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Archives for July 2019

6 Tiny Details That Make or Break How Great Your Bathroom Looks

July 29, 2019 by chorton 2 Comments

6 Tiny Details That Make or Break How Great Your Bathroom Looks

luxe-shower-head

Bathroom remodels are hard to get just right. There are so many choices—tubs, sinks, and tile, to name a few. But it’s the small things that can make or break a design.

“During a bathroom remodel, both beauty and function matter here, so it’s important to care about both,” says Rob McDowell, a master plumber with All Star Plumbing in Columbia, MO. In this latest installment of our Dream Bathroom Remodeling Guide, we gathered the last little touches you need to make that dream a reality. Here are some things that can make or break how your bathroom remodel turns out. 

1. A luxe shower-head—and where it’s placed

Consider going with a handheld shower-head.

Sure, it’s generally behind a curtain or a door, but the shower-head is not to be overlooked. “These days, many people opt for massaging shower-heads and models that can remember your temperature preferences,” says McDowell. Many modern, low-flow shower-head systems are designed to provide the same satisfying feel of a traditional shower-head, and models that detach from the wall are still popular as well.

Another easy tip, whether you get a new shower-head or not: Raise it a foot or so higher, so you can enjoy the warm spray across your whole body.

“When people ask us for the secret to the perfect bathroom, we always recommend raising your shower-head,” says McDowell. “Older homes typically have low shower-heads, so raising yours will bring your bathroom into the present at very little cost.”

Save: A basic shower-head can cost as little as $15 at any home improvementstore.

Splurge: Experts we spoke to favor Moen’s Chrome Eco-Performance Handshower Handheld Shower ($296, shown above), since it has a wide head, but conserves water, too.

2. Tile grout

Grout is an important detail to decide on after choosing the perfect tile. “This is my personal design preference, but I love a bright white grout in the bathroom,” says Lynn Schrage, bathroom design manager at Kohler. “But I also see a lot of public places choosing black grout with a lighter tile.”

Whatever your choice, make sure it blends well with your tile selection. If you have a patterned tile, select a grout that appears seamless and modern, rather than breaking up the pattern with lines of grout.

3. A toilet that isn’t just an afterthought

Don't forget to research toilets.

Many homeowners glaze over when it gets to the point where they select the toilet. “Maybe it’s embarrassing to discuss, because let’s face it … it’s hard to make a toilet beautiful,” says Schrage. “That being said, it’s going to see a lot of use, so make sure to choose comfort—elongated bowl, please!—and some style, meaning: not your typical oval.”

Save: A Glacier Bay high-efficiency elongated toilet costs $99.

Splurge: The elongated Kohler’s Memoirs Classic ($1,298, shown above).

4. Sink faucet

Where hot meets cold

“Sink faucets are basically statement earrings for your bathroom,” says Schrage. “I love the look of a widespread—at least 8-inch—faucet.” Quite apart from appearing more contemporary, faucets that have some room around them are much easier to clean.

Save: Go for old-school style, with Vintage Widespread Bathroom Faucetwith Pop-Up Drain,  ($186).

Splurge: Experts we spoke to love the look of brushed gold, such as Moen’s Align Brushed Gold Two-Handle High Arc Bathroom Faucet($357).

5. Towel racks

Keep towels in their place.

You will need a place for those wet towels, and chances are, the place they hang on the wall could be a focal place in your bathroom. “Choose a towel bar that’s wide enough for at least two towels, so about 24 inches,” says Schrage.

Don’t worry if it’s not the same finish as the plumbing. “Just choose something you love, because you’ll be using it more than other accessories in your home,” she adds.

And think about the placement of towel bars and robe hooks before your remodel is complete. Towels should be accessible as you exit the shower.

Save: You can score a black steel towel rack (shown above for $70) to display rolled towels.

Splurge: Pottery Barn’s Hewitt Train Rack in chrome goes for $229.

6. Vanity

Add style and storage with a bathroom vanity.

If you are planning a full bathroom remodel, replace your bathroom vanity(and to clarify, a bathroom vanity isn’t what hangs on a wall, but cabinetry that holds the sink and also has storage). And while you may be tempted to refinish an existing vanity, for upfront savings, once everything else has been replaced, the vanity will feel even more outdated and be lacking storage.

Save: You can snag a classic vanity with a cultured marble top for $149.

