Real Estate with Pappabear

Former Insight Global headquarters sells to small buyer

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

During a turbulent period for real estate transactions, a small, new-to-market buyer has found an opportunity in Insight Global’s former headquarters in Brookhaven.

New owner has big plans for Brassfield cinemas, including seats, food, drinks

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

The Brassfield cinemas will have all the latest equipment and upgraded amenities.

Miami-Dade second most rent-burdened place in U.S., Moody's says

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

South Florida renters spend more on rent than people who live in San Francisco or Boston.

Where Tasmanians are looking to buy: Melbourne grabs top spot

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

Property seekers in Melbourne and Hobart are blowing kisses at one another. Picture: Supplied

A LOVE affair is brewing between these two neighbouring states.

New data from realestate.com.au has revealed where Tasmanians are searching for property most, and where buyers from interstate are eyeing most often on the Apple Isle.

In the spring and start of summer, Tassie property seekers were looking at Melbourne more than any other suburb. And Melburnians returned the favour making Hobart their No.1.

Greater Melbourne suburbs Richmond, Carlton, Brighton and Geelong also cracked the top 10 for Hobart house hunters.

Melbourne was our No.1 searched suburb. Picture: Nick La Galle

Aside from Melbourne at No.1, Tassie’s top five was dominated by Queensland suburbs: Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise, with Adelaide at No.5.

Petrusma Property senior consultant and sales manager David McLeod said Melbourne was often appealing to Tasmanians for “work opportunities” and “family-related reasons”.

Mr McLeod was not surprised to see so many Qld suburbs in Tasmanian property seekers’ preferred locations.

“People from Tassie seem to want to chase warmer weather,” he said.

“That is particularly the case through winter.”

Sunny Broadbeach is always high on the hit list. Picture: Brendan Radke

For buyers located outside of Tasmania, the most popular suburbs searched were naturally Hobart and Launceston. And prestige locations Sandy Bay and Battery Point were next on the hit list.

Mr McLeod said with Sandy Bay and Battery Point in the upper end of town in terms of median house prices, this puts them ‘on the map’ for aspirational mainland purchasers.

“Typically, mainlanders make up a much higher percentage of internet views than they do of the total house sales,” he said.

“This suggests the vast majority are ‘window shopping’ or at least conducting more research than the locals.

“Maybe that is required, they simply don’t know the areas and streets as well as a local might.”

Sandy Bay? Yes please.

Meanwhile, the Herald Sun reported that Hobart was the top destination for Victorian property seekers on realestate.com.au over spring and early summer.

Peterswald for property director Kim Morgan said Victorians often move to Tasmania for its lifestyle opportunities.

He said affordability compared to Melbourne prices, alongside access to schools, the wilderness and the water, are among Tassie’s tempting attractions.

Class A office site in Crossroads will remain in a holding pattern, for now

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

Kansas City recently transferred an underused Crossroads Arts District parking lot to the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority, which has discussed plans to offer it for office and other redevelopment proposals. But for the time being, the agency will lease the site to an active local developer.

Saul Centers moves to redevelop downtown Bethesda site near Marriott HQ

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

A lot else is happening in the surrounding area, too.

Calling all animal lovers, RSPCA home up for auction

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

A “PAW-FECT” Gold Coast house left entirely to the RSPCA is set to go under the hammer on Saturday.

A “paw-fect” Gold Coast beach house left entirely to the RSPCA is set to go under the hammer on Saturday.

The deceased estate at 28 Arthur St, Mermaid Beach was left to the charity by the previous owner and is now up for grabs in one of the most sought after suburbs on the Coast.

28 Arthur St, Mermaid Beach.

The Mermaid Beach house was left to the RSPCA.

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Qld’s “billion dollar club” suburb named in Australia’s top 10

Mega beachfront block to go under the hammer at Currumbin

Ray White Burleigh Group agent Conner Malan is marketing the property and said it would be great if the successful bidder also had an affinity “for all creatures, great and small”.

“It’d be a lovely story, wouldn’t it,” he said.

“The previous owner obviously had a fondness for animals by leaving it to the RSPCA so

I’m sure she’d be thrilled if the new owner shared that love.

“Of course, the proceeds from the sale are going to the charity so if you are in the market for a new home and wanting to support a great cause such as animal welfare, then this might be the property for you.”

28 Arthur St, Mermaid Beach.

The Mermaid Beach house is on a 405sq m block and is 200m from the beach.

It’s understood the late owner had been on the title since 1983 when it sold for $79,950.

Mr Malan said housing stock in the “renovator” class was becoming harder to find in the exclusive pocket with the vast majority already snapped up.

“28 Arthur might actually be one of your last chances to grab this type of property in Mermaid Beach,” he said.

10 Things to Do in Boston in the Winter

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

Boston in the winter can be a magical time, with the city covered in snow and a festive atmosphere in the air. Despite the chilly weather, there are still plenty of things to do and see in this historic city. While you may be inclined to stay indoors and read a book, try heading outside to experience the best the Boston area has to offer. From ice skating and sledding to nature hikes and tasty bites, there are options for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Dorchester or find a new home in Hyde Square , here are ten ideas to help you make the most out of winter in Boston.

Start your day off by visiting one of the most iconic sports venues in the country. Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is open for tours all year round. Take a walk around the historic stadium, learn about its history, and see the view from the Green Monster.

