As there has been an increase in Millenial home buyers over the past few years, there has also been a shift in the types of homes that catch their young eyes.  This age bracket is looking for new homes that are ready to move in. They are passing up homes on the market that are distressed or run down to be able to walk into a move-in ready home. With today’s daily hustle and bustle, there is not very much time to dedicate to remodeling an entire home. Because of this new trend, homeowners that are looking to sell in this everchanging market are spending more on high-end remodeling before placing their homes on the market in order for them to sell.

Many Millennials are interested in homes that require very little maintenance and stress. The kitchen space is one of the most visited rooms in the home and detail is everything. Spacious, updated kitchens are a must-have. The aesthetic of granite counters with lots of space for preparing meals and stainless steel appliances as well as a kitchen island has been very appealing. Kitchens are not just about cooking anymore but they must flow with the rest of the home and offer a great space to entertain family and friends. 

Homebuyers of today are also looking for smart homes. Anything less than that is a thing of the past. Smart home features have impacted the real estate industry in a major way over the past decade and more new home builders and sellers have made it a priority to include in-home technology for their buyer’s convenience. Millennial buyers are more willing to pay a little more to gain the convenience of connecting to their home from their smartphone with features like a programmable thermostat, home security, and a Ring doorbell as well as streaming their favorite Netflix series.

A large number of Millennial buyers are self-employed or work from home. There has been an influx of self-made entrepreneurs and creatives in this age group that requires a space in their new home to let their creativity flow. A dedicated workspace has been an attractive trend on the list. Sellers have been intentional about showcasing a spare bedroom, loft, or nook in the home that would work well as a home office to make the home more appealing. 

One of the biggest trends that are evident is the need for large open spaces in the home. Today’s home buyers are looking for lots of natural lighting and fewer walls that would leave them feeling closed in or confined in their living space. Older homes from the past tend to be dark and drab with rooms that are closed off. Companies like Nana Wall help sellers to resolve this issue by installing folding glass walls in homes to offer more indoor-outdoor spaces that can open up to kitchens and bathrooms and provide more natural lighting and an open feel in the home.

Every day, home buying trends are changing and evolving in the real estate market and both buyers and sellers have to stay on their toes. Understanding the needs of upcoming home buyers is very essential to the sale of both new and preloved homes. 

The Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 has many people up in arms across the globe and for good reason with over 13,000 known cases reported in the U. S. alone.  This virus has hit the economy in a major way with an interruption and even a complete halt of supply chain productions. Along with the travel industry and foodservice industry, this is bringing up concerns for the future of the real estate market during these trying times. Not even real estate is immune from the impact of the Coronavirus.

The Pandemic has affected everyone

Due to the urge of having to self-quarantine and the push for school closures across the U. S. for several weeks, many American workers have been forced to stay at home with their children, and many have been left jobless as a result of this. For those companies that do not offer the option or ability for their employees to work from home, many are left wondering how they will be able to pay their bills and feed their families in the coming months. Many small business owners have also seen a vast decline in sales with people remaining isolated.

Emotions are leading most decisions to buy real estate right now

With stats changing daily and many living in a world of uncertainty, it can be easy to question what to do with some of the biggest financial transactions such as buying or even selling a home. Although many people will have less money and less access to funds during this time, the real estate market has not yet been deeply affected as some may think. There is a slight decrease in both buyers and sellers due to the current state of the world right now based mainly on emotion. 

Some seem more optimistic and eager to buy while rates in the housing market are so low. Those willing to enter the housing market with high hopes have the benefit of low rates and are jumping on the opportunity pretty quickly. The housing stock will be more attractive to many than what it is to rent being that some are currently considering buying a new home to take in more family members during the time because of the effects of the pandemic.

There may be opportunities for price discounts for those buyers that choose to stay in the market during this time while others are pulling out allowing their emotions to get the best of them which is truly understandable.

What does the future of the real estate market look like?

There is a possibility that history can have its way of repeating itself. We can look at recent historical events such as the Swine Flu, SARS epidemic, and MERS and other aggressive Flu strains to get an idea of how the COVID-19 will affect the housing market in the coming months. History has shown that the housing market typically can remain stable during disruptions like these with only a slight fall in sales. Although this may be true, the economic impact of the pandemic COVID-19 is greater than the impact of SARS and others like it. It may take a little longer to see a significant rise in sales again when things finally begin to blow over.

