate.

'The beach is 90 minutes to the west and, if you're here at the right time of year, the ski slopes are two hours to the south, offering a varied lifestyle choice.

'In the local area, there's also bicycle tours, wine tours, walking tours, subterranean cave tours, cultural music events, jazz festivals – offering the very best of the south of France.'

3. Montuiri, Mallorca

The Balearic Islands are considered to be one of the top regions in the Mediterranean to invest and own a holiday home. Hans Lenz, Managing director Engel & Völkers Mallorca Southwest explains that this year has seen an unprecedented demand for real estate in Mallorca where Engel & Völkers has 19 property shops. 

'The company is on track to beat all previous sales records in its 30-year history,' he explains.

'Mallorca offers a great variety of landscapes from the Sierra Tramuntana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the sandy beaches along the southwest, south, east and north east coastline to the more rugged and wilder west and north west coastline.'

One secret hotspot? Montuiri. Andrea Berchtold, Executive Manager & Partner at Luxury Estates Mallorca/ Christies International Real Estate, says 'The surroundings of Montuiri are characterized by wide cultivated fields, dry stone walls and a tranquil picturesque landscape. 

'In the surrounding area there are many large finca properties, some of which are used as holiday homes, but many as permanent residences. The village of Montuiri offers everything you need and there are plenty of weekly markets in the surrounding villages where you can stock up on local produce. 

'The central location is an ideal base to get to all parts of Mallorca in under an hour. The airport of Palma can be reached in 20 minutes, in the city of Palma in 25 minutes and you get to the beaches in the south or north in 30 minutes.'

4. Davos, Switzerland

Health and wellbeing destinations are becoming increasingly popular as we become more aware of the importance of mindfulness and nature on the impact of our lives. 

'Davos has long been renowned as a high-altitude wellness resort, becoming fashionable from the 1950s when German physician Alexander Spengler moved to the area and began to notice the exceptionally good health of those who lived there,' says Florian Walther, General Manager, Hard Rock Hotel Davos. 

'Soon, visitors started to flock to sample the unique microclimate of the Alps’ highest town.

'Davos, now popular all year round, is becoming more prominent amongst travellers seeking unspoilt landscapes for wellbeing journeys. Many visit for its pure, clean air and opportunities to explore its breathtaking trails whilst taking in the beauty this Alpine destination has to offer.'

5. Marbella, Spain

The Costa del Sol offers the best microclimate in Europe with 320 sunny days a year, high-quality and modern infrastructure, beautiful beach clubs, international schools, and high-level health care - making it one of the best places to buy a second home in Europe.

'Marbella has experienced a 22% jump in sales so far in 2021, confirming itself as one of the preferred hubs in Spain for those seeking a second home or a more permanent relocation,' says Mark Harvey, Partner, Department Head International Residential at Knight Frank.

'This is due to the many opportunities the city has to offer. Indeed, for those professionals who can now work from anywhere in the world, many are prioritising health and wellness, seeking proximity to golf courses, tennis academies, marinas and spas, all on tap in Marbella.'

Smadar Kahana, Managing Director Engel & Völkers Marbella, expands that Marbella and the Costa del Sol have been luring in international buyers for years. 'The population here is a mix of many nationalities, which makes it easy to establish yourself in the area.' 

So where are the best areas to invest? 'The most prestigious areas in Marbella where the demand is always higher than the supply are Sierra Blanca, Golden Mile, Los Monteros, Puerto Banús and Guadalmina,' says Smadar. 

'Also the area of Benahavís is developing rapidly and it is a great place for investments as the prices are constantly rising.'

6. Deauville, Normandy, France

With its race course, harbour, international film festival, marinas, conference centre, villas, Grand Casino, and sumptuous hotels, Deauville is regarded as the 'queen of the Norman beaches' and one of the most prestigious seaside resorts in all of France.

As the closest seaside resort to Paris, the city and its region of the Côte Fleurie (Flowery Coast) has long been home to French high society's seaside houses and is often referred to as the Parisian riviera. Since the 19th century, the town of Deauville has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper class. 

Deauville is also a desirable family resort for the wealthy. In France, it is known perhaps above all for its role in Proust's In 'Search of Lost Time'.

