It can be an extremely expensive endeavor to redesign a home. If resources are limited, don’t be discouraged. Consider ways you can use what is already in the home to enhance the look and cut down on costs. Bringing in just a few essential items can change the tone of a space and have a big impact. Here are some ideas.

 Architect, Monica Gibson offers up tips to create a more inviting space.

1. Add indoor plants

Adding plants in your living space is one of the easiest and best ways to transform your home. Plants usher in natural beauty and color to any room in the most affordable way. Regardless of the space you have, growing indoor plants is ideal for any room.

Try different ways of placing them to change the look of rooms. If you have less space, hang plants or place them on floating shelves. You also can use plants on the floor where space is available.

Do not let lack of natural light keep you from transforming your home with indoor plants. Invest in reliable grow lights to provide lighting to your plants. You now have a solution for brightening that boring corner in your living room.

2. Repaint the walls

Photo credit: Dunn-Edwards (paint color: Minty Fresh)

Another way to instantly transform your home on a budget is by adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. You can decide to use the existing hue, or you can change it to a different shade for a fresher look. The latter, however, would mean changing a few accessories in the home to create a balanced feeling. Need some color inspiration? Take a look at 2020’s hottest paint colors

3. Swap Out window treatments

Many people underestimate the effect window treatments can have on a room. The color, texture, and fabric—and even how treatments are placed—can have a huge impact on the overall look of any room. Therefore, changing window treatments can transform a space without having to spend a fortune.

Consider creating an illusion of a high ceiling by raising the window panels to the top of walls. Opt for materials such as cotton, linen, and silk to add greater elegance to the windows. If you prefer having blinds, wood and woven bamboo always make for a great choice.

4. Replace the pillows

Another underestimated way to greatly make your home more elegant: pillows—lots of them. Pillows can bring life to your living space. They also offer extra support on the sofa.

Consider replacing your old pillows and throw pillows for fuller ones. When it comes to throw pillows, experiment with colors and textures. If they are not worn out, just replace the covers with ones that have different colors and textures. Get more tips on using pillows in your staging.

5. Use wall hangings

A budget-friendly alternative to repainting the walls is to use wall hangings. Invest in unique art pieces, or have some customized. You can even add a painting that you made yourself to create a more personalized feel. Family portraits also make a great choice when it comes to wall hangings. But keep in mind that home stagers will often advise removing any personal photos prior to selling a home.

6. Get rid of old furniture

That old, ugly chair that you are holding on to for sentimental value is the undoing in your living room. You don’t want furniture that looks worn. Don’t worry about the cost of replacing it. Instead, take advantage of the empty space to rearrange the rest of the furniture for a fresh look.

Alternatively, find an affordable replacement in second-hand shops. You can always change the upholstery to have it match the rest of your furniture.

Take heart: There’s an endless list of design ideas to achieve a luxurious effect without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that labor costs are usually the biggest expense. If you eliminate that cost by doing more work yourself, you can find more savings. Also, be strategic by just replacing a few key items.

Avoid a complete redesign. Instead, change little pieces; it can go a long way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Monica Gibson is an architect, with a degree in architecture. She has eight-plus years of experience in interior and exterior design. Her mission is to inspire others to live their dreams and create their perfect sweet home. Lena puts a big effort into working with her clients and tries to help them in the best way she can.

 

Behr Paint Co. unveiled 21 versatile colors on Monday to make up its Color Trends 2021 Palette. The colors include neutrals mixed with some lavish bolds to create “energizing, yet comforting” focal points in a home, Behr says.

 

“This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with home,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color at Behr. “When our color team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization. A new, ‘elevated’ articulation of ‘comfort’ goes beyond traditional beige, gray, and green hues and embraces color in a way that can redefine and enhance any type of space inside or outside the home.”

Behr says color will play an increasing role in setting a mood for a space, creating a positive atmosphere, and providing a sense of well-being that ensures living and workspaces feel “pleasant, light, and productive.”

The 2021 Behr color palette is organized into six color themes: casual comfort, subtle focus, optimistic view, quiet haven, calm zone, and outdoor escape.

Here’s a breakdown of each theme, according to Behr:

Casual Comfort: Light and cozy neutrals offer an updated take on the casual farmhouse look, achievable with warm-toned hues like Almond Wisp PPU5-12  and Sierra N240-4

Optimistic View: An eclectic mix of bright, luxe shades evoke a Mediterranean or ’70s glam vibe, featuring festive colors like Saffron Strands PPU6-02 or Kalahari Sunset MQ1-25.

Subtle Focus: Soft pastels like Seaside Villa S190-1 and Wishful Green M410-2 are inspired by modern versions of art deco design and styling, surrounding a space in subtle sweetness.

Calm Zone: Nurturing blues and greens continue to trend alongside  society’s desire for selfcare and well-being, with colors like Jojoba N390-3 and Voyage PPU13-07 creating calm, restorative spaces.

Quiet Haven: Darker, evocative colors are fit for traditional and maximalist décor, with hues like Royal Orchard PPU11-01 and Broadway PPU18-20, creating boldness and balance..

Outdoor Escape: Any shade from the palette can be used to add curb appeal and expand your home’s livable space, whether it’s wrapping a home or targeting those focal points like doors, shutters or trim, you can find the hue that shows off your exterior. 

Behr has teamed with color influencers for a social media campaign called “21 Days, 21 Colors, 21 Projects” that will share DIY projects featuring a color from the palette under the hashtag “#21DaysOfColor.”

