Increase Appeal to Sell Your Home in Tampa Bay

Selling your home in Tampa does require additional marketing because of the current real estate market.  Of course, you want to make potentials buyers be attracted to your home.

There are some tips that this article will give you in order to make your home appealing enough to gain lots of potential buyers and soon you will have the best deal ever.

You have to look or view your home or you can ask a trusted person and appoint that person to approach your door and see things that you may not notice.  Does your home need to be repainted, do you need to replace your door, does the doorbell still working, are the faucets working well, are the railings safe, these are few of the things that you should look up to since it can help any interested buyers to decide whether they’ll be interested or not.

Impression is very important, so you have to check out your home and do improvements in order to gain good impressions. A clean and neat exterior can make potential buyers feel that you have maintained your home and it is in good condition.

Windows should also be clean, so you have to make sure to clean it all up or hire window-washing service to make sure that the windows are  clean and free from from fingerprints, Fido’s nose prints, cobwebs and debris.

In order to add home exterior decoration that can make a home appealing is by planting flowers and hanging potted plants. Make sure to clean the gutter and mow the lawn in order to make sure that your yard is appealing enough for buyers and visitors. If you can’t do the work, you can hire professional lawn service which will help you treat unhealthy grass.

If you have kids, you have to make sure that their toys are properly stored and do not leave toys on the floor, yard or inside your home.

If you have pets, you also have to make sure that they are in their proper places and never let them roam around your home, especially when potential buyers will come to visit. Not all people love pet, so you have to be careful.

You have to make sure as well that the house number of your home is visible enough in order for potential buyers to easily locate your home. Of course, if you want to sell your home, you will advertise your home for sale by making flyers, you can also use the internet. In making flyers, you have to put all the details about your home and put a photo of your home in the flyers.

Working with me as your real estate agent can be helpful as well time savings.  I have the skills and experiences in order to make sure that I can help you out in selling your home in Tampa real estate quickly.

Understanding How a Buyer’s Agent Can Help You

When purchasing a home, most people will have an opportunity to interact with one or more real estate sales people (often referred to as real estate agents or “realtors”). It is very important for a home buyer to understand the roles and responsibilities of a real estate sales person, especially who they represent in the real estate transaction. This article provides a brief overview of “typical” representation in a real estate transaction, and describes a buyer’s agent and the valuable contributions that they can make helping a home buyer to purchase a home.

A real estate sales person acts as an “agent” for one or more of the parties (buyer and/or seller) in a real estate transaction. An agent is an individual who works on behalf of another individual. Under the law of agency, which governs client/agent relationships, an individual acting as an agent for another individual must work to protect the “best interests” of their client (the person for whom they are acting as an agent). They are said to have a “fiduciary” responsibility to their client.

Typically in a real estate transaction, a real estate agent will obtain a listing from the seller of a home. The realtor and seller enter into a listing agreement whereby the realtor agrees to act as the agent for the home seller to help them to sell their home (listing their home in a listing service, marketing their home, holding open houses, showing their home etc.). This realtor is often referred to as the listing agent, listing realtor, or listing broker. In the listing agreement the home seller agrees to pay the listing agent for their services, typically a percentage of the selling price of the home. Since the listing agent often is not the individual to actually sell a home, the home seller also typically agrees to pay the agent who actually sells their home (the selling agent) for their services, also typically a percentage of the selling price of the home.

It is important for a home buyer to understand, that in the absence of any disclosure to the contrary, the listing agent acts as an agent of the home seller. The selling agent acts as a sub-agent to the listing agent. This means that both the listing and the selling agent are working for, and looking after the best interests of the home seller. Many buyers mistakenly assume they are being represented by the real estate agent who is showing them homes, when in fact that individual is usually working for the home seller. For this reason, many states require by law that real estate sales people disclose who they are working for to all parties to a real estate transaction at the beginning of any relationship. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also requires in their “Code of Ethics” that realtors disclose who they are working for at the first meeting between a realtor and a seller or buyer.

Many home purchasers are not happy with the typical “arrangement” whereby real estate agents are representing the seller, and they are left to represent themselves. Many home buyers prefer to have a trained, experienced real estate professional representing them in their real estate transactions. It is for this reason that many home buyers choose to hire a buyer’s agent (also referred to as a buyer’s broker or buyer’s representative). A buyer’s agent is an individual who is hired by a home buyer to represent them in a real estate transaction. Similar to a home seller, a buyer typically enters into a contract with the buyer’s agent. The contract should stipulate what services the buyers agent will provide, and what compensation the home buyer will give to the buyer’s agent if they successfully help them to purchase a home. Buyer’s agent compensation is typically a percentage of a home selling price. Buyer’s agent contracts typically have a term and provisions for how either party (the buyer or the real estate agent) can sever the contract.

