Happy Yom Kippur!

6 Upgrades That Give You the Best Bang For Your Buck

Selling your home? A few classic — and relatively inexpensive — changes can make a big difference when it comes to how much you’re able to collect from potential buyers.

If you want maximum effect for maximum profit, these six strategic upgrades will give you the biggest return on your investment:

1. Kitchen

Realtors will tell you time and time again: kitchens and baths (see No. 2) are what sell a home. A dated kitchen can be a big turnoff, so make sure yours is updated and inviting.

When it comes to spiffing up your kitchen for resale, you don’t need to splurge to get buyers’ attention. All you need to do is bring the space to the point of “builder-grade luxury” — stainless steel appliances instead of basic white, for example, and granite countertops instead of laminate.

Yes, you could theoretically spend almost any amount on appliances and granite, but remember: You’re going for “builder-grade.” That means you should install an affordable variety of granite countertop (such as Napoli, Baltic Brown or St. Cecilia) with a basic beveled edge. Don’t splurge on higher-end cuts of granite or more ornate beveling; leave that for your own personal custom home.

Want to do a kitchen remodel on the cheap? Simply refinish and repaint the cabinetry and add updated hardware (such as new hinges and handles). That alone can transform the look of the room.

Whatever you do, opt for colors and styles that are likely to appeal to the widest range of homebuyers. You may adore the idea of a bright red retro kitchen, but it could seriously put off some buyers.

2. Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, many buyers want the “spa” experience so help them envision themselves relaxing in the tub.

First, let’s start with basic upgrades, like replacing old, pink 3×3 ceramic tile with modern pieces. (For an inexpensive tile, try white subway-style ceramic, or opt for 12×12 porcelain in a neutral tone.) Replacing your plastic tub surround with a tiled shower also makes a big difference, and for about an extra $100 – $150, you can also add a recessed alcove (a built-in wall niche).

As with a kitchen remodel, you want to consider which changes will have maximum impact. You may not need to replace that old pedestal sink. Instead, you can just change out the faucet fixture — upgrade from brass to chrome — and hang some luxurious towels next to it. You may not need to replace the quirky floor tile if you choose a new paint color for the walls that will play it up, rather than clash with it.

Make sure the colors and styles you choose are as universally appealing as possible. Neutral colors never offend. If you want a dash of extra character, light blues, serene greens, and fresh pops of white are your best bet for an inviting bathroom. (A few well-placed candles and fancy soaps don’t hurt, either.)

3. Paint

One of the easiest upgrades to achieve the “wow” factor is to simply repaint your rooms.

Neutral shades like whites, creams, and tans will help buyers envision themselves in your space, since these read as more of a “blank canvas” than bolder shades. Earth tones will help mute any “louder” furniture you may have and can play well with hardwood floors. A surprising pop of bright color, like a cheerful yellow, can help brighten up small, dark spaces like half-baths and alcoves.

4. Flooring

Like paint color, good flooring can drastically change the look and feel of your rooms.

Hardwood is always appealing to a wide range of buyers, as are high-quality laminate options and affordable, eco-friendly choices like bamboo and cork. If you’ve got hardwood under your carpeting, your best bet is to restore it. If you already have exposed hardwood floors but they’re looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to invest in a good sanding and refinishing.

Kitchens and baths do well with tile or laminate flooring, which are both visually appealing and easy to clean. Carpeting is still acceptable in bedrooms, especially if it’s plush, in great condition, and in a neutral color.

But more and more buyers are turning away from carpeting altogether, so if you’re in doubt about whether to replace your carpets or install different flooring, hardwood (or its more-affordable cousin, bamboo) is your best bet.

5. Staging

Staging helps buyers imagine themselves living there. It’s also relatively inexpensive — you can often just rearrange the furniture you already have to make it show better.

First, make sure your home is free of clutter. Remove any overly personal touches (like family photos or children’s artwork on the fridge). Arrange furniture is in a way that flows well — buyers will feel claustrophobic if they need to navigate around big pieces as they move from room to room.

In your living room, arrange seating and tables into inviting “conversation” areas. Designate spaces for particular tasks, like placing an armchair in that empty bedroom nook to frame it as a cozy reading spot. Make sure all areas of a room are well-lit and that your accessories and artwork are the right scale for the space.

