Should you purchase colored appliances for your Tamaqua kitchen?

News from the decorating world is that colored kitchen appliances are now “in.”

This isn’t the first time.

 

In the 1950s, Stratford Yellow, Sherwood Green, Turquoise Green, Cadet Blue, Woodtone Brown, Petal Pink, and Canary Yellow were introduced into our kitchens.

In the 60’s, Charcoal Gray and Coppertone were introduced. Charcoal Gray didn’t last long, but Coppertone and Turquoise were on the top of the list of favorite colors for appliances until the 1980s.

 

Poppy Red made a short appearance in the 70’s, but was soon replaced by the “New Naturals.” These were Harvest Wheat, Onyx Black, Coffee, Fresh Avocado, and Almond.

 

Whites returned in the 80’s and 90’s, making kitchens with colored appliances look old and dated.

 

Then came the 2000's and a new color – or rather a new finish. Stainless steel became “the” finish to have.

 

Today, white, stainless steel, and black are the most popular kitchen choices. But will that last?

Now manufacturers are offering a nostalgic trip back in time, with a return to pink and turquoise, along with 3 different shades/intensities of red, plus bright yellow, navy blue, and purple. Stainless steel has also gotten a face lift. It is no longer only a silvery gray. Now it also comes in rose gold, copper, champagne, and matte black.

 

Another new trend, which most homeowners will appreciate, is smudge-free finishes. Who wouldn’t want an end to trying to keep fingerprints removed from glossy-finish appliances?

 

If you need new appliances, what should YOU do?

 

Should you stay safe and choose white, black, or stainless steel? Or should you indulge your love of color and go all out with a bright yellow or purple kitchen?

 

The answer lies in your preferences and your future plans. If you plan to sell, it might be best to stay safe. You may love bright purple, but the buyers coming through your house might take one look and run the other way.

 

Another option would be to stick with the basics for all but one stand-out piece. A bright red or yellow kitchen range might give your kitchen a lively energy, while a whole room full of that color might be overwhelming.  Best of all, even if the color is outdated by the time you decide to sell your home, you (or a buyer) would have only one appliance to replace.

 

One caution: Decorators warn that there are various shades in every color, even black and white, so stick with one manufacturer if you want everything to match.

 

Are you searching for a kitchen here in Tamaqua to redecorate with new, bright colored appliances?

 

If so, you’ll need a house around it, and I’ll be glad to help you find it.

Does that chandelier stay with the house?

When you’re searching for a home here in Tamaqua it’s natural to assume that anything attached to the house is part of the house and will stay. Unfortunately not all home sellers share that assumption.

 

Countless lawsuits and failed transactions have come as the result of a home seller removing something that the buyers assumed would come with the house. The list includes items such as chandeliers, medicine cabinets, drapery hardware, and even custom-made drapes. (No, drapes aren’t attached to a house, but since they were made for those windows, some buyers might assume they would stay.)

 

Most agents advise sellers to remove and replace anything that won’t stay before the photo shoot – and definitely before the first buyer tours the house.

 

Some sellers don’t follow that advice. They want to continue living with the things they love while the house is on the market.

 

Some inform their agents that they’ll be taking the chandelier or some other item that’s attached. Then the agent makes note of the fact in the MLS notes.

 

Unfortunately, not all buyer’s agents read those notes and convey the information to their buyers. Other sellers don’t tell their agents. They just remove things as they vacate the house.

 

So what should you do to avoid this kind of situation?

If you’re the seller – do remove and/or replace anything that won’t be staying with the house before the first buyer arrives. That includes fixtures, appliances, drapery, attached shelving, and any unusual item, such as a porch swing.

 

If you’re the buyer – First, ask your agent to check the MLS notes to see if anything is excluded. Then include anything questionable in your offer to purchase. It may sound silly to include light fixtures, but if there’s something exceptional that you really like, there’s a chance that the seller doesn’t intend to leave it.

 

Custom drapery should also be included in the purchase agreement. While the hardware is attached to the house and “should” stay, the drapes themselves are not.

 

What about appliances? Customs are different in different parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean the seller will follow local custom. Ask about the refrigerator, the range, the dishwasher, and the washer and dryer. If you want some or all to stay, include them in your offer, and specify that they will be the same appliances you saw when you toured the home.

 

Being specific in your offer may feel like you’re going overboard, but it’s far better than facing the unpleasantness that comes with poor communication.

 

When you’re ready to buy or sell here in Tamaqua, call me. I’ll make sure there is no mis-communication over what does or does not stay with the house.

Looking for a Home in Tamaqua? Don't Get Distracted by the Homeowner's "Stuff"

Every real estate agent in Tamaqua advises his or her listing clients to deep clean, de-clutter, and de-personalize their home before it goes on the market. Unfortunately, not all homeowners take that advice.

 

The result: You as a homebuyer may be distracted by things like a messy living room, the homeowner's collections, family photographs, or even colors that don't please you. As a result, you could fail to recognize a home that could be "just right" for you.

 

Here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you view homes:

Worn carpeting or vinyl is not a drawback, but an opportunity. The price has either been reduced for this defect or you may be able to get a flooring allowance. Either way, it means you can live with brand new flooring in the color and style you choose.

