Playing House for the First Time - Priorities for New Homeowners

By Nancy A. Herrick Print Article

RISMEDIA, June 8, 2009-(MCT)-Home prices have moderated, interest rates are reasonable, supply is abundant-and then there’s that $8,000 tax credit. Yes, it’s a great time to buy your first house.

If you do, you’ll have to furnish it, and that can be a challenge, especially if you have put much of your disposable income into a down payment. But you’re a grown-up now, and your first real home is no place for that grungy old futon or bookcases constructed with bricks and boards. It deserves better.

So what’s the best way to go about furnishing your new home? We’ve asked a variety of experts for their ideas on what to do after your offer has been accepted. Here are their ideas:

“Before you get carried away, take some time to determine what you have, what you need and what you want,” says Milwaukee-area interior designer Susan Michalek of Desumi Design Inc. “Deal with what you need first. That should be your highest priority.”

Wanda M. Colon, a designer who can be seen as host of TLC’s “Home Made Simple” and HGTV’s “24-Hour Design,” suggests that any assessment should include the amount of money you have to spend.

“It’s easy to overspend or make impulse purchases if you don’t have a budget,” she says. If you watch what you spend and stay within your limits, “as a bonus you might have money left over to purchase some extra goodies.”

Evaluate each room, says interior designer Jane Klein of Fox Point, Wis., and figure out how you plan to live in the house, considering: “Where you will spend most of your time, what you will do in each room? Will you want a table in the family room for work space, for example, or a comfortable chair and good lighting in the bedroom for relaxing and reading?

“Also think about the size of each room and the appropriate scale for the furniture,” Klein says. “You might fall in love with a sectional, but the reality is that it might not fit in a small room.”

Gary Steinhafel, president of Steinhafels Furniture, with six locations in Wisconsin, agrees.

“Not long ago, manufacturers were producing furniture designed to fill oversize great rooms,” he says. “Now many manufacturers are offering furniture on a smaller scale than ever for smaller homes and for people who are downsizing. Be aware that there are choices and figure out what works best for your home.”

Go Shopping, But Leave the Plastic Behind

Your early shopping trips should be a way to gather ideas, not furniture. As you walk up and down the store aisles and view furniture groupings, pay attention to colors, furniture styles, wood choices and more.

If you’re shopping with your significant other, have some discussions about what you like and don’t like, and what you think works well together and with the style of your home.

“You don’t have to choose strictly contemporary or strictly traditional,” Steinhafel says. “More likely the choice will be made based on whether you are going for a casual or more formal look.”

But remember that while an “eclectic” look works, that doesn’t mean anything goes. There should be some continuity or unifying elements so that the result isn’t a hodgepodge.

Colon suggests that you visit a variety of stores to see what’s available.

“Don’t buy everything in one place,” she says. “This allows you to compare styles and prices.”

It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and to learn what goes into a quality piece of furniture.

As you peruse what’s available, take pictures of what you like, Klein says. “If you think it might work, take a picture, at stores, consignment shops, wherever you go. Then look at the pictures when you get home to remind you of the choices and to see which pieces work together.”

Get to Work

It’s easier to paint a house when it’s empty and to refinish or replace flooring or knock down walls when you’re not living there. So if there’s work to be done, allow time for that after closing but before you move in.

“The biggest change you can make for a minimal amount of money is with color on the walls,” Michalek says. “Buy good quality paint with no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and if you do the job right you won’t have to paint again for a while.”

The colors you choose should coordinate with what you plan to buy and what you already have, of course, so take along strips of paint samples from the paint store or home center. Often furniture stores will allow you to take a fabric sample or sleeve cap home to help match colors. Make sure to look at them in a variety of lighting situations and at different times of the day to get a true idea of how well the colors coordinate.

Make Major Purchases

At minimum you will need: a good mattress and box spring and a bed or headboard to give the room a polished look; a quality sofa and chairs; a console unit for the television; and a table and chairs for dining (either for the kitchen or dining room).

Bette Kahn, spokeswoman for Crate & Barrel and CB2 stores, says microfibers are a good fabric choice for sofas because they’re so durable.

“They take cleaning or washing well and never show wear,” she says. “If you’re getting another fabric, make sure it’s fabric-protected. Solid colors are classic, but not as interesting as tweeds with small touches of color.”

She suggests going with neutrals for big pieces, “but if that’s too basic, they can always be made more interesting with pops of color through pillows, which can be changed.”

Steinhafel is a fan of leather for sofas.

“It wears three times longer, and prices have come down significantly because the tanning process is more sophisticated,” he says. “There’s a ton of variety in color, but shades of brown are very popular. It’s the new neutral and works well with other colors and with wood floors.”

“Make sure the frame of your sofa or chairs is high quality,” says Kahn, adding that if the piece wears out or looks outdated, it can be slip-covered or reupholstered if necessary.