'Only two hours from Paris, the Normandy region is a true haven of peace between sea and countryside,' says Alexis Caquet, Managing Director Engel & Völkers Paris. 'Deauville is very much sought after for its countryside-chic character, historic center and very authentic shopping streets.

'Deauville is a destination that has benefited from the renewed interest in second homes and green spaces in the context of the pandemic and confinements: in 2020, the Deauville market recorded an increase in demand of nearly 45%.

'As well as the seafront, a popular area in the heart of Deauville  is the 'Golden Triangle', located between the Normandy Hotel, the Royal Hotel and bordered by the Hippodrome. You'll find very beautiful houses in the Anglo-Norman style dating from the end of the 19th century, accessible from 1,500,000 euros for a beautiful well maintained property of about 200 sqm.'

7. Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is one of the best beach and golf destinations in Europe. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, especially in the western Algarve (from Lagos to Sagres).

'The coast west of Lagos, as far as Aljezur, passed through Sagres remains one of the least spoiled parts of the Algarve, largely thanks to the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, which prohibits large-scale building on the coastline west of Burgau,' says Sandra Matos, Director Office Manager at Engel & Völkers Lagos.

'More than 60 per cent is a nature conservation area making it particularly attractive and one of the best places to buy a second home in the Algarve. 

'Lagos is also among the first cities in Portugal to join the movement 'Slow City', that calls us to live in proper rhythm for wellbeing and personal, social, community and environmental development. 

'The city, benefits from all the factors necessary to enhance an excellent vacation as well as a high-quality of life, as it offers the main tourist attractions including the beach, golf, culture, leisure, gastronomy, sports, and nature.'

8. Tuscany, Italy

It wouldn't be a round up of the best places to buy a second home in Europe without Tuscany. Italy's famous verdant region, filled with rolling hills and vineyards.

'Tuscany distils the best of Italy into one region, so rich in heritage: art, architecture, history, culinary pleasures, and with a plethora of spectacular landscapes,' says Amy Redfern-Woods, Associate at Knight Frank. 

'With everything from an awe-inspiring coastline, through to rolling countryside, from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Siena and Florence through to the undulating hills and vineyards surrounding Lucca and Pienza or high-end coastal enclaves along the Italian Riviera, Tuscany is a place to inspire like no other - and the perfect spot for a second home in Europe.'

8. The South of France

The allure of the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera is stronger than ever, and second home buyers can choose from sea-view style or a more rustic hilltop hideaway.

'The South of France continues to attract international buyers from around the world. Much of the South of France is able to offer a mixture of cuisine from both sea and land, and one benefits from local delicacies including olives, wines, and truffles,' says Jack Harris, Partner at Knight Frank.

'The ease of connectivity by train, plane, sea and road means that it is a firm favourite of those in mainland Europe and from further afield. The South of France is not simply the beautiful beaches of the Riviera, but also includes enchanting hilltop villages, expansive lakes, and rolling vineyards.'

Marie-Claire Sangouard, Managing Director Engel & Völkers French Riviera, says some of the most sought-after towns and regions on the riviera include: 'Menton (a pretty town that has retained its quaint village character);  Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (one of the most expensive residential areas in the world offering proximity to Monaco and natural beauty; and Fayence, Mougins, St Tropez, Cap d'Antibes and Cannes.'

What is the cheapest country in Europe to buy property?

If you'd like to own a second home in Europe but have a keener budget, there's still a host of beautiful, affordable options.  Kate Everett-Allen, Partner, Head of International Research at Knight Frank, recommends looking to more modestly priced markets such as Bulgaria, Montenegro, Moldova, Romania, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Alternatively, if you are interested in renovating a house you could scoop up some amazing deals in more expensive regions. However, be prepared to commit a couple of holidays to the renovation work. 

Which country is best for a second home?

Whether you're looking for sun or ski, there's a hotspot for everyone. 'For sun-seekers looking for a retreat in a liquid and transparent market with low purchase and ownership costs and strong holiday rental demand Marbella, South West France and Lucca would be hard to beat,' says Kate Everett-Allen.

