Author: yajneshkw

If you’re in the market for a new stove, choosing a replacement can be challenging. Along with size, brand, and aesthetic, an important decision is deciding which fuel source you want it to use. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to sustainability and price. For example, gas stoves are more polluting than electric, but natural gas is generally cheaper than electricity in many areas of the country.

Additionally, as climate change worsens, gas appliances are coming under increased scrutiny, leading some cities like Boston and San Francisco to begin phasing them out. Because of this, choosing the right stove for your situation is more critical than ever. Whether you prefer gas or electric stoves, read about their key differences and which one is more climate-friendly. 

Differences between gas and electric stoves

Gas and electric stoves work very differently and offer different cooking qualities. Before deciding on a model, learning how they work is essential. 

What is a gas stove?

Developed in the 1820s, gas stoves are powered by combustible gas, the most common being natural gas. They utilize an open flame generated by gas-powered burners to heat cookware. Burner heat is specified by British Thermal Units (BTUs), representing the heat generated in one hour. Most stoves have burners with different output ratings ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 BTUs. 

 

Gas models have many customization options, such as a large burner in the middle of the stove or a flat griddle for breakfast foods and sandwiches. Some ranges have differently-shaped burners for different uses, such as oval and dual-ring burners. They also often have integrated ovens .

What is an electric stove?

Invented in the 1890s, electric stoves use electricity to heat their burners (composite heating elements). After they were developed, they were slow to catch on because electricity wasn’t readily available. However, once cities became more electrified, electric stoves began replacing their gas counterparts.

Electric stoves come in many styles, from traditional burners to a ceramic flat-top look. They generally use one of three types of elements to transfer heat – coil, solid disk, or smooth heating. Most electric stoves include an oven as well. Recently, more efficient electric stoves have been created, including induction cooktops. 

What are induction cooktops?

Induction cooktops are a type of electric cooktop that look like a glass-top electric stove but instead generate heat from electromagnetic fields below the cooking surface via a metal coil. The coil produces electromagnetic fields that transfer heat directly to magnetic cookware (containing iron), creating a very safe, precise, and efficient cooking method. Even if a burner is on, it isn’t hot until you put a pan on it, and it only gets as hot as the residual heat from the pan. 

 

Induction cooktops are expensive but contain many benefits of both gas and electric stoves. Like gas stoves, they also have a fantastic temperature range and can change temperature almost instantly. Similar to electric cooktops, they don’t emit natural gas and are easy to clean, especially if they’re built into ceramic. Additionally, many induction burners and induction-specific cookware utilize smart technology to optimize cooking and increase safety. 

Induction may be a good option if you’re looking for the precision and cooking quality of a gas stove with the sustainability and output of an electric cooktop.

How are gas and electric stoves different? 

Gas stoves use an open flame, while electric stoves use a heating element. Gas models change temperature quickly, while electric models are slower to respond. Generally, people consider gas stoves a luxury item that produces higher quality cooking. Electric stoves are ideal for small spaces and are easier to install. 

There are also dual-fuel stove options that provide a gas range with an electric oven. These stoves combine the strengths of gas and electricity, but they’re expensive and require both a gas hookup and a high-voltage outlet. 

Gas vs. electric stove: which stove is more sustainable?

As natural gas comes under increased scrutiny and electricity prices rise, choosing the right stove is more important than ever. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of both power sources, including sustainability, efficiency, and tips on how to use them.

Gas 

Sustainability depends on where you live. While natural gas pollutes and gas lines frequently leak, it can be a greener option if your local electric grid relies on coal-burning power plants. 

In terms of total energy consumption, gas stoves are more efficient. However, gas stoves produce methane, a potent polluter that can be a hazard in your home. In the U.S., “gas stoves produce the equivalent amount of methane as 500,000 cars every year, fueling global warming,” says environmental copywriter Antonio Salituro. This isn’t just from regular usage either; about 80% of methane emissions occur when stoves are turned off due to leaks in gas lines and fittings.

Another aspect to consider is the oven. If your gas stove includes a built-in oven, try not to open it when it’s on, and never heat your room with your oven. Additionally, be efficient with your usage, and don’t alter it in any way (covering the bottom with foil, blocking vent slots). 

Electric 

Electric stoves require more energy but don’t emit harmful gasses. Coil elements are the least efficient of the three types of electric burners. Make sure to match the size of your pans to your burners to avoid wasted energy. 

Additionally, if your stove has an oven with a self-cleaning option, be wary before using it – the ashes that the self-cleaning oven produces can be toxic.

Sustainability winner: electric

There are two factors to consider: energy consumption and methane emission. Gas stoves consume less energy but emit a large amount of methane, while electric stoves consume more power but don’t emit methane. 

Both gas and electric stoves can be the more sustainable option depending on where you live. Some cities and states rely primarily on coal to generate electricity, making natural gas the more climate-friendly choice. Others utilize renewable energy, which makes electricity greener and cheaper. 

Overall, electric stoves are more sustainable in most parts of the country. If you have the budget, invest in an induction stove to reduce your footprint further; they are the most energy-efficient option. As the U.S. continues to invest in renewable energy, electric stoves will become a greener option for a more significant percentage of the population. 

Gas vs. electric stove: which stove costs more?

Both gas and electric models usually cost between $700-$2,000 but can vary widely depending on brand and features. Additionally, most people hire a professional to install their stoves, which is another cost to consider.

