Archive for the 'Home Improvements and Design' Category
Top Five Kitchen Projects
February 17th, 2012 categories: Home Improvements and Design
A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to add value to your home and recoup your investment- as much as 80 percent! That’s why Americans spend about $15 billion each year on kitchen renovations. Upgrade your lifestyle and resale value with these top 5 kitchen projects:
- Upgrading Appliances. Your appliances work hard, but they shouldn’t look worn out. From the refrigerator to the range, think modern and functional!
- Countertops. When it comes to your counters, sinks and faucets, beware of “over-improving.” Stick to what’s standard in your area.
- Cabinets. Before you replace the cabinets, see if a fresh coat of paint and stylish hardware are enough to update them.
- Flooring. Your kitchen floor needs to stand up to a lot of foot traffic and potential spills. From linoleum to ceramic tile, explore your options.
- Organization. Keep counters clear by ensuring your kitchen has adequate storage space. Think built-in shelves and drawer organizers.
If you or someone you know is looking for ways to improve your home before selling it, feel free to call or email me for a free consultation. Also, please like us on Facebook. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Tips for Sellers to Prepare for Spring
February 15th, 2012 categories: Home Improvements and Design, Sellers
There are still a few more weeks left of winter but sources say it is always good to prepare for changes coming in the next season. The Nest magazine has come up with a list of ways homeowners can get their home ready for spring.
While many homeowners focus on spring cleaning the inside of their home, the magazine says to remember the outside too–Especially if you are planning to list your home for sale in the spring! Cleaning outdoor fixtures after the winter can make them look new and while replacing burnt-out bulbs, homeowners can update them to more energy-efficient bulbs that can also help lower monthly electric bills.
To freshen up the rest of the home’s exterior, we recommend polishing the hinges and knobs on the front door while adding a fresh coat of paint to the door and buying a brand new welcome mat; this can make homes look fresh and bright. Homeowners should also repair any walkways that were damaged during the winter months.
The winter season is a great time to plan for spring gardening, so homeowners should take advantage of bare branches that can easily be cut back during the colder months.
If you or someone you know is thinking of listing their home for sale, feel free to call or email me for a free consultation. Also, please like us on Facebook to keep up with real estate news and great tips like these. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Homeowner Tips to Make Appliances Last Longer
February 9th, 2012 categories: Home Improvements and Design
For many homeowners, some of the most expensive improvements are repairing or replacing household appliances. Good Housekeeping magazine has come up with a list of ways homeowners can ensure their appliances last throughout their intended lifespan and even longer.
In the kitchen, homeowners should be sure to clean the refrigerator as often as possible. The source reports that cleaning underneath the appliance will help prevent dirt and other debris from interrupting the appliance’s air circulation.
Ovens and microwaves should also be kept clean as leftover food can affect the appliance’s cooking times. For the oven, the source says only use commercial cleaners as some other chemicals may increase fire hazards. Microwave keypads should be cleaned with only water as cleaining solutions can cause electrical malfunctions.
Air heating and cooling systems can be the mose expensive replacements, so the source says homeowners should clean or change filters frequently.
Washing machines should also never be overloaded to prevent knocking the appliance off balance. For dryers, the source says homeowners should clean the lint filter after each load of laundry so that air can circulate through the machine. A build-up of lent can also cause a fire.
For more tips and great real estate articles like this, make sure to like Kathy Villa Real Estate on Facebook. We look forward to connecting with you!
Source: Good Housekeeping.
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Kitchens Sell Homes
February 6th, 2012 categories: Home Improvements and Design, Sellers
A Kitchen Can Sell a House. A kitchen is the heart of a home. Kitchens are where we spend much of our time and most of that is with our family and friends. It’s the room where we nourish our bodies and our spirits.
This means buyers want homes with up-to-date kitchens. Kitchens, however, can be one of the most expensive rooms to renovate. These projects can also be the most labor intensive of all home renovations because it’s not just a layer of new paint.
So what do buyers look for in up-to-date- kitchens? A lot of this depends on what price range your home is in. The main thing to remember as a seller is to not price yourself out of your market. If homes in your neighborhood are selling for $100,000 with tidy, but not luxurious kitchens, then this is NO time to upgrade to granite, travertine, and marble that costs $40,000+. You simply won’t find a buyer!
Scope out the competition. Use open houses in your area or MLS listings to find out what your competition’s kitchens look like. Do area homes have new solid wood cabinets and granite counters in today’s designer colors? You’ll be wise to consider making the same move. Are they including new stainless steel appliances and add-ons like dishwashers, wine-coolers, and trash compactors?
Are you in a higher-end neighborhood? It’s time to think high-end. Your older home may have a highly functional kitchen, but a buyer will take one look at your formica counters and white appliances and become lost in the stress of how much money and time it would take to remodel. If you don’t want to put in the time yourself to make upgrades, then you’ll have to make consessions in the price.
