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Produced ByAdvertising Editorial Staff

lubbockonline.com homes.lubbockonline.com LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Inside Real Estate: homes.lubbockonline.com - Page 3Local Real Estate News - Page 5 On The Web: Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

View Full MLS Listings & Open House ListWTHBA Featured Floorplan - Page 7Front entry makeover - Page 9

Where did you grow up? Levelland

Why do you live in the Lubbock area? What do you like most about it?

Where else can you see stunning sunsets, drive just 15 minutes to anywhere, and live with the best peo-ple? I tried Dallas and San Antonio, which are great to visit, but Lubbock is home!

How long have you worked in real estate?

10 years

What did you do before that?

I was a food broker mainly in training and sales.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?

When you partner with me as your real estate agent, you also get Coldwell Banker and a full-time staff. I have 10 years experience with an average of 38 sales per year. I continue to study market trends, inventory and mortgage changes. We utilize all the latest technol-ogy and I love what I do.

What is your specialty? I am Residential Special-

ist. I do enjoy the challenge of investment properties, but there is a real thrill in handing first-time home buyers the keys to their dream!

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?

Every property is unique in its own way.

What are the most grati-fying and most challeng-ing aspects of what you do?

The challenges that exist are the ever-changing mort-gage rules and educating clients that are not familiar with our market. The grati-fying aspects are helping people fill the need of the American Dream.

What designations do you have and what does that mean for the people you work with?

ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) will ensure buyers that I am in their corner. CHMS (Certified Home Marketing Specialist) gives me the tools to help seller’s not only maximize the approach and appear-ance of the home, but all the tools that we have at

Coldwell Banker. CMAS (Cendant Mobility Affinity Specialist) will help any cli-ents relocating to and from Lubbock. CNS (Certified Negotiation Specialist) helps me understand how to nego-tiate on behalf of buyers and sellers to create a win-win

situation.

What tips do you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home? Buyers should be pre-ap-proved from a local mort-gage company. Stay away from the dot-comers. Sellers

ought to partner with a full-time real estate agent that has knowledge on market conditions and has past sales history with a strong company solid in explosive marketing efforts.

What do you see in the future for real estate sales?

As always, Lubbock is slow and steady with posi-tive growth. Considering all the factors Lubbock has to offer – many colleges, the medical district, cotton and oil – I believe prices on existing homes will appreci-ate and new construction will thrive.

What local organizations and charities are you involved in?National Association of Re-altors, Texas Association of Realtors, Lubbock Associa-tion of Realtors, Kingdom Preparatory Academy, Christ in The Arts

What is the most inter-esting place you have ever been?I should say Disney World. Because I’m just a big kid, and I love seeing my family having fun!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not work-ing?

My family is number one; working in the yard is fun and I love playing music.

Jacky Howard ColDwell BAnkeR RiCk CAnUp ReAlToRS806-790-4708jacky.howard@coldwellbanker.com

Realtor Revealed

Jacky Howard, Coldwell Banker Rick Canup REALTORS

ABR, CHMS, CMAS, CNS

Photo by Misty Setzler

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The South Plain’s #1 Real Estate Source ● Visit our mobile site @ m.homes.lubbockonline.com

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ReAL eSTATe SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 3homes.lubbockonline.com

Big Family? Extra bedrooms!

Homes.LubbockonLine.com’s Picks of tHe Week

This week’s picks from homes.lubbockonline.com are homes which feature five or more bed-rooms. All are located in the Lubbock area and vary in price and style.

1. This very nice two-story home at 5432 8th Place is conveniently located near LCU, the medical district and Texas Tech. In addition to five bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage, this home also has second living room or office area and a separate dining room. The open concept floor plan includes an updated kitchen and master bathroom. The awesome backyard has huge shade trees making the yard perfect for outdoor cookouts. There are even two storage sheds in backyard. The home is 2,377 square feet. MLS# 9988598

2. This wonderfully immaculate home is located at 4917 Hanover, just steps away from the new Centennial Elementary and close to the Heart Hospital and the medical district. The spacious floorplan features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an upstairs media/game room. An additional room could be used as a home office, a formal dining home or as a sixth bedroom. In addition to 2,555 square feet of living space, this home features a sprinkler system and a new fence! MLS# 9984436

