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Is there a best time of year to invest in a rental property? Top investors say that September to early October is typically the ‘sweet spot’ for purchasing an investment property. They generally avoid markets with low inventory and high costs (i.e., spring and summer), making Fall ideal for buying real estate.

Summer is perfect for moving—it’s a carefree time of year when families are relocating and college students are getting ready for a new school year. Summertime is great, then, for getting in on the investment action (and scoring a quick tenant), you might think. Not always. Competition is fierce in the summer real estate market, with a limited number of properties and increasing market prices.

Fall usually sees a slower demand for rentals and real estate in general. The summer rental surge is over, so it may take longer for an investor to secure a tenant. But sellers are often motivated after having their properties sit on the market for a while. A smart investment, therefore, could be a targeted property (negotiated wisely) to attract people in a growing job market or college students who haven’t gone back to school yet.

Location can be key in picking up a great deal on an investment property during Fall. But, even if you’re not in a booming job market with an influx of relocators or an area with students heading back to class late, Fall can be an ideal time for growing your investment portfolio. Low competition, high inventory, and negotiable sellers can make this season the best time to acquire an investment property.

 Benefits of Investing in Rental Property During Fall 

Below are some benefits to investing in rental property during Fall.

 More Affordable Prices 

The real estate market tends to slow down during Fall and Winter. Homes sit on the market longer, which means you can get a more affordable price from a motivated seller.

 Motivated Sellers 

Slow demand forces sellers to be more open to negotiating on terms to find a buyer.

 High Inventory 

There are generally more properties available during the Fall, giving you options for finding the right investment and time to shop for a property that will provide the greatest ROI.

 Lower Competition 

Fall typically sees fewer buyers shopping for properties, so you may face less competition and have more room to negotiate better terms.

 Tax Benefits 

You might be able to secure some great tax advantages via closing costs, deductions, property taxes, and deferred capital gains taxes if you invest shortly before the new year.

 Drawbacks to Investing During Fall 

Searching for a rental property during the Fall isn’t always a great idea. Here are some reasons why you may want to postpone your search.

 Slower Rental Demand 

Many college students have already secured their rentals for the Fall semester, leaving some investors without tenants for their properties. College demand in some towns may not pick up until spring, making the first or second quarter a better time of year for securing an investment home. Fall tends to have less rental demand in general, so investors should weigh the benefits of lower prices and competition with the potential drawback of having no tenant options for a season or two.

 Cold Weather Deters Showings 

Colder weather and less sunlight can make it more difficult to show property during Fall. Investors may also have challenges scheduling viewings for properties they want to purchase.

 What to Consider When Looking for Rental Properties During Fall 

Prudent investors will keep the following in mind when deciding whether purchasing a rental property during Fall is a good idea.

 Property Location 

Depending on the location, college students may still be looking for rentals during Fall. Job seekers could also be in the Fall rental market in certain areas. But, in a typical town, Fall means an investor has already lost out on college students going back to school and career relocators. Therefore, you might have a hard time finding a renter. Additionally, investors should consider whether the city they want to purchase in is generally a buyer’s or seller’s market. In a buyer’s market, housing supply is generous and there’s not too much demand. Seller’s markets, on the other hand, have properties that don’t stay listed for long—there aren’t enough homes to meet demand.

 Investment Type 

If you’re looking for a rental for college students or relocated workers, Fall might not be the best time to purchase an investment property—unless you can potentially wait months to find a renter. But, if you’re investing in a vacation home, you’ll find that the rental cycle is completely different. Fall might be a great time to buy a vacation property, a type of long-term rental that you could quickly get rented to short-term renters going on Fall and Winter holidays.

 Long-Term Perspective 

Real Estate investing is generally a long game, so minor fluctuations in the market due to seasonal factors aren’t always as important as your long-term holding strategy.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate walk you through the process.

What kitchen upgrades will attract buyers and improve your chances for a quick and high-priced sale? Hidden features that blend seamlessly into your kitchen design but keep your space fully functional are trending in today’s market.

