Debra Sinick

Archive for the ‘Remodeling and style trends’ Category

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Make More Money Selling Your Home, Part 5, Moldings and Doors

In For Homeowners, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends, Seattle real estate, real estate on May 12, 2010 at 10:26 am

Make more money selling your home is my series on getting your home sold, not just getting it ready to sell, but getting it sold. These posts are a series of suggestions for things you can do to update your home before you sell it.  Updated homes sell faster and for more money than homes in need of work. Better yet, if you want to do some of these things while you’re still enjoying your home, go for it.

You may not do everything, but if you read all the posts, you’ll have a good idea of what home updates will get you more money. You can decide how best to spend your money and what works for your budget.  Read Parts 1-4, planting some “green,” when to set the sales price, yard clean up, and dressing up a front door and the rest of the series (coming soon), to pick what your home needs to get it “dressed up” to sell in the competitive Seattle real estate market.

Spending some money updating your home will help you make more money selling your home.  In the Seattle real estate market, particularly on the eastside, most buyers are looking for homes updated and ready to go. There’s a very small pool of buyers looking to fix up a home on Seattle’s eastside.

Today’s topic:  moldings and doors. Clean, fresh white moldings and doors.  Some homes will have a theme and look better with wood doors and moldings, but many homes will look great with white woodwork.  If you’re starting from scratch, you can pick from many different door styles.  In today’s home market, doors can be anywhere from two to 6 panel, with the two panel doors growing in popularity.

New Doors Dress Up a Home for Sale

New Doors Dress Up a Home for Sale

Before you pick the style of door, think about the type of neighborhood where your home is located. If it’s an upscale, high-end neighborhood, buyers will expect top quality.  You’ll throw your money out if you go with inexpensive finishes.  If the home is situated in a starter neighborhood, then go with hollow core doors, so you’ll save money.  Solid doors are far more expensive.   Pick something simple that matches your decor.  Be practical and spend the least amount of money, while getting something that looks good and is the quality to fit your neighborhood and style of your home.

Moldings:  Does your home have those skinny, outdated flat moldings from the 60′s or the 70′s?  If so, it’s time for a change.  Go with thicker baseboard moldings to dress up a room.  Moldings finish a room off, making the overall finished look richer and better. Again, keep it simple and buy pre-painted moldings, if available.

Updating Moldings in a Home

Thick Baseboards Add A Quality Look to a Home

For the high-end neighborhood, maybe it’s repainting existing moldings so they look fresh and clean.  Maybe it’s adding more crown moldings or chair rails in different parts of the house.

Dressing Up a Room By Adding Chair Rails

Dressing Up a Room By Adding Chair Rails

Don’t have the money to replace all the doors and moldings? Then paint them white, so they look fresh and clean.    Make sure to use the right painting tools and paint. If you’ve never painted doors and moldings, then find out how to paint them so the surfaces will be smooth.  Use a semi-gloss paint and it will help make the moldings pop.  It will also help keep the moldings clean when done.

If painting is not your thing,  it’s probably better to hire someone who knows how to paint these surfaces.  Again, don’t throw your time and money out by doing a poor paint job.

Whatever your budget allows, the doors and moldings should be fresh and clean when you sell your home.  If they’re not, it will cost you time and money in the sale of your home.

Do you have any other ideas about making doors and moldings look good?

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Latest Cost Effective New Products for Your Home Remodel

In For Homeowners, For Sellers, Home maintenance tips, Remodeling and style trends, architecture, real estate on February 24, 2010 at 2:34 pm

A big part of my job as a Realtor is to help home sellers prepare their homes for the market by giving people ways to add value to their home so they’ll get the highest sales price. I’m constantly looking for different and cost effective ways to give sellers options for updating a home. I also encourage past clients to contact me when thinking of remodeling, so I like to keep up with the latest home remodeling ideas.

The Styled, Staged, and Sold blog discusses “hot home products for 2010.” Their list of favorite new home products had great ideas for remodeling, safety, energy savings tips, and locks that can’t be bumped.

Did you know most locks on the doors to your home can be “bumped”open?

Not something you want to have happen with your home.   I first heard about locks that can’t be bumped open when a client of mine told me about changing the locks on her home.   Her  home security alarm had gone off 4 times.   She thought it was time to upgrade her home’s door locks to the bump proof variety.

Home locks that cannot be bumped

After hearing about this situation from my client and reading about unbumpable locks online, I thought I’d pass this information on.   In reading about unbumpable locks, I also learned the brand of “bump-proof” lock you buy for your home should be checked out to make sure it’s truly “bump proof.”

The blog post also talls about some other interesting home products. I really like the metal tiles that could be used as a kitchen backsplash. The tiles come in brushed nickel, bronze, and copper finishes. They looked really cool and could dress up a kitchen for not a lot of money.

The inexpensive crown moldings sounded like they could be a great way to dress up a room.

Stainless steel paint? It sounds like it could be a terrific way to go, but I’m having trouble picturing  paint looking like smooth, cool stainless steel.  I’d love to know if this really works.

Has anyone tried it?  If it does work, it would be a great thing.

Check these home products and remodeling tips out.  Let me know if you try any of the items. I’d love to be able to tell people about experiences you’ve had with these products or other cost effective remodeling ideas.

