Use upcycled wine bottles to create inexpensive lighting for a wine cellar, kitchen, bar or dining room.
Get The Step By Step Guide
Use upcycled wine bottles to create inexpensive lighting for a wine cellar, kitchen, bar or dining room.
Get The Step By Step Guide
Every month, CoreLogic releases its Home Price Insights Report. In that report, they forecast where they believe residential real estate prices will be in twelve months.
Below is a map, broken down by state, reflecting how home values are forecasted to change by the end of 2018 using data from the most recent report.
As we can see, CoreLogic projects an increase in home values in 49 of 50 states, and Washington, DC (there was insufficient data for HI). Nationwide, they see home prices increasing by 4.2%.
How might the new tax code impact these numbers?
Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted their own analysis to determine the impact the new tax code may have on home values. NAR’s analysis:
“…estimated how home prices will change in the upcoming year for each state, considering the impact of the new tax law and the momentum of jobs and housing inventory.”
Here is a map based on NAR’s analysis:
Bottom Line
According to NAR, the new tax code will have an impact on home values across the country. However, the effect will be much less significant than what some originally thought.
Clever ways to declutter your home! Create the perfect places to stash all of your stuff. Whether you own a tiny home lacking closet storage, or you are trying to organize the space you have—the first step is to get building. This article shows 37 projects that are sure to help you manage your messes or conceal items out of use. From putting together your own built-in window seat to making an outdoor bench that hides tools, detailed step-by-step instructions, shopping lists, and tool lists to do it all yourself.
From whimsical fountains to quiet pools, now’s the time to quench your thirst for the hottest garden water feature around.
Ambiance and Reflection
This pond adds tranquility, reflection and ambiance to its landscape. A partially above-ground water feature, it was created with stone-and-mortar walls, then finished with a butyl liner.
Double Duty
This stacked-stone water feature functions as an art piece that’s visible from the patio, deck and even indoors.
Stacked Vase
It looks like a vase, but in reality this stacked-stone work of art is a courtyard patio fountain.
Watered Intricacies
An intricate water feature wraps the entire back end of this dream house; water spills over a brick wall, encircles the patio, flows underneath the breezeway and empties into a fish pond. A raised pond at the head of the feature provides the drop needed for water to flow well and create more waterfall sound. The feature uses a careful mix of large boulders, medium rocks and small pebbles for a natural appearance. Selecting extra-large plant material makes the brand-new house and landscape look already well established and will soon provide privacy from the neighbors.
Classic Whimsy
A classical European-style fountain is paired with whimsical seating.
Remote Waterfall
This urban backyard makeover manages to fit in places for play, cooking and a small water feature with a remote-control waterfall.
Asian Garden Design
This garden takes advantage of the natural landscape, and combines it with the simplicity of garden design.
Boulder on Boulder
The path in this narrow urban backyard passes the simplest of water features (center) — one boulder resting on another, with copper tubing in between.
Light Play
The crystal falls of this water feature wall sparkle with light, thanks to an underwater light hidden in the basin. Light play can be an important part of any landscape and add a whole new dimension to a yard. Reflections also play off the stacked-glass edge of the stone wall.
Rain Chain
A simple but beautiful fountain: Water cascades down a rain chain into a pot.
Modern Bather
In a private woodland glade, a modern “bather” presides over a small pool.
Hitting the Low Notes
Want an indoor water feature? It’s easy to create a tabletop fountain.
Making a Big Splash
This combo waterfall and pond is a stunning focal point in the garden.
Prominent Placement
The walkway to this home is a “causeway” over a pond.
Bathrooms, like kitchens, are a huge selling point in your home. They’re also the most personal of spaces. Here are 11 ways you can add value to yours through quick updates that make a big difference.
Swap Outdated Fixtures
Swapping outdated fixtures can go a long way to giving your bathroom an updated look. Go for popular finishes like satin or brushed nickel that pair well with most tile. For a more classic look, chrome is a good choice. Just watch out for water spots!
Create Twin Sinks
For shared bathrooms, installing an extra sink can be a brilliant move. As a rule, you’ll need a minimum of 60 inches to comfortably accommodate two sinks. Vessel or undermount styles will make the most of limited counter space.
Update Lighting
Swap out contractor-grade light fixtures for something more stylish and functional. For a layered lighting effect, include overhead as well as task lighting at the vanity mirror. Install a dimmer for added versatility and control.
Integrate Custom Storage
Consider how much storage you need when selecting vanities and other cabinetry, and don’t overlook the convenience of having multiple drawers for keeping cosmetics and toiletries close at hand. If space is tight, go vertical with shallow shelves or upper cabinets.
Add a Neutral Palette
Keep paint colors light and neutral in the bathroom for a clean, fresh look. Colors like Sherwin-Williams Sea Salt SW 6204 or Behr Evaporation N450-1 will give the space an airy feel, and the white fixtures will pop in contrast.
Option No. 1: Play Up the Tub
If you have a tub, transform it into a dreamy destination by styling it with your favorite bath products and accessories. Keep pretty towels, aromatic soaps and colorful bath salts within reach. Add plants and interesting vessels into the mix for a designer look.
Option No. 2: Add a Spacious Shower
If your bathroom has a tiny, outdated tub, consider having a contractor replace it with a spacious shower. Thoughtful features like built-in shelves, storage niches and benches are upgrades you (or future owners) will greatly appreciate.
