Welcoming buyers, friends and family into a new or existing home can automatically feel more inviting if their first step inside is through a stylish statement front door. Entry doors can reflect the personality and style of not only the design of the home but also of the owners. A carefully selected front door can place the personality of the home on display, and increase the home’s value when selling. Understanding a few basics can help designers, builders and homeowners…

Carved out of a former rock quarry in the heart of Washington, DC’s hottest suburb, this intergenerational, luxury property was carefully developed in close design coordination with the ultra-luxury neighboring condominiums. Taking inspiration from signature urban neighborhoods in Paris, New York, and parts of Washington, DC, these upscale townhomes are an innovative fusion of world architecture. The luxury enclave of 44 townhomes feature a private elevator in each home. If chosen, a separately conditioned rooftop Four Seasons Retreat with two…

The share of adults planning a home purchase within a year rose to 15% in the third quarter of 2022, up from 13% in the first half of the year. The marginal increase suggests that the prospect of higher mortgage rates in the near term may be leading a small segment of consumers to consider the purchase of a home… Read More ›

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 44 states and the District of Columbia in September compared to the previous month while six states lost jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 263,000 in September, following a gain of 315,000 jobs in August. On a month-over-month basis, employment data was strong in Florida, which… Read More ›

This neighborhood is a private enclave of 63 thoughtfully designed modern single-story homes with three to four bedrooms and 3 ½ to 4 ½ bathrooms. Contemporary architecture is highlighted by emphasizing horizontal building forms and the use of prominent natural materials. Authentic, modern elevations are achieved without unnecessary ornamentation, and its wide overhangs and articulate architectural finishes create recognizable elements that still hold individual expression. The spectacular backdrop of mountain views inspired natural building materials such as stone and large…

Median square foot prices (excluding record-high improved lot values) for new for-sale single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2021 increased 19%, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. Increases for square foot prices in new custom SFD homes were more moderate, averaging 5%. Median sale and contract prices per square foot of floor area went up… Read More ›

As rising mortgage rates continue to cool the housing market, the volume of existing home sales has declined for eight consecutive months as of September, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate has increased from 3.11% at the start of the year to 6.9% this week, the highest level since April 2002,… Read More ›

Fall is here, so it’s time to talk about fireplaces.  Who doesn’t have fond memories of gathering around a fireplace to watch the flames and feel its warmth?  Not only can they make a home a little cozier, fireplaces can help regulate the inside temperature, add ambience, and add value to a home.  With ever-improving technology, fireplaces are now available in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from classic brick and mortar varieties to gas fired units that hang on the…

The Grand Logan Lodge is the adaptive reuse of a century-old church that has been transformed into a 15-unit apartment building consisting of 2- and 3-bedroom units. Located on the historic Humboldt Boulevard in Chicago’s popular Logan Square neighborhood, the project balanced historic preservation with renovation required to attract modern dwellers. The project worked within the existing volume of the church to create six custom dwelling units. With the original exposed framework and stained glass details, the church units offer…

Of the roughly 1.1 million single-family homes started in 2021, 63.4 percent came with porches, according to NAHB tabulation of data from the Survey of Construction (SOC, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau with partial funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development). This marks the first time the share of single-family homes with porches has dipped below 64 percent since 2015.  From 2016 through 2020, the share was consistently above 64 percent, even above 65 percent in 2016 and 2020.  However, none…