[VIDEO] Freshen Up Your Space: Trending Paint Colors for 2025

Ready to refresh your home with some of the trendiest paint colors as we head into 2025? Sherwin Williams has some beautiful neutrals that can easily adapt to a wide range of styles and lighting conditions. Whether you're aiming for a timeless look or a modern, crisp aesthetic, these colors will transform your space while keeping it on-trend. Let’s dive into the details of these standout hues. Want to watch as a video? Click here for Instagram Click here for Tik Tok   1. Natural Choice (SW 7011) If you’re looking to create a calming, earthy vibe with natural materials like wood, beiges, or black accents, Natural Choice is the perfect backdrop. Its subtle, warm undertones provide a grounded, organic feel without overwhelming the space. This shade works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, blending seamlessly with both modern and traditional styles. It’s especially effective in rooms with plenty of natural light, where its softness enhances the brightness while maintaining warmth. 2. Alabaster (SW 7008) A fan favorite, Alabaster is a soft, off-white that exudes warmth without veering into stark territory. If you want to maximize the natural light in your space, this timeless neutral reflects light beautifully, making rooms feel open and airy. Alabaster pairs well with everything from soft pastels to bold colors, allowing you to easily change décor without needing to repaint. It's especially popular for living rooms, kitchens, and entryways because it offers versatility and can make any space feel welcoming and bright. 3. Shoji White (SW 7042) Shoji White is the perfect "greige" – a balanced blend of gray and beige that feels fresh and modern without being too cool or too warm. This shade works wonderfully as a neutral base in open-concept spaces or as a backdrop for accent walls. Its versatility means it can complement cool-toned grays and blues just as easily as warmer colors like taupes and creams. Shoji White is a great choice for homeowners who want a subtle, sophisticated foundation for layering different textures and tones. 4. Creamy (SW 7012) Looking for a color that feels both nostalgic and inviting? Creamy is a soft, buttery hue that adds warmth and charm to any space. Unlike some off-whites that can feel cold, Creamy has just enough yellow undertones to evoke comfort without being overly beige. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to introduce a sense of coziness—think kitchens with vintage-inspired cabinetry, living rooms with rich textiles, or even nurseries for a soothing effect. This color pairs well with warmer wood tones and accents of brass or gold. 5. Neutral Ground (SW 7568) If your style leans towards earthy, boho, or organic designs, Neutral Ground is an excellent choice. This warm, taupe-like hue offers the perfect backdrop for eclectic furnishings, natural fibers, and plenty of greenery. It adds depth and richness to spaces without feeling too heavy or dark, making it great for living areas, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. In a world of crisp whites and cool grays, Neutral Ground gives your home a grounded, lived-in feel that complements a range of styles from rustic farmhouse to modern organic. 6. Pure White (SW 7005) Pure White is the epitome of clean minimalism. This cool, true white doesn’t have strong undertones, which makes it a versatile option for those who prefer simplicity and crispness. It pairs beautifully with modern or minimalist décor, providing the perfect backdrop for statement furniture, art, or bold accent colors. It’s also a great option if you want to create a seamless, cohesive look throughout your home. In more modern settings, Pure White can make bold architectural elements pop, giving the room a fresh, gallery-like feel. 7. Accessible Beige (SW 7036) Accessible Beige offers a sophisticated blend of beige with a subtle gray undertone, making it a soft "greige" option. This versatile color is ideal for those who love moody tones but aren’t ready to commit to deeper, darker colors. Accessible Beige works particularly well in transitional spaces or rooms where you want a balance between warmth and neutrality. It's a great choice for open living areas, hallways, and even bedrooms, where its calming presence can help unify the space. Its understated elegance means it pairs well with both warm woods and cooler stone or metal accents.   PRO TIPS Lighting is KeyBefore committing to a color, always test swatches in the actual space you plan to paint. The amount of natural or artificial light can dramatically change the way a color looks. A shade like Alabaster might look bright and clean in daylight but could pull warmer or slightly yellow under soft, indoor lighting. To avoid surprises, apply samples to different walls and observe how they shift throughout the day and under various lighting conditions. Color Matching Made EasyLove a specific Sherwin Williams shade but prefer a different paint brand? No problem! You can easily have colors matched at most paint stores. If you prefer using brands like Behr or Benjamin Moore, simply bring in a Sherwin Williams swatch, and the store can create a custom color match for you. This gives you the flexibility to use your favorite formulas while keeping the exact shade you desire. Consider Undertones and Existing DécorWhen choosing a neutral, pay close attention to the undertones and how they complement your existing furnishings and finishes. For example, a color like Shoji White has a mix of gray and beige undertones, so it pairs well with cooler grays or warmer tones. Accessible Beige, with its gray undertone, works great in spaces with cool stone or metal accents. When in doubt, compare the color to your flooring, cabinets, or furniture to ensure everything ties together harmoniously. What's Your Favorite? What do you think of these trending colors? Would you choose any of them for your home? Let me know in the comments