If you tour during the baseball off season, you may be able to run the bases and visit the dugouts. Tours range in price and length from $15 for a 15-minute tour to $25 for a 60-minute tour.

When you’ve had your fill of baseball, head over to the famous Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is open year-round and has an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Vermeer.

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to hibernate. Luckily, Boston has plenty of spots for outdoor winter activities.

“If you’re looking for some winter exercise, practice your balance and lower body engagement by ice skating at Frog Pond,” suggests Alex Cruz, Certified Physical Therapist and Director of Education for CLIENTEL3 . “If you’d rather let gravity do the work, go sledding around the corner or on any local hill,” she continues. “And after all that exercise, treat yourself to local business delights at The Holiday Market at Snowport . There are options for everyone, ranging from freshly baked cookies to full meals from expert chefs.”

If athletics aren’t your thing, head to the historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace to enjoy the year-round crowds and lively food court. Commonly called Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall is made up of four markets surrounding a giant promenade. “You’ll be sure to find plenty of local vendors, artisan shopping, and unique restaurants and pubs,” notes Cassandra Chichester from Travel Agent Diary .

It can be hard to make it outdoors on the coldest days in January. However, these can be the best times to head out for a satisfying bite without the crowds.

“Bundle up in as many layers as possible and start your day with a coffee and pastry at Tatte in Beacon Hill,” says Tara West, owner of Tara West Fashion . “Then, stroll down Newbury Street and pick up some cool kicks at Concepts ,” Tara continues. “Finally, work up an appetite as you walk to the North End for a delicious plate of pasta and a fabulous glass of red wine at Lucca . Don’t forget to finish your day by grabbing a cannoli and a piece of chocolate cake at Mike’s Pastry .”

For those looking for a secluded hotspot, consider visiting Bow Market in Union Square. “Many locals don’t even know about it,” state Dante and Carol Bellucci, owners of Vinotta Italian Restaurant . “The market is a hip spot with small shops, eateries, and more.

If you want to work up an appetite beforehand, visit Robbins Farm Park for some legendary sledding. “It’s just a short drive from downtown Boston and has gorgeous views of the skyline in the distance,” continue Dante and Carol.

Day or night, strolling along the Charles River offers something for everyone. “Soak in the sights of MIT and the Boston Commons,” recommends Anastasia Aranovich , a photographer based in Boston. “The views shift between Boston Brownstones and the open river as you make your way along the river,” she says. “If you’re lucky, you can watch sailboats floating across the water. When you’re done, head up to Newbury Street to get a warming cup of tea and some pastries.”

At night, you can watch the holiday lights twinkle over the water.

No need to stay up late to witness the city at night; the sun sets at around 5 pm from December through February.

“After a long day out, head to the Four Seasons to warm up and drink a cup of afternoon tea,” suggests Melinda Davala Sarkis , a Boston real estate agent. “As the sun sets, head across the street and stroll through the Public Garden to take in all the Holiday lights,” she continues. “Finish the day with an evening of great food at Contessa while watching the snow fall over the city.”

Get the most out of a Boston winter by taking a weekend road trip to the White Mountains. “Grab some friends and family and head north to spend a snowy, magical weekend in a cozy log cabin,” recommends Cam Chesley from CS Luxury Group . “You can experience breathtaking mountain views while skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or hiking,” he says. “If you prefer to stay local, hop over to the North End and check out Panza on Hanover Street for dinner. When you’re finished, don’t forget to swing by Bova’s Bakery around the corner to try their famous cannoli for dessert.”

If you’ve made your way around the city and are looking for somewhere new to explore, consider heading north to Middleton. “Visit Middleton for top-notch ice cream, hiking, sledding, and food,” says Real Estate Advisor Victoria Dimino . “Located just 20 miles north of Boston, there are ample activities for a winter adventurer in this small city,” she says. “On any snowy day, you’ll find plenty of people sledding down local hills and trekking up nearby trails. After some outdoor adventures, hit up nearby Maggie’s Farm for some tasty treats and live music.”

The post 10 Things to Do in Boston in the Winter appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More .

ARLS Properties embarks on 35-acre mixed-used 'village' in Bel Air

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

Baltimore's ARLS Properties has plans for a new retail, office and residential community in the fast-growing county.

Why BNA Associates has been eyeing downtown Clarksville for 'at least a decade'

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

The developers behind Clarksville's newest downtown development project broke ground on the mixed retail, restaurant and hotel project on Wednesday. Ethan Orley and Philip Welker, managing partners at BNA Associates, expect the city will continue to grow over the next decade, and hope their project will help boost the city's reputation as a destination.

ECU Health to close clinics after taking $46M loss

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

ECU Health is closing multiple regional clinics and an inpatient behavioral health unit after recording losses last year totaling tens of millions of dollars.

New PG County Chamber CEO must navigate a changed political climate

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

One of the PG County Chamber of Commerce's priority charges is to boost in-person membership engagement coming out of Covid.

Torrensville home of retired football legend John Platten hits the market

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

John and Leanne Platten in their Torrensville home, which they are selling. Picture: Matt Loxton.

Househunters and footy fanatics are being given the chance to buy a house that a retired Australian football legend has called home.

