Realtor.comA whimsical, Georgian Revival-style townhouse has hit the market in New York City for $3,250,000.Located in the historic Striver’s Row neighborhood, the specially curated, five-bedroom home is owned by Jenette Kahn, who published DC Comics and MAD Magazine for more than 26 years. She is now a movie producer, best known for films such as “The Book of Henry” and Clint Eastwood‘s “Gran Torino.”The 4,900-square-foot home last changed hands in 1997 for $465,000.“All of the homes on Striver’s Row are unique, but this one is my favorite,” says listing agent Colin Montgomery, of Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage. “What is really wonderful is the width to have a quarter-turn staircase. This home also features a carriage lane or rear alleyway, similar to Washington, DC, or London, where there is a private, outdoor parking space behind the house.”StaircaseRealtor.comThe home was built in 1891 and still has many intact historic details, including 11-foot ceilings throughout, oak wainscoting, and fireplaces with ornate mantels.“The history, uniqueness, and feel of the space make this property stand out,” Montgomery says. “Jenette is a real art collector and photographer, and her husband helped make some of the decorative elements throughout the space. He also created six different fireplaces, including the one with a crossword puzzle.”FireplaceRealtor.comThere is a formal dining room, living room, library, and home office, offering plenty of space to entertain and relax.A bright and airy kitchen boasts a modern aesthetic with clean lines. It also offers a custom-designed island, stainless steel cabinets, and a breakfast banquette. A nearby cocktail area features a wall of ascending champagne bubbles.“They have really kept a lot of history in the home but really modernized the kitchen,” Montgomery says. “It’s full width, so there is plenty of space, and it opens up to a beautiful, paved garden area that has a mature Japanese Yoschino cherry tree.”KitchenRealtor.comOne of the most impressive rooms in the house might just be the stylish, formal dining room.Hardwood floors here are painted to look like marble tile, and there is a decorative, coffered ceiling. The room also boasts a a black-and-gold, wood-burning fireplace.Dining roomRealtor.comA primary suite inspired by 1980s design is found on the third floor, along with a second bedroom.Three more bedrooms are situated on the fourth floor.BedroomRealtor.comMany different buyers would be suited to the property, Montgomery says.“It would be cliché to say it would go to a family,” he admits. “I have shown it to everybody from couples who work from home to an individual, so who knows? We have had a great response already from people who love the neighborhood. It could be used as either a primary or secondary residence, because it has so much space. It just depends where people are in their lives.”PatioRealtor.comThe post Former DC Comics Publisher Is Selling Her Playful NYC Townhome for $3.25M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Courtesy of homebythem.comNow that Tarek and Heather El Moussa have joined forces in holy matrimony and in the business of flipping homes and in starring on their own show, “The Flipping El Moussas,” we figured it was only a matter of time before they took the next step that all reality star couples take.Can you guess? They’ve embarked on selling their own line of home decor.Pretty much all big-name reality TV stars hawk their own products, of course. Chip and Joanna Gaines peddle home accessories galore at Magnolia and Target. Property brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott launched a furniture line at Living Spaces. Dave and Jenny Marrs of “Fixer to Fabulous” have a slew of outdoor wares at Walmart. Even Tarek’s ex-wife, Christina Hall, has her own bracelet line. In short, the list of celebrity-endorsed products is nearly endless.So it stands to reason that the El Moussas would also enter into the fray. Yet while I was excited to check out their offerings, I have to admit I was somewhat underwhelmed.Is Tarek and Heather El Moussa’s home decor line a flop?Home by Tarek & Heather currently offers only four products: two candles priced at $38, one candle priced at a jaw-dropping $249, and a dispenser of hand soap for $16.The first Home by Tarek & Heather productsHomebyTHEM.comAll “smell lovely,” says Heather in a promotional video.Heather and Tarek El Moussa check out samples from their new home decor line.HGTVApparently, these four products are just the start, with more to come—at least according to the second episode of their show, when Tarek and Heather were celebrating the arrival of some samples. They are not only sniffing candle scents, but also plumping pillows and nuzzling what looked like whisper-soft throws.Heather nuzzles a whisper-soft throw.HGTVTarek describes their new line: “In all of our flips, we’re going to put in candles, we’re going to do floor mats, rugs, maybe blankets, like homey stuff. Like comfy rugs and pillows.”“So when people walk in, they know it’s a home by Heather and Tarek—er, Tarek and Heather. Sorry,” Heather says with a laugh.I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who immediately wanted one of those throws. Given my anticipation, I was sorely disappointed to scour their website with nary a throw in sight—just four freaking products, one of them a $249 candle.Tarek and Heather announce their new line on Instagram.Heather Rae El Moussa/InstagramCould they have been overly eager to get to market, or just painfully naive about marketing home products? Tarek is known for selling homes, but selling home decor is a whole different game.To find out what they might have been thinking, I reached out to consummate branding and marketing expert Klint Briney, founder and CEO of BRANDed Management. His company has worked with celebs, including Ed Sheeran, LeAnn Rimes, Mariah Carey, and Mark Cuban among others.I asked him why the El Moussas launched so few products right out of the gate—shouldn’t they have waited until they had more to offer? Briney thinks not.“By entering the saturated market of celebrity brands and home goods, a more risk-averse approach would be to initiate a small launch to test the market,” Briney says.In other words, less is initially more when it comes to these lines.“They chose two hero products that are both gender-neutral, accessibly-priced, and shelf-stable,” Briney continues. “In a time when most Americans struggle with decision fatigue, fewer offerings can often initiate higher conversion rates, as they are not bombarding the consumer with too many choices.”I heard that. When I do a search on Amazon for one specific product and get 20 pages of results, I am usually overwhelmed by the choices and hold off on my purchase.Tarek and Heather’s products haven’t been picked up yet by big-box stores like Target and Walmart, where their contemporaries have a presence? Is that a bad sign?Not really, according to Briney.Heather and Tarek enjoying their new productsHomebyTHEM.com“It appears they are taking a more targeted and narrow approach upon launch, as it is critical for them to ‘win their own backyard’ before employing a more large-scale, blanketed rollout,” Briney continues. “Their items are strategically branded Newport Beach and Los Angeles, the two markets they work and reside in. This sort of data is great presentation material when meeting with mainstream retailers, which often leads to better terms.”In other words, you start out small and targeted, prove your work in a niche area, then your business offers a lot more value to a big-box store.“They can learn a lot by the recent acquisition of Aussie brand Aesop,” Briney adds. This producer of skin, hair, and body care products was recently “acquired by Loreal for $2.5 billion, the largest in company history.”If they’re lucky, Tarek and Heather, after starting with a few candles and some hand soap, could end up with a billion-dollar deal with a major international corporation.“In an era of cancel culture and the fast rise and fall of most celebrity careers, the fact that Tarek has had a show in production over 10 years, along with reinventing himself after a high-profile divorce, shows his marketplace viability,” Briney concludes.Forget the throws. Maybe instead I should buy stock in the El Moussa company.The post Tarek and Heather El Moussa Have Just Taken an Important (and Obvious) Next Step—but Is It a Flop? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comThe Green Mountain State’s most expensive listing just hit the market for $20 million.The 15,774-square-foot megamansion sits on a 110-acre lot in the rolling fields of Stowe, VT.“To have that kind of acreage in a most desirable neck of the woods as Stowe is certainly one of the things that makes this property stand out,” says listing agent Geoffrey Wolcott, of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty.Plus, that immense acreage provides significant opportunities for an ambitious buyer.