For today’s “LOVE IT or SHOVE IT” …
High contrast Brazilian Pecan Flooring. Amazing or too much? Your thoughts are welcome
Choosing A Neighborhood.
Deciding to move is a tremendously difficult decision. Deciding WHERE to move to is the very next difficult decision.
Thus, one of the very first topics of discussion I have with my new home buying clients is simply – where do you want to live? And why? Sometimes, my new clients can be undecided, which is natural. Here is a quick list of important topics I suggest they consider in their neighborhood selection process…
Safety
The most important consideration when choosing a new neighborhood is you and your family’s safety. First, you will want to know about the crime rate in the area. Though there is no way to completely reduce the chance of being the victim of a crime, you can at least minimize this risk by choosing to live in a location with a low crime rate. Secondly, you should also find out if there are any registered sex offenders in your desired area. Knowing these facts and statistics at the beginning of of the decision process can help you be more confident and feel safe when you move to an unfamiliar neighborhood. All of this information is readily available online.
Education
If you have school-aged children, you should look at the quality of the school system of any neighborhood you are considering. That’s a given. However, even if you do not have children or your children are now adults and long past their high school years, understanding the quality of the public school system for your potential new neighborhood is a must as the quality of the schools is a direct factor in determining property value.
Location and distance.
It’s wise to consider how far away your potential neighborhood will be from your workplace. Since the neighborhood immediately surrounding your workplace might not be the best of neighborhoods, you might want to exchange a longer commute for a better neighborhood to reside in. And while you may have a longer commute if you were to live in a certain area, that neighborhood may be closer to your friends or family. It really is about keeping in mind the your quality of life you would like to pursue.
Amenities.
It’s important to know the locations of such things as doctors’ offices, hospitals, banks, supermarkets and schools. Once you have located these important amenities in your potential new neighborhood, you can think about any more specific facility needs you may have.
Public Transportation
If you depend on public transportation to get around, the availability of these services are another important factor in choosing your new neighborhood. Find out if there are train stops or bus stops in your potential neighborhoods and if these services have schedules that will mesh effectively with your daily needs.
Property Values
Each neighborhood will have its own unique set of property values; the nicer the neighborhood, the higher the property value. For example, you’ll want to know what the current value is as well as any future developments planned for that neighborhood which could affect your property value in the long run. While it’s impossible to predict future value, get comfortable with the direction your neighborhood is going in regards to expansion and development.
Cost of Living
You should also be aware of the cost of living of your desired neighborhoods. Compare the cost of living in your current location to that of any potential new neighborhood.
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Horizontal Shower.
A Horizontal Shower. Wait. What?
Exactly what the response is from many people when the phrase ‘Horizontal Shower’ is spoken. Me included. Just what is a Horizontal Shower? 
It’s billed by the manufacturer, Dornbracht, as a ‘reclining shower experience.’ So.. there you go!
Dornbracht is an upscale bathroom fixture company. And of course this product is being marketed to owners of ‘luxury’ homes. All that being said – exactly how is one to ‘clean’ themselves in this horizontal shower? Is it even possible? Maybe getting clean is not the point. It looks like this is more of a home ‘spa’ experience. Thus, a regular vertical shower would still be required.
So, even as a ‘spa’ experience, personally, I’m not sure laying horizontal with 6 shower heads spilling water on one’s back is really that…special. Now, as a Realtor, I can’t say I’ve seen one of these special showers in the homes I have taken my buyers to nor do I have a listing outfitted with such a bathroom fixture. But – I’m curious to see one of these fixture up close.
How do you feel about the potential of a ‘Horizontal Shower’ and would you want one in your home?
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Wine Box Flooring.
Repurposed or Reclaimed wood is the rage. And has been for a number of years.
One niche is the use of Wine Boxes and Wine Barrels for hardwood flooring.
Beautiful or hideous?
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Quick Curb Appeal.