View more

Are you up to Date on Landlord Rental Laws in Maryland?

  Are you up to date on the latest MD rental laws? See below for more information:   State of Maryland Renters’ Rights and Stabilization Act   Effective October 1, 2024, for any tenant-occupied rental property for residential use with three or fewer individual dwelling units, a tenant who has occupied a residential rental property for at least 6 months and who is named as the tenant in a written Lease must be given a written notice of the tenants right to make an offer for the purchase of the property. This notice must be given to the Tenant before a residential property can be offered for sale to the public, including through a listing for sale. The new law does provide certain exemptions, but for the traditional listing and sale, the notice and opportunity to purchase requirements will likely apply. The tenant will have 30 days after receipt of the notice to deliver a written offer to purchase the property. This means that the tenant will have an exclusive time period to negotiate with the owner. If the tenant elects not to negotiate with the Owner, and then the Owner lowers the price for third parties, the tenant gets a right of first refusal on the new lower price. -The rights of the tenant may not be waived, and this new State law preempts or supersedes any local law of ordinance governing rights of first refusal. -An owner of a residential property who violates this new law is subject to a fine of no more than $1000 per violation.   Frederick City/Hagerstown City Rental Licensing   Frederick City Limits: Ordinance Requirements: Under the Rental Licensing Ordinance, rental units are mandated to meet specific standards, ensuring the safety, health, and comfort of tenants. To maintain transparency and accountability, random building inspections by our dedicated Code Enforcement team will be carried out with a 30-day notice to landlords. Additionally, landlords are required to have local representatives for their properties, fostering better communication and faster issue resolution. Licensing: A license fee of $240.00 per unit is applicable, and each license is valid for two years. It's now easier than ever to register online; simply visit frederickmd.gov/rentals to get started.   Hagerstown City Limits: To register, property owners must submit: A fully completed, signed application, including a supplemental lead paint form. A nonrefundable annual license fee of $75 per rental unit. Exceptions -New construction, within the first four years following the issuance of the Use and Occupancy permit -“Owners-plus-one”, which are rental facilities where a portion of the premises is owner-occupied and said premises contain no more than one rental unit. -Rental facilities owned and operated by Hagerstown Housing Authority -Single unit rental properties occupied by tenants who are related within a certain degree to the owner are exempt from paying the application fee, but still must register. These exempt tenants are: parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and siblings, whether naturally, step, or in-law.   Register here: https://www.hagerstownmd.org/FormCenter/Code-Administration-2/Rental-License-Application-126   Maryland Lead Paint Registration Who Needs to Register?   Residential rental properties built before 1978 are required to be registered and then renew​​ed annually with Maryland Department of the Environment. Residential rental properties built after 1977 and properties that have a passing Lead Free inspection certificate are exempt.   To order your inspection/ lead-free certification, here are a few recommendations:   Allsafe Lead Inspections Paul Rodberg 301-701-2500 paul@allsafeleadinspections.com allsafeleadinspections.com   Alban Inspections 301-662-6565 info@albaninspect.com albaninspect.com   To check if your property is up to date on registration, click here: https://mdolrr.mde.state.md.us/CustomPages/PublicOLRRSearch.aspx Register your property here: https://mdolrr.mde.state.md.us/CustomPages/UserLoginPage.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f     Additional!! Landlords and Tenants: Tips on Avoiding Disputes Click here: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/landlords.aspx  

