Cool Home Feature: Dog Washing Station in Mudroom

Cool Home Feature: Dog Washing Station in Mudroom

At this point, I don’t think custom dog washing stations at home are just a trend.

Whether in your garage, laundry room, or mudroom, having a dedicated space to wash, brush, and groom your beloved furry baby (or babies) is a cool home feature that is no longer uncommon and not just in luxury homes.

It sounds pretty self-explanatory, but what is a mudroom anyway?

mud·room
/ˈmədˌro͞om,ˈmədˌro͝om/
noun

a small room or entryway where footwear and outerwear can be removed before entering a house.” a proper mudroom would be far more useful; somewhere to take off wet coats, to air clothes, for dogs to sleep in”

This Oxford Dictionary definition literally states that it is also for dogs to sleep in. However, many family pets sleep in their own beds in the main part of the house, if not in the actual bed with their favorite people.
If you love sharing your home with a dog (or other beloved pet) but not muddy paw prints on the floor, carpet, or furniture, or if they simply won’t suffer the indignity of being hosed down in the backyard, a dog-washing station might be the best home improvement you’ll ever make.

Especially if you have a large dog. No need to carry them from the door into the tub when they realize what is about to happen. In fact, many dogs will prefer the ease of walking into their own bathing space that smells familiar to avoid the slippery tub struggle.

Even though this project can cost $1,500 or more, it pays for itself with the savings on trips to the groomers, carpet cleaning, and damage to the interior of your vehicle while transporting. It’s also far less stressful for your pet, especially if they suffer from anxiety or motion sickness.
Let’s be honest here, it makes it much more likely that you’ll actually give the dog a regular bath, keeping the “dog smell” at bay, especially on rainy days.
Historically, mud areas originated in rural settings where roads were unpaved and boots perennially muddy. They were usually just a small vestibule off the kitchen on the backside of a manor or farmhouse.
Today’s mudrooms are designed to reflect our busy lifestyles as well as the interior design of the home. Prior to the age of the Coronavirus outbreak, many Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Holly Springs homes incorporated small drop zones near the entry or foyer.

These smaller spaces consisted of coat and backpack hooks, a bench, and a few cubbies for shoes and boots underneath. In some cases, these drop zone built-ins were equipped with cabinet doors to hide the contents, as well as add architectural and design features to the home.

Now many folks are opting for this feature in new construction homes in addition to (see what I did there? lol) adding them to existing homes. The size and layout may vary, but many mudrooms are multifunctional to use as a laundry room, and can even save you space if planned and executed correctly.

The other cool thing about a dog washing station is that they’re useful for other things as well. Many designs often work double duty for rinsing muddy boots, hosing down sports equipment, and other messy jobs or activities.

As of February 2021, 84.9 million or 67% of American households have at least one pet. While 63.4 million of those households have at least one dog.

If you are considering adding a dog washing station to your existing home, here are some design tips to consider and factor into your budget.

Plumbing

You will need to have a source of water and a drain that connects to your main sewer line. You also want to have hot and cold water hook-ups, and just like any other shower, a drain cover that prevents hair clogs.

Leash Clip/Hand Bar

Any tub or shower can get slippery when wet. Installing a hand bar or two to clip a leash to will keep your soapy furry friend from escaping or slipping and falling amidst their spa time.

Hand Held Sprayer

This is a must have for any washing station! Whether you need a quick paw rinse (i.e. the April pollening in North Carolina), or a full shampoo and rinse; it can help the task go more smoothly and keep water and soap out of your pet’s eyes and ears. It should be easily reachable from the tub’s edge. Place the faucet and the sprayer high enough on the wall so that your dog won’t bump their noggin.


Workable Size and Height

This will depend on what’s comfortable for you as well as the size of your pet. A 20 x 20-inch floor-mounted tub no more than 15 inches deep will allow a dog to climb in, but you’ll have to kneel to bathe them. Many stations are at floor level for larger breeds. However, waist height with a few steps will save your back from strain. If you have a small dog, consider installing the basin at a back-friendly height and lifting them in.

Water-Water Everywhere

Most dogs love a good shake after a bath, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Instead, plan ahead with a water-resistant surround and even glass doors. Large-format, easy-to-clean ceramic tiles are a solid choice. You could also try waterproof beadboard made from solid surfacing. Mop sinks are ideal because they’re deep enough to keep in water but shallow enough that it’s easy to guide your dog inside. Opt for one made of durable, scratch-resistant material, like terrazzo.

