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Homes & Property

Mountain Views News Saturday, March 9, 2013

MVNews this week: Page 18

HOMES & PROPERTY

Mountain Views News Saturday, March 9, 2013

SMART LIGHTING IDEAS WHEN REMODELING
OR BUILDING A HOME

(StatePoint) If you’re building
or remodeling your home, as
more Americans are doing
these days, consider a fresh
approach to your lighting
both inside and out.

“Lighting sets the mood for
a space and illuminates daily
activities, “says Jeff Dross,
trends expert at Kichler, a
manufacturer of decorative
lighting, landscape lighting
and ceiling fans. “A good
lighting design will balance
form and function for beauty,
safety and convenience.”

To maximize the appearance
and functionality of your
rooms and outdoor spaces,
there are several things you
should know before getting
started:

• Style: Consider your taste and how your lighting will interact with your décor and architecture. Is
your style contemporary, traditional or transitional?

If you have heavily ornamented furniture, wallpaper or window dressings, consider lighting that’s
cleaner and simpler for a balanced contrast.

“The trend today is cleaner and simpler designs, regardless of your style preference,” says Dross.
“Keep it simple.”

Finish: Today’s most popular fixtures feature lighter colors like polished nickel or chrome, and textured
or distressed finishes such as aged bronze.

Layers: Multiple light sources can minimize glare and shadows, while adding depth and dimension,
so layer spaces with ambient (overhead), task and accent lighting. Ceiling fans are a favorite source
of ambient lighting for a great room or family room.

• Functionality: Think about how you plan to use each space you’re lighting. For example, if your dining
room serves more as a homework and hobby station than a formal place to gather, you`ll want to
install a maximum amount of light. If you entertain there, be sure to install a dimmer.

Take advantage of the experience and expertise of a designer, contractor or lighting professional to
help you determine how your lighting can accommodate your daily life.

• Dimensions: Pick appropriately sized lighting fixtures for the size of your rooms. A good rule of
thumb for chandeliers is to add the two dimensions of your room to arrive at a minimum diameter.
So a 12x12 room should have a fixture with a minimum diameter of 24 inches and be no larger than
the width of the dining room table.

• Energy-efficiency: Consider new lighting technologies such as LED lighting, which can save you
money on electric bills.

• Wiring: Know where the outlets and electrical boxes are. This is especially important for new construction
or large remodeling jobs.

• Sunlight: Natural light plays a large role in the type of lighting you need. Look at where the windows
are and how much light they let in. Pay attention to plants or trees that may partially block the sun’s
rays.

It’s important to consider both daytime and nighttime lighting when choosing lighting.

• Accents: Light the cove, add sconces and fill the tray ceiling with light. Accent lighting is the jewelry
of the home and can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal. For more lighting ideas, visit www.
Kichler.com.

If you haven’t given lighting careful consideration in the past, now is the perfect opportunity --
whether you’re remodeling or building your home.

GET THEIR ATTENTION

There are many reasons to feel pressured to sell, be it a job transfer, family medical issues, or
financial hardship. This is when you face cold hard facts about your home's value and what you
can expect to net from your sale. Understand that what you paid for your home years ago has
no relevance today, and a buyer won't pay a premium price simply because that's what you owe.

If your home is now worth less than what you still owe, it may be time to call your lender and
arrange listing as a "short sale." Your lender will indicate the lowest price they'll accept, and you
can begin your aggressive marketing. A short sale will blemish your credit rating, but not as
badly as a foreclosure would.

If you're not experiencing such financial hardship, but still facing a deadline to sell, then you
need to discuss the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that your agent prepares, and price
your home below the average sales prices listed. That's "sales" prices, not "listing" prices. “Expired”
listings educate you about the prices for which homes did not sell under any circumstances,
so pay attention.

Realize that an underpriced home will seem like a bargain, and attract more interest and qualified
buyers. It's always better to sell lower sooner than have to reduce your price and sell lower
later.

Square Footage per Assessor: 5,061 Lot Size: 20,926
5 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths Year Built: 1922
Offered for sale at $3,088,000
See more at www.561Bellefontaine.com
OWNED AND OPERATED BY NRT/Pasadena South Lake Office
©2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Owned and Operated by NRT, Incorporated. Coldwell Banker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size, or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the
seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with the appropriate professionals.
Exclusive Listing Agent
“tink”
CHENEYCatherine “Tink” Cheney
Previews Estates Director
Direct: 626 356 8129 / Cell: 626 233 2938
Email: tinkcheney@earthlink.net
www.tinkcheney.com
561 Bellefontaine Street, Pasadena
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