Gas 

Gas stoves usually cost a similar amount upfront as their electric counterparts but are more expensive to install. The price depends on the brand, BTU (British Thermal Units) output, and the number of burners. In general, a gas stove with installation usually costs around $2,800. Premium brands like Wolf and Viking can charge upwards of $15,000-20,000 for the most luxurious gas stoves on the market. 

Another factor to consider is the long-term energy costs associated with using the stove. Because gas is generally cheaper than electricity throughout the country, gas versions will be cheaper in the long run. 

Electric 

Electric stoves come in a variety of models and price points. Unlike gas stoves, the cost of an electric stove generally revolves around how the stove generates heat. There are three general methods: coil, solid disk, and smooth heating. Additionally, electric stovetops can come in a variety of materials. The most common material is ceramic, but glass and enamel are also popular options.

Electric stoves are easier to install and more versatile because they don’t require a gas hookup. Because of this, installation costs are much less. The total price with installation will likely be between $2,000-$2,5000. Long-term costs will be higher than gas stoves because electricity costs more. 

Induction stoves differ from electric stoves and are a premium option. 

Cost winner: it depends

Gas and electric stoves cost roughly the same “but vary down the road depending on your energy rates,” notes Real Estate Broker Tom Campone. “Gas stoves are more energy efficient and thus less expensive to operate.”

Premium brands may charge a higher amount for either gas or electric options. Consider your situation and location before deciding on the best option for you.

Gas vs. electric stove: which one is easier to install?

Installing a new stove can be a complex process that many people choose to leave to a professional. If you want to install one without professional help, obtain specific instructions from the manufacturer and bring a friend in case of an emergency. 

Gas 

Gas stoves require a gas hookup and are more challenging to install. “While gas stoves tend to be popular for commercial use, they are more of a burden for a homeowner,” notes Alex from Xclusive Appliance Repair. “However, a gas stove will be easier to install if you have a gas line and no electric option.”

 

Only about half of U.S. households have gas hookups, so you may need to get permits and pay for new gas lines before installing a gas range. If you want to install one yourself, bring a friend and expect it to take four to six hours. Be aware of gas leaks as well. In most cases, hiring a professional can be the cheaper option in the long run. 

Electric 

Most electric stoves require a four-prong, 250-volt, 40-50 amp power supply. If your home doesn’t already have a compatible outlet, installing a new one can be very challenging and is best left to a professional. Luckily, many homes already have a dedicated outlet for electric stoves, making installation much more straightforward. 

Before plugging in your range, check your electrical circuit’s voltage and inspect your power cords to make sure everything is up to code. Once you ensure that your home can accommodate the electrical requirements, connect the power cord to the electric range. Then, before plugging in the stove to the outlet, turn off the stove’s main power circuit to avoid surges. Finally, plug the stove into the outlet and turn the stove’s power circuit back on. To avoid any issues, call a professional if you have questions about the process. 

Keep in mind that most electric ranges don’t come with power cords. You’ll likely have to purchase them separately to connect your stove. 

Installation winner: electric

Electric stoves don’t require a specialized gas hookup and don’t run the risk of gas leaks. Additionally, most homes already have a compatible outlet. There is a risk of power surges, but as long as you follow installation instructions, installing an electric range is relatively simple.

Gas vs. electric stove: which stove performs better?

Performance is an essential factor when choosing a stove. After all, you want to know which option will produce the best cooking. There are many important qualities to consider, including heating temperature, consistency, and responsiveness. Let’s review both styles’ pros and cons to help you decide.

Think Pink to Boost Your Winter Mood

Paint firms are honing in on earthy shades of pink as their choices for 2023 Color of the Year, and with “Barbiecore” design trending, it’s good timing for pink to take center stage.

Sherwin-Williams chose “Redend Point,” a blush-and-beige color with pink undertones, as its 2023 Color of the Year. “People have been drawn to nature-inspired and earthy tones the past couple years, and this is something that will continue into 2023 and beyond,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. 

The paint firm Dunn-Edwards chose Terra Rosa, a rosy blend of brown and burgundy. “This translates to design through lush, sophisticated touches with equal parts prettiness and drama,” says Sara McLean, a color expert for Dunn-Edwards.

Top 10 Trendiest Autumn Paint Colors for 2022

The trendiest autumn paint color of all is “Sulking Room Pink,” a muted rose color by Farrow and Ball, according to a study conducted by Alan Boswell Landlord Building Insurance(link is external), which used the online analytics tool Ahrefs to reveal the paint colors garnering the most global searches (see chart below for the full list).

Peignoir, a gray and pink combo, ranked second on the list.

3 Standards Multigenerational Housing Needs to Meet

A fourth of Americans are living in multigenerational households, but current housing stock needs to adapt to the population’s changing needs.

© kate_sept2004 – E+/Getty Images

Multigenerational housing has become commonplace, and many Americans even show a preference for it, experts said at the Urban Land Institute’s 2022 Fall Meeting in October. In fact, a quarter of Americans in 2021 lived in a multigenerational household, according to a study(link is external) from think tank Generations United. (A multigenerational household is defined as members of three or more generations living under one roof.) This means the market for multigenerational homes is a large and expanding source of business for real estate professionals.

The reasons vary for why people choose to live with multiple generations of their family, said Helen Foster, principal of real estate development firm Foster Strategy. Economic factors and cultural background are main drivers, and the number of multigenerational households is rising with uncertainty in the economy. “As rent pressures continue to increase, we’ll see more of this type of living situation,” Foster said.