3. What a great choice for a family looking for space! Located at 8201 Colton Avenue, this wonderful 3,498 square foot family home features granite in the kitchen, hardwood/scraped floors, a beautiful stone fireplace, and new carpet and paint. The master suite and two bedrooms are located downstairs, with two more bedrooms upstairs; there are a total of three full baths and two half-baths. A large basement with built-ins offers lots of options. MLS# 9987302

4. A fabulous home – with a registered apartment – can be found at 2701 25th Street! In addition to a great vibe with hardwood floors, wide open spaces and a beautiful staircase, this home boasts a huge kitchen complete with stainless appliances, endless counter space, double ovens, and gas cooking. The master suite has a bonus area that would make an ideal second closet, and the bath has travertine, a corner airflow tub and a separate shower. A wood-planked office features a pri-vate entrance for business, while the upstairs game room is perfect for family fun. This impressive and inviting home features a total of six bedrooms and four bathrooms in 4,431 square feet. MLS# 9986829

5. Located on a private cul de sac, this home at 16202 Private Rd 1740 was built in 2006. Sitting on 1+ acre and boasting all the modern amenities, the new owners of this home will enjoy country living in the lap of luxury with hardwood plank floors, tall ceilings, granite, built-in desks, basement, library/office, game room, and oversized 3-car garage. You will find plenty storage with huge, walk-in closets and spacious rooms. The home has five bedrooms and four full baths in 4,485 square feet. MLS# 9984927

6. This lovely home, which includes five bedrooms, three full bathrooms and a half-bath in 4,762 square feet, is located at 6803 78th St. in the ultra-desirable Papalote South. This one has it all with an RV barn, incredible pool with retractable cover, wonderful outdoor living spaces with fireplace, basement/theater and craft room, second floor game room, and a gorgeous master suite with an exercise or meditation room. MLS# 9987762

For more information and to see additional pictures of these and many other homes, visit homes.lubbockonline.com and enter in the MLS# provided. You’re sure to find a new home that’s perfect for your family!

Go online & view

hundreds of listings in the Lubbock area,

read home improvement articles, real estate tips, & local news.

homes.lubbockonline.com“Your best source for housing

in the lubbock area”

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There are few things more frustrating to a seller than a home that sits on the market. It’s stressful to keep a house in showing condition, and not selling can cost you lots of money. Use these tips as a quick guide to better your chances at selling your house in a timely fashion.

1. Sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and evaluate your listing price. Visit open houses in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? An overpriced home is destined to sit on the market too long.

2. Do whatever it takes to be away from your home during showings and open houses.

3. Ask your Texas REALTOR® for feed-back on how your home shows, and ask him to solicit other agents’ advice. Feedback from their clients can really help.

4. If you intend to hold an open house, consider doing so on a weeknight. Competi-tion may be lower, and you’ll attract the interest of buyers who may not be available on the weekend.

5. Help promote your property. Talk about your home to everyone you know. Look for other ways to get the word out, even if your agent is doing a lot to promote your house.

6. If you’re really motivated, you can offer

perks to buyers, such as a cash bonus or help with closing costs.

7. Neutralize your color scheme. Most buyers prefer neutral colors that make it easier to imagine a new home as their own.

8. Consider offering an increased com-mission or a bonus for your listing agent as extra incentive. If you do so, amend your listing contract to reflect the change, and be sure those details are added to the multiple listing service (MLS). Buyer agents will also be inspired to give your house extra attention.

9. If your REALTOR® has a video tour of the house, watch the tape as if you were a prospective buyer... you may be surprised at what you see.

10. Fix lingering problems, such as the dripping faucet or the door that doesn’t quite close right.

11. Clean and de-clutter – neat, organized houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in.

12. It’s not about you. Buyers want to imagine their family in the house. If your house shows an abundance of your person-ality, it may dissuade the buyer.

There are many other things you can do to hasten the sale of your property, no matter the condition of the housing market. Make sure you consult with your Texas REALTOR® first.

Twelve tips to sell your homeBY Texas Association of REALTORS®www.texasrealestate.com

4 SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL homes.lubbockonline.com

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When a property changes hands, what goes with it? Unless other-wise stated in the sales contract, you won’t find a comfy couch and huge flat-panel TV waiting for you when you move in. But how about curtains, carpets, or mirrors?

The question of what conveys, or is included, with a property can be more complicated than you think. It’s important that by the time you, whether a buyer or seller, reach the closing table, you know exactly which items go on the moving truck and which ones stay behind. Here’s how to know what’s

included or excluded in a sale.

