Naples Real Estate Updates

Despite your best efforts to properly maintain and protect your home, accidents and mishaps still happen, which is why it's also important to know what your homeowners insurance does, and doesn't, cover. For example, no homeowners insurance will cover flood damage from natural disasters, so you may want to seek federal flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. In addition, check to see if yours is a guaranteed replacement cost policy, which would pay to rebuild your home if it's severely damaged or destroyed. The coverage is rare, but some companies like Erie Insurance include it in their standard homeowners policies. For more information on homeowners insurance, visit www.erieinsurance.com/homeowners.

In fact, in a recent survey conducted by Moen, almost half the respondents wished they could make their bathroom larger. But, a complete bathroom overhaul isn't in the cards for most homeowners. And when your bath is too small, it can quickly go from being a retreat from the outside world to a stress-inducing, cluttered place. Whether you're hoping to update the guest bath or the master suite, you can create a larger-looking bath without actually expanding your space. With a thorough cleaning and some space-expanding illusions, you'll be relaxed and rejuvenated in your new bigger bath in no time. Blend in, but make a statement Using an intense color palette is not always the best technique when it comes to a tiny bathroom. Bold, dark colors can weigh a room down, making it look even smaller. Instead, use pale and cool colors, like soft whites, pastels and neutral tones to add size and depth. Continue the color scheme to the woodwork, trim, vanity and door to create a disappearing look that will lengthen the walls. By eliminating the hard edges created by drastic changes in color, your eye will flow smoothly across the room. It's important to look at the small details, like faucets and accessories, to create a statement. Choosing a sophisticated design, such as the Moen Weymouth faucet in Chrome, LifeShine Brushed Nickel, Oil Rubbed Bronze or the new LifeShine Polished Nickel finish, can provide a beautiful focal point in your bath. Available in single-handle, widespread and wall-mount styles, faucets in the Weymouth collection feature traditional detailing, like porcelain inlays and a generously sized spout. The unique collection additionally offers matching faucets for the shower or tub, and a complete selection of accessories to provide the perfect eye-catching detail. Take a look in the mirror A mirror in the bathroom can do more than just show your reflection - it can stretch the space by reproducing it. Additionally, mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, making a smaller room look bigger and brighter by bouncing illumination throughout. Don't think that mirrors need to only be above the sink. A great trick for improving your room's reflective qualities is to hang a large, horizontal mirror along the longest wall of the bath. However, if a large mirror is out of your budget, or not practical for your space, the same effect can be created by grouping an arrangement of smaller mirrors. Unique mirrors can often be found at flea markets in different shapes and sizes. Simply paint each frame in complementary colors and group them along the longest wall. This allows for the room to stretch, while also providing a design element that's uniquely yours. Another easy, dramatic way to use mirrors is to turn the fronts of vanity cabinets into your canvas. Use glue to attach large, square mirrors, or tiny mirror tiles - either square or round - to the outside of cabinets and drawers. For a never-ending room, position two mirrors on opposite walls to create the perfect illusion. Whatever technique you choose, mirrors are great decor pieces that won't muddle a small bath. Say no to big and bulky Traditional, large vanities with cabinet drawers can make an already petite-looking bath appear even smaller. In order to avoid this common misstep, there are two paths to follow: either install a vanity with open storage areas; or try suspending shelving for a contemporary feel. This will create a more spacious look - without losing precious storage - by giving the shelving a light and airy appearance. Open shelving is perfect for towels and linens, plus items like tissues and cotton balls, which can be stored in decorative jars or containers. Avoid a cluttered look by placing large wicker baskets on the bottom shelf of the vanity for large everyday items, such as brushes, toiletries and makeup. You can create a beautiful bath - regardless of the square footage - that will become a place of relaxation and worthy of attention. Use these tips to turn a compressed and uncomfortable space to one that feels spacious and soothing - without a major remodel. For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com.

It's smart to perform a final walk-through before closing. It's your last chance to make sure the home you're about to buy is in the condition you're expecting. Here's some great tips that you may not have thought of in preparing for your final walk-through.

Ten inexpensive real estate staging tips to help create a 'mood' or 'emotion' to entice and connect with potential home buyers.

This YouTube channel, provided courtesy of Chase, offers the ins and outs of mortgages, how the loan process works and how to select a lender. Worthy of viewing regardless of whom you select as your lender.

First-time homebuyers need to keep their ownership goals in mind and make sure to not rush into decisions or feel pressured. This video offers some great lessons from real first-time home owners.

