Top Kitchen Trends for 2010

March 26, 2010

 

Realtor® Magazine recently published its Top Kitchen Trends for 2010. In their findings, the most popular trend for kitchen design for this coming is the hidden appliances.  New trends such as under-counter refrigerators and the dishwasher-in-a-drawer. Both of these appliances save space, can help save on energy costs, and fit right in with the rest of your kitchen design!

Other top trends among the list include:

Top Colors: whites and off-whites

Top Cabinetry: cherry, followed by maple

Top Design Style: traditional, followed by contemporary

Top Flooring: ceramic/porcelain tiles, followed by natural stone

Top Counter tops: Granite, followed by quartz


8 Quick Fixes to Increase Home Value

March 1, 2010

Use this list from Realtor Magazine for some quick, easy updates that can help you have your home looking its best in no time! Here’s their list:

  1. Buff up curb appeal
  2. Enrich with color
  3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom
  4. Add old-world patina
  5. Screen hardwood floors
  6. Clean out and organize closets
  7. Update window treatments
  8. Hire a home inspector

With just a few quick, easy home upgrades, you could easily add a momentous amount of value to your home! It’s also good to always remember that sometimes you can gain the most value on your home by just fixing a lot of the “little” problems. Some of the bigger projects are not always worth the time and effort for the amount of value you will get out of them!

To read the full article from Realtor Magazine, click here.


February issue of Alice P’s Market Update is online!

February 23, 2010

Check out this month’s issue of Alice P’s Market Update that is now online by clicking here.  This month’s issue includes a feature article from our stager, Kathy Lanning; some great resources and tips for earning rebates and tax credit for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and a brief look at how interest rates really affect your monthly mortgage payments and 30 years worth of savings.


Top bathroom & kitchen remodeling trends for 2010

January 6, 2010

From Jennifer Guerriero of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers, she predicts some major trends for 2010 in kitchen and bathroom remodels. To see the full list, click here for the NCHBA’s Plumb Line newsletter. The article can be found on page 7.

Guerriero predicts the “in” color for 2010 is going to be turquoise. The top theme for bathroom remodels is “retreat”, featuring colors of neutral beiges, olives and pale tones.

The top kitchen remodel theme is listed as “ livable” with colors that pop! Any bright color on walls, surfaces and even appliances is expected.  Energy Star appliances are also expected to have a big influence on kitchen remodels.

To get remodeling tips, Guerriero encourages homeowners to attend home shows, seminars, and search the vast amount of information online. Lastly, don’t forget input from friends and family for suggestions, as well!


Energy Star Appliance Rebates Available Soon!

January 6, 2010

Any homeowners who have been thinking about upgrading their home appliances should make the decision to do so—starting in March. As a part of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, each state has been given funds to rebate homeowners for their participation in purchasing Energy Star home appliances.

Colorado has been granted $4.7 million for this project to rebate back to any homeowners who participate in the program. The program is tentatively set to begin in March—so hold off on any appliance purchases until then.

Eligible appliance upgrades include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Gas storage water heaters
  • Gas tankless water heaters
  • Gas furnaces
  • Gas boilers

 

For more information on appliances and pricing, visit Energy Star’s web site by clicking here.

The program does not include retroactive purchases, so be sure to wait for the launch of the program before you purchase any new appliances. Similarly, not all appliances qualify. The Governor’s Energy Office web site has more information for program participants. The program will be continued on until the funds are exhausted—so don’t wait too long to get started on renovation projects!