Home Improvement and Decorating November 3, 2013

Six Tips for Great Window Treatments

Spruce up those windows to make your kitchen more attractive with six easy-to-do ideas.
 

Design by Sue Adams

1. MINIMAL IS IN
Strip away heavy window coverings and replace with simple shades. One path to less fabric is using an upholstered cornice, says Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den, or a flap valance like the Ace three-piece set from Swags Galore.


Design by Gail Drury

2. LIGHTEN UP
Natural light in the kitchen is essential. "Pleated shades offer a privacy treatment and still allow plenty of light," says Pelley.

Just one example of an attractive pleated shade is the Smith + Noble version, available in tones ranging from White to Sky Blue, in subtle stripes and a tropical-looking pattern. It even comes in versions suitable for skylights or arched windows.


Design by Beth Haley

3. PICK CURRENT COLORS
If you're using fabric, make sure it's in a contemporary tone.

"The terra cotta shades are very 'in' mixed with greens, blacks and golds," says Pelley. "You can also mix cotton fabric prints, either within a treatment or coordinating a print in the valance or cornice with another print on the cushion seats or place mats."

If your kitchen is particularly tiny, then light, cool colors can make it look larger and brighter, while dark, warm colors can make an oversized kitchen more inviting.


Design by Lin Lee

4. TRY SOME TEXTURE
Another hot trend is Roman shades made of rattan, bamboo or other natural fibers, says Pelley: "They add visual interest with their texture, but still roll up smoothly like the Roman shades of old."


Design by Jill Hertz

5. SOFTEN DIRECT LIGHT
Too much direct sunlight is also an issue in kitchens, says Pelley, since it makes it hot and unpleasant to work in. Simple wood blinds or woven wood shades, like the Provenance sold by Hunter Douglas, will filter the light without looking too heavy.


Design by Phyllis Harbinger

6. CONSIDER SOME CURVES
"There are typically lots of straight lines in the kitchen — the cabinets, the appliances, the counters —everything is straight or square," says Pelley. "It's a good idea to add a window treatment with soft curves to open the space up, especially in a small kitchen."

Arching a valance is a good option, particularly over the sink. Other options include a curved cornice, a box-pleated valance with a curved line along the bottom or a London Shade from Smith + Noble that is nearly flat at the top but falls from inverted pleats to gentle swags along the bottom, with wings at either side.

Resources

Interiors by Decorating Den, www.decoratingden.com

Hunter Douglas, www.hunterdouglas.com

Smith + Noble, www.smithandnoble.com

Swags Galore, www.swagsgalore.com

Thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call, we would love to interview with you!

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

 

Home Improvement November 2, 2013

4 Tips to Redo a Small Bathroom

The bathroom obviously needs to be an efficient, comfortable and functioning unit of your home. And it should be treated that way. By focusing on the right things and by using effective decorating techniques/storage ideas, you can get the most out of your bathroom regardless of how small it is. You can actually have everything you need in there to create a soothing/relaxing spa-like atmosphere by fully effectively utilizing the available space.

#1: Go for the Right Colors

Photo Credit: freshome.com

One of the things that you can work on is the current colors of your bathroom. It’s a fact that light colors help in creating the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. By using soft pastels such as blue, green and pink you’ll not only make the bathroom look/appear larger than it is, but you’ll also be able to create more soothing atmosphere since such colors are relaxing.

In case you want to go for the contemporary look,  go for neutral colors for your bathroom walls. Besides that, you can also add some color with “decorative touches” such as counter accessories and towels.

#2: Focus on De-cluttering

Most of us try to de-clutter our homes during the spring break. But what when you want to do it specifically for your small bathroom? The purpose of de-cluttering is to make the most out of the space by taking the regular approach and by using innovative, creative ways to get results.  For example, by removing some of that clutter from the bathroom counters it can help you get rid of the “cramped feeling” from the room.

You can also consider eliminating shelves from your bathroom walls and storing any of your extra towels in your hall linen closet in order to make more space in the small bathroom. Although the pedestal vanity for your bathroom sink could be taking lesser space, it still fails to offer you the storage needed to keep the bathroom free from clutter. So go for one of those bathroom vanities that have an under-sink storage area where cleaning supplies and extra toilet tissue rolls can be stored.