Four-time Hawthorn premiership player and 1987 Brownlow Medal winner John ‘The Rat’ Platten and his wife Leanne have put their renovated Torrensville property at 86 Ashley St on the market.

The couple have lived in the local heritage listed 1890 stone villa for 20 and 35 years respectively but are selling to downsize.

MORE NEWS

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Curved mansion hits the market for the first time

Mansion with jaw-dropping aquarium back on the market

The house at 86 Ashley St is listed with a $1.995 million to $2.19 million price tag. Pic: Magain Real Estate.

Leanne and John Platten have lived in the property for decades. Picture: Matt Loxton

It’s been renovated and extended over the years. Pic: Magain Real Estate.

Atlanta-based Cousins Properties to develop South End office tower at site of parking lot

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 21:08:00 GMT

Atlanta developer Cousins Properties is planning a 20-story office tower to replace a public parking lot on East Bland Street in South End.

Zillow’s new AI feature can talk to home shoppers like it’s a friend

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:29:00 GMT

Zillow launched a new AI-powered feature called “natural language search” that can now interpret home shoppers’ colloquial lingo, much like how they would talk to friends and family. Zillow is the first company to implement such a search engine.

This feature is live on the Zillow app for Apple users but is not yet available on Android devices.

While you are thinking out loud, Zillow’s AI is running its back-end operations to provide the closest match to your desired home. The natural language search feature takes a query, compares it to “millions” of listing details, and then produces a result.

It is also training machine learning models to get better at responding to users’ queries in “human-like sentences.”

“Beyond easy-to-filter criteria like bedrooms and bathrooms, buyers are considering many other specific features that match their unique lifestyle,” Jenny Arden, Zillow’s chief design officer, said in a statement.

Typing phrases like “$700K homes in Charlotte with a backyard” or “open house near me with four bedrooms” in the search bar will either show potential homebuyers their matches or will notify them when new qualifying listings are available, according to the statement.

Through this tool, Zillow aims to eliminate the need for a buyer to start with a location and use filters to find a desired home.

Arden says the new tool will change the way people shop for homes online “because it helps shorten the sometimes long and stressful house-hunting process by creating an easy, more modern way to search, and it delivers relevant search results in a simple, uncluttered way.”

Among Zillow’s other AI and machine learning-powered features are Neural Zestimate, which provides personalized home recommendations and floor plans from panoramic photos .

“The future of real estate will be powered through AI,” Arden said.

Last December, Zillow acquired real estate marketing and media services company VRX Media to provide agents and brokers with an expanded suite of listing services, marking Zillow’s 18th acquisition.

The company’s focus on creating a “ housing super app ” and the housing market slowdown over the last year led to Zillow laying off 300 positions in October 2022.

“…We’ve made the difficult – but necessary – decision to eliminate a small number of roles and will shift those resources to key growth areas around our housing super-app,” a Zillow spokesperson wrote in an October 2022 email.

Optimism spreads after new home sales climb in December

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:29:00 GMT

New home sales increased in December — a sign that new residential sales have continued to rebound in recent months. Last month, new home sales increased by 2.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 616,000, according to data published by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

But while mortgage rates have been tumbling down, and while builders have been offering incentives to buyers, it wasn’t enough to prop up new residential sales across 2022.

In addition, the median sales price of new houses that were sold in December dropped to $442,100, and the average sales price dipped to $528,400. In November, the median sales price for new houses was $471,200 and the average sales price was $543,600, according to the data.

The uptick in new home sales last month was largely due to mortgage rates dropping in December — which occurred after the 30-year mortgage rate peaked at above 7% in October and November. Incentives from builders also played a role, according to Holden Lewis, home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet .

“Home builders reduced prices to stimulate sales,” Lewis said in a statement. “In December, the typical new home cost almost $50,000 less than in October. The combination of lower rates and lower prices boosted sales in December and might be doing the same in January.”

The seasonally adjusted estimate of new houses for sale at the end of December was 461,000, which represents nine months of supply at the current sales rate.

While new home sales have been on an upward trend in the recent months, the rate lags behind 2021 levels. Compared to sales of 771,000 in 2021, about 644,000 new residential homes were sold in 2022 — a 16.4% decline year over year.

“The housing market cooled off during the fall and early winter of 2022 , and new home sales followed suit with new sales lagging far behind 2021 and setting back closer to pre-pandemic levels,” Nicole Bachaud, senior economist at Zillow , said in a statement.

Despite homebuilders’ attempts to attract buyers, affordability challenges made it harder for buyers to enter the market, Fannie noted.

And, the small dips in rates and home prices may not produce sufficient buying power for buyers, both of which are expected to limit buyers from entering the market.

“Builders are all but throwing incentives at buyers to attract them back to the new home market, but that doesn’t seem like enough to combat high mortgage rates and prices,” Bachaud said.

Mortgage applications for new homes in December decreased by 5% from November and 25.2% year over year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association .

The decline in activity was in line with single-family housing starts, which were 32% lower than a year ago, and were indicative of higher mortgage rates and the weakening economy holding back buyers at the end of last year, according to Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist.

However, improved builder sentiment, declining rates and increased demand for mortgages offer optimism in January, according to economists.

“The housing market is still in need of more starter and entry. About 644,000 new residential homes were sold in 2022, a decline of 16.4% from 2021-level homes, especially when current demographic trends point to the potential for more younger households to enter homeownership in the near future. New construction of these units will help these buyers entering the housing market,” Kan said.

