What are the trends for 2013 in housing? What people are looking for is always changing, one day shag carpeting is in, the next day it is totally out. Are you thinking of doing some renovating? You may want to take note of this list of what people are going to be looking for.  According to the Neil Kelly Co, the following are the top 10 trends for 2013.

1. Healthy homes – green is in, energy efficient, chemical free homes.
2. Multigenerational living – making space for parents or a parent in your home either with more space in your home or a mother-in-law apartment.
3. Texture and sparkle – gold or silver accents, glossy or glass tiles, anything that sparkles.
4. Stone finish – Calcutta marble is the trend, especially in bathrooms.
5. Color of the kitchen – charcoal grey is in and is replacing stainless steel.
6. Simple sinks – in the kitchen, the double sink is being replace by one large sink.
7. Glass backsplash – especially in contemporary kitchens, the glass backsplash (sometimes painted) is replacing the tiled ones.
8. Hardwood floors – these have been in for some time but are still making the top 10 list.
9. Quartz countertops – granite is going out and Quartz is the new choice for no-maintenance finish in the kitchen.
10. Kitchen – contemporary, clean and simple style is in.

Who will be buying homes in 2013?  You are selling your home and hear that there are so many buyers out there on the market but not enough homes, you may be wondering who are these people that are out there buying homes.  According to the Business Insider, there will be 5 different types of buyers:

1. First time home buyers – they have been waiting for prices to get to the low point and since prices are starting to rise they will be buying now
2. Move up buyers – these buyers have been waiting to get more money for their existing home so they can purchase a larger or better home. With prices increasing they want to sell their current home and still get a deal on a bigger and/or better home.
3. Move down buyers – their home is most likely paid off and they want a good deal on something smaller, yet the most money for their current home, so with prices rising they will enter the market.
4. Rebound buyers – these are the buyers that lost their homes to foreclosure at the start of the housing crisis and have been renting. For many, they have now repaired their credit enough to get back in and actually buy a home again.
5. Investors – yes, investors will still be out there trying to find the deals to either flip or rent. Deals will be harder to find but they will be out there and investors realize they can get a great return on their money

How is 2013 doing on the interest rate scene?  According to Freddie Mac, the first week of the new year opened at near record lows.  Rates for the week ended Jan. 3 averaged 3.34 percent for 30-year fixed loans.That’s nearly flat with the 3.35 percent last week but well off the 3.91 percent a year ago.  Fifteen-year fixed rate mortgages came in at 2.64 percent, down from 2.65 percent last week and 3.23  percent a year ago.

Happy New Year – wishing you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful 2013!

If your 2013 New Years Resolution is to buy a home and/or sell your current home, please let me help make your New Years Resolution a reality!  Call or email me to set up an appointment for us to discuss your real estate needs!