Tips On Getting Your Home Sold Better, Faster and At a Great Price

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Though almost anyone you ask will tell you that the best time to be selling a home is in early spring and in the summer, the truth is that many experienced Realtors would advise otherwise.  As the leaves continue to fall and the weather gets colder, fewer homeowners end up putting their home on the market for sale.   In actuality however, so-called “off seasons” are better times to sell because of several reasons. 

First, there is less competition which means there will be more buyers vying for fewer homes and the chances of your home getting sold faster at a price you are more comfortable are higher.  Second, savvy buyers these days know when a good deal comes their way and though it is a soft market nationwide for the most part, good homes that are in great condition are the fastest to go and of course the most in demand.

Making Sure Your Home Is A Cut Above the Rest

Considering that during the cooler months more buyers have less to work with in terms of inventory, one of the best opportunities you have to stand out in the crowd is to be that one house on the block (or area) that is in perfect condition.  Make an effort starting now to prepare the home so that when it comes time to put it on the market, the property is in perfect showing condition. 

Take care of any scuffmarks, moving dents in the case of a vacant home or other surface blemishes on the walls.  Apply a fresh coat of paint in all areas where it is needed.  Have carpets that are in reasonably good condition professionally steam cleaned or replace carpeting altogether.  Refurbish, polish and professionally clean all wood, laminate and tile floors.  Power wash exterior windows and siding.  Update any outdated appliances or fix and/or replace anything that is not in working order.  Assign some attention to curb appeal,maintain the outdoor areas making the home’s exterior inviting.

Price Your Home Effectively

The single biggest reason that homes do not sell easily or quickly is that they are overpriced.  Be conscientious when determining the price of your home.  In fact, as a proactive measure, many sellers are paying for an appraisal as part of the process so that they can get a professionally accurate idea of what their home is valued compared to other like homes in the vicinity.  This also serves as an excellent selling and negotiation tool when it comes to price haggling. 

The attached article illustrates 7 Deadly Sins of Overpricing, courtesy www.trulia.com some of the things sellers do that get in the way of selling their homes.  The list includes things like paving the way for your competition’s success when buyers compare your high price to lower prices in neighboring homes.  Another problem that occurs as a result of overpricing is market stagnation where the home sits on the market way too long and then fails to attract enough attention.

Don’t Wait Till the Snow Melts

By placing your home on the market as early as mid-January to early February, you will be able to take advantage of the early buyers out there.  Keep in mind that real estate agents also scour the MLS listings out there and communicate them with their buyers. Many times in this case, the early bird definitely gets the worm.
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The three main factors in any market that will result in a home sale are location, condition and price.  There is little that homeowners can do about their location when reselling their property however condition and price are two areas that are very much in their own hands.  With the guidance of an experienced Realtor you can achieve your home-selling goals and do it very effectively!

Harnessing the Sun’s Energy to Stay Warm This Winter and Operate Efficiently Year-Round

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It’s no surprise that many homeowners continue to seek time, energy and money-saving energy options for their homes – and one of the best options remains using solar energy.  Solar panels have been around for a while, in fact, for many decades and as with any technological advancement, they have progressed over the years.

In today’s world of hybrid cars, paperless offices, digital communication and so many other energy-efficient tools and techniques – solar panels have also evolved to keep up with the times.  In this article, we share with you the benefits verses risks of installing solar panels in your home, as well as touching on other important things too such as price and installation considerations.  Hopefully you will soon be on your way to harnessing the sun’s energy to light up and warm up YOUR life.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Sunlight is converted into energy through the use of Photovoltaic cells – when the sun’s rays hit the Photovoltaic panels on a solar panel.  The energy can then heat water and air – providing ample energy to operate a home, including its heating.  Air conditioning units can also run using Photovoltaic technology when the sun’s energy is converted into electricity.  Ideally, to obtain the most sunlight exposure, panels are typically placed in places getting the most direct sunlight such as rooftops or other elevated areas on or around the home.

What Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

The cost to install solar panels will vary depending on a few factors.  First, the amount of energy needed to run the home will need to be assessed.  Some homeowners use this technology in designated areas of their home while others get all their energy through this source. Of course, the more energy needed, the more it will cost, as a greater number of panels will need to be installed.

There are ways to cut costs; discounts are offered through major membership warehouse retailers like Costco.  Another way to make it affordable is to assemble and install the system(s) on your own.  A sizable amount of labor costs goes into the installation of solar panels.  For homeowners interested in self-installing their system there is information available online or they can request installation guides from manufacturers, distributors or retailers.