“The 110-acre parcel size qualifies it to permit for a PUD (Planned Unit Development) commercial development,” Wolcott says.ExteriorRealtor.comSolariumRealtor.comStandout estateThe stone, slate, and copper, European-style country retreat was built in 2004 and features six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.“The quality of the home is second to none,” Wolcott notes. “There are wall coverings that are made of sculpted suede, and Italian crafted interiors found throughout. Most of the woodworking was done by a crew from Italy.”A cozy solarium with a fireplace is surrounded by a wall of windows, offering a breathtaking mountain views.KitchenRealtor.comLiving room with fireplaceRealtor.comThe stylish, gloss-black and stainless Boffi kitchen features a concealed, walk-in pantry. The listing says the cabinetry shows more like “a work of art.” There are four distinct prep stations here and plenty of dining space in the breakfast room.A remarkably designed living room has a soaring ceiling and another fireplace.“It’s a very dramatic room with ceilings that are about 2.5 stories high,” Wolcott says.The library features built-in bookcases and handsome, wood-paneled walls.Posh poolOne of the most impressive amenities just might be the mosaic-tiled, indoor pool and spa. It’s surrounded by loads of limestone, along with a coffered ceiling overhead and walls of windows that overlook the property.There’s also an adjoining gym.And when it comes to entertaining, the home is fully quipped. There’s a circular wine cellar with a tasting area, a dumbwaiter that serves three levels, commercial laundry, and a “self-contained guest suite.”PoolRealtor.comWine cellarRealtor.comBedroomRealtor.comPatioRealtor.comAn enormous primary suite boasts a soaring ceiling and a sitting area in front of arched windows that offer pristine outdoor views. The spalike primary bath has built-ins and many windows to soak in the scenery.The property also comes with a four-car, heated garage and extensive woodland trails.So who will move in next?“It’s very difficult to speculate who will be the next buyer, as buyers come from all over the world—and often where you least expect it,” Wolcott says. “It will certainly be someone who is looking for a second home, with that kind of acreage, and the ability to turn it into a family compound.”The post Vermont’s Most Expensive Home Showcases State’s Spectacular Beauty for $20M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Getty ImagesThe biggest complaint in today’s housing market might not be the high prices or even rising mortgage interest rates. It’s that there aren’t enough homes for sale, a situation that appears to only be getting worse.So why aren’t sellers selling? Their top concern is putting their current residence on the market before finding a new one to purchase, according to a recent Realtor.com® survey. About a third of sellers in February were worried about finding a new home they can afford.The insights are based on a series of surveys of 2,400 to 3,000 visitors to Realtor.com over a three-month period. Only responses from visitors who are homeowners, including active and prospective sellers, were included in this report.“Sellers may not want to buy first, but in reality, they may need to sell first to get the cash for their next purchase. They may need a larger down payment to control the size of their mortgage, because mortgage rates are so high,” says Jiayi Xu, an economist at Realtor.com. The more money they put down, the lower their mortgage payments will be.Many homeowners who would have traded up into larger, nicer homes or downsized into smaller ones have been reluctant to sell and let go of their record-low mortgage rates. That’s resulted in about a fifth fewer new home listings in April than there were a year earlier, worsening the housing shortage, according to the latest Realtor.com data.Since many homeowners either bought their properties at a lower rate or refinanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rates fell to as low as mid-2%, they’re understandably reluctant to buy a home at today’s rates in the mid-6% range. That has been the main financial reason stopping homeowners from listing their homes since 2022.Sellers are also worried about the state of the housing market. While it’s still not a buyer’s market, the days of homes selling moments after they went up for sale and buyers waiving all contingencies appear to be over. About a fifth of homeowners in February reported they were concerned about slowing buyer demand in their area and that sellers aren’t receiving good offers. That was more than double the worry that potential sellers expressed a year earlier.“A lot of sellers want to wait until home prices go high again,” says Xu. “Given all of the uncertainties in the housing market, I don’t [think] that’s going to happen soon.”Other concerns include the work—and cost—involved in getting their homes ready to list. High inflation driving up costs was a particular concern.“A lot of people overlook the cost of repairing of their homes and getting them ready for market,” says Xu. “The costs are much higher [than] the same time last year.”The post Why Aren’t Would-Be Sellers Listing Their Homes? There’s One Big Reason They’re Stalling appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images / Realtor.comFormer NFL defensive back DeAngelo Hall is set to leave his native Virginia for greener pastures in North Carolina.After starring in the league for 14 seasons, Hall made a move into broadcast work to offer his takes on TV and radio. But now he’s ready to step back onto the field, as an assistant coach with the Carolina Panthers.And the fallout from his move into the coaching ranks? He’s listed his incredible 10,400-square-foot home in Broadlands, VA. Featuring seven bedrooms and 7.5 baths, the house sits on a 15-acre parcel at the very western edge of the Washington, DC, metro area.Hall’s home sports an array of over-the-top amenities, including one of the largest residential pools in the county; a 700-gallon, indoor aquarium; and a glorious, outdoor sport court complete with lighting.Outdoor spaceRealtor.comEntryRealtor.comPrimary suiteRealtor.comKitchenRealtor.comLocated about 45 minutes outside the nation’s capital, Hall’s home is situated in a gorgeously planted, private, wooded area. Inside, a two-story foyer leads to double, wrought-iron staircases that wind to the second floor.Vaulted ceilings are a true highlight in the living room, along with a flagstone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. And in addition to the enormous, aforementioned fish tank in this space, there’s also a drop-down television.Loads of wine storage, a walk-in pantry, and a breakfast room are just the beginning of the bells and whistles in the kitchen. The gourmet kitchen also features granite counters, commercial-grade appliances, two dishwashers, and a six-burner range.A luxe primary bedroom is a retreat complete with a fireplace, wet bar, and dual closets. In the main bathroom, you’ll find heated floors, double vanities, and a lovely tub. Guests can camp out in more than half a dozen bedrooms or gather for a movie in the home theater. An outdoor kitchen is ready for grilling and chilling all season long.Hall, 39, starred for three years at Virginia Tech, before being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2004. He spent more than a decade in the league with three teams and finished his career with 43 interceptions.The post Former NFL Star DeAngelo Hall Is Selling His Virginia Mansion for $3.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Photo-Illustration by Realtor.com; Source: Getty ImagesAmerica’s home prices are still rising, currently hovering at a median of $430,000 in April. But at long last, these sky-high housing costs seem poised to fall, perhaps as early as this month.That’s according to a new report from Realtor.com®, which found that April’s listing prices had ticked up a mere 2.5% compared with a year earlier. That’s the slowest yearly price growth seen since April 2020, when COVID-19 quarantines forced the real estate market to grind to a halt.Once markets opened up again, the pandemic unleashed a steep and unprecedented ascent in home prices, culminating in a record-setting high of $449,000 last June. But the latest data suggests that this raging seller’s market might have finally reached its peak and will soon peter out.“At this rate of slowing, listing prices are likely to decline relative to the previous year sometime in May,” predicts Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale in her latest analysis of housing trends. “For buyers, decelerating and potentially declining listing prices could be a welcome reprieve.”Median real estate listing prices over the yearsRealtor.comWhy home prices and mortgage rates might have peakedAnd here’s more good news for May: As long as inflation continues to lose steam, mortgage interest rates might soon die down as well.“With the rate of inflation decelerating, rates should gently decline over the course of 2023,” Sam Khater, chief economist of Freddie Mac, predicted recently.This double dose of hope might be just what homebuyers need to hear right now to hit some open houses and forge ahead.