What You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

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The kitchen tends to be the home’s gathering place, so it’s only natural you want it to look and feel welcoming. But as the hub of your home, your kitchen needs durable countertops, especially if you have little ones helping with the cooking. Quartz countertops are a trendy choice for kitchens, but before you get in touch with your contractor, it’s important to assess the pros and cons and review some alternatives.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops?

Pros of Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Durable: Quartz countertops are highly durable, made from a mix of stones and stone-like materials bound together with resins. Makers of quartz countertops press the materials and resin into slabs that are solid and nonporous. That means the counters won’t chip or crack with everyday use (like when your little ones are helping you cook).
Stain-resistant: Quartz is highly stain-resistant, thanks to its nonporous surface. But it can be stained by certain substances — like red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and juice — if the spill isn’t cleaned up immediately. The staining happens when the liquid interacts with the resin. You’ll also want to use gentle cleaners instead of harsh chemicals. Another positive: Quartz is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require sealing.
Highly customizable: Thanks to advances in engineered quartz, you can choose from a variety of patterns that can be custom-made or mirror the look of granite or marble.

Cons of Quartz Countertops

Pricey: The price of quartz is high compared to the price of materials like marble and limestone. On average, quartz kitchen countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot installed.
Prone to heat damage:While quartz is heat-resistant, the binders used in about 10% of a quartz countertop slab are not. So, leaving hot cookware directly on a quartz counter could cause unsightly stains.
Requires professional installation:Installing quartz countertops is probably not a DIY task. The material is incredibly heavy and needs professional attention to ensure the kitchen can support the counters.

What Should You Look for in a Quartz Countertop?

Look for these quality markers when buying a quartz countertop:

Cohesive coloring: Compare separate slabs from the quartz you plan to buy. Are they the same color?
Coloring through the surface: Make sure the veins and colorations you see on the surface of the quartz continue throughout the slab.
Consistent aggregates:Aggregates are the pebbles you find along the edges of your countertops. No matter the size of these pebbles, they should be consistent throughout the countertop.

Alternatives to Quartz Countertops

Your kitchen countertops should fit your lifestyle and the look of your space. So, before you choose them, explore several options to see what works best. Some alternatives to quartz kitchen countertops include:

Marble

Marble is often comparable in price to quartz, but it has a unique and elegant look that may make the price worth it for some. While neither quartz nor marble requires resealing, marble has a porous surface, so it may be susceptible to stains, especially from acidic liquids, like tomato sauce or lemon juice. Quartz isn’t porous like marble but can still stain too.

Slate

Slate is just as durable as quartz, but its designs and aggregates are more uniform. Slate costs more than quartz on average and requires a decent amount of maintenance, including regular sealing.

Granite

Granite countertops are naturally made versus the man-made designs of quartz. While prices may be similar, granite requires more maintenance because of the need for regular resealing.

How Much Do Quartz Counters Cost?

Several factors affect the cost of quartz countertops, including the brand, design, thickness, size of the project, and installation cost. On average, quartz countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot installed. So, in an average kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space, you’ll need to budget between $1,750 and $3,000 for quartz counters, with $2,300 being an average price.

Compare that to other popular countertop options like granite, which costs between $2,500 and $5,000 for 30 square feet installed, or marble which may run you between $2,000 and $7,000.

What Should You Ask Your Contractor About Installing Quartz Countertops?

Before you hire a pro to install new counters, be sure to ask a few questions, including:

Is your team experienced with installing quartz countertops?
Will replacing my kitchen countertops require a permit?
How much do you charge for countertop installation, including removing my old countertops?
Will you move my appliances and fixtures during installation, or am I responsible for that?
Do you have insurance that covers any damage to my home or countertops during installation?
Do you offer a warranty if something happens to the counters after installation?

The answers to these questions and the information above can guide you as you decide whether quartz countertops are the best option for your kitchen.

By: HouseLogic

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Should You Buy a Retirement Home Sooner Rather than Later?

Every day in the U.S., roughly 10,000 people turn 65. Prior to the health crisis that swept the nation in 2020, most people had to wait until they retired to make a move to the beach, the golf course, or the senior living community they were looking to settle into for their later years in life. This year, however, the game changed.

