Bold and Beautiful Wall Statements

Make a statement

 

Bold and beautiful wall statements can become a tasteful addition to any room. People often tend to veer away from using bold color, but with a couple helpful tips, and a little experimenting, you will overcome your fear.

 

• When choosing a bold color, be sure to keep in mind the floors, furniture, and wood work -- they should all compliment your bold color of choice.
• Look for alcoves or focal points in which to apply your bold wall treatment.
• Think outside the box and go beyond just painting a wall.  

View the inspiration gallery for some unique ideas.

Bold glass wall tiles accentuate a feature wall.





Bold built-in furniture against crisp white walls. 



Brick, wood, and a bold wall -- the perfect finishing touch.

A bold painted accent wall adds spice to the room.

Bold stripes add definite character.

(sources: pinterest.com, homefurnishings.com)

Estimate Calculators: A Tool For Investing In Real Estate

Estimating renovation costs is where the greatest risk lies

When renovating your investment property, accurate cost estimations are critical. This complex phase of the investment process is where the greatest risk lies. Your main focus is to be "on budget" so an accurate estimate and expected completion date are important. The last thing you want is a money pit and to be excessively over budget. A reliable contractor or handyman can provide you estimates, but what if you plan on tackling the renovations on your own?

Estimate calculators for investors
For those estimating their own renovations, the use of an estimate calculator is a valuable resource. Like with any estimate, it will not be exact, but it will give you a ball park figure and help you plan your next step. Until beginner investors gain experience, it is best to use a contractor, but an estimate calculator should still be used to compare your estimates with the contractor estimates.

Where can I find an estimate calculator?
As a suggestion, try out different estimate calculators. Do some sample runs to see how the calculators work, and bookmark the estimate calculators that work best for you.There are many websites with this type of information. To locate them, type in the search phrase "home renovation cost calculators" or "renovation estimate calculators".

Here is an example of what you will see when performing a renovation estimate calculator search:

Every investor hopes to come in under budget, but with renovations it is not unlikely that you will run into unexpected costs. When using an estimate calculator, keep in mind that material costs differ by location so this will have an affect on your final budget. Remember, your initial estimates are guesstimates -- the actual costs will not be determined until your selections are made and you have a finalized budget. Prepare for unexpected costs by keeping a reserve budget in the amount of 15% of your original budget.

Conclusion
Estimating renovation costs is one of the most important steps in the real estate investment process. Many newbies end up under estimating the actual costs, and as a result their profits are drastically reduced. For your first few projects, it is wise to use a qualified contractor, but if f you are estimating renovations on your own, renovation estimate calculators are a great resource.. Not only do they provide a ball park renovation estimate, but they ensure investors that they haven't miss any items in the estimate.

Investing in Real Estate: How to Get Started

Real Estate Investing: Are you Ready to Begin?

(Reblogged from http://www.realestateagentlakewoodranch.com)
Investing in real estate can be a scary process for new investors. There are so many questions and concerns that run through a new investors mind. One of the biggest hold ups a new investor can make is to over analyze a potential opportunity, waste valuable time, and lose out on a deal. 

Doing your research is an important step in the investing process, but don't let that be the only thing you do as an investor.  Start your real estate investing career sooner than later. Doing your homework is important, but money won't be made until you start to invest. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started.

Find your property

Search the Internet daily and familiarize yourself with your local real estate market. Keep a list of potential investment properties. Sub-categorize it into a list of "current deals" and "properties to watch".

Next, drive by investment homes that are of interest to you.  If it is a potential investment opportunity, make arrangements to view the interior, whether it be at an open house or through a local real estate agent. 

Choose an agent

It's always a good idea to use an agent that has knowledge of real estate investing. They can run comparables and advise you on whether or not the property is good deal. Better yet, see if you can find a local real estate agent that works closely with a licensed contractor who will provide a ball park estimate on the renovation costs. 

Not only am I a Sarasota Lakewood Ranch real estate agent, but my husband and I are investors of real estate as well. In addition, my husband is a local builder (Brista Homes, Inc) and licensed contractor, so my clients have the benefit of viewing properties and receiving renovation estimates quickly, enabling them to make a decision on a property before it's gone.

Your local real estate agent can set you up to receive email alerts for properties on your "watch list". 

Our last two investment properties were from my "watch list". Both had drastic price reductions of $10,000. We previously viewed the properties and knew the estimated renovation costs, so once I received the price reduction alert, I submitted the offer within hours. This is one of the many benefits of using a real estate agent.

Investment breakdown

One of the most important steps in real estate investing is to figure out your potential net profit. Most likely your offer has not been submitted or accepted at this point, so your figures are merely guesstimates. We do several different breakdowns. The below example gives you an idea of how we estimate our potential profit. We do our own work, so you will not see a construction management fee in these figures.

