Real Estate Market Update

Buckle Up for a Busy 2021

According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 Americans, nearly half report they plan to move to reduce their living expenses, with 46% aspiring to relocate within the next year. With remote work becoming common, real estate market buyers can keep their careers while moving to reduce cost or live closer to relatives and friends. Families with income displaced by the pandemic also make up a contingent of those seeking a new home; they are motivated by the need to find a mortgage that better fits their current income and budget.1

Finding a Friendly Neighborhood

Without long commutes - and a busy calendar stacked with kids' sports and social events - families are spending more time at home and taking an increased interest in their community. Real estate agents report more homebuyers have listed a "friendly neighborhood" as part of their must-have search criteria. While agents can't divulge the demographics of neighborhoods, buyers can talk to current neighbors who can speak about the neighborhood's culture via phone or email Buyers also can join the neighborhood's social media page to get a variety of perspectives.3

Easy-to-Love and Hard-to-Kill

Live plants brighten up a room and infuse it with character. If you do not think you have a green thumb, start with low-maintenance houseplants that thrive in indoor settings. To add color, try a Christmas cactus, rose succulents, coral cactus, or African violets. For tabletop or counter décor, air plants, aloe, and asparagus ferns bring a pop of green and can also serve as conversation starters. Indoor trees like fiddle-leaf figs, corn plants, or yucca can provide visual height in a room. Like all plants, their natural outdoor growing conditions will dictate the amount of water, light, and soil they should receive. Just follow the directions that come with the plant and enjoy it year-round.5

Sources: 1REALTOR Magazine, 3REALTOR Magazine, 5MSN