 

Source: Behr

About Behr Paint Company
Founded in 1947, Behr Paint Company is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains and surface preparation products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Remotely staging properties is a growing trend in the pandemic. And the service may stick around even after the health crisis is over, considering the success some stagers are having.

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Home stager Francesca Mahoney was able to transform a space without ever stepping foot inside. Francesca along with Creekhill Designs LLC in Holly Springs, NC, did a video staging consultation with sellers in April, and then the home went under contract in just 12 hours. The homeowner emailed pictures of the home to Mahoney, and they met over a FaceTime video call for two hours to stage the 3,000-square-foot property, inside and out.

In the family room, Mahoney honed in on the fireplace in the back corner. She had the sellers move the sofa and pare down the furniture and accessories, which drew eyes to the fireplace first. She also urged the sellers to remove distracting decorative items and accessories, limiting kitchen countertops to only three items.

On curb appeal, she guided them in showcasing the front porch, such as with the addition of rocking chairs, hanging baskets of flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and a new doormat. “Today’s buyers are very discerning due to HGTV and Pinterest,” Mahoney says. “Getting compelling and beautiful listing photos is always critical, but even more so in our current reality.”

Mahoney plans to continue offering remote staging consultations even after the pandemic. “I have been pleasantly surprised at how effective they are,” Mahoney says.

Before

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Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine

 

Housing is giving a boost to the economic recovery and housing inventories. Single-family and multifamily construction jumped nearly 23% last month, the Commerce Department reports. This marks the highest production rate since February.

Broken out, single-family construction jumped in July by 8.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 940,000. The multifamily sector, which encompasses apartment buildings and condos, rose 58.4% to a 556,000 pace, the Commerce Department reports.

“The market is being buoyed by historically low interest rates, a focus on the importance of housing, and a shift to the suburbs as more buyers are seeking homes in suburban communities, exurbs, and more affordable low-density markets,” says Robert Dietz, the NAHB’s chief economist.

New construction for single-family and multifamily units now nearly matches pre-pandemic activity from the first quarter. “Such growth is needed to steadily relieve the housing shortage,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®. “This kind of growth is also a major contributor to local economic recovery.”

However, Yun cautions that the increase in multifamily units may lead to an oversupply of apartment buildings, notably in city centers where there has been some shift in consumer preference for single-family homes in the suburbs during the pandemic.

On new-home construction, buyers may face higher prices. Builders caution that an increase in lumber prices—by more than 110% since mid-April--is adding about $14,000 to the cost of building each new single-family home.

Nevertheless, high buyer demand is still increasing the construction of single-family units, a sign Yun says is “welcome.” Housing inventory nationwide for homes for sale is down by 19% from a year ago. “There is intense buyer competition in the market as a result,” he notes. In particular, the Western region of the U.S. is seeing competition, as new-home construction is not rising as much and the inventory shortage is most pronounced.

Combined single-family and multifamily starts saw the largest jump last month in the Northeast, increasing 9.3% annually, followed by a 5.9% increase in the Midwest and a 5.2% uptick in the South. The West saw the lowest increase but still rose 1.4% annually.

Despite the recent increases in new-home construction, Yun predicts inventory shortages will remain problematic for the remainder of the year but sees an opportunity for a more balanced market with housing supply in 2021.

Housing permits, a gauge for future construction, rose 18.8% to a 1.50 million unit annual rate in July, the Commerce Department reports. Single-family permits jumped 17% while multifamily permits increased 22.5%. Housing permits were highest in the South, up 5.4%, and the Midwest was up 3.2% annually, but permits were down 6.2% in the Northeast and by 1.6% in the West.

Source: National Association of REALTORS® and National Association of Home Builders

 

29th Annual NH Water Ski Championships

Presented by: Abenaki Water Ski Club
Location: Back Bay
Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Telephone: 603-520-5413
Web: Abenaki Water Ski Club

When: Saturday, August 22, 2020

Time:   8:00 AM  4:00 PM

Spectators can easily access viewing of show from along Bridge Falls Path. Stand or bring a chair! Benches, picnic tables and public restrooms available. Unlimited, free parking in Glendon Street Parking Lot.

Slalom  2C,  Trick 2C,  Jump  2C

Both rounds of each event: Slalom then tricks then jump. Boys-girls-women-men 30-32-34-36. Same order for all 3 events.

 

Open floor plans, smart homes, and outdoor areas are among the features in top demand for home shoppers this year. Home improvement website Fixr’s recent study, Single-Family Home Construction and Remodeling Trends 2020, highlights the renovation and construction choices of buyers and homeowners in 2020. The results reveal some key areas of interest in home design.

By Yuka Kato

1. Open floor plan and two-story homes represent the most popular layouts.

While there has been a trend toward open floor plans for the past few years, 2020 is seeing an overwhelming consensus: 90% of experts selected an open floor plan as the most popular single-family layout. And it’s likely to remain so in the future.

As quarantine periods and social distancing guidelines force families to spend more time together at home, large common areas command a premium value. Family rooms, dens, and open kitchen areas are acquiring new importance.

Another large percentage—77%—are favoring two-story houses in 2020. Compare this to the 29% who preferred single-story homes, or the 2% who favor split-level residences.

2. Smart homes rank first among design choices.

A growing trend in home design is the smart home, in which AI-based automation systems are seamlessly incorporated into electric circuits, heating/cooling systems, and entrances. Buyers this year are likely to appreciate homes in which smart thermostats, security cameras, and smart outlets are already installed.

