According to Realtor.com’s 2026 Housing Forecast Midyear Update, existing-home sales are expected to total 4.10 million as year-over-year growth improves in the second half of the year. Existing-home sales steadied in April before climbing in May. Year-to-date, existing-home sales are currently just 0.2% ahead of their prior year pace. The report expects growth to pick up in the second half of 2026, though by less than originally forecasted. As a result, existing-home sales are expected to grow 1.0% to an annual total of 4.10 million. The May existing-home sales data…
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Summer bathroom remodeling trends
Summer is the prime season for renovations. As the temperature rises outside, homeowners begin to turn their attention to their interiors. The bathroom is one of the most used spaces in a home and clients are looking for spaces that are stylish, easy to live with and designed around everyday routines. Walk-in showers remain one of the most requested bathroom features in renovations. A walk-in shower can make the room feel more spacious, especially when paired with large-format tiles and clear glass screens. For homeowners looking ahead, they can also…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Highland Ridge Remodeling
Highland Ridge Remodeling turned an underused dining room into a comfortable, luxurious primary suite and renovated the main bathroom to improve comfort and functionality. Located in Milwaukie, Ore., the project features thoughtful renovations designed for longevity. Like many homes that have been well-loved over time, the clients’ layout began to feel less practical for the way they wanted to live moving forward. Their primary bedroom was upstairs and getting more difficult to access. Rather than relocate, the clients and builder turned their attention to the dining room, which was rarely…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Blackdog Builders
Blackdog Builders gave a second life to this kitchen in this 1970s home. Located in Hollis, New Hampshire, the original layout felt undersized, lacked natural light and failed to make the most of the peaceful, tree-lined views beyond the windows. The goal was not to overhaul the house, but to create a space that felt intentional, functional and in harmony with the setting, while working within the constraints of the existing structure. Rather than building outward to disrupt the home’s clean lines, the solution came from rethinking what already existed;…
Read MorePool trends that are transforming backyard living
The backyard pool has evolved from a simple place to cool off into something far more sophisticated. Today’s homeowners envision their pools as complete outdoor living destinations that deserve the same amount of care as the inside of a home. This transformation reflects broader lifestyle shifts: the desire to maximize home value, create resort-quality experiences at home and integrate technology into every aspect of daily life. Traditional pool designs used to rely on an all-or-nothing experience, meaning a person was either submerged in water or completely out of the water.…
Read MoreCoastal design is taking over summer renovations
South Florida homeowners are renovating their spaces to feel like luxury resorts that they can enjoy every day. They want spaces that encourage slowing down, spending more time outdoors and creating a seamless connection between the coastal environment and their homes. Coastal design, which captures all of those elements, is the latest summer trend reshaping clients’ interior spaces. Coastal design is an aesthetic inspired by the beach and seaside lifestyle that maximizes natural light, utilizes open spaces, blends together indoor-outdoor living and relies on an ocean-inspired color palette like soft…
Read MoreConstruction job openings increase
According to a new survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of open positions in the construction sector increased in May 2026. The number of open jobs for the overall economy fell flat in May, remaining near 7.59 million. The May reading was also measurably higher compared to a year ago, at 7.31 million. The recent increase in job openings for the overall economy indicates that the labor market is holding steady. The construction job openings rate increased to 3.5% in May, up from the 2.6% rate estimated…
Read MoreExisting home sales rise to a 5-month high
According to the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index, existing home sales rose 3.2% in May to a five-month high of 4.17 million. The spring selling season initially started slowly before gaining traction towards the end. Chicago continued to lead in existing home sales, followed by New York City and Cleveland. Meanwhile, pending home sales climbed 3.8% with a 4.8% year-over-year gain. Looking ahead, mortgage rates have hovered near 6.5% for six consecutive weeks, pushed higher by renewed inflation concerns and elevated energy prices. At the same time, listing prices…
Read MoreEmerging kitchen design trends
Kitchen design trends are constantly evolving. The following designs are expected to take over kitchen renovations, replacing previous looks and features that are now considered dated, according to interior designers. Industrial-style kitchens featuring endless swaths of stainless steel no longer hold the power they once did. Instead, kitchen design trends are shifting towards spaces that feel lived-in rather than spotless. “Country kitchens are less about chasing perfection and more about creating spaces that feel genuinely lived-in,” said Tanya Smith-Shiflett, interior designer at Unique Kitchens & Baths. Recessed lights will be…
Read MoreBathroom upgrades prioritize comfort
Bathrooms may be among the smallest rooms in the house, but in 2026, they are the site of some of the year’s biggest design statements. Once treated purely as functional spaces, the bathroom has been reimagined as a place that fosters comfort and longevity. From tile selections to technology that quietly enhances everyday routines, the latest wave of bathroom trends prioritizes comfort as much as beautiful design. Rather than just a utilitarian background choice, tile will start to act more like artwork in bathrooms. According to Lauren Saab, interior designer…
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