If you buy high-quality pieces, you can build a room around them for years to come.

Fill in Creatively

After you’ve found the big pieces that serve as the foundation for a room, it’s time to fill in with smaller pieces. This is where you can have some fun, save money and add a touch of personal style.

Consignment stores, estate sales, resale shops and even Grandma’s attic are great places to find furniture, especially if you’re willing to fix it up.

For example, if you’ve purchased a bed but need a dresser or two, you might be able to find used pieces with similar lines. You can refinish or paint the dressers to match (assuming they aren’t valuable antiques, in which case the original finish should be preserved) and change the hardware for a coordinated look.

In the dining room, a horizontal dresser also can work as a server; the drawers can hold flatware and table linens. Antique chairs, even if they’re mismatched, add interest around a dining room table.

An odd-shaped table can find a new home in the corner of a living room or a foyer; add an oversize vase for visual interest. Don’t be afraid to rough up the surface and paint it so that it coordinates with the colors you’ve chosen in the room.

“America tends to be wasteful and often will replace a perfectly good piece with something that’s new,” Michalek says. “But you can find all kinds of new uses for older pieces of furniture that are built well.”

Area rugs, artwork and accent pieces are fun to shop for and also add personality to a room.

“Sometimes people spend a lot of time shopping for the big pieces but don’t do much to make the space their own,” Klein says. “A piece of art can do that, or an art furniture piece. They don’t have to be expensive but can wind up being a special focal point for a room.”

Be Patient

It probably took awhile to find the right house. It stands to reason it won’t be furnished in a week, a month or perhaps even a year.

“Many purchases can be put off, especially the decorative pieces,” Kahn says. “Besides, you’ll have more fun collecting those as you go through life.”

Colon warns first-time homeowners to take their time. “Don’t impulse-buy and end up feeling stuck because you acted too hastily,” she says.

Klein says: “Give yourself a little time. When you make a decision, use your head and your heart. Look at different options, ask lots of questions.

“When you see it, you’ll know when it is right.”

©2009, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.



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Rethinking Remodeling: Homeowners Want More Bang for Their Home-Improvement Buck

By Amy Hoak Print Article
RISMEDIA, May 25, 2009-(MCT)-Fewer homeowners may be starting complete kitchen remodels, but they’re still replacing countertops and re-facing cabinets. They’re also investing in improvements to make their homes more energy-efficient, according to a recent home remodeling and repair report by ServiceMagic.com. Others are splurging on hot tubs and home theaters after realizing that they may be in their homes for some years to come-and want to make them as comfortable as possible.

“People are not going bigger and better, but improving what they have more cost effectively,” said Craig Smith, CEO of ServiceMagic, a website that connects homeowners to prescreened contractors. For instance, instead of buying new furniture, they’re repairing what they have. Or they’re deep cleaning the carpet in lieu of replacing it.

All for good reason: Money is tight, lending standards strict and in a sluggish housing market you might not recoup as much of your remodeling investment at resale.

Home improvement spending is expected to decline 12% in 2009, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Lower financing costs may be starting to stabilize the downturn in existing home sales, but “they have not been enough to offset rising unemployment and falling consumer confidence and encourage homeowners to undertake major home improvement projects,” said Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center.

It’s much different than the days when home-equity lending was plentiful. Before doing anything, homeowners are carefully considering how they should spend their money.

In the days of easy credit, “there was a feeling of ‘we can’t go wrong, let’s just get started,’” said Bill Judson, an architect with HartmanBaldwin Design/Build, based in Claremont, Calif. “Now, it’s harder to get money, in terms of credit, and homeowners are taking it a little slower and educating themselves a little more.”

Meanwhile, those who do upgrade may be in for a bargain: Costs of materials, including lumber and copper, have dropped somewhat, Judson said. The biggest price cut has been related to lower labor costs as surviving contractors struggle to compete, he added.

The kitchen and bathroom are traditionally rooms where remodeling pays off. Some homeowners are still going through with full remodels these days, said Kimberly Sweet, editor of Kitchens.com. But they aren’t the norm. “A lot of people are making do with what they have, or maybe choosing to spruce up a few things and not do a full remodel,” Sweet said.

Nationally, the volume of countertop project requests rose 39% in the first quarter of 2009, compared with the first quarter of 2008, while major kitchen remodels are down 19%, according to ServiceMagic’s most recent Home Remodeling and Repair Index/Survey. The data comes from the company’s service requests; the site received 4.2 million requests from homeowners in 2008. Service requests for bathroom remodels were down 10% in the first quarter of this year, according to the report.