Start With the ContraCt

A property includes anything permanently attached to the house or anything that would cause significant damage to re-move. That definition leaves some room for interpretation, so the Texas Real Estate Commission’s One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), used in most transactions involving the resale of residential property, dedicates a section to this topic.

Paragraph 2 of this contract covers the improvements, attach-ments and accessories that stay with the property. It also deals specifically with exclusions – items usually included with the sale that are excluded from a particular transaction.

Don’t Believe everything you See online

Some online listings men-

tion specific improvements like “Gorgeous kitchen upgrades with stainless steel appliances.” That doesn’t necessarily mean those stainless steel appliances come with the house. Certain built-in appliances may convey, but don’t assume anything – and don’t trust the information online. The final word on what stays or goes is the sales contract.

it’S all negotiaBle

So what’s attached to the home and what isn’t? The contract lan-guage says that the brackets for wall-mounted flat-screen TVs stay with the house, but the TV does not. Any permanently installed or built-in appliance stays; that usually includes the oven or stove but may not include the refrigera-tor. There’s a long list of items in the contract that usually convey with the house, but everything is negotiable – that’s why there’s a section for exclusions.

FinD out BeFore you CloSe

If you’re selling, be certain you know what you’re responsible for leaving behind and what you can take with you. Your Lubbock as Realtor can make sure your con-tract reflects your wishes.

And if you’re a potential buyer, ask what comes with a house before you make an offer. You

can always have your Lubbock Realtor negotiate for something to be included in the sale, like the TV in the bedroom or the washer and dryer. Just be sure you’re not derailing the purchase of your $250,000 dream home over a $500 set of drapes.

For more advice, please visit LubbockRealtors.com.

If you live in Texas and own a home, there are a lot of oppor-tunities to reduce your property tax bill. From deducting mort-gage interest to writing off home improvements, you can save a lot of green when it really counts – income tax time.

One of those money-saving opportunities is the homestead exemption. Any homeowner can apply for a homestead exemption on their principal residence in Texas and it’s a great way to lower your overall property taxes. Why? An exemption removes part of the value of your property from taxa-tion and lowers your taxes. For example, if your home is valued at $125,000 and you qualify for a $15,000 exemption, you pay taxes on your home as if it was worth $110,000. This exemption only ap-plies to your principal residence.

BeWare oF homeSteaD exemption SCamS

There is no fee for making

the application for a homestead exemption. However, certain companies offer to “process” your application for a fee, notifying ho-meowners by sending you a letter in the mail. These letters usually will start appearing in your mail-box in early January.

The Texas attorney general’s of-fice reports that companies in the past have styled their advertising to make it appear that they are an “official” taxing authority, or that their fee must be paid for the homeowner to get the exemption. Other companies will act as “tax processing centers” – when in fact they’re doing no such thing. The fact is that Texas law requires all these companies to make it clear that they are not a governmental agency. Still, many people are confused by these letters and send in the fees.

Once again, filing for a home-stead exemption is free. You just fill out a simple application and mail it in – no fee required.

exemption requirementS

Qualifying for a homestead exemption is easy:

• You must own your home. To qualify for a general exemption, you must own your home on Jan. 1. If you are 65 years of age or older or disabled, you need not own your home on Jan. 1.

• Your homestead can be a sepa-rate structure, condominium or a mobile home located on leased land, as long as you own it.

• If you are not the sole owner of the home, you will receive only a portion of any qualified exemp-tion, based on your percent of ownership.

• You must use the home as your principal residence on Jan. 1. If you have more than one house, you can get an exemption only for your main residence. You must live in this home on Jan. 1.

• If you temporarily move away from your home, you can still get an exemption if you don’t estab-lish another principal residence

and you intend to return.

typeS oF exemptionS

The Texas Tax Code offers homeowners a way to apply for homestead exemptions to reduce local property taxes. The Texas Property Code allows homeowners to designate their homesteads to protect them from a forced sale to satisfy creditors. That means there are several types of exemptions:

• School taxes (all homeown-ers). You will qualify for a $15,000 homestead exemption on your home’s value for school taxes.

• County taxes (all homeown-ers). If your county collects a spe-cial tax for farm-to-market roads or flood control, you will receive a $3,000 exemption for this tax.

• Optional exemptions (all hom-eowners). Any taxing unit, includ-ing a school district, city, county or special district, may offer an exemption for up to 20 percent of your home’s value. The amount of an optional exemption can’t be

less than $5,000. Each taxing unit decides whether it will offer the exemption.

