Charming Read

What a delight when I discovered this in my G mail box!  House of Fifty is an online magazine that is new to me, this is Issue 4.  The publication covers Home, Garden, Yummy Eats and much more!  This weekend I'll be working on Issues 1-3 with my feet up by the fire!

Read House of Fifty Magazine

Enjoy~

Kristie



Just Announced 1/25...Low Interest Rates Through 2014

Good News!

The Federal Reserve announced today that they will keep interest rates low until at least late 2014 in an effort to help jump-start the sluggish economy by making it less expensive to borrow money across all segments of the economy.
What this means for home buyers and current homeowners is that mortgage rates for a purchase loan or to refinance will remain remarkably low in the near-term, keeping affordability high. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell below four percent on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace in mid-October 2011 and has dropped as low as 3.67 percent in recent weeks.
Here’s a quick comparison of mortgage rates and affordability using today’s rates compared to 2008:
Today’s rates: For a home buyer shopping for a home today assuming 20 percent down and today’s interest rate of 3.7%, they would be able to afford a $215,000 home with a monthly mortgage payment of about $1,000 per month (including principal and interest).
2008 rates: If a home buyer shopped for a home in 2008 when mortgage rates averaged roughly 6 percent, the same home buyer would only be able to afford a $165,000 home for $1,000 per month (including principal and interest)
Difference: $50,000
article obtained from zillow.com

See What 8.9 million buys you in San Fransisco

The Owners: Allison Pincus of One Kings Lane and Mark Pincus, creator of the gaming site Zynga.

Video is a little superman-ish at first, stick with it.  My favorite "decor"  aspects: Green lacquered walls in the foyer and yellow subway tiles in the kitchen.
What do you think?  I would love your opinion!  Leave me a comment:)!

Click Here for video link

photo and video property of Teed Haze Real Estate

Best~

Kristie

Monday Eye Candy

Chinese Witch Hazel NY Botanical Garden

This picture was taken this morning, 1-16, at the NY Botanical Garden.  What an amazing pop of color for your winter landscape!  I would love to look out my window and see this tree in my back yard on a cold January day.

Dave's Garden has really great comments about Chinese Witch Hazel, scroll down on his site to view.  In Ohio, we are in zone 5 (ish).  Sounds like it may need a little extra protection during the harshest months of winter. 

Real Estate Tip: In these non- blooming/growing months in the mid-west, it's really hard for buyers to envision what the yard will look like in the spring, summer and fall months.  Give them something to look at that gives a promise of Spring!  Evergreens, boxwoods, berry producing shrubs, holly and Chinese Witch Hazel are great examples of making your home stand out during these sometimes bleak times.



                        Chinese Witch Hazel



                   Chinese Witch Hazel

Liquor and Donuts on a Cold Winter Night-Yes!

Ingredients for:

 Drunken Donuts Cocktail

• 2 ounces espresso vodka
• 1 ounce chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur

• 2 ounces chilled or room temperature coffee
• Splash of hazelnut coffee creamer

GARNISH:

• Donut hole

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Directions

In a shaker with ice, add espresso vodka, chocolate and coffee liqueurs, coffee and creamer and shake until mixed and creamy. Pour into mugs. Slice a donut hole halfway through, and perch on the lip of the mug. Reward yourself by taking the day off work.

Recipe courtesy Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark and Devour, the Cooking Channel Blog

 

ENJOY!

Kristie

Go Colonial!

1600s - 1800When North America was colonized, settlers brought building traditions from many different countries. Colonial architecture includes a wide range of styles, including New England Colonial, German Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, and, of course, the ever-popular Colonial Cape Cod. (about.com)



The above picture brings so many images to mind: Tree lined streets, kids on bikes, big family dinners, renovation projects?  I love this style, but I am a traditionalist through and through when it comes to architecture. My favorite aspect, large symmetrical rooms!  I think the colonial style can fit into any corner of the country, think Spanish Colonial from 90210.

 A drive thorough Old Orchard, Hampton Park, Westmoreland, Perrysburg, Maumee, The Old West End or Ottawa Hills offer charming examples with a local persceptive.  

Our very own Manor House, a Georgian Colonial

 3140 Darlington (Old Orchard 139,000)

187 Fox Hill Perrysburg  164,500

3060 Indian Wells Monclova  275,000

Do you live in a Colonial?  Find out more HERE!

Best~

Kristie

Does Pottery Barn sell Real Estate? Part I

Occasionally, I will hear of a house for sale being "Very Pottery Barn" or "Pottery Barn Cute".  I am sure you have seen it too if you have ever house hunted, or (stalked) a home online.  I Googled "Pottery Barn and Real Estate" and this listing came up in Alexandria Virginia. Click Here!  What do you think?  Does the decor appeal to you?
  Upon receiving the Jan 2012 Pottery Barn magazine,  I tried to scrutinize the pages to understand why I, myself, was drawn to the interiors like so many others. Note: Outside of some picture frames and a quilt, I do not have anything else in my house that is Pottery Barn. 
Here is my first rationals as to why Pottery Barn may help you sell your home:

1.) The decor has mass appeal, not too contemporary, not too traditional, TRANSITIONAL, as my designer friends call it.

Neutral sofa and walls with the pops of color on simple accessories: pillows, a tray, natural looking greens.  If your sofa is 1988 pink and blue floral, get an inexpensive slipcover in a neutral shade.  Buyers associate dated decor with a dated home when your home may not be dated at all!  Perception is truly Reality in this case.  Some inexpensive changes won't have buyers crossing your home off of their list!

JcPenny Slipcover 69.00

World Market Pillow

Etsy.com

Etsy.com

Etsy.com

Etsy.com

World Market Tray 19.00

 

Overstock.com Faux Orchid

I think the biggest challenge when selling your home is appealing to the largest pool of buyers possible.  It isn't about spending a lot of money or making your home a Pottery Barn replica.  It's about using this wildly popular catalog for inspiration.

Questions?  My team and I can help de-mystify the art of getting your home ready for market.  It would be my pleasure to help you, just send me an e-mail: kfeeback@danberry.com

Be on the watch for Does Pottery Barn sell Real Estate Part II.

Best,

Kristie

6711 Erie Sylvania, Oh 43560 - Your Toledo, Sylvania, Perryburg, Maumee, Ottawa Hills Connection

Price Reduced to 119,000!

What a great house in Sylvania, Maplewood Schools. Check it out today, Sunday from 1-3


6711 Erie Sylvania, Oh 43560 - Your Toledo, Sylvania, Perryburg, Maumee, Ottawa Hills Connection

2012 HGTV Dream Home Kitchen Tour

TOUR KITCHEN HERE!

So, what do you think?  I love the functionality, storage, and pot filler, I really want a pot filler!

What's your favorite feature?

Happy New Year!

Kristie