Posts made by author 'Coldwell Banker Tomlinson'

Home-buying trends reveal how buyers' priorities – and the definition of an ideal community – continue to evolve. The signals this year are mixed. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) June 2026 Existing-Home Sales report found housing supply is up slightly from the month before, and its Housing Affordability Index rose – driven mainly by wage growth outpacing home-price growth rather than prices falling. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies takes a more cautious view in its 2026 State of the Nation's Housing report, describing overall activity as subdued, even as new construction slowly chips away at supply shortfalls. Against that backdrop, home-buying trends show buyers are looking beyond the suburban-versus-urban debate and focusing on the communities that deliver the best combination of lifestyle and affordability.

Suburban Home-Buying Trends

Suburbs remain the default choice for buyers who want more space, larger...

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Between managing work, school drop-offs, and an endless to-do list, figuring out what's for dinner can feel like a daily challenge. Meal planning for busy households is the ultimate solution to this common problem.

Spending just a little time organizing your week ahead can reclaim hours of your time, cut down on grocery waste and lower your evening stress. Best of all, it doesn't require culinary mastery to work. A few simple adjustments to your routine will help you spend less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying the meals.

Build Around Your Real Calendar

The most effective strategies adapt to your actual lifestyle, not an idealized version of it. Before you even touch a grocery list, look at your household calendar. If Tuesdays are packed with sports or Thursdays involve late meetings, those are not the nights to experiment with complex new recipes.

Instead, save your busy evenings for...

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The kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in any home. It's where mornings begin, dinners come together and family members seem to gather without even trying. But when cabinets are overflowing and pantry shelves are cluttered, even simple tasks can feel frustrating. If you're looking to organize your kitchen without spending weeks on a renovation, a free weekend may be all you need. A few simple changes can help create a more functional and organized space.

Start With a Clean Slate

The first step is to take everything out. While it may seem overwhelming, emptying cabinets, drawers and pantry shelves gives you a clear view of what you have and how much capacity is available.

As you sort through items, check expiration dates and remove anything that is no longer usable. Set aside any duplicate gadgets, unused containers or other staples you no longer use. Decluttering before reorganizing helps prevent unnecessary items from fi...

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Summer is one of the busiest seasons for real estate, making it the perfect time to showcase your home's best features. Thoughtful staging can help buyers picture themselves living in the space, and a bright, open atmosphere often leaves a lasting impression. With a few simple updates, you can make your home feel welcoming from the moment buyers step inside.

Start by maximizing natural light. Open curtains and blinds before every showing, clean windows inside and out, and trim back any landscaping that blocks sunlight. Bright, sun-filled rooms feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting, helping buyers appreciate the home's layout.

Next, embrace a light and airy color palette. Neutral tones paired with soft blues, sage greens, or sandy beiges create a fresh summer feel. Swap out heavy blankets and dark accent pillows for lightweight fabrics in crisp, seasonal colors to instantly brighten living spaces.

Remove unnecessary furniture...

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Before buyers consider square footage or storage space, they are often forming opinions about finishes, layouts and design choices. While some classic details always hold their appeal, other features immediately come across as outdated – even if the home has been meticulously maintained. The good news is that many of these elements can be refreshed with thoughtful, cost-effective upgrades for a more current, inviting and move-in-ready feel.

Heavy Ornamental Details

Intricate styling that was once deemed luxurious can now appear visually overwhelming. Excessive crown molding, ornate cabinets and highly decorative columns may make spaces seem weighted down and less open than today's preferred aesthetic. Buyers are increasingly drawn to clean lines, lighter materials and interiors that are airy and adaptable.

Granite Countertops With Busy Patterns

Although granite is still considered a positive se...

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