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Category: <span>Real Estate Market Trends</span>
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Bathrooms of Wonder: How to Transform Your Powder Room

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,news,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

Once, it was the room that no one would show in movies or even mention in polite company—but these days, a fabulous bathroom is a prime home feature, and for many proud owners, the subject of major bragging rights. They’re luxurious! They’re high-tech and functional! They’re beautiful! Plus—and here’s the real point—today’s HGTV-savvy homeowners know that upgrading their bathroom is likely to impress buyers and boost home valuations.

Bathroom remodels now rival kitchens in popularity. The bathroom is reinforcing its place as an important room in a home. But unlike the increasingly public kitchen, the bathroom has evolved into a private haven—a tranquil space for relaxation and self-indulgence.

A spa experience in your home

Bathrooms are getaways that have the power of revitalizing and soothing body and soul. To create the feel of a spa, keep the design and features minimal, use a neutral color palette, and make sure there’s lots of natural light, he advises. Also, avoid clutter. After all, “an elegant and relaxed bathroom needs a little space.”

Indoor-outdoor flow—and we don’t mean the water

You might think that the top things you’d want in a bathroom are a reasonable degree of privacy and some good ventilation. And you wouldn’t exactly be wrong. But let’s add another factor to the list: Bathrooms that embrace their natural surroundings offer exciting design possibilities. After all, what better way to enjoy nature than showering outdoors? That is, assuming the neighbors aren’t close by. These days privacy is “not so much a matter of hiding ourselves from others, but about shielding ourselves from the outside frenzy.” As a matter of practicality, of course, floor-to-ceiling windows allow the feeling of being outside without little inconveniences like dead leaves in your freshly washed hair. Even simpler, maximize a view of a natural landscape.

Decor that could fit in the living room

When it comes to planning, design, and decorating, bathrooms are just as important (if not more) as any other room in a home. Think beyond your towel colors. The Houzz survey found that 15% of respondents put a chandelier in their master bathroom for a luxe look. Vintage fittings are a popular trend; vintage features such as Venetian mirrors and Victorian bathtubs and washbasins. For those who prefer a more contemporary style, there are streamlined fittings made of stone, marble, or even high-quality recycled plastic or translucent resin.

Technology with a gentle touch

Technology is already making its way into the bathroom, but very subtly with features such as touch-sensitive taps and toilets that fully wash, dry, and deodorize you to become more common. Already, homeowners in the Houzz survey favor making their bathrooms cozy with radiant heat flooring (26%) and towel warmers (11%). Towel warmers are an affordable indulgence that come in various designs and configurations to accommodate any possible needs. No matter what, though, high-tech features should not interfere with a quiet soak in a hot tub. No beeps or blinking lights!

Fashion that doesn’t leave function behind

At the end of the day, whether your dream bathroom resembles a spa, a Moroccan bathhouse, or, oddly enough, Mamie Eisenhower’s powder room, it has to serve your needs. Organization and accessibility are key. Make best use of the available space. A functional bathroom that looks good will still be practical and look sharp a decade later. Sure, you’ll probably change some details over the years, but invest now in organization solutions and a layout that works. It’s also smart to think long term about accessibility—the Houzz survey found that baby boomers are big on features such as grab bars and curb less showers. Bathrooms are the second costliest room in the home for renovations, experts say. So, when you’re planning your remodel, make sure you’ll end up with a bathroom you’ll love for years to come.

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WHAT TO DO WITH AN UNFINISHED BASEMENT

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

Although currently dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, your unfinished basement still has a lot of potentials. With just a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time and get some great use out of the space.

  1. Add a pop of color. Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some color to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light color, or creating a bold accent wall.
  2. Divide the space. Want to make your basement a multi-use room? Partition out the area by installing an inexpensive curtain system. This can be done either with a curtain track or a simple wire, some hooks, and curtains will suffice.
  3. Add foam mats. Whether you’d like to use the basement as a home gym to get a quick workout in or a place for the kids to play and rough house, adding some foam mats into the mix is a great and easy solution. They come in various colors and can quickly be picked up and tucked away if need be.
  4. Use a large rug. As an alternative to adding mats, find a large, eye-catching rug to be used as a focal point, and furnish the area around it.
  5. Add lighting. Basements often offer very little built-in lighting and few outlets around the room. Consider stringing café lighting across space from the rafters to give a nice ambiance and glow without any difficult electrical work.
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Found a Buyer on Your Own? Here’s Why You Still Need an Agent

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Home Buying,Home Selling,Information,Listings,news,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends

Let’s say you’re selling your house. And before you even get a chance to snap listing photos and put it on the market, a buyer comes along. Perhaps the buyer makes you an offer you just can’t refuse. Congratulations, you just cut out many steps of the home-selling process—showings, open houses, and haggling over price.

