1. I’ve seen them used in Europe and New Zealand, and I love the idea: Tiny homes and shipping containers: Living large in unique housing. The Chicago Tribune just posted a story about a couple in a Chicago suburb have created a home using shipping containers: “A walk through the space reveals high ceilings, an open floor plan, a finished basement with 9-foot ceilings, a cantilevered second-floor balcony and an 800-square-foot coach house. The original container floors have been sanded and stained, and original door handles repurposed for doors and bath towel hooks. The couple put thought into ample storage space for clutter, how to hang art, and ensuring there were enough electrical outlets throughout.” Don’t miss the photo gallery with the details and philosophy of the ‘why’. You’ll most likely love or hate everything about this home.
2. FLIPPIN’ OUT
Realtor.com reports Fewer Investors Are Flipping Homes as Profits Weaken “More investors are starting to back away from flipping homes as home price gains slow. The average home flipping returns dropped to a 6.5-year low in the third quarter, and the share of flips was down 12 percent, according to a newly released report from ATTOM Data Solutions, a real estate data provider.” We usually see this behavior as the market shifts from a seller’s to a buyer’s market.
3. MILLENIAL DILEMMA
“According to a recent study released by Apartment List, 6,400 millennial renters nationwide were surveyed in regards to their plan for owning a home. Despite the majority of young people wanting to migrate away from renting, 48 percent have nothing saved for a down payment.” CNBC shares A new study says an overwhelming majority of millennials want to be homeowners, but student loans are holding them back. Many of us have been there, and this may be more of an issue about the ‘business’ of higher education and its impact on young people.
4. EYE CANDY
“Explore highlights from last week’s top luxury real estate news stories, including a hilltop Los Angeles estate built with an impressive 60-foot lap pool and a Southampton home with a triangle facade and a contemporary open layout.” Here are Sotheby’s Homes Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Week of December 10, 2018.
5. COLOR YOUR WORLD
Tired of the same old colors. Realtor.com just published The 2019 Color of the Year Is… “Expect to see more coral hues in home design next year. Pantone, the corporation known for its paint forecasts, unveiled “Living Coral” as its 2019 Color of the Year. The color, an orange shade with golden undertones, embodies “warmth and comfort,” Pantone says.” What do you think?
6. INTERESTING?
Fewer people are moving these days, but there are still some cities across the U.S. attracting newcomers. Realtor.com reports many are saying So Long, New York and L.A.! Here Are the Cities Luring (and Losing) the Most Americans. “Make no mistake: The pool of movers may be shrinking, but the country is still going through a period of profound migration—with some places losing and others gaining. And this smaller group of movers is having an enormous impact, since newcomers remain the lifeblood of big housing markets, keeping builders busy and home prices rising.” Where would you go?
7. INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Here’s what some of the Forbes Real Estate Council members are saying about Nine Surprising Real Estate Opportunities That Will Grow In 2019. “Anyone who hopes to succeed in the real estate industry needs to stay up to date on the latest market trends. Whether you’re an investor or a broker, you’ll have to keep an eye on which areas have properties with high growth potential and which ones are stagnant or declining.”
8. “GRINCH NOT INCLUDED”
Effective or distracting. I would have to say effective. Otherwise, why would this Baltimore listing have received any of my attention? Apartment Therapy just shared This Baltimore Real Estate Listing Has a Festive (and Funny) Surprise. “Exposure is certainly important for any listing—especially those on the market during a slower real estate month, and Dudley’s festive photos, like another seasonal favorite we can think of, will surely go down in history.
9. MASHUPS AND REMIXES
“We’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard to keep up with the latest and greatest decor trends. Not only are they constantly changing, but views vary wildly: One designer says something’s in, while another says it’s out.” Realtor.com lists 10 Daring Interior Design Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2019.” Is there anything here you would like to incorporate into your home next year?
10. READY TO RENOVATE
I know a little bit about some, if not all, of these 8 cities and towns where you can get a home for free — or buy one at a massive discount. Would I want to live there? I don’t know really. Business Insider shares most “Cities may be experiencing a global housing shortage, but there are still plenty of ways to find cheap real estate. You just have to know where to look.” I’m most attracted to #8 on the list.
11. DO YOUR MATH
Thinking about investing in real estate in 2019? Forbes just published two quick ways to see if an investment is worth spending a little more time investigating. “The question on every new investor’s mind is simple: how do you know if an investment property will be profitable? Luckily, there are two easy formulas you can use to determine if an investment property is a good buy, financially.” Okay, go out and practice your Real Estate Math: How To Tell If An Investment Property Is A Good Buy.
Have a great weekend!
