Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends

Photo: RIS MEDIA

According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of new homeowners undertake a home improvement project within three months of buying a new residence, and the first order of business is usually focusing on a kitchen overhaul.  

In an article written by Marilyn Kalfus (of The Orange County Register), she outlines the Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends, and she includes information on:

Chef's Stoves

Eco-Friendly Features

Granite and Quartz Countertops

Tile Backsplashes

Floors (esp. hardwood)

Stainless Steel

Islands

Blending Contemporary and Traditional Styles

White Cabinets

Gray Color Schemes

Link HERE to read the article in its entirety. 

It's worth a look!

Happy Valentine's Day

Why not make the 

"Day of Hearts"

extra special this year?

February 14th 

is the perfect day to

treat your sweetheart 

to 

a new home or condo!

Contact me, and I'll help you find the perfect place in Pinellas, Hillsborough and/or the neighboring Tampa Bay counties of Florida.

Planning to Buy a Home in 2014?

photo source: athomesense.com

As of January 10, 2014, the mortgage industry will be undergoing significant changes. In order for home buyers to be fully prepared for a home purchase, I'm sharing an article to bring buyers up to speed on the new regulations.  

Link HERE to read the article, which addresses what, exactly, is changing and offers tips and strategies to help when making mortgage decisions.

If you have any questions, contact me. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I work with an extensive network of professionals who can offer guidance through all phases of the buying process.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014

11 Good Reasons to List Property During the Holidays

1. People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers! 

2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays and less competition means more money for you!

3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!

@Big Stock Photo

4. Houses show better when decorated for the holidays!

5. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!

6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week!

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons!

8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market!

9. You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the holidays!

10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year!

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the Spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

Is There Ever Really a "Right Time" for Home Buyers and Sellers?

Why is the worst time of the year often the best time for real estate buyers and sellers?

The holiday season and the following "worst weather" months are widely considered the least optimal time of the year for real estate transactions. But in reality, these distraction-packed months - November to February - can actually carry benefits for determined buyers and sellers.

Learn more by clicking HERE

Adventures in Shopping at Trader Joe's: Sarasota, Florida

When I lived in the Northeast, I had the good fortune that my favorite specialty food store, Trader Joe's, had two locations within five miles of my home. When I moved to Florida, however, I was disappointed to learn that the closest Trader Joe's store was 50 miles away in Sarasota. Ugh!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I decided to pack a cooler and set off by car for Sarasota with a long shopping list. Here it was, a Wednesday afternoon, and when I arrived at Trader Joe's, I was shocked there wasn't a parking spot to be found in the lot. You'd think they were giving the food away! I circled and circled, until lo and behold, ta-da...a space finally opened up for me.

It was good to be back, pushing a cart up and down the narrow aisles of TJ's. I stocked up some of my favorites (including bacon-wrapped scallops), learned they were sold out of pumpkin butter (drats!), tasted food samples (dee-lish!) and also purchased a lot of specialty items geared for the holiday season.

My favorite find from this trip was Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Scone mix. I whipped up a trial batch for a gathering this past weekend. Folks there admitted that they were not "crazy about" pumpkin, but they gobbled these up. They were a cinch to make: add an egg, melted butter and milk to the mix and drop by heaping spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Yes, that easy. After baking at 375 for about 15 minutes, viola! They were the hit of the day, and I am definitely making another batch of these for Thanksgiving.

Visiting the Trader Joe's in Sarasota was certainly worth the trip. And I'm pleased to report that two new Trader Joe's locations are in the works for South Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida for 2014! So much closer...Hooray!!

Happy Thanksgiving!