And while you are at it, change your locks!

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Seattle Architect, Emory Baldwin, Recognized for Universally Designed Home

In For Homeowners, Remodeling and style trends, architecture, real estate on March 5, 2009 at 5:56 pm

How old are your parents?  How many of you have been involved with elderly parents or know someone who has had to drop everything to take care of their parents’ changing needs? Many boomers are dealing with these issues NOW and will be facing them personally within the next decade or two.

When I talk with my boomer friends these days, we commiserate about our elderly parents.  I’ve gone through all the stages involved with a changing parent-child relationship.  I became the parent and had to move my parents out of their long time Connecticut home of 50 + years to a safer, easier to navigate environment.   It would have been much better to leave them in their home because they had been so comfortable there.  However, with two stories, steps to the front door, and inaccessible sinks, counters, etc, it would have been impossible for them to stay in their home.

Traditional home designs don’t easily accommodate changes in people’s lives and abilities as they age. Sometimes people have to move, a costly choice, because their home no longer supports these changes. Wouldn’t it be less expensive to have home design that can be easily modified and adapted to many different needs?

We have more advanced materials and amenities in our homes, but our floor plans are very similar to homes built 100 years ago, when the average life expectancy was less than 50 years old. Today the average life expectancy is 80 years of age.

Consider this:

1/3 of all Boomers are more than 50+ years old.

People who are age 50+ are more than a third of the population.

The population of 50+ people is going to double in the next 35 years.

We have a housing crisis coming up on our hands. Today we talk about affordable housing. Tomorrow we’ll talk about accessible housing, only tomorrow will be too late.

Universal design is intended to be user friendly and provide easy access for people of any age and ability. Universal design has been called other things: aging in place, design for all ages, basic access, and barrier-free design.

Enter Seattle architect, Emory Baldwin of ZAI, Inc., who built a home for his young family using Universal Design principles. It’s a beautiful Craftsman style home located not far from Seattle’ s Greenlake.   His home is recognized in the most recent issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine.   His home has been selected by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to receive an award in the 2009 small project category for “Accessible Residential Design.”

Emory Baldwin's Universal Design Craftsman

It’s a light filled, sunny, happy home with lively colors, big windows, and high ceilings.

Living room

If you didn’t know he used Universal Design principles in his plans for the home, you wouldn’t notice much that is different. Universal Design done right is very comfortable, livable, and practical. When a home is built from scratch with Universal Design principles, it can be more cost effective over the long run.

What are some of the universal design features?

All the hallways are 42 inches wide and the doorways are all 3 feet wide.

The closets are ready and waiting for a future elevator. Emory incorporated a stacked closet area on each floor, with the space retrofitted for an elevator. The cost to incorporate into the original plan? About $21,000. The cost to retrofit the home with no dedicated spot for an elevator? $100,000.

The closet is ready for an elevator

universal-design ready & waiting for an elevator

The first thing you notice when walking up to the front door is the completely level entry into the home. The entry walk is actually sloped slightly toward the home. It’s 17 feet long and rises 1 foot along its length. A wheelchair would have an easy time of entering the home.

Universal Design-Level Entry

Universal Design-Level Entry

The thresholds throughout the house are level.

All flooring is level with no thresholds

All flooring is level with no thresholds

Instead of door knobs, you see door handles.

universal design-levers instead of door knobs

The open airy kitchen has several useful features, the island is surrounded by wide access ways.

wide access around the kitchen island

wide access around the kitchen island

Kitchen cabinets have pull out shelving.

Pull out kitchen shelving

Pull out kitchen shelving

The master bath is a Universal Design dream. The vanity is built on wheels, so in the future, if you’re using a wheelchair, you could remove the vanity and scoot under the sink.

Mster bath vanity-now you see it.

Master bath vanity-now you see it.

Master bath vanity-now you don't see it

Master bath vanity-now you don't see it

Showers have completely level entries. The shower entry is completely level with the bathroom flooring and would accommodate a wheelchair, if necessary.

Here’s some links to builders using Universal Design principles in other parts of the country. Some builders are beginning to consider Universal Design in their construction, building homes that work for everyone.

Homeowners are becoming increasingly more aware of affordability, accessibility, and sustainability when buying real estate.  Homes that meet more of these criteria will become increasingly more desirable. Green and accessible features will help increase the value and saleability of a home.

Congratulations to Emory for his AIA award and designing this beautiful, practical home.

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Top Ten Questions to Ask About Remodeling & Where Can You Get The Most Bang For Your Buck?

In For Buyers, For Homeowners, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends, Seattle real estate, real estate, real estate opinion on December 2, 2008 at 5:50 am

I’ll never forget the time sellers contacted me to sell their home and they were pretty excited because they had done some updating before they called me.  When I arrived at their home and took a look, my heart just sank.  They had spent a lot of money on updating the carpet and many of the fixtures in the house.  However, the carpet was a different color in every room!  Teal was the main color throughout most of the house, but some of the bedrooms had pink carpet and others had blue.  If this home had been in New England, it would have been fine.  In New England, I’ve seen a lot of the homes with different carpet in each room, but not in the Seattle area.  Carpet is usually one neutral tone throughout the house.

