Ellen Ruby Blog's

Thursday, 3 October 2019

These Are the Most Profitable Home Remodeling Projects

Should you modernize your outdated kitchen—or install that beautiful, new hardwood flooring? Is it wiser to convert the basement or the attic into an additional living area? Or should you forgo the more glamorous jobs in favor of replacing the boring—but temperamental—heating and cooling system?

Homeowners want to ensure they’ll enjoy the finished product—and it will add to the resale value—before undergoing a costly and time-consuming remodel. Hey, waking up to the sound of buzz saws and workers tramping through your home for months on end isn’t fun.

Those who are looking for a two-in-one should probably do a full remodel or at least upgrade the kitchen, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors®. A sleek kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances is most likely of any interior home improvement project to appeal to buyers and increase the value of a home, according to the report.

“Homeowners were both happy and satisfied with the outcome of their” kitchen renovations, says Brandi Snowden, director of consumer research at NAR. “A kitchen renovation is a great way for new owners to customize their home and incorporate their personal tastes into a room that they will use every day.”

The report is based on three surveys. The first is a survey of nearly 2,200 consumers in June and July done by homeownership site HouseLogic. NAR did the second and third surveys. The second survey garnered nearly 400 responses and was conducted in March and June. The third had nearly 2,500 responses and was held in July.

To simply upgrade or do a full kitchen remodel?

When it comes to kitchens, homeowners who replaced worn-out surfaces and installed new finishes and materials were the happiest of the remodelers. About 93% of those who did complete remodels and 85% of folks who upgraded just the room wanted to spend more time in their home once the work was finished.

But a new kitchen won’t come cheap. NAR estimates folks will shell out an estimated $68,000 on a full remodel. But they should expect to recoup only $40,000, or 59%, of their investment. Meanwhile, those who simply upgrade a space spend an estimated $38,300 on the job—and get back only about $20,000, or 52%, in the resale value.

Meanwhile, renovating that other home staple, the bathroom, sets homeowners back an estimated $35,000. Of that they’re typically able to recover about 57% of their investment. But those adding a new bathroom to the tune of $60,000 can expect to get only half that amount back.

Master suite renovations were the costliest of the renovations, totaling an estimated $150,000, but still were popular. About two-thirds of homeowners said they enjoyed their home more and had a greater desire to spend more time there after it was finished. But folks can expect to recoup only about half of what they sunk into the project, $75,000, at resale.

And when it comes to the debate over whether to finish an attic or basement, it’s cheaper and more profitable to go underground. Converting a basement to a living area cost an estimated $46,900 and upped a home’s value by 64%. Attic work was much pricier, at $80,000, and added only a 56% bump.

The most unglamorous work was the most lucrative

The most lucrative improvement homeowners can make is putting in a new roof, according to the report. Those who spent an estimated $7,500 on that essential upgrade got back $8,000, or 107%, in resale value.

New wood flooring, which was a bit more exciting, also led to profits. It was estimated to cost about $4,700 but added $5,000 to the price of a home. That’s a 103% return. Those who refinished hardwood floors, at the cost of $2,600, broke even.

“While installing new roofing, hardwood flooring, or refinishing hard wood floors are large projects to tackle, we found that these were the top projects for recovering costs,” says Snowden, who adds that they’re durable and long-lasting.

Homeowners shouldn’t overlook the smaller, cheaper jobs either.

Upgrading a home’s insulation cost only an estimated $2,400. But homeowners were able to recoup about $2,000, or 83%, of what they laid out. Meanwhile, installing a new garage door cost an estimated $2,100—of which the homeowners got back about 95% in a sale.

“Homeowners are able to recoup the majority of the project cost, create a more comfortable interior living space,” says Snowden. And it “improves the energy efficiency of their home.”

The post These Are the Most Profitable Home Remodeling Projects appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/these-are-the-most-profitable-home-remodeling-projects/

People Who Live on the Coast Are Typically Happier Than Those Who Don’t

Living by the ocean blue can help keep you from feeling … well, blue.

A new U.K. study of almost 26,000 people finds that those who reside about half a mile from the beach have better mental health than those who live more than 30 miles away.

