New research found that 66% of homeowners are planning for major investments within the next five years. Major investments entail many goals, from a big renovation or system upgrade to preparing a home for an eventual sale. Major renovation projects are a reflection of homeowners choosing to remodel and improve their forever home, rather than relocate. “Economic pressures, including inflation, high interest rates and income uncertainty, are likely driving this stay-put, let’s-just-improve-our-home mentality,” said Tammy Crosby, CEO of The House Designers in Monroe, Conn. Read Full Article
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Pending home sales soften as summer winds down
According to a new Redfin analysis, home buying is softening as summer winds down. Pending home sales fell 1.3% week over week, while new U.S. home listings rose 1.2%. Home-buying demand remains strong in California’s Bay Area and South Florida. However, an opportunity remains as summer winds down: New home listings and slower demand could draw out more potential home buyers. Touring activity remains up 10% from the start of the year, as of Aug. 15, 2026. “Some homeowners have been waiting for mortgage rates to fall and demand to…
Read MorePending home sale tour activity up 12%
According to a Redfin analysis, as of Aug. 8, 2026, touring activity for pending home sales is up 12% from the start of the year. U.S. pending home sales edged up 0.4% week over week during the four weeks leading up to August 9 on a seasonally adjusted basis, offering a boost to this summer’s slow housing market. Pending sales remain lower, but the latest weekly uptick may reflect normal week-to-week changes, showing signs of a steadying market. On a year-over-year basis, pending sales are down 1.6%. While rising mortgage rates…
Read MoreNostalgia drives new renovation design trend
More homeowners are renovating to incorporate their personal story into their spaces. Interior designers have seen more homeowners pull inspiration from their childhoods, heavily influenced by nostalgia. While many retro- or vintage-inspired interior design elements are somewhat outdated, some are making a return this year as homeowners seek to bring back fond memories from their past. “We are seeing a massive return to crafted, handmade items like macramé wall hangings, crochet blankets and embroidered textiles,” said Andy Yates of Andy Yates Design. “It ties heavily into that chic ‘Grandma-core’ or…
Read MoreMassachusetts housing bill approves over 2,000 ADUs
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s administration announced that municipalities statewide have approved 854 accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during the first six months of 2026, following the signing of the Affordable Homes Act. This brings the statewide total to 2,084 approved ADUs since the start of 2025. “We wanted to make it easier… to build ADUs because we knew they were an effective tool for building the type of housing people need and lowering costs,” said Healey. “We’re seeing homeowners across Massachusetts take advantage of this new opportunity, whether it’s creating space…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Amplified Renovations
Amplified Renovations completed a full transformation of the kitchen and dining area in this Northwest Portland, Ore., home. The six-week-long project involved structural modifications and detailed coordination to deliver a clean, modern result that feels both intentional and timeless. The original kitchen and dining areas were divided by multiple interior walls, while a side room was used primarily for storage. The previous layout limited natural light, obstructed views and made the space feel smaller and more compartmentalized. The remodel focused on removing physical and visual barriers while reinforcing the home…
Read MorePent-up demand expected to elevate pending home sales
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales decreased by 2.3% month-over-month in July 2026. Year-over-year, pending home sales decreased by 2.2%. The Midwest, however, experienced growth in pending home sales, with a 1.7% increase year-over-year. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said that there is still hope for the coming years. “Job gains should bring more buyers into the market, especially if mortgage rates stabilize or decline, though that impact takes time to show up,” said Yun. “Right now, pending contracts are 30%…
Read MoreBuilding material prices see growth in July
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Producer Price Index, residential building material prices rose 0.4% in July 2026 and were up 5.0% from last year. The price index for inputs to new residential construction fell 0.1% in July, but was up 6.5% from the year before. The price of goods used in new residential construction, including energy, was up 0.1% over the month and up 6.7% from last year, while the price of services was down 0.3% over the month and up 6.2% from last year. Among…
Read MoreThe evolution of bathroom remodeling in 2026
Modern bathrooms have evolved past basic functional use in 2026. Homeowners are renovating their bathrooms to feel brighter and more relaxing, prioritizing comfort above all else. Instead of cold, polished interiors, many modern bathroom remodels are focused on creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. Throughout 2026, bathrooms have become one of the most important spaces in the home; most clients begin and end their day in these spaces. As a result, comfort, functionality and, overall, atmosphere have become much bigger priorities during renovation projects. Durability is also playing a…
Read MoreLooking ahead to 2027 luxury renovation trends
For several years, luxury was defined by minimalism, including white interiors, clean lines, open spaces and an intentionally restrained palette. While those elements are not disappearing, homeowners are increasingly looking for something more personal. As 2027 edges closer, builders and designers are seeing a welcome shift in luxury renovation design trends. In Florida’s luxury homes, natural materials have become the new luxury. One of the strongest visible shifts is toward materials with genuine depth and character. Natural stone, warm woods, textured plaster, limestone, marble and other tactile finishes bring something…
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