Every year The National Association of Realtors publishes a list comparing cost vs. value of different remodeling.  The list breaks down different remodeling projects and the value of the remodel in each part of the country.  Remodeling projects which “sell in Peoria” do not necessarily “sell in the Seattle” area.

According to the NAR report, the big “six” remodels in the West/Pacific region are :

” a wood deck addition, a minor kitchen remodel, fiber-cement siding replacement, wood window replacement, and an upscale wood and vinyl window replacement.”

“Similarly, the cost recouped on a given remodeling project depends on a wide variety of factors. These include the condition of the rest of a house, the value of similar homes nearby, and the rate at which property values are changing in the surrounding area. A home’s urban, suburban, or rural setting also affects its value, as does the availability and cost of new and existing homes in the immediate vicinity.”

The most important questions to ask yourself first:

1. Is this a remodel that will fit my lifestyle and pocket book?

2. Will I enjoy the changes I make to my home?

Then seek the advice of a Realtor you trust before you start any remodel. Contact a Realtor who is market savvy, knows your neighborhood, and will be willing to spend the time with you, even though you are not selling. Your Realtor should be able to give you solid advice about where you should spend, and not spend, your money.  Get the answers to these questions:

  1. What are the homes worth in your neighborhood?
  2. How does your home compare to the others in the neighborhood?
  3. Will your remodel add value to your home in your neighborhood?
  4. How does the remodeling project fit with the rest of your home?
  5. Will you price yourself out of the neighborhood?
  6. What are the popular colors and materials in the area that will help maintain the value of your home?
  7. Is your home located close to economic and transportation hubs which will help maintain its value in the future?
  8. Will a remodel help balance any negative factors in your home?

Remodeling is a balancing act in which you as the homeowner have to measure how much the remodel means to you, your lifestyle, and your pocketbook as it compares to the future resale value of your home.  It can also help to balance and counteract other features of a home. For example, if your home backs to a busy road, not only should your home be priced to accommodate the road noise when you go to sell, your home should be updated and upgraded to be more of a value to a potential buyer.  A home in a noisy location will often be dismissed by buyers.  But, if it is beautifully remodeled, it may help to counteract the negative location.

But please, do yourself a favor and get all the facts clear in your mind before you begin a project.  Check out the link to the cost vs. value list above, spend time evaluating your wants and needs, talk to some contractors and to a trusted Realtor before you proceed.

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Cohousing-What’s It All About?

In Boomer issues, Built Green and Sustainable Living, For Buyers, Remodeling and style trends, real estate, sustainable living on November 13, 2008 at 8:41 pm

Homes and lifestyles are changing.  The dream of the suburban home with a yard, the two (or three) car garage filled with 2 cars still works for some people, but many people are rethinking how they want to live.  A lifestyle is emerging all over the country and in the Puget Sound area called cohousing.  Cohousing is the new extended family, a community in which people live and work together to maintain the neighborhood.  Think sustainable living, smaller carbon footprints, the synergy of community, and you have some of the principles of cohousing. 

Want to learn about it? This weekend there’s a cohousing fair in South Seattle where you can learn more about the communities and the cohousing lifestyle.  I wrote about the cohousing fair on the Seattle PI Real Estate Professionals Blog. If you click on the link you’ll find out more information about the fair and the communities that exist around Puget Sound. 

There are several cohousing communities on the eastside.  Clearwater Commons, New Earth Song Cohousing, which is right next door to Songaia Cohousing are all located in Bothell, Washington.  New Earth Song has a focus on seniors and helping them to stay in their homes, age-in-place, and not move to  communities that are just for seniors.

Cohousing may or may not be for you, but it’s good to know about alternative real estate and living choices.  Things are no longer the same, as we all know, and many people are curious about more affordable, greener ways of living.  Check it out!

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From My Inbox: Seattle Architecture Foundation “Green Building” tours

In Built Green and Sustainable Living, Energy conservation, Real Estate News, Remodeling and style trends, architecture, real estate, sustainable living on October 6, 2008 at 4:31 pm

From the Seattle Architecture Foundation Newsletter:

The Terry Thomas:   An Elegant, Environmentally-Correct Approach to Design

When:  Friday, October 17
Group 1: 10:00am
Group 2: 11:30am
Cost:  $15 advance registration required.  No walk-ups accepted.  Register online or call the SAF office at
 206.667.9184.
Where:  Weber Thompson offices in The Terry Thomas. 225 Terry Ave., N., second floor Joseph Vance Building:  Historic Building, Modern Green Design

 

“Seattle Architecture Foundation is partnering with Weber Thompson to present The Terry Thomas:   An Elegant, Environmentally-Correct Approach to Design, a one-hour guided tour.  The Terry Thomas is a highly sustainable, commercial building located in the South Lake Union neighborhood. Wrapped in windows, it is a building designed along a modern aesthetic with a combination of time-tested strategies from the pre-HVAC era and complimentary new technologies. 