Economic and Environmental Benefits to Homeowners

• Solar panels provide a free source of renewable energy – not to mention a clean and environmentally save source of fuel.

• Solar energy saves homeowners a significant amount of money on home utility bills.

• Housing values jump up, increasingly sizably with the installation and operation of solar energy units.

• The government provides tax credits to homeowners utilizing energy-saving techniques and systems in their homes.

MORE MONEY SAVING AVENUES THROUGH SOLAR ENERGY:

• When more energy is produced than needed, in some cases the utility company will buy extra energy from you and generate a credit on your account.  This concept is called net metering.
• No fuel is required to generate energy using solar panels.
• Since fuel is not needed to produce energy from solar panels, the cost of gasoline and the corresponding supply and demand of fuel that drives prices up do not affect homeowners who use solar energy panels.
• Once the initial investment pays for itself, energy from the sun costs absolutely nothing.

ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ASPECTS OF SOLAR ENERGY

• Solar energy does not create any pollution through the release of harmful chemicals or by-products such as carbon dioxide, mercury, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide.
• Using solar panels contributes to the decrease of green house gas emissions.
• Energy is generated only where it is needed and used.
• Since solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy it is a sustainable form of energy that does not add to the perils of global warning threats, acid raid or smog – making it one of the most sustainable form of energy.

Disadvantages of Installing Solar Panels for Solar Energy Use

Though the benefits outweigh the disadvantages there are still a few drawbacks to installing solar panels in a home for energy.

• The high cost of installation usually is the biggest deterrent to most homeowners who want to use solar energy in their homes.
• Solar panels are quite large and require a lot of space for installation in order to run most efficiently.
• Weather patterns can and do affect solar energy efficiency so a backup system is needed.
• Efficient operation depends largely on the position of the home and where the panels are installed so that maximum exposure to the sun’s rays can be accessed.
• Energy is only produced during the day.
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For people who know they will be living in a home for several years, or even those who plan to sell their home soon after installing solar panels – it is largely a matter of being able to recover the cost of installing the solar panels needed.  Once recovered, the cost of energy is almost non-existent.  Add to that the fact that there is little to no maintenance required once installed (assuming proper installation), if homeowners can afford it, this is an excellent way to save money while giving back to the environment at the same time!

Images by: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

Debbie is Moving to Keller Williams!

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Why Keller Williams?

- Fastest growing Real Estate company in North America
- #1 office in Bucks County in terms of listing and sales in units and volume.
- Training and Education
- Culture..who you in business with matters. DS and KW can contribute to lives in untold ways  A Culture of Caring.  Keller Williams Realty is a company that changes lives. The culture is as diverse as the countless ways in which associates and market centers commit themselves to finding and serving the higher purpose of business, and is united by cohesive understanding of our Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs and Perspectives.
- Best technology…forefront of transforming the industry.. winner of 2011 Inman Innovations Adward for Most innovative Real Estate Website of Service
- Luxury Homes Division
- Resulting in Superior service and Stellar Results  for you, my clients

The Keller Williams Belief System

At the core of Keller Williams Realty is a conviction that who you are in business with matters. We believe that the company we keep can contribute to our lives in untold ways. To help cement this understanding, we’ve formalized a belief system called the WI4C2TS that guides how we treat each other and how we do business.

Win-Win:  or no deal
Integrity:  do the right thing
Customers:  always come first
Commitment:  in all things
Communication:  seek first to understand
Creativity:  ideas before results
Teamwork:  together everyone achieves more
Trust:  starts with honesty
Success:  results through people

How Low Can Rates Go?

The silver lining on our sluggish economic cloud is that mortgage rates are at a new record low.  Please see the following article and feel free to share with your clients.  For those looking to make a move, the time is NOW.

Bloomberg News – Mortgage Rates Fall to Lowest on Record, Freddie Mac Says – Lowest Since 1950s

Sept. 15 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. mortgage rates fell for a second week to the lowest on Freddie Mac records as a slowing economy and concerns that Europe’s debt crisis is worsening drove investors to the relative safety of Treasury bonds.

The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan dropped to 4.09 percent in the week ended today from 4.12 percent, Freddie Mac said in a statement today. That’s the lowest in the McLean, Virginia-based company’s records dating back to 1971. The average 15-year rate fell to 3.30 percent from 3.33 percent.

