2014 Remodeling Trends

The top 5 home remodeling trends for 2014 are:  modern kitchens, brass accents with a face lift, updated resort style bathrooms, vibrant colors (orange, yellow and turquoise plus green flash, lemon zest, nectarine and rouge red), and sustainable materials.   To read the entire article, go to 2014 Remodeling Trends.

2014 Housing Market Predictions from the Experts

Here's a good article by Realtor.Com experts on their 2014 Housing Market Predictions:

1. Inventory Should Gradually Stabilize and Return to Traditional Seasonal Levels
2. More Homeowners Are Likely to Return to Positive Equity
3. Mortgage Rates Are Expected to Rise
4. Foreclosure Activity Is Expected to Slow
5. Further Declines in Home Affordability Are Expected

Click on the link for the entire article, 2014 Housing Market Predictions from the Experts.

Best Home Sales in the Past Seven Years

NAR chief economist, Lawrence Yun, stated that 2013 had the best home sales in the past seven years.   Housing prices should have a modest increase in 2014.   To read the entire article, follow this link Pending Home Sales Edge Up in November.

For under $30 A Temporary Window for a Screened In Porch in Atlanta

I have a screened in porch with 13 large windows, 1 small window and a screen door. Tony and I got estimates on putting in real glass and plastic windows that ranged from $3,000 to $5,000!  Way too high for the few months that we need it from the cold in Atlanta.   After going to Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wal-Mart, Tony found our solution.   It’s called a Duct Window Kit with clear plastic that shrinks to the window frames or screens etc.   It is really made for indoor windows, but we tested it this past week in heavy rain

 The kit includes double sided tape which you fit to the frame or the screen.  You then cut the sheets of plastic a little wider than the area you taped.   Once you attach the plastic to the double sided taped area, you use a hair dryer or heat gun to shrink the plastic to the frame.   This insulated the porch just enough for us to turn on our outdoor heater, creating an additional warm party space for our house.   We left the small window open for ventilation, but may cover it come Spring as the temporary coverings should keep out the heavy pine pollen.    We completed the entire project using only 2 boxes for just under $30.