As far as a long term outlook on the effects of the Coronavirus to the housing market, home prices may remain flat or creep up slower than they have since 2012. In short term, realtors are already seeing a decline of 10% in home sales due to loss of employment with citizens having to self-quarantine and make use of social distancing to reduce the risk of spreading this virus.

If you are on the fence about what your next steps should be during this very uncertain time, just know that you are not alone. The decision of whether or not to buy or sell during this time is simply situational. Take the time to weigh out the pros and cons and evaluate your current and possible financial situation to make the decision that is best for you and your family. The coronavirus will have a positive impact on the U. S. Real Estate market if the interest rates remain low and if you are willing to take the risk, right now is a good time to get your feet wet and experience more inventory, low-interest rates, and better pricing.

We all fantasize about upgrading our home - but, the thought of overspending almost always turns our dream into a nightmare. According to today’s home improvement shows, the only way around spending a small fortune on DIY home upgrades is to dedicate a minimum of 40 hours a week to DIY projects. Most of us have been scared into thinking that we simply don’t have the time or the money to take on meaningful home improvement projects. However, there are many easy ways to upgrade your home when you’re on a budget! The following five tips will help you turn your house into your dream home and save money and time while doing it.

Add a tile backsplash to your bathroom or kitchen.  

A tile backsplash makes for a gorgeous statement piece - but they’re expensive and require professional installation, right? Nope! Thanks to products like Smart Tile, you can add a professional-looking tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom in minutes. Smart Tiles are adhesive sheets that come in many colors and designs and feature an adhesive backing that allows you to quickly install a jaw-dropping tile backsplash without any experience or expertise. 

Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover.

Cabinets define the look and feel of a kitchen, so a simple cabinet makeover will completely transform your kitchen and make it look brand new. Instead of replacing your cabinets, here are a few cheap and easy cabinet upgrades to give your kitchen a custom look:

• Add task lighting or up-lighting with light strips

• Add etched glass door inserts

• Replace the old hardware with modern (or vintage) pulls and handles

• Install crown molding to the top of the cabinets

• Remove the cabinet doors completely

• Apply a fresh coat of paint

Apply fresh caulk in the bathroom.

Facing old, deteriorating caulk in a bathroom is a terrible experience for homeowners everywhere. Over time, your floor begins to look grimy, as the once-white caulk becomes brown and flakes away to leave space for mold and mildew. Thankfully, it is cheap and simple to apply a fresh layer of caulk in order to refresh the look of your bathroom.  

Add texture to your walls with 3D peel-and-stick wall panels. 

Instead of hanging a painting, use adhesive 3D wall panels to add a unique statement to any wall. The trendy panels come in various designs and will breathe life into any room. Plus, the simple peel-and-stick design allows you to apply them or remove them in a single afternoon without damaging your walls.

Renew worn-out floors with paint. 

An easy way to bring personality back into a room is to paint your wood and vinyl floors. Use your favorite paint colors to create a large checkered pattern or keep it simple with a single color that will balance out your walls - either way, using floor paint is a great way to refresh dull floorboards and impress guests.

Your home holds a great deal of value in your life - aside from an investment, your home acts as a sanctuary for you and your loved ones to live, love, laugh, cry, and grow. With the significance of your home as both an asset and as the place you and your family lay your heads, it is important that you continuously make upgrades to your house. Many people believe that money is what stands in the way of upgrading to their dream home, however, there are numerous ways to renovate your home on a budget. So, if you want to make some serious home renovations, but don’t want to spend a fortune, use this list of the best ways to upgrade your home on a budget.

The newly established neighborhood of Magnolia Walk is reasonably priced and comprised of only 94 homes located in Los Angeles, CA. Here you will find a quaint gated community with amenities that can’t be beaten as well as upgraded features and is easy accessibility to nearby shopping, dining, entertainment, and exceptional schools.

The two-story floor plans offered at Magnolia Walk are between 3-4 bedrooms with up to 3 bathrooms and span up to a vast 2,004 square feet of living space. The open concept living spaces offer plenty of natural lighting and incorporate a modern kitchen with an optional island and an upstairs loft that offers flexibility for a spare bedroom, playroom, or even a home office. The master suite in most floor plans provides a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks, and upscale finishes that will give you a spa-like feel after a long day’s work. The secondary bathrooms include cultured marble countertops, contemporary white thermofoil cabinetry with concealed hinges and chrome knobs, and a chrome centerset faucet. 

