Wednesday, July 31, 2013
At-Home Kitchen Tips: Lessons in Utility.
(MCT)—Though a chef’s at-home kitchen might conjure up visions of a high-tech food lab with commercial-grade appliances and stainless steel surfaces, the reality looks slightly different.
The most consistently desired feature in many Atlanta-area chefs’ kitchens — an open floor plan — has less to do with replicating a commercial kitchen, and is more about making cooking a communal, accessible experience.
Atlanta-area chefs share their tips for making a home kitchen work efficiently.
Asha Gomez is the owner of the South Indian restaurant Cardamom Hill and the creator of the Spice Route Supper Club, which operates out of her Atlanta kitchen. “Because I entertain a lot, I like for my guests to be with me in the kitchen,” Gomez said of a cooking area that is open to the entire first level of her home. “You connect with people in a more intimate way than you would in a professional kitchen,” said Gomez, who can fit up to 30 guests in her kitchen area.
— An open floor plan is critical when you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so guests can interact with the chef.
— Bring the outdoors inside with large windows or doors to outside.
Chefs spend a lot of time in windowless commercial kitchens. For their home kitchens, they often choose a room with large windows, access to a yard and other ways to bring the outdoors in when they are logging long hours at the stove.
Hilary and Jim White are the executive chef and general manager of the Serenbe, GA., restaurant the Hil. Their 100-year-old Chattahoochee Hills, GA., farmhouse features a renovated, open kitchen that the Whites designed to suit their food-centric lives.
The Whites’ kitchen includes a number of commercial-grade features such as an industrial meat slicer; commercial sink with drainboards on both sides sourced from a Fairburn, GA., restaurant supply shop; and a Five Star range with four burners, griddle and convection oven. One innovative feature of the kitchen is the placement of the range in the kitchen island, so that Hilary White’s back isn’t to her guests when she cooks. A serious glassware collector, White would love to add a butler’s pantry to her kitchen.
“We pretty much eat at the house every night … we enjoy having friends over,” White said of her much-used home kitchen.
Hilary White’s tips:
— Check restaurant supply shops for features such as stainless steel tables, storage shelves and carts.
— If you can create seating in a kitchen island, do so, to allow guests to enjoy a cocktail while you cook, or even eat in the kitchen.
— A restaurant-grade oven is not a great choice. “The amount of BTUs that it consumes, it’s just not energy-efficient,” White said. Instead, choose an industrial-looking stove geared toward the home cook.
— A rolling cart on wheels for moving hot pans of food or for storage is a handy addition to a home kitchen.
Keith Robinson, owner of the event company Gloriosa, has a 9,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Atlanta. But for more intimate events, Robinson uses the kitchen in his 1841 Palmetto, Ga., farmhouse for entertaining. “When I designed the kitchen, I designed it in such a way that it would be able to be used for the prep and the finishing of food,” Robinson said. His home kitchen features three refrigerators including two Sub-Zeros and one Traulsen; a six-burner Viking cooktop; and two Viking dishwashers.
Keith Robinson’s tips:
— Functionality doesn’t have to rule out beauty.
You will be spending a great deal of time in your kitchen. Design it to be comfortable and pleasing on a daily basis. Don’t let hyper-functionality dictate all design features. Robinson’s counter-height kitchen island is a 19th-century Belgian fixture from a retail store with both a pine and a marble surface. Robinson’s hand-washing sink is an old copper planter set into the countertop.
— Multiple refrigerators are a great feature for the ambitious home cook.
“Anything that you can do to do as much prep in advance, the better off you’re going to be when it comes time for putting things together,” Robinson said of the benefit of plenty of cold food storage.
— Open shelving allows for easy access to tools.
— Multiple or commercial dishwashers make entertaining manageable.
— For the serious cook, a six-burner range is a nice option.
— If you are building or renovating and using a great number of commercial-grade appliances, consider wiring for greater power usage. Also make sure there are plenty of outlets throughout the kitchen for plugging in appliances.
©2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.)
Distributed by MCT Information Services
#Realtor #FloridaRealtor #DaytonaBeachRealEstate #PortOrangeRealEstate #OrmondBeachRealEstate #PonceInletRealEstate #KitchenDesign
The most consistently desired feature in many Atlanta-area chefs’ kitchens — an open floor plan — has less to do with replicating a commercial kitchen, and is more about making cooking a communal, accessible experience.
