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Published Articles
The Right Price: List,
Offer, Counter, and Sale
All About Aging in Place
A Facelift For Your
Home
Bedroom Layouts
Give An Extra Edge To Home Sellers
Bonus Idea for Kids
Rooms
Curb Appeal: It’s
All About First Impressions
Home Office High
on Wish List of Home Buyers
Hot Trend in Room Additions—Outdoor
Kitchens
Reap Profits from Your Garden
An Updated Kitchen can
Make Your Home Sell Faster
The Right Price:
List, Offer, Counter, and Sale
By: Fort Lauderdale Broker Gary
Lanham
Reprinted
with Permission of Forum Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel
Co.
First you have the asking price, followed
by the offer, perhaps a counter offer, or two, and, finally, the
sold-for price. This simply-described process can, in fact, be
quite complicated, especially when you factor in the emotional
element of home ownership. Whether you are a seller or buyer,
you need to be armed with facts about the property itself, the
neighborhood and surrounding area, recent sales of similar properties
in your location, and the general market conditions. For example,
is it a so-called “buyer’s market,” and if so,
why?
Those of you searching for a property know
well that the current South Florida real estate market is hot,
and that means “seller’s market” conditions
prevail. But armed with factual information, you can still find
the right house for you at the best price. Sellers, too, need
the same data in order to set a realistic asking price. Here are
a few steps to get you started in the pricing process.
Comparable Sales – Suppose you paid
$100K for your home 10 years ago, have maintained it in good condition,
and now want to move to a new condo. $200K—triple your investment—could
sound like a great deal. That is, until you do your homework.
A review of recent sales of similar houses in your neighborhood
might reveal that your tropical haven has appreciated even more,
and a fair asking price is actually in the $350-375K range. This
is essential information for the seller and the buyer. You can
track it down yourself, but a real estate professional can present
you with a detailed description of recent “comps”
within a matter of hours.
Time Line – Regardless of other market
conditions, a primary factor in a real estate sales transaction
is time. How soon do you need to sell, get your money out of it,
and move? A seller who has had a job transfer and wants to move
his family in time for the new school year may set an asking price
lower than one who is planning to downsize to a condo he has not
yet selected. A buyer whose apartment lease is coming up for renewal
may be willing to offer more than one who is not under pressure
to vacate his current dwelling. Interest rate trends impact the
time factor, as well as the psychological pressure of missing
out on the last good deal in a hot market.
Efficient Prospecting – Sellers seek
buyers, and vice-versa. Sellers want to reach those shoppers searching
for a home in their area, in their price range, as quickly as
possible. Buyers need to sift through hundreds of listings and
narrow their search to a reasonable number of places that meet
their wants and wallets. The best solution for both sides: establish
a relationship with a real estate professional. They network with
other realtors, gaining the greatest exposure in the market targeted
for the home you want to sell. For buyers, a realtor can help
you avoid time wasted in your search (and the possibility of missing
the perfect place) by providing a list of houses for you to inspect
that meets your specifications.
So many factors go into home pricing—square
footage, lot size, pool and landscape features, and more. It can
be a daunting task for the homeowner, who may face this challenge
only a few times in his or her lifetime. Real estate professionals
do it every day.
Let us help you avoid unpleasant pitfalls,
and make your real estate transaction a pleasant and rewarding
experience.
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All
About Aging in Place
By Ft. Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
Reprinted with
Permission of Forum Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel
Co.
In a society that seems to focus on youth,
aging is about to become fashionable, thanks to the enormous influence
of the Baby Boom Generation, the oldest of whom are closing in
on 60. Boomers have always been trend setters, and their retirement
lifestyle will be no exception. They are healthier, wealthier
and more active than previous generations and their expectations
of quality of life are high. They have always valued independence,
and will not go easily into institutional settings to live out
their later years.
Enter the concept of aging in place. It’s
one of the hottest trends in residential planning and embraces
the principles of universal design. That means wider doorways
and hallways; non-skid surfaces; zero-step entry into the house;
mid-wall electric receptacles; lever handles on faucets and doors;
and a whole host of elements in a design to create living spaces
that will be accessible and safe for people as they age.
What homeowners are discovering as they learn
about modifications that accommodate a wheelchair or avoid stairs
is that the same features can make life more comfortable for younger
populations, as well. Consider these features:
- The first floor master bedroom suite is
highly desirable in new home construction. It allows a couple
a private retreat separate from bedrooms of other family members.
- Hallways four feet or more in width create
a space for an art or photo gallery, a linear library lined
with bookshelves, or a display for collections of any kind.
