AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif AOL Real Estate - Blog http://realestate.aol.com/blog en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Buy Me! 5 Creative Ways to Land a Home Sale This Springhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/07/buy-me-5-creative-ways-to-land-a-home-sale-this-spring/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/07/buy-me-5-creative-ways-to-land-a-home-sale-this-spring/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/07/buy-me-5-creative-ways-to-land-a-home-sale-this-spring/#commentsSpring home selling season is upon us, and there are more homes on the market this year than ever before. According to reports from the National Association of Realtors and CoreLogic, more than a year's worth of homes are for sale or in the foreclosure pipeline.

With so many homes available, homeowners need to find new ways to make their house stand out in the crowd. Joyce Poole, a full time Realtor with 20 years of marketing experience, has some creative ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.


1. Tell Potential Buyers "The Top 10 Reasons We Love Living Here"
Realtors may be prohibited from divulging certain information about the demographic character of a neighborhood--but homeowners aren't. So write a letter to prospective buyers highlighting your favorite things about where you live. For instance, you can write, "I love living here because there are so many children for my child to play with."

Establish all the benefits of your neighborhood, such as close proximity to grocery store, pharmacy, or whatever a buyer might find interesting. Leave the letter in a visible spot along with your other listing information and be sure to include a disclosure that clearly states, "This document was written by the home seller."

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2. Provide a Great Floor Plan
Square footage can be tricky. Very often the builder, the Realtor and the appraiser will all come up with different measurements. So eliminate confusion by hiring an inspector to draw an accurate floor plan with the dimension of every room and closet. Include the floor plan with the handouts and online listing, so that anyone looking at your house can make sure their furniture will fit.

3. Promote an Active Homeowner's Association
If you live in a neighborhood with an active homeowner's association, leave out newsletters, a calendar of events, and fliers for any upcoming activities. The Realtor can't be counted on to keep up with the particulars of every HOA, so it's up to you to let potential buyers know how much fun they can have if they buy into your community.

4. Have Great Photos
Poole recommends hiring a professional to take photos of the property. Eighty percent of buyers look at houses online before they go for a tour. If your photos don't look good, they aren't going to entice a buyer to schedule a showing.

Even if you don't hire a pro, make sure to do some styling before you click the shutter. For instance, replace your patterned comforters with solid-color ones, which photograph better, and touch up scratches in wood floors or furniture with a wax pencil or liquid scratch cover to make them disappear.

5. Pay Attention to Minor Details
With so many homes to choose from, even the slightest problem might make your house undesirable. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, dirty baseboards, or a leaky faucet may seem like minor flaws to you, but they will put red flags in a buyer's mind that the home was not properly maintained. Don't allow the slightest detail to give your home a negative perspective in the buyer's mind.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>home saleshome sellerhome sellershome sellinghome stagingHomeowners associationreal estateRealEstateBarbara Green2011-04-07T14:00:00 00:00Home Buyer Turnoffs: Six Mistakes Sellers Must Avoidhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/01/home-buyer-turnoffs-six-mistakes-to-avoid/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/01/home-buyer-turnoffs-six-mistakes-to-avoid/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/01/home-buyer-turnoffs-six-mistakes-to-avoid/#commentsFiled under:

If you're trying to sell your home, you know it's a buyer's market out there. According to BusinessWeek, there is an 8.6-month supply of homes on the market. That's on top of a shadow inventory of 1.8 million homes that are delinquent or under foreclosure proceedings, equating to an additional nine-month supply.

With so many homes for a buyer to choose from, you want your property to stand out from the crowd. But for the right reasons. Here are six common mistakes that will turn off potential buyers and could lose you a sale.

Turnoff #1 - No listing photos
Eighty percent of buyers look at homes online before they decide to view them in person. From the ones they see online, they choose to visit in person only 45 percent. Great photos will tilt those numbers in your favor. If it's in your budget, hire a professional photographer. If not, make sure you show the home in its best condition: no piles of laundry, no pet toys on the floor, no trash cans or bicycles on the lawn.


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Turnoff #2 - Unrealistic Pricing
Many homeowners are tempted to list their property at the top of the range of what's selling, figuring they'll lower the price if no one bites. In this market, that's a huge mistake. Thirty percent of homes on the market are distressed properties (repossessions, short sales, etc.), which can discount home values as much as forty percent. Potential buyers will either ignore homes priced at the high end for a neighborhood or make a low-ball offer. Price the home as competitively as possible. You'll get the most traffic and the best chance for a quick sale close to your asking price.

Turnoff #3 - Botched Home Improvements
A couple in North Carolina thought they would make some home improvements before they invited Realtor Joyce Poole out to list their house. Thinking they were "neutralizing" the home's many colors, they painted every room white. Instead of making the home more appealing, they simply made it look cold and uninviting. Color is okay in a home for sale, it just has to be the right color. Poole has also seen clients get into trouble with overly personal kitchen and bath renovations and window treatments that block light. To avoid making home improvement mistakes, talk to a Realtor before undertaking any presale remodeling. They can tell you which investments will give you the most bang for you buck.

Turnoff #4 - Dirty or Cluttered Interiors
When potential home buyers walks into a messy, cluttered home, one of two things happens: they either turn around and walk out, or they walk through with a heightened awareness to look for problems. If you don't care enough to keep the home clean, neat and clutter free for showings, they figure you probably don't care enough to do the necessary regular maintenance every home needs. Before putting your home on the market, make sure you give it a thorough cleaning from the baseboards to the ceiling. Pack away half of your belongings (and kids toys!) ahead of time to reduce the amount of things that can get messy, and make the home look spacious instead of cluttered.

Turnoff #5 - Misleading Listing Info
Listing your home as an "Equestrian Estate" is only going to make the buyer angry when he finds out it's a double-wide in the center of 20 acres, whether horses are there or not. If you describe your property as a home for "On The Go Executives" simply because it is at the crossroads of the interstate, railroad, and airport, don't expect any offers. Don't list your home as "Short Sale Approved" when a previous attempt at a short sale fell through. Any new short sale buyers will have to begin the lengthy process all over again. Whether your misleading information was accidental or intentional doesn't matter. Buyers will see you as a liar and not want to do business with you.

Turnoff#6 - Hovering Homeowners
A sure way to run buyers off your property is to be home during a showing. You might think you're being helpful by pointing out all the wonderful features of your house, but buyers would rather be left alone. The longer they stay, mentally arranging their furniture, the better off you are. If you're hovering, they're more likely to beat a hasty retreat without making an offer.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>clutter homedesign divahome improvementshome priceshome pricinghome salehome sale tipshome sellinghome stagingHomeSalesRealEstateBarbara Green2011-04-01T07:00:00 00:00'The Jungle' Author's Literary Home Gets Discountedhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/the-jungle-authors-literary-home-gets-discounted/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/the-jungle-authors-literary-home-gets-discounted/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/the-jungle-authors-literary-home-gets-discounted/#commentsFiled under: ,

The historic home of The Jungle author Upton Sinclair, originally on the market in Monrovia, Calif., for $1.5 million has been reduced to $1.3 million. Built in 1923, it has 2,380 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. In 1971, it became a Registered National Historic Landmark. National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States.

Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction, making this house far more exclusive than being designated on the National Register of Historic Places, which has over 80,000 listings.
Upton Sinclair was a prolific writer, publishing over 90 novels in his lifetime. He converted part of the garage of this home into a study, and wrote most of his later works there. His book The Jungle was published in 17 languages and was a bestseller around the world. After President Theodore
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Roosevelt read it, he ordered an investigation into the meatpacking industry which led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, both in 1906. Sinclair wrote Dragon's Teeth in 1942, the year he moved into this home. It chronicled the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1943.

The home was designed by architect Frederick H. Wallis in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. While the federal government does not forbid changes to national historic landmarks, local historical societies will often place restrictions on renovations to maintain the architectural integrity and historic value of the home. In addition to the official recognition as a landmark, there are also benefits such as tax incentives for rehabilitation and eligibility for grants from the Historic Preservation Fund.This particular property has a contract with the City of Monrovia which reduces the property taxes in favor of continuing historically correct maintenance.

Cecilia Farnum of Century 21 says "This is the perfect home for someone interested in owning a vintage home, a piece of history. It is the only monument to Upton Sinclair, and he wrote very fondly about the house. You have to want to be a custodian of something very precious, and be content with keeping it the same as it's always been," she adds.

Indeed, it might be the perfect home for you to write your next chapter in.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>Dragons Teethhistoric homeshistoric houseshistoric preservationHistoricPreservationmonrovianational historic landmarknational historic landmarksNational Register of Historic PlacesThe JungleUpton SinclairUptonSinclairBarbara Green2011-03-29T15:11:00 00:0085,000-Square-Foot Home Plan Rattles Posh L.A. Neighborhoodhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/85-000-square-foot-home-plan-rattles-posh-l-a-neighborhood/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/85-000-square-foot-home-plan-rattles-posh-l-a-neighborhood/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/29/85-000-square-foot-home-plan-rattles-posh-l-a-neighborhood/#commentsThere is a battle brewing in Benedict Canyon, Calif., over a five-acre property being developed into an 85,000-square-foot home plan for a Saudi Arabian prince.

