London exhibition puts spotlight on Vancouver architects: "It's as incongruous as a skyscraper in Stanley Park, an undulating 60-metre-long, eight-metre-high high-tech 'wave' of sustainably-harvested B.C. cedar wood was unveiled Monday amid a sea of ancient grey stone engulfing one of London's most photographed landmarks.
Part of the prestigious 2008 London Festival of Architecture, the serpentine sculpture by celebrated Vancouver architect Bing Thom was already intriguing London commuters as it cantilevered over a stretch of sidewalk flanking Trafalgar Square.
'Looks like Nelson has a bit of competition,' said Marie Kidwell, a property developer from west London, referring to the world-famous column in the centre of the square."
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Maximize the look of your home: Getting ready to show off
Some things you never knew about real estate investment.
We never knew there was so much to write about real estate investment. See if you had known these points before reading this article on real estate investment.
Maximize the look of your home: Getting ready to show off
First impressions mean a lot especially if you’re trying to sell your home. Time and effort should be invested into your house for the needed repairs and cleanup both inside and out. All homes can use some sprucing up and fixing, and with the right attitude and plan your house can go onto the market looking sharp and neat, and you can feel more confident that it will find that perfect buyer in a timely manner.
The outside appearance of your home can mean the difference between selling it or not. When trying to ready your house for showing it to potential buyers you need to become a curb appeal inspector so to speak. Curb appeal is how your home presents itself to the prospective buyer, and it is one of the key factors that will draw many people into looking at your house, and increasing the chances of selling your home. Remember too that not only will your front yard and house draw attention, but many lookers will often quickly pull into a driveway to see if they can see the perspective of the back. Your curb appeal should begin with a curb side view of how your house looks. View your house at different times of the day because light intensities will help you notice the different aspects that need attention. Go out into the road and approach your house and write down its positive and negative aspects. Take note of any repair and maintenance work that needs to be done, and look for ways to enhance the positive and improve the negative.
We have included some fresh and interesting information on real estate investment. In this way, you are updated on the developments of real estate investment.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. So if I just go on writing, and you don’t understand, then it is of no use of me writing about real estate investment! Whatever written should be understandable by the reader.
real estate investment came into being some time back. However, would you believe that there are some people who still don’t know what a real estate investment is?
Maintaining the value of real estate investment was the main reason for writing this article. Only in this way will the future know more about real estate investment.
Once you have made a check list of the curb appeal begin with the overall maintenance of the yard both front and back. Drastic improvement can be seen by mowing, weed eating, raking, trimming trees, and eliminating blown trash from the road, or unsightly visible garbage cans. Take the time to power spray siding and brick, and any other concrete area outside your house. Look on top of your house and fix any loose shingles or hanging gutters or leaning vent pipes. Dirty screens and windows need to be cleaned too, and do a little polishing on mail boxes and front door house numbers.
Window seals should be inspected for cracking, and dirty window boxes should be painted and replaced with new flowers for the season. Fenced areas whether wooden, metal or plastic should be inspected for dirt, cracking and peeling paint, and promptly fixed so your house will not present a run down and dingy look. Consider too that improvements can be made by eliminating obstructive views of your house, such as trees, poles or large unattractive lawn decorations too. New lighting fixtures add a warm glow for buyers at night. Approach maintenance work with the right view point of if it needs to be fixed it will be improved.
We find great potential in real estate investment. This is the reason we have used this opportunity to let you learn the potential that lies in real estate investment.
Moving from the outside to inside is the goal. Now that you are inside look around and become a home living inspector. Make your house as home friendly as it can be without the clutter. Organize and store unnecessary closet junk. Wipe down walls in mildew areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Clean and organize their supply places and wipe off cabinets. Ceiling fans, lights and mirrors when cleaned will add a real glow to the inside, and will shine brightly outside, if you have done your proper outside curb inspection. Take down curtains and shades and clean according to directions. If necessary replace existing shades if they are to dirty to clean. Always save cleaning floors for last whether it is carpet, linoleum or tile. Don’t forget to spray an air neutralizer, and to leave the heating or cooling system on. Stale or smoke filled air will turn most potential buyers off. If your house smells clean buyers will know that you care, and in effect this means that your house will not sit on the market long because of buyer confidence.
Preparing your house to sell does not have to be an intimidating process. Start with a plan and stick to it. If necessary ask for others input, such as a realtor or friends and neighbors. Think deep cleaning and maintenance, and as you wait for your home to sell continue to keep up all the improvements you have made, so you will be closing on a new house in record time.
This can be considered to be a valuable article on real estate investment. It is because there is so much to learn about real estate investment here.
We would feel happy if this article on real estate investment proves its mettle by being productive and useful for you in your future endeavors on real estate investment.
We never knew there was so much to write about real estate investment. See if you had known these points before reading this article on real estate investment.