3. Most homeowners make accessibility modifications to their home for future personal use.

Homeowners looking to age in place are exploring renovations that allow them to do so more easily. Homes with accessibility features likely will be more attractive to senior buyers as they look toward a future of independence, even as their physical abilities may decrease. This future need is a motivating factor behind such renovations (54%) than current personal use (11%) or current use for an aging relative (22%).

Buyers also are evaluating potential homes with accessibility modifications in mind. For instance, a front yard with space for a ramp will be more appealing than one with front steps leading directly to the street.

4. Energy efficient homes with tight building envelopes are among the top designs for green construction.

As Americans deal with furloughs, layoffs, and economic uncertainty, many are paying more attention to their energy bills. Energy efficient homes are suddenly much more attractive than conventional properties, and buyers who may not have ever considered green construction are making energy efficiency a priority.

Sixty-two percent of design experts say energy efficient homes are a top priority in 2020, according to Fixr’s study, far outweighing other options like cool roofs or solar panels.

Experts say a tight building envelope—more than exterior or interior insulation—is the most common way to prevent energy seepage. A tight building envelope minimizes air transfer and can be an important feature of an energy efficient and environmentally friendly home. A home with both effective insulation and a tight building envelope will provide the best value to a buyer who desires lower energy bills and minimal heating requirements.

5. Family space and outdoor kitchens are trending in 2020.

Outdoor playsets, firepits, and recreation-oriented yards are seeing an uptick in popularity, especially among married couples with kids. 

This is a 2020 trend that has only been cemented by quarantine rules and social distancing regulations. As playgrounds, parks, and outdoor amusements became unavailable, families were forced to think in terms of what outdoor activities they could offer their children on their own property.

But outdoor living spaces aren’t limited to playgrounds, decks, and patios. Fixr’s research shows that outdoor kitchens were nearly twice as popular as a traditional patio. The outdoor kitchen is another trend that has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve in 2020 and 2021. New recommendations for socially distant entertaining, which may be better suited for meals and meetings with friends outside, may increase the number of homeowners wanting both outdoor kitchens and seating spaces.

6. Contemporary and modern will be the most common styles used in modular construction.

Modular and prefab construction continues to be widely used, and Millennials are most likely to build modular homes. As part of the Fixr survey, consumers were asked which style of prefab building would be most popular in 2020. A large majority (62%) indicated that a contemporary, modern style would be most commonly selected by home buyers. The runner-up choice was ranch-style—but it was only selected by 22% of respondents.

This year has been in many ways an uncharted year, full of unexpected surprises. But even as priorities have changed, many home buying and renovation trends have remained consistent. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Yuka Kato is an industry analyst at fixr.com, a leading home improvement website dedicated to providing the most accurate cost guides and advice. She writes about interesting trends and insights in the construction and remodeling industry.

Are you getting ready to move to a new home or just looking for ways to help keep your family healthy as cold and flu season approaches? Find tips to help you manage your goals this summer in the article below.

   

By Christopher Kelly of RE/MAX

Summer is one of the most popular times to move, but how do you gather your friends, family, or hired movers together safely while practicing safe social distancing? Whoever you recruit to help move your belongings from point a to point b, here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe.

Provide Essentials 

Make sure you have soap, water, hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, and shoe covers available during your move. These items, when used correctly, can help prevent the spread of germs.

Set Some Ground Rules

Whether the people helping you move are there as volunteers or earning a living, you should take charge and outline basic precautions you want everyone to use. Ask your helpers to wear a mask, wash or sanitize their hands often, and stay 6 feet apart whenever possible.

Use New Boxes

Experts estimate that cardboard can carry COVID-19 for 24 hours, so it may be best to invest in new boxes instead of opting for used boxes for your next move. You can purchase moving boxes from most moving or storage companies.

Sanitize Before and After the Move

Sanitize your furniture, boxes, and household touch points before your moving help arrives to help create a safe moving environment. You should also sanitize these items after unloading them at your new house.

 

 

With a little effort, you can build a swanky bird paradise even your fussiest feathered friend will love.

Source: Zillow Feed

While you’re spending time at home, why not find ways to bring the natural world to you? Backyard bird watching is an enjoyable way to experience your local ecosystem up close.

It takes more than a bird feeder to attract a colorful variety of songbirds to your backyard. Think of your feeder as a drive-thru fast-food joint in an unsafe neighborhood: The birds will stop to eat, but they won’t stick around for very long. They want to get home to their comfy nest in an exclusive deciduous broadleaf community, where they can get fancier food anyway.

If you want to see more than bird backsides at a millet buffet, you need to give them all the luxuries they’ve come to expect.

Create a habitat

Birds prefer townhomes to single-level ranch houses. They need perches for preening, thickets for hiding, branches for bickering, wide-open spaces for showing off, and, eventually, a tree cavity where they can nest and paint their nursery a nice robin’s-egg blue.

Give them privacy by planting walls of foliage. Native shrubs, small trees, and even tall grasses and perennials offer the versatility they need to make a quick escape.

Create a ceiling of tall deciduous and evergreen trees at the back of your property, and plant small understory trees between them and your house. Selectively prune lower limbs of shrubs and small trees so you can easily see perching birds from your window. They’ll appreciate the perch, and you’ll appreciate the camera angle.

Grow your own birdseed

Money doesn’t grow on trees, but, conveniently enough, birdseed does! It also grows on shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals and anything else that qualifies as a plant.

To grow the seed that your local bird species prefer, however, choose the native plants that they’d otherwise find in the wild. Native plants vary by region, but some good choices include coneflower, blanketflower, beautyberry, asters and sunflowers.

