Real Estate Advice - Edina Realty

Decorate your home with the 2021 Color of the Year

2021 colors of the year

Key insights:

  • Many major paint companies declared a shade of green as their 2022 Color of the Year.
  • Homeowners can incorporate this year’s natural colorway into their space with ease — think wall colors, furniture, art and more!
  • If selling, stay on top of trends and appeal to potential buyers by staging your home with the Color of the Year.

Every year, the Color of the Year is an exciting announcement that homeowners, builders and designers look forward to. The chosen color informs and inspires home paint, decor and staging trends for the year to come. Keep reading for a detailed review of all of the 2022 Colors of the Year.

The 2022 Colors of the Year

Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Better Homes and Gardens and Behr all announced their 2022 Colors of the Year. While these major paint companies have all gone green with their Colors of the Year, each choice has a distinct hue and thoughtful reasoning behind its selection.

Benjamin Moore: October Mist

Benjamin Moore October Mist

Benjamin Moore states that October Mist “creates a canvas” wherever it is used. This silver-green hue allows for simple pairing with other colors and room for your mind to wander, much like a blank canvas. Unlike a traditional neutral, like off-white or cream, October Mist adds noticeable interest while still maintaining an overall subtle presence.

Sherwin Williams: Evergreen Fog

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog

Almost identical to Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, Sherwin Williams selected another “green-meets-gray” hue as their Color of the Year. Known as Evergreen Fog, this color makes for the perfect calm-mood-setting paint choice. Plus, this green is chameleon-like in the sense that it’s able to blend into any room with ease.

Better Homes and Gardens: Laurel Leaf

Better Homes and Gardens Laurel Leaf

Still green, but with warmer undertones, Laurel Leaf is the Better Homes and Gardens choice for the 2022 Color of the Year. As its name suggests, Laurel Leaf exhibits organic green tones. The natural green of Laurel Leaf is meant to serve as a sophisticated reminder of the ever-present outdoors, even when situated in the home.

Behr: Breezeway

Behr Breezeway

Described by Behr as a “relaxed and uplifting sea glass green,” Breezeway resembles all things tranquil and optimistic. There is no doubt that this color will harmonize well with your existing space, while also inviting a breath of fresh air into your home.

Tips for going green with home decor and staging

Neutrals are important, whether decorating your existing space or staging your house for sale. And, the 2022 Colors of the Year include green tones that can serve as interesting, yet neutral, foundations for your home’s color palette.

Use the 2022 Colors of the Year to decorate your walls with paint, wallpaper or accents. These greens are extremely versatile, and each offers its own strength. For example, Breezeway is extra soothing and may be best suited for a bedroom or bathroom, whereas October Mist and Evergreen Fog are easily compatible with other colors and may work well in a living room or kitchen. Finally, Laurel Leaf has a sophisticated flair that would serve well in a formal area or dining room.

When decorating your space with the 2022 Colors of the Year, remember to not only paint, but also to include furnishings that match the announced colors. Here are some decor ideas to enhance your space with this year’s green hues:

  • Large art pieces
  • Area rugs
  • Lampshades
  • Decorative pillows
  • Bedding

Because these greens are soft and neutral, they will do best when paired with other natural design elements and textures. Leafy indoor plants will complement the green Colors of the Year, as well.

A tribute to Pantone’s palette

While paint companies all announced a green hue as their Color of the Year, the world’s leading expert on color, Pantone, went in a completely different direction, selecting a striking purple-blue known as Very Peri Pantone’s pick is much bolder and brighter than the other Colors of the Year that were announced for 2022, making Very Peri ideal for homeowners who are looking to make dynamic changes to the colorway of their homes.

If you’re fond of the maximalist design aesthetic, use Very Peri generously throughout your space. Otherwise, Very Peri can make for an occasional pop of color when expressed on accent walls and furniture pieces.

Keep in mind, it’s okay that Pantone’s pick differs from the other touted Colors of the Year. The Pantone Color of the Year is selected to inform color trends for a variety of uses, not just home interiors. Even so, Very Peri remains an intense and creative color for homeowners to explore.