Maximize the look of your home: Getting ready to show off
First impressions mean a lot especially if you’re trying to sell your home. Time and effort should be invested into your house for the needed repairs and cleanup both inside and out. All homes can use some sprucing up and fixing, and with the right attitude and plan your house can go onto the market looking sharp and neat, and you can feel more confident that it will find that perfect buyer in a timely manner.
The outside appearance of your home can mean the difference between selling it or not. When trying to ready your house for showing it to potential buyers you need to become a curb appeal inspector so to speak. Curb appeal is how your home presents itself to the prospective buyer, and it is one of the key factors that will draw many people into looking at your house, and increasing the chances of selling your home. Remember too that not only will your front yard and house draw attention, but many lookers will often quickly pull into a driveway to see if they can see the perspective of the back. Your curb appeal should begin with a curb side view of how your house looks. View your house at different times of the day because light intensities will help you notice the different aspects that need attention. Go out into the road and approach your house and write down its positive and negative aspects. Take note of any repair and maintenance work that needs to be done, and look for ways to enhance the positive and improve the negative.
We have included some fresh and interesting information on real estate investment. In this way, you are updated on the developments of real estate investment.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. So if I just go on writing, and you don’t understand, then it is of no use of me writing about real estate investment! Whatever written should be understandable by the reader.
real estate investment came into being some time back. However, would you believe that there are some people who still don’t know what a real estate investment is?
Maintaining the value of real estate investment was the main reason for writing this article. Only in this way will the future know more about real estate investment.
Once you have made a check list of the curb appeal begin with the overall maintenance of the yard both front and back. Drastic improvement can be seen by mowing, weed eating, raking, trimming trees, and eliminating blown trash from the road, or unsightly visible garbage cans. Take the time to power spray siding and brick, and any other concrete area outside your house. Look on top of your house and fix any loose shingles or hanging gutters or leaning vent pipes. Dirty screens and windows need to be cleaned too, and do a little polishing on mail boxes and front door house numbers.
Window seals should be inspected for cracking, and dirty window boxes should be painted and replaced with new flowers for the season. Fenced areas whether wooden, metal or plastic should be inspected for dirt, cracking and peeling paint, and promptly fixed so your house will not present a run down and dingy look. Consider too that improvements can be made by eliminating obstructive views of your house, such as trees, poles or large unattractive lawn decorations too. New lighting fixtures add a warm glow for buyers at night. Approach maintenance work with the right view point of if it needs to be fixed it will be improved.
We find great potential in real estate investment. This is the reason we have used this opportunity to let you learn the potential that lies in real estate investment.
Moving from the outside to inside is the goal. Now that you are inside look around and become a home living inspector. Make your house as home friendly as it can be without the clutter. Organize and store unnecessary closet junk. Wipe down walls in mildew areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Clean and organize their supply places and wipe off cabinets. Ceiling fans, lights and mirrors when cleaned will add a real glow to the inside, and will shine brightly outside, if you have done your proper outside curb inspection. Take down curtains and shades and clean according to directions. If necessary replace existing shades if they are to dirty to clean. Always save cleaning floors for last whether it is carpet, linoleum or tile. Don’t forget to spray an air neutralizer, and to leave the heating or cooling system on. Stale or smoke filled air will turn most potential buyers off. If your house smells clean buyers will know that you care, and in effect this means that your house will not sit on the market long because of buyer confidence.
Preparing your house to sell does not have to be an intimidating process. Start with a plan and stick to it. If necessary ask for others input, such as a realtor or friends and neighbors. Think deep cleaning and maintenance, and as you wait for your home to sell continue to keep up all the improvements you have made, so you will be closing on a new house in record time.
This can be considered to be a valuable article on real estate investment. It is because there is so much to learn about real estate investment here.
We would feel happy if this article on real estate investment proves its mettle by being productive and useful for you in your future endeavors on real estate investment.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Six Home Improvements that Can Bring Big Bucks during a Sale
Any type of home improvement can bring you in more money when you are attempting to sell your home. However, there are six in particular that can really make a difference. Let’s take a look.
Making improvements in a kitchen is a worthwhile investment as the kitchen is the room where cooking, gathering and plenty of socializing are done. If your kitchen is outdated, does not let in enough light or is just plain listless consider renovating it. Successfully renovating a kitchen is not just about choosing the right kind of paint colors or the right type or flooring, it is about careful planning, finding quality material and hiring the right people to do it. Once you have made the major renovations make smaller changes such as repositioning furniture, buying new curtains and even investing in new lighting.
A bathroom is such an important room and it is a room that everyone notices. If the toilet, bathtub or sink need work by all means make changes. If the tiles behind the shower are coming off or are mildewing you want to replace the tub and put in a one-piece shower/tub unit, which is reasonable, inexpensive and easy to install. If your sink is in disrepair consider replacing the entire vanity. A new coat of paint can always do a bathroom good, as can new flooring and even a new light fixture. For finishing touches buy a new toilet mat and bath mat and a bright cheery shower curtain is always a welcome addition to any bathroom.
