Buying a Fixer-Upper?

Fixing up a new home is inevitable in many home purchases, but so many materials are often overlooked. There are a handful of on-trend items right now that homeowners may be forgetting when they're redesigning their new home. Take a look at these-- sometimes unconventional --choices:

Countertops

Concrete

These countertops do stain easily and require maintenance, but they can provide an amazing industrial look.

Synthetic Solid Surface

Synthetic or manufactured solid surface countertops are often composed of acrylic or polyester resins combined with other materials such as marble dust. They have a particularly high environmental impact and are not recyclable, though they’re often sought after for being less expensive than granite or marble, and are non-porous. 

Paper Composite

Paper composite surfaces are made from recycled paper fibers which are combined with resin to create a smooth, matte surface that is stain and heat-proof, as well as easy to install.  

Butcher Block 

These more affordable tops are usually best bought through sustainably managed sources to avoid tipping the environmental impact scale, and can be made in a variety of hardwoods, finished with waxes or drying/nondrying oils. End grain butcher block tops get their unique look with fused pieces of wood rails. It’s important to remember that these should be maintained with sanding and oiling, and should never be directly cut on or scraped. 

Backsplashes and Walls

Mirror

Mirrors make all spaces look larger while reflecting light, so they’re a good backsplash choice for a smaller kitchen. 

Fishscale Tiles 

This is a particularly trendy look for coastal-themed homes. Also called scallop or fan tiles, these are an amazing backsplash look, but they also work amazingly well on an entire wall or even the floor! 

Flooring

Carpet tile 

You’ve probably seen them in many a public place, like your child’s daycare— and for good reason! Coming in square sheets instead of an entire roll that requires measuring, cutting, and the ever-painful kicking is easy to install and to clean or replace. This is a great material for a basement, a home gym, or a playroom. 

Rubber Flooring

This one has the opportunity to be extremely eco-friendly! That is of course if it’s made from recycled tires that would otherwise be sitting in a landfill. The texture of this flooring surface can be either bumpy or smooth and naturally gives a good feeling underfoot while acting as a great sound insulator.

Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo Tiles are another popular choice for public places but they're now becoming a favorable material in the home. As a cost-effective material made up of recycled mirror and marble, these allow minimal maintenance and strong durability. 

And Beyond

Steel-Framed Showers

Somewhere between industrial modern and stylish vintage, dark, steel frames are popping up bathrooms. The window-like quality if often played up in larger standing showers, and almost gives a conservatory look indoors. 

Vintage Furniture

Antiques can often be repurposed to fit aspects of your new home that need a reimagining. Bathroom vanities or kitchen islands are great spots to use vintage tables and cabinets.

Regardless of your material preference, a great home starts with a great agent. Give me a call today!

Jeff Mistretta 

631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com

Upgrading and Selling in 2017

The beginning of 2017 may be the best time to get a house on the market for anyone considering a change of scenery, but there are two major questions stopping them, “Why,” and “How?” 

There are plenty of reasons why this could be your best bet, the first: 2016 being named the year of low inventory. Trulia’s research concluded that hitting the market before other houses do this year is more than likely to get you sold as soon as possible. The beginning of the year is also an important period of time for different reasons depending on the climate you’re selling in. Houses in warmer areas may be more desirable in the winter, and colder areas are less appealing to those looking to browse. For cold-weather climates, a sense of urgency in buying is often fueled by the desire to not waste any time checking out every yard of every available house in the neighborhood. In addition, the probability that interests rates will be climbing in the next few years is higher, considering how low they’ve been in the past. If a potential interest rate spike is on its way, now is the time to move!

If you’ve already gotten started on the selling process, but haven’t received many bites, you may have trouble finding out how to up the appeal of your property. Taking the same approach to your own home that you would to a flipped house may be worth attempting, though it’s often overwhelming to figure out how to start. For high-energy sellers, this could be a great way to get better bids. Before you start to think about upping curb appeal and staging decor for an open house, consider these areas to start with:

- The Basement

This is oftentimes an area with no surface-level appeal. If you’ve already fixed the windows, plumbing, flooring, and the like, you may want to start sprucing the place up. It doesn’t have to be a completely finished basement (though that couldn’t hurt!) but establishing a sense of utility and desirability to be down there could be a major selling point. 

- The Bathroom(s)

Adding a half bath to have the minimum desired number of 1.5 bathrooms may be an in-depth investment, but for a flipper, it’s a necessity! Changing the fixtures and even updating the toilet are all less-expensive upgrades that won’t take up too much of your time.

- Cooking and Eating Areas

Is a kitchen island or a breakfast bar a feature that would compliment the space? Are there any walls that can be knocked out? How versatile is the area for both modern and traditional buyers, and how easily can you refinish the cabinets? 

 - The Living Room

This one is a no-brainer. Changing or removing the wallpaper or getting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a huge difference in the feel of the space. If it’s the most commonly used room in the house, it’s time to fix up any chips in the molding and holes in the walls from previously hung frames or decor. Remember, if you can DIY it, you should! Most high-end looking features ranging from lighting to storage can be replicated at a less expensive cost. Play around with things like wainscoting or shelving to get an expensive look for half the price.  

Have you flipped a house before? How many ways can you update and refinish your home within a budget? Let’s get started today!

Jeff Mistretta 

631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com

Your Dream Home Resolutions Bucket List

The new year is almost here, and you may be thinking about all of the things you didn’t get done in 2016. Rather than mourning the time you missed, why not start a list of all the things you can do in 2017? This is a great opportunity for new or soon-to-be homeowners to gather their thoughts on all the possibilities they may have for their space. How many projects will you start?

The 2017 Home Bucket List:

• Refresh (or add to) what’s hanging on your walls.
• Paint your ceiling.
• Remodel and rethink your closet situation.
• Build a home theater.
• Put in a skylight.
• Add a kitchen island. 
• Install new flooring.
• Build a sun porch.
• Make space for a home office that you love to work in. 
• Install a garbage disposal.
• Add a rec-room.
• Build a library.
• Hang a hammock.
• Install surround-sound.
• Turn your basement into a wine cellar.
• Add an outdoor fire pit.
• Make use of unconventional—but thoughtful—storage solutions.
• Build a walk-in pantry.
• Clear out your garage to park in it.
• Add a fireplace.
• Install solar panels.
• Create a mudroom.
• Add a bar outdoors, indoors, or combine with accordion glass windows.
• Turn your attic into a hideaway.
• Build a breakfast nook.
• Add a balcony.
• Install a tub that you can fit in comfortably. 
• Make space for a real garden.
• Add an in-ground pool (even just a small one).

How many ideas of your own should be added to this list? If you’re still searching for your dream home, get in touch with us today!

Jeff Mistretta 

631-484-0133 | LongIslandAreaRealtor@gmail.com