Bigger Homes, Smaller Lots

The housing market continues to change and adapt as the wants and needs of consumers change. Since the late 1990's the trend towards larger homes on smaller lots has been developing.  Zillow's latest research helps to quantify this change.

The median size of homes increased by 24%, from 2100 square feet to 2600 square feet. At the same time, the average lot size has shrunk about 10%.

There are a few reasons for this change.  Home buyers are looking for more space - specifically an increased number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  They are also looking for locations convenient to work and recreation. These locations often come at a premium. A smaller size lot allows for a compromise between cost and desirability.

Zillow's latest research also showed the average length of time for a new single-family home to sell is about two months after the start of construction.  Construction itself usually takes about five months.

What are you looking for in a new home? Did you know that your buying power is never more powerful than it is today?

Zillow Article

Halloween Safety and Trivia

Enjoy Trick-or-Treating this Saturday - but be safe! Take a moment to review these safety tips from the American Safety Council. Then enjoy some Halloween trivia to share with your friends!

Halloween Trivia

- The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from Turnips

- Ireland is the birthplace of Halloween

- The largest Halloween parade takes place in New York City

- The colors of Halloween are Orange and Black. Orange represents fall or harvest time and Black represents death.

- The annual sales of Halloween candy in the United States are $2 Billion Dollars

Autumn Lawn Care

A common misconception this time of year is that as the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to turn that lawn maintenance can take a back seat. On the contrary, Fall is a perfect time to catch up on some much needed lawn care and prep for a beautiful spring yard!

Here's how!

Lower your lawn mower blade to allow for about a 2 inch cut. Shower grass will help keep the lawn from matting under leaves or snow. It will also allow for better sunlight absorption as the days get shorter.

Continue to water your lawn once or twice a week if conditions or dry. Early morning is the best time and will prevent the grown of fungus in the evening.

Apply week killer. The roots will absorb the killer and prevent new growth in the spring.

Rent an aerator - this tool punches holes in the soil to allow in more oxygen, water and fertilizer.

Fall fertilizer allows roots to continue growing and absorb nutrients without the stress from the summer heat! So apply away!

Hosting a Halloween Party?

Halloween is right around the corner! Hosting a party this year? Here are a few easy and fun ways to put some spook-tacular snacks together!

Create a fun Fall trail mix with candy corn, pretzels, Bugles, Chex Mix and M&M's. Click on the image below to find out more.

Whip up a quick dip with vanilla pudding, cool whip and a can of pumpkin! Click to learn more!

Assemble some witch's brooms with Reeses Cups and pretzel rods!

For a healthy twist - use cut up veggies to create a fun pumpkin treat!

Support Disaster Relief

In the wake of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding throughout the state of South Carolina - neighbors are anxious to find ways to help. Fortunately the rains have subsided but there is much to be done.

Here are a few ways you can help!

The State of South Carolina has set up a volunteer and donation phone line specifically for questions about how you can help.  Call 1-888-585-9643

Financial Donations

The Salvation Army -  100% of donations towards disasters go to support relief efforts.

Visit: www.doingthemostgood.org or call 1-800-SALARMY

The Red Cross

Visit: www.redcross.org/donate/weather - make sure to donate to the 2015 Fall Floods account

Flood Buckets

The SC Baptist Association is accepting donations of flood buckets - used for cleaning and restoring homes after water damage. See the below list for items to include. For information on where to donate in your area call 1-803-227-6031

New Home Sales on the Rise!

New home sales are at their highest level since August 2008 - a strong starting point for the Fall season.  August's new, single-family homes are up 5.7% over July of this year and up 18% over August of last year.

The positive increase in sales is attributed to low interest rates and better job creation.

New home sales make up 10% of the housing market with the other 90% coming from existing home sales.

According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, builder sentiment is at its highest level nearly a decade - the highest since November 2005.  Builders reported better sales conditions and increased buyer traffic.

The median home price comes in at $292,700, an 0.3% increase from this time last year.

Experts estimate there is a 4.7 month supply of new homes still on the market. With concerns over a possible rate increase coming later this year - now is the time to buy!!

Fall Decorating Ideas

Rustic, vintage, natural - all words to describe today's trends in home decor. The good news? This design trend lends itself easily to DIY projects and low cost supplies. Here are some ways to decorate your home for Fall using pallets or other found resources.

Pallet Pumpkins

Planters

Wooden Scarecrow

Autumn Signage