Conceptually, communities could be restructured to foster multigenerational living as an answer to the home affordability crisis, said Daniel Parolek, author of Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis. However, he added, multigenerational housing needs to meet three standards in order to truly meet the needs of the population: accessibility, adaptability and affordability. 

Standard One: Supporting Accessibility

Supporting multigenerational infrastructure means creating communities “where ages 8 through 80 can thrive,” said Michael Spotts, a research fellow at ULI’s Terwilliger Center for Housing. Accessory dwelling units, senior living spaces and adaptable single-family homes need to be available in order for a multigenerational community to work, said Rodney Harrell, vice president of family, home and community at AARP. Right now, the missing link is a focus on the elders’ needs. “By 2034, for the first time in U.S. history, we’ll have more people over 65 than under 18,” Harrell said. “What that means is that every community across the country will have people of all ages, and we haven’t had to wrestle with that before.”

Up until this point, community planners and developers have focused on meeting the needs of younger families without much thought regarding an aging population. This, says Parolek, is where master planned communities need to change. Part of that change requires bringing back housing typologies like duplexes, accessory dwellings and cottage courts.

But accessibility isn’t just about the types of housing available. Mobility is another important factor, said Spotts. Communities need to take into account how various age groups get around. “Some people will need to drive; some will want walkability,” he said. “We must build to suit both.”

Developers also need to think about how transportation affects the people who live in these communities. Spotts used the example of his own neighborhood, which he said is very “automobile-centric.” He said he doesn’t necessarily feel like his child is safe out riding a bike or crossing the street because of traffic. Fully functional multigenerational communities must include public transportation to consolidate traffic, but it shouldn’t be overcomplicated. “Buses work,” Spotts said. “They are adaptable and accessible.”

Location matters as well when planning out multigenerational communities. How close a community is to a downtown core will change the housing typology, Parolek said. “One size does not fit all. Location and context matter. Is public transit or Uber accessible? Parking might drive design. The closer you get to a downtown core, the smaller the space. Is mixed-use necessary?” Demographics, socioeconomics and location should all drive the specifics when designing a community catered to multigenerational living.

Standard Two: More Adaptable Spaces

Multigenerational communities must adapt over time as residents change. Kids grow up and move out. Some of them return home. Older generations pass on. Housing structures need to adapt to meet the need. Parolek used an example of a more versatile single-family home: “The main dwelling houses the core family unit. Then, there’s a wing for the grandparents and a third unit over the garage for boomerang kids or to rent out. The space includes a shared courtyard. So, in this single space, there are three distinct units that function as one unit or close off for privacy.”

Likewise, Parolek said there’s much value in a community that utilizes multiple adaptable housing typologies together. Cottage courts provide each generation with an individual cottage and shared community space, usually a courtyard or patio. Duplexes provide proximity without limiting privacy. Live-work spaces improve accessibility and proximity.

Adaptability isn’t reserved for living spaces, though. Neighborhood design and accessibility to grocery stores, offices and shopping is important, too. One of the big questions that remains in creating a truly working multigenerational community is how office, retail and warehouse spaces can become adaptable to accommodate shifting needs as the community ages.

Standard Three: Addressing Affordability

Multigenerational communities need child care workers, home health aides, housekeepers and grocery store workers to meet the needs of households. But these are lower-paying jobs that often can’t fully support workers. Spotts said recent ULI researchlink is external) found that child care providers and home health aides “couldn’t afford to rent a one-bedroom apartment on the median wage anywhere in the country.”

Seniors find themselves facing affordability issues as well, Harrell said, adding that “as of 2019, 10 million adults ages 65 and older were housing cost–burdened.” Communities need to bring back the missing housing types, but it won’t be enough, Parolek said, adding that “zoning barriers [are] the biggest thing that needs to change to make missing typologies a possibility.”

Builders and developers need incentives to construct affordable units that works for them and for the end user. Technology needs to expand outside the home and into the community itself, and infrastructure needs to be built in a way that allows for adaptation over time—which reduces costs, the experts said. A concerted, multi-solution approach is necessary to make affordability a reality and, thus, multigenerational living a viable option.

Indoor Air Quality: Why It’s Important and How to Manage It

Much conversation revolves around outdoor air quality, but many factors—environmental and health-specific—bring indoor air quality to the forefront of the conversation as well. Maximize a home’s air quality with monitoring.

©Ross Helen / Getty

Increasingly, air quality—indoor and outdoor—is a prominent topic of discussion. To combat wildfires, smog and viruses, experts are talking about what measures to take to ensure that air quality is viable and healthy for us to breathe. This includes indoor air quality, a consideration that some have overlooked in past years.

Still, indoor air quality is an important component of a healthy household, which is why it should matter to you and to your clients. Unlike outdoor air quality, though, we don’t have meteorologists and weather apps monitoring it for us, telling us if it’s safe to go outside. That’s one of the reasons it’s important to have some basic knowledge of indoor air quality to help educate yourself and clients.

“During a given day, indoor air quality can fluctuate pretty significantly based on human activity,” says Oyvind Birkenes, CEO of Airthings, a company that sells indoor air quality monitors(link is external).

Factors such as the amount of people in the home and what’s being cooked can affect indoor air quality. Likewise, outdoor factors like disaster events and weather events and proximity to the natural environment or a city center can also affect indoor air quality. That’s why it’s important to have constant monitoring over time, says Roei Friedberg, CEO of Aura Air(link is external), an air purification company.

