The Crystal Ball Says

We got out our crystal ball to see what was in store in 2022. Actually, we spent some time on the internet. Here are some predictions from the experts for the coming year:

Real Estate

From Lee Ann Wynns with DORSEY ALSTON, REALTORS (LeeAnnWynns@dorseyalston.com)

"The last two years have brought the importance of our homes to the forefront. This has not changed. For the next couple of months, the expectation is that available inventory of homes for sale will remain tight, while buyer demand will continue to build. Interest rates will likely rise but continue to be historically low.

Right now, the January 2022 inventory of single-family homes for sale in Cobb County is 30% lower than in January 2021. Pre-pandemic, we saw inventory levels starting in January rise each month and top out in May - July. We did not see that happen in 2020 and in 2021. We have buyers, we need inventory!"

And another trend: People working from home are realizing the to a great extent, they are able to work from….anywhere: from their second home, far far away from their previous office location, so many new choices!

Prices

Inflation will get worse before it gets better. Wages are on the rise (that’s good!) but costs are likely to rise even more (that’s bad). Home prices and rents are still high. Car prices remain in the stratosphere. Energy costs will rise this winter. Want to eat? Not only are food costs up — or packages getting smaller — but record fertilizer prices now could send food prices even higher next year. Also, no, the shipping and ports situation isn’t much better, despite what you may hear.

Old Is New

Vintage furniture is trending, for a variety of reasons: nostalgia, it’s readily available (no supply chain delays), allows you to express your personal style, tells a story…..check your attic for old pieces that you can use with a little cleaning, painting, or reupholstering.

Interest Rates

Evie Delaney with US Mortgage Corporation in Kennesaw

(evie.delaney@usmortgage.com) tells us:

“Rates are definitely set to rise in 2022, however while it's difficult to time the market, most homeowners who can shave .05% to 1% off their rates, might want to consider making a move to refinance, sooner rather than later. Lowering your rate may result in substantial savings over the life of your mortgage, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home. And -- you can roll all of your closing costs into the new loan, so you have nothing out-of-pocket. If you're considering remodeling, paying off high interest debt, or maybe investing in more real estate, a cash-out refinance might also be a great reason to consider refinancing now before rates increase. Cash-out refinancing typically lets most homeowners access up to 80% of their home's equity.

To learn how much you could potentially save or withdraw, speak with a local mortgage professional who specializes in refinance.”

Let’s All Go To The Movies

Tons of delayed blockbusters are coming out in the next 12 months, and people will rush back to experience some fun at the movies again.

Fun Fact

Americans are starting new businesses at the fastest pace in years. The pandemic helped end a long slump in new start-ups that had both stumped and worried economists. This year, business applications in the U.S. are on track to surpass 5.4 million, up from 4.3 million last year. Why? Perhaps the pandemic gave people more time to think, and because the economic upheaval it wrought created opportunities for small new businesses. Technology has also made it easier to become an entrepreneur, and access to capital has expanded.

All The Marbles

Countertops, backsplashes, bathrooms, floors, furniture – marble is still the classic choice you can’t go wrong with. If you are concerned about upkeep and maintenance, there are faux marble designs that are incredibly realistic.

One More Thing That Never Changes

We appreciate and need our fans! We thank you for your support over the years. And your votes. And now we are asking for your vote to win Best Of Cobb. You can vote once a day until January 21. Here’s the link, first go to Shopping and then to Floor Covering Stores. Thank you very much!

https://www.mdjonline.com/cobb...

Things NOT To Buy

Finally, here are a few things not to buy in 2022, unless you absolutely have to:

--new or used car

--computers, TVs, video game consoles

--furniture

--clothes

--hard cover books and paperbacks

And a couple of things you SHOULD buy in 2022:

--floors

--more floors

WWOWT

Wonderful World of Window Treatments

Why window treatments? One important reason is window treatments protect your floors, furniture, carpet, etc. from harmful UV rays which cause fading when exposed over a period of time. We go into homes and hear people say they have lived in their home for anywhere from 1-3 years with no window coverings because they just did not get around to it. We then look around the home and see fading. Don’t wait! Window treatments are worth the price for not only the look but the protection that is needed to save you money in the long term and even the short term!

We have brought in RM COCO Custom Draperies; their Panel Program has draperies that are very competitively priced to national brands. We also carry Hunter Douglas shades and window treatments, and Allgood shutters. To begin the process to complete your look, schedule an appointment with our windows expert, Monday thru Thursday in the Design Center.
Book your Window treatment appointment