A living room is important because it is one of the first rooms you see upon entering a home. Many people today are replacing their worn carpeting with hardwood floor and then adding area rugs. This is always an attractive touch. Paint and lighting also go a long way in improving the ambiance of the living area. Pay attention to the drapes or blinds you choose to put in a living room and make sure you are able to let plenty of light in the room. Prospective buyers want to see a room that is open and inviting looking. Strive to make it so.
Basements are used for many purposes from the place where children play to where entertaining is done to where pets have their sleep area to where the man of the house keeps his tools. The whole house can be very appealing to the eye but if the basement is a disaster that is not good for prospective buyers to see. A basement renovation sound include attention being paid to ways to increase energy efficiency and comfort for the whole family as well as ways to brighten up the basement with as much light as possible. There is nothing worse than going into a damp, darkened basement and trying to feel comfortable. Heating and air quality must be addresses as well as they are essential for basement improvement. Be aware that adequate ventilation will go a long way in improving the quality of indoor air. Finally you might even want to consider putting in soundproofing as part of your basement renovation plans.
The exterior of your property is important too. Think improvements when it comes to the condition of your roof and the flashing around the chimney and walls of the house. As well make sure the chimney is in good condition and there are no loose bricks or mortar that is missing. Pay close attention to the foundation of your home and check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are cleaning and working properly. Carefully inspect brick walls (if you have any) and remember that the electrical system of your home as well as plumbing fixtures are items any interested buyer will want to know about.
Finally the sixth home improvement is landscaping. Make sure your driveway and front and back lawns are neat and well manicured. During the summer months cut the grass when it is called for and water the lawn accordingly. As well do not let weeds take over your lawn and flower beds, shrubs and gardens are always an attractive addition to any property. You might even want to add patio blocks and decorative stones to the front or backyard. A flower garden or vegetable garden in the backyard is always a nice addition as is a little waterfall.
Making improvements in a kitchen is a worthwhile investment as the kitchen is the room where cooking, gathering and plenty of socializing are done. If your kitchen is outdated, does not let in enough light or is just plain listless consider renovating it. Successfully renovating a kitchen is not just about choosing the right kind of paint colors or the right type or flooring, it is about careful planning, finding quality material and hiring the right people to do it. Once you have made the major renovations make smaller changes such as repositioning furniture, buying new curtains and even investing in new lighting.
A bathroom is such an important room and it is a room that everyone notices. If the toilet, bathtub or sink need work by all means make changes. If the tiles behind the shower are coming off or are mildewing you want to replace the tub and put in a one-piece shower/tub unit, which is reasonable, inexpensive and easy to install. If your sink is in disrepair consider replacing the entire vanity. A new coat of paint can always do a bathroom good, as can new flooring and even a new light fixture. For finishing touches buy a new toilet mat and bath mat and a bright cheery shower curtain is always a welcome addition to any bathroom.
A living room is important because it is one of the first rooms you see upon entering a home. Many people today are replacing their worn carpeting with hardwood floor and then adding area rugs. This is always an attractive touch. Paint and lighting also go a long way in improving the ambiance of the living area. Pay attention to the drapes or blinds you choose to put in a living room and make sure you are able to let plenty of light in the room. Prospective buyers want to see a room that is open and inviting looking. Strive to make it so.
Basements are used for many purposes from the place where children play to where entertaining is done to where pets have their sleep area to where the man of the house keeps his tools. The whole house can be very appealing to the eye but if the basement is a disaster that is not good for prospective buyers to see. A basement renovation sound include attention being paid to ways to increase energy efficiency and comfort for the whole family as well as ways to brighten up the basement with as much light as possible. There is nothing worse than going into a damp, darkened basement and trying to feel comfortable. Heating and air quality must be addresses as well as they are essential for basement improvement. Be aware that adequate ventilation will go a long way in improving the quality of indoor air. Finally you might even want to consider putting in soundproofing as part of your basement renovation plans.
The exterior of your property is important too. Think improvements when it comes to the condition of your roof and the flashing around the chimney and walls of the house. As well make sure the chimney is in good condition and there are no loose bricks or mortar that is missing. Pay close attention to the foundation of your home and check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are cleaning and working properly. Carefully inspect brick walls (if you have any) and remember that the electrical system of your home as well as plumbing fixtures are items any interested buyer will want to know about.
Finally the sixth home improvement is landscaping. Make sure your driveway and front and back lawns are neat and well manicured. During the summer months cut the grass when it is called for and water the lawn accordingly. As well do not let weeds take over your lawn and flower beds, shrubs and gardens are always an attractive addition to any property. You might even want to add patio blocks and decorative stones to the front or backyard. A flower garden or vegetable garden in the backyard is always a nice addition as is a little waterfall.
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