“We might see the market thaw out before the spring shopping season sets up, which will hopefully translate into more construction to add much needed housing supply when it’s needed the most,” Bachaud noted.

House Keepers | Automated Maintenance is the Latest Luxury Must-Have

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:29:00 GMT

Bruno Abisror – Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Monica – Venice Brokerage

Though robot butlers are exclusive to science fiction, that hasn’t stopped the world’s top architects, designers, and developers from envisioning luxury homes where efficient systems and processes assume more of the everyday maintenance.

Such convenience is incredibly liberating for homeowners, so it comes as no surprise that these solutions are increasingly sought after. Here are some examples of the features that luxury consumers are looking for today.

8,000 acres of North Carolina 'wilderness' bought in record-breaking sale

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

A "true wilderness" near the North Carolina coast in Hyde County has just been sold.

Why a Miami developer plans over 600 for-rent cottages in southeast Wisconsin

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

“Affordability is deteriorating significantly” for homes that people can buy, said Matt Vecchitto, who is working on two large developments that will offer for-rent cottages in Mount Pleasant and Bristol.

Richard King Mellon Foundation announces office move to Strip District Terminal

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

Major local foundation to take second-floor auction house space at terminal redevelopment and is the second tenant to announce a leave from BNY Mellon Center in the last few weeks for more space.

Birmingham Urban League expanding footprint amid rapid growth

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

The nonprofit recently expanded its office in the downtown area and leaders anticipate hiring more employees this year to accommodate growth.

Scott Bieler pays $1.55 million to acquire former bank in Orchard Park

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

Constructed in 1964, the building’s tenants included Liberty National Bank and later Fleet and Norstar banks.

2 restaurants spearhead retail at Chicago Joint Public Safety Training Campus

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week for a new $170 million training facility for police officers, firefighters and other first responders.

Black Leaders: Gloria Freeman, Olu’s Home Inc.

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

Editor's note: To commemorate Black History Month, the Business Journal is celebrating 200 Black leaders in the Twin Cities region. Editors of the Business Journal, helped by a team of well-connected community and business leaders, have chosen these individuals across business, government, advocacy, community work and other sectors who our readers need to know. We are revealing their names, along with information about these leaders, in a special print and online series published throughout the coming…

Adobe to open Atlanta office as company embraces hybrid work

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

The decision is an example of the pandemic's effect on the workplace. Like other employers, Adobe is embracing a hybrid work model as a long-term strategy for its 29,000 employees based around the globe.

University of Montevallo boosting student housing with $1M purchase

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

The University of Montevallo has purchased apartments to expand student housing and has more plans on the horizon.

Friedrich Lofts development begins taking shape as demolition gets underway

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

After pushback and protracted wait times, abatement and demolition procedures have begun on the Freidrich Air Conditioning complex, paving the way for new apartments called Friedrich Lofts.

Black Leaders: Paul Edlund, J. Benson Construction

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

City Council votes to start eminent domain on Moses Rose's Hideout

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:44:00 GMT

The city will now enter the negotiation to try to acquire Moses Rose's Hideout.

16 Must-Try Restaurants in Champaign, IL: Where the Champaign Locals Eat

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:21:00 GMT

Champaign, Illinois has a great food scene, with diverse options ranging from Korean restaurants and BBQ spots to cozy cafes and wine bars. If you’re renting an apartment in Champaign , recently bought your first home in the city, or have been living there for a while, you might be on the hunt for a new restaurant to try. We’ve rounded up a list of 16 must-try restaurants in Champaign, IL, that you can grab a bite at in your neighborhood or explore a new area of town.

Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 116 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pekara Bakery & Bistro’s Website

Pekara Bakery & Bistro is a fabulous place to have a seasonal coffee drink, a breakfast sandwich, veggie crepe, or chicken pesto sandwich.

Cuisine: Cocktail bar and American restaurant
Address: 32 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Seven Saints’ Website

Serving craft cocktails and dishes like pretzel bites, cheese curds, sliders, and sandwiches, Seven Saints’s Champaign location is another option to add to your list of must-visit restaurants.

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 204 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Nando Milano Trattoria’s Website

An Italian restaurant, Nando Milano Trattoria has a lot of choices for anyone looking for a new place to grab a bite. With options like arancini, gnocchi, rigatoni alla beppe, and branzino, there’s something for everyone.

Cuisine: BBQ joint and American restaurant
Address: 320 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Black Dog Smoke & Ale House’s Website

You can find a variety of dishes at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House – anything from pulled pork sandwiches and catfish platters to cornbread and Texas caviar.

Cuisine: American restaurant
Address: 211 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Watson’s Shack & Rail’s Website

Another stellar restaurant in Champaign, IL, is Watson’s Shack & Rail. You’ll find a variety of chicken, fish, and tofu sandwiches, as well as plates like gumbo and rice bowls at their location.

Cuisine: New American restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St, Champaign, IL 61820
Big Grove Tavern’s Website

If you’re looking for a tavern serving New American classics like street corn, grilled ribeye, cheddar grits, and more, make sure to grab a bite at Big Grove Tavern.

