Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Things You Can Paint Instead of Replace to Save Money - Part 3

Imagine how sweet it is to update ceramic tile without having to bust up and cart away tons of old tile.

Play it safe and avoid painting tiles in high-traffic and high-moisture areas. Some good places are laundry room floors, backsplashes under cabinets (but not above ranges where pasta sauce splatters), and walls around tubs you rarely use.

Prep: 
  1. Repair cracked or chipped tile with caulk or grout before painting. 
  2. Give patching material ample time to dry, then lightly sand before applying an epoxy or urethane bonding primer.
  3. Sand after priming and between each coat of quality latex paint. 
  4. Wait several days for the paint to cure completely, then seal with two or three coats of clear, water-based polyurethane.

Tips:
  1. To get a smooth look, apply paint in zigzags, then roll down in one, smooth motion.
  2. Use 240-grit wet/dry sandpaper for prep and between coats.
  3. Don’t forget safety goggles and masks when sanding tiles.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.

Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Things You Can Paint Instead of Replace to Save Money - Part 2



A Brick Fireplace

When you paint your brick fireplace, you transform the entire room. But beware! Once you paint brick, it’s nearly impossible to return it to the original brick color.


You can paint brick a single color, or achieve some variation — like the variations in real brick — by sponging on slightly lighter and darker hues.

Prep:
  1. Lightly sand away any loose bits of brick or mortar with 120-grit sandpaper. 
  2. Clean dirt and soot with a wire brush and heavy-duty cleanser. 
  3. Allow to dry completely before applying an oil-based, stain-blocking primer. 
  4. Paint with a semigloss latex.

Tips:
  1. Never paint the firebox.
  2. Brick is porous and drinks paint, so buy twice what you think you’ll need.
  3. Wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning anything with a metal brush.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.

Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Things You Can Paint Instead of Replace to Save Money - Part 1

When her not-so-old fridge started looking yellow, blogger Dria decided to give appliance paint a try. She loves the result, which she says has the same glossy shine and feeling of the original factory finish. Image: DIO Home Improvements

You know a fresh coat of paint can give any room a quick and inexpensive facelift. But did you know that a little paint can also perk up carpets, appliances, and even vinyl floors?

Basically, if it doesn’t move, you can paint it. But only after you’ve paid special attention to prep — cleaning, patching, and sanding (generally) the area.

Painting isn’t brain surgery, but it’s not a breeze, either. Here are some rules of thumb:
Prime before painting. Primer will allow the paint to adhere better.
Most hard surfaces will take primer better if they’re roughed up a little with fine-grade sandpaper.

When using spray paint, multiple, thin layers are better than one, thick coat. Ease up on your trigger finger, and spray in short bursts.

Wait for the previous coat of paint or primer to dry completely before adding another coat.
With proper prep, you can paint just about anything.

Door, Drawer, and Cabinet Hardware

Spray paint can turn builder-grade brass locks and hinges into fashion-forward hardware with an oil-rubbed bronze, pewter, or stainless look.

Prep:
  1. Clean hardware with a fine steel wool to remove grease and grime.
  2. Rough up the surface with fine-grain sandpaper.
  3. Before you paint, insert a tiny strip of painter’s tape into the keyhole to make sure paint doesn’t gunk it up.
  4. Prime with a metallic primer, then paint with metallic spray paint.

Tip: Insert the door lock’s spindle into a square of Styrofoam, which will hold it upright while you spray around the knob.

Stay tuned for the rest of this series of painting tips!

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.

Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.

July Data Shows the Healthiest End to Spring Home Buying Season in Three Years

For the first time in three years, July data shows the price appreciation and inventory increases established during peak buying season (from April to July) continue their upward trend, untouched by external economic factors, according to the Realtor.com® July National Housing Trend Report released this week by Move, Inc.

"In July 2012 and 2013, we saw external economic factors overwhelm the healthy gains established in the housing market during the spring home buying season," says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com®.  "This year, we're ending the traditional season with high buyer and seller confidence demonstrated by price appreciation, increases in inventory and quick home sales."

Realtor.com® July 2014 national housing data reveals homeowners are more optimistic about selling than in previous years. This month, the number of homes on the market increased 2.3 percent compared with last year and increased 4.5 percent over June. One factor fueling this uptick in inventory is a strong 7.5 percent increase in median list prices year-over-year. Despite higher prices and more homes on the market, buyers are snatching up properties faster than last year. Median age of inventory for July 2014 is 82 days, three days faster than 2013.

"This is the first time, since the beginning of the recovery, that we expect to see positive momentum throughout the second half of the year," Smoke projects.  "While seasonal patterns are emerging in July month-to-month comparisons, all other metrics point to fundamental market health and a build-up of momentum."

While July growth may seem modest, it is in stark contrast to the housing indicators experienced over the last two years. In April 2013, mortgage interest rates began to increase significantly, making potential mortgage payments more expensive for home buyers. By July 2013, this slow but steady tightening of home buyer budgets dampened demand. As a result, month-over-month increases in inventory lessened and properties spent more time on market.

Additionally, in July 2012 concerns of broad debt defaults and economic weakness in Europe influenced big decreases in the stock market. Overall economic uncertainty contributed to weak consumer confidence, which influenced potential home buyers to remain on the sidelines while low prices made owners reluctant to list.  As a result, July 2012 median list prices remained flat both month-over-month and year-over-year. Inventory remained at very low levels and homes spent 102 days on the market.

Original article found here.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.

Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Free Guide: 6 Truths About Today's MarketplaceThat Every Home Seller Needs to Know

Get Your Free Guide on 6 Truths About Today's Marketplace That Every Home Seller Needs to Know.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.


Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.

Free Guide: 7 Selling Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Get Your Free Guide on 7 Selling Mistakes You Don't Want to Make.

Rahul and Smitha Ramchandani are a licensed real estate Broker-Salesperson/Sales Representative Team with Keller Williams in New Jersey. They are Buyer Specialists and Home Marketing Experts. You can reach Rahul and Smitha and their team online at: www.Morris-Homes.com or www.SRRealEstateGroup.com.


Their team specialize in North Central New Jersey including towns such as BoontonChathamMadison,Chester,Convent StationDenvilleEast HanoverFlorham ParkHanoverHarding Twp.MendhamMontvilleMorristown,Morris Plains,Morris Twp.Mountain LakesParsippanyRandolphRockawayWhippany.