Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Beacon Hill - 3 Bedroom rental on Temple St


Rare Three bedroom on desirable Temple St. This condo apartment is situated on the 2nd floor and features hardwood floors, tall ceilings and exposed brick. The eat-in-kitchen includes a dishwasher. There is storage and laundry located in the basement. This one will not last! Perfect for the working professional who wants a quiet building and easy access to all train lines. Click on the video for an HD Tour

To schedule a showing, contact Jeff Carter at jeffreyhcarter@kw.com.


Friday, May 13, 2011

Life after the Dominion Salem Power Plant

Earlier in the week Dominion announced that they will shut down two generators and full close the plant in 2014.  As a life long resident of the area and local Realtor, this is great news.  However there is one important question to ask. What do we do with 65 acres of waterfront property? 


Major Kim Driscoll stated recently that the City of Salem needs to focus on "what is real".  Apparently there were artist drawings of tree lined streets, boat slips and wind turbines. The city is quick to comment that these are unrealistic expectations.  Maybe unrealistic but as a Realtor that sounds like a pretty good way to use waterfront space. Add in some mixed use buildings and you got a deal!

What do you think we should put in there?  Some other ideas floating around range from a large year round Salem Willows to another power station.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling

Home owners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. And with good reason. Kitchens are the hub of home life, and a source of pride.
A significant portion of kitchen remodeling costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000 to $60,000 range recoup about 69% of the initial project cost at the home’s resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

To make sure you maximize your return, follow these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies.

1. Establish priorities

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends spending at least six months planning your kitchen remodeling project. That way, you won’t be tempted to change your mind during construction, create change orders, and inflate construction costs. Here are planning points to cover:
  • Cooking traffic patterns: A walkway through the kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Work aisles should be a minimum of 42 inches wide and at least 48 inches wide for households with multiple cooks.
  • Child safety: Avoid sharp, square corners on countertops, and make sure microwave ovens are installed at the proper height—3 inches below the shoulder of the primary user but not more than 54 inches from the floor.
  • Outside access: If you want easy access to entertaining areas, such as a deck or patio, factor a new exterior door into your plans.
A professional designer can simplify your kitchen remodel. Pros help make style decisions, foresee potential problems, and schedule contractors. Expect fees around $50 to $150 per hour, or 5% to 15% of the total cost of the project.