Should injury, illness or normal aging necessitate the use of
a wheelchair, the extra wide hallway keeps all rooms accessible.
- The same goes for doorways. Add just a
few inches at the building stage, and when the need arises,
people can stay in their homes and avoid costly retrofitting.
Lever handles on faucets and doors make their operation easier
not only for someone with arthritis, but also for anyone with
arms full of toddlers, toys, groceries or cleaning paraphernalia.
- Steps to an entry can be treacherous at
any age, especially in inclement weather, or when carrying groceries,
bringing in a child’s stroller or trying to hang on to
the dog lurching his way outside. Unsightly ramps are being
replaced by zero step entry engineering, desirable for any age.
- A first-floor bathroom will be useful not
only for an older or disabled person, but also a houseguest
using the den as a bedroom. And where else will you give that
dog a bath?
- A flat ledge on the edge of a bathtub looks
luxurious in design magazines. But it can actually be a safety
feature, allowing a person to sit while entering the tub.
- Also in the bath, water controls close
to the entry side make operation easier and safer, not only
when bathing, but also when cleaning the tub.
- Hand-held showers may have originated to
assist the elderly and disabled, but they have evolved into
a stylish accent, much preferred over the conventional fixed
head.
- Anti-scald devices are essential in any
home with small children. Obviously, they make sense for every
bath.
- Grab bars have graduated from utilitarian
ugly to stylish accent pieces, some of which can double as towel
bars. It is essential that they be installed during construction,
or added by a professional, so that they are securely attached
to the studs.
These are just a
few of the many design features you can find in today’s
new homes, or add during a remodeling project. Clearly, they make
anyone’s life easier. But most importantly, it is features
like these that allow you to stay in your home as long as possible
as you age. That is what 86 percent of older Americans want, according
to AARP. Their website www.aarp.org
is a good resource for information on this topic.
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A Facelift
For Your Home
By: Fort Lauderdale Broker Gary
Lanham
Just as a student prepares for a test, you
should prepare your home before putting it up for sale. Garish
colors, carpet stains, or the tape measure on the wall that keeps
track of your children’s growth can turn a buyer away.
Stash away some personal items that identify
the home as yours. Buyers want to see a reflection of themselves
living in your home. Put flower arrangements or pretty accessories
around the room. That painting over the sofa is “artsy”
to you, but might be offensive to a buyer.
A sharp realtor will give you valuable advice
about do’s and don’ts, so listen up!
Realtors will be more enthusiastic about bringing
a potential buyer to your domicile when a minimum amount of touch
up is necessary.
Just as a buyer often hires a qualified home inspector to survey
a home, a seller can hire a licensed inspector to discover what
structural, electrical, plumbing or other changes are necessary
to bring your home into what is acceptable code. The “Full
Disclosure” law says these findings have to be revealed
to the buyer. If you choose not to have some, or all, of the items
modified, the buyer might still be interested in negotiating an
adjustment in the asking price, if you, the seller are amenable.
Having this information puts a seller in a stronger negotiating
position.
A seller cannot hold back information. The more your home is buyer
friendly, the easier it will be to sell. Many first time buyers
want to buy a home without having to make many changes. Let your
house answer their need as much as possible.
Start your facelift at the beginning of your property. Flowers
add color and say, “Welcome.” Confederate Jasmine
close to the entry exudes a wonderful fragrance and Rosemary trees
release an aromatic scent. Mist the trees with water to produce
a fragrant scent. Trimmed hedges and a manicured lawn also are
introductions to what lies behind the front door. A simple water
fountain in the garden area is incredibly soothing and produces
a relaxing atmosphere.
Does your front door look tired and worn? If it does wash it with
a cleaning agent, apply fresh paint, wash off fingerprints, etc.
If the door is beyond a facelift, buy a new door that adds an
interesting dimension to the house.
Find out what you are allowed to do to update your front door
if you are selling your condominium apartment.
Your kitchen is an important part of the selling process. Some
buyers want a kitchen to reflect their own culinary needs. When
doing a walk-through, I often remark, “This kitchen is just
waiting for your own touch!” And, it probably is!
If you have an awkward space or no furniture in the for sale home,
the interior will lack eye appeal. To overcome this, I have worked
with Urban Interiors, a creative firm that provides vignettes
for living rooms, dining rooms, foyers and kitchens. They turn
ho-hum into WOW with ease. A home sells faster when it has inviting
furnishings and accessories and. Candice Hillier, a Poinsettia
Heights resident and owner of Urban Interiors, can really jazz
up spaces that cry out for help.
Some basic things to keep in mind when you want to sell: Make
sure light bulbs work. Open your blinds. Get dirty dishes out
of the sink.
Vacuum the carpeting.
Repair runny toilets and drippy faucets. Get rid of mold and mildew.
Get the clutter out of the closets. Don’t let cigarette
smoke taint the atmosphere. Take your pet for a walk when your
home is being shown.
Always give the prospective buyer and realtor privacy. Your realtor
will have answers to basic questions a buyer asks. If a sale is
not made the realtor can review objections that were mentioned.
This can be a valuable tool for you to consider addressing.
Remember, as important as curb appeal is…so is your home’s
personality. Let it shine through. Your realtor’s job is
to help you show your home to its best advantage.
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Bedroom
Layouts Give An Extra Edge To Home Sellers
By: Ft. Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
Reprinted with Permission
of Forum Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel Co.
While a kitchen may be the heart of the family
home, as individuals, each member of the household probably cherishes
his or her own bedroom most.
The master bedroom, girl’s room, boy’s
room, kids’ room – these are the spaces that go far
beyond providing a placed to stash our stuff and sleep.
Children play and study in their rooms. Entrepreneurs
and telecommuters conduct business activities in a home office
created from an otherwise spare bedroom. Exercise buffs might
house equipment in the extra bedroom. Hobbyists enjoy a room available
to house their projects and the supplies needed to pursue them.
By far, the most popular combinations in For
Sale listings are 3/2 and 4/3, referring to numbers of bedrooms/bathrooms.
In new construction, the trend toward larger houses includes more
bedrooms and baths, with the result that 5/4, 5/5 units are increasingly
common.
The location of bedrooms in the overall floor
plan is important, too. The most desirable “split”
floor plan places the master bedroom on one side of the house
and the other two or three bedrooms on the other side. An exception
might be parents with a newborn who wish to have a bassinette
in their own room, or in an adjoining nursery.
In a two-story residence, first-floor master
bedrooms are now sought after. In part, this trend is being pushed
by the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. For their retirement
years, these folks look for easy access to a bedroom on the first
floor. In townhouses and traditional colonials, home elevators
are a fashionable, and an increasingly affordable, option.
Perhaps the most important trend in bedrooms
is the growing desire for larger master bedrooms and the bathrooms.
Luxurious square footage allows separate areas for sleeping, dressing,
bathing, grooming, and lounging. Interior design and retail stores
feature elaborate groupings of bedroom furniture that include
not only a bed, dresser and chest of drawers, but also entertainment
armoires and media equipment, upholstered pieces for seating areas
and reading nooks, and accessory pieces for writing letters or
using a laptop. Very large master suites may set aside space for
a morning kitchen, exercise equipment, and even a washer and dryer.
Walk-in closets are in high demand, the bigger
the better. Not only are they being designed as large as rooms
once were they are also being furnished. Walls of drawers, organizer
bins, remote controlled hanger units, dressing tables, mirrors,
and more can be ordered for a walk-in closet.
Designs for these large closets often include
windows and skylights to provide natural light in dressing areas.
Closet systems with compartments and drawers for lingerie, jewelry,
sweaters, shoes, purses and hanging clothes are available custom
made from specialty companies or in do-it-yourself kits from discount
chain stores.
Of course, real luxury can be found in the
latest bath décor for master suites. Enormous soaking tubs
or whirlpool tubs claim prize spots in bathroom bay windows, or
even in the middle of the bedroom itself.
Separate water closets, his and her vanities,
oversize showers, and walk-in closets with dressing tables all
belong in these luxury bathrooms.
If you are stuck with a 5-by-7-foot bathroom,
but long for luxury, consider removing the tub and replacing it
with a seamless glass floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shower with
multiple showerheads, bench, and specialty lighting fixtures.
And if you have two small, adjoining bedrooms,
consider removing a wall to create the large master of your dreams.
Even if remodeling is not in your budget,
these are many decorating ideas that can turn a boring bedroom
into a serene retreat. A new coat of paint, floor covering, window
treatments, furniture and lighting can transform any room. Free
up space on nightstand by replacing a table lamp with a swing-arm
wall lamp.
Tuck a chair in a corner for a cozy reading
nook. Save space with a wall-hung TV set. Install dimmer switches
for lights to vary the mood of the room.
Before you start, consult with an interior
designer, visit model homes, and page through home magazines for
ideas. This is especially important if you are planning to sell
your home.
