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What’s cooking in Kitchen Design?

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
We’re doing some updating in our home kitchen, so I’ve been looking at the current kitchen trends. The National Kitchen and Bath Association does a survey every year and publishes their findings. They calculate the rise and fall of  trends in components of kitchens and baths. When making changes,  you should consider doing what’s coming up, not what has been. Here’s some of the findings of the NKBA.
  • White-painted cabinets have been very popular. Cherry is the number one wood choice,  maple is second.
  • The clean simple lines of the shaker style cabinets are still the #1 choice. Contemporary is #2. Designing cabinets to resemble furniture is also very trendy.
  • Satin Nickel has been the top choice for fixtures since 2011. Oil-rubbed bronze is gaining in popularity.
  • Granite is still the #1 choice for counter tops, quartz is coming in second and gaining popularity. It is not cheaper, but better for color control and consistency.
  • Glass is becoming very popular for back-splashes.
  • Gray color schemes, in both kitchen and bath, have seen a marked increase in the last 3 years.
The good news is, remodels are increasing. Home sales are rebounding. Interest rates are low. Whether you’re making improvements to sell your house or to update, pay attention to what’s trending in the market now. And if you have questions about what the market is doing in your neighborhood, give the Eisenlauer Team a call. We’re Easy to Work With…Hard to Beat!

Bill  770-2455   Bob  979-2883

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Local Real Estate Buzz

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
Facebook plans to build in Altoona. North of I-80 and Bass Pro will be the new home of Facebook’s Tech Center.  There is some controversy about how much of an economic impact this will have on our local economy.  They will be building a “data center” – whatever that is.  It probably will not be built by local contractors. It will employ fewer than 30 people.  They are not elite tech positions – salaries expected to be $50,000/yr. They’ve received $18 million of incentives to locate in Altoona.  It looks like, at least on paper, Hubbell Realty is making a profit. Hubbell purchased the 197 acres in 2005 for $2.5 million with the intent to develop for residential construction. They sold to Facebook for $4.8 Million. Mortgage rates dropped again this week, according to CNN money.  You can get a 15 yr. fixed rate loan for a record low of 2.56%. The most popular term for a mortgage is 30-yr, that was at 3.35%. Greater Des Moines foreclosure rates decreased in February over the same period last year, according to real estate analytics firm CoreLogic Inc. The rate of foreclosures among outstanding mortgages was 2.3 percent, down from 2.65 percent in February 2012. The national foreclosure rate was 2.85 percent in February. The delinquency rate also dropped in Greater Des Moines, to 4.23 percent from 4.7 percent a year ago. Feed Energy’s parent company – Riley Resource Group has begun remodeling work on the former Lakeside Fitness Center building in Pleasant Hill.  30 of the 100 employees will be located in the newly remodeled building. The north side of the this building is predominately glass. Wouldn’t that be a great work view? Home ownership statistics for the 30-35 yr old age group still needs a boost. This is the age group that is typically  looked at, as an indicator of the housing market. If you’re in this age group and don’t yet own a house – give us a call and we’ll help you define the advantages of buying a home in today’s market. Eisenlauer Team, Easy to Work With…Hard to Beat!

Bill 770-2455  Bob 979-2883

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What to do with your Lawn??

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog

I think it’s finally spring here in Polk County. I visited the Iowa State Extension website to see what tips I could pass onto homeowners concerning spring lawn care. Here’s what I found from my research:

  • Clean Up. Clear away branches that have fallen, sticks, litter that accumulates in snow drifts. Rake it all up, so the fresh grass comes in strong.
  • Aerate.  You can rent an aerator or hire someone with equipment to do the job. This breaks up the thatch and decompacts the soil.
  • If winter has killed some areas of grass – it’s  a good time to re-seed those areas.
  • The best time to fertilize is in the fall, but if that didn’t happen, do it now. 
  • When you start  mowing, remember to set your mower at about 3″.
  • After your lawn has been mowed a few times, spread broad- leaf herbicide. Liquid is most effective. If you use granular, wait till the lawn is wet so it will stick to the leaves.
A clean, green, neatly manicured lawn is always enticing to a new buyer. So, if you’re thinking about putting your house on the market, don’t neglect the first impression your lawn makes. And when you’re ready to list – call the Eisenlauer Team.

