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Eternal Style: The Timelessness of Natural Kitchens
Embrace a kitchen makeover that welcomes wood, stone, and an abundance of natural light and greenery.
As the kitchen continues to evolve into the heart of the home, you may find yourself daydreaming about a rejuvenating transformation. What if your kitchen could effortlessly draw in family and friends with its warm, inviting, and natural allure? What if maintaining this natural kitchen was a breeze? Many homeowners who embarked on this journey are now reaping the rewards, as revealed by the National Association of REALTORS® “Remodeling Impact Report,” with homeowners reporting an impressive joy score of 9.8 out of 10.
But there’s more to it than just joy. Remodeling your kitchen can also prove financially rewarding. The report notes that the average cost of a kitchen upgrade stands at $45,000, with an average return of 67%.
Here are six inspiring ideas to infuse your kitchen with a natural charm:
1. Wood Cabinets: The Perfect Blend of Warmth, Durability, and Low Maintenance
While white cabinets still hold their charm, wood tones have surged in popularity among homeowners. The 2021 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study indicates a 2% increase in preference for wood cabinets compared to the previous year. The appeal of wood lies in its ease of cleaning, durability, and its ability to add a touch of warmth. Additionally, wood can be a sustainable choice.
Joe Fava, CEO of Fava Design Group in Miami, highlights the trend toward wood veneer choices, exotic woods, or lighter wood colors. Sustainability matters to the younger generation, while those in their upper 50s and older prioritize aesthetics and material richness.
Wood is versatile and complements various materials and colors, allowing for creative two-toned designs. For those who enjoy switching things up, lighter-colored woods are easier to refinish.
Durable cabinets ensure a longer lifespan, making them a sound investment. Look for drawers constructed with solid wood dovetailed joinery to enhance durability. Open shelving, replacing upper cabinets, can lend a more open and airy feel to your kitchen while providing an opportunity to display collectibles.
2. Light Wood Flooring: A Clean and Fresh Choice
Wood flooring in the kitchen has made a comeback, thanks to improved finishes that resist water and scratches. Lighter shades like white oak have gained popularity due to their clean appearance and ability to conceal dust and dirt. A new wood floor can provide an impressive 118% ROI and a perfect joy score of 10 out of 10, according to the NAR remodeling survey.
Carly Jones, partner with real estate firm Engels & Volkers, emphasizes the desire for kitchens to feel light, fresh, and connected to the outdoors, even when indoors. Light wood flooring aligns perfectly with this vision.
Both solid hardwood and engineered wood have their pros and cons. While hardwood is easy to refinish and repair, it may be prone to contraction and expansion, leading to instability. Engineered wood, with its veneer atop plywood layers, offers enhanced stability but may pose challenges during sanding or refinishing due to the top layer.
3. Natural Stone Countertops: A Perfect Blend of Style and Durability
Natural stone countertops are gaining popularity for their tranquil aesthetics, especially when using large slabs. These versatile materials come in various colors and patterns, beautifully complementing wooden elements in a kitchen.
Quartz countertops offer strength, durability, and ease of maintenance compared to granite. Granite requires annual sealing to prevent liquid absorption and staining. Moreover, granite surfaces can develop small cracks that may worsen if exposed to hot cookware.
Butcher block surfaces have also made a comeback, serving as cutting surfaces that are less likely to shatter dishes upon impact. However, they require bi-annual sanding and oiling to maintain their condition.
Consider installing butcher block surfaces in small areas, such as islands or near sinks, to avoid water damage and create a visually appealing contrast with your primary countertop.
4. Embrace Natural Lighting: Good for Your Mood and Your Space
Indoor living has heightened our appreciation for natural light, and for good reason. Natural light reduces stress, boosts the immune system, and provides a source of vitamin D. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by producing larger door and window frames, enhancing access and views.
5. Handmade Touches and Heirlooms: Personalize Your Space
Texture and handmade elements are making a comeback in kitchen designs. Consider incorporating pieces with a handmade aesthetic, such as artisan-crafted sinks or unique tiles with contoured edges. Personalize your kitchen with family heirlooms or secondhand store finds, adding character and warmth. Older cabinets, reclaimed from stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, offer sustainable options. You can also add a touch of nostalgia to your lighting fixtures, transforming them with seashells or repurposed lanterns from flea markets.