Yields on 10-year Treasuries, a benchmark for consumer loans including mortgages, are near all-time lows amid signs that the U.S. economic recovery has stalled and the euro region is struggling to contain its debt burden. Low borrowing costs have done little to improve the housing market as foreclosures mount and the unemployment rate remains above 9 percent.

Data from the National Bureau of Economic Research measuring Federal Housing Administration loans indicate that long-term borrowing costs are the lowest since the 1950s, according to Chad Wandler, a spokesman for Freddie Mac.

Mortgage applications rose for the first time in four weeks as rate declines encouraged purchases and refinancing, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. A gauge of refinancing climbed 6 percent in the week ended Sept. 9, while the purchase index gained 7 percent, the Washington-based group said yesterday.
Please let me know if you have any questions or wpuld like to speak to a mortgage professional.

Stay Within Your Means to Get the Best Value When Buying a Home!

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Before you make any kind of investment in a home, check your financial "pulse" to make sure you're financially healthy and able to comfortably afford both the down payment and the monthly payments. Below are common-sense guidelines to follow in this regard:

Guideline 1: Check your credit rating!

One of the first things lenders will check before loaning you money is your credit rating. If it’s good to excellent, your chances of borrowing money for a mortgage are very much improved. Currently, depending on circumstances, you need a credit score of at least 620 and the money for a down payment (the percentage varies with the type of loan).

If you have a credit score below the 620 benchmark, then additional documentation (and more time) will be required to prove to the lender that you're worthy of a loan - and even then there's no guarantee that the mortgage will be granted.

So, as you can see, it's important to know what your credit score is before you approach a lender. You can find out this information from one of the "Big Three" major credit reporting agencies shown below:

• Equifax (equifax.com)
• Experian (experian.com)
• Transunion (transunion.com)

If you're wondering exactly what such agencies do, the best explanation is that they act as a clearinghouse for lenders. That means they collect financial information. They then sell it to banks, credit card companies, mortgage companies and other lending agencies. In essence, lenders use that information to decide if you’re a good financial risk.

So, if you have a credit score of 620 or better, no problem! But what if that score is below 620? What can you do then? Follow the guideline below.

Guideline 2: Reduce or Eliminate Debt!

The only method of raising your credit rating is to pay off credit cards or any other kind of debt you have.
Now, no matter what you hear or see on television, radio or the Internet, there's no "magic bullet" for reducing or eliminating debt. It has been and always will be a matter of personal discipline on your part! You can accomplish that discipline by taking the following steps:

Step 1: Pay your bills on time—all the time.
Step 2: Don’t open unneeded credit card accounts to increase available credit.
Step 3: This is the most important step. You must figure out where you stand financially by budgeting. In other words, you have to reduce unnecessary expenditures so you can apply saved monies to your debt and improve your credit score.

In this step, you must analyze your current financial situation. The first question to ask yourself is, "How much debt is too much?"

There’s an easy formula for coming up with an answer to that question. It’s called the debt to income ratio. It’s a simple method of measuring your net monthly income against your debt.

For purposes of illustration, let's assume the following: Your net monthly income is $2,000. Your monthly debt payments are $500. Divide $500 by $2,000, and you’ve calculated your debt to income ratio:

500÷2000 =.25 (25%)

Financial experts generally agree that debt expenses should be 25% or less of your income. A ratio of 10% or less is great. Anything above 25% waves a red flag in the face of lenders in general. In that case, you definitely need to reduce or eliminate debt.

So, what is your debt to income ratio? Answer that question by doing the following:

• Review last month’s bills. Add up all the fixed expense items (rent, mortgage, car payments, child support, loan payments, etc.)
• Review your credit card bills. Add up the minimum payments owed on each card.
• Figure your monthly take-home pay (net salary).
• Now divide monthly fixed expenses by monthly income.

What percentage did you get? If it’s 25% or greater, then it's time to take action to reduce your debt. It’s time to budget!

Okay, let's assume that your credit rating is in the good to excellent category and you have the money for a down payment on a house. That's great news!

But, you still need to stay within your means! So, upfront decide what you want in a home (two bedrooms, attached garage, etc.) and then stick to those guidelines!

Don't get swayed by an ultra-beautiful home with, say, four bedrooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen. If such a house is beyond your means, it won't look very beautiful when you can't make the monthly payments!
The best approach to take is to tell your realtor upfront about your guidelines and ask him or her to show you only homes that meet them.

