In the Park Summer Concerts-Birmingham MI

Birmingham - In The Park Summer ConcertsCelebrating 30 Years!
June 18 - Aug 11
Spanning a diverse range of music from contemporary pop to bluegrass to jazz. Please note: the concerts will be held at Booth Park due to construction on Shain Park

4 Remodeling Myths

Myth #1: Any remodel is a good one.

Some people think that any improvement is a good one, but not all home improvements are created equal. For example, a homeowner had a concert hall of his very own in his ranch-style home. Unless the next homeowner is an opera singer, they may not want a balcony in the house. Keep in mind that you might want to sell the place one day.Myth

#2: I can do it myself.

You may be convinced that you can do it just as well as a contractor, but news flash! You can't. You may just have an unrealistic idea of your "knack" for remodeling. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but you need to know your limits. Don't be afraid , ask for help.

Myth #3: Pools add value.

A lot of people think that adding a swimming pool and/or a hot tub is a sure seller. That's not always true. Location is extremely important. If every day is summer in your climate and it's a pool-friendly region, that's one thing, but if you live in a cooler climate, it could be different story. In most areas of the country, adding a pool is a scary proposition. It's a big liability and can be a lot of work to maintain in the off-season.

Myth #4: Follow the latest design trends.

Many homeowners think it's a good idea to follow the latest design trends. Not true. For instance, peach textured wallpaper went out in the '80s. Features like that must go before a house goes on the market. Neutral colors or palettes have more of a timeless feel and will appeal to far more people. brighten, consumers are about to face a new financial burden: a sustained period of rising interest rates.
For the complete article, visit: HGTV.com

INEXPENSIVE CURB APPEAL UPGRADES

Walk across the street from your house, turn around, take a good look at your yard and ask yourself if you're impressed by what you see. You can get a bang for your buck on a limited budget . . .

For $100, you can ...

Create a welcoming entrance with 1 or 2 big pots filled with colorful plants. Buy seeds & cover much more ground than $100 worth of plants.

For $500, you can ...

Invest in a couple of great architectural pots & make a statement at your entrance.
Spruce up your foundation plantings with a border of long-blooming perennials.

For $1,000, you can ...

Redo an area of your garden or even a small backyard, Add several evergreen plants, both trees and shrubs, to punctuate an entrance.Install landscape lighting to illuminate the path to your front door.
Buy a small, freestanding water feature,& add rocks, boulders and plantings to make it look natural.
Complete Article by By Cameron Huddleston of Kiplinger

Consumers Want Innovative Quality with Real Benefits

New research from TOTO USA, Inc., a manufacturer of high-quality plumbing products, showing that one of the most prevalent trends with consumers today is a strong desire for innovative products, but only if they have real-world benefits, like saving water and money, reliability, or better performance.

TOTO's own study confirmed that quality and reliability are primary drivers in consumer purchasing choices, perhaps more so now that the recession has tightened pocket books and wallets. The top five answers to a consumer insight question back this up:

1. I typically do my research to know which products are the best (79%)

2. I'm willing to pay more for superior quality and value because I know it's a good investment (77%)

3. I typically buy the best products I can afford (76%)

4. I am willing to pay more today for the best quality products, because I know they will save me money in the long run (76%)

5. I like to deal with companies who do the right thing (71%).

The research also noted that saving money and water are 2 examples of tangible benefits that any consumer, in any household income bracket, will appreciate in the new economy. That bodes well as most homeowners long to bring the indulgences they experience in hotels and spas into their own homes.

For the Complete Article, click here

LANDSCAPE "WOW" FACTOR

Container plants are an easy way to give immediate visual impact to your home, creating that important curb. Here are some important tips to make sure you use containers effectively.

#1 Use big containers

Don't be afraid of using big, bold containers. They will have much more impact and will be easier to care for because they won't dry out so easily.

#2 Use quality containers

Avoid plastic containers, as these can look cheap. Terracotta, wrought iron, or zinc containers look great. Choose a container that complements your house and the rest of your landscaping. For example, if you have iron detailing, finda matching container; if you have brick paving, a terracotta pot might look good next to it.

#3 Fill them with plants

For immediate results, fill your containers with more plants than you normally would. Otherwise, you will be forced to wait for the plants to grow before your container will look lush and healthy.

#4 Feed your plants

Make sure you keep your containers well maintained by watering and feeding the plants regularly. You want buyers to think the containers are always there, not just a quick fix.

GOOD NEWS for Southeastern Michigan Real Estate!!!

Housing starts continue to climb in Southeast Michigan compared with last year, according to the latest data released by Housing Consultants Inc. today. From January through April, the nine-county region saw a 119 percent increase in construction permits for new housing from the same four-month period last year. Some of the most pronounced increases occurred in Metro Detroit's three largest counties. Oakland County experienced a 152.8 percent jump to 182 permits from 72!
Article by:Louis Aguilar - Detroit News