Since bedrooms, in particular masters, are
often dealmakers or breakers, you want to make yours as impressive
as possible.
And, if your bedroom suite is a spectacular
one, lead with that feature when you list your home for sale.
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Bonus Idea for Kids Rooms
By Ft. Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
Reprinted with Permission of Forum
Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel Co.
From a Realtor’s point of view, the
importance of kids’ rooms varies according to each client’s
particular needs and lifestyle. One reason three or more bedrooms
have always been desirable is that the traditional home buyer
was a married couple with children. But over the last few decades,
the demographics of home buyers have changed dramatically. Young
marrieds, single, professional men and women, heterosexual and
gay couples, single parents with shared custody of children—any
and all of these are typical home buyers today.
In South Florida, retirees are traditionally
a large percentage of homeowners, and their numbers are increasing.
Many will downsize for their own needs, yet they want to have
room for visits from children and grandchildren.
Most of us don’t have room to add guest
suites, a playroom, workroom and home gym to our existing homes.
But with careful planning, we can create a place for all these
uses, and more. How? Build a bonus room. Basically, a bonus room
is a large, finished, interior space that is not dedicated for
any other specific purpose. While it could be a spare bedroom
or den, generally the space is in addition to traditional interior
rooms. In new construction, architects can place them in roof
areas above the basic house. In remodels and additions, finishing
lofts and attics, and building living space above a garage are
common plans.
Bonus rooms are intended as multi-purpose
rooms, and therefore, a large size is desirable. That is why building
above the garage is so popular. A 24-foot-square room offers a
lot of space. And attic and above-garage locations allow the use
of lots of windows for natural light.
Décor and furnishing are personal choices,
and may vary according to how the room is being used. Since bonus
rooms are insulated, with cooling and heating and finished walls,
almost any activity can find a home there. One might house a game
room, while another will be an all purpose play room for kids.
. A room that holds exercise equipment can also serve as an artist’s
studio. For visiting grandchildren, sleeping bags and cots in
the bonus room can make for lots of fun, and free up bedrooms
for the grown ups.
A few accessories can open up lots of activities
for the kids. Provide cushioned floor mats for them to practice
tumbling and acrobatic skills. Install rope ladders and rock-wall
holds for energetic climbing activities. Paint a wall with chalkboard
paint for drawing, tic-tac-toe, hangman and other games. Furnish
drop cloths, paints, brushes and poster paper tacked to a wall
and let the kids explore creative art. If room allows, a table
tennis set will provide hours of fun. Simple accessories, such
as plastic tables for games, jigsaw puzzles and card playing are
inexpensive, easily stored, and always popular.
Don’t have a bonus room? Older homes
in established neighborhoods most likely remain a ranch or two-story
design with traditional room layouts. But that doesn’t mean
you can’t be creative with your interior design. Instead
of a typical Disney-like kid’s motif, consider a more sophisticated
color palette that won’t be outdated in a couple of years.
Use lots of color in furnishings, linens and window coverings.
As kids mature, these rooms can be transitioned to house the computer
and other high-tech media gadgets more suited to their age. And
if you have such a room, but no kids remain at home, a makeover
can yield a beautiful library, guest bedroom, den or studio. At
resale time, if the buyer needs a child’s room, redecorating
returns the room to its original function.
You might want to consider the addition of
a bonus room. It will add value to your home and make a highly
desirable feature when it comes time to sell. If you are fortunate
enough to have a bonus room, lead with this feature at resale.
Curb Appeal: It’s All About
First Impressions
By Fort Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
First impressions can make or break a relationship,
whether it is a new neighbor, business associate, or prospective
significant other. First impressions make a huge impact on our
interest in tangible goods, as well. With so many choices available,
advertisers know they have but a few minutes to capture your attention
when you are shopping for a new car, designer clothes or holiday
gifts. And when it comes to real estate, curb appeal can make
the difference between the house-hunting traffic driving by, or
stopping to take a closer look at your property.
Interior design focuses on finishing touches
for the inside of your home by coordinating colors and textures
on walls, surfaces and furnishings. Landscape design does the
same for the outside of your home. Narrow it down even further,
to the front yard area, and we have our focus on curb appeal
- Enhance the style of your house and setting.
Whether your house is a Florida ranch or Mediterranean two-story,
the right mix of tree canopy, flowering shrubs and ground covers
will put it in its best perspective. Thanks to our South Florida
climate, transplanting plants, shrubs, and even mature trees
can instantly transform your site into an inviting tropical
garden.
