Creating Kitchen Designs to Serve a 'Mature Market'

According to a report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) authored by Doris Pearlman—founder of Denver's Possibilities For Design—those aging into the "mature market" will require a new way of thinking about the kitchen, arguably the most important room in the home.

Pearlman has identified the following trends to consider when designing kitchens for today’s mature market:

- Rethink the double oven. Why not install them in two separate locations—splitting, not stacking them—and eliminate that awkward oven on the bottom?

- Realize that the over-the-range microwave might not only be difficult, but also dangerous for the average consumer.

- Raise the dishwasher with separate drawers installed at counter height.

- Most over 55 households may have more than one cook in the kitchen, so how about two sinks? A prep sink, in addition to the main sink, will create a separate work zone.

Pearlman says that today's working sinks are often two to three inches deeper, accommodating larger pots and pans and keeping splashing to a minimum. Stylish options range from apron sinks (also known as farm sinks) to sleek, contemporary stainless steel designs.

According to kitchen and bath designer Mary Jo Peterson, CKD, CBD, CAPS, when dedicating space to a built-in refrigerator, make sure that the space allotted never extends beyond the countertop. That means when installing a free-standing fridge, a 24-inch depth is a good rule of thumb.

Pearlman suggests creating a kitchen island niche or fold-up extension that accommodates sitting while preparing food for the less mobile resident—or for those who have trouble standing.

You could even situate the microwave at the end of an island, making it more reachable for the mobility-challenged user, or even the grandkids.

Don’t forget to include a tech nook with a docking station to recharge all of today’s gadgets. Pearlman believes the over-50 crowd is quite comfortable with the internet, email and social networking, so a computer desk in the kitchen will allow them to browse for recipes on cooking sites and Pinterest, while being able to monitor the front door at the same time. 

Protecting Yourself from Contractor Scams

A home improvement scam probably doesn’t look like one when you first see it, especially if it’s a great deal for something your home needs. And every home needs something.

But by the time it’s over, you may have felt cheated by shoddy work or materials, price increases or a contractor who disappears, among other problems. Here are some things to look out for before hiring a contractor to make improvements to your home:

Knock, Knock
It’s common to hang up on someone who calls you out of the blue from a phone number you don’t recognize. Turning away someone at your front door can be more problematic.

While not all companies that go door-to-door are bad, a salesman knocking on your door can be a sign of a business desperate for work. Why? Many contractors have waiting lists for jobs they’re going to do, and bad ones can resort to knocking on doors to get money. Being in your face with a hard sale is one you may want to question. Of course, they could just be aggressive but competent contractors so use your judgement.

Research First
If it’s a project you want done correctly, seek recommendations from friends, colleagues and family so you can find a contractor who is trustworthy, reliable and fair. Then start doing the difficult work of vetting them by researching online for their contractor’s license and reviews of their work.

Get Multiple Estimates
Comparison shopping means getting estimates from contractors you may want to hire. Ask them to itemize their fee. Balance cost with quality, making sure that the lowest price doesn’t have the cheapest materials and no guarantee.

Put It in Writing
A contract should include a description of the job, costs agreed to, materials and permits that need to be paid for, and start and completion dates. Have a lawyer or advisor read it. Look for loopholes in the small print.

Limit the Down Payment
Upfront money helps the contractor buy materials, but it shouldn’t be enough to give them a reason not to return and complete the work. The down payment shouldn’t be more than 33 percent; otherwise, you may never see the contractor again. Don’t make the final payment until you’re happy with the work.

Pay With a Credit Card
If the contractor allows it, pay with a credit card that you’ll pay off in full when the bill comes. Unlike a check or cash, a credit card payment gives you some purchase protection if something goes wrong. You can dispute the charges and have your credit card work on your behalf to resolve an issue.

5 Tips for Buying a New-Construction Home

Thanks to the shortage of available inventory in most markets, you can expect to start seeing more and more new construction. Buying a new-construction home is different than buying an existing home, however, so be ready to attack the process with a different mindset and specific strategies. Here are five important tips to keep in mind from U.S. News and World Report:

1. Choose an agent who works with builders. Start by selecting a real estate agent who has expertise working with builders and new-construction properties. He or she will be able to steer you toward a reputable firm whose designs suit what you’re looking for, in the location you desire.
 
2. Research the builder. Be sure to do your own research on the builder to determine the quality of their product and their overall credibility. Check online reviews, the state licensing board, local court records and even Google to find out if the builder has any pending lawsuits, complaints or disciplinary actions. Take it a step further and talk directly to past clients. A reputable builder will be happy to offer referrals.
 