Shelving and Supply Storage

As with any kind of design, it pays to think about workflow. Having somewhere nearby to put brushes, shampoo, conditioner, and other treatments. A stack of towels nearby comes in really handy, and microfiber towels minimize drying time.

Tips for A Successful Bathtime

Once you’ve got the right space to clean up your pup, here are suggestions from the American Kennel Club for keeping the experience a positive one for all involved:

Avoiding Injuries

One of the biggest causes of injuries (for both you and your dog) is due to your dog acting up at bathtime on a wet and slippery surface. Ensure that your dog won’t be scrambling to keep her feet with non-slip surfaces in the shower and surrounding it. Keep your dog’s nails clipped to help them keep their footing. Textured tile, a rubber mat, and a non-skid rug on the floor for them to step on when they get out will help keep bathtime faceplant-free.

Check the water temperature before you turn the hand sprayer towards your dog—it should be no hotter than lukewarm. Use a gentle setting on the sprayer to keep your dog calm while rinsing.

Saving Time and Money

Installing a dog washing station will cost money, but it yields incredible benefits:

  • Less time spent on cleaning up pet hair.
  • Less time and money spent at the dog groomer.
  • Less money spent on carpet cleaning.

As we continue to resume life outside our homes, installing a dog washing station will mean you have more time to spend on other things, like snuggling your sweet dog!

If you need a list of local contractors,  recommendations on how to select features and upgrades for your new construction home, or if you want help with your current home buying search, send me a text or give me a call today. I’m happy to help you, and your pets find their next cozy place!

All my best,

Colette

Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns

Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns

Last week, Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). Though the survey showed 77% of respondents believe it’s a “good time to sell,” it also confirms what many are sensing: an increasing number of Americans believe it’s a “bad time to buy” a home. The percentage of those surveyed saying it’s a “bad time to buy” hit 64%, up from 56% last month and 38% last July.

The latest HPSI explains:

“Consumers also continued to cite high home prices as the predominant reason for their ongoing and significant divergence in sentiment toward homebuying and home-selling conditions. While all surveyed segments have expressed greater negativity toward homebuying over the last few months, renters who say they are planning to buy a home in the next few years have demonstrated an even steeper decline in homebuying sentiment than homeowners. It’s likely that affordability concerns are more greatly affecting those who aspire to be first-time homeowners than other consumer segments.”

Let’s look closely at the market conditions that impact home affordability.

A mortgage payment is determined by the price of the home and the mortgage rate on the loan used to purchase it. Lately, monthly mortgage payments have gone up for buyers for two key reasons:

  1. Mortgage rates have increased from 2.65% this past January to 2.9%.
  2. Home prices have increased by 15.4% over the last 12 months.

Based on these rising factors, a home may be less affordable today, but it doesn’t mean it’s not affordable.

Three weeks ago, ATTOM Data released their second-quarter 2021 U.S. Home Affordability Report which explained that the major ownership costs on the typical home as a percent of the average national wage had increased from 22.2% in the second quarter of 2020 to 25.2% in the second quarter of this year. They also went on to explain:

“Still, the latest level is within the 28 percent standard lenders prefer for how much homeowners should spend on mortgage payments, home insurance and property taxes.

In the same report, Todd Teta, Chief Product Officer with ATTOM, confirms:

Average workers across the country can still manage the major expenses of owning a home, based on lender standards.”

It’s true that monthly mortgage payments are greater than they were last year (as the ATTOM data shows), but they’re not unaffordable when compared to the last 30 years. While payments have increased dramatically during that several-decade span, if we adjust for inflation, today’s mortgage payments are 10.7% lower than they were in 1990.

What’s that mean for you? While you may not get the homebuying deal someone you know got last year, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still buy a home. Here are your alternatives to buying and the trade-offs you’ll have with each.

Alternative 1: I’ll rent instead.

Some may consider renting as the better option. However, the monthly cost of renting a home is skyrocketing. According to the July National Rent Report from Apartment List:

“…So far in 2021, rental prices have grown a staggering 9.2%. To put that in context, in previous years growth from January to June is usually just 2 to 3%. After this month’s spike, rents have been pushed well above our expectations of where they would have been had the pandemic not disrupted the market.”

If you continue to rent, chances are your rent will keep increasing at a fast pace. That means you could end up spending significantly more of your income on your rental as time goes on, which could make it even harder to save for a home.

Alternative 2: I’ll wait it out.

Others may consider waiting for another year and hoping that purchasing a home will be less expensive then. Let’s look at that possibility.

