Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

A small kitchen doesn’t have to mean dark or cramped, you can maximize a small kitchen by using these clever tips. From tricking the eye to great ways to get extra storage, these easy design ideas will help you love your small kitchen.

• Tone on Tone Colors Scheme – Trick the eye by using subtle variations of the same color palate.

• Strategic Shelving – Add a shelf above the backsplash to add room for spices or décor; place on a wall to display glasses or dishware and gain extra storage in the process.

• Design with an Island – If possible, open a closed off kitchen to the family or breakfast room, use an island as double duty by adding a breakfast bar on one side and sink, dishwasher and storage on the other.

• Tile a Whole Wall – Consider making a blank wall a focal point by tiling the space floor to ceiling. Glossy tile brings interest and light to the kitchen.

• Big Style Elements – There is no need to shy away from large fixtures simply because the space is smaller. Large retro pendant lights are a great way to not only light the space but add interest and a modern vibe to the kitchen.

• Seek Extra Storage – There is plenty of hidden storage opportunities in most kitchens. Pull out drawers are a great way to access the recessed areas of pantries and cabinets.

Small kitchens can be just as inviting as their spacious counterparts. With a little creativity and stagecraft, your kitchen can be the heart of the home, at any size.

Easter Dinner Take Out

Not in the mood to cook this Easter Sunday?

I certainly am not interested in cooking Easter dinner so I made some inquiries, did some research and thought I would share with you the results for who has special Easter dinner offerings!

Here are some local Montgomery County restaurants offering special menus for Easter.

Please note: You may need to call a day or more in advance to order.

1. Piero’s Italian Restaurant- Website

   3500 Reading Way, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

   Phone (215) 947-3650

2. The Capital Grille- Website

236 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 265-1415

See website for menu.

3. Spring House Tavern- Website

1032 Bethlehem Pike Spring House, PA 19477

215-646-1788

Pick-up times will be from 12PM – 4PM on Easter.  Place your orders by Friday, April 10th by calling 215-646-1788.

4. Na Brasa / Iron Abbey- Website

680 N. Easton Rd., Horsham, PA 19044

(215) 956-9600

5. Iron Hill Brewery- Website

Locations in: Huntingdon Valley, North Wales, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, Philly, Media.

From Their Website:

While social distancing will keep us all away from gathering with family and friends this holiday, let us add some joy to your table with a family-style Easter dinner for four, for just $38! Place your order by Thursday, April 9th for pick up on Saturday, April 11th. Then, just warm and serve.

Easter Menu

Sliced Applewood Smoked Hamserved with honey glaze 

Smashed Yukon Gold PotatoesButtery Haricot VertsToasted French Bread  

Add a growler of any of our draft beer selections for $12

6. Bacco’s Ristorante- Website

I love Bacco’s :) If you haven’t tried them before, consider doing their regular menu for take out one day!

FAMILY-STYLE MEALS FOR PICK-UP.
ORDER BY 3 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 9 FOR PICKUP ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11 BETWEEN 4 AND 9 P.M.

To order call (248) 356-6600 or email dean@baccoristorante.com

All dinners include a quart of soup and mista salad, choice of gelato, tiramisu or torta banana for dessert.

MAIN

BRAISED LAMB SHANK
spring peas | polenta
100 for four | 140 for six

LASAGNA DINNER
50 for four | 65 for six

CHICKEN ALLA NONA
potatoes | sausage | white wine
60 for 4 | 90 for 6

BRAISED SAUSAGE & BEANS
48 for 4 | 64 for 6

BEEF BRISKET RAGU
45 FOR 4 | 64 FOR 6

CAVATELLI VERDE
veal | pea ragu
45 for 4 | 65 FOR 6

SALADS

GERMOLIGIO
CAESAR
ITLAIANA
30 for 4 | 50 for 6

CONTORNI
asparagus | potoato | zucchini
8 person

WINES

Marramiero Dama Montepulciano 16
Marramiero Dama Trebbiano 16

Other places rumored to have Easter Dinner Specials but I can’t find any web presence for them:

Keep Restaurant in Jenkintown

Bernie’s in Glenside or Hatboro

William Penn Inn in Gwynedd is already sold out :(


Email me with any other restaurant suggestions for Easter! Shaina@MontCoLiving.com

Down Payments Explained

Down Payments Explained

A down payment is the amount of cash a home buyer puts toward the price of a new home. It accomplishes a few things; first it reduces the amount of money you need to borrow and it reduces the risk the lender takes in loaning the money. By reducing the risk, the borrower will typically get a better interest rate on the loan and increase the amount of home they can buy.