Researchers from the University of Exeter analyzed data from the Health Survey for England, where men and women self-reported their mental health and well-being, their income, as well as how close they lived to the coast. And after taking related factors like age, gender, smoking status and BMI into account, those who lived less than 1 kilometer from the sea (about 0.6 miles) were 22% less likely to have symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as anxiety and depression, compared to those living 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) away from the coast.

The benefits of living by “blue spaces,” as the researchers call them, appeared to be even more striking for lower-income populations. Poorer residents living around half a mile from the ocean were 40% less likely to show signs of a mental health disorder compared to those earning the same amount who live 31 miles away.

The report notes that one in six adults in England suffers from a mental health disorder — as does almost one in five Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development report released last year warned that mental disorders are on the rise in every country, and will cost the global economy $16 trillion in lost productivity by 2030, as an estimated 12 billion working days are lost to mental illness each year.

“This kind of research into blue health is vital to convincing governments to protect, create and encourage the use of coastal spaces,” wrote Dr. Mathew White, study author and environmental psychologist at the University of Exeter. “We need to help policy makers understand how to maximize the well-being benefits of ‘blue’ spaces in towns and cities and ensure that access is fair and inclusive for everyone, while not damaging our fragile coastal environments.”

The findings build upon a growing pool of research that suggests blue spaces, including coasts, rivers and lakes, can be a protective zone for psychological health. Research has linked people living around these aquatic environments with having increased physical activity, lower psychological distress, better overall health and well-being, as well as lower mortality rates.

Indeed, Gallup’s most recent National Health and Well-Being Index named the Hawaiian islands as the No. 1 state for the seventh year in a row, with residents reporting the highest scores on how they feel about their health, their relationships, their careers, their finances and their communities over anyone else in the country. WalletHub also named the Aloha State the happiest in the country last fall, topping the list for emotional and physical well-being, as well as scoring highly in community and environmental factors.

And the United Nations’ recent World Happiness report ranked Finland the nation where citizens say they are happiest, followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, Canada and Austria. These countries not only “consistently” rank in the top 10, the report noted, but all of them except for Switzerland and Austria are on the water.

Of course, the U.N. also noted that the Nordic countries in particular are known for good work-life balance, generous parental leave and other policies that benefit working moms and dads, as well as for the ample time that people spend outdoors. So there’s more involved in life being “beachy” than simply living down by the bay.

Indeed, the U.S. is surrounded by 95,471 miles of shoreline — yet it was nowhere near the U.N.’s top 10 list of happiest countries. And it should also be noted that most of the top 10 American states on Gallup’s Health and Well-Being Index were largely landlocked, including Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Vermont and the Dakotas.

The bottom line is that while there appear to be many benefits to living by blue spaces, green is important, too. That includes literally being near green spaces such as parks, forests and mountains, as well as the financial benefits of residing in coastal cities like New York and San Francisco that report the highest incomes in the country, or living in places that offer more work-life balance and access to paid leave that can help make money and child care costs one less thing to worry about.

The post People Who Live on the Coast Are Typically Happier Than Those Who Don’t appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/people-who-live-on-the-coast-are-typically-happier-than-those-who-dont/

Aloha! Jim Nabors’ Massive 170-Acre Maui Retreat Is Available for $4.5M

realtor.com; Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

A lush, 170-acre swath of Maui now owned by the husband of the late entertainer Jim Nabors has hit the market for $4.5 million.

The Hana, HI, listing comes less than a year after Nabors’ grand estate in Honolulu was sold for $12 million, signaling the winding down of the actor’s holdings on the islands where he lived from 1992 until his death in 2017. He was 87.

Unlike the luxury Honolulu property, this estate in Hana is less lavish and instead focused on enjoying the slow pace of this remote part of East Maui. The acreage includes eye-popping ocean views, fruit trees, specimen banyan trees, and a generous carpeting of tropical flowers.

The Hana acreage features a two-bedroom main house built in 1979 along with a two-bedroom ohana dwelling. The two structures total about 5,000 square feet of living space.

What the home lacks in luxurious trappings, it more than makes up for in the locale. Just off the famously twisty Hana Highway about 3 miles west of the tiny Hana airport, it features airy interiors and sun-drenched decks.

