If you’re considering a home improvement project consider the latest trends in home fashion and design.  Take a look at some of these recent innovations in home design. 

Surfaces: Engineered stone is more affordable and less porous than granite.  Reflective glass tiles are becoming more popular than traditional ceramic tiles.

Flooring: Bamboo is tougher and more eco-friendly than wood flooring, but beware that low-cost versions risk warping. Concrete slabs are now retro-chic, along with exposed brick or steel in walls. Cork has become a hip, durable and quiet floor.

Home Automation Systems:  Household functions including lighting, climate control, personal computers, window coverings and home entertainment systems can be wired and controlled by a single on-site or off-site control system.

Garage Conversions:  Flooring, enclosed walls, lighting and furnishings can add usable living space and still provide for storage.  Purpose-specific spaces are also popular in other parts of the home.

Contact me, Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners, Andover, MA  for more ways to improve the value of your home.

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Is your home ready for a change?  Even if you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money on a major remodel, there are many options that will give your home an instant facelift and provide a great return on your investment. Across the county, homeowners are looking to upgrade their homes with purpose and style. Whether to increase value, add functionality or create a more enjoyable living environment remodeling projects account for about 40% of all residential construction spending and about 2  per cent of the U. S. economy.  Homes that lack features of other homes in the neighborhood tend to sell for less and stay on the market longer.  Still its important to remember that some home improvement projects will give you a better return on your investment than others.  For example, the addition of a new office, extra bath or a spare bedroom are projects which add the most value to your home while a "lifestyle" home improvement project  such as a swimming pool  or tennis court may be important to you as a home owner but may not add measurable real estate value.  For more information about the latest trends in home design or to find out more about which projects will give you the greatest return on your home improvement investment, give me a call or contact me, Paulette Zuena, RE/MAX Partners in Andover, MA.

Without a doubt we are living in an extraordinary  information age. Media reports, statistics, advertising and market data are all truly at our fingertips.  The key is understanding how all of the market reports, trends and mortgage options impact your unique personal, financial and family needs.  Like all major financial decisions it’s important to have advise and knowledge you can depend upon. As a REMAX agent with expert knowledge of the Andover, North Andover and Boxford real estate markets I can help you find the facts you need to make a wise home buying decision. In my decade of experience helping both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs I understand that no two home buyers or sellers are alike.  Please contact  Paulette Zuena, to learn  how I can help you find the home that’s right for you.

What exactly is a "buyer’s market?"  According to the National Association of Realtors, a "buyer’s market" occurs when there is more than a 6 month inventory of homes for sale in a particular market area. The concept is similar to that of other goods and services and relates to the more familiar economic principle of "supply and demand." For buyers who are able to qualify for a mortgage, this is truly an excellent time to consider purchasing a home and an experienced, professional real estate agent can guide you through the complicated process of buying a home.  Whether your a first time home buyer or currently own a home and are looking to move let Paulette Zuena guide you through the maze of financing options, legal documents, inspection procedures and disclosure requirements so important in today’s market. As an expert in the Andover, North Andover and Boxford Massachusetts communities, I can help you find the home and neighborhood that is right for you.

"Has the housing market reached the bottom or will prices keep falling?"  I get asked this question several times a day and while it seems like a logical question to ask when thinking about when to buy or sell a home, the truth is, housing prices are only part of the equation to be considered.  I came across an interesting statistic…actually presented to me by my colleague Mike Elias, Senior Loan Officer at the Mortgage Network.  Did you know that mortgage interest rates have only been lower than this month’s fixed rate for 48 out of the past 447 months?  It’s important for buyers to remember that a small increase in interest rates can quickly offset any savings they might realize by a reduced asking price.  This chart clearly illustrates this point.  For a copy of this report and other valuable information, contact Mike Elias at the Mortgage Network or Paulette Zuena at ReMax Partners in Andover, MA.  Together we can help you with all of your real estate needs.

The news reports certainly paint a discouraging picture of the housing market.  Even if we’re not currently considering a move, for many of us our homes are our single most valuable asset.   I believe that is one reason the health of our nation’s housing market is so important to us.  I also believe that it is also the reason the news outlets broadcast reports daily.  For most Americans owning a home truly is the American dream.  Consider this– forecasting national housing market trends is similar to forecasting the national weather. Just like the weather, real estate is local.  Did you know, for example, that while the total number of single family homes sold in Andover and North Andover this year compared to the same time period last year is fewer the median sales price of homes sold in Andover is holding steady at $550,000 and has increased from $494,000 to $500,500 in North Andover?   For the best local and up-to-date information on your neighborhood contact me. I can help you sort through the conflicting news reports and help you determine the true value of your home or home purchase.

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