Install New Tile
Whether it’s on the floor, tub surround or shower, choose your tile wisely — it’s not something that can be easily replaced down the line. Stick with classic designs, neutral colors and a pattern you can live with for a long time. Keep in mind, large tiles can help a small room appear more spacious, and diagonal installation can help a narrow room appear wider.
Update Shower Fixtures
Replacing a dated showerhead with a new one is so easy you can likely do it yourself. Extra points for having a pro install luxury features; hand- and multi-head showerheads or multifunction shower systems will give the space a spa-like feel.
Let in Natural Light
Whether you’re putting on makeup or just trying to wake up, natural light in a bathroom is always a win. Even a small transom window can provide a significant amount of light and help a small bathroom feel airy and bright.
Do a Deep Clean
You’d be surprised at how a deep clean of every nook and cranny can refresh the overall appearance of your bathroom. Scrub caked-on residue off cabinets, fixtures and out of grout lines. Get your bathroom sparkling with homemade cleaners you can make in minutes.
Dive into the Garden Media Group’s 2018 annual report to showcase the hottest garden trends and styles.
Eating healthier, getting in shape and finding a creative outlet are among the common resolutions you can tackle at home.
Some New Year’s resolutions, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or learning to fly a plane, definitely require you leaving your house. But for many common resolutions that focus on your body, spirit and mind, there’s no reason to leave the comfort of home. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions and ideas for accomplishing them in your house.
1. Eat healthier. Eating healthier should start right at home. Not only is cooking at home generally less expensive than eating at a restaurant, but it also allows you to monitor the type and quality of food you’re consuming. So stock up on those pots and pans and get cooking.
Tip: If you’re running low on storage space for your cooking supplies, consider adding pegboard to a wall so you can hang items.
2. Get in shape. Among the most common New Year’s resolutions is to get in better shape. But that doesn’t mean you have to join an expensive gym. Finding a space in your home to use as a gym or yoga studio will allow you to get the job done under your own roof.
Tip: Any room in your house with enough floor space for a yoga mat can be transformed into a studio.
3. Get more sleep. Many studies have shown that getting a full eight hours of sleep is a key factor in good health. Whether it’s buying a new mattress or installing blackout shades, there are many ways to promote better sleep.
Tip: Make your bedroom a television-free zone to avoid late-night binge watching.
4. Read more. Whether you prefer e-readers or traditional paper books, finding more time to read can be good for your mind and spirit. Creating a cozy spot in your home with good lighting will make you want to stay in and read all the more, especially in the winter months.
Tip: Create a reading nook that can be used all day long by setting up a comfy chair next to a window for natural light and adding a lamp or sconce for reading at night.
5. Pamper yourself. It’s important to be kind to others and it’s also important to be kind to yourself. Taking some time to pamper yourself by creating a spa-like bathroom will make you feel better inside and out.
Tip: Simply keeping a fluffy robe in your bathroom to slip into after a shower or bath can give you a bit of the spa life at home.
6. Find a creative outlet. Life can be busy and filled with many practical pursuits, from going to work to washing the dog, but that’s no reason to not tend to your creative interests. Whether it’s painting, pottery or papier-mâché, find something that gets your juices flowing.
Tip: If you’re having trouble finding subject matter for your art, try reproducing a classic work until you find your voice.
7. Go outside more. Carving out more time to enjoy Mother Nature has many well-known benefits. But you don’t have to hit the slopes or bike trail to enjoy nature. If you’re lucky enough to have a yard or even a balcony, try out your green thumb by starting a garden this year.
Tip: Do you have a favorite herb or vegetable? Start your garden by growing what you love.
8. Start a collection. Whether the collection evokes childhood nostalgia, like the Pez dispensers seen here, or aligns with your current interests, starting a collection gives you a chance to immerse yourself in a passion and share it with others.
Tip: Collections don’t have to be expensive. If it’s valuable to you, that’s all that matters.
9. Get organized. If you want to kick off the new year right, getting organized might be the way to go. Whether it’s tackling a messy garage or a closet bursting at the seams, consider starting 2018 with a clean slate.
Tip: Don’t start off with the biggest and messiest job. Begin small by cleaning out a desk or junk drawer.
10. Write more. If you’ve ever aspired to write the Great American Novel or perhaps a chapbook of poems, there’s no time like the present. Find a quiet corner in your house and put pen to paper. Even simply keeping a daily diary will provide a chance to reflect.
Tip: Before you plop down and start writing, it might be worth looking into ergonomic desk chairs to support your lumbar region.
It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year.
The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring as compared to the rest of the year? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed the months in which most people listed their homes for sale in 2017. Here is a graphic showing the results:
The three months in the second quarter of the year (represented in red) are consistently the most popular months for sellers to list their homes on the market. Last year, the number of homes available for sale in January was 1,680,000.
That number spiked to 1,970,000 by May!
What does this mean to you?
With the national job situation improving, and mortgage interest rates projected to rise later in the year, buyers are not waiting until the spring; they are out looking for homes right now. If you are looking to sell this year, waiting until the spring to list your home means you will have the greatest competition amongst buyers.
Bottom Line
It may make sense to beat the rush of housing inventory that will enter the market in the spring and list your home today.
Leslie Grover:
617-438-7717
leslie@grovergrouprealty.com
Danny Zelada:
617-800-7779
danny@grovergrouprealty.com
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