“We may see an improvement in affordability compared to the previous year in the coming months,” Hale continues. However, “it’s important to note that affordability is expected to continue to create headwinds for many homebuyers this year.”Indeed, the monthly cost of financing 80% of a typical home is 19% higher than a year ago, which amounts to an extra $340 per month.Until these costs decline, the housing market might remain largely locked in a staring contest, with homebuyers waiting for prices to fall and sellers waiting for more buyers to come off the sidelines.“Some buyers and sellers may want to wait,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors®.Yet waiting carries some risks.“Home prices could be bid up when rates are lower, rather than buyers being able to negotiate for a better price now and then refinance if the rates were to go down,” Yun explains. “With inventory so short, it is unclear if the right home for the price on the market now shows up later.”Why lower home prices and mortgage rates might not be enoughAlthough homes might soon cost a bit less, homebuyers may face other problems. For one, there just aren’t enough homes for sale.Although this April saw 48.3% more listings than a year earlier, inventory “is still well below pre-pandemic levels,” Hale notes. “This means that there were still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day in April than there were a few years ago.”Plus, April’s inventory growth rate slowed for the second month in a row, with 21.3% fewer fresh properties being added to the overall mix that month.Many sellers held off on listing because they feel “locked in” by their current low mortgage rates.Plus, the prospect of selling might seem less enticing, now that the red-hot seller’s market of the past couple of years is on the wane.In April, 12.2% of listed homes had price cuts. That’s below the 2017–19 average, Hale points out, suggesting that “sellers may be setting their initial asking price to be more in line with buyer expectations than was typical before the pandemic.”Homes are also lingering on the market, at a median of 49 days in April. That’s 17 days longer than last year, although still shorter than before the pandemic.Nonetheless, the future looks bright for many sellers, particularly if they’ve owned their home for a while.“Sellers who have built up home equity are better positioned to find their next home in a cooling market,” Hale says. But they “may need to temper expectations for the sale of their current home.”Where affordable housing markets are hidingIn the meantime, homebuyers are scrounging far and wide for affordable homes.Many have targeted less costly metros in the middle of the country, although this, in turn, has caused prices to begin rising in these areas. Prices were up the most compared with a year earlier in Memphis, TN (31.7%), Milwaukee (21.7%), and Kansas City, MO (21.1%).On the flip side, areas that pulled in the most newcomers during the pandemic—and where prices boomed—are now reversing many of those patterns. The greatest price declines were seen in Austin, TX, where prices were down 8.8% year over year; Las Vegas, where they fell 7.1%; and Houston, down 4.6%.Yun thinks many of the long-distance moves sparked by the onset of remote work in 2020 might be coming to an end, but work arrangements will still play a role in determining where people live.“Long-distance regional moves will be limited—for example, moving to the very affordable market of Cincinnati from San Francisco,” he says. “But going to the next county and outer suburbs will be popular. Homes are more affordable in the outer rings, and those with the option to occasionally work from home will not have to commute every day.”The post Have Home Prices and Mortgage Rates Both Peaked? A Hopeful Look Ahead appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.com / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty ImagesFormer NBA forward Martell Webster is ready to part ways with his handsome home in Portland, OR.A native of the Pacific Northwest, Webster was a high school standout in Seattle before making his 2019 NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers at the age of 19.After his career was cut short by a hip injury, Webster retired from the league in 2017. That same year, he returned to Portland and purchased this five-bedroom home for $2.2 million. Six years later, the stately 5,837-square-foot residence is back on the market for $3 million.Living roomRealtor.comExteriorRealtor.comSunlight floods the lovely home, which has beamed ceilings, a soft white palette, and an open floor plan. Natural wood floors warm the living and dining rooms and kitchen, which has double sinks and a large marble island that seats three.Dining roomRealtor.comKitchenRealtor.comThe new owner can choose between two primary suites, including one that adjoins a home office with a fireplace, as well as a luxe bathroom with large tub and double vanities.Located in the coveted neighborhood known as Dogwood Park, this home actually feels like a private playground. There’s room out back for a fire pit, play structure, trampoline, and, naturally, a basketball half-court.The well-outfitted outdoor living area includes a kitchen, gas fireplace, TV, grill, and minifridge. And the entertaining doesn’t have to stop when the temp drops—the spot is equipped with ceiling heaters, so you can enjoy the space year-round, in any kind of weather.Webster, 36, played for 10 seasons with three NBA teams. His best season was with the Washington Wizards in 2012–13, when he averaged 11.4 points per game. In his posthoops life, Webster has reportedly ventured into the real estate business and dabbled as a rap artist.The post Former NBA Forward Martell Webster Selling Portland, OR, Home for $3M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comIt isn’t often you can tell someone’s passion just by looking at the exterior of their home.The treble clef railings and giant musical instruments give it away at one Berkeley, CA, home, dubbed the Saxophone House.“This is such a cool house,” explains listing agent Derek Han, with Better Homes and Gardens. “It was originally built by an amateur jazz player after the Oakland fire in the early 90s, so that explains all the cool musical and artistic details throughout the house. Words can’t really describe this home.”The 4,083-square-foot house is listed for $1,997,000.Exterior garageMcCardle VisualsInterior atriumMcCardle VisualsAce Architects, a firm known for its creative and colorful designs, created the quirky space.Impressive interiorsSeveral people have owned the place since it was built, but the key features remain intact.“It’s immaculate with the grand entrance and the three-story height,” Han says. “All the details throughout the house are really amazing. Most people are really impressed.”KitchenMcCardle VisualsBedroomMcCardle VisualsCircular bedMcCardle VisualsMain bathroomMcCardle Visuals‘I was amazed’Inside the saxophone towers are winding, golden staircases that rise throughout the home.The dwelling’s tall center-atrium area is open, and Han says the house is symmetrical.“I didn’t really know what to expect when I first saw it, and when I pulled in and opened the door, I was just amazed,” he recalls. “With the height, you can look down to the formal dining area. I literally felt like I was on a cruise ship.”BalconyMcCardle VisualsGame room in converted garageMcCardle VisualsDining roomMcCardle VisualsHan says every level has an exterior balcony overlooking the canyon below. The main house has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. A separate guesthouse has another bedroom and bathroom.The main bedroom has a pretty unique, custom feature that conveys with the home.“The primary suite is the entire upper level and has sweeping views,” Han says. “And that circular bed—I wish I had one in my house. My client thought about moving the bed, but it only makes sense that it stays. It’s part of the history of the house.”The home’s garage has been converted into a game room with three glass doors.Han says the seller has done a number of improvements to the house since buying it in 2020 for $1,479,00. And now, it’s ready for its next owner, who will most certainly value whimsical architecture and the stylings of the sax.This house “is not for everybody, I must say, but it’s that way with any home,” Han notes. “No home is going to be for 100% of buyers. [The buyer] will definitely be someone who appreciates art and sees this as the opportunity of a lifetime—and maybe is someone who is really musical. When they move in, they can jazz it up and have a great time.”Exterior with golden saxophone towersMcCardle VisualsThe post All That Jazz: Saxophone House Right at Home in Berkeley for $1.9M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comOne owner has lived in a contemporary, riverfront house since it was built more than 50 years ago.Now, he’s moving to Florida and listing the Newport News, VA, home for $2 million. He’s leaving some of his art collection behind in the showpiece of a space he has cultivated over the years.