6. Greenery: Invite the Outdoors In
Enhance your kitchen’s natural appeal by introducing plants and herbs. These additions not only thrive in different light and temperature conditions but also provide emotional and physical health benefits. Greenery complements wooden cabinets beautifully, especially with kitchens featuring larger windows and glass walls.
For low-maintenance options, consider plants like ZZ and snake plants that thrive on neglect. Introduce greenery gradually to prevent overcrowding and minimize the risk of attracting pests.
Incorporate these six ideas to create a natural kitchen that stands the test of time, offering both aesthetic charm and practicality.
What You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops
Everything You Need to Know About Quartz Countertops
Your kitchen deserves countertops that combine style and durability. Find out if quartz is the right choice for you.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, a gathering place for family and friends. Naturally, you want it to be inviting and practical. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, having durable countertops is essential, especially if you have little ones helping out in the kitchen. Quartz countertops have become a popular choice for kitchens, but before you make a decision, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages and explore alternative options.
Pros of Quartz Kitchen Countertops
1. Durability: Quartz countertops are exceptionally durable, crafted from a blend of natural stones and stone-like materials bonded with resins. Manufacturers press these materials into solid, nonporous slabs, ensuring your countertops won’t chip or crack from everyday use, even with little ones assisting in the kitchen.
2. Stain-Resistance: Quartz boasts high stain resistance due to its nonporous surface. However, it’s worth noting that certain substances like red wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, and juice can stain quartz if not promptly cleaned. Stains occur when these liquids interact with the resin. To maintain its pristine appearance, opt for gentle cleaners over harsh chemicals. The best part? Quartz is relatively low maintenance and doesn’t require sealing.
3. High Customizability: Thanks to advancements in engineered quartz, you have an array of patterns to choose from, whether you want a custom-made design or the look of granite or marble.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
1. Pricey: Quartz tends to be on the expensive side when compared to materials like marble and limestone. On average, quartz kitchen countertops cost between $40 to $100 per square foot when installed.
2. Prone to Heat Damage: While quartz is heat-resistant, approximately 10% of a quartz countertop slab is not. Placing hot cookware directly on a quartz surface can lead to unsightly stains.
3. Requires Professional Installation: Installing quartz countertops is generally not a DIY project due to the material’s weight. It’s essential to enlist professional help to ensure your kitchen can support the countertops.
What to Look for in a Quartz Countertop
When selecting a quartz countertop, keep an eye out for these quality indicators:
Cohesive Coloring: Examine separate slabs from the quartz you intend to purchase. Are they consistent in color?
Coloring Through the Surface: Ensure that the veins and colorations visible on the surface of the quartz extend throughout the entire slab.
Consistent Aggregates: Aggregates, the pebbles along the countertop’s edges, should maintain consistency in size throughout.
Alternatives to Quartz Countertops
Your kitchen countertops should align with your lifestyle and the aesthetics of your space. Before making a decision, explore various options, including:
Marble: While marble is often comparable in price to quartz, it offers a unique and elegant appearance. Marble has a porous surface, making it susceptible to stains, especially from acidic substances like tomato sauce or lemon juice. Quartz, although nonporous, can still stain.
Slate: Slate is equally durable as quartz but features more uniform designs and aggregates. It tends to be more expensive than quartz and requires regular sealing.
Granite: Granite countertops are a natural option compared to the engineered design of quartz. While prices may be similar, granite necessitates more maintenance due to the need for regular resealing.
The Cost of Quartz Counters
The cost of quartz countertops depends on factors such as brand, design, thickness, project size, and installation. On average, expect to invest between $1,750 and $3,000 for quartz counters in an average kitchen with 30 square feet of countertop space. The average price hovers around $2,300. To put this into perspective, other popular countertop choices like granite can range between $2,500 and $5,000 for 30 square feet installed, while marble may cost between $2,000 and $7,000.
Questions for Your Contractor
Before hiring a professional to install your new countertops, ask the following questions:
– Is your team experienced in installing quartz countertops?
– Will replacing my kitchen countertops require a permit?
– What are your charges for countertop installation, including the removal of my old countertops?
– Will you handle the relocation of my appliances and fixtures during installation, or is that my responsibility?