'Skiing enthusiasts should look to Chamonix for a year-round resort, less than an hour from Geneva airport offering good skiing, a range of non-ski activities, a packed events calendar and a broad range of retail and leisure amenities.'

The best places to buy a vacation home in Mexico will truly take your breath away. There is so much to choose from in beautiful Mexico that it can be difficult to know where to start if you are planning on spending the summers, or even retiring there. Whichever of these gorgeous destinations you choose, prepare to see some stunning white beaches and picture-perfect towns. 

We've asked world-leading real estate experts to give their view on how to buy a house in Mexico – and choose the most beautiful destinations. 

1. The best place to buy a vacation home in Mexico: Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta proves that you really can have it all – the beach, a beautiful town with plenty of culture, and a community that will make you feel right at home. 

Javier Rodriguez, of Guadalajara Sotheby’s International Realty, strongly recommends the town as a vacation home destination: 'Puerto Vallarta is a world tour destination for many reasons', he explains, with the beaches coming first. Havier also praises the town's 'picturesque historic center' and 'magnificent views of the Bay of Banderas', which all contribute to making this city 'a unique and unforgettable destination.'

Best of all, Puerto Vallarta doesn't feel too much like a modern resort; Javier says that the area 'still has a sensibility of past years, cobblestone streets, and a river crossing a part of the downtown area.' Those who want a more active vacation will appreciate the 'surrounding mountains vistas' as well as opportunities for 'fishing, swimming, skiing, and boating year round.'

Javier particularly recommends Puerto Vallarta as a long-term investment that benefits from 'very accepting' ex-pat communities and an 'active cultural life', as well as nightlife, casinos, and malls –  'all within direct flights non-stop from USA and Canada, commercial and private.' 

There really is something for everyone, and homes come in a 'huge variety for all the different tastes and budgets. From high-end private gated communities, oceanfront villas, ocean view modern apartments or houses, to nice colonial-style houses or condos.'

Whether you'll be buying for yourself to rent out, the market is 'very active' in this area.  And the average home price of $370,000 is very forgiving for a luxury destination. 

2. The runner-up so close to home: Baja California

If you live on the West Coast, it would be a shame not to check out Baja California. As Mauricio Umansky, CEO of The Agency, points out, Baja is 'under three hours from many cities of California', and 'the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula offers a wide range of desirable enclaves.'

Mauricio's main recommendations are Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo – 'two popular destinations that offer everything one could dream of, including renowned golf courses, ultra-luxury resorts, fine dining, beautiful beaches, and more.' 

You can also look into Todos Santos, 'just an hour’s drive from Cabo along the Pacific Coast', which 'offers a natural paradise where the desert meets the Sierra Laguna mountains. This area is known for its local, laid-back vibes, with plenty of art galleries, shops, cafes, to meander.' 

And, of course, don't forget 'the magical town of La Paz. Nestled around the Sea of Cortez, one of the world’s most biodiverse bodies of water in the world, it is a natural wonderland. New luxury developments such as Puerta Cortes and Playa de La Paz offer understated luxury and unique, direct access to the Sea of Cortez.' 

Home prices vary widely in this area, ranging from as little as $40,000 for a one-bed home around La Paz to over $6,000,000 for a luxury home.

3. Riviera Nayarit: so many gems to choose from

If you want even more choice, Mauricio recommends exploring the Riviera Nayarit beyond Puerto Vallarta: 'The state of Nayarit offers 192 miles of coastline and 23 coastal towns. Within the region, areas such as Punta Mita, Sayulita, Nuevo Vallarta, all present unique experiences for all types of visitors. 

'With new luxury hotels and residential developments opening in the area, Riviera Nayarit is positioning itself as a new capital of luxury in Mexico.' 

A home in Punta Mita will set you back around $200,000 – unless you're shopping for luxury, in which case prepare to pay as much as $2,000,000.

4. Playa del Carmen: refined living by the beach

If you're planning to vacation in Mexico as a family, Playa del Carmen is the place that will accommodate everyone, ensuring no one is bored. 