Splurge: The Wynkoop 24-inch Single Bathroom Vanity Set shown above goes for $272.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/tiny-details-that-make-or-break-how-great-your-bathroom-looks/

 

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Real Estate Advice, Selling Your Home Tagged With: bathroom, preparation to selling, real estate advice, remodel, remodeling, selling, selling a home, selling homes, staging

Just Imagine! DIY Kitchen Makeovers to Inspire You to Buy

July 25, 2019 by chorton Leave a Comment

Just Imagine! DIY Kitchen Makeovers to Inspire You to Buy

Just a little imagination and a few tools could make that listing your new home.

Updated kitchen with green cabinets, black and white floor

When you’re dreaming about buying a home, you imagine everything being exactly how you want it from the start. You don’t dream about outdated cabinets, bad flooring, or popcorn ceilings. 

So when you actually start looking for a home, finding homes that are less than perfect can be a bit of a reality check. Unless you have a pretty penny to spend on exactly what you want, chances are you’re not going to start out with your dream kitchen. But that’s no reason not to pull the trigger on a new house.

Related: Easy Ways to Personalize a Cookie-Cutter Home

While house hunting, keeping an open mind and imagining what a space could become is key. Sure, it might not be perfect right off the bat, but most aren’t! This is where I come in. I’m your DIY Fairy Godmother — just substitute sawdust for sparkles and a drill for a wand. I’m here to show you what can become of those less-than-ideal spaces with a little hard work and creativity.

Here are a few of my favorites. Keep in mind that all of these spaces are DIYed and most have tutorials for everything you see.

Kitchens

In my opinion, the kitchen is far and away the most important room in the house. It’s where you’ll invest most of your time, and to be honest, most of your money. We’ve all seen what a difference finishes and design details can make in a kitchen. Things like cabinet color and countertop materials are huge. 

Dated no more. Blogger Julia’s kitchen was full of oak cabinetry and not much else. Over the course of two years, Julia completely overhauled it using IKEA cabinetry and DIY concrete countertops.

Outdated kitchen with wood cabinetry

After the renovation, it doesn’t even look like the same house.

Updated kitchen with black cabinets, white countertops

Maximized size. Blogger Corey’s kitchen was nothing spectacular. The one thing it had going for it was size. But there were loads of things that were dragging down the style, like that giant wall.

Dim carpeted living room next to kitchen

Now check it out after the reno:

Kitchen with white cabinetry, white-washed brick wal

 Cabinet rescue. Don’t feel bad about falling in love with a house that has a little bit of a beige situation.

Old beige kitchen

Elisha overhauled her kitchen in two months and — wait for it — built her own cabinetry!

Bright white cabinets and a dark wood floor

She’s obviously a master carpenter. See every tutorial on how to duplicate this for your own home on Pneumatic Addict. But for those of us who are a little less skilled, try repainting your kitchen cabinets.

https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/remodeling-tips-advice/diy-room-makeover/

Filed Under: Blog, Real Estate Advice Tagged With: DIY, home remodel, makeovers, remodel, remodeling

Why Expensive Renovations May Not Boost Your Sale

July 10, 2019 by chorton Leave a Comment

Planned renovation of a kitchen

Though home improvement adds value to a property, your sellers don’t always have to undertake big projects to win a higher price at resale.

As modest increases in inventory begin to attract more buyers to the market, it may seem wise for your sellers to undertake renovation projects to boost their competitive edge. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades, for example, are among buyers’ most desired features and can fetch a handsome return on investment, according to the National Association of Home Builders. But even as remodeling demand rises—the NAHB predicts home improvement activity will jump 1.6% and 1.1% in 2019 and 2020, respectively—some real estate professionals aren’t sold on the idea that renovating always fast-tracks a home sale.

There are two types of homes that sell quickly in today’s market: fixer-uppers and completely renovated properties, says Blayne Pacelli, a sales associate with Rodeo Realty in Studio City, Calif. You’ll need to pay attention to local market dynamics to determine the salability of each type of home in your area. For example, if your market has an abundance of investors, who typically renovate anyway for flips or rental properties, your sellers may not need to upgrade their homes in order to sell. Traditional buyers, however, may want a move-in–ready property.

In the Los Angeles neighborhood where Pacelli works, investors and traditional buyers are both aplenty. His renovation advice to clients depends on each one’s situation. “If a house is already fixed up except, say, one bathroom, I would suggest updating that bathroom to [appeal to a wide market],” he says. “If the bathrooms and kitchen need updating, I would leave them as is” and market the home to investors.