Cuisine: Restaurant
Address: 308 N Randolph St, Champaign, IL 61820
Farren’s Pub & Eatery’s Website

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a new place serving grilled scallops and fried pickles, but also burgers and chicken tacos? If so, head to Farren’s Pub & Eatery for a great meal.

Cuisine: Pizzeria and Italian restaurant
Address: 10 E Chester St, Champaign, IL 61820
Pizzeria Antica’s Website

Another one of the numerous restaurants in Champaign, IL, you should consider grabbing a bite at is Pizzeria Antica. An authentic Neapolitan restaurant serving amazing pizza, salads, and gelato, there’s plenty to order off their menu.

Cuisine: Mexican restaurant
Address: 110 N Chestnut St, Champaign, IL 61820
Maize’s Website

Maize has plenty of options for those looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant serving margaritas, tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas.

Cuisine: Asian fusion restaurant
Address: 1 E Main St Ste 104, Champaign, IL 61820
KoFusion’s Website

KoFusion is a contemporary Asian fusion restaurant serving everything from miso soup and ramen to tempura fried cheese curds and ribeye.

Cuisine: Chinese restaurant
Address: 206 N Randolph St Ste 1, Champaign, IL 61820
Peking Garden’s Website

Peking Garden is an excellent spot if you’re looking for a Chinese spot in Champaign. From pot stickers and hot and sour soup to Kung Pao tofu and BBQ pork lo mein, there’s always a new dish to try.

Cuisine: Pizzeria
Address: 512 S Neil St Ste B, Champaign, IL 61820
Jet’s Pizza’s Website

If you’ve recently moved to Champaign and are searching for a pizzeria, you can find deep dish pizzas, thin crust pies, salads, and sides at Jet’s Pizza.

Cuisine: Italian restaurant
Address: 115 S 1st St, Champaign, IL 61820
Manzella’s Italian Restaurant’s Website

Manzella’s Italian Restaurant is home to some delicious authentic Italian food like pasta Pomodoro, ravioli, minestrone, and much more.

Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 201 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820
Hamilton Walker’s Website

A steakhouse serving favorites like lamb chops, mussels, grilled salmon, and meatloaf, Hamilton Walker’s is the perfect place to grab a bite in Champaign.

Cuisine: Chinese and Thai restaurant
Address: 405 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Golden Wok’s Website

At Golden Wok, there are plenty of dishes to choose from – from beef with broccoli and empress chicken to yum talay and mussaman curry.

Cuisine: Sushi restaurant
Address: 403 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820
Sakanaya Restaurant’s Website

Sakanaya Restaurant is a fantastic eatery to grab a bite in Champaign. It’s a sushi restaurant with amazing options like seared albacore, agedashi tofu, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura rolls, and chicken katsu.

The post 16 Must-Try Restaurants in Champaign, IL: Where the Champaign Locals Eat appeared first on Redfin | Real Estate Tips for Home Buying, Selling & More .

Celebrity Real Estate Archives

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

All about celebrity homes. Get the latest celebrity news about actors and athletes buying homes, selling homes and decorating their homes.

Trends Archives

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

The latest news about trends in the world of real estate.

Unique Homes Archives

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Discover unique homes on realtor.com®, from log cabins to mansions to converted schoolhouses and more.

News Archives

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Learn what's going on in celebrity real estate, mortgage rates, real estate trends, unique homes, and more.

Easy DIY Home Projects That’ll Make You Say, “Yes I Can!”

duda@secondgen.com — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:03:39 GMT

A little elbow grease; a big difference!

By: Leanne Potts

Beautiful you-can-do-it inspirations for easy DIY projects.

As anybody who’s been inspired by HGTV can tell you, DIY home projects on TV look amaaaazing.

But DIY renovations in real life: kiiiinda the toughest thing ever. And, yet, these rookie craftsmen did beautiful, jaw-dropping work that will totally inspire you. Check out these easy DIY projects for your home:

#1 Pinterest-Worthy DIY Window Seat

An empty recess in a room is a ripe spot for a DIY project, as home improvement blogger Britt Kingery can tell you.

She and her husband, Justin, built a window seat so ridiculously Pinterest-worthy you’ll want to make one for yourself (like, right now).

It’s a roomy 10-foot beauty, so you can seat a houseful of guests without dragging chairs all over the place. And (bonus!) there’s storage underneath for stashing lots of stuff out of sight.

You can custom-create your own for about $250 if you’ve got a few essential DIY tools.

Or you can do an Ikea hack to get the same result. Just attach one of their long, horizontal storage systems to your walls. Then add cushions and preformed molding for the same custom look.

The big reveal doesn’t happen overnight, and a renovation almost always looks worse before it looks better.

Britt Kingery, home improvement blogger

#2 Miracle Makeover With Just Paint, Stain (and Patience)

“The Brady Bunch”-orange wall and abused floors in the before photo are homely enough to strike you blind.

But what a miracle paint, sanding, and stain can do! Lighter shades on the walls, trim, and floor reflect natural light, making the space so much brighter. And for very little money (about $150).

The key to such an amazing transformation, Kingery says, is to be a tortoise, not a hare.

Sanding, taping, patching holes, and waiting on stain, paint or polyurethane to dry takes care and patience if you want professional-looking results.

“The big reveal doesn’t happen overnight, and a renovation almost always looks worse before it looks better.”

#3 Instant Open Floor Plan

Cramped, dark kitchens are so very 1981.

