A huge kitchen does not always mean a “better” kitchen. We have designed some small, but very functional and attractive kitchens for space conscience buyers. Remember the function triangle when laying out your kitchen. The sink, stove, and refrigerator should be in a triangular position making kitchen prep easier.

This is a great example of a small but very functional (and beautiful kitchen). We designed this home for one of our clients who did not have a very big lot, so we had to keep things tight. Notice that size did not dictate style and quality. This is a very lovely kitchen and the client is happy with the outcome. (And so are we).

I found a great article (on MSN real-estate, entitled “10 Tips for adding value”) the article talks about 10 things you should look for when remodeling a home. The very first item talks about having a good strategy in place before you begin in order to get good results. This is a topic that we have discussed before in a number of blog entries. Part of having a good strategy is having a good, solid set of plans. If you want your contractor to give you a solid bid….he needs a set of solid plans.

“Many people want to build it cheap and fast,”……. “They want an estimate before they even have a plan.” A solid strategy will ensure that the homeowner and the builder are on the same page, saving both parties time and money.” (Quote directly from article)

The article goes on to list a number of other good ideas (I think it would help anyone looking to remodel to take just a few minutes and read this article).

MSN Article – 10 Tips For Adding Value

I came across this realy good article on MSN.COM (in the realestate section).

Here is how it starts out; “The term “flipper” became a dirty word in the real-estate business just before the bubble burst. Now the federal government is turning to these quick-turnaround investors to pump some new life into the deflated housing market.”

Check out the entire article for more information!

MSN.com Article on Flipping Homes

You have all seen the ads on television…Buy a house for no money down and sell it before the first payment is due. You see the shows where they make $50, $60, $100, thousand dollars off a house that was fixed up for relatively no money.

BUT is this all true??? The answer is yes…and no!!! Flipping is a good way to make an income especially in this down market. There are plenty of good foreclosed properties on the market (for good prices). BUT beware….its not as easy as they make it look on TV. I have never known anyone (personally) who bought a house for no money down.

You can find good deals but be prepared to spend around $100-$150 thousand dollars of your own money. Once you buy the house….you will need to fix it up. Plan on having the house anywhere from 30 to 120 days, and remember…everyday you own the property it will cost you in interest, utilities, taxes, and insurance’s

The FHA keeps going back and forth on the anti-flipping regulations. Meaning that you cannot get an FHA mortgage on a home that has been purchased in the last 90 days, this law is currently on hold (not in force) but many lenders still won’t approve a loan in less than 90 days.

By no means am I saying don’t try flipping….I am only saying…DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST.