Date Submitted: 06/10/2024
An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” might sound institutional, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. Because the full name is a mouthful, we use the shorthand “ADU” instead. ADUs are defined by the fact that they’re a type of housing unit—NOT a standardized structural form. When learning about a new design concept like an ADU, it’s natural to want to know exactly what that concept looks like in the flesh. However, ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit. We want to embed the ADU design concept in or brains as a tangible object that we can mentally reference. Let’s broaden that mental model by exploring and understanding the range of common ADU types.
Date Submitted: 06/10/2024
Last year may go down in real estate history as the year of correction. After a pandemic-fueled, seller-benefitting boom — with bidding wars, inventory shortages and skyrocketing prices all over the country — the housing market finally began to cool down. The impact of inflation and fast-rising interest rates dampened buyers’ interest, causing sales to slow and price appreciation to decelerate. All this made 2023 something of a transitional year. Now, as 2024 begins to wind down, inflation is much lower but both home prices and mortgage rates remain high. While inventory has started to tick up, a continued scarcity of houses means sellers still have an edge in many areas. And no one expects a dramatic housing market crash. Still, many analysts see a shift coming toward a more balanced market, which would benefit buyers. Whatever the economic state of the real estate market, buying a house can be an exciting and emotional process. Before starting your search, be sure you understand the ins and outs of homebuying, so you can make the best decisions for your family — and your wallet. Here’s what to know when buying a house, one step at a time.
Date Submitted: 06/10/2024
Key takeaways Selling a house can take several months from start to finish, so it’s crucial to plan ahead and stay organized. Start by setting a timeline to stick to and hiring a local real estate agent who knows your market well. Be sure your listing photos are the highest quality possible — homebuyers look at listings online first before deciding which to visit in person.
