Facebook’s 2020 Year in Review
December 26, 2020 By Leave a Comment
We’re now into the final days of 2020, and while most will be happy to see the back of what’s been an extremely challenging year, it’s also worth reflecting on the various incidents and happenings over the last 12 months, just to take in the full scope, and the many impacts
What It’s Really Like to Work With a Professional Home Organizer
December 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment
A pro organizer tackles 10 questions about how the real-life organizing process may differ from what you see on TV
Professional home organizing is once again on home television and computer screens, thanks to the release of Get Organized With The Home Edit on Netflix. Have you watched the series?
In it, organizing duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin tackle projects at the homes of celebrities and regular folks. As Marie Kondo did in the popular Tidying Up With Marie Kondo series in 2019, the stars of Get Organized offer a look at how a home organizer might transform your home.
But just as many home renovation programs don’t accurately reflect the budget or timeframe involved in remodeling, viewers may wonder if the series reliably depicts what it’s like to work with a professional organizer. If you’re considering working with one, here are 10 questions to ask the organizer to learn about the process.
MUSIC IN THE AIR THE SHOW MUST GO ON
December 15, 2020 By Leave a Comment
A in-depth look at the music industry here.
Shower Power Speaker
December 9, 2020 By Leave a Comment
This innovative speaker is actually powered by the shower! The Shower Power Speaker uses a hydroelectric generator to capture energy from the water flowing to your shower head, producing enough energy to power the speaker and charge the battery at the same time. Read the rest on BlessThisStuff
2021 Housing Market Forecast and Predictions
December 5, 2020 By Leave a Comment
2021 National Housing Market Forecast and Predictions: Back to Normal
To say 2020 was a year of surprises is an extreme understatement. What started off as a bright year for the housing market and the economy was soon derailed by a global pandemic and severe economic recession. As detailed by my colleague, George Ratiu, the economic rebound has been sharp, but is by no means complete and created distinct winners and losers among sectors in the economy. Read more detailed thoughts on the overall economic context and outlook, here. One of the big winners has been the housing market, which saw home sales and prices hit decade-plus highs following decade lows in the span of just a few months. We expect housing’s winning streak to continue in 2021 as seasonal trends normalize and some of the frenzied momentum fades thanks to fresh affordability challenges. Below you’ll find our forecast and housing market predictions on key trends that will shape the year ahead.
Realtor.com 2021 Forecast for Key Housing Indicators
| Housing Indicator | Realtor.com 2021 Forecast | |||
| Mortgage Rates | Average 3.2% throughout the year, 3.4% by end of year | |||
| Existing Home Median Sales Price Appreciation | Up 5.7% | |||
| Existing Home Sales | Up 7.0% | |||
| Single-Family Home Housing Starts | Up 9% | |||
| Homeownership Rate | 65.9% |
Kitchen of the Week: Light and Airy With a Bright Backsplash
December 1, 2020 By Leave a Comment
A designer helps a couple update the kitchen with an efficient layout and custom details like a walnut-topped peninsula
Bryan and Heather Kurey looked at their dysfunctional kitchen and considered moving into a new home. The aging oak cabinets, oversize breakfast area and lack of countertops didn’t create a welcoming space for a couple who love to cook. But they soon realized that most of the homes they considered buying also had kitchens that needed updating. The couple looked at photos on Houzz and other sources and became inspired to remodel what they had.
They hired designer Lisa Quina, who had helped them renovate other areas of the late-1930s home in Arlington, Virginia. Quina relocated appliances, added windows, enlarged an opening to the family room, improved storage and used local artisans for custom details that add character. Now the family enjoys a brighter kitchen that combines classic, industrial and modern design elements to better reflect its style and love of cooking.
Bathroom of the Week: Bright and Airy Design
November 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment
A designer at a design-build firm helps a homeowner pull together her ideas and create a well-functioning space
The homeowner who uses this bathroom enjoys the design and remodeling process, and she was ready to embark on a full bathroom remodel when she visited The Kitchen Studio’s showroom in West Chester, Pennsylvania. “She has a great appreciation for design and high-functioning spaces,” designer Dana Bender says. “In our collaboration, we helped her refine and implement her ideas.” The homeowner’s preferred style is modern with warm organic touches. Bender helped the busy mom put the design together, and the construction arm of the business, Pine Street Carpenters, completed the work.