• Age 65 or older homeowners. Taxing units are allowed to offer additional homestead exemptions to homeowners who are age 65 or older or disabled.

• Disabled veterans/survivors. You may qualify for a property tax exemption if you are a Texas resident and are either a veteran disabled while serving with the armed forces or the surviving spouse or child (under 18 years of age and unmarried) of a disabled veteran or of a member of the armed forces who was killed while on active duty.

There’s a lot to consider when filing and applying for an exemp-tion, but as long as you avoid the scams, it’s a great way to save money on your annual property taxes. For more information on ex-emptions, contact the Texas state comptroller’s office or the Texas attorney general’s office.

Know what stays and what goes

Homestead exemptions can lower your property taxes

Ruiz

LocaL ReaL estate News – Lubbock associatioN of ReaLtoRs

BY Debora Perez Ruiz, PresidentLubbock Association of REALTORS®

6 SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL homes.lubbockonline.com

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This week’s Featured Home, sponsored by the West Texas Home Builders Asso-ciation in cooperation with The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, is located at 6404 77th Street in Bacon Crest. Featured during the recent Parade of Homes, this lovely home is built by Kim Craig.

This beautiful Kim Craig Home stands out from the rest. The perfect combination of stone and brick with cedar accent corbels, along with the iron and glass front door, sets this home apart from all the others.

The interior features four bedrooms, three baths and a wonderful open design. A large kitchen, coupled with a wet bar, makes this home great for entertaining. The bar area opens to the oversized patio, which is great for grilling and enjoying the outdoors. A great floor plan with superb quality and craftsmanship are apparent throughout this Kim Craig Home.

Highlights of the home include:

• A master suite for the discriminating owner that features an oversized shower with “rain” and a large soaker tub. His and her custom vanities along with extra stor-age enhance the space. The large master closet includes a built-in dressing table and lots of hanging space.

• The beautiful kitchen is highlighted by custom cabinetry, granite counters with tumbled stone backsplash and an oversized island. The upgrade GE appliance package includes a double oven and gas cooktop.

• Beautiful tiled floor entry with accents welcomes you to the home.

• An oversized garage gives extra space for storage, toys and workbench.

• This home is plumbed for soft wire, wired for alarm system and features foam attic insulation for added comfort.

A great floor plan with superb quality and craftsmanship are apparent through-out this Kim Craig Home.

6404 77th Street – Bacon Crest

Featured Floorplan – Kim Craig

The list of U.S. housing mar-kets showing measurable and sustained improvement rose by four to include 84 metros in July, according to the National As-sociation of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI), released July 9. This number includes representatives from 32 states plus the District of Columbia.

The index identifies metro-politan areas that have shown improvement from their respec-tive troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. This month’s IMI includes 73 met-

ros that held their positions on the list from June, as well as 11 newly added markets. Notable new en-tries include such geographically diverse places as Prescott, Ariz.; Springfield, Mass.; St. Cloud, Minn.; and Houston, Texas.

“The geographic diversity and growing number of metros on the latest IMI help spotlight the im-provements we have begun to see in terms of home prices and job market conditions across certain parts of this country, which in turn are spurring more demand for new homes,” said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg. “That said, our members continue to

assert the need for more reason-able credit standards and more accurate appraisal methods to perpetuate this positive momen-tum.”

“The modest increase in the July IMI is encouraging because it indicates that individual housing markets continue to regain their footing despite some recent re-ports of weakening in the broader economy,” added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “This is evidence that the housing recov-ery is slowly but surely taking root, one market at a time.”

“The positive takeaway from to-day’s report is that an increasing

number of consumers are looking at better conditions to both buy and sell homes, which should help spur greater activity in certain markets going forward,” noted Kurt Pfotenhauer, vice chairman of First American Title Company.

The IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. The index measures three sets of independent monthly data to get a mark on the top improving Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The three indicators that are analyzed are employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statis-

tics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau. NAHB uses the latest available data from these sources to generate a list of improving markets. A metropoli-tan area must see improvement in all three areas for at least six months following their respective troughs before being included on the improving markets list.

A complete list of all 84 met-ropolitan areas currently on the IMI, and separate breakouts of metros newly added to or dropped from the list in July, is available at www.nahb.org/imi.

