Kitchen Design Trends Inspired by Restaurant Kitchens

6 Kitchen Design Trends Inspired by Restaurant Kitchens Not all kitchen design trends stand the test of time, but a restaurant kitchen is meant to be as functional as possible for as long as possible. Taking a few cues from restaurant kitchens can help you create a residential kitchen that you'll be sure to love for years to come! 1. Forget the Island A kitchen island allows for lots of prep space and storage but can also make even a large space seem cramped and crowded. A work table in place of the kitchen island still provides plenty of room to work, offers shelving underneath for storage, and can be moved easily when not in use. 2. Consider a Stainless Steel Backsplash Stainless steel is durable, doesn't absorb microbes, and is fire-resistant, which is why it's long been a popular material for commercial kitchen backsplashes. It's also easy to clean and coordinates with most kitchen styles. 3. Hang Utensil Rods Rarely do restaurant kitchens keep utensils in drawers, as this is a surefire way to create a cluttered, jumbled mess. A utensil rod or two will keep all your kitchen tools organized, in plain sight, and close at hand. 4. Install a Magnetic Knife Strip Much like utensil rods, many commercial kitchens include magnetic strips along walls to hold chefs' knives. Storing knives on a magnetic wall strip reduces the risk of cutting yourself while rooting around in a drawer and also allows you to easily see each knife blade type and size. A magnetic knife strip also eliminates the need for a bulky knife block on the countertop. 5. Use Wire Shelving in Your Pantry Wire shelving allows for air circulation around your stored foodstuffs, reducing damage from heat and humidity. Wire shelves also don't need cleaning as often as standard wood shelves. 6. Install an Open Shelf Over the Stovetop Many commercial kitchens feature an open shelf or two over the stovetop, for holding pots and pans, spices, timers, and even a recipe or prep instructions. Consider asking your kitchen contractor about an open shelf over your new stovetop, for added convenience and to break up the look of a bare wall behind the stove.

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Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) RS 73536 CLS, CNAS RS 73536 Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties RS 73536 808 358-9700 Neaulani@islandhomelife.com http://www.alohainvesting.com/ Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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My Loan Was Sold. What Gives?

My Loan Was Sold. What Gives? You've just moved in to your new home. You've unpacked, and you're starting to settle in when you receive a letter informing you that your mortgage has been sold and is being serviced by a new institution. Is this allowed? Have the terms of your mortgage changed? Why would your lender sell your mortgage? Among the many documents you signed when you first applied for a loan was a Mortgage Servicing Disclosure. This document tells you what percentage of the lender’s loans are sold. More often than not, the majority of loans approved and funded by a particular mortgage company will be sold to someone else. It's important to note that just because your mortgage has been sold, this does not change the terms of your loan. Your loan payment and interest rate will not, and cannot, be impacted. You’re probably wondering, “Why go through all the effort of originating, approving, and funding a loan just to forgo all the interest that new loan provides?” The answer is surprisingly simple. If not for selling the loan, the lender would soon run out of money to lend. Mortgage companies today work with a line of credit. It’s not as if the mortgage company approves a loan then opens up a vault full of money to fund your mortgage. When it’s time to fund your loan, the lender taps into the line of credit for the necessary amount. In order to replenish this line of credit, the lender sells the loan to a third party. Once the loan is sold, the lender now has more funds to make more loans. Who is the loan sold to? Many times it’s sold to other mortgage companies, but ultimately the loan is sold either to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The marketplace for all this loan buying and selling is called the secondary market for mortgages. This secondary market is robust and active and keeps the mortgage market liquid. Without a secondary market, there would be fewer loans issued and still fewer choices. When your loan is sold it’s not because your original lender doesn’t appreciate your business, it’s so they can continue to service other home buyers and make more loans.

Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) RS 73536 CLS, CNAS RS 73536 Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties RS 73536 808 358-9700

Neaulani@islandhomelife.com http://www.alohainvesting.com/ Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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To Turf or Not to Turf

REAL ESTATE NEWS Brought to you by Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) RS 73536 CLS, CNAS

To Turf or Not to Turf

Yard care is a big consideration for homeowners. Real grass is high maintenance, a water hog, and expensive to replace. Artificial grass may be a good alternative for some households. Here are some of the pros and cons of turf: Pro: No maintenance. Artificial grass does not require mowing, edging, seeding, or watering. Once you lay it down, you’re done. Con: Initial expense. Turf prices range from $8–14 per square foot. You can find some sales and deals, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The upside is you won’t need to replace or re-seed it. Pro: Long-term durability. “The life expectancy of artificial turf can be upwards of 25 years,” says Gardenista, “making it a less costly alternative to real turf over its life span.” Con: It might be against the rules. If you live in a community with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), be sure to get permission first. Turf is becoming more common, which is convincing more HOAs to approve its use, but check first. You don't want to make a big investment in turf only to be told you have to rip it out and replace it with grass. Pro: It’s eco-friendly. The water savings element is huge if you’re looking to live a little greener. Some manufacturers even use recycled materials, such as old tires or plastic bottles. Con: It’s not biodegradable. Artificial grass will end up in a landfill some day. Pro: It’s pet-friendly. “The good news is that pet waste won’t negatively impact your artificial grass, and turf is easy to clean,” says Purchase Green. There are also specific types of turf that are designed for animals. Con: It’s hot. “Real grass has a cooling effect when the air temperature is high. Artificial grass lacks this cooling quality,” says SFGATE. “The grass itself may become hotter than the air and can make the surrounding air feel hotter.” Pro: It looks great all year round If you live in an area where the lawn is dormant in the winter, it will be a nice change to see your lush, green (faux) lawn, even in negative temps. Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) RS-73536Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties If you would like more information on this call Neaulani 808-358-9700

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Looking Past Sale Price When Buying a Home

As a home buyer, you may focus too much on a home’s sale price – whether it meets your budget or even if it’s a lucky number. Before you begin the home search, make sure that you take into account other factors such as your own credit. When you pay off outstanding loans and reduce debt before beginning the process of looking for a new home, you can significantly impact the interest rate you will pay and whether or not you qualify for a loan.

http://www.alohainvesting.com/Looking-Past-Sale-Price.html

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Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) RS-73536
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

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2017 Real Estate

2017 Real Estate Trends to Watch

As the old saying goes, “today’s trends are tomorrow’s reality.” In fact, the forces that will shape 2017 real estate trends are already in motion today and will continue to develop over the coming year. Here are five national real estate trends to watch.

As the old saying goes, “today’s trends are tomorrow’s reality.” In fact, the forces that will shape upcoming 2017 real estate trends are already in motion today and will continue to develop over the coming year. Here are five national real estate trends experts say are noteworthy for 2017.

1. Walkable Communities

With the recent swing of the pendulum that has seen Millennials flocking to the suburbs, the need for walkable communities has drastically increased in turn. Suburbia is now seeing its dynamics change from outlying neighborhoods reliant on automobiles to chic suburban enclaves with enhanced public transport links and commercial hubs that cater to the work, live, play philosophy well entrenched in urban areas.

Image Source: StockSnap.io

2. Downtown Redevelopment

A recent study completed by PWC and the Urban Land Institute shows the growing trend towards mixed use planning in the redevelopment of urban areas, which mimic the changes happening in the suburban centers. Mixed-use planning and redevelopment of former industrial areas into mixed use residential and commercial spaces boost the walkability factor that is so lauded, but missing, in some of America’s largest urban centers.

3. Inclusionary Zoning

Along with the gentrification and urban renewal listed above, the study also touches on what it calls the “velvet rope” effect, where chasms in the income gap become evident in housing affordability in key neighborhoods. The promising news is that more and more local governments are creating measures to increase inclusionary zoning that will open up opportunities for the middle and lower-middle class to gain entry to otherwise unattainable areas. Inclusionary zoning ensures new developers reserve a certain portion of their development for affordable housing. The benefit is in the creation of the sorts of enclaves listed above that is building the type of accessible community sought by the next generation of buyers.

Image Source: StockSnap.io

4. Mild Increases

Though predictions in every market can change, the overall consensus is a slight increase in both new development and housing prices as the 2016 market increases level off. While the overwhelming majority of real estate professionals have an eye towards a decreasing market, Forbes recently noted that it takes time for real estate patterns to level off, leaving the 2017 real estate trends in an upswing at the very least, which is good news for those looking to sell in the short-term.

