10 New Kitchen and Bath Trends

Enjoy keeping up with the latest trends in kitchen and bath design? Here are the most popular new designs from the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

• Concealed kitchens - Concealing appliances enhances the kitchen’s ability to be a primary living and entertainment venue. Clean lines and sleek colors create a unique identity without overpowering nearby rooms.
• Beverage stations - This area usually includes an undercounter refrigerator, wine cooler and coffee maker.
• Scaling of elements - Shapes, textures and fixtures are used to create scale. Whether it’s a marbled surface in tile, a tin ceiling or metallic material, it can be used to direct the eye around the room and create a balanced space.
• Bold colors - Look for splashes of bold color—particularly rich blues, purples, greens and yellows.
• Soft geometry - Rounded shapes on countertops, light fixtures and soffits help smooth traffic patterns and soften features.
• New use of space - Fixtures such as floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets remove obstructions and make baths feel spacious.
• Framing - A simple detail such as a soffit along the ceiling or blank wall space surrounding inset cabinets can set off and emphasize elements while creating a focal point.
• Varying heights - Islands, countertops and walls are being customized to homeowner needs. Varying heights are not only functional but also create balance.
• Japanese influences - Look for clean lines, open spaces and neutral colors with bold splashes of color. Japanese artwork and antiques are becoming popular as well.
• Art integration - Kitchens and baths are being personalized with paintings and sculptures.

5 tips to know before you hire movers.

Moving can be a stressful experience but hiring the right moving company can ensure a smooth transition. Check out the tips below on how to select the best company for you.

1. Do your research. Talk to friends and neighbors for recommendations and warnings. Research prospective moving companies on the Better Business Bureau's website. Call and ask how long they have been in business, how much experience their packers and drivers have, and, if necessary, if they're licensed for interstate transport.
2. License to drive. Verify the status of the moving company's licenses with the US DOT and State DOT (as appropriate). Check their credentials and make sure they offer liability insurance.
3. Get an in-home quote. A company that provides an estimate over the phone may then charge more on the day of the move by claiming that there was more inventory than expected. The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires an interstate mover to give you an in-home estimate if your current home is 50 miles from the mover’s (or the agent’s) place of business. You’re entitled to get the full quote in writing, which should itemize all charges associated with the move.
4. Compare and save. When it comes to getting a fair quote, let market competition work for you.
5. A picture is worth a thousand words. A legitimate mover should inventory your property before the move to make sure nothing is lost, but photos of all valuable property provides extra protection if you need to file a claim.

Your may reach our agents who know the local moving experts at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621. Or you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

What not to do before buying a home!

A lender will examine your debt-to-income ratio to qualify you for a mortgage. Debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income, before taxes, that is reserved to pay down debt. If you're serious about buying a home avoid these common mistakes that will compromise the amount of your approved loan:

• No new debt! Delay large purchases, this includes jewelry, vacations, appliances and especially vehicles. Hold off on buying a new vehicle, as a sizable monthly car payment can push the debt-to-income percentage over what lenders feel is a safe limit, and you may be denied the loan or have to settle for a smaller loan.
• Do not co-sign on a loan for anyone else. Although you will not be making the payment, the lender still views this as your debt.
• Don’t move money around. A lender will require you to supply bank statements for all your accounts during recent months. Any large deposits or withdrawals will be red flags to the lender, and may slow or inhibit the escrow. Changing banks is also unadvisable. Remember, the simpler your finances are, the better.
• Avoid changing jobs. When you change jobs, it can be difficult for lenders to predict future earnings. Any major career changes, such as corporate employee to self-employed, should also be delayed. Remember, the lender will look two years back and average your income. Anything that will make that process difficult is a bad idea.

For more tips on the home buying process reach out our way.

Your may reach our agents who are local experts at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621 . Or you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

5 things to consider when choosing the best home for your needs.

When selecting a property there are several major factors to consider. Compromise is expected in the home buying process. You can always upgrade laminate countertops to granite or factory cabinets to custom, but be aware of the essentials you need in a property before you buy.

Location, location, location. This is one thing that you cannot change! Where you buy will most likely be at the top of your necessity list. Do you need easy access to highways for your commute to work? Perhaps you need to be near public transportation because you do not have a vehicle. Save yourself time and money by focusing only on areas that work for you.

Education. Public schools dictate enrollment according to school district boundaries. You may be surprised to find where lines are drawn. Are you trying to move, or stay in, a highly rated district? You may wish to visit area schools to get a feel for which place is best for your family.

Crime doesn’t pay. Research the local crime rates. Some neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime, both violent and petty. Safety to you and property are valid considerations.

Be neighbor conscious. Your property value is affected by the condition of the prospective neighborhood. Be sure to drive up and down adjacent streets. Are homes and yards in good repair? You want neighborhoods that reflect care and attention.

Size matters. Take the lot size into consideration; if you need more living space is there room to expand? Check local zoning laws to verify you can build up or out.

Locally, there are other key items to consider and that is when an area experts help make a difference in the home buying process.

You may reach our agents who are local experts at 626-358-1858 or at 626-963-7621. Or you can visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

Showing & selling your home while owning pets.

When preparing your home for an open house our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes professionals strongly encourage homeowners who have pets to relocate the animal during viewing hours. This protects your pet from the common occurrences that come with foot traffic, such as an open front door or a gate that wasn’t shut properly, in addition to the stress of unfamiliar people in the home. Restricting a pet to an area within the home also limits the area potential buyers can view, so removing the animal from the home is ideal. See below for our tips to sell your home when you have
pets.

• Lawn Maintenance. First impressions last so remove any droppings from your lawn.
  
• Neutralize Odors. Litter boxes, training pads, pet beds should be thoroughly cleaned or
  temporarily taken out of the house to eliminate any offensive odors.
  
• Vacuum. Pet hair is unsightly, as are stains, so remember to sweep or vacuum all floors,
  rugs and furniture. Professional carpet cleaners may be necessary to fully eradicate any
  pungent odors or stains.
  
• Purify Air. Some would-be buyers may be allergic to pet dander so in addition to vacuuming,
  change all air-conditioning filters. Remember, if a potential buyer is hit with an allergy attack
  entering your home, odds are they will not stay to see the rest of your home.
  
• Declutter and Depersonalize. Food bowls, pet toys, beds, crates and medicines should be
  stowed out of sight
  
• Repair Any Damage. If your pet has chewed through your fence or scratched the front door,
  repair or replace it so it doesn’t detract from the space.
• 
  

Your may reach our agents at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621 . Or you may visit us on Facebook atfacebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes