How Is the Pandemic Shaping Home Design?

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

by Christie Cannon

How Is the Pandemic Shaping Home Design?

By Michael Kolomatsky with The New York Times

A recent survey of architects reveals that clients are looking for ways to improve the time they spend at home.

The coronavirus pandemic is already shaping home design trends, with special-function rooms and products that serve needs particular to the pandemic rising in popularity, according to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects.

Every year, the institute surveys about 425 individual architects or firms in the business of custom-home building or renovation. Participants are asked to indicate whether requests for certain types of rooms and products are increasing, decreasing or stable. Trends are identified by noting the increases and offsetting them by the decreases. This year’s results were gathered in July.

“I won’t say it was unexpected,” said Kermit Baker, the organization’s chief economist and a senior research fellow at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. “I’d say surprising in the sense that the pandemic response was happening faster than we might have expected.”

In this year’s survey, 68 percent of respondents cited increasing client requests for home offices, and none reported a decrease. Compare that with the 2019 results, which showed a 33 percent increase and 4 percent decrease. A related feature, enhanced or “task” lighting, also gained popularity.

Specifically, there were more requests for sunrooms or three-season porches (rooms that bring nature indoors) and mud rooms or “drop zones” (areas to isolate contaminated items from the house at large). Tellingly, in the midst of a pandemic caused by an airborne virus, products for improving indoor air quality were newly popular: 41 percent of respondents cited an increase for such requests, while 2 percent indicated they were on the decline, compared with 27 percent increasing and 2 percent decreasing last year.

Other new trends included exercise or yoga rooms and flexible spaces for home-schooling or other needs. Other special-function rooms (outdoor living spaces among them) maintained their popularity or edged up, as did products that were low maintenance and energy efficient.

This week’s chart shows which home features were the most popular and how requests for them rose or fell in 2019 and 2020.

Home Design Trends

A recent survey of architects reveals that clients are looking for ways to improve the time they spend at home.

Special Function Room Requests

Product Type Requests

2020

2019

2020

2019

Room type

Down

Up

Down

Up

Product type

Down

Up

Down

Up

Home office

4

%

33

%

0

%

68

%

Low

Maintenance

0

%

60

%

1

%

57

%

Outdoor living

1

61

1

62

Smart

thermostats

1

60

1

50

Additional

multifunction

room/flexible space

–

2

45

Products for

improving indoor

air quality

2

27

2

41

Mud room

2

32

0

38

Synthetic

materials

4

50

5

44

Au pair/

in-law suites

9

46

7

42

Tankless

water heater

10

50

7

42

Exercise room/

yoga space

–

4

28

Energy efficient

3

35

5

39

Task lighting

2

21

1

28

Sun rooms/three-

season porches

25

11

31

19

Thermal-

moisture control

2

26

3

27

Automated

window shades

8

32

9

28

Add Comment

The Christie Cannon Team Brings Confidence in a Pandemic: Frisco TX's Top Real Estate Team Adapts to Virtual Market

Friday, May 15, 2020

by Christie Cannon

The Christie Cannon Team Brings Confidence in a Pandemic: Frisco TX's Top Real Estate Team Adapts to Virtual Market

Thursday, May 14, 2020 11:00 AM

The Christie Cannon Team is the leading Real Estate Team in North Texas and they are redefining the real estate industry by setting an example of proven systems to provide clients a top-notch service using innovative technology when buying and selling homes and are sharing their thoughts and advice in making wise decisions especially during this COVID-19 Pandemic

FRISCO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2020 / Adapting your career to fit the new rules created by COVID-19 is tough, especially in the world of real estate. Luckily, Christie Cannon, Frisco Texas' expert in real estate for over 20 years, has found a way to utilize technology to buy and sell homes virtually. She, and her husband Kevin, along with their entire Team have set up a process to walk their clients through every step of buying or selling a home online. Everything from house hunting, listing, touring, or signing papers can be done through a virtual portal; and Christie's team will be there to give you confidence in your search for the right home or the right buyer.

Christie's Texas based team is one of the top 25 teams with Keller Williams Realty nationwide. They have done over 455 transactions in the past 12 months, with over $150 million dollars in sales. D Magazine has awarded The Christie Cannon Team the "Top Real Estate Producers" every year for nearly a decade. This constant experience is what sets the team apart from other agents and real estate teams. For example, most real estate agents are selling 7-10 homes a year. Christie and her team manage sales each and every day. Each sale brings different experiences, people, and challenges. After working in housing development and managing the team over the course of two decades, Christie has seen it all. Her newest challenge? Adapt the home buying process to fit a digital landscape, and make people feel comfortable with it along the way.

The Cannon Team has already virtually sold multiple houses completely online in the past month. Christie has found that prices have not fallen in her area, but inventory has, which is increasing demand. This means that sellers are seeing multiple offers on their home, and getting the most out of their equity. It also means that The Cannon Team's knowledge of the local market is incredibly valuable. She and her team know your area, so you don't have to and they are ready to hold your hand through finding the perfect home. Also, the level of support which they provide, paired with the quality of their service, creates an environment where clients are in constant communication and it keeps them up to date on the status of their transaction.

