Carolyn Neugarten

1 week ago | realestate.usnews.com | Maurie Backman |Carolyn Neugarten |Dawn Bradbury

Key Takeaways: Avocado-green bathrooms were popular in the 1970s, featuring everything from avocado tiles to avocado fixtures. Some experts say they're now making a comeback. While you may like the look, be mindful of how it could impact your home's resale value. It's not such an unusual thing for retro trends to resurface years or decades later. Bell-bottom pants came back in the early 2000s to the delight of aging hippies.

1 week ago | realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Big cities often come with big trade-offs, but not always. While some major metros struggle with high costs, long commutes or high crime rates, others manage to offer the perks of urban life without the downsides. When evaluating this year’s 250 Best Places to Live list, U.S. News analyzed 859 cities across the country, using data related to affordability, quality of life, job market strength and overall desirability.

2 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Josephine Nesbit |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Big-city perks aren’t limited to the country’s largest metros. If you’re looking for career opportunities, cultural amenities and a high quality of life without the sky-high cost of living, these medium-sized cities deliver. For the Top 250 Best Places to Live list, the U.S. News’ analysis evaluated data related to the desirability, quality of life, job market and value of 859 U.S. cities. This includes crime rates, cost of living, job market, net migration, climate, quality of education and more.

3 weeks ago | realestate.usnews.com | Deborah Kearns |Dawn Bradbury |Carolyn Neugarten

Key Takeaways: Certain materials like lumber and steel, typically sourced from abroad, will likely have higher price tags. Lengthy and costly remodeling projects with imported materials will be most impacted. Minor projects and many exterior projects will be the ones most likely to stay static. Communication with contractors and thorough project planning can help combat price uncertainty. Spring and summer offer homeowners a prime window to check home renovation projects off their list.