 

Photo Credit: houzz.com

#3: Work on the Shower Stalls

An easy and effective method for producing the “illusion of space” in your small, compact bathroom is to get rid of the bathtub and instead create a nice stand up shower stall. By removing the bathtub, you get more space for standing when showering.

Try and use glass doors that are clear enough to allow the eye to look in the direction of the shower stall so that it gives out an illusion of a larger bathroom. Avoid using solid type shower stall doors as they tend to break up the space, invariably making the bathroom feel smaller. Another good way to create this same illusion is to use one of those clear shower doors/curtains if your bathroom has a bathtub.

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

#4: Use Large Mirrors

In order to enhance the appearance of size of your bathroom, have a large mirror over the sink. Also, the reflection in this large mirror can and will capture some of the bathroom’s decorative elements, enhancing the illusion of space. In case your bathroom has a low ceiling, it would make sense to use vertical mirrors in order to create an effective illusion of height. The more smartly you make use of mirrors in a bathroom, the better it is.

Curious about what home improvment projects provide the biggest bang for the buck? Give us a call, text or email; we would love to point you in the right direction.

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

Mrtgage Rates November 1, 2013

Mortgage Rates Fly Holding Pattern Just Over 4 Percent

by Matthew Graham

Mortgage rates continued flying their recent holding pattern just over 4 percent.  Most lenders' rate sheets were essentially unchanged compared to yesterday's latest.  Additionally, we never saw enough bond market movement during the course of the day to justify any mid-day changes.   The most prevalent Conforming  (best-execution) has been pinned to 4.125% with very little change in associated closing costs for a week now.

Because most lenders adjust rates in 1/8th (0.125%) increments, the next time the best-execution quote moves lower, 30yr fixed rates will be back at 4.0%.  Some lenders are offering that now, but it's not the norm, and may involve additional closing costs. 

So is it possible that we'll see a more broad-based move down into the high 3's?  In a word, yes, but caveats apply.  The concept of a "holding pattern" is carefully chosen because rates are indeed circling the runway, waiting for permission to land.

That permission can only be granted by economic developments that are "negative enough."  Specifically, markets would need to see more evidence that the labor market is weak enough to unequivocally delay the Fed's timeline for reducing its bond buying program–one major factor in lower rates overall.

The surest bets when it comes to such data are the once-a-month Employment Situation Reports, such as last Tuesday's.  Due to shutdown rescheduling, the next report is coming up next Friday!  Even tomorrow, we'll get several pieces of data that will help decide the fate of the "circling plane," including the ADP Employment numbers which attempt to forecast next Friday's numbers.  The FOMC releases a policy announcement in the afternoon, and although traders agree we're not likely to see any policy change that hurts rates, it could still make for an afternoon where rates are actually higher or lower than the past afternoons.

 

Loan Originator Perspectives

 

"Still within a confined range, safe to say tomorrow will bring a bit more to the table however the recent trend prevails. Floating appears to be safe, however with rates at multi-month lows, locking must be considered. Tomorrow's FOMC is key to any volatility, not expecting anything groundbreaking. Float on!" –Constantine Floropoulos, Quontic Bank

"Consumer confidence readings released today were the lowest since April, likely not a surprise given recent DC dysfunction. The 5 year Treasury auction came in as expected. Net result was a range bound, but slightly higher day for MBS. Tomorrow's Fed Minutes should provide interesting details on their perspective on shutdown's impact on the economy. Any pro/con tapering hints will certainly impact rates' future direction." –Ted Rood, Senior Originator, Wintrust Mortgage

"Rates remain the the low 4% range (check with your Loan Originator on your specific scenario). Lock if you like. You can not lose by locking a rate you are comfortable with." –Bob Van Gilder, Finance One Mortgage

"I think the big question is will rates dip below 4%. I feel they will and possibly next week. We'll have to see, but the economic data I believe will confirm a slowing economy which should push rates down. Home sales numbers continue to disappoint. That's the last thing the FED wants." –Mike Owens, Partner, Horizon Financial Inc.

Curious about current mortgage rates? Give us a call, text or email. We would love to talk with you about your mortgage rate questions!

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

Seattle Foreclosed Homes October 31, 2013

Taking the Spooky Feeling Out of Foreclosures

Buying a Foreclosure isn’t as Risky as You May Think, with the Proper Know-How

Last week, when Amanda Kostina laid out her 10 Hidden Hazards When Buying Foreclosure, it hit close to home. My husband and I relocated to Florida in the midst of the credit crunch, and what awaited me in my new home state was a depressed real estate market. Even though foreclosures had always been part of my repertoire, nothing could prepare me for the crash course I was about to get in the owned-asset market.