For the uninformed, Benedict Canyon is prime California real estate which stretches from the picturesque Mulholland Drive down to the famous Sunset Boulevard. Stars such as Jay Leno, Bruce Springsteen, and David Beckham all reside in Benedict Canyon. In the last week, interest has been sparked globally thanks to an article in the Los Angeles Times by Martha Groves.
According to the article, three adjoining lots have been purchased at $12 million each by Tower Lane Properties, which lists Mansour Fustok of London as president. Fustok is a former brother in law to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

Longtime Benedict Canyon resident Michael Eisenberg insists that the action has absolutely nothing to do with the fact the property is being built for a prince. "The battle started before
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we knew who owned the property," he says, "and does not change because of who the owner is." He adds, "The problem we have is that it was not submitted as one project, but as three separate parcels. If it had been submitted in its entirety, an environmental impact study would have had to been performed according to the California Environmental Quality Act."

Opponents point out that there will be 6,000 truck trips through a densely populated area just to prepare the land for building. Some 30,000 cubic yards of dirt need to be moved down small, hillside roads. That is before a single piece of wood is delivered. Critics fear this project will adversely affect their quality of life, increase traffic, and affect the ability to get emergency vehicles through when necessary. "It is like having a Wal-Mart being built in your residential neighborhood," says Eisenberg. He feels it is a serious issue that is being sensationalized because it happens to be in the 90210 zip code.

Halfway across the world, it does matter who the project is being built for. Saudi Arabia has a reputation as a very wealthy nation, but the wealthy and royals make up a very small percentage of the population. There is a serious housing shortage for low to middle income families and an unemployment rate estimated to be as high as 25 percent. While over 7 million people are employed, 80 percent of the workforce is non-Saudi. A Saudi blogger who learned about the controversy online says if the people of Saudi Arabia found out about this project there would be a huge uprising. Only 24 percent of nationals own their own home, and the prince is building a multimillion-dollar vacation home in Beverly Hills.

Luckily for the royal family, nothing disparaging is allowed to be printed about the royals and most nationals in Saudi Arabia don't read the Los Angeles Times.


Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>85000+square+foot+home85000squarefoothome90210Benedict Canyonbenedict canyon real estateCEQAKing Abdullahlos angeles timesreal estateRealEstatesaudi arabiaBarbara Green2011-03-29T13:03:00 00:00Scottie Pippen Memorabilia Sold Off at Yard Salehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/25/scottie-pippen-memorabilia-sold-off-at-yard-sale/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/25/scottie-pippen-memorabilia-sold-off-at-yard-sale/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/25/scottie-pippen-memorabilia-sold-off-at-yard-sale/#commentsWhen retired NBA star Scottie Pippen moved out of his 13,000-square-foot home in Highland Park, Ill., which features a full basketball court and gym, he squandered an outstanding opportunity to recoup some of his losses. The buyers purchased the furnished home for $1.7 million in 1996. Not only did Pippen leave behind his furniture, but he left behind a trove of collectibles and sports memorabilia.

While Scottie Pippen may be one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, don't seek him out for financial advice. Since retirement, the former Chicago Bulls small forward has lost $120 million of career earnings due to poor financial planning and bad business deals. He lost $27 million on bad business investments.
The handling of his own memorabilia appears no exception to the trend. According to Dan Dodson of Palm Beach Autographs, sports memorabilia is a billion-dollar industry. While it has taken a hit from the recession, it is still a formidable business. Dodson added that the values for memorabilia are highest
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for players who have either been inducted into the Hall of Fame, played on a championship team, or are stingy with signing.

Pippen was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame last year and won the NBA Championship six times while playing for the Chicago Bulls, yet is still a rare commodity in sports memorabilia. That combination of factors means that Pippen could have had an earnings bonanza if he had held onto the sports memorabilia he left behind.

Instead, after the next owners passed away, there was a huge estate sale at his former home. People started lining up at 6:30am to have the chance to check out the mansion Pippen had custom-built and to perhaps own a piece of history. The doors opened at 9am, but only 25 people were allowed into the home at a time. People waited in line two hours, and at 4pm (an hour before closing) there were still 100 people lined up the driveway. Memorabilia such as signed pictures, jerseys, t-shirts, basketballs, pennants, hats, and collector plates were all purchased within the first hour.

Oddly enough, the items getting the most attention were the three large containers full of Beanie Babies stuffed animals. The obvious question was "Why did Scottie Pippen have three containers of beanie babies?" The truth was revealed that they probably weren't his, but belonged to the people having the estate sale. Beyond the Beanie Babies and sports memorabilia, Scottie could have reaped financial gains from other items he also left behind, such as his valuable art collection and many sculptures, including a pair of cranes which were carved out of jade and appraised at $170,000 for the pair. Pippin and his wife, Larsa, can now be seen on Real Housewives of Miami on Bravo. Perhaps his wife can help recoup some of the millions he's lost.


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Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>Chicago BullsLarsa PippenlarsapippenNBAReal Housewives of Miamiscottie pippenscottie+pippen+memorabiliascottie+pippen+memorabilia+estate+salescottie+pippen+yard+saleScottiePippenscottiepippenmemorabiliascottiepippenmemorabiliaestatesalescottiepippenyardsalesports memorabiliaBarbara Green2011-03-25T17:02:00 00:00Best Places to Live for Unrepentant Shopaholicshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/best-places-to-live-for-unrepentant-shopoholics/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/best-places-to-live-for-unrepentant-shopoholics/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/best-places-to-live-for-unrepentant-shopoholics/#commentsWhere are the best places to live to shop till you drop and then wake up the next day to do it again? My task is to find luxurious homes in close proximity to fabulous shopping so a shopaholic like me can have a place to crash while my plastic cools down. When looking for amazing clothes, shoes, and accessories the obvious choices are Fifth Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. But let's forgo the bicoastal buying and try some lesser-known, but no-less incredible shopping opportunities.

Check out the gallery below for photos of all properties mentioned.
The first stop on the tour is Las Vegas. For under $1 million you can get a beautiful penthouse condo in Trump Tower, pictured above, with one bedroom, two bathrooms, and a great view of
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the mountains. The location is perfect, right on Fashion Show Drive, adjacent to the Fashion Show Mall and next to The Wynn Resort and The Venetian Resort and Casino. You can shop for Lucky Jeans (maybe they'll help in the casino?), a Louis Vuitton bag (for all the money you're going to win?), or Bloomingdale's, for anything else you need.

Next stop on the tour is Dallas. For $2.9 million a 3819 square foot penthouse can be purchased in the spectacular Ritz-Carlton Hotel. It boasts two bedrooms, two and a half baths, three fireplaces, and an 891 square foot terrace. This is the perfect crash pad for shopping couples, since it has "his and hers" showers, vanities, and closets. You don't even have to share the same bedroom, since there is a second master bedroom. This condo is nearby to the famous Galleria Mall, with shops such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, and Versace.

The third stop on the shopaholic real estate tour is Chicago. For $2.77 million you can get a 3800 square foot, three bedroom, three and a half bath condo in the historic Mayfair Building on Lake Shore Drive. Here you can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Michigan while being only minutes away from the famed shopping mecca called "The Magnificent Mile." You might bump into Oprah while strolling Michigan Avenue and shopping the boutiques of Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, and Giorgio Armani.

The last stop on our real estate shopping trip is Miami. For $2.47 million you can get a 2,500-square-foot condo with 2 bedrooms and 2½ baths, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in the exclusive enclave of Bal Harbour. The unit has marble floors and walk in closets, great for your purchases from Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Oscar de la Renta.


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Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

 

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]]>bal harbourbest places to livechicagodallasLas Vegaslas vegas nevadareal estateRealEstateShopaholicshoppingBarbara Green2011-03-24T13:45:00 00:00Biggest Loser: Celebrity Home Editionhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/biggest-loser-celebrity-home-edition/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/biggest-loser-celebrity-home-edition/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/24/biggest-loser-celebrity-home-edition/#comments Lenny Kravitz home for saleThe "Great Recession" has been anything but great for most peoples' bottom line. According to the National Bankruptcy Research Center, over 1.5 million people have declared bankruptcy in 2010, while RealtyTrac reports that 1.05 million homes went into foreclosure the same year. Both of these rates are record high numbers, and the pain is being felt all over the country.

But if you think "making it big" will insulate you from the harsh realities of the economy, think again. Here are five big-time celebrities that have taken some big-time losses:


Lenny Kravitz - After a stellar decade in the recording business, Grammy-award winning Kravitz purchased a 6,000-square-foot duplex in New York's SoHo for between $7 million and $8 million in 2001. He must have thought it was a great investment, because he turned around and put it back on the market within a year for more than $17 million. Unfortunately, when the World Trade Center fell, so did NYC real estate prices. Three years later the duplex was still on the market at a discounted price of $13 million. Hoping to do better on the sale, he pulled the property from the market, did $1 million worth of renovations, and re-listed it for $19.5 million. The property sat on the market for another three years. It wasn't until he dropped the price to $14.9 million that he attracted the interest of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beats, looking for a home for their growing family. Don't cry for Lenny, though. Even though he accepted an offer that was $5.4 million less than his original asking price, it is still double what he paid for the home a decade ago. And he still has homes in Paris, New Orleans, and Rio to hide out in and count his money.