- Distinguish your house from similar ones
in the neighborhood. Even if your street is lined with terra
cotta tile roofs atop beige stucco houses, your property can
turn heads with landscape enhancements. Say you have twin Royal
palms that flank a circle drive. Add three more to create a
dramatic linear statement. Replace flat expanses of turf with
pockets of plantings that add color and dimension. For example,
try using the cooper and bronze leaves of an Acalypha, the emerald
green of the ficus green island neatly tailored with a covering
of eucalyptus mulch. The resulting composition will be seen
and enjoyed from both inside and outdoors.
- Use Hardscaping to Soften Angles. Concrete
walkways are efficient, but why not add some stepping-stones
to invite a stroll through a cutting garden. And a winding walkway
of brick pavers can lead to a garden bench where one can sit
and enjoy the setting. An arrangement of cap rock injects texture
and shape among garden greenery, and can serve as a retaining
wall or foundation for a water feature.
- Go for a Gate. Here’s an opportunity
to accent architectural style. Gates can be functional parts
of a perimeter fence, or stand-alone structures, much like a
piece of sculpture. White picket, perhaps with a curved arch
and side benches, will flatter the popular cottage style. Contemporary
styles are best expressed in wood or metal, while bamboo brings
an oriental or tropical flavor to mind. Just for fun, don’t
limit yourself to one gate at the main front yard entry. Consider
a pretty gated arbor to introduce a rose garden, or a shaded
alcove that harbors an orchid collection.
- Create a garden room in front. Expand your
living area with a front patio garden. Many new designs feature
French doors that open to a brick or flagstone surface enclosed
with a pergola or shade trellis. Colorful vines, such as bougainvillea,
mandevilla, and thunbergia can be trained to trail across the
structure, creating a natural ceiling of greenery and colors.
Large leafed shrubs, such as bird of paradise, giant philodendron,
alocasia can buffer street noise and create a privacy screen.
An inviting outdoor room hints at the warmth of interior rooms
beyond the front door.
As you can see, curb appeal isn’t just
for selling a house. It is for all the time the home is yours—not
just a first, but a lasting impression for your enjoyment.
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Home Office High on Wish List of Home Buyers
By Fort Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
Reprinted with Permission of Forum
Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel Co.
Lifestyles have always influenced home design,
and today’s fast-paced, high-tech, multi-tasking society
is making its mark on interior floor plans. Modern kitchens go
far beyond utilitarian service. They are hugely important gathering
areas for family and guests. Rather than occupying a back corner
of the house, kitchens are centrally located, open to other living
areas and serve a variety of purposes.
Another trend is the fading importance of
formal living/dining areas separate from the family room. Great
rooms now serve as the family’s hub for eating, entertaining,
and day-to-day activities. Media rooms with surround sound, wall-sized
screens and theater seating are readily available options. And
three-car garages are common in new home construction.
Working at Home
Not only are we spending more leisure time at home, many of us
work there as well. And that trend drives the demand for a well
appointed home office. While a desk and file cabinet in the corner
of a guest room, family room or kitchen can serve as home office
space, today’s sophisticated buyers want a separate room
dedicated to work activities for one or more members of the household.
Visit a model home and you are likely to see
a home office adjacent to the entry, set off by stylish French
doors and lined with custom cabinetry and built-ins along with
fine wood desk, chair and file drawers. Furniture manufacturers
now produce specialty product lines to meet the demand for high
end home office design.
Remodel or Add On
Creation of a home office is a popular remodeling project, also.
Bedrooms, attics, even porches and garages are candidates for
conversion. But many homeowners choose to add on to their home
to achieve the desired home office space. While this can be a
costly endeavor, the added value can be realized at resale. Should
the buyer not need or want a separate home office, the space can
easily be reclaimed for a bedroom den or other family use. For
this reason, although many office/den rooms are built without
closets, it may be a good idea to include one at construction.
Closets are rarely a waste of space.
Market Conditions
Market conditions in South Florida have an unusual component—the
large number of foreign buyers. Our area has always been a draw
for vacationers seeking a second home, as well as investors looking
for growth. In recent years, however, international buyers who
regularly travel for business are buying homes to live in while
working here. For these buyers, a home office is not only desirable,
but essential.
How to Plan
Whether you decide to create a home office
as a do-it-yourself project, or hire a professional contractor,
here are a few basics to consider.
- Whose office is it? Some
couples share home office space, while others consider the room
more of a family area where the computer is located, bills are
paid, plus some part time professional activity. However, if
this is your primary work location, you may need a “Do
Not Disturb” sign to hang on the door.
- How much space do you need?