At my five years at Michael Saunders and Company, we have managed and sold an extremely high volume of properties for financial institutions and government sponsored entities (GSEs). And I have found that despite the inherent stigma that comes with purchasing a foreclosure, REO properties are a great opportunity for buyers, especially first time buyers.

That’s because there are built-in incentives to revitalize the area. All GSEs, and most banks, offer programs called First Look Initiatives. These programs allow for owner occupants to have first crack at their listings over buyers who are looking to purchase a listing as an investment. The hope is to pass the property to stable, caring owners. In fact, Freddie Mac has a policy to repair at least 65% of their inventory, seeking to rejuvenate the neighborhoods where their properties are listed.

With those improvements comes some assurances of a relatively-smooth transaction. My foreclosure sellers provide disclosures of anything they are aware of, or have been made aware of, with the property, as well as ensure all liens are satisfied and code issues are rectified, and pass clear title.

Now, while the hazards Amanda listed are present, I don’t know if they’re necessarily hidden. After all, if there are holes in the walls or the electric is off, you’ll know. But there are some precautions you can take to navigate some of the unseen, volatile waters of owned-assets.

Find an Agent Familiar with Foreclosures: An agent who doesn't know the process and/or the seller's contracts and policies could slow or derail an otherwise sound transaction. A trusted, experienced Realtor® can steer foreclosure buyers clear of unspoken pitfalls, and ensure an expedited process.

Get a Home Inspection: Many buyers feel that, because they are buying "as is" property, a home inspection is a waste of time and money. Not so. Having the home inspected will uncover problems within the inspection period. That’s important, because should you want to cancel the contract and it’s outside the timeline, some REO sellers will keep the earnest money deposit.

Consult with an Attorney on Your Contract: Many buyers don't have an attorney review their contract because they've been told that REO sellers won't allow any changes to it. That is definitely true: changes aren’t allowed, but, if you sign without fully understanding the contract, you (and your selling agent) might be surprised by what you've bound yourself to. For example, 99% of the sellers of properties we list have a policy to turn on the water and electric if possible. It is not guaranteed that it will be.  Not even for inspections. So, if the plumbing is cut out, don't expect the house to be re-plumbed because you have to have utilities on for inspections. No, you don't, and the contract addendum you signed probably says so.

In any real estate transaction the buyer should beware, and that rings particularly true when purchasing an REO. But working with a Realtor® who is well versed in the REO market can allow buyers to see the benefits of purchasing a property that has been foreclosed on, and many times, those benefits can outweigh any potential “hazards”.

If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosed property, give us a call, email or text. We have the experience you need to purchase a foreclosed property.

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 


 

Home Decorating October 30, 2013

A Dozen Creative Ideas for Decorating Blank Walls

When you have a big, blank wall to fill, your first thought may be a gallery wall. There's nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it's nice to break up all of that flat framed artwork with something different. Enter baskets, brackets, paint-dipped objects, wall sculptures, special paint effects and more. Check out these 12 ways to fill your walls with color and creativity.
 

12. Hang something with an interesting pattern. Keep an open mind and you can find unique wall hangings just about anywhere: metal sheets used to cover radiators, garden fencing, punched tin doors, woven screens, baskets … the list is endless. Check your own garage, attic and storage shed, and keep an eye out for curbside freebies — you never know what you may find!

Decorating or painting to sell? Give us a call, text or email. We would love to help you determine what decorating projects will give you the most bank for the buck!

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

 

Home Buying October 28, 2013

3 Big Myths of Home Buying

We are here to save you pain, buyers. There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed. We'd like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear us out on these three big myths about home buying:

Myth #1: “That house has been on the market so long I bet we can work the seller down easily.”

Not necessarily. Exceptionally high days on market could mean almost anything. The seller could be bullheaded about their price. The seller may not be particularly motivated to sell for emotional or other personal reasons. Don’t forget: A sales-weary seller isn’t likely to respond to your host of rational reasons why their house should be a bargain.

Myth #2: “I want to look at foreclosed homes because they’re a real bargain and the banks need to unload them.”

