5 Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends That Will Last

To help you get ahead of and sort out the kitchen and bathroom trends — pity the last fool to install an avocado appliance in the 1970s — HouseLogic.com went to this month’s trend central, the International Builder’s Show. Our takeaway: For gosh sake, enjoy your home; remodel so that you love where you live.

Still, with a couple of exceptions, these five kitchen and bath trends offer lasting value:

1. Kitchen cleanliness.

By clean, we’re talking design, not germs. Kitchens are going clean, contemporary, and horizontal (open shelves, long and horizontal pulls, thick countertops). Even in a classic kitchen, go with simple, flat cabinets rather than highly carved cabinet details, says designer MaryJo Camp of Design Camp, Denver, N.C.

HL tip: This is a trend to get on board with. A simple, tidy, fresh appearance will have broad appeal if you decide to sell.

2. Color is out. 

This year, colors are cycling out, Camp says, except for black and white used together.

HL tip: Practically speaking, black and white are hard to keep looking good. Black kitchensshow every scratch and white cabinets show every speck of dirt.

Regardless, color is fickle; choose what’s best for your space.

3. Dark wood is where it’s at.

If you’ve had white cabinets, you know they show every speck of dirt, which can drive you crazy unless you have a cleaning fetish. Combine those white cabinets with another up-and-coming trend: dark wood. Or if your budget can handle the hit, go with specialty woods like mahogany or zebra wood that can make an island look like a piece of furniture.

HL tip: Alternatively, you could invest your money in more kitchen storage and functionality than trendy decorative elements that might not stand the test of time.

4. Appliances that blend in.

The more open our kitchens get, the more we want them to look like the rest of the house. That’s fueling a trend away from the big pro range and ginormous stainless-steel refrigerator and toward concealed, high-performance refrigerators and dishwashers. Induction cooktops, which use less electricity than electric cooktops, are growing in popularity, Camp said.

HL tip: When you buy appliances, look for the Energy Star label or go even deeper on energy performance ratings with Consortium of Energy Efficiency.

5. Ageless design gets easy.

What the Baby Boom wants, the Baby Boom gets. And Baby Boomers want to live in their homes forever. That’s led manufacturers to create DIY remodeling products with built-inuniversal design features — like toilet paper roll holders strong enough to hold your weight as you arise from the throne.

If you wanted a no-threshold shower five years ago, you had to have it fabricated as a custom piece, said Mary Jo Peterson, a Brookfield, Conn., designer. Today, companies sell no-threshold shower kits with trench-style drains covered with grills so you can roll yourself right in.

HL tip: We love the trend to universal design-ready remodeling products. To get started, check out our four universal design product ideas from anti-scald valves and door handles.
 
Which of these trends will your incorporate into your remodeling plans? Do you worry about staying ahead of trends? 

Original article written by Dona DeZube from HouseLogic.com | http://www.houselogic.com/blog/kitchens/kitchen-bath-remodeling-trends-last/

3 Philadelphia Real Estate Trends to Watch

From more apartment buildings to greater outdoor amenities, here are a few Philadelphia real estate trends to keep an eye out for in the coming months and years. The focus of some trends is on sustainability, so expect them to stick around.

When you think of a trend in real estate, you most likely think of passing styles or fads, like the demand for granite counters or hardwood flooring. But trends can also pertain to the structure and design of a home — and that’s where we’ve seen a few Philadelphia real estate trends cropping up lately. If you’re in the market for a new home, particularly a newly constructed home, odds are that you might see a few of these on offer.

More Multi-Family Homes

Philadelphia — particularly in the Center City area — is seeing an influx of multi-family homes, as well as apartment buildings. Many of these apartments will be in newly constructed buildings. There’s also a trend of unused buildings being converted into one- or two-bedroom apartments. For example, the site of the Wharton Street Lofts in South Philadelphia used to be the James Wilson School. While the builders could have removed all traces of the century-old school building’s former existence, they chose to preserve some features — some of the apartments even feature refined, built-in chalkboards. There’s a suggestion that some of the other unused school buildings can be converted to apartments in a similar way.

In Center City, there are more than 2,600 new apartment units in the works, thePhiladelphia Business Journal reports. Another 2,700 are in the planning stages, and more than 2,000 units have already completed construction. Although that might seem like a staggering amount of new apartment units, the Business Journal notes that the demand is there, according to Center City District research.

Outdoor Amenities

At the moment, green reigns supreme in Philly. Philadelphia magazine’s Property blog breaks down the trends from the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2014 survey: Expect to see more garden space, more outdoor structures such as decks, and more sustainable and green design across town.

