Americans are changing the way they live and reevaluating the old fashioned features of the home. Today’s home buyer wants a smaller house in this economic climate and builders are responding. According to Heather McCune from Bassenian Lagoni Architects in Park Ridge, Illinois, most home buyers want cost effective architecture, focus on space and not rooms, and some also want homes that are designed “green”.

A recent survey conducted by AVID Ratings Co. found the top 10 must haves in a new home:

1. Large kitchens with an island
2. Upgraded slab countertops, granite or composite
3. Energy efficient appliances, insulation and windows
4. Home office/study
5. Main floor master suite (for the aging population)
6. Outdoor living room
7. Master bath soaking tubs
8. Stone and brick exteriors (wood is still popular in California)
9. Community landscaped walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two car garages

The “California design” with the kitchen open to the main living area is becoming more common with the current casual living style coast to coast while we have seen that trend for a long time here in California. Here we are about family, entertaining, environment.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

I have my house on the market and love the feel of an uncluttered, edited home. However, there will still be a lot to pack up when it is time to move and more editing (i.e. trips to Goodwill/Salvation Army) to do.

So here are my tips that I will personally follow to make my move more stress free:

1. Hire a good mover. Get three quotes and recommendations. Check the companies ‘reputation’ online through the Better Business Bureau and Yelp. The federal government regulates moving companies so use their site at www.protectyourmove.gov.
2. Edit while you pack. Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it or worn it in the last year, give it away or throw it out. That way you don’t have to unpack it again on the other end.
3. Save money on packing materials. Borrow boxes from someone who just moved. Or get your boxes and packing materials at Home Depot or your local U-Haul dealer.
4. Consolidate. If you are moving long distance, see if there is someone who is going to the same destination so you can share space in a truck. Moving companies are often happy to add to someone else’s move if there is space available.
5. Make a floor plan. Give the movers a plan of where you want large items placed.
6. Mark your boxes. Make it easy to have the movers put your boxes in the appropriate room so you don’t have to move them around.
7. Get insurance. Ask your homeowner’s insurance company to insure your move for replacement cost. The moving company will charge you a premium and the standard insurance you get through them is not enough if they break something really valuable.
8. Know your destination. Do you need to pare down to small delivery trucks because of windy roads or steep driveways? Do you need to stake your claim on the street in front of your new apartment building? Discuss this with the company and be prepared.
9. Be generous to the movers. Have cookies, plenty of fluids (I order pizza) for the hardworking movers. And tip them each $3 – $5 per hour for a job well done.

Remember to have snacks for yourself, a handy toolkit for installations, repairs, and hanging pictures, and most of all, a sense of humor as you take yourself out to dinner.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

Despite the ongoing rain, the real estate market has blossomed for spring. This is evidenced by a substantial increase in activity, more listings, more sales, more closings and more traffic visiting our listings at weekend open houses and private showings. This activity is being driven by quality inventory which I define as, well-located and well-priced homes in desirable locations. Inventory as of March 1, 2010 is still running behind March 1, 2009 listings. On the other hand, closings through March 1, 2010 are 258 compared to 193 during the same time frame in 2009. The percentage in contract (number of homes under contract as a percentage of total homes available) as of March 1, 2010 is 41% versus 30% last March 1. These numbers are significant because they reflect the fact that buyers are making offers on our quality inventory this year as opposed to “waiting for prices to drop” last year. This is also an indicator that buyers believe that the market has bottomed out.

 

Frank Howard Allen, Mill Valley is doing its part to launch the spring market with several new desirable properties. Please check out www.226juliaave.com, www.81hillsideave.com and www.378woodside.com. It will be a very active spring. The lower-end of the market is most active right now. However, we are starting to gain some momentum in the $1-plus-million market and even the $2-plus-million market. Stay tuned for further updates on how spring plays out.

Posted by:Andy Gellepis

As 2009 comes to a close and we look to set our resolutions for the New Year, are you thinking of ideas for sprucing up your home? If you are, REALTOR Magazine, as part of its Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report suggests these big impact, low-cost remodeling projects:

Add or replace tile – By using very inexpensive tile to update a kitchen backsplash or renew the look of a bathroom you can change the look of the room.

Add a breakfast bar – If you have a wall that separates a kitchen from a family room, consider cutting an opening in the wall and adding a counter top to create a breakfast bar.

Install granite tile – Using low-cost granite tiles in place of slab granite counters can add a lot of impact for a fraction of the cost.

Simple bathroom updates – If your bathroom is starting to look its age, consider these simple, low-cost ideas: replace the medicine cabinet and light fixtures, install a new faucet or new vanity. Another idea – install a glass shower door if your bath does not already have one.

Spruce up cabinet fronts – Worn-looking wood kitchen cabinets can be given a facelift simply by reconditioning with oil and updating the hardware. Likewise, painted cabinets can be given a fresh coat of paint – same color or something entirely different!

Replace light fixtures – In the entry, kitchen or bath replacing dated light fixtures can add a new look and feel for not a lot of money.

Hope these low-cost remodeling ideas inspire you. Even these small changes can make a difference in the value and appeal of your home.

Send your ideas for low-cost remodeling projects to me at Judy@MarinDreamHome.com.

Posted by:Judy LeMarr