3. Spend your money on size and location. When building from scratch, it’s tempting to spend your money on upgrades such as high-end countertops and bathroom fixtures, but that can quickly put you over budget. Instead, focus on choosing the right location and getting the square footage you need. Upgrades can always be made down the line.
 
4. Learn how to read a floorplan. Floorplans are foreign territory for many of us, so talk to your builder and real estate agent about how to accurately interpret them. Many builders offer virtual reality technology that turns the floorplan into a realistic 3D experience. Better still, visit a home that was designed with your floorplan so that you can get a firsthand feel of what you’re buying.
 
5. Get a warranty and an inspection. Most builders offer warranties, so be sure to ask if yours does and, if so, what exactly it covers. Certain companies, for example, offer a one-year warranty on workmanship, a two-year warranty on mechanical and electrical elements, five years on water leaks and 10 years on structure. Also, be sure to get an independent inspection before you move in. A home inspector will help identify any problems before the builder’s warranty expires.
 
The above guidelines will help make your new-construction buying experience a happy and successful one.
 
If you need more real estate information, feel free to contact me. 

The kids are out of school and on summer break! It's high season in residential real estate.

Providing quality service with a strong foundation built on honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, an investment property, you need to relocate, plan to start a new business and need a commercial property, or if you are nearing the term on your commercial lease and need assistance renegotiating an extension. We are honored to assist you in achieving your real estate goals. Levesque Realty has provided residential and commercial Real Estate services within Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for over 20 years.
Contact me to learn more about the help I can provide you in selling, leasing or purchasing your next residential or commercial property. Email me at yglesias75@gmail.com or call me at 805.490.4944. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business. BRE License # 01898123.
Conejo Valley, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Lake Sherwood, Hidden Valley, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, Calabasas, Malibu, Simi Valley and surrounding areas. Buyers Agent, Listing Agent, Leasing Broker, Purchasing Broker, Selling Broker.

How to Actually Fit Your Car in Your Garage

Even though research reports that nearly 80 percent of all Americans have either a garage or carport on their property, just 30 percent use the space to actually house their vehicle. If you’re like the majority, that’s because there’s just too much other stuff taking up all that space.

With a little bit of time and effort, however, you can get your garage in tip-top shape with these nine organizing tips from Erie Insurance:

1. Free up floor space by nailing angled wooden brackets to the wall. Use the brackets to hang lawn chairs, shovels, sports equipment and other bulky items.                           
2. If your garage is a sea of roving sports balls, hook a few bungee cords into a secure surface and use them to corral basketballs, soccer balls, beach balls and the like into neat piles.                                   
3. Organize your yard tools by rolling up a PVC tube and placing some screws into the spot where the edges meet to create a tool slot.                            
4. If small objects like nails and screws are littered throughout your garage, grab some mason jars and labels, and start collecting these wayward items in their new containers.                                     
5. There’s nothing like a well-placed magnetic strip for getting scissors, screwdrivers and other small metal tools out of the way…yet making sure they’re still accessible.                                        
6. If you’ve got your picnic and beach gear taking up space in your garage, invest in a nice big laundry basket to collect umbrellas, scuba gear, sand toys and mini coolers.                           
7. Make the process of cleaning up easy moving forward by mounting a paper towel holder to the wall and using it to hold a roll of garbage bags.                                           
8. Once you’ve got everything cleaned out and organized, consider making your garage more aesthetically pleasing by giving it a fresh coat of paint or installing floor tiles on the walls.                                               
9. Host a garage sale...literally. Whatever you do, don’t put unwanted items back in your garage. Try selling anything that’s still in good shape, otherwise, go online and determine how to safely dispose of things you no longer need.

How Much Do You Know About Your Home's Airflow?

You may know a lot about your house, like the square footage, year it was built and when it got that new roof, but how much do you know about its air flow? The U.S Dept. of Energy (DOE) and its energy.gov website reminds homeowners about the importance of good ventilation.

To understand the importance of having natural air flow in your home, energy.gov reminds homeowners about three basic ventilation strategies: natural ventilation, spot ventilation and whole-house ventilation.

Natural ventilation is the unpredictable and uncontrollable air movement in and out of the cracks and small holes in a home. In the past, this air leakage usually diluted air pollutants enough to maintain adequate indoor air quality.

