Warning: those with color sensitivity should not look!

My head was about to explode when I looked at the interior decorating in the design house for 2015 in NYC.  What were they thinking?!!!  I have noticed that the trend to strong colors has taken front row this year.  However, when decorators were called upon to decorate the large townhouse in Manhattan, I personally think that they missed the mark and intent behind the idea of decorating a home.  Instead, they used it as a statement for audacious, color and design-laden chance to announce each of their own tastes without any thought for cohesive design flow.  That's my opinion.  What do you think?

http://www.houzz.com/photos/30747195/Kips-Bay-Showhouse-2015-contemporary-living-room-new-york

All-in-One-Place Guide to Selling Your Home

I came across this article on Houzz.com. I like that website because it condenses lots of information in one place. This article doesn't have anything that we brokers don't already know, but it lends credibility to what we say. This particular article has lots of great advice, and I found it quite informative. I particularly enjoyed the points made about choosing a REALTOR. Beware of those who have too high a volume because they cannot possibly devote individual time to each client. That's why I like having a Boutique Company with Concierge Service! Use the link below. [houzz=http://www.houzz.com/…/the-all-in-one-place-guide-to-sellin… w=300]

Buying and Selling High Performance Homes

High Performance Homes: by Jessica Bryan, House to Home Realty Services There are many things that we take for granted...a home should not be one of them. When we invest in a home, we assume that it will function and continue to function in the manner it was designed. However, as any homeowner will attest to, systems break down, deteriorate, fail, and stop functioning. Finding a structurally sound home can be challenging in an older home and requires diligent checking and inspections to be assured that you are not buying something that will end up costing more and more as it ages. To this point, I like to advise my clients to consider a high performance Home (AKA Green Built and third party certified.) Why is this important? Because when a home is built using the National Association of Home Builders Green standards, and is certified as such, it is built better, and to higher standards. This means that there will probably be lower and fewer maintenance issues; it will be healthier; and it may require less energy and natural resource consumption. Extra benefits are the use of recycled materials, and innovative ideas. Each green builder is free to select from an array of green choices as long as the home complies with the minimum requirements for certification. So when a builder tells you that his/her home is green built, make sure that it is certified by a third party so you are sure that you are getting what you pay for.HBA standards are stringent. That is a good thing. You, the consumer will be assured that the home you buy is checked and rechecked; inspected and re-inspected. What does this mean? It means that you are living in a home that will not only 'perform' the way it was intended, but will exceed the standards required by building inspectors and building code. When you try to sell your home, you will have a certification that you can present to a prospective buyer to assure them of the quality of a higher performance home than one that didn't get the certification. Think about that! If there are two homes of the same price with one buyer looking at them, which home is more likely to sell and at a higher price? It is an investment in your home's future and a protection of your investment. In the next few weeks I will provide examples of documentation; discussion of healthier homes and what that means; and some builders who are currently building to the National Green Building Standard, and receiving their certification through Home Innovation. Follow me and learn how to make the most of your biggest investment. Learn more at Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham Green Home Tour May 2nd and 3rd and May 9th and 10th. Contact me for more information.

Buying a New Home

I am often asked when it is the right time to buy a new home. The answer depends on the market of course but there are a few rules that apply regardless of the market. With interest rates low and prices still affordable, NOW is the perfect time to buy a home. Waiting will only price you out of the home you really want. The amount of homes on the market from early Spring through the end of June is usually the highest. People are eager to sell during this time and since they want to have things settled before summer so they can take time to move and still enjoy a bit of summer vacation Buyers will find that they have a great advantage when negotiating. However, the longer the Buyer waits to make an offer the more chances for multiple offers during the peak buying and selling season. Beware that the advantage will be to begin shopping early; make a fare offer; provide minimal qualifiers or contingencies to the offer; and finally, arrange for a quick closing. For more useful tips and a free consultation, contact me and get the process started soon!

Selling Your Home

Is Spring around the corner? With many parts of the country covered in snow right now it is an interesting, and seemingly ridiculous question. However, in the real estate market, Spring begins much earlier than the calendar indicates. The Spring Market is when homes are abundant, prices are higher, and sales are more active. When does it begin? That depends. Often the market begins to get busy as early as February. To this point, it is a great idea to begin thinking about sprucing up, cleaning up, straightening up, and touching up if you are thinking of selling your home. Leading the pack is a good idea. Get your home on the market early before a whole group of homes get listed that will be your competition. Begin by consulting with a professional who will advise you on how to best market your home to show off all of its advantages and to (perhaps) correct its disadvantages. Little things like staging, maximizing square footage, and pricing correctly can make a huge difference in the time on the market and the ultimate price you get for your home. For more information, contact me for a free consultation.

Time to Get Ready to Sell

Is Spring around the corner? With many parts of the country covered in snow right now it is an interesting, and seemingly ridiculous question. However, in the real estate market, Spring begins much earlier than the calendar indicates. The Spring Market is when homes are abundant, prices are higher, and sales are more active. When does it begin? That depends. Often the market begins to get busy as early as February. To this point, it is a great idea to begin thinking about sprucing up, cleaning up, straightening up, and touching up if you are thinking of selling your home. Leading the pack is a good idea. Get your home on the market early before a whole group of homes get listed that will be your competition. Begin by consulting with a professional who will advise you on how to best market your home to show off all of its advantages and to (perhaps) correct its disadvantages. Little things like staging, maximizing square footage, and pricing correctly can make a huge difference in the time on the market and the ultimate price you get for your home. For more information, contact me for a free consultation.