Sarah Lemp of the “All Things With Purpose” blog turned her dated kitchen into an open, light-filled space that feels and functions like a larger room.

The cost? $300. Yep. For less than the cost of a set of countertop canisters at Williams Sonoma, Lemp worked magic.

The biggest fix? She just removed a set of overhead cabinets that blocked light and the view into the dining area, making an instant open floor plan.

Then she turned to paint, the budget remodeler’s friend. She used a soft griege (designer-speak for grayish beige) for the walls of the kitchen and dining area.

She painted the remaining upper cabinets white, and the bottom ones dark gray.

“I love the look of white cabinets, but figured a darker color was more kid-friendly,” she says.

Lemp skipped the requisite subway tile backsplash and went with peel-and-stick shiplap instead. “It was easier and cheaper,” she says.

#4 Brighter Bedroom With Paint and Wood

This may be an ugly room, but we’re not sure because it’s so dark all we can see are cheap blinds and a poofy valance that hasn’t been fashionable since the Olsen twins were toddlers.

It needed major help.

Ashley Rose and Jared Smith of the blog “Sugar and Cloth” pulled off a weekend makeover by painting the walls a lighter color and replacing the window treatments with wispy, white drapes that practically pull sunlight into the room.

A pair of wall-mounted reading lamps added a second layer of light, because a lonely overhead fixture can’t light the whole room all by itself.

And that wall behind the bed? It’s strips of reclaimed wood with an adhesive backing. Peel, stick, and you’re done. No nails. No glue. And just one tool: a level to make sure you stick the wood strips in a straight line. Awesome.

#5 An Easy-Peasy Backyard Patio

Dirt’s ugly. It’s also a pain, turning into mud when it rains, dust when it doesn’t, and sneaking into your house on the feet of dogs and kids.

Covering it with a paver patio is a great fix. Chelsea Foy of the blog “Lovely Indeed” built this one in a neglected flower bed in just 10 hours.

She used patio stones molded to look like several individual bricks, because leveling one large stone is tons easier than leveling a bunch of bricks.

Those arcs of large river rocks just off the patio make a natural-looking transition between the factory-perfect pavers and the rest of the yard. They’ll also give you less lawn to mow or flowers to tend.

#6 Fancy Wall Molding for a Bargain Price

Wall molding makes a room look so custom, so finished, so much better than boring old drywall. But it costs around $25 a square foot just for the materials.

Mysha Barton of the blog “Remington Avenue” pulled it off along her stairs for just $30 — total.

The secret? She used MDF (medium density fiberboard, aka fake wood) to keep it cheap, and didn’t mount it in the traditional way with board panels on the wall.

Instead, she put thinner “chair rail molding” directly on the wall, and painted everything white, including the wall to get that rich look of molding.

The toughest part was cutting all those angles, Barton says.

She got it done with a miter box and a handsaw. “My advice is to use scrap wood to practice your angled cuts before taking on your expensive molding pieces.”

Barton did this project in just eight hours with three small children in the house, so even if 10th-grade geometry made you cry, you can do this.

#7 A Space-Saving Workbench

A DIY workbench is a gateway project, one that can lead you to harder projects and possibly, a home improvement addiction. Make this workbench your very first project and you’ll have room to do scads of projects — money-saving ones.

It’ll fit in a small space because it’s actually a door mounted on door hinges, so you can fold it flat against the wall when you’re not using it. Be sure to buy a solid wood door, not a hollow one, so it’s sturdy enough to stand up to years of projects.

We’re pleased to announce the addition of a real estate veteran to our team. Andrew Stevens joins us in our main office after 10 years in our northern branch.

How to Prevent (Home) Buyer’s Remorse

duda@secondgen.com — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:00:17 GMT

Always feel confident it's your dream home.

By: Lynn Ettinger

You can make a successful offer on a home even in a competitive market — with the right information and help.

When you’re house hunting, the pressure of competition can move you from “Hmm, I like that, but it’s too pricey,” to “I have to have that!” You think, so what if paying for this house will put me way over budget? I can cut back somewhere else, right? But that kind of thinking can get you into trouble. Trouble that’s totally avoidable.

Whether you’re in the middle of a home bidding war or facing down a list of must-haves, don’t lose sight of your budget and the risks. That way, you can own a house without home buyer’s remorse. And you’ll have money left to enjoy things like new furniture, entertainment, and just plain having fun.

Who Has Home Buyer’s Remorse and Why?

A competitive real estate market can set buyers up to purchase a home that’s either beyond their budgets —sometimes hugely beyond — or doesn’t meet their needs, according to a 2021 survey by Bankrate and YouGov. The survey found that recent home buyers, including 64% of millennials, had regrets about their home purchase. The top reason? They were unprepared for maintenance and other home ownership-related costs. On top of that, 13% percent of millennials said they think they paid a higher sales price than they should have.

“Things in homes always break down, so people should put aside a budget for anything that will need fixing,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®. “A rule of thumb is to anticipate 1% or 2% of the home price for potential maintenance,” he explains. “So, for a $300,000 home, that means setting aside $3,000.”