But today, the DOE knows more people are sealing those cracks and holes to make homes more energy-efficient, and when a home is properly sealed, other types of ventilation are necessary to maintain a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

That means you may need to consider spot ventilation, which can improve the effectiveness of natural and whole-house ventilation. The DOE says spot ventilation includes the use of localized exhaust fans, such as those used above kitchen ranges and in bathrooms.

The ultimate problem solver, however, is employing whole-house ventilation—even with source control by spot ventilation. The DOE says whole-house ventilation systems provide controlled, uniform ventilation throughout a house.

There are four types of whole-house systems:

Exhaust ventilation systems that work by depressurizing your home, which are relatively simple and inexpensive.

Supply ventilation systems that work by pressurizing your home, which are also relatively simple and inexpensive to install.

Balanced ventilation systems, which, if properly designed and installed, introduce and exhaust approximately equal quantities of fresh outside air and polluted inside air.

Energy recovery ventilation systems provide controlled ventilation while minimizing energy loss. They reduce the cost of heating ventilated air in the winter by transferring heat from the warm inside air being exhausted to the fresh (but cold) supply air. In the summer, the inside air cools the warmer supply air to reduce ventilation cooling costs.

Compare whole-house ventilation systems to determine which is right for your home.

Ventilation is the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool buildings, and works best when combined with techniques to avoid heat buildup in your home.

In some climates, natural ventilation is sufficient to keep the house comfortable, although it usually needs to be supplemented with spot ventilation, ceiling fans, window fans and—in larger homes—whole-house fans. 

Tips for Stretching a Small Living Room

Some people see a small living room as a cozy, intimate space. Others say they simply feel cramped. For those who fall into the latter category, professional decorators offer the following seven tips for making any living area look more spacious:

Clear out the clutter. Nothing makes a room look cramped like having too much stuff in it. Move magazines, collections and small décor items onto shelves, into drawers, or behind table skirts.

Open the pathway. When furniture blocks the view into a room, the whole room looks smaller. Move the sofa out of the middle of the room and choose low profile furniture, like short sofas, low tables and armless chairs. Remember that less is more. Get rid of any pieces you don’t need, and place taller pieces against the wall rather than out in open space.

Choose lighter hues. Warm, dark colors create a feeling of intimacy, while light, cool colors make any room seem more open and airy. For maximum effect, choose light shades of blue or green—or a combination of the two.

Let the light in. Any room will look more spacious if it’s well-lighted, either naturally or with a bit of help. Get rid of draperies and add more lamps, or install track lighting or recessed lights.

Try see-through pieces. By using materials you can see through, anything beyond them seems further away. Glass or lucite tops for dining or coffee tables will open up the view and make the room look bigger.

Use reflective surfaces. A mirrored wall will make any room look larger. If that seems to be too much, try a large framed mirror on one wall to help create an illusion of space and light.

Keep it monochrome. Select solid color upholstery instead of bold plaids or patterns. Use texture for interest and stick to neutral tones. 

Getting Ready to Rent? Buying Might be a Smarter Choice

Between down payments and closing costs, buying a home is a big financial commitment that may seem out of reach for those who ultimately choose to rent instead. However, in today’s market environment of rising rents, the difference in cost between renting and owning is actually narrowing, making this a favorable time to buy a home in most U.S. cities.

According to a recent national index from Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University faculty, the Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, 15 of the 23 cities covered are solidly in buy territory, while another five are only marginally in rent territory.

Want to know if buying is a better than renting for you? Ask yourself the following questions:

How stable is my employment situation? Lenders will take the length of time you’ve spent at your current job into consideration, so if you’ve jumped around a lot or just started a new position, that may work against you.

Are you ready to settle down for awhile? Buying a home is an excellent long-term investment, not usually a quick flip. So if you’re still testing out different cities or interested in seeing the world, renting may be a better option.

What shape is your credit in? Your credit score weighs heavily in securing a favorable mortgage loan. If yours is not in the best shape, it may be better to rent while you work at building a better credit profile.

What’s your true financial picture? While your salary may seem more than sufficient to make your projected mortgage payments, keep in mind that homeownership involves many different costs, from property taxes to repairs. So run the numbers carefully before deciding to buy.

The best way to decide whether to rent or buy is to consult a real estate professional in your area. If you’d like more real estate information, please contact me. 

What Are Your Chances of Being Burglarized?

A property break-in is a homeowner's worst nightmare. But how likely are you to have your home burglarized? According to a recent report, 63 percent of American homes are at high risk of burglary. A survey conducted by DIY home phone and security company Ooma asked 1,000 Americans about how they protect their homes when they're away. The results may surprise you.