Exterior of Jim Nabors estate in Maui — Exterior
realtor.com

Kitchen in Jim Nabors HI house — Kitchen
realtor.com

Family room in Jim Nabors house — Family room
realtor.com

Ocean view from Jim Nabors Maui house — Ocean view
realtor.com

OUtdoor living space in Maui home of Jim Nabors — Outdoor living area
realtor.com

Nabors and Stan Cadwallader married in early 2013. The couple met in 1975, when Cadwallader was a firefighter in Honolulu.

At the time of their marriage, Nabors spoke by phone with Hawaii News.

“I’m 82 and he’s in his 60s, and so we’ve been together for 38 years and I’m not ashamed of people knowing. It’s just that it was such a personal thing, I didn’t tell anybody,” Nabors said. “I’m very happy that I’ve had a partner of 38 years, and I feel very blessed. And, what can I tell you, I’m just very happy.”

This property has been on and off the market over the years and was recently relisted. Cadwallader is noted as the owner in the property records. In addition to this Hawaii property and the big house in Honolulu, Nabors also owned a Maui macadamia plantation for 25 years, which he later sold to the National Tropical Botanical Garden for conservation.

Nabors’ storied career included credits on TV series such as “The Andy Griffith Show” and his own spinoff, “Gomer Pyle, USMC.” He also recorded more than 25 records. But you can’t talk about Nabors’ legacy without mentioning his deep love for—and stewardship of—large swaths of tropical Hawaiian land.

Now this slice will be passed on to a new owner, and with it, a little bit of the aloha spirit Nabors shared with his friends and neighbors.

The post Aloha! Jim Nabors’ Massive 170-Acre Maui Retreat Is Available for $4.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/jim-nabors-massive-hana-maui-retreat/

Mr. Chow Mansion Back for Seconds at $70M: It’s Our Most Expensive New Listing

After failing to lure a buyer to the table last year, the Holmby Hills mansion of Michael and Eva Chow, owners of the upscale Mr. Chow restaurants, is back for seconds. The luxurious L.A. residence has had $8 million chopped from its price tag, but still stands tall as this week’s most expensive debut on realtor.com®, with a list price of $69,975,000.

Located on South Mapleton Drive, one of the most expensive streets in the country, the estate is only a half-mile away from The Manor—a home that strolled away with the title of priciest sale in Los Angeles County for $119,750,000 in July. It’s also just a couple of blocks away from the former Playboy mansion.

If the Chow residence doesn’t set your mouth watering, there are a few other options currently available along this tony stretch of SoCal pavement. We spotted a similarly priced $69,950,000 mansion being marketed as “Three Hundred Thirty”—a reference to its Mapleton address—as well as a less expensive manse currently going for $32.5 million.

But why wouldn’t a buyer swoon for the Chows’ home? “There is no home on the market as thoughtfully built as this one,” saysCarl Gambino, who is the co-listing agent along with Westside Estate Agency CEO Kurt Rappaport.

And while it might be easy to wave off Gambino’s comment as housing hyperbole, the mansion was the result of years of time and effort.

The Chows spent over seven years building the home from scratch, according to the Wall Street Journal. The home features “imported carved wooden doors from a Spanish monastery, 400-year-old Moorish columns and 16th- and 17th-century Florentine ceilings.”

Designed to house the art collection of the Chows—who divorced in 2017—the “whole house is made like a gallery to display works of art,” according to Gambino. Eva Chow sits on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The results of this art-minded endeavor are evident in the home’s listing photos. The 30,000-square-foot residence features grand rooms designed to display large pieces of art.

Specific awnings and shades were designed for the home to protect the multimillion-dollar art collection, says Gambino, who tied the couple’s interest in fine art to the meticulous construction of the mansion.

Besides its emphasis on art, there are plenty of other features within the seven-bedroom main house worth highlighting. There’s an underground home theater with views of the pool via windows on the side wall.

There’s also a rooftop terrace to take in city views, a three-story guesthouse, and ample outdoor space for entertaining guests.

The home initially hit the market a year ago with a $78 million price tag, but Gambino assures us nothing about the home was distressed in the slightest. The home wasn’t marketed correctly, he explains, and was being measured against the boxy, modern spec mansions that have sprouted up throughout Southern California.

The Chow mansion, modeled after the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid, is far from that boxy aesthetic.

Now it’s back with a fresh price, a new marketing plan highlighting its one-of-a-kind construction, and an emphasis on finding the right buyer.