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Beck musicianBeck - Rather than sticking with his successful music career, Beck thought he would venture into the "lucrative" business of house flipping. His first foray was a 1,600-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch that he purchased for $2.1 million in 2007. Instead of flipping it quickly and turning a profit, he had to hold onto it for three years and finally sold at a loss of $400,000. The next home he speculated on was a 5,700-square-foot, 6-bedroom, 9-bath home that he purchased for $6.8 million. After spending a year making improvements, he put it back on the market for $9 million. Unfortunately, this, too, sat on the market for three years, until Shondra Rhimes of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" fame, got it for a low-ball offer of $3.9 million. That is $1.9 million less than he spent originally, which proves he really is a loser, baby.


Scarlett Johansson home for saleScarlett Johansson - Noted for her beauty, not her real estate acumen, Johansson has taken baby steps in learning how to lose money on real estate. Her first purchase, her Leonard Street Loft, was sold in 2008 for $52,000 less than the $1.95 Million she paid for it in 2006. Her next home, a 1931 Spanish villa in the desirable Outpost Estates neighborhood of Los Angeles, was purchased in 2007 for $7 million. After closing, Johansson embarked on a massive restoration project, including new doors, windows, appliances and even a solar-powered electrical system. Perhaps her neighbors Orlando Bloom and Charlize Theron had too many wild parties, or she is simply as fickle with her homes as she is with her men. Whatever reason, she sold the home two years later for $2 million less than she paid for it. She subsequently dumped her husband, Ryan Reynolds, six months later, too.

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Toni BraxtonToni Braxton - Just because you are a six time Grammy winner does not mean that you know how to handle money. While some celebrity's misfortune can be blamed on the plunging real estate market, Braxton's misfortune can be blamed on fiscal irresponsibility. She made millions of dollars from songs such as "Un-Break My Heart," but in September 2010, she and her company, Liberty Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy for the second time. Her debts were listed at $50 million, with assets of only one to $10 million. Creditors included the IRS, Neiman Marcus, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her $2.6 million Nevada home was sold in foreclosure for just over $1 million, while her $1.2 million Georgia home just went into foreclosure. Her first bankruptcy was in 1998 after splitting from her record company. Her money mismanagement woes included over $500,000 in overdraft fees in 1997 alone.

Nicolas Cage foreclosureNicholas Cage - Living proof that you don't want to mess with the IRS, Nicholas Cage has had to suffer innumerable real estate losses to satisfy Uncle Sam. The real estate fire sale began in 2009 when the IRS put a lien on some of Cage's properties because he owed them $6 million for purchases made in 2007. He listed his $1.7 million home for less than $1 million and his $15.7 million estate in Rhode Island for only $7.8 million. His two New Orleans homes, valued at $3.5 million each, were sold as a package deal for $4.5 million. His $8.5 million Vegas home was sold for $5 million, while his $9.5 million Manhattan apartment was sold for $7.5 million. Crowning him the undisputed "Biggest Loser - Celebrity Home Edition" was his $35 million Tudor Mansion in Bel Air, which sold in foreclosure for a paltry $10.5 million.

Hopefully these million dollar misfortunes will give you a new perspective on your own minor (by comparison) financial foibles. The lesson is this: little money, little problems; big money, big problems.


Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>bankruptcyBeckcelebrity foreclosurecelebrity homes for saleforeclosed homesforeclosureForeclosuresLenny Kravitznicolas cagereal estate bubblescarlett johanssontoni braxtonToniBraxtonBarbara Green2011-03-24T10:30:00 00:00Curb Appeal: The Seller's Edge in Today's Markethttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/18/curb-appeal-the-sellers-edge-in-todays-market/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/18/curb-appeal-the-sellers-edge-in-todays-market/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/18/curb-appeal-the-sellers-edge-in-todays-market/#commentsFiled under:

Curb appeal is an important factor in today's housing market and can mean the difference between selling your home or having it linger on the market. While early signs point to the real estate market beginning to improve, there is still a huge inventory of homes on the market for potential buyers to choose from.

According to Realtor.com, 80 percent of home buyers look at pictures of homes on the internet before deciding to tour them. Since they only tour about 45 percent of those they've looked at, your home's photo and curb appeal is paramount in getting showings. Even if you pass the internet screening, minor flaws in your home's exterior can reduce your home from a showing into merely a drive-by.
Why is curb appeal so important? Your home's appearance has a psychological effect on potential buyers. If the exterior of the house and yard is well-maintained, buyers enter the home with positivity, believing the interior will measure up to the standards set outside. If the exterior looks poorly maintained, buyers enter the home with a negative mindset, specifically looking for problems.


How to Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal


To be sure your home will attract, and not repel potential buyers, invite a meticulous friend to tour the outside of your property. Ask them to be brutally honest (you know buyers will!) and point out any flaws. Homeowners are used to seeing things the way they are, and a fresh set of eyes can help see issues which may have slipped by unnoticed with familiarity.

Here are some suggestions for improving your curb appeal (and home value):

o.Wash dirt, mildew, and grime off the outside of your home
o.Wash windows and repair any broken or unsealed glass
o.Keep grass cut, watered, and green
o.Seed bare patches of lawn
o.Keep gardens cleanly edged and weed-free
o.Fill bare areas of foundation plantings with colorful flowers
o.Add fresh mulch for a polished and professional look
o.Keep yard and porch clear of bikes, toys, tools, newspapers, and any other clutter
o.Scrape and repaint flaking paint on door, trim, porch, deck, steps, or outbuildings
o.Make sure the front door opens and closes easily and the doorbell works
o.Keep garbage cans out of sight
o.Fences should be clean and in good condition. Replace broken gates, pickets, or latches

Your home's curb appeal is one facet of your marketing plan. If you don't have the time or skills to take care of it, hire someone to do it for you. It is that important! Investing time and money into your curb appeal leads to more viewings, a quicker sale, and usually a higher price.


Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.


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]]>curb appealCurbAppealhome sellershome sellinghome selling tipsselling your homespring cleaningBarbara Green2011-03-18T16:19:00 00:00Help Your Neighbors Improve Their House to Sell Yourshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/16/help-your-neighbors-improve-their-house-to-sell-yours/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/16/help-your-neighbors-improve-their-house-to-sell-yours/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/16/help-your-neighbors-improve-their-house-to-sell-yours/#commentshelp your neighborsLori Davis was concerned when a promotion meant she had to relocate to another state. While her Charlotte, N.C., home was in pristine condition, she was afraid that, without her help, her neighbors' distressed property was going to affect her ability to sell.

Her neighbors seemed nice enough. But they did not do regular maintenance on their home, and it had become an eyesore. New York City real estate queen Barbara Corcoran, now an expert for NBC's Today Show, recently outraged television viewers when she advised a person in a similar situation to simply shoot the neighbor.

Corcoran went a little overboard, but home sellers have good reason to be frustrated.

According to a study done by Servicemaster.com, 63 percent of respondents said that they live near a home that wasn't properly maintained. Some 21 percent of respondents said it was their own home that was not maintained properly. The reasons for a neglected home vary: Some
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homeowners don't have time to do the maintenance, some don't have the money to do it, and some just don't care. Here are three ways to handle the situation:

1. Meet with the homeowner in a non-confrontational manner. Rather than say, "Make your home look better so I can sell mine," bring a list of specific things that you would like taken care of. Offer to help them accomplish these things, or offer a gift or incentive to them if they do it.

2. Organize a "Neighborhood Clean-up Day." Chances are, there are other residents who are also displeased with your eyesore next door and would be happy to lend a hand. Rent a dumpster, send out invitations to all the neighbors, and have everyone pitch in to beautify the neighborhood. This method accomplishes the goal of improving the neighborhood's appearance, without singling out and alienating the offending person. This is also a great option if there is more than one home in need of help. The cost of the dumpster, beverages, and snacks will surely be recouped by a higher sales price for your home.

3. Take photos of your neighbors property and bring them to your local municipality's code enforcement department. There are nuisance laws to protect people from noise, standing water, and lack of maintenance. Unkempt properties can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes which can carry the West Nile Virus , and tall grass and junk in yards increases your risk to rats, mice, and snakes. The enforcement officer can give a citation ordering your neighbor to clean up the property or face fines.

Do your best to keep communication with your neighbor amicable. Lori spent two weekends helping her neighbor clean up their yard and repaint their trim, but felt it was a worthwhile investment considering the risk of decreased property value due to her neighbor's lack of care. Even if you don't have success with improving your neighbor's home, you may still find a buyer willing to overlook the mess and put up privacy fencing.


Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. You can follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>curb appealeyesore next doorhelp your neighborshome improvementhome selling tipssell your homeselling your homeBarbara Green2011-03-16T13:19:00 00:00Adding Home Insulation to Your Rentalhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/26/insulating-your-rental-for-winter/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/26/insulating-your-rental-for-winter/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/26/insulating-your-rental-for-winter/#commentsFiled under: ,

window film as home insulationDid you fall in love with the character of a charming, old apartment without thinking about how hard it will be to keep warm in the colder months?

