Crown Molding

Installing crown molding in a room adds interesting architectural character and eliminates the “square box” look. Use a simple profile, or stack two or more moldings for a dramatic effect. Paint the molding with the ceiling color to visually transition the ceiling to the wall. Or finish it in the same color and sheen level as the other trim in the room (door and window casings, base moldings, etc.) to give it more prominence. For a more subtle effect, try painting the crown molding a few shades lighter than your walls. The slight shift in color creates great eye play without overwhelming the look of the room.

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Things Needed After Purchasing a Home

Now that you've signed all the paperwork and your loan is approved, it's time to move in.  But wait!  Before you put your feet up, there are a few things that you will need in order to make your new house a home.

Locks

Regardless of whether you purchase a newly constructed home or one that was formerly owned by someone else, it's important that you have the locks changed.  Everyone from REALTORS® and contractors to friends and family of the former owner may have a key, which is why getting new locks should be at the top of your list.

Furnishings

You can't hang your hat without a hat rack, so don't forget to add some necessary furnishings.  Some homes may include appliances and possibly even some furniture, but most homeowners prefer to decorate their house themselves.  After all, someone else's taste in decor may not necessarily be the same as your own.  If you purchase from a furniture store, they will handle the delivery for you.  Otherwise, you can hire a moving company.   

Appliances & Cookware

Even if your new home is equipped with appliances, you may still need to add a few items into the mix.  For instance, a coffee maker, toaster, microwave or blender may be items you want for your kitchen.  You will also need flatware, tableware and a quality dish drainer to hold your dishes that require the hand wash method.

Tools

When you move into a new home, there will likely be some things to do that require the use of tools.  Whether you need to assemble furniture, a desk for your office or just need to tighten some bolts here and there, a good set of tools is a necessity.

Personal Touches

No home is complete without personal touches that represent the new owner's taste, so don't forget to include them on your shopping list.  Pictures, paintings, special window dressings, accent pillows, plants, decorative throws, accent rugs and bedding sets will create a custom interior that's all about you.  Other things to consider include portable air cleaners, water filters, an answering machine, wastebaskets and a bathroom plunger.

Outdoor Décor

If you like to entertain, equipping your backyard accordingly is a must.  Patio furniture, an outdoor grill, landscaping tools and garden supplies are essential to creating an outdoor atmosphere that your family and friends are sure to love.  Speaking of the outdoors, don't forget to purchase a lawnmower and trimmer unless you live in a subdivision where lawn care is included in the maintenance fees.  If you live in an area that's prone to snowfall, keep this in mind when shopping for maintenance supplies.

The best way to tackle a large list of necessities is to keep a pad of paper nearby and write down each item as you think of it.  Think about each area of your new home and do a mental inventory of what is needed.  There will always be new items to add to the list, but you will cover the basics with your handy checklist of necessary items for your new home.

 

For  information on Paradise, Magalia, Chico, California and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 530-413-8383 or check out www.TammysRealty.com or my Localism Blog.

 

Real Estate Consultant
Coldwell Banker Ponderosa Real Estate
530-413-8383
www.TammyVertrees.com

Real Estate for Today’s Magalia and Paradise California Home Sellers and Home Buyers

2010 Outdoor Living Trends

Spring has sprung and while snow still lingers on lawns, patios and backyards, thoughts are turning to the great outdoors -- around the home.

However, those thoughts of leaving in-house hibernation behind are edged with economic concerns as homeowners take a less lavish look at how to move indoor living outside.

Buzzwords are "low" and "less" as low-maintenance landscaping, low-frill entertaining, even less technology are common in outside home improvement plans homeowners will undertake this year, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we've seen in past years.

From Jan. 25 to Feb. 12, when the ASLA surveyed 182 residential landscape architects about the popularity of various design elements for 2010 they found homeowners were avoiding more expensive, elaborate items in favor of more essential ones.

Given most outdoor living spaces are an extension of the kitchen, ASLA, not surprisingly, found the most popular kitchen features was an outdoor grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent).

More elaborate outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular.

For entertainment purposes, instead of stereo systems (57.2 percent), wireless/Internet connectivity (44.1 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and TVs (35.5 percent), there was much greater interest in more utilitarian seating/dining areas (95.6 percent), installed seating like benches and seat walls (90.6 percent) or weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent). However, the fire pit/fireplace (94 percent) remained popular.

This year homeowners are also looking to go 'green' outside to save time and money on upkeep.

Popular landscaping elements include low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent); drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent); native/adapted drought tolerant plants (85.2 percent); and less sprawling lawn (73.9 percent).

Other popular features include fountains/water features (87.8 percent) and food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).

Among the more expensive outdoor architectural features that remain popular were spas (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor sauna; 79.1 percent); decks (83 percent), porches (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (72.4 percent).

Among the least popular items were sleeping spaces (5.6 percent); geothermal-heated pools (28.2 percent); outdoor cooling systems (36.5 percent); outdoor heaters (43.8 percent); solar-powered lights (49.4 percent); and sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.; 47 percent).


Wondering What Your Home Is Worth? -- Let me show you.

For more information, you can visit my Web site or feel free to give me a call.

Tammy Vertrees, Paradise California Realtor

530-413-8383 Direct
530-872-5428 Office

www.TammyVertrees.com

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© Tammy Vertrees 2010. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author: Tammy Vertrees is a full service real estate agent serving the discerning needs of clientele throughout Butte County, California

Ms. Vertrees specializes in representing sellers and buyers of residential real estate in Paradise, Magalia, Chico, Oroville, Gridley, Biggs, Durham and the surrounding areas.  Ms. Vertrees provides clients with a strong level of comfort, powerful negotiation skills and use of the latest technologies.

Visit Tammy Vertrees on the web at www.TammyVertrees.com for real estate information and to view all available Butte County homes for sale.


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