84 metros listed as improving housing markets in July

Whether it’s plasma, LED, LCD, HD, or 3D, all of the “Ds” of television technol-ogy and terminology can have the average consumer scratching his or her head and wondering what’s what.

Gone are the days when you turn the knob of the television set, adjust the rabbit ears antenna and hope the picture is clear. Television technology has advanced light years from what it was when most people were children. High-definition picture quality creates sharp images that make viewers feel like they’re right in the show. Improved speakers and sound enhance the viewers’ the overall experience. And today’s televisions come in so many shapes and sizes, they’ll fit in just about any home or business setting.

Other technology contin-ues to shrink a television’s size and weight so that they are lighter and thinner. Gone are the days of those ultra heavy behemoth sets. As all of these changes take place, it can be difficult to stay abreast of the changes. Shoppers looking for a new TV can inform themselves of the different types of TVs and the strengths and weaknesses to each.

Direct ViewDirect view televisions,

also referred to as CRT, which describes its cathode ray tube technology, have been around for decades. These are the TVs that

were most common before the high definition boom. CRT TVs use a specialized vacuum tube inside of the TV to create the picture. The black level on CRTs are among the best, and these TVs are much lower priced than some of the newer technology.

While the direct view televisions have a long life expectancy, their bulk and weight deters many of today’s shoppers who prefer sleeker alternatives than CRTs.

LcDLCD, or liquid crystal

display, is used on flat panel or rear projection televi-sions. LCDs are not overly reflective, so they’re a good idea in bright rooms. They do not produce the “burn-in” effect, where an image is permanently imprinted on the screen, that other televi-sions might.

The disadvantages to LCD flat-panel TVs is that they can be expensive. There is also a limited view-ing area. Those sitting to the sides of the television may have a darker, dis-torted view.

PLasmaPlasma televisions have

emerged as a direct com-petitor to LCD flat panels. Plasma televisions produce an image that is more realistic than other types of TVs, and can be viewed from any angle without distortion.

Although the picture quality is excellent, without careful handling, plasma TVs can produce burn-in. There are also some con-cerns about the black level on these sets. Lastly, their expensive price tags deter some shoppers from buying plasma TVs.

LeDLED, or light-emitting-di-

ode, TVs are produced much in the same way as LCD televisions. However, LCDs have a higher electrical out-put because they are lit by fluorescent lighting. In LED televisions, the fluorescent lamps have been replaced by LED lights that are

brighter and consume less energy. These televisions also can be viewed well from many angles and have a high-definition picture.

For many consumers, price is one significant dis-advantage to LEDs, as they can be several hundred dol-lars more than comparable plasma or LCD models.

3D3D televisions employ

a faster picture refresh rate than standard televi-sions to handle the greater amount of data necessary to produce a 3D picture. There are competing technologies that require specialized 3D glasses and those that do

not. While many movies are being produced in 3D, there is not much regular TV programming being created in 3D. Until that changes, a 3D TV purchase might not be worth the considerable investment.

1080i, 1080p, or 780i, 780p?

These numbers refer to the resolution of the screen. The higher the number, the higher the resolution and crispness of the picture. For example, with a 780p television sharpness it will take 780 horizontal lines to create the TV picture. With 1080, it involves 1,080 lines. The (i) and the (p) refer to

the method of picture scan-ning that takes place. In-terlaced scanning (i) means the picture is formed by scanning in two consecutive passes where odd numbered lines are displayed in one pass and even numbered in the next. So in reality there are only half the number of lines being shown in each pass. Progressive scanning (p) is also known as full HD picture. That means that all 1,080 lines are used to produce the picture at once. Progressive products will produce a better picture quality and are best for watching sports, playing video games and fast-mov-ing action.

Buying in bulk is one way to save money and protect the environment. Bulk items that can be stored without expiring reduce the need to travel to and from the store frequently, saving on time and gas. In addition, bulk items typically feature less packaging than smaller-sized products, and often cost less per-unit. Perishables are not something that should be purchased in bulk unless the items will definitely be used prior to their expiration dates. But cooking oil, toothbrushes, cereal, toilet paper, canned goods, pet food, cleaning supplies, and printer pa-per are just a few of the many items that can be bought in bulk and stored for future use.

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(NewsUSA) - Home clean-ing is a catch-all phrase for the general de-clutter and organizational projects that abound when messi-ness trumps neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don’t forget to change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left unclean.

“Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. But, if not changed they can become oversaturated and susceptible to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth that can make you sick,” says Alex Hertzog, a water spe-cialist with Filters Fast who is certified by the Water

Quality Association. Most of us eventually

remember to change the obvious filters, like those on our stove vents or the PUR filter on our tap. But what about changing filters you don’t even know you have?

According to the experts, there are seven filters you probably don’t know you should be changing.

1. Microwave filter. The filter traps grease and odors from the air, thus pro-tecting the appliance and also preventing odors from recirculating and affecting the taste and smell of your food. The microwave filter should be replaced every 6-12 months.

2. Showerhead filter. The filter reduces harmful

chemicals that can dry out your hair and skin, leading to other negative effects on the body. It should be replaced every 3-6 months.

3. Humidifier. Most people know humidifiers have a filter that should be changed, but what they don’t realize is that many humidifiers actually have up to three filters. It’s im-portant to change all three filters.

4. Coffee maker filter. A filter is used in most coffee makers, and it should be re-placed approximately every 60 brews. “They’re designed to remove the disinfection chemicals from tap water. If the filters aren’t changed, they cause more exposure to ingesting chlorine,” says

Hertzog.5. Furnace filter. To

reduce allergens like pol-len, dust, pet dander, mold spores and dust mites from leaking into the air, it should be changed every 3-6 months.

6. Dryer lint filter screen. The lint filter screen should be replaced as needed, if it has build-up or tears in the screen. Changing the filter can prevent fire hazards, extend the life of your dryer and reduce energy bills.

7. Refrigerator filter. The filter on a fridge keeps ice fresh and cleans the water dispensed from the refrig-erator.

Get more filter-related advice at www.filtersfast.com.

7 home filters you probably didn’t know should be changed

(MS) – Are you courageous when it comes to decorating your home? Many of us would like to be as creative as possible but need guidance to venture out from the neutrals – and into something more power-fully beautiful.

Color is the most important tool in the toolbox, say experts, who often add that one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to infuse the home with color is with paint.

“People often feel intimidated by this type of expression and that’s why so much of our country is beige and off-white,” says Genevieve Gorder, a renowned interior designer and color expert for Valspar Paint. “We need to remember that color is a great balancer in a space; it’s a juggling act between neutrals, grounding shades, highlight and accent.”

When choosing a paint palette for any room, Gorder notes, there are four key components to ensure powerful effects while keeping a harmonious balance: neutrals, which are the beige or creami-est versions of any color; the grounding shades, like blacks, browns and grays; the highlights, like the bright white on mold-ings and window trim; and the all-impor-tant saturated pops of color which add life

to any room.“You might want your pop of color to be

a powerful accent wall,” Gorder continued. “Then, you can complement it with neutral upholstery and grounding accents in the accessories to balance it all.”

For additional guidance, inspiration – and even liberation – here are this decora-tor’s favorite tips.

• If you want to incorporate a trendy color into your home but feel intimidated, start small with paint or decor accents that are inexpensive. This way, you can always change your mind if you fall in love with something new or want to refresh the look of your room.

• Use the chip rack at your retailer to find color families and their complement-ing shades. A popular way to find an accent, for example, is to go a few shades darker in the same family.

• Feel free this season to express your-self fully without risk. Valspar Paint is of-fering a complimentary replacement color to anyone who has a change of heart about their first choice. This Love Your Color Guarantee runs through October 8, and you can get all the details and offer terms at loveyourcolor.com.

Decor & Decorating: Express yourself with color

How to choose your next television

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ReAL eSTATe SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 9homes.lubbockonline.com

(ARA) – Front-porch entertain-ing is making a comeback in America’s neighborhoods, thanks to homeowners’ renewed interest in beautifying the front entries of their homes. The days of uninspired concrete front stoops have passed, giving way to elegant combinations of freestanding walls, columns and matching pavers to create welcom-ing entrances that also serve as gathering places.

Front-entry make-overs that are both eye-catching and functional are one of the hottest trends in landscape design these days.

“Decades ago, neighbors would often retire to their front porches in the evening and gather together for conversation with neighbors up and down the street,” says Lonnie Sek-

eres, designer at Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn. “That practice is returning as families spend more time entertaining at home and getting to know their neighbors. A creatively designed front entryway can help facilitate that.”

It doesn’t have to be extravagant either. “Doing something as nomi-nal as adding a paver walkway and freestanding wall – along with a new take on plants to accent cer-tain areas – can do a lot to freshen up your curb appeal on a modest budget,” says Sekeres.