“A high-end art collector would be the perfect buyer,” says Gambino.

The post Mr. Chow Mansion Back for Seconds at $70M: It’s Our Most Expensive New Listing appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/mr-chow-mansion-70m-most-expensive/

Wednesday, 2 October 2019

Baseball Great Gary Sheffield Puts Tampa Mansion on the Market for $1.9M

Before his retirement in 2009, Gary Sheffield was one of the fiercest sluggers in the MLB. He’s now a player agent and a TV baseball analyst. He’s also a Tampa, FL, native and resident.

The former outfielder is known for his philanthropy in Tampa, where he’s supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay (and brought out A-Rod and J. Lo to help!) through his foundation.

Right now, it appears as if Sheffield is setting his sights elsewhere—or perhaps he’s just capitalizing on Tampa’s booming real estate market. He recently listed his Gulfside mansion for $1.9 million.

Gary’s wife, Deleon Sheffield, is a real estate agent and holds the listing.

The 5,492-square-foot home is located in Harbour Island, one of Tampa’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

While there aren’t any listing photos, a recent video proves this house is a beauty. Recently remodeled, the residence has five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

The new kitchen features top-of-the-line, stainless-steel appliances and pristine quartz countertops. Hardwood floors run the length of the main floor. The master suite has one heck of a walk-in closet as well as a private balcony.

The home appears to take full advantage of the Florida weather as well. A covered patio leads to a sparkling pool.

Sheffield, 50, played with eight MLB teams over the course of his 21-year career. He made the All-Star team nine times, won five Silver Slugger awards, and crushed 509 home runs. He was picked in the first round of the 1986 MLB draft and made his MLB debut just two years later, at the age of 19.

View this post on Instagram

Glad to support #TampaBaysboysandgirlsclub #greatfuturesbreakfast #thechildrenarethefuture #exposure #opportunity. service is the rent we pay-Marian Wright Edelman @sheffieldfamilyfoundation @arod @jlo @deleonrich #HalSteinbrenner @bobgries

A post shared by Gary Sheffield (@garysheffield) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:08pm PST

The post Baseball Great Gary Sheffield Puts Tampa Mansion on the Market for $1.9M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/gary-sheffield-lists-tampa-florida-mansion/

Classic Midcentury Modern Condo in the Heart of Hollywood Sells in a Flash

If you love movies like “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “La La Land,” or are a fan of the L.A. swimming pool paintings of artist David Hockney, you’ll go bananas for this updated unit in the former apartment building known as the Hollywood Riviera.

The small condo in West Hollywood landed on the market for $589,000—and went into pending sale status in less than a month.

You may recognize the midcentury modern building from both big- and small-screen productions, including Steven Soderberg‘s “The Limey,” the Steve Martin film “L.A. Story,” and the Netflix hit “Transparent.” The current owner is celebrity stylist Monica Schweiger, former West Coast fashion editor of Women’s Wear Daily.

The building itself was designed in 1954 by architect Edward Fickett (of whom actor Jamie Dornan is a fan). Fickett is famous for designing Dodger Stadium, Scandia and Spago restaurants, La Jolla Fashion Center, and the Los Angeles Police Academy, among many other private residences and prominent public buildings in Southern California.

This one-bedroom unit on the first floor measures a petite 739 square feet. However, the living space does extend beyond the walls, including a spacious outdoor patio that can easily serve as a second living room. It’s easy to imagine the pool parties this complex has hosted.

The Hollywood Riviera apartment building
realtor.com

If you’re not out partying on the patio or lounging by the pool, you’ll be comfy inside. The unit has hardwood floors, a brand-new bath, and a spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet.

You’ll even have parking space for two cars in the garage as well as extra storage. Those extra features are extremely rare in this part of town.

The reason this location is so hot is that it’s only a half-block from the Sunset Strip, within swinging distance of some of L.A.’s most iconic hotels and restaurants, including the storied Chateau Marmont.

The post Classic Midcentury Modern Condo in the Heart of Hollywood Sells in a Flash appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/midcentury-modern-condo-in-the-heart-of-hollywood/

Bobby Berk of ‘Queer Eye’ Designed a Furniture Line That’s Already Selling Out

If you wish your home could get a makeover on “Queer Eye,” you’re in luck: The Fab Five’s home designer, Bobby Berk, has just released a furniture line, now available at AllModern. And it’s reportedly already selling out!