While the city government is working to improve access to green space for all residents, potential buyers can help fuel the demand by tracking down homes with more outdoor amenities. Current homeowners might think to add more outdoor features to their properties. 

Green Roofs

Speaking of sustainable design, one of the biggest Philadelphia real estate trends is the green roof, in which the typical roof coating is replaced with a layer of living greenery. Green roofs aren’t gardens. They’re meant to be passive installations that improve storm water drainage, but you don’t have to tend to them and you typically don’t expect to grow edible or decorative plants. Philadelphia has long been a leader in the green roof movement. In 2012, the city had installed over 200,000 green roofs and ranked fifth in Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ list of top 20 metro regions in North America.

Green roofs are promoted by the Philadelphia Water Department and by PECO. PECO’s long been on the cutting edge when it comes to green roofs: Back in 2009, it installed a 45,000-square-foot green roof on top of its Center City headquarters. Green roofs are also showing up in the city’s newer residential buildings, including Awesometown in the Fishtown area and the Thin Flats in Northern Liberties.

These environmentally conscious initiatives are an example of Philadelphia real estate trends that not only make the city more appealing for new residents but, by focusing on sustainability, also make it a better place to live for the future.

Article written by Amy Freeman from Coldwell Banker Blue Matter

Is Rent to Own the Right Option For You?

Are the high home prices stopping you from owning a home? You can still be a proud owner if you consider rent to own. Before you get confused about this term, here is a brief explanation. Rent to own, also known as lease option, provides you a possibility to fulfill your dream of owning a home. In this option, the person initially leases the property and has the option of buying it at the end of the contract period. This option therefore allows home owner to save the down payment and get proper financing.

If you and the landlord actually have a good contract, it can be beneficial for both parties involved.

Why Should Prospective Homeowners Look at Rent to Own?

Prospective homeowners should not completely discard the option of rent to own without understanding it and analyzing its benefits. It can prove to be a hassle-free way to own a home especially for those who have just switched jobs. It is also beneficial for those people, who want to build their credit ratings or want some time to save up enough money to pay the down payment.

If you are a first-time homebuyer, this could just be the option that you are looking for. First time homebuyers are often shocked by the amount of down payment they have to make and the prices of homes. This puts them off.

Under the rent to own option, you can stay in the house for a fixed period of time and this allows you to check whether the house suits your needs and also whether the neighborhood is what you had envisaged. The rent that you pay usually covers the down payment for the house and it also helps build equity in the house, so that you enjoy better interest rates.

Understanding the Working of Rent to Own

As a prospective buyer, you cannot just walk up to the seller and request a lease option. This option is dependent on the prevailing real estate market conditions. If the market is soaring or even steady, you can forget about getting a rent to own option. On the other hand, if home property market is dipping, homeowners do not want their homes to sit and collect dirt. This is when they begin looking at different options to sell their homes and are more open to the lease option.

Typically, if you and the seller can reach an agreement, a contract will be drawn out. It all depends on how good your lawyer is if you want the contract to be more in your favor. Nonetheless, there are certain things that each lease option contract will cover. Some of them are as follows:

• You, the renter, have agreed to lease the house for a fixed time, which usually is anywhere from one year to three years.

• The renter has to pay something known as option fee, which is non-refundable. However, you can add it to the down payment. Usually, the option fee varies from 1 to 5 per cent of the purchase price.

• The renter pays higher rent for the property than what is prevailing in the market. The market rent amount is deducted from the rent you pay and the remaining portion is put into a fund that is used to make the down payment at a later stage.

• The purchase price is fixed and cannot be altered at a later stage by you or the seller.

• You, the renter, can purchase the house anytime before the lease contract expires.

Why are Sellers Open to Rent to Own?

Usually, a seller will only consider lease option if he or she is facing difficulties in disposing the property. It can also be beneficial for those homeowners, who have relocated to another city or country or those who have bought a new house before they could sell their previous house and thus, face the burden of paying two mortgages simultaneously.

Another reason why sellers tend to be partial to rent to own option is that they enjoy regular rent during the contract period. This increases their income.

As the contract locks the property price at the time of signing the contract, homeowners have peace of mind if they are worried about the price falling in the future. This keeps their investment intact and they can make a profit at the time of the sale.

Above all, they never have to worry about tenants thrashing up the property, as the tenants usually look after the property well and this substantially reduces maintenance and upkeep costs.

Rent to Own Option – The Risks

While there are benefits for both buyers and sellers, there also are certain risks that both parties should be prepared for.

• If either party infringes the terms of the rent – not paying the rent on time or not making necessary repairs – the agreement become null and void.