With an offer in hand, you might be asking what commission an agent would receive if the agent were to get involved at this stage of the home-selling process. But keep in mind what may seem like a straightforward transaction between a seller and buyer once an offer is accepted is usually not all that simple. You still have a marathon to finish before getting to the closing table. We’ve broken down the home-selling process into steps to see what an agent could help you with.

Commissions explained

Neither federal nor state laws govern commission rates, which means commissions are fully negotiable. And negotiating the commission is between you and your agent.

To crunch some general numbers, if a home sells for $250,000 at a 6% commission, the seller’s agent would get $15,000. However, keep in mind commission rates usually vary depending on the state you live in and among brokerages. Always talk with several agents about your particular home-selling needs. Find out if and how they would want to handle the sale to a buyer found by the seller.

The offer

In this scenario, a buyer made you an offer and you accepted. However, it’s time to take a step back: Keep in mind verbal offers are not legally binding in real estate transactions. Agents usually supply a variety of forms such as Residential Purchase Agreements to get offers in writing. These forms vary to conform to state and local laws, and eventually become a binding sales contract. The forms are also known as a purchase agreement, an earnest money agreement, or a deposit receipt. It’s also essential that an offer contains every element needed to serve as a blueprint for the final sale.

An agent can also handle a buyer’s earnest money—usually 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price—by depositing it in an escrow account held by a third party such as a real estate closing company, an attorney, or a title company agent. Remember, escrow protects sellers. You get to keep that money if a buyer bails on a transaction that’s underway.

The terms of the sale and contingencies

While it may seem the hard part is over if a seller found a buyer on their own, many obstacles can occur during the contract period that will require an agent’s skill to keep the deal together. For instance, an agent will ask if you and your buyer agree on not just the sales price but also the terms of the sale. Terms within a purchase agreement include basic information such as the names of the parties involved, the legal description of the property to be transferred, and the agreed-upon price. But terms also list crucial details such as what personal property will be included in the sale (e.g., appliances or fixtures). Leaving any terms of sale out of the purchase agreement can come back to haunt the buyer, the seller, or both.

An agent will also ensure contingencies are added to your contract. Standard contingencies include a buyer securing financing, a home inspection, repairs, and an appraisal—which is crucial to the mortgage process.

The closing

Remember, you need multiple legal documents for the closing, including a clean title. This step is usually done by an attorney, who collects a fee at the closing. But a real estate agent usually handles getting to the actual closing table by setting a date, coordinating everyone’s schedule, and ensuring all the needed paperwork (which is usually a mound of documents) is ready and correctly signed.

The bottom line

If a real estate professional can assist you, their compensation is a matter of negotiation between you and the agent. Hiring an agent to write the offer and guide it toward the closing table is a smart move.

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What Is a Wet Bar vs. Dry Bar—and Does Either Belong in Your Home?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:DYI Projects,Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends

What is a wet bar and what is a dry bar? Both are designed to make entertaining at home easy by providing an area to prepare beverages for guests, but the big difference is a wet bar has a sink so glasses can be more easily rinsed. The difference between a wet bar and dry bar may seem like a simple concept, but there’s more to it than plain old plumbing. Here’s what homeowners will want to know when they consider having these features in their house.

What is a wet bar, and why would you want one?

Wet bars are convenient if you entertain on a different floor than your kitchen, or outdoors. In the 1970s and 1980s, home bars became popular as people outfitted their basements as rec rooms. Who wants to go all the way back upstairs to mix a batch of frozen margaritas? Or to rinse out the pitcher for another batch, for that matter? Now, as outdoor kitchens become more popular, wet bars are moving alfresco as well. With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a miniature resort.

