Bird Street Estates are large lots narrow lots with unparalleled views of Mummy Mountain located in Paradise Valley, Ariz. These long lots with challenging desert arroyos created unique footprints that were strategically positioned to capture distant views. The juxtaposed bars separated by the glass entry portal help shift the program from front yard to backyard. A dramatic entry experience flanked by water features invites attention inwards before opening up into the great room living space. The framed dining room creates…

This home designed by Rhinehart Pulliam & Company in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, won a One-Of-A-Kind Custom or Spec Home 3,501-4,500 square feet. The Swann Wynd Bridge House combines efficient space planning with generous details. It is in a wooded setting on an outcropping in the bend of a small creek, designed for ecologically conscious clients with a focus on community and an active lifestyle. This house is 2,475 square feet (with a 1,168 square foot finished basement) and is inspired…

Taking steps to improve the privacy of a small backyard can be a wonderful way to make outdoor spaces feel more secluded and enjoyable. The following ten ideas can help to get there: 1.           Fencing: Install a suitable fence around the backyard. Depending on local regulations and homeowner preferences, various materials such as wood, vinyl, bamboo, or metal can be used. Consider a taller fence or one with added trellises to support climbing plants. 2.            Hedging: Planting tall bushes or…

Consumer prices showed a slight uptick in July, with core inflation remained sticky, ending a streak of 12 consecutive months of steady declines. Despite a slowdown compared to the previous month, the shelter index (housing inflation) continued to be the largest contributor to both headline and core inflation, accounting for over 90% of the increase in headline inflation. The Fed’s… Read More ›

Rising home prices and interest rates coupled with elevated construction costs, low existing inventory and solid demand resulted in a significant decline in housing affordability during the second quarter of 2023. According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), 40.5% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of April and end of June were affordable to families… Read More ›

Per the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) survey through the week ending August 4th, total mortgage activity decreased 3.1% from the previous week and the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) rate rose 16 basis points to 7.09%. The FRM rate has fluctuated between 6.9% and 7.1% over the past month. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume,… Read More ›

An 1860 farmhouse that sat untouched near a reservoir caught the attention of a couple who was fond of the location and decided to purchase and renovate the home. In the process, an addition was added and doubled the home’s square footage to 2,750, which allowed for a living room, an additional bedroom, a screen porch and a finished basement with a gym. Before As in a traditional farmhouse, the home owners wanted a room with a fireplace. This resulted…

Consumer credit outstanding growth slowed to 4.0% in the second quarter 2023 (SAAR) according to the Federal Reserve’s latest G.19 Consumer Credit report, as revolving and nonrevolving debt grew at 7.1% and 3.0%, respectively. Revolving credit growth has decelerated as of late, a result of both cooling inflation and increasingly tight lending standards. Total consumer credit outstanding stands at $5.0 trillion… Read More ›

The 2000s were an era marked by innovation and rapid technological advancements, which significantly influenced the interior design landscape. From sleek and futuristic aesthetics to a renewed focus on sustainability, this decade witnessed a multitude of trends that shaped the way we decorated our homes. The 2000s were defined by remarkable interior design trends, leaving an indelible mark on modern living spaces. Minimalism Takes Center Stage: Embracing the adage “less is more,” minimalism emerged as a prevailing design philosophy in…

The Marbella model home’s exterior features strong modern lines, which allude to modern comfort in a luxury lifestyle inside. This is achieved by a unique color palette of neutral tones with strong teal and bronze accents. Contemporary elegance defines the Marbella model home’s striking kitchen. Recessed ceilings in the great room and kitchen create a dramatic visual effect in the main living area. The gourmet kitchen features a showstopping center island, a functional pantry with cabinets and an additional refrigerator…