  (BPT) - Many of today's top trends are relatively easy to recreate, and will add re-sale value to your home. "TV interior design shows are mostly about buying and remodeling a home, versus building from scratch or finding a new property that precisely fits a wish list with plenty of personal requirements," says Dani Kohl, program coordinator for the bachelor of science in interior design program at The Art Institute of Indianapolis and a practicing architect and interior designer. The top remodeling trends include: * Uniting the kitchen and living space for an open-floor concept * Culture dictating an increase square footage for entertainment, haven from a busy work schedule or modern luxuries * Finding multi-functional uses for both spaces and furniture On average, Kohl's residential clients are spending about $40,000 to $60,000 to renovate and remodel their homes. Most of the money is spent in the kitchens, master bedrooms and bathrooms. "Gone are the days of the formal dining room and living room," says Kohl. "Walls are being knocked down to join the two rooms." Parents want to be able to cook while watching kids do homework or entertaining guests. Kitchen islands most often serve as the main division between kitchen and living space, and are the entertainment centers of a kitchen. "Kitchen islands are looking more like free-standing furniture pieces with elaborate marble tops and wood work, and interior designers are often finding functional yet hidden places to store the trash can and keep the dish washer from view," Kohl says. Nancy Peck, an interior designer and owner of Nancy Peck Interiors, of Naples, Florida says that temporary partitions between the living space and kitchen are also on the rise. These partitions can be of varying heights, whether it's a two-way fireplace or modern book shelving. Partitions are a great option for homeowners who want that open-floor plan for the kitchen and living room, while still maintaining a defined space for each. Peck says that our current culture and habits are driving the changes in modern, interior spaces. "When it comes to the master bedroom, we are looking at a more pampering atmosphere," he says. Both Kohl and Peck agree that clients want more of a spa-like feeling than ever before to create a bedroom that is a safe haven for over-worked homeowners. "Master bedrooms now have their own seating areas and entertainment nooks, and have become personal spaces away from everything," Peck says. An increase in square footage for closet space is another popular request, according to Peck. "We, as designers, are now looking into proper modular systems of rods and shelving, in addition to our architectural and design duties." Closets are not just for storage anymore, either. "Now, we're looking at closets to serve as a dressing space in addition to serving as a place to store an increased amount clothes and shoes."- How are clients gaining square footage for the needs of today's residential space without making a complete renovation and creating add-ons to their homes? Peck says that downsizing to accommodate upsizing is part of the remodel plans too. "Designers are spending more time at looking for innovative ways to add versatile furniture that serve multifunctional purposes," she says. "For instance, coffee tables also serve as storage spaces and additional seating, wall units have built-in desks, and couches open up to beds in home offices." Whichever remodeling trend homeowners choose to apply, all trends point toward integration, simplification and organization, as homeowners seek to enjoy their homes and share it with family and friends. Nancy Peck Interior Decorator: www.nancypeckinteriors.com

1. Use telecommuting tools Just because the kids are on summer break, mom and dad don't get to stop working. Not only do you have to manage the camp carpool, you also need to review that work presentation and provide feedback to a colleague. Many companies allow employees to telecommute during summer months, if it doesn't disrupt operations. Streamline your day by using a free service like SkyDrive to update documents and communicate in real time. SkyDrive and Microsoft Office work together, so your documents are always with you, whether you're 10 or 10,000 miles away. You can work on Office documents together with teammates, even simultaneously, online. Remember, forward your office number to your smartphone and be active on an instant messaging service - other employees will appreciate your availability even when you're not physically present. 2. Create a defined schedule Juggling the kids' summer activities with work obligations can get complicated, so it's important to create a schedule that everyone can access and share. If your kids or spouse are home, set expectations about when you're in your office and when you need uninterrupted time to work. Assign activities to children such as reading books, creating crafts or quiet play. Make your office off-limits so you can focus when necessary. Use the new, modern Outlook.com calendar that can be shared with the family and syncs to any device; that way, you, and others, can keep track of all your commitments - both work and personal - so you never miss a beat. 3. Vacation planning 2.0 The annual summer vacation is fun for the entire family, but planning it can be a nightmare. Technology tools can make it much simpler. Use your smartphone to keep all your to-do and packing lists handy - you'll never forget anything again. By using personal cloud technology, you can share travel ideas and trip updates in an instant, so everyone always stays in the loop. Utilize SkyDrive and Microsoft Office to work with others on travel schedules and itinerary ideas, even if the other party is across the country. Finally, don't forget to download a few fun, new apps for the kids to keep them occupied while in the car or plane. 4. Share summer memories Uploading and sharing personal travel photos is tons of fun. Perhaps you want to share them with everyone through social media like Facebook and watch the comments roll in. Maybe you only want to send a few select images to the grandparents and other key family members - simply upload the images to your personal cloud and then send a link to your photos or entire albums via email. Sending a link to photos stored in the cloud allows you to get around certain file or email size limits, so you can share as many pictures as you'd like. Only the people you choose to share these with will get to see those beautiful photos of your precious summer moments. 5. Get the face-to-face connection Need to connect with a colleague while working from home or with a family member while traveling? No problem. Whether it's your boss or your mother who lives across the country, use simple, free video chat services like Skype to virtually connect face-to-face. Skype is currently rolling out in Outlook.com inboxes across the U.S., so video chat is a snap when you work from home. You can connect eye to eye with your colleagues, while the kids will love video chatting with relatives and friends they miss. These five technology tips can help you make this summer your best one yet. Whether you're working from home or simply cutting down on the work it takes to plan a vacation, the cloud can make your life easier.

