And there are ways to make your small kitchen really pack a punch. Banquettes can give you an eat-in-kitchen AND storage. Major bang for your buck.

Minor changes like increasing counter depth or extending the cabinetry to the ceiling can gain precious inches. New gliding cabinet systems, installed after the cabinetry, can make the space you have even more useful.

In a tiny kitchen, renovate by adding what square footage you can and making the rest really count. You’ll be buying less counter-top so upmarket it. Same for the hardware and flooring. If you can’t go big, go luxe!

“While costing a little more initially, granite kitchen countertops are amazingly affordable and more than make up for the initial cost in terms of durability and ease-of-use and luxurious looks. They also add value to your property, especially in terms of resale value. You can very well find that those granite counter tops you are enjoying five years down the road can be a major selling point.”

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/752963

Homeowners who remodel recover the following percentages of their remodeling costs at resale (note: upscale projects include stone):

• Bathroom remodel-upscale: 92.6%
• Bathroom addition-upscale: 84.3%
• Kitchen remodel-upscale: 79.6%

~ 2003 Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine

In a study of materials for kitchen countertops, granite had the highest number of “excellent” ratings of any surface.

~ Consumer Reports

Right now, we’re looking forward to St. Patrick’s day, and so far local images can’t compare with this one from Chicago. Come on, Boston, you can do better than Chicago!

I was incredibly excited to bring you this technology when RE/MAX unveiled its new Green Room in December 2011. This allows us to personalize presentations. I can now show your home to buyers with a streamlined, professional production that brings it straight into their home. Viewing your home online has been a tremendous convenience for savvy buyers–now we’re taking it to the next level.

As a real estate professional, I strive to be a frontrunner and that means learning what clients want and need. Part of my 2012 business plan involved a focus group to help me fine-tune my website and blog. Take a look at KristyB.com and The Real Estate Skinny and tell me what you think.

Six more weeks of 50 degrees? How bad can that be?  

This year, with no snow-cover, spring bulbs are pushing up early and buds are swelling on the trees. This is a little alarming from a climate-change point of view, but New Englanders will take what respite they get. It’s acting like spring, so let’s shake this winter up.

First of all, take a look around your home. Clean out those beds and trim back the winter grasses. Don’t start pruning the roses until you see the forsythia blooming, but you can take your loppers to overgrown trees safely. I have a patch of catmint that neighborhood cats have been enjoying all season, so that needs tidying up in a big way.

Once beds are cleared out, assess. If you’re putting your home up for sale, a little yardwork can translate into big bucks. Go to Home Depot or Mahoneys and get some budding or blooming spring bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, tulips and hyacinths can all take the cold and can be safely planted out now. They’ll shrug off snow and linger longer with cooler temps. Plant some pansies among them and you’ve got a pleasing spring vignette that will welcome you and house hunters!

Get some yard ideas from The National Wildlife Foundation, and get your yard certified as a Wildlife Habitat. The requirements include providing food, shelter, water, and places to raise young. If you have older trees on the property, you may already have three of these! Just add a water feature, which is a selling point in and of itself, and you can do it. There is a fee involved, but it may help you find that “green” buyer who will appreciate your property.

Take a look at the rest of your “honey-do” list, and make any additions. If your list is overwhelming, check out my All-Stars for professional help. Even if you’re not selling or buying a home, make yours look the best it can. After all, the groundhog says you’ve got six more weeks of mild winter to get a jump on it!

Maybe all you see right now is horrible wallpaper and carpet that would be sketchy even without the DNA stains…But don’t be THAT buyer!

Welcome to Home of the Week. Every week I’ll feature a different home for sale. Each Home of the Week is carefully selected based on its value, not its appeal (although some of them could be very cute).  These properties truly are a “best buy”.

Don’t necessarily fall for the cosmetics.  Buying smart is buying good location, flow, light, amenities, and space for the price.  If you can see past clutter and outdated decorating, you stand a good chance to buy into property with more equity once you’ve done some cosmetic overhauls.   The quintessential “Little Old Lady House” may have shag carpet, eagle wallpaper, and older kitchens and baths.  But it may also have a new roof and heating system and many valuable amenities like a fireplace, garage and nice yard, which would be expensive or impossible to install. Painting of the rooms and floor refinishing won’t cost you much but will increase the value of the house tremendously. (My All-Stars can make short work of that “to-do” list. Just ask me!)

This week we have a real charmer. Meet 60 Renwick Road, Wakefield.

How refreshing to find a home in this price range in superb condition, thoroughly charming and exceptionally hip. This ranch boasts a beautifully updated EIK with granite counter, cool metal backsplash and tile floor which opens to fireplaced living room. 3 good-sized BRs, master with double closet, all with HW floors. Nice yard & deck. New full bath. LL has two bright, sunny rms, great for office, play and entertaining – tile floor and recessed lighting. Walk to train or bus. Simply super value!

