• 2 BR / 2.5 BA
• 2 Large west facing decks
• Large community pool, Tennis courts, private beach access and dockage
• LEAST expensive home on Captiva

• 3BR/2BA corner residence with 2,230 square-foot open floor plan 

• Unobstructed river, marina and city views

• Entry to private foyer from secured elevator

• Resort-style amenities, including riverside pool, spa, cabanas, BBQ grills

We all have a big financial stake in housing - as homeowners, renters, landlords and/or taxpayers.

Let's consider the major macroeconomic trends in 2016 that will significantly impact those stakes.

• Homeowners should enjoy another year of solid gains in house prices. 

Prices have been moving steadily higher since the housing bust hit bottom four years ago and should post another gain in the middle single digits. With a bit of luck, prices nationwide could reach close to the all-time peaks seen in the housing bubble a decade ago.

Considering all the ups and downs experienced in the real estate market over the past decade, many people are questioning what to expect for real estate in 2016. If you're thinking of selling, will it be a good time to put your house on the market? If you're thinking of buying, will it be the right time to purchase a home or even build a brand new home? Will it be a good year to purchase an investment property or is the market over valued? To answer these questions, we've gathered the top real estate predictions from experts like CoreLogic, Realtor.com and Trulia to present you with 7 key real estate trends to expect to see in 2016.

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of the stock market and all of the babbling and angst about it. Even though global stocks rebounded on Friday, I wouldn't be surprised to see consumer confidence take a bit of a nosedive this month, just from all the hand-wringing about China and the price of oil. Most analysts think the market has overreacted. I know I do.

'Smoke Break,' by Carrie Underwood

I needed to tune out the noise, so I put on my headphones, and Carrie Underwood told me that sometimes we all need a little "Smoke Break."

So here it goes. This DJ Smokey Smoke playlist is looking for upbeat songs to get you out of that stock market downer funk and remind you how great real estate in 2016 really looks.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. home resales rebounded strongly in December from a 19-month low and prices surged, indicating the housing market recovery remained intact despite signs of a sharp deceleration in economic growth in recent months. The National Association of Realtors said on Friday existing home sales jumped a record 14.7 percent to an annual rate of 5.46 million units, after being temporarily held back by the introduction of new mortgage disclosure rules, which had caused delays in the closing of contracts in November.

L stands for Lighting. This can make or break your home. Three points of light in each room can create drama and beauty. Ambient or overall lighting, task lighting for reading or projects and spot or directional light to highlight your favorite art. This brings me to O.

O stands for Ornamentation. Much like you might add decor for the holidays, take pride in what is on display in your home be it an expensive piece of art or a vacation trinket. Your "ornamentation" tells a lot about you. Move and regroup different items at different times of the year for a whole new look. Which brings me to V.

V stands for Visualize. Look at shelter magazines or design shows for the styles you love. If you feel uncertain on how to obtain a certain look, hire a decorator or stager. Taking pieces that you have and adding new items such as throw pillows or art can dramatically change the feel of a room. Which brings me to E.

E stands for Enjoy. Your home is your sanctuary. Spend time with the ones you love in a house you love. This makes your house a home.

Written by Kym Mason

Kym Mason Interiors

2323 Wooster Lane, Unit 3

Sanibel, FL 33957

PH: 239-218-7571

Email: kymnader@me.com