Wet bar ideas: How to entertain in style

Having a sink in your bar means you’ll not only be able to rinse glasses between mixing drinks, you’ll also be better equipped to handle spills and cleanup. As long as you’re going through the trouble, you could optimize that plumbing with a few more add-ons. You could include a prep area for mixing cocktails that either also drains into the sink (to capture spills) or has its own drain. If you’re into beer in a big way, you could install taps with gutters below that capture and direct drips. That said, a wet bar doesn’t have to be large and elaborate. You can fit one into a tiny nook.

Are wet bars outdated?

Many think that wet bars are less popular today than they were in the past. If personal enjoyment is the goal, then it’s worth it, though. However, experts caution homeowners who want to add this amenity only as an investment, since it could make the home seem dated. Particularly in open kitchens and living spaces, it’s usually not worth it to install a second sink when the kitchen sink is within easy reach.

Dry bar ideas: Entertaining made easy

If you aren’t sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You’ll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space. The trend is leaning toward a dry bar where favorite liquors and glassware are artfully and conveniently displayed. Most people now are just doing a liquor cabinet since space is often an issue, and bars take up a lot of it. Keep in mind that a dry bar can be multifunctional. For example, you could keep party supplies in a cabinet. Another alternative is simply modifying the back of your kitchen island or a counter with some shelves or rollout drawers for easy access.

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15 Essential Items to Include in an Emergency Survival Kit

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Information,news,Real Estate Market Trends

You can’t predict the future—or control the toll that a fire, hurricane, or flood takes on your home. But you can take steps to ensure that you’re prepared in the event you get stuck in your house after a natural disaster strikes. When it comes to being prepared, having insurance is crucial, and relatively affordable. But to be fully prepared for a natural disaster, you also need an emergency kit.

A useful survival kit has more than just flashlights and some bottled water (although you should have those things, too). Your kit should contain supplies that will last you at least three days. And you should start cobbling it together now, so you aren’t caught off guard in the event of a crisis. It’s easy to lose focus on what you need to do in a disaster; having an emergency kit will allow you to focus on other tasks while knowing that you have the best emergency supplies handily packed in a kit. Make sure all household members know where the kit is stored. And, since your emergency kit might be the only thing you can take with you when you eventually leave the home, keep everything in an easy-to-carry container.

As for what should go inside the kit, follow this comprehensive checklist. (Heads up: Because some items can expire—and your family’s needs can change over time—look at your emergency kit at least once a year and make any necessary updates.)

Prescription Medications

If you have multiple prescriptions, make sure each is in a labeled bottled.

First-aid Kit

In addition to basic bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, your first-aid kit should include an antihistamine, antacid, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, fever reducer, antibiotic ointment, eyewash solution, instant cold compress, and hydrocortisone cream.

Flashlight and Battery-powered Radio

Don’t forget extra batteries!

Bottled Water

Lauritzen recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade are also good for replenishing electrolytes.

Food

Purchase nonperishable, easy-to-prepare snacks and meals with high protein (e.g., dried fruit, peanut butter, beef jerky, power bars, granola bars, canned vegetables, nuts, and canned tuna). These foods work well if the power goes out and you’re unable to cook or heat your food. (Don’t forget the can opener!)

Important Paperwork

Make sure you have at least two sets of any important documents—one at home that you can grab quickly if needed, and another in digital form that you keep stored in the cloud. The deed to your house, Social Security cards, medical records, and passports are just some of the paperwork you don’t want to forget.

Pet Supplies

Pack food and water, as well as a collar, leash, carrier, crate, and bowls.

Sleeping bags

Buy one sleeping bag per person, and pack additional bedding, such as warm blankets, if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Activities for Children

Keep the kids entertained (and distracted from the situation at hand) with coloring books, board games, a deck of cards, and puzzles.

Hygiene Products

This includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, body-cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and tissue packs.

Cell Phone Charger

If you’re lucky, your home won’t lose power. But you might forget to grab your regular cellphone charger if you’re in a rush.

Candles and Matches

Keep the matches in a waterproof container.

Change of Clothing

Pack three days’ worth of clothes for each person and include sturdy shoes.

Special Items for Infants or the Elderly

Baby formula and food are obviously a must, but older family members—particularly those who have physical challenges—might need additional supplies.

Cash

If there’s a widespread power outage, stores won’t be able to run their card machines, and banks and ATMs won’t be operating. You’ll want some cash on hand if you need to buy necessary items or put gas in your car to leave town. How much cash you should stow away depends on the size of your family, how well-stocked you are, and your comfort level. Some experts recommend three to five days’ worth of spending money, while others suggest $1,000 to $2,000. In the end, whatever you’re comfortable socking away could save you in an emergency.

