Check Out These 7 Trends Spicing Up Kitchen Designs

Check Out These 7 Trends Spicing Up Kitchen Designs

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Wood flooring and glass backsplashes are expected to show up in more kitchens this year. Those were among two findings from the latest trend report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which surveyed 420 designers to find the top kitchen trends in 2014. (Stay tuned for next week where we’ll highlight the top bathroom trends identified from the survey.)

Below are some of the kitchen trends designers identified.

Trend #1: Contemporary styles

“While transitional styles are still number one, we see kitchen design trending more contemporary this year with clean, simple lines; less clutter, and little ornamentation,” says John Petrie, the 2014 NKBA president. Sixty-two of the design professionals surveyed said they expect contemporary styles to be on the upswing this year and possibly even inch closer to overtaking the popularity of transitional styles.

Contemporary Kitchen by Portland Design-Build Firms Janel Campbell, CKD,CBD,CAPS/Neil Kelly Company

Trend #2: A place for electronics

The kitchen is increasingly becoming a hub for home owners’ electronics. Two-thirds of NKBA kitchen designers said they incorporated docking and charging stations in kitchen remodels. They also included a desk or home office area. Fifty-six percent said they included a flat-screen TV.

Traditional Kitchen by Muncie Kitchen & Bath Designers Great Kitchens & Baths

Trend #3: Energy savers

Home owners continue to look for the energy savings. Sixty percent of designers expect energy-saving appliances to be in higher demand this year. Also, 47 percent of designers said water-saving kitchen faucets likely will be another energy-saver that home owners look to incorporate more this year.

Traditional Kitchen by Montclair Kitchen & Bath Designers Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc

Trend #4: Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are expected to gain popularity this year. About 70 percent of designers said they expect to see the countertops to increase in popularity. Also, about 40 percent of designers said they expect more kitchens to incorporate countertops made of recycled materials this year.

Contemporary Kitchen by New Orleans Tile, Stone & Countertops LaBruyere Stone

Trend #5: Satin finishes

Satin nickel has become the most popular faucet finish in the kitchen and is expected to continue to dominate in 2014, designers say. Polished chrome is second in popularity.

Contemporary Kitchen by Pensacola Interior Designers & Decorators In Detail Interiors

Trend #6: Granite composite sinks

Sink materials may be starting to change. Stainless steel is the most popular sink material; porcelain enamel is a distant second. But designers say they expect granite composite materials to become a growing option this year. Granite composite sinks, often found in darker hues, are known for being very durable and scratch resistant. They often are comprised of about 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic resin.

Kitchen Sinks by Houston Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Westheimer Plumbing & Hardware

Trend #7: Pets place

The pets want a place in the kitchen too. More designer report that home owners are asking for them to carve out a special space for their cats or dogs in the kitchen. These special kitchen spaces are ranging from a nook for the pet’s day bed to litter box cabinets, a feeding station, or even a doggy faucet.

Mediterranean Kitchen by Solana Beach Interior Designers & Decorators Intimate Living Interiors

Top Kitchen Features in Demand

Designers identified the following kitchen features as being in highest demand, according to the NKBA survey:

• Induction cooktops

• Steam ovens

• French-door refrigerators

• Bottom freezer refrigerators

• Touch-activated faucets

• Electronic (no touch) faucets

• LED lighting

Losing Popularity

What’s heading out of style in the kitchen? Designers said they are remodeling fewer kitchens with highly ornamented Tuscan and Provincial looks. Also, they said distressed and glazed finishes are decreasing in popularity as well as country/rustic styles, according to the NKBA study.

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How Important is a Managing Broker?

The availability of your managing broker is important.  Will your broker take the time to answer your questions?  How about share tips with you on building your business?  Can your broker tell you which buyers are likely to buy a house so that you are not wasting your time with people who are not qualified or walk away from those that can be qualified to buy a house?  Does your managing broker take you out for lunch and discuss ways to increase your business? 

 

Here at Homes & Equity Real Estate Group, we believe it is very important to help our brokers.  See what our brokers are saying about our managing broker, Max Nasab.

 

 

I have been in the real estate industry for over 19 years. During that time I have worked for two other real estate firms and it was a great surprise to find Max and Renee who run Homes & Equity Group in Bellevue. Both Max and Renee understand the needs of agents who work in this fast-paced and rather stressful business, and have a full understanding of what it takes to make for an effective work environment for agents and their assistants.

