Tag Archives: Bedford Corners Homes for Sale

Bedford Corners Homes for Sale

Exterior Home Improvements That Increase Value | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Yesterday on Housecall, we discussed ways to increase your home value with indoor décor. Today, we’re focusing on what you can do outside the home to give it an added monetary boost.

Curb appeal is everything when it comes to selling your home, and that means your home’s exterior needs to be in optimal condition. In fact, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say that a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decision. This infographic fromLawnStarter shows seven exterior home improvements that can increase resale value and help sell your home even faster:

LawnStarterIG

Replace Your Front Door

Believe it or not, a front door says a lot about you and your home. A quality front door can be a huge asset for your home’s value, and how secure your home feels upon entrance. Kelly Fallis of Remote Stylist says, “It’s the first thing a buyer walks through. Repaint or replace; their first impression rests on it.” According to House Logic, a standard 20-gauge steel door can cost around $1,230, but that investment can more than pay for itself with the amount of value it adds to your home. A quality front door replacement can bring you a return of around 102 percent, which makes it a great bang for your buck.

Updated Landscaping

Over 92 percent of prospective home buyers use the Internet at some point during their search process, meaning a lot of eyes are going to be looking for pictures of your home. You want to be able to showcase your property in the best light possible to drive interested parties in for a closer look. According to Bankrate, a quality landscaping job has the potential to net you a whopping 252 percent return in increased home value. John Harris, a landscape economist, has stated that updated landscaping can increase a home’s value by 28 percent and have it sold 10-15 percent quicker.

New Paint

Most prospective homeowners tend to look at what they need to update or work on in the homes that they look at. Repainting your home can cause less stress on the buyer since they know that the job is fresh and adds to the look of the home. That being said, don’t go overboard with color choices. Choose warm and inviting colors, such as taupe, tan or white. “Individuals too often minimize the impact of a first impression,” says James Alisch, managing director of WOW 1 DAY PAINTING. “The exterior paint job of a home greatly impacts how potential buyers feel about a place.” You want to make sure that potential buyers can envision themselves inside your home, and having a neutral exterior color is appealing to a larger pool of buyers. If you do feel the need to add some brighter colors, make sure that they aren’t overpowering and can work well with the neutral base. It’s best to consult your local home improvement store to discuss your options and budget.

 

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7 Exterior Home Improvements That Increase Resale Value

The color Watery Blue Is Summer’s Best Hue | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Summer’s in full swing, which hopefully means plenty of pool and beach time for many of you. Whenever I’m working with a homeowner who wants to add some color to their home, but doesn’t necessarily want to travel down the bold road, I recommend watery blue hues — colors inspired by summertime spent by the sea.

These soft, muted greenish-blue hues work especially well for bedrooms and bathrooms, where they offer a calming, spa-inspired vibe. I’ve gathered together some paint color options as well as examples of how to work with this pleasing, ocean-inspired hue.

by Jennifer Ott Design
Jennifer Ott Design
Our featured color is a soft blue that has green and gray undertones. Because of its softness, it can be used in large quantities in a room without being overwhelming.

Some of my favorite watery blue paint colors are, from left to right: Watery from Sherwin-Williams, Rain Washed from Behr, Harbor Haze from Benjamin Moore and Thunder Bayfrom PPG Pittsburgh Paints.

Beach Style Kitchen by Dillon Kyle Architecture
Dillon Kyle Architecture
White, light and neutral kitchens remain popular, but I always like to see a splash of color included somewhere in the space. This helps break up the monotony and makes your kitchen stand out just a bit from all the others. The soft watery blue hue on this island is a terrific choice as it contrasts nicely with the beautiful butcher block top.
Transitional Kids by Kim Macumber Interiors
Kim Macumber Interiors
Watery blue hues are among my favorites for bedrooms. Blue can be such a calming color, and these muted watery blues offer just the right dash of color while remaining sedate. If you have trouble getting a good night’s rest, consider using our featured hue to set the tone for some solid sleep.
Beach Style Family Room by Southern Living
Southern Living
A light watery blue plays well with a variety of colors, from soft neutrals to bold, electric hues. This room is much more high-energy than the previous one, but the soft blue is a nice grounding color to the more vibrant hues in the space.
Contemporary Staircase by Jennifer Ott Design
Jennifer Ott Design
Cool colors tend to visually recede, so they are a great choice in a small space — such as a stairway or hallway — to make it feel more expansive. What I like about our featured color is that even if your particular room or space lacks abundant natural light, these hues are soft enough that they will never cause it to feel closed in or cave-like.
Rustic Bedroom by S&W Designs
S&W Designs
Blue and orange are complementary colors: They sit opposite each other on the color wheel. This means they offer the most contrast to each other. So the best way to show off interesting hardwood floors or other wood elements in a space is to use blue as a contrasting color. It plays up the orange tones in wood and makes it really stand out.
Beach Style Bathroom by Kristina Crestin Design
Kristina Crestin Design
Think about layering blues in a space, such as combining dramatic navy with our featured hue. By staying within one color family you can easily add more elements while still keeping the palette harmonious. Just keep an eye on the undertones of the blues — slight shifts in hue can be tough to notice until you place various blues next to one another. Some may appear cooler, or more purple, while others veer more toward green or yellow. Two light blues that differ vastly in undertones can clash when used together in a space.
Contemporary Kitchen by Aparté Conseils - Emilie PERRUCHET
Aparté Conseils – Emilie PERRUCHET
A soft blue accent wall is a terrific way to help bring the outdoors in. It also creates a focal point that doesn’t necessarily hit you over the head. There’s lots to like in this kitchen, and I think color is expertly used to pull it all together.
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http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44309088