A buyer’s agent acts as the agent for the buyer in a real estate transaction. Services that they provide include:

*Understanding a buyer’s home buying needs and desires.

*Helping buyers to understand what they can comfortably afford.

*Researching and helping to locate suitable homes in the appropriate communities that meet their buyer’s needs.

*Answering questions about homes, communities, the home buying process, and more.

*Helping a buyer to understand if a prospective home is fairly priced and helping them to formulate an offer for a home..

*Filling out all of the appropriate purchase offer documents and presenting them to the selling agent and home seller.

*Helping the buyer with negotiations or negotiating on behalf of the buyer.
*Providing lists of qualified individuals for other services needed such as attorneys, and home inspection services.

*Facilitating the flow of contracts between seller and buyer attorneys.

*Assisting the buyer in obtaining financing for their home purchase.

A buyer’s agent should not, however, provide advice on matters for which they have no training or expertise. They should not, for example, be providing legal advice. Buyers should work with qualified attorneys for legal advice. Buyer’s brokers can, however, assist a buyer in finding an appropriate attorney.

For their services, a buyer’s agent is compensated by the buyer. What typically happens in practice, however, is that the buyer and buyer’s agent will build into the offer a provision for the seller to provide the compensation to the buyer’s agent. Remember that a typical seller has already agreed to pay a selling agent commission when they entered into a listing contract. That means that there is typically money available to compensate the buyer’s agent for their efforts on behalf of the buyer. If the seller has made available less money than the buyer’s agent is entitled to by contract with the buyer, then one of several things can happen:

*The seller can agree as part of the negotiations to pay the discrepancy in order to sell their home.

*The buyer pays the additional amount out of their own pocket.

*The buyer’s agent agrees to accept less compensation than was originally agreed to to allow the transaction to go through.

Dual Agency, A Special Condition

A special condition can sometimes arise where a real estate agent is contractually obligated to both parties in a real estate transaction, as would be the case of a buyer’s agent showing one of their own listings. In this case “dual agency” is said to exist. The real estate agent is an agent to both parties. When this condition arises, a realtor should disclose the dual agency condition and obtain consent from both buyer and seller that they accept this condition. In many states, failure to disclose dual agency is a violation of the law for which a real estate agent can lose their license, be fined, and potentially receive a jail sentence. In a dual agency condition, the real estate agent acts as a neutral third party, not representing the interests of either party, but simply facilitating the transaction. Many consumer advocates are not happy with such arrangements because nobody is looking after the best interests of the consumers, in this case the buyer and the seller.

Conclusion

Buyer’s agents serve a very useful purpose helping to protect the interests of real estate buyers in real estate transactions. Individuals seeking to purchase a home who do not have a lot of experience with real estate should seriously consider hiring a buyer’s agent to represent them, and help them through the process, negotiations, and real estate transaction.

REALTOR® is a trademark of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

If you haven’t started working with a Real Estate Agent and are thinking of buying or selling a home in Tampa Bay, please contact  Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Charles Rutenberg Realty.   727-510-2100   RobDandrea.RealtyOffice@gmail.com                www.RobertDandrea.com

How to make your Halloween festivities extra spooky

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL 

(ARA) – Halloween is the second most decorated holiday, so it won’t be long until ghouls and goblins, witches and vampires, pumpkins and candy corn adornments begin appearing in advance of trick-or-treating and haunting celebrations.

This year, instead of buying your decorations, why not brew a little imagination? Just stir in a few items you already have around the house and a couple of cans of spray paint to create bewitching, inexpensive pieces for your home and yard.

Here are three project ideas to inspire and help you easily put some extra spookiness in your Halloween trick-or-treating.

Ghoulish gravestones
Turn a couple of old boxes into a chilling graveyard to keep the goblins and vampires at bay.

What you’ll need: Black granite textured “stone” spray paint, such as Krylon’s Make It Stone; spray adhesive; glow-in-the-dark paint; boxes (note: old shipping boxes work well); foam or wood letters; various Halloween decorations; hot or super glue; packing tape; newspaper; large nails or ground stakes; and scissors.

How to do it: Set up a spray paint area in a well-ventilated area by covering a table with newspaper. Assemble a box and tape over folded seams leaving one end open, as that will serve as the bottom of your gravestone. Cut a name plaque to fit the box from the cardboard of another and affix with spray adhesive. Glue letters onto the plaque.