At the recent Kitchen/Bath Industry Show, affordable remodeling products included liquid stainless steel to refinish appliances and do-it-yourself backsplashes, Sweet said. Re-facing or painting cabinets and updating cabinet hardware have always been an option to remodel on a budget. For replacements, there are improved cabinet options in thermofoil, she said. Consumers still gravitate toward granite countertops, but other less expensive-yet still attractive-countertop materials are available, Sweet added. For those considering resale values, it might be best to go for minor fix-ups. “Doing all the high end may not get you the return you were looking for before,” Sweet continued. “You don’t want to be the most expensive house on the block in this market.”

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value report, replacement projects that improve curb appeal-including siding, windows and decks-are some of your best bets for recouping money at resale.

Upgrading windows can make a home more energy-efficient. ServiceMagic has seen more interest in projects including insulation and solar-panel installation, which cut energy bills and are likely eligible for government tax credits, according to the company’s report.

And some homeowners are investing in home energy audits, for a comprehensive view of what can be done to increase efficiency, said Smith. The cost: Between $300 and $500. “But people will pay that because the insight provided can save them a lot of money down the road.” An audit can help homeowners prioritize projects.

Most home improvement projects may be practical these days, but some splurges are also becoming popular as market conditions force people to stay in a home longer than previously planned and as the economy has them spending more time entertaining at home. As a result, some homeowners are buying hot tubs, spas and saunas, as well as TVs and other home theater components, Smith said.

Compared to large-scale remodeling projects, “hot tubs are not a massive out-of-pocket expense,” Smith said. And “with the prices of flat-screen TVs coming down and the whole ’staycation’ phenomenon,” updated media rooms also have appeal, he added.



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Wallpaper Makes a Comeback- Feed Your Inspiration with Today’s Top Styles

By Mary Beth Breckenridge Print Article

RISMEDIA, May 4, 2009-(MCT)-After years on the decorative outs, wallcoverings are back in style. They’ve shed their dowdy association with teddy bears and tiny country prints and re-emerged in fresh, attention-getting forms.

Wallpaper’s return has followed a decline in the popularity of faux finishes, noted Stacy Senior Allan, marketing director for wallpaper maker Thibaut Inc. Maybe one too many badly sponged walls convinced us to leave the wall decorating to the experts.

But like faux finishes, wallpaper adds a dimension that a plain coat of paint can’t, Allan noted. Especially in rooms without a lot of soft surfaces - dining rooms and bathrooms, for example - wallpaper adds softness and a layering effect, she said.

We talked to some leaders in the industry to find out the latest trends in wallpaper, and here’s what’s hot:

Tradition with a twist
Ages-old motifs are still around, but in oversized forms and surprising colors. ”Everything has gone large-scale,” said Paula Berberian, creative services manager for Brewster Wallcovering Co. Familiar designs such as damask and Jacobean prints are being blown up into bold proportions and rendered in unexpected hues or metallics.

The result is a less stuffy look that can work even in modern settings. It can be busy, though, so Lilly Sosic of the Brunschwig & Fils showroom in Beachwood’s Ohio Design Centre said wallpapers with oversized graphics might be best for areas where people don’t spend a lot of time - a powder room, for instance, or a foyer.

Or cover just one wall, suggested Gina Shaw, vice president of product development for York Wallcoverings. Not only is creating a feature wall a returning trend among designers, but it’s also a less costly way to bring interest to a room, noted her colleague at York, director of marketing LeRue Brown.

Sophisticated finishes
Texture adds a third dimension to many of today’s wallpapers. Thibaut’s Allan said improvements in manufacturing technology allow wallpaper to have raised textures and embellishments that weren’t possible earlier.

As a result, many of the new wallpapers enhance rather than dominate a room. ”Wallpaper used to be really ‘pay attention to me,”’ she said. Now it tends to play a supporting yet glamorous role.

Sand and tiny bead accents are popular, as are bits of bling such as crystals and pearls. Metallics are big, too, but don’t be scared away by bad memories of disco-era Mylar. Metallics now are more subtle, often used just for accents.

Eco chic
The world is wearing its Earth obsession on its walls. That means grass and leaf designs are popular, as is grass cloth, a classic look that’s making a comeback. It’s made of reeds, bamboo and other natural grasses, Berberian said, so it fits right in with people’s desire to decorate with renewable materials.

Spa blues and greens are strong from a color standpoint, as are other Earth-inspired shades. Brown remains popular, often paired with brighter colors.

’60s flashbacks
It’s a mod, mod world, at least for the people who missed the ’60s. The bold geometrics, pop art and bright colors that exemplified that groovy decade are in big demand among younger consumers, and that’s translating to wallpaper design.

Because many of the fans of ’60s design are young enough to be decorating dorm rooms or first apartments - or even their tween or teen bedrooms - the look is strong in lower-priced, repositionable decals. The peel-and-stick decals use an adhesive like the one used in Post-it notes, so they leave no residue when they’re removed.

Handcrafting
The renewed interest for handmade goods is apparent in wallpapers, too. Shaw thinks it’s an effect of the uncertain economy, an appreciation for things that are crafted thoughtfully and made to last.

Handmade wallpaper can be pricey, but more mass-produced wallcoverings have the look and feel of hand crafting. Berberian said many have raised inks, which give the illusion of hand-printing. Asian-inspired designs and line drawings or other simple motifs are common, too.

Such wallcoverings often include layered colors and small mistakes that make them appear handcrafted, Allan said.

Global influences
Our well-traveled society has shrunk the planet and brought the colors and designs of other cultures to Western walls. African countries and India are particularly strong influences in wallcovering design and in home decor in general, Berberian said.

You’ll see that in paisleys and ikat designs, elongated geometric patterns originally used in fabrics that have the appearance of having been stretched. Animal prints are strong, too, and you can even find wallpaper that resembles faux reptile skins so closely they almost look and feel real.

© 2009, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits - Are You Ready to Take Advantage?

RISMEDIA, April 25, 2009-This year, the federal government extended and expanded home energy efficiency tax credits through 2010 as part of the broader economic recovery package, and millions of U.S. homeowners appear poised to pursue them, according to a survey released by Johns Manville. More than two-thirds of survey respondents, or 68%, said they were aware of the newly created federal energy efficiency tax credits. Of those homeowners, 46% said they intend to make a home improvement-related purchase that qualifies for an energy efficiency tax credit, including nine percent of homeowners who said they had already done so during the first three months of 2009.

The energy efficiency tax credits were created earlier this year by President Obama’s economic recovery package, which sought to encourage consumer spending amid the recession, as well as persuade homeowners to become more energy efficient. The tax credits allow homeowners to claim 30% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency products, up to $1,500, including insulation, windows and doors, roofs, HVAC equipment, and water heaters.

According to the survey, saving money was a primary motivator spurring homeowners to pursue an energy efficiency upgrade. The survey found that 40% of the respondents who were aware of the tax credits cited monthly savings on their utility bills as the key reason for the planned home upgrades, followed by improving the comfort of their home (30%), reducing their carbon footprint (13%), and earning the energy efficiency tax credit (8%).

Despite the interest among many homeowners, 72% of survey respondents said they did not know exactly how to apply for any energy efficiency tax credits or rebates, including those offered by state governments or local utilities. And some respondents indicated the existing tax credits might not be big enough to spur action. A total of 41% of respondents said the tax credit would need to exceed 40% of the product’s purchase price to motivate them to pursue a home energy efficiency upgrade if they weren’t planning one for any other reason. Roughly 32% of respondents said a tax credit of 30% or less was sufficient motivation.

To earn an energy efficiency tax credit, homeowners must save their receipt for a qualified purchase, print a form provided by the product’s manufacturer and then claim the deduction on their federal income tax return.

“This recent survey clearly demonstrates that millions of U.S. homeowners are interested in making purchases that qualify for the newly created energy efficiency tax credits,” said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes energy efficiency. “The new tax credits can help homeowners defray the cost of several types of energy efficiency upgrades, making them more affordable at this time of economic strain for many.” “By tightening up their homes with added insulation and caulking and sealing of doors and windows, homeowners will enjoy lower heating and cooling costs, too,” Callahan added.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that homeowners can save up to 30% on their heating and cooling bills by adding insulation to adequate levels and air sealing their homes. In addition, an estimated 65% of U.S. homes, about 45 million, are under insulated, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

The survey found that the most popular projects for respondents intending to pursue the tax credit included: energy-efficient windows and doors (19%); a water heater (14%); roofing (14%); insulation (13%); heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (12%); and a solar energy system (8%). A total of 53% of respondents said they did not intend to make a purchase that qualified for the credit.

The survey’s other key findings:

- Roughly six out of 10, or 63% of respondents knew that in addition to the federal energy efficiency tax credit, many states and local utilities offer energy efficiency rebates for certain home improvement-related purchases.
- More than half of responding homeowners (58%) underestimated how much a homeowner can potentially save on monthly heating and cooling costs by adequately caulking, sealing and insulating their home. About 21% of respondents answered correctly, pegging the savings at up to 20% to 30%.
- Homeowners making between $50,000 and $75,000 who were aware of the tax credit were the most likely to pursue an energy efficiency upgrade, with 59% of respondents saying they intend to do so during 2009.

“This is a perfect time for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Mark Ziegert, a senior brand manager for Insulation Systems with Johns Manville. “With local and federal tax credits and rebates, the potential savings of lower heating and cooling costs, and product promotions offered by retailers, homeowners should have ample motivation to move ahead in 2009 with energy efficiency projects. If and when energy prices move higher, homeowners will be glad they added insulation and made other improvements. ”

Methodology
The telephone survey of 784 U.S. homeowners was conducted from April 3 - 6 by Opinion Research Corp., a national market research firm, on behalf of Johns Manville. The survey’s sampling error was plus or minus four percentage points.

