Tips for a Cozy Kitchen

With today's busy lifestyles, home buyers are often opting for cozy, connected kitchens according to Realtor magazine. The kitchen is becoming a place for more than cooking. It is a gathering place for entertaining, homework, conversation, and projects. Homes are trending smaller. ,Thus versatility is a priority for optimal kitchen design. Dining rooms are not segregated from the kitchen but blend openly with kitchen space. Likewise, living room space blends into the same area without the confinement of walls. So. What can you do to create a social and cozy feel to a kitchen that is already created as you prepare your home for sale or if you can't afford to remodel? Try these tips to cozy-up your existing kitchen: 1. Soften the light in the room with sconces or accent lighting. 2. Use comfy, upholstered chairs rather than wooden bar stools. 3. Add functional and conversational space with a kitchen island. 4. Add a buffet, cupboard, or wall shelving for useful storage space and to attract buyers who want more storage. 5. Repair cabinets; replace broken hardware, and replace broken countertops as you are able. Don't stress over what you cannot do. Take one step at a time. You don't have to spend a lot of money or time to make a kitchen cozy. Come up with your own unique solutions. Sometimes an item moved from one room into another such as a painting moved from the hallway to the kitchen can soften the look and feel of the kitchen. You will get ideas as you observe other's homes or visit interior design shops. Most of all, enjoy the journey! And call me, Pat Branham, if I can help you find your ideal kitchen in a desirable home!

Tips for Staging Your Home Inexpensively

The National Association of Realtors "houselogic" website offers many tips for home buyers and sellers. Whether you live in Chattanooga, TN or another area, being familiar with inexpensive home staging tips can boost your potential to sell your home in today's competive market.

See the full article and explore the website at: http:\\buyandsell.houselogic.com. You will be amazed at the simple, low-to-no cost ways you can attract buyers and set your home apart from other listings in the neighborhood.

First, do a thorough cleaning of your home. Don't just vaccum in the middle of the room and dust around objects. Remove stains and pet odors from carpets and clean down to the base boards and blinds. Make your tile or wood floor gleam and polish your furniture. Wipe all decorative objects.

And speaking of furniture and decorative objects, remove personal items such a family photos and personal mementos from walls and tables. Store some of your furniture to make your rooms look larger. Get rid of clutter and organize books and papers. Kitchen countertops should display minimal small appliances or other items. Less is better. Buyers want to see themselves living in the home.

Organize your furniture in groupings with focal points such as a fireplace. Paint your sroom with fresh, neutral tones and add a few splashes of color such as an afghan , plant or pillow. Put fresh linens on the beds, and put complimentary, clean and lush towels in the bathrooms. Replace the shower curtains if needed.

Finally, create a pleasant outdoor entry that invites buyers inside by keeping your lawn mowed and by trimming your landscape. Add a pot of colorful flowers near the entrance to the home.

Staging a home doesn't need to be expensive. Practical and low-cost staging can invite buyers to your door and lead them to come inside. Appropriate staging is worth the time and effort and increases your chances of a quicker sale.

Cost Versus Value of Remodeling of Your Home

Some remodeling projects that offer high value for low cost do not require a major investment, according to the article "Help Clients Stretch Their Remodeling Dollars" in Realtor magazine January 2011. As home values have slumped, they pulled down the cost-to-value ratio and extended a downward trend that began in 2006. Construction costs moved down, but estimated resale value moved down more. In today's buyer's market, home sellers must get a foot up on the competition with smart choices that stage the inside and outside of their homes. It pays to know which projects offer the most resale value, not only to attract more buyers but also to get the most value per dollar spent.

At the top of the list nationally? Replace an entry door with a 20-gague steel unit, including a clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs, and an aluminum threshold. Replace the existing lock set with a new brass or antique brass finish lock. Assure the mold and casings complement the syle of the home and neighborhood. Inspect the door before purchase to be sure there are no dents.

Garage door replacement is another cost effective improvement if used properly. Make an impressive splash and provide the option of a workshop area for handymen by including windows that bring in natural lighting through the door. Reduce temperature extremes with a door that is insulated.

Add curb appeal with new fiber-cement siding that has been factory primed and factory painted. Attract more buyers with siding that will save them the cost of repainting every few years.