– Do you have insurance that covers any potential damage to my home or countertops during installation?
– Do you offer a warranty in case of issues with the countertops after installation?
These questions, along with the information provided, will help you make an informed decision regarding whether quartz countertops are the ideal choice for your kitchen.
Infuse Personality into Your Kitchen: 4 Creative Design Ideas
Kitchens have evolved into more than just spaces for culinary endeavors; they now serve as central hubs for various activities. As homeowners seek to express their individuality while ensuring a harmonious flow throughout their homes, kitchens are becoming increasingly personalized. Here are four ways, both subtle and bold, to infuse personality into your kitchen design.
#1 Create a Unique Kitchen
If you’re passionate about individuality and aesthetics, you can draw inspiration from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. While incorporating your distinctive choices, avoid making changes that would be costly to reverse if you decide to sell in the future. Designer Sharon McCormick of Sharon McCormick Design in Hartford, Conn., advises, “Do what feels good for you and nobody else.” Consider simple, affordable updates such as relocating a rug for a pop of color, showcasing artwork, or displaying collectibles on floating shelves or in glass-fronted cabinets. For more substantial, long-lasting changes, think about hand-scraped floors, wire-brushed lacquered cabinets, or elegant hardware options.
#2 Express Yourself Through Color
Color is a powerful tool to transform your kitchen’s personality quickly. While white, gray, and beige remain popular choices, livelier hues are making a statement. A 2021 Houzz survey noted the emergence of blues and greens. If you’re hesitant about bold shades, incorporate them subtly – perhaps in the form of a colorful island, backsplash tiles, or a unique-colored appliance. Paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams suggests that green kitchens are on the rise, offering a connection to nature. Consider pairing green with wooden elements in floors, furniture, or countertops. Alternatively, explore the sophistication of black accents for architectural features like window frames, doors, and cabinets.
#3 Achieve Seamless Integration
The modern kitchen is more than a cooking space; it’s a place to live in. Whether you have an open floor plan or distinct rooms, aim for a seamless blend of furnishings, color palettes, and accessories. This approach eliminates abrupt transitions between spaces, promoting visual harmony. Designer Sharon McCormick highlights that you can even move chairs between rooms when needed for extra seating. Achieving cohesion may involve using the same style of cabinetry or introducing a common element in the form of similarly colored accessories.
#4 Embrace Smart Appliances for Convenience
Embrace technology to make your kitchen more efficient. Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, such as ovens you can preheat remotely, offer convenience. Faucets with touch-sensitive technology, like Delta’s Touch2O, allow you to control water flow with a touch, ideal for busy cooking sessions. While smart fridges that track inventory are an option, consider adding more outlets and USB ports to create a convenient charging station for various devices. These practical additions enhance your kitchen’s functionality without major renovations.
A creative kitchen is a reflection of your family’s interests and seamlessly integrates with the rest of your home. You don’t need to undertake extensive, expensive projects to elevate your kitchen’s ambiance – small changes can significantly enhance your overall satisfaction with this essential living space.
Your Homebuying Adventure
Some Highlights
- Here are the key milestones you’ll encounter on your path to homeownership.
- From building your team, to house hunting, all the way to moving into your new home – it’s an exciting adventure.
- Your journey starts here. Let’s connect so you have expert guidance each step of the way.
Veterans Qualify for 61 Home Assistance Programs Offering Up to $120,000 in Support
In the face of escalating housing costs and the challenges of frequent relocations, a lifeline exists for military families in the form of 61 invaluable assistance programs designed to empower them in their quest to secure, construct, or enhance their homes.
Within this pool of assistance programs, there are an impressive 2,200 down payment assistance options exclusively tailored for veterans. Yet, the spotlight shines brightly on the remarkable 61 programs that go above and beyond, offering financial support of up to $120,000 to help veterans navigate the often daunting path towards homeownership.
According to insights from the Urban Institute, a striking 78% of veteran households have achieved the dream of homeownership, surpassing the national average by a notable 14 percentage points. In contrast, active-duty service members, who frequently face the challenge of being relocated every few years, maintain a homeownership rate of only 43%. The constant flux of military life, coupled with the surging real estate market characterized by soaring home prices and mortgage interest rates reaching their highest levels since 2000, has left military families grappling with mounting stress and financial pressures. These challenges have been underscored by findings from the Blue Star Families’ Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which highlight the increasing burden posed by housing costs and relocations, underscoring the critical need for assistance, particularly in covering down payment and other home acquisition expenses.
With Veterans Day in the spotlight, Down Payment Resource (DPR) is taking the opportunity to shed light on these 61 vital programs available to veterans. A comprehensive analysis conducted by DPR unveils several key insights:
1. **Financial Assistance Range**: The programs extend a helping hand to homebuyers with financial aid ranging from a modest $2,000 to a generous $120,000, catering to varying needs and circumstances.
2. **Program Diversity**: These homeownership assistance programs encompass a diverse array of options, including 24 second mortgage programs, 18 affordable first mortgage programs, 15 grants, as well as unique offerings like below market rate (BMR)/resale restriction programs, combined assistance programs, voucher programs, and other assistance types.
3. **Flexible Repayment Options**: Of the 61 programs, 24 offer forgivable assistance, contingent upon adherence to program conditions such as owner-occupancy. A further 15 programs extend their support as outright gifts, requiring no repayment, provided that eligibility criteria are met.
4. **Inclusivity**: Thirty-five programs are tailor-made for first-time buyers, while 34 are open to repeat buyers or offer waivers for service members and veterans, acknowledging their unique circumstances and contributions.
Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of DPR, aptly captures the sentiment, stating, “Having the means to purchase a home, even in times when interest rates may seem daunting, can lay the foundation for our service members to build equity, foster a sense of community, and possess an asset they can retain or sell if they receive PCS orders. We are deeply grateful to our veterans, service members, and their families and trust that these programs can serve as the keys to homeownership, unlocking the myriad benefits it brings.”
The Winter Buyer and Seller Guides Have Arrived
The Winter guides for buying and selling a home have arrived. Let’s connect so you can get the latest copies today.
Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home
If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone.
When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of moving pieces. And that’s especially true in today’s housing market. The number of homes for sale is still low, and home prices and mortgage rates are still high. That combination can be tricky if you don’t have reliable expertise and a trusted advisor on your side. That’s why the best place to start is connecting with a local real estate agent.
Agents Are the #1 Most Useful Source in the Buying Process
The latest annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds recent homebuyers agree the #1 most useful source of information they had in the home buying process was a real estate agent. Let’s break down why.
How an Agent Helps When You Buy a Home
When you think about a real estate agent, you may think of someone taking you on home showings and putting together the paperwork, but a great agent does so much more than that. It’s not just being the facilitator for your purchase, it’s being your guide through every step.
The visual below shows some examples from that same NAR release of the many ways an agent adds value. It includes the percentage of homebuyers in that report who highlighted each of these benefits:
Here’s a bit more context on how the survey results noted an agent continually helps buyers in these situations:
- Helped Buyer’s Understand the Process: Do you know the difference between an inspection and an appraisal, what each report tells you, and why they’re both important? Or that there are things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage, like buying appliances or furniture? An agent knows all of these best practices and will share them with you along the way, so you don’t miss any key steps by the time you get to the closing table.
- Pointed Out Unnoticed Features or Faults with the Home: An agent also has a lot of experience evaluating homes. They’ve truly seen it all. They’ll be able to pinpoint some things you may not have noticed about the home that could help inform your decision or at least what repairs you ask for.
- Provided a Better List of Service Providers: In a real estate transaction, there are a lot of people involved. An agent has experience working with various professionals in your area, like home inspectors, and can help connect you with the pros you need for a successful experience.
- Negotiated Better Contract Terms and Price: Did something pop up in the home inspection or with the appraisal? An agent will help you re-negotiate as needed to get the best terms and price possible for you, so you feel confident with your big purchase.
- Improved Buyer’s Knowledge of the Search Area: Moving to a new town and you’re not familiar with the area, or you’re staying nearby, but don’t know which neighborhoods are most affordable? Either way, an agent knows the local area like the back of their hand and can help you find the perfect location for your needs.
- Expanded Buyer’s Search Area: And if you’re not finding anything you’re interested in within your initial search radius, an agent will know other neighborhoods nearby you should consider based on what you like, what amenities you want, and more.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to buy a home, don’t forget about the many ways an agent is essential to that process. Any hurdle that pops up, a negotiation that needs to take place, and more, your agent will know how to handle it while they make sure to minimize your stress along the way. Let’s connect to tackle this together.
How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle
Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for a home. This trend is particularly popular with younger individuals who may be dealing with student loan debt (see graph below):
Here are two strategies that can not only make homeownership more affordable in the short term, but turn it into a lucrative side hustle that can pay off down the road.
Transforming the Challenge of a Fixer-Upper into an Opportunity
One thing you could do to help you break into homeownership is consider purchasing a fixer-upper. That’s a home that may be a bit less appealing and as a result has lingered on the market longer than normal. According to a recent article from U.S. News:
“The current state of the housing market may have you expanding your options to try to find a home that you can afford. A fixer-upper that needs some updating and a little love can feel like a welcome alternative to move-in ready houses that go off the market before you can even take a tour.”
By opting for a home that requires some work, you may see two big benefits. For starters, you may find it’s easier to find a home because you’re not looking for that perfect option. Plus, it may also help you enter the housing market at a lower price point. This strategy provides a more affordable way to become a homeowner while also offering the potential for future profits.
Yes, the home may need a little elbow grease, but investing time and effort into gradually enhancing your house not only makes it a home but also increases its future market value. So, while you enjoy the satisfaction of turning a house into a home, you’re also building equity that can be unlocked when it’s time to sell.
Renting Out a Portion of Your Home To Make It More Affordable
Another savvy strategy is to purchase a home with the upfront intention of renting out a portion of it. According to a recent press release from Zillow, renting out a part of their home is already very important for most young homebuyers (see graph below):
This approach serves a strong purpose. As Manny Garcia, Senior Population Scientist at Zillow, says:
“For those first-time buyers navigating the ‘side hustle culture,’ where a regular 9-to-5 might not quite cut it for homeownership dreams, rental income can step in to help . . .”
Basically, it can help you afford your monthly mortgage payments. So if you’re open to it, renting out a portion of your home not only helps with affordability, but it also positions you as an investor and turns your home into a source of income.
Bottom Line
In the face of today’s affordability challenges, both of these strategies offer more attainable paths to homeownership, especially for younger buyers. If you want to discuss these options and see how they might play out for you in our local market, let’s connect.
When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go?
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are craving more options. But you may also be wondering, once you sell, how does the current supply impact your own move? And, will you be able to find a home you want to buy with inventory this low?
One thing that can help you find your next home is exploring all your options, including both homes that have been lived in before as well as newly built ones. Let’s look at the benefits of each one.
The Pros of Newly Built Homes
First, let’s look at the advantages of purchasing a newly constructed home. With a brand-new home, you’ll be able to:
- Create your perfect home. If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.
- Cash-in on energy efficiency. When building a home, you can choose energy-efficient options to help lower your utility costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Minimize the need for repairs. Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little projects to tackle.
- Have brand new everything. Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.
The Pros of Existing Homes
Now, let’s compare that to the perks that come with buying an existing home. With a pre-existing home, you can:
- Explore a wider variety of home styles and floorplans. With decades of homes to choose from, you’ll have a broader range of floorplans and designs available.
- Join an established neighborhood. Existing homes give you the option to get to know the neighborhood, community, or traffic patterns before you commit.
- Enjoy mature trees and landscaping. Established neighborhoods also have more developed landscaping and trees, which can give you additional privacy and curb appeal.
- Appreciate that lived-in charm. The character of older homes is hard to reproduce. If you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements, you may prefer an existing home.
The choice is yours. When you start your search for the perfect home, remember that you can go either route – you just need to decide which features and benefits are most important to you. As an article from The Mortgage Reports says:
“When building, you gain more freedom to tailor the design, materials, and features, but it demands more time and involvement. Conversely, buying an established home offers immediate occupancy . . . yet may require compromises. Your choice should align with your budget, timeline, customization preferences, and the local real estate landscape.”
Either way, working with a local real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success. They’ll help you explore all of your options based on what matters most to you in your next home. Together, you can find the home that’s right for you.
Bottom Line
If you have questions about the options in our area, let’s discuss what’s available and what’s right for you. That way you’ll be ready to make your next move with confidence.