One reason home buyers may be tempted to go over budget is they’ve been influenced by the beautiful homes on TV, according to an NAR report on home staging. “The shows can create unrealistic expectations for the home buying process and how homes should look,” says Brandi Snowden, NAR director of member and consumer survey research. In time, buyers can view features that used to be luxuries as necessities. They believe everyone has them and they should too. One solution: Work with a REALTOR as early as possible in the process. “Make sure your agent knows your budget, so they can help you set expectations and stick to them,” she advises.

How to Navigate House Hunting in a Competitive Market

In addition to pressure to exceed their budgets, buyers are facing hurdles like these five:

1. Requests to Waive Contingencies

Tamara Suminski, a real estate agent at Beach Real Estate Group in Manhattan Beach, Calif., is seeing not only bidding wars but also sellers wanting buyers to waive contingencies. “With an appraisal contingency, if the appraisal comes in low, the buyer has choices. They can choose to try to renegotiate with the seller, bring in the difference, or cancel. When they remove that contingency and its protection, and if the home doesn’t appraise at the right level, the seller is not very likely to renegotiate with them. And the buyer has waived their right to cancel. If they cancel anyway, they’re risking their deposit.”

Some buyers are also waiving contingencies related to home inspections. These investigations are an opportunity to have a home inspector view the home based on disclosures and for the buyer to use findings as a bargaining tool, Suminski says.

Eliminating these protections can end up costing money for buyers. And the more offers the buyer writes and loses, the more risk they will tolerate. So, they may waive contingencies and regret it later, says Suminski. Talk to a buyer’s agent who will guide you through this and explain the risks of removing protections and unknown variables, she advises.

2. Speed Showings and Decisions

Bryan Yap recently bought a home in an expensive and highly competitive market — Orange County, Calif. He found that with the pandemic, each showing lasted only 15 minutes. That was one of the biggest hurdles. “We’d see three, four, or five homes in one day. It’s hard to keep track of what you like and don’t like with each house. What I would do differently is take notes immediately after viewing a home. If you’re able to prepare beforehand, create a list of wants and requirements in priority order. Immediately after seeing each home, rank it based on the list.”

3. Focusing on the Top of Your Price Range

“If you’re looking in a micromarket where listings are achieving multiple offers and homes are going above asking price, don’t set your on the houses at the top of your price range,” Suminski says. If $300,000 is your upper limit, look at houses priced at $250,000 or $275,000. Otherwise, you’re going to be outbid from the gate every time.”

That was the process Yap used when he was looking. “I would look for homes $25,000 under my max budget. I went on Zillow and looked at homes that were sold recently and tried to calculate the average over-listing price those homes were being sold for and factor that into my offer price.”

4. The Need to Compromise

Yap’s must-haves were three bedrooms, two baths, and being closer to the city center of Anaheim. “I was able to get three beds, two baths, but I did have to compromise on location. I also had to compromise on price, which was doable because I could still afford it. To compete with all the potential buyers, I knew that we had to either offer an over-list price or remove some contingencies.”

Suminski advises adjusting your search outward geographically, even if it means a longer commute. Buyers might also have to compromise on property types and features. In addition, they should consider doing some DIY projects instead of wanting everything to be move-in ready. “They may have to be willing to look at townhouses instead of single-family homes or install carpet and paint on weekends.”

5. Information Overload

In the two years before he started searching for a home, Yap did a lot of reading. “It was a massive plan I had to come up with and stick to so that I’d be able to afford buying a home.”

Because of how hot the Orange County market is, agents scheduled showings as soon as a house was listed or showed “coming soon” status. Yap treated the home search as “almost a second job,” using lunch breaks and evenings to check emails, do online searches, and text his real estate agent about what he wanted to see. “I had to make a lot of sacrifices. People wanted to set plans with me for the weekend, but I said, ‘Sorry, I have to go view homes that day.’”

He primarily credits his real estate agents, including Sumiski, for keeping him informed. “They made all this possible. I learned a lot from them.”

Some agents, like Suminski, hold an accredited buyer’s representative designation but usually work with sellers as well as buyers. “An [agent with an] ABR has taken extensive buyer’s representation training,” Suminski says. “They’ll provide education to buyers so that they’re learning as much as they can about the market, including the risks involved with different negotiations. If buyers are going to shorten terms or remove protections, they need to be well informed about the pitfalls.”

Learn from Experiences

That access to information and guidance will help buyers making an offer on a home especially in a competitive market. “Today’s buyer has seen and written offers on many properties before they get their offer accepted,” Suminski says. “That’s common across the country. Each is a learning opportunity for buyers about what information they might need to be researching so they can move more quickly.”

When you act on advice from recent buyers and agents, you can stay well informed and get good results even in a tough market. And that’s the best way to prevent home buyer’s remorse.

A home like this comes on the market once in a decade. It’s spacious, fully renovated and designed to the highest standards.

8 Simple Rules for Negotiating Your Offer and Getting That House

duda@secondgen.com — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:56:12 GMT

In today's hot market, know how to make sure you get the home of your dreams.

By: HouseLogic

You and your agent are going to use everything you’ve learned to seal the deal.

Here’s the dream: Your offer is perfect, you don’t need to negotiate, and you can spend the next few weeks addressing more pressing home-ownership questions, like “Why is it called wainscoting?” and “Do I want a new couch in blush or emerald green?”

And it could happen. Many sellers accept the best offer they receive, and for a variety of reasons.