Believe me, I or any other realtor love to work with customers who know what they want! It not only helps you but us as well because we can locate such properties faster and easier and get you into a new home that much more quickly!

Please contact me so I can answer any more questions you might have about buying a great new home within your means!

Adding Value To Your Home Through The Garage

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By nature, garages are places where we store many things we don’t want or need in the house. They’re also places where oil and gasoline are spilled due to cars, mowers, snow blowers, roto-tillers, etc.

Garages tend to store toys, mementos and many other items that, at one time, we thought vitally important. Then, when we go through them, we wonder why in the world we thought they were so important in the first place!

Well, as you can guess, all those boxes, stains, smells, unorganized tools, etc., can add up to an unsightly mess in the eyes of potential buyers. So, that means it’s time for a cleanup and, just as important, a rigorous re-organization of the garage to make it “shine” in the eyes of buyers.

First:  
Go through all those boxes in your garage and sort out the items. Be ruthless and toss out anything that no longer has any use or meaning. Even better, donate items that are still useful to your favorite charity. You’ll feel great and make somebody else happy at the same time. By clearing out all the clutter, you’ll make it easier to take the next step.

Second:
Clean the garage as thoroughly as possible. Get rid of dust and dirt anywhere you find it. If you have minor oil/gas stains on the floor, you may be able to pressure wash them away. 

However, if they’re large and/or long-standing, then you’ll need to find a cleanser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) or specially-made cleansers like “Gunk,” “Swab,” etc. that can be found at paint/automotive stores or in sections of “big box” stores like Wal-Mart.

Third:
Consider a “garage organization” system. Usually, the cheapest ones consist of storage bins and wall hooks. But, if you want to spend the money, there are also ones available with wall panels and flooring.Depending on your needs, an organization system can range from approximately $40 to thousands. 

Simply google “garage organization systems,” and you’ll find plenty of links to companies selling these products.No matter what system you choose, it will definitely give your garage a clean and professional look.

I can’t stress how impressive it is to potential buyers to have a well-organized garage.

This tells them that you’re a person who takes care of every detail of your home and property.And that, in turn, lets them know that buying your home will be a great investment on their part and well worth the asking price.

Need more hints on how to spruce up your garage or any other part of your home and property? If so, contact me today.

5 Things To Look For When Choosing Your Real Estate Agent

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All agents are not created equal.  Anyone can become a Realtor ©. You can get your license in a few weeks or a few weekends and pass a test.   But what really sets the quality agents apart?  How can you tell you are dealing with an experienced professional who gets the results you are looking for, whether on the buying side of the fence or seller?  The difference between a Realtor © and real estate agent is the client level versus the customer service level. It's the difference between experience and professional experience and strictly the facts.

Good Agents Know How To Emphasize the Positives and Sell Them

Not everyone can be a good sales person.  It takes the ability to recognize positive (and negative) attributes and the professional judgment to be able to know which ones should be highlighted at what time.  A good salesperson also has the innate skill of knowing their client and understanding their needs so they can adapt to them during the entire process.

Negotiation is a Very Important Part of the Home Buying and Selling Process

There is a significant amount of back and forth during real estate transactions.  Negotiating is a huge part of the process and it can make or break a sale if you do not have a good negotiator on your side.  There are several areas where this will come handy – beginning with the initial offer.  Then, following inspection results if there are any adjustments and/or concessions to be made, also for issues like deciding on a benchmark price when putting up a new listing.

Negotiations are most prevalent during the time an offer is made and/or countered but can also be equally as significant after a home inspection, when some of the parameters of the offer may need to be changed.

Staying Up-To-Date Marks A Knowledgeable and Interested Agent

Keeping up with the skills that are in tune with technology, the latest tools offered in the industry or even useful and beneficial professional characteristics is an important component of being an effective agent.  Someone with extensive marketing experience will be an asset to a real estate deal because his or her market savvy will come into play at many points throughout the buy/sell process.  An agent who is adept at using the latest tools like social media to enhance their existing functions stands far apart from those who still employ old school techniques.  As long as your agent is one who demonstrates the creative use of professional skills and modern technology, you can bet you will have an edge.

Accessibility and Communication; Key Aspects of Real Estate Success

Nothing is worse than needing or wanting to get in touch with your Realtor © but not being able to reach them.  Conversely, the agents who make sure to maintain regular open lines of communication with their clients enjoy huge success.  Not only because they have happy clients who are not always chasing to be heard – but also because it ensures that there are no mismanaged expectations, inaccurate information, discrepancies, etc.

