FALL DECOR FOR THE HOME

Create inspirational DIY decor for the home.

With fall quickly approaching, I thought I might put together some DIY fall decorating ideas for the home. These projects are easy, inexpensive, and beautiful additions to your home’s decor. The best part is that you made it yourself!

 

Inexpensive glass pumpkins receive a coat of looking glass spray paint, transforming them into beautiful mercury glass pumpkins.

Add a bit of whimsy to a room by placing faux leave branches inside contemporary glass vases.

A grid of leaf prints becomes a one of a kind piece of art.

Use candles and acorns for a simple centerpiece.

Stencil letters onto repurposed bottles or glass and add your choice of flowers.

Click here to view additional fall diy projects for the home.

(sources: houzz.com & pinterest.com)

Spooktacular Halloween Party Food

Spooky Halloween Party Food

Halloween party food will add a delightful spookiness to any festivity. Make a spooktacular impression with these creepy party treats, great for guests of all ages. Collected from Pinterest, these gruesome recipes are easy, inexpensive, and fun to make.


Witchy Finger Cookies

(Recipe and photo source:  http://domesticsugar.blogspot.com/)

For a horrifyingly scrumptious desert, roll out sugar cookie dough into a thin line. (The dough will spread when baking). Score at the knuckles and apply an almond shard at the tip. Bake as directed. Brush cooled cookies with a little cocoa powder to add contrast. They are creepy but delicious!

Witch fun fact:
Witches are usually seen with a black cat, flying on a broom stick or stirring a cauldron, but in earlier times, witches were considered healers and women of wisdom. Their cauldron (pot), broom, and cat are all symbols associated with the women's work and the household.


The Puking Pumpkin





















(Photo source: Pinterest.com)

This spin off of the jack o' lantern may disturb the digestion of any guest, but it will also evoke laughs and entertainment for all ages. All it takes is your favorite guacamole dip and a carved pumpkin.


Healthy Halloween Pumpkins


















(Photo source: Pinterest.com)

Peeled tangerines and a piece of celery stick, can it get any easier?

Jack O' Lantern fun fact:
The jack o lantern dates back to a Celtic story of Jack Stringy, a drunk, who made two broken deals with the devil. Upon his death, neither God nor the devil would accept him. Jack wanted to make his way to heaven, so the devil threw him a piece of hot coal inside a carved turnip, but legend has it that Jack has been roaming the earth with it ever since. To scare away Jack or other wandering evil spirits, the Irish would make their own version of the jack o lantern by carving scary faces into turnips. As Halloween evolved in America, the turnip was replaced by the pumpkin.


Halloween Screamers

(Photo source:  Pinterest.com)

These screaming pigs-in-a-blanket are unquestionably creative and a perfect Halloween hors de’oeuvre.


Zombie Boogies

(Photo source:  Pinterest.com)

Green candy coated popcorn will be a horrifying delight for any of your party guests. The recipe is super easy and the awesome zombie boogie bags are available for purchase too.


Jello Worms

(Photo source and recipe:  Pinterest.com)

Your party ghouls will love to gobble up these tasty squirmy worms made from bendable straws and jello.  Wrap straws in a rubber band and place into a glass. Gently pour jello into the straws, let the jello set, then release the worms by running the straws under warm water.

Should Real Estate Investors do Home Inspections?

Home Inspections

When flipping real estate, you can assume repairs will be needed, and in some cases properties may even require complete renovations. As a precautionary measure, a home inspection is always advised, although you don't always need to pay for it.

The new investor

If you are a new investor, hire a licensed home inspector. You need to know all the things that are wrong with the property, and that is exactly what the inspector will do. As part of the learning process, be present for the inspection and ask questions.

It does not matter if the property is new or old, a home inspector will still come up with a list of recommendations and repairs. Do not be alarmed by the number of items in the report -- a good inspector will let you know everything that is wrong with the property. Many of the items will be minor. Review the list, determine which repairs are serious or safety issues, and analyze the repair costs.

The experienced investor

Experienced investors and their general contractors should be able to spot troubled areas. A home inspector will point out the same items and recommend an expert for a further analysis, so is it necessary to hire a home inspector to tell you what you already know?

Save yourself time and money and go directly to hiring experts that specialize in specific areas. (foundation experts, mold experts, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and so forth). Often times these estimates are offered free of charge by the subcontractors and more informative than a home inspectors evaluation. If you are planning on remodeling the home, and you know you will be replacing items, than an inspection of those items may not be necessary.

Requesting repairs

When requesting repairs, a seller will not accept the opinion of your friend or general contractor. In addition, the seller may require receipt of the home inspection. Although you are not obligated to provide a copy of the inspection report, do not be reluctant to make it available. The seller will be more agreeable to the repairs if they see other items on the report that you did not request.

For a property that needs numerous repairs, ask the home inspector to inspect a few select items at a reduced price.  If the seller agrees to the repairs, the sellers repair cost may outweigh the $400 +/- you spent on your inspection, saving you money in the long run.

REO home inspections

When purchasing a REO property, you are purchasing it "as is".  On a standard Florida "as is" contract the buyer has the right to perform an inspection and based on the results, terminate the contract, and receive their escrow deposit back in full. What many investors, and even some realtors do not realize is sellers of REO properties will not return an earnest money deposit if the buyer cancels based on inspection results.