6. Curb Appeal

Don’t neglect the outside of your home — if buyers don’t like what they see when they first pull up, they may not even step inside to see all the great work you’ve done.

To make the outside of your home as appealing as possible, make sure all walkways are clear, the landscaping is neat and tidy, and everything is in good repair. This may mean repainting your siding, fixing those loose shutters, and finally sealing those cracks in the driveway. Or it could be as simple as mowing the lawn, blowing the leaves, and planting a few colorful annuals.

Add one or two “homey” final touches, like an festive wreath on the front door, a new welcome mat, and an outdoor seating area. Your home will feel extra-inviting — and just may get a quick offer.

5 Basic ideas of Modern Home Decor

Simplicity. If you were looking for a word that described what modern home decor was then that would be; it is simplicity. Of course, simple doesn’t mean boring and modern decor with its clean lines, neutral color palette and geometric shapes is anything but boring. Instead, modern home decor can be warm, inviting and completely stylish in just about any home. But how do you achieve modern home decor? Obviously, it isn’t as simple as walking into a store and choosing items that have clean lines. There takes a bit more to that and there are several basic ideas that should be incorporated into a modern decor.

The first idea is to keep it simple. Remember that word that best describes modern design and make sure that you incorporate it into your space. There is no need for the room to simply be four walls and a chair for sitting, we aren’t going to that extreme, but you will want to keep things as uncluttered as it possible. Studies have shown that clutter can lead to stress in your life so keeping your decor simple will help alleviate some of the stresses that you feel.

The second idea of modern home decor is function. Not only should your rooms be simple with those clean lines and minimal artwork and accessories, but it should also be functional. This varies greatly from room to room but when you go into a room, it should be easy to access and use various items in it. So, for instance, a kitchen that is designed with modern decor in mind should have ample workroom and everything should be easy to access.

Technology is the third idea for a modern decor in your home. It is actually a lot more than simply stating “technology” and any electronics that are in your home should work with the space. It is often recommended that all electronics be streamlined, so flat panel televisions, built in DVD players, small flat screen televisions in the kitchen, and computers tied in to a room rather than being a lump in it, are important to keep those lines clean.Open spaces. If you are going with a modern decor, then you will want to utilize our fourth idea by having lots of open space in your home. This may not be possible in some homes that offer closed rooms instead of an open concept but you can create the appearance of open spaces by using color, fabrics and furniture. You can also keep windows coverings that are light in color and airy in feel to create an open feel in to the room, even if it isn’t.

The last idea for creating a modern decor in your home is to add a little bit of character to the space. It can be amazing how one splash of color on an otherwise neutral palette can create such an alarming effect to the room. Don’t hesitate to explore your options with color and make the space one that you will enjoy sharing with every.

Creating a modern decor doesn’t have to be difficult and there is a lot of room to play around with your spaces. All you really need to remember are these five simple rules and before you know it, you will have a modern decor that shines.

Homes of the future

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) recently wrapped up in Las Vegas, and one idea creating a big buzz was “The Connected Home.” This isn’t a particularly new idea, and it has been talked about for years at CES, but it appears as if the technology is finally catching up with the idea, and having your very own connected home is not so very far away.

These new technologies, which include such devices as voice-controlled thermostats, toothbrushes that can tell you whether or not you’re doing a good job on your teeth, and refrigerators that play music are part of a new world of web-connected devices dubbed “The Internet of Things.”

According to the Gartner research firm, by 2020, the Internet of Things will include 26 billion devices, with a market worth of $1.9 trillion.

What can the Internet of Things do for your home? Will these new devices enable your bed to make itself and leave a chocolate on your pillow? Not quite, but some of the new features are pretty handy. Here’s a roundup of some of the new and upcoming products featured at CES, to give you a better idea of what a home of the future will look like. 

Connected Appliances
A Bluetooth-enable refrigerator that allows you to listen to music in your kitchen? A washer/dryer that can be commanded to clean from afar? These are two of the new “connected home” products featured at CES.

Whirlpool® debuted a line of Smart Appliances that give you the option of checking to see that everything is running smoothly at home, even when you’re far away. There is a washer/dryer pair called the “Duet.” You can monitor energy usage and access certain settings when you’re out, but you can’t get it to suck the laundry from the floor and wash it while you’re gone. Each one runs you approximately $1,700.