…this tour explains how the project reduces its carbon footprint, the workings of the passive cooling system, strategies employed to reduce water usage by 50% and energy usage by 30% and how the building has met its original vision of thoughtful sustainable design and a workplace that contributes to the occupant’s well-being, satisfaction and productivity. “

 


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When:  Tuesday, November 11
Group 10:00am
Group 11:30am
Cost:  $15 advance registration required.  No walk-ups accepted.  Register online or call the SAF office at206.667.9184.
Where:  Joseph Vance Building lobby, 1402 Third Avenue

“Elements of the project include restoring the building’s terra cotta façade, original ceilings, terrazzo floors, and operable windows, and updating the facility using sustainable materials, systems, and fixtures. Custom window shades and light shelves help preserve energy and maximize natural light while controlling heat gain and glare.”

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I’m really excited to see The Terry Thomas.  This is one of the first buildings to be built in years with no air conditioning!  The building is designed to maximize air flow/cooling through the use of sun shades, louvers, light colored roofing, and an interior courtyard.  This tour ought to be interesting and filled with valuable information regarding “green building.”

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Kirkland’s Sustainable September Offers Great “Go Green” Information

In Built Green and Sustainable Living, For Buyers, For Sellers, Local news and information, Remodeling and style trends, architecture on September 15, 2008 at 7:24 am

Sustainable September, an event designed to help people “go green,” is happening in Kirkland and on Seattle’s Eastside through the month of September.  On Saturday, I attended the first set of classes.  Lesa  McIntyre from Greenworks Architecture spoke about ways to ”go green.”  Lesa McIntyre mentioned a very interesting concept for builders, investors, and home purchasers.  As an architect who works with “green principles,” she is able to look at older homes to determine whether the home could be remodeled with “green” principles more effectively than building a new home to “built green” standards.  She considers the lot, its sun and wind exposure, and placement of trees in her analysis.

Here’s some of the other information she presented: 

  • Look at the products under your sink.  Throw away all the chemicals.
  • Built Green is a great website to learn about rebates for “built green” materials.
  • The msds sheet available for products is the materials safety data sheet which will identify any carcinogens. (something new that I learned)
  • Learn where building materials come from.  This will help determine whether shipping bamboo from China or cork from the east coast has a greater carbon footprint.
  • Ecohaus, formerly Environmental Home Center, a store with a plethora of eco-friendly materials and advice is on Northup Way in Bellevue.
  • Denim insulation is a great recycled insulating product for homes.
  • Ice stone and  Paperstone are great countertop materials.
  • Marmoleum and cork are eco-friendly flooring products.
  • Reclaimed materials, such as timber, are the best option for reducing the carbon footprint of building and remodeling.
  • Carpet is one of the least safe products that goes into a home.  If you must use carpet, go with 100% wool with a jute (natural) backing. Lesa suggested 100% wool area rugs so they can be easily cleaned.

Tristan Heberlein from Solstice Landscapes NW discussed ecologically friendly landscape design.  His three principles for “green” landscaping are:

Feed the Food Chain:

  • Add compost at least every 2 years
  • Don’t use landscape fabric as it will deplete the soil of necessary nutrients. 
  • Use medium wood chip mulch.
  • Corn gluten is a natural way to minimize the seeds from weeds germinating.  The treatment last for up to 6 weeks.

If you wouldn’t put it on your skin, don’t put it on your plantings.

If you build it, they will come:

  • If your soil is healthy, it will create food for insects and birds. 
  • Plant a lot of flowers, salvia, and the autumn joy sedum to attract honey bees.
  • Provide circulating water.
  • Bird Feeders
  • Built rockeries and walls with crevices for insects.

Need good, free advice?  Contact Seattle Tilth’s Lawn and Garden Care Hotline at 206-633-0223.

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Top Ten Ways to Get a Deal Buying New Construction Homes in Today’s Market

In For Buyers, Remodeling and style trends, real estate on August 14, 2008 at 2:26 pm

 

 

 

I recently received an email from a buyer who was interested in a new construction neighborhood in an area where I actively sell homes.  This buyer wanted to know whether to buy new construction in this market.  Here’s what I told him to consider in this market:

 

  1. Pick the best of the lot because you make your profit the day you buy your home.  Unlike driving a new car off the lot which immediately depreciates, your home can appreciate or depreciate based on the market conditions AND the choice you make.
  2. Purchase from a known builder with a proven track record.
  3. Negotiate on pricing and/or upgrades.  The sales price will be a business decision to the builder, so don’t hesitate to make an aggressive offer.  If the price doesn’t work, the builder will counter the offer.
  4. Look for special builder financing.  Some builders have special pricing available for jumbo loans.
  5. Buy a home in a good location, close to transportation, shopping, and schools.
  6. Pick a good lot.  Stay away from lots that are marginal.  Lots that back to busy roads or are under power lines, as an example.
  7. Look for standing inventory, completed homes the seller will want to get sold.  Prices are more negotiable for any completed homes.
  8. Pick a functional, good floor plan.
  9. Pick a home with lots of light and openess.
  10. Make sure the home has great finish work and has the most up to the minute features.
  11. Have the home inspected when you buy it!

Okay, so I came up with 11 items.  Inspecting the home is critical, so make sure you do it.  Over the years, I’ve sold new construction homes in which the insulation was missing in the attic, the dishwasher was not hooked up, and the furnace had not been cleaned out after construction.  All easily fixed.  However, if the issues were not remedied before buying the home, they could have become major problems later.

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Furniture, Art or a Conversation Piece for Your Home?