Weighing Your Options

There’s no doubt that home improvement increases property values, but renovating can be expensive—and there’s no guarantee your clients will recoup all of the costs at resale. With that in mind, you must help your clients decide: Is the expense of remodeling worth it? Small improvements rather than large-scale projects may suffice. “Timing matters as does the cost to renovate,” says Elisa Uribe, a sales associate with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty in Oakland, Calif. “It is a seller’s market in our area. In some cases, minor changes such as interior and exterior painting and updating the landscaping can add a lot of curb appeal and make the house more appealing to a buyer.”

Uribe has also used virtual staging to present renovation options to buyers, relieving her seller of having to do the work. In March, she sold a client’s unrenovated three-bedroom, one-bathroom home, built in 1910, at the list price of $564,000. The sale occurred even though the seller had not updated the property’s exterior siding, windows, landscaping, and hardwood floor finishes.

The buyer was attracted to Uribe’s virtual staging of the home, which showed what it would look like with the updates and new furniture. Uribe also virtually staged the home’s layout with an additional bathroom to show buyers the renovation possibilities. “My client was out of state and didn’t have the time, or the funds, to update the house himself,” Uribe says. “The buyer was an investor who planned to update the property and put it back on the market fully renovated.”

Less Is More

Sometimes, some form of home improvement is necessary to elevate the profile of an otherwise undesirable property. In these cases, it may be best to choose simple projects with big impact, such as refreshing the paint or hardwood finish. James McGrath, co-founder of Yoreevo LLC in New York, says one of his buyers recently closed on a condo that had been extensively renovated. The seller, an interior designer, saved money by designing the remodeling projects herself, but she still spent $100,000 on the actual work, which included gutting the kitchen and bathroom among other changes, McGrath says. “If it’s not the highest price per square foot in the building’s history, it’ll be pretty close,” he says of the deal.

The renovated unit received a lot of foot traffic, with 60 to 70 showings. “That being said, the owner won’t make money on the renovation,” McGrath says. Though the renovation generated a higher price for the condo—which McGrath’s client bought for $690,000— it wasn’t enough to cover the seller’s remodeling costs, he adds. This is an example of why McGrath suggests that homeowners avoid big projects prior to selling.

Another renovation con: While the improvements may be a hit with some buyers, others may have different preferences and won’t pay a higher price for the work that was done. In fact, McGrath’s buyer brought in his own contractor because he wanted to replace the tile in the kitchen and backroom. Though the tiles were new and in pristine condition, the buyer had a different vision for the space, McGrath says. “Presumably, the seller would have gotten the same offer from [my buyer] had she not spent thousands of dollars on those tiles.”

Protect Clients’ Bottom Lines

You can help keep your sellers on budget by reminding them that “restoring the home to a good state of repair” is all that’s necessary before listing, says Michael Edlen, SFR, a sales associate at Coldwell Banker Pacific Palisades in Pacific Palisades, Calif. But that may mean something different in each market. In areas where buyers have the advantage, a seller may need to do more work on his or her home. “If an owner does not perform basic repairs, many buyers tend to ‘horribilize’ what they think they see and how much it could cost to fix it.”

If your client’s home needs an overall update, focus on the smallest items that have the biggest impact first and test it on the market before deciding to invest in larger projects. Updated light fixtures and window treatments, which are eye-catching accents, are often enough to move buyers, says Dawn Levy, a sales associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties in Atlanta. If your clients want to take it a step further, they can install new energy efficient windows, which can be costly but is a huge selling point with buyers, Levy adds. “A home with good bones that needs a cosmetic facelift is much more appealing to buyers,” she says. “Price point also plays a role here.”

Of course, the value of any renovation depends on your market. What works in one area may not work in another, so you must be knowledgeable about your specific neighborhood. In New York, for example, condos and townhomes that aren’t completely renovated typically don’t get much attention from buyers, says Eric Rosen, a broker with Halstead Manhattan LLC. “If the apartment or townhouse requires work, then the seller would be penalized,” he says. “This means that the property will trade for less than the repairs would have netted in a sale.”

 

 

Filed Under: Blog, Real Estate Advice Tagged With: home remodel, home renovation, remodeling, renovations

Building a House? The Pros and Cons

July 5, 2019 by chorton 2 Comments

Building a House? The Pros and Cons

It’s the classic home buyer’s conundrum: Should we build, or should we buy?

