Streamlining Your Home Construction Project

NORFOLK, VA, Apr 30, 2014—With the blooming of spring flora and reemergence of fauna comes an increase of a different kind of outdoor activity – construction. As more homeowners begin to prep for their spring renovation projects, Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty takes us through several big things to keep in mind as your construction kick-off day nears.

“After you've done your due diligence of shopping around for contractors, checking up on references, and picking out your project start date, there are still several things you can do to streamline your home improvement project,” notes Eisenberg.
Do your research and plan accordingly. Many construction issues are things you just can’t plan for, like inclement weather on the day your new roof is supposed to go up. However, fully understanding the ins and outs of your construction process, how long it should take, and what the steps are to achieve completion, can help you stay on time--and on budget. Talk to people who have had similar projects done, make full use of Google and call several contractors for price and time quotes.
Enlist a designer. “While you may think hiring a designer is overkill, professionals can premeditate issues you may not be privy to, and issues that contractors simply aren't trained to look for,” explains Eisenberg. If your budget simply won't allow for the help of an architect, ask around your social circle to see if anyone knows a design-minded friend or acquaintance. Most people are happy to lend their expertise in exchange for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Check up on your communication. You may think your construction team knows your expected outcome, but you would be surprised to learn how many homeowners fail to clearly communicate with their architect, contractor and construction team. Be sure you see several full plans and mock-ups of the finished project before construction begins.
Add a buffer to your budget. “Even the most well-planned construction projects can go awry. Whether your workers need to spend another day building or you find out source material prices rose suddenly, adding a monetary buffer to your budget will be helpful and ease stress should you need to shell out a few more dollars. “Setting your budget with a 10 percent flexibility ratio is ideal,” recommends Eisenberg.

For more home improvement advice, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510,  leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, 757-572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

Luz Bathroom Updates To Change Your Space

NORFOLK, VA, Apr 18, 2014—Whether you're fixing up your new home, prepping to sell your existing space, or just looking to renovate, the following suggestions from Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty can take your bathroom to a whole new level.

Upgrade your vanity – Instead of a standard sink, Eisenberg suggests recycling an existing piece of furniture into a bathroom vanity by cutting a hole in the top of a beloved dresser or chest to drop in a sink and a faucet. Make sure the piece of furniture has ample storage space—drawers and cabinets are a must.

Curved shower rod – These rounded shower rods make your shower seem more open and airy, providing more space at a low cost, Eisenberg notes.

Spa feel – “An updated master bathroom is one of the most coveted features for buyers,” says Eisenberg. Make your bathroom feel extra luxurious with added perks like a rain-style shower head, extra fluffy white towels (so worth the splurge) and a vessel sink.

A skylight – Natural light does wonders for any room, and the bathroom is no different. “If your home layout allows for it, try carving a skylight in your bathroom to flood the space with daylight while still allowing for privacy,” Eisenberg suggests.

Innovative light fixtures – If you can't afford a skylight but still crave a well-lit bathroom, mix multiple light sources to create a balanced lighting plan. Consider recessed ceiling lights, a four-bulb vanity light fixture over the mirror and lights in the shower to really give the room a bright makeover.
For more information on home improvements, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA,  leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, 757-572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com

Percentage of Home Buyers By Generation

 Silent Generation is a label for the generation of people born during the Great Depression and World War II.

 Baby boomers are people born during the demographic Post–World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964.

 Gen X is the generation born after the Western Post–World War II baby boom.

 Millennials (also known as the Millennial Generation[1] or Generation Y) are the demographic cohort following Generation X. There are no precise dates when the generation starts and ends. Researchers and commentators use birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.

Buying a home now will save you money

The average price of a home in Coastal Virginia is about $250,000. Take note. Making the decision to buy a home now will save you a lot of money.

Create a Unique Outdoor Space In Coastal Virginia

Farmhouse Porch by Atlanta Architects & Designers Historical Concepts

NORFOLK, VA, Apr 11, 2014—With spring here and summer on the distant horizon, more and more Coastal Virginia homeowners are stepping outside to tackle outdoor projects that have been laying low all winter. One popular project is revamping outdoor living spaces in preparation for the warmer months. Whether you're looking for a great space to entertain or just hang with the family on the weekends, Louis Eisenberg, Associate Broker REALTOR ABR SFR of Prudential Towne Realty gives some great advice on creating unique outdoor living spaces.
Tailor to your needs. “Think specifically about what you will be using the space for,” suggests Eisenberg. Just because a grill and a picnic table are standbys for a barbecue area doesn't mean that's what you need to go with. Maybe your family has a longstanding Saturday night pizza tradition, and so a wood-fire oven would be a better fit. Have young kids? Consider placing a swing set or a hanging hammock chair near your lounge chairs to keep the little ones entertained while you relax nearby with a watchful eye.
Go bold. Statement pieces don't only belong indoors. A unique set of tables and chairs or weatherproof sofa and chaise can look great in your garden. Are you an art fan or birding enthusiast? Consider a statue or a series of colorful bird baths and feeders.
Upgrade your furniture. Outdoor furniture has developed far past the traditional plastic deck chairs. “From wicker to wood and canvas, there are so many fun options that can really add character to your living space,” says Eisenberg.
Porch party. Porches aren't just meant as a reprieve from inclement weather. “Think of your front porch as a mini deck,” suggests Eisenberg. Homeowners with front porches can take advantage of their space by adding a luxurious feel with a daybed, a quaint reading nook, a space for sipping coffee on Sundays, or even a narrow bar with stools for entertaining.
Outdoor oasis. Love gardening? Create a living space within your garden beds by hanging a hammock between two trees, adding a delicate tea table, or several oversized outdoor chairs for lounging. “Adding a stone walkway or small patio can really up the garden atmosphere,” says Eisenberg. Garden party, anyone?
Keep it simple. Just because your outdoor space is limited, it doesn't mean your options need be, notes Eisenberg. A pair of elegant outdoor chairs and a small card table can go a long way in improving the livability of your yard. Add a trellis so plants can grow upward and provide a bit of privacy, ideal for urban dwellers.
For more real estate information, please contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com, 757-572-7244, or www.LouisEisenberg.com.

How To Simplify Your Home Buying Experience

For more information and Assistance on Home Buying contact Louis Eisenberg, Prudential Towne Realty, 109 E. Main Street, Norfolk, VA 23510. 757-572-7244, leisenberg@prudentialtownerealty.com www.LouisEisenberg.com

The Cost Of Waiting To Buy a Home