We’ve already established that a monthly mortgage payment is determined by the price of the home and the mortgage rate. A lower monthly payment would require one of those two elements to decrease over the next year. However, experts are forecasting the exact opposite:

  • The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) projects mortgage rates will be at 4.2% by the end of next year.
  • The Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES), a survey of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts, calls for home prices to increase by 5.12% in 2022.

Based on these projections, let’s see the possible impact on a monthly mortgage payment:Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns | MyKCMBy waiting until next year, you’d potentially pay more for the home, need a larger down payment, pay a higher mortgage rate, and pay an additional $3,696 each year over the life of the mortgage.

Bottom Line

While you may have missed the absolute best time to buy a home, waiting any longer may not make sense. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First Americansays it best:

“Affordability is likely to worsen before it improves, so try to buy it now, if you can find it.”

Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?

Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?

An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently said of our supply challenges:

It looks like inventory may have hit a bottom (we’ve seen this in the higher frequency data as well). Unsold inventory in May was at 2.5 months supply, up from 2.4.

To put it into perspective, the graph below shows levels of inventory rising since the beginning of the year:Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You? | MyKCMWe’re still not close to a balanced market, which would be a 6 months’ supply of homes for sale. However, we are seeing a slow but steady increase in homes coming up for sale. And that leaves many buyers and sellers wondering the same thing: what does that mean for me?

Buyers: More Options Are Arriving, so It’s Time To Act

If you’re a buyer, more inventory coming to market is a welcome sight. More supply means more options and less competition, which could mean fewer bidding wars.

According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report, supply levels are continuing to increase, which is different from the typical summer market:

“In June, newly listed homes grew by 5.5% on a year-over-year basis, and by 10.9% on a month-over-month basis. Typically, fewer newly listed homes appear on the market in the month of June compared to May. This year, growth in new listings is continuing later into the summer season, a welcome sign for a tight housing market.

If you’re having trouble finding your next home, this news should give you the hope and motivation to keep your buying process moving forward. Experts project mortgage rates will begin increasing, which will make purchasing a home less affordable as time passes. You can still capitalize on today’s low interest rates, so stick with your search as more homes come to market.

Sellers: Our Supply Challenges Aren’t Over Yet, so Now Is the Time To Sell

If you’ve been putting off selling your house, you shouldn’t wait much longer. The year’s month-over-month gains in homes for sale have helped buyers, but we’re still very much in a sellers’ market.

As the graph below shows, even with the number of homes for sale rising, we’re still well below the supply levels we’ve seen historically:Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You? | MyKCMOf course, more homes are coming to market now, and more are expected in the coming months. Selling your house this summer gives you the chance to get ahead of the competition and maximize your sales potential before more homes are put up for sale in your neighborhood.

Bottom Line

More homes for sale means more options for buyers and more competition for sellers. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, let’s connect today to discuss your options and why it’s still a good time to make your move.

Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market

Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market

In real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally busy spring. But this isn’t a typical summer. As the economy rebounds and life is returning to normal, the real estate market is expected to have an unusually strong summer season.

Here’s how this summer is stacking up against the norm and what it means for you.Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM

Inventory is increasing.

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), inventory levels have been rising since February of this year. Looking at the graph below, there’s a clear upward trend, as shown in the green bars. Currently, there’s roughly a 2.5 months’ supply of homes for sale. And while inventory is trending up as more houses are coming to the market, it’s still much lower than several of the previous summers, as the orange bars indicate.Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCMIf you’re looking to buy, some relief is on the way in the form of more homes coming to the market. Just remember, we still have less inventory than the norm, so be patient in your search.

If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time. Work with your agent to list your house before it has more competition on the market.

Time on the market is still shorter than normal.

Unlike the typical summer trend, time on the market is moving at the fastest speed we’ve seen since NAR started collecting this survey-based information in 2011. The most recent Realtors Confidence Index shows that the average home is on the market for just 17 days, as shown in green in the graph below. This means houses are selling at a much faster pace than a typical summer, which the orange bars represent.Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCMIf you’re looking to buy, this means you need to be prepared to move fast. Brace for a quick pace and rely on your agent to stay in the know on the available homes in your area.

If you’re thinking of selling, data shows your house will likely sell quickly. If you’re worried about where you’ll go once your house sells, consider a newly built home as a good way to move up.

Price appreciation is still rising.