Attract hummingbirds with nectar-filled trumpet honeysuckle and cardinal flowers. Native oaks, hollies, dogwoods, sumac, cedars and spruces provide nuts and berries, as well as shelter.

Stage your birdhouse

Research the birds that you’d like to attract, and give them the house that suits their needs. For example, bluebirds like their nesting boxes out in the open, while chickadees like thick leaf cover.

Whichever bird you try to attract, keep that nesting box away from human noise and activity so you’ll never have to witness the heartbreaking sight of abandoned eggs in an empty nest. Also, keep your cat indoors, if possible. Otherwise, you may find birds not only in your backyard but on your front doorstep too.

If birds haven’t moved in yet, be patient. Sometimes all your birdhouse needs is a little lichen, moss, or wear and tear to make it more appealing.

Turn a birdbath into a Jacuzzi

If your birdbath is emptier than a swimming pool in January, there could be a reason. The ideal birdbath doesn’t look like you’d expect — it’s placed directly on the ground in a shady space with nearby shrubs.

Add some gravel to the basin so birds can find their footing, and even add a few rocks on the outside to serve as steps. Include a small pump or fountain, if possible. This turns your birdbath into a miniature water feature, and the circulation keeps the water clean and helps birds cool off on hot days.

Leave the leaf litter

If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of gardening chores, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re absolutely allowed to keep that accumulation of dead leaves and small branches on your garden’s floor. It gives birds everything they could ever ask for — bugs and other small animals for snacking, materials for nesting, and even a hiding place from predators.

If things begin to look untidy, just break down the larger branches by hand or with a pair of anvil pruners, and spread everything out evenly. Everyone loves free mulch.

Invest in your feeder

Rather than spending money on multiple feeders that you have to replace year after year, invest in a feeder that’s made with quality materials, has a tightly fitting lid, and drains easily. Better yet, purchase a sturdy pole and squirrel baffle.

Even the best feeder will need maintenance, so give it a thorough cleaning every year, and break up any clogged holes so moisture doesn’t accumulate. Trust me on this — cleaning out a maggot-infested feeder is something nobody should have to experience.

 

 

Working from home? Get tips to make your workspace more functional, fun and productive. Even if you set up shop on your bed. WFH is the new normal for many Americans. Here’s how to get your workspace functioning well — and looking great.

    

From Zillow.com

With social distancing mandates in effect across much of the country, many people working in industries deemed “non-essential” are doing their work from home. And while the constant stream of COVID-19 news, in addition to caretaking or homeschooling responsibilities, can make it hard to stay focused on work, modifying your space can help. An organized and visually appealing work area can help you feel more productive — and more relaxed.

Here are five tips for elevating your home workspace.

Commit to your space

For those of us who don’t have a home office — which is a lot of people — work-from-home routines can easily get derailed. Designating an area for work, even if that place is the bill-paying area in your kitchen, is a way to stay in your routine and get yourself in the work mindset. Whatever spot you choose, just make sure it feels like a dedicated and functional work area. That means adequate lighting, a comfortable chair — the right height for typing without strain — a seamless tech setup that allows you to take and make video calls without having to fiddle with plugs or wires, and an overall lack of clutter on your desk and the surrounding area.

Declutter

This seems obvious, but let’s level with ourselves. When do we really get around to cleaning our desks? Well, now’s the time. Toss anything that needs to be thrown out, pair like items with like, contain those stray pens in one nice decorative cup, and make sure you have all your workday essentials close at hand and non-essential items moved elsewhere.

Curate an inspiration board

Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time to look ahead. And that wall you’re looking at beyond your laptop should inspire you. This is as good a time as ever to put together an inspiration board and fill it with what makes you happy, from images of your favorite people and pets, to pics of your goals (like that fabulous vacation you are going to take once we’ve all gotten through this tough time!). And yes, you can put your to-dos and important reminders up there too — but keep the focus on the positive and uplifting, and keep it right in your line of sight.

Do a background check

If video calls are part of your new day-to-day, think about what your colleagues are seeing behind you — like that pile of laundry or those mostly empty wine glasses. Keep things clean and uncluttered. And if you have the space, show off your style. Some good background options might be your favorite art piece, interesting souvenirs or a not-overly-stuffed bookcase. Lastly, remember lighting: Your space should be adequately lit, or it’ll look like you’re dialing in from a submarine.

Set the mood

Never got your dream office? This is your moment. We bet scented candles aren’t allowed in your regular workspace, but you get to make the rules at home. Aromatherapy diffusers are another option if you’re worried about curious kids or pets. And now your playlist can softly waft overhead rather than through earphones. Similarly, set out some healthy snacks to avoid refrigerator trips, and nosh away. It’s OK for your home office to feel like your home, and especially now, it’s important to take time to indulge yourself with some creature comforts that feed your soul and make you feel calm and inspired.

 

Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make, so there's no question that you should make an effort to spend your money wisely. Especially when you're unfamiliar with the process, it's easy to make mistakes that can have a big impact on your wallet. With that in mind, here are some of the biggest money mistakes buyers make.

 

By Tara Mastroeni 

Forgetting to shop around for a lender:

Buyers need to remember to shop around when it comes to obtaining a mortgage. You might meet a lender who, on paper, offers the most competitive rate, but don't forget to take into account other factors as well. Some banks may have special programs for first-time home buyers, or they may put money toward closing costs, or toward your downpayment. Your goal should be to find the loan that makes the most sense for you, overall.