The refrigerator keeps you up-to-date on temperature settings, and power outages and allows you to manage other features such as your drinking water. This retails for about $2,000.

The $949 smart dishwasher, allows you to monitor energy use and lets you know when certain parts need replacing. 

Samsung is another player in the smart home arena. The company’s platform, called "Samsung Smart Home," debuted at CES and the roll-out along with pricing is planned during the first half of the year.

The initial platform consists of three main services: Device Control, Home View, and Smart Customer Service. With Device Control you can access customized settings for all of your devices from your smartphone—while you’re out of the house—or on your Smart TV when you’re at home. You have the ability to control multiple devices at once, no matter how far you travel. The service will also allow you to use voice commands with your Galaxy Gear or Smart TV remote. You can tell your device that you're "going out," for example, and your connected lights and appliances of choice will turn off as you leave. Smart!

Robotic Vacuums
Robotic vacuums are nothing new, but now they are getting more affordable. Neato Robotics already has a robotic vacuum, but this year they’re launching one that’s more affordable to the masses. In March, you’ll be able to pick up the Neato XV Essential for $379 at Walmart.com

The iRobot Roomba has a new version out as well. It boasts 60 percent more storage space and greater cleaning capacity than the former version and retails for $699.

The company also makes a robotic pool cleaner!

A Smart Crockpot?
It doesn’t get much better than this. A slow cooker that you can control from your smart phone, so your pork ribs are falling perfectly off the bone by the time you arrive home. This is a product from Belkin that launches sometime this spring and is set to retail for $99.99.

Control Your Climate & Beyond
Trane, Herman Miller, and Nest are a sampling of companies who want to help you control the climate of your home from afar. These devices not only adjust your temperature, but look better on your wall than their old counterparts. 

Nest also made the recent leap to the connected smoke detector. The sleek, round-edged square has a pale blue light glowing at its center which acts as a motion detector night light, to help guide your way through a dark hallway. This smart smoke alarm will also alert you to any smoke or fire problems at home when you’re not there. 

A Smart Toothbrush?
The perfect gift for your kids. Now you can see if they actually brushed their teeth and if they did a thorough job! The Kolibree toothbrush claims to be the first “connected toothbrush” that improves your brushing habits. Not only does it track how often your brush your teeth (or not), it claims to know what parts of your mouth you missed or didn’t pay enough attention to.

Wifi Lightbulbs
Controlling your lights while away is another feature of the connected home. Forgot to turn on lights to scare away the burglars? Not a problem. Do it with your smartphone. 

An Intelligent Lock
Another connected home feature of note at CES was the Goji Smartlock. The lock takes a picture of visitors at your front door and can be accessed via your smartphone.

L.A. Council backs $39-million subsidy for downtown hotel project

The Los Angeles City Council moved forward Tuesday with plans to allow a real estate developer to keep $39.2 million in taxes expected over 25 years from a downtown hotel and residential project planned next to the 110 Freeway.

The council voted 11 to 0 to negotiate agreements that would let Greenland L.A. Metropolis Hotel Development retain one-fourth of the property, sales, hotel, parking, business, utility and other taxes that would normally flow to the city budget.

Ovrom has said Greenland officials knew what could be built on the property when they purchased the land for $150 million. He argued that the company probably would have constructed the project without taxpayer assistance.Greenland L.A., a company afiliated with Shanghai-based development firm Greenland Group, is seeking to build a 19-story hotel and a 38-story residential tower on a site just north of the L.A. Live entertainment complex. The taxpayer help was approved despite objections from Robert "Bud" Ovrom, top executive at the city's Convention Center.

Policy advisors to the council disagreed, saying Greenland proposed a hotel tower only because city officials had asked them to do so. "If no assistance is provided, the developer would construct a residential tower instead of hotel," Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry Miller said in a report to the council. 

Ovrom had no comment Tuesday. City officials say even with the subsidy, Metropolis will generate more than $117 million for city coffers over 25 years.