Hidden kitchens—also known as concealed or invisible kitchens—are designed with fully-functional elements that seamlessly integrate with the home’s overall aesthetic. This design approach keeps bulky and unsightly items tucked neatly away, promoting a more attractive, open, and clutter-free space.

A hidden kitchen- and any well-designed feature within it – is completely focused on function. Yet, the room feels more like a part of your larger living area than a space for cooking alone. It features creatively and strategically designed upgrades like appliance garages with custom panels, integrated range hoods and downdraft vents, touch-to-open cabinets, extra and sliding countertops, seamless plate drawers, and trash cupboards that blend unnoticeably with walls, elevating style while still serving a purpose.

Achieving hidden luxury in a kitchen remodel is all about keeping aesthetics in mind while optimally integrating the working components of the space. This is possible with features like pop-up countertops, pocket doors, sliding wall panels, and other upscale design elements that combine the sophistication you’d expect in a luxury home with the complete functionality of a working kitchen.

Below are ways to achieve decluttered luxury with hidden kitchen upgrades that will impress buyers when it’s time to sell your home.

 Appliance Integration 

Keep bulky appliances – large and small- out of sight with these luxurious hidden kitchen upgrade ideas.

 Panel-Ready Appliances 

Conceal major appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, by opting for panel-ready versions. Panel-ready appliances feature customizable panels that allow you to design a look that blends seamlessly with surrounding walls and cabinetry. They’re a noticeable upgrade to out-of-the-box stainless steel appliances that can stick out in a high-end kitchen.

 Integrated Range Hoods 

Some range hoods can be an eyesore, either due to poor design or being too large for the space. Instead, give your kitchen an elevated look with a flush ceiling-mounted air extraction system or downdraft vent that blends into your kitchen’s aesthetics.

 Appliances Garages 

Consider tucking small appliances, such as coffee makers, mixers, blenders, and toasters, out of sight into a hidden appliance garage with custom doors. You can integrate a concealed appliance garage into your upper or lower cabinetry or hide it within a designer pantry.

 Cabinetry and Storage 

Features like handleless drawers and cabinet doors that match your kitchen’s design lend to a luxurious look.

 Handleless and Touch-to-Open Doors 

Cabinet drawers and doors, with hidden or no hardware, can transform a purely functional kitchen into one that’s sleek and chic (and buyer-ready!). Go minimalist with drawers and doors that require just a gentle pull, courtesy of a J-pull handle built into the cabinetry or a lip pull that fits discreetly on the back of the drawer or door. Push-to-open drawers and doors—the truly handleless option—work with magnetic springs that are completely hidden.

 Pull-Out and Roll-Out Systems 

Think about installing pull-out systems within your cabinetry to conceal items you want within easy reach but normally wouldn’t put front and center. Garbage cans are a perfect example of essentials you can easily hide in your main workspace if you tuck them away creatively. Design an invisible pull-out or roll-out system for your spice rack, pots and pans, and everyday dinner plates, too.

 Hidden Drawers and Cabinets 

Secret doors and drawers are perfect for hiding cookbooks, cookbook stands, knives, and other small items. You can hide them in little tucked-away spaces within your kitchen or integrate these hidden features into your walk-in pantry.

 Secret Pantry 

A hidden walk-in pantry, disguised behind a panel or secretly tucked into floor-to-ceiling cabinets, can keep your kitchen looking luxurious, clean, and well-designed, thereby attracting buyers.

 Countertops 

Sliding countertops offer a design upgrade by hiding kitchen elements and providing more prep space.

 Sliding Countertops 

A sliding or retractable countertop on a kitchen island or other surface provides more room to work and offers extra space for fun features, such as a coffee bar.

 Hidden Induction Hobs and Sinks 

Approach your kitchen remodel with luxury in mind by hiding an induction hob or sink flush within your countertop or underneath a sliding countertop, creating an uninterrupted and luxurious look.

In addition to these hidden kitchen design elements to impress buyers, consider incorporating pocket doors that slide into walls, providing a nearly invisible look for a pantry or secret prep area. Folding and sliding pantry doors also create a unified and upscale look.  

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate walk you through the process.