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Need to Replace Pet-Damaged Carpet?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home & Garden,Home Improvement,Information,news,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

As a pet owner, you know that accidents happen. There are a variety of reasons why our four-legged friends do their business or act out inside the house and on the floor. Maybe they’re marking their territory, or their anxiety may be manifesting in their clawing at the carpet. However, your home is probably your biggest investment, so you want to maintain its resale value—and keep it from looking and smelling like a litter box. So, what are the best options for pet-resistant flooring that would also appeal to future buyers? Check out the expert’s top recommendations.

Hardwood

If you have your heart set on beautiful hardwood floors, you’ll be happy to know that there are a few types of hardwood that are durable enough for Fido. Real wood floors are extremely durable and designed to withstand the traffic of busy families, including man’s best friend. Your dog’s claws will be less likely to scratch harder wood varieties like oak, maple, walnut, or—one of the strongest options—bamboo. The hardness of bamboo makes it more resistant to scratches, liquids, and mess, which helps out with pet accidents. If you’re considering bamboo, be sure to get medium- to high-priced bamboo flooring since the cheaper options aren’t as sturdy or scratch-resistant.

Porcelain tile

Your delicate porcelain dinnerware may lead you to believe that this type of material is not the strongest flooring option, but the experts say otherwise. The simplest floor to maintain—not only for pets but also for spaces with heavy traffic—is porcelain tile. Porcelain tile that has a glaze on it will not absorb any hazardous bodily fluids from pets and is easy to clean. An additional note is that sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping with a damp mop is all that’s needed to keep it sparkling. And, there’s an additional benefit to porcelain: It will not absorb odors. It is also recommended to use a grout that is nonabsorbent which will prevent liquids from seeping between the tiles and provide excellent stain resistance. However, you might want to avoid porcelain tile if your pup is older and has a hard time getting around. Many dogs do not have good traction on slippery surfaces, and older dogs may get injured and not be able to walk on surfaces without some tactile grip.

Luxury vinyl tile

Vinyl, in general, has come a long way since the days of disco. Luxury vinyl tile is a great, pet-friendly option as it’s scratch- and stain-resistant. Some varieties are even waterproof. Many people choose luxury vinyl tile because it can replicate popular (but less resilient) flooring options like hardwood or marble, and it costs way less. The cleaning is quick and easy and luxury vinyl tile doesn’t stain like carpeting.

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8 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources,Uncategorized

As winter moves along, you may want to just hibernate until spring — and that may be more true than ever this year. But there are some simple ways to find joy in the quieter months of the year.

While the trend may have come and gone in the US, the art of hygge, that feeling of being ultra-cozy and content, is just part of everyday life in Denmark. The thing is, the Danes know how to thrive in winter. You might already know they’re the happiest people on earth, but did you know a lot of them attribute their unseasonably sunny outlook to their home- and self-care habits?

When it’s cold and rainy out, and you’ve been stuck inside for who knows how long, binging the next series on your “recommended” list might feel like the most appealing option. But if you’d like to mix things up, here are a few ideas to channel the Danes and make an intentionally delightful day out of drab weather.

 

Set the mood

Candles are a key ingredient to a supremely comfortable atmosphere. Not only do they provide beautiful, soft lighting, but they also add warmth and scent to your space.

Tip: Choose seasonal scents to inspire celebration, or choose a summery scent, such as coconut and floral, to help combat the seasonal blues.

Bake something

Comfort food is central to the cozy experience. But it doesn’t just begin when you eat the cake (or cookies or pie) — it begins when you imagine the creation. Flip through your favorite cookbooks or browse some eye-candy baking sites, choose your ingredients carefully, and mix them with care, taking your time to enjoy the task at hand. It’s just a bonus that your baking will flood your space with delicious smells — and taste good too.

Tip: Reach out to a friend or family member whose recipes deserve appreciation and ask if they could show you how to work out their spectacular skills. You can set up a video call if you’re not able to meet in person.

Add texture

Plush throws, sheepskins and cushions make for a much more inviting space. Cover your surfaces in as many luxurious fabrics and pillows as you can find and snuggle down.

Tip: Feel free to go faux, or if cost prohibits, find inexpensive alternatives.