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends on July 30, 2008 at 11:24 am

Need new furniture for your home?  Are you looking for the unusual, the conversation piece?  Check out The Designzen blog for Lila Jang’s Sofa that Climbs a Wall.  The sofa is part of a Paris art exhibition.  Since most of probably won’t be hopping a plane right now, this might be a good time to look at all the art pieces.  Brush up on your French and check out the Parcour Saint Germain.

I wonder if Lila Jang wants to exhibit at The Bellevue Museum Art Fair?  It’s not Paris but….

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Need a Good Contractor? Contact Me for My Preferred List of Recommended Contractors

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Home maintenance tips, Real Estate News, Remodeling and style trends, real estate on June 2, 2008 at 7:11 pm

 

One of the perks of being a real estate agent is learning all kinds of useful information about real estate and homes.  We learn about household maintenance when we attend building inspections. We learn about style, color, and popular finish work by looking at 100′s of homes each year.  We attend seminars in which we learn about both.  As agents, we are on the cutting edge of style, so we can give our clients the very latest information.

Sometimes we have the good fortune to meet great contractors whom we can turn to for tips, advice, repairs, and remodeling work.   This is the time to get your home spruced up.  If you need the name of a good contractor, don’t hesitate to ask. I can refer someone to you from my list of preferred contractors.  This list consists of contractors I’ve used personally and professionally or other agents or past clients have recommended.

So fire up that tool box, get out the ladder, and go to work!  Happy fixing!

 

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Architecture and/or Art? A Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece is Sold at Auction

In Real Estate News, Remodeling and style trends, architecture on May 20, 2008 at 6:34 am

Homes are shelter, homes are places we eat, sleep, work, celebrate, and ???  Some homes are more. They are  architecturally inspiring.  Marlow Harris often writes of unique homes on her blog, 360digest. Few homes achieve icon status, but those that do, are they art or architecture or art and architecture?  Are these homes works of art?

There’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House, Greene and Greene’s The Gamble House, and Philip Johnson’s Glass House, which opened to the public last year, just to name a few.  These homes are all incredible, unique, and wonderful examples of superb design.

Two of these homes were owned by the same family, The Kaufmanns.  Not only did they own their namesake home, The Kaufmann House in Palm Springs, but they owned Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.  A Pittsburgh department store family, they chose two titans of architecture to design and build two phenomenal homes.  The Kaufmann house,  built in 1946, was one of the first mid-century modern homes to dot the Palm Springs landscape. 

Mid-century modern architecture has become to Palm Springs what art deco style has been to Miami Beach.   Mid-century modern means clean, simple lines, big windows, and light, open and airy spaces. Glass, steel, wood, and stone are the materials of choice. Preservationists have been working hard to save these mid-century masterpieces which contribute to the  uniqueness and very soul of Palm Springs.    Over the last couple of decades, some famous properties and homes have been demolished in the area.  Lloyd Wright, Frank’s son, had designed a hotel in the 1920′s which has since been torn down. (Interestingly, Lloyd Wright was the inventor of the all-important Lincoln Logs)

The current owners of the Kaufmann house purchased it as a run down fixer upper in the early 90′s.  They hired the Los Angeles architectural firm of Marmol Radziner to help bring the home back to its original splendor.  To help save the house from some future owner tearing it down, as has happened too often with iconic architecture, the owners hired Christie’s to auction their home off as an art piece.  Their goal, as stated in  Edward Wyatt’s The New York Times article was “promoting architecture as a collectible art worthy of the same consideration as painting and sculpture.”  The New York Times article has some great photos of this masterpiece of modern design.

The expected selling price was to be between 15-25 million dollars.  Last week the home sold at auction for $15,000,000 and some change.

So, is architecture art?  Should it be up for auction?

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How Green Are You? Dwell Magazine Wants to Know

In Built Green and Sustainable Living, For Buyers, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends, real estate on April 22, 2008 at 3:57 pm

This just in my inbox today:  Dwell Magazine’s Green Award, is a contest sponsored by Dwell magazine and the American Institute of Architects.  Through June 20th, the sponsors are looking for  the best “green” or sustainable projects.  According to Dwell’s criteria, projects will be judged on the basis of functionality, originality, sustainability, and cost effectiveness.  The prize?  $2000 towards a future “green” project.

I’ve been subscribing to Dwell magazine for a few years now and find them to be on the cutting edge in many of their articles on sustainable, affordable home design, materials, and styles.  The magazine also has articles about small homes, remodels, furniture, and  modular housing.  All interesting stuff.

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The new "old" log homes, an American architectural icon and a bit of history

In Bellevue, WA, Built Green and Sustainable Living, For Buyers, For Sellers, King County Real Estate, Remodeling and style trends, Woodinville, WA, real estate on March 10, 2008 at 7:55 am

Kirkland Log Home

There’s been a lot of press this past week about the torching of The Street of Dreams homes.  My previous post was about this story.  People were horrified by this senseless act.    When reading other posts about the event, particularly the one on The Seattle P-I Real Estate Professionals blog, I noticed another thread in the blog comments about the tragic event, many people were voicing an opinion against the mega-houses The Street of Dreams shows represent.

I  thought this might be a good time to visit  a different form of American architecture, log homes.