Not working with a lender before shopping for a home:

Some buyers fail to get their finances and credit score in order, work with a lender and get pre-approved before they start their home search. Ideally, buyers should make certain they are vetted with a lender and ready to go prior to their home search. This ensures that when they see a home they absolutely love, they can move on it quickly. There's nothing worse than seeing the hurt and disappointment in a buyer who has fallen in love with a home, but is not financially ready to make an offer.

Buying a home above your budget:

Don’t look for a home that's at the very top end of your monthly budget. You need to consider what you'll do if your income goes down or some other unexpected expenses suddenly come up. Also, when buying a home, you need to factor in added costs such as higher heating and cooling, property taxes, maintenance costs. You'll also want to leave room in the budget for other expenditures such as saving for things like retirement, college funds for your children, or vacations.

Skipping the home inspection:

A lot of buyers who are penny wise and pound foolish. They think they can save a few hundred dollars by skipping inspections. While this may be true, skipping inspections can lead to them spending thousands of dollars in necessary repairs down the road.

Opening new lines of credit during underwriting:

One of the biggest financial mistakes a buyer can make is opening new lines of credit during underwriting, Whether they purchase a car or open new credit cards to purchase furniture are huge mistakes because the underwriter has to include the new debt with their debt-to-income ratio.

Unfortunately, people believe if they have an approval or conditional approval from their lender it’s okay to open the new lines of credit, but what they fail to realize is that the underwriter has to pull a new credit report on the day of closing to ensure they haven’t obtained any new debt. Of course, if they have, then the lender has to recalculate the new debt-to-income ratio and may not be able to issue a new approval.

Contributor for Forbes Magazine: Tara Mastroeni 

 

The weather looks like it's going to be fantastic this weekend! Looking for something different to do outside?    The Nick is the venue for an arts and crafts fair. Best of all, it's free admission!!!

 

 

On The Green Arts & Crafts Festival

   

When: July 24-26

Where: The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd, Rt 28, Wolfeboro

Summer Vacation Arts & Crafts Fair: 10am-5pm, Sun 10-4pm Fine arts, crafts including wood furniture, food music, rain or shine under canopies, masks and social distancing required.  Free admission, Joyce's Craft Fair, held at Nick Recreation Park, More info. call 528-4014, www.joycescraftshows.com

Click Here For More Details

 

As featured on GMA3 last week, here is an amazing project created by teens for kids!  Yes, teenagers Sarah Shapiro and Skye Loventhal are the co-founders who kiddingly call themselves the "Dynamic Duo". Throughout their friendship, they have always collaborated on new ideas and inventions. During the pandemic, they recognized a need to keep kids motivated and active, as well as taking stress off parents by providing daily activity sessions and one-on-one tutoring. Together, they brainstormed the idea where high school students mentor elementary school students and best of all, it's fun and it's free!  

THEIR MISSION

The current COVID-19 pandemic is keeping children at home, leading them to no longer have their usual time spent in school, sports, art classes, etc. The Covid NineTEEN project provides FREE teen-led activities and one-on-one tutoring meant to support elementary school students. Their teen mentors help keep children motivated and take stress off of parents. They are a group of motivated teens who are using this valuable time to make a difference in the world. They hope to serve as mentors for elementary school children to help them fill their time and continue to flourish despite the uncertainty of the outside world.

For more information, please copy and paste the link below into the search bar: 

https://sites.google.com/view/covidnineteenproject/home

 

 

As remote working grows more common, homeowners are trying to carve out more space, indoors and out, for a dedicated home office.

From Realtor Magazine

When space is tight or household noise is too loud, some homeowners are taking their office outside. The backyard home office is a growing trend, The New York Times reports.

  

Some homeowners are taking inspiration from the "man cave" and “she shed” phenomenon of the last few years and putting up shed-style home offices. For example, the company Studio Shed offers prefabricated panels that can be shipped, built, and assembled in a backyard to create a 100-square-foot home office. James Wilson in Oakland, Calif., who works in finance, and his wife Meg Wilson, a nurse practitioner who engages in telehealth, used one to create a private backyard office. From the time they ordered it until their backyard office was complete spanned a little over four weeks at a cost of $31,000.

Space-constrained homeowners are looking for solutions for a workspace. For some, it’s even been motivation to move. A recent survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeLight says that a designated home office will likely be the most desirable or important feature to home buyers in a post-pandemic era.

Homeowners who want to stay put are turning to their backyard to make space. Several companies are touting backyard solutions, like Kanga Room Systems (units start at about $5,000 for an 80-square-foot kit the buyer can assemble) and Modern Shed. These companies can ship standalone structures that can be assembled by homeowners to keep their home offices separated from their living spaces.

Studio Shed officials say they’ve doubled their sales over the last year. In April alone, their sales were four times it was a year prior. The company’s units start at $10,000.

The Modern Shed says they’ve noticed their orders drastically increasing as well. “We’ve always offered this very simple solution because you don’t need to tear up an existing house and you can just add it to your backyard,” Ryan Grey Smith, founder of Modern Shed, based in Seattle, told The New York Times. “It’s this little structure where you can feel like you’re working miles away, even though you’re only 30 feet away.”

 

Source: “Your New Home Office May Be in the Backyard,” The New York Times (July 14, 2020)

 

Millions of Americans have relocated this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the Pew Research Center. New data released this week shows that 22% of Americans either moved or know of someone who did.

From Realtor Magazine

The reasons vary, researchers say, such as college students moving out of dorms as schools closed abruptly, homeowners and renters leaving communities perceived as unsafe, and people moving from housing they could no longer afford. The findings are based on a survey conducted in early June of nearly 10,000 people.