Painting 2022 a new hue

Consider embracing a 2022 Color of the Year in your home this year. Painting and decorating will help freshen up your space whether you’re planning to stay put for a while or you’re ready to stage your home to sell.

Last, be sure to contact Edina Realty or your agent today if you’re in the market to list your home for sale. Moving forward, our real estate experts can offer home seller tips like these on-trend colors, mortgage advice and so much more!

Can we include a swatch of each color next to their section?

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FHA loan limits for Wisconsin in 2021

FHA loan limits for Wisconsin in 2021

FHA loans, which are sometimes called “helper loans,” are commonly used by first-time buyers or buyers who have less-than-perfect credit. FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which takes on a higher amount of risk in order to provide buyers with these loans.

As a way to offset their risk, the FHA limits how much money borrowers can request for their mortgage loan. The limits for FHA loans are based on the cost of living across each county in the United States.

In 2021, the FHA raised the limits for every single county across the country, and within Wisconsin, by upwards of $25,000. This increase reflects the rising home prices across the country.

Most Wisconsin counties now have a 2021 FHA loan limit of $356,362. Some of the more expensive counties have higher limits, including:

  • Milwaukee, and Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha: $362,250
  • Kenosha County FHA loan limit: $379,500
  • Pierce and St. Croix County FHA loan limit: $402,500

If you’re considering an FHA loan in 2021, here are the FHA loan limits for each county in Wisconsin.

Remember, some cities span more than one county. Ask your REALTOR® or lender about the loan limit you can expect if you’re searching for homes near county lines.

2021 FHA loan limits for Wisconsin counties

Wisconsin county

FHA loan limit for 2021

Adams County

$356,362

Ashland County

$356,362

Barron County

$356,362

Bayfield County

$356,362

Brown County

$356,362

Buffalo County

$356,362

Burnett County

$356,362

Calumet County

$356,362

Chippewa County

$356,362

Clark County

$356,362

Columbia County

$356,362

Crawford County

$356,362

Dane County

$356,362

Dodge County

$356,362

Door County

$356,362

Douglas County

$356,362

Dunn County

$356,362

Eau Claire County

$356,362

Forest County

$356,362

Grant County

$356,362

Green County

$356,362

Green Lake County

$356,362

Iowa County

$356,362

Iron County

$356,362

Jackson County

$356,362

Jefferson County

$356,362

Juneau County

$356,362

Kenosha County

$379,500

Kewaunee County

$356,362

La Crosse County

$356,362

Lafayette County

$356,362

Langlade County

$356,362

Lincoln County

$356,362

Manitowoc County

$356,362

Marathon County

$356,362

Marinette County

$356,362

Marquette County

$356,362

Menominee County

$356,362

Milwaukee County

$362,250

Monroe County

$356,362

Oconto County

$356,362

Oneida County

$356,362

Outagamie County

$356,362

Ozaukee County

$362,250

Pepin County

$356,362

Pierce County

$402,500

Polk County

$356,362

Portage County

$356,362

Price County

$356,362

Racine County

$356,362

Richland County

$356,362

Rock County

$356,362

Rusk County

$356,362

Sauk County

$356,362

Sawyer County

$356,362

Shawano County

$356,362

Sheboygan County

$356,362

St. Croix County

$402,500

Taylor County

$356,362

Trempealeau County

$356,362

Vernon County

$356,362

Vilas County

$356,362

Walworth County

$356,362

Washburn County

$356,362

Washington County

$356,362

Waukesha County

$356,362

Waupaca County

$356,362

Waushara County

$356,362

Winnebago County

$356,362

Wood County

$356,362

Your 2021 mortgage matters!

To get started on the process of buying a home, you don’t need to have selected a loan type — or even a city to live in! But purchasing a house will likely be one of your largest financial decisions and your home mortgage loan matters.

For insights on how to get pre-approved for a home mortgage loan and more, contact Edina Realty or your agent today. We’re here for you, seven days a week.

