Turn Your Backyard into a Relaxing Oasis

When you look out into your backyard, do you see nothing but grass that needs mowing and dusty furniture from summers past? Maybe it's time to give your outdoor space a face lift. Here are some ideas on how to make your backyard a relaxing oasis:

Add a fire pit

You can spend a lot on fancy built-in models, but for less than $200, you can find a portable fire pit at the local home improvement store. (Do check your town's laws on the matter first; fire pits are illegal in some areas).

Add a fountain

A water feature, like a pond with a waterfall or a standalone waterfall, adds some soothing sounds to your space. The gurgle of a fountain is relaxing and it has the added benefit of drowning out background noise from the street. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money digging up the backyard to install plumbing and wiring. A lot of today's outdoor fountains are self-sufficient units, using solar power to circulate the water.

Buy new patio furniture

Have seating in all areas so you can sit and enjoy your creation. If stackable chairs and flimsy plastic tables are the extent of your outdoor "furniture," maybe it's time to upgrade. Now with water-proof fabrics and weather-proof materials means you can get just about anything for the backyard that you can for the living room. Why not invest in something that is comfortable and that will still look good several summers from now?
If you have a large area, create separate seating areas. Maybe adding a multilevel deck that includes a dining area and a relaxing area with lounge chairs and cozy seating around a fireplace. Include a mix lush of greenery and flowering plants in each area and try to incorporate some unique features into your space.

Source: luxuryhousingtrends.com

FHA Loans for Beverly Hills 90210???

I recently sold a home in Beverly Hills Post Office where the buyer purchased the property with an FHA loan. The buyer first attempted to get a conforming loan but when it came time for the appraisal, the process was much more difficult then expected. The mortgage broker was not sure the buyer would get a conforming loan because of the appraisal. Being so, they explored the option of obtaining an FHA loan, where the down payment would be much less and the appraisal process would be a little less rigid. With the limits of FHA loans now at 729,750 that allows for many more buyers to utilize FHA loans. For a first time homebuyer with lending requirements being so conservative this loan may be the loan for you.

If you’re a buyer or seller in today’s rapidly changing market it is crucial that you have an experienced realtor, mortgage broker, appraiser, and home inspector. All parties representing the buyer or seller should be well informed in their area of expertise.

Good luck out there! If you're looking for a realtor or referral in your local area just give me a call.

Connie De Groot

Maximize Your Kitchen Space: Add an Island!

Centrally located, islands are easily accessed and ideal for various kitchen tasks, whether you need a second work station, a space from which to serve an informal buffet, or just a place to put the day’s mail, kitchen islands are a popular solution to the lack of cabinet space. . They are often the focal point in the kitchen.

As the selection of kitchen islands continue to grow, so do the innovations. If you are planning a kitchen remodel that will include an island, the following is a list of the latest kitchen options and tips to consider when building or turning your fantasy island into a functional and stylish workspace:

• Most important, there should be sufficient space between the island and other work surfaces.
• Depending on your needs, the island can be located so it functions as an integral part of the area. It can also serve as a divider between the kitchen and the family room.
• Create Levels: With multiple levels, guests can sit, chat or rest their beverages on the top counter, while the lower tier of the island could feature an ample work area for you to prepare a feast of tasty treats.
• Ample drawers and shelves should be incorporated below the area to keep key ingredients, utensils and cookbooks. Also, consider adding a wine refrigerator to keep your beverages close at hand.
• Cooktop islands have become very desirable, with cooktop; food preparation and cooking can all be done at the island top, while the space below can be used for additional storage or warming drawers.
• A sink and faucet in your kitchen island will make food preparation and cleanup quick and easy. A pull down kitchen faucet can also make performing tasks such as filling large pots, pitchers and vases easy.
• Select a surface finish that will add to the décor.
• With your fantasy island becoming a reality, some finishing touches might be in order. Long vertical drawer and cabinet pulls add some flair to the kitchen, while doubling as towel bars.
• Lastly, consider pendant lighting for your island. A variety of shapes, styles and finishes are available in home improvement stores.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

Tips for Hiring Contractors

Are you planning a major home improvement project in the near future? If so, you’re probably in the market for a contractor.

Here are a few important techniques to finding the right professional to handle such a project and get a fair price:

• When possible, try to get recommendations and referrals from people who have had similar work done.


• Call and pre-qualify several contractors. Be sure that each contractor is licensed and insured for workers compensation, property damage, and personal liability. Request references and ask to see contractors work.


• Request a formal bid based on exactly the same plans and specifications. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid. If one bid is much lower than the others, be suspicious of inexperience. Generally, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is.


• Chemistry with your contractor is crucial. This person may be around your space for some time, and there may be times when you have to deal with difficult issues.


• Ask if your job will be the only one on their plate or whether they’ll be managing multiple projects at the same time. Find out whether the contractor will be on site to supervise or if they will hand it off to a foreman.


• Once you’ve made your selection, ask to see his or her contractor’s license and double-check insurance coverage.

At this point, you and your contractor should agree upon a written contract and both of you should sign it. The contract should include:

• Make sure your plans are thought through completely. It’s fair for a contractor to charge you for changes and modifications that are not in the original plans, particularly if it will require more work or more expensive materials, which can send your budget through the roof.


• Both names and addresses and details of all work to be performed are should be included. Be sure to specify who will be responsible for demolition, cleanup, and trash collection.


• Be sure to include a completion date and details on how and when payments should be made. If the contractor requests a deposit before starting work do not pay more than 10 percent or $1000, whichever is lower. Make additional payments as the work progresses. This gives the contractor continual incentives. Remember: money is your only leverage for getting things done.


• Don’t sign a completion statement or make the final payment until the job has passed final inspection.

When the job is finished, if you feel you’ve been cheated or wronged, you may lodge a formal complaint with the contractor’s licensing board (this is one of the reasons it’s important to work with licensed professionals).

Source: Hometips.com

How to Cut Down on your Air Conditioning Bill

With summer approaching here are some home improvement projects that can lead to savings on energy costs.

When making a list of improvements, take into consideration the following ideas:

• Regular Maintenance – Change your filter at least once per month during peak season. Check your owner’s guide on how to safely clean the unit or have a professional service it.
  
• Place your air conditioner in a north or east facing area of your property, or a very shaded spot. Placing the unit in a spot that won’t take a beating from the hot midday sun.
  
• Properly size your air conditioning unit to the size of your room or home. If the unit is too small, it won’t adequately cool the space. If the unit is too large, it will waste energy turning on and off frequently.
  
• On very hot days, save energy by closing the fresh air intake on your unit. Re-cooling the air that is already circulating in your home requires less electricity.
  
• Don’t cool rooms that aren’t occupied or used frequently. Close air vents in those rooms to circulate the air where it is needed more.
  
• You can save 3% on your cooling costs for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. Raising the thermostat from 73 to 78 degrees can mean savings of up to 15% in cooling costs.
  
• Improved air circulation will cool your home more quickly and efficiently. Employ pedestal or ceiling fans to help circulate cooled air.
  
• Minimize the amount of time you open and shut outside doors, and draw the blinds or curtains to keep sunlight out.
  
• Take care of tasks that would normally add heat or humidity to the home in the early morning or late evening hours.
  
• Retractable awnings that cover outdoor patios or decks during the hottest parts of the day can help cut back on cooling costs.
  
• Reflective films can be used on windows to screen out the hot rays of the sun without compromising the light entering the home.
  
• Do your laundry using cold water. Washing only heavily soiled clothing in hot water will save energy and also keep your home cooler.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

Ouch! Another low offer!

In most areas, homes are sitting longer than most of us have experienced in a very long time. Some Sellers must wait months before they receive an offer to purchase and when that offer comes in, there is usually excitement or perhaps a sense of relief!
Nevertheless, lurking very close by is often disappointment when the Seller learns of the Buyer's purchase price.

My advice is to first, take a deep breath, and give yourself some time to consider all that the Buyer is offering in his agreement to purchase. Go beyond the price and look at the value in knowing that you can move on with your plans, that you can apply those gains towards other opportunities. And most importantly, let's not forget the stress selling a home has on your body and mind. All these items have real value and are often overlooked.

In a market where able willing buyers are slim and offers are rare, throwing away an offer can be an extremely costly mistake!

We are all together in the frustration of this market so each of us must really try a little harder to make things work. If you need to sell at this time, take the time to interview experienced Realtors that have experience selling homes in your neighborhood and that have strong connections to all those people necessary to complete a transaction successfully. This decision can bring you success and certainly more money at the close of escrow. Your Realtor, lender, home inspectors, etc. should be people you sincerely trust and have confidence in. Today, you must form a strong team to make things work given all the challenges that exist in this environment.

Good luck to you all and call me if you need tips or referrals for an excellent Realtor anywhere in the United States!

Make A Room Feel Larger- Tricks Of The Trade!

Many Homeowners are struggling to sell in today's complicated market. They may not have the funds to completely re-design their properties to compete. Color can transform the look and feel of most any home and only for a few hundred dollars! Perhaps this is all you need to do to be successful Seller today! The following items are suggestions of ways that COLOR can cure problem rooms.

If you want to raise or lower a ceiling:
Use bright white on the ceiling or paint a vertical stripe pattern on the wall to stretch the sense of height. If you wish to lower a very high ceiling, you might add a mid to deep hue to the color of the ceiling.

If you want to shrink or expand the room:
Paint shorter walls a deeper color than the longer walls if the room is too narrow or too long. You can also use a combination of colors for example: you could divid a wall and paint the lower half one color and the upper half another.

Select the right sheen:
Glossier finishes offer more warmth and also seem to give added depth than a flat paint.

Source: The Los Angeles Times.

