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Housing Stats ∙ Design Trends for 2015 and Beyond
HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET IS STARTING 2015 MUCH AS IT ENDED 2014
The Houston real estate market is starting off 2015, much as it ended 2014, with home sales and prices on the rise and inventory at historic lows. The majority of homes sold in in January took place among homes priced between $250,000 and $500,000. Sales slowed significantly for homes priced above $500,000. There is still speculation that sales will subside as a result of lower oil prices and limited inventory. Townhome and condominium sales have already started to decline.
The latest Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) monthly report states that single-family home sales totaled 4,032 units, an increase of 6.1 percent compared to January 2014. There is a 2.6-months supply of inventory versus a 2.7-months supply last January. The current national supply is 4.4 months.
According to the latest monthly report prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR):
“LESLIE IS A “FULL SERVICE” REALTOR IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD EXCEPT FOR THE FEE SHE CHARGES”
“Whenever my father was particularly pleased with something he’d purchased – especially if it was expensive – he’d say, “It was cheap at twice the price!” Like my father, I recognize when I’ve gotten tremendous value for my money and, while there is absolutely nothing cheap about her, Leslie’s services would definitely be cheap at twice the price, or more!!
Make no mistake about it there is nothing “discount” about Leslie or the way she represents her clients, or the services that she provides them. Leslie is a “full service” realtor in every sense of the word except for the fee she charges. She is a consummate professional and I couldn’t be any more pleased than I am after having her represent me in the sale of my home.
Leslie’s counterpart, representing the buyer, in my transaction was the “#1 Agent Worldwide” for a very well known, national brokerage firm. Much to our surprise, his conduct was completely unprofessional and condescending toward us both. Throughout the process, Leslie maintained her poise and conducted herself as a true professional and by following her advice I ended up selling my home for above-asking price. Not only did the so-called #1 agent act like a jerk, he also cost his clients several thousand dollars needlessly and nearly lost the home for them entirely with his boorish behavior.
If you ask me, Leslie is the true #1 agent!”
– D. James
>>>SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT LESLIE LERNER PROPERTIES
DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015 AND BEYOND
The Best in American Living Awards were held at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show last month in Las Vegas. Awards were given for projects that demonstrated innovative design and previewed the design trends homebuyers will see over the next several years.
Some of the trends for the winning projects include:
White on White Kitchens: Many kitchen designs featured white cabinets, topped with white counter tops finished off with white back splashes and white trim. Industrial textures are being introduced, but they are muted or white.
Doubled Island Kitchens: The popularity of open living/cooking/dining spaces are lending themselves to more creative and casual spaces. Back-to-back islands and side-by-side islands are showing up in all styles of homes—one island for cooking and preparing food and the other for serving food and dining. Sometimes the second island takes the place of a more formal dining room table.
Centered Bathtubs: Bathrooms are continuing to become more spa-like. As a result large, well-designed tubs are becoming the center of attention. They are being pulled away from the wall and treated like sculptures.
Natural Elements Mixed with Contemporary Materials: A softer side of modern design is evolving as contemporary and industrial materials are beginning to mix with natural materials. Wood, steel and glass are a popular combination, allowing the best from both worlds. Modern textures are being combined with old-world or classical elements.
Increased Quality of Details: Across the board, the details, such as how a handrail meets a stair, are getting better. Light, classic details that are clean and well thought-out are amplified when pulling together major pieces of a simple, clean-lined space.
Get Away Rooms: Whether it is a room with a view or a game room, creating spaces that allow you to get away from everyday life are becoming popular. These spaces are designed to encourage relaxation, family-time or allow one to practice their hobbies.
Wine Rooms and Bars: Wine is finding its home everywhere and anywhere. Wine displays under the stairs are beautifully filling spaces that could otherwise go to waste. Full rooms dedicated to wine or liquors are no longer just for the avid collector. Wet-bar nooks are adding to the overall encouragement of relaxing and enjoying time at home.
Indoor-Outdoor Living: Roof decks, California rooms and nano-walls are creating ways to make accessing nature easier during day-to-day life. No matter if in the middle of the city, in the suburbs or out in the country, people are utilizing the extra space on the roof to give them a great view while soaking in the surroundings. Indoor-outdoor transitional spaces are showing up where weather permits by utilizing removable walls, screens and foldable walls.
Grand Entries Are Not the Focus: Entries are still very well designed, but the amount of space allocated to the entrance is shrinking. Large pivoting doors are making grand statements, but open immediately into main living space of the home.
Information provided by The National Association of Home Builders.
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LESLIE LERNER PROPERTIES WILL:
If you think it is time to buy or sell a home, remember to call Leslie Lerner Properties at 713.489.9900. Leslie Lerner Properties is the Home of Flat Fee Listings and Rebated Commissions. A great amount of information can be found at www.LeslieLernerProperties.com. Leslie Lerner Properties offers all of the service for less money, when buying or selling a home.
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