View more

The Surprising Truth About Home Prices

The Surprising Truth About Home Prices Buying a home in today’s real estate market can feel like a never-ending battle. With low inventory, rising prices, and fierce competition, many buyers find themselves losing out on house after house. The process can be exhausting, leaving you feeling defeated after being outbid time and time again. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be that way. The key to unlocking success in the market is timing, and the best-kept secret in real estate is that fall and early winter are your secret weapons for finding the perfect home at a great price. Why the Best Time to Buy a House Is the Opposite of What You Think While everyone else is gearing up for the spring rush, the smartest buyers are quietly scoring the best deals in the fall and winter. According to a *nationwide report by ATTOM Data Solutions, home buyers in October enjoy the lowest premium over market value—just 3.3%. Compare that to the height of the spring market in May, where buyers are paying an average premium of 10.5%, and it becomes clear that you don’t have to follow the crowd to find a great home. By buying in the off-season, you can work smarter, not harder. Fewer buyers in the market means less competition, which gives you more negotiating power. Sellers who haven’t sold their homes by fall are often more motivated to make a deal, leading to better pricing and more favorable terms. It Doesn’t Have to Be Exhausting Many buyers enter the spring market with high hopes, only to face constant disappointment as they lose out to higher offers or get caught in bidding wars. The stress of competing in such an intense market can make the process feel overwhelming. But buying a home shouldn’t leave you feeling defeated—it should be exciting! If you’re tired of the grind, now is the time to think differently. Rather than waiting for spring, when every house feels like a race, consider moving forward in fall or winter, when the market cools and competition fades. You’ll have more room to negotiate, better chances of securing the home you want, and the peace of mind that comes with not having to compete with dozens of other buyers. Fall and Winter: Your Secret Weapon for Real Estate Deals Fall and early winter can give you the advantage you need to get a good deal without the headache. As Rick Sharga, executive vice president of market intelligence at ATTOM, says: “Seasonality has always had an impact on home prices, which tend to weaken in the fall and winter months when there’s less buying activity. Savvy homebuyers can take advantage of those lower prices and less competition from other buyers once the leaves start to turn.” One key area where this timing really pays off? Maryland. Historically, Maryland has some of the best purchase prices in January, with buyers paying an average of 3.5% below market value. That’s a premium of -3.5%! For buyers in Maryland, January could be your golden opportunity to get a home below market value without the stress of competing in the spring rush. The Benefits of Buying in Fall and Winter Less Competition: With fewer buyers in the market, you won’t face as many bidding wars. More Negotiating Power: Sellers who haven’t sold by fall are often more open to negotiation. Better Prices: October and November consistently offer the lowest premiums over market value. In Maryland, January is the sweet spot with purchase prices 3.5% below market value. A Smoother Process: Without the chaos of spring’s hyper-competitive market, you’ll likely find the buying process less stressful and more straightforward. Don't Wait for Spring—Work Smarter With the Right Realtor Why fight the exhausting spring market when you can secure a great deal now? By using fall and winter as your secret weapon, you can avoid the stress, save money, and enjoy a smoother home-buying experience. And with the right realtor guiding you, you’ll have the expertise and support you need every step of the way. Ready to work smarter, not harder? Let’s find your dream home this fall—whether it's in Maryland or beyond! Reach out today to get started.

View more