Embellish the top of your gravestone with glued-on Halloween decorations, like a bat or skull. Paint the entire gravestone with two to three coats of “stone” spray paint, letting it dry between coats. Once it’s dry, highlight areas with glow-in-the-dark paint. Place a stake in the ground, prop up your box and enjoy scaring the neighbors with your ghoulishly gorgeous graveyard.

Ghostly globes
Add a spooky twist to your outside walkway on All Hallow’s Eve – without having to carve several messy pumpkins – by creating glowing ghostly globes.

What you’ll need: Round glass votives; newspaper; one can each of white frosted glass, white and glow-in-the-dark spray paint, such as Krylon Glowz; and a black craft pen.

How to do it: Cover your workspace with newspaper. Spray several light coats of white frosted glass paint on the lip of each votive and let dry. Next, add several light coats of white paint to the outside bottom of votives, blending the white seamlessly with the frosted glass. Let dry completely.

Spray the entire exterior with glow-in-the dark paint, which will allow your votives to shine even when not lit. Finally, draw facial features with a black paint pen.

Spooky party servers
Embellish your Halloween party buffet by transforming ordinary terra cotta pots into spooky party servers.

What you’ll need: White primer; pumpkin orange, gloss white and gold glitter spray paint; black webbing spray from Krylon; brush-on black paint; repositionable adhesive; assorted terra cotta pots and saucers; metal or enamel bowl; glue; paper; pencil; scissors; and a small paint brush.

How to do it: Wash the pots and saucers. Allow to dry. Spray all the terra cotta with white primer. Let dry and spray with gloss white. Once dry, turn pots upside down and glue the bottom of a saucer to the bottom of each pot. Draw ghosts, tombstones and other scary characters on paper. Cut the shapes out and spray one side with repositionable adhesive.

Position the paper shapes randomly on the pots. Spray the outside of the bowl and terra cotta pieces with pumpkin orange paint. Once dry, spray all the pieces with black webbing spray, then lightly with gold glitter spray. When all the paint is dry, remove paper templates and add details, such as features on the ghosts and words on the tombstones, with black paint. Be sure to not to place unwrapped food on any painted surface.

For more Halloween decorating inspiration, there are a plethora of arts and crafts websites, such as yourholidaystyle.com, offering tips, tricks and inspiration to help you spook your family, guests and trick-or-treaters.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Realtor with Future Home Realty, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688

727-510-2100                 800-584-2449             robert.dandrea@yahoo.com               www.robertdandrea.com

 

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Ten trendy ways to design the perfect room for your child

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

 

(ARA) – Functional, yet fun. Traditional, yet techie. Today’s children’s rooms are stylish, engaging, organized – and as unique as the individuals who sleep, study, play and hang out in them.

Here is what’s “hot” in children’s decor:

Stylin’
Debbie Zimmer from the Dow Paint Quality Institute sees polka dot designs and “pink” are once again on the horizon, as well as more and more rooms containing 3-D accents, from butterflies to airplanes, with fun and bright paint colors. For teen spaces, glitz and glamour are back in style, with gold accents making a cameo appearance. Zimmer predicts sophisticated wall “monograms” and paint colors growing in popularity, as are urban, sleek and modern themes appealing to this older audience.

The magic of Disney
Disney characters are memorable, loveable and – let’s face it – simply magical. Which is why Murals Your Way, the world’s largest manufacturer of wallpaper murals, is adding 30 Disney murals to its catalog of more than 5,000 existing images. “Whether it’s Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse and Friends for a nursery, or Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Toy Story 3 or Cars for a young child’s room or playroom, these Disney favorites will bring a smile to any child’s face,” explains Todd Imholte, president of www.MuralsYourWay.com. Licensed from Disney, these wall murals are easy to install, can be custom made to fit any wall from 4 feet by 6 feet and up, and can even be personalized with your child’s name. They even have a new repositionable wall fabric that can be easily removed should your child outgrow a character.

Funky, functional furniture
In a recent “American Chronicle” article, Andy West reported a modernizing of the furniture industry. In lieu of traditional beds, West suggested bunk beds that spread out in different directions to use space and lighting more efficiently. Chairs, desks and drawers that incorporate geometric shapes and swirls of wood in intriguing ways are also good ideas. CR International has capitalized on the trend of using graphics in bedroom furnishings by introducing Graphics, a new addition to their CR Kids & Beyond family of furniture that feature interchangeable panels with bold and striking black graphics.

Lighting that lasts
While parents continue to embrace child-friendly themes, today’s smart shoppers are looking at complementary accents that offer practicality and longevity, according to Jeff Dross, senior product manager for Kichler Lighting. Instead of a themed lamp, parents might opt for a functional swing-arm floor lamp in a neutral finish that can respond to different lighting needs as the child grows. Positioned for diaper changes for babies, the lamp can later be used for homework and reading as the child matures.

