January Sales Numbers

Despite the bad weather and poor economic predictions, January's new home sales reached its highest level in more than 5 years!

Consumer confidence remains stable, home prices are increasing as inventory decreases and interest rates remain at historic lows.

Economists predicted a 6% drop in new home sales for January and were pleasantly surprised to see the increase especially after some brutal snow and ice storms kept many people home.

The south experienced a 10% increase in new home sales. See the chart below for more detail on the rise and fall of home sales and the upward trend we are pleased to be on!

Keeping Energy Costs Low

As the weather continues to fluctuate and cold temperatures have you pushing up your thermostat, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to keep your home energy costs low.  The answer is yes! Even as winter continues on, there are simple things you can do around your new home to help balance out your energy usage.

Here are a few tips:

• Use your dishwasher! It takes less water to run the dishwasher than wash by hand. Make your dishwasher more efficient by running full loads then let the dishes air dry instead of using the dry setting on your dishwasher.
• When washing and drying clothes, make sure you always clean the lint trap in your dryer. Dry consecutive loads to take advantage of built up heat from the previous load.
• Lower your thermostat at night and during the day when you aren't home. Reverse your ceiling fans to help circulate warm air from near the ceiling.
• Check the temperature on your water heater. Lowering this temperature a few degrees can help save on energy costs.
• Allow foods to cool before putting them in your refrigerator. Putting warm or hot items in the refrigerator cause it to work harder to maintain a cool temperature.
• Replace regular light bulbs with more energy efficient LED or CFL bulbs

What do you do to keep energy costs low?

Hosting an Olympics Party

The winter Olympic games have begun and in honor of this event here are some ideas on hosting your own Olympic themed viewing party! You don't have to be at the games to really get into the spirit. Let these snack ideas inspire your Olympic-sized ambitions!

The Olympic Torch

 Fill ice cream cones with cheddar flavored popcorn.

Gold Medals

Use Golden Oreos and roll out fruit snacks

Olympic Rings

Give cups of hot chocolate a dusting of colored sanding sugars for a real Olympic treat!

What ideas do you have for hosting an Olympic-themed party?

The History of Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are at historic lows. To get a better idea where mortgage rates have come from and why now is a great time to buy - take a look at this infographic created by Zillow.com.

Home Maintenance During Winter

Although most of us saw our first dusting of snow this past week and may be ready for warmer weather, spring is still a few months away.  Weather conditions in the south can often swing from one extreme to another so here are some tips to keep your new home protected from another wintry blast.

If you were impacted by the winter storm, walk around your home and do a thorough check for any areas that could be leaking water. Clean up fallen branches or debris. Inspect for cracks along window sills and doorways.

Going away this winter? Make sure your home thermostat doesn't go below 55 degrees. Ask neighbors to check on the home after any winter precipitation.

Protect your pipes from freezing and causing water damage. If the temperature is expected to dip especially low, run a trickle of water to help relieve pressure in the pipes. Keep cabinet doors open to allow the heat in - just be sure to hide away any chemicals that could be dangerous to children or pets.

Always have an emergency kit on hand. 

This should include:
Flashlights
Bottled Water
Batteries
Non-Perishable Food
Blankets
Phone Number of Utility Companies
and First Aid Materials

Hopefully Old Man Winter is on his way out of the South but it pays to take precautions just in case. What do you do to prepare your home for winter weather?

Interior Design Trends

Along with predictions about the year's popular paint colors, interior designers across the country report on what they see as the top trends in interior design and decor.  We've done the research for you and compiled some of their top predictions. Take a look and let us know if you agree or think they are way off the mark.

Window Coverings - Sheers instead of heavy draperies. Focus is on transparency and natural light.
(Source - Wall Street Journal)

Corduroy Upholstery - A new texture and look for your furnishings.
(Source - Wall Street Journal) 

Spa Bathrooms - Tranquil rooms with walk-in showers and/or separate standing tubs.
(Source- Realtor.com)

Flex Rooms - Rooms without a set purpose that can be used in a variety of ways. Important as multi-generational living becomes more popular.
(Source - Realtor.com)

Metal Backsplash - A new look in the kitchen. Also popular are glass and stone slab.
(Source MSN Living)

Light Hardwoods - Wood grain remains popular but without the dark stain. Butcher block countertops and hardwood flooring are examples of this trend.
(Source MSN Living)

Black Kitchen Counters - Solid surface black countertops with light colored cabinetry.
(Source Zillow)

Dark Accent Walls - Using a moody shade of black or grey to add some drama to a room.
(Source DesignTrend.com)

So what do you think? Would you take the plunge with any of these new design trends?

2014 Paint Trends

It's a New Year filled with new possibilities and a new color forecast from some of the leading paint providers in the nation.

Each year the major paint companies look at trends in design both for homes and fashion as well as current events and the mood of the nation to come up with their color forecast for the year.

Here are a few of the highlights from color predictions by Behr, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Valspar.

Click on the image to link back to a full explanation of the color palettes and how best to incorporate them into your new home.

Behr

Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore

Valspar

What paint colors inspire you this year?