Older buildings are adored for their unique architectural features, but they often lack the insulation and tightly sealed windows and doors of newer buildings. It is said that air leaking through cracks in an older building wastes as much energy as leaving one window completely open for the entire winter. (Also see "Insulation at Home Saves Money.")

But there are simple ways to improve your apartment's ability to withstand the cold, even if you aren't particularly handy.
The first step to winterizing is assessing your situation. This is as simple as walking around your apartment with a lighted candle. Hold it in front of closed windows, doors, vents, and even electrical outlets. If the light flickers, there is a draft; if it holds steady, the opening is well sealed. Once you find the leaks, it is easy and inexpensive to seal them up.

The easiest repair is for the drafty electrical outlets. Simply go to a home improvement or hardware store and purchase outlet insulation, which is a thin sheet of foam which gets sandwiched between the outlet cover and the wall, preventing drafts from blowing through.


Next you'll want to seal your windows. There are several ways to accomplish this:

Weatherstripping -- There are several types available, including rubber, high density foam, closed-cell PVC foam and open-cell foam. No matter which type you choose, you will install it between the sash and the frame, making sure it doesn't interfere with the opening and closing of the window. Before going to the store, measure the perimeter of all the windows needing weatherstripping in linear feet and purchase a little extra to allow for trimming. Easy installation instructions are included on all packages of weatherstripping.

Caulking -- To caulk around your windows you will need either traditional silicone caulk, applied with a caulking gun, or rope caulk, which is pressed into place with your fingers. Rope caulk is easier for beginners, but it is more noticeable when the job is finished. If air is leaking through the framework around the window opening, caulk can be use to seal the cracks.

Shrink film insulation -- This is the best option for super-drafty windows, but isn't the prettiest to look at. Each kit comes with double-stick tape which is applied around the perimeter of the window frame. Then you press a sheet of plastic film onto the double-stick tape to cover the window. Finally, you apply warm air with a blow-dryer to shrink the clear film for an airtight seal. Check the package before you buy; some are reusable and some are not.

Insulating drapes -- Drapes that have a thermal lining can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30 percent over windows that have no covering at all. The more layers of fabric and lining, the greater the insulation value.


Some of the same techniques used for sealing your windows can also be used to seal around your doors:

Weatherstripping -- In addition to high-density foam, closed-cell PVC foam, open-cell foam and rubber weatherstripping, the options for doors also include: spring tension weatherstripping (which gets adjusted with a screwdriver for maximum seal) and gasket weatherstripping, made of rubber or vinyl. The gaskets cushion as they seal and compensate for warping or irregularities in the door frame.

Caulking -- Options once again are silicone caulk, applied with a caulk gun, or rope caulk, pressed into place with your fingertips. This will seal air leakage around the door frame, rather than the door itself.

Door sweeps -- Door sweeps are used to provide a weatherproof seal at the bottom of the door. They can be made from aluminum, plastic, wood, vinyl or rubber. The rubber type is the most durable and effective in sealing the draft since it adjusts itself to fully seal the opening beneath the door.

Cat litter or sawdust -- It may sound weird, but for the lowest tech way to keep cold air from seeping in below your door is to fill spare tube socks with cat litter or saw dust, tie or sew it closed, and place it on the floor in front of the door once it has been closed. Use enough socks to stretch the entire width of the door. There is some inconvenience involved in having to move them every time you open the door, but it is an easy and effective way to stop drafts and also make good use of socks that have lost their mate.


Some other things to consider when winterizing your apartment:

Electric blankets -- Investing in an electric blanket allows you to remain comfortable and warm in bed while you turn down the thermostat for your entire apartment. Studies show that for every degree you turn down your thermostat for an eight-hour overnight period you save 1 to 2 percent on your energy bill. That doesn't sound like much, but if your turn down the thermostat 10 degrees, that suddenly turns into a 10 to 20 percent savings, and that is substantial.

Flannel sheets, blankets and faux fur bedding -- Flannel sheets and bedding are soft and warm to the touch, keeping you cozy and insulated against the cold air. Adding a throw of faux fur on top of your bedding further improves the insulation properties because cold air gets trapped between the fibers of the fur and flannel before it has a chance to get you cold.

Area rugs - If your apartment has wood floors, a fluffy area rig will warm it up in an instant. There are many styles and types of area rugs to choose from, including wool, cotton, silk, synthetics, and organics. (Also see AOL's "How to Choose Carpets That Camouflage or Inspire.")

Removing or covering an air conditioner -- If your apartment has a window air conditioner, you will either want to remove it, store it away for winter, and seal the window drafts using one of the methods described above, or apply an insulating blanket around the air conditioning unit to keep drafts from blowing through the vents. The waterproof, vinyl-backed fabric is wrapped around the outside of the unit and secured with elasticized straps. Additional weatherstripping may be needed to seal around the unit where it fits in the window opening.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

Want to know how to deal with other rental issues? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides that can help:
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]]>energy efficiencyenergy efficientenergy saverEnergy SaversEnergy savingenergy saving tipsEnergyEfficientinsulatingunsulationBarbara Green2010-10-26T16:14:00 00:00Storage Solutions in a Small Apartmenthttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/15/small-apartment-storage/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/15/small-apartment-storage/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/10/15/small-apartment-storage/#commentsAfter years of dreaming about moving to the big city, Allyson Taylor finally made her dream a reality. However, her move into a small studio apartment quickly turned into a nightmare. While she never considered her former suburban apartment particularly special, it was downright spacious compared to her new living arrangement. She was discouraged by the limited space she could afford, and had no idea how she was going to fit her belongings inside.

Like Allyson, are you struggling with a lack of storage space? Here are ways to create storage solutions.
When searching for storage solutions, all you have to do is look up, down, inside and behind for unused storage space. Here are places to start:

Look up:
  • Attach shelves to the ceiling to keep seasonal items out of the way but readily retrievable when the need arises.
  • Store items in labeled, decorative containers so they aren't eyesores in living spaces.
  • Use hardcover books as interesting wall shelves when attached with "L" brackets.
  • Use adhesive hooks on walls to store and display jewelry pieces.
  • Hang a pot rack for extra storage in the kitchen.
  • Hang a wrought iron bottle-rack for wine.
  • Hang a three-tier wire basket for extra storage in the bathroom.

Look down:
  • Use a storage ottoman instead of a coffee table. Store extra blankets and bedding inside.
  • Top a 30-gallon trash can with a round board and drape with a tablecloth for a side table with hidden storage.
  • Stack assorted suitcases next to the bed in place of a nightstand. Fill
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    with out-of-season clothing.
  • Use shallow boxes or plastic bins for under-bed storage.
  • Use bed-risers to increase under-bed storage.
  • Use a captain's bed with drawers in children's rooms for extra storage.
  • Use baskets under a crib to store extra diapers and toys.

Look inside:
  • Use wire racks to organize dishes and bowls inside cabinets.
  • Use a two-tier lazy Susan inside a cabinet for easy access to spices.
  • Use baskets inside cabinets for the ease of roll-out shelves without the expense.
  • Store folded sheets inside the coordinating pillow case so everything stays neat on the linen shelf.
  • Hang an over-the-door rack in your laundry room to keep the ironing board and iron out of sight when not in use.
  • Hang a cabinet over the toilet for storing extra toilet paper and guest towels.
  • Use shelf dividers inside closets to keep folded sweaters and t-shirts neatly stacked and organized.

Look behind:
  • Attach a wire rack to the back of a cabinet door to store plastic wrap and foil.
  • Attach a wire rack to the back of a cabinet door to store lids of pots and pans.
  • Hide utility shelving behind a decorative screen for extra storage in the living room.
  • Drape fabric over utility shelving for a makeshift armoire in the bedroom.
  • Hang a vinyl-pocket shoe rack on the back of the coat closet door for flashlight, batteries, extension cords, tape, etc.
  • Use over-door hooks to organize belts, ties, handbags, or other hanging items in easy view.
  • Hang hooks behind bathroom doors for a bath robe and extra towels.

Re-purpose:
  • Attach casters to an old dresser drawer for easy rolling under-bed storage.
  • Use a muffin tin to organize paper clips, rubber bands, and other office supplies in a desk drawer.
  • Use a muffin tin to organize cotton swabs, cotton balls, and other beauty aids in a bathroom drawer.
  • Use a hardware organizer with mini plastic drawers to keep jewelry neat and dust free.
  • Use a vertical file rack to organize baking sheets inside a kitchen cabinet
  • Use a utility knife to hollow the center pages of a hard-cover book for hidden storage for valuables.
  • Re-use the zippered, heavy plastic bags from new bedding to store out of season clothing or bedding.