Atlanta-area chefs share their tips for making a home kitchen work efficiently.
 |
| CC Ted Wolfe |
Asha Gomez’s tips:
— Airtight glass jars on the kitchen counter allow for immediate access to the most-used spices.— An open floor plan is critical when you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so guests can interact with the chef.
— Bring the outdoors inside with large windows or doors to outside.
Chefs spend a lot of time in windowless commercial kitchens. For their home kitchens, they often choose a room with large windows, access to a yard and other ways to bring the outdoors in when they are logging long hours at the stove.
Hilary and Jim White are the executive chef and general manager of the Serenbe, GA., restaurant the Hil. Their 100-year-old Chattahoochee Hills, GA., farmhouse features a renovated, open kitchen that the Whites designed to suit their food-centric lives.
The Whites’ kitchen includes a number of commercial-grade features such as an industrial meat slicer; commercial sink with drainboards on both sides sourced from a Fairburn, GA., restaurant supply shop; and a Five Star range with four burners, griddle and convection oven. One innovative feature of the kitchen is the placement of the range in the kitchen island, so that Hilary White’s back isn’t to her guests when she cooks. A serious glassware collector, White would love to add a butler’s pantry to her kitchen.
“We pretty much eat at the house every night … we enjoy having friends over,” White said of her much-used home kitchen.
 |
| CC: Chalon Handmade |
— Check restaurant supply shops for features such as stainless steel tables, storage shelves and carts.
— If you can create seating in a kitchen island, do so, to allow guests to enjoy a cocktail while you cook, or even eat in the kitchen.
— A restaurant-grade oven is not a great choice. “The amount of BTUs that it consumes, it’s just not energy-efficient,” White said. Instead, choose an industrial-looking stove geared toward the home cook.
— A rolling cart on wheels for moving hot pans of food or for storage is a handy addition to a home kitchen.
Keith Robinson, owner of the event company Gloriosa, has a 9,000-square-foot commercial kitchen in Atlanta. But for more intimate events, Robinson uses the kitchen in his 1841 Palmetto, Ga., farmhouse for entertaining. “When I designed the kitchen, I designed it in such a way that it would be able to be used for the prep and the finishing of food,” Robinson said. His home kitchen features three refrigerators including two Sub-Zeros and one Traulsen; a six-burner Viking cooktop; and two Viking dishwashers.
Keith Robinson’s tips:
— Functionality doesn’t have to rule out beauty.
You will be spending a great deal of time in your kitchen. Design it to be comfortable and pleasing on a daily basis. Don’t let hyper-functionality dictate all design features. Robinson’s counter-height kitchen island is a 19th-century Belgian fixture from a retail store with both a pine and a marble surface. Robinson’s hand-washing sink is an old copper planter set into the countertop.
— Multiple refrigerators are a great feature for the ambitious home cook.
“Anything that you can do to do as much prep in advance, the better off you’re going to be when it comes time for putting things together,” Robinson said of the benefit of plenty of cold food storage.
— Open shelving allows for easy access to tools.
— Multiple or commercial dishwashers make entertaining manageable.
— For the serious cook, a six-burner range is a nice option.
— If you are building or renovating and using a great number of commercial-grade appliances, consider wiring for greater power usage. Also make sure there are plenty of outlets throughout the kitchen for plugging in appliances.
©2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.)
Distributed by MCT Information Services
#Realtor #FloridaRealtor #DaytonaBeachRealEstate #PortOrangeRealEstate #OrmondBeachRealEstate #PonceInletRealEstate #KitchenDesign
Monday, July 29, 2013
Going Once, Going Twice....Sold! Put Together an Offer the Seller Won't Refuse!
Submitting an offer on a home and waiting to hear back is one of the most stressful parts of the home-buying process. Since there is always room to negotiate when it comes to price, you want to be sure to put in an offer that the seller can’t refuse or you risk losing your dream home to someone with a higher bid.
While prospective home buyers are often unaware of current trends in the real estate market, many typically rely on advice and guidance from their parents, friends and coworkers who don’t necessarily have a good pulse on the real estate market.
That’s why educated buyers who have spoken with their agent about an acceptable offer will have a better chance of hearing “sold” when the phone rings. Not only will a good agent offer valuable information, they can also help you buy the home you want at the price you want to pay.
Real estate agents have access to statistics and trend information that others don’t, so their advice is invaluable. But when it comes to submitting an offer, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s about more than just the money. In fact, there are several things you can include in the bid to help foster a successful deal.
When it comes to getting a bid accepted, first-time home buyers often have a significant advantage over repeat buyers because their agent is instrumental in advising them to not only take the time to get pre-qualified, but to also be pre-approved for a mortgage before they even begin looking for a home. And since they don’t have to wait for another house to sell, their offer will be attractive to someone looking to sell a home.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that sellers are typically attracted to “clean” bids. A clean bid is one in which the buyer doesn’t ask for any contingencies, repairs or updates to be done. In the end, sellers are happiest when they can simply collect their money and move out quietly.
Buyers should also plan in advance to have funds available for a fast closing. Many agents will tell you that even if you’re not the highest bidder, your bid may still be accepted because you are willing to close right away.
Before making an offer, be sure to talk with your agent and decide what you’re willing to give up in order to have your bid accepted, as it could be the most important bid you ever place in your life.
For more information on increasing your chances of having your offer selected, contact me today at 386-506-7821, or email Paige@RealEstatePaige.com.
#Realtor #FloridaRealtor #DaytonaBeachRealEstate #PortOrangeRealEstate #OrmondBeachRealEstate #PonceInletRealEstate #SubmitanOffer
While prospective home buyers are often unaware of current trends in the real estate market, many typically rely on advice and guidance from their parents, friends and coworkers who don’t necessarily have a good pulse on the real estate market.
That’s why educated buyers who have spoken with their agent about an acceptable offer will have a better chance of hearing “sold” when the phone rings. Not only will a good agent offer valuable information, they can also help you buy the home you want at the price you want to pay.
Real estate agents have access to statistics and trend information that others don’t, so their advice is invaluable. But when it comes to submitting an offer, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s about more than just the money. In fact, there are several things you can include in the bid to help foster a successful deal.
When it comes to getting a bid accepted, first-time home buyers often have a significant advantage over repeat buyers because their agent is instrumental in advising them to not only take the time to get pre-qualified, but to also be pre-approved for a mortgage before they even begin looking for a home. And since they don’t have to wait for another house to sell, their offer will be attractive to someone looking to sell a home.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that sellers are typically attracted to “clean” bids. A clean bid is one in which the buyer doesn’t ask for any contingencies, repairs or updates to be done. In the end, sellers are happiest when they can simply collect their money and move out quietly.
Buyers should also plan in advance to have funds available for a fast closing. Many agents will tell you that even if you’re not the highest bidder, your bid may still be accepted because you are willing to close right away.
Before making an offer, be sure to talk with your agent and decide what you’re willing to give up in order to have your bid accepted, as it could be the most important bid you ever place in your life.
For more information on increasing your chances of having your offer selected, contact me today at 386-506-7821, or email Paige@RealEstatePaige.com.
#Realtor #FloridaRealtor #DaytonaBeachRealEstate #PortOrangeRealEstate #OrmondBeachRealEstate #PonceInletRealEstate #SubmitanOffer
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Tips for Taking Care of Your Home
You probably protect your car with oil changes and yearly maintenance check, right? Such a big investment needs proper TLC.
Just like your car, your home systems and appliances all need periodic maintenance checks to make sure they're operating safely and efficiently. A professional preventative maintenance program can help homeowners when it comes to the upkeep of their heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system, and most major appliances. Having professional preventative maintenance services performed is key to ensuring tasks are done right and can save you time and money in the long run.
American Home Shield, a unit of the ServiceMaster Company, provides these expert tips to help keep your home's systems and appliances in great shape:
Air Conditioning
• Check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.
• Keep the condensing unit free of debris.
• Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow and circulation.
• Bent condensing unit fins can often be easily straightened with a fin comb.
Washing Machine
• Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deterioration.
• Look for signs of water or oil leakage.
• Check to make sure the machine is level, and adjust it, if needed, by turning the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
Dryer
• Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.
• For gas and electric dryers, check and tighten supply connections.
• Check to see if the dryer is level; if it's not, the drum may vibrate and damage the unit. To adjust the level, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
Water Heater
• Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.
• Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.
#HomeCareTips #Realtors #DaytonaRealtor #OrmondBeachRealtor
#PortOrangeRealtor #PonceInletRealtor
Source: www.ahspm.com.
Just like your car, your home systems and appliances all need periodic maintenance checks to make sure they're operating safely and efficiently. A professional preventative maintenance program can help homeowners when it comes to the upkeep of their heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system, and most major appliances. Having professional preventative maintenance services performed is key to ensuring tasks are done right and can save you time and money in the long run.
American Home Shield, a unit of the ServiceMaster Company, provides these expert tips to help keep your home's systems and appliances in great shape:
Air Conditioning
• Check filters every month. Clean or replace as needed.
• Keep the condensing unit free of debris.
• Trim shrubs and plants near condensing unit to ensure proper air flow and circulation.
• Bent condensing unit fins can often be easily straightened with a fin comb.
Washing Machine
• Inspect cold and hot water supply hoses for cracks and deterioration.
• Look for signs of water or oil leakage.
• Check to make sure the machine is level, and adjust it, if needed, by turning the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
Dryer
• Clean the lint screen after each load of clothes has been dried.
• For gas and electric dryers, check and tighten supply connections.
• Check to see if the dryer is level; if it's not, the drum may vibrate and damage the unit. To adjust the level, turn the legs clockwise to lower them or counter-clockwise to raise them.
Water Heater
• Drain and flush sediment from tank twice a year.
• Check pressure-relief valve once a year to make sure this crucial safety device is not clogged.
#HomeCareTips #Realtors #DaytonaRealtor #OrmondBeachRealtor
#PortOrangeRealtor #PonceInletRealtor
Source: www.ahspm.com.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Multiple Offers Return as Buyers are Back
“Remember the “Roaring ’90s?” Those days when you could list your house on Friday and on Saturday people would be parked in your driveway writing offers and good faith checks on the hood of their cars? Multiple offers were the norm and offered sellers a generous selection of offers from which to choose. Believe it or not. we are experiencing a trend toward multiple offers even in this still difficult market and there is evidence that this trend will continue as buyers compete in a market with limited inventory,” reported REALTOR® Noel Crider of Auburn, California.
“The Phoenix Metro Area Housing Market faces multiple offers even in the higher end and luxury market as buyers try to snag homes before the market rises further. We have seen multiple offers for quite some time in the lower price ranges, but now as the market is returning, and returning strong, we are seeing multiple offers in the higher price ranges. We are now seeing multiple offers on homes in the move-up and luxury home market. We are seeing offers that are $50,000 over asking that are not the winning bid. This is causing quite a bit of frustration as buyers are trying to get into a home before the market prices go up further,” reported Brenda & Ron Cunningham, real estate professionals in Arizona.
In Seattle, multiple offers on beginner houses in Seattle are common again reports Phil Leng of Kirkland, Wash. and in Austin, broker Gwynn Teal Carpenter reports, “It’s happened again! We are in one of those real estate markets where we are seeing homes with multiple offers. In Austin Texas, the market is so sizzling hot that it isn’t unusual to have more than 2 offers on a fantastic priced and conditioned home.”
For more information, visit www.realestateeconomywatch.com.
#Realtor #multipleoffer #floridarealtor #homesforsale #daytonarealestate
Source: RISMedia
“The Phoenix Metro Area Housing Market faces multiple offers even in the higher end and luxury market as buyers try to snag homes before the market rises further. We have seen multiple offers for quite some time in the lower price ranges, but now as the market is returning, and returning strong, we are seeing multiple offers in the higher price ranges. We are now seeing multiple offers on homes in the move-up and luxury home market. We are seeing offers that are $50,000 over asking that are not the winning bid. This is causing quite a bit of frustration as buyers are trying to get into a home before the market prices go up further,” reported Brenda & Ron Cunningham, real estate professionals in Arizona.
In Seattle, multiple offers on beginner houses in Seattle are common again reports Phil Leng of Kirkland, Wash. and in Austin, broker Gwynn Teal Carpenter reports, “It’s happened again! We are in one of those real estate markets where we are seeing homes with multiple offers. In Austin Texas, the market is so sizzling hot that it isn’t unusual to have more than 2 offers on a fantastic priced and conditioned home.”
For more information, visit www.realestateeconomywatch.com.
#Realtor #multipleoffer #floridarealtor #homesforsale #daytonarealestate
Source: RISMedia
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