Purchase price: $65,000
Closing cost: approx $1800.00
Renovation cost (approximate): $47,000
TOTAL INVESTMENT COST: $113,800

If sold at $145,000
Resale real estate commission and closing costs @ 7% total: $10,150
Net proceeds: $134,850
POTENTIAL PROFIT: $21,050

If sold at $139,000
Resale real estate commission and closing costs @ 7% total: $9,730
Net proceeds: $129,270
POTENTIAL PROFIT: $15,470

As previously mentioned, a construction management fees is not included. You will need to shop around to find a good contractor and the best payment option. My husband, (Brista Homes), uses the following agreement with local investors. His company does not charge any up front costs for the construction management and handles all aspects of the renovation including pricing, design, and color selections. The investor splits the net profits with Brista Homes. In essence, the investor puts up the money and two - three months later receives a return on his investment. 

Conclusion

Real estate investing requires doing your homework, but don't get stuck in the homework phase. The sooner you get started in your real estate investing career, the more comfortable you will become. It's like with anything, the more you do, the more you learn.

 

View:  Current Lakewood Bank Owned Ranch Real Estate for Sale
View:  Current Sarasota Bank Owned Real Estate for Sale
View:  Current Bradenton Ban Owned Real Estate for Sale

Further Reading:

1. What Will it Cost to Renovate My Fixer Upper?
2. What is a Prehab?
3. Rehab vs Renovation: Which is better?

Subscribe:  To "See More Listings" 

Search:  The Bradenton, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Area MILS

Thank you for reading. I hope you  find this blog post informative. Please feel free to contact me or comment below with any thoughts.

For more information on Lakewood Ranch Real Estate, Sarasota, Bradenton, or the surrounding areas, as well as any other aspects of life in the Lakewood Ranch area, please do not hesitate to contact Gina Ursini at Keller Williams Realty or visit http://SarasotaHomesCollection.com.

SNEAK PREVIEW: Will You Be the Lucky Buyer?

Brista Homes Remodel Nears Completion

If you are looking for a beautifully updated move-in-ready condo, then this is it!  Located in the Meadows of Sarasota, this unit is contemporary and stunning. Every square inch has been renovated with style and class. You won't find another one like it.  Here's your sneak preview!  

Is it wood or tile?
It's hard to tell with this classy rectangular ceramic tile.

 

New espresso cabinetswith soft close drawers, a glass 
mosaictile back splash, Cambria counter tops, and stainless
steel appliances make this kitchen a chef's dream.

Homes in the Sarasota market are selling quickly and many times multiple offer situations come into play. With approximately 10 days left until completion, and this unit not yet listed on the MLS, this could be your opportunity to purchase your dream home before another buyer beats you to it. Once it hits the MLS, like with Brista Homes prior renovations, there will be a lot of activity and it will sell fast. 

Located in the wonderfully maintained community of the Meadows, this second story unit's redesigned kitchen will boast espresso shaker style cabinets, glass tile backsplash, Cambria counter tops and stainless steel appliances.  Rectangular ceramic tile mimicking distressed salvaged wood completes the look and continues through out the rest of the main living areas, including both bathrooms. The bedrooms switch up to hand scraped dark hard wood flooring.

Other new features include:

• Newly remodeled bathrooms with soft close doors and drawers
• New contemporay soft white doors through out
• New soft white contemporary mouldings with gray painted walls
• New water heater
• New air conditioning unit
• New contemporary light fixtures and fan
• New recessed lighting in kitchen
• Large tiled lanai with storage closet and a great view!

Asking $159,900. 

For additional information or to view, please contact Mark Ursini at 941-232-1948 or by email.

Pallets: Extraordinary Uses for An Ordinary Object

Pallet Projects: What "wood" you do?

I never realized just how many creative ideas could come out of an old pallet. Not only is it a great way to repurpose our resources, but it is inexpensive too.  Take a look at my collection of inspiring indoor and outdoor pallet projects that cost virtually nothing to create but add lots of pizzaz to any home or garden.

Keep in mind that pallets are made from a rough low grade wood, and may need to be disassembled -- a time consuming process. For a quick easy method use a saw with a blade for nail cutting.

When shopping for pallets, look for heat treated, not chemically treated pallets, especially if you plan on using them for interior furniture or gardening projects.

Pallet garden project source:  Recyclart

Pallet headboard source:  http://pinterest.com/pin/228628118556212148/

Directions

Pallet hanging rack source: www.willowhavenoutdoor.com

Pallet wall shelf source:  www.notquiteamishliving.com

Pallet bookshelf source:

http://pinterest.com/pin/298785756498066406/

Pallet coffee table source:

http://pinterest.com/pin/505529126892925634/

Shipping pallet daybed source:

http://www.casasugar.com/Cool-Idea-Shipping-Pallet-Daybed-4440399

Pallet garden source:

http://pinterest.com/ginaursini/diy-projects/pins/

Pallet wall art source:

http://justimagine-ddoc.com/crafts/pallets-projects-are-endless/?pid=12078

Pallet wine glass and wine bottle holder source:

http:.dumpaday.com/genius-ideas-2/amazing-uses-for-old-pallets-23-pics/

Thank you for reading. I hope you  find this blog post informative. Please feel free to contact me or comment below with any thoughts.

For more information on Lakewood Ranch Real Estate, Sarasota, Bradenton, or the surrounding areas, as well as any other aspects of life in the Lakewood Ranch area, please do not hesitate to contact Gina Ursini at Keller Williams Realty by phone (941-812-4894), or email, or visit http://SarasotaHomesCollection.com.