About Johns Manville
Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality products for building insulation, mechanical insulation, commercial roofing, and roof insulation, as well as fibers and nonwovens for commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

For more information, visit www.jm.com.

Time to Get Your Mower in Gear

By Rick Rosen Print Article
RISMEDIA, April 13, 2009-(MCT)-With the arrival of Spring and April showers, homeowners find themselves with a list of new chores that need to be accomplished now that the weather is nice. Along with the showers comes the task of mowing the lawn while the grass seems to grow faster than you can tend to. Taking the time to maintain your lawn mower is one quick and easy way to help maintain the health of your grass.

A sharp mower blade, part of routine maintenance, is essential to maintaining a healthy lawn, say the turf experts at Texas A&M University. Dull blades leave a ragged top, which turns brown and makes the lawn look tired. More important, “ragged tops are prime points of entry for many fungal pathogens and small turf insects,” A&M says.
Shops that sell mowers also service them. If you’re not handy, getting them to do it could be a big relief.

With the proper tools and the time, you can do routine maintenance yourself. Here are some tips from DIY Network, Texas A&M and About.com:

1. Drain the gas tank, and run the engine until it stops.
2. Disconnect the sparkplug wire so there is no chance of the mower starting.
3. Remove the oil drain plug, and drain the oil into a drip pan.
4. Replace the plug securely.
5. With the mower on its side and using a putty knife, scrape matted grass from the underside of the mower’s deck, which is the housing for the blade. Use a hose sprayer to blast off remaining grass and dirt. If that doesn’t get it all, use a brush and soap and water.
6. Hold the mower blade with a rag or towel and, using a socket wrench, unscrew the mounting knob of the blade.
7. Sharpen the blade or have a lawn mower shop do it.
8. Turn the mower upright.
9. Clean or replace the air filter.
10. Find the spark plug, which will probably need to be removed with the barrel of your socket wrench.
11. With a wire brush, clean off carbon deposits. Or, replace with a new plug.
12. Screw in and tighten the sparkplug.
13. Fill the oil compartment with 30-weight oil (unless your owner’s manual recommends another kind).
14. Reconnect the sparkplug wire.
15. Lubricate all moving parts, including wheels. Tighten engine mounting bolts and any other nuts or screws.
16. Fill the mower with gas and you are ready to go.

Other words of advice:
-When you turn the mower on its side, turn it so that the air-filter side of the machine is up. Otherwise, oil drains out of the filter and the mower won’t start.
-If your machine’s engine runs roughly, you may need an expert to adjust it.
-Dispose of the used oil and filter properly.

Sharpening a mower blade:
-A grinding wheel is handy, but you can also use a file, and be sure to wear safety glasses.
-Use smooth, quick swipes across the grinding wheel or with the file. Try to keep the original angle of the blade.
-Dip the blade in cold water every few swipes so the steel doesn’t get too soft.
-After grinding, test for balance. Place the center hole of the blade on your fingertip or on a screwdriver. If it balances, great; if not, the heavier side needs more work. If you’re satisfied with the sharpness, leave the angle alone. It’s best to grind a little steel off the back or a corner of the blade to balance it.
-Carefully file off any burrs left by the grinder.
-Oil the bolt hole on the blade and reattach.

© 2009, The Dallas Morning News.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

6 Landscaping Tricks That Wow Buyers

In today's market, sellers have to work harder to persuade buyers that their property is worth the bite.

By Barbara Ballinger | April 2009

Landscape designer Michael Glassman has cooked up a recipe for guaranteed curb appeal.


1. Add splashes of color. With every changing season, a landscape should provide a new display of colors, textures, and fragrances. "It’s best to use one or two and repeat them," Glassman says. Example: white iceberg roses that bloom in spring, summer, and fall as a backdrop; in front, a contrasting punch of purple salvia or lavender that will flower at the same time; and as an accent, a crape myrtle tree that provides changing leaf colors in fall and interesting branches come winter.



2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. These should be planted in the right scale for the house so that they don’t block windows, doors, and other architectural features on the home’s facade. A large two-story house can handle a redwood, Chinese pistache, sycamore, or scarlet oak, but a one-story cottage is better paired with a flowering cherry, crabapple, or eastern redbud. Too many trees cast too much shadow and cause potential buyers to worry about maintenance and costs.



3. Maintain a perfect lawn. A velvety green lawn demonstrates tender loving care, so be sure sellers’ homes don’t have brown spots. Some rocks, pebbles, boulders, drought-tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses will generate more kudos, especially in drought areas.



4. Light up the outside. Good illumination allows buyers to see a home at night and adds drama. Sellers should use low-voltage lamps to highlight branches of specimen trees, a front door, walk, and corners of the house. But less is better. The yard shouldn’t resemble an airport runway.