• Even at the end of the contract, the renter may not get approved for the mortgage and this is a missed opportunity for the seller to sell his property.

• The purchase price that the buyer views as bargain at the time of signing the contract may seem too high at the expiration of the contract, especially if property prices in the neighborhood fall.

• Rent to own contracts usually are drawn up to benefit sellers and that is why prospective buyers should get a good real estate attorney to check out the contract before signing on the dotted lines. This helps to protect the buyer.

• Even though the seller is going to sell the property a few years down the line, he still has to incur expenses for its upkeep, taxes and other expenses that landlords are expected to bear.

Summary

A rent to own option definitely can be a win-win situation for the seller and buyer. However, buyers should remember this is like any other property sale. So, they should get the property appraised and inspected by professionals. Furthermore, they should consult a financial institution to find out how they can get a mortgage at the expiration of the contract. This will ease your burden and ensure you have made the right choice.

A lease option ensures sellers are not saddled with an empty property that keeps depreciating in value. So, whether you are a buyer or seller, you should seriously give rent to own or lease option another look.

By Rebecca. From www.PropertyCluster.com

5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Real Estate Agent

Consider communication style, longevity in the business and more to find the right fit.

Whether you’re planning to buy or sell property this summer, you may want to work with a real estate agent to guide you through the process. While you may have a neighbor or cousin who works in real estate, it’s a good idea to vet potential agents to ensure the best fit for your needs, since it’s hardly a one-size-fits-all proposition. Here’s a look at questions to ask.

1. How long have you been in the business? First, ask about the agent’s experience. "For me, the first thing I want to know is how long have they been in the marketplace," says Rick Harris, regional vice president for the National Association of Realtors and owner of a Coldwell Bankers office in Ashland, Oregon. "Not just how many years, but how many buyers do they work with that have similar needs."
Also consider the difference between a part-time real estate agent who sells a few properties for friends and relatives and someone who treats it as a full-time business venture. As Mirtha Barzaga, a Realtor with Davidson Realty in St. Augustine, Florida, points out, "there [are] a lot of agents out there that do this part time, and they can't provide the level of service that somebody who is doing this day in and day out can provide."

2. What geographic areas and types of properties do you handle? For buyers’ and sellers’ agents, neighborhood expertise is key, because neighborhood markets can have different quirks. For instance, Harris lives on a small ranch, so he knows the ins and outs of rural properties. "I focus very specifically on my county because rural regulations differ by county," he adds. Historic homes are another area that may require special expertise because of the additional challenges and potential restrictions involved.
Consider not only what agents tell you but also the way they brand themselves online. Herman Chan, a real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty in San Francisco, says many agents are now active on social media with YouTube channels, Twitter feeds, Facebook pages and more, allowing you to do your own research. "If they're branding themselves as a condo specialist and you want to buy a house, they're probably not the right agent for you," he says. An agent who focuses on condominiums may have more familiarity with specific condo buildings than someone who mainly handles single-family homes.
Ask about other types of expertise, too. If you’re a veteran or active duty military member, you may want to work with someone who has special training to understand how Veterans Affairs financing works and the challenges of frequently relocating. If you’re a first-time buyer, you may want to find someone who works with lots of first-time buyers and has the patience to do some hand-holding.

3. How will you communicate with me? A communication lapse of a few hours can mean the difference between an accepted offer and a missed opportunity. With that in mind, choose an agent who responds quickly in the mode of communication that works for you, whether it’s email, text, phone or fax. "Quite frankly as Realtors, our job is to be able to communicate the way the consumer wants," Harris says. "Finding a Realtor who will work with you in the way that you need to work is great."
Communication is especially important for buyers house-hunting from afar. Chan has clients in London or Asia who communicate with him via Gchat or FaceTime. He’ll also record tours of potential properties and upload the videos to YouTube with a private link.
Also ask who will be your main point of contact, because some busy real estate agents use a team of assistants or sub-agents to handle day-to-day tasks, and you may not have direct access to the agent you choose. "Maybe some people don't care, but I think that's an important question to ask," Chan says.

4. Can you share references? In addition to interviewing potential agents, talk to their buyers or sellers. Barzaga says she has a list of clients she can share with potential clients as needed. "I have had some of my previous clients take them out to lunch and talk to them without me being in front of them so they can get a real picture of that area and the work that I have done for them," she says.
Harris agrees that talking to past clients is a good idea. "By doing that, you take out the self-promotion that everybody in business has to do and get to that relationship to help you understand how well they actually did," he says.
Also ask what portion of business comes from referrals or repeat business. If an agent mainly works on referrals or repeat business, that can be a positive indicator that prior clients were satisfied.