“I’ve always known I wanted to create a furniture collection that was both modern and elegant while being versatile enough to blend with existing home items,” Berk told realtor.com® about his new line of 44 furnishings, made in collaboration with A.R.T. Furniture. “Every piece in this collection is not only something that can stand on its own, but the entire collection was designed to be mixed and matched.”

As for his own design style, “my own personal style is modern and clean with an attention to detail,” Berk says. “I love to mix textures and bring in interest through a layering of tones and materials.”

And his collection reflects that: “Every piece marries a few different materials together to create interest. We brought in vegan leather, brass, walnut woods, and more to create pieces that are truly unique.”

And these furnishings are surprisingly affordable, with prices as low as $400. Here are a few noteworthy items to try nabbing before they’re gone.

Arne end table

Elegant legs and a useful lower shelf combine for a brilliant side table.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

The universality of this piece ($550, AllModern) struck a chord.

“It could be used in any room to accent a chair, sofa, or even in the bedroom—and the size works well for smaller-scale living as well as in larger homes,” notes Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP.

And the combination of materials is the icing on the cake. “The mix is stylish enough to be used in a home that’s formal or in one that’s more minimalistic,” she adds.

Gehl display cabinet

Show off your china collection above and store tablecloths in the lower drawer.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

The simplicity of the design of this cabinet ($1,580, AllModern) won over the pros.

“I see this working in a dining room to display glassware and dishes, but also in a library filled with books or as bedroom storage for clothes stacked neatly on the shelves,” says Gray-Plaisted.

The wood, metal, and glass components make this a smart pick in a variety of home styles, including farmhouse, traditional, midcentury modern, or even bohemian.

Sara Chiarilli, an interior designer with Artful Conceptions, also loved the clean lines and the versatile walnut and black color pairing.

“This is a great update of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s plains designs,” she notes.

Jonsi mirror

Behold—the perfect looking glass for a half-bath or foyer
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

“I am in love with the Jonsi mirror,” says Chiarilli.

Its round shape, mixed metals, and midcentury aesthetic make the mirror ($430, AllModern) appropriate in a dining room, entryway, or bathroom.

Lehn nightstand

Chic dark wood mixes nicely with metallic accents in this two-drawer piece.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

The Lehn table ($680, AllModern) includes both copper and wood grain, making it fun and dramatic at the same time, says Chiarilli.

“It’s modern without being overly modern, and it also lends itself well to transitional design,” she adds.

Brekke credenza

This piece gets high marks for its deep cubbies and hidden interior drawers.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

Back in the day, lots of families had a credenza, a piece that’s akin to a sideboard or buffet.

This modern take ($1,150, AllModern) from Berk’s line has retro throwback elements, says Drew Henry, founder of Design Dudes: “The lines are sleek and simple, but the wood inlay offers a bold geometric pattern that makes a statement without being overwhelming.”

Picture this piece in a large hall or dining room, topped with serving pieces, large vases, and a fabulous lamp.

Wenck tall chest

Yup, it’s tall, but a tip-over restraint device is included for safety.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

This asymmetrical chest of drawers ($1,060, AllModern) is just plain fun—you almost feel a sense of surprise when you approach it, says Henry.

“And the triangle drawer pull cutouts are perfect for keeping the piece low-profile, while still adding some whimsy,” he adds. This bureau is at home in a teen bedroom, guest space, or for extra storage in a walk-in closet.

Bar stool

These stools ($520, AllModern) are priced fairly for their features, including a solid wood frame and seat and a comfortable woven back.

Two sizes offer flexibility in the home: Counter stools are 24 inches high and the bar version is 30 inches.

Upholstered Karina chair

Two tones and curvy lines make this chair a winner.
Bobby Berk for A.R.T. Furniture

The Karina chair ($520, AllModern) sports soft cushions on the bottom and top that come in either ivory or brown—and there’s even a choice of frame color (black or brown).

Consider the lighter shade for a feminine bedroom instead of a slipper chair, while the darker hue is a great pick in a home office.

The post Bobby Berk of ‘Queer Eye’ Designed a Furniture Line That’s Already Selling Out appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

source https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/bobby-berk-queer-eye-furniture-line/