There are quite a few quick, small and inexpensive home improvements that you can do to your house to add instant curb appeal. Adding curb appeal not only helps your house sell faster and easier but it also gives your house a great, finished look in which you can be proud of. When deciding on how to add instant curb appeal to your house, make sure your consider what your house currently looks like and what will look best with it. Also consider your budget and time constraints.
Here are a few quick fixes that all can be done with little money yet they can really add that much desired ‘curb appeal.’
Paint your trim, shutters and front door.
For the cost of a few gallons of exterior paint, you can definitely add some brightness to your house while adding curb appeal…all by simply painting. Consider picking a bright and bold color that makes your house stand out, but just make sure that you match it to the rest of the colors on your house. This project may take a day or so of work but can make such a positive difference.
Plant a tree or add some shrubbery.
Planting shrubbery or planting a tree or two is one of the most common ways to add curb appeal to your house. It is a simple home improvement move that can really liven up your house. If you have enough space, try planting two trees to frame your house or your entryway into your house. Try sculpting your walkway or porch areas with tasteful shrubbery which compliments your homes build. Planting typically does not take very long and is a short but effective home improvement project.
Upgrade the mailbox.
Often overlooked – your mailbox is part of your home’s presentation. It doesn’t matter if you have a regular mailbox by the road or if you have a box mounted to your house for mail, adding a new, sharp looking mailbox can make your home feel upgraded, which certainly adds curb appeal. When you install your mailbox, be sure that you follow the regulations in the city that you live in.
Install Flowers.
Try adding some flower boxes to your house to enhance curb appeal. Install the flower boxes in the windows of your house or on the front porch railings. Remember with this home improvement project you will also have to pay for the flowers and soil for inside the flower boxes and you will also have to maintain the up-keep of the flowers to actually add curb appeal. If you rather not add flower boxes to your house, then consider buying some container gardens in pots and placing them on your front steps or porch. Or go full tilt and plant flowers as part of your yards landscaping.
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Replace Exterior Light Fixtures
Consider both the style of any new light fixtures and their ultimate function when choosing this upgrade for your home. You want your light fixtures to be able to adequately light up your entryway to your house and make it safer as well as add to your home’s presentation. Also, look for light fixtures that have the same mounting system as the current ones that you have to save yourself some time on this home improvement project.
Install New House Numbers
Purchase some new address home numbers to spruce up the curb appeal of your house if your home’s address numbers are faded, scratched or just generally unattractive. Look for modern house numbers that are made from stone, stainless steel, brass or aluminum. Try to match your new house numbers with the finish that is on your exterior light fixtures to add the best curb appeal.
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Paint it Green! Literally.
So, in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day – Here’s some GREEN Homes! No, I don’t mean ‘Environmentally Friendly’ homes in this instance. I literally mean GREEN PAINTED HOMES! Rare? Pretty much. Unique? Absolutely!
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Deck, Anyone?
You can transform your outdoor space and add to the value and visual appeal of your entire home with the right backyard deck. The options for design, style and scope for your deck project are near limitless, so it can help to get some inspiration and ideas right from the start.
Composite or wood construction? Large and complex or small and simple? Regardless what you ultimately decide, an important point to keep in mind for your backyard deck is that it’s a connective space as it bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor. For this reason, you may want to actually cover a portion of your deck—the portion adjacent to the house. Additionally, you may want to consider including landscaping around the perimeter of the deck. These two touches can subtly remind guests of the connection between the home and the backyard as well as position the deck as a relaxed and welcoming space between them. 
Also, consider the contours of your backyard and work with them. If your backyard slopes down, a two or multi-tiered deck may be a tremendous and effective way to work with the landscape. Try to go with the flow of the yard.
For smaller spaces, contemplate a lower profile, one-tier deck, or one with just a few steps leading to the top platform. This will help take advantage of the limited amount of space, but still make for an beautiful, inviting and relaxed transition from indoors to outdoors.