5. Let them hear the water. The sound of water appeals to buyers, and you shouldn’t just reserve this for your backyard. A small fountain accented with rocks provides a pleasant gurgling sound, blocks street noise, and is affordable.



6. Use decorative architectural elements. A new mailbox, planted window boxes, and a low fence wrapped in potato vines add cachet, particularly during winter months when fewer plants blossom. Colors should complement the landscape and home. Just don’t overdo it: Too much can seem like kitschy lawn ornaments.



Source: Michael Glassman, landscape designer, Michael Glassman and Associates, Sacramento, Calif., www.michaelglassman.com

Best Tips to Get Your House in Tip Top Shape

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2009-As the all-important spring selling season approaches in an historically slow housing market, sellers need to do all they can to market their home - and that includes staging it to attract and “wow” potential buyers. Home stagers know just the right moves to take a house from bland to grand and bring home the biggest return on investment. “Attention to detail throughout the home can make the difference between a house that sells and one that sits on the market,” explains Kate Hart, one of America’s top home stagers and owner of Hart & Associates Staging & Design.

“In particular, improvements to the kitchen and bath - the two rooms that sell a home - will always help bring in the buyers.”

Kate Hart shares some easy, effective home improvements and tricks of the trade that can make a big change without breaking the bank, and all the difference in selling and enjoying a home.

Curb appeal: First impressions are everything, and this has never been truer than in today’s market. To leave a positive impression on buyers, take care of any exterior maintenance issues before buyers arrive, such as power washing walkways and patios, cleaning your gutters, touching up peeling paint, replacing broken light bulbs, edging and mulching beds, and adding fresh annuals. Some free things you can do include polishing your front door hardware and sweeping away pesky cobwebs.

Kitchen: Give your kitchen a mini facelift on a budget by repainting your cabinets instead of replacing them. For a more contemporary look, consider a semi-gloss espresso brown. For a more traditional look, opt for a semi-gloss creamy white. Complete the makeover by adding new hardware. Considering professional help? Ask your local painter if they can spray a lacquer finish on your cabinets. This treatment is more expensive than painting the cabinets yourself but the result looks like a factory finish.

Bathroom: Give an outdated bath a pick-me-up by replacing your existing lighting, faucets and hardware with updated styles.

Bedrooms: Take your bedroom from lived-in to luxurious by creating a headboard that gives your room a more complete look. Measure the width of your bed and determine the height you prefer. Purchase a ¼ inch piece of plywood fitting these dimensions (ask the store to cut if for you) and cover it with 2 inch foam that fits the dimensions you selected. Wrap the foam and plywood with batting that can be purchased from a craft store. Finally staple gun a fabric of your choice around the headboard you’ve created. You can then hang the headboard behind the bed on the wall as if you were hanging a piece of art using “D” rings and hooks or attach it to your bed frame using bolts and washers.

Family room: Make your fireplace or great view the selling feature, not your entertainment center. Chances are your family room is currently centered around the things you do everyday, such as watch TV. Before showing, rearrange your room to showcase the architectural focal point of your family room.

Dining room: Keep the dining room de-cluttered and streamlined so buyers can imagine how they can enjoy this space with their families. Before showing, make sure to remove any knick-knacks and extraneous items from your china cabinet or sideboard. A rule to follow: pack up any items that are smaller than a softball such as salt and pepper shakers, wedding cake toppers, and small figurines.

Living room: Make sure you are selling your space, not your stuff. Before showing, remove any family photos from the mantle, end tables and bookcases. Give this space a less cluttered look by keeping no more than three items per surface. For example, go with a piece of art and a pair of candle sticks on the mantle instead of your favorite collection.

“It’s important to complete all your improvements before your home goes on the market because as the saying goes…you never have a second chance to make a first impression,” continues Hart. “And once the sign goes up, you need to keep up the clean, de-cluttered look because you never know when you’ll have a showing. It just takes one buyer to sell your home.”

Kate Hart is a pioneer in the staging field, having helped hundreds of families and realtors prepare homes for sale through her Philadelphia-area company, Hart & Associates Staging & Design.

For more information, visit http://www.hartstaging.com/.

Tips for Tenants - Know Your Rights

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2009-As the state of the economy and tighter lending rules make it hard for many prospective homebuyers to get into a home these days, renting has become an affordable option to many of these individuals. If you are in the market to rent a home instead of buying it, here are 10 things you should do to protect yourself and make sure the communication between you and your landlord is clear:

1. Bring your paperwork. The best way to win over a prospective landlord is to be prepared. Bringing the following information when you meet prospective landlords will give you a competitive edge over other applicants: a completed rental application; written references from landlords, employers, friends and colleagues; and a current copy of your credit report.

