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Some Helpful Hints for a Kitchen Redesign

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The kitchen is often the heart of the home, where many of us spend a significant amount of time preparing meals, entertaining guests and hosting family gatherings.

Redesigning your kitchen can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with a little planning and organization, it can become an enjoyable experience. In this blog post, we've researched and compiled some helpful hints for redesigning your kitchen practically and stylishly. The goal is to make your kitchen aesthetically pleasing and functional. These tips will help make the kitchen renovation more manageable and enjoyable, from selecting appliances and fixtures to choosing the right color scheme. With these helpful hints, you can create a beautiful and functional kitchen that suits your style and needs.

Determine Your Budget and Set Priorities
Budgeting should be the first item on the to-do list when redesigning a kitchen. It's essential to sit down and determine how much you can afford to spend on appliances, cabinets and other necessary renovations in your kitchen. Once you have an estimate, it's important to prioritize your needs and wants in the kitchen. A wise approach is to keep in mind the resale value of your property, especially if you plan on selling it in the future. Some upgrades could significantly increase the overall value of your home, so it is essential to have a clear idea of the added value the renovation can bring. Setting a budget and prioritizing your needs will help ensure your kitchen redesign is successful.

Select a Design Scheme
Kitchen design is crucial in determining its overall appearance and functionality. Cabinets, countertops, flooring and lighting fixtures are all key components to consider when selecting a design scheme. With abundant resources available, including social media, blogs and home interior magazines, finding inspiration for a design that matches your style should be easy. It is important to remember that when choosing a design scheme, you must also consider what potential buyers may find appealing. Ultimately, the goal is to create a kitchen that suits your functional needs and reflects your unique tastes.

Maximize Storage Space
Maximizing storage space in the kitchen is a crucial aspect of kitchen design. Whether it's for everyday cooking or holiday entertaining, you want to be able to store all of your cookware, utensils and appliances in an organized and efficient manner. Utilizing cabinets with pull-out shelves and customizable drawers can make a vast difference in maximizing storage space in the kitchen. Ceiling-high cabinets and wall racks for pots and pans also optimize vertical space. A kitchen island or pantry is an excellent storage and counter space addition. Considering these storage solutions, you can create a functional and efficient kitchen design that maximizes storage space.

Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
In today's world, energy efficiency is a top priority when choosing household appliances. The good news is that modern technology has made it possible to have energy-efficient appliances in your home. This saves you money on energy bills in the long run and helps reduce your carbon footprint. To ensure optimal efficiency, it is important to look for appliances that bear the ENERGY STAR® label as they meet the EPA's standards for quality and efficiency. Beyond the cost savings, energy-efficient appliances also add to the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your home. By opting for energy-efficient appliances, you can take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Choose Quality Materials
When planning to renovate your kitchen, it is important to choose quality materials. From countertops to cabinets, the materials you choose will impact both the appearance and longevity of your kitchen. To ensure your kitchen remains beautiful for years to come, opt for high-quality materials that require minimal maintenance, such as quartz countertops and ceramic tiles. Details like hinges and door handles also make a significant difference in the overall look of your kitchen. Paying attention to such details will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but will also contribute to its durability. Ultimately, selecting quality materials is a wise investment in your home.

Redesigning a kitchen can be daunting, but with these helpful hints, the process can be simplified. When it comes to a kitchen remodel, functionality is key. A well-designed kitchen should not only be beautiful, but it should also be efficient and easy to use. Choose quality materials and appliances that will stand the test of time, and don't hesitate to seek the advice of a design professional. When designing your new kitchen, consider the style of your home and choose a layout that will maximize space while still looking great. By keeping these helpful hints in mind, you can be sure to create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.

Get more tips on RISMedia.

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As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Welcome to the Farm

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West + Main agent Doug Yetman and his wife Amy purchased a dilapidated horse property in Lakewood with the goal of making it their dream urban farm—Yetman Farms!

The Journey of Yetman Farm

 
 
 
 

"The kitchen and dining area are our favorite! This multi-purpose room is where we gather with friends, sit by the fireplace, entertain gaggles of kids and do prep work for items grown on our farm. We vaulted the ceilings in the kitchen and dining area and added skylights to give it a more modern/open feel. The room now offers wonderful, 180-degree views of our property. We love sitting at our huge farm table in front of our big bay window and viewing our property in any season!"

 
 
 
 

"We always lean towards classic traditional designs that allow art and furniture to shine. Plus, we love adding vintage and thrift store finds to any project. Though this was not as old as our previous houses, we also like to respect the era that the house was built in--late 1960s in this case--so we made choices that would fit the existing house. We also have a good friend, Kate Bendewald, who is also a talented designer and helped us design the kitchen."

 
 
 
 
“... we have always been big gardeners and for years talked about moving to some wide open spaces”
 
 

"We wanted it to be a place where we could embrace and commune with nature, welcome community and even do some entrepreneurial things," explained Doug. "Since then, we have added a grain-bin/studio/office, chickens, three goats, barn kitties, a mini-horse, a retired show-horse and planted a flower farm where we host events including 'pick your own' days."