The right touch
Linda Navara of LMR Designs, LLC recommends soft, fluffy textures for small children’s rooms, and comfortable, eco-friendly versions are perfect for the older child. Mary Lou Kalmus of Designing Edge also sees organic cotton rugs making an impact for the ecologically conscious.

A higher (environmental) consciousness
Incorporating eco-friendly furniture and accessories in kids’ rooms is essential, adds M. Grace Sielaff, of M. Grace Designs, Inc. She suggests eco-functional and affordable solid wood furniture made from refurbished, recycled and Forest Stewardship Council-certified products, with nontoxic paints to minimize harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Options include a fun Surfin Kids planet-friendly bed from Ecotots, or 100 percent certified organic cotton sateen elephant crib bedding from Urban Hues.

Color their world
When it comes to color, the bottom line is to have fun with it – within your own personal comfort zone, of course. The palette this year is a vivid spectrum from persimmon, goldenrod and pumpkin for girls, as spotted by Kalmus, to the pastel blues, pinks, greens as whites suggested by Kenneth Ludwig, of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings. Sielaff also notes sage green, magenta, turquoise, purple and yellow as being especially popular.

A place for everything … and everything in its place
As kids acquire more and more stuff, keeping their room clutter-free becomes even more critical. Desk organizers, closet organizers, lockers and iPod docking stations all help children keep their clothes, accessories, toys or electronics off the floor and in easily accessible places. If space is an issue, Navara suggests dual-purpose furniture, such as a storage ottoman or an armoire, while West recommends a bed with a pull-out trundle and storage drawers beneath.

Just enough for the city
Urban decor is hot, according to a “How To, Tips and Advice” posting by Stefan on homedit.com. Walls painted with a cooling hue of light blue or light pink set the stage, with animals, flowers or other images painted on them in white to add sophistication. Abstract paintings that respect the dominant color of the room are a nice modernistic touch. Navara also envisions the emergence of black and white with pops of color.

Girls (and boys) just want to have fun
Beanbag chairs. Retro or dorm wall art. Knick knacks. Ribbons that swag to the edges of the room. Shapes that are colorful and glow in the dark. Nets that hold decorative fish. Edgy desk lamps with built-in organizers. For bedroom accessories, the sky’s the limit in terms of color, shape and style. Have fun as you create a unique, special space that your child will be proud to call his or her own.

           Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Future Home Realty, New Port Richey, FL

727-510-2100      800-584-2449    robert.dandrea@yahoo.com       www.robertdandrea.com

 

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

How to create versatile living spaces for today’s ever-changing families

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

 

(ARA) – With the active and bustling lifestyle families lead, it is no surprise that they frequently change the way they interact with, and in, their living spaces. Different stages of life call for different living spaces. Most homes are not equipped to offer this versatility. Outfitted with traditional swinging doors that squander space, standard-width doorways offer limited accessibility and restrictive living areas.

According to a survey on homeowner and home buyer priorities, the ideal home readily adapts to a family’s changing room space requirements. For example, the addition, growth and departure of children or elderly relatives create significant demand for flexible floor plans. To make the most of your home, adding new door solutions like Johnson Hardware’s ingenious Multi-Pass Pocket Door Hardware can help you optimize existing square footage.

A home that is able to evolve with ever-changing families has functionality at the forefront of its design. Johnson’s Multi-Pass Pocket Door application enables up to three 300-pound doors to glide effortlessly into the inside of the wall. Since pocket doors do not swing open or closed, you can reclaim floor space consumed by traditional hinged doors.

Make high traffic areas of your home more accessible with a large entryway that won’t inhibit wheelchairs, walkers or foot traffic. Whether it’s a play room for the kids or living quarters for an elderly relative, a pocket door’s bottom track can be recessed in the floor for easy navigation through the entryway.

With standard Multi-Pass Pocket Door Hardware, you can create up to 12 foot wide doorways, or wider openings with longer custom tracks. Reveal large open areas when the pocket doors slide back inside the wall. Now you have an expansive space for guests to socialize and mingle, an area perfect for family game night or a safe, open area for children to play.

Pull the doors shut and the large space quickly transforms into two cozy and more private settings. Sliding the doors closed allows you to easily create an intimate home theater to watch the latest movie or a comfy, peaceful nook to catch up on your reading. Multi-Pass Pocket Doors give you a level of versatility that standard doors and entryways cannot mimic.