Banks, like entrenched sellers, don’t always make decisions which seem rational based on obvious information. You can have a hard time divining the reason a bank chooses to reject an offer for a foreclosed or distressed property, and their decision may be based on financials which seem counterintuitive. The truth is, many distressed sales can be longer and more fraught than regular sales.

Myth #3: “I liked this house a lot, but with this market, I bet it will still be there if I decide to buy it.”

It’s very, very painful to see a client love a home but fail to make a move to purchase that home. If you fell in love with it, why wouldn’t someone else? Just because a property has been on the market a little while doesn’t mean it will stay on the market. The bonus myth in this one? Your “perfect” home is probably going to be a home with some small compromises. If you don’t make an offer on a home, you’re effectively saying, “I’m comfortable losing this home.”

Our job as a broker is to represent your interests and do our best to protect you along the way. If you’re pursuing a home purchase in the near future, please get in touch. There are many other ways we can lower your stress and help you find a great home.

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Real Estate
BrennerHill.com
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter
call/text 206-769-9577

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

House Paint Colors October 4, 2013

10 Common Color Mistakes

Designers share the color decorating mistakes that make them cringe.

1. Ceiling Paint
"I never paint a ceiling dead white because all white paint has a bit of gray in it, and it takes the room down. Paint the ceiling a cream shade." –Athalie Derse

2. Matching Shades
"You never want to match your walls to a color in one of your fabrics. It will be too strong. Find a grayed-out version of the color." –Sallie Giordano

3. Neutral Balance
"The biggest mistake people make when they're trying to be colorful and exciting is to forget that you need to balance it with neutrals – otherwise it ends up looking like a color wheel." –Todd Klein

4. Continuity
"Even when I don't use the same colors everywhere, I still like the rooms to feel connected. The bedroom should never feel like it's in a completely different house from the living room – the whole house has to make sense as one." –Mona Ross Berman

5. Contrast
"One of the biggest mistakes people make with neutrals is not using enough contrast. A room of creams and beiges needs something stark and shiny white. And something black. You have to interject elements that add intense personality. Make it gutsy, or else it's boring." –Betsy Brown

6. Don't Go Overboard
"When any color scheme is taken too seriously, it loses its power. You need to know when to pull back. A two-color scheme can be great, but there has to be some relief, or it comes across as too pat and makes everything seem stiff." –Tom Scheerer

7. Picture Yourself in the Space
"People don't take into account how they'll look in a room when choosing a color. I just did an apartment where the woman has blue eyes with a bit of a purple tint them, so everything is lavender to purple. She simply glows." –Stan Topol

8. Let a Room Evolve
"When it comes to color, I say, 'Go big or go home.' You have to trust yourself. But you don't have to commit to color all at once — you can play with it as the rooms evolve. Start with one palette and then mix things in." –Ashley Whittaker

9. Choose the Right Finish
"Darker colors in general can read very flat, so use a high-luster finish. Good prep is key to any high-luster paint finish, so skim-coating the walls really helps. If the walls are well prepared, you can get a deep, rich gloss without going to the expense of lacquering." –Meg Braff

10. Depth
"Deep colors contain many other hues, and you have to be just as concerned about the secondary shades that are blended in. Colors that have no depth are oddly fluorescent. They will leap out at you, rather than pull you in. It's a subtle difference, but failure to recognize it is what sometimes makes people afraid of using color." –Suzanne Kasler

Curious about color in your home? Give us a call, we have great referrals for paint color experts.

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Real Estate
BrennerHill.com
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter
call/text 206-769-9577

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

Seattle Homes for Sale September 27, 2013

Seattle Home For Sale | Open Sunday 12PM-3PM

13500 Northshire Road NW
Seattle WA 98177

Open Sunday
September 29th
12PM-3PM

The spirit of every home is in the kitchen, a base for decisions, planning, baking, grilling and parading your culinary skills. Chef's island is the centerpiece of this kitchen redesigned for today's lifestyle. Grand spaces inside and out, this home offers incredible entertaining areas. Walls of glass let light and nature flow between inside and out. Located in Seattle's coveted Northshire neighborhood, this home features a circular drive, master on the main, four bedrooms, den and media room.

On-line at YourBroadviewHome.com

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate
call/text 206-769-9577

Home Improvement September 26, 2013

14 mistakes that will kill your home’s value

14 mistakes that will kill your home's value

By Christopher Solomon of MSN Real Estate

Your home is your castle, and you can do what you want with it. Right? Sure. But if you want a good return on the dough — and sweat equity — you pour into Home Sweet Home, you should make sure those changes are smart ones.