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2021 market expectations for buyers and sellers

2021 market expectations for buyers and sellers

Key insights:

  • In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing market has remained an economic bright spot.
  • The full recovery of the economy will be dependent on relief for lower-income workers, and on a vaccine or other developments that allow for shuttered sectors of the economy to reopen.
  • There is no large surge of inventory expected, so sellers can expect continued moderate price appreciation in 2021.
  • Sustained low interest rates will provide a small boost to buyers, who will face low inventory and higher home prices.

Sharry Schmid, president, Edina Realty

As president of Edina Realty, Sharry Schmid provides guidance and direction to nearly 2,500 REALTORS®.

2020 was, of course, a year that no one could have predicted. But while COVID-19 has impacted most industry sectors, the housing market has remained an economic bright spot. Outside of the spring months, when stay-at-home orders led to a significant drop in listings and sales, the market rebounded and remained steady throughout the summer and fall.

As we move into 2021, many are wondering if the real estate market can continue to flourish, and what else we can expect from our local economy. Though this year was a stark reminder that no one has a magic crystal ball to predict the future, we are able to make a few reasonable projections as to what the next year will hold for housing in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Are we in a bubble?

The housing market’s sustained momentum during COVID-19 is in sharp contrast to the economic downturn we experienced a decade ago — leading many to wonder if we are in the midst of a bubble that has yet to burst.

In fact, the reverse may be true. It’s important to remember that today’s lending practices are sound, which wasn’t always the case prior to the previous recession. Homebuyers are evaluated more stringently in their loan application and approved only when their credit, banking history and employment records indicate that they are on strong financial footing. In other words, borrowers today are evaluated not only on if they can afford to pay their mortgage, but if they can do so responsibly and still have money to save or spend on other expenses.

As a result, even despite the instability in our economy at present, we are not experiencing an overwhelming number of forbearances. Forbearance occurs when a borrower is unable to pay their monthly mortgage payment, and they request that their lender allow for temporarily delayed or lowered payments. While a larger-than-usual percentage of homeowners are behind on their mortgage payments at present, the numbers are not yet alarming to housing-focused economists.

If you need to select an image to represent today’s housing market, then, don’t think of a bubble about to burst. Instead, picture a walking stick that is helping the economy limp along, even as other industries and sectors struggle or remain closed altogether.

We’ll be watching the K-shaped recovery

Next, let’s discuss the sectors that are still struggling in the wake of COVID-19. It’s true that some segments of the economy, like housing, remain strong. For hospitality, travel, tourism, restaurants, live entertainment and other service sectors, earnings remain low and unable to rise until the pandemic is under better control.

The result, when you graph the recovery of these varying sectors, is the shape of a “K”. Some industries (and the employees they represent) are on the rise in terms of earning and stability; other sectors are continuing to fall as the months go by.

This inequity is a stark cause for concern; the economy cannot truly recover if a large segment of the population is unable to regain their earning power. It is widely acknowledged that federal and state support for these groups is necessary. We will be watching to see what level of support is offered in the coming months, keeping in mind that a new incoming administration in Washington may have an impact as well.

The future of work (and working from home)

As people spend more time in their homes than ever before, many are reassessing their needs and wants. Whether it’s adding a home office, creating productivity zones for distance learning or moving to the lake home for a few months out of the year, homeowners are embracing change and the need to work virtually.

We expect that most professional workplaces will be more open to flexible work accommodations in the future, meaning that the need for at-home work spaces will continue even after COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror. As we define and refine the future of residential housing, everyone from homeowners to buyers to builders will be keeping these spaces in mind.