Update your kitchen by repainting the cabinets (professionally if needed) rather than replacing them at a prohibitive cost, especially if you don't plan to live in the home for a while. Do some of the work yourself if you have the skills. Shop for low-cost, updated hardware that will give your kitchen a newer look. Do not overspend on your kitchen with expensive counter tops and fancy gadgets.

Consider a deck addition. Many buyers want a deck but not one that is too small to use or too large to maintain. If you already have a deck, you might add a natural stain to wear more evenly than a colored stain.

Today's real estate climate is competitive with foreclosures, REO's, short-sales and auctions competing for buyers' dollars. Give your property the edge needed to attract maximum viewers and increase your chances of beating the competition. Use your dollars wisely when you remodel to increase your profit margin and meet your home selling goals.

Top home improvement values

Homegain.com recently provided a list of top home improvement values that bring the highest returns for the investment. What is no surprise is that decluttering and cleaning are at the top of the list. Home buyers will frequently turn away quickly from a home that is dirty and cluttered. It typically costs very little to clean a home and throw away items that take up space without adding value. Let your home shine so others can see themselves living there. Get rid of the things you don't need...old newspapers, junk mail, expired magazines, catalogs, trash...on and on. After you eliminate the clutter; clean the walls, countertops, appliances, floors, lamps cabinets, etc. Make your home shine. Although it costs little, it will set your home apart, may put it on a buyer's short list and will probably show off your home's best features.

Another low-cost winning home improvement is to brighten up the place. Your home will be more inviting after you clean, and an inexpensive coat of paint in a neutral, light tone will do wonders for the ambiance of the rooms. Neutral colors will improve the flow between rooms and will likely make the rooms appear larger. You should also replace missing light bulbs and add a few lamps to change a room from dark to bright and make the room more calm and refreshing.

Stage your home. Move furniture into groupings of typical living areas such as areas for conversation, eating areas, and reading or TV groupings. Make the room appear more spacious by not crowding too much furniture in one polace. Eliminate items that collect dust but don't fit the theme of your room. Wilted and dying plants as well as out-of-date flower arrangements or too many pictures on the walls make a room too busy and less inviting. Do not have an over-abundance of family photos. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home....not be distracted by personal items.

Provide curb appeal outside the home and make your yard inviting. Give the yard a pleasant and livable appearance with neat and attractive landscaping that flows. Keep your lawn mowed. Get rid of weeds and dying shrubs. Replace them with neatly trimmed landscaping. It doesn't have to be expensive. Add some low-cost mulch to blend plants and shrubs. Bring in a few spashes of color with plants in season.

These tips can move your home higher up the list above others for potential buyers. Often buyers will cruise a neighborhood and target homes to view that have an inviting experience. But don't stop at the curb. Make sure you keep the buyer's interest when they come inside with the pleasant and uncluttered appearance of the rooms. Many homes are not selling and some are not even getting offers in today's market. With low cost, minimal planning and a little elbow grease, you can make your home stand out from the others and increase prospects of a successful sale.

Eight Important Things to Know about a Mortgage

So, you are ready to buy a home and want to understand basic points about a mortgage? Here is a simplified guide on important things you need to know regarding mortgage loans. For the full description of these terms, go to my source, The Smart Borrower Center on Lending Tree's website at lendingtree.com. Look under "Tools to help you borrow better."

Compare these important factors when choosing a mortgage:
1. Principal - The amount you are borrowing to buy your home. When you shop for mortgages, lending institutions will tell you how much they are willing to lend and help you determine what you can afford.
2. Type of mortgage - Usually fixed or adjustable rate mortgages. With a fixed rate, you usually pay the same amount each month for the life of the loan. This can mean less risk but a little higher interest rate. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) may provide a lower rate but change with the market, which can increase your risk and payment amount. Discuss options with your lender.
3. Interest rate - Consider the annual percentage rate (APR) which takes into account the interest rate as well as the other costs in the loan. Review with the lender how your interest rate will change if you choose an ARM.
4. Monthly payment - Think about the amount you can comfortably afford to pay each month for your mortgage. The lowest interest is not always the best deal. You will want to reduce your principal with each payment so you can build equity and use that money for a down payment when you move to a new home.
5. Mortgage term - the number of years your loan will be active. Shorter-term loans carry higher monthly payments, and longer-term loans carry lower monthly payments. The term of the mortgage can be set based on what you can afford to pay each month and how soon you wish to pay off your loan.
6. Discount points - These are offered by some lenders as a way to lower the interest rate. One point equals one percent. For each point, The Smart Borrower Center estimates yoy can lower your interest rate 0.25 percent. Think about how long you plan to keep your home when deciding what makes sense about paying discount points.
7. Lock-ins - A specific interest rate and possible discount points quoted by a lender. The market can change while you are looking for a home. Locking in the interest rate may help protect you against rising interest rates.
8. Closing costs - Fees charged when closing mortgage deals. This can run up thousands of dollars on what you must bring to the table at closing. Be sure to get a good faith estimate from your lender so there are no hidden costs.