New CoNCept, old look

Many homeowners face the chal-lenge of updating a home that looks a bit stuck in the past, but a front entry facelift can be an easy solu-

tion. Villa Landscapes transformed a rambler’s small and mundane concrete-slab front stoop into a sweeping paver patio and pergola-covered entryway defined by Versa-Lok retaining walls and columns. The stunning result changed the entire look of the home.

“The original house had a 4-foot-wide step to access the front door,” explains Sekeres. “The owner wanted to provide more usable space for traffic flow through the front door while creating a sense of an old-fashioned front porch. In addition, he wanted to use materi-als that would complement the existing home and also be low-maintenance.”

Versa-Lok retaining walls in a charcoal-blend color were used for seat-height freestanding walls and columns to create the new porch space. Paving stones in a matching color were used for the patio and walkway surface. The formerly bor-ing square front stoop was trans-formed into an attractive rounded step that protrudes from the patio, flanked by two columns and faced with a veneer made from slicing off the back of a retaining wall block. The curved lines of the step are repeated in the walkway and in a round raised-bed garden.

The pergola extends from the front of the house, supported by white pillars mounted inside free-standing columns.

“What began as a cold and some-what clumsy entrance to the house is now a bright and inviting gather-ing place that adds a contemporary look to what could have been a dated home,” Sekeres concludes.

FroNt-Yard eNtertaiNiNg

Sekeres gave a another family’s home a facelift with a handsome hardscaped front-entry courtyard graced with fresh plantings. A plain concrete sidewalk was replaced with matching pavers to create a fresh look for the home with a new, more neighborly entertaining space.

“The entry had overgrown plants in some areas, bare spots in others. While it’s a beautiful house, it had lost its curb appeal and was in dire need of attention,” explains Sekeres. “Besides sprucing up the look of their home, the clients also wanted to have a spot out front to sit and chat with the neighbors as they passed by.”

The solution was a raised patio that extends from the existing front step to the middle of the yard. The patio is buttressed on the outer sides by freestanding Versa-Lok retaining walls accented at two corners with stylish columns.

The patio and sidewalk are paved with Willow Creek paving stones in a cobblestone pattern and color scheme that complements the walls and the home’s existing brick exterior. A variety of new plantings around the wall and patio soften the hardscaping.

“We come out here in the evening and it’s not 10 minutes before someone sees us and stops over,” one of the homeowners beamed. “We just love it.”

For more information on how you can give your home a front-entry makeover, contact Versa-Lok Re-taining Wall Systems at (800) 770-4525, or visit www.versa-lok.com.

Retaining walls and pavers add curb appeal to

your front entry

A FROnT enTRy FACe-LIFT CAn be an easy solution to the chal-lenge of updating a home that looks a bit stuck in the past. This home’s small and mundane concrete-slab front stoop has trans-formed into a sweeping paver patio and pergola-covered entryway defined by retaining walls and columns.

ThIS FAMILy hOMe geTS a face-lift with a hardscaped front-entry courtyard graced with

fresh plantings. A plain concrete sidewalk was replaced with matching pavers to create

a fresh look with a new entertaining space.

(ARA) – One of the top return-on-investment re-modeling projects is updat-ing a bathroom. Bathroom updates even outweigh kitchen projects in terms of getting back what you spend, according to Cnn Money. And, if you take a cost-conscious approach and do the project yourself, your investment return will be even better.

Bring new life to your bath with these tips:

• Replace old tile. Outdated tile is a common problem that makes bath-rooms look old. Replacing it with fresh new tile that is in style will instantly give the room a modern look. Tiling is a DIy project that anyone can tackle. Rent the necessary items like a tile stripper, a tile saw and a mortar mixer to keep your project costs down.

• Refresh the ceiling. Ceilings can become dingy over time, and you might not suspect them as the culprit that’s making your room feel dull. you’ll notice a dramatic change if you liven it up with fresh new texture and paint.

• Change hardware. Some faucets and cabinet hardware clearly show their decade of origin. Switching out old hardware is relatively simple and a great way to make a dra-matic change in the look of your room.

• Add personality with paint. It’s an easy, quick and cheap project. Opt for one of your favorite colors or scour interior design websites and magazines to find a trendy color that gets your attention. Finish with a decorating theme and ac-cessories that complement the new colors.

Revive your bathroom quickly, easily and affordably

10 SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL homes.lubbockonline.com

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