 Log homes evoke the past, a sense of adventure, and the “Wild West.”  We think thoughts of Abe Lincoln and Laura Ingalls Wilder. The rustic nature of logs brings people close to the wood in its natural state. For some, it can create the perfect ambiance of a rustic, warm getaway and still be a primary residence. A log home is a great antithesis to today’s hectic lifestyles.

There are a number of log homes all around Seattle’s eastside. Most are in areas such as Union Hill or in cities like Duvall, Carnation, Fall City, Woodinville, and Issaquah. However, there are log homes everywhere. There’s a great log home in my neighborhood in Kirkland, one on Market St., and one on Rose Hill.

One recent issue of Realtor Magazine  had a interesting article about log homes. According to the article, log homes were first seen in this country in the 1700′s. Early settlers had to make do with what was available. Without “city” conveniences and lumber mills, the full logs did the trick. Homes were often built without nails since nails were scarce.

 log home construction

 Remember Lincoln Logs?  My brothers had those when we were kids.  Lincoln Logs were toy sets for building log homes. The toy logs had the same notched style construction as the original log homes. When I read the above article, I discovered Frank Lloyd Wright’s son created Lincoln Logs. I wonder what his Dad would have thought!

The Log Council , a member of NAHB, The National Association of Home Builders, is an industry trade group and information resource. Numerous architects and builders specialize in log home design and building. The above linked article will give you a great introduction to the concept of log homes in the 21st century.

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Real estate and Home Remodeling and Construction are Turning Green, Are You?

In Built Green and Sustainable Living, For Buyers, For Sellers, Local news and information, Remodeling and style trends, real estate on February 16, 2008 at 8:40 am

Suggestions for reducing your carbon footprint.

The hot topic, the cool color, in today’s real estate is green, built green, sustainable materials, carbon footprint, LEED certification. These are all becoming familiar terms.

On my Kirkland blog, I wrote about a free Built Green seminar at Kirkland City Hall.   Ironically, I was already signed up for a “Green Built” class through Windermere Real Estate’s education program that same day. Not only did I learn a great deal at the class, I earned 3 credits for continuing education.  Realtors have take continuing education classes.

Since most of you reading this blog are not running out tomorrow to find a built green home or remodel your current home with built green principles, during the class I asked the question:

 ”What can people do if they aren’t planning a “built green” remodel?  What can be done everyday for minimal cost?”

 Some suggestions to reduce carbon footprint on a daily basis:

 Listen to Eastern cultures and remove your shoes.  Shoes are the single biggest home polluter in homes.  Shoes bring all kinds of dirt and toxins into a home.

Sneakers

Have a “walk off” mat at the front door that can be hosed down.

Walk off Mat

Household cleaning products are just as important as building green.  Use cleaning products that are natural substances such as baking soda, vinegar, water, citrus and Bon Ami.  Bon Ami is a product that has been around for decades. ( those of you over 50 may remember your mother cleaning with this when you were a kid)

Read the labels on cleaning products.  If a label says something is harmful if swallowed, think about whether to clean with it.

Use compact fluorescent bulbs.  Make sure they’re energy star certified.  Recycle these bulbs properly as they contain mercury.  (I didn’t know this one)

Flourescent light bulbs

Put bathroom fans and thermostats on timers.

Thermostat-68 degrees

Weatherstrip the bottom of entrance doors.

Weatherstripping

Use low flow showerheads.


Go natural and buy wool carpet.  Carpet is one of the worst home pollutants. The Carpet and Rug Institute will certify carpets as “green”,however, the carpets are not third party certified.

Wool carpet

Solar tubes provide light in dark spaces and are more energy efficient than a skylight.

Is there more you can do to limit your carbon footprint?  You bet.  This list is just a start.  Some of the things are common knowledge and others are not. Feel free to add suggestions.  I will  do another article listing some great free resources and books on reducing your carbon footprint and built green ideas.

Tour of New Homes, Emergency Preparedness, Built Green Classes, Oh My!

In Boomer issues, Built Green and Sustainable Living, Local news and information, Remodeling and style trends, real estate on September 14, 2007 at 4:36 pm

All my hot buttons in one place:  real estate and financing , emergency preparedness, seniors, and Built Green issues! Wow, good stuff for all to see and learn about.  The Master Builder tour of homes began today and covers new construction sites in King and Snohomish Counties.  Tour hours are from noon-6 PM each Friday to Sunday from the 14th to the 30th.   A number of the popular builders, including Camwest, Burnstead, Murray Franklyn, and  Shea homes are involved in the tour.  Learn about the latest new construction styles, in addition to learning about Built Green issues, emergency preparedness classes, home warranties, and mortgages.  Given the latest in the mortgage industry, the mortgage classes should be hot ones.  For a class schedule, check out the Master Builders Tour of Homes Classes

Dream a Little at the Seattle Street of Dreams Show Homes in Woodinville, WA

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Real Estate News, Remodeling and style trends on July 29, 2007 at 4:30 pm

It is that time of year again when the luxury home tours happens in the Seattle area. Actually, this year marks the 20th year of the Seattle Street of Dreams and it is happening in “Quinn’s Crossing” in Woodinville, Washington. What is new and exciting and different at this year’s show is the emphasis on Built-Green homes. The homes in the show all have a minimum of a 3 Star rating and have been built with environmentally “green” building materials. Home #5, The Urban Lodge, is the only 5 Star home in the show. The Seattle Master Builders Association is concerned with the built-green concept as I mentioned in a previous post

I went to the Street of Dreams on one of two Realtor Days. We Realtors get free admission to see the homes so we can then talk about the homes with our clients and maybe even sell one of the homes as a result! This year’s “Street” is a cluster of 5 homes located around a cul-de-sac. The exterior styling is more craftsman, lodge-like, and prairie style home. The first home stands out on the “Street” as unique to the show with its very European, Tuscan feel.