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	MLS # 71267279 – Active Single Family – Detached 60 Renwick Road List Price: $325,000 Wakefield, MA 01880 Middlesex County Style: Ranch Total Rooms: 7 Color: White Bedrooms: 3 Grade School: Apply Bathrooms: 1f 1h Middle School: Galvin Middle Master Bath: No High School: Wakefield High Fireplaces: 1 Handicap Access/Features: Directions: Renwick Road across from Spring Street Extension. Remarks Property Information Approx. Living Area: 1376 sq. ft. Approx. Acres: 0.14 (5894 sq. ft.) Garage Spaces: 0  – Living Area Includes: Finished Basement Heat Zones: 1  Hot Water Baseboard, Gas Parking Spaces: 3  Off-Street, Tandem Living Area Source: Public Record Cool Zones: 0  None Approx. Street Frontage: Living Area Disclosures: includes finished basement space. Room Levels, Dimensions and Features Room Level Size Features Living Room: 1 15×13 Fireplace, Ceiling Fan(s), Window(s) – Picture Kitchen: 1 18×10 Flooring – Stone/Ceramic Tile, Countertops – Stone/Granite/Solid Master Bedroom: 1 16×13 Ceiling Fan(s), Flooring – Hardwood, Closet Bedroom 2: 1 14×10 Ceiling Fan(s), Closet Bedroom 3: 1 10×9 Flooring – Hardwood, Closet Bath 1: 1 Bathroom – Full Bath 2: B Bathroom – Half Play Room: B 20×12 Flooring – Stone/Ceramic Tile Den: B 12×11 Flooring – Stone/Ceramic Tile Features Appliances: Range, Dishwasher, Disposal Area Amenities: Public Transportation, Shopping, Conservation Area, House of Worship, Private School, Public School, T-Station Basement: Yes   Full, Partially Finished Beach: No Construction: Frame Electric: Circuit Breakers Exterior: Vinyl Exterior Features: Deck, Fenced Yard Flooring: Tile, Concrete, Hardwood, Other (See Remarks) Foundation Size: 35×24 Foundation Description: Poured Concrete Hot Water: Natural Gas, Tank Insulation: None Lot Description: Paved Drive, Other (See Remarks) Road Type: Public, Paved, Publicly Maint. Roof Material: Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles Sewer Utilies: City/Town Sewer Utility Connections: for Electric Range, for Electric Oven, for Gas Dryer Water Utilities: City/Town Water Waterfront: No Other Property Info Adult Community: No Disclosure Declaration: Yes Disclosures: See Seller’s Statement and Listing Sheet. Legal address is 8 Spring Street. No permit for wood stove Exclusions: See Inclusion/Exclusions Sheet. Home Own Assn: No Lead Paint: Unknown UFFI: Unknown  Warranty Features: No Year Built: 1945  Source: Public Record Year Built Description: Approximate Year Round: Yes Short Sale w/Lndr.App.Req: Unknown Lender Owned: Undisclosed Tax Information Pin #: Assessed: $294,800 Tax: $3378.41  Tax Year: 2011 Book: 35695  Page: 289 Cert: Zoning Code: SR Map:   Block:   Lot: The information in this listing was gathered from third party sources including the seller and public records. MLS Property Information Network and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information. Content ©2012 MLS Property nformation Network, Inc.www.KristyB.com ~ 781-479-4066

Get the Real Estate Skinny on the House of the Week, every week!

Not missing last year's snow!

Winter is definitely here, and while the kids are glad to see snow, you probably aren’t. Take heart, winter around here means some good things are back.

Swap Day at the Medford Family Network The Medford Family Network is locally famous for many reasons, and one of them happens Saturday morning. It’s their seasonal swap of baby, children, and maternity gear and clothes. Just come on by the Network at 489 Winthrop Street in Medford (at Medford High School). All items are free for the taking. Really. Free. Come and see what all the excitement is about.

Skate Medford offers a free skate lesson on January 21, at 9 am at LoConte Rink near Route 16 in Medford. It’s open to the first 70 registrants, and it kicks off their Learn to Skate Program. Go to www.medfordrechockey.com for more information.

If we get enough snow to sled (not a problem last winter!) local sledding hot spots are “The Res” or Fellsmere Pond on the Medford/Malden line, and Professor’s Row at Tufts University. Find other options here.

Kristy

While the wine was a hit with the grown-ups, the kids really seemed to enjoy the Candy Bar and take-home bags. That gave the adults time to talk and enjoy the company. The drizzly night really showcased the RE/Max office as a friendly place to drop in and chat. I love the location and it ‘s a great place to work!

So I’m sorry if you missed our soiree last night, but I still want to catch up. Send an email or call; YOU are the reason we had a great year.

More pictures to follow!