5. The Internet of Things

With technology virtually at the heart of everything we interact with on a daily basis, there’s ample reason to believe this trend will continue in real estate. Technology is no longer considered a rare luxury but a part of a full and convenient life. This expectation is spurring homeowners to consider renovations that bring the essence of the smart home to the market. Learning thermostats and integrated technology such as solar panels, USB hubs, and automated home functions will continue to gain popularity, both in new home buyers and also for retirees looking for the added convenience and simplicity that will allow them to remain independent in their homes. While a Jetsons-style future still may be far off, the overall concept of bringing technology to the masses is certainly not slowing down in real estate.

Image Source: StockSnap.io

The Big Picture

Though far from earth shattering, the 2017 real estate trends point to a more inclusive set of rules to play by in the real estate field. This has the potential, at least in part, to redefine what community means, and how to adjust our neighborhoods and cities to best meet the demands of modern living, while maintaining residential spaces as great places to live, work, play, and raise families.

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World’s Most Expensive Homes

Take a Virtual Reality Tour of One of the World’s Most Expensive Homes

To showcase the potential virtual reality has for the real estate industry, Coldwell Banker created an immersive virtual tour of one of the World’s Most Expensive Homes – a $49 million property in San Clemente, California.

What if you could take a tour of your next home from the comfort of your couch? For today’s consumer, this may become the new standard for tomorrow’s real estate listing experience. Through computer generated environments, virtual reality, also abbreviated as VR, is fundamentally changing the way home buyers and sellers house hunt.

By doning a VR headset, viewers are transported to a different environment, allowing prospective buyers to virtually step inside their next home. And Mr. & Mrs. Seller no longer have to vacate their home for showings unless it is for a seriously interested buyer because they can host virtual open houses.

To showcase the potential virtual reality has for the real estate industry, Coldwell Banker created an immersive virtual tour of one of the World’s Most Expensive Homes– a $49 million property in San Clemente, California listed by Tim Smith with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Take a behind the scenes look at the filming of the exclusive Coldwell Banker World’s Most Expensive Homes: Casa San Mateo below.  For best viewing experience, we recommend you view the below video on a mobile phone, or better yet, through a VR headset like the Samsung GearVR or Google Cardboard.

Today, through the integration Coldwell Banker has with VR service provider, Matterport, there are currently over 500 listings on coldwellbanker.com that can be experienced in VR. And virtual reality is seeing growth both in spend as well as adoption at a staggering pace.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to integrate VR into your home’s listing experience is that virtual reality is a memory-creating medium. Those that have experienced VR actually retain memories of physically being in places that they’ve only seen in VR. So, by providing a VR experience of your home, you can expect it to stand out to potential buyers in a truly memorable way, above any others seen online in photos or standard video.

This makes virtual reality — a real estate reality.

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Those Fall Leaves

Read This Post Before Raking Up Those Fall Leaves

Bring the beauty of fall into your home with these easy DIY decor projects.

Ahh Fall Foliage…so beautiful but also SO messy!

For those who live in parts of the world that get to experience fall foliage you can relate to the love/hate relationship that comes with the turn of the season. On one hand the beauty of the changing leaves is something we look forward to with the first cool breeze that returns each year. On the other, cleaning up our yards seems like a never ending task. Before you break out your rake and drag that pile of leaves to your curb check out some creative ways you can add the beauty of fall to your home with these DIY leaf decor projects.

Throw Pillows | Butiksofie

This DIY project is so incredibly affordable and allows you to create gorgeous one of a kind fall decor that is subtle yet spectacular. Learn How Here

Leaf Bowl | diyncraftpriscilla

This autumnal bowl brings nature into your home and provides the perfect place for small treats (like Halloween candy). Watch Below

Leaf Coasters | Confessionsofahomeschooler

This project is an awesome one to do with children and makes a great hostess gift for any fall house parties you are attending. Learn how here

Leaf Wreath | DIYMood

Treat yourself to a warm welcome home from the moment you walk in the door with a dried leaf wreath (I know you are impressed with my rhyming skills  ) Watch Below.

Framed Pressed Leaves |witandwhistle

Swapping out pictures is a great way to keep your home decor fresh and this project will give you beautiful decor that you can bring back each year. Learn how here

So there you have it, five fall projects that will leaf any auntumn fan happy at home. Happy Fall Y’all!