“It’s actually a piece of art, in my opinion,” says listing agent Mike Roberson, of Howard Hanna Williamsburg.Architect Carlton Sturges Abbott designed the eye-catching abode, which was constructed from redwood. Built in 1969 on a five-acre lot, the architectural gem was featured in a 1971 issue of House Beautiful magazine, where it was described as a “house at ease in any season.”Walls of glassGreg DavenportSoaring open spaceGreg Davenport‘Nothing like it’“It totally opens up to the water,” Abbott says. “When you pull into the huge circular driveway at the front of this house, you can see all the way through to the water. It has phenomenal views. There’s just nothing like it around here.”StudioGreg DavenportPoolGreg DavenportThe lot includes a pool house with a full bath and two showers, plus a kitchenette outfitted with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.The property also comes with a detached garage, which has been used as an art studio.And an eye-catching, boat-like sculpture protruding from the pool house is actually a water feature that flows into the pool.KitchenGreg DavenportElevatorGreg DavenportBack in the main house, the primary bedroom sits above the central living space and has no separating walls. Movable panels allow for privacy, though.“There are louvers on the wall,” Roberson explains. “Instead of having blinds or a solid wall, you can grab a bar in the middle to open and shut the louvers.”The 3,503-square-foot, main home has two other bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The total size of the property is 5,069 square feet.BedroomGreg DavenportUpper floorGreg DavenportThe tile in the kitchen is original and the stove is a red, high-end Aga piece. A translucent elevator sits adjacent to the cook space.The sculptures throughout the property’s interior and exterior—and some of the larger art pieces—convey with the house.Roberson says the buyer will probably want to make some changes. Overall, though, the house is in good shape.“I would say, at a minimum, most of people that I would sell it to would spend $100,000 painting it and making interior updates,” he says, adding that the seller didn’t want to make the changes and pick things for the buyer.GarageGreg DavenportThe post Art on 5 Acres: Contemporary Home in Newport News, VA, Is Listed for $2M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comA New England Colonial that was built in 1705 in Kingston, NH, is the oldest home on the market this week on Realtor.com®.The three-bedroom domicile still boasts eight fireplaces (including one with a beehive oven), exposed-beam ceilings, and wide-plank wood floors.Other historic homes to hit the market this week include a renovated New England Cape in Connecticut, a property with a carriage house in Maryland, and a log and stone cabin in Virginia.Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.1. 191 Main St, Kingston, NHPrice: $650,000Year built: 1705Thoughtfully updated: This 3,485-square-foot dwelling is one of the oldest homes in the state.The 18th-century build still boasts original wainscoting, trim, and fireplaces. The kitchen has an exposed brick wall, wood-beam ceiling, and stainless-steel appliances. The sunroom offers views of the picturesque, 3-acre lot. The primary bedroom is on the first floor, and two more bedrooms are upstairs.A three-story barn, chicken coop, and summer house can also be found on the property.Kingston, NH———2. 222 Winnacunnet Rd, Hampton, NHPrice: $749,999Year built: 1720The John Moulton Homestead: This modernized property still features original beam ceilings and wide-plank wood floors.Four bedrooms and two bathrooms can be found in this 2,944-square-foot home. An updated kitchen boasts built-in cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. The dining area features a cozy fireplace, and the living room has a coffered ceiling and built-in cabinets. Several fireplaces are located throughout the house, and you can enjoy views from the screened porch.A four-season greenhouse and oversized barn can also be found on the 1-acre property.Hampton, NHRealtor.com———3. 361 Water St, Hanover, MAPrice: $825,000Year built: 1727Red landmark: Also known as the Project Dale House, this five-bedroom Colonial still features original wood-paneled walls, beamed ceilings, built-in cabinets, and wainscoting.Five fireplaces and dentil moldings can be found throughout the 2,911 square feet of living space. The primary suite is on the first floor, and four more bedrooms are upstairs. A modernized kitchen has stainless-steel appliances and a spacious island with granite countertops.A three-story barn was recently restored and offers plenty of space for storage, a home office, or a studio. The property is pending sale.Hanover, MARealtor.com———4. 132 Still Hill Rd, Bethlehem, CTPrice: $1,595,000Year built: 1730The bishop cottage: This renovated, New England Cape still features many original details, including exposed-beam ceilings, wide-plank wood floors, and multipaned windows.Modernizations over the years have made way for an updated kitchen with high-end appliances and a wood ceiling. The wood-paneled dining area also features a wood ceiling with exposed beams. The first-floor primary bedroom features a cathedral ceiling and an adjoining sunroom. The second floor has two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom.The 2-acre property also has a heated pool, a pool house, a two-car garage with a climate-controlled gym, and two outbuildings.Bethlehem, CTRealtor.com———5. 212 N Queen St, Chestertown, MDPrice: $859,900Year built: 1730Home with a carriage house: This half-acre property comes with two homes. The main residence offers three en suite bedrooms. The rear carriage house has two bedrooms and a private brick patio.Both homes have been modernized over the years, and each has its own separate driveway. Hardwood floors have been restored, and the kitchens have been updated with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.Other historic details include built-in bookshelves, arched ceilings, and a living room with a fireplace.Chestertown, MDRealtor.com———6. 58 Old Post Rd, North Branford, CTPrice: $344,900Year built: 1740Benjamin Howd Home: This ultra-affordable, center-chimney saltbox features 2,889 square feet of living space.The three-bedroom abode offers a front parlor, sitting area, living room, library, and kitchen on the main floor. Here, glass sliders open to a greenhouse and mudroom on one side and a patio on the other.The large living and dining rooms boast plank flooring, exposed beams, a wood-burning stove, and a wood-burning fireplace.The bedrooms are upstairs, including the primary bedroom, which has an adjacent office.The acre lot also features an oversized garage and a storage shed.North Branford, CTRealtor.com———7. 18 W Parish Rd, Westport, CTPrice: $1,350,000Year built: 1740Edward Burr/Capt. Thomas Nash House: This historic landmark has been updated over the years. The five-bedroom home measures 3,688 square feet, and it features restored hardwood floors, exposed beams, built-ins, and fireplaces.The bright, modern kitchen features an exposed-brick accent wall, custom cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. The loft area upstairs could be used as a home office. The beautiful primary suite has a fireplace and an updated bathroom with wainscoting.The property includes a separate, one-bedroom guest cottage.Westport, CTRealtor.com———8. 19219 Otley Rd, Purcellville, VA Price: $625,000Year built: 1750Log and stone cabin: Offered as is, this charming, five-bedroom stone home boasts lots of history.The cozy living room features wide-plank wood flooring, a wood-beam ceiling, and a walk-in fireplace. The dining room also has a fireplace, and the main-floor bedroom showcases exposed stone walls. The primary bedroom upstairs has a cathedral ceiling with exposed beams.The 14-acre lot also includes a small storage building, a stone springhouse, a log storage building, and a pool in need of some rehab. An offer is pending on this property.Purcellville, VARealtor.com———9. 5244 Madison Ave, Trumbull, CTPrice: $429,900Year built: 1753The Mansion House: Built by one Daniel Beach, this four-bedroom home features historic stone stairs.Modestly priced, the 1,964-square-foot structure underwent a massive restoration about 48 years ago. The basement was dug deeper at the time, and a cement floor was installed. The sagging house was jacked up, and all of the rotted beams were replaced using wood from an old barn on the property.The home still retains exposed-beam ceilings, three fireplaces, and wood floors. The bright kitchen features a wood-burning stove. One bedroom is located on the main level, while the others are upstairs.An enclosed sunroom overlooks the 1.2-acre backyard.Trumbull, CTRealtor.com———10. 