Remodeling kitchen trends are creating stylish kitchens with cleaner lines, built-in dining, and pops of color, according to a recent article in RISMedia.

Here are some recent trends in kitchens across the country.

1. Built-in dining areas. Eat-in kitchens are in high demand as more remodelers are opting for extensions in counters that resemble a table, either in lower or higher height to the countertop. The counter extension is different than bar seating because diners can sit around the edge and face one another, and not just sit in a row. The counter extension saves space, offers an extra buffet service, and more kitchen storage, says Deanna Carleton of Kitchen Design Group.

2. Dressing up the kitchen with lighting. An affordable way to upgrade a kitchen is just by switching out the lights, designers say. For example, hand-blown glass shades on pendant lights, contemporary drum shades, and chandeliers can quickly update a kitchen. Layers of light continue to be popular, such as with a ceiling lighting fixture combined with under-counter lighting as well as ambient lights behind a glass-front door, designers say. LED under-counter lighting and LED recessed ceiling lights are also popular.

3. Pops of color. Neutral colors in the kitchen is the safe preference, but more kitchens are adding bolder pops of color–such as in persimmon or pomegranate–to spice up the kitchen. Colored knobs, kitchen accessories, and even appliances are bringing in these pops of color. Designers say pops of color can also be brought in by the fabric choice in kitchen window seats, the upholstered seats, or window valances.

4. Striving for simplistic luxury. Clean lines and transitional designs are “in” while ornate Tuscan and French country kitchen styles are falling out of favor in the kitchen. Betty Nairn of Cabinet-S-Top in Granger Township, Ohio, says “simplistic luxury” is the kitchen trend nowadays.

Source: “8 Areas to Pay Attention to When Updating Your Kitchen,” RISMedia (March 5, 2011)

10 Reasons to Buy a Home
Time magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of homeownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what’s more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn’t changed.

Why is now a great time to buy? Here are 10 reasons:

1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They’re at a level that makes sense for people’s income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.
4. It’ll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it’s simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.
7. It’s risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you’re goal is just to have a nice place to live.
8. It’s forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year’s supply. Now’s the time to find something you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)

Preparing your home for sale usually means some serious elbow grease, but the benefits definitely outweigh the hassles. This time of year in particular, focusing on curb appeal and making the exterior of your property as attractive as possible should be a priority.

When you list your house for sale, potential buyers will often drive by prior to making an appointment to view the property. If they don’t like what they see on the outside, you’ll never get them inside the front door!

Take a few minutes to stand outside and look at what other people are going to see when they pull in your driveway or drive down your street. Take notes of what you see that should be fixed or spruced up, and really do your best to make those changes.

A quick curb appeal checklist:

1) Keep the lawn mowed and walkways trimmed neatly.

2) Examine your front door. Depending on your budget, if your front door is old and outdated, a new one might be a wise investment. After all, that is the first part of your house that potential buyers see up close. If not a new door, can it be painted a fresh new color? How about new hardware? Also, if you have a front porch, make it as welcoming as possible – maybe a rocking chair and a nice arrangement of flowers.

3) If your house exterior is painted, make sure the paint is in good shape. Scrap and re-paint any areas that have worn. Same with the trim.

4) Landscaping can do wonders! If you have flower beds around the house that have been ignored, be sure to weed them and maybe add some new flowers to freshen it up. Mulch is always a nice touch! And, if you have old overgrown bushes or trees that are hiding the finer features of your home’s exterior, trim them back so buyers get a nice view.

5) Lighting along walkways or incorporated around decks or flower beds lend a nice touch and show off your landscaping in the evening. Solar lights with stakes are easy to place in the ground and are quite inexpensive.

6) Last, but definitely not least: Keep your windows sparkling clean!

If ever there were a weekend to get out and enjoy the Finger Lakes region, this would be it!

In Watkins Glen, July 16-18: The Finger Lakes Wine Festival
Showcasing more than 80 wineries, regional artisans, music and more! The event, held on the grounds of the Watkins Glen International Racetrack, will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday with the Launch of the Lakes, and will continue with numerous events thru the weekend. For more information: www.flwinefest.com

In Canandaigua, July 16-18: The Canandaigua Art & Music Festival
The event will be held in historic downtown Canandaigua and will feature more than 100 vendors, music and children’s activities. Events will be from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. For details: www.canandaiguaartfestival.com

In Hammondsport, July 17-18: The 28th Annual Antique Boat Show and Regatta
Sponsored by Wine Country Classic Boats, Inc., the event will be held on Keuka Lake. Featuring boats of the 1960s, among the highlights will be a parade of boats featuring the Esperanza Rose. For more information: www.winecountryclassicboats.com

Nestled in the valley at the end of Keuka Lake, the quaint village of Hammondsport comes to life this weekend (July 10-11), with the 44th Annual Art Show sponsored by the Keuka Lake Art Association. The event will be from 10-5 on Sat. and noon-5 on Sun. in the village square.

Once you’re there, take advantage of the neighboring street of shops – great gift ideas, antiques and other unique items. Just want to relax? Take a stroll down to the waterfront park where there are shade trees and a magnificent view of the lake.

The Hammondsport area is also home to a number of wineries and other attractions. Bully Hill Vineyards is situated on a sprawling setting complete with a museum, gift shop and restaurant. And a view to die for! If you’re interested in early aviation and aircraft history, a trip to Hammondsport wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Glenn Curtiss Museum.

And when you’re making plans for the visit, don’t forget to schedule time for dinner there – everything from pizza to exquisite dining is at your fingertips!

Check out the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce website for details about a number of local attractions and activities. www.hammondsport.org

Terry Zayac, broker/owner Finger Lakes Choice

This site was created to showcase our new real estate company, Finger Lakes Choice. The name pretty much says it all: We cover the Finger Lakes region and we offer clients a choice in terms of the level of service – providing them with the opportunity to participate in the process of selling their home, and saving equity in the process. Please take a few moments to explore the site and see what we’re all about!

Our business is real estate, but I’m also hoping to have a little fun exploring the region in the process. I’ll be doing a lot of driving while I’m out listing homes, there’s bound to be some entertaining happenings along the way! Keep coming back to the site for future YouTube features, upcoming local events, and of course, the latest in real estate news.