Communication is the second part of this important trait of a great real estate agent.  Being able to adapt to varying levels of client communication; managing stress during lengthy transactions (such as short sales that can take months); understanding clients’ needs – all these are parts of a whole where your agent connects with you on a grander scale.

Realtors Who Take Ownership to the Last Degree – Win 

Since not all Realtors © are created equal, it is the ones who are willing to walk that extra mile for their clients that almost always succeed.  Though this trait relies on all other traits of an excellent agent, it stands alone in one area – attitude.  Having the attitude that a client’s best interest is the first priority easily separates the top producers from the mediocre.
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As you embark on your quest to find the perfect agent who is right for you – remember that the connection you have with your agent must “feel right”.  At the end of the day, this person will be representing your interests in what will probably be the largest purchase of your life so it is important that you are comfortable.

Spruce Up Your Basement With a Remodel For a Lasting and Positive Effect – in More Ways Than One

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The opportunity that exists in basements is huge – and it’s simply a matter of availing it to the fullest. Many property owners neglect to realize the hidden potential in all that extra space which can offer a whole host of added benefits. Whether you have a teenager who could benefit from his own space, would like a recreation/bar area for entertaining, or if you regularly have guests and want to offer a private living space for them – there are myriad reasons to remodel a basement. A quality remodeling project will address five areas so that you are left with a usable, livable and comfortable space in your basement.

Floors

One of the most noticeable differences in any space, especially basements, is flooring. Most basements have unfinished flooring, so even if you were to install a less expensive industrial-grade carpet it would be an improvement. However, in the spirit of being economical and utilizing all resources, homeowners often upgrade to higher quality carpet or rugs to soften the seemingly harsh or rough basement finish. Wood floors are usually not recommended, since there is a potential for flooding or water leakage from heating/cooling systems. However there are several options that are practical and without compromise on quality. Tiling, linoleum or carpeting are the popular choices these days. Keeping in mind your end use, choose wisely. For families with small children, a solid Berber carpet works very well, whereas empty nesters can get away with tile.

Walls

Like the floors, basements walls are also usually unfinished. Though for several years paneling received considerable slack for being “too seventies”, there has been a recent revival but with an updated style. Instead of the standard plywood paneling we’ve seen in many finished basements in homes built in the 70s and 80s, now there is an influx of walls covered with drywall, architectural panels and even synthetic siding. If budget is a concern, you can get creative with simple tension rods and simple curtain panels, strings of beads or other hanging wall/window coverings.

Bathroom

The inclusion of a bathroom in a basement is a must. Many homeowners who have some experience in Do-It-Yourself projects attempt to do this portion of the basement on their own. If managed properly the workings of a bathroom building/remodeling project, very closely monitored by you, can result in a beautiful addition to the space. Not only will adding a bathroom to your basement significantly increase the value of your home, it will also add a tremendous about of comfort and convenient. Depending on the end purpose plus how the rest of the basement is finished – choose fixtures and other permanent bathroom elements accordingly.

Finish

A lot of basements are used as an extra entertaining space, particularly if you are avid entertainers and enjoy having groups of people over for recreation. Some popular choices are to set up a bar or game room, secondary lounge and relaxation space, an activity space for kids or a library/study or work area as a home office. With just a few finishing touches like putting up wall hangings, decorating with a cohesive style or including some essential furniture items, you will complete the space. For game rooms, installing appropriate elements such as a cork wall for darts or a table tennis area and a wet bar space preferably located near a plumbing set-up are also finishing touches that will perfect the rooms.

Storage

There is hardly a basement that isn’t used for storage purposes – and chances are that even if you already have a finished basement there is probably a space set aside for storage. One of the most popular things to do during a remodel is to get organized – literally. By setting up proper storage systems in terms of the structural aspect, you can minimize space wastage and maximize your basement’s usage. Utilizing the space behind and under staircases, for example, is a very convenient method of using otherwise dead space. By installing simple, durable shelves you can get miles of use out of the area setting it aside for those smaller storage items like tools or garden supplies.


When a home on the market has a finished basement, the basement is usually one of the first things that generate buyers’ interest. Many prospective buyers may not have even had a finished basement in mind at first but when they see an updated, modern and usable space that increases the live-in space by as much as 30%, their interest is piqued.