Each option has its pros and cons. For instance, building a house from the ground up will give you the floor plan you want, but it will take months to construct. If you buy an existing home, you might have to compromise on the floor plan, but you’ll get to move in right after you close!

Before you decide on your next home, take time to explore the arguments for and against each choice with the help of your real estate agent.

The Case for Building a House

Pros:According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time an existing home is on the market is 30 days!(1) With homes flying off the market so quickly, competition to find an existing home can be tough. When you build a home, the competition factor decreases.

Customization is another huge pro. You’ll get to personalize the details of your house when you’re building a house from the ground up—from the layout , cabinets and flooring to the sinks, lighting, paint colors and doorknobs! Even tract homes that are built within neighborhoods allow for some customization in color choices, flooring options and certain finishes. Limited choices reduce labor costs—and your bottom line.

 

Find expert agents to help you buy your home.

Obviously, new homes are built to meet current building codes, are often more energy efficient, and can incorporate up-to-date technology. For the first few years, you’re less likely to deal with big-ticket maintenance issues like leaky roofs or failing heating and cooling systems in a newly built home. Plus, many homebuilders offer a limited warranty if something should break.

Cons: So, why wouldn’t you chose to build a house? For starters, it takes an average of seven months to construct a new build, according to the United States Census Bureau.(2) This means you’ll likely have a gap in residence between the time you sell your old place and build your new one. You’ll need to be prepared to cover the cost of renting until you can move into your newly built place. On the flip side, most buyers can move into their new-to-them home just weeks after making the initial offer.

Here’s another biggie: Most buyers go into a home purchase expecting to wheel and deal on the price. While that’s certainly common in the resale market, new homes are a little different. Usually there’s not a lot of leeway on closing costs or purchase price.

This is where having your own real estate agent comes in handy. An experienced agent knows what makes the different builders in your market tick and brings a creative mind to the negotiation table. If your builder won’t bend on price, your agent may be able to work other incentives into the contract price.

Another con: unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. They have a funny way of sneaking up on new home buyers. That’s because those dollar signs you see on the sticker are just the tip of the price-berg. Upgrades cost money and may or may not be rolled into your contract price. Play it safe by budgeting for only those you can cover with cash. Don’t know where to start? Begin by asking your builder these questions:

  • How much does your typical buyer actually spend on upgrades?
  • What’s included in the base price?
  • What will be an additional cost at closing?

Knowledge is power. Work with your real estate agent to gather as much information possible about building a house so you’re not blindsided by extra costs.

The Case for Buying an Existing Home

Pros: The benefits of buying an existing home are more than financial. Buying a home is often less stressful than building one. When you build a house, you’ll have to purchase land, decide on a home design, pick out flooring, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, interior trim, exterior trim, and on and on it goes. You’ll have to do all of this and stay under your budget. Managing all the details that go along with building a home takes time and effort. Don’t underestimate the depth of stamina you’ll need to make sure it’s all done the right way.

On the other hand, purchasing an existing home is usually less stressful than building because you have fewer decisions to make about the house itself! It’s already built!

Here are some other pros for buying an existing house:

  • Your real estate agent can help you negotiate the best deal possible. You could potentially get more bang for your buck with an existing house.
  • You can move in right after you close.
  • You can upgrade at your own pace as you have the time and money.

Cons: Clearly, there’s a higher risk you’ll face maintenance issues in an existing home. But a professional home inspection can root out many of those potential problems before you close on the home. You may also need to update some of the outdated features of an older home, but if you play your cards right, that old carpet and ugly wallpaper could land you a better deal.

Other cons include:

  • Buyer’s remorse if you end up not loving your home’s floor plan.
  • Higher energy costs if you purchase an older home.
  • Neighbor remorse if you end up living next to someone who blares hard rock music at 1 a.m.

The most important detail about buying an existing home is choosing your real estate agent wisely. The right agent will help you make informed decisions about buying an existing home.

Ready to Decide?

With all that said, every market is different—just like every buyer is different. The best way to choose the option that’s right for you is to talk it over with an experienced real estate agent.Your agent will know where the deals are, whether you’re interested in the long-time neighborhoods or the up-and-coming communities. And they’ll help you decide whether building a house or buying an existing home will suit your needs best.