172 Middle Rd, Cumberland, MEPrice: $450,000Year built: 1760Rustic Cape: This well-priced, wood cabin has been updated over the years, but historic details remain, including the original wood floors.The standout kitchen boasts a cathedral ceiling, slate countertops, and a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace. The nearby sunroom has radiant heat and was built using timber salvaged from a home in Cumberland, circa 1840. The primary bedroom with a sitting area is located on the first floor. Upstairs, another bedroom can be found, along with a studio or office space.Enjoy views of the private 1.3-acre lot from the farmer’s porch. An offer is pending on the property.Cumberland, MERealtor.comThe post Built in 1705, a New England Colonial in New Hampshire Is This Week’s Oldest Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty ImagesMany homebuyers are on edge after the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it was hiking interest rates again. However, they might not need to worry.On Wednesday, the Fed announced it was raising its short-term rates by 0.25%, in its latest maneuver in its war against high inflation. Mortgage interest rates, which are separate from the Fed’s rates, have been climbing since the Fed began jacking up its own rates about a year ago. That’s battered the previously hot housing market, creating something of a standoff between buyers and sellers.This latest Fed hike, however, might not lead to a rise in mortgage rates. Instead, mortgage rates could wind up steadying—or even dipping—in the weeks ahead. Rates averaged 6.49% on Wednesday afternoon for 30-year fixed-rate loans, according to Mortgage News Daily. That was down a little from 6.58% the previous day.Many believe this could be the Fed’s last interest rate hike for some time. The Fed’s goal was to batter the economy just enough to bring inflation down, without pushing the nation into a full-fledged recession. Inflation is now coming off of last year’s highs, unemployment appears to be rising, and the higher rates have created a banking crisis of which First Republic Bank is the latest victim.“Mortgage rates are sensitive to the inflation outlook,” Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet, said in a statement. “When investors believe inflation will drop over the next few years, mortgage rates drop, too. This Fed hike should help reduce the inflation rate and consequently mortgage rates.”Lower mortgage rates would be a boon for homebuyers who can’t afford to purchase properties at today’s lofty prices if they’re taking out loans with higher mortgage rates. It could also result in more homes going up for sale, easing the housing shortage.Many sellers have been loath to give up their record-low mortgage rates to purchase their next property, which would require a higher mortgage rate if they’re taking out a loan. Lower rates could entice them off of the sidelines.“The housing market will see sales at a relatively low level with more activity when rates dip and less activity when they go up,” says Realtor.com® Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “Both buyers and sellers are very interest-rate-sensitive right now.”Buyers shouldn’t get their hopes up that rates will drop back down to COVID-19 pandemic levels, when they dipped below 3% for 30-year fixed-rate loans. But they could settle below 6% within the next year or so, says Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders.“We’re past peak rates,” says Dietz. He doesn’t anticipate that rates will top 7% again, like they did for 30-year fixed-rate loans in late 2022.The stress in the regional banks might act as an equivalent to higher rates. Going forward, lenders are expected to be more cautious in making loans to businesses, which could slow down the economy. That is the same goal of the Fed with its rate increases.There are no guarantees, however, that the Fed will stop raising its rates. If inflation doesn’t continue cooling or unemployment is less than what the Fed would like to see, it could raise its rates again. Mortgage rates could follow.However, if the country enters into a recession with higher than anticipated job losses, the Fed is likely to cut its rates to stimulate the economy. That would likely lead to lower mortgage rates.“We’re teetering on the edge of a turning point,” says Hale. “It’s hard to forecast too far ahead. Any new piece of new information changes the calculus.”The post The Fed Raised Rates Again—and That Could Be a Very Good Thing for Homebuyers appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

HGTVWhat does it take to restore a house that’s hundreds of years old? That’s the question explored in the HGTV show “Houses With History,” which has just returned for Season 2.On the show (streaming on discovery+), home preservationist Mike Lemieux, designer (and Lemieux’s wife) Jen MacDonald, and carpenter Rich Soares are on a mission to save centuries-old dwellings around Plymouth, MA, outfitting them with modern conveniences while still maintaining their historic charm.Curious to learn more about these homes and what goes into their work, we talked to Lemieux, MacDonald, and Soares about how they got started, the oldest house they’ve renovated, and what we should all keep in mind about old homes.Rich Soares, Mike Lemieux, and Jen MacDonald outside the finished Fisher homeHGTVHow did the three of you meet and start working on old houses?Mike Lemieux: Jen and I knew each other since high school. She was actually one my of sister’s best friends. And I think we went out on one date. Then 20 years eclipsed, and we reconnected.Jen MacDonald: And we’re both interested in investing in real estate. So we started with a multifamily home in the Boston area, which was built in the 1800s. At the start, this was supposed to be a side hustle.Lemieux: And then Rich and I were college roommates, and since he had his hands in construction for so long, I was like, “Do you want to come in and help us work on this house?”MacDonald: Eventually we ended up quitting our jobs. I quit my finance job, and people were just really falling in love with our renovations. Some of our houses we would flip, some we would keep for rentals. We were doing open houses, and people would come in and they would say, “Can you do this to our house? Can you design our house?”I’ve heard you were discovered by New Kids on the Block’s Jonathan Knight. How did that happen?MacDonald: About five years ago, there was, like, this new interest in antique homes suddenly, and we’ve been working on them for forever. So we were doing a lot of antique homes, and it seems like all the networks started to become interested and we were approached by four or five different producers. And Jon had actually been down here looking at a property that we were renovating and he said, “You got to have a show for sure.”Lemieux: Jon came down and walked through a couple of projects we were doing. And it didn’t really hit any of us right away who he was. And then we were fixing one of the houses when I spotted Jon, and I’m like, “Hey! So what do you do?” He said, “I was with a band my whole life.” And I’m like, “Wait, Jon Knight?” And we were like, “Oh! We know who you are!”MacDonald: And he is the sweetest!What’s the oldest home you’ve worked on?Lemieux: The oldest one I think was one in Pembroke, Water Street. And that was actually built in 1600. And when you think about that, it’s at the heart of the real beginning of the colonization of America, and there was nothing really here. And this house itself was a stronghold when there were wars and conflicts going on.That time period, when there was friction between colonists and Native Americans, that house was a safe haven to come to protect and then grow families. It spans from generation after generation of really prominent people. It’s chilling in a way when you walk into a house like that and realized what it has seen.MacDonald, Lemieux, and Soares in a newly renovated kitchenHGTVMacDonald: We’ve also worked on a blacksmith house from 1707, slightly younger but almost unchanged in 300 years. So it’s just crazy when you come in contact with the house where the family was just scraping by with this dairy farm and how unchanged the house is since it was built.Is it more difficult to work on an old house than a new one?Rich Soares: Yes, definitely. You’ve got to think of what the end product is. So if you are trying to preserve the history, then you go about it a certain way, [rather] than if you are just trying to make it look new.But obviously, new construction, you want to start with a good foundation and work up to the roof. I think on an old house, you kind of have to think of the roof and work down. You want to make sure there is no rain coming in, and you want to protect it from the elements and then kind of work inside that box.I did a house not too long ago, and a couple of guys on the crew said that, while working on an older build, they wouldn’t even take their level out of the truck because they don’t want to have anything too perfect. It would look out of place. With a historic house, there’s a lot of judgment and standing back and just kind of looking with your eyes.Do you have some good tips for homeowners with old houses that want to make their place feel true to the era?MacDonald: Use the materials that you have. Like, appreciate the old doors. There is always a solution to antique