Across the world, both building professionals and consumers are embracing the idea of sustainable building practices. This practice follows a process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building's life cycle: from design to construction, operation to maintenance and renovation, to eventually, demolition. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort. Green building brings together a vast array of practices and techniques to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, such as using sunlight to generate solar power and using plants to reduce rainwater run-off. According to the Energy Information Administration, the demand for green homes is expected to rise 900 percent in the next five years. In the home, using energy efficient appliances can dramatically reduce energy waste and cut costs. Companies like Miele offer a wide range of Energy Star rated appliances for every room in the house from the kitchen to the laundry room. For example, Miele offers induction cook-tops, which use a non-contact method of heating using magnetic fields to transfer energy directly to cookware. The induction element stays cool, while the target object heats up rapidly for extremely efficient cooking. Like gas, induction is exceptionally easy and quick to control. The ability to precisely control the power makes induction perfect for all types of cooking. It is highly reactive and exceedingly safe. The cooking surface is cool in operation and only generates heat where the pan sits on it. As soon as the pan is removed, the flow of heat stops immediately. For more information on the various types of energy efficient appliances available, visit www.mieleusa.com. Young, savvy, environmentally-conscious consumers are at the forefront of the green movement. Programs like the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon allow this demographic to create and design an energy efficient home. The Solar Decathlon is a program that challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency. This year's winner was the University of Maryland Team WaterShed. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Miele on our entry into last year's Solar Decathlon competition," says Brian Grieb, University of Maryland Team WaterShed's faculty project manager. "Miele has a reputation for providing elegantly designed, environmentally conscious, cost-efficient products that are constructed with longevity in mind. These attributes are exactly the qualities we were seeking to include in the WaterShed home."

Here are 5 things you can do to successfully reduce your home energy consumption and save money in the process courtesy of Washington Energy Services in Seattle, Washington: 1. Seal the leaks around windows and exterior doors. This is easy to do, and will help your home keep the heat in. Caulk, spray foam or use weather stripping and it will have an impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills. Don't want to fuss with this - contact a handyman, or a reputable window, insulation or painting company. Many of them provide this service. 2. Fix your insulation situation. Insulation is typically the #1 way to save energy in your home. According to the Department of Energy (www.ornl.gov) "heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes." And according to EnergyStar, you could "save up to 10% of your total annual energy bill" just by sealing and insulating. 3. Clean and seal heating ducts. Almost 20% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. Over time, ducts can sag or collapse. Vermin and other animals can chew holes in crawl space duct work. Ducts can also come apart at the seams. When this happens, any air that should be going to the rooms in your home is instead being wasted by ending up in your attic, your walls, or under your house. If duct tape was used on your duct work originally, it's best to have it replaced with aluminum or foil tape. Traditional duct tape deteriorates quickly. Metal seams should be cleaned and then sealed with duct mastic, which doesn't crack. It creates a permanent seal. 4. Let your equipment breathe. Your heating and cooling systems depend on a flow of air to maximize their efficiency. Homeowners can take easy steps to help - change the furnace filter, and check for leaves/debris around an outside heat pump or air conditioner. A clogged air intake outside or dirty indoor furnace filter limits air flow to the equipment and causes it to function inefficiently. It can eventually lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. This is similar to changing the air filter in your car. Electronic filters typically need cleaning at least twice per year and paper filters need replacing. Check your product warranty for your manufacturer's specific instructions. 5. Open those registers. Many people close floor registers to push heat into certain parts of their house. Since about the late 60's the products installed in homes have been forced air furnaces. These are designed for a specific amount of air to flow through the furnace while operating. The duct work is designed for this amount of air also. When air registers are closed it reduces the airflow and allows heat to buildup in the system. That heat has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is up the flue and out of your house. Closing 1 or 2 registers is fine in rooms that get too hot. Keep as many registers open as possible so your furnace can operate at maximum efficiency. This is the same for heat pumps and central air conditioning. Airflow is key to efficient heating and saving money. Not sure where to start to make your home energy efficient? Consider a home energy audit. A certified audit uses the latest technology to analyze your house, measuring heat loss, combustion and air leakage. An audit will show you how your home uses and wastes energy. This will help you prioritize what you can do to get the most energy savings. Learn more about audits at washingtonenergy.com.  By: Gretchen Marks  Department of Energy - http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_01.html Energy Star - http://www.energystar.gov/ Washington Energy Services - www.washingtonenergy.com http://www.articlecity.com/articles/environment_and_going_green/article_1146.shtml