How Large a Down Payment Do You Need?

The amount of down payment needed depends on the type of the loan, the lender and the property price itself. While most of the 0% down home loans of the last decade are gone, Veterans can still purchase a home loan with no down payment. Other programs include FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down.

Conventional loans typically require a 20% down payment, but some allow as little as 5%.

Is it Better to Make a Larger Down Payment?

In addition to the down payment, buying a home also requires cash for closing costs and some reserve savings to guard against unexpected financial concerns. One thing to remember though is that any financing with less than 20% down will require private mortgage insurance – a monthly payment which protects the lender in the event of default.

The best amount of down payment should be determined in consultation with your lender and your tax or financial advisor, but the quick answer is “it depends.” By working with a trusted lender, explore your options and you will make the best decision for your needs.

Ask me for the Homebuyer Guide which includes a list of local lenders recommended by past clients

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

When our parents were buying their first home, there was one way to finance the purchase. You would walk down to the corner bank and asked for a 30 year mortgage. Today the average home owner moves every 5-7 years. Depending on your needs there are a number of mortgage options you might consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, spending some time to understand the options is the best way to choose the right loan for your needs.

While loan programs and terms vary, the most common are:

·      Conventional - A conventional loan is normally still designed to be paid off in 30 years with equal monthly payments during the term of the loan. There are currently conventional loans that require as little as 5% down, although 20-25% is still commonplace.

·      FHA - An FHA loan is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration and is attractive for a number of reasons, especially for the first time home buyer. The down payment can be as little as 3.5% and that can be a gift.

·      VA - VA (Veteran Affairs) is a loan program offered for Veterans and their spouses. While the terms can vary from 0-5% down payment, this loan may allow the borrower to finance as much as 100% of the home’s value in the loan.

Your lender will also have more specialized options for you, such as adjustable rate loans and 10 or 15 year loans. They can also explain the additional costs that could be associated with each type of loan program.

Part of purchasing a home is to find the right financing. Your lender will talk you through your options. If you have not already spoken to a lender, or if you need a referral, your real estate agent is a great resource for you.

Ask me for my Home Buyer Guide which includes information on local lenders recommended by past clients

Why do Homes Listed with Professional Real Estate Photos Sell Quicker and For More Money?

Why do Homes Listed with Professional Real Estate Photos Sell Quicker and For More Money?

If you are planning to list your home for sale, you probably already know that you need to prepare your home for the market. The point is to create the most attractive, welcoming version of your home to entice buyers into the home and encourage offers. Your listing needs attention also! Professional photography is the best way to attract those buyers and to ensure you get the best possible price in the shortest timeframe.

Most buyers now start their home search online. Online listings with professional photography receive significantly more views than those without. Buyers tend to linger on the site longer as well.

Professional photographers do far more than snap pictures with the right lens. They understand how to create the right emotional response in the viewers. They have experience working with listings and homes and normally they specialize in real estate.

You already know that homes must be staged to some degree for sale. Buyers must be able to envision themselves living in your home. Photography is about lighting and angles. A good photographer can bring out the best in your home by using these techniques in their shots. Professional pictures can play with light and position to allow your home to appear spacious and bright.

Professional photography is no longer reserved for luxury property listings. More and more agents are seeing the value of beautiful pictures. Make sure your home stands out among the sea of listings as potential buyers sort through properties online. Professional photography will help you sell your home faster and for a higher sales price than those without. Present your home in the best possible light to attract those buyers and encourage them to visit and write you an offer.