What else lies ahead in 2021

  • Inventory: Unless a larger-than-expected number of homeowners default on their mortgage payments and enter foreclosure, we do not anticipate a surge in inventory in 2021. This means that housing inventory, especially in the lower price points, will remain scarce — giving sellers a continued advantage in the market. As they have in the last several years, buyers will compete over fast-selling listings.
  • Home prices: We anticipate that prices will keep rising moderately in 2021, which means that median home prices in our 13-county metro will remain above $300,000 this coming year.
  • Interest rates: While some economists believe rates could fall to an all-time low of 2.5%, most agree that a slowly improving economy will keep rates between 3-3.5%. In either scenario, the low rates will help to offset rising home prices for buyers.
  • New construction: Perhaps surprisingly, builder confidence is at an all-time high. Due to home price appreciation, the gap between existing home prices and the cost of new construction is narrowing. Economists project that the usual 15-20% variance is down to just 5% in our market1. Builders see a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend, especially as many would-be buyers grow frustrated with a lack of available or affordable inventory meeting their criteria.

Our local economy

  • Employment: At present, Minnesota’s unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is two points lower than the national average. The development of a COVID-19 vaccine or other impactful legislation will be critical to further lowering the employment rate in our market. Still, it is doubtful that we will reach the peak unemployment rate of the pandemic’s early days, which was 9.9% in May 20202.
  • Income: Minnesota’s 2019 median household income was $74,593, which is higher than the U.S. median of $65,712. Wisconsin’s median household income was just shy of the median, at $64,1682.
  • Public transport progress: Construction continues for the projected 14.5 mile Southwest Light Rail Transit project, slated to begin service in 2023. As the communities along the route begin planning for this new mass transit service, we expect a rise in nearby commercial and residential development.

Looking ahead to a brighter 2021

In many ways, 2020 has been a test of strength. We have witnessed immense fortitude from our healthcare and essential workers, resilience from parents, kids and teachers, and ingenuity from businesses, organizations and families.

While this holiday season may not roll out the way you’d pictured it, I remain optimistic that the coming year will be much brighter than the one we are leaving behind. Today and always, I wish you and your family the very best of health, security and happiness.

Source: Zonda, Economist call November 2020.
US Census 1-year American Community Survey, 2019.

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Stay organized with moving checklists, resources and solutions

Updater and Edina Realty moving checklist solutions

It’s no surprise that moving can be stressful. Remembering all those important details, like connecting utilities and forwarding mail, can dampen the thrill of transitioning to your new home. We want to make your move as easy as possible by offering the Updater app, a digital moving checkltist and resource that can save you time and money—and reduce worry.

How long does it take to update your address in all the necessary places? Say you need to make a Minneapolis change of address to forward your mail. You can drive to the post office, find the correct handwritten form, wait in line and turn it in … if you find the time to go during business hours. Or you can try to navigate their less-than-user-friendly website, manually type in all your details and submit the form electronically. That one step, forwarding your mail, usually takes 20-30 minutes alone. With Edina Realty’s moving concierge, this is all done with a couple quick clicks.

To find out more about our Minnesota or Wisconsin moving resources, contact an Edina Realty agent today.

What is Updater and how does it work?

Your Edina Realty agent partners with Updater for concierge moving tools to help you save time, money and your sanity. All this at no cost to you! In fact, homeowners who utilize Updater moving resources save an average of five hours, $325 and 21 calls or emails.

This free service allows you to stay organized, get reminders of essential steps and connect you to the resources and services you need, all from one easy-to-use digital dashboard.

The Updater app can help you:

Updater moving resources

Preparing and packing for moving day

All the resources you need to plan your move are right at your fingertips in your personalized dashboard. Prepare for moving day and easily request estimates, availability, compare prices and more. They curate a customized moving checklist, just for you, and let you know exactly what you need to do and when.

Plus, helpful tools such as guides, checklists and cost calculators help you stay on track and plan ahead for your upcoming move.

  • Find and reserve a mover online
  • Request moving estimates
  • Rent a truck
  • Hire moving labor
  • Throw out your junk
  • Buy or rent boxes
  • Access moving checklists
  • View box size guides
  • Obtain packing lists
  • Use a moving calculator

Transferring utilities and services

Wondering how to transfer utilities? The Updater app makes it easy. No need to waste hours researching companies that serve your new address or sitting on hold waiting for a representative to help. Your moving resources dashboard is curated with your local service providers, your address details and an estimated closing date. Simply request your transfer, confirm your date and Updater will take it from there. You can even see customized offers and plans for setting up a new service or reevaluating your current service provider.