To ensure safe, jump-proof operation, choose hardware that is manufactured and tested to exceed ANSI standards and backed with a lifetime guarantee.

If your home needs some updates to accommodate your family’s lifestyle, it’s easier than ever to make relatively small changes that will have a big impact. For more information, contact Johnson Hardware at 2100 Sterling Ave., Elkhart, Ind. 46516; call (800) 837-5664 or visit www.johnsonhardware.com.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Future Home Realty, New Port Richey, FL

727-510-2100        800-584-2449           robert.dandrea@yahoo.com         www.robertdandrea.com

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Easy, affordable Halloween projects that kids – and adults – will love

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

 

(ARA) – Before the fall wind blows trick-or-treaters to your front door, make the most of the season with a few simple projects that your kids will love and you will too. They’re easy, fun and very affordable. All it takes is a little imagination and a few things you already have around the house to transform your home into Halloween central.

“Halloween can be so much fun, especially if you involve the kids,” says Paintideas.com blogger Angie Stinner. “Painting pumpkins or creating simple crafts to decorate your home doesn’t take much time and can be done on a shoestring budget. It’s a great way to share some quality time before the busy holiday season.”

Here are a few easy, affordable projects from Angie’s Halloween bag of treats:

* Go batty – Create adorable beverage can bats to hang on your porch or anywhere in your home. Just rinse a few empty beverage cans with soap and water and allow to fully dry. Remove the ring that’s attached to each can and bend the can slightly at the middle. Then, in a well-ventilated area like a garage with an open door, lay out old newspaper or an old sheet and spray several light coats of Rust-Oleum Universal Gloss Black spray paint onto each can and allow them to dry for 24 hours.

Once the can has dried, glue bat wings to the sides of the can, teeth to the drinking area on the can, eyes to the top of the can just above the drinking hole and bat ears to the outer ring of the can (right above the eyes). The wings, teeth, eyes and ears can be found at your local craft store or you can make them yourself from foam or construction paper. Glue a piece of fishing line to the can, allow the glue to dry and then unwind a paper clip and tie the other end of the fishing line to the paper clip to hang. Leave this “welcome bat” plain, or use orange puffy paint to write a fun Halloween message.

* “Trick” their treats – Don’t send your little ghost or goblin out with an ordinary treat container when it’s so easy to personalize it to reflect their Halloween style. Recycle the old plastic pumpkin they used the year before and transform it into something unique and special with spray paint. Try Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover 2X. It is available in a rainbow of colors to coordinate with any costume. Try a color like Grape or Berry Pink for your little princess or ballerina. Do you have a Shrek in the family? Try a color like Key Lime or Green Apple for their carrier. Once the plastic pumpkins are painted, let the kids decorate them using markers, puffy paint, stickers or stick-on jewels and they’re ready for a night full of candy goodness.

* Instant messaging – Leave the carving knife in the kitchen drawer and try a new twist on pumpkin decorating. Buy a pumpkin or two at the supermarket or farm stand, clean it well to remove dirt and debris and paint it with Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint. Spray paint it traditional black – or brush on one of 14 colors in the chalkboard palette with a foam brush. Remember to “scuff” up the pumpkin with the rounded edge of the chalk – then write messages to your kids throughout the season. The paint preserves the pumpkin, so you can have some Halloween fun right through Thanksgiving.

Looking for more inspiration or Halloween ideas? Visit www.paintideas.com or www.facebook.com/RustOleum.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Future Home Realty, New Port Richey, FL

727-510-2100       800-584-2449             robert.dandrea@yahoo.com                    www.robertdandrea.com

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Looking for a DIY project? Painting is an easy and affordable place to start

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL 

(ARA) – Whether you recently moved into a new home or you’re looking for inexpensive updates to spruce-up your existing décor, consider experimenting with color. Paint is the number one do-it-yourself (DIY) project because it’s easy, affordable and instantly refreshes the look of a room. The painting project has become even easier with advances in paint technology and application to save every DIYer time and money.

“Painting can refresh or change the look and feel of an entire room with a little planning and know-how and for less than $100,” says remodeling expert and DIY Network host Amy Matthews. “However, not everyone knows where to start or how to achieve the look they desire. That’s why preparation is so important.”