 
 

"At the outset, we knew we had two major expenses that were not sexy—a full roof replacement AND replacing the crumbing septic system by tapping into a city sewer line that was over 100 yards away," remembers Doug. "These were high-ticket items but we knew they would bring long-term peace of mind and value to the home. We saved money by keeping the footprints of many rooms the same--for example, the we didn’t change the footprint of any of the bathrooms--we just modernized and updated!"

 
 

"We have always been big gardeners, loved animals and for years talked about moving to some 'wide open spaces,' and in the fall of 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, we both were longing for more nature, and a place where we could raise our three daughters with more access to the outdoors. The property had been neglected for years, and Amy led the charge on design choices, and thankfully our design aesthetics generally match," said Doug. 

 
 

For more info on the farm visit

yetmanfarms.com

Wallpaper: Rifle Paper Company “Menagerie”

Paint: White Dove

Tile: Casablanca White Zellige  by Zia Tile + Chloe in White from Bedrosians

Wide-plank White Oak: Revive Flooring

Stove: Ilve

Aged Brass Rail: deVOL kitchens

One-of-a-kind Light Fixtures: Chairish and Etsy

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Find a Dog a Home: Meet Watson!

 

I’m Watson + I’m looking for a new home!

Meet Watson! He came into the shelter on July 29 when his owner could no longer take care of him. He is a 6 year old mix breed, current on his shots + has been neutered. He gets along well with kids + other dogs. He is a sweet, happy boy in desperate need of a loving home where he can run and play + be taken care of the way he deserves. He would be a wonderful companion, as he loves his people and just wants to be loved back. Please consider adopting Watson. You can find him at the Carteret Humane Society, 853 Hibbs Road, Newport. Looking for the perfect dog for your home? Reach out, I’d be happy to help make a rescue connection!

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Carteret County Real Estate Market Report from July 2023

 
 

As summer vacations end and interest rates continue to climb, the Carteret County market remains unpredictable.

The average sales price in July for single family homes in Carteret County was $497,921, the average days on market was 47.

Would-be buyers and sellers are weighing their dilemmas. They love their historically low interest rates on their home, but no longer love their home. 91.8 percent of mortgages in the U.S. are under six per-cent. To showcase this current issue, new listings were down 27 percent month over month.

Inventory aside, many would-be buyers are in a position where they need to sell their home first before purchasing a new one. As a result, contingent sales are on the rise. In a landscape with market uncertainty, contingencies allow buyers some confidence purchasing a new home. Sellers are more willing to accept contingent offers today as they realize the market is shifting, and ultimately, want to sell their homes.
Buyers who do not need to sell to purchase their next home are looking at 2-1, or other temporary buy-down programs, to help alleviate interest rates. The general prediction is that rates will go down within the next year, allowing these borrowers to refinance to a lower rate which helps buyers purchase now as opposed to waiting.
This may be the best time to buy in recent history as buyers can finally negotiate after enduring years of a strong seller's market. The biggest tip for those shopping for homes? Look at homes that have been on the market for 30 to 60+ days. These sellers want to sell and have very likely dropped the list price at least once.
There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for those of us who thrive on a predictable market. Historically, July and August are slower months with a rebound occurring in September. Let’s hope for a strong fall!

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. I’m here to help.

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Here’s why rates can vary so much from place to place, plus 5 cities with the highest rates

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Property taxes can be a major expense for households, and several factors may affect the size of the bill, research shows.

These levies, which typically fund public services, such as K-12 education, police and firefighters, can be tough to compare across jurisdictions.

But there are four key reasons for differences: property tax reliance, property values, local spending and classification, according to a new report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy and Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence.

“In some communities, local residents are willing to pay higher taxes but expect higher spending on things like public parks and a robust public transportation network,” said Katherine Loughead, a senior policy analyst with the Center for State Tax Policy at the Tax Foundation. “In other communities, residents are less interested in the expense of public amenities but instead want to pay lower taxes.”

Property tax is “really instrumental” as a local revenue source, but Loughead stressed that every community has different priorities and budgeting goals.

Property taxes have ‘so many variables’

“With property taxes, it’s pretty simple stuff,” said Richard Auxier, senior policy associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. “But there are just so many variables.”

For example, there may be state restrictions on property tax growth or relief programs for certain residents, such as elderly, disabled or veteran homeowners.

This is why your next-door neighbor’s property tax bill can be so different from yours, Auxier explained. “When you turn the knobs to different points, you get different outcomes.”

Generally, cities tend to have more expensive property tax rates if there’s high property tax reliance, low property values or more robust local government spending, the report concludes.

The report analyzed the effective tax rate, or taxes as a percentage of a property’s market value, for more than 100 cities to better understand these variances. The calculation also included factors such as exemptions and credits.

5 highest effective property tax rates in 2022

These are the five highest effective property tax rates on a median-value home in 2022:

  1. Detroit: 3.21%

  2. Newark, New Jersey: 3.20%

  3. Aurora, Illinois: 3.04%

  4. Bridgeport, Connecticut: 3.04%

  5. Portland, Oregon: 2.59%

The average effective tax rate for median-value homes was 1.32% in 2022, based on the report’s analysis of the largest city in each state.

Of course, cities with high effective tax rates can still have relatively low property tax bills, based on home values.

For example, Los Angeles and Wichita, Kansas, have a similar effective tax rate of around 1.16%. But Los Angeles homeowners have significantly higher property tax bills due to much higher median home values.

Learn more on CNBC.

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