Both of them provide a great service and are fluid in all facets of this business. They provide legal advice, fast and reliable tech support, cutting edge understanding of online systems that make an agent’s work more mobile and accessible, and are constantly on hand and helpful for any real estate questions an agent might run into, a rarity in this industry.

Scott Townsend Relocation Specialist with Microsoft Relocation

 

 

 

I moved my license to Homes and Equity RE Group a year and a half ago and will tell those of you who are considering a change, this is an awesome company.

You keep all of your commission, they provide your signs, business cards, web site, and lock boxes so you have a very minimum out of pocket plus they also include your continuing hours.

Max is also one of the best mortgage brokers in the business along with his staff so you don't have to try and establish any other mortgage broker relationships which keeps your entire transaction in house so you can keep a better eye on your deals.

I have been in the business over 19 years and can say this is the best move I have made in my career.

Mark Jennings CDRS-CSSBR REO Asset Development & Sales

 

 

 

Your only costs with Homes & Equity Real Estate Group are $59 per month and a $195 per transaction fee.  With Homes & Equity Real Estate Group you can compete on a whole new level.  

Although we are a discount broker, we do provide a lot of services to our Brokers.  For our listings we provide:

• Yard signs
• Lock boxes
• A Boards for your open houses. 

For your business, we provide: 

• Free business cards
• Free web site with IDX feed to the MLS
• Free continuing education
• A Managing Broker that is willing to talk with you

You can learn more at our website at: http://www.joinhomesandequity.com/

Call Max Nasab at: 206-719-2694

For more information Call Max Nasab today! 206-719-2694 maxn@mortgagemoneystore.com

 

 

2014 Cost vs. Value: 5 Mid-Range Remodeling Projects That Offer the Biggest Returns

2014 Cost vs. Value: 5 Mid-Range Remodeling Projects That Offer the Biggest Returns

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Traditional Entry by West Palm Beach Paint & Wall Coverings D’Avco Painting Contractors Inc.

Just replacing that front door may offer some of the biggest bang for a remodelers’ buck, according to the 2014 Cost vs. Value Report. It’s one of the least expensive remodeling jobs and offers the potential of a 96.6 percent return on investment at resale – the highest of 35 remodeling projects recently analyzed. Front door replacement has topped the Cost vs. Value report since the first survey in 2009.

Remodeling Magazine, in conjunction with REALTOR® Magazine, each year takes a look at some of the most popular remodeling projects and gauges how well the projects retain their value at resale.

For mid-range projects, here are projects that retain their value by the highest rates, according to national averages:

1. Entry door replacement (steel)

Estimated job cost: $1,162

Estimated resale value: $1,122

Cost recouped: 96.6%

2. Deck addition (wood)

Estimated job cost: $9,539

Estimated resale value: $8,334

Cost recouped: 87.4%

3. Attic bedroom

Estimated job cost: $49,438

Estimated resale value: $41,656

Cost recouped: 84.3%

4. Garage door replacement

Estimated job cost: $1,534

Estimated resale value: $1,283

Cost recouped: 83.7%

5. Minor kitchen remodel

Estimated job cost: $18,856

Estimated resale value: $15,585

Cost recouped: 82.7%

View more remodeling projects that offer some of the biggest paybacks in REALTOR® Magazine’s feature article, “2013-14 Cost vs. Value: Remodeling Pays Off Big Time.” Also view HouseLogic’s slideshow of Best Bets for Adding Value to Your Home in 2014.

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How long do I have to wait after a Short Sale or Foreclosure?

Have you ever been asked how long someone has to wait before buying another house after a Short Sale, Foreclosure or a Bankruptcy?  If not, you will hear this question in the future.  Being able to answer this question will set you apart as a broker that knows the business.  Below are the underwriting guidelines to answer this question.  There are a lot of people that will be able to buy another house shortly.  This will help you ask the right questions to see if your buyers can buy now in in the near future.