“Through real-time measurement, we can understand different trends and patterns and therefore provide users with actionable insights,” Friedberg explains.

This kind of measurement, done over time and consistently and the insights it provides, helps people make informed decisions.

“Monitoring air quality over time allows you to establish a baseline average that will illustrate whether you have a long-term problem or a short-term variation from the norm,” Birkenes says.

Air quality sensors are meant to measure a variety of factors to give you insight into the air quality of your home. These metrics give you a holistic view of the quality of air you breathe and can make educated decisions based on the information. To test this, we placed air quality sensors from Airthings, Amazon and Aqara around our home and tracked the various metrics over several months. Here’s what we found:

Air Quality Index

The air quality index is a basic measurement of overall air quality in a specific location or space. It ranges from 0 to 500; the higher the number, the worse the air quality. We found that each company’s device registered our home’s overall air quality index as good, but there were some external factors like construction on our home, the onset of seasonal allergens and other seasonal changes that made it worth digging into the more targeted measurements.

Humidity

One of the first issues we noticed in our house while testing these sensors in the winter was that the air in our house was dry, at around 20% humidity. The Mayo Clinic says that a comfortable humidity level for indoors should be between 30% and 50%. Lower levels can cause issues like dry skin and irritated noses. High levels can make people feel congested. Long-term high humidity levels can cause serious issues such as mold.

We installed a humidifier and found that our home has since consistently been at 45% humidity across the seasons. We also found that all three sensors did a good job of tracking and updating humidity changes and were on par with one another.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds are a large and diverse group of compounds that volatilize into the air at room temperature. In homes, VOCs are harmful air pollutants, coming from all kinds of household staples such as air fresheners, cleaners, carpeting and new furniture.

They are among the “most common sources of unhealthy indoor air quality” factors, says Bharti Patel, CTO for air filter and purification company Alen.

“With proper ventilation, one can usually mitigate VOCs from household chemicals and cleaning supplies,” Patel advises. “Open windows to bring in outdoor air to increase airflow and ventilation when painting or after a new carpet is installed. When cooking, always use the vent hood and ensure the vent hood filter is clean.”

Particulate Matter

PM 2.5 refers to fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 or smaller, which includes bacteria, fungi and emissions from coal, gas and oil combustion. PM 10, the largest particles typically monitored by air quality monitoring systems, have a diameter of 10 microns or smaller and include pollutants like pollen and pet dander. 

Radon

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, which has prompted many states to require passive radon mitigation systems installed at the time of construction on new homes. Buyers are encouraged to conduct a radon test when they purchase a home.

The EPA(link is external) considers a level of over 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) to be elevated and require mitigation. The agency, however, also says that at this time, a safe level of radon exposure has not yet been determined, so any home with levels between 2 and 4 pCi/L should also be addressed.

At the moment, Airthings is the only consumer grade air quality monitoring system that detects radon and graphs it over time. The company recommends waiting 30 days to establish a baseline before taking any action based on the results. We built our home 3.5 years ago, so it has a passive mitigation system, and our radon levels are minimal. Still, I have had plenty of clients over the years find elevated levels which have been resolved with a mitigation system. Here in Minnesota, mitigation runs at about $1,200.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s a necessary part of the air we breathe. It’s when CO2 levels rise and overtake the amount of oxygen in a space that it becomes a problem. Too much CO2 can cause you to feel sleepy, tired or less focused. When it’s too high, it can be a serious health concern. Of the three systems we tested, we found that Airthings’ View Plus(link is external) model displays CO2 levels in parts per million and will notify the user if levels are elevated.

Monitoring Leads to Solutions

From allergens to pollutants, there are many invisible factors that can affect the quality of the air in your home, making a monitor a practical investment.

Installing and using an air quality monitor means you have the information you need to fix air quality issues that exist in your home. Being able to address air quality issues means your home is more comfortable and safer. Based on the data collected by your monitor, you’ll be able to determine what kind of solution is required.

Mortgage Rates Back Above 7%

Though borrowing costs are rising again after a brief break, historical patterns indicate there may be some easing on the horizon.

© cagkansayin – iStock/Getty Images Plus

After a break in rising borrowing costs last week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage once again pushed ahead of 7% this week, forcing house hunters to recalculate what they can afford. Freddie Mac reports that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.08% this week, up from last week’s 6.95% average. “The housing market is the most interest rate–sensitive segment of the economy, and the impact rates have on home buyers continues to evolve,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Home sales have declined significantly, and as we approach year’s end, they are not expected to improve.”

However, historical patterns in mortgage rates indicate that some easing could come soon. Also, if the Federal Reserve takes a pause on future hikes to its benchmark rate, that could bode well for mortgage rates as well. “A return to a normal spread between the government borrowing rate and the home purchase borrowing rate will bring the 30-year mortgage rate down to around 6%,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®. “The usual spread between the 10-year Treasury yield and the 30-year mortgage rate is between 150 to 200 basis points, rather than the current spread of 300 basis points.”

The Mortgage Bankers Association has predicted even more relief on the horizon, projecting that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage may fall to 5.4% by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Nov. 10:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 7.08%, with an average 0.9 point, increasing from last week’s 6.95% average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 2.98%.
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 6.38%, with an average 1 point, rising from last week’s 6.29% average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 2.27%.
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 6.06%, with an average 0.2 point, increasing from last week’s 5.95% average. A year ago, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.53%.

Freddie Mac reports commitment rates along with average points to better reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage.

