Jay Mattlin, Real Estate Broker with Key Realty

Autumn is here! And while fall is always a cozy time, this year, coziness has officially emerged as one of the biggest interior design trends of the autumn season.

A recent article from remodeling website Houzz highlighted the biggest trends from the 2020 Atlanta Furnishings Market—including cozy decor and design. Things like camping-inspired pillows, plush throw blankets, and earth tones were definite players at this year's Market.

Which makes sense. As people anticipate spending more time in their homes than usual this fall and winter, there is a desire to make their spaces as comfortable and inviting as possible—making cozy design the go-to trend as we move into the last few months of the year.

The Takeaway:

So,...

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When COVID-19 first hit, much of the country was under stay-at-home orders, which made it impossible for buyers to get out and see potential homes in person. And while stay-at-home orders have been lifted in most places, many buyers are still wary about hitting open houses or touring homes in person.

But, as it turns out, that's not stopping them from actually buying homes.

Thanks to video technology like FaceTime tours, buyers are able to get an inside look at properties—without having to physically see the property in person. And for many buyers, that's enough; according to Redfin data (outlined in a recent article in REALTOR Magazine), 45 percent of buyers who purchased a home in the past year made an offer on the property without ever seeing it in pe...

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COVID-19 has changed the real estate landscape in many ways—including shifting buyer priorities.

But what, exactly, are buyers looking for in today's market?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the home upgrades buyers are looking for during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

• Outdoor upgrades. Many people are spending the majority of time at home these days—and that can lead to a serious case of cabin fever. To escape that cabin fever (without having to leave their homes), buyers are looking for homes with functional, relaxing, and well-designed outdoor spaces. Sprucing up your outdoor space (for example, by refreshing the landscaping or adding a patio) before listing your home can help make the property more attract...

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Home renovation and DIY shows have increased the appeal of fixer-uppers for a ton of buyers. But before you commit to buying a fixer-upper—and investing the time, money, and resources in fixing it up—there are a few things you need to know.

According to a recent article from real estate resource houselogic, there are a few key issues all buyers need to consider before purchasing a fixer-upper, including:

• The price. The entire point of a fixer upper is to buy it, then invest in fixing up the property, and transform it into your dream home (or flip it and sell it for a profit). But in order for that to happen, you need to purchase the home at a fixer-upper price point—and have plenty of budget left for renovations. If the price is too high, you're goin...

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An appraisal is an important part of the home selling process; you want your appraisal to accurately reflect your home's value and your listing price. But if your home appraisal comes in lower than expected, it could cause issues with your home sale and put the deal at risk.

Which is why, as a seller, you want to do everything you can to get your home ready for the appraisal. But what projects should you be focusing on?

A recent article from Forbes covered the home projects sellers should tackle before their appraisal, including:

• Curb appeal. You only get to make a first impression once—so your home's curb appeal can go a long way in adding value and setting the tone for a great appraisal. Keep any trees, bushes, or shrub...

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