  Your tastes and personal style have created a beautiful setting for your home until now. But as you prepare for house hunters visiting the space, it might be time to let go of emotional attachment and transform your home into a stunning showpiece that any potential buyer would love. A touch of color If your walls need painting, applying a neutral color is usually recommended. But don't be afraid to have some fun with a color that will leave a lasting impression on people searching for the perfect, stand-out home. A bold color like Azalea married with the soft subtle hue of Chiffon and Swiss Coffee, all from Pratt & Lambert Paints, can create an energetic atmosphere while still giving your home a comfortable and relaxing vibe. Apply the bolder colors to an accent wall or on minor architectural elements throughout the home, to breathe fresh life into otherwise dull walls. Painting is a small project that can create the most impact when selling your home. But if your home is large and the thought of taking on a painting project seems overwhelming, never fear. Skilled painting contractors in your area can offer the talent and know-how to get any painting project done quickly, without sacrificing on quality. Ask a family member or friend for a reference, or visit an online resource like AngiesList.com for a verified list of professionals who can turn your vision into a reality. Take your space from aged to staged Another way to inspire potential buyers is by showing off a beautifully decorated and elegantly styled home. To get an expertly polished palace, hire an accredited staging professional, who will assess the space and plan a design that will have homebuyers stopping in their tracks. In fact, homes that are professionally staged spend 83 percent less time on the market, according to a survey conducted by The International Association of Home Staging Professionals and StagedHomes.com. The first thing the stager will do is de-clutter your home. Prospective buyers don't want to be reminded of the home's current owners, so removing personal photographs, over-the-top decorative items or over-sized furniture is an essential part of the process. They might also reconfigure furniture to improve the home's flow and function. Lighting is an important factor when showing a home, as well. Stagers will find a way to warm up the space and highlight focal points of the room using strategic light sources, creating an unforgettable space. And since more than 90 percent of potential buyers are searching online prior to visiting a home in person, professionally staged spaces are better able to communicate through photographs than generic shots. If you've already moved out of your house and into your new home, the stager will bring in key furniture and accessories to help house hunters envision themselves living there. Just like a too-cluttered home might turn off some buyers, a blank ho-hum look can give off a lackluster vibe, so staging an empty house can help any buyer see its true potential. By investing some time and money into the right kind of home improvement and staging projects, you can be confident knowing you're a step ahead of the competition and a step closer to giving a new homebuyer the home of his or her dreams.

  The experts at True Value know DIY projects are more popular than ever - particularly those that help preserve family heirlooms, tailor your home to your tastes or help you save time and money. Here some expert tips from the True Value DIY Squad on a few of these projects: Family traditions  It's easy to recognize the value of DIY when you take on a project that holds special meaning to you and your family. Take a look at old furniture or a family heirloom to see how you can breathe some new life into it. By doing this, you add history to your home, create something unique you can't purchase at a store and bring to life an item that can be passed along for future generations. "It's the emotional connections that make heirlooms so valuable," says Susan Herin, blogger for Between Naps on the Porch and a member of the DIY Squad. "Sometimes all it takes is some sanding, a fresh coat of paint and a bit of your time to refresh a family antique." Make it your own  Another benefit to DIY projects is that you have the freedom to personalize your space, making it a reflection of your personal taste. Think big picture, because oftentimes simple weekend projects can have a big impact. For instance, the DIY Squad recommends a fresh coat of paint to make a difference. Color can influence your mood and thoughts, so it's important that the colors of the rooms within your home reflect your personality and taste. Something as simple as reviving a room using color can breathe new life into you and your walls. Save time and money  Putting in a little elbow grease upfront can pay off by saving you time and money in the long run. You can take on many simple projects yourself without breaking the bank or waiting for the contractor to call you back. "Even if you have very little DIY experience, you can find resources to help you complete a project on time and within budget," says Marian Parsons, blogger for Miss Mustard Seed and a member of the DIY Squad. "When in doubt, a trip to your local True Value hardware store is where you will find the answer. The aisles are filled with the supplies you need and the people behind the counter have the expertise to help you get the job done right." For more DIY advice and weekend project inspiration, visit www.TrueValue.com, www.StartRightStartHere.com and Facebook.com/TrueValue.