Bill – 770-2455   Bob 979-2883

 
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The Happiest Job in the USA – Realtors!

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
Forbes magazine did an article on the 10 Happiest and 10 Un-Happiest jobs in America. The survey was done by CareerBliss. ( I can’t imagine that employees of Career Bliss wouldn’t be the Happiest employees!) They asked employees to evaluate 10 factors such as work environment, compensation, growth opportunities, daily tasks. Wouldn’t you guess Disney employees or kindergarten teachers?  The No. One Happiest Job is Real Estate Agent!  Some of the factors sited are, setting ones own schedule, having control over amount of money one can earn,  historically low interest rates, low inventory – all adds up to Happy Agents. Some of the things that surprised me in this survey.
  • Jobs I’d never heard of, such as – Senior Quality Assurance Engineer! What is that? 
  • Logistics Manager are No. 6 in the list of Happiest. I don’t know any Logistics managers, do you?
  • No. 2 Unhappiest Job: Customer Service Associate, that one is not a surprise.
  • No 4 Unhappiest is Registered Nurse – I thought they would be happier, there’s no shortage of jobs available.
  • No. 5 Unhappiest is Teachers. I thought they would be on the happy list.
The Eisenlauer Team has two Happy Realtors who are ready and willing to help you buy your dream home, sell your current house, find some land to move to the country – whatever your real estate needs are.

Bill 770-2455  Bob 979-2883

     
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Sales and Scents

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
Any obscure topic you can think of – there’s a been a  study done on it, probably at our expense!  The Washington Post reports on a study done by the business college at Washington State University.  The students compiled data on the effects of aromas on sales. Of particular interest to me, and hopefully to you – is the scent that is most likely to entice a buyer to purchase your house. We’ve always been instructed and therefore instructed our sellers to fill the house with the aroma of baked goods when a showing or open house is scheduled. A frozen pie, cookies or bread – have been our favorite suggestions. Now the “experts” are telling us that complex scents, even though pleasant, are a distraction to a potential buyer.  At open houses, “they are not there to process the smells. They are there to process whether this is a place they want to live,” Prof. Spangenberg Washington U. says. The study concludes that a simple scent, such as lemon, basil or pine, is easier to process, less distracting; therefore more conducive to spending. One real estate agent simply brings in fresh cut pine branches, lavender or mint. Look for a scent that is congruent with the lifestyle you’re trying to sell. And if you’re puzzled what aroma in congruent with your house – call the Eisenlauer Team. We’ll give you our professional opnion!

Bill 770-2455  Bob 979-2883

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2013 Pantone Color of the Year – Emerald Green

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
Are you aware that, every year,  Pantone chooses a Color of the Year?  The color gurus pay attention to what’s being used globally – in fashion, graffiti, landscapes, cityscapes etc – and elect an honored color every year. According to Pantone, Emerald Green promotes balance and harmony.  The perception of emerald is sophistication. It’s the color of money. It indicates new growth, and a fresh start. It is lively and radiant – Look to nature for inspiration – pair it with yellow and oranges for an energizing jolt. Emerald is lush – a jewel tone. Think of other jewel tones to pair it with – purples, blues, reds, black and golds. Balance and harmony – Let the emerald be the pop of rich color against neutral backdrop of grays, whites, muted yellow or blues. Now that you’re aware  of the color for 2013 – take notice if you see it in your world. In clothes, jewelry, designer fabrics, printed materials, furniture, exterior color of business, front door of a home.

And if you want color design advice – call the Eisenlauer Team. We can steer you to the people who “know”

Bill 770-2455   Bob 979-2883

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Design Trends 2013

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
The speaker at our local Chamber lunch club talked about the Design Trends for 2013. Apparently there a couple groups of elite people somewhere in Germany and another remote location who get together behind closed doors and decide for all of us – This Year’s Trends! Well, the information has been gathered and some of the trends we are to follow are:
  • Tactile Texture – objects that beg you to reach out and touch them. They could be soft, rough, bumpy – texture in the visual and literal sense.
  • African inflluence – beyond the animal prints, carved pieces and wrought iron frames perhaps covered with animal skins.
  • Floral prints with white background – sort of Granny’s shabby chic.
  • Pastel colors – think shades of Easter.
  • Graphic Retro – chevron, stripes with a modern updated twist.
  • Hand sketching and wall writing – think blackboard walls with lines of handwritten verses, the words create a pattern, even on a ceiling.
  • DIY – Re- purpose old one-of-a-kind items into a current use creating unique decorative items.
  • High gloss paint. Try it on an accessory piece for a pop of accent color.
What’s your favorite decorating idea? Would love to hear from you, see photos etc.