Mauricio comments: 'Just south of Cancun and 40 miles north of Tulum, Playa del Carmen offers wonderful galleries and shopping on La Quinta Avenida. The region also boasts many adventurous activities such as ziplining, diving, and snorkeling on the reefs surrounding the nearby island of Cozumel. 

'For when the sun goes down, there is a wide array of nighttime entertainment from trendy bars and restaurants to beach clubs and concerts.' 

5. Tulum: the old favorite that is still totally worth it

Finally, no list of the best places to buy a vacation home in Mexico is complete without Tulum – an ancient Mayan town built next to the ocean. 

Some might argue that Tulum isn't quite what it once was, but as an investment opportunity, it cannot be beaten. 

According to Mauricio, 'the once an off-the-radar locale kept secret by yoga lovers has since surfaced as a sought-after bohemian enclave. Here you can take in the ancient ruins, lush jungle and miles of white sandy beaches. Within the entire Riviera Maya region, new construction of villas and condos in residential communities and boutique hotel developments on the beach provides a wide range of investment opportunities.' 

Home prices, as elsewhere in Mexico, vary widely but expect to pay upwards of $300,000 for a luxury property. 

Is now a good time to buy a home in Mexico?

That will depend largely on your expectations. Mexico was once an off-the-beaten-track destination, but that's no longer the case. Demand for second homes among Americans has surged 100 per cent since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Redfin, and the trend has had an effect on buying overseas, with Mexico in particular experiencing a boom in foreign buyers. 

In other words, prepare for a busy market. So, it's not a bad time to buy at all – but perhaps not quite as relaxed as, say, five years ago.

The other thing to prepare yourself for is that you will have to buy in cash – Mexico does not offer any home finance to buyers from overseas.

Is Mexico a safe destination? 

As Laura Zapata, a real estate agent in the Puerto Morelos area, told The Escape Home, a community for vacation home buyers, 'people talk a lot about safety in Mexico, but overall it’s a safe place to live. When people ask me about that I tell them they shouldn’t have anything to worry about.' 

The best places to buy a vacation home in Colorado are well worth the investment. In fact, Colorado may well be one of the best places to buy a vacation home in the United States. Firstly, the state is incredibly popular thanks to its reputation as a world-class skiing destination. Secondly, there is much more to Colorado than skiing, with stunning lakes, hiking trails, and hot springs all contributing to its vacation atmosphere. The towns, sometimes undeservedly neglected, are also worth looking at. 

We've asked real estate professionals to comment on how to buy a house in Colorado, where the best vacation home spots are, and whether you should be buying now. 

1. The best place to buy a vacation home in Colorado: Avon

If it's mountains you are after, Aspen, Colorado, is a showstopper. This area in the state's Vail Valley area comes highly recommended by Jonathan Spears, a leading luxury real estate agent with Spears Group. Jonathan that not only has a great understanding of the Colorado real estate market but also owns a vacation home there himself. 

He says: 'What makes Avon so special is that it sits at 7,500 feet of elevation so it's a little lower in terms of height but it gets all the benefits of looking up towards the beautiful Beavercreek mountain range as well as the White River National Forest. It's also a riverfront community, so it sits on Eagle River with a beautiful reservoir called Nottingham Lake and a park that surrounds it.'

Avon's winning card is its affordability considering the area: 'Of course, Beavercreek and Vail are some of our favorite spots for actual second homes, but what’s nice about Avon is it brings a level of affordability relative to the pricing of Vail and Beavercreek, but it's also an immediate gateway to both world-class destinations. The restaurants, the walking art district, as well as the community events and
amphitheater make Avon a very special place.' 

The typical home value in Avon is $795,718.

2. The runner-up: Breckenridge

If you really want to go for it in terms of the ski appeal, then Breckenridge is the place for you. Jeremy Scott Foster, real estate writer and founder of
TravelFreak, points out that 'Breckenridge is the most visited ski resort in North America. About 3 million tourists each year visit the town located at the foot of the
Tenmile mountain range. The town has a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect
place for vacation rental homes.'

If you're worried about only making rental income in the winter season, Jeremy has this to say: 'Year-round activities like mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking keep the town alive all year. It is one of the most captivating destinations in Colorado. Tourists enjoy characterful historic district, trendy bistros, quirky museums, boutique shops, vibrant après-ski, and gourmet restaurants.'