 

"Ugly" paint colors are another opportunity. Why? Because they discourage buyers who can't see beyond them. Thus, the home may not be getting other offers. Paint is relatively inexpensive, and when you re-paint after closing, you have the opportunity to choose the colors that are most pleasing to you.

 

Stay focused – Ignore the family photos, the trophies, the collections on display, and the interesting furnishings. The puppy may be cute, but don't let him capture your attention. None of those items comes with the house, and they're not why you're there.

 

Look past decorating that's not your style. All those things will be removed – you'll be decorating in your own style. An ugly couch or bedspread has nothing to do with the house.

 

Look past cobwebs and fingerprint smudges on cabinet doors – because most buyers can't. You may be able to get a bargain on the house in exchange for a couple of days' worth of cleaning.

 

Do look at the size of the rooms and the placement of doors, windows, and built-ins. Even if the room is over-full, try to visualize how your own furnishings would fit. 

 

View each room with an eye toward how you'll use it – not how the current residents are using it.

 

If you like the location, you like the floor plan, and the house appears to be structurally sound, go forward – but do have a home inspection just to make sure the clutter isn’t covering up a defect.

 

Visualizing yourself living in a Tamaqua home that hasn't been properly prepared for sale is more difficult. But do your best to focus on the home – and not on what's in it.

 

You just might find a "diamond in the rough" at a price that will keep you smiling for years to come.

 

When you're ready to find a new home in Tamaqua, get in touch. It will be my pleasure to help you find the one that's "just right" for you.

Buying a home in Tamaqua? Heed this warning!

Unless you’ve paid enough earnest money to cover your down payment and closing costs, you’ll be expected to provide additional funds at closing.

 

Years ago you would have shown up at closing with a certified bank check, made out to the closing agency. Today that’s not so common.

 

Instead, you’ll probably be instructed to have the funds wired directly from your bank to the closing agency’s trust account. This practice is convenient for all concerned, but it can also be risky.

 

Many lenders now have a warning posted on their websites and below the signature on their emails, but some do not.

 

The warning tells buyers NOT to wire funds to an account provided to them via email. Always call first to verify the account number.

Why? Because clever crooks have found ways to hack into email accounts at Title Companies, escrow offices, attorney’s offices, and banks. They can intercept an email from the closer to you (or from you to the closer), change the account number, and send it on – with no one the wiser until you get to closing and the money isn’t there.

 

The result? Instead of your life savings going to your down payment, they’ve gone to an off-shore account which can never be traced. In other words, your money has vanished and you can’t get it back.

 

You might think that given the danger, no closer would send this information via email, but some still do. If yours does, don’t take it at face value. Call the closer and verify the account number before you call your bank with wire instructions.

 

It will take a few extra minutes from your day, but losing a few minutes is far better than losing your down payment funds.

 

Sellers should also take heed.

If the closer is going to wire funds to your bank, be sure to convey that account number via phone or in person. Do not use email.  

 

Cyber-criminals spend their free time figuring out new and easier ways to steal. Don’t let them steal your dreams of owning a new home here in Tamaqua.

When planning to buy or sell a Tamaqua home, be quiet!

Buying or selling a home is an emotional process. You’re apt to be excited, worried, happy, or discouraged, sometimes all in the same day.

 

That means you might want someone to talk to about those feelings. But do be careful!

 

It’s safe to tell everyone that you’re looking for a new home or that your current home is for sale, but if you want to share anything beyond those facts, talk only to close friends and family members who can be relied upon to keep your words confidential.

 

And… only talk to those people in the privacy of your homes.

 

Whether talking with friends or discussing the transaction with your agent, don’t talk (in person or on the phone) in a restaurant or coffee shop where you might be overheard by other patrons or the wait staff. The buyer’s (or seller’s) sister, brother, or cousin may be serving your meal or seated at the table next to you.

 

And whatever you do - don’t share with your friends on Facebook.

 

Remember that news travels fast, and anything you say can be relayed to the people on the other side of the transaction within a matter of hours.

 

With that in mind, if you’re the buyer you must never talk about how much you love a house you’re negotiating on. You must never tell how much you’re willing to pay. You must never share the reason for your urgency to come to agreement and get the transaction closed.

 

As a buyer, you’d also be wise to be quiet when you are touring homes. Some sellers have both cameras and sound recording set up in their homes, and they can hear every word you say both in the house and on the entrance porch or patio.

 

This surveillance equipment may or may not be legal, but some sellers aren’t concerned about that. They want to know what goes on in their house, and they want to know just how interested you are. They might not ever tell a soul that they heard you tell your spouse that you “Have to have this house.”

 

If you’re the seller, never discuss your bottom line price or any of the concessions you’re willing to give. Never reveal how important it is to you to get the sale closed by a certain date.

 

Buyers and sellers should not be adversaries, but until the day comes that homes are priced like a gallon of gasoline – with a “take it or leave it” price tag – buying a home will be a bit like playing poker. When you’re negotiating,  it isn’t wise to show your cards to others at the table.

 

When you’re buying or selling a home here in Tamaqua or anywhere else, be safe. Be quiet.