Homes and Real Estate Magazine January 2023

Homes and Real Estate

1726 Alex Avenue

Gorgeous brick, European inspired home located in sought after East Lake neighborhood. Tree lined, cul-de-sac street with front facing view of a peaceful pond. You are greeted upon entry by bright, open soaring ceilings and a comfortable Living Area with a natural stone off the hallway with a sitting area and lavish bath. Kitchen with massive marble island and chef-grade appliances connects to outdoor and lush level, grassy backyard will lead to a must-see entertaining area.

Gloria Gittings (256) 825-2059

New Year, New Market?

What are the experts predicting in the 2023 housing market? From what I have gathered I would describe the forecast for the upcoming year as “steady”. Rates, values, volume are all predicted to hold fairly steady.

I know we all hoped for a deep dive in the interest rates, but this isn’t expected. And actually a steady market is a good thing at this point. The past two years have been a wild ride. A steady market will bring some balance to buyers and sellers instead of the favor riding solely with the seller.

In our local market the same is expected. Sellers are finding out the hard way that pricing at 2021 rates is not flying anymore. We have seen a drastic increase in price reductions in our local MLS. Homes are sitting on the market longer and we are seeing some softening in the o ers that sellers are willing to accept.

This isn’t doom and gloom by any means. Home values are still appreciating just at a lower rate. In 2022, appreciation rates were around 10% nation wide. In 2023 the experts expect appreciation to be in the 5% range. Real estate is still a fantastic investment. Just don’t plan to make no improvements to a home and turn around and sell it for a mega profit within a year or so. Buyers are more discerning than that.

As always, please keep in mind that every single home and homeowner’s situation is di erent. Don’t take your friends and neighbors word as the gold standard. It is so important to get your advice from your trusted advisors who are well educated. Don’t expect that your neighbor’s interest rate will be the best rate you can get. Call your lender. Don’t assume that because your neighbor didn’t turn a high profit on their recent sell that you wont. Reach out to your realtor who has the inside knowledge and education to advise you on your specific situation. Realtors are also fantastic at connecting you with professionals that can help you… lenders, service providers, contractors…. just get in touch with us and we will get you connected! And if you don’t have a realtor, you can always call me!

2109 Cobblestone Drive- 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Townhome. Spacious Living Room/ Dining Room Combo with LVP Flooring. Kitchen with all Appliances. Half Bath and Laundry Room on Main Level. Master Bedroom with Vaulted Ceiling, Ceiling Fan, and Walk In Closet. Master Bath with a Garden Tub. 2 Additional Bedrooms and a Full Bathroom Upstairs. Back Patio. Storage Room. Fenced Yard.

Awesome Lot!

2107 Rockledge Circle- 4 Bed, 2 Bath One Level Home! Covered Front Porch. Split Bedroom Floorplan. Formal Dining with Wood Floors and Detailed Molding. Living Room with Wood Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Ceiling Fan. Kitchen with Granite Counters and Stainless Appliances. Breakfast Room. Large Master with Tray Ceiling. Master Bath with Double Vanity, Tile Shower, Garden Tub, 2 Closets. Back Deck. Firepit. Fenced Yard with a Section For Dogs. Storage Building. Oversized 2 Car Side Entry Garage with Storage Room. Extra Parking Pad.

± 1.31 Acres!

Refresh And Restyle

That’s a wrap for 2022 and I believe so many things are back to typical or have taken on a new trend since the “Ummmm” - I shall not speak of what we are not in!” Many of us are into a good routine with family, friends, school, sporting activities and those amazing vacations. As I have been driving through Auburn and Opelika these months, I see so many people bustling and hustling around new and fun local restaurants, buildings to house new companies opening in our community, and even our population went up during the last few years. Why? Because our village is “amazingly awesome” to live, work, and retire in and gives us all so many opportunities to do all the things in life! We are all so blessed to live here and for the start of a New Year - 2023!

Bragging has been done and onto the fun - Home Decor! Over the last year, we have talked about colors, seasonal decor, outdoor living and we also dove into trends for 2022 in the January 2022 edition last year. We are going to make a sharp left turn - I am saving “that” for another month because no one needs to redo a home in January or February. According to the article “How Much Do Americans Spend on Christmas?” in Exploding Topics written by Josh Howarth, “Americans spend around $1000 on Christmas each year with that number rising each year”. Wow! That is no pocket change. We are going to give our pocket books a break and use 99% of what we have to refresh our home. Now, you can pass this article on to the hubs as he breathes a sigh of relief. (my hubs is my editor - he laughed and said “whatever”)

To start off, I am going to challenge you to do something totally different and unexpected. Most people who dwell in any space have a list (on paper, in the brain, computer or phone). Don’t shy away, I have an entire notebook! Together we need to toss that ‘baby” - throw her in the trash, put her in the paper shredder, give it to someone and tell them to toss it for you if you feel you cannot. I have tried to throw away my notebook at home and yes, have dug through trash to get her back - true story! Since we have lived in our homes in a different way and setting, it is time to start fresh with new ideas and done. Can you do it with me?

Now let’s get a little “nitty gritty” into how we can give our homes a refresh while we build new ideas your home a fresh new look while hiding those messes of our everyday life.

Bringing joy and creativity to your home, Tonya Wilson deWaart The Crazy Crafty Chick

Ideas:

1) Throw Blankets - also a functional and lovely decor piece and during this time of year us “southerners” need those blankets. Let’s face it - we don’t handle that chill outside well at all. They are cozy and comfortable in your space and also stylish. Since we want to use them but not always have them draping over the couch try this:

a) Layer multiple blankets in a basket and drape the ends over to bring color and a different texture.

b) Use a wooden box (even a painted crate) and roll the blanket and slightly tilt to one side in the box for an easy grab when you are chilly.

c) Have a blanket ladder yet? Fold the blankets for the ladder for easy access and this will also bring warmth and texture to a wall or area in the space.

4) Family or Great Rooms - It is always fun to create a pretty space for our family and guests

that. You want to make sure your area invites conversations and comfortable gatherings. If you have furniture in a space that faces the TV or in one direction, it makes it hard to communicate in that space and to live in it comfortably. This will also allow you to have a bit more going on and it truly creates a very inviting and welcoming feeling. Look below for some layout designs and try a few simple tricks.

a) Add one or two “magical chairs”. I like to make sure the chairs pull in my colors from around my room since I typically go for a solid colored couch. If you have older chairs - grab those chair covers from Ikea or Amazon. They work beautifully!

b) You can also use ottomans and footstools for added seating and this also closes in that conversational area.

c) Have a larger family space? That is OK. You can create two areas. For example: Add a desk or small table that is functional. This can be used for a kids homework space, your daily desk for “all the things” or even a space for the family computer. Make sure it is functional for your family. I have a friend who did this and her daughter uses the space as her “craft desk” - how precious is that?

5) Getting Bored - Don’t we all need a little change or added spice to areas in our home that we see

adding in a seasonal textile, pillow covers that do not make you think summer and changing out throw blankets.

Wow! The end to another year and a start to something new and fresh - how beautiful is that!! I write about “things” for our home each month and I look at the title of this article once again - “Refresh and Restyle”. I am the nerd who researches many things and Googled “What does ‘re’ mean at the beginning of a word?”. According to the Webster Dictionary it is “again, back”. We all have seen many New Years and each of us has the choice to refresh and restyle so many things in life and “that” right