Photos are included for all my sellers! You never have to worry about cutting corners when it comes to my professionalism and expertise when marketing your home. Reach out today to make an appointment!

The Home Selling Process

The Home Selling Process

Are you planning to sell your home? Regardless if this is your first time as a home seller, or maybe you’ve sold many homes, understanding the selling process can assure you that things are going smoothly. Successful transactions don’t just happen; it takes experience and professionals to navigate from staging to closing.

Who Do You Need?

• Real Estate Agent – Before you start, meet to discuss your home sale. Your real estate agent should have experience and put your interests before their own (contact me to find out more).

Timeline For Your Home Sale

• Meeting With Your Agent – Your agent will tour your home and discuss your market value (including a comparative market analysis), timing and financial goals in order to create a custom plan for selling your home.

• Preparing Your Home For Sale - Typically even a dated home can be spruced up with small changes in furniture placement, fresh paint, new lighting and/or minor repairs.

• Listing Your House - Once your home is ready for buyers, you will list your home and your agent will implement their marketing plan.

• Offers - Once offers are received, you will meet with your agent to review them together and determine how to respond.

• Escrow Process For Sellers – The buyers will complete funding requirements, obtain an appraisal and home inspection. As the seller you will also complete any conditions you’ve agreed to, such as repairs or maintenance items.

• Closing – Once all conditions have been completed, you will close the sale and receive the proceeds.

The sales process is a series of steps that you and your agent will take together. Knowing what to expect, and when, can alleviate the uncertainty you might feel as a seller. Each sale is unique which is why a professional and experienced real estate agent is imperative to guide you through the transaction.

Contact me today to get started!

COVID 19: Adapting New Measures for Buyers + Sellers

*Update: As of March 23rd, most in-person activities will not occur. This is a great time to get your house market ready or conduct a virtual consultation whether you are buying or selling. Please call me to set up a time and platform: 215.767.7150. Thank you to everyone for being flexible and understanding of the additional measures being taken to ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us.*

As Montgomery County, PA and the rest of Greater Philadelphia puts rules in place for preventing the spread of COVID 19, it is important for us to stay flexible and to adapt to a changing environment on how we do business. Waiting is not always an option for buyers and sellers when it comes to moving- and it may not be the best option anyway considering the housing market has not slowed down.

Here are some changes I have put into place to protect myself, clients, colleagues, and others. As we have more information on COVID 19 these measures will be adapted to make certain we are being responsible to ourselves and those we interact with.

No matter what, if you are sick, unwell, have recently traveled internationally, please discuss with me on an individual basis as to what our plan of action will be.

Consultations:

For our initial appointments to go over the buying and selling process and your game plan, we will meet virtually instead of at my office. We can do this through Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or I can send you a link to join a virtual meeting. Any program which allows screen sharing will work. You do not need to share video- this is more for me to share information with you via screen sharing.

For Showings:

1. Shoe coverings. I supply disposable booties to my clients to wear at showings.

2. Gloves. I supply disposable gloves to use when looking through houses and I will also wear them.

3. Disinfectant. I supply a form of disinfectant for anything touched by accident. Otherwise, gloves will be used from opening the lockbox to opening doors, cabinets, and locking up.

4. Distance. We will practice social distancing while at showings and avoid handshakes.

5. Masks. Wear a mask if you would like.

6. No bathroom use will be allowed during showings. Please plan accordingly.

7. Remote Showing. If you prefer to have a video call and live tour of a property, I am happy to set this up with you. This is a regular practice for me as I work with clients who work odd hours, are relocating to the area, or have medical reasons to do a remote showing. I also preview properties for my clients who fill out my Buyer Survey on this website to see if the house will meet the clients’ criteria. Favorite Apps for remote showings: Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, Google Hangouts.

For My Listings:

1. Isolated appointments. Showings will be limited to one per 15-30 minute interval. No overlapping of appointments at this time. Any overlapping appointment times will be discussed with showing agents.

