How Trump’s Tariffs Impacts Housing

new-construction

President Donald Trump’s recent implementation of 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum products is expected to significantly increase the cost of building materials for new homes. These tariffs, effective from March 2025, are projected to raise residential construction costs substantially, impacting both builders and homebuyers.

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Is The Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

As of March 2025, Atlanta’s real estate market exhibits signs of balancing, characterized by moderated price growth, increased inventory, and steady demand.

Home Prices and Sales Activity

In late 2024, home price appreciation in metro Atlanta slowed, primarily due to elevated mortgage rates reducing demand. Forecasts for 2025 suggest that if mortgage rates and housing inventory remain steady, home prices may stabilize.

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What Is Redlining In Real Estate

Redlining in real estate is the practice of systematically denying services like loans, mortgages, or insurance to residents in certain areas based on their race or ethnicity. It was a discriminatory practice primarily targeting Black, Latino, and other minority communities. The term “redlining” comes from the red lines drawn on maps by lenders or insurers to mark areas they considered too risky to provide services to, often due to the racial or ethnic composition of the neighborhood. Here’s how it worked historically:

  • Mapping Areas: In the 1930s, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) and other government-backed agencies created color-coded maps to assess the risk level of neighborhoods for mortgage lending. Green areas were considered the safest, while red areas, where minority communities often lived, were marked as “high-risk” and were systematically denied loans and insurance. 
  • Exclusion from Homeownership: By denying access to loans in redlined areas, these practices made it incredibly difficult for people, especially Black families, to buy homes, leading to disinvestment in these communities.
  • Long-term Impact: Redlining didn’t just affect individuals’ ability to purchase homes; it also resulted in a lack of economic growth, as homeownership is a primary way for people to build wealth. The practice contributed to segregated neighborhoods, a gap in wealth accumulation between racial groups, and lingering effects on access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Even though redlining was officially outlawed with the **Fair Housing Act of 1968**, its effects are still felt today. Many of the neighborhoods that were once redlined remain underdeveloped, with lower property values and fewer resources. This history continues to contribute to racial inequality in housing and wealth across the United States. The lasting impact of redlining has sparked efforts to address housing discrimination, advocate for fair lending practices, and revitalize neighborhoods that were once subjected to these harmful practices.

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Is Farmhouse Still Trendy Or A Thing Of The Past?

Farmhouse design is still quite popular and continues to be a trendy style. The evolution over time means it’s adapting to current preferences. While traditional farmhouse aesthetics are still loved, there are some variations and modern takes on the style that keep it fresh and relevant. Here’s why farmhouse design still holds appeal:

  1. Modern Farmhouse: The modern farmhouse style, which combines rustic charm with contemporary elements, remains a favorite. Think clean lines, open spaces, and minimalistic yet warm decor. This style often uses natural materials like wood, metal, and stone, and incorporates neutral tones that make it feel fresh and timeless.

  2. Cozy and Inviting: People are always drawn to spaces that feel comfortable and welcoming, and the farmhouse style excels in creating that atmosphere. Whether it’s a cozy living room with a big farmhouse-style kitchen or a wraparound porch, the vibe is casual, approachable, and family-oriented.

  3. Functionality Meets Aesthetics: The farmhouse style also offers practicality, which is important for modern lifestyles. Large kitchens with plenty of counter space, mudrooms for convenience, and functional layouts make it ideal for growing families and those who love a down-to-earth, functional home.

  4. Incorporating Sustainability: Many farmhouse-inspired homes focus on sustainability, which is another reason why the style resonates today. With a focus on natural materials, energy-efficient appliances, and even repurposed items, it aligns well with modern preferences for eco-friendly design.

  5. Personalization and Versatility: Farmhouse design also allows for a lot of personal expression. You can add more industrial touches, mix in some boho elements, or make it more refined depending on your tastes. The adaptability of farmhouse design ensures it remains relevant in a variety of homes and regions.

While it may have been widely popularized by TV shows, its timeless appeal and flexibility in design ensure it’s not going away anytime soon. Are you considering farmhouse design for your space, or just curious about how it’s evolving?

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The Effects of Interest Rates Dropping In A Challenging Market

When interest rates drop in a challenging market, it can have a range of effects, both positive and negative, depending on the specific conditions of the market and the economy. Here’s a breakdown of some potential impacts:

Positive Effects

  • Encourages Borrowing and Investment: Lower interest rates make borrowing cheaper, which can encourage businesses to invest in expansion or new projects. Consumers might also take advantage of lower rates to finance big purchases like homes or cars.
  • Stimulates Economic Growth: Increased borrowing and spending can help stimulate economic activity. For businesses, this might mean more hiring or increased production, while consumers might boost their spending on goods and services.
  • Reduces Debt Servicing Costs: For those with existing loans, lower interest rates can reduce monthly payments and overall debt servicing costs. This can improve personal and corporate cash flow.
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Sell Your Home With Confidence

Sell Your Home With Confidence

Selling a home can be a significant endeavor, but with the right approach and a bit of confidence, you can navigate the process successfully. Here are some tips to help you sell your home with confidence:

  1. Prepare your home: Start by making necessary repairs and improvements to enhance your home’s appeal. Declutter and depersonalize the space to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Consider staging your home or hiring a professional to showcase its best features.

  2. Price it right: L McFadden Realty will conduct thorough research to determine the appropriate listing price for your home. Consider factors such as the local real estate market, recent comparable sales, and the condition of your property. Pricing your home competitively will attract more buyers and increase your chances of a quick sale.

  3. Market effectively: L McFadden Realty utilizes a multi-channel marketing strategy to reach a broad audience of potential buyers. Utilize online platforms, social media, professional photography, and virtual tours to showcase your home’s unique features. Additionally, we consider hosting open houses and engaging with real estate agents to widen your reach.

  4. Highlight key selling points: We, at L McFadden Realty, will Identify the most attractive features of your home and emphasize them in your marketing materials. Whether it’s a spacious backyard, a recently renovated kitchen, or a desirable neighborhood, we will make sure that potential buyers are aware of these selling points.

  5. Be responsive and flexible: When potential buyers show interest, respond promptly to their inquiries and accommodate their requests for viewings. Flexibility in scheduling can help create a positive impression and increase the likelihood of receiving competitive offers.

  6. Work with the BEST: L McFadden Realty has experience in your local market. As skilled agents, we can provide valuable insights, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the selling process, alleviating much of the stress associated with selling a home.

  7. Be confident and transparent: Present your home confidently to potential buyers. Be prepared to answer questions about the property, its history, and any relevant disclosures. Honesty and transparency go a long way in building trust and confidence with potential buyers.

Remember, selling a home is a process that requires patience and perseverance. By following these tips and approaching the sale of your home with confidence, you’ll increase your chances of a successful and satisfying transaction.

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Georgia Featured in Top 2023 Real Estate Markets Prediction

According to Realtor.com, the greater Richmond County area — which includes Augusta — is in the top six U.S. housing markets for growth in 2023. It is Georgia’s only entry within the realty news company’s top 10 list. The U.S. housing market has fluctuated significantly through the past three years, largely due to the pandemic and other unexpected economic stressors. Augusta’s Richmond County, however, ranked highly in Realtor.com’s report for its yearly percentage growth, in both total sales and anticipated prices, for 2023 all the same.
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