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Curb Appeal: Easy Tips for Making the Best First Impression

The biggest mistake someone selling his or her home can make is spending the entire renovation budget on the inside of the house. Do they think that potential buyers will ignore the front of the house and not make an opinion until they get inside? Curb appeal has never meant so much in a housing market as it does today! Buyers begin to assess a home as soon as they notice the initial listing photo. Want to make the most for your home? Here are some simple tips to make the best first impression!

By Carson Arthur

1. Choose containers over plant beds to add color to the front yard

Having plants is not necessarily a bad idea. In fact, homes with healthy plants and flowers are considered more welcoming to a homebuyer. The key, however, is for the front yard not to appear high maintenance. Plant sparingly because not everyone has a green thumb. Instead, use containers to bring plants that are in bloom to the front door, maximizing the visual interest in the space.

March 5, 2015
Fremont CA Real Estate: Homes in the Heart of the Bay

If you are looking at real estate in Fremont CA, now is a great time to buy. Learn more about what the different Fremont neighborhoods have to offer.

Fremont CA real estate options include single-family homes, condominiums and investment properties. Living in Fremont gives residents access to multiple recreational options, a beautiful mountain range backdrop, and access to a variety of shopping, dining and employment opportunities.

Fremont is centrally located between Interstate 880 and Interstate 680, in the heart of the Bay Area. The city incorporated in 1956 with the merger of the communities Mission San Jose, Warm Springs, Irvington, Niles and Centerville. Fremont is part of Alameda County, which sits just outside the San Francisco bay. Residents in the area enjoy comfortable temperatures of 50° F to 70° F allowing for year-round outdoor activities. The temperature rarely drops below freezing, or rises above the mid-90s.

Homes for sale in Fremont CA include those with majestic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the east, or the San Francisco Bay to the west. With 43 neighborhoods to choose from, Fremont CA real estate offers options for all homebuyers.

The Mission San Jose District boasts nicely spaced homes with yards big enough for gardening and entertaining. The area’s many cul-de-sacs contain streets lined with mature trees, offering shade to the area’s single-family homes. Mission San Jose Elementary school is in the eastern section of the neighborhood for families with young children.

The Albrae – Northwestern Polytechnic neighborhood borders the Bay, making homes in this area in high demand. Coyote Hills Regional Park is located in the northern section of the neighborhood, and Northwestern Polytechnic University is in the southeastern portion, giving the area a collegiate appeal.

City Center residents can enjoy single-family homes in the heart of the city of Fremont. This neighborhood offers urban shopping, dining and investment opportunities. Washington High School is just northwest of the City Center neighborhood.

The central downtown area includes popular recreational spots, such as Lake Elizabeth, Swim Lagoon, and Fremont Park Golf Course. A short drive north, residents can enjoy Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area and Niles Community Park.

For residents who prefer their recreation spots within walking distance, Centerville District is the neighborhood is the place to call home. Located just north of the downtown area, residents have a suburban, spacious area to call home. The Centerville Community Park offers a large recreational center with a ballpark, tennis courts and a basketball court.

The Irvington District area is an excellent choice for anyone desiring a smaller neighborhood. This suburban section features single-family homes in a predominately residential area. Families will appreciate the location of Blacow Elementary School and Blacow Park in the southwestern section with Irvington High School, just outside the neighborhood boundary to the south. This area also boasts a Junior High and High School, providing educational opportunities for children of all ages.

Residents with children are included in the Fremont Unified School District with 42 schools throughout the city. The city offers a strong public transportation system including busses and access to BART, which can transport riders throughout the Bay Area.

If you are interested in calling Fremont CA home, get in touch with us today. We are sure that we can help you find the perfect home in a neighborhood that meets your lifestyle choices.

March 1, 2015
Mesa AZ Real Estate: Something for Everyone

Those seeking real estate in Mesa AZ, will be greeted by the scene of breathtaking mountain ranges, surrounding a thriving community.

Located just 20 miles east of Phoenix, Mesa’s population was 443,875 residents as of 2014. That figure has grown 3.27 percent since 2000, a testimony to Mesa’s ability to attract new residents as a city in its own right and not just a bedroom community for Phoenix.

Recreation enthusiasts can choose among a variety of activities in Mesa. The city is home to numerous championship golf courses. In addition to offering a number of parks and pools, the city also stocks its lakes for year-round urban fishing. Mesa’s agreeable climate has made it an attractive spring training ground for the Chicago Cubs and now the Oakland A’s.

Spectator sports abound, including baseball and golf tournaments, swimming and water polo competitions, and national collegiate sport championships, to name but a few.

For recreation of a different nature, the Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch offers the opportunity to view nearly 200 bird species on the 110-acre wildlife sanctuary, along with five miles of nature trail, an observatory and botanical garden.