These single-family dwellings are also energy efficient and healthy offering several features that will assist in saving money as well as saving the planet. All of the homes at Magnolia Walk either meet or exceed California’s energy-saving Title 24 requirements and include a carbon monoxide detector and automatic fire sprinklers. Auto shut-off motion sensors in all bathrooms, air conditioning with a programmable digital thermostat, water-efficient faucets, and even an Energy Star dishwasher are all available in your new energy-efficient home.

You’ll appreciate the abundance of shopping available at establishments such as the Del Amo Fashion Center, South Bay Galleria, and the Southbay Pavilion. Create lasting memories with family as you explore the ample entertainment Los Angeles has to offer right in your own backyard such as The Natural History Museum of LA, Mulligan Family Fun Center, the LA Zoo, Dodger Stadium, and the Griffith Observatory.

The homebuilder Olson Homes was founded in 1988 to help cities solve the problem of a shortage of affordable housing within urban areas. They have been recognized as the leader in providing urban housing throughout California. This has allowed many families the ability to take advantage of living out the American dream of owning a home while being close to employments, local transportation, and an urban lifestyle. The commitment of Olson Homes is to “improve the local neighborhood experience by capturing the best that exists in each neighborhood socially and architecturally.”

Olson Homes has partnered with the Community Development Commission of Los Angeles County in order to offer an opportunity for low and moderate-income families the chance of owning a new home below market purchase price. Out of the 94 homes constructed at Magnolia Walk, 30 of those homes have been designated as affordable housing with prices ranging from around $358,000 to $373,000 compared to its normal rates within the mid $500,000's. 11 of them will be designated for low-income buyers and 19 will be solely for moderate home buyers. Down payment assistance will also available.

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable new home in Los Angeles, your search stops here. No matter where you are in your new home journey, you’ll find everything you need and so much more at Magnolia Walk by Olson Homes.  

Home Builder Pardee Homes has developed a new residential community within Los Angeles County in the low $500,000’s. The new homes in Santa Clarita, CA, Verano at Aliento offers upscale single story homes precisely for active adults 55 and over.  Experience up to 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and up to 2, 470 square feet when looking into your newfound LA home. The quaint neighborhood of Verano features amenities such as a resort-style pool, vertical community garden, Wi-Fi workstations, private wine lockers, and a community spa for unwinding after a long day.

Take a glance at the Plan2 home design offering 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with approximately 1,670 square feet of living space.  Choose from either a Traditional Farmhouse or Interpretive Farmhouse with included features such as convenient USB drop zones, slab granite countertops and white cabinetry in the gourmet kitchen, and a spacious master bedroom suite with a luxurious bathroom and generous walk-in closets. If you believe extra space is needed for those holiday visitors or a home office, the Loft options are sure to suit your needs.  Choose from the options of a junior master, guest suite, or the 2 bed guest suite to boost the level of living space in your home. 

Efficiency is key at Verano at Aliento.  The home builder has literally thought of everything ensuring that their homes are health, energy, earth, water, and home smart.  All homes are energy smart with LED lighting, Low-E windows, and a Wi-Fi thermostat.  Your water smart home comes with a Rinnai® tankless water heater, water efficient toilets, and Delta WaterSense® labeled faucets.

Pardee Homes has made themselves a household name in both Southern California and Nevada since establishing in 1921.  They continue to provide smart solutions to their homebuyers with new construction homes that they can trust. Pardee Homes have been recipients of many awards that reflect their integrity and commitment to the communities they build and continue to invest in. The National Association of Home Builders Green Building Corporate Advocate of the year and Builder magazine’s America’s Best Builder are just a few of the amazing accomplishments that Pardee Homes has achieved for their outstanding building practices. Safety is the priority for Pardee Homes above all else.  They are the first to receive the Voluntary Protection Programs Designation for twelve years consecutively which recognizes effective worksite-based safety and health.

Create memories in a home community that you can trust at Verano at Aliento by Pardee Homes. Contact the sales office today to schedule your viewing.

Sophisticated luxury living can be yours at The Collection in Playa Vista. Brookfield Residential is now offering three-story townhomes close to amenities and just a mile from the beach in the heart of the Silicon Beach community. Elegant, spacious, and inviting you’ll love the lavish details and the lifestyle you’ll find at The Collection in Playa Vista.

