Principles of Organization

Doesn't it feel great to get your home organized?  The hardest part is just figuring out where to begin. According to Houzz there are 10 principles that keep the process simple and keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

1. Determine your active and passive areas: The spots that you touch or pass daily are considered active.  This can include the entryway, top drawers and eye-level shelves. Passive areas are the zones that are used less frequently like a guest room, low shelving, and deep nooks in closets.  Keep the items you don't use frequently in the less active spaces.
2. Don't over organize: You need to be able to find things when you need them.  Clear containers and open baskets help corral contents while still letting you see inside. If you use containers that aren't transparent, you might take a picture of the objects inside or label them.
3.Beautify open storage: Choose carefully whatever you decide to display on open shelves.  Make certain it is visually pleasing and colorfully arranged.
4. Make clean up a breeze: Especially when it comes to kids' toys, use easily accessible bins, boxes, hampers and hooks.  
5. Arrange by task: The easiest way to describe this is to think of a first-aid kit.  Conveniently cluster everything you might need to care for an injury.  Shoe boxes work well for grouping small items together.
6. Everybody needs a mudroom or similar area: Create a space for all of the stuff that is constantly in transit like keys, leashes, purses, etc. Don't let these items randomly pile up.  Dedicate a space that will keep them all neat.  The most logical space would be to put a few baskets on a shelf near the main entrance to your home.
7. Subdivide: If you are using a drawer to store small items consider an organizer.  Without them you are inviting clutter and chaos in the kitchen.  Subdivide your junk drawer, office supplies, cutlery, etch. and arrange neatly into drawers.
8. Look up:  Organize vertically by using shelf risers to increase cabinet capacity. Add wall mounted hooks and holders to store brooms, mops, and handled tools to get them off the floor.
9. Choose wisely:  Pick the right container for the job at hand.  You don't want to ruin your wedding gown or precious family photos.  Be smart and take preventative measures by choosing acid free containers for pictures or breathable boxes for storing clothing.
10. Keep it low: Store heavy items low so you don't have to balance something that weighs a ton while wobbling on a ladder. You wouldn't want a heavy item to fall out of a cabinet and land on someone's head so keep anything that takes effort to lift down below waist height.
For other great home ideas visit www.SunCoastHome.com

Kitchen Projects that Pay You Back

Adding major value to your home can easily be achieved by using modern, stylish material (www.hgtv.com).  Simply updating countertops and sinks can set the tone for the entire kitchen. Popular choices include granite, quartz, concrete, marble, slate, tile and onyx. Laminates, while priced low, are generally considered outdated.

When choosing a material for your home, consider durability, maintenance and cost.  Natural stone counters can cost up to $300 per square foot. The elegant, earthy, upscale look is pulling homeowners toward the wide range of colors offered by stones like marble, limestone and soapstone.

The fewer seams and less porous the material, the less likely it will be to have water and bacteria creating unsanitary conditions. Stainless steel and solid surface counters are not porous and offer a look that is seamless.

Sinks are also getting smarter and more stylish.  Undermount sinks, versus the traditional top mount, are trendy and offer a sleek design. Today's kitchens are highly functional with multiple work zones.  Many homeowners are installing drain trays and built in preparation boards to add extra workspace.

While budgets can be limiting, kitchen design has infinite possibilities. Choose attractive modern patterns and materials that create a unique look for your home and bring you satisfaction. When it comes time to sell, your happiness will shine through to new potential buyers.

For additional design ideas, check us out at www.Suncoasthome.com.

Pura Vida - Far from the Simple Life

The sugar white sand on North Clearwater Beach is beckoning you to a new home. Introducing the only beachfront new construction project available on Clearwater Beach...Pura Vida! The planned residence is a boutique style building with 22 condos using the highest quality standards. It will feature 6 living levels plus two floors of parking. Prices start at $975,000 for a 3 BR/3.5 BA 2000-3000 sq ft unit.  Each residence will have 2 assigned parking spots plus a storage unit.  Amenities to include a heated pool, fitness center and meeting room. For more information, on Pura Vida Condos, visit Kohan Group at www.Suncoasthome.com.

Astoria Beach Club coming to Madeira Beach

You've heard the saying, "The Early Bird Catches the Worm".  In this case, the worm is soon-to-be built Astoria Beach Club. New luxury condominium homes are being planned on beautiful Madeira Beach, FL.  Have you ever dreamed of owning a premier residential beachfront property? Now is the opportune time you have been waiting for!

 Astoria Beach Club will feature stunning classic architecture with the finest quality finishes and appliances. The kitchen and baths will feature custom quality solid wood cabinetry with beveled edge granite tops. Each residence will own a private two-car garage and private laundry room.  An outdoor pool/spa with waterfall gives you a second option to the tranquil gulf beach. Pre-construction pricing ranges from $925,000 for nearly 2000 square foot unit up to $2,250,000 for a penthouse boasting over 4400 square feet.  

If you are interested in learning more about Astoria Beach Club or any other properties along our beautiful Gulf Beaches feel free to contact Kohan & Associates through our website at www.Suncoasthome.com. We can't wait to show you our gorgeous community.

Tips for House Hunting in a Seller's Market

In a seller's market there is an abundance of buyers in comparison to the supply of available homes. Imaginably prices skyrocket and multiple offer situations abound.  How can you make your offer more appealing than countless others?  Consider these easy steps to help ensure an ideal result:

1. Get Prequalified - Visit your bank to learn how much of a mortgage you can afford. Showing a prequal letter to sellers lets them know you are making a serious offer.

2. Look Around - Research all that is available then investigate the properties which are realistic matches for your budget.

3. Sharpen Your Pencil - Be prepared to fill in a load of paperwork.  Mortgage lenders are cautious when it comes to lending money.  Be prepared for the onslaught of questions by organizing your financial documents before meeting with the lender.  This will help expedite the process and raise your chances of getting a good deal.

4. Pop in Frequently - Visit the neighborhood where you are considering purchasing a home to learn as much as possible.  Regularly stop by the area at different times during the day.  Talk to neighbors. Eat at the local restaurants.

5. Remain flexible - In a highly competitive market you might have to settle just a little. Make small concessions without simply settling. Focus on the features you want and need the most but shop with flexibility on your mind.

6. Negotiate - If several potential buyers desire the same property, make your offer stand out as the best one by providing an incentive.  There are legally acceptable ways of doing this. For example, you might offer as much cash as you can, waive seller's fees, or decline seller-provided warranties.

7. Make a Strong Offer - Lowballing is out.  Be in line with your competition by offering the asking price or higher. work with the seller to determine their preference on closing date and other contingencies.

8. Don't Over settle - Even in a competitive market, you can feel if a property is the right fit for you. Go with your gut. Even if a home is in your price range, it might not meet the majority of your expectations. If you can't find something that works for you, wait out the hot market.

9. Find a Fabulous Agent - Some people think only a seller needs to use an agent.  There are buyer's representative, negotiation specialists and professional agents who know how to get results.  make sure you have a specialist working for you.

If you are considering purchasing or selling your home, reach out to us.  The team of Kohan Group will be in your corner. Find us at www.Suncoasthome.com.