  • Internet
  • Television or streaming services
  • Insurance
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas

Updating your address

Think about all the places you need to update your change of address. Did you remember your magazine subscriptions, auto club, rewards programs, travel perks and organizations? The United States Postal Service will only forward your mail for one year, and your magazine subscriptions for 60 days. Time will go by quickly during your home transition so it’s imperative that you provide a change of address to all the businesses that send you mail.

Updater’s database includes mail forwarding service to more than 15,000 businesses, so whether you have a Minnesota change of address or are moving to or from another state, we have you covered. Easily provide your change of address to multiple companies at once and use the time you save to plan your new décor instead.

  • Forward mail
  • Update address everywhere
  • Driver’s license
  • Voter registration

Saving money on supplies

Take advantage of exclusive savings with Updater moving solutions. They partner with local businesses and national companies to offer discounts and special offers on everything you need for your new home. Best of all, you don’t have to go on an endless search! These offers are available right in your Updater app. Save on:

  • Furniture
  • Groceries
  • Decor
  • Appliances
  • Specialized services from local businesses

Personalizing your new space

When it comes time to make your new home your own, the Updater app is ready to help. Considering a home alarm system? Want to be able to monitor deliveries? Easily connect to specialized providers so you can customize your space with all the bells and whistles.

  • Home improvement
  • Cleaning services
  • Smart home automation
  • Home security

Settling into your new home

Now that you’re in your new home, are you worried you forgot something important? Edina Realty’s moving concierge, powered by Updater, is helpful even after your move-in date by connecting you to community resources. Wondering about obtaining a dog license in your new city? Need to register the kids for school? Ready to meet the neighbors? We have you covered!

  • Local guides
  • School information
  • Pet requirements
  • Community handbook
  • Neighborhood events

Minnesota moving resources

From Minneapolis moving services to Duluth to Winona, Updater partners with communities throughout the entire state. Minnesota mail forwarding, done through USPS, is made easy with the Updater dashboard.

Reach out to an Edina Realty agent in a Minnesota office near you, or contact us to connect you to a local expert in your area.

Wisconsin moving resources

No matter where your move takes you, Updater can help. Our Wisconsin moving resources will help you settle into your new home in Hudson, Spooner, Hayward and beyond.

Whether you are planning to stay in Wisconsin or are prepping for a long-distance move, an Edina Realty Realtor can be your guide.

Ready for an easy, affordable, and stress-free move?

Updater moving resources, offered through your Edina Realty agent, splits your move into stress-free, bite-sized tasks and then helps you complete them—saving you time and money. This is one of many advantages you receive when you choose to work with an Edina Realty REALTOR®.

Ready to make a move? Reach out to an Edina Realty agent today or find an agent who specializes in your area by contacting Edina Realty customer care.

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Four realities for sellers in today’s market

Seller tips October 2014

We are returning to a more balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers are at a major advantage. Below, we walk through the changing realities for today’s sellers and homeowners to show how you can make the market work for you.

Seller reality: Buyers aren’t negotiating the price down

We often hear sellers request “room to negotiate down” when setting their property’s price. We can’t say it enough – you shouldn’t get your negotiation tactics from reality TV auction shows.

Your home gets the most exposure and interest in the first few weeks after you list. By overpricing your home, you may lose showings and even offers during that critical time.

Even more importantly, today’s buyers are paying the listing price. In our 13-county metro area, sellers in August 2014 got 97 percent of their listing price (NorthstarMLS). The idea that buyers will negotiate down is a myth, provided you list at the right price.

Seller reality: You can’t name your price

As mentioned above, buyers are paying 97 percent of the listing price. It’s critical to remember that while this is true, it doesn’t mean that you get to name your price when you sell your home.

Today’s buyers are discerning. They know the neighborhood and home features they are looking for, and how much they are willing to pay. Their primary focus is not to give you what you want for your home – it’s to pay what they believe the home is worth.