This will depend upon the nature of your business, and whether
you work at home full or part time. Be sure to allow for adequate
storage of equipment, office supplies, records and files.
- Do you require a separate entrance?
If you will have clients visiting your office, a separate entrance
will eliminate distractions from other activities in the home.
A nearby bathroom is another must have for visitors. And if
a future buyer does not need the office set up, this configuration
makes a nice guest suite.
- Invest in a home computer network.
Whether you remodel or add on, plan for a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
system. It will serve you well throughout the house with computer,
printer, video and sound systems and eliminate the nasty tangle
of wires under desks, and along floors.
- Inquire about possible tax benefits.
People who work from home may be able to claim some tax benefits
for the use of space and utilities. It’s best to check
with a tax professional for advice on an individual basis.
Surveys of home buyers suggest strong interest
in having a home office. And when it comes time to sell that property
with the nicely appointed home office, remember to lead with that
feature.
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Hot Trend
in Room Additions—Outdoor Kitchens
By: Fort Lauderdale Broker Gary Lanham
Reprinted with Permission of Forum
Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel Co.
Americans love summer cookouts—friends
gathered around the backyard barbeque grill, lounging under a
shady tree, playing in the pool or relaxing in the sun. In southern
Florida, this is a year round lifestyle. Perhaps that is why we
continue to upgrade the equipment and furnishings that make these
activities more convenient and enjoyable. Case in point: the outdoor
kitchen.
No longer content with heating hot dogs on
a hibachi, we now favor a fully equipped workspace complete with
countertop, built-in grill, under cabinet refrigerator and storage.
Throw in the proverbial kitchen sink, and even clean up is fast
and easy. Sound elaborate and expensive? It need not be. You can
design an outdoor kitchen to meet your needs without busting your
budget.
The good news: this trendy addition will return
close to 100 percent of your investment on resale, according to
industry experts. When it’s time to sell, lead with this
feature. Here are the basics of the outdoor kitchen.
Grill Island – This
is the heart of the installation, for anyone handy with tools,
it could be a do-it-yourself project. A covered area of the patio
would be ideal, but it doesn’t have to be. Stock cabinetry
at home improvement stores can be a starting point, or you can
have the island custom built. For a moderate investment, you can
house a 24-to-30-inch grill, plus warming surface and rotisserie,
a small sink and under counter refrigerator. You’ll want
to extend counter surface on both sides of the grill surface,
so there will be plenty of work space—including room for
a chef’s helper. Position the grill island so that smoke
will blow away from seating areas.
Refrigeration – Compact
refrigerators are relatively inexpensive and fit easily under
standard cabinets. But if you don’t have one, you can always
use coolers, plastic tubs and other sturdy containers to keep
refreshments readily available to you and your guests. Just fill
them will plenty of ice, cover and place in a shady spot. Remember,
blocks of ice last longer. Use plastic storage containers to form
ice blocks; keep blocks in plastic bags in freezer until party
time.
Storage - Have even more
patio space available? Add cabinetry and counter tops for storage
and preparation surfaces. If you have wall or corner space available,
you can include upper cabinets for additional storage of utensils,
glassware, serving and dinnerware. Allow about 36 inches between
wall and island. This configuration duplicates the highly efficient
galley layout of many indoor kitchens.
Food Prep and Clean up –
For a complete, and completely enjoyable outdoor kitchen, you
need a sink and running water. You can clean the veggies, keep
the cooks hands clean, and eliminate the running in and out that
would otherwise be necessary during meal preparation. Clean up
will not only be easier, it can be another enjoyable activity
of the outdoor lifestyle. And you’ll never have to leave
your guests. Or, better yet, they jump in and help.
Even if you can’t conveniently run water to a sink in your
island, it’s a good idea to provide a pan of water for soaking
greasy utensils. This will give the inside kitchen a head start
on clean up. Provide disposable wipes and paper towels to keep
hands and counters clean. And don’t forget containers or
plastic bags for discarding food scraps and paper trash.
Countertop – All of
the choices for indoor kitchens apply here. Granite is beautiful
and durable, but solid surface materials are excellent choices
also. It really depends on personal taste and budget. Just remember
that this is an extension of your home, and should blend with
the styles and colors of your décor.
What you create by replacing your stand-alone
barbeque grill with the above components is a room addition. The
built-in island, cabinet, and bar units form a new wall that actually
enlarges rather than encloses living space. Add comfortable tables
and chairs for dining, card and game playing, reading and relaxing,
and you have an inviting area well equipped for entertaining family
and friends.