 

© Pew 

 

Young adults have been the most likely to move. Thirty-seven percent of those ages 18 to 29 said they either moved, someone moved into their home, or they knew someone who moved because of the pandemic.

Overall, 28% of those who have moved during the pandemic say the most important reason was to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. An additional 23% say it was because their college campus closed, 20% said they wanted to be with family, and 18% said it was a financial decision driven by either a job loss or another money-related reason.

 

Source: “About a Fifth of U.S. Adults Moved Due to COVID-19 or Know Someone Who Did,” Pew Research Center (July 6, 2020)

 

TIMBER! Structures are being made from engineered wood known as mass timber. The wood is fire resistant and 80% lighter than concrete or steel but just as strong. 

What Greener Homes Are Made Of

By Joy Choquette

Tune in to the materials and practices fueling resilient, eco-friendly construction. “Being green” has become more than a catchphrase. It’s a filter through which some people, including real estate buyers, are making life choices.

As consumer interest grows in the benefits of eco-friendly, resilient commercial and residential properties, ­REALTORS® are getting the message. In the 2020 REALTORS® & Sustainability Report, 70% of residential agents and 74% of commercial practitioners found that promoting energy efficiency in their listings was somewhat or very valuable. Almost 60% of commercial pros said they are comfortable answering questions from clients about building performance.

In addition to finding properties that meet clients’ wants, savvy real estate pros are paying attention to construction practices and materials that are being used for sustainability features in both new and older structures.

Which green building practices should you showcase? Which cutting-edge and resilient materials are most popular now? And what’s the potential return on investment? As you share information with clients, consider three factors: location, consumer priorities, and building trends.

Know Your Area

While some things—like low-VOC paint and energy-efficient lighting—are important no matter where one is located, other aspects of green building are more location-specific. Considerations differ for building in, say, Alaska versus Alabama.

As an example, the majority of homes in Tennessee have ­below-ground crawl spaces rather than full basements, notes Alan Looney, president of Castle Homes in Brentwood, Tenn. They can be damp and musty despite vents to the outdoors.

To prevent moisture and increase efficiency, Looney says, owners should seal crawl spaces and floors and then place foam around the foundation. Likewise, it’s useful to bolster the insulation in attics. “By foaming the roof deck and having your mechanical systems in an air-conditioned space, the system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the entire house,” Looney notes. The bottom line: When you’re serving green clients, you need expertise on the housing stock, as well as the green practices and materials, common in your area.

Priority Setting

Providing a cost-benefit analysis can help determine the payoff for homeowners keen on adapting efficient systems. Looney notes that while underground rain harvesting, geothermal, and solar systems are all options, it can take years to see a return on investment. For instance, a recent geothermal project cost approximately $85,000, Looney explains, whereas a standard air-source HVAC system would have been closer to $45,000. The EPA estimates that homeowners save 30% to 70% on heating bills and 20% to 50% on cooling costs by choosing geothermal over conventional systems. With a 30% tax rebate (a federal incentive that drops to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021), the system will take an estimated 12 years to see a financial benefit.

With so many environmental considerations, how do you help clients sort through competing priorities? Kate Stephenson, a partner at Helm Construction Solutions in Montpelier, Vt., believes the top concern for both residential and commercial ­clients should be air quality. Why? It affects all aspects of life, from the quality of sleep one gets at home to an employee’s ­ability to concentrate at work, says Stephenson, whose com­pany focuses on sustainable project management.

Air quality issues should be addressed when older buildings are retrofitted. “As air leakage is reduced to save energy and improve comfort, adding mechanical ventilation brings in fresh air,” Stephenson says. These systems are most important in kitchens and bathrooms, where air can be stale or moist.

Castle Homes targets another overlooked part of homes for air cleaning: closets. Installing exhaust fans in closets clears the air of chemicals used by dry cleaners.

Eyes on Mass Timber

An up-and-coming construction material with potential to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint is known as mass timber. This category of engineered wood is gaining attention in the U.S. for its resiliency and efficiency—so far, mostly for large-scale construction projects. Mass timber products consist of fibers, shavings, and other thin layers of wood bound together using resin or industrial glues to make large slabs that fit together easily. The layering process makes an engineered wood stronger than traditional wood, as well as fire- and earthquake-resistant.

Though mass timber, also known as cross-laminated timber, was introduced in Europe in the 1990s, the U.S. construction industry is still learning about it. Projects using the material are moving forward, especially in the multifamily sector, but building code and supply issues remain impediments to major expansion. At the start of 2020, the U.S. had 784 mass timber multifamily, commercial, or institutional projects constructed or in design, according to the Wood Products Council.

Industry observers say as familiarity increases and materials become more available, mass timber has the potential to replace masonry, concrete, and even steel as a go-to material for flooring, walls, or entire buildings. It’s also cost-effective, as large prefabricated panels can be assembled quickly at a building site. Akin to giant Lego pieces, the panels are constructed to fit the precise dimensions needed for a project.

“We had to find a way to build smarter with science and innovation to create engineered wood products,” says Scott McIntyre, North American business director for performance materials manufacturer Hexion. The company creates resins for engineered wood products that are environmentally responsible and thermally stable. “In building and construction, we manufacture resins that allow you to use a solid tree,” notes Sydney Lindquist, sustainability leader at Hexion. “Prior to engineered wood products, only about 60% of the tree was used and the rest would be waste.”

A common environmental question around mass timber is whether forests are being cleared to produce it. Lindquist says that’s not an issue. “Sustainably harvested wood is grown very quickly. It’s not a well-known fact that sustainable forestry helps increase new growth,” she says.