Your Edina Realty agent will provide a free-of-charge comparative market analysis, which takes into account your property, the neighborhood and other public record data, to help you set your listing price. Once you know how much your home is worth in today’s marketplace, you can determine if it’s the right time to sell.

Reach out today for your free estimate.

Seller reality: You won’t make more by listing in the spring

It’s a common stat in the real estate community that 60 percent of all homes will be bought and sold between May and August. This is true – but it doesn’t mean you have to discount your home in the winter to get it sold.

Remember, both sellers and buyers are likely to take a break in the colder months. So while the winter does show a slowdown in activity, the market still hums as a small pool of buyers stomp through snowy driveways to compete over a smaller inventory of homes.

Plus, today’s slowed price growth means that there’s no guarantee your home’s value will continue to increase over the winter. By listing now, you may be able to avoid the chaos of the spring market entirely – and earn the same selling price.

Seller reality: These are the highest home prices in six years

Many sellers think they may have left money on the table by not selling earlier in 2014, when we were in a clear seller’s market. It’s highly unlikely that this is true. While we are seeing fewer multiple offers and less buyer competition, price growth has continued throughout the year.

In September 2014, NorthstarMLS reported a median home sales price of $203,000 in our 13-county metro area. The last time we saw prices that high was in September 2008, when our median home price was $204,500. In short, if you sell your home now, you are likely to earn more for your property than if you’d listed in early 2014.

Ready to get started?

The ever-changing market can be difficult to navigate, but our 2,300 local experts can help. Reach out today to get started on the buying or selling process with an Edina Realty REALTOR®.

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Twin Cities home construction is up 110 percent

The housing market in Minnesota is on the rise and home builders are getting back in the game. As housing inventory levels across the country are down, home builders are looking to feed the demand. 

In April, home construction in the 13-county metro area reached a ten year peak, according to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. The 110 percent increase in home construction was nearly impossible to predict only a few years ago when local builders were languishing, but it’s yet another sign that the housing market is recovering. 

While a lack of buyer demand is no longer an issue, builders are dealing with unexpected roadblocks – namely, a labor shortage and rising material costs. Nearly 50,000 of Minnesota’s 132,000 construction jobs were lost since the 2008 housing collapse, and common sense dictates that the new demand would be easily filled with these construction workers.

However, the National Association of Home Builders explains that the length and depth of the recession forced many in the industry to move on to new opportunities or new locations. Home builders are remaining cautiously optimistic that they can maintain their high levels of current production, and thereby offer a stable job market for local construction workers in Minnesota. 

“Permit numbers are up to the highest level since 2007,” said Pamela Belz, president of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. “We do remain a little bit cautious because we’ve got some challenges on the horizon with some labor shortages and rising material costs. But we are just really very encouraged to see interest rates still low.”

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Tricks for making your home appear bigger

Make home look bigger selling

Big, open spaces are more appealing to buyers, who want to picture themselves living in your home. When listing a home for sale, maximize your space using these great tips from Forbes.

First, glass creates the illusion of extra space while also letting in extra light. Install lower and wider windows to optimize this effect, keeping in mind that green home improvements may be eligible for tax deductions. If you’re on a small budget, add a large mirror or collage of mirrors to get the same effect.

Next, clutter be gone! Whether you buy benches and closed cabinets that hide your stuff, or take this opportunity to throw away some of your belongings, make sure your spaces are clear of small knick-knacks, stacks of books or magazines, and other clutter.

While shelves can eliminate the need for bookshelves and other bulky furniture, having too much on the walls can make your home look smaller than it actually is. Get rid of excess picture frames, whether hung or on shelves, and clear the shelves of anything overly personal.

If you’d like to consider alternative flooring options, opt for larger-scale design, such as bigger tiles or wider planks of wood to visually increase your home’s square footage.

Last, remember that decorating with neutral colors can also help make your home look larger. Neutrals will also allow for the feeling of a “blank slate,” so buyers can picture themselves in your home.

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