Too often, that’s not the case. Real-estate agents and appraisers say they regularly see homeowners make changes that don't increase the value of the home by much, if at all. Some renovations or alterations can even drag down the value of a home. Then, of course, there is all the damage that a lack of upkeep and upgrades can do.

Check out these 14 home-improvement blunders and our tips from the experts on how to steer clear of them HERE.

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate
call/text 206-769-9577

Kitchen Remodel September 19, 2013

17 Tips for Designing Your Own Kitchen

Tips for a Kitchen Remodel

More than half of home buyers believe that remodeling their kitchen made a significant impact on their purchasing decision. While the kitchen is also referred to as the heart of the home, majority of time spent at home is actually cooking and entertaining. Therefore, why not make the kitchen area designed to function more efficiently for these types of activities?

It takes less to remodel your kitchen than to sell your home. 65% of people have home improvement projects planned with only 10% considering the purchase of a new home. Remodeling the kitchen can offer the home buyer a 68.7% return of investment on their overall home value.

6 Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen

Follow these five easy steps to remodel your kitchen and plan effectively.

1. Get Ideas
Gather ideas from magazines, social media sites, shows, and websites. Look at your neighbor’s kitchens to see what you like or dislike and check out your local stores and showrooms. Decide on your preferred layout design.

Women tend to choose a G-shaped layout while men are more likely to choose a gallery kitchen. Overall, the U-shaped layout remains the most popular overall among 34% of people.

2. Prepare a Budget
Decide where you prefer your money to go. What do you want the most and where do you want to spend and save throughout the remodel.

3. Get Permits
Acquire any necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical needs.

4. Find a Designer
Use the yellow pages, Google, advertisements, or word to mouth to consult with a designer over your project and ideas.

5. Choose Appliances
Choose energy star appliances such as refrigerators that can save 15-80% in cost and energy over older and other models. Hand washing can also use 5000 more gallons of water per year than an energy efficient dishwasher.

6. Select Materials
Lastly, select the materials you want for the countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Go with a countertops and flooring that are both easy to maintain, durable, and visually appealing. Choose cabinetry that matches your design theme and appeal keeping in mind its durability and maintenance.

– See more at: http://blog.landlordstation.com/17-tips-for-designing-your-own-kitchen/#sthash.tmSkRCee.dpuf

Tips for a Kitchen Remodel

More than half of home buyers believe that remodeling their kitchen made a significant impact on their purchasing decision. While the kitchen is also referred to as the heart of the home, majority of time spent at home is actually cooking and entertaining. Therefore, why not make the kitchen area designed to function more efficiently for these types of activities?

It takes less to remodel your kitchen than to sell your home. 65% of people have home improvement projects planned with only 10% considering the purchase of a new home. Remodeling the kitchen can offer the home buyer a 68.7% return of investment on their overall home value.

6 Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen

Follow these five easy steps to remodel your kitchen and plan effectively.

1. Get Ideas
Gather ideas from magazines, social media sites, shows, and websites. Look at your neighbor’s kitchens to see what you like or dislike and check out your local stores and showrooms. Decide on your preferred layout design.

Women tend to choose a G-shaped layout while men are more likely to choose a gallery kitchen. Overall, the U-shaped layout remains the most popular overall among 34% of people.

2. Prepare a Budget
Decide where you prefer your money to go. What do you want the most and where do you want to spend and save throughout the remodel.

3. Get Permits
Acquire any necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical needs.

4. Find a Designer
Use the yellow pages, Google, advertisements, or word to mouth to consult with a designer over your project and ideas.

5. Choose Appliances
Choose energy star appliances such as refrigerators that can save 15-80% in cost and energy over older and other models. Hand washing can also use 5000 more gallons of water per year than an energy efficient dishwasher.

6. Select Materials
Lastly, select the materials you want for the countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Go with a countertops and flooring that are both easy to maintain, durable, and visually appealing. Choose cabinetry that matches your design theme and appeal keeping in mind its durability and maintenance.

– See more at: http://blog.landlordstation.com/17-tips-for-designing-your-own-kitchen/#sthash.tmSkRCee.dpuf

 

 


Tips for a Kitchen Remodel

More than half of home buyers believe that remodeling their kitchen made a significant impact on their purchasing decision. While the kitchen is also referred to as the heart of the home, majority of time spent at home is actually cooking and entertaining. Therefore, why not make the kitchen area designed to function more efficiently for these types of activities?