 

Joy Choquette is a freelance writer based in Swanton, Vt.

 

Thinking about making some home improvements, but not sure where to start? These projects will add value and help attract buyers should you decide to sell your home.

By: Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside

The Kitchen

You don’t have to completely redo the kitchen to make a big difference. If you have outdated countertops, cabinet doors, light fixtures, or a leaky faucet, just renovating those aspects of the kitchen can make a big difference! You’ll also be surprised at the difference a new backsplash can make.

The Paint

Almost every room can benefit from a fresh coat of paint, especially if you aren’t happy with the colors you have now. Start fresh or even just touching up your existing paint can make a big difference!

The Bathrooms

Does your home’s bathroom remind you of the spa? If not, it may be time for some updates. Simple changes like a new shower curtain or rug are a cost effective way to make a big impact, but even bigger changes, like replacing a toilet or shower head are easy to do and won’t break the bank.

Whatever this summer has in store for your family, we're here to answer any questions you have about real estate and the current market. If you or someone you know is in the market, let us know!

You may be planning to spend more time at home this summer than ever before, so why not make your home look its best? Pressure washing can make your home look cleaner and newer, but it also has surprising maintenance benefits as well. Whether you tackle this as a DIY project or bring in a pro, here are the top three reasons you should pressure wash your home. 

By: Christopher Kelly, RE/MAX Bayside

 

Prevent Mold, Mildew, and Dirt

Over time, mold, mildew, and dirt can cause your home to deteriorate. If mold and mildew makes its way through your walls into the home, it can cause health concerns, particularly for those living with allergies or asthma. Pressure washing can help prevent damage to your home and protect your family.

Prepare for Paint

Have you been thinking about repainting your home? Pressure washing it first can clear off any grime or loose paint so that you can apply your new paint to a smooth surface and get the best possible results.

Improve Curb Appeal

First impressions can leave a lasting impact on how your guests view your home, and having a clean exterior can have a dramatic positive impact on your curb appeal. Having good curb appeal can also give your home a boost in value should you decide to sell your home.

 

This weekend, Saturday, July 4th, marks the 244th anniversary of the birth of our nation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th of July will no doubt look bit different from previous years! Between parades, concerts and fireworks displays being cancelled across the country, we will be looking for other ways to celebrate. Though some shows are still on, it is important to be diligent when it comes to social distancing, washing hands often and wearing masks.

Here are some ideas you, your family and friends may want to try...

�

Hamilton movie, on Disney Plus July 3, gets you 'best seat in the house'. The Broadway phenomenon arrives on the small screen just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. Watch it online from your TV, phone or desktop.

If you're not subscribed to Disney Plus, you won't be able to use a free trial to see the show. Disney has recently shut down the free trial program, which means you'll need to watch Hamilton from a paid subscriber account.

Streaming�Hamilton on Disney Plus. The Broadway hit was filmed at New York's Richard Rodgers Theatre in 2016 over the course of three days. Lyricist and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, rapper Daveed Diggs and the rest of the original cast, including Okieriete Onaodowan, Phillipa Soo and Anthony Ramos, were still on stage telling the story of US founding father Alexander Hamilton.

Inspired by the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, Hamilton opened on Broadway in 2015. It went on to take home 11 Tony Awards, and won a Grammy for its popular soundtrack.

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Nathans Famous 4th of July, Hot Dog-Eating Contest will go on.. with some COVID-19 changes.

When: July 4th at Noon, ET

Where: ESPN

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If you are missing sports due to coronavirus and "relish" the chance to watch something competitive, we have good news for you.

Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest will air as usual at noon, Fourth of July on ESPN.

The frank fest will be one of the first major televised post-COVID-19 competitive events to be held in the U.S.

The annual contest, which takes place on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, will go on in a private location without fans.

There will only be five entrants this year, instead of the usual 15.

According to Nathans Famous Senior Vice President James Walker, 2020 has been a year for the history books, and the realization that this storied July 4 tradition would be able to occur, is a great feeling. With that being said, our country and our world has endured so much in the last couple of months, that we'd be remiss if we didn't use this moment to honor those that have done so much for each of us during this time.

The first-ever unofficial contest took place in 1916, when, legend says, four immigrants gathered at the very first Nathans Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island and made eating contest history, according to Nathan's Famous website. As the story goes, they were competing to see who was the most patriotic. How did they determine the winner? With a hot dog-eating contest, of course!

The contest is a 10-minute sprint in which competitors usually eat the buns and hot dogs separately, dunking the buns in water to help them consume them faster.

Last year, Joey Chestnut ate 71 hot dogs to win the mens side, while Miki Sudo downed 31 on the way to her sixth straight womens title.

Chestnut has�held the title of reigning champ a total of 12 times�eight consecutive years from 2007 to 2014 and from 2016-2019.

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He holds the record for most hot dogs eaten: 74 franks in 2018. Three-time winner Sonya Thomas set the womens record of 43 in 2011.

by: Nexstar Media Wire

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James Taylor at Fenway Park with special guest appearance by Bonnie Raitt!!

When: Saturday, July 4�https://bit.ly/2Bp5hhl

YouTube: 11am PT / 1pm CT/ 2pm ET
Facebook: 2pm PT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET�

Then spend the evening with a Taylor family favorite: The�Boston Pops! "A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes" is a 3-hour concert extravaganza that will air July 4 at 8pm ET on�Bloomberg Radio�and�Bloomberg Television.�

�SHOW TO BE SIMULCAST ON BOSTONS WHDH-TV�too!

