Green Real Estate Appraiser

Tracking the latest trends in countertops, appliances

Posted on May 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

Question: I’m hearing that granite counters and stainless-steel appliances are out. Is this true? I want to update our kitchen, but unfortunately my husband surprised me by putting a deposit on new stainless-steel appliances. They’re the ones I want, but is that why they were on sale? I don’t want our kitchen to be out of date before we even finish it!

–Joanna

Answer: It’s really hard to stay on top of the trends, even for experts like me. So stick to what you like, unless you’re selling your house soon. Even so, neutral finishes for your counters, paint and cabinetry don’t need to be boring. I love warm neutrals, including off whites, buttercream yellows and grays.

Granite has been used for counters for decades for very good reason. It’s durable, resists stains well unless it’s a light color, blends with a variety of styles and is still very popular. Granite is available in a rainbow of colors from solid blacks to whites to soothing earth tones to wildly patterned reds, greens, blues and yellows.

Do these upgrades add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Granite as a countertop material is still most definitely in. For a fresh look, choose a variety that is a mix of gray, off whites, creamy colors or even white. A satiny “honed” finish will make the granite look warm and modern.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only.

The 100-MPG Car You Can Build!!!

Posted on May 30, 2013 | Leave a comment

What started in the summer of 2008 as an ambitious project to create a do-it-yourself, 100 miles-per-gallon sports car within a budget of $10,000 has come full circle. MAX (Mother’s Automotive eXperiment) now has more than 100,000 miles in its logbook and consistently achieves 100 mpg at speeds from 45 to 55 mph.

The project proves triple-digit fuel efficiency is feasible — even on a tight budget, and especially if you build your own car. If I can make a 100-mpg car in my Oregon garage, what could the major automakers be giving us?

That said, it’s important to understand upfront that MAX is not comparable to a modern sedan, with all of the creature comforts most drivers expect. But it doesn’t need to be.

MAX is marvelously practical as a second car, or as a primary car for those who rarely need more space than a two-seater provides. You can use MAX to get groceries or go to work. It won’t replace the minivan when you need to get your kid’s soccer team to practice, but you likely don’t need a minivan for most of your drives.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Ventless Washer/Dryer Units

Posted on May 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

The in-unit washer and dryer is a coveted home and rental feature – a luxury appreciated by anyone who has lugged bags of clothes to the Laundromat in the rain.

There’s an important reason some units, especially in multi-unit housing, can’t offer this amenity. Besides the obvious space requirement, most dryers need a vent to move the warm, moist air outside. Those who can’t drill an exhaust hole in their home are out of luck.

Do appliances add value to your property? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your value questions.

Luckily, new and improved washer/dryer combination units will wash clothes and then dry them by circulating the same hot air over and over again, so there’s no need for an exhaust vent. “These are a solution for those who can’t install a conventional dryer or don’t have space for a full laundry system because they live in studios, apartments or small homes,” says Dave VanderWaal, director of brand marketing for home appliances for LG Electronics USA.

There is one main trade-off. “Because the dryer isn’t vented, the air inside stays pretty moist,” says Bob Baird, a merchandising vice president for The Home Depot. “It takes a lot longer – three hours or more – to dry clothes. For people who don’t do a lot of laundry, that might be fine, but if someone has kids and does a bunch of loads every week, it might be an issue.”

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Tracking the latest trends in countertops, appliances

The 100-MPG Car You Can Build!!!

Ventless Washer/Dryer Units

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