It's not cheap, with typical home prices very close to $1 million. If that's a barrier, 'surrounding towns like Dillon and Frisco also offer an excellent location for an investment property. Both are a short drive to Breckenridge and have slightly lower property values.' 

3. Boulder: not a typical choice, but worth it

Elizabeth Boese, realtor and investor at Coldwell Banker Realty based in Boulder, is keen to remind potential investors that Colorado is not all about ski resorts. 

'While we typically think about the mountains as a premier vacation place for Colorado, there are also a lot of visitors to Boulder and Denver as well. Boulder has a strong reputation and many people flock here for the ambiance, startup community, Naropa University, as well as CU.'

Boulder does have some restrictions on short-term rentals, but that doesn't seem to reduce its appeal for visitors: 'While Boulder has restrictions on STRs to a minimum of 30 days, many investors have been successful in Boulder even with this restriction. We have Texans visiting for a month during the summer to get away from their excessive heat, Minnesotans visiting in the dead of winter to get away from their frosty cold, and many students learn Reiki and other alternative certifications at Naropa for one to three months.' 

4. Colorado Springs: a solid vacation home classic

You've probably heard about this place, and with good reason – it's one of the most beautiful and iconic spots in the state, perfect for hiking. Alan LaFrance, of moving specialists PCSgrades, said: 'Colorado Springs is a solid area for a vacation home. It has all of the accommodations of a city yet it's right on the doorstep to the great
outdoors. 

'You can fly in direct from several major cities and events like the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb, US Air Force Academy graduation, and an endless stream of art, nature, and outdoor events will certainly help short-term rental earnings. The entry cost can also be substantially lower than Denver and other popular areas, so your money will go a bit further as well.' 

The typical home price in Colorado Springs is just over an affordable $400,000.

5. Steamboat Springs: not just for skiing

Steamboat Springs comes recommended by Matt Strickland, Real Estate Broker & Owner of Modern Realty Guam. The big draw of this place is that it's got both a renowned ski resort with six peaks to choose from, and geothermal hot springs for those who are not so keen on snow and skiing. 

It's incredibly popular with visitors, and, although the typical home price here is over $800,000, you will more than recoup the spend.  

Is now a good time to buy in Colorado?

If you are – understandably – worried about investing in a vacation home during Covid, Matt's assessment should reassure you: 'If you are interested in investing in a vacation home in Colorado, the first question that you should ask yourself is “Is now a good time to buy?” Based on the statistics, the number of covid cases in Colorado became lower compared to last year. I think if you have the money and the means to buy a property, a vacation home is good to go!'

How do I choose the best vacation home spot in Colorado?

Setting out your goals – and understanding restrictions that exist in many places in the state – before investing is essential. 

Elizabeth says: 'When buying a vacation home as a rental in Colorado you will need to determine what your goal is – long-term rental or short-term rentals like Airbnb or VRBO. Many counties and cities have instantiated restrictions and/or fees for rental properties, so it is important to become familiar with the rules in the location you wish to buy. For example, Steamboat Springs is in Routt county and they do not allow STRs!'

Elizabeth also cautions against buying in a ski resort by default: 'When people think about Colorado for vacation, people think mountains! Colorado has some of the world's best ski resorts. But keep in mind that those ski mountain towns have two mud seasons in fall and spring when skiing isn't an option and the trails are too muddy to hike. So if you are looking to rent out an investment property in these areas then calculate a high vacancy rate during mud seasons.'

If you are a little put off by the restrictions, consider buying a home with an ADU (accessory dwelling unit). Elizabeth clarifies: 'If your primary home has an accessory dwelling unit, this can be an optimal rental for either long-term or short-term rentals. Many counties including Boulder allow for STR in ADUs if the main home is your primary home. You can find many homes in Boulder with ADUs, and Prospect subdivision in Longmont has a street full of SFH with an ADU built above the detached garage which rent for $1,500/month as a long-term rental.'

Many options and locations to consider, and all of them absolutely gorgeous. We are definitely convinced that Colorado is one of the best second home destinations in the US.