Staging to Sell with Inspo from 5-Star Hotels

Hotel and interior design experts offer tips for staging primary bedrooms with touches of luxe.

©LEK_3DPHOTO / Getty

Recently, furniture and home decor company, CB2(link is external), named “luxury for all” as one of the top three home trends of 2022. The brand’s popularity with millennials, who currently comprise the largest percentage of home buyers(link is external), means CB2’s insights are valuable intel for real estate professionals.

The use of staging(link is external) can set a listing apart from the crowd and increase the amount buyers are willing to spend on a property, according to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®. If homebuyers crave luxury and want it at a variety of price points, sellers would do well to stage their homes in a way that reflects these lifestyle aspirations. What better template for luxury staging than a five-star hotel suite?

Making a primary bedroom look and feel like a five-star hotel guestroom is “all about making mindful choices, keeping things really simple and introducing luxurious elements in very attainable ways,” says interior designer Rebecca Gitana, founder(link is external) of Healing Through the Home.

Luxury hotel experts and interior designers offer suggestions for arranging and styling bedrooms like five-star hotel rooms.

Limit Art and Accessories

Removing family photos and personal items is standard protocol when staging a house. But retaining or adding a couple of thoughtful accessories can boost the aesthetic appeal of a primary bedroom.

“High-end hotel rooms often imbue an aesthetic of minimalized clutter—sometimes just a coffee-table book, single piece of art, or a design-centric lamp bedside are enough,” says Brandon Berkson, founder(link is external) of Hotels Above Par.

“The hotel feeling is all about less is more,” agrees commercial interior designer(link is external) Gerardy Cabrera. “You can go wild with artwork, not with quantity, but with size and color.”

Choose Crisp White Bedding

If there’s one thing that makes a bedroom feel more like a five-star hotel room, it’s high-quality, high thread-count bedding, according to Brianna Glenn, luxury travel advisor(link is external) and founder of Milk + Honey Travels.

Interior designers agree. “Crisp white bed sheets are the number one staple in any five-star sleeping situation,” says Gitana.

Jaclyn Isaac, the principal designer and owner of Doni Douglas Designs(link is external), calls white sheets a no-brainer and suggests topping them with a fluffy white duvet cover. “Certain colors don’t show well on camera, but white looks bright and clean and gives off that hotel vibe,” she explains.

Pick a Signature Scent

Filling the kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked cookies before an open house is the oldest trick in the book. The idea has stuck around because it works. But if the scent of cookies makes a kitchen feel like home, what makes a bedroom feel luxurious?

Hotel candles, according to Glenn. These days, many hotels infuse the lobby with seasonal signature scents ranging from the distinct smoky-spicy aroma of Hotel Emma(link is external) in San Antonio to the gentle waft of cherries and lilies in The St. Regis New York. 

“I stayed at Royal Monsour,nk is externa in Marrakech, and I remember they sent me home with a candle that had their signature scent—I could light it at home and instantly be transported back to that magical place,” she recalls.

While any high-end candle will do, homeowners can infuse their bedrooms with scents inspired by actual five-star hotels with products(link is external) from Hotel Lobby Candle, a brand launched by travel writer and influencer Lindsay Silberman.

Take Cues from Nature

Luxury lodging often brings the outside in. That’s the case with one of Berkson’s new favorite properties, Piaule Catskill(link is external), which he says features simple oak-framed beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that “allow you to wake up to the surrounding forest.”

Of course, staging a room isn’t the same as renovating it. But homeowners can still include nature with lush houseplants or simple arrangements of foraged branches. Isaac says she always uses fresh flowers when staging.

Gitana suggests taking it a step further by decorating with colors and textures that mimic the natural world outside the room’s windows. Natural fibers might include cotton, bamboo, silk or wool. Even a bedroom entirely staged in shades of white can include natural variety by mixing up the fabrics and textures.

Include a Seating Area

In the world of hospitality, consumers associate square footage with luxury. While standard hotel rooms clock in at 330 square feet on average, luxury guest rooms range from 430 to 4,000 square feet, according to hospitality management software company(link is external) Cvent.

You can’t increase the square footage of a listing, but you can spruce it up for all it’s worth. Luxury properties do this by creating thoughtful sitting areas, even in heritage hotels with limited space.

“No matter the size of the bedroom, you can create a little spot to take a call, have a cup of coffee, or just stare out the window,” says Gitana. “Create this for yourself by introducing an interesting chaise lounge or love seat into your space. Have an even smaller space? A single chair also works!”

Balance the Layout

Not all primary bedrooms are symmetrical, but thoughtful furniture arranging can make the space feel balanced.

“Start with a bed frame that fits the room,” says Cabrera. Bigger isn’t always better, as a crowded bedroom feels like the opposite of luxe. He suggests choosing a bed that leaves 3 to 4 feet of space on each side, even if that means staging with a double bed in place of a king or queen.

Once the bed is in place, position a nightstand on each side. It might sound like a simple suggestion, but the resulting visual balance evokes a luxurious sense of calm and comfort, according to Gitana.

Complete the look with a large enough rug to fit under the bed and the nightstands. “A too-small rug is a rookie decor mistake,” Isaac warns.

First-Time Home Buyers Are Vanishing From the Market

The share of first-time home buyers has fallen to its lowest level on record over the last year as young adults face a longer path to homeownership, NAR data shows.

As the housing market surged last year, a typically large segment of home buyers went missing. Amid higher home prices, bidding wars and fierce competition for limited inventory, first-time home buyers dropped to their lowest numbers on record, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Further, the age of the typical first-timer swelled to a record high of 36, NAR data shows.

“It’s not surprising that the share of first-time buyers shrank to the lowest level ever recorded given the housing market’s combination of historically low inventory, persistently high home prices and rapidly escalating interest rates,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s vice president of demographics and behavioral insights. “Those who have housing equity hold the cards, and they’ve fared very well in the current real estate market. First-time buyers are older as a result of saving for down payments for longer periods of time or relying on a generational transfer of wealth to propel them into homeownership.”

First-time buyers comprised just 26% of all buyers in 2022, down from 34% the year before. That’s also nearly half of the 50% peak share first-timers reached in 2010, which was mostly triggered by the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. “Since 2011, the share of first-time home buyers has been under the historical norm of 40% as buyers face tight inventory, rising home prices, rising rents and high student debt loads,” NAR’s report notes.

Forgetting the Starter Home

Faced with surging rents over the past year, first-time buyers are struggling to save enough to afford a home. For example, 92% of first-timers recently surveyed by ConsumerAffairs.com say they cannot afford a mortgage in the current market. Nearly 63% of all consumers say they’re willing to move to a state with a cheaper cost of living in order to afford a home, the survey shows.

Saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership that first-time home buyers cite, and they’re looking for financial help. Twenty-two percent of first-time buyers have used a gift or loan from friends and family to come up with a down payment, according to the NAR study. The typical down payment for first-time buyers was 6% in 2022 compared to 17% for repeat buyers.

Further, the idea of a “starter home” is becoming less practical as more first-time buyers say they intend to stay a long period of time in the property they buy. The median expected home tenure for first-time buyers has risen to a record high of 18 years, up from 10 years in 2021, according to NAR.

First-time home buyers also are pooling resources to afford homeownership. Notably, 15% purchased a multigenerational home over the past year to accommodate aging parents, grandparents or adult siblings, according to NAR’s survey. That is slightly higher than repeat buyers (14%). The biggest reason first-time buyers cite for purchasing a multigenerational home was wanting “a larger home that multiple incomes could afford together” (28%) and for “cost savings” (28%).

10 Horrifying Home Design Trends: 2022 Edition

Every year, there are new and evolving home design fads that should “scare” you to death. Last year, there were moss-covered accent walls (gasp!), acrylic furniture (shriek!) and Tuscan-style kitchens (yelp!). This year, it’s the “cloffice”—a pandemic-era closet-turned-office—and many others. With Halloween around the corner, Styled Staged & Sold presents its annual countdown of the top 10 home trends of 2022 that are haunting our nightmares.

10. The classic farmhouse look

Many designers have called for the modern farmhouse trend to be put out to pasture—especially for homes that are nowhere near a farm. This look includes overly distressed and white-washed furnishings and décor, kitschy signs like “live, laugh, love” or “gather,” shiplap walls, barn doors, burlap or buffalo check overload and mason jars. Keep a few antique touches from the style, but overly committing to farmhouse décor could be aging your home.

 

 

9. Vessel bowl sinks

These sinks sit on top of the bathroom vanity counter. They may be a round bowl or a modern square in marble or even copper. They were once a favorite for modernizing an outdated bathroom because they offered a unique touch to the typical undermount sink. But they’ve lost their luster—and they can be a pain to clean. Water and dirt can get stuck between the base of the vessel sink and the counter. Also, the edge of the sinks are exposed and can be prone to cracks and damage.

8. Matching furniture sets

Avoid getting too match-y with your furnishings and fixtures. It’s trendy not to match. A beige sofa mixed with perfectly coordinated beige chairs and a complementary coffee table—sold as a set—is essentially the furniture version of a “bed in a bag.” Instead, buy the beige sofa and swap in trendy velvet chairs in a blue or green, for example. Free yourself from having to pair everything in the same color. The contrast can add dimension to a room, designers say.

7. Cowhide prints

Over the last decade, a cowhide rug was viewed as the ultimate modern accessory. But animal prints are becoming passé. The cow print aesthetic has popped up as decorative jagged edge rugs in black and white or brown and white. The cowhide pattern has been used asa statement chair or for kitchen stools. Cows also have served as a muse for artwork: The mass-produced long-haired Highland Cow print has been hung everywhere. A United Kingdom survey conducted by the publication Ideal Home called cowhide prints one of the worst interior design trends of all time. Try other ways to channel the trendy white-and-black color scheme that don’t involve using a cow as inspiration.

 

6. Rainfall showerheads

These showerheads have been a popular accessory for creating a luxury spa in an owner’s suite. But their hype is starting to wane due to the practicality of these showerheads. (link is external) earlier this year—and we agree. A trickle of water flows down like a waterfall from overhead. It’s kind of like a bucket of water being dumped over your head continuously more than an inviting flow. Also, rain showerheads often have reduced water pressure since the water tends to get spread across a larger head. On a brighter note, at least it’s a lighter-weight bucket being dumped over your head!

 

5. Venetian plaster walls

Plaster wall finishes are still trendy at the moment. So, we’re calling this one early because of the pain it could be to remove one day if you ever grow tired of this look. Some home remodelers say they’ve even had to remove or completely refinish a wall to get rid of this heavy paint finish. Venetian plaster, which is similar to the limewash look, is a lime-based putty that often is applied onto walls in earth-tone colors with stroke-like finishes. It’s thick and gives flat walls a matted, chalky look to add depth and texture—which designers are all about at the moment. Plaster walls, which have been decorating homes for centuries, last made a comeback with the Tuscan décor style in the ’90s. Now, it’s popular once again. Research this trend fully before committing and choosing which product to use: Fixing any blemishes without leaving a mark can be challenging, and one day removing it could be a nightmare.

4. Wallpaper murals

Earlier this year, House Beautiful called “scenic murals”link is external) in bathrooms one of the hottest trends for 2022. These can be intricate murals added behind a standalone bath tub in the owner’s suite or used as an accent wall in a bedroom to make it a focal point. The murals may depict landscapes, giant florals, ocean-side vignettes, waterfalls or other settings. Wallpaper has been staging a comeback and popping up in surprising areas of a home. “The trend has resurfaced and haunted the decades,” says Channa Alvarez, a designer at Living Spaces. Murals and larger prints are the latest trend, Alvarez says. But a silver-lining: “Installing wallpaper isn’t what nightmares are made of anymore,” and often, the peel-and-stick types can be easy to remove. At least we know there’s a simple exit strategy with this one.

3. Tile countertops

Square tile countertops had their heyday in kitchens and bathrooms in the 1970s and ’80s. Now, they’re considered one of the worst home décor styles of the past 50 years, according to a survey from the home furnishing company Empire Today. Cleaning the grout can be a chore, and tile can be prone to chipping. Granite and quartz are preferred choices today. But we do support homeowners’ efforts to salvage their outdated tiled tops to fit at least more eclectic home styles, such as by dyeing the grout lines in bold colors like moss green, yellow, bright blue or peach.

2. A jungle of greenery

This year has been all about green. Practically every paint firm chose some shade of green as its 2022 color of the year. Homeowners were encouraged to add greenery anywhere and everywhere, including oversized planters perched atop dining room tables or on every shelf in a kitchen, home office or bathroom, and even hanging greenery from lighting fixtures. Even worse, moss walls are still hanging on—a trend we called out as the worst last year. On Instagram, all of these giant shades of greenery can give home photos a “wow” moment. In real life, however, you may have engulfed yourself in too much green. Grab a machete and cut your way out of your overgrown jungle. We love greenery, but it doesn’t need to be in every single corner of your home. If the dining table has a giant plant that you can’t see over, you’ve gone too far. Buy a greenhouse to store all the extra plants.

1. The “cloffice”

The pandemic-inspired trend of turning closets into home offices seemed like a practical solution in a sudden work-from-home culture. These cloffices were all the rage on social media, with homeowners showing off their tiny decked-out workspaces. Everything in the closet was cleared out while spunky, colorful wallpaper backdrops lined them. Open shelving, accessories galore and plants tried to hide the fact that you were still working in a closet. Homeowners are rolling out of the closet after too many months of being tucked away. Instead, they’re preferring a dedicated workspace with more room and light. Plus, they really want to take back their closets and extra storage space for all of those pandemic-inspired splurges they don’t need anymore.

 

The Appraiser’s Role Isn’t to Kill Your Deal

Appraisers start from a high bar before they can take on their own assignments, but agents can still play a role in helping them determine valuations accurately.

One comment I sometimes hear from agents is, “The appraiser doesn’t know what they are doing!” I ask the agent complaining, “What do you think the appraiser does?” They typically respond, “They kill my deals!” That reveals a misunderstanding of who the appraiser is, why we are here and what agents can do to help the process. Let me offer some clarity.

An appraiser is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial and objective. An appraiser must not perform an assignment with bias nor accept an assignment that includes the reporting of predetermined opinions and conclusions. Unlike agents, appraisers must not advocate the cause or interest of any party or issue.

When you’re working with a buyer or seller on a transaction, remember this: The price of a property is a fact based on the agreement between a willing buyer and seller. The appraisal is an opinion of value based on credible assignment results. Appraisers observe the property, analyze the data and report their credible results to their client—typically the lender, seeking to assure the property is worth enough to guarantee the loan. There are many different valuation products, including traditional appraisals performed by licensed appraisers and ones not performed by a licensed appraiser, including competitive market analyses (CMAs), broker price opinions (BPOs), evaluations and automated valuation models (AVMs).

Getting Qualified

Appraiser qualifications are established federally by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation (AQB). The minimum qualifications to enter the appraisal profession is the completion of 75 hours of qualifying education. Once people complete the 75 hours, they generally receive a trainee license, at which point they can work under a supervisory appraiser. As trainees, they must take additional education and earn qualifying experience working with their supervisor. There are three paths trainees can take, and all include taking an AQB-approved exam:

Licensed residential real property appraiser

• Can appraise non-complex one- to four-unit residential properties having a transactional value of less than $1 million and complex one-to-four unit residential properties having a transactional value of less than $400,000. (“Complex” generally means something about the appraisal is out of the ordinary. For example, the property itself or the form of ownership may be atypical.)
• Must complete 150 hours of qualifying education and 1,000 hours of qualifying experience in no fewer than six months
• No college education required

Certified residential real property appraiser

• Can appraise one-to-four unit residential properties without regard to value or complexity
• Must hold an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or alternative defined by the AQB
• Must complete 200 hours of qualifying education and 1,500 hours of qualifying experience in no fewer than 12 months

Certified general real property appraiser

• Can appraise all types of real property
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Must complete 300 hours of qualifying education and 3,000 hours of qualifying experience in no fewer than 18 months

All appraisers follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). USPAP is the appraisal profession’s rules and standards. It’s baked into each state’s appraisal law, and it addresses both competency and requirements for ethical conduct. Appraisers who perform incompetently could violate their state law and be subject to regulatory and disciplinary actions.

