North Texas real estate market: what you need to do to your home to keep up
In my discussions with local real estate agents, I keep abreast of what buyers are looking for in homes around the DFW area. I direct my clients toward renovations that will add and maintain value in their homes, as well as add enjoyment for them. While the start of the spring market was sluggish, we now have more buyers than home inventory, and are back in a multiple offer situation. While new home starts and entry level home sales have slowed due to interest rates deterring new homeowners, Susan Gilchrest shared that “more sophisticated buyers understand the cost and effort required to renovate more challenging homes.” Houses that have not updated their kitchens and master bathrooms, and have dated paint colors, will get dinged on pricing, and have a much longer time on market. Many homeowners in Southlake, Colleyville, Keller, Westlake, trophy Club and Grapevine understand this; I have completed 8 renovations just in the first quarter this year!
Color is popping back into homes
I always study the national decorating trends, and watch how they manifest in the DFW area. My design aesthetic is a coastal transitional, soft organic modern look that is timeless. If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you will see that my spaces can’t be pegged to particular year or trend. But allowing current trends to inform my material choices keeps my designs looking fresh and current. while light walls are still popular in the areas of Westlake, Southlake, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville and Grapevine where I work, pops of color are popular for kitchen islands, guest bath cabinetry, and feature walls. It’s a fun way to add energy to a space without committing the drama and intensity of using a big color on all walls.
What’s the latest flooring trend?
Mid brown lightly scraped site finished hardwood is still the most prevalent flooring in our north Texas area. But when the flooring requires replacement, usually due to a flood or foundation issues, many are turning to a lighter look. Whether in an engineered wood or site finished hardwood, the look of white oak is popular because of its light, neutral tones. Luxury Vinyl Plank, known as LVP, is gaining in popularity. Despite its reputation as a low to mid-level flooring choice, LVPs durability has made it a popular choice for mudroom, wet spaces, and lake houses. Wood look tile has come so far in the last 10 years. It too can give you the look of white oak, without the expense. Site finished hardwood is still the gold standard because it can be sanded down and restained to give a fresh look, or to eliminate the wear and tear of this living surface.