When you’re showing your home – whether virtually or during an open house – you probably already know not to leave out stacks of cash or piles of dirty clothes. But there are plenty of other things that you should also hide before prospective buyers start looking around to ensure a quick sale.

It is often the small things that can make a huge difference to selling a house fast. In this case rather than adding anything, it is all about tucking things away inside living room or kitchen storage ideas, to present your house as a buyer's dream home.  

We've tapped real estate agents from Douglas Elliman and Realtor.com's lifestyle expert Rachel Stults to give us their top tips on what you should definitely hide before a viewing of your home to encourage a quick sale.

1. Cleaning supplies

'No one wants to think about the hard parts of life when they are shopping, especially for their dream house,' advise Heather T. Roy and Learka Bosnak of Douglas Elliman. 

'Put away anything that makes you think about cleaning and maintenance. Seeing your toothbrush, vacuum cleaner, pile of bills, lawn mower and bathroom scales are distracting and even depressing – definitely not inspiring.'

Instead look to recreate stylish bathroom ideas by swapping practical everyday items for strategically placed houseplants. If you must leave some everyday items out, make sure they are stored neatly in elegant containers.

2. Family photos

One thing you should always pack away? Your family photos.

'Depersonalizing is a big part of prepping for showings. You need to make room for the potential new owner and their life is probably different than yours,' say Heather and Learka. 

'Wedding pictures, kid pictures, family photos have to go. You don't want buyers wondering why you picked to have a fall wedding, you want them thinking about buying your house. And you don't want to alienate potential buyers who might be put off by your picture-perfect life.'

Rachel Stults adds: 'We know you’re proud of your beautiful family! But when you’re trying to sell, prospective buyers need to envision themselves in your house – not you and your kids. Stow away family photos and other items that might make a buyer feel like they’re intruding on your personal space, rather than making themselves at home.'

3. Photos of you and any political figure

Anything that could be contentious or divisive is a bad idea. That political photo you're so proud of? Put it in a drawer. 

Heather and Learka tell H&G: 'You worked hard or paid a lot or both for it, but if you would consider accepting an offer from any side of the aisle, put it in a drawer with any polarizing or charged pieces.'

And Rachel couldn't agree more, adding: 'Anything political is guaranteed to put people off – even if you aren’t proudly displaying your “I’m With Her” bumper sticker on your fridge, keep your home neutral, and make it welcoming to people of every political persuasion to maximize your chances of a quick sale.'

4. Your college diploma

'If there is anything in your house with your name printed on it, you will be Googled,' warns Heather and Learka. 'Immediately, during the showing or out front in the car right after. Mail, magazines, law degrees, Amazon packages, they all make touring buyers feel like they've stumbled upon a clue and they've seen too much CSI not to follow up. 

'If you don't care from a privacy perspective, you should still consider the distraction. You want everything to be about the buyer and the house during a showing.'

5. The Barbie Dream House

'Kids' stuff will not help your house sell,' advise Heather and Learka. 'You live with it and might not even see it anymore, but it will stand out and even take center stage during a showing. 

'Put away the baby bottle drying rack, pack all children in the car and get far away while someone decides if they want to spend a lot of money on your house.'

6. Pets

Similarly, pets are a no-no during house showings. Believe it or not, not everybody falls under the spell of those cute puppy dog eyes. 

'As cute as your Labradoodle might be, not everybody is into pets – and he risks ruining your sale if you keep him around during a showing,' says Rachel. 'Take Fido to the dog park for the day, ask a friend to cat-sit, or find a temporary place for your boa constrictor to curl up.'

7. Valuables and medication

'This falls into the category of things that can "go missing" during showings that you should plan to secure,' say Heather and Learka. 'Jewelry, watches, medication, electronics and the one people often forget, cosmetics. So pack up your laptop and fancy face cream and consider taking it out of the house.'

Rachel agrees: 'Sorry to break it to you, but some "buyers" touring your home might just be rooting around for valuables – and some medications fall into that category. Make sure prescription drugs and all other medications are removed from your medicine cabinet before a showing. Even if a medication seems innocuous, it’s better to be safe than sorry.'

8. That creepy stuffed animal

Taxidermy is not everybody's taste, and should be removed before a house showing. 

