This event is presented by Metairie Bank Northshore in Covington.
Monster Mash Fun Fall Family Festival
Bogue Falaya Park
213 Park Drive
Covington, LA 70433
October 19, 2024
10am – 2pm
Price: Adults: $5 | Children: $15 in advance, $20 at gate (kids under 2, free)
An event benefiting the Miracle League Northshore in Mandeville.
Northshore Beer Festival
Mandeville Trailhead
675 Lafitte Street
Mandeville, LA 70448
October 13, 2024
11am – 3pm
Price: $10 – $100
If you bring a tradesmen you have a chance to win a door prize in Lousiaiana.
Associate Appreciation Night
October 10, 2024
4:30pm
Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard
81250 Old Military Rd.
Bush, LA 70431
Members free and nonmembers $45
Celebrate Halloween in Ponchatoula.
Halloween in the Park
Ponchatoula Park
42074 N Hoover Rd
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
October 18, 2024
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Click Here for More Information.
The housing market may have had a slow start in 2024 as buyers waited for interest rate cuts, but there are still reasons to be optimistic. Despite high rates and elevated housing costs, buyers and sellers are seeing positive trends that could create new opportunities as the year moves forward.
While the demand in the housing market has cooled compared to the highs of the past two years, it remains steady. Year-over-year demand has remained flat, but it has started to tick upward during the summer months, a time when the housing market typically picks up. One key factor is that buyers are now adjusting to mortgage interest rates ranging from 6-8%, and some have decided to jump into the market after waiting on the sidelines.
A recent survey found that over half of millennials and 40% of Gen Z respondents feel that now is a good time to buy, even with the higher interest rates. However, affordability continues to be a significant challenge. Over three-quarters of Americans cannot afford the median home price of $500,000, and half cannot afford a $250,000 home. If the supply of homes increases, prices may begin to decrease slightly. Encouragingly, the number of new single-family homes for sale was up nearly 12% year-over-year in April and continues to trend upward.
Interest rates are expected to come down gradually, but the pace will likely be slow. When reductions do occur, they may generate excitement and renewed activity in the housing market. Many experts predict that consumer demand will strengthen in the second half of 2024 and continue to improve as the year progresses. The fourth quarter, typically a quieter period for homebuying, could experience an upswing if rates are cut later this year.
For homebuyers focused on securing the lowest possible interest rate, it may be wise to start looking now and purchase when you’re financially ready. Historically, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate has averaged 7.68% since 1976. Fannie Mae forecasts that rates will slowly decline but remain above 6% through 2025.
If you can afford a home and qualify for a loan, waiting for further rate drops could delay your homebuying journey. Additionally, buying now and refinancing later—when rates potentially fall—could be a smart move. It allows you to lock in your home’s price, begin building equity, and then take advantage of lower rates in the future. If you’ve recently purchased a home and are considering refinancing, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes to avoid.
Interest rate changes can cause spikes in demand, so it’s wise to be prepared. Knowing your desired neighborhood, having a solid financial plan, and getting pre-approved by multiple mortgage lenders can help you act quickly when the right home becomes available.
A recent ruling affecting real estate transactions has also caught the attention of both buyers and sellers. Previously, sellers were required to pay their buyer’s agent’s commission—typically around 6% of the sale price. With the new ruling, this may no longer be the case, potentially offering more negotiation opportunities for commission fees.
It’s possible that buyers may now have more options, such as hiring agents offering reduced-price services or opting for self-guided viewings of homes through lockboxes. While first-time homebuyers may be concerned about the cost of paying for their agents, there’s potential for these fees to be negotiated into the sale price rather than paid out of pocket.
Buying a home is a significant financial milestone, but it’s important not to feel rushed. Moving forward at your own pace, based on your financial readiness, can help ensure a satisfying and successful purchase. While the market may fluctuate, being prepared with a clear plan and understanding of your financial goals will help you navigate the housing market confidently.
For those just getting started, tools like ComeHome can help buyers search for homes, while current homeowners can track their home’s estimated value and monitor neighborhood listings.
While kitchen technology continues to advance with the rise of AI and smart appliances, some of the most popular design trends in 2024 have a nostalgic twist. From retro tiles to classic flooring, homeowners are embracing a vintage vibe, even as they incorporate modern functionality. We spoke with several architects and designers to discover which trends are making waves in kitchens this year.
Surprisingly, linoleum is making a strong return in 2024. Known for its durability and ease of cleaning, linoleum is no longer confined to history or retro Instagram pages like @cheapoldhouses. According to Leah Ring, designer at Another Human in Los Angeles, linoleum has maintained its popularity for good reason. “Linoleum offers endless options in color and is an eco-friendly choice,” she says, noting that it’s biodegradable and recyclable, unlike vinyl flooring. Ring has noticed clients becoming more adventurous with bold colors in their kitchens, incorporating hues like purple and green linoleum. For many, the kitchen remains a personal, private space, and homeowners are eager to personalize it with colors that bring them joy.
While gas stoves have long been a staple in kitchens, the shift towards sustainability is driving a growing interest in induction cooktops. Isaac Resnikoff, of Project Room in Los Angeles, is a firm advocate of this trend. “Once you get past the attachment to gas, you realize induction is faster, safer, and greener,” he says. Having used an induction stove for four years, he’s convinced of its superior performance and environmental benefits. As the push for decarbonization continues, induction cooktops are becoming a gateway for homeowners to adopt other energy-efficient appliances. Plus, with their cooler surfaces, they offer practical advantages, like easier cleanup after cooking.
Built-in breakfast bars and pass-through islands are another trend experiencing a revival. These features, once associated with mid-century homes, are gaining renewed attention for their functional and aesthetic appeal. They offer a partial division between the kitchen and living areas, making them a focal point for both cooking and socializing. Leah Ring explains, “Kitchens are the heart of the home, and big islands provide useful space while creating a natural connection to other living areas.” Whether for casual dining or extra prep space, these bars are becoming essential in modern kitchen designs.
Oiled bronze is out, and stainless steel is back in style. White metals, including chrome, are experiencing a resurgence as homeowners seek sleek, minimalist designs. Resnikoff points out that stainless steel cabinetry is emerging as an alternative to traditional wood or synthetic materials. First introduced in the 1930s, metal cabinets are making a comeback, offering both durability and a modern edge. Reflective materials, like mirror glass backsplashes, are also being used to create a bright, spacious feel in contemporary kitchens.
Architect Della Hansmann, known for her podcast Mid Mod Remodel, specializes in blending mid-century design with modern living. When it comes to kitchens, tiles are a key feature where vintage inspiration shines. Hansmann often works with clients who want to preserve the charm of their original kitchens while updating them for today’s needs. Handmade tiles, like those from Clayhaus, are popular for their retro appeal, offering a wide range of colors and styles. Whether it’s an atomic-age look or a pop-art twist, tiles provide endless opportunities to infuse personality into a kitchen design.
In 2024, kitchen design is striking a balance between the cutting-edge and the classic, with homeowners embracing both the future and the past. Whether through vintage-inspired flooring, sustainable appliances, or the return of iconic features, the kitchen is evolving into a space where old meets new.