Allyson found that a small apartment was a small sacrifice considering she was living the life she had always dreamed of. She did learn that keeping a small apartment organized and clutter-free was easy if she followed these three rules: make sure that whatever she buys will be used for more than one purpose, store items conveniently located to where she will use them, and keep a recycling bin near the door so that she can dispose of unwanted junk mail before it has the chance to clutter her small space.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

Want more apartment advice? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides that might help:
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]]>apartment storagesmall spacesmall space livingsmall space solutionssmall spacesstoragestorage solutionstorage solutionsstorage spaceBarbara Green2010-10-15T15:36:00 00:00Tenants' Rights When Landlord Breaks Rental Agreementhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/29/tenants-rights-when-landlord-breaks-rental-agreement/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/29/tenants-rights-when-landlord-breaks-rental-agreement/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/29/tenants-rights-when-landlord-breaks-rental-agreement/#commentsMost people would agree that having a big shade tree on their property is a good thing. One renter in Charlotte, N.C. was under that impression -- until it started growing through a wall of his apartment.

His first course of action was notifying his landlord of the problem. He called the landlord, e-mailed him and sent a certified letter. He'd been living there for five years and wanted to keep this as amicable as possible. When the landlord continued to be unresponsive, his second course of action was withholding his rent. But that's not where it stopped.

If you have an unresponsive landlord, here are your rights as a renter and what you can do legally:
Landlord Tenant Responsibilities
According to attorney Jim Surane of Cornelius, N.C., every state has its own statutes on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. The Massachusetts Tenant/Landlord Rights are known for favoring landlords, and are used as a benchmark for several states on the East Coast.

The California Tenant/Landlord Rights are known to be the most favorable toward the tenant, and are also used by other states on the West Coast. To find the statutes for your state, go to your state government's website (i.e. mass.gov is Massachusetts' website) and enter "Residential Landlord/Tenant Act" and there will be a handbook listing your rights and responsibilities. However, there are certain universally accepted obligations that are included in most lease agreements, no matter where you live:

Tenant's Responsibilities:
  • Pay rent on time.
  • Use reasonable care not to damage the property.
  • Properly dispose of garbage.
  • No additional occupants unless permission is granted by the landlord.

Landlord's Responsibilities:
  • Make property habitable (fit for occupation by human beings, and substantially complies with state and local building and health codes that materially affect tenants' health and safety).
  • Make and pay for repairs due to ordinary wear and tear.
  • Refrain from turning off water, electric and gas (unless on separate meters and noted on lease agreement).
  • Provide written notification of change of ownership.
  • May not discriminate.

Landlords rent properties to make money, which motivates them to keep tenants happy in order to keep their properties fully rented and generating income. However, some miserly landlords are slow to make repairs because any expenditure means money out of their pocket. If this is the case with your landlord, these are the steps that the State of Michigan recommends you follow:

  • Notify the landlord of the problem by telephone and also by certified mail, return receipt requested. Log the date, time, and result of each call and maintain a file with copies of all written correspondence. Document everything!
  • If problems are with insects, save some in a jar in case you need to go to court, and photograph any infestations.
  • Ask a friend to serve as an "objective witness" and photograph the problem areas. Make sure the friend signs, dates and labels the photos with the room, its issues and the time of day photo was taken.
  • If the issue is with heat, log temperature readings in various rooms at different times of the day.
  • Contact the housing department. Request your unit be inspected to see if it is up to code.

If problems are not fixed in a reasonable amount of time, you are allowed to withhold rent until the landlord makes the property habitable per the 1968 Warranty of Habitability, MCL554.139. The landlord is not allowed to terminate your lease agreement in retaliation for withholding rent.

A landlord cannot evict you, only a judge can. If the landlord sues to evict you for unpaid rent, you now have documentation for a counter-claim and proof of why you were withholding rent.

Each state has different definitions of "habitable" and different acceptable options for dealing with it, so make sure you research your own state.

If you live in California, or other states that use their benchmark, there are several options for dealing with an unresponsive landlord:

  • You can pay a competent repair person and deduct the cost of the repair from your rent. Keep copies of all repair receipts and get a statement detailing the problem and the work performed to correct it. [Civil Code Section 1942]
  • You can withhold a portion of the rent until the repairs are made. To determine how much to withhold, calculate the percentage of the home that is uninhabitable (i.e. one room out of a four-room apartment would be a 25 percent deduction off the rent until repairs are made). [Green v. Superior Court (1974) 10 Cal.3d 616 (111 Cal.Rptr. 704)]
  • You may abandon (move out of) the property if the rental unit has defects that are serious and directly related to the tenant's health and safety, but only after landlord has been notified via certified mail and has been given a reasonable period of time to respond but hasn't. [Civil Code Section 1942.5(a)]

If you're wondering what happened to our friend in Charlotte, he went to court to sue his landlord and eventually settled his lawsuit for $22,000. His experience should be a lesson to you: Make sure that you communicate clearly and often with the landlord; make sure that you keep documentation of all communications and defects; and only go to court as a last resort.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

Want to know how to deal with other rental issues? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides that can help:
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]]>landlordlandlord issueslandlord-tenant lawlandlordsleaselease agreementleasestenanttenantstenants rightsBarbara Green2010-09-29T16:28:00 00:00Roommate Agreements, and Breaking Up When Things Go Badlyhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/roommate-agreements-and-breaking-up-when-things-go-badly/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/roommate-agreements-and-breaking-up-when-things-go-badly/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/27/roommate-agreements-and-breaking-up-when-things-go-badly/#commentsSusan had no idea what she was in for when her roommate Lisa moved in. During the waking hours Lisa was very shy and quiet, and seemed like she'd make an OK roommate. However, when the lights went out Lisa suffered from vivid nightmares and would bang her head against the headboard throughout the night. Susan was afraid to wake her roommate because Lisa would be saying "I'm going to kill you" in her sleep. At the end of the lease, Susan was more than happy to part company with Lisa and find a new roommate.

Finding a roommate is kind of like finding a spouse. You never really know them until you live with them. It's important to establish what you're looking for in a roommate, but even more important to be clear on what you don't want. Even the most diligent person can run into problems.
Sylvia Bergthold, author of "Sorry, But the Boa Has Got to Go," is an expert on platonic roommate relations. "Breaking up with a roommate is a business arrangement," she says, "unless the 'roommate' is more than a roommate."

As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," so the best advice would be to perform due diligence before entering into a roommate relationship. Before a single box is packed, sit down with your potential roommate or roommates and establish the guidelines for cohabitation before conflicts arise. Determine such things as:

  • How much rent each person can afford and will be responsible for and when will it be paid?
  • How many days notice are needed before moving out or breaking the lease.
  • Will you share grocery expenses or keep all food separate?
  • How messy or clean is each person? Can the level of messiness/cleanliness be tolerated?
  • What items will each person furnish for the apartment? Will you share?
  • How much quiet time/party time does each person expect?
  • Are overnight guests OK and, if so, how often before it becomes an issue?
  • Is anyone a smoker, and if so, will that be a problem?
  • Are there non-drinkers, social drinkers or party animals?
  • Does anyone use recreational drugs and, if so, is that a problem?
  • Does anyone have or plan to get a pet and, if so, is that a problem?


Ideally, all these questions will be answered and answers documented before moving in together. Sylvia Bergthold's "A Roommate Survival Guide" says that roommates need to sign contracts, preferably month-to-month roommate agreements. It spells out in writing everything they have discussed, and states that a written, 30-day notice is needed to sever the contract.

Sometimes with even the best preparations, there are problems. In this case, roommates need to have a civil discussion about what's occurring. Be very clear on stating the particular activity that is troubling to you, and not make it a personal attack.

"Communicate early and often," recommends Bergthold. Don't let the animosity fester to a point of no return.

If the problems persist, here are your options for how to break up with a roommate:

  • Move out at the end of the lease
    This is the easiest way to settle the problem without causing financial hardship to any of the roommates. This will help maintain a good relationship with your roommates if you desire.

  • Move out, but find a roommate to take your place
    This method allows you to get out of the situation before the lease is up. However, it is important to get the consent of the landlord so that he can do the required background and credit checks on the new person. If he doesn't, he can sue to have all the roommates evicted, since one person moving out is technically a breach of the lease agreement.

  • Move out, but offer to pay your portion of expenses until the end of the lease
    This is the most generous of scenarios, as the remaining roommates have the benefit of more space to themselves without losing any money. This allows you to move out when you want, without alienating the old roommates.

  • Break up, move out, and don't look back
    This is the least favorable of options, and really burns bridges. According to Jim Surane, attorney in Cornelius, N.C., a lease agreement provides "joint and several liability," which in human-speak means that if all roommates are on the lease and one person on the lease moves out, the remaining person or people on the lease are responsible for paying the entire amount. It's important to know that if you choose to go this route your roommates have the legal right to sue you for your part of the lease. If they do and they win, not only will you have to pay the back rent, you may also have to pay the legal fees.

No relationships are perfect, but hopefully with these tips you can be best prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Bergthold adds, "I am a firm believer in not burning your bridges with roommates.... You never know when you might have to contact them ... attempt to remain friends if possible."

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter.

For more rental advice see these AOL Real Estate guides: More on AOL Real Estate:
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]]>Barbara Green2010-09-27T17:49:00 00:00Hometown Hero Dave Yochum Gives Bigs and Littles a Day at the Lakehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/21/hometown-hero-dave-yochum-gives-bigs-and-littles-a-day-at-the-la/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/21/hometown-hero-dave-yochum-gives-bigs-and-littles-a-day-at-the-la/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/21/hometown-hero-dave-yochum-gives-bigs-and-littles-a-day-at-the-la/#commentsFiled under:

There may be a growing chasm between the "haves" and the "have-nots," but in a suburb of Charlotte, N.C. there's a dedicated man who's been working hard over the last six years to bridge that gap.

