Real Estate Girl

Outdoor Room

No matter where you are in the country an outdoor room can enhance your living space and overall quality of life.  Having a nice outdoor space can also help sell your property.  I believe it is often easier for a buyer to picture themselves relaxing on an inviting balcony than it is to imagine sleeping in the master bedroom.  Create a nice space to enjoy the outdoors this summer and into the fall.  Make sure to warm up the space with lanterns, string lights or candles.  Use whatever linens are space appropriate, curtains, blinds, pillows or a rug.  Hang an antique mirror or iron sculpture to complete the look.  Go shopping!  You can get great deals on outdoor items this time of year!  And watch Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie for inspiration. 

Try FLOR for your floor

Whether for fun or necessity dressing your floors can be daunting.  Not to mention expensive.  That's why I go to FLOR first.  The 19.7 inch squares give you plenty of options in texture & style to customize any space-even your garage!  Best of all they are easy to install and care for.  The brilliant website allows you to shop by trends, price, foot traffic and more.  The company has a commitment to sustainable business practices including a recycle program.  Did I mention the prices are great?  Oh and if you need personal home design expert to help you design your FLOR you can schedule that as well.  (Chicago area only)

Eco-friendly building doesn't have to cost a fortune

It is a common misconception that living, particularly building environmentally friendly will cost a fortune.  Not true as this inspirational story proves.  The bottom line is it can be done with a little research, patience and diligence.  No matter what your next project is take your time & be true to your Eco-friendly spirit!  There really is something to be said for living the simpler life.

Really cool space savers

totousa

Kohler.com

 
fisherpaykel

mini dishwasher drawer

Washer/Dryer combo

lge.com

vintagetub.com

mini claw foot tub

Best This Old House Neighborhoods 2010

I just love when This Old House puts these lists out annually.  This year there are 51 different lists ranging from geographical location, ease of commute, cottages & bungalows as well as the biggest bargains. Some close to home include North Mayfair, Chicago, The Villages, Detroit,  and  Beloit, Wisconsin. If you know of someone considering making a move pass it on!

Best Before & Afters

Once again I make a reference to This Old House!  How fun are these before & after pictures!  Take a peak at them, especially if you are looking for ideas.  Besides "curb appeal" there are make overs for every room in the house.

 

2008 Cost vs. Value Report

Don't feel bad about making home improvements in a down market.  It's a perfect time to make your home more comfortable if you are planning on staying for another 3-5 years.  NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® statistics show that home prices have fallen by an average of 7 percent nationally in the past year. But the value of home owners’ investment in remodeling projects has declined only 3.86 percent on average between 2007 and 2008, according to Remodeling’s 2008–2009 Cost vs. Value Report.  Here are the National Averages.  For specific regional information check out the link above, remodeling.  

Spruce up your Deck

 

I absolutely love this dark deck stain...and what's not to love.  It's rich, gorgeous color mimics a dark walnut floor that you would find in a million dollar home.  There are plenty of ways to spruce up your deck this spring.  Click here for other ideas. A well kept deck can make your home stand out in your neighborhood, in a good way that is. 

Cost vs Value

Have you ever wondered, if we do this improvement on our home, how much $ will we get back?  Should we do the kitchen or the yard?

Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs Value report is now done by region.

Here is a sneak peak: highest national percentage of costs recouped:

88% upscale siding replacement
85% wood deck addition
81% window replacement
83% minor kitchen remodel

Go to costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html to find your region.

For my locals, click on costvsvalue.com/chicago.html

 

Secret Sources 2007

This Old House, thisoldhouse.com ,is by far one of my favorite resources for home improvement.   They publish a list every year of the annual guide on where to get unique & hard to find items for the home.  Here is a peak.

Ceramic Tile
Each piece has slight variations because it is handmade.  trikeenan.com

Lighting
For 60 years this shop in the French Quarter has been quietly producing lighting for the area's finest homes.  bevolo.com

Fireplace Mantels  pearlmantels.com            

Stair Parts  crownheritage.com

Salvaged Lumber    urbanhardwoods.com

 

For more visit:  thisoldhouse/secret-sources.com