View:  Current Lakewood Ranch Real Estate for sale

View:  Current Sarasota Real Estate for sale

View:  Current Bradenton Real Estate for sale

Further Reading:

1. Remodel Your Lakewood Ranch Investment Home
2. Home Staging:  Adding Unseen Beauty Through the Power of Scent
3. Raising the Roof:  A Unique Building Approach
4. Kitchen redecorating: Will it Help Sell My Lakewood Ranch Home?

THE COLOR ORANGE

The color orange is not just for fall decorating anymore

The color orange has always been a popular fall color, but it's now being used less than sparingly in home decorating and decor. The nice thing about this color is that a little orange will go a long way.

 

Like with any color trend, this color will not remain the color of the year forever. It's always a wise idea to use trendy colors on less costly items. Avoid buying big ticket items such as furniture or custom drapes. Instead, use bold color on smaller ticket items that are less expensive to replace. For example, paint an accent wall in orange or use a splash of it in accessories, throw pillows, or area rugs.

 

Below is a collection of ideas on how to use orange in decorating and home decor.

 

If you like orange, but have hesitations in using it, try using a variation of the 

color in accent pillows. This rooms neutral color tones grounds the rooms 

overall look while he throw pillows accentuate the space without overtaking it.

(Source: Linda Mixon Design)

A splash of orange is all that is needed in this dining room. When used

against white walls, this bold color makes a statement without stealing the

show.

 

This kitchen's orange window trim pops against the bright white cabinets. Only

a splash of color is needed to accomplish the job. (photo source: Houzz.com)

The orange place mats can be easily and inexpensively replaced once the

orange trend starts to fade. (photo source: Jason Ball Interiors, Houzz.com)

REPURPOSED DOORS: An Inspiration Gallery

When one door closes, the next door opens, in so many new and inspiring ways.

Give an old door a new repurposed life. The possibilities for its new use are endless.  Let your imagination go wild with some of these inspirational ideas.

 

 

An old door with lots of character receives a new life as a dining table.
 

 

Add a little bit of interest and suspend your table.

 

 

Repurposed doors make great coffee tables.
 

 

By adding rollers to the door's base and hanging them on a sliding track, old doors are repurposed into a unique and stylish new feature.
 

Salvage and old door into a rustic, yet functional, bench.

 

 

Use salvaged doors to fill large wall spaces.
 

 

Create a cozy outdoor seating area using salvaged doors.  The distressed french doors become the focal point, adding a bit of the unexpected, and tying the space together.
 

A salvaged french door becomes wall decor.  

 

 

A repurposed door becomes a book shelf.  Use it by itself, or create two identical ones, and place on each side of a bed.

 

 

Turn your salvaged door into a classical mirror.
 

 

And for those skilled craftsman, repurpose an old door into a piece of furniture.
 

(Photos source:  Houzz.com & Pinterest.com)

Show Your Red, White, and Blue!

Red, white and blue creative decorating ideas that spread the holiday cheer.  

 

This holiday, give your home a patriotic touch.  Better yet, do it all yourself and save money.   These creative decorating ideas are easy and fun to do.  

Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Cover a table with a white paper tablecloth. Snip lengths of blue and red crepe paper to the lengths of the cloth. Weave the colors, as shown. Affix at table's edges with double-sided tape. 

Source:  pinterest.com

This is an easy and inexpensive Fourth of July decoration.  Cut out a star from paper. Sprinkle with a heavy coat of sifted flour or white spray paint.  

Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Old milk bottles with red flower stems add a festive touch to your holiday table. Don't have old milk bottles? Try using a collection of  interesting vases instead. 

Source:  pinterest.com

Show off your American spirit with these inexpensive framed letters.

Source: surfandsand.com

Children will love to help out with this project.  Dip strawberries in white chocolate then roll the tips into blue sugar sprinkles or edible glitter.

Brista Homes is on the Move!

 

Our new location:

1656 Main Street, Sarasota, FL  34236

Ph: 941-232-1948

http://www.BristaHomes.com

 

 

Brista Homes and Linda Mixon Design will be joining forces and opening a new office in downtown Sarasota.  The expected opening date is July 15, 2013.

 

"Committed to building homes that meet clients’ needs and exceed their expectations"

 

 

Brista Homes, Inc. has established itself as one of the premier custom homes builders and remodelers in Longboat Key and the Bradenton-Sarasota area. From total renovations to custom kitchens and bathroom remodels, we can transform your home into a stunning show room. Let us build your dream home or help you renovate your space so you can take full advantage of the Florida lifestyle.

 

Brista Homes is a full service company offering assitance in real estate sales and purchases, custom building and remodeling, and interior design. 

 

For more information on custom built homes or remodels, please email Mark Ursini at Brista Homes or call 941-232-1948.  Visit our website at http://www.BristaHomes.com.

 

To speak with our interior designer, please contact Linda Mixon at 941-232-1466.

 

To speak with a real estate professional about purchasing or selling a home, please email Gina Ursini at Keller Williams or call/text  941-812-4894.  Click here to search for properties.