Some kitchens might only need a few minor changes, such as changing the paint color to a warm neutral tone, getting rid of any clutter, updating your appliances, painting your cabinets, changing the pulls, or getting a high-end looking counter for a fraction of the cost (faux granite or lower end granite). You might even save a bundle by doing much of the work yourself.
The bottom line is a kitchen can sell a home. Do a little research and feel free to contact us at Kathy Villa Real Estate for a free consultation. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Crown molding adds WOW factor to an Open House
October 19th, 2011 categories: Home Improvements and Design, Sellers
Homeowners can add pop to their home in time for an open house by installing crown molding in their living room. The architectural addition may be the “wow” factor a seller needs to boost their bids, and the luxe accent can also help to hide imperfections while adding polish.
Sellers looking to cut costs can make adding crown molding a do-it-yourself project as well. To begin, individuals will need to decide between wood molding and particle board, which can be less expensive. Once materials are decided upon, the molding should be measured, marked and cut to fit into place on the wall, according to Home and Garden Television.
The most difficult part of installing crown molding is properly cutting corners. A power miter saw can help to make these tricky slices more accurate, according to HGTV. Bob Villa recommends starting out with some foot long test pieces to use as a model later.
Those who want to forgo making corner cutouts can purchase pre-made corner blocks which are ready to install. After pieces are cut, they can be attached to the wall using finishing screws. Gaps can be filled in with caulk so that exterior corners are flush.
If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home soon, please feel free to call or email me for a free consultation.
courtesy of HGTV
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Winter Gardening
January 3rd, 2011 categories: Home Improvements and Design
5 Things to Do in Your Garden
1. Prune and feed deciduous fruit trees. Cut back the top at whatever height you want down to eight feet, and thin out branches from the middle of the tree so sunlight can filter through. Leave short “spurs” along the branches of plums, prunes, apricots and apples, but cut back the long branches. Feed with a balanced plant food and apply a cup of Epsom salts around the drip line.
2. When planting bareroot roses, soak plants overnight so their stems are plump. Cut back tops to 8 inches and trim off any leaves or sprouts. Plant so the crown of branches is at soil level, then cover all the stems with excess soil for two weeks.
3. Mow cool-season lawns, such as bent grass, blue grasses, fescues and ryegrasses, regularly- this is the season when they look their best. Prevent orangey rust diseases on these turfs by feeding and mowing them regularly.
4. It’s time to check for broken sprinkler heads and repair them. For most of us, automatic sprinklers can safely be turned off until spring except for windy or warm spells. No sense wasting water!
5. Continue harvesting winter vegetables as they mature. Peas will produce more if you harvest every day or two, and broccoli and cauliflower will yield additional edible sprouts from remainng stems after the main heads are cut. Add a little plant food to all winter vegetables.
If you like these and other household tips, make sure to like Kathy Villa Real Estate on Facebook by clicking the link to your left. We look forward to connecting with you!
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Stylish Small Kitchens
October 20th, 2010 categories: Home Improvements and Design
Thinking of revamping your kitchen but are limited on space? Nonsense!
By being a little creative and taking advantage of other useful features such as high ceilings and open shelves, you can definitely pull it off. From implementing simple storage ideas, to adding original charm, the possibilities are far more than you could have imagined.
Just check out the following 13 examples of small stylish kitchens for great ideas and inspiration! Courtesy of House Beautiful
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The Significance of Architecture
October 12th, 2010 categories: Home Improvements and Design
Architecturally significant homes are treasures that draw admiration generation after generation. They are usually one of two types of homes.
The first is the work of ground-breaking architects who push the limits of new design concepts to create a signature style that stands the test of time. The second is a sublime example of a period style, even if the architects’ name has been lost for ages.
The key to the significance is in the architect’s skill and the details of the home. If the home is an outstanding example of a given period or style, particularly if the architect originated the style. The home is always distinctive with aesthetic qualities that are inimitable.
Such homes are true to their nature. An architecturally significant home such as Queen Anne Victorian- will be strictly Queen Anne Victorian from the scrolls on the outdoor woodwork to the claw-foot bathtubs! The details will be authentic and artistic. As much of the original structure, wallpapers, moldings, colors and details will be preserved or meticulously reproduced, with any updating of plumbing fixtures giving a nod to the original style.
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Top 5 Remodeling Headaches to Avoid
May 11th, 2010 categories: Home Improvements and Design
Whether you’re adding a room to accommodate an expanding family or remodeling to increase value, home renovations can be one of the best investments you make, especially in today’s economy. The key to a successful remodel, however, is knowing what mistakes to avoid. I have advised many clients on what renovations will offer the best return on their investment and pay dividends when the time comes to sell their home.
