Why is this the hottest real estate market?  Most people would answer that demand is driving this market, but that is a fallacy.  Rather this market is being driven by the scarcity of homes for sale.  Yes, our demand has been slightly above normal. But demand could drop well below normal levels and still have little impact on the market simply because the current supply is so scarce.  We need about 7 times the amount of homes currently for sale to balance the market.  Therefore the key to the market rebalancing is increased listings – both active and new to market - not decreased demand.
 

Does scrolling through Instagram, seeing picture perfect kitchens have you worried about how you’re going to sell your house when all of the buyers out there probably want the Instagram version? Well here are a few tips that can help give your space a mini face lift without spending $30,000 on an Instagram perfect kitchen remodel so you can still be sure to attract lots of buyers!

#1: ADD AN ISLAND

Islands are great for entertaining and also can add a ton of extra storage space for small kitchen appliances, serving platters, and pots and pans.

The good news is that you don’t have to match the island to your current cabinets, you can have fun with it! You could look for a freestanding island on sites like Wayfair, Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel to find one that complements the style of your kitchen. You could even take it with you when you move (or it could be a negotiating tool to increase the buyer’s offer price)!

If you’re buying an island on more of a budget, consider buying an unfinished wood version and painting it yourself. You can even make it a pop of color like the trending blue and green cabinets we’re seeing lately so it stands out without changing the entire kitchen to a trendy color.

#2: ADD ACCESSORIES

Whether you’re going to be putting your house up for sale or just want to add some style to your countertops, adding accessories can make your space feel cozy and also more stylish!

You want to reduce kitchen clutter when it comes to pieces of mail, too many kitchen appliances (goodbye blender, toaster and juicer), and other junk that accumulates but you don’t want the countertops to be completely bare.

So replace those not so pretty items with stylish accessories. Consider adding items such as a nice pitcher, a vase of flowers, a plant, a wire basket filled with pretty cookbooks, an Anthropologie candle, a bowl of colorful fruit, and even your Kitchen Aid Mixer (especially if it’s a fun pop of color!)

#3: UPGRADE YOUR SINK STYLE

Is your sink comparable to the generic, shallow - stainless steel sinks you find in many apartment complexes? Or maybe it’s really scratched up and turning into more of an eye sore.

Replacing your sink with a modern style can make a big difference in your kitchen’s appearance without costing you a fortune!

If you want to take it even further, replace the kitchen faucet while you’re at it! Search kitchen trends on Pinterest or look at popular interior design accounts on Instagram for inspiration and to see what will fit your overall style best!

You signed your name about 200 times and got the keys to your new house! Now you’re ready for a weekend of cleaning, unpacking, and decorating your new space! It’s going to be a busy few weeks getting settled so I rounded up some of my favorite go - to products for new homeowners and they’re all from Trader Joes! Print this out or grab a pen and paper so you can make a grocery list and have these items ready to go in a cooler before heading to your new home!

Peony Blossom Candle - The best way to make a new house feel like your own is by incorporating your own scent! This candle is super affordable and smells refreshing, so you’ll want to stock up!

Everything But The Bagel Seasoning - It might be a few weeks before you’re unpacked and cooking yummy dinners but this seasoning pretty much goes with anything! Toast a piece of sour dough bread, top it with avocado and this seasoning for an easy breakfast! It’s also great on eggs, cucumber slices with hummus, plain bagels with cream cheese and so much more!

Italian Chicken Sausage - The perfect item for an easy or emergency dinner! They have spicy, sweet, garlic and lots more! Slice them up and pair with pasta and a veggie for a dinner that takes less than 10 minutes to prep!

Cauliflower Gnocchi - Your life will be forever changed! All you have to do is search Pinterest for “Trader Joes Cauliflower Gnocchi” and tons of easy meal ideas will pop up. They are in the frozen section and can always be used for an easy last minute dinner while you’re busy painting and unpacking!

ABC Bars - Do you like chocolate? Do you like almond butter? If you answered yes, then these are sure to be a hit! These are great to have on hand for a quick snack on moving day or even while you’re running out the door on another trip to Home Depot! (Trust me, this will be a frequent destination for awhile as a new homeowner!)

Almond Sparkling Wine - You’re not officially a homeowner until you pop a bottle of bubbly in your new place! This champagne is under $10 and tastes like dessert! I promise you’ll like it even if you don’t like champagne!

Trader Joes Seltzer Water - There’s nothing more refreshing than a sparkling water with real, fresh squeezed fruit, and Trader Joes has the best flavors! Don’t forget the #SpinDriftHack - Turn sparkling water into happy hour by using it to make cocktails for the moving crew! Favorite Flavor: Blood Orange with Orange Juice!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust - If cauliflower can become pizza, then you my friend, can become a homeowner! This pizza crust tastes just like the real thing but you’re eating veggies instead of dough! Stock your freezer with these and then grab some shredded cheese and your favorite pizza toppings for a “healthified” moving day pizza party!

There you have it! My favorite Trader Joes items that will help you get through moving day, unpacking and making your new house your home! Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorites?!