2. Review the lease. Carefully review all of the conditions of the tenancy before you sign on the dotted line. Your lease or rental agreement may contain a provision that you find unacceptable - for example, restrictions on guests, pets, design alterations, or running a home business.

3. Get everything in writing. To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with your landlord, get everything in writing. Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your understandings. For example, if you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If the landlord agrees orally, send a letter confirming this.

4. Protect your privacy rights. Next to disputes over rent or security deposits, one of the most common and emotion-filled misunderstandings arises over the tension between a landlord’s right to enter a rental unit and a tenant’s right to be left alone. If you understand your privacy rights (for example, the amount of notice your landlord must provide before entering), it will be easier to protect them.

5. Demand repairs. Know your rights to live in a habitable rental unit - and don’t give them up. The vast majority of landlords are required to offer their tenants livable premises, including adequate weatherproofing; heat, water, and electricity; and clean, sanitary, and structurally safe premises. If your rental unit is not kept in good repair, you have a number of options, ranging from withholding a portion of the rent, to paying for repairs and deducting the cost from your rent, to calling the building inspector (who may order the landlord to make repairs), to moving out without liability for your future rent.

6. Talk to your landlord. Keep communication open with your landlord. If there’s a problem - for example, if the landlord is slow to make repairs - talk it over to see if the issue can be resolved short of a nasty legal battle.

7. Purchase renters’ insurance. Your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters’ insurance also covers you if you’re sued by someone who claims to have been injured in your rental due to your carelessness. Renters’ insurance typically costs $350 a year for a $50,000 policy that covers loss due to theft or damage caused by other people or natural disasters; if you don’t need that much coverage, there are cheaper policies.

8. Protect your security deposit. To protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions. When you move in, do a walk-through with the landlord to record existing damage to the premises on a move-in statement or checklist.

9. Protect your safety. Learn whether your building and neighborhood are safe, and what you can expect your landlord to do about it if they aren’t. Get copies of any state or local laws that require safety devices such as deadbolts and window locks, check out the property’s vulnerability to intrusion by a criminal, and learn whether criminal incidents have already occurred on the property or nearby. If a crime is highly likely, your landlord may be obligated to take some steps to protect you.

10. Deal with an eviction properly. Know when to fight an eviction notice - and when to move. If you feel the landlord is clearly in the wrong (for example, you haven’t received proper notice, the premises are uninhabitable), you may want to fight the eviction. But unless you have the law and provable facts on your side, fighting an eviction notice can be short-sighted. If you lose an eviction lawsuit, you may end up hundreds (even thousands) of dollars in debt, which will damage your credit rating and your ability to easily rent from future landlords.

Appraiser Checklist

By Barbara Ballinger | April 2009

Help clients understand what to expect during the appraisal process by sharing information on how appraisers reach their property value estimates.

Here are some of the factors that appraisers Joni L. Herndon of Real Property Analysts/Gulf Coast in Tampa, Fla., and John A. Hillas of Hulbert & Associates Inc. in Modesto, Calif., say they consider when determining value.


Incentives and concessions. Most of today’s buyers expect to pay the lowest possible price and still get some extras. Sellers and home builders are offering money toward closing costs, remodeling and decorating, upgrades, and association dues. The price set initially may not be the final price once concessions are factored out. Appraisers care about that final number.


Closing date. Forget what comparable neighborhood houses sold for a few months back. Appraisers want prices from the most recently closed transactions. “If a sale was more than 45 days ago, even 35, the price may be irrelevant,” Hillas says.


Condition and curb appeal. Appraisers typically find several properties with similar interior and exterior features to determine value. When markets are healthy, blemishes matter less, but when markets soften, problems—a dated kitchen or barren lawn—can reduce prices and deter buyers. “The difference in value is not just the repair costs but the time and hassle to make them. It’s better for sellers to do work in advance,” Hillas says.


Foreclosures. Appraisers technically shouldn’t consider neighborhood foreclosures when valuing a home, since foreclosures don’t meet the Appraisal Institute’s definition of a property reasonably exposed in a competitive market, says Herndon. “But when several neighborhood homes are abandoned, it’s hard not to caution sellers that this is a troubling trend and may affect home values,” she says.


Changing demographics. If a house is in an up-and-coming area, the value can be expected to rise. A location that’s perceived as safe also may help attract the increasing number of single female buyers.


Economic clouds. If there’s an oversupply of comparable homes for sale, or if the local job market is suffering, buyers may be hesitant to invest. Hillas advises setting prices aggressively from the get-go.


Chemistry. It’s hard to account for those times when buyers fall in love with a house, despite a high price, poor condition, or tough economy. “Emotional attachment is a factor that can’t be predicted,” says Herndon. Hillas agrees, “It’s what makes it harder to appraise homes versus commercial buildings, where buyers care more about the bottom line.”