The townhomes at The Collection are sleek, sexy, and brimming with fine details. Every home features an open-concept design with large windows, private elevators, outdoor entertaining space, private parking, and a green area. Choose from three unique designs featuring chic industrial finishes and high-end touches. Residence 1 offers 2,688 square feet with 4 bedrooms and Residence 1X offers 2,624 square feet of grand living, 3 large bedrooms, and 3.5 sumptuously appointed baths. Residence 2 features 3,627- 3,666 square feet, 4 or 5 large bedrooms, 3 elegant full baths, plus 2 powder rooms. The open, airy design draws energy and light through the open spaces. The chef-inspired kitchen features stainless steel appliances, gleaming quartz countertops, an oversized island, sleek high-gloss cabinetry with soft-close drawers and under-cabinet lighting, as well as Kohler® Vault™ stainless steel sink with Delta® Trinsic® fixtures, and a walk-in pantry. Master ensuites offer delightful soaking tubs and walk-in showers, white E-Stone® countertops, Kohler® Adair® Comfort Height® toilets, and Kohler® sinks with chrome fixtures. The laundry rooms feature counterspace and utility sinks with gas hook-ups. 

Ever tech savvy, Brookfield Residential has provided your new home with Category 6 data wire and many USB ports. Your home comes pre-wired for your flat-screen TV. Smart lighting and thermostat controls can be operated from your mobile device.  Many environmentally-friendly and money-saving features are standard including dual-glazed windows and tankless water heaters. 

Playa Vista residents enjoy 29 parks, access to the Bellona Freshwater Marsh, the riparian corridor, and the beach. The Resort fitness center and The Centerpointe Club offer sparkling  pools, a media screening room, a variety of meeting areas, and classrooms with an on-going schedule of adult and kid-friendly events. STEM programs and magnet schools are on-site serving Playa Vista’s children. Families enjoy strolling the market area; stopping for coffee and picking up some essentials for dinner. This is the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of and Brookfield Residential has put it in your reach; come home to The Collection at Playa Vista.  Connect with the sales office to learn more about how you can begin the buying process by joining the interest list today.

Life is full of change, and your home needs to be able to handle that reality. Choosing a new home isn’t cementing a particular lifestyle or situation, it’s deciding on a place where life can unfold. Solstice at New Haven is a vibrant setting for whatever is next for you and your loved ones. Nestled in Ontario Ranch, CA, these cool new townhome designs are efficient, convenient, and come with room to adapt just as your life does the same.

The townhomes of Solstice at New Haven embrace breezy designs that eliminate barriers between the kitchen, dining area, and great room. Ample room will not be an issue with up to 1,534 square feet of living space available as well as up to 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, along with a 2-car garage. The patio on the first floor is a refreshing area where you can relax and absorb the energy and ambiance of New Haven. The second floor features a luxurious master suite, as well as secondary bedrooms that can be adapted based on your needs: a home office, or a place for out-of-town guests.

Poolside lounging at Cherry Park, a winding trail system, and lush parks are all just steps outside your door. Visit Victoria Gardens to enjoy shopping and dining right outside of your backyard at Macy’s, Sephora, Paul Martin’s Grill, and more! Place your growing scholars in one of the remarkable schools that serve New Haven such as Ranch View Elementary and Colony High School. You’ll adore the welcoming, social atmosphere of the New Haven community. It’s a place where your life is free to evolve. Prices for Solstice homes start from the mid $300,000’s. To learn more about the available floor plans, or to schedule a tour for yourself, contact the Solstice at New Haven sales office by calling 888-644-8148.

Contemporary townhome design has carved out an essential place within the landscape of homeownership. These reimagined houses are ideal for new families looking for a place of their own. In the Azusa master-planned community located in Rosedale, a collection of contemporary townhomes is ready to offer convenience and class. At Citrus + Palm, you’ll discover a world of stylish living that includes all of the modern comforts without the huge footprint.

Three-story living adds a dynamic aesthetic to Citrus + Palm homes. The two-car garage is perfect for extra storage on the first floor. Upstairs, an open great room, kitchen, and dining room maximize the value of your space. The covered deck on this level serves as a perfect little retreat or a theater to the vibrant surroundings. Upstairs, the master suite and secondary bedroom(s) create privacy and comfort for each member of the family.

Citrus + Palm’s home design includes Connected Home technology — giving you a smart house experience with locks, lights, and thermostats. Energy efficient materials allow you to feel good about your family’s footprint. Ubiquiti Networks wireless access points enhance the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, a must for modern living. Prices for Citrus + Palm homes start from the mid $400,000’s. To learn more, contact the Rosedale office today by calling 844-502-7993.