New-home sales rise 2.2% in May to fastest pace in more than 7 years | Bedford Corners Homes

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New single-family homes in the U.S. sold at an annual rate of 546,000 in May, hitting the fastest pace since February 2008, with growth in two of four regions, the government reported Tuesday. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a sales rate of 525,000 in May, compared with a prior estimate of 517,000 for April. On Tuesday the U.S. Commerce Department revised April’s rate to 534,000. May’s pace was up 19.5% from a year earlier, signaling a healthy pick up, though recent sales rates remain below long-term averages. The median price of new homes, meanwhile, fell 1% to $282,800 compared with May 2014. The supply of new homes was 4.5 months at May’s sales pace, down from 4.6 months in April. Economists caution over reading too much into a single monthly report. A confidence interval of plus-or-minus 16.7% for May’s growth of 2.2% shows that the government isn’t sure whether the sales pace rose or fell last month.

 

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http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-home-sales-rise-22-in-may-to-fastest-pace-in-more-than-7-years-2015-06-23

11 Things You Need to Know When You’re About to… Buy a House | Bedford Corners Homes

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Buying a home can be a stressful, complicated process—even if it’s not your first time. To help you take stock and get ready to find your way into a new home, here are some key things you need to know:

1. Know your goals.

This should go without saying, but house-hunting can make even the most practical of people lose sight of what’s really important.  Homeowners may dream of settling in, customizing and forgetting about yearly rent increases. Even so, there are trade-offs: decreased mobility, increased debt and more responsibility (there’s no super to call when the toilet springs a leak). Doing a quick pro and con of rent v. buy helps you make sense of your decision, given your lifestyle goals.

2. Have a five (or seven) year plan.

Staying put for five to seven years is a good rule of thumb for homebuyers but factors such as closing costs, market fluctuations and expenses like maintenance fees could mean it’ll take even longer to break even.

3. Bring 20 percent (or more) to the table.

Some lenders offer low- or no-down payment options for cash-strapped buyers but the terms are typically less attractive than for those with 20 percent. A 20 percent down payment also means avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can cost an annual 0.3 to 1.15 percent of the original loan balance.

4. Make your own budget.

A mortgage lender may qualify you for more than you actually want to pay each month. Do your own budget analysis to figure out how much you’re comfortable shelling out for housing each and every month. And don’t forget extras like real estate taxes.

5. Check the score.

Higher credit score can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a mortgage. Get a free copy of your credit report (available once per year) and look for ways to improve your score.

6. Find a real estate agent who fits your profile.

Typically, you start with recommendations from friends or financial professionals, like your CPA. But don’t stop there. Interview three or four agents with a keen eye for one with aspecific knowledge of your desired neighborhood, price range and property type. Then figure out if your personalities will work together—or against each other. We heard that realtor palm springs – Harcourt Desert Homes is a top rated real estate company that can help you buy your dream home.

7. Don’t forget the emergency fund.

A house is the most expensive thing most people will ever buy. But costs go well beyond the purchase price. Routine maintenance, landscaping or pool care fees and unexpected repair bills can catch a new homeowner off guard. Upfront budgeting for these annual costs can save a lot of frustration when the HVAC unit needs to be serviced, get the best deals from this ac installation in Oahu company.

8. Location, location, location.

It’s hard to predict the future, but long-term neighborhood changes can have a dramatic effect on property costs. Homes within desirable school districts tend to be more expensive up front, but they’re also more likely to maintain property value.

9. Don’t scrimp on insurance.

A typical homeowners insurance policy will cover many different types of damage to your home—but be sure that it covers the full cost to rebuild the home. Your coverage should include replacing the structure and your personal possessions, the cost of living expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your house is repaired, plus your liability to others—otherwise, in the event of a loss, you may discover gaps in your coverage.

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http://bridgingthegaps.yahoo.com/post/119298350072/

February Existing Homes Rise | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Sales of existing homes rose 1.2% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday. The gain was below expectations. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected the sales rate to increase to 4.94 million in February from 4.82 million in January. Existing home sales remain soft, having been stuck below 5 million unit rate for two-and-a-half years. The median sales price of used homes hit $202,600 in February, up 7.5% from the year-earlier period. This is the biggest gain in a year. February’s inventory was 1.89 million existing homes for sale, a 4.6-month supply at the current sales pace. The number of homes available for sale was down 0.5% from the year-earlier period.

 

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http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2015/03/23/february-existing-homes-rise-to-488-million-rate-but-stay-below-expectations/

Millennials accounted for largest share of home purchases last year | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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The albatross of student debt, underemployment and weak wage growth didn’t prevent millennials from accounting for the largest share of home purchases, according to data released Wednesday.