No matter what your final purpose is in having your basement remodeled, it is undoubtedly a great decision and one that will reap benefits for years to come. So if you can do it, don’t hesitate!

Twelve Top Trends in Kitchen Design and Décor for 2011

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1. Green Design

Long before the economy reached where it is these days, the concept of energy-conserving, green living was already fast becoming mainstream.  Incorporating elements of green design into the kitchen is a hot trend that remains on the top of many industry experts’ to do list.  Using eco-friendly or recycled materials, bringing in energy-efficient appliances and incorporating natural sources of energy such as solar panels or skylights are some ways to implement green design into your kitchen space.

2. Elements of Nature

Bringing the outside in is a theme that will carry throughout the year and beyond.  As part of our love affair with all things green, elements of design that incorporate nature through things like pebbles embedded into walls, natural waterfalls, organic materials like bamboo and highlighting the colors of nature are popular.

3. Cool, Vibrant Color

Moving on from the tradition and very blah beiges, an influx of color has taken over as the new, hot trend in kitchen décor.  Splashes of oranges, reds, pinks and vibrant hues of blue and green – all draw attention to one of the most frequented spaces in the home.  Spanish tiles, painted cabinetry, unique backsplashes and, of course, display pieces and fixtures – are infuse color.  Warm and inviting, interesting and uplifting – lots of colors liven the space.  Spruce up the kitchen by using bold splashes of paint or wallpaper on one or two walls, and even the ceiling.

4. Raising Kitchens to New Heights

Gallery kitchens are seen more and more often, with taller cabinetry that reaches even greater heights than typically found in most kitchens.  Utilizing the wall space as an asset is particularly ideal for condos, apartment spaces or homes with smaller square footages such as those in big cities.  Gallery kitchen space is also a great transition from the main kitchen to the next room.

5. Dark, Exotic Finishes

Where white cabinets, light to medium counter tops, neutral walls and run-of-the-mill fixtures were once the norm, the new trend in both cabinetry and flooring is dark, natural finishes.  Balancing the dark elements of design with some neutral or metallic is a good idea but the overall shift toward espresso dark and chocolate brown looks are not only exotic but also practical. 

6. In the Age of Technology

In an age where everything depends on connectivity, we are seeing more kitchens with technology stations incorporated into the design and architecture.  Built-in desk space that provides homeowners with an area to write out bills, make phone calls, watch television, use the computer or sit back and relax, is a hot item lately.

7. Alternative Countertops

Keeping with the less formal look of many new kitchens lately, a new choice of countertops is soapstone.  Though granite remains the hottest option, homeowners are now turning to soapstone for its natural and more rustic feel.  The look especially complements kitchens with these days’ bright color schemes, as it offsets the heavy emphasis on color elsewhere in the space.

8. Customized Storage Solutions

There is never enough space and there is always room for improvement on how that space is organized.  Customized storage is particularly hot in kitchens as the new generations of foodies continues to breed, meaning that many unique and interesting tools, materials and appliances are used.  Storage solutions designed to accommodate a homeowner’s particular needs is currently on many people’s wish list.

9. Layers of Light

Gone are the days of just one ceiling light fixture and a hanging pendulum light over the kitchen table.  Now, multiple layers of light is the happening thing.  Providing new dimensions of aesthetic and functional design, there are several areas through which a kitchen can be illuminated.  Accent lighting installed under cabinets, along the sideboards and open cabinet interiors, task lighting designed to focus on a particular display area and varying levels of functional lighting give homeowners different degrees of light to choose from. 

10. Smart, Savvy Appliances

A streamlined wall of kitchen cabinets with hidden features creates a larger, fuller and more complete look.  Unlike the traditional kitchen space that is broken up by major appliances, the new trend that is incorporated in kitchens of all sizes and shapes is integrated appliances.  With the same exterior surface as the rest of the cabinets, integrated appliances are camouflaged, lending a customized look to the space.

11. High Glass is High Class

Glass tiling for kitchen backsplashes is a trend heavily used by top interior designers.  Lending a translucent and airy look that is not only classy and elegant, but also easy to maintain and practical – glass elements are the new neutral. 

12. Open Shelves

Gone with the old and in with the new cabinets that are unlike typical cabinets with no dimension that lack dimension and interest, incorporating open shelving into the kitchen is a trend that instantly enhances the space.  Open shelving allows homeowners to show off and display their wares while utilizing the storage space simultaneously.  Since there is a change from one cabinet to the next it lends an air of interest that is aesthetically pleasing.