If you’re looking for an agent who’s willing to do what it takes to help you find the perfect home, we can put you in touch with an experienced agent Dave recommends in your area. A home is a huge purchase, and you should feel empowered in the decisions you make with your money.

If you need help figuring out how much house you can afford, our home loan calculator can help you estimate your total mortgage cost.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Real Estate Advice Tagged With: building, building a home, real estate advice, remodel, remodeling

TAKE 5: WHAT TO NEGOTIATE WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

July 3, 2019 by chorton Leave a Comment

TAKE 5: WHAT TO NEGOTIATE WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home?

  1. Closing costs. Your closing costs are determined by a variety of factors, but you can expect it to be between 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Ask the seller to cover some or all of the closing costs upfront or request a closing credit that can be used to make specific updates and fixes to the home.
  2. Furnishings. Love how the seller has furnished and decorated the home? Buyers often negotiate keeping couches, fixtures, landscaping items, patio furniture, appliances, and more. And many sellers agree, wanting to make the home more appealing.
  3. Inspection and closing timing. Buyer offers that include a quick inspection and close timeline are often more attractive to sellers who have been going through the process for far too long. Just ensure you allow yourself ample time to get your financing in place and complete proper, thorough inspections.
  4. Home warranty. Sellers will often agree to pay the premium on the home warranty at closing and then hand it off to the new homeowner, who is responsible for the deductible on any future claims.
  5. Repairs. Your inspection may uncover small or large repairs needed to bring the home up to standard. You can negotiate to have these items fixed before closing or ask for a price reduction to cover the costs.

https://www.breakthroughbroker.com/take_5_what_to_negotiate_when_buying_a_house#.XRt9uetKiM8

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Real Estate Advice Tagged With: negotiating, negotiation

July 4th Celebration: Parade, Splashville, Lawnmower Races, Concerts and Fireworks

July 3, 2019 by chorton Leave a Comment

July 4th Celebration: Parade,Splashville,Lawnmower Races,Concert,& Fireworks

Name: JULY 4TH CELEBRATION: Parade, Splashville, Lawnmower Races, Concert & Fireworks
Date: July 4, 2019
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM CDT
Website: Schedule of Events
 
Event Description:
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION SCHEDULE:

PARADE:  9:00 AM

Coordinated by SPARD (Stephenville Parks & Recreation)
Theme: Vintage Superhero
Entry Deadline: In office by Friday, June 28th or online by Sunday, June 30th, 2019
Parade Check In: 7:00 AM
Click HERE to view and print the entry form, rules, and route.
Click HERE to register ONLINE!
Parade will begin at the South entrance of the City Park near Splashville, will then go North on Graham, West on Washington, and end at Harbin.
Questions?  Call SPARD at (254) 918-1295
SPLASHVILLE: 
Open 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
$3 Admission
Free Face Painting

First 75 through the gate receive a door prize!

ALL AMERICAN  FOURTH OF JULY:
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM @ City Park

Tailgate Cook-Off
Washer Tournament
Family Fun
Food Trucks & More

Details HERE or Call SPARD at (254) 918-1295
Join the Facebook Event HERE!
LAWN MOWER RACES:
Free Registration and Admission
*Located in the grass field between the Birdsong Amphitheater parking lot and the Bosque River
Schedule
1:00 PM – Registration Opens
2:00 PM – Practice
3:00 PM – Racing Begins
Trophy presentation immediately following races
Grudge matches after Trophy Awards
 
Classes – Helmets are required for all racers
Stock
Modified Singles
Modified Twins
Super Modified
Top Eliminated
 
For more information, contact Justin McCann with Justin’s Collision Center.
 
 
TEXSTAR FORD SUMMER CONCERT:
8:00-10:00 PM, Larry Joe Taylor & Davin James
Presented by Texstar Ford Lincoln and SPARD
*Located at Birdsong Amphitheater in Stephenville City Park
FANTASTIC FIREWORKS:  10:00 PM
Sponsored by Stephenville Optimist Club & SPARD
July 4th festivities will culminate with a fabulous fireworks show!
Fireworks will be set off from a field in the City Park and can be viewed from miles around!

**Time is approximate. Fireworks may start before or after 10:00 PM**

Questions?  Call SPARD at (254) 918-1295

https://www.stephenvilletexas.org/events/details/july-4th-celebration-parade-splashville-lawnmower-races-concert-fireworks-17986

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 4th of July, advice, tips

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