In addition to the standard Florida "as is" contract, banks require buyers to sign a bank addendum which supersedes the state contract. This bank addendum allows for an inspection but does not allow the buyer to terminate the contract based on the inspection results. The buyer must provide written notice to the seller of any problems or items they disapprove with the condition of the property along with complete copies of all inspection reports.  If the seller elects not to repair or correct these problems, then the buyer may terminate the contract and receive their earnest money deposit back in full.

It is important to review and understand the bank addendum inspection timeline prior to signing. The Florida "as is" contract states inspection dates begin on the effective date, but with many bank addendum's, inspection periods begin at the date of acknowledgement, which is the date of verbal acceptance.

Lastly, check the number of calendar days they are allowing for an inspection on the bank addendum. It may differ from the number of days in your original "as is" offer. I have heard of cases where the "as is" contract stated 15 days, but the bank addendum was changed to 7 days and neither the agent nor the buyer realized it. Silence from the buyer is recognized as acceptance by the bank, so this could potentially put your buyer at risk.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming blog on REO Quagmires, in which I will discuss in further detail the"as is" contract vs. the bank addendum's.

Further reading:

In it to Win it:  Tips on Submitting an Offer

Estimate Calculators: A Tool for Investing in Real Estate

Remodeling: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck



Remodeling: How much should you spend?

 
Whether you are a new homeowner, a seller preparing your home for the market, or an investor who remodels quick flips, where should you invest your money for the greatest return? 

Keller Williams recently distributed some very helpful information which provides valuable insight of where you should be spending your money. The following mid-range remodeling projects will offer the highest returns on your investment.

 

Entry door replacement 

Estimated Cost: $1137

Return on Investment:  85.6%                                

Wood deck addition

Estimated Cost: $9327                                             

Return on Investment:  77.3%

Garage door replacement

Estimated Cost: $1496

Return on Investment:  75.7%

Minor kitchen remodel

Estimated Cost: $18,527

Return on Investment:  75.4%

Window replacement

Estimated Cost: $9770

Return on Investment:  71.2%

Attic bedroom

Estimated Cost: $47,919

Return on Investment:  72.9%

Major kitchen remodel

Estimated Cost: $53,931

Return on Investment:  68.9%

 

For more information on building or remodeling your Sarasota, Bradenton, or Longboat Key home please do not hesitate to contact Mark Ursini/ Brista Homes (941-232-1948) or visit BristaHomes.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: The Steps From Start to Finish
2. Get Ready to Remodel and Flip!
3. In It to Win It: Tips on Submitting an Offer
4. Estimate Calculators:  A Tool for Investing in Real Estate

 

Budget Friendly Decorating Ideas

Budget friendly decorating ideas that won't break the bank.

 

Follow these tips on how to stretch your dollar by creatively transforming your home's existing furniture and accessories in something fabulous. By adding a little paint and some affordable finds, you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your room and your wallet.

 

Get creative and keep costs down. A tight budget does not mean you need to compromise on style. The entire budget for this 1,400 sq. foot home was a minimal $3,000. Shopping at second hand stores, tag sales, and clearance racks, was the key to this room's success.  

 

The dining chairs, a clearance item, were the only new items in the room. Additional accessories and furniture, including the light fixture, were purchased at the local Goodwills, Habitat for Humanity, Craigslist, second hand shops, and tag sales. The below photo provides a glimpse of  the room's dated appearance prior to the transformation.

 

A quick tip for decorating on a budget. Take time in redoing your room. Don't be in a hurry to get everything done. As a result, you will make bad decisions which affect your budget.

 

 

Put your DIY skills to work. This bedroom received a classy, yet inexpensive update. The room's walls were painted a soothing blue. A coverlet purchased for $6.00 from a second hand store was cut apart and used as a bed throw, accent pillows, and a shower curtain valance.  The curtains, rod, bed ruffles, and head board were tag sale finds. The home owner's old green lamp bases received a coat of black spray paint and some new white shades. 

 

Repurpose and reuse. Reuse items you currently have around the home. Photo 1: An outdated print was removed from it's frame and replaced with hanging star fish. Photo 2: Take a few inexpensive pots, then add florals for a chic home accessory. Photo 3: Go through your kitchen cabinets and use it's contents as lovely decor

 



 

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE 60-30-10 RULE: ADDING COLOR TO YOUR SPACE

When decorating your space, divide your colors into percentages,  using the 60-30-10 rule. Take a look at any decorating magazine photo to see how this rule applies.  It's really quite simple.  Here is how it works:

60%  of a dominant color

30% of a secondary color

10% of an accent color

Mark McCauley, ASID, described it perfectly when he said, " The color breakdown is similar to a man's suit":

60%  of the color is the man's jacket and pants

30% of the outfit's color is the color shirt

10% of the outfit's color is the tie

So translated, this means:

60% of color is the walls

30% of color is in the upholstery

10% of the color is in the accents or floral arrangement

This striking kitchen follows the 60-30-10 rule, using the last 10% of color as a bold accent above the cabinetry.

Afraid of using color in a small space? Don't let it scare you.  This cozy nook used the 60-30-10 rule and the results are fabulous.