Get out the board games

Pull your partner or kids away from their screens and gather around the table for some old-fashioned fun. Whether you go for the competitive strategy variety or laugh-out-loud social games, there are options for everyone. For the minimalists among us, even a deck of cards can offer plenty of entertainment.

Tip: Looking for remote gaming options? There are many online group gaming apps, and many people have come up with creative ways to play the classics via Zoom as well. Start up a game and maintain your connections year-round!

Perfect your hot drink game

Hot cocoa, hot coffee or tea, apple cider, mulled wine — pick your poison. Whatever it is, find your own special recipe that is so delicious you can’t wait to show it off. Host a virtual happy hour and share it with family and friends.

Tip: Why, yes, you can put whiskey in those drinks. But it’s usually a good idea to perfect a mocktail version, too, for those who don’t partake.

Embrace sweater weather

If you don’t already have a favorite sweater, it’s time to find one. It should be something that makes you feel at home when you slip it on. Cashmere, wool, mohair — anything will do. Whatever you choose pair it with thick socks!

Tip: Find some beginner books or tutorials and try your hand at knitting, crocheting or weaving, and make your own sweater over the course of the winter. Find an online knitting circle for tips and encouragement.

Curate your cold-outside playlist

Make yourself a mix of music that inspires you to do all those things that make you feel absolutely endeared to your space. Put it on shuffle, relax, repeat.

Tip: Instrumentals are classics for a reason — they can work as background for just about anything. When in doubt, most music services have pre-made playlists, some of which you can filter by mood.

Do seasonal activities

Making caramel apples? Check. Working on (or giving up on) your New Year’s resolutions? Check. Canning, puddle jumping, snowball throwing, signs-of-spring spotting? Check!

Tip: Whatever your favorite seasonal activities might be, create a plan to make them happen — put it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, or find an “accountability partner” (a friend or family member who will give you the nudge you need), and feel the magic of even the most blah weather wash over you.

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How Sellers Win When Housing Inventory Is Low

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home Buying,Home Selling,Information,Local News and Events,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

How Sellers Win When Housing Inventory Is Low | MyKCM

In today’s housing market, the number of homes for sale is much lower than the strong buyer demand. As a result, homeowners ready to sell have a significant advantage. Here are three ways today’s low inventory will set you up for a win when you sell this season.

1. Higher Prices

With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently getting into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are receiving an average of 3.7 offers in today’s market. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a seller, this certainly works to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.

2. Greater Return on Your Investment

Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which increases the equity you have in your home. In the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, CoreLogic explains:

“In the second quarter of 2021, the average homeowner gained approximately $51,500 in equity during the past year.”

This year-over-year growth in equity gives you the ability to sell your house and then put that money toward a down payment on your next home, or to keep it as extra savings.

3. Better Terms

In a sellers’ market like we have today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you make a move. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally land their dream home.

So, is low housing inventory a big deal?

Yes, especially if you want to sell on your terms. Moving now while inventory is so low is key to maximizing your opportunities.

Bottom Line

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move.

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There Are More Homes Available Now than There Were This Spring

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home Buying,Home Selling,Information,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends

There’s a lot of talk lately about how challenging it can be to find a home to buy. While housing inventory is still low, there are a few important things to understand about the supply of homes for sale as we move into the end of the year.

The Number of Homes for Sale Usually Peaks in the Fall

In the residential real estate market, trends generally follow a predictable and seasonal pattern. Typically, the number of homes available for sale (or active monthly listings) peaks in the fall. But in a chapter where so little feels normal, the question becomes: should we expect a fall peak this year?

If we look at the active monthly listings for 2021 (shown in the chart below), we’ll see that the number of homes on the market has increased fairly steadily since spring this year. The realtor.com data shows we’re still seeing an increase in active inventory month-over-month. While that gain is a bit smaller month-to-month (see August to September in the chart), September numbers are still up from the month prior.There Are More Homes Available Now than There Were This Spring | MyKCM.The important takeaway here is the latest monthly numbers show growth. At the end of September, buyers had more options to pick from than they did this spring. That’s encouraging for buyers who may have paused their search months ago because they had trouble finding a home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, sums this up nicely:

“Put simply, this September buyers had more options than they’ve had all year and while that’s typical of early fall, that’s not what happened in 2020. Still, it’s important to remember that while buyers may have an easier time this fall than they did in the spring, the market remains more competitive than it has been historically at this time of year.” 