Many of today’s workers who are nearing the end of their professional careers, but maybe aren’t quite ready to retire, have a new choice to make: should I move before I retire? If the sand and sun are calling your name and you have the opportunity to work remotely for the foreseeable future, now may be a great time to purchase that beach bungalow you’ve always dreamed of or the single-story home in the sprawling countryside that might be a little further out of town. Whether it’s a second home or a future retirement home, spending the next few years in a place that truly makes you smile every day might be the best way to round out a long and meaningful career.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“The pandemic was unexpected, working from home was unexpected, but nonetheless many companies realized that workers can be just as productive working from home…We may begin to see a boost in people buying retirement homes before their retirement.”

According to the 20th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey, 3 out of 4 retirees (75%) own their homes, and only 23% have mortgage debt (including any equity loans or lines of credit). Since entering retirement, almost 4 in 10 retirees (38%) have moved into a new home. They’re making a profit by selling their current homes in today’s low inventory market and using their equity to purchase their future retirement homes. It’s a win-win.

Why These Homeowners Are Making Moves Now

The health crisis this year made us all more aware of the importance of our family and friends, and many of us have not seen our extended families since the pandemic started. It’s no surprise, therefore, to see in the same report that 32% of those surveyed cited the top reason they’re making a move is that they want to be closer to family and friends (See graph below):

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The survey also revealed that 73% percent of retirees currently live in single-family homes. With the overall number of homes for sale today hitting a historic low, and with the buyer demand for single-family homes skyrocketing, there’s never been a more ideal time to sell a single-family home and make a move toward retirement. Today’s market has the perfect combination of driving forces to make selling optimal, especially while buyers are looking to take advantage of low interest rates.

If you’re one of the 73% of retirees with a single-family home and want to move closer to your family, now is the time to put your house on the market. With the pace homes are selling today, you could essentially wrap up your move – start to finish – before the holidays.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to fully retire or to buy a second home with the intent to use it as your retirement home in the future, the 2020 fall housing market may very well work in your favor. Let’s connect today to discuss your options in our local market.

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The Perks of Owning More Than One Home

Many things have changed over the past couple of years, and real estate is no exception. One impact is an increased desire to own more than one home. According to the recent Luxury Market Report from Luxury Home Marketing:

“As trends such as remote working and flexi-hours took hold in 2021, so too did the flexibility of relocating as well as the growth of second homeownership.”

This may be because the pandemic has altered how we think about our homes. Where we live has become, more than ever, our safe space and our getaway. And with the rise in remote work, more people are reconsidering where they want to live and buying second homes to give them greater flexibility. If you fall in that category, here are just a few of the perks you’ll enjoy, and how owning a second home may be a great decision for your lifestyle and your future.

Enjoy a Change in Scenery (or Weather)

When you have two homes, you can alternate between them as the weather changes or as you crave different scenery. Do you want to live in an area with a particular season? Would alternating between a resort and a suburban setting be ideal? With two homes, you have those options. Being able to move between homes based on which location best suits you at the time gives you added flexibility and variety that can help increase your happiness.

Build Your Wealth Faster

You may have heard that home equity is skyrocketing, thanks to ongoing home price appreciation. CoreLogic reports that the average homeowner gained $56,700 in equity over the last year. With home prices projected to continue rising, if you purchase a second home, you could benefit from rising equity on both properties to build your wealth (and your net worth) even faster.

Be Closer to Loved Ones

The pandemic has also reignited the importance of being near our loved ones. One option worth exploring is whether you want your second home to be near the people who matter most in your life. This makes it easier to see your loved ones but still gives you your own dedicated, private space so you can be nearby for major life events or longer visits.

Lock in Your Expenses

Buying a second home today and locking in your mortgage rate may be a good option if you’re looking to stabilize your housing costs for the long haul. If you’re approaching retirement or are looking to use your second home as your permanent residence in the future, buying that house now with today’s rate and price may be a good financial decision. That way, no matter what happens with rates and prices in years ahead, your monthly payment is locked in for the next 15-30 years.

Bottom Line

Having multiple homes has considerable benefits. If owning a second home is something you’re interested in, let’s connect to explore your options, discuss the benefits, and take the next step to start your home search.

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10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa: Design a “Spathroom”

Ahhh, the spa. It’s been too long since most of us could go to a real spa (thanks, COVID). We miss the luxury of a hot tub soak and the power of sauna and steam rooms to align our body and spirit. So, we’re doing the next best thing. We’re remodeling our bathrooms with spa-inspired features to get that relaxing vibe at home. Enter the spa bathroom. The trend has even inspired a new word blend: spathroom.