Even the most novice DIYer can complete a painting project with great results. This checklist provides everything you need for a perfect paint job, the first time, regardless of skill or experience:

* Painter’s tape. Tape with UV resistance will usually improve results if you are planning on using multiple coats and works well for both smooth and textured surfaces. 3M has recently introduced a new ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with a paint line protector. The tape helps avoid seepage and ensures clean, crisp lines to give DIYers an edge.
* No-VOC paint. In addition to picking out the right color, select a paint with zero-VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so you can breathe easier and maintain a healthy indoor air quality. Lowe’s is the only national home improvement store to carry zero VOC paint available in any color.
* Paint roller with extension pole, brushes, roller tray and roller covers. For the best finish, use quality brushes. You’ll need two brushes for every project – a small one for painting trim or detailed areas and a large one for covering surfaces quickly. Since most interior paints are water-based, choose a nylon or polyester (synthetic) brush.
* Putty knife or 5-in-1 tool, spackle and sandpaper
* Gloves, rags and drop cloths
* A level and tape measure if you are planning on different decorative techniques

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to prepare the surface you will be painting:

* Fill cracks and holes with spackle. Sand after it has dried to make smooth.
* Dust and clean walls with a towel or vacuum cleaner.
* Apply painter’s tape. Pull the tape off the roll a few feet at a time and avoid stretching tape. Secure the tape by pressing down with a putty knife or 5-in-1 tool. Use a credit card if you don’t have one of these.
* If the surface is highly textured, seal the edge of the tape with the existing base color of the wall, as it will prevent paint from seeping under the tape.

Now you are ready to paint. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

* When using a roller, paint in 3-foot by 3-foot sections. Paint in long strokes using a zig-zag pattern for a more even coating. Go back over areas if they look like they aren’t fully covered.
* Always start in the highest areas, so drips can be smoothed as you go.
* Once paint has dried, remove painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle at a moderate speed, pulling the tape back on itself. If the adhesive is sticking to the surface, try a 90-degree angle.

Once the paint has dried and the tape has been removed, assess your work. If you’re satisfied, you can move on to more challenging paint projects with creative applications, such as faux painting or stripes. For more information on painting supplies and home improvement tips, visit www.lowes.com.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 33626

727-510-2100           800-584-2449                 robert.dandrea@yahoo.com           www.robertdandrea.com

LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Eat, organize, love … your kitchen

Live in Tarpon Springs, FL

With the change of season, a kitchen fix-up may be the key to improving family routine 

(ARA) – The days are getting shorter and seemingly busier with kids back in school, fall activities kicking off and – although it seems hard to believe – the holidays on the horizon. The long, carefree laissez-faire days of summer have turned a bit more regimented with the change of seasons. Now is the time to get organized and back into a routine that is tailored to your lifestyle. Begin with an organized start to your day in the hub of all home activity: the kitchen.

A kitchen fix-up – striking a balance
With kids constantly searching for snacks, adults on the go, lunches to pack and meals to prepare, a workable routine needs an efficient kitchen with great organization and a superior utilization of space. If you’re going to spend significant amounts of time in the kitchen, then it’s got to be both functional and pleasing to the eye.

“With so much time spent in kitchens, there is a dichotomy that pulls at people when thinking about a kitchen fix-up,” says Cathy Hitz, brand manager for Diamond Cabinets. “Is it style over function or function over style? The truth is you don’t have to favor one over the other. Great kitchens can perform this balancing act when they are designed using innovative products and accessories that give you both.”

A kitchen fix-up does not have to be bothersome or too costly. The best place to start is probably with what you have the most of, use the most, and spend the most time looking at: your cabinets.

Cabinetry manufacturers, like Diamond, have an assortment of door styles, expanded wood choices and finishes, decorative glass options and an array of architectural elements and customization products that fit all kitchens, tastes and budgets. The cherry on top is that inside the cabinets for every room in your home, you can find smart and useful organization features.

A place for everything and everything in its place
In a cluttered kitchen, valuable time can be lost looking for car keys, important mail or even measuring cups. When choosing products to fit your kitchen fix-up, it is as important to understand the utility and unique needs of the people who use the kitchen every day. Do you do a lot of cooking or baking? Or is your kitchen the repository for all things? And not just typical kitchen items, but things such as coats, backpacks, keys and phones?

Diamond’s Logix line has plenty of organization elements and flexibility. One time-saver is the “drop-zone” cabinet, which features a pullout charging station for small electronics that can clutter up a kitchen table. In addition, it has other essential organizational features for the family kitchen, such as key and coat hooks, a white board for messages and a spot for backpacks, briefcases or purses.

As the season unfolds and you work your life into an organized routine, don’t let panic set in as you get back into the swing of things. With an eye on your lifestyle and a few smart kitchen cabinet fix-ups, your kitchen will be ready.

 

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West in the Greater Tampa Bay area

 

          800-584-2449                                           robert.dandrea@yahoo.com                                  www.robertdandrea.com 

 

Live in Tarpon Springs, FL

Saving energy might not be as difficult as you think

Live in Tarpon Springs, FL

 

(ARA) – While saving energy and lowering your bills during the winter takes some personal sacrifice, it might not be as hard as you think. With a combination of changing your habits and a few simple fixes, it’s possible to realize significant savings on your utility bills.

You could be well on your way to saving money and lessening your impact on the environment this winter by making a few simple changes:

* Reduce your home’s average temperature by a degree or two. You obviously don’t want to make your house too chilly for you or your guests, but this is a case where a little can go a long way. For each degree, you may be able to save 1 percent on your heating bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over the whole winter, that 1 or 2 percent can amount to quite a bit in actual savings.

* Consider a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set the heat at a lower temperature while you are at work or while you sleep, and then program the thermostat to reach comfortable levels before you arrive home in the evening or get up in the morning. Products like the Schlage LiNK remote home-management system, which can be used with a Trane Remote Energy Management Thermostat, allow you the option of controlling the temperature of your home from most Web-enabled cell phones or a computer no matter where you are. You can also set up the system so when you enter your code in the Schlage wireless keypad lock in your front door, the thermostat will adjust to a temperature that’s most comfortable for you. You can even program the thermostat to send text or email alerts if the temperature goes below a preset level, indicating a potential heating system failure. With a system like this, you can save a lot of energy – and money – and always be comfortable when you arrive home.

* Check your HVAC filters and replace them if they are dirty. This should be done at least once a month during times of heavy usage, according to the Department of Energy. Clearing and cleaning any vents in your heating system will also help it run more efficiently. The Schlage LiNK remote home-management system, when used in conjunction with the Trane thermostat mentioned above, will send text alerts when filters need to be replaced.

* Seal places where heat could escape. Some strategic caulking and weather stripping can go a long way toward bringing your heating costs way down; the Department of Energy says properly sealing your home can reduce costs by 20 percent. Using duct sealant to close up any exposed heating or cooling ducts can also offer significant savings.

* Keep curtains open during the day to let in natural heat energy. Keep them closed at night to provide extra insulation around your windows.

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to save energy, it may be a good idea to have a local contractor conduct an energy audit on your home or visit www.energystar.gov for more information. The auditor will be able to give you minor tips, as well as suggestions for major projects you may want to do in the future. After all, with a few simple cost-saving measures in place, you might be able to afford bigger energy-saving projects in years to come.

Courtesy of ARAContent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 33626

727-510-2100         800-584-2449      robert.dandrea@yahoo.com        www.robertdandrea.com

Live in Tarpon Springs, FL

Is going green worth it?

Thinking about living in Tarpon Springs, FL.  Email me with “Tarpon Springs Info” in subject line for a free report .  

(ARA) – You’ve stopped buying bottled water, opting instead for a reusable bottle you carry everywhere you go. When you go shopping, your list leans toward the organic and recycled. But when you get home, going “green” seems a lot more daunting.

You hear stories about your ultra-conscientious neighbors trading their old energy-devouring water heaters and HVAC units for the new energy-efficient models, putting up solar panels and installing the dual flush toilets. Suddenly your effort to cycle out incandescent light bulbs starts to feel trivial.

And you start to wonder, if you are more confined by budget than your earth-friendly neighbors and pals, is going green worth it?

The trick is figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle, according to Mark Lewison, academic director of the Interior Design Department at The Art Institute of California – Hollywood. “Find an improvement that makes sense for your bottom line and then look for green options in that area of improvement.”

Reducing energy costs and decreasing wear on the planet over the long term is as easy as turning the lights down low. “That’s where you get the most bang for your buck,” says Joan Jackson, associate professor of interior design at The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago. “Dimmers are cheap and extend the life of the bulb five to 10 times.”

Interior design associate professor Eve Fineman adds that a simple and inexpensive switch in the type of bulb you use makes an impact. “An LED light has a really long lamp life and draws much less energy.”

Jackson also suggests insulating your windows as a simple way to keep down costs and keep your home comfortable in both the cold and heat. And what’s the easiest way to conserve energy? According to Jackson it’s as simple as unplugging items when you’re not using them. “Most people don’t realize that your appliances are using energy when they’re plugged in, even when they’re off,” she says.

Going green is not just about saving energy and the outside environment. Your indoor air quality counts too. Fineman says the paint most of us used in the past was actually filled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are bad for you to breathe in. That new paint smell was actually toxic. Luckily, most paint sold today has low or no VOCs.

If you do decide on more costly upgrades like energy-efficient appliances or sustainable and rapidly renewable materials like bamboo flooring, you can still see long-term savings, says Fineman. “Now there are ways to assess and compare your cost up-front versus how much the cost savings over a 10-year period will be,” she says. “Most of the time consumers see that it’s definitely worth the investment, because they’ll save a lot over the long term.”

“Any green or sustainable improvements that can be made to a home should increase a home’s value as a whole in addition to helping the owners save money,” Lewison adds.

All three experts agree, whether you’re trying to help your bottom line or the environment, the way to go is green.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 33626  

727-510-2100                               robert.dandrea@yahoo.com                            www.robertdandrea.com

Thinking about living in Tarpon Springs, FL.  Email me with “Tarpon Springs Info” in subject line for a free report .

---

Just married? How to reconcile your decorating differences

(ARA) – After the “I dos” are exchanged and the reception is over, couples find out that the realities of cohabitation do not always make for smooth sailing, especially when it comes to blending different tastes and styles. While newlyweds find themselves saying “I do” at the altar, that phrase frequently turns into “I don’t” when the couple begins combining two unique decorating styles into a single household.

“It’s never easy to incorporate two divergent ideas of design and comfort into one home,” says Christopher Prebel, senior product manager at Pratt & Lambert Paints. “The man likes modern. His new wife likes flea-market chic. If you pick only one style, it’s not going to feel like a ‘married’ home. The question, then, is, ‘How can you blend both and be satisfied?’”

This might take some time, but no one says you have to decorate an entire house overnight.

First, de-clutter. Both of you have baggage that you could stand to dump, donate or list on eBay. Sit down together and negotiate what stays and what goes, and then stick to your plan.

Next, spend time looking at decorating publications and websites and watching decorating shows on TV to decide what sort of style you both like. Talk about what you see, what you love and what you don’t. The husband might hate feminine, floral prints. And, the wife might cringe at preppy plaid. But maybe they both prefer slip-covered sofas and daring wall colors. And once you find that common ground, you can start formulating your decorating strategy.

Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to start personalizing any living space, and it all comes down to color. Color possibilities are endless, so chances are you’ll be able to find something you both like.

Visit your local paint dealer and collect color chips or actual inexpensive paint samples that you can put on the wall to compare options. Most paint companies have helped simplify the color selection process. Pratt & Lambert Paints, for example, has a color display that features pop-out color chips that let you evaluate color by overlaying chips against existing furniture and design elements. Additionally, various color cards provide you with suggested color combinations to give you further inspiration.

If you’re the kind of couple who likes to remain en vogue with your decor choices, consider researching the latest color trends. A variety of design industry groups develop color forecasts each year, and paint manufacturers prepare palettes to echo these predictions. Hot directions for 2010 include:

Nurture – Colors inspired by sustainability, balance and making an impact on the greater world. Try gray on your walls and accent with shades of palm green, nutmeg, browns and yellows.

Symbol – Colors in this palette seek inspiration from architectural and historical symbolism – rich, complex and even moody hues, such as tobacco, bay leaf green, maroon and warm reds.

Sense – Hues in this palette not only please the eye but also stimulate the other senses by echoing tactile wonders with colors like that of an artichoke.

Sojourn – Inspired by the sights of global travel, the colors in this palette combine an eclectic mix of cultural references, blending camels and honeyed lights with rich, artistic reds, slate blues and plums.

Color is the biggest hurdle in any decorating decision – and once you cross that challenge off your list as something you’ve accomplished together, the rest should fall easily into place. Some other helpful tips to keep in mind while you’re creating the perfect first home include the following:

* Mix it up, don’t match it perfectly. It’s fine to be eclectic. A home that is perfectly “matchy-matchy” lacks character. Your home is about you, and it should carry a bit of both of your personalities vs. looking like you copied a picture in a magazine.

* Cleverly blend items from the past with new things in every room. You both had a life before you got married – let your history reflect into your present. Yes, it might involve compromise, but that’s what relationships are about, isn’t it?

* Buy big items, such as furniture, window treatments, flooring upgrades and appliances, together. Shopping as a team gives added cohesiveness to the overall look and allows you both to have a say in major purchases.

Marriage is “for better or for worse.” A little creativity and compromise will ensure that at least your decor is for “the better.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 33626

727-510-2100                    robert.dandrea@yahoo.com                    www.robertdandrea.com

Painting 101: Great Tips for Taking on Your Home This Summer

Great timing for this article. 

<a href=”http://rismedia.com/lowes/8355/9254″>Painting 101: Great Tips for Taking on Your Home This Summer</a>

Rob Dandrea,  Real Estate Agent for Century 21 Bay West, Westchase, Tampa, FL

727-510-2100       robert.dandrea@yahoo.com                www.robertdandrea.com