 

Short Sale

Conventional Loans:

                Minimum 2 years with restrictions up to 7 years

                2 to 4 years – 80% maximum LTV

                4 to 7 years – 90% maximum LTV

                7 years and after allow for maximum standard financing

 

FHA and VA Loans:

                0 to 3 years if borrower’s credit and mortgage payments were in good standing prior, and up to date of Short Sale

 

 

Foreclosure

Conventional Loans:

                7 years with exceptions considered between 3 to 7 years

 

FHA and VA Loans:

                FHA: 3 to 4 years with acceptable explanation of circumstances

                VA: 2 to 4 years with acceptable explanation of circumstances with 600+ FICO

 

 

Bankruptcy

Time frame for re-established credit starts at Discharge or Dismissal Date.

Conventional:

Chapter 7:  4 Years From Discharge Date

Chapter 13:  Years From Discharge Date, or 4 Years for a borrower who was unable to complete the Ch. 13 plan & received a Dismissal.

Multiple BK Filings In Last 7 Years – 5 Years from Most Recent Discharge

Exception:

            An underwriter may allow for between 2 and 4 years if a review of the file supports the bankruptcy was caused by extenuation circumstances outside of the borrower’s control and not likely to reoccur.  Extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to events such as: death of a primary wage earner, major medical expenses or loss of job due to companywide layoffs or closure.  Divorce is not considered an extenuating circumstance nor is financial mismanagement. 

 

 

FHA/VA: 

          Chapter 7 & 11: 2 years elapsed since the completion or discharge of Bankruptcy.

            Chapter 13: No minimum time required, provided:

§  One year of the pay-out period under the bankruptcy has elapsed, and

§  The borrower’s payment performance has been satisfactory and all required payments have been made on time, and

§  The borrower has received written permission from the bankruptcy court to enter into the mortgage transaction.

 

 

Modified or Restructured Loans

 

Not eligible if Modified loan was on Subject Property. 

If Modified Loan was NOT on our Subject Property: 

Exception:

            Extenuating circumstances, with supporting documentation, will be allowed between 3 and 7 year’s time period from completion date with the following restrictions:

§  O/O only.  Purchase of a second home or investment property is not permitted

§  Purchase and limited cashout refinances are permitted for all occupancy types pursuant to the eligibility requirements in effect at the time.

 

Be sure to call Max Nasab at 206-719-2694 if you, or your buyers have any questions about whether your buyers qualify for a home mortgage or not.

 

For more information Call Max Nasab today! 206-719-2694 maxn@mortgagemoneystore.com

 

A flyer with this information is available at: http://realestatebrokerconnection.com/sales-materials/

 

3/2014

 

No-Rooz, The Iranian New Year at Present Times

No-Rooz, in word, means "New Day". It is the new day that starts the year, traditionally the exact astronomical beginning of the Spring. Iranians take that as the beginning of the year. This exact second is called "Saal Tahvil". No-Rooz with its' uniquely Iranian characteristics has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian (This was the religion of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam in 7th century A.D.).

Iranians consider No-Rooz as their biggest celebration of the year, before the new year, they start cleaning their houses (Khaane Tekaani), and they buy new clothes. But a major part of New Year rituals is setting the "Haft Seen" with seven specific items. In ancient times each of the items corresponded to one of the seven creations and the seven holy immortals protecting them. Today they are changed and modified but some have kept their symbolism. All the seven items start with the letter "S"; this was not the order in ancient times. These seven things usually are: Seeb (apple), Sabze (green grass), Serke (vinager), Samanoo (a meal made out of wheat), Senjed (a special kind of berry), Sekke (coin), and Seer (garlic). Sometimes instead of Serke they put Somagh (sumak, an Iranian spice). Zoroastrians today do not have the seven "S"s but they have the ritual of growing seven seeds as a reminder that this is the seventh feast of creation, while their sprouting into new growth symbolized resurrection and eternal life to come. - See more at: http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/norooz_iranian_new_year.php#sthash.n0QTuf25.dpuf

 

Wheat or lentil representing new growth is grown in a flat dish a few days before the New Year and is called Sabzeh (green shoots). Decorated with colorful ribbons, it is kept until Sizdah beh dar, the 13th day of the New Year, and then disposed outdoors. A few live gold fish (the most easily obtainable animal) are placed in a fish bowl. In the old days they would be returned to the riverbanks, but today most people will keep them. Mirrors are placed on the spread with lit candles as a symbol of fire. Most of the people used to place Qoran on their Sofreh (spread) in order to bless the New Year. But some people found another alternative to Qoran and replaced it by the Divan-e Hafez (poetry book of Hefez), and during "Saal Tahvil" reading some verses from it was popular. Nowadays, a great number of Iranians are placing Shahnameh (the Epic of Kings) of Ferdowsi on their spread as an Iranian national book. They believe that Shahnameh has more Iranian identity values and spirits, and is much suitable for this ancient celebration. - See more at: http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/norooz_iranian_new_year.php#sthash.n0QTuf25.dpuf