Small kitchens are here to stay, whether as part of the trend toward smaller, more efficient homes or the reality of rental unit life. With some decorating creativity and practical design tactics, you can ensure your small kitchen yields large benefits - both in terms of enjoyment and resale value.

Summer is the perfect time to inspire your child and expose them to the world beyond their backyard. Just by having fun "traveling" with your family, you will not only be combating detrimental learning loss but also creating long-lasting memories. Applying Mireya Mayor's easy at-home tips can give your child knowledge of the world they will have for life.

Courtesy of BPT

  As a concept, the connected home probably sounds like a wonderful idea to any tech enthusiast. As a reality, it also probably feels very unattainable to the average homeowner making the average salary. While the benefits are appealing, the thought of installing technology that can tie together things like lighting, heating and air conditioning, and security sounds like an expensive proposition that can only be afforded by homeowners who live in the wealthiest neighborhoods. Not true. Recent advancements have made the prospect of affordable, advanced home-automation functions much more realistic for the average homeowner. The value of a home security system to improving safety is well-known; a five-year study by Rutgers University of Criminal Justice concluded that residential burglar alarm systems did decrease crime, says Robert Puric of home-security giant Honeywell. Homeowners are now using the same concept of connectivity to not only improves their life security but their lifestyles as well, and they're doing it affordably, too. Honeywell, for example, recently introduced a wireless controller that allows homeowners to control their lighting, locking, heating and air conditioning and (of course) security from a single touchscreen device. More than simplifying control, however, the device (called Tuxedo Touch) can help these systems work together. Tuxedo Touch can manage security, door locks, up to four video cameras, lighting, automated shades and temperature controls. It can be managed and controlled within the home through an iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Internet TV or any other compatible wireless mobile device, using either Wi-Fi or Ethernet - and literally at a fraction of the cost of a typical home-automation system. Additionally, home automation helps homeowners save even more money by cutting back on energy consumption. Automation systems can automatically reduce energy-using features like air-conditioning, heating, lighting or shades whenever the system's security function is armed - which usually indicates the home is unoccupied. These types of features can have a significant impact on energy bills to save money. This app-free, remote access provides homeowners with multiple lifestyle benefits, not the least of which is improved personal safety. Homeowners can: * Manage their home's energy efficiency. A home security system not only keeps the home's contents and people safe, it can help control energy costs as well. These systems allow homeowners to remotely change or set programmable thermostats, lower or raise automated blinds, and turn lights on or off. Or, users can set the system to automatically reduce energy-using features like air conditioning, heating or lighting whenever the system's security function is armed - which usually indicates the home is unoccupied. * Access video cameras that function as part of a security system. These cameras enable homeowners to not only see who's at their door, but also access real-time images or view video clips of what's going on inside the home. With Honeywell Total Connect remote services, homeowners can receive an alert that a child has arrived safely home from school, keep an eye on their pet, or take note of when a package has arrived on their doorstep. * Prevent home-damaging crisis. By placing environmental sensors in risk-prone areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, utility rooms or unfinished basements with exposed pipes, homeowners can monitor for leaks, floods or extreme temperature changes. Used in conjunction with a remote services product, environmental sensors can help homeowners catch potentially costly problems. Knowing right away that a pipe has burst or a leak has occurred can give homeowners the opportunity to repair the problems before they cause extensive damage. In the past, separate keypads controlled security, heating and air conditioning, lighting and other systems, says Puric. Wi-Fi technology has made the concept of the 'connected home' a reality. Home security and communication in one has never been easier or more affordable to achieve. Courtesy of BPT

Courtesy of BPT