Boston Pops to present a "Boston Pops Salute To Our Heroes", paying tribute to the frontline workers in many fields and honoring those who have lost their lives during the current health crisis, while celebrating our diverse Nation's founding values of liberty and justice for all.�

A Boston Pops Salute To Our Heroes to feature newly created content from the Boston Pops and guest artists, as well as highlights from recent presentations of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Live performance on the Charles River Esplanade will not take place this year, due to public health concerns related to the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, plan a socially distanced (with masks!) picnic with family and friends not more than ten! Better yet, organize a socially distanced watch party! Listen while you work or exercise and plan to post your photos and videos online! James's team will repost photos and videos during the concert and all day long.

"Unfanning" the Flames - Preventing Fire Pit Injuries

By Greg Barnhart

 

Outdoor living spaces have become a trend in homes. Whether one lives on the coast, has a glimpse of the ocean or enjoys the lake and mountain views, bringing the interior to the exterior is a common theme among homeowners. The result is a change in backyard landscaping that includes the wildly popular fire pit.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, the fire pit ranks No. 1 among a trio of top outdoor design features. A survey of members found fire pits at 75 percent, followed by lighting (67 percent) and wireless connectivity (66 percent). Fire pits have popped up at resort hotels, trendy restaurants and other public places, but it is their increased addition to private properties that has the National Fire Protection Association concerned.

“Summer outdoor parties are some of the best events of the year,” the association’s Web site states. "The warm balmy nights, food cooking on the grill, and friends and family spending quality time together in the backyard or around the pool create wonderful memories that last a lifetime". Although, in addition to exercising social distancing and wearing face masks during this pandemic to stay safe, hosting outdoor events also means there’s an increased risk of home fires. Fortunately, following some simple fire safety tips and guidelines can help ensure you and your guests stay safe.”

“Many people are burned the next day, when abandoned coals are still hot,” NBC News states in an article titled “Injuries from backyard fire pits on the rise, experts warn.” “Even if a parent is nearby, it can take just a few seconds for a serious accident to happen.”

Here are some safety tips:

• Supervise children at all times and make sure they know to stay at least 10 feet from the fire pit.

• Alert children when the fire pit is lit, when it is re-lit and when extinguished. Go over the rules with them every time to prevent them from getting burned.

• Extinguish the fire pit properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

“Fire pits can remain extremely hot into the next day,” the NBC News article states. “Be sure children are aware of this and supervised until all embers are burned and the temperature returns to normal. If someone suffers a moderate burn, use cool, not cold, water on the burn for 3-5 minutes, then cover with a clean dry cloth. For serious burns, go to the hospital right away.”

It is important to consider the location of a fire pit in proximity to the home, its surrounding vegetation and the neighbors. A good 25 feet from the home, is preferable, if possible, and 10 feet away from bushes and trees and the house next door is a sufficient. A fire pit never should be positioned on a covered patio or under branches, nor should it rest on grass or wood; it should be placed on concrete blocks or tile. In an abundance of caution, fill a bucket sand or water, or fill two with each, or – better yet – have a hose and gloves nearby in case of an emergency.

Fire pits are a fantastic addition to any homestead or rural backyard. They are attractive, inexpensive to use and help to extend the use of your yard through the fall and winter. But when you use a fire pit you are literally playing with fire! Careless misuse could not only set your own house ablaze, but also could spark a grass fire and endanger others nearby.

Here are some important considerations to make when planning your outdoor design.

By Julea Joseph

Now that stay-at-home orders have been relaxed, the backyard—which may have been used infrequently recently—has regained primacy as a home feature. So, baby, if you got back(yard), use it!

Recently, clients who I hadn’t worked with since 2011 approached me about updating their outdoor space. They wanted a new deck. Their current deck had no stairs, which didn’t allow them access to the rest of their yard.

Like this client, so many homeowners are rethinking how they can use their outdoor space and make it as usable as their indoor space. Here are a few tips to consider in unlocking the potential of a backyard:

1. Consider how you get access to your backyard. Which spaces on the interior of the home get you to the outside? Are there multiple options? A door from the breakfast area or family room? Can you easily walk around to the backyard from the front yard? These traffic patterns may determine how each usage area of your backyard is then planned out.

2. How do you want to use the space? My client had grand plans for her outdoor space: hot tub, firepit, gazebo, and dining/cooking. After you determine your wish list, you can then pinpoint areas in the backyard that will be best suited for those activities.

      

3. How big do these areas need to be? How you plan to use your backyard will determine the size of the space needed. This is important to consider when plotting out your landscape and ensuring you don’t overcrowd a space. If you want a fire pit area, the key element is the firepit. So, size that, and then take into account adding seating around it and safe distances from the heat and flames.

    

4. What surface hosts these activity spaces? Will you rely on grass, concrete, decking, paving stone? Determine your flooring or turf, and budget accordingly.

5. What are the existing assets or hindrances in your backyard? Do you want to incorporate that large tree in the middle of the yard as part of the design, or will it need to be removed? Do you want to take advantage of a great view? My client had a beautiful pond in her backyard and wanted to make sure that the gazebo she planned to build did not block her neighbors from the great view.

Have fun with your backyard! You can be inspired by your indoor space’s color theme, but don’t be at the mercy of it either. It’s OK to break that rule. There are oodles of ideas to inspire your patio design. Search online for inspiration. Keep a keen eye for ideas.

 

Julea Joseph is the owner and lead designer at Reinventing Space in Chicago. Visit her website and blog at Julea.com(link is external)