5. What will it cost me to sell this property? Buyers often don’t pay commission directly, but sellers often do and the costs can vary from agent to agent. For buyers who worry that bringing up the commission topic will be uncomfortable, Chan suggests phrasing this question as, "What will it cost me to sell this property?" Also ask for a breakdown of estimated closing costs. "If they feel that it's appropriate in your market, some agents throw in free staging or pay for your moving expenses, but you have to compare apples to apples," he says. "If you get someone who's charging less, are you getting reduced services for reduced commission?"
Barzaga suggests asking where the property will be listed and how many websites the agent participates in. Will the agent list the property on his or her YouTube channel or Facebook page too? And if so, how many followers does he or she have?
These questions can help you get a sense of the agent’s process and personality, but the right decision may depend on your instinctive reaction. "Follow your intuition," Chan says. "If they feel too slick, it's not a good sign. It’s a good sign when you find an agent who can tell it like it is."

By Susan Johnston/ 5/28/14 | Taken from USNews.com/Money and Finance

Questions often arise regarding ownership of property that becomes "fixed" or "attached" to a part of real property. Particularly in today’s times, property owners want to install high-speed cable modem boxes, additional communications wiring, wall store devices, wine cellars, exercise equipment and more, and then take them away when they sell.

Is there any clear cut definition of a "fixture"? An early Nebraska Court stated that "fixtures are in the twilight zone between things real and things personal".

Thus, the simple answer is that there is no clear cut answer. Different court opinions have issued different - and other conflicting - opinions as to what is a fixture.

In layman’s terms, I think we can all agree that a fixture is something which initially was not attached to real property - such as an air conditioning window unit, or a wet bar which was installed in a house after it was built.

Legal issues arise. The seller moves out and takes his personal belongings, including those which he had previously attached to the property and the home purchaser discovers only after settlement that the seller has removed them. If it is a fixture, it stays with the property.

Thus, we get litigation. According to a 1982 DC Court of Appeals case, "in this jurisdiction, when determining whether an article is a fixture, the court may consider three factors:(1) actual annexation, according to the nature and use of the article;(2) its adaptation to the use for which it was annexed, and (3) the intention that it should be a permanent accession to the realty."

That’s clear as mud!

Let’s look at some typical issues. In each case, the item was installed by the property owner seller.

• a lamp fixture attached to a ceiling electrical box above the dining room table?

In this situation, so long as the fixture can be removed without damage to the ceiling - and the seller installs a substitute fixture and makes sure there are no open electrical wires which could cause a fire or injury to a person - I believe that can be removed;

• a piece of framed art attached to a wall. Once again, so long as the artwork can be removed - and any holes in the wall restored - this can be removed;
• a wet bar that is affixed to the wall. Here, I would draw the line and call his a fixture which must stay in the house.

The list can - and does - go on. But there is a lesson to be learned, namely: put everything in writing. If you are buying a home, and there is an item which you want to remain there, spell this out specifically in the sales contract. For example: "the wall racks installed in the garage shall convey". Alternatively, if you are a seller, and there are items which you want to remove, make that clear in the sales contract; i.e. "The wall racks installed in the garage do not convey." As for the lamp fixture referenced above, the buyer may have thought it was a fixture and thus should have stayed in the house. This is exactly the kind of issue that is best resolved in the real estate contract.

The analysis of fixtures applies equally to landlord-tenant issues. From my experience, when there is litigation, typically the buyer or the tenant will win. That’s because the seller or the landlord could have made their intentions clear in the written contract or lease.

One additional note of interest. Custom and practice in a local community is often forgotten or ignored. For example, it is my understanding that when you sell a house in California, it is customary that the refrigerator does not convey. Thus, I have encountered people coming from the West Coast to purchase real estate here finding they have two refrigerators, while people going out to California find that they have no refrigerator in the new house they have purchased. Talk with your local real estate agent and your attorney to make sure you fully understand these local customs. But, in the final analysis, a written document is the best protection.

Written by Benny L. Kass on Wednesday, 28 May 2014 12:59 pm (RealtyTimes)

The ABC of Homeownership: How to Be a Responsible Homeowner

Buying a home is a huge financial decision that a person takes in their lifetime and it has to be dealt with carefully. When you buy a home, you would definitely want to get in a decent locality and also invest in it further. Owning and taking care of a home entails several responsibilities. I learnt my lesson the hard way when I got into trouble with my neighbors and local association. Out of my experiences, I am sharing things you need to consider while buying a home.