The National Association of Realtors said millennials, or those between 18 and 34 years old, accounted for the largest share of home buyers last year at 32%, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors. Millennials make up 23% of the U.S. population, according to separate data from the Census Bureau.

This is the third year of the survey, and the second year millennials had the top spot.

The median age of millennial homebuyers was 29, their median income was $76,900 and they typically bought a 1,720-square foot home costing $189,900.

Generation X, or those between 35 and 49, was closely behind with a 27% share. The median buyer in that group was 41 years old, had a median income of $104,600 and purchased a 1,890-square-foot home costing $250,000.

The median home purchase for all buyers was 1,870 square feet and cost $216,000.

According to the survey, 13% of all home purchases were by a multi-generational household, consisting of adult siblings, adult children, parents and/or grandparents.

 

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http://www.marketwatch.com/story/millennials-accounted-for-largest-share-of-home-purchases-last-year-2015-03-11

Midcentury Miami Shores Ranch is All That | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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This classic, early midcentury ranch-style house in Miami Shores may not be particularly big, at 2,320 square feet, and its restoration may have resulted in the loss of some midcentury touches (Was there once terrazzo in the marble-floored Florida Room? Did the bathrooms have colorful toilets?) but the result still shines. A roomy, open-planned layout with wooden floors and high, vaulted ceilings, and some original details like the house’s old fake fireplace (a space-heater would likely have been installed there originally) all work well together. A covered outdoor loggia with second fireplace (this one isn’t fake) flanks the pool, which is a turquoise blue rectangle in a simple green box; an outdoor room made of ever-so-nicely-trimmed box hedges. The three bedroom, two bath house is priced at $980,000

 

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http://miami.curbed.com/archives/2015/02/12/midcentury-miami-shores-ranch-is-all-that-for-1-million.php

Old Riverdale Home Yearns for the Countryside | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Although it was constructed in 1901 as a carriage house, this Riverdale building now acts as a 5BR, 3.5BA modern-day Bronx estate. Okay, “estate” might be too strong of a descriptor, but the home at 5450 Palisades Avenue sits on a half-acre lot and has a rather bucolic past; that is, well before it was picked up by a former Deputy Commissioner of Counter-Terrorism of the NYPD in 2006 for $2.3 million. Now asking $2.43 million, the home still shows traces of its former life as a carriage house through its high, beamed ceilings and three street-facing garage doors.

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http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/02/09/114yearold_riverdale_home_yearns_for_the_countryside.php

How to Save for a Down Payment | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Rents are projected to outpace home values by the end of the year, according to Zillow, so it’s a good time to consider buying a home. Fixed mortgage payments and a more stable market are other reasons to make the jump.

Zillow projects that by the end of 2015, millennials will become the largest home-buying age group. Whether you fall into that category or not, coming up with a down payment can be challenging. Here are some strategies to help you get there.

Reduce large expenses

Sure, skipping your morning latte may help save money over time, but why not attack your biggest expenses head on for quicker results? We’re talking about your rent, which is likely eating up over 30 percent of your take-home pay. You can try to negotiate a better rate with your landlord, move to a cheaper location, or downsize — going from a two-bedroom to a one-bedroom can drop your rent by 25 to 30 percent, depending on where you live.

You could also bring in a roommate (or two). Sharing a home isn’t just for kids straight out of college anymore. In fact, the percentage of adults living with someone other than a spouse or partner continues to rise (32 percent nationwide in 2012; up from 26 percent in 2000, according to Zillow’s analysis of the latest Census Bureau data). Jump on the bandwagon and pocket the savings.

Automate savings contributions

This is a no-brainer: Tell your payroll department that you want a fixed amount automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into a designated savings account.

Start small. Most people can cut their income by 2 percent without even noticing, and the payoff over time can be significant.

Stash windfalls

The average tax refund in 2014 was $3,116; this year, it’s expected to rise to $3,295. And while it may be tempting to splurge, why not exercise some restraint and put your windfall into a designated down payment account? You’ll be happy you did.

Save less for retirement

This suggestion is certainly not the norm. And just to clarify, you should not raid your retirement account. But if you have a 401(k) employer match, and are already contributing the max (6 percent), consider stopping there and allocating additional cash toward your down payment — in a separate after-tax account.

 

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http://www.zillow.com/blog/strategies-saving-for-down-payment-168290/

Spend the Summer Relaxing in This Charming Village Cottage | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Nothing to do but move your furniture in and start enjoying your weekends in this adorable shingled house. It’s been recently renovated—the 3.5 bathroomsare especially nice—and although the plot is fairly small at 0.22 acre, as is usual for the area, there’s a lawn, a gunite pool, separate garage, and a variance to build a pool house. The house itself isn’t huge at 2000sf, but there’s everything you need, with three bedrooms, separate dining room, and eat-in kitchen. And the in-town location means you can walk to shops, restaurants, the movies, whatever. Price is $2.35M, which is reasonable; the place last sold for $2.225M in 2007.

 

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http://hamptons.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/23/spend_the_summer_relaxing_in_this_charming_village_cottage.php