Pictures and comments on the individual homes are below, but you might need to scroll down to see them due to Blogger formatting issues…

#1 – La Belle Fleur

It definitely had the most formal street presence with its stucco style siding and European flavor. There’s a lot of elegant ironwork, limestone, Venetian plastering, and wall murals. There’s even a fish tank, but it was not operating when we were there.Home #1 La Belle Fleur
The master suite was the best of the five homes, more elegant than my taste generally, but you could just imagine yourself relaxing in the sitting area which comes complete with a built-in fridge. There was a private balcony and a gorgeous, huge dual headed shower. The tub conjured up relaxing images of soaking and gazing out at the view. However, I think you might take your life in your hands trying to get out of the tub with wet feet. It looked a little dangerous to me.bathroom
#2 – Greenleaf Retreat

This home was truly unique to the show. It had the cleanest, most contemporary lines of any of the homes. I would call the exterior style transitional, but the interior was very contemporary. It seemed far more contemporary than the exterior of the home. Some retro furnishings, glass topped tables with metal legs were used to decorate the home. There’s a huge great room area with french doors that lead to the exterior and a unique outdoor metal fireplace, built-in grill, and fridge.Greenleaf Retreatgarden steps

outdoor metal fireplace
I loved the master bath with its see-through fireplace, gorgeous shower and interesting sinks. This master bath is more my style. Check out the tile work on the master bedroom side of the fireplace when you go to the show. I thought it was done well. Upstairs there was a huge bonus/media room that had a built-in coffee maker.bedroom fireplace
The entry is graced by a beautiful waterfall, a beautiful touch.
The backyard was great, beautifully landscaped with some nice plantings. You could almost see the family dog running across this backyard. It was the best backyard of the five homes. There’s an outdoor room with a fireplace that looked like a great place to relax and unwind.
This home is a well done re-creation of a Craftsman style home done in the Arts and Craft tradition, think of an updated version of the Greene and Green homes, such as the Gamble house in Pasadena. There’s lots of wood paneling, built-in glass shelving, and great period style light fixtures.
There is a beautiful yard, unfortunately, most of it was to the side of the house.
I was surprised to learn that California Closets installed the furniture in one of the offices. It looked terrific. The majority of the wood used in the flooring and woodwork is reclaimed hickory. Much of the cabinetry throughout the home was sleek in appearance, a little surprising because of the heavier look of the hickory wood trimwork.

Summary

Besides an emphasis on the “green building” for all of the homes, the show continues its traditional alliance with Make-A-Wish Foundation. A room in each home is decorated to mirror a wish that has been granted by the foundation. Drink up and eat at the show as a portion of the concession stand sales will be donated to help grant future foundation wishes.

My show favorites:

  • Best home overall – #5 The Urban Lodge
  • Best kitchen – #4 Tamarack
  • Best master bedroom – #1 La Belle Fleur
  • Best master bath – #2 Greenleaf Retreat
  • Best backyard – #3 Copper Falls
  • Best outdoor room – #5 The Urban Lodge

My Street of Dreams picks, tell me what you think! What were your favorites?

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What sells in Peoria May Not Sell on Seattle’s Eastside

In For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends on July 23, 2007 at 3:19 pm

I just had a past client call me to get my advice about making some changes to her home before she put it on the market. We have known each other since 1999, when she and her husband were referred to me to help them find a home on the Eastside. They purchased a home that they remodeled and sold after living in it for several years. At that time, they decided to move closer to family in the Midwest. Now, she and her family are heading back to the Northwest.

The home in the Midwest has a very 60′s retro flavor. The light fixtures in the home are true period pieces. She emailed me photos of her home and asked what I thought about changing the light fixtures. I questioned her about the type of buyer who might be buying her home, the performance of the real estate market in the area, and if her home had competition from other listings. Finding the answers to these questions helped her to decide whether or not to change out the light fixtures. Her Realtor in Illinois was a fan of removing the fixtures, since she didn’t think buyers would appreciate them. Her thought was to update the fixtures as this would appeal to more buyers.

Ironically, I know people in the Seattle area would kill for retro light fixtures, and this is my point. Different markets demand different styles and features. If this home was selling in the Seattle area, I would not recommend removal of the light fixtures. Here, retro fixtures would be an added plus.

It is important for both buyers and sellers to know what works in a particular market. What sells in Peoria does not always sell in Seattle. Your Realtor should be able to help you determine what “sells” in your area. Making choices that appeal to the local market when updating your home is critical for making the most money when you sell your home. It is a great way to make more money, and, also, not lose money because of a costly remodeling mistake.

But remember, ask a Realtor “what plays” in Seattle so you can make the most money out of any remodeling.