2. Booties. I will provide a basket of booties by the door to be worn by anyone seeing your home.

3. Disinfectant. Please disinfect your door handle and the lockbox before and after showings as well as other handles in the home. We can coordinate if you need additional help with this.

4. Open Houses. Most Open Houses are cancelled at this time and other marketing efforts will take place. However, if there is a reason to do one, extra measures will be taken for Open Houses including limiting one to two groups in the home at the same time. Antibacterial will be provided at the door along with booties and the option to wear a glove for opening doors and cabinets. I will wipe areas down at the end of the Open House.

Settlement:

Most settlements will be remote.

Sellers: You may opt to sign a Deed Package with a notary which is signed in advance of closing. This may be the best solution in order to limit the amount of people at the settlement table.

Buyers: We will have settlement at my office in Ambler. I will be there ahead of time to disinfect railings, surfaces, door handles, and pens. I will provide disposable gloves and recommend you wear them as papers are passed around to sign. Bring and wear a mask if you so choose. Minimally, the Title Closing Agent will be there to go through the paperwork with you. I will be present for any questions.

I am sorry to say, but we will not be doing a champagne toast at settlement. I promise I will make it up to you!

If you have any questions about the measures I am taking with my clients or further recommendations, please contact me directly: Shaina@MontCoLiving.com or 215.767.7150.

Is the Investment to Make your Home a "Smart Home" Worth it for Resale?

Is the Investment to Make your Home a "Smart Home" Worth it for Resale?

Over the past few years, smart technology has really blossomed into a huge market. With more-and-more devices offering connectivity and lower prices, almost all households have some kind of smart device in their home. While some smart devices are simply “nice to have,” many can actually increase the value of the home; if you are considering a move in the future, learning which smart upgrades will increase your home’s value is important.

Here are a few of the best smart home upgrades:

·      Smart Thermostats – Energy saving smart thermostats can sense when the home is occupied and vacant to control the temperature while saving energy costs.

·      Smart Smoke Detectors and Security Systems – Life saving smart security can alert you and the authorities automatically if there is a problem in the home.

·      Smart Door Locks – Either as part of the security system or stand alone, smart door locks allow you to control access to your home. Using Wi-Fi to unlock doors remotely and program unique codes for family, guests, housekeepers etc., you will always know by whom and when your home is accessed.

·      Smart Moisture Sensor – Mold has become a huge problem. Smart moisture sensors detect water leaks, humidity and temperature changes to protect your home from moisture damage.

These are just a few of the great smart home products available to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Most starting under $250, these smart choices will not only protect your home, but add value when listing for sale.

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

Everyone wants to time their home purchase “just right.” Ideally, the picture perfect “buyer’s market”; plenty of well-­‐priced listings, low interest rates and a slow moving real estate market where the buyer has plenty of time to decide on an offer. The reality is that the current market is a fast paced environment where the best homes move quickly and serious home buyers need to be prepared to act when they find the right home.

Fortunately, starting your home search the right way is easy by following these simple tips:

1.   Find a Lender and Get Pre-­‐Approved – Know what you can afford before you start your search. By getting a pre-­‐approval letter, you demonstrate to sellers that you are serious when you write your offer and it proves you can afford the home.

2.   Research Neighborhoods – Each community will have their own personality and advantages; before you spend time looking at homes, choose the right area for your lifestyle and family needs.

3.  Pick the Right Home Style – Learn about the various home styles available in your community. Do you want a single story? Large yard? Do you like older homes or historic-­‐ style properties?

4.  Make a List of Must Have and Like-­‐to-­‐Have – There is a difference! Make a list and be ready to compromise when appropriate by ranking the items.

5.  Take Notes – Often a home buyer can see 3-5 homes in a single day; take notes and if possible, take pictures so you can remember the things you like, and don’t like, about the homes you see once you get home.

In a fast paced real estate market, spending some time preparing for your home search will help you move quickly when you find the right home for you and your family.

No worries- you aren’t alone. Contact me and let’s get started on making your game plan!