Rachel advises: 'That 10-point buck above your fireplace might be your crowning achievement, but not everyone is going to be thrilled by the idea of dead animals on the wall. If you can remove any taxidermy before showings and store it away, you’re guaranteed to connect with a bigger pool of buyers.'

9. A standing fan

Some items you use in your daily life might unwittingly give prospective buyers the wrong idea, even your best fan. 

'A space heater might scream that the house is drafty, while multiple standing fans might tell folks that the house gets too hot and stuffy,' says Rachel. 'Even those tiny foam earplugs next to your bed might suggest that your home is too loud at night.'

'Remember when you are preparing your house for a showing you are setting the stage for an experience,' advises Heather and Learka Bosnak. 'Get out of the way and make room for the buyer's emotions, hopes and dreams and it will be easier for them to say "Yes! I want to make this space my home."'

North Carolina has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, and investing in one of the best places to buy a beach house in North Carolina is guaranteed to harness good rental income. To say nothing of the fact that you yourself may just decide to stay in one of these stunning locations for a good part of the summer. 

We've asked real estate experts with local North Carolina knowledge to give top tips on how to buy a house – and where to head to if the state's pristine white sands are what you desire.

1. The best place to buy a beach house in North Carolina: Outer Banks

Hard-to-get-to-locations often have an air of exclusivity about them, and this is definitely true of the beautiful Outer Banks. Reid Hogan, a commercial real estate broker, mortgage loan originator, and developer, has more than thirty years of experience in the industry, explains that 'most of North Carolina’s coast is made up of barrier islands. This can create beautiful, picturesque beaches with marshlands behind them full of wildlife. It can also make them expensive and hard to reach.'

And if there's one spot in this area you should be looking at, it's 'the famous Outer Banks to the north': these are 'are the most narrow of North Carolina’s barrier islands. Some places here are as narrow as 150 yards wide. The scarcity of land there makes the home prices some of the highest among the NC beaches.' 

Of course, if you want a beach house at a lower price, 'as you work your way south along the NC coast, the accessibility improves and the beach home prices decrease.' 

2. The runner-up: The Brunswick Coast

Want something a bit more accessible and mainstream? Reid recommends the many towns and villages strewn along the Brunswick Coast. 'Some of the best values, and strongest rental histories are located on the southernmost NC beaches of the Brunswick Coast. With 6 distinct beach communities, this area draws renters from both Carolinas, Georgia, and beyond.'

Some of Reid's top picks in this area are 'The Sunset Beach and Calabash areas are adjacent to North Myrtle Beach with its dining, shopping, and entertainment. Oak Island, Fort Caswell, and Holden Beach are a short drive from Southport to the north. Southport’s charm and lovely old seaport homes have made it a popular film location.'

He also points out the Brunswick Coast beaches are great for golfers, and 'golfers from northern parts of the country visit this area in the winter, extending the rental season.'

Nor is this area prohibitively expensive. 'There are actually small beachfront and beach view homes still available in the area for below $550,000 that rent for over $3,000 per week in season. Homesites on Oak Island, Holden Beach, and Ocean Isle extend inland and are within walking distance from the beach. This increases the number of homes that are available for tourists and investors. These homes have prices from $375,000 and up and rent for $1,500 to $2,000 per week in season.'

3. Washington: river and beach in one

And for something a little different, you should consider Washington, or Little Washington, as the locals call it. Ana Cano, Real Estate Agent in Raleigh for Better.com, gives it her personal seal of approval: It has a huge river running right through the center of town that eventually leads to the ocean. Not only is it beautiful, but also historical. Time can be spent lounging on the river or making a quick commute to the beach or strolling through the town learning about it's rich history. You get the best of both worlds - beach, and river.'

Ana does warn that although the town is currently 'a hidden gem, it won't stay this way for long: 'that doesn't mean you should take your time looking for a house here. The little beach towns are becoming increasingly popular, and this fall should be the time you snatch one up.'

North Carolina has so much choice for beach lovers that you're almost guaranteed to find a charming town – or a wilder, more nature-based location – that appeals to you while offering great rental income opportunities.