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Social Media to Sell Homes in a Global Market

Digital marketing has become an important component of advertising in many industries, but in real estate it is particularly essential because today’s market is more global than ever.

Digital marketing has become an important component of advertising in many industries, but in real estate it is particularly essential because today’s market is more global than ever. Danny Hertzberg & Hillary Hertzberg of Second Generation Selling–part of the top selling real estate team in the country, The Jills–recognize the power of digital and social media advertising to sell properties, like this beautiful Miami Beach waterfront property.

In the below video, which first appeared on LXTV Open House, the Second Generation Selling duo shares a few expert tips on using social media to sell real estate in a global market.

Miami, FL where Danny & Hillary are based, is a market where many buyers are coming from around the globe. And when international buyers begin their search, it starts online. Without being present to view the property in-person, photos and video are the next best thing, making visual content more important than ever before. This leading luxury real estate team has been employing the best in high-end photography for some time, but now they’re also using state-of-the art cinematic techniques like drones, and time lapse capabilities to make their videos really pop. Even more brilliantly, they edit these video clips down to fifteen second clips to post them on Instagram for increased exposure.

Social media is the perfect conduit to serving up these beautiful visuals to potential international buyers who might not be exposed to other more traditional marketing efforts. In addition to advertising methods like magazines and brochures, Danny & Hillary use social platforms like facebook, pinterest, and twitter to advertise properties, but they cite Instagram as the most fitting channel for it’s focus on beautiful imagery. Implementing a technique called a “Social Media Hot Spot,” they harness the power of “going viral” to reach thousands of people through linking their social networks and boosting posts with social actions.

To entice potential buyers to view a property, Danny & Hillary go beyond a single photo and instead create an Instagram collage of photos to give viewers a more complete picture of a property. They also show more than the features and amenities of a property and instead focus on showcasing the lifestyle a particular home might deliver. Blogging about their community and the plethora of activities available is just one more way that the Second Generation Selling team showcases the lifestyle of their maketplace, Miami Beach.

Follow Second Generation Selling on Instagram to see these real estate social media techniques in action, or Danny or Hillary today to discuss how they can help you find your dream home.Article by Victoria Lee

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Homes in Foreclosure

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Considering a Purchase

Homes in foreclosure can be an appealing option in terms of price. While there are great deals to be had, purchasing a foreclosed home isn’t for everyone. For many buyers, there is a misunderstanding about the different types of foreclosures available.

MELINA GILLIESSEP 11, 2015

Homes in foreclosure can be an appealing option in terms of price. While there are great deals to be had, purchasing a foreclosed home isn’t for everyone. For many buyers, there is a misunderstanding about the different types of foreclosures available. Understanding the key concerns and how to overcome them, will be critical to making the best purchase possible. Here are the top three mistakes to avoid:

1. Going It Alone

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is to consider homes in foreclosure as a do-it-yourself venture. While many home buyers can successfully work without a real estate agent to purchase a home, those who work without an agent on a foreclosure do so at their peril.

Foreclosures require specialized knowledge from an agent who can guide you through the peaks and pitfalls of the process. Conducting a search in your area for a real estate agent who specializes in these types of sales will be beneficial to you as a buyer — and help protect your interests.

A certified home inspector familiar with inspecting foreclosed homes and a real estate lawyer well-versed in the process should round out your team to ensure you are getting the best home possible for the lowest price.

2. Ignoring Hidden Costs

Focusing on the low sticker price of a foreclosed home could be risky, especially if that dollar figure is your sole deciding factor. Hidden costs can creep up even long after the sale, and create headaches — especially when there is little access to cash to remedy the situation.

It is quite common for homes in foreclosure to be riddled with physical problems due to long-term lack of maintenance, vandalism, or simply the effects of sitting empty for a period of time. Even if a buyer can conduct a home inspection prior to offer, the scope of the inspection can seriously be limited due to utilities that have been disconnected, making it difficult to assess a home’s true condition.