The Agent and the Appraiser

Regardless of how much we prepare for an appraisal assignment, none of us are mind readers. If agents have information germane to the valuation, the appraiser needs to know. Communication is key—so is keeping a complete work file. To ensure no miscommunications, send answers to the appraiser’s questions and data requests via email before meeting them at the property.

Sometimes, agents become frustrated when they perceive that the lender or appraisal management company (AMC) has made an assignment to an appraiser from outside the area. Bear in mind the agents sometimes work outside their market area, too, and geographic distance isn’t always the best measure of competency. It’s ethically and legally required that an appraiser only if they have the competency to handle the assignment. Appraisers certify that they are competent in their reports; if they are not, their licenses can be disciplined. It is for this reason I stress: Understanding how the market is defined is key to geographic competency and avoiding misunderstandings. The listing agent may have one idea of how the market is defined, while the appraiser may have a different one. Clarity begins with the answers to these questions:

1. How do you define the neighborhood for your listing? Is the market defined by school district, street coordinates, census tracts or something else?
2. What search criteria did you use find relevant comparable sales and listings?  Location? Housing style? Bedroom/bath count? Something else?

In addition to coming to a common understanding of neighborhood and search criteria, agents can provide appraisers with information that helps inform their work, including:

• True legal description
• Plat of survey
• Blueprints if available on newer houses
• Accurate and complete listing sheet
• Brag sheet, including property features and upgrades, as well as the parameters for competing properties and local benefits
• Any closed sales or listings that support the listing price
• Your insight on why the property is priced where it is

If the property is in an association (condo, cooperative or community association or planned unit development), you should also provide:

• A copy of the governing documents for the association
• The name, phone number, and email address of the association’s property manager or board president if the property is not managed by a professional management company
• Answers to the questions found in the Fannie Mae condominium questionnaire (FNMA Form 1076)

Appraisers bring specific expertise to their role, which is quite different than the role of an agent. By understanding the appraiser’s role, agents can ensure they provide the helpful information. Doing so not only improves the competency of the appraiser, it can also help the agent better serve their client.

Young Buyers Focus on Investment Properties to Build Wealth

Many under the age of 40 are looking at real estate as a means to generate income rather than looking for their own home to live in, a new survey shows.

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A growing number of young adults are charting a different path toward building wealth through homeownership, prioritizing buying an investment property before a primary residence, according to a new survey by Mynd, a company that leverages technology tools to help investors buy, finance and manage single-family rental properties.

Forty-three percent of people younger than 40 say they are considering becoming “rentvestors,” who continue to rent their own home while shoring up income from an investment property, Mynd’s 2022 Consumer Insights Report(link is external) shows. That compares to just 9% of baby boomers and 27% of Gen Xers who are using the same wealth-building strategy. Some first-time investors see this as an opportunity to make more money and better afford a lifestyle in larger, more expensive markets, the report notes.

“Young people are discovering that buying an investment property gives them the best of both worlds: They can live wherever they want, including cities where they can’t yet afford to buy, and still become property owners, which, as we learned in our survey, is still considered an important part of their American dream,” says Mynd founder and CEO Doug Brien. “Buying an investment property means they can go where their life, their work and their sense of purpose takes them without being tied down, and they can still benefit from the diversification, appreciation and tax benefits of real estate investing.”

As the economy teeters on the brink of recession, diversifying a portfolio may become a bigger priority for prospective buyers. Brien notes that many millennials, who came of age during the Great Recession in 2008, watched their parents and others face great financial loss because they were overleveraged on their mortgages. “This cohort is also more skeptical of the stock and bonds market,” Brien says.

But young adults appear optimistic about real estate’s long-term potential. Brien says he believes many of the younger people buying investment properties don’t necessarily view it as a step toward purchasing a primary residence but as an investment that will live alongside their home one day.

The Remote Investor

Remote investing is another trend helping more first-time investors take the leap. More than half of the properties Mynd manages are owned by out-of-state investors. The company has predicted that number to grow as technology makes it easier to buy and manage investment properties from afar. That doesn’t appear to be a scary thought to consumers: Seventy-two percent of the more than 1,000 survey respondents say they’d consider buying an investment property in a different city or state than where they live.

“For decades, the real estate investment class was seen as too complicated and intimidating for many consumers,” Brien says. “Fast forward to today: Consumers now have access to a slew of tools and platforms that demystify the real estate investment process.” He added that Mynd’s mission has been to help inspire a new crop of investors “who were previously too intimidated by real estate or were constrained to investments within commuting distance.”

Tech property management companies have been introducing tools to help novice and experienced investors alike find, finance, purchase and manage properties remotely.

As recession fears mount, single-family rental investments could grow into an even more attractive asset class, Brien says. “As inflation rises, rents are bound to rise, which increases potential cashflow for property owners.”

Twenty-eight percent of survey respondents say they’re considering purchasing an investment property now, despite the current economic climate. “As the Federal Reserve increases interest rates in an effort to tamp down inflation, that can impact demand for rental homes, too,” Brien says. “If it becomes more expensive for potential buyers to finance a purchase, fewer will be able to afford it. This will increase demand for single-family homes and create more upward pressure on rental prices.”