Summer in the city is not always a fun time for those who are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table. Many of these families have a single head of household rather than a couple to share the challenges. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers these children an opportunity to reach their potential by matching them with a mentor who can help fill the void in their lives and inspire them to achieve.

Dave Yochum, owner and editor of Business Today and Cornelius Today newspapers in Cornelius, N.C., was distressed that only those who could afford to live in the expensive waterfront neighborhoods of Lake Norman had full access to the the beautiful lake. So he did something about it.

In 2004 he created a plan to invite the "bigs" and "littles" of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte to enjoy a day of fun, including boating, fishing, tubing and swimming on the exclusive lake. These children would not ordinarily have the opportunity to partake in any of these activities.

Yochum enlisted many of his neighbors and concerned community leaders to serve as "boat hosts" and volunteers so this vision could become a reality. The "Big Day at the Lake" event culminated with a huge picnic made possible by the donations of Duke Energy for the picnic grounds and numerous local companies for the food.

"It's a real joy to see kids, who might not otherwise get out on the lake, put their toes in the water for the first time or tube behind a speedboat for the first time," says Yochum.

His passion for helping those less fortunate didn't allow him to be satisfied with simply planning an awesome event. Yochum wanted to do more for these children, so he created sponsorship opportunities to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. This enables them to recruit more individuals to become "bigs" and further improve the children's lives.

National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. Little Brothers and Sisters have better odds than their peers; they're more confident, get along better with their families, are 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52 percent less likely to skip school.

This was the sixth summer for Yochum's "Big Day at the Lake" and it's grown bigger each year. "This event unites the Lake Norman Community," says John Bradford, owner of Park Avenue Properties. "They embrace the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate and encourage these children to achieve their dreams." Local merchants pitch in with food, beverage and cash donations. Neighbors give generously of their time, money and merchandise for an auction. To date, this event has collected more than $365,000 to support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Says James Tolliver, vice-president of development at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte: "I've worked with community organizations from Virginia to Georgia over the last 15 years and have never seen a grassroots effort evolve into such a phenomenal success, and I attribute that success to the dedication that Dave Yochum and his wife Tracy have to this program."

Yochum doesn't accept the many accolades that he receives and likes to say that it's the many volunteers who make it all happen. But without his vision and enthusiasm, "Big Day at the Lake" would never happen, and for this reason he is a real hometown hero.

Trying to decide whether to buy or rent? Here are some AOL Real Estate guides that might help:
More on AOL Real Estate:
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Find homes for sale in your area.
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]]>big brothers big sistersBig Day at the LakeHometown Herohometown heroesHometownHeroHometownHeroesBarbara Green2010-09-21T13:40:00 00:00'General Hospital' Star-Turned-Realtor Offers Homebuyers Advicehttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/general-hospital-star-now-real-estate-agent-offers-homebuyers/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/general-hospital-star-now-real-estate-agent-offers-homebuyers/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/20/general-hospital-star-now-real-estate-agent-offers-homebuyers/#commentsFiled under:

Fans of General Hospital will probably recognize the man in this photo as Alan Quartermaine, the always charming but sometimes scheming doctor and member of one the wealthiest families in the fictional city of Port Charles. What he now hopes for you to recognize him as is a successful Realtor of multimillion dollar properties.

Last year Stuart Damon and his son, Christopher Damon (pictured with his father) went back to school together to prepare for getting their real estate licenses. In January they took their exams, and in Spring 2010 they set out together to become a real estate dream team, The Damon Group, for Joyce Rey Coldwell Banker Previews International.

If you are wondering how an Emmy award-winning actor decides to go into real estate, we spoke to him and his son Christopher to get some answers:

Why did you decide to start a new career in real estate after so many successful years as an actor?

I have actually been involved with real estate development for the last 20 years. Now that my 31-year run with "General Hospital" is over, I have more time to devote to it. Working in real estate with my son offers me the flexibility to continue acting when parts arise, while my son handles the business. He had been working in residential and commercial real estate for the last 10 years so this was a great opportunity. [Chris adds, "I love my dad and he is my best friend. We enjoy each other's company and are so happy we can spend so much time together."]


How did you get started in real estate?

Years ago, I saw the opportunities out there to purchase houses that needed work, fix them up and sell them for a substantial profit. I have been doing that for the last 20 years. Now that the market has changed, I am more focused on helping other people buy and sell the homes of their dreams.

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What method did you use to decide which homes to purchase and which homes to pass on?

The key for me was to be able to walk in a home and look beyond what was there in front of my eyes and envision what could be. I needed to be able to figure out what had to be done, both inside and out, to enable potential buyers to walk in thinking "This is fabulous." If I could accomplish the renovations while still leaving a decent margin of profit I would buy it, if the profit potential wasn't there, I would walk away."


What do you recommend homeowners do to make their home more marketable?

The first thing they need to improve is the landscaping. If the home does not have curb appeal it will be very hard to sell. Also, you need to have great kitchens and bathrooms. Also consider improving the floor plan. Today's buyers like free-flowing homes with an open feeling, so if their home has lots of little rooms they might want to consider removing non-load bearing walls to improve the flow.


Is it possible to improve a kitchen or bath without spending a lot of money?

Absolutely. I have remodeled kitchens with inexpensive cabinets but splurged on some really beautiful back splashes that made the entire kitchen appear expensive, even though the investment was a small portion of the room. On one remodel, Christopher designed a shower that was so beautiful I wanted to live in it! He tore down walls and reconfigured the layout, had tile installed floor-to-ceiling, and water spouts coming out from every angle of the ceiling and wall. It was amazing! It doesn't cost money to be creative."


With all the bad news about the housing market, why would you choose now to become a Realtor?

Personally, I think this is a great time to be a Realtor. During 2003 through 2008, when houses were selling overnight, Realtors were spoiled. They didn't have to work hard, and the money rolled in. This isn't supposed to be an easy business. I feel anyone with a strong work ethic can succeed. You need the right tools and relationships, and this is a great time to build the foundation for a long, strong, career.


Do you have any words of encouragement for homeowners trying to sell in this market?

Be patient. The quick turnovers of the past were really the unusual market. This is a more normal, stable market. There are buyers out there, and more people are coming off the sidelines to take advantage of the buyer's market and historically low interest rates. Make sure your home is at its best, both inside and out. Most importantly, you need to price it correctly. Price it aggressively, close to the price you are willing to sell it for, so that an inflated price does not deter qualified buyers from considering it.


What is your best advice for people shopping for a home now?

If you are looking to buy and stay in it for a long time, look for a home you can comfortably afford, a home that you love, and don't worry about the market. People have gotten into trouble by taking on more home than they can afford. But if you can live comfortably and remain in your home for the long haul, history shows that you'll do fine. If you are looking to buy as an investment, now is not the time to be flipping homes. You will get a better return on your investment if you buy and hold. You can rent the home out now to cover expenses and years later, when you are ready to sell, the prices will have rebounded and you can make a great profit.

Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>general hospitalhome buyershome buyinghome sellerhome sellershome sellinghousing marketHousingMarketreal estateRealEstateStuart DamonBarbara Green2010-09-20T10:31:00 00:00Rental Brokers: How They Can Work for Youhttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rental-brokers-how-they-can-work-for-you/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rental-brokers-how-they-can-work-for-you/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/15/rental-brokers-how-they-can-work-for-you/#commentsWith home sales declining to record lows, many homeowners who can't sell their homes are turning to rental brokers to ease their financial burden. Instead of paying the mortgage on an empty house, they opt to rent it to help cover the mortgage until the market turns around. However, things don't always work out as planned.

A tenant in Cornelius, N.C. was startled one afternoon by a visit from the sheriff. She was served with foreclosure papers for the property, which she was renting from an out-of-town homeowner. She immediately called her rental broker, John Bradford of Park Avenue Properties, to see what her rights were as a renter of a foreclosed property.

Bradford is a member and Southeast regional vice president of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, which is an association that supports the professional and ethical practices of rental home management companies through networking, education, and designation. Here are his tips on choosing and working with a rental broker:

1. Choose a rental broker that adheres to a code of ethics. Rental brokers that are NARPM members are required to be committed to treating all tenants professionally when applying for, living in and vacating a managed residence.

2. Choose a rental broker who is licensed. A licensed broker is required to ensure all landlord and tenant laws of your city, state and federal government are represented and enforced. They should protect your rights against discrimination by race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or handicap, and comply with all federal, state and local laws concerning discrimination. They should protect you from exaggeration, misrepresentation, misinformation or concealed pertinent facts relating to the property.

3. Choose a "No-Fee" rental broker. Rental brokers' ultimate fiduciary responsibility is to the property owner, not the tenant, so why pay them a fee? Most property management fees are paid by the property owner. Even though brokers are being paid by the property owner, rental brokers are legally required to represent you according to all federal laws and regulations, as well as those in your city and state. They will provide you with a rental agreement that specifies all aspects of the landlord/tenant relationship.