The Essentials of Curb Appeal

Paint your door a standout color in order to be more inviting.

Keep railings, doorknobs and door knockers polished and painted.

Prune trees and hedges so the view is unobstructed and appears well maintained.

Keep the lawn mowed and trimmed.

Replace old plants and flowers with new ones in beds and planters.

Keep siding, walkways and driveway clean and in repair.

Wash windows and clean curtains and shutters regularly.

View with a critical eye to find anything that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

• Obtain a typical home inspection checklist and do a walkthrough.

• Minimize furniture and clutter to make spaces look larger.

• Remove most — if not all — personal photos.

• Organize closets and minimize everything included.

• Clean out the garage, basement and attic.

• Put out fresh towels in the kitchen and bathrooms.

• Make sure all lights and fixtures are working.

• Check for leaks and repair faucets and showerheads.

• Keep countertops and floor clean and uncluttered.

• Fill the air with fresh, clean scents or the smell of baked goods.

Important Ways to Protect Your Family and Home

• Smoke detectors — To be most effective, a smoke detector should be placed on each floor of a home, with one near bedrooms to alert occupants while they sleep. Be sure to replace the batteries regularly.

• Fire extinguishers — Visit www.fireextinguisher.com for information on how to use, inspect and maintain fire extinguishers in your home or business.

• Homeowner’s insurance — Your home is most likely your largest investment. Homeowner’s insurance protects your investment, and also covers liability for injuries and damage that may be caused to others.

• Carbon monoxide detectors — Detectors provide early warning of a buildup of this potentially deadly, odorless, colorless, tasteless gas.

• Radon test kits — Discounted test kits can be purchased from the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org or by calling 1-800-SOS-RADON.

• Home security system — Homes without a home security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. Even the appearance of having a system can reduce the risks of being robbed.

Technically Speaking: Ways to Add Value to Your Home

Adding or updating a home security system is often a good way to increase your home’s resale value.

Multi room audio systems can tip the scales if a decision comes down to a choice between two otherwise equal homes.

In an increasingly energy—conscious world going solar for electrical power can save money while you occupy a home, and make the home more desirable when on the market.

Home theater systems don’t necessarily add dollar value to a home, but they can add a “coolness factor” that will make your home appeal to the right buyer at the right time.

Be careful not to go tech crazy and add too many expensive toys that will create a home too far out of the typical neighborhood price range.

How to Impress Potential Buyers

If you don’t have wood floors, install them. If you do have wood floors, Make sure they’re in good shape and polished.

Place placards or notecards around the home detailing home improvements and upgrades.

Freshen up rooms with a new coat of paint in neutral colors so potential buyers can more easily visualize their own decor.

Take out unnecessary furniture, and make sure any pieces left in the room are moved away from walls. Air around furniture creates the illusion of space.

Clean, clean and clean again. Pay special attention to bathrooms and kitchen.

Consider hiring a professional stager to enhance the interior of the home and a landscaper to make the most of curb appeal.

Replace and add light fixtures wherever possible. Modern lighting adds overall appeal.

Don’t forget the closets. A big factor in many home purchasing decisions is closet space, so do everything you can to clear out, clean up, and organize for the best effect.

Remodel Your Way to a Renewed Home

Let There Be Light:

Bringing light into your home makes rooms look larger and brings a fresh, clean feel.

It's Not Hard:

Updating doorknobs, draw pulls, and cabinet hardware is a great way to give your home a boost.

Mix It Up:

Combine furniture and design elements from different periods with the same basic look, shapes, and colors.

A Non Desert Island:

Adding an island to your kitchen creates a work space, extra seating and eating areas, and provides storage.

All Decked Out:

Adding a deck to your home is one of the best ways to see a return on your remolding investment -- not to mention it's great for personal enjoyment.

The importance of Homeowner's Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance covers your personal property and personal liability in case of lawsuits arising from things that happen on your property.

Most lenders require homeowner’s insurance to obtain a mortgage.

Personal property should be insured for its replacement value.

A thorough and up-to-date inventory can aid replacement in case of fire, flood, or theft.

Save money by researching various insurance providers to see which is best for you and your needs.

The higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Make sure you have enough insurance, but not more than you need.

Insuring your home and your auto with the same agency can result in discounts. Having some security systems in place can qualify you for more.

8 Simple Ways to Conserve Energy and Water

Water

Water plants early in the morning when temperatures are cooler.

Run washing machine and dishwasher only when full.

Replace an older toilet with a newer water efficient one.

Have all water-using appliances and irrigation systems checked for leaks.

Energy

Buy only Energy Star labeled appliances, products, and lights.

Switch to compact florescent light bulbs that use a quarter of the electricity.

Turn off all lights and unplug all appliances when not in use.

Avoid running large appliances during peak hours:
5 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.