Other nearby natural recreational attractions include the Apache Trail and the Tonto National Forest. The area’s three lakes and two rivers adjacent to the city provide ample opportunity for kayaking, desert boating, paddle boarding, and water skiing. The surrounding mountain ranges provide an impressive backdrop for the city.

Mesa isn’t only about outdoor recreation, however. The city is home to several museums, as well as an amphitheater, and arts center, supporting a strong cultural arts presence.

If you’re looking for a city that offers plenty of dining and nightlife, you aren’t likely to be disappointed with Mesa. From American and Old World Italian cuisine to the regional flavors of Mexico and the Southwest, the city serves up a plethora of restaurant options for visitors and residents alike.

Venues are just as diverse, with dinner theaters, sports bars and tea rooms among the mix of dining establishments. A number of urban bars and dance clubs keep the nightlife going well into the morning hours.

Much of the residential architecture of the region is reflective of the city’s Southwestern heritage, but there are a few deviations in style. Colonial Revival and Mission/Spanish Revival are popular.

Mesa AZ real estate for sale can be found in a number of distinct neighborhoods, offering just the right setting for retirees, young families or urban professionals.

Falcon Field residents have easy access to air travel as well as major highways. About one-third of this neighborhood’s inhabitants consider themselves to be long-term residents, having owned their homes for five or more years. It is a popular area for empty nesters and professionals.

Stonegate Estates offers affordable family homes and is popular with young professionals and families. It is located along the eastern edge of the city. The Casa Mesa neighborhood offers very affordable housing for first-time home buyers and young families.

To learn more about Mesa AZ real estate, connect with us today and let us share what the Mesa area has to offer.

February 25, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Remodeling an Older Home

Last week we discussed reader Kimberly D.’s concerns about buying an old home that might need a lot of repairs. Kimberly came back this week with a follow-up question about remodeling plans for this house. Let’s see what Dream Team member and interior design pro Jennifer Adams has to say on the subject!

Q: We are looking to purchase and completely over haul a 1925 built Florida cottage. It has a lot of original features we like, some we don’t. Is it better to change the layout to better meet our needs and leave as much original character as possible, or is it better for resale later to live with much as possible and just fix what’s there?

-Kimberly D.

A: This sounds like an exciting project! Older houses have so much charm that they are a joy, but they can be a nightmare if you don’t approach the project with the right mindset. It depends so much on your goals for the place.

Are you planning on keeping it for a while? Is it a vacation home or will you live in it full time? And, most importantly, what is your budget?

Remodeling an older house is expensive. Every house has its quirks, and while we call them unforeseen problems we really shouldn’t, because we all know there will be something unforeseen! Plan to expect the unexpected.

Even a simple cosmetic upgrade in an older house will be more expensive than you’d think. Off the shelf anything, such as counters, tubs and closet systems won’t fit easily because walls aren’t square, floors aren’t flat or dimensions are non-standard. Each project is unique (charm, right?) which drives up costs.

Plus, decisions you’d make for your primary residence will be different than if it’s a vacation home. On vacation, you’d probably enjoy the charm and floor plan quirks that might drive you nuts over time.

Make some decisions about what your dream usage of this house will be, even consider spending money for some brainstorming time with an interior designer or architect if you don’t have these skills yourself. This will help you plan your approach and build a budget.

In terms of prioritizing the projects, no matter what your usage of the house will be, make sure the structure from the foundation to the roof is sound, and the insulation, ventilation, electrical systems and plumbing are up to code and in good repair. Take care of any moisture, mold, mildew or other problems you discover. This will make any house healthier to live in for now, even part time, and more attractive to a potential buyer later.

Aesthetically, you can re-create a lot of the old charm by saving woodwork, cabinetry and trim for reuse! A work of caution, however, old woodwork — whether from this house or from a salvage yard — may have lead paint and so will require special handling. Don’t start sanding or pulling things apart without proper care.

Use a plaster finish on new walls so it looks old, and choose new fixtures that look appropriate for the style of your house. For the kitchen and baths, modern cabinetry may look out of place if you’re going for the cottage look. Consider a less built-in look with mismatched cabinets and open shelving, for example, and a rustic farm table instead of a sleek kitchen island.

The fun part of projects like these is that they are both challenging but hugely rewarding. You are not the first person to be facing these decisions; there is a world of support online for inspiration and help finding just that right piece!

Good luck with this project, and let us know how it goes!

-Jennifer A.

February 17, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Buying an Older Home

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Karlton Utter, Director of Learning at Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, about how to determine the price of older or historic homes.

Q: We are looking to buy a property built in 1925 that needs extensive work it’s in an area of newer homes how can I get a price comparable so we don’t put in more than we could get out if having to sell later on? It’s a cute Florida cottage on a lake with some history but it is a not like anything surrounding it.

-Kimberly D.