The cost? It’s all over the place. But averages probably
fall between $3000 and $30,000—which would include all appliances,
cabinetry, plumbing, electrical and furniture. Clearly, custom
materials and furnishings will cost more than chain store stock.
But your enjoyment from this investment knows no limit. And an
outdoor kitchen is likely the least expensive room addition to
be had. In our tropical climate, it is sure to be a year round
winner for home owner, home seller and home buyer.
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Reap Profits
from Your Garden
Gardening for fun— and Profit!
By: Sallee Wheeler & Steve Snyder
Reprinted with permission of Florida
Garden Magazine, Copyright 2004
We all know that gardening is great exercise—it’s
good for you. Well, it may also be good for your retirement plan—in
more ways than one. Or, to put it another way: Money may grow
on trees, after all.
Don’t believe it? Meet Gary Lanham,
an agent with Atlantic Properties of Fort Lauderdale. “It’s
amazing the difference landscaping can make to the sale of an
average house,” he says. “We have studies showing
landscaping to be the best return on investment of any home improvement.”
How? Well, creating garden rooms expands the
home’s living space without the expense of constructing
walls. Need more space for casual dining, entertaining, working
on hobby projects, or just relaxing? In our tropical climate it
just makes sense to incorporate spaces for those activities outdoors,
rather than adding interior rooms, according to Lanham.
“While it is difficult to recoup the
cost of kitchen and bathroom renovations, the investment in quality
landscaping can be recovered 100-to-200 percent when a home is
sold,” says Lanham.
Lanham speaks from experience not only as
a real estate agent, but also from several years as a partner
in the prestigious landscaping firm of Luis Llenza Garden Designs.
As the marketing and business manager of the company, Lanham worked
alongside professional designer Luis Llenza on projects across
South Florida and Puerto Rico.
“Luis specializes in high-end residential
properties,” says Lanham. “His designs have transformed
plain yards into garden rooms that become the owner’s private
Eden. These lush landscapes with canopies for shade, flowering
shrubs for privacy, ground covers for color and features such
as fountains, stepping stones, and shade trellises create ‘pockets
of paradise,’ the tag line that has become synonymous with
a Luis Llenza design,” says Lanham.
In the highly desirable South Florida real
estate market, gorgeous gardens sell homes, notes Lanham. “It’s
very trendy now to expand and furnish outdoor areas. People are
even reclaiming formal front lawns to ‘redecorate’
as usable spaces for garden rooms.”
Lanham describes a project in Naples, on Florida’s
west coast, where the homeowners reconfigured the entrance through
the magic of a Luis Llenza garden design.
“Like many older Florida properties,
the value is in the land. This ‘60s-era ranch on a corner
lot faced a busy street. The front yard had conventional foundation
plantings, a few palms, and a wide expanse of lawn from door to
street,” Lanham explains. “These people love being
outside, and they wanted to be able to use the largest yard area
on the property. So we designed a plan that changed the access
to the front door, from the original street, to the less busy
avenue side. There, a new circular drive invites visitors to enter
and park. A rustic bamboo gate identifies the entry to a brick
walkway that winds among tropical foliage to the front door.
“French doors have replaced the home’s
front bay window, updating the façade and flooding the
interior with natural light. A shade trellis/pergola structure
supports bougainvillea vines that shade the new entry which opens
to a patio setting in what was once unused front yard space. Since
the address is no longer on the street side, a newly planted hedge
is growing to eventually enclose the now side garden,” Lanham
explains. “This will also create privacy and buffer street
noise,” he adds.
The overall result of the project is expanded
living space, maximized use of available lot, enhanced curb appeal,
enrichment of owner lifestyle. But the best news is the bottom-line
increase in property value without any structural changes. Even
if the next owner decides to tear down the house and build a new
and bigger one, the mature plantings and trees will be stay. That
is money well spent, an investment that realizes gains at point
of sale, unlike interior upgrades such as appliances, flooring,
etc. that will be torn down and discarded.
Experiences like the above gave Lanham the
idea to focus on landscaping as a marketing tool in real estate
sales, a twist that is paying off. “When homeowners, who
have invested time, energy and money into their gardens, are listing
their home for sale, they benefit from a realtor who can boost
the asking price by focusing a professional eye on the value-added
landscape of the home site,” he says. “Homes with
beautiful tropical plantings are easier and more profitable to
sell when the agent involved understands the market,” he
adds.