windows. If you just take the time and have the patience, you can restore an old window yourself.Restoring an old piece is doable if you have the time and the patience to learn it instead of throwing it away. And I think that is something a lot of people are taken with recently. People are so used to just tossing something out when it breaks. But there are ways to make those pieces work again, and they are actually better materials than a lot of what you can find now. So I love just leaning into what’s old in the house and going with it.For example, we have, like, a pink bathtub in one of the houses and it’s all the rage right now, the pink and the green. The plumber thought I was crazy for saving that tub, but I was like, “I’m just going to lean into it. I’m going to add pink marble tiles.”Lemieux: When I was just growing up, I learned to not be afraid of knocking on doors and just being curious, because then that leads you to reading, that leads you to your local library, the local historic society, the Registry of Deeds, whatever it may be. The information is out there if you just dig.Why is it so important to you to renovate these old houses and preserve their history?Lemieux: We as a society really like to understand where we came from. And the houses are the best ways to represent that. And when you start to understand and you start to value that, you see a lot of the through line throughout your community, and that makes your community even stronger and you understand what it took to build something, what any family, any individual, would have struggled to go through to just maintain and have a life in that community and be part of it.I think that everybody wants to belong to something, and the best way to do that is to understand it and there’s no better way than starting with the history.MacDonald: Like Mike always says, “Once it’s gone, you just can’t get that back.” The craftsmanship is gone, the materials are gone.Lemieux: And the whole story is gone with it.The post Exclusive: ‘Houses With History’ Reveals the Joys and Terrors of Restoring a Really Old House appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesRose Prophete bought her home in Canarsie, Brooklyn, N.Y. in May 2005. She thought she had paid off her loans until recently, when a company approached her about a debt she thought she had settled a long time ago.The company expected Prophete to pay up over $130,000, or face foreclosure.When refinancing her mortgage on the home, Prophete had split her mortgage into two. Prophete said she had been erroneously told that her second mortgage was paid off. That debt, having laid dormant for years, was now being pursued by a debt-collection firm.Prophete is one of 13 plaintiffs in a 2021 federal lawsuit against the firm, and she recently testified at a field hearing into “zombie debts” held by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a government agency responsible for consumer protection in the financial-services sector.The CFPB last week announced that it was issuing legal guidance for debt collectors trying to collect on mortgages that were long considered forgiven by borrowers, who in particular had no notices or statements sent over a decade about outstanding debt.‘This is really frustrating — I don’t want to lose my home.’— Rose Prophete, who bought her home in Brooklyn, N.Y. in May 2005The federal agency said that a debt collector “who brings or threatens to bring a state-court foreclosure action to collect a time-barred mortgage debt may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.” Time-barred refers to debt whose statute of limitations has run out.“Debt collectors do not get to claim ignorance of the law or ignorance of the debt’s age,” Rohit Chopra, director of the CFPB, said during the hearing. “If the statute of limitations has expired, taking legal action threatening to bring a suit of foreclosure may be illegal no matter what the debt collector claims to have known. This is the law.”Prophete, a Haitian immigrant and a hospital technician, said during the CFPB hearing that she had worked three jobs to afford the two-family Brooklyn home, on top of taking care of small children.According to the lawsuit, a little more than a year after they completed the purchase, the broker who arranged the financing suggested she refinance the mortgage to lower her monthly payments. She agreed to refinance her mortgage into two, as the broker told her that this “financing structure would be the most financially advantageous to her,” per the filing. The first loan was for $504,000 and the second for $63,000 with an interest rate of 9%.‘Debt collectors do not get to claim ignorance of the law or ignorance of the debt’s age.’— Rohit Chopra, director of the CFPB, speaking about the Fair Debt Collection Practices ActAfter a couple of years, she received a note from her first lender that the second loan was fulfilled — that she didn’t need to pay for it. She said she didn’t receive any statements for the second mortgage, so she focused on paying off her first one, the lawsuit said.She said she never heard back from the mortgage servicer, until over a decade later, in March 2021, when she received a foreclosure notice in the mail. The creditor was attempting to collect on payments due from Jan. 1, 2009 to the date of filing in 2021. The payments had ballooned from $63,000 to over $130,000, according to the lawsuit.“This is really frustrating—I don’t want to lose my home,” Prophete said during the field hearing.New York Attorney General Leticia James, who also spoke during the hearing, said that debt-collection firms were engaged in “predatory practices” to “rob individuals of the equity in their home.”Debt buyers were acquiring these mortgages “often for pennies on the dollar,” James said, and they were now suing homeowners and “seeking to exploit rising housing values by reviving the long-dormant zombie debt.”“I find this practice predatory and abusive and an affront to the American dream of sustainable home ownership,” she added. “I will fight this despicable practice.”The post This Woman Was Told Her Mortgage Was Paid Off: 10 Years Later, She Received a Foreclosure Notice in the Mail. She Decided To Fight. appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comA 1970 home known as Birchwood is a modern marvel that sits between a 500-acre park and the Hudson River in New York.The asymmetrical, 3,600-square-foot house is wedged into a wooded mountainside. It has had no fewer than three architects working on it over the years. It’s fully restored and available for $1,850.000. The home last changed hands in 2015 for $1,350,000.“Each put their stamp on the house,” says listing agent Richard Ellis. “In particular, the first and last architect really made it what it is today.”BirchwoodRealtor.comArchitectural elementsThe original architect was Charles Winter, known for building geometric homes in natural settings. The Nyack, NY, home’s open-concept layout and the way the design flows across the dwelling’s many levels are staples of Winter’s style.In the 1980s, the second architect added more natural elements to house, including hard surfaces in a variety of wood finishes such as bamboo, teak, white oak, and tree bark. Industrial elements of stone, concrete, steel, and stainless steel are found in the kitchen and luxe baths.The third and final architect, Dominick Pillar, worked with the owners to renovate and prepare the three-bedroom, two-bath house for sale.Living roomRealtor.comLofted sitting areaRealtor.comDining roomRealtor.comKitchenRealtor.comBedroomRealtor.comBathRealtor.comOne of the first things you notice when walking through the front doors is the view—mountain and river vistas from each window.The third-acre lot also offers a private garden with custom stonework and four spacious, sunny decks.The layout has a great room with a wood-burning fireplace, multiple sitting areas, a formal dining space, a casual dining area, and an outdoor dining deck.Other features include a two-car garage, gym, and an office.The owners recently updated the exterior to include an enlarged driveway and parking area; a bluestone knee wall; and a snow-activated, heated driveway.“The riverfront villages of Nyack and Piermont, with gourmet restaurants and plenty of shops, are within a five-minute drive of the property,” notes Ellis.The home’s Lower Hudson Valley locale is just 35 minutes from New York City.The post Behold Birchwood: The $1.8M Hudson Valley Home Is in Harmony With Nature appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comA magnificent, midcentury modern home in Creswell, OR, has just hit the market for $2.25 million.Built in 1961, the four-bedroom abode boasts 4,061 square feet, lots of original details, and plenty of fun surprises.The home was custom designed by architectural firm Balzhiser, Seder & Rhodes for Lew Williams and features many midcentury elements, such as stone walls, slate floors, wood-paneling, and clean lines.