A: I would highly recommend hiring a licensed appraiser to do a pre purchase appraisal. If there is a lack of comps available based on location, age, and style the appraiser will be able to make adjustments from current and relevant comps to develop a suggested value. If you are trying to come up with a price based off of available comps through your real estate professional, I would look at only comparable homes within a 1-2 mile radius and only homes that are under contract or have sold in the past 6 months. If there are no comps available, then it honestly becomes a judgment call. Please keep in mind that a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it so although there may be comps and an appraisal, it is still up to you to determine its value.

-Karlton U.

February 10, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Turning a Basement into an Entertainment Room

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today Dream Team member and interior design pro Jennifer Adams discusses how to turn a basement room into an entertaining space that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

Q: I have a family room in the basement that measures 13ft x 22ft. I would like ideas on making it into an upgraded sports /family room.

-Richard B.

A: It’s great that you’re thinking of new ways to use the existing rooms in your house. This could potentially save you a lot of money in extensive renovations or even moving! Your goals for the room’s purpose should help you decide how much space to dedicate to each use and help you set a budget.

Is this room where your family usually watches TV together, or is it a room you’re calling a family room, but really, no one spends much time in? By “sports” do you mean a workout room with gym equipment or a game room with a poker table, pool table, and a ping-pong table?

Any of these activities would be a great use of an out-of-the-way basement room, but keep in mind the “sports” use could be noisy and might interrupt someone else’s TV viewing. But if this room is a secondary TV room, it won’t matter as much. A TV would be nice while you’re working out or playing cards, and for movie watching and family nights could be in another room in your house.

A low ceiling height, which is typical of a lot of basements, might affect your sports equipment choices. A tall weight machine, vertical space for a jump rope, or even upright yoga and stretching poses might not be possible! If you have budget, some basements could be renovated by lowering the floor. This could be an opportunity to add or improve plumbing fixtures such as a sink or even another bathroom. Talk with some licensed contractors and designers or architects to find out if this is possible at your house, and how much it might cost.

Insulation in the walls and ceiling and rubber gym flooring will help absorb the sound of machines and people jumping around. Better lighting and a sound system for music will make the atmosphere more inviting. Sturdy shelves and storage for equipment will help keep the room clutter free. You may need to have electrical outlets installed if you’re planning machines such as a treadmill, rowing machine or elliptical trainer.

A very important step no matter what you want to use your basement for is a radon test and mitigation, if necessary. Radon is a naturally occurring cancer-causing gas that you can’t see or smell, and it’s present in a lot of houses throughout the country. Most hardware stores sell initial tests you can do yourself. Ventilation systems that reduce radon levels aren’t generally hugely expensive, but are very worthwhile if you have high levels of the gas. Check out the EPA’s website for more information.

Good luck with this project, and let us know how it goes!

-Jennifer A.

February 3, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Building Your Own Home

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Design pro and Casa Latina’s home improvement expert Marlene Pratt about what’s involved when planning to build your own home.

Q: Hola mi nombre es Wendy R. mi pregunta es cuanto me cuesta contruir una casa de concepto abierto, de tres recamaras, dos baños aqui en Goshen, Indiana 46526. Gracias.

Translation: Hi my name is Wendy R. and my question is: how much would it cost me to build an open-concept home, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, here in Goshen, IN 46526. Thanks.

-Wendy R.

A: The cost of building a new house in Goshen Indiana or anywhere in the US really depends on how big you want your new home to be, and upon the materials, location, specifications or builders used. Your question is kind of general and there are many variables that go into building a home; so consider first making a spreadsheet with the list of the things you cannot do without. For example, what type of exterior/siding would you like your home to have? Would you like to live in a one level or two levels home? Do you require a certain amount of square footage for you and your family both inside and out? Would you like a basement and if so, finished or unfinished? How many bathrooms do you want and how many do you really need? And for your open concept do you know how big or fancy of a kitchen you really need?

I made a few phone calls and I was told that the average two bedroom home in Indiana could run you between $180,000 and $240,000 and that cost is based on average quality material. Please keep in mind that a unique home designed to your specifications and built with quality material will considerably change that estimate.

If you want a better idea of what your wants will cost you consider utilizing a FREE cost estimating software. The software allows you to vary the design, quality, size, and zip code of any house plan to get an approximate cost to build estimate.

-Marlene P.

January 27, 2015
Houston Offers Diverse Real Estate Options

If you’re considering a new home purchase in Houston, you will discover a metropolis teeming with all the culture, energy and excitement befitting the nation’s fourth largest city. Houston TX real estate reflects architectural styles as diverse as the city itself, from stately mansions to newly renovated row houses.

Regardless of the type of house you desire, Houston is an exciting and flourishing city to call home. With a population of about 2.1 million residents, Houston boasts all the entertainment, recreation and urban amenities hoped for from a city this size. The region is home to over 500 performing, visual and cultural arts organizations, and a theater district rivaled only by that of the Big Apple.