The best thing buyers can do is set a maximum price for offer — and stick to it. It can be tempting to get caught up in the thrill of the bid, but saving a few thousand dollars off the top can turn into tens of thousands in the long run to fix issues that were overlooked prior to offer

3. Thinking Foreclosure Always Equals Great Deal

Timing and strategy are always helpful when buying homes in foreclosure, but it is important to remember that in a saturated market, many of the homes that are available have already been passed up by investors. While this doesn’t make a foreclosed home unworthy of a bid — buyers need to be realistic in their expectations of what they will receive.

Because a foreclosed home isn’t always the most advantageous deal, getting lending pre-approval is essential in being able to complete the process. Many lenders won’t finance a purchase where the selling price is more than the assessed value of the property, so knowing where you stand before you hit the auction block is critical.

Even if you’ve found a great deal, be wary of homes still occupied by the people who defaulted on the loan. Many owners who are angry at the bank or situation end up vandalizing their home, stripping it of its contents in the process, and leaving an unwanted financial burden on the buyer.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the risks, buyers who do their homework, employ the right professionals, and consider a home’s location, condition, and viability as a long-term investment will be able to make a foreclosed home work for them.

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Take your backyard s’mores

 

PARTIES

S’More Backyard Fun Please

Take your backyard s’mores creations to the next level with these tasty enhancements!

S’mores are an absolute summertime classic.  There are few things that exemplify summer more than hanging out in your home’s backyard with family and friends watching marshmallows brown on a skewer in a bonfire.  Everyone knows and loves the original recipe (unless your last name is Smalls).  So some may be hesitant to mess with the traditional, but I assure you, your adventurous side will come out after seeing these delicious alternatives!

Bacon:

We are going to lead off this list with bacon because, well, why not?  It’s bacon – the food that keeps on giving just gave us another excuse to eat more.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr User Eli Christman

Create candied bacon by sprinkling each strip with brown sugar.  Set your oven to between 375 – 400 °F and cook for 15-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy.  For those with a preference for the juxtaposed tastes of sweet and salty, use dark chocolate in your final creation.

Fruit:

Doctors are always recommending to eat more fruit.  Oblige them by adding your favorite fruit you your favorite backyard summertime treat!  Whether it is bananas, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, it will be delicious.

Image via Flickr user Personal Creations

Do you have a bunch of fruit lying around waiting to be eaten?  Kick your S’mores up a notch by first roasting your ingredients for a caramelized fruit garnish.  It’s the doctor’s orders.

No Graham Crackers, No Problem:

Don’t feel like going out to the store to grab graham crackers?  No worries.  Many snacks and treats you may already have lying in your pantry will do the trick!

Photo via Flickr user vastateparksstaff

Instead of the traditional, go rogue by using chocolate chip cookies, Oreo’s, waffle cookies or Rice Krispies for the perfect marshmallow and chocolate conveyor.

This is Just the Veganning:

Have you not been able to enjoy a S’more in the years after you became vegan?  Don’t miss out anymore!

Photo via Flickr user Heather Katsoulis

You can still join the fun by substituting regular marshmallows for the vegan kind and milk chocolate for organic dark chocolate.

S’Mores Lasagna:

I’ve never gazed upon the rolling hills of Tuscany or traversed the watery, serpentine allies of Venice, but when I imagine Italy, I think of a place where layers of pasta, sauce and cheeses combine to make the entire country smell like my friend Giuseppe’s grandmother’s kitchen.  I also would like to imagine when they do dessert, it is in the lasagna mold.

Photo via Flickr user Joy

Start out by lining a base layer of graham crackers on the bottom of your tray.  Then, sprinkle chocolate chips and mini marshmallows (the small pieces will make it easier to layer) until you are satisfied.  Place another layer of graham crackers atop your chocolate and marshmallows and repeat!  Preheat your oven to 500°F and cook for about 6 minutes until browned and gooey!

Think Outside of the S’more:

Here is the section where things may get a little crazy.  The beauty of the S’more is that practically any combination of your favorite sweets and treats will taste amazing!  Love peanut butter or Nutella?  Spread some on each cracker while you are waiting for your mallow to brown.  Want to switch it up from the classic milk chocolate?  Use Milky Ways, Snickers, Kit Kat bars or anything else to make this traditional treat your very own!

No matter what your personal preference, the best thing about S’mores is spending time with loved ones on a beautiful summer night in a place you call home.

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