So, whether you are building a complex multi-tiered deck or a humble yet beautiful single step gathering place, you may want to consider adding a focal point for your backyard deck such as a fireplace, fire pit, dining or seating area. After all, it’s going to be a gathering place for friends and family.
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Below are some of my very favorite deck ideas. Some are rather complex show stoppers. Others are just beautiful in their simplicity. How can you not be inspired by some of these amazing creations?
Wait… WHAT is THIS?
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Your Front Door
I find that it’s helpful when I meet with a client who is considering listing their home for sale, I ask the client to join me across the street. From there, I ask them to look at their home and then I bring them up the walkway and to the front door. Since this is exactly what the potential buyers will do, I feel it’s important for homeowners to get a first hand view of what their home’s ‘first impression’ actually is. While there, I suggest the importance of having an entrance way and front door that is clean, fresh and inviting.
Curb appeal. We all have heard the phrase, right? Well, curb appeal extends beyond the process of marketing and selling a home. ‘Curb Appeal’ also refers to the first impression your home makes on family, friends and visitors while you are living there.
While ‘curb appeal’ applies to many factors, your front door and entrance may be the most important.
Since every home is different and every budget is different, there is no ‘cookie cutter’ process or solution to fixing, changing or upgrading a front door and entrance. Many factors must be considered. As far as materials go, the most common front door and entrance materials are steel, fiberglass, wood and aluminum. Once you determine the material that fits your budget and safety concerns, choosing the right door and entrance can be daunting. But also potentially the most fun! There are many makes, models, colors and styles and the options do seem endless.
While I have found many souces online for information on front doors, I’ve found this very good and straight-ahead article on ThisOldHouse.com to be the best. You can read this article here.
Personally, I love front doors. I can’t think of a more beautiful exterior statement one can make about their home than an amazing front door and entry. And truly, when it comes to designs, colors and options, the sky’s the limit. And while not every door will be a good fit for every home, I’m of the belief that a touch of ‘unique’ is always a good thing.
Below are some front doors and entrances that I find really unique:
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Patio or Deck?
So, Spring is just about here. And you are contemplating adding a spot in the back of your house for socializing. Maybe a place to cook outdoors. Maybe a place to sunbath. Maybe a place to kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine. The question is: should you choose a new patio or build a deck.
HGTV.com has a very good article on their site providing quick information to help you make that choice.
Their suggestions take into consideration your budget, lifestyle and ongoing maintenance requirements of your project.
Certainly, your backyard space restrictions, terrain and even your neighborhood zoning all can play a part in your decision to go patio or deck.
As far as materials go, they touch on the choice of wood or composite decking as well as paving, brick and concrete options for a patio.
This article also links to more detailed reviews of planning and building your outdoor space as well as designs for consideration.
You can read complete article on HGTV.com here.
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Glass Floor Bathroom?
So, I’m always on the lookout for unusual and unique home design ideas. Linda D. over at boredpanda.com penned an article called ’33 Amazing Ideas That Will Make Your House Awesome!’
Well… As a Realtor, I’m not sure I could recommend all of these ideas to my home sellers. Nor would I imagine most of these ideas are already ‘must haves’ in the minds of my home buyer clients. But, I must say, some of these are quite fun and unique.
Again, I’m not sure all 33 are ‘Awesome’ ideas but I must say – they are all unique and give one ’cause for pause’. Below are my favorites…
Glass Floor Bathroom. Whoa!
See Through Bathtub. Well, on second thought..
Pirate Ship Bedroom for Adults. Wait… What?
Hammock of the Stairs. Yeah, that looks safe…
Skate-Park Room.
Beach Sand under your Work Desk. Uh, no.
All kidding aside, this is a fun article. You can read and see Linda D.’s entire entry here.
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Eric McKenna, Realtor Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mobile: 412-613-4466 call/text Email: sold@ericmckenna.com Website: www.EricMcKenna.com Address: 1001 Beaver Grade Rd, Moon Twp PA 15108 |
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Eric McKenna 