Rising mortgage rates and elevated construction costs put a damper on new home sales last month. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau estimated sales of newly built, single-family homes in June at a 697,000 seasonally adjusted annual pace, which is a 2.5% decline over a downwardly revised reading of 715,000 in May. However,… Read More ›

The ’90s were a time of change, moving away from the boldness of the ’80s to a more relaxed and laid-back approach to interior design. Minimalism: The 1990s were all about clean lines, clutter-free spaces, and practicality. Neutral colors like beige, cream, and white created a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Furniture with sleek profiles made of natural materials such as wood, glass, and metal became popular. Earthy Tones: Earthy tones also became incredibly popular in the 1990s home design. Deep,…

Higher interest rates have led millions of existing homeowners with mortgages under 4% to postpone plans to list their homes for sale, and for many prospective buyers, that supply vacuum has left newly built homes as the only game in town.  That is the backdrop behind the strengthening of interest for new homes. According to the latest Housing Trends Report,… Read More ›

Situated on .54 acres in the lively town of Nashville will be 9th Avenue North — a three-story micro-unit studio community featuring 57 short-term rental apartments with surface parking. Conveniently located off interstate Highway 65, residents will have direct access to major roadways providing a short commute to some of Nashville’s major employers. Located in the southern sector of the Buena Vista district, residents are within walking distance to grocery stores, award-winning dining options, parks, music venues, entertainment centers, and…

This 4,691 square foot Lowcountry home design in Bluffton South Carolina, “Palmetto Bluff Retreat”, earned the Best One-Of-A-Kind, Custom-Built Home, 4,001 to 6,500 square feet, and Best in South Atlantic Region. Architect Wayne Windham intentionally designed this home to contrast dark and light colors and have it fit well within its natural environment. The post 2008 Home of the Year: Palmetto Bluff Retreat first appeared on Best In American Living.

Open floor plans have become increasingly popular in recent years, both in homes and multifamily common areas, as they can provide benefits that more structured floor plans cannot.  Advantages of open floor plans include: 1. Increased social interaction: One of the biggest advantages of an open floor plan is that they promote social interaction among occupants. Without walls and doors separating different areas of a home or common area, people are more likely to communicate and interact with each other…

Mortgage rates’ slow –but steady– march upwards combined with the return of home price gains are doing what they are predicted to:  slow housing demand.  According to the latest Housing Trends Report, the share of adults with plans to purchase a home within a year dropped to 15% in the second quarter of 2023, down from a record high of… Read More ›

All people at a fundamental level need, among other things, clean water to drink and clean air to breathe. As a society, we have created a policy and regulatory framework that means that in most cases the average American can turn on the tap and potable water comes out. While many people take the extra step to filter their water, the reality is that we have created an expectation that our water is treated and safe for consumption. But what…

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in June compared to the previous month, while 12 states lost jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 209,000 in June, following a gain of 306,000 jobs in May. On a month-over-month basis, employment data was strong in Texas, which… Read More ›

Situated in a thriving neighborhood in Tustin, Calif., this contemporary three-story model features an expansive great room to maximize the use of the covered deck and options including alternative room uses and expansive stacking doors. The plan includes a first-floor standard den/office to benefit those who choose to work from home or serve as a flex space, offering easy access to the yard. The living space at the second floor efficiently connects to the third-floor bedrooms with views toward the…