But sellers are also known to reject offers for a variety of reasons. Or make counteroffers. This is especially likely if you bid low, or when you’re up against multiple competing offers.

If you do receive a counteroffer, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to accept the new contract, negotiate the terms, or walk away.

In cases such as these, look to your agent. He or she is your spirit guide. If you decide you want to negotiate — that is, make a counteroffer to the seller’s counteroffer — your agent will use their negotiating skills to help get you the best deal. This is what agents do every day.

But you’re not just going to sit there. If you understand what negotiating tactics your agent may deploy — they depend on the local market and your position — you can back them up. And cheer them on.

Here are eight rules every buyer should know before they — and their agent — start negotiating:

#1 Act Fast — Like, Now

When you receive a counteroffer, you should respond quickly — ideally within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the more space you leave for another buyer to swoop in and nab the property. Also? If a seller senses hesitation, they may decide to withdraw their counteroffer before you even have a chance to respond.

#2 Raise Your Price (Within Reason)

While you obviously don’t want to overpay for a house, you may have to up the ante — especially if you initially made a lowball offer. Lean on your agent’s expertise to determine how much money you should add to the sales price to make it more enticing to the seller.

Then, through their powers of persuasion, your agent can make the counteroffer look even more attractive by pointing out similarly priced “comps” — recently sold homes in your area that are comparable in terms of square footage and features.

As your agent negotiates, it can feel like things are escalating quickly. It’s stressful. You may feel a sudden urge to do whatever it takes to win.

Before you go overboard, there are two things you must keep in mind:

You can’t exceed the monetary confines of the pre-approved mortgage you received from your lender.
You shouldn’t overextend your budget.

Because your counteroffer has to be an amount you’re comfortable spending on a home. You want that new house and to keep living your life. Plus: You’re not out of options yet.

#3 Increase Your Earnest Money Deposit

Increasing your earnest money deposit (EMD) — the sum of money you put down to prove to the seller you’re serious (i.e., “earnest”) about buying the house — is another way to show the seller you have more skin in the game. A standard EMD is typically 1% to 3% of the sales price of the home. Making a counteroffer with a 3% to 4% deposit could be what you need to persuade the seller to side with you.

#4 Demonstrate Patience About Taking Possession

Depending on the seller’s timetable, changing your proposed possession date — the date you take over the property — could butter them up, too. If the seller wants to stay in the home for a few days after closing, try offering a later possession date. You could also draw up a “rent-back” agreement, meaning the seller pays you rent for staying in the home for a set period of time after the closing date.

#5 Let Go of a Few Contingencies — With Care

Want to give your counteroffer an even bigger boost?

Reduce the number of contingencies you’re asking for. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, look, I have fewer ways to back out,” which gives the seller more reassurance that the deal will close.

But be selective: Some contingencies are too important to give up. A home-inspection contingency — the right to have a home inspection and request repairs — gives you an out if you spot major problems with the home (and protects you from buying a total money pit).

You might waive a termite inspection if you’re in a state where the risk is lower.

But ultimately, waiving contingencies depends on your market, your loan program requirements, your risk tolerance, and the circumstances of the house in question. And if you waive contingencies and then you find a problem, the seller isn’t responsible for fixing it.

#6 Ask for Fewer Concessions

At a mortgage settlement, home buyers have to pay closing costs for taxes, lender’s fees, and title company fees. Closing costs vary by location, but you can expect to shell out between 3% and 4% of the home’s sales price. The seller pays an additional 1% to 3%. (Smart Asset and Nerdwallet have simple calculators you can use to get a rough idea of what your closing costs might be.)

When making an initial offer, you have the option to ask the seller for concessions — a settlement paid in cash to help you offset your share of the closing costs. (This move is less feasible if you’re going up against multiple offers.)

Concessions effectively lower the seller’s net proceeds from the sale. Making a counteroffer that removes the concessions you would have otherwise received at settlement puts cash back in the seller’s pocket — and can improve your bid.

#7 Pick Up the Cost of the Home Warranty

Sometimes sellers offer prospective buyers a home warranty. This is a plan that covers the cost of repairing major home appliances and systems, like the air conditioner or hot water heater, if they break down within a certain period (typically a year after closing).

A basic home warranty costs about $300 to $600 a year, according to Angie’s List. If it seems like waiving the home warranty can sweeten negotiations, but you still want the peace of mind of having one, tell the seller they don’t need to cover it — then buy it yourself.

Just keep in mind, whether you or the seller buy the warranty, you’ll need to pay the service fee (typically between $50 and $100) if something does, indeed, need to be repaired while under warranty.

Also, FYI: A home warranty is entirely separate from homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance — the security blanket that covers your home’s structure and possessions in the event of a fire, storm, flood, or other accident — is required if you take out a mortgage. It can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per year.

#8 Know When to Walk

When negotiating with a seller, trust your gut — and your agent. If he or she says a deal is bad for you: Listen.

And if you don’t want to make any more trade-offs — and the seller won’t budge — it’s smart to walk. That can be a tough decision to make, and rightfully so! Negotiating is tough. It’s draining.

And losing something you’ve worked hard to get can be disappointing. But don’t worry. There’s a better deal for you out there. And after those strong feelings of frustration pass, you’ll realize: Now I know how to do this.

A home like this comes on the market once in a decade. It’s spacious, fully renovated and designed to the highest standards.