Redfin

6 days ago | redfin.com | Dana Anderson

Americans are purchasing one-third as many vacation homes as they were during the pandemic buying boom. High prices and mortgage rates, along with the return of in-office work, have made the prospect of owning a second home less appealing than it once was.  U.S. homebuyers took out 86,604 mortgages for second homes in 2024, the lowest level in records dating back to 2018 and down 5% from a year earlier.

6 days ago | redfin.com | Dana Anderson

With new listings rising and pending sales declining, Redfin agents suggest sellers set their asking price fairly from the start to attract buyers and avoid price drops. The median U.S. monthly housing payment hit an all-time high of $2,868 during the four weeks ending May 4. That’s due to two key factors: Home-sale prices are up 1.8% year over year, and the weekly average mortgage rate is 6.76%, down slightly from mid-April but elevated well above pandemic-era lows.

1 week ago | redfin.com | Ashley Cotter

Lighting is something we use every day, but the right lighting choices can quickly take a space from average to ambiance. Whether you’re glamming up your Los Angeles rental, decorating your home in Seattle, or elevating the vibe in a New York apartment, you should definitely implement this design trick every interior expert knows: a technique called layered lighting. Recessed lighting, a hanging pendant, and under-cabinet lights provide lighting depth in this kitchen. What is layered lighting?

1 week ago | redfin.com | Pablo Chacon Alvarez |Pablo Álvarez

Backyards are a key aspect of a home, it’s where we socialize, relax, and play. But after the sun goes down, it’s forgotten as we rush inside to escape the dark. This is where backyard lighting comes into play. Backyard lighting isn’t just about extending the usability of your outdoor area; it’s about setting a mood, highlighting landscaping, and creating an inviting atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy long after dusk.

1 week ago | redfin.com | Dana Anderson

In Denver and Seattle, families pay nearly as much for daycare as they do for rent–and they pay much more for daycare than rent if it’s for two children. The average monthly cost of sending one child to daycare in Denver is $1,434, equal to 83% of the typical rent payment ($1,720) in that metro area. Sending two kids to daycare in Denver costs $2,867, or 167% of the typical rent payment.