As Hale says, a fall peak in inventory is in line with typical seasonal trends. While it’s impossible to say for certain what the future holds for housing inventory, we do know both buyers and sellers have opportunities this season based on the latest data.

What Does That Mean for You?

If you’re thinking of buying a home, rest assured you do have more options now than you did earlier this year – and that’s a welcome relief. That said, today’s market is still highly competitive. This isn’t the time to slow your search. It’s actually the season when the number of homes available for sale tends to peak. Focus on the additional options with renewed energy this season and be prepared for ongoing competition from other buyers.

If you’re considering selling your house, realize that while growing, inventory is still low. Selling now means you’ll be in a great position to negotiate with buyers – and competition among buyers is good news for your bottom line. Eager buyers will likely be motivated to act before the holidays, giving you the benefit of a fast sale.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying or selling, there’s still a chance to make your goals a reality this season. Let’s connect so we can discuss what’s going on with the local market and current trends and what they mean for you.

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Do I Need Neutral Painted Walls To Sell My Home?

Author:Lori Pitcher
Categories:Home Improvement,Home Selling,Information,Listings,news,Real Estate General Information,Real Estate Market Trends,Resources

“If you want to sell your home, paint your rooms beige.” That could be the rallying cry of real estate agents across the country, and for good reason. Presentation and first impressions mean everything when selling a home, and the men and women who make their living selling homes know that neutral colors will generally spark more interest from buyers than bold colors.

Human beings are sensitive to color on a deep, emotional level. This makes sense: Our earliest ancestors relied on colors to tell them if a plant was ripe or safe to eat, for example. Those deeply ingrained senses of what colors mean in nature stay with us in our cities and suburbs; we may not need to make life-and-death decisions based on the color of a strange fruit, but we still carry the emotional cues that kept our ancestors safe.

This trait can complicate things when painting a house, however. A certain hue that you think looks perfect in your living room might trigger a deep sense of discomfort in a visitor. The deeper the color you choose for your walls, the stronger effect it might have on others. Conversely, the closer your home’s colors are to pure, neutral white, the less they will emotionally affect visitors — or potential buyers.

But an all-white home can be dull, not to mention extremely hard to keep clean. With a little awareness of color theory and some creative restraint, you can have the best of both worlds: a home in which color brings out each room’s best features, and a house that’s likely to sell without requiring major repainting.

Color psychology is the study of the emotional cues prompted in humans by various colors. These can be quite strong: Bold yellow, for example, can upset small children, while light yellow is commonly used as a gender-neutral color for babies’ rooms. Blue is often associated with calmness, serenity and cold temperatures. Red, on the other hand, may symbolize excitement, love, anger, warfare or energy. These are useful traits to understand as you plan how to show off your home’s best features to potential buyers.

But how do you turn an understanding of color psychology into an attractive, sellable interior design? The process is easier than you might think.

The Power of Color

The first step in applying color theory to your home is to understand what you want each room to say. Is a bedroom used for rest and relaxation for the adults in the home, or is it a bright, happy playroom for the children? Is the kitchen a family gathering place, or is it an area where high-tech styling makes meal preparation fast and efficient? Asking questions like these will help you define moods for your rooms. Compare these moods to the emotions evoked by different colors, and you’ll quickly create a list of general hues that are most appropriate for each room of your house. Narrow your color search further by looking at the paint colors in the middle or lighter ends of these ranges, since this will help you avoid painting too much wall space with a too-bold color.

Now comes the fun part: designing your rooms with color and furnishings to capture the moods you’ve identified. There are countless factors that play into making each room right, including the furniture and decorative items, the flooring, the quality of light through the windows and your desire (and budget) to change these. In general, you can often create stunning effects by choosing one or two items to showcase with bold color, offset by neutral complementary colors in the rest of the walls and furnishings.

It helps to keep a sense of restraint when choosing color and design layouts; a bold color can quickly become overwhelming if used too much, and too many complementary colors in one room can make even sparse furnishings look busy and cluttered. Try to limit each room’s color palette to no more than three colors: a bold accent, a middle-tone that can be used to frame the accent and a more neutral color for the background, like the walls. This will ensure that, while you will be able to break free of the all-beige, neutral-color blahs, you will still have a home that has a good chance of selling without major changes.

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