Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - The Rebecca Francis Team

My Blog

Three Interior Design Trends to Carry You Out of 2022

11/22/2022
Rebecca.jpg
Between Pinterest boards, the Instagram explore page, and Facebook posts from friends, it can be hard to see interior design content and decipher what’s really in. Boho designs may be too bold for you, while minimalism might not be enough. As luxury real estate experts, the Rebecca Francis Team wants sellers to know how to best decorate their homes so potential buyers can feel confident in the space's timelessness. On the flip side, our realtors are passionate about helping buyers find homes with designs that won’t be outdated shortly after buying. Read below for three trends you can easily incorporate into your home before it hits the market or what you should keep an eye out for when you’re searching for a new home. 

Use of sustainable pieces. The movement of eco-friendly materials influences many areas of our lives, such as food and transportation. The home is no different — there are many opportunities to use sustainable materials in decor and make your home a little more green. This might include sustainable textiles, like new plant-based leather alternatives made from pineapple leaf fibers (yes, you read that right, pineapple leaves). Sustainable also means vintage pieces which bring history and spirit into any space. Even if your home is brand new, you can bring a story into your rooms through vintage furniture, decor, and art.

Natural tones. Landscape- and nature-inspired tones are set to dominate interiors in the next few years. After we’ve spent the better part of two years indoors, it is not surprising that we want to bring some inspiration from the outdoors in! As you spend extra time in your house, natural tones will help you feel uplifted and energized; these tones will never feel overwhelming or unbalanced. One way to help natural tones feel exciting is to use a two-toned paint scheme. It’s easy to accomplish without overcomplicating a room since most paint swatches are arranged in complementary color families. Picking one lighter and one darker natural color for a room can spice things up yet still be easy on the eyes. 

If “natural tones” are too broad of a category and you still feel that you need more specific guidance, aim for chocolate brown tones. Chocolate brown has been returning to interior design, partially as a departure from the extremely colorful trends from the last few years. Think of this as a way to cleanse your interior design palette. This deep, rich color is a throwback to retro trends from the 1960s and 70s, yet is made modern through pairings with beautiful neutrals. This addition can stay super simple, too – even adding one chocolate-toned pillow to a room can warm up the space without being harsh or bold. 

Dual-purpose rooms. Just as it has inspired the need for natural tones, the post-covid era also influences the layout of our homes. Rooms must double for work and play as we continue working, studying, taking appointments, and more, all from home. The guest room is also a home office, the dining room is a board room, and the living room is a fitness center. For the foreseeable future, interior design needs to play double duty. 

These three trends will help you build a great, timeless base in a home. When someone steps into a home with these elements, whether you or your potential buyers, they will feel a sense of comfort yet still be able to imagine adding their flare to the home. Looking for real estate services in the Lehigh Valley or Upper Bucks area? The Rebecca Francis Team is here to help. Check out these tips for buyers and sellers on preparing your next step, or submit an inquiry to contact us here.  

To List, or Not to List During the Holidays? That is the Question!

11/22/2022
Wondering if you should list your home during the holidays? In this unprecedented market, selling during the holidays may give you some unique advantages. Realtor Liz Bowers breaks it down for you. You can also watch Liz's video here: To List or Not to List?

Fa la la la….List! Six Good Reasons to Sell Your Property Over the Holidays

‘Tis the season to be jolly and…sell a home? The bustling holiday season is traditionally when the real estate market slows down. But there are distinctive advantages to listing your home when the season is bright. Here they are: 

Your halls are decked. From lights to garland to that festive front door wreath, inside and out, homes often look their best from the end of October through January 1. Have fun decorating your home for the holidays before you list it. BUT don’t go overboard. When it comes to decorating a home on the market—especially during the holiday season—it’s important to stick to the adage of “less is more.” Decorate with small white lights instead of jumbo colored, stay away from religious themes, leave the blow-up lawn ornaments in the attic, and stick with small, tasteful holiday decorations that add to rather than detract from your other home décor.

Holiday shoppers are serious. They aren’t the “tire kickers” looking to use showings as a fun way to spend a spring or fall Saturday afternoon.  Some of these buyers have to move for a job or family reasons, or they may want to get their kids into a new school district for the second half of the school year. Either way, they won’t waste your time. Just like holiday retail shoppers, these individuals are looking because they want to buy. If they come tour your home, they are considering offering on it. 

Investors have a deadline. Savvy real estate investors often make a few extra purchases at the end of fiscal year, and they want to close by December 31. For these investors looking to settle by the year’s end, November is a hot month to buy. 

Your agent won’t be swamped. They may be busy wrapping gifts, but most agents won’t be as preoccupied with other real estate matters as they might be in April or May. As mentioned, the winter holiday season is typically a slow period in real estate, which may free up your agent to give more attention to your home. Make sure you choose someone you trust to not disappear during the holidays, however. A good agent will be available to respond to your questions and concerns, even at times when other businesses turn out the lights. 

Less competition. Inventory of homes is lower than it’s been in decades, and with the winter months and holidays looming, that number is expected to drop even more. So, if you list your home now, you will compete with fewer comparable homes than you will if you wait until spring or summer of 2022. 

It's a better time than ever to sell. This is a real estate market like we have never seen, especially in the Lehigh Valley—one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. With interest rates creeping up and more homes likely going on the market in the new year, who knows what the future holds. So, holidays or not, the best time to list your home is NOW.

No matter when you list, an experienced real estate agent can help sell your home quickly and easily, and for the maximum price. If you’ve been thinking about selling and want to learn more about your options, give Liz a call today!

Elizabeth Bowers, REALTOR
The Rebecca Francis Team
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS
610.533.8108 (M)
610.282.4444 (O)
elizabeth.bowers@foxroach.com
elizabethbowers.foxroach.com

Page:  of 000  |