4. Choose a local rental broker. If you are running late on sending in your monthly payment, choosing a local rental broker allows you to make a last-minute payment more quickly than if you have to mail it to an out-of-state landlord. A local broker can take the payment at the local office.

5. A rental broker will protect your security deposit. The rental agent is required to hold the tenant's security deposit in a trust account. With many property owners falling into foreclosure or bankruptcy, this protects renters from losing a security deposit as a result of landlords' mishandling of funds. They also provide tenants with the opportunity to document the condition of the property before signing the rental agreement, and again before vacating the property, which can prevent a delay in the deposit refund.

6. A rental broker will know rate values and vacancy factors. An experienced and licensed rental broker will understand the values of different areas and properties and be able to advise you and negotiate for you if there are factors that could influence the cost or length of the lease.

7. A rental broker will respond promptly to requests for repairs. With many homeowners out of state, it may be slow to get repairs completed should the occasion arise. Since rental brokers have relationships with reputable maintenance professionals, you can get quick service when problems occur.

8. Get everything in writing. Your rental agreement should list all fees, deposits, possession dates and any other details pertinent to the leasing of this property. It doesn't matter what your rental broker has told you; if you don't have it in writing, it is not binding. The rental agreement must be signed by both the tenant and the landlord.

After the tenant in Cornelius spoke to her rental broker, she learned that the homeowner asked to be sent the tenant's security deposit. John Bradford was reluctant to give it to the homeowner, since he felt that under the current financial situation the homeowner would spend it and her tenant would never see the money again. Bradford was able to advise the tenant of a state clause that allowed her to get her entire security deposit back if she vacated the property within 10 days of the foreclosure papers being served. She was thankful that she worked with a licensed rental broker who was informed and able to protect her rights.

Barbara Green is the Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>NARPMNational association of Residential Property ManagersNationalAssociationOfResidentialPropertyManagersrental agreementrental agreementsrental brokerRentalAgreementRentalAgreementsRentalBrokerBarbara Green2010-09-15T11:53:00 00:00Luxury Homebuilder in Charlotte Succumbs to Housing Slumphttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/10/luxury-homebuilder-in-charlotte-succumbs-to-housing-slump/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/10/luxury-homebuilder-in-charlotte-succumbs-to-housing-slump/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/10/luxury-homebuilder-in-charlotte-succumbs-to-housing-slump/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chalk it up to the protracted housing slump: The leading home builder in the southeast won't be erecting any more houses. Charlotte, N.C.-based Simonini Builders has announced it will be closing operations by the end of the year. One of the best-known luxury home builders in the nation, Simonini was awarded Builder Magazine's "2002 America's Best Builder Award," "2005 Best in American Living Award," and Professional Builder's Magazine "2006 National Builder of the Year."
Alan Simonini and Ray Killian formed Simonini Builders 16 years ago and have built over 700 homes in the Charlotte and Lake Norman regions of North Carolina and the Charleston and Kiawah Island regions of South Carolina. The prices range from $475,000 to $6 million. They also provided high-end renovations for discriminating clients. CEO Ray Killian Jr. said, "The Simonini story is one of evolution from a family business to a dynamic builder of some of the South's finest homes. Regrettably, that story will end as a result of the general deterioration of the fundamentals of the homebuilding industry in ways never seen before."

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Simonini is committed to completing the 14 homes it is currently building, finishing all renovations now in progress, and selling 21 homes that they have in inventory. Their newest development, The Preserve at Robbins Park, was Simonini's attempt to adjust to the changing real estate market by planning a development of 76 homes built to a smaller scale than was their norm, but filled with the luxurious amenities with which the Simonini name has become associated. The development is hosting the Charlotte Home Builders Association annual Homearama conference, even though at this point there are no plans to complete it. A group of investors are conducting due diligence studies on the feasibility of completing the development with a new builder, but no decision has been made.

Said Alan Simonini: "The catastrophic changes we've seen in the overall real estate market over the past two years could not have been anticipated and are unlike anything I expected to see in my lifetime.

"Until very recently, we hoped and believed Simonini Builders would get over the hump," he continued, "but over the last few days, reality has belied hope and belief. We realize that the real estate market has been and continues to be worse than any of us thought was remotely possible."

Barbara Green is the Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.


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]]>builderbuildersNew Home Salesnorth carolina real estatereal estatereal estate marketsimonini buildersBarbara Green2010-09-10T10:32:00 00:00'Sexy' Homes Spice Up North Carolina Markethttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/sexy-homes-spice-up-north-carolina-market/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/sexy-homes-spice-up-north-carolina-market/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/09/sexy-homes-spice-up-north-carolina-market/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Charlotte, N.C. real estate firm says business is booming, thanks to their sexy new marketing plan that involves hiring models to pose in listings photos of luxury homes.

During the boom years of 2006 and 2007, Peters and Associates Real Estate was the No.1 seller of high-end homes in the Charlotte region. Then the market crashed and real estate sales dried up for most of 2008 and 2009. Peters and Associates owners Nick and Miriam Peters then decided to spice up their marketing and have been having tremendous success ever since.
The couple creates an image by spending thousands of dollars on clothing and cars; and they photograph their listings with sexy, attractive people.

Peters caters to high-profile and high-net-worth individuals, such as professional athletes, coaches, entertainers, executives and other VIPs. These clients are looking for a lifestyle and amenities much different from the average homebuyer.

The buying experience for Peters clients begins with being picked up at the airport in an exotic car and then whisked to a luxurious spa for a relaxing day of pampering, or to a private club for a round of golf. Once they are totally refreshed, they are ready to tour homes.

How effective is the campaign? Peters did a controlled online test, with one listing showing the typical real estate pictures. Visitors to that listing stayed an average of 40 to 60 seconds. Visitors to the listing with "lifestyle photos" stayed an average of 4 to 6 minutes.

Statistics suggest that the more time a potential buyer spends looking at a listing, the more likely they are to request a showing. Peters' listings used to get three to four clicks a week, and now they get 10 to 20 a day.

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Of course, sales are the ultimate test. The firm has seen a 300 percent increase in home sales over the last year.

Barbara Green is the Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.

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]]>celebrity real estatehigh end real estatehome sellershome sellingluxury real estatereal estate listingssex sellsBarbara Green2010-09-09T12:20:00 00:00Condo and Homeowners Insurance: Key Differenceshttp://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/02/condo-and-homeowners-insurance-key-differences/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/02/condo-and-homeowners-insurance-key-differences/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/09/02/condo-and-homeowners-insurance-key-differences/#commentscondo insurnace home insurance Patty Robinson got a great deal on her townhouse in Charlotte, N.C. It needed some updating, but she didn't mind investing in new carpeting, paint and window treatments, because that would make it feel truly like her own. She planned ahead and was careful to take a detailed inventory of her belongings so that she would have enough insurance to replace everything, should the need arise.

What she didn't plan on was a pipe bursting in an upper-level exterior wall while she was away on a business trip. She thought her foresight in getting condo insurance would protect her, but she didn't anticipate what would happen if there was a leak from an exterior wall. That is when she learned the harsh truth about the difference between condo and homeowners insurance.

If you're a condo owner, it's important to know these differences from the start:
Whether you own a condo or a house, a homeowner's insurance policy has six separate sections of coverage:

1. The Primary Dwelling
2. Other Structures (not attached to primary structure)
3. Personal Property (belongings inside the dwelling)
4. Loss of Use (if the dwelling is uninhabitable due to damage)
5. Personal Liability (if your negligence caused injury to a person or his property while on your property)
6. Medical Payments to Others (covers medical expenses if someone is injured on your property)

When you get a mortgage for your condo or house, the lender requires that insurance be held on the property to protect the bank's interests should the property come in "peril," which can include damage from theft, fire, wind, hail, hurricanes or other occurrences. Separate policies would need to be secured if your home is at risk for flooding or earthquake. In either instance, policies should provide replacement costs and not original costs.

Now for the key differences between condo and homeowners insurance, which are in the first three sections of coverage:


Condominium Insurance Policies

Condominiums must be insured for both the structure and the contents:

1. The Primary Dwelling -- Insurance for the structure of the dwelling is held by the homeowners' association.

2. Other Structures -- This is not usually applicable for condominium-style dwellings.

3. Personal Property
  • Personal property insurance for the contents of the dwelling is held by the homeowner.
  • Your condominium covenants define the parameters of what their policy will cover, but typical coverage includes everything from the wall studs and out.
  • Your condo insurance will cover from wherever the parameters leave off, typically everything inside from the wall studs.
  • If your condo building burned down, the homeowners' association policy would be responsible for rebuilding the structure, while your personal property insurance would cover everything else.
  • For this reason, condo dwellers should declare a higher personal property amount because that is the category under which replacing cabinets and appliances would fall. In a single-family-dwelling insurance policy, that would be covered under section 1: The Primary Dwelling.

4. Loss of Use -- Applies to both condo and single family dwellings.

5. Personal Liability -- Applies to both condo- and single-family dwellings.

6. Medical Payments to Others -- Applies to both condo and single-family dwellings


Homeowners Insurance Policies

For single-family dwellings, insurance policies have the same six sections, but the values are distributed differently:

1. The Primary Dwelling -- Covers the entire structure, and all construction materials associated with it. Kitchen cabinets, built-in bookcases, all permanent elements are covered under this section of the policy, unlike in condos.