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The Latest Kitchen Trends

In Remodeling and style trends on June 3, 2007 at 5:14 pm

Planning a kitchen remodel or just updating appliances?

The attached article will give you some great information about the newest kitchen trends for 2007. Some of the ideas really hit home with me.

When I show prospective buyers new homes, I constantly hear how everyone congregates in the kitchen. People want different spaces right in the kitchen. Home owners want places to read and store mail, plus sitting areas for entertaining guests and for relaxation. These spaces are not just in the family room anymore, but now are more incorporated into the kitchen.

Kitchen design is now looking at separate work stations throughout the kitchen, rather than the simple triangle work pattern with a path between the stove, refrigerator, and sink as points of a triangle.

I have some clients who are avid cooks and were way ahead in kitchen design with their kitchen remodel. They have a large U-shaped prep area with the stove, a work sink, refrigerator and abundant counter and storage space. The clean up area is on the other side of the kitchen and it has its own sink, the dishwasher, and cabinets for storing the dinnerware. The cabinetry for each area is even different. The prep area has light cabinets, while the clean up area had dark stained cabinetry. When I saw their kitchen about 6 months ago, it made an impression on me because it was so functional.

Storage is becoming more elaborate. Cabinet interiors are designed to store specific items such as pans and trays. Storage is also sleeker.

I saw a great example of sleek cabinetry at the Bellevue Towers condominiums being built in downtown Bellevue. Clients of mine purchased a new home in the complex, so I got to see the finish work first hand. The kitchen designs were just fabulous. So fabulous that I could not find the dishwasher or refrigerator easily, which is exactly the point! Both appliances were behind beautifully crafted cabinet doors that were flush with the rest of the cabinetry. The design was quite elegant and seamless. The kitchen designs had more to offer in smaller, sleeker spaces, and with a less cluttered look. (These kitchens made me want to go home and rip my kitchen out!)

http://www.bellevuetowers.com/

Sustainability is also more of a consideration. People are using more “green” materials, such as bamboo flooring. Not to tout Bellevue Towers again, but the condos are being “built green”

I was excited to see the concept of universal design, design for everyone of any age and any ability, mentioned in this article. With our aging population, everyone needs to rethink design and livability. Accessible cabinets and counters and levers instead of door knobs are all issues to be considered when designing a kitchen that works for everyone, regardless of age.

http://www.realtor.org/RMOArch.nsf/pages/ArchCoach200706?OpenDocument

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The Hottest Trends in Outdoor Spaces

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends on May 4, 2007 at 4:08 pm

Gorgeous stuff! Dream a little with these choices:

Outdoor TV’s to watch all your favorite things

Outdoor kitchens

Meditation spaces

Privacy benches

Perennial borders

Outdoor showers (this one could be interesting in the Northwest!)


http://www.realtor.org/rmo/landscape_slideshow/landscape_slideshow_may07.html

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How older homes can compete with newer construction

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends on March 21, 2007 at 2:31 pm

It seems like everyone wants to live “close in” today. We all know everyone is tired of the commutes on the Eastside. So the older homes that attract the most buyers and sell for the most money are the homes that have been updated. These homes keep the best features of the existing home, but incorporate some of the attractive features of newer homes.

Want some creative ideas for remodeling that older home? Everyone knows kitchens and baths are the “no-brainer” remodels that will earn home owners the most bang for their buck, but in this article a few more great ideas were presented. Here are some suggestions from the article you can link to below:

Raise the roof! What a great idea. When I show buyers homes I constantly hear about the desire for an open floor plan with high ceilings. This is one of the major attractions of newer homes and is a great way for older homes to compete in the marketplace.

Tear down walls- another great way to create openess. Older homes often have small rooms. Why not open the kitchen to the dining room or family room?

Paint the interior with fabulous colors. No longer is beige, beige, beige in demand. People love personality and color. Go for it and show your style.

Add a bath or hardwood floors. Again, great features that excite buyers.

Check out new construction for what is popular and then adapt the features to your own remodel.

I have seen some really cool midentry and rambler homes built in the 60′s and 70′s that had open floor plans. These open living areas were created by knocking down walls. When these homes have been on the market, they have attracted top dollar for the sellers. The older homes with the open floor plans, plus the remodeled kitchens and baths, are the most in demand.

http://www.brokeragentnews.com/news/residential/2007_3/3_20_2007_yw_1174443301.html

Call me if you have questions about remodeling and I would be happy to tell you what is selling in today’s market.

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Should you remodel?

In For Buyers, For Sellers, Remodeling and style trends on January 16, 2007 at 10:28 pm

I am often asked what updates to a home make the most sense and reap the greatest financial reward when you go to sell your home. As most people know, updated kitchens and baths really excite most home buyers. The National Association of Realtors annual cost vs. value report analyzes the value of remodels in different areas of the country. What sells in Peoria may not sell in Seattle!

If you want more specific information about a home update or remodel, please feel free to call on me. Since I have been out looking at many new and remodeled homes in the area, I know what people like. You may not be selling your home at this time, however, making the right choices when remodeling can reap you additional money when you decide to sell your home in the future. Making the wrong choices can be very expensive.

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/2006CostvsValue?OpenDocument

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