With houses still selling so fast, it’s easy to wonder if staging is even necessary. The answer is absolutely, especially because today’s buyers are ready to make a purchase quickly. If they look at two homes on the same day — and can see themselves living in one but not the other — there’s no question that they will choose the one they can visualize as their own. In fact, according to a 2023 report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), some buyers will even offer up to five percent more for a staged home compared to similar homes on the market that were not staged. 

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Just like clothing fashions, home trends come and go and are reflected in the types of homes that are popular. The difference is that houses stick around a lot longer than clothes. When it comes to St. Louis home styles, many houses built more than 100 years ago are still standing, as are houses from every era since.

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Standards of luxury change with the times. Fifty years ago, a two-car garage, a double-sink vanity, or a bar in the rec-room would have seemed pretty special in some houses. Today, those features are common, and one would be hard-pressed to find a new-build without things like walk-in closets, a security system, or a master ensuite. Heated floors, outdoor living space, swimming pools, and spas have become so mainstream that they are no longer the signatures of luxury homes.

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Whether buying or selling a home in St. Louis, finding the best realtor will involve some work. You’ll want to ask people you know for referrals, do some research, and finally, interview the best candidates. (Read Follow These 3 Steps to Find a Real Estate Agent.) Sales statistics and experience are important, but you need to feel confident in your decision on a more personal level, too.

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If you haven’t heard by now, Pantone selected their Color of the Year for 2019: Living Coral! This vibrant hue is a bit livelier than previous shades (Ultra Violet in 2018, Greenery in 2017, and the Rose Quartz and Serenity duo in 2016), and for good reason. Warm, comforting, and sociable, this lovely shade of orangey peach was selected in response to the continuous onslaught of social media, calling for a more meaningful interaction with the world around us. Found in the gorgeous ocean reefs, Living Coral helps us reconnect with nature in this modern age.

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Industrial chic meets rustic aesthetic—that's the home design forecast for 2019. This year, according to the Zillow Home Trend Forecast, expect less focus on organic, farmhouse design elements and more materials like concrete and metal accented with rustic touches.

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Apprehension and inexperience keep many homeowners from pursuing renovation projects that would make their homes more functional, enjoyable and comfortable. Getting your hands dirty on the front end—with some planning and preparation – is the best blueprint for a successful home remodeling project.

To help you start your remodel on the right track, consider these tips from Gary White with JCPenney Home Services.

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Summer patio season is ramping up. The experts at Infratec say that outdoor design trends for 2018 are all about incorporating affordable luxury into your own backyard by turning your patio into a peaceful, lush oasis through low-maintenance water fixtures, a color refresh and vintage materials.

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Are you interested in adding a little seasonal oomph to your space? Below are a handful of cozy—and inexpensive—winter updates.

Cozy blankets galore. Nothing is better than a snuggly blanket on a cool winter evening. Drape heavier blankets over sofas, chairs or reading nooks, and even fold one up by the fireplace for stretching out on the floor. Just make sure it’s safely away from the flames!

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Today’s Ask the Expert column features Patty McNease, director of Marketing for Homes.com.

Q: How can staging pave the way for a better sell?

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