  

Miller has been recommending taxpayer subsidies as a way to lure hotel builders to downtown, saying the added rooms would help the convention center book more national events. Over the last decade, the council has agreed to let hotel builders retain more than $500 million in tax revenue -- projects that are all within three blocks of Metropolis. Yet another hotel developer, Related Cos., is looking to keep at least $138 million from a project through 2043.

  

The vote on Metropolis took place minutes before employees with the Coalition of L.A. City Unions showed up at the council to decry what they described as "predatory" fees charged to the city by Wall Street banks. Labor activists who packed the council chamber voiced similar concerns about the deal for Metropolis.

"To say that the city is having a hard time on the one hand, and then say here's free money to a developer who's going to make all this money back, is outrageous," said Roy Stone, president of a union local representing city librarians. "Don't give away the house to encourage them to build something."

Victor Gordo, an attorney for the coalition, also questioned the proposal, saying lawmakers need to re-evaluate their strategy for improving the economy.

A New Plaza and Restaurant for Downtown L.A.

10 Hottest Fresh Architecture Trends in 2014

1.  Passive Homes

One of the most prevalent trends in the architectural world today is the shift towards a reduction in the consumption of energy; a reduction in carbon emissions, a focus on green principles. The passive home deals with this entire issue of wasted energy and carbon emissions, and it’s because of this solution which PassivHaus provides which has made them the center of focus and architectural design thus far in 2014.

As mentioned in one of our other articles, ‘Passive Houses: 13 Reasons Why the Future Will Be Dominated by this New Pioneering Trend‘, we show how a passive home can save up to 90% in heating costs.  As a large chunk of the world’s energy consumption is gobbled up by the home, if only this trend became accessible to every single person, the positive impact on the world would be significant.

We envisage, as the economic woes of the world start to lift, more and more governments will begin to offer PassivHaus grants and funding.  If this happens: This’ll be a trend which will have a very real impact in changing the world and our children’s future for the better.

Passive homes will be a strong trend in 2014; but mark our words that this trend will continue to swell year on year for the foreseeable future.

2.  Designing for Relaxation

It has been said that the living of today are exposed to more information in one day (content of the New York Times) than an average person in the 17th century is exposed to in their entire lifetime.  One could argue that the type of information a person of the 17th century was exposed to is of a different kind of information in which most of us today would be blind to; but let’s focus in on the principle of information overload.

The fact is that most people don’t know how to organize and process the sheer volumes of information they face everyday; what’s important and what isn’t; etc.  It’s for this very reason more and more people are turning an area of their home into a place of retreat; a place to relax and unwind.  The most popular choice in 2014 is the home spa; a place where one can escape to and unwind.  

The home spa industry is growing at a healthy rate.  In quarter four of 2013, it grew by 10% compared to the same quarter the previous year. The home spa industry is healthy and will continue to be a favorite in architectural design in 2014.

Further evidence of this trend can be demonstrated through new builds in the United States.  Over 50% of new builds are now equipped with a whirlpool bath.

3.  Flex Rooms

What are flex rooms?  Flex rooms are rooms or areas in the house which have a range of uses, or could be changed at some point during the year.  It’s usually a place in the house which is used for more than one purpose, for example an entrance hall also being used as a dining room.

Why is this a popular trend and why will it be strong in 2014?  The strength behind this trend can find its strength in three main factors; baby boomers, income and versatility.

Let’s start with baby boomers.  Architects are now designing homes to accommodate the growing elderly population who are opting to stay with family.  These houses have to be well organized, usually segregated from the rest of the house in some way in a self contained unit.  This allows for separation between the family (sanity preservation) and it also allows the living space to be rented out if need be.

Secondly, income.  As disposable income has dropped significantly and pensions lost in the crash of 2008, retirees have been forced to move in with their families as they simply can’t afford to live by themselves, or pay for a retirement home.

Thirdly, versatility.  Options are empowering and give the homeowner choices.  Flex rooms enable maximum usage with the space given; maximum usage output per square foot of living space – It also allows for change of use if so required.

 4.  Prefabricated Buildings

With the development of manufacturing technology, investment into the whole area of prefabrication (especially in China) has helped move this trend into significance.  Don’t just think homes either, this trend stretches far and wide, encompassing hotels, office buildings, sheds and end of garden builds.

The main draw of this trend are the monetary savings in which it offers.  The repetitive manufacturing process means savings in raw materials and saving in manpower.  Entire walls and furnished floor space are pre-made in a factory, which are then delivered direct to the plot, ready to be assembled in some giant Meccano like structure.

Project management is easier, build time is less, work force required is reduced; all money saving factors and all reasons why this is a growing trend which’ll continue to develop in 2014.

I think one of the most powerful visual examples of the power of prefabrication can be seen in this video where a 30 story building is built in 15 days.

5.  Health Conscious Designs

The materials which are used in building, decorating and furnishing the home are an issue which is being addressed by architects and designers.

Paints, upholstery, insulation, wood stain and other synthetic materials used in the home which cause hypoallergenic reactions and possible serious health problems are being replaced with those which don’t have such negative side effects.

Alternatives to these potentially unhealthy materials are always available, it’s just a matter of sourcing them at a price which clients are willing to pay.  It may be a matter of selling the potentially significant health benefits of these materials to help overcome the potential cost increase; the winning strategy to win their approval.  It’s just like the concept: If you have never had a heart attack, eat and live as though you have had one, to prevent (or at least reduce the risk) that problem from occurring.

In the same vein, architects are looking to cut down on the hypoallergenic and prospective carcinogenic materials, a trend which we’ll see in 2014.

6.  Kitchens: Hub of the Home

This is one which we particularly like; the kitchen being the focal point of the home.  No longer will the kitchen be that room which is built in the dark recesses of the house – Now it’s being elevated to center stage.  The kitchen is set to be the room in the house which is being used for more than just cooking.  We are seeing it being used as a place to think, study and work in addition to whole range of other multitasking uses.

It’s a similar dynamic to the flex home, but more specific.  Having the kitchen as the hive of activity within the house is great for bringing the family together and strengthening relationships.  It’s the trend for 2014 which should continue for years to come.

7.  Inventive Storage Capacity

You might have noticed while driving around the massive, often bold colored storage locker buildings; they’re everywhere.  It seems like this trend has grown like an out-of-control garden over the past 10 years, but there is a fundamental reason for it.  People have acquired so much ‘stuff’ they don’t know what to do with it, so much so that they are paying monthly payments to store their junk precious items in storage.

Without tackling the underlying problems that would be the job of psychiatry professionals; architects realize the need and are catering for it.  More storage space is obviously needed in the home, and they are designing varied solutions with style & finesse.  Clutter around the house can be unsightly, and in a world of design where less is more, clutter needs to be dealt with; even if it’s merely storing it.

Again, based on need, this trend is a growth trend which’ll be popular in 2014.

8.  Reusing Existing Buildings

Some of the best designs in 2014 won’t necessarily be newly built buildings on the cutting edge of architectural genius, but rather using the existing shells of buildings to build around.  Buildings which have a rustic industrial aura, church buildings, factories and buildings with historical character are all existing buildings or derelict shells have character features which are difficult to recreate in modern design.  It’s a wonderful endeavor that helps to save historical beauty, which is why we’re glad this is a growing trend in 2014.

9.  Utilizing the Outdoors

Where the outdoors was once a place exclusively for the garden or yard, it is now being used for outdoor rooms.  The advance of outdoor eco-friendly materials has enabled architects to become more creative with the use of outdoor areas.  Space is a valuable commodity, so it makes logical sense that this trend is growing; especially as population growth increases whilst house prices remain staunch.  The trend will be especially popular in areas where the weather is kind, but even in places such as the U.K. you’ll find brave and creative architects making it work.

10.  Disaster-Friendly Designs

It seems that nobody is safe from flooding, storms, fires and earthquakes these days.  Growing up in England I’ve always categorized these dangers as problems that other country’s have.Hurricanes: I think Florida.  Earthquakes I think Tektonic regions.  Floods I think of Tsunamis in tropical countries.  England this winter has experienced the worst flooding in 250 years, with flooded homes and damage costing an estimated $2 billion dollars.  Whatever the cause for the erratic conditions we are facing as a human race; it’s reach is far and wide, and it’s an issue for geographical areas which previously weren’t affected – These areas are now investing into solutions to protect against such natural disasters.

As such, architects are now future proofing their designs for natural disasters such as flooding, storms and the likes.  This is a trend which has been forced upon us by need, and it’s an important one for coming decade.