“This is an extremely unique property for this area,” says listing agent Jon Burke, with Triple Oaks Realty. “It looks like you picked up this house from Palm Springs and just dropped it here. I have not seen anything like it in this area.”Living areaDining areaThoughtfully updatedOver the years, the sellers have done some upgrades but have thoughtfully incorporated them to preserve the home’s pristine midcentury design.“There have been a few updates over the years with the laundry room and one of the bathrooms, but the updates have been pretty minimal over the years,” Burke says. “The owners have gone out of their way to retain the home’s originality. It’s really cool to see a house like this with such incredible design elements retained.”Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliders, cork floors, and exposed-beam ceilings are found throughout the home. The spacious living room is centered around an enormous stone fireplace. Large sliding-glass doors offer a peek outdoors to the beautiful courtyard, where a fountain and fire pit create a serene vibe.CourtyardKitchenAn original kitchen provides access to the courtyard and boasts a curved design with stone walls and oversized windows. There is ample prep space, along with a built-in counter that sports a whimsical, mosaic top.“The kitchen has a small table with two inlaid Tennessee walking horses in the middle that were custom designed for Lew Williams, who was the previous owner,” Burke notes.A nearby dining area is surrounded by glass walls and an abundance of natural light. Another highlight is a custom-designed bar, built into a stone wall.Interior glass doors lead to the main-floor primary suite, which has a multicolored, geometric statement wall and two walk-in closets. The retro primary bath features dual vanities and a glass wall to usher in natural light, all surrounded by an exterior stone wall for privacy.Three more bedrooms are found in a separate wing, and each offers direct access to the back courtyard.BedroomBathroomBedroomGo for a swim.There’s a pool!Just off the primary bedroom, glass sliders open to an enormous indoor pool and sauna.“The indoor pool was built in 1961 by a local pool company that is still in business, and it is still in great shape,” Burke notes.Like much of the home, the pool is surrounded by walls of glass for that coveted, indoor-outdoor feel.Scenic settingLocated on 12 acres along the Willamette River, the property features a barn, horse stalls, a chicken coop, and a multipurpose building.“The proximity to the river is also unique with over one-quarter of a mile of river frontage,” Burke says.He believes the next owner will be someone with a true appreciation for midcentury design.“It’s going to take a unique buyer who loves history and wants something that has been unchanged for the last 50 years,” Burke says. “It would be surprising to hear if someone wanted to come in here and change everything.”The post A Palm Springs-Inspired Midcentury Manse Mesmerizes in Oregon for $2.25M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comSouth Carolina’s most expensive home listing ever has just landed on the market for $22 million.Located in Simpsonville, SC, the 16,000-square-foot home sits on a sprawling 54 acres designed for the horse lover.Dubbed Circle Creek Estate, the massive property features world-class equestrian amenities, including three riding arenas, and a 12-stall barn inspired by Old World Europe.Patio‘Hand-built from scratch’Built in 2014, the six-bedroom estate was designed to resemble an English manor. And while the stone home’s price tag is the steepest in the state, “the cost to recreate this property today would be north of $30 million,” according to the listing.In fact, many of the building materials were eclectically sourced.“The home was essentially hand-built from scratch, and it took two years to construct,” says listing agent Damian Hall, of Blackstream International Real Estate. “They used materials from all over the world to furnish it. There is a street lamp from Central Park, stone planters from the Great Wall of China, and reclaimed cobblestones from a street in Pittsburgh. The stone mantels had to be assembled by crane, and there are giant beams in the den that came from a mill in South Carolina. Every piece of material used tells a story.”Great roomThe great room features two enormous, cast-limestone fireplaces that lead to a barrel-vaulted ceiling with exposed, curved wood beams.From there, arched doors open to a spacious terrace and courtyard.KitchenA gourmet chef’s kitchen boasts a coffered ceiling, travertine stone countertops, high-end appliances, and a butler’s pantry.Primary bedroomThe primary suite is in its own wing on the main level and comes with a sitting area and fireplace, soaking tub, and two walk-in closets. There is also a private gym with a steam room.Upstairs, there are two en suite bedrooms and two additional “apartment suites” that come with their own private entrances, located at the other end.PubOn the lower level, there is an Old World European pub with reclaimed wooden beams from barns in Kentucky, plus a temperature-controlled wine cellar and a state-of-the-art home theater.Home theaterIdeal for equestriansThe property’s pristine equestrian facilities look like something out of a magazine.The space has three large arenas—one for warming up, one for dressage, and a covered arena for jumping.Horse barnThe horse barn was built with reclaimed timbers and features stalls by Lucas Equine, a top horse-stall manufacturer.The barn also has a living area, full bath, kitchenette, loft apartment, and a tack room.PoolAll you need to bring is your suitcase (and your horse).“The estate is being sold turnkey with all of the furnishings and artwork included,” Hall says. “The design and all of the interiors were hand-picked for that property.”Located on a private lot against the foothills of South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the enormous compound also features a pool and network-controlled lighting and security systems.“It is hard to find a property with this kind of acreage just 45 minutes to an hour from the city,” Hall says. “It is nearby everything and is centrally located. It is just 10 minutes away from Whole Foods in Greenville, [which] also has shops and restaurants.”Hall thinks the next buyer will own multiple properties but use this one as a home base.“It will probably be someone who is an equestrian and might even compete on a professional level,” he says.The post The Most Expensive Home in South Carolina’s History Hits the Market for $22M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Getty ImagesThose thinking of relocating might want to head to Utah.Utah was named the best state in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s fifth annual state rankings. The Beehive State shot up from its No. 3 position last year thanks to its high scores in health care, its economy, and the state’s fiscal stability. Utah has become a hot spot for startups, tech entrepreneurs, and young people thanks, in part, to its low unemployment rate.“So many things—a thriving economy, stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community where people look out for each other, world-class educational opportunities, responsible government, and much more—make Utah a truly special place,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement.States were evaluated in eight categories: health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment. More than 70 metrics and tens of thousands of data points were considered. (Washington, DC, was not included in the analysis.)Salt Lake City, UTGetty ImagesMore than half of the top 10 states had median home prices above the national median of $424,495.Homes in Utah certainly aren’t cheap. The median list price was $603,500 in March, about 43% more than the national price tag, according to the most recent Realtor.com® data.“When the [COVID-19] pandemic hit, it made it so a lot of people could telecommute. So we had a lot of people from the more expensive East and West Coasts come to where it’s just more affordable in a highly desirable area,” says real estate broker Kenny Parcell, at Equity Real Estate Utah, who works in Salt Lake and Utah Counties. “They got a lot more square feet for their money than in those other areas.”Utah’s low unemployment rate is also another draw. It was just 2.4% in March—compared with 3.5% nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.However, prices across the state were also down 3.4% year over year in March. Higher mortgage interest rates have limited just how high many buyers are able to bid.