In a recent one-on-one interview, Christie mentioned how she and her team has been serving the market while adapting to the new rules and conditions. The level of adaptation that she has seen from people wanting to leverage technology for buying or selling their homes has been increasing day-by-day and the feedback which she has received from her clients has been very positive.

It starts with a free consultation over zoom or phone call. The Cannon Team will send you the best options for your personal situation and help pair you with a buyer or seller. Their job is not to be a salesperson, it is to educate you and take the nerves away from the whole process. "If we do our job well," Cannon said, "our clients will know and feel we have their best interest in mind, not ours."

Once they help clients find a home in their price range, one of the Team's experts can set up a virtual tour and explain every inch of the house over zoom. The client can walk through the home, ask questions, and feel confident before making an offer. When the client falls in love with a home, it's time to get the home under contract, schedule inspections and start planning your move.

On the selling side, The Cannon Team will help you check off all the boxes safely and securely. You can meet with one of the Team's experts in person at your home if you are comfortable, or over a Zoom meeting. The Team's on-staff photographer and stager can meet you at your home, or you can even elect to allow the on-staff stager to help you from afar over a Zoom meeting as you show her around your home. The only in-person meeting you will need to do is with the Team's photographer, who is dressed down in extensive PPE equipment. As a Seller, you can have control over who is entering your home and you can control the showings. The Cannon Team is encouraging "virtual" showings on all of their homes before a buyer steps foot inside to reduce unnecessary exposure. All of The Cannon Team's homes offer 3-D Virtual viewing so you can walk through an entire home without ever stepping foot inside. One of Christie's biggest focuses has been to make sure all the guidelines regarding social distancing and hygiene have been met, therefore she and her team has been working diligently with anyone who visits your property to ensure that all the government requirements and regulations are fully met and are adhered to.

Christie and her team, with their extensive experience and knowledge of the real estate industry have seen all possible emotions which people go through while considering to buy or sell their homes using online means. However, she recommends that people should adapt to the new way of communicating and interacting as the opportunities are rising and whether you are buying or selling, there are plenty of great deals to be had during times like these.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, do not let the current pandmeic stop you from getting the care you need. Christie and her team have been offering free consultations to share the entire process with you and answer any of your questions to ensure that you are confident before moving ahead. She has adapted her process to hold your hand through every step, and the only thing between you and finding the home of your dreams is a computer. Christie and her husband Kevin are working everyday to help ensure their Team is servicing the needs of each and every client and home they represent.

http://christiecannon.com

http://cannonteamhomes.com

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/christie-cannon-team-brings-confidence-150000645.html

Add Comment

How to Stay Entertained During Home Lockdown

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

by Christie Cannon

How to Stay Entertained During Home Lockdown

For those of you looking to add some new ideas to your daily home quarantine schedule, check out these options:

-Home Organization

Choose one category at a time to be organized, like clothes, shoes, books, games, toiletries, food items, tools, toys, etc. Remove all of the items from that category from their spaces, review each item piece by piece, and decide what will be kept, donated or thrown away. Then, place the items you’ve decided to keep back into their designated homes in a neat, organized manner. Likewise, store your donations in one place, ready to be given away as soon as the opportunity arises.

-Outdoor Landscaping

Pull weeds from the lawn and flowerbeds, trim hedges and trees, dispose of any dead plants or leaves, mow and edge lawn, re-soil in areas where needed, add fresh mulch and flowers from local growers to beds and pots, and sweep porches and pathways

-Exercise

Designate a specific time in your day to get your body moving, as this is good for your mind and soul, too. If your kids are with you, incorporate a workout that involves them too. Walks with the dog, bicycle rides, online yoga or aerobic classes, jogs around the block, games of family tag- anything is good! Just get moving!

-Hone Your Talents

If you like to read, read books that you find uplifting. If you have children at home or that you can connect with virtually, schedule a daily story time with them. If you like to write, start journaling or author your own short story. Encourage children to write land mail letters to grandparents or friends that they haven’t seen in a while- especially those who are living alone. If you prefer drawing, use this time to sketch a pet, a scene from nature, or even another family member. Kids can even attempt portraits of family members, too!

-Cook & Bake

Now is the perfect time to try some new recipes. Have each family member choose a meal or treat they’d like to cook or bake and take turns creating and enjoying everyones’ efforts. Sharing in the clean-up afterwards is equally important! Consider making extra dishes to share with neighbors, too.

-Play

Some daily downtime does your mind and body good so be sure schedule time for this too! Dance parties are great for this. Turn up your favorite music and dance virtually, with family members, or alone- anyway works great! Play board games, cards or a game outside with your family. Play with your pets. Play dress up or dolls or robots with your kids. Use your imagination and play creatively!