2. Other Structures -- Covers sheds, detached garages, well houses, etc., valued at 10 percent of the main structure or less. If that is insufficient, additional coverage can be purchased.

3. Personal Property -- Covers the personal belongings of the residents valued at 50 percent of the main structure. If that is insufficient, additional coverage can be purchased for a nominal cost per $1,000 of value.

4. Loss of Use -- Applies to both single family dwellings and condos.

5. Personal -- Applies to both single family dwellings and condos.

6. Medical Payments to Others -- Applies to both single-family dwellings and condos.


Once Patty regained her composure after seeing the mess that greeted her, she contacted her insurance company to file a claim. That is when the reality of condo vs. homeowners insurance reared its ugly head. She was anxious to have repairs done to return her townhouse to its previous glory, but since the damage was caused by a pipe in the outer wall, her insurance company wanted the damage to be covered by the homeowners' association. The HOA's administrator was slow to contact its insurance company, which in turn led to delays in getting an adjuster out to see the damage, which in turn delayed Patty in making the required repairs.

There's no doubt that there are perks to living in a condo -- for instance, the maintenance of the lawn and your building's exterior are covered by the dues paid to your HOA. But in an insurance claim like Patty's, in which a broken pipe was at fault, the reimbursement process might have been simpler, quicker and much less stressful if she owned a single-family dwelling.

Barbara Green is the Design Diva and owner of Sensibly Chic Interior Design. Follow her on Twitter @thedesigndiva.


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]]>condo insurancecondominiumshomeownerHomeowners associationhomeowners insuranceinsuranceBarbara Green2010-09-02T15:53:00 00:00Flooring for Your Home: What Are Your Options?http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/flooring-for-your-home-what-are-your-options/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/flooring-for-your-home-what-are-your-options/http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/08/30/flooring-for-your-home-what-are-your-options/#commentsWhether you are building a new home or are renovating and planning to replace your home's current flooring, prepare to be amazed at the array of selections that are available today. Whether you choose laminate flooring, hardwood, tiles or carpets, you can't go wrong -- it's all in the mood you want to create for your room. But every flooring option has its good points and its drawbacks.

To make the right choice for your home and your lifestyle, let's examine the good and the bad about the different types of flooring available:

Hardwood

  • The best thing about hardwood floors are how versatile they are. They look great in both traditional and contemporary interiors, can be stained an infinite number of colors and offer a timeless beauty to your floors. They are easy on your feet and are a great option for allergy sufferers.
  • The downside to hardwood floors is that they require a lot of maintenance. You have to be committed to sweeping the floor daily so that the small pieces of dirt or gravel don't scratch and damage the finish. They are also susceptible to water damage.
  • The most common types of wood floors are oak and cherry, but you also can get flooring out of chestnut, walnut, mahogany, pine, and even some exotic woods from around the globe.
  • Wood floors are available in planks of varying widths and in parquet. Generally, the wider the plank, the higher the cost per square foot, as they need to use older trees to get the wider boards.
  • For those interested in being "green," look for reclaimed wood floors that have been pulled from older buildings before they were renovated or torn down.
  • Hardwood floors are great for use just about anywhere. They add elegance to living and dining rooms, coziness to family rooms and kitchens, and are healthier for allergy sufferers in the bedroom. I would not recommend hardwoods for full bathrooms because the risk of water damage is high, but it should be OK in a powder room.
  • Prices range from $4 to $20 per square foot.


Stone

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  • The best thing about stone is how luxurious it looks while still being durable. There is a reason it has been used for thousands of years in Europe, it's also stain resistant, scratch-proof, moisture resistant and easy to clean.
  • The downside to stone flooring is it is very expensive. Adding to the cost of the stone is the added expense of radiant heaters, which are often installed beneath the stone to make them warmer to walk on.
  • Stone comes in a wide range of colors and materials, such as marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate. Stone tiles can be purchased polished, but polished stone can be very slippery and dangerous in wet areas. Other finishes that offer more texture and less slippage are: honed, flamed, semi-rough and sandblasted.
  • Its versatility allows you to coordinate your flooring with your backsplashes in the kitchen and with your shower and tub surrounds in the bathroom
  • Prices range from $15 to $30 per square foot.
  • Bamboo

    • The best thing about bamboo flooring is that it is a highly sustainable product, due to its rapid growth cycle. It has the same design versatility as hardwood -- suitable for both traditional and modern interiors. When it is manufactured properly it can be harder than oak.
    • The downside to bamboo flooring is that, much like hardwood, it needs daily cleaning to maintain the finish. Bamboo flooring also has a reputation being easily scratched and stained, and showing indentations from furniture.
    • Bamboo flooring is laminated together into strips, planks and tiles of varying sizes. It is available in many colors, but if you select bamboo that has been stained a dark color, be prepared for fading in bright sunlight.
    • Bamboo should be relegated to rooms without a lot of traffic and where there isn't risk for moisture. While it is popular to install in kitchens now, be sure you are comfortable with it having a "distressed" finish due to the high traffic and presence of water.
    • Prices range from $5 to $10 per square foot.



  • Cork

    • The best things about cork flooring is its rich, organic look and its soft and comfortable feel underfoot. It has great sound-absorbing and insulating properties, and is also non-allergenic.
    • The downside to cork flooring is that it is susceptible to indentations from furniture, and can also get gouged. It is easy to stain, particularly if spills are not cleaned up quickly.
    • Cork is available in tiles and planks.
    • Cork would be a great floor for dens and children's playrooms since it is so cushioned and comfortable. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen it would be easy on your feet, but react quickly when spills occur.
    • Prices range from $4 to $10 per square foot.



  • Vinyl


    • The best thing about vinyl is its affordability. It is incredibly versatile and can mimic tile, stone, or wood floors. It is very low maintenance, is water and stain resistant and easy to install.
    • The downside to vinyl flooring is that it can dent or tear, and seams may lift if it isn't installed properly. Even though it has many great qualities, it is not a popular flooring if resale is on your mind.
    • Vinyl floors can come in solid vinyl tiles and strips or fabric-backed sheets.
    • Vinyl floors are great for rooms with high moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
    • Prices range from $1 to $6 per square foot.



  • Carpet

    • The best thing about a carpet is how soft it is underfoot. It makes rooms feel cozy, warm and quiet.
    • The downside to carpeting is that it not good for areas with high moisture or for allergy sufferers.
    • Carpeting comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. It can be made from nylon, polyester, olefin, wool, silk, rayon, cotton and acrylic. Make sure your carpet has stain resistant fibers built in.
    • For those interested in being "green" look for carpets made from recycled soda bottles, tires or old carpet.
    • Carpeting is available in area rugs, tiles or wall-to-wall.
    • Carpeting is best in bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, finished basements and media rooms.
    • Prices range from $1 to $15 per square foot.



  • Laminate

    • Laminate flooring's best qualities are its affordability and low maintenance. It's scratch resistant, which makes it the perfect floor for people with pets. It can also be an easy do-it-yourself project.
    • The downside to laminate flooring is that if it gets damaged it has to be replaced. There is no way to repair it.
    • Laminates are available to look like any type of wood, stone or tile. They can be purchased in strips, planks, or tiles.
    • Laminate floors are best for high traffic areas such as foyers, hallways, family rooms, kitchens and homes with children or pets.
    • Prices range from $2 to $7 per square foot.



  • Tile


    • The best thing about tile is its versatility. It comes in a wide variety of sizes, styles, colors, patterns and textures. It is both water and stain resistant when it is glazed.
    • The downside to tile flooring is it is cold and hard on the feet. Tile can crack or chip easily, and the grout can get dirty and be difficult to maintain.
    • Tile comes in both ceramic and porcelain. If you are using tile outdoors, you need to select porcelain, as ceramic will not withstand the elements.
    • Tiles are available as small as 1/4-inch mosaic sizes to as large as 3-by-3-foot floor tiles
    • Tile is best for use in entryways, bathrooms, kitchens and pool houses.
    • Prices range from $1 to $20 per square foot.



  • No matter which type of flooring you choose, proper installation is crucial to the lifespan of your floors. If you are tackling it as a DIYer, be thorough and precise in your prep work or the end result will be unsatisfactory. Shoddy installation can lead to buckling floors, cracked stones, moldy cork or bamboo, peeling vinyl, warped laminate, or broken tiles. Wall-to-wall carpeting should always be installed by professionals, over the highest grade pad that you can afford, so you are sure it is fitted and stretched properly to prevent breakdown of the backing. Make sure you do it right the first time, so you will have many years of enjoyment ahead.

    Barbara Green is The Design Diva and owner of . She creates one-of-a-kind interiors that reflect your taste, lifestyle and budget. Follow on Twitter .


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]]>BambooFlooringcarpetingCeramicTilecork flooringCorkFlooringdiyflooringHardwoodFloorshome+improvementlaminateMarbleTilesrenovationtileBarbara Green2010-08-30T20:50:00 00:00