Outdoor Improvements

Economy puts us in a gardening state of mind

Homeowners are expected to spend more time perfecting and enjoying their outdoor living space this year in spite of -- and because of -- the economy. Mai Ling Slaughter, a Seattle-base real estate reporter and writer, informs that Americans who expect to be stuck in their homes for longer than they'd anticipated because of low home prices, seem to be making the most of it.

Despite the poor economy, homeowners aren't holding back on beautifying their yards, although they are holding back on some of the pricier purchases such as outdoor refrigerators and other appliances.

Perhaps it's actually because of the economy that Americans are planning to spend even more time in their yards this year, forgoing vacations for the cheaper and often more relaxing "staycation".

According to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects, 94% of residential landscape architects polled expect outdoor living spaces, such as kitchens and entertaining areas, to remain popular in 2010, though on a more inexpensive scale.

4 hot backyard trends

"Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we’ve seen in past years," said Nancy Somerville, the group's executive vice president and chief executive.

Also popular in the outdoor space this year will be features that both increase design elements and reduce time and money, including low-maintenance landscapes, drip/water-efficient irrigation, native/adapted drought-tolerant plants and less lawn, according to the survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The classic outdoor grill remains the most popular outdoor kitchen feature, receiving a 94% rating from the architects polled, with outdoor counter space at 73% and more elaborate features such as outdoor refrigerators and sinks closer to 50% in popularity.

Similarly, seating and dining areas are remaining popular, with more preference for benches and seatwalls over weatherized outdoor furniture, while fire pits and outdoor fireplaces maintain their popularity as well. Perks that are on the decline for outdoor rooms include stereo systems, outdoor heaters and TVs.

What do you hope to add to your outdoor living space this summer, or have you already prepared the perfect backyard retreat? What would you recommend to those still in the planning stages? We'd love to hear your ideas for making your outdoor space a sanctuary that will add value to your home!

Home Improvement

With your house almost certainly worth less now than it was three years ago --and with more declines possible -- you may feel stuck in your current place. Stuck, and bummed out.

Time to get over it. A new house with a snazzier kitchen or a big media room may seem like the ticket to happiness. But the burgeoning field of evidence-based design -- backed by science that studies the effect of built spaces on our brains and bodies -- indicates that neither tons of space nor high-end furnishings are key to your home satisfaction. Much more important are things that may seem minor but that pack a big emotional wallop.

"Light and color have a definite impact on people's emotional response," says Alison Whitelaw, a San Diego architect and vice president of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, a group that brings research scientists and designers together.

Maximizing full-spectrum light during the day, matching wall color and ceiling height to a room's purpose, and placing the main seating in the "power position" (ideally with a wall at your back) -- those are just some of the tricks researchers say are proven to make houses feel better to their occupants.

Now is a great time to take advantage of these insights. According to a recent poll commissioned jointly by Money and home-improvement chain Lowe's, 52% of homeowners say they are focused on smaller projects that increase their enjoyment of their homes even if they don't increase its value.

Read more tips using this link!

http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/26/real_estate/home_fixes.moneymag/index.htm

Mortgage Rates Drop!

Mortgage Rate Drop to Below 5% Stirs Demand

U.S. mortgage rates retreated below 5 percent last week, propping demand for home loans, Mortgage Bankers Association data showed on Wednesday.

February's volatile housing demands come on the heels of a January sales slump, blamed mainly on unusually harsh winter weather. The industry group's market index, which measures requests for loans to buy homes and refinance, rose by a seasonally adjusted 14.6 percent in the week ending Feb. 26 to the highest level since mid-December.

Purchase applications increased 9 percent, while refinancing requests jumped 17.2 percent last week as average 30-year mortgage rates fell 0.08 percentage points to 4.95 percent."Mortgage applications rebounded last week, particularly refis, as rates dropped back below 5 percent," Michael Fratantoni, vice president of research and economics at MBA, said in a statement.

Rate drops always stimulate interest! As we head into the spring housing market, this is certainly good news.

Curb Appeal!

We've talked about some general tips to get the interior of your home cleaned up and in selling condition. But the first thing that buyers see, either by driving by or viewing general website pictures, is the exterior of your property. By making that first impression a positive one, prospective buyers are more likely to enter your home. We touched on some basic tips in our previous post --- clean up the yard, rake the leaves, check out the landscaping. But here are some more detailed thoughts about improving the look of your home at first glance.

Curb Appeal Tips for Sellers

Are you stuck for curb appeal ideas? Start by walking across the street from your house. Now that you can see your entire front yard, you can see what everyone else sees as they drive by.

Curb appeal starts at the curb. If all you've got is a mail box, think about spicing it up with some shrubbery.

A little light at the end of the driveway can give a welcoming feeling, too. That's what curb appeal is all about. Not sure? Try checking in the evening. A welcoming home is bright and cheerful even at night.

Now, walking up to your house using the driveway, how does the entry look? Can you see the front door from the curb or from the driveway? Do you have a sidewalk to the front door? Consider adding lights that line your walkway. They are both decorative and functional, and guests will have an easy time finding the front door with the right lighting.

If the front door is easily overlooked, this is another great place to increase your curb appeal.

Make your entry area stand out a little. Here are some quick ideas:

• Paint the front door a bright or contrasting color. Make sure it is tasteful. You don't want to be known as the "house with the purple door". Most buyers want something neutral.
• Plant colorful shrubs on either side of the front door.
• Check that porch light. Is it outdated? Replacements are an inexpensive investment.
• If you have a mailbox at the front door, make sure that it looks updated.
• If you have your street numbers on your home, make sure that they are easily visible and match the look you've created with updated lights and the mailbox.
• If you do have a walkway to the front door, make sure that it is in good repair with no cracks, weeds or roots showing.
• One landscaping idea for the front door -- urns. Large urns overflowing with flowers instantly grab your attention. The color in the vases will pull your gaze to the door area. If you have them on either side, it easily creates a grand entry feel. Placing urns at the front entry is also a great way to still be able to plant annuals in the spring without having to invest a lot of time.

TIP
In cold weather climates, a smart investment is to buy urns that can stay out all winter. Think metal, stone, or concrete.

If you have shrubbery in the front yard, or lining the house, make sure that they are trimmed and not growing out of control. If you have flower beds in front, make sure that they are weeded and look well-cared for. A nice layer of mulch, even during cold weather, always gives a cleaner and more polished look to your landscaping.

Don't forget the structure itself! If your house has peeling paint or safety issues in the front, those really should be addressed. A sidewalk that might trip guests or a hand rail that moves needs to be fixed right away. If you have shutters, make sure that they are not loose and look new or freshly painted. Check gutters and downspouts to make sure that they look sound.

All of these items are a part of the first impression of your home. If you're putting your house up for sale, curb appeal can increase the value of your home and help it sell more quickly. If you're really stuck on how to improve things, check with your real estate agent or hire a landscape designer for a consultation.

In this competitive market, making sure that the outside and the inside of your home look as new and udpated as possible will really improve your selling chances.

Get an edge on the competition!

Your house can make a great impression -- and it starts at the curb.