Hopefully, some of these ideas will work their way into your daily routine at home. Share with us how you’re spending your time, too!

Add Comment

We Are Still Here For You!

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Our team is still dedicated to serving our community especially in this time of need!

The Christie Cannon Team

972-215-7747

Add Comment

3 Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis!

Friday, March 20, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

In times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research, facts, and data. Digging into past experiences by reviewing historical trends and understanding the peaks and valleys of what’s come before us is one of the many ways we can confidently evaluate any situation. With concerns of a global recession on everyone’s minds today, it’s important to take an objective look at what has transpired over the years and how the housing market has successfully weathered these storms.

1. The Market Today Is Vastly Different from 2008

We all remember 2008. This is not 2008. Today’s market conditions are far from the time when housing was a key factor that triggered a recession. From easy-to-access mortgages to skyrocketing home price appreciation, a surplus of inventory, excessive equity-tapping, and more – we’re not where we were 12 years ago. None of those factors are in play today. Rest assured, housing is not a catalyst that could spiral us back to that time or place.

According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, if there is a recession:

"It will be different than the Great Recession. Things unraveled pretty quickly, and then the recovery was pretty slow. I would expect this to be milder. There's no dysfunction in the banking system, we don't have many households who are overleveraged with their mortgage payments and are potentially in trouble."

In addition, the Goldman Sachs GDP Forecast released this week indicates that although there is no growth anticipated immediately, gains are forecasted heading into the second half of this year and getting even stronger in early 2021.Both of these expert sources indicate this is a momentary event in time, not a collapse of the financial industry. It is a drop that will rebound quickly, a stark difference to the crash of 2008 that failed to get back to a sense of normal for almost four years. Although it poses plenty of near-term financial challenges, a potential recession this year is not a repeat of the long-term housing market crash we remember all too well.

2. A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

Next, take a look at the past five recessions in U.S. history. Home values actually appreciated in three of them. It is true that they sank by almost 20% during the last recession, but as we’ve identified above, 2008 presented different circumstances. In the four previous recessions, home values depreciated only once (by less than 2%). In the other three, residential real estate values increased by 3.5%, 6.1%, and 6.6% (see below):

3. We Can Be Confident About What We Know

Concerns about the global impact COVID-19 will have on the economy are real. And they’re scary, as the health and wellness of our friends, families, and loved ones are high on everyone’s emotional radar.

According to Bloomberg,

“Several economists made clear that the extent of the economic wreckage will depend on factors such as how long the virus lasts, whether governments will loosen fiscal policy enough and can markets avoid freezing up.”

That said, we can be confident that, while we don’t know the exact impact the virus will have on the housing market, we do know that housing isn’t the driver.

The reasons we move – marriage, children, job changes, retirement, etc. – are steadfast parts of life. As noted in a recent piece in the New York Times, “Everyone needs someplace to live.” That won’t change.

Bottom Line

Concerns about a recession are real, but housing isn’t the driver. If you have questions about what it means for your family’s homebuying or selling plans, let’s connect to discuss your needs.

Add Comment

Real Estate frisco dallas dfw christie cannon housing market real estate agent keller williams the christie cannon team Keller Williams Frisco Christie Cannon Keller Williams Keller Williams Frisco TX Frisco TX Christie Cannon Realtor Keller Williams Dallas Frisco Texas christie cannon real estate Realtor the cannon team the cannon team frisco house hunters home search home buying kw recession best real estate agent dallas chrsitie cannon frisco number one christie cannon real estate agent Best real estate Frisco best broker in frisco tx keller williams dfw virus top real estate team in frisco tx crisis for sale in frisco tx house for sell in frisco tx

Impact of the Coronavirus on the U.S. Housing Market

Monday, March 9, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Impact of the Coronavirus on the U.S. Housing Market

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused massive global uncertainty, including a U.S. stock market correction no one could have seen coming. While much of the news has been about the effect on various markets, let’s also acknowledge the true impact it continues to have on lives and families around the world.

With all this uncertainty, how do you make powerful and confident decisions in regard to your real estate plans?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) anticipates:

“At the very least, the coronavirus could cause some people to put home sales on hold."

While this is an understandable approach, it is important to balance that with how it may end up costing you in the long run. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, it is key to educate yourself so that you can take thoughtful and intentional next steps for your future.

For example, when there’s fear in the world, we see lower mortgage interest rates as investors flee stocks for the safety of U.S. bonds. This connection should be considered when making real estate decisions.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“The Fed’s action was expected but perhaps not to this degree and timing. And the policy change was consistent with recent declines for interest rates in the bond market. These declines should push mortgage interest rates closer to a low 3% average for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage.”

This is exactly what we’re experiencing right now as mortgage interest rates hover at the lowest levels in the history of the housing market.

Bottom Line

The full impact of the Coronavirus is still not yet known. It is in times like these that working with an informed and educated real estate professional can make all the difference in the world.

Add Comment

Real Estate Information Archive

Blog