COVID and more time at home caused homeowners to search out creative ways to enjoy their homes more. “We’re looking for ways to relax at home versus going out. So, bringing that luxury home in the form of a spa bathroom is a logical next,” says Dr. Anna Ruth Gatlin, an assistant professor of interior design at Auburn University.

But a spa bathroom can carry a hefty price tag. A bathroom remodel costs an average $35,000, according to the National Association of REALTORS^® “Remodeling Impact Survey.” A budget-friendly remodel can be done for as little as $2,500, depending on the scope of the project and where you live, according to “Forbes Advisor.”

Spa Bathroom Ideas

Improvements that can add value to your home include upgrading your shower, adding storage through shelving, and refreshing your color scheme, according to Property Price Advice. A bathroom that still needs upgrades will make the whole home much less appealing to buyers, says realtor.com®. The website recommends enhancing marketability through simple upgrades like installing new bathroom hardware and adding shelving.

If you make smart choices, you can also get soul-soothing relaxation from spa features like a new steam shower. And that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.

#1 Install a Spa Showerhead.

Replace your plain showerhead with a more luxurious model to turn your daily shower into a restorative experience. We’re not talking about changing out the whole fixture just the head, so you can do it yourself. You can get a rain showerhead that sprays water directly from above, or heads with adjustable massaging spray patterns.

Japanese meets Scandinavian in ‘Japandi,’ a trend that makes a bathroom look like it stepped out of Ten Thousand Waves Spa in Santa Fe.

#2 Upgrade Vanities.

Updating your vanity can make a big change in a bathroom without costing a lot of money. You can transform a dated vanity with new paint, new hardware, and a new countertop. So you don’t have to rip out and replacing the entire unit. To get a spa look, consider painting a wooden vanity matte black, adding shiny brass pulls, and replacing the vanity’s countertop with a slab of white marble.

#3 Add Some Japandi.

Japanese meets Scandinavian in “Japandi,” a bathroom trend that combines Zen with hygge for a bathroom that looks like it stepped out of Ten Thousand Waves Spa in Santa Fe. Japandi uses a neutral color palette accented with brass or black fixtures and a lot of wood to push a connection to nature. You don’t have to remodel your entire bathroom in Japandi style. Instead, paint the walls a cool white tone and replace your vanity mirrors with simple round ones. Swap out faucets, cabinet pulls, and towel racks with new black metal ones, and add open wooden shelves. Bathroom paint is an affordable alternative to tile, a fast way to change the look of the room.

#4 Go for Gold.

Gold and brass have made a comeback, replacing silver and nickel trim as the finish of choice in bathrooms. Now is a good time to upgrade your faucets, towel racks, showerhead, shower trim, and mirror frames with a yellow-tinged metal. “After nearly two decades of loving the cold industrial feel of steel, we’re craving warmer-toned metals in bathrooms,” Gatlin says. It’s a cold world out there. We could all use the warm glow of a gold showerhead or towel rack to warm our souls and lift our spirits.

#5 Install a Towel Warmer.

Nothing says “Ahhh, I feel like I’m at a spa” like stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a warm towel. You can get that feeling at home by installing a towel warming rack in your bathroom. They range in style from plug-in models that need no electrical work, to upscale models that an electrician will need to wire into the bathroom. Those higher-end models will add lasting value to your home and do a better job of warming those towels and making you feel pampered.

#6 Opt for Natural Wood.

Pull up the tile, linoleum, or (shudder) carpet on your bathroom flooring. Then put down wood floors in a water-resistant material like teak, cedar, or hinoki cypress. This brings nature and warmth into your bathroom. Don’t want wood in a wet place like a bathroom? Think about porcelain tile that’s made to look like wood. You’ll get the warmth of wood grain with the durability of tile.

#7 Put in Open Shelving.

A few rows of open shelving made of wood can make your bathroom more spa-like by adding a wood finish. They also provide a place to stash your shampoo bottles, towels, and other grooming supplies that can clutter a bathroom. Open wood shelves will make your bathroom more functional, fast. And more storage almost always adds to a home’s value.

#8 Add a Bidet Attachment to Your Toilet.