Are you looking to maximize your kitchen storage space and bring a designer look to an area that might otherwise focus on function? Consider turning a boring or inefficient pantry into a stylish and upgraded one or building a bespoke pantry to help keep your home organized and looking beautiful.

Today’s pantry trends emphasize functionality and style, making the best use of space while providing homeowners with personalized, smart, and showpiece-worthy storage solutions. From custom pantries and walk-in designs to concealed units and pantries that integrate with existing cabinetry, there are many ideas to transform an average or unorganized storage area.

Below are some of the top pantry trends and tips for bringing your kitchen storage space to the next level, whether you plan to stay in your home for years or sell it soon.

 Bespoke Pantries 

When you build a custom pantry from the ground up, you can be thoughtful in layout and tailor your storage solution to meet specific organizational and aesthetic needs. Trends in bespoke pantries include custom cabinetry inside and out and personalized shelving solutions to maximize efficiency and beauty.

 Walk-In Designs 

Larger walk-in pantries are on trend due to the ample storage space they provide, some areas large enough to hold food prep stations with a countertop and sink. Consider a walk-in pantry if you have the room and need a place to hold multiple small appliances along with your non-perishables and kitchen items that don’t fit in cabinets (and more counter and drawer space).

 Concealed Units 

A concealed pantry blends seamlessly into the kitchen’s cabinetry and overall decor. It’s sometimes hidden behind cabinets or integrated into a wall to provide a streamlined and clean look. If you want to minimize the eyesore that a pantry can sometimes be, think about adding a concealed unit (choose handleless cabinet doors).

 Colorful Pantries 

Colorful pantries can give a kitchen a fun and personalized focal point (think pops of color through paint, wallpaper, and decals). Go with a bold hue or pattern to make a statement, a muted shade for a more subtle design effect, or a combination of colors that coordinate with your kitchen’s countertop or backsplash.

 Contrasting Cabinetry 

Some of the most striking pantries incorporate contrasting materials and colors to create a look that adds visual interest, keeping a kitchen from feeling boring or uninspiring. You can achieve this style by using different materials or colors on the upper and lower cabinets and shelves or within the pantry itself, always taking care to maintain a sense of cohesiveness.

 Recycled and Repurposed Materials 

Reclaimed woods and repurposed cabinet hardware add an eco-friendly touch to a pantry remodel. To make the most of this sustainable pantry trend, consider repurposing glass jars and other storage containers to hold your dry goods and kitchen essentials.

 Dedicated Zones 

Organizing your pantry by food type (baking goods, canned foods, cereals, beverages, etc.) and even having dedicated zones for small appliances, paper goods, and other kitchen essentials keeps everything in its place, offering greater efficiency. You don’t need a large space to separate into zones. Simply start by grouping similar items and selecting appropriately sized storage containers, then optimize vertical space by storing like items together where they fit best and are within easy and logical reach.

 Fun Features 

Have you dreamed of setting up a coffee bar but don’t have the room? Reserve a section (or shelf) of your pantry for an espresso machine, milk frother, flavored syrups, and other coffee must-haves. Are you wondering what to do with a little extra space in your pantry (and that random electrical outlet)? Install a wine refrigerator, ice maker, or small dishwasher.

 Why Consider a Custom Pantry 

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen—even a small renovation—consider making a custom pantry party of your redesign. Buyers love homes with ample and creative storage solutions, and having a well-organized and attractive pantry can be a huge selling point.

Even if you don’t plan on moving for a while, you can enhance your kitchen’s functionality and enjoy an upgraded design with a pantry makeover. Designer pantries elevate a necessary part of a home beyond mundane and into the must-have realm.

 Other Custom Pantry Features 

Here are even more features to consider when adding a custom pantry.

Decorative lighting. Install a pendant light or under-cabinet lighting to play up your pantry’s features and create a designer-looking space.

Uniform and decorative containers. Custom pantries get a visual and functional boost with storage containers that fit the space, are uniform, and have clear labels.

Custom shelving. Add custom-built shelves to accommodate existing small appliances, containers, and kitchen accessories. Get as personalized as you want, designing your pantry to efficiently and beautifully store everything you use regularly for everyday living and entertaining.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate walk you through the process.