According to a Consumer Reports poll, the most popular remodeling projects for homeowners are kitchens (19%) and bathrooms (17%) . In another survey, however, Consumer Reports asked 6,000 readers to reveal what went wrong when they remodeled their kitchens and baths and how much those mistakes added to the overall cost of their projects. Here’s how to avoid their mistakes and save:
1. Don’t rush in. Changing plans is the most common, but costliest remodeling gaffe. Be sure to leave time for research and create a comprehensive plan, listing every product.
2. Prepare for the unexpected. There’s a lot going on behind the walls. Unexpected water damage was an issue with 17% of bathroom remodels, while structural problems caused headaches for 10% of kitchen projects. A good contractor will be able to anticipate such problems, allowing the homeowner to budget accordingly.
3. Don’t chase the “low ball.” Contractors are lowering their profit margins due to the tight market, but they often make up their costs in labor or other areas. Readers who went for “low ball” pricing ended up spending a median of $1,500 extra for labor on their kitchens and $1,000 extra on their bathrooms. Don’t sign a contract with a lot of open-ended amounts for products and materials- these are called “allowances,” in contractor speak.
4. Get the paper in order. Have the contractor attach copies of his or her up-to-date license, insurance and workers’ compensation policies to the written contract. He or she should also get permits and provide a lien waiver when the job is done; this will keep suppliers from contacting the homeowner for unpaid bills.
5. Focus on the boring bits. Specifying lighting and placement of trash cans are not much fun, but are critical to the process. For example, the proper exhaust fan will prevent mildew in baths and vent odors in kitchens.
Following the above advice will help ensure a successful and profitable remodel. For more information or for contractor referrals feel free to email me. And please share this information with anyone you know in the midst of remodeling- don’t let them make these same mistakes! Also, please join others by becoming a fan of Kathy Villa Real Estate by following the link on the left. I look forward to connecting with you!
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How Do I Prepare My Home for Showings?
May 3rd, 2010 categories: Home Improvements and Design, Sellers
It’s a very exciting time. Your agent has just lined up a prospective buyer. A deal can be made or broken during the showing. How can you prepare your home to its best advantage?
1. Removing the clutter should be your first course of action according to the National Association of Realtors. The reasoning behind this is simple. Clutter distracts the mind and it distracts the imagination. A potential buyer needs to be able to see themselves and their own style in your home. By banishing disorder and welcoming in neatness you can give your house an advantage over any competition who is not as prepared.
2. The next step is to clean, after getting rid of the clutter. In the same sense that decluttering is removing “you” from the potential home of another, cleaning is removing your grimy mark. Have carpets cleaned, wax the floors, and remove any odors of pets or smoking.
3. Luxurious bathrooms are a must! A bathroom that is clean and full of comfort is appealing to most every buyer. Arrange new towels and rugs, as well as burn fresh smelling candles. Consider adding rich decor, such as paintings.
4. Windows that shine. We can be desensitized to the finer details of our home, but buyers will hone in on each and every imperfection. Be sure that during your cleaning and decluttering, you don’t forget to wash your windows. This way buyers will be able to focus their attentions on the beautiful grounds of your property, as opposed to the spots on the glass.
5. Let there be light. Burned out bulbs can make rooms look dark and dingy. Consider buying eco-friendly fluorescent or LED lights for use in your home.
6. Minor repairs are important. There are buyers who are turned off by even minor repairs. They see that loose cabinet door or that warped deck board as a two-fold evil. Either the house has been poorly cared for with bigger repairs waiting for discovery under the surface, or that the home may be too much work for them.
7. Don’t neglect your yard. For many buyers, a yard is an extension of the home. Be sure that for each showing, your yard is freshly mowed and any debris, trash, or clutter (toys, tools, etc) are put away. A great way to make flower beds appear neat and well tended is to add mulch. Clean off sidewalks with a power wash.
8. Add punches of seasonal color. Even if you aren’t a garden guru, you can still plant low maintenance flowers in beds and pots. Some examples of low maintenance flowering plants are: petunias, pansies, and vincas.
9. A petless home. We all love our pets, sometimes like they’re our own children. But they should be safely at a friend’s house or kennel during showings. While you’re at it, take your children and yourself out of the home during the showing as well!
10. Lock up your valuables. It would be nice to think that no potential buyer would steal from your home, but it could happen. Be sure that anything easily removed is locked away for safe keeping. And be sure that your real estate agent gets any one’s contact information before they are allowed into your home.
If you are thinking of putting your home on the market, feel free to call or email me for your real estate needs and questions. Don’t forget to share this information with your friends and family who may find these tips useful or need help selling their homes as well.
Courtesy of Yahoo Real Estate. Today’s Local Market Conditions Report
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