Re-Design

Re-Decorate, Re-Arrange, Re-Do … Redesign it in 2008!

Most of us, like our things.  Maybe you like your furnishings, but you’re tired of your art or accessories (or visa versa).  Maybe you want a new look but for whatever reason, you don’t want to go out a spend a ton of money.  Well, you don’t have to go out and buy all new to get a new look anymore.  Just Re-use what you already own in a new, fresh and differnt way by getting an Interior Redesign.

In just 3 hours we transformed this room using what the homeowners already had in their home!  It went from cold and uninviting to warm and welcoming!  They loved the new look!

Please feel free to post a comment or contact me if you have ANY questions what so ever about Redesign!

Jill

Changing Spaces

Paint Color Tips and Tricks

 

1.  Most of the local hardware/big box stores carry poster sized pieces of wallboard and sample boards (about the size of a piece of paper).  These are GREAT tools to have if you are unsure about your color choice.  Buy samples of the paint you’re considering and paint on the boards.  You can move these all around the room  and you won’t have paint patches all over your walls.  Be sure to place the board on each wall because the color will look different on every wall depending on the lighting.

2. Now that you’ve selected the right color, you have one more choice to make.  Which sheen do you want?  Ah geez!  Another decision.  Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss or Gloss?  (These are in order from flat to one with the most shine for Kelly Moore paints). Here’s a tip.  The higher the shine the more washable the paint/wall.  However, the higher the sheen the easier it is to see imperfections in the wall.  Nowadays, I find the most popular sheen is Eggshell.  It give you a little wash-ability without being over shiny. However, if you’re painting a wet area (bathroom/kitchen) most people use a  semi-gloss.

3.  How to get a perfect seam.  Sometimes you’ll find that you’ll need a perfect seam in between paints.  Maybe it’s a rounded corner or a transition from one room to another where two different paint colors meet.  Here’s the tip.  Start by making a line with painters tape. Then (and this is the most important part) apply a clear acrylic – matt finish to the seam of the tape and let dry.  This seals the tape to the wall so your new paint color won’t seep under the edge of the tape.  Paint your walls and remove the tape to find a perfect paint line.

Jill Denton

Changing Spaces

Is now a good time to buy a home in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Nowadays we hear, “It is not a good time to buy real estate” … then we hear “It IS a good time to buy real estate!”  So which is it?  You could ask 100 different people and you’d get 100 different answers.  The real quesstion is … “Is it a good time for YOU to buy a home?

Before you decide to shop for a new home ask yourself a few questions.  For example: Why are you buying a home? Are you a first time home buyer?  Looking to upgrade?  How long do you plan to live there? What interest rate do you qualify for? Is it a fixed or variable rate?  How much are you planning to put down? How much income do you earn? Are you living alone or sharing expenses? What are the many tax benefits?  These are just a few questions you should ask yourself.  Do your homework. Buying a home is probably the biggest and most important decision you’ll ever make, so make sure that all of your answers are in your favor.

Buying a home in the San Francisco Bay Area can cost a lot more money than in other parts of the county, but typically the return on investment is also a lot more.

Depending on your circimstance, now may be a great time to buy!  Why?  Because …

Reason #1: Home prices lower than they’re been in long time!

Reason #2: Mortgage rates lower than they’ve been in years!

Reason #3:  This is a Buyer’s Market!

Reason #4:  Because it’s a Buyers Market, usually you can take a little more time to make a decision.

Reason #5:  Plus you typically do not have to worry about bidding wars in a Buyers Market.

Reason #6: Prices are more likely to be negotiable in a Buyers Market.

Reason #7: With a home as a right-off, you’ll most likely pay less in taxes.

Reason #8: If you’re currently renting, you’ll be able to decorate or renovate YOUR home any way you like.

Reason #9: Appreciation!  Although real estate moves in cycles, sometimes up and sometimes down, over the years real estate and consistently appreciated.

Reason #10:  I’m available to assit you in finding and purchasing the place you’re looking to call home.

Jill Denton, Realtor

Hometown GMAC Real Estate

925-998-7747

Senate Passes GSE Reform:

On Thursday (2/7) thanks in part to the lobbying by C.A.R. and NAR members; the Senate passed their version of an economic stimulus package that includes the same increases to the conforming loan limits for both GSE and FHA.  According to C.A.R. sources, the President is expected to sign the legislation before February 15^th.  This legislation will increase the FHA limits to as much as $729,750 in high-cost areas. 

Source:  Bay East