While summer home shopping offers convenience, Fall can be a strategic time to buy. With fewer competing buyers and sellers eager to finalize sales before the holidays, Fall often presents unique opportunities to secure a great property with favorable terms. It’s a season where thoughtful negotiation and timing can truly pay off.

Below are some reasons why Fall might be the best time for you to find a home.

 Less Competition 

Fall is considered the off-season in real estate. Fewer buyers are looking for houses, meaning less competition for properties. Fall can be an ideal season to explore creative offers and negotiate terms that align with your goals. If you’re the only buyer making an offer on a home, you could walk away with an incredible deal.

 Motivated Sellers 

Sellers who didn’t unload their properties during spring and summer (real estate’s peak seasons) often want to close before the holidays or the end of the year. They might be more flexible on price and other terms, such as repairs, closing costs, and length of escrow.

 Potentially Lower Prices 

Fewer buyers and more motivated sellers may mean you’ll find the home you want for an exceptional price. In the Fall, homes that have been listed for a longer period often present great opportunities for buyers to negotiate favorable terms.

 Personalized Attention 

Since Fall is a less-busy time in real estate, buyers may receive more personalized attention from lenders, home inspectors, and other service providers involved in the sales process.

 Moving Date Flexibility 

Because sellers often have a strong desire to get under contract, they may agree to move-in dates that best suit the buyer, including quick or long escrows and rent-back scenarios. Closing at an optimal time can save you money, time, and hassle.

 Better Overall View of the Home 

Purchasing a home during Fall often allows buyers to get an idea of how a property and neighborhood will hold up in inclement weather like rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. A buyer looking for a house in Fall might also get to experience the nuances of the season in a specific area, such as discovering the beauty of the local fall foliage.

 Tips for Buying a House in the Fall 

If you’re thinking about buying a house during Fall, follow the tips below to make the most of your home-searching time.

Be prepared to negotiate. Sellers may be willing to negotiate on price, close of escrow date, and other terms. So, do your homework, investigating market trends and making a list of items you’d like a seller to agree to.

Be patient. Because Fall is the off-season in real estate, you’ll likely see fewer homes on the market. Take your time exploring options—unless you’ve found your dream home, there’s value in making a thoughtful decision. Take time to find exactly what you’re looking for or at least something that you can make your own, given your time, budget, and talents.

Visualize the home year-round. Consider how a house and neighborhood will look and fare throughout the seasons, especially during cold winter months and a potentially scorching summer.

 Is Fall Really a Good Time to Buy? 

Still wondering if Fall is the best time to search for a home? Consider that price cuts, more leisurely shopping times, and extra motivated sellers could make Fall house shopping more than worthwhile.

Here are some highlights of a typical Fall real estate market:

• Buyers may have more homes to choose from

• More properties on the market could mean more time to consider options

• Home prices tend to stabilize seasonally, creating opportunities for well-informed buyers

• Buyers can often avoid bidding wars

• A buyer might have greater negotiating power

If you’re now convinced you should start shopping for a home during Fall, ensure you have your financing in order and have chosen an experienced real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate walk you through the process.

The English Revival kitchen trend – characterized by design that prioritizes warmth, character, and comfort – is exploding in popularity. For many, this style is a welcome contrast to the sleek and minimalist look that has taken over the interior design world in recent years.

Similarly to the English Country aesthetic that homeowners have embraced in the past, the Revival look stands out for its fine craftsmanship. But the latter style largely considers the need for practicality within modern living. English Revival incorporates innovative design elements into a traditional country or cottage look. As an example, elegant wood freestanding pieces mix seamlessly and beautifully with ultra-efficient storage solutions and impressive features like cantilevered cupboards.

The English Revival trend exudes a cozy and lived-in feeling. But, it infuses quirky details like statement artwork or open shelving decorated with modern handmade pottery. A Revival kitchen typically includes an abundance of natural materials, such as wood and stone, just like the country kitchens that came before it. However, Revival styling makes fresh use of these design building blocks, opting for colors and patterns that are bolder than ever.