Once exclusively a European or Asian thing, Americans discovered bidets during the COVID pandemic when fears of a toilet paper shortage spurred bidet sales. Bidets fit in with the spa bathroom aesthetic because spas are about cleanliness and purity. You can go for a full, standalone bidet. Or you can get the same effect by buying a bidet attachment that fits onto your existing toilet. The best choice for adding value to your house is a bidet toilet seat that fits permanently onto your existing toilet and features a dryer function.

#9 Go Big With a Spa Shower.

This is a big-ticket item. Spa bathroom showers are usually double the size of a normal shower and tiled from head to toe — no shower curtain, just glass doors or walls. The idea is to create a rainforest waterfall feel. They usually have a wellness showerhead the size of a dinner plate that offers a range of spray patterns along with chromotherapy.

#10 Build a Wet Room.

We’re in total room remodel territory now. Wet rooms turn the entire bathroom into a waterproof space. This dispenses with a walk-in shower and creates a bathroom with a shower that’s open to the bathroom and separated only by a half-wall of glass or tile. There’s a freestanding soaking tub in a wet room, too. A wet room looks like the bathroom at an actual spa, with bathroom tile on walls, floors, and sometimes even ceilings. It’s a super high-end bathroom that will add luxury with a capital L to your home.

By: HouseLogic

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Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below):

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If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this poll should reassure you. Even when inflation is rising like it is today, Americans agree an investment like real estate truly shines.

Why Is Real Estate a Great Investment During Times of High Inflation?

With inflation reaching its highest level in 40 years, it’s more important than ever to understand the financial benefits of homeownership. Rising inflation means prices are increasing across the board. That includes goods, services, housing costs, and more. But when you purchase your home, you lock in your monthly housing payments, effectively shielding yourself from increasing housing payments. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, explains it like this:

“A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same.”

If you’re a renter, you don’t have that same benefit, and you aren’t protected from increases in your housing costs, especially rising rents.

History Shows During Inflationary Periods, Home Prices Rise as Well

As a homeowner, your house is an asset that typically increases in value over time, even during inflation. That‘s because, as prices rise, the value of your home does, too. And that makes buying a home a great hedge during periods of high inflation. Natalie Campisi, Advisor Staff for Forbes, notes:

“Tangible assets like real estate get more valuable over time, which makes buying a home a good way to spend your money during inflationary times.”

Bottom Line

Housing truly is a strong investment, especially when inflation is high. When you lock in a mortgage payment, you’re shielded from housing cost increases, and you own an asset that typically gains value with time. If you want to better understand how buying a home could be a great investment for you, let’s connect today.

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The History of US 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

Coming into this year, most experts projected mortgage rates would gradually increase and end 2022 in the high three-percent range. It’s only May, and rates have already blown past those numbers. As all eyes are on the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, it’s a great time to look back at historical fluctuations

Rates in 1971 were in the mid-7% range, moving up steadily until they were at 9.19% in 1974. They briefly dipped down into the mid- to high-8% range before climbing to 11.20% in 1979.
Interest rates reached their highest point in modern history in 1981 when the annual average was 16.63%. Fixed rates declined from there, but they finished the decade around 10%.
The average mortgage rate in 1990 was 10.13%, but it slowly fell, finally dipping below 7% to come in at 6.94% in 1998.
Mortgage rates steadily declined from 8.05% in 2000 to the high-5% range in 2003. As the GREAT RECESSION hit, mortgage rates fell almost a full percentage point, averaging 5.04% in 2009.
Mortgage rates entered the 2010’s around 4.69%, falling steadily and were in the mid-3% range by 2012. In 2013, rates went up to 3.98% when the bond market panicked a little bit when the Federal Reserve said it would stop buying as many bonds. Rates rose to 4.17% in 2014 falling back to 3.85% in 2015.
By 2016 they averaged 3.65%. Rates began to rise after the 2016 presidential election, reaching their peak at the end of 2018/start of 2019…. between 3.95% on the low end and 5.34% on the high end.
By January 2020 came around, the average rate for a 30-year fixed was about 3.7%. When COVID hit they dipped into the 2’s, hitting a low in December 2020 at 2.68%!

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing because your needs have changed, purchasing before mortgage rates rise even higher will help you take advantage of today’s homebuying affordability. That could be just the game-changer you need to achieve your homeownership goals.

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Monthly Archives: May 2022

What You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops

Should You Buy a Retirement Home Sooner Rather than Later?

The Perks of Owning More Than One Home

10 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa: Design a “Spathroom”

Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

The History of US 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

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Caroline Dinsmore

Caroline Dinsmore