The Eisenlauer Team    Easy to Work With…Hard to Beat!   www.eisenlauerteam.com

Bill  770-2455   Bob  979-2883

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Lighting Trends and Inspiration

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
So, we all agree that brass light fixtures are passe. The next decision is – replace with what?  Too often I limit my choices to the local big box stores. Lowes and Menards offer convenience and low price, but problaby not cutting edge, definately not unique. So I perused some online choices.

Ikea offers fun inespensive choices. It may even be an excuse for a road trip to Minneapolis. The fun option on the left is $25. At that price you can change it out if you tire of it. The other is $59.

Pottery Barn is another trendy option. A bit more expensive, but options that definately make a statment and probably won’t be found duplicated in your neighbor’s home. 

Ballard Designs have some interesting choices. I searched through the sale items are saw many intriquing styles.

Barn Light Electric boasts that it’s a merge of vintage and modern. Definately nolstalgic and leans toward an industrial feel. Fun, unusual options here.

If you are changing out your lighting in preparation to sell your house, let us assist you. We have a stager that we work with that can give you current advise and years of experience of helping people achieve their real estate goals. Hire the professionals on the Eisenlauer Team.

Bill 770-2455   Bob 979-2883

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Design Turnoffs

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
Realtor magazine polled readers – dated design features that make homebuyers cringe?  What do you think were their top turnoffs?
  • Shiny brass fixtures. There are lots of posts on the internet giving instructions to paint these ugly fixtures to give them new life. The DIY photos I’ve seen have varied results. Update with new fixtures. It’s really not that big of investment.
  • Dated Wallpaper. I know – cutting edge sources say it’s coming back. But I’m not falling for that. Dated wallpaper in a for-sale house says “lots-of-work” to potential buyers.
 
  • Peach and mauve. I’m going to add country blue and ceramic geese. Everyone and their grandma had (maybe still has them) these in the 90’s.  They’re not going to be coming back anytime soon. Trash them!We all have our nightmare design trends – the fads that we love to hate!  It’s all good until you want to sell your house. Then it’s time to kick those outdated items to the curb. If you’d like some help – The Eisenlauer Team would love to be a resource and your Realtor. Give us a call.

Bill Eisenlauer 770-2455

Bob Eisenlauer 979-2883

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Iowa Foreclosures are on the Decline and other little-known facts!

Author:myrna
Categories:Blog
The Iowa Business Record reports that the foreclosure activity in Iowa has declined to 2.1% of all outstanding home loans for Sept. The figures are from CoreLogic Inc. Our state is not amongst the best or worst (depending on your viewpoint) of the American states for number of foreclosures. Lenders completed 3,380 foreclosures in the state of Iowa during  Sept 2012. Trends in first-time home-buying – home ownership rate of 30-34 year old continues to fall. This is a critical age range to track because this is the age group that is typically first-time home buyers.  This is also the age-range that are most likely to be burdened with student loans. When this number begins to grow again, that will be a good indicator of economic recovery. Nearly half of the homes in the United States have inside stairs.  Renter-occupied houses are more likely to be without stairs. Here in the Midwest, 65% of our homes have indoor stairs. In comparison, the South and the West have 35% with stairs.  This has absolutely nothing to do with economic recovery and is only mildly noteworthy! Another totally useless bit of information – The average man in the United States weights 195.5 pounds. The average woman is 166.2. This is actual weight, not “reported” weight. If you want more information about any of these facts and statistics, don’t call the Eisenlauer Team. BUT, if you want to know about the local real estate market – we’re the go-to team!

Bill 770-2455  Bob 979-2883

   

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