 Characteristics of English Revival Kitchens 

Here’s a look at the key characteristics of an English Revival kitchen and how this trend can boost your home’s value.

 Cozy and Lived-In 

The English Revival style emphasizes a homey environment, with personal touches that create character while incorporating practicality. Think charming accent pieces, quirky details, and modern handmade cookware on display.

 Focus on Natural Materials 

Revival kitchen designers make impressive use of wood, stone, and other traditional materials like marble and soapstone to update the traditional country look. For instance, modern brass fixtures that develop a gorgeous patina over time take center stage in Revival spaces.

 Unfitted and Freestanding Furniture 

A Revival kitchen often incorporates dressers, islands, and pantries that resemble furniture, for use as storage solutions and workspaces. These out-of-the-box alternatives to regular cabinetry give a kitchen an elegant, timeless appearance that can boost a home’s value.

 Saturated Color Palettes 

Dark, deep shades like green-black and blue-black – and nature-inspired hues including forest green and terracotta – are prominent in many English Revival kitchens. If you’re thinking about designing in the English Revival style, play around with berry red, sunflower yellow, lavender, or similar colors for paint on cabinets and walls.

 Emphasis on Craftsmanship 

High-quality woods and exceptional craftsmanship turn necessary kitchen elements in Revival kitchens into striking features that are also ultra-functional. Consider hand-painted cabinets with intricate and interesting brushstrokes that are part of the pieces’ appeal.

 Blending Tradition and Modernity 

Expert craftsmanship blends with practicality in the most exceptional English Revival kitchens. Some impressive Revival kitchens we’ve seen include striking design elements like bespoke curved units and custom tray spaces that integrate flawlessly.

 How English Revival Kitchens Boost Home Value 

English Revival kitchens set within a home of the same architectural style can significantly increase a property’s value. The trendy Revival style, paired with quality craftsmanship characteristic of many traditional country kitchens, is appealing to many buyers. However, to get the most value out of an English Revival kitchen, the design work must be exceptional, and the kitchen must be well-maintained and significantly updated with modern features.

An English Revival kitchen will boost your home’s value relative to factors like the kitchen’s size, materials used, and overall condition of the space. Expertise in design, color choice, and how well traditional elements mix with modern functionality also play a role.

Consider the following when thinking about an English Revival kitchen for your home:

Kitchen condition – An outdated country kitchen is far from the same as an updated English Revival kitchen. A modern Revival country kitchen with high-end appliances and features can often justify a high home sale price.

Renovation scope – Are you doing a minor or major kitchen remodel? How much can you spend to update your appliances, cabinets, and fixtures? The cost of your new kitchen, including what you spend on woods, stone, and functional design elements, will determine your ROI and possibly how quickly you’re able to sell your home.

Market conditions – Local real estate trends in your area can affect buyer demand and home sale prices. Research homes on the market in your neighborhood to get an idea of the styles buyers are looking for.

Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes and Gardens ® Real Estate walk you through the process.

 

 

 

A fresh coat of paint is one of the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to make your home feel updated and inviting. In fact, estimates show the right paint can boost the resale value of a home by up to $16,000. It can also help make a home sell faster.

However, the wrong paint can be a major turnoff to potential home buyers—bringing a lower price and a slower sale. This is why when staging a home, paint color choice and continuity are extremely important. Certain color selections can make individual rooms feel small, cramped, and unappealing. Meanwhile, having multiple, incongruent colors throughout a home can make it feel disjointed and take away from a home’s sense of spaciousness.

At Better Homes & Gardens® Real Estate, our agents are uniquely versed in how to beautify, market, and strategically position your home. Our exclusive data from our Home Trends Report allows our agents to stay at the forefront of consumer and real estate trends so you can get the highest list price and the fastest sale of your home. Our expertise, as well as our unwavering commitment to our clients, has resulted in a 99% client satisfaction rating.

If you’d like to learn more about our special way of doing business, visit us at BHGRE.com. We can assure you that when it comes to selling your home, important details such as paint won’t be brushed aside.

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