We’re already into 2018 and a few trends are rising to the top when it comes to home design. If you’re looking to update your home before selling or looking to buy an on-trend home, then it may be time to ditch the subway tile, stainless steel, and comfortable neutrals. Here’s a quick look at what’s trending this year. 2018’s Hottest Hues Say goodbye to the soft, rosy millennial pink and hello to bold, bright hues. From statement turquoise and sunny yellow to vibrant red and shades of purple, we’re in for a wild ride. Designers expect to see high contrast palettes with whites balancing out saturated colors, tone-on-tone paint with the trim the same shade as the walls, and rooms with a pop of color in the trim only. What’s Cooking in the Kitchen Similarly, all-white kitchen fatigue is coming. While the trend isn’t expected to disappear, grays and blues, as well as warm wood tones, are expected in this year’s kitchens. And that subway tile? It might be time to swap it out for a fish-scale pattern or a larger, porcelain backsplash with less grout. Some families are also trading their big islands for in-kitchen dining tables to [...]

Working with a first-time homebuyer is an exciting time for everyone involved. Not only are you seeking to negotiate a favorable purchase, but you’re helping a new client make memories that will last a lifetime. As a real estate agent, you also have the unique opportunity to become the authority on all things housing for your client. To take advantage of it, you need to be prepared for the most common misconceptions you’re likely to face when working with a first-time buyer. Finding the Dream Home Many people dive into the home buying process with the expectation that they need to find their dream home, the one they’ll live in for the next thirty years. Not only is this unrealistic with current job trends, but it puts a lot of pressure on the REALTOR, bringing some heavy emotions to the table. You should use your very first meeting with a new homebuyer to help them understand both what their budget can buy them as well as getting them comfortable with the idea of a starter home that can help them build equity for a dream home down the line. Getting Pre-Qualified for a Loan Loan pre-qualification is an important step [...]