Lanham’s association with Luis Llenza
Garden Designs offers an additional bonus for home sellers. “Luis
can transform a plain yard into a tropical respite that will immediately
increase the home’s value and ensure a faster sale for the
best price possible,” Lanham says. “Landscape design
can often be the best bang for the buck, since buyers usually
plan on changing interior decor to suit their own taste.”
We know that people spend time and money in
their gardens for a variety of reasons. The hobbyist gardener
enjoys the activity and will devote leisure time to planning and
planting landscape areas of his property. Other homeowners may
appreciate the aesthetics of a well-designed landscape with colorful
plantings and decorative trees and shrubs. But after installation,
they will pay little attention to the yard beyond routine maintenance,
usually performed by a professional service. Whether or not you
enjoy hands-on, dig-in-the-dirt gardening yourself, you should
be aware that for today’s lifestyle, especially in our tropical
climate, yard space is not about turf and trees, it’s about
landscape design that expands living spaces beyond the four walls
of the home.
When it comes to spending money on your home,
you might hesitate about remodeling a kitchen or bath, upgrading
the flooring, or adding a room. Will you stay in the house long
enough to benefit from and enjoy the upgrade? Will you recoup
the money invested if you sell?
Ask these same questions about the flowers,
shrubs and trees you plant outside and the answers will consistently
be “Yes.” Garden enthusiasts know the instant gratification
realized from a newly planted flower or tree. So you reap aesthetic
rewards immediately. And as for recouping your investment: As
stated earlier in this article, you will likely profit handsomely
from your gardening efforts and investment. It is a definite win-win
endeavor for homeowners. That thought is enough to send you straight
to the garden center.
Steve Snyder is a free-lance writer
and business consultant, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He
can be reached at ssnyder301@aol.com. Sallee Wheeler is a free
lance writer based in Naples, Florida. She can be reached at onthegulf2000@aol.com.
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An
Updated Kitchen can Make Your Home Sell Faster
By: Gary Lanham
Reprinted with Permission of Forum
Publishing, a subsidiary of the Sun-Sentinel Co.
In 2006, even houses with new appliances,
updated baths and freshly decorated great rooms can take months
to sell. This is in sharp contrast to the same time last year
when home sales moved at a record pace, and even a handyman special
could bring bids above the asking price. Recent months have seen
a cooling off in the real estate market nationwide, and South
Florida is no exception. Not only are homes on the market longer,
many are selling at below asking price.
With the change to a buyer’s market,
sellers have to prepare their home to stand out among competing
properties, and they need a strategy for marketing their home
successfully. A real estate professional can help in both areas.
First, the agent can work with you to assess
your home’s strong points and identify areas that need attention
before offering it for sale. One element that has always been
a headliner in a home is a great kitchen. If you have one, make
it your leading feature. But if your kitchen looks outdated, you
will benefit from spending a few dollars to make it more attractive
to prospective buyers.
Depending upon your budget, you might consider
investing in new appliances. They need not be top of the line,
but a new refrigerator and range in shiny stainless steel can
make the entire kitchen feel new and stylish. A new faucet gives
the sink a facelift. Cabinets can be refaced, or repainted for
a cost-effective update. And a new countertop can be the crowning
glory at a very reasonable price.
Invest in a thorough cleaning of all surfaces,
with particular attention to the floor. If replacement is needed,
there are many do-it-yourself materials available for reasonable
cost. Don’t overlook a new paint job on walls and ceiling.
This improvement gives you the best bang for the buck.
Finally, consider changing cabinet knobs
and pulls for accent, along with new lighting fixtures where needed.
Task lighting is highly desirable, easily added under cabinets
and above islands and peninsulas. And chandeliers hang in many
of the newest, high style kitchens—consider adding one in
yours in place of a ceiling light.
Even with a house that shines and a picture
perfect kitchen, you still need to set the right asking price.
Ask your real estate agent for a professional appraisal of your
property and a detailed analysis of market conditions in your
area. Your realtor can quickly show you how many homes are for
sale in your neighborhood and how they compare to yours. And the
agent can provide a record of what comparable properties have
sold for during the last two calendar quarters, or, longer, if
desired, and how many days each took to sell.
For success in selling your home, you need
a lot of exposure to buyers. Your realtor can feature your home
in local and national print advertisements, as a multiple listing,
on web sites, and at open houses. In a volatile market, a realtor
can reassess at the one-month, three-month or six-month point,
and work with you to increase the salability of your house. For
example, perhaps a garden makeover can brighten the curb appeal
of your property to draw more interest from prospective buyers.
Working with an agent who knows your neighborhood can make the
difference in how quickly your deal closes.
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