 

After the Saal Tahvil, people hug and kiss each other and wish each other a happy new year. Then they give presents to each other (traditionally cash, coins or gold coins), usually older ones to the younger ones. The first few days are spent visiting older members of the family, relatives and friends. Children receive presents and sweets, special meals and "Aajil" (a combination of different nuts with raisins and other sweet stuff) or fruits are consumed. Traditionally on the night before the New Year, most Iranians will have Sabzi Polo Mahi, a special dish of rice cooked with fresh herbs and served with smoked and freshly fried fish. Koukou Sabzi, a mixture of fresh herbs with eggs fried or baked, is also served. The next day rice and noodles (Reshteh Polo) is served. Regional variations exist and very colorful feasts are prepared.

The 13th day of the new year is called "Sizdah Bedar" and spent mostly outdoors. People will leave their homes to go to the parks or local plains for a festive picnic. It is a must to spend Sizdah Bedar in nature. This is called Sizdah Bedar and is the most popular day of the holidays among children because they get to play a lot! Also in this day, people throw the Sabze away, they believe Sabze should not stay in the house after "Sizdah Bedar". Iranians regard 13th day as a bad omen and believe that by going into the fields and parks they avoid misfortunes. It is also believed that unwed girls can wish for a husband by going into the fields and tying a knot between green shoots, symbolizing a marital bond. - See more at: http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/norooz_iranian_new_year.php#sthash.n0QTuf25.dpuf

 

Another tradition of the new year celebrations is "Chahar-Shanbeh Soori". It takes place before Saal Tahvil, at the last Wednesday of the old year, well actually Tuesday night! People set up bon fire, young and old leap over the fires with songs and gestures of merriment like:

(Sorkhi-e to az man) Give me your beautiful red color
(Zardi-e man az to) And take back my sickly pallor!

It means: I will give you my yellow color (sign of sickness), and you give me your fiery red color (sign of healthiness). This is a purification rite and 'suri' itself means red and fiery.

No-Rooz Greetings:
No-Rooz Mobarak (Happy No-Rooz, Happy New Year);
Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak (Happy New Year to you);
No-Rooz Pirooz (Wishing you a Prosperous New Year);
Sad Saal be in Saal-ha (Wishing you 100 more Happy New Years).

After all No-Rooz is a fun time for all of the Iranians, old and young. - See more at: http://www.iranchamber.com/culture/articles/norooz_iranian_new_year.php#sthash.n0QTuf25.dpuf

 

San Francisco Raises Loan Limits for First-Time Buyers

San Francisco Raises Loan Limits for First-Time Buyers

The city is doubling the amount it will lend to first-time home buyers toward a down payment on their first house or condo — from $100,000...

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Attention Real Estate Brokers, Life just got easy!

Attention Real Estate Brokers, Life just got easy!

20 reasons to use Mortgage Money Store, your local mortgage broker for your clients financing needs

1.       Loans will close in 15 – 20 days guaranteed

2.       Loans for stated income with strong down payment

3.       Loans with no credit are available

4.       Loans with FICO scores as low as 500 are available

5.       Loans for brand new condominium projects without the HOA being turned over to the residence

6.       Loans for manufactured homes on their own land

7.       Loans for up to 10 properties.  Great for investors with rental houses

8.       Loans for rentals with no rental experience.  We can use rental income on subject property

9.       Loans for rehab of primary and investment properties

10.   Loans for using assets only for income qualification

11.   Loans for people with H1 Visa

12.   Loans for using gift funds for the entire 5% down payment

13.   Loans for 1 day after discharge of chapter 13 bankruptcy

14.   Loans for refinance of flipped properties one day after purchase

15.   Loans for Good Neighbor program for teachers, fire, police workers

16.   Loans FHA

17.   Loans for FHA 203 Rehab

18.   Loans for VA

19.   Loans for USDA

20.   Loans for HomePath

With all of these reasons to use Mortgage Money Store you better call Max Nasab today at 206-719-2694.

maxn@mortgagemoneystore.com

NMLS #112686