It takes less to remodel your kitchen than to sell your home. 65% of people have home improvement projects planned with only 10% considering the purchase of a new home. Remodeling the kitchen can offer the home buyer a 68.7% return of investment on their overall home value.

6 Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen

Follow these five easy steps to remodel your kitchen and plan effectively.

1. Get Ideas
Gather ideas from magazines, social media sites, shows, and websites. Look at your neighbor’s kitchens to see what you like or dislike and check out your local stores and showrooms. Decide on your preferred layout design.

Women tend to choose a G-shaped layout while men are more likely to choose a gallery kitchen. Overall, the U-shaped layout remains the most popular overall among 34% of people.

2. Prepare a Budget
Decide where you prefer your money to go. What do you want the most and where do you want to spend and save throughout the remodel.

3. Get Permits
Acquire any necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical needs.

4. Find a Designer
Use the yellow pages, Google, advertisements, or word to mouth to consult with a designer over your project and ideas.

5. Choose Appliances
Choose energy star appliances such as refrigerators that can save 15-80% in cost and energy over older and other models. Hand washing can also use 5000 more gallons of water per year than an energy efficient dishwasher.

6. Select Materials
Lastly, select the materials you want for the countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Go with a countertops and flooring that are both easy to maintain, durable, and visually appealing. Choose cabinetry that matches your design theme and appeal keeping in mind its durability and maintenance.

– See more at: http://blog.landlordstation.com/17-tips-for-designing-your-own-kitchen/#sthash.tmSkRCee.dpuf

Tips for a Kitchen Remodel

More than half of home buyers believe that remodeling their kitchen made a significant impact on their purchasing decision. While the kitchen is also referred to as the heart of the home, majority of time spent at home is actually cooking and entertaining. Therefore, why not make the kitchen area designed to function more efficiently for these types of activities?

It takes less to remodel your kitchen than to sell your home. 65% of people have home improvement projects planned with only 10% considering the purchase of a new home. Remodeling the kitchen can offer the home buyer a 68.7% return of investment on their overall home value.

– See more at: http://blog.landlordstation.com/17-tips-for-designing-your-own-kitchen/#sthash.tmSkRCee.dpuf

Tips for a Kitchen Remodel

More than half of home buyers believe that remodeling their kitchen made a significant impact on their purchasing decision. While the kitchen is also referred to as the heart of the home, majority of time spent at home is actually cooking and entertaining. Therefore, why not make the kitchen area designed to function more efficiently for these types of activities?

It takes less to remodel your kitchen than to sell your home. 65% of people have home improvement projects planned with only 10% considering the purchase of a new home. Remodeling the kitchen can offer the home buyer a 68.7% return of investment on their overall home value.

6 Steps to Remodeling a Kitchen

Follow these five easy steps to remodel your kitchen and plan effectively.

1. Get Ideas
Gather ideas from magazines, social media sites, shows, and websites. Look at your neighbor’s kitchens to see what you like or dislike and check out your local stores and showrooms. Decide on your preferred layout design.

Women tend to choose a G-shaped layout while men are more likely to choose a gallery kitchen. Overall, the U-shaped layout remains the most popular overall among 34% of people.

2. Prepare a Budget
Decide where you prefer your money to go. What do you want the most and where do you want to spend and save throughout the remodel.

3. Get Permits
Acquire any necessary permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or mechanical needs.

4. Find a Designer
Use the yellow pages, Google, advertisements, or word to mouth to consult with a designer over your project and ideas.

5. Choose Appliances
Choose energy star appliances such as refrigerators that can save 15-80% in cost and energy over older and other models. Hand washing can also use 5000 more gallons of water per year than an energy efficient dishwasher.

6. Select Materials
Lastly, select the materials you want for the countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. Go with a countertops and flooring that are both easy to maintain, durable, and visually appealing. Choose cabinetry that matches your design theme and appeal keeping in mind its durability and maintenance.

– See more at: http://blog.landlordstation.com/17-tips-for-designing-your-own-kitchen/#sthash.tmSkRCee.dpuf

Want our opinion before you start, give us a call or text, we are always happy to help!

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Real Estate
BrennerHill.com
call/text 206-769-9577

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Washington First Mortgage
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