West Redmond Real Estate Buzz

Planning a kitchen remodel or just updating appliances?

The attached article will give you some great information about the newest kitchen trends for 2007. Some of the ideas really hit home with me.

When I show prospective buyers new homes, I constantly hear how everyone congregates in the kitchen. People want different spaces right in the kitchen. Home owners want places to read and store mail, plus sitting areas for entertaining guests and for relaxation. These spaces are not just in the family room anymore, but now are more incorporated into the kitchen.

Kitchen design is now looking at separate work stations throughout the kitchen, rather than the simple triangle work pattern with a path between the stove, refrigerator, and sink as points of a triangle.

I have some clients who are avid cooks and were way ahead in kitchen design with their kitchen remodel. They have a large U-shaped prep area with the stove, a work sink, refrigerator and abundant counter and storage space. The clean up area is on the other side of the kitchen and it has its own sink, the dishwasher, and cabinets for storing the dinnerware. The cabinetry for each area is even different. The prep area has light cabinets, while the clean up area had dark stained cabinetry. When I saw their kitchen about 6 months ago, it made an impression on me because it was so functional.

Storage is becoming more elaborate. Cabinet interiors are designed to store specific items such as pans and trays. Storage is also sleeker.

I saw a great example of sleek cabinetry at the Bellevue Towers condominiums being built in downtown Bellevue. Clients of mine purchased a new home in the complex, so I got to see the finish work first hand. The kitchen designs were just fabulous. So fabulous that I could not find the dishwasher or refrigerator easily, which is exactly the point! Both appliances were behind beautifully crafted cabinet doors that were flush with the rest of the cabinetry. The design was quite elegant and seamless. The kitchen designs had more to offer in smaller, sleeker spaces, and with a less cluttered look. (These kitchens made me want to go home and rip my kitchen out!)

http://www.bellevuetowers.com/

Sustainability is also more of a consideration. People are using more “green” materials, such as bamboo flooring. Not to tout Bellevue Towers again, but the condos are being “built green”.

I was excited to see the concept of universal design, design for everyone of any age and any ability, mentioned in this article. With our aging population, everyone needs to rethink design and livability. Accessible cabinets and counters and levers instead of door knobs are all issues to be considered when designing a kitchen that works for everyone, regardless of age.
http://www.realtor.org/RMOArch.nsf/pages/ArchCoach200706?OpenDocument

Gorgeous stuff! Dream a little with these choices:

Outdoor TV’s to watch all your favorite things

Outdoor kitchens

Meditation spaces

Privacy benches

Perennial borders

Outdoor showers (this one could be interesting in the Northwest!)

http://www.realtor.org/rmo/landscape_slideshow/landscape_slideshow_may07.html

It seems like everyone wants to live “close in” today. We all know everyone is tired of the commutes on the Eastside. So the older homes that attract the most buyers and sell for the most money are the homes that have been updated. These homes keep the best features of the existing home, but incorporate some of the attractive features of newer homes.

Want some creative ideas for remodeling that older home? Everyone knows kitchens and baths are the “no-brainer” remodels that will earn home owners the most bang for their buck, but in this article a few more great ideas were presented. Here are some suggestions from the article you can link to below:

Raise the roof! What a great idea. When I show buyers homes I constantly hear about the desire for an open floor plan with high ceilings. This is one of the major attractions of newer homes and is a great way for older homes to compete in the marketplace.

Tear down walls- another great way to create openess. Older homes often have small rooms. Why not open the kitchen to the dining room or family room?

Paint the interior with fabulous colors. No longer is beige, beige, beige in demand. People love personality and color. Go for it and show your style.

Add a bath or hardwood floors. Again, great features that excite buyers.

Check out new construction for what is popular and then adapt the features to your own remodel.

I have seen some really cool midentry and rambler homes built in the 60’s and 70’s that had open floor plans. These open living areas were created by knocking down walls. When these homes have been on the market, they have attracted top dollar for the sellers. The older homes with the open floor plans, plus the remodeled kitchens and baths, are the most in demand.

http://www.brokeragentnews.com/news/residential/2007_3/3_20_2007_yw_1174443301.html

Call me if you have questions about remodeling and I would be happy to tell you what is selling in today’s market.

I am often asked what updates to a home make the most sense and reap the greatest financial reward when you go to sell your home. As most people know, updated kitchens and baths really excite most home buyers. The National Association of Realtors annual cost vs. value report analyzes the value of remodels in different areas of the country. What sells in Peoria may not sell in Seattle!

If you want more specific information about a home update or remodel, please feel free to call on me. Since I have been out looking at many new and remodeled homes in the area, I know what people like. You may not be selling your home at this time, however, making the right choices when remodeling can reap you additional money when you decide to sell your home in the future. Making the wrong choices can be very expensive.

http://www.realtor.org/rmomag.NSF/pages/2006CostvsValue?OpenDocument