The last big factor making this an unusually strong market this summer is home price appreciation. According to the State House Price Index from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), we’re currently experiencing double-digit house price appreciation and have an average of 12.6% appreciation across the country. The graph below uses data from NAR to show a more granular view of how prices have changed month-to-month over the past few years. The green bars show the current price appreciation we’re experiencing today. Our current levels are well above what we’ve seen in recent summers, shown by the orange bars.Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCMIf you’re looking to buy, competition and bidding wars are driving prices up. Getting pre-approved can show the seller you’re serious and help you know what you can afford. Once you do, work with your agent to make a strong offer that stands out.

If you’re thinking of selling, seize this opportunity to use your additional equity from this price appreciation to power your next move.

Bottom Line

This isn’t a typical summer. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect to talk about how you can capitalize on today’s market conditions to sell your house or find your dream home.

The Truths Young Homebuyers Need To Hear

The Truths Young Homebuyers Need To Hear

For many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure about the homebuying process and what they can afford. It found:

  • “1 in 4 underestimated their buying potential by $150k or more”
  • “1 in 4 underestimated the increase in value by $100k or more”
  • “47% don’t know what a good interest rate is”

Because they feel uncertain, many young homebuyers have given up on their search, or worse, they’ve decided homebuying isn’t for them and never started on their journey to begin with.

If you’re interested in buying but aren’t sure where to begin, here are three key concepts about homeownership you should understand before you get started.

1. What You Need To Know About Down Payments

Saving for a down payment is sometimes viewed as one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. As Freddie Mac says:

The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”

According to the most recent Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment for homes purchased between July 2019 and June 2020 was only 12%. That number is even lower when we control for age – for buyers in the 22 to 30 age range, the median down payment was only 6%.

2. You May Be Able To Afford More Home Than You Think

Working remotely, exercising, and generally spending more time than ever in our homes has changed what many people are looking for in their living space. However, some young homebuyers don’t feel they can afford a home that suits their growing needs and have decided to continue renting instead. That means they’ll miss out on some of the long-term benefits of owning a home. As an article recently published by NAR points out:

“Many young adults are underestimating how much they need for homeownership, the survey finds. Millennials underestimated how much home they can afford right now, how much interest they would pay over a 30-year mortgage, and how much home values appreciate, on average, over 10 years…”

Knowing how much home you can afford when starting the buying process is critical and could be the game-changer that gets you from renting to buying.

3. Homeownership Will Become Less Affordable the Longer You Wait

Finally, with mortgage rates starting to rise along with home prices appreciating, putting off buying a home now could cost you much more later. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, notes:

As the economy progresses and inflation remains elevated, we expect that rates will continually rise in the second half of the year.”

Most experts forecast interest rates will rise in the months ahead, and even the smallest increase can influence your buying powerIf you’ve been on the fence about buying a home, there’s no time like the present.

Bottom Line

If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting your home search, you’re not alone. Let’s connect today so we can talk more about the process, what you’ll need to start your search, and what to expect.

A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025

A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked – as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financial stability and well-being grow to record levels.

In more good news for homeowners, the most recent Home Price Expectations Survey – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists – forecasts home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years, adding to the record amount of equity homeowners have already gained over the past year. Below are the expected year-over-year rates of home price appreciation from the report:A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 | MyKCM

What Does This Mean for Homeowners?

Home prices are climbing today, and the data in the survey indicates they’ll continue to increase, but at rates that approach a more normal pace. Even still, the amount of household wealth a homeowner stands to earn going forward is substantial. This truly becomes clear when we consider a scenario using a median-priced home purchased in January of 2021 and the projected rate of appreciation on that home over the next five years. As the graph below illustrates, a homeowner could increase their net worth by a significant amount – over $93,000 dollars by 2026.A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 | MyKCM

Home Price Appreciation and Home Equity

CoreLogic recently released their quarterly Homeowner Equity Insights Report, which tracks the year-over-year increases in equity. It shows an average annual gain of $33,400 per borrower over the past 12 months. In the report, Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, further explains:

Double-digit home price growth in the past year has bolstered home equity to a record amount. The national CoreLogic Home Price Index recorded an 11.4% rise in the year through March 2021, leading to a $216,000 increase in the average amount of equity held by homeowners with a mortgage.”

The expected, sustained growth of home prices means homeowners can continue to build on the past year’s record levels of home equity – and their financial prosperity. It also presents today’s homeowners with a unique opportunity: using their growing equity for a home upgrade. With so few homes available to purchase and strong buyer demand, there may not be a better time to sell your current house and move into one that better meets your needs.

Bottom Line

Home prices are expected to continue appreciating over the next five years, and the associated equity gains are the quickest way homeowners can build household wealth. If you’re a current homeowner who’s ready to take advantage of your built-up equity, let’s connect today to discuss your options.

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