Window worries
- Sixty percent of Americans surveyed leave their windows open when they're away.
- Forty percent never leave their windows open.
- Fifteen percent open their windows when it's hot.
- Eight percent of Americans burglarized say the cause was an open window.

Door damage
- Forty-two percent of Americans leave their doors unlocked when they're gone.
- Fifty-eight percent never leave their door unlocked.
- Forty-two percent leave it unlocked for various reasons, such as if they plan to come right back (14 percent) or if they forget (12 percent).
- Fourteen percent of Americans who have experienced a burglary say an open door was the cause.

Security sound-off
-  Only 37 percent of Americans own a security system, which means six in 10 American homes are at risk.
- Sixteen percent of Americans who report having their home robbed say having no security system was what put them at risk.

Source: Ooma 

U.S. House Approves Equality Act to Extend LGBT Protections

The U.S. House of Representatives took a step on Friday May 10th that sought to stop housing discrimination based on sexual orientation. It’s a move that several housing groups, including the National Association of REALTORS®, have long advocated.

The House voted 236–173 on May 10th to approve the Equality Act, H.R. 5, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, credit, employment, public education, federal funding, and the jury system. The bill will now move to the Senate for consideration.

The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by expanding its antidiscrimination protections to the LGBT community.

“For more than 50 years, fair housing has protected the American dream for millions of people in this country, breaking down walls of discrimination that restricted the fundamental right of property ownership for far too long,” NAR President John Smaby says. “Today, lawmakers continue considering new ways to strengthen the landmark Fair Housing Act. … This bill will prohibit all forms of housing discrimination against the LGBT community.”

The National Association of REALTORS® has been among nearly 500 major associations who have supported the Equality Act, as well as about 200 major U.S. firms, including numerous real estate and mortgage firms. In 2009, NAR amended its Code of Ethics to members to also extend antidiscrimination protections in housing to the LGBT community.

“This is a monumental step for the LGBT community in our continued fight for equality,” says Jeff Berger, founder of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals, about the bill’s passage. “It has been gratifying to see so many in our industry publicly support the bill.”

Earlier this year, NAGLREP conducted a survey of about 2,000 who identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community about their housing experiences. Forty-six percent of respondents said they fear discrimination in their future homebuying process. NAGLREP says it believes that is a reason LGBT homeownership rates continue to lag behind national averages—49% versus 64%, respectively.

Also, in the survey, 44% of LGBT respondents said they would be anxious about how welcoming potential neighbors and the community would be of them. Also, 36% expressed caution about hiring the right professionals to help them in the buying process. NAGLREP, NAR, and other housing groups vowed Friday to continue to advocate for the bill’s final passage.

“Although much work towards this goal remains, NAR continues to engage with policymakers and Congressional leaders in our effort to secure the strongest, most inclusive, and most economically viable real estate industry possible,” Smaby says.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, May 17, 2019 https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2019/05/17/us-house-approves-equality-act-to-extend-lgbt-protections

Homeowners: Look Out for Utility Scams

Lately, there's been a growing chorus warning utility customers to be hyper-aware of unscrupulous callers and visitors set on stealing everything from an energy supplier authorization to your personal and financial data and your hard-earned cash.

As we make our way through the winter season, utility companies want customers to be reminded about common utility scams - and have banded together to promote a comprehensive and far-reaching #StopScam awareness campaign.

According to this consortium of over 100 energy companies branded Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS), a growing number of gas, electricity, water and communications consumers are getting calls on the phone and even encountering these imposters at their front doors.

So UUAS is partnering with the media and law enforcement to amplify their advisories.

A common utility con involves a caller claiming to be a utility billing representative claiming that you have an overdue bill, and in order to avoid an immediate shut-off, you must provide a credit card number or prepaid debit card.

Sadly, scammers are meeting with great success using this tactic. While the median monetary loss for all scam victims is $274, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says the median loss for a utility scam victim is $500.

In fact, the BBB has found people more susceptible to utility scams than they are to Internal Revenue Service scams.

Utility customers are advised to read and heed these reminders - and share them with everyone in the household:

- All UUAS member utility employees carry photo identification

- Field workers generally wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles. When in doubt, do not allow them in - and if they persist, call 911

- UUAS utility representatives never demand instant payment in person - or over the phone

- Utility representatives from UUAS companies do not require the use of prepaid debit cards (such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit)

- UUAS reps will never request customers meet them at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make a payment

- None of the UUAS utilities solicit door-to-door - or on the phone on behalf of third-party energy suppliers

The Utilities United Against Scams website (utilitiesunited.org) provides more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams. 