Legalities of construction

If you are planning to build a home right from the scratch, find out about permits and other legalities involved. You will need to obtain a construction permit before you start constructing the house. The permit approval takes several weeks or even months before they come through. If you skip the guidelines set by local authorities, they may end up demolishing your house. Every community has specific rules and regulations for construction of homes. Make sure you comply with all of them.

Local Associations

Homeowners associations work on a complicated framework and are often difficult to deal with. Furthermore, the members of this association will lay down several conditions that you would have to adhere to. The best way to avoid problems with these associations is to attend the meetings regularly. Participate in the association as much as you can. Being an active participant in your local community can actually be helpful for you at some point in time.

Mortgage knowledge

Know what the prevailing mortgage rates are. Understand the terms of mortgage thoroughly and what the interest rate includes. Also, understand the nature of interest rate and calculate the overall mortgage cost. Oftentimes, mortgage rates are misunderstood and people get a nasty surprise when they have to pay their first EMI. Avoid this situation by educating yourself and understand the nitty-gritties of mortgage. You should ideally get yourself pre-approved for mortgage before you buy a home.

Pay on time

Clear all dues on a timely basis. If you slack on payments then you will be liable for legal action. It may also result in a lawsuit sometimes. Moreover, you may receive several harassing collection calls and also dent your credit rating. In order to pay your dues on time, make a clear budget prioritizing your mortgage payments.

Friendly neighborhood

As much as possible maintain a cordial and friendly relationship with your neighbors. If you have a troublesome neighbor, just maintain decorum of understanding without breaching your relationship. You never know when you might need the help of these neighbors, whether they are good or bad.  Also, respect your neighbor’s privacy even while constructing your house. If something is bothering them about the construction, pay immediate attention and try to resolve it in an amicable manner.

Conclusion

Home ownership is easier said than done. Any negligence on the part of the owner can get them into deep problems. They should make sure that they are doing the right thing every step of the way. Also, one needs to ensure that their paperwork is always correct and updated. Homeowners’ insurance policy should be in place to avoid legal hassles and unforeseen circumstances.

This entry was posted in Buying a Home and tagged Be a Responsible Homeowner, Responsible Homeowner. Bookmark thepermalink.

Top 10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring after Severe Winter

As much of the United States recovers from one of the harshest winters in recent history, it is important to inspect your home for damage and plan for home maintenance, repair and remodeling projects. Winter weather can be particularly damaging to a home and the tips from NAHB Remodelers can return your home to top condition after the severe winter.

“Winter weather can damage homes in ways that aren’t easily visible,” says NAHB Remodelers Chair Paul Sullivan, CAPS, CGR, CGP, of Waterville Valley, N.H. “Home owners should protect their investment and hire a professional remodeler to repair or replace damaged components now, before spring storms create more problems.”

NAHB Remodelers recommends these top 10 tips for home owners to inspect for damage and make sure your home is ready for spring from top to bottom:

• Inspect roof—Check your roof for loose, warped or missing shingles and make sure the chimney flashing and skylight seals are intact.

• Clean and repair gutters—Clear winter storm debris from gutters and downspouts, and check that they are still securely attached to the house. Blocked or loose gutters can allow water into your home and damage trim.

• Look for leaks—Common culprits for hard-to-find leaks are attics, crawl spaces and washing machine hoses. Inspect these areas, look under sinks for damage from frozen pipes and check your water heater for signs of corrosion.

• Clear exterior drains—Remove leaves from underground or exterior drains to clear the way for spring showers and prevent backups.

• Inspect siding—Inspect siding for pieces that have come loose during winter storms.

• Check window and door seals—Examine the exterior caulking on door and window seals to ensure it remains watertight.

• Patch cracks—Patch cracks in concrete driveways, sidewalks and steps to keep water out and prevent further expansion.

• Paint the exterior—Painting or touching up paint on the exterior of your home not only makes it look better, but will also help protect the home from the elements.

• Inspect the HVAC—Hire a qualified technician to service your home’s HVAC system to make sure it is running properly before hot temperatures call for air conditioning. Now is also the time to replace your HVAC filters.

• Check your home’s grading—Ensure the grading of your yard slopes away from your home’s foundation to keep excess moisture at bay.

Don’t wait to inspect your home and get damage fixed. Many professional remodelers not only renovate homes; they repair or replace damaged or deteriorating roofs, windows, doors and other home features. Remodeling and repair projects can require your home to be open to the elements and companies may have a backlog of work due to the length and severity of the winter season. Choose your repair and renovation projects for the year ahead and start planning now.

RISmedia.com