Connie on "Cavuto" - The High-End Market

I had the opportunity to once again appear as a guest of esteemed news anchor Neil Cavuto this week, appearing on his daily show "Cavuto" on the Fox Business Network. We spoke about a topic that I actually blogged about a couple of weeks ago- how the high-end luxury markets are faring in the wake of the nation's current credit and housing slumps. As always, it was such a pleasure to chat with Neil- click here to view the segment!

I also received a lovely note yesterday from Alexis Glick, VP of Business News and Anchor of "Money for Breakfast" on the Fox Business Channel. She thanked me for appearing on her show a couple of weeks ago (at 4:15 a.m.!) and also let me know that she had posted the interview on her blog- you can check it out by clicking here! I am so impressed with her accomplishments and it was such an honor to be her on-air guest.

Latest Trends in Home Design

The Los Angeles Times' "Home" Section from this past Sunday highlighted top 10 trends for home design for 2008. Below are their choices, many of which I feel are fantastic ways to update your home- just in time for spring!

Murals. According to Todd Imholte, president of the company that operates "Murals Your Way," wall art can be a tasteful and creative way to personalize a room.

Cozy Comfort. Rooms that are colorful and vibrant and filled with plush, overstuffed furniture from vintage antique stores or estate sales can be inviting and warm, as well as luxurious (and affordable!)

Recyclable Materials. Recycled, reused and refurbished materials are popping up more and more in the home. Expect to see more recycled carpeting, grass cloth wall coverings and bamboo flooring.

Warm, Spicy Color Palette. Color combinations such as deep purple and burgundy, copper, burnished orange and brown, mixed with unexpected splashes of aqua and chartreuse add unbelievable warmth to rooms. Accents such as chrome, mirrors and mercury glass finish off the effect.

Accent Lighting. Smaller, delicate chandeliers and fixtures provide a unique source of accent lighting, and can also be very energy-efficient.

Luxurious Textures. Textures such as silk or velvet drapery or cushions, natural stone or rich wood add luxury to every space.

Modern Decor. Modern decor is all the rage, with floating objects taking center stage, such as floating sphere chandeliers or square block-base furniture.

Minimalist Kitchens. Simple trims and molding, sleek appliances and warm, designer woods are taking center stage. Heavy, chunky cabinetry and bulky appliances are definitely on their way out!

Elegant Glamour. Refined silhouettes, luxurious finishes, exotic veneers and strong forms are elegant yet welcoming.

Feng Shui. It's all about enhancing positive energy! Balance your water, fire, metal, wood and earth elements in a harmonious way to get the most positive energy for your living space.

Source: The Los Angeles Times. Photo: themls.com

Bevery Hills, Brentwood and Santa Monica on "Forbes" List of Best Suburbs

This week, Forbes released their list of the best "standard of living" suburbs for the nation's 15 largest cities. Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Santa Monica were chosen as the best suburbs for the city of Los Angeles.

The magazine considered such obvious factors such as school quality and crime, but also looked at demographics such as income, education level, and home ownership levels of the suburb's residents.

Click here to read the full article at forbes.com.

(Property in the photo, 1611 Benedict Cyn Drive in BHPO, is currently for sale and can be viewed by clicking here!)

Breaking: Existing Home Sales RISE in February!

Numbers released from the National Association of Realtors yesterday show that sales of existing homes across the U.S. actually increased in February, a sign that things finally may be turning around.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun stated that while "we're not expecting a notable gain in existing-home sales until the second half of this year, the improvement is another sign that the market is stabilizing."

It also seems that even in areas where prices are falling, activity is strong. According to the NAR roughly half of all metropolitan areas in the nation are experiencing median price increases, while in areas that are seeing prices fall, "a rapid price decline has induced buyers to come into the market, and sales are now rising."

While it remains to be seen whether or not this improving trend will continue, one thing we know for certain is that real estate is LOCAL. Consumers need to work with professionals who have a deep understanding of their neighborhood in order to get a true understanding of a home's value and where prices may be headed.

(Property in the photo, 4218 Vicasa Drive in Calabasas, is currently for sale and can be viewed by clicking here!)

Connie on Fox Business Channels's "Money For Breakfast" Hosted by Alexis Glick

Yesterday morning I woke up VERY early to appear on Fox Business Channel's "Money For Breakfast," hosted by anchor and Business Week VP Alexis Gilck. Because the show airs live on the East Coast, I had to be in the studio on camera...at 4:15am! Needless to say, I was VERY sleepy by the end of the day.

I was asked to speak, along with Director of Deloitte & Touche LLP Real Estate Capital Markets Dennis Yeskey, about the influx of Canadian investors in the United States real estate market. It was an honor to speak with Alexis, who is an extraordinarily talented woman whom I have much respect for. Hopefully I will have honor of being asked to come on her show again in the future!

Working in Los Angeles, I cross paths with buyers from all over the world on a daily basis. One of the things that gives me an edge in working with these clients is the fact that I lived in Europe for seven years. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that I am often asked to comment on international influence on our real estate market- my time abroad gives me a greater insight and perspective to these issues. I think it is important to stay on top of what is happening in our global markets because it inevitably affects us here in the States- especially today, in a time of such uncertainty.