Playa Vista’s association with the tech world, the entertainment industry, and “All Things L.A.” makes for the most desirable addresses in the area. Brookfield Residential’s Jewel homes have been featured in Mansion Global, California Home & Design, Financial Times, L.A. Confidential and many more fine home publications. These extraordinary three-story, single-family, detached homes by the esteemed Robert Hidey Architecture firm are brokered exclusively by Hilton & Hyland and only three remain available. You must act quickly to claim yours.

Sleek and sexy industrial treatments embellish the open, light rooms of these residences. Soaring ceilings, multiple balconies, lofts, and chic entertaining spaces throughout let you know you are in a very special place. Imagine tea by the infinity fireplace while you catch up on correspondence in the morning and then wine on the third floor balcony, with someone special, to wind down the evening. All three available addresses feature private interior elevators, parking for two cars plus a guest parking spot, pre-plumbing for outdoor kitchen installation on two levels, a creative office space, and a side yard.

5914 Firefly Place is a gorgeous 4,494 square foot home featuring 5 bedrooms and 5 sumptuous full baths plus 2 half baths. This model is move-in ready and already has many upgrades including high-end flooring and countertops.
5916 Village Drive features 3 large bedrooms, 3 full plus 2 half baths, and 4,288 square feet of elegant living. You’ll find the office and an additional social area on the third floor of this move-in ready model. This home has also had many upgrades.

5922 Firefly Place at 4,288 square feet offers 3 bedrooms, 3+ 2 half bathrooms. Engineered hardwood flooring upgrades are included as are high-end countertops throughout. The third floor entertainment loft includes a covered deck with a beverage station.
 
Playa Vista offers residents many options for expanding their entertainment beyond the scope of their home with large meeting rooms and full kitchen facilities. The Resort fitness center offers state-of-the-art equipment as well as engaging classes. The Centerpointe Club offers many interesting classes involving cuisine, arts, and activities for children. Glorious sparkling pools and 29 parks beckon for outdoor refreshment. Playa Vista has beach access and many hiking trails leading through the Bellona Freshwater Marsh and Riparian Corridor. The children of Playa Vista attend state-of-the-art STEM schools and enjoy easy access to shopping and entertainment via the community’s shuttle bus service.

These luxurious homes will not last. Claim your lifestyle at Jewel before it’s too late. Contact the sales office at 310-702-6299 today to get started.

Brookfield Residential offers spacious contemporary homes with flexible floorplans in San Bernardino’s most sought-after master-planned community, Ontario Ranch. The Marigold neighborhood in the New Haven section of Ontario Ranch offers families value, spacious interiors, technological advances, and great schools. The location eases commuting and affords residents access to the area’s best shopping and dining options.

You’ll love driving up to your 2-story, single-family Marigold home and seeing the wonderful architecture with its traditional Americana influences and statement-making embellishments. Choose from three impressive floorplans offering 2,608 to 3,105 square feet of open contemporary living space. Opt for 4 or 5 large bedrooms and enjoy 3 well-appointed full bathrooms. Every Marigold home comes equipped with a covered back patio space and a finished 2-car garage. The innovative QuietCool® whole-house fan system keeps the interior comfortable all year ‘round. Common areas are spacious and light-filled, a testament to the expertise of Brookfield Residential’s design team.  Downstairs bedrooms are an option, as are flex spaces and bonus areas. The gourmet kitchen with it’s large granite-topped working and eating space will inspire you. Your beautiful new stainless-steel Whirlpool® appliances look amazing next to the gleaming white European-style thermofoil cabinets. The Mainline® double-basin sink with Delta® fixtures is hardworking and beautiful. The contemporary and classic look of the kitchen is continued in the lush bathrooms with cultured marble countertops, generous backsplashes, and Delta® Ashlyn faucets. Enjoy a luxurious soaking tub in the master ensuite, and a frameless glass walk-in shower.

The community of New Haven welcomes you with many family-style amenities and monthly activities. There are wonderful sparkling pools and fun splash areas for the young ones, and playgrounds and green spaces to explore. There are dog parks and picnic facilities, too. Residents of Marigold are excited about the New Haven Marketplace that is currently under construction; It will host a Stater Bros., a donut shop, a dry cleaner and much more. Add this convenience to the close proximity you’ll enjoy to Eastvale Gateway and Victoria Gardens; So many opportunities to shop and dine! Access to major freeways, the Metrolink, and great Ontario schools will have you raving about your new Marigold home.

Come Home for the Holidays at Marigold.  Visit the sales office at Marigold at New Haven at 3972 S. Alexander Ave., Ontario Ranch, CA 91761 to being your new home buying process.