“Prices are starting to level off a little bit,” says Parcell. But even with new construction, there is still a shortage of homes for sale. That’s exacerbated by out-of-staters, ranging from young families to retirees, continuing to move to Utah from other parts of the country. “There are a lot of job opportunities.”The 10 best states:Utah, median home list price of $603,500Washington, median home list price of $629,000Idaho, median home list price of $559,500Nebraska, median home list price of $371,400Minnesota, median home list price of $399,900New Hampshire, median home list price of $549,900Iowa, median home list price of $309,900Wisconsin, median home list price of $369,900Vermont, median home list price of $437,500Florida, median home list price of $465,000The post Thinking of Moving? This Is the Best State in America in 2023 appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Tiffany Rose/Getty Images/ Josh Bustos-Virtually Here Studios / Perched on a hillside in one of Los Angeles’ most booming residential areas, the edgy abode where long-retired hoopster Kiki VanDeWeghe lives is up for grabs.The Encino, CA, residence he shares with interior designer wife Peggy VanDeWeghe is on the market for $5,195,000. The listing is being handled by Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky, of The Agency.The two-time NBA All-Star played for four teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, before he retired in 1993.In 2010, the VanDeWeghes snapped up this property for $2.25 million and tackled major interior and exterior work on the place. Upgrades to the five-bedroom home included a white silicone roof, a water heater, saltwater system, and new HVAC system.Many original features, such as the Fleetwood sliding doors, remain in the single-level home, which is set on a corner lot. The house was built in 1972.The revamped design includes wellness amenities such as a vegetable garden, pool, filtered-water system, putting green, yoga/zen garden, and nods to feng shui principles throughout.A 23-foot, stone-alcove wet bar with a hidden skylight and a fireplace, meant to mimic midcentury modern design with a bronze finish, is also part of the home’s design.Living roomJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosKitchenJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosWet barJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosFireplaceJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosOne of the bathsJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosPoolJosh Bustos - Virtually Here StudiosShe shed and putting greenJosh Bustos - Virtually Here Studios“Peggy has a very bold, colorful style, while wanting to keep the authenticity of the era,” Schwartz says. “Every room has a slightly different vibe, a beautiful mix of old and new. Every single room leads to the outside. It’s really a house of glass.”The owners also added a rooftop deck and a she shed. For even more space, they installed an outdoor storage building and a concrete play-court area with an outdoor shower and covered pavilion.The abode’s indoor-outdoor flow is a significant selling point. The space’s “open layout is palatable to today’s buyer” who likes to entertain, Schwartz notes. Parking for eight cars is another advantage.Schwartz thinks the buyer will be a fan of midcentury modern style and is someone who doesn’t necessarily want to take on restoration work.Speaking of low-maintenance features, the yard is also designed to be stress-free. Six varieties of fruit trees, several rose gardens, and very little grass are found in the outdoor areas.Buyers flock to this area of Encino for proximity to two country clubs: Braemar and El Caballero. Encino’s “one of the biggest booming cities in the Los Angeles area in the last five years,” says Schwartz. “This is less of a McMansion turnover area. You have a lot of midcentury homes with beautiful valley views.”She says the home’s size and layout would make it a feasible choice for a multi-kid family.“It’s someone who’s going to want to continue personalizing this style,” Schwartz predicts of the buyer. “Someone who’s a little more artsy and mature in their taste. It will also be a high-net-worth individual.”And for those wealthy buyers who want to keep a low profile, this place is perfect. The property is gated , private, and already outfitted with security cameras. Even the home’s position on the lot is secluded.“There’s no one looking in on you,” Schwartz says.Watch: L.A. Rams Quarterback Matt Stafford Scores Hidden Hills Winery for $10.5M The post Former NBA Star Kiki VanDeWeghe Wants To Pass Encino Estate to New Owner for $5.19M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comThe unfinished look is a purposeful part of the design of an eclectic Omaha, NE, home.The 6,821-square-foot build on 10 acres is listed for $1,250,000.Local architect Randy Brown bought a 1960s-era home in 2006 and expanded it. The unique additions were mostly made of metal, wood, concrete, and glass.“It’s so architecturally striking and so different from the rest of Omaha. It’s hidden in the trees on a rolling, 10-acre property,” explains listing agent Michael Maley, of BHHS Ambassador Real Estate.“It’s just a great use of exposed wood and even unfinished plywood ceilings,” says Maley. “They’re finished, but they’re meant to look unfinished.”Contemporary in OmahaRealtor.comIndustrial vibesThe unfinished look even extends to the electrical wiring, some of which were left exposed.“He purposely didn’t cover it up because he loves the industrial look of it all,” Maley says. “This home is very modern and very industrial. You can see exposed Romex wiring, plywood with numbers written on the back and stamped stuff on it. That was just the vibe that he was going for when he had it built.”Floor-to-ceiling glassRealtor.comThere are also wooden details throughout the home, including slat walls. And the lowest level features a whimsical tire swing, along with a living area and two bedrooms.Tire swingRealtor.comOld and newBrown, the architect, sold the house in 2014 to the current sellers, who added landscaping and turned some of the rooms in the older part of the home into a gym, office, and guest space.Wood-slat detailRealtor.com“There is a glass walkway from the original house to the new house,” Maley explains. There is also an outbuilding on the property.The sellers use the new space as the main living area, with a family room, a kitchen, and a massive wall of glass.“The glass goes floor to ceiling so you’re kind of one with nature when you’re sitting” in the house, Maley says.There’s an area 20 feet above the kitchen with “a floating bar where you can sit and overlook that whole space,” he adds.The vertical spaces continue with a three-story bedroom wing, with one floor for the bathroom, another for the bedroom, and the top level for an office. And a quirky guest room with a bathtub directly behind the bed and a separate shower.“It’s like a European hotel room to me. It just gives me that vibe,” Maley says. “The shower has a wall of glass so you can see outside.”The home has won architectural awards and has been featured in several magazines and publications.Maley says people either love it or hate it. There isn’t much middle ground.He’s looking for that “one person who loves the style.”The post Outstanding in Omaha: Ultramodern Home Wants $1.2M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

Realtor.comIn 1968 architect Bob Wandel designed and built his family home in Grandview Heights, OH, a suburb of Columbus.And now, he’s parting with his three-bedroom, two-bath masterpiece. The hillside home of 2,180 square feet was listed for $690,000 and found a buyer after just 14 days. The property is now pending sale.The quick sale is not surprising, notes listing agent Nickie Evans, of Coldwell Banker Realty–Arlington/Clintonville/Grandview Regional. They received 26 requests for showings on the very first day of listing.“They’ve lived there for 55 years and raised their children and grandchildren. They love entertaining in the home with the open layout and lots of windows,” Evans says of the Wandel family.Like a treehouse“When you’re in it, you really feel like you’re in a treehouse,” Evans says. “You don’t see the trunks of the trees, just the tops. When people enter the home, they start walking (in the great room) toward the windows and the view of downtown Columbus.”That dramatic great room spans two stories and comes with a wood-burning fireplace. There is a main-level primary suite, and the lower level—which has two bedrooms, a full bath, and a rec room or office—has a walk-out to the wooded lot of a third of an acre.The grounds include gardens and a two-car garage.Front entranceRealtor.comDining area with walls of windowsRealtor.comKitchenRealtor.comOne of the bathsRealtor.comOffice or rec roomRealtor.comDeckRealtor.comThe home will likely need updates as the kitchen and baths were renovated 25 to 30 years ago.Evans, who also lives in Grandview Heights, says the city of 8,253 residents has long attracted buyers. “We have a really strong community feel with the parks and recreation department, the library, and the schools,” she says.On this particular street are about eight homes.“This is definitely the most modern,” Evans says of the Wandel home. “There’s old farmhouses that are there. The majority of Grandview Heights homes were built in 1924 or 1925.”This house in particular has a following, she adds. “People walk by it all the time and are fascinated. It has not been open to the public since the 1970s, when it was on a home tour,” she says.The post $690K Architectural Gem in Ohio on the Market for the First Time in 55 Years appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.