Best wishes as you shop around for a good lender, good interest rates, and the best match for your individual needs. I can give you the names of reputable lenders in the Chattanooga, TN area who will help you find what you pre-quality for in a loan.

Foreclosure Alternatives - Possible Help with HAFA

Are you worried about foreclosure? Having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Possibly even owe more than your home is worth? Has your income gone down or your mortgage payments gone up?

Homeowners who are struggling to keep up with mortgage payments may find help through the 2009 Making Home Affordable Program (MHAP). This program is designed to help stabilize the housing market and help eligible homeowners. There are alternatives that homeowners should investigate. A word to the wise.... Beware of scams - of those who would take advantage of you, pressure you and try to make money off your difficult situation.

One alternative is the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), designed to make mortgage payments more affordable for eligible homeowners. This program can help homeowners avoid foreclosure and the associated drop in their credit scores. Read more at www.makinghomesaffordable.gov.

Another alternative is the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program (HAFA) which is designed to streamline short sales and provide a uniform process and standard forms. It also provides incentives to families and to their mortgage servicers. Eligible homeowners who sell their homes under HAFA can qualify for $3,000 to help cover moving costs to another home.

You may ask, "What is a short sale?" A short sale is an alternative for homeowners who cannot qualify to stay in their homes through loan modification. The servicer (represents the lender) allows the homeowner to list and sell their mortgaged property even when the net proceeds are less than the total amount due on the loan. With plummeting home values in many locations, this can be a time-consuming but more palatable alternative than foreclosure.

Please note, this is not hassle-free. However, if approved and successful in the short sale, a homeowner can get out of a difficult mortgage and maintain a more desirable credit profile than with foreclosure. Be warned that your credit score will still take a significant hit with a short sale. There are a lot of hoops to jump through, but the potential for a $3,000 incentive and less severe credit score repercusions can make the effort worthwhile. Homeowners who go through a short sale can become homeowners again perhaps in two years as opposed to the three or more after a foreclosure.

States may differ, and types of mortgages affect the approval process. Carefully consider your alternatives. You may have equity in your home and just need a break with a lower payment through a loan modification program. Or you may be struggling so much that you have missed payments and face foreclosure unless you can work with your lender. Alternatives to foreclosure are not easy. There are requirements that must be met, but you might be able to avoid foreclosure.

You will find a number of resources and links at financialstability.gov. Consult a tax professional and/or attorney for the particulars regarding your own situation. Deliberate youro alternatives carefully, and do not be drawn into scams.

Outdoor Kitchens - Hot New Trend in Homes

Outdoor kitchens....you've seen them on HGTV. They are hot, and people who like to entertain often want this option; but the question remains, "What should you look for in an outdoor kitchen?"

The outdoor kitchen is attractive now, but what will it look like in 2 years? In 5 years? In 10 years? Are the products durable and weatherproof?

You find seating for lots of guests, but is the ventilation adequate and designed to keep smoke and odors away from guests? The space will not be pleasant if the design is not optimal. Who wants to sit outside and cough from smoke blowing back in their face or smell cooking odors rather than the great outdoors?

Assure the designer and installer will stand by their work. Check with resources and find a reputable contractor/designer/installer.

An outdoor kitchen can be an enjoyable bonus for your family. Whether you are planning to add one to your home or considering a home with this feature, select carefully; and don't make your decision based on looks or cost alone.

Adapted from "Daily Real Estate News," July 2, 2010