If you’re looking for a city that is ethnically and culturally diverse, Houston does not disappoint. The city is a cultural melting pot with over 100 languages spoken within the metropolitan region, making it the most ethnically diverse major metropolitan area in the nation.

Food lovers will also take delight in the cuisine of the area. Proud of its position as culinary capital of Texas, the city offers more than 7,500 restaurants and eateries, serving up over 60 types of cuisine and laying claim to several award-winning chefs. With options like that, it’s no wonder Houston’s residents eat out more than any other city’s residents.

Mild winters enable residents to enjoy Houston’s beautiful outdoors year-round, including two of the nation’s 10 largest urban parks. For cyclists, the City of Houston Bikeway Program offers a 345-mile interconnected network of on-street and off-road bicycle paths.

The city is also home to Major League Baseball’s Astros and the National Football League’s Texans. Known as a pivotal hub for the nation’s space program, Space Center Houston is NASA’s official visitor center for human spaceflight.

Seeking out real estate in Houston TX opens you to a plethora of options in a range of prices and architectural styles, from contemporary downtown lofts or spacious mansions, to traditional single-family dwellings. Like many cities this size, Houston is defined by the neighborhoods and communities that comprise it.

Homes in the popular Heights neighborhood exhibit a variety of architectural styles, including Craftsman, Colonial Revival and Victorian. On the east end of the city lies Eastwood, a historic neighborhood that features the city’s largest selection of preserved Arts & Crafts, Craftsman and Mission-style architecture.

West University Place offers real estate inside the loop, close to downtown and the Museum District, though finding once-abundant original mid-century homes can be a challenge. Southwest side neighborhoods offer a number of choices for modest family homes, like cozy Linkwood, which features mostly one-story brick homes built on large lots in the 1950s.

Hunters Creek Village, part of several townships on the west side known collectively as the Memorial Villages, is home to some of the largest estates Houston TX real estate has to offer, with half acre minimum lot sizes and a country club atmosphere.

Recent years have also seen resurgence in downtown residential real estate, with new or remodeled high-rise condominiums and apartments.

To learn more about Houston TX real estate, contact us today to find the perfect home and neighborhood to fit your unique needs.

January 25, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Townhouse Backyard Makeover

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur shows us how to transform a small townhouse backyard to a cozy space for dining and entertaining!

Q: How would you set up a small townhouse backyard that is approximately 16 feet wide and 11 feet deep? The fence on the far side is wrought iron fence with bushes in 2-foot border (not included in measurement). We would like this area to be cozy and inviting, and have space to eat outside. Lots of squirrels in neighborhood!

-Marcia A.

A: Pave it or deck it! The whole back space! If you try to section the space into areas, it will be too small to really make any kind of impact. By making the whole backyard into a beautiful patio, you will have lots of useable space. Invest in some big planters to add lots of greenery so that it doesn’t feel like a parking pad. Take advantage of the rod iron fence and put some vines in the planters which will climb on the fence and give you a little privacy. And the best part… useable space is a fantastic way to increase your home’s value! Check out the backyard I did. It was 18×18 and I decked the entire space. Do you miss the grass? Me neither!

-Carson A.

January 20, 2015
Ask a Pro Q&A: Furniture Arrangement in a High-Traffic Room

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today Dream Team member and interior design pro Jennifer Adams advises a reader on how to arrange furniture in a high-traffic room.

Q: My question is about how to arrange furniture in a room where people have to walk through the middle to get to other rooms.

The room is a rectangle, 16 x 20, with 2 entryways on one of the smaller (16-foot) sides and a big entryway at the end of one bigger sides (20-foot).

I can’t figure out a good furniture arrangement where the traffic flow goes AROUND the furniture, not through it.

-Mary Ann L.

A: This one is a challenge! Your room is big enough that you think you’d have enough space for a good arrangement, but, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, it fills up fast!

I’m assuming this is a living room, but I’ll share a trick that will help with a dining room, too, or even a bedroom! With your imagination, divide the room diagonally, from corner to corner. This will help organize the room.

Put most of the furniture in an “L” shape inside the triangle without traffic, and reinforce the arrangement with an area rug, so when you walk through the room, you won’t really walk on the area rug at all. It’s OK if the furniture extends into the “traffic” side a little.

You can create an “L” shape with a sofa and two arm chairs or a big sectional. Place the “L” along the long wall, closer to the far corner than in the middle. A coffee table, end tables and lamps will help fill the space and provide a place for people to set down drinks.

Lastly, an area rug that isn’t too big will help define the arrangement and reinforce the traffic pattern! A nice armoire or bookcases on the other long wall will balance the seating arrangement and add interest. This could also be the best place for a TV if this is the only room you have for TV watching. Good luck!

-Jennifer A.

January 13, 2015