House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a house is a serious thing and if you’re on the hunt for a new home, it’s important to make smart decisions.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a home they can’t afford. It’s important that you consider what the mortgage payment is of course, but you also need to factor in insurance, taxes, upkeep, monthly bills and any renovations that will need to be done. Sure, you might have enough to buy the home, but you don’t want to be spending every last dollar once you move in.

Another mistake people make is buying a home too quickly, even when it doesn’t meet the hopes and dreams on their “wish” checklist. Now, this doesn’t mean you are definitely going to get everything you want in a home, but don’t be discouraged after one day of looking. By not doing your due diligence, you could see your dream home become available soon after and by then, it will be too late. Try to make a list ahead of time of what you really desire and what you’re willing to give up if the price is right.

A big mistake that people make concerns finances. Never buy other high-priced items like cars or big appliances that could send up a red flag on your credit when in the midst of looking for a new home. To be safe, don’t make any large purchases for about six months prior to beginning your home search.

Another common mistake is shifting your money around too much, meaning taking money from one account and moving it to another, be it stock, mutual funds, a 401K or just another bank account. The problem is that when a lender goes to look at your financial history, there will be lots of big withdrawals and deposits that need explanations, and it could cause a mortgage provider to back away from the deal.

Buying furniture might seem ok, but even those big-ticket items could cause some problems when mortgage lenders review your finances. And besides, without knowing the house you’re going to buy and the rooms available, you might buy furniture that doesn’t fit in with the style of the home, or worse yet, doesn’t fit.

Never quit your job just because you decide to move to a different state because finding a new home could take time and the mortgage company isn’t going to be too happy if they find out you don’t have steady income. Of course, you’ll get a new job in your new locale, but if you don’t have a place to live yet, this just doesn’t make any sense.

Buying a home is an important decision and one that needs to be done with the correct mindset. Talk with experts, read up on tips and don’t do anything too hastily. A savvy buyer will be happy in a new home for a long time.

The Kids Are Alright...When It Comes to Home-Buying Plans

While millennials often get maligned for their lack of motivation, the generation coming up behind them - Gen Z - may be showing signs of just the opposite. According to Bank of America’s 2019 Spring Homebuyer Insights Report, the majority of prospective homebuyers between the ages of 18 and 23 not only want to own a home within the next five years, more than half of Gen Z has already started saving for one.

Survey results show that 59 percent of prospective Gen Z homebuyers plan to buy a home within the next five years, with “starting a family” coming in as the No. 1 reason why, according to 59 percent of respondents, followed by the opportunity to build wealth over time, according to 47 percent. If this goal is attained, it would turn the majority of Gen Z into homeowners before they turn 30.

While their aspirations and determination toward homeownership are encouraging on many levels, Gen Z is also well aware of the barriers that stand in the way. According to the report, 66 percent of Gen Z respondents rate saving for a downpayment as the primary barrier to homeownership, followed by the ability to cover the monthly costs of owning a home (58 percent), and a lack of knowledge about where to start the process (52 percent).

That said, Gen Z shows plenty of moxy and is willing to do what it takes to achieve their homeownership goals. In fact, 94 percent report that they are willing to make sacrifices to buy a home, including: seeking financial help from parents, down-payment assistance programs or family members; getting a second job; attending a lower-priced college to avoid amassing student debt; or moving in with parents or in-laws.

The great news for hopeful young homebuyers is that they can get a great head start. Here are three steps Gen Zers can put into action right now to help reach the before-30 homeownership finish line:

1. Build credit. Many young people haven’t had a chance to build enough credit. If that’s the case, apply for a credit card or two, use it sparingly, and pay it on time or early. If you can’t get your own card, talk to your parents about becoming an additional cardholder on one of their existing accounts.

2. Repair credit. If you’ve already gotten into trouble with credit, now’s the time to focus on paying off high-interest debt and raising your credit score. Your goal should be to have all credit card balances at 30 percent or less of their respective credit lines.

3. Create and live by a budget. Add to your down payment savings by creating a budget and sticking to it. Track where you’re spending your money so you can clearly see where you can cut back. Expensive coffee-shop runs? Uber when you could use public transportation...or bike? More nights in instead of out on the town? Getting a grip on your finances now will allow you to unearth monies that can go straight toward your home fund - and a better financial future.