The Latest Kitchen Design Trends...

The kitchen is often one of the most important rooms in the house that people consider when shopping for a home. Most likely because we spend so much time there.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), founded in 1963 as The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, has nearly 40,000 members. Earlier this year it released its top trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2010.

Here is a look at some of the top trends from NKBA:

Concealed Kitchens. This means the kitchen area blends with other areas of the home. Items such as commonly used appliances may be concealed, refrigerators and dishwashers may have facades to blend in with the cupboards. Ultimately, the harmonious blending of color, design, and functionality make kitchens aesthetically pleasing and useful.

Thirst-Quenching Stations. Beverage stations are becomming quite popular, complete with under-counter refrigerators that hold beverages and wine. Many of these beverage stations include a coffee station due to our great love of "joe" in this country. The design typically includes space for stemware, beverage mugs and glasses, and condiments. This setup allows people to gather to quench their thirst while being out of the way of the chefs.

Rounding Out the Edges. Countertops, islands, archways, and even light fixtures, are being designed with soft, round edges.

Varied Heights. No more monotony. Kitchen countertops, islands, and even walls are being designed for specific purposes and that means their heights are varied.

Asian influence. The impact of Japanese design is showing up in subtle ways such as "clean lines, open spaces, and neutral color palettes with bold splashes of color in select areas," according to NKBA. The association says oftentimes there will be "one strong anchor piece of Japanese origin" that designs are built around.

Whether you're shopping for a new home or thinking of remodeling your current home, remember that trends do change. However, those that tend to stick are the ones that combine pleasing looks with highly functional features. But in contrast, you can never go wrong with the classics. Most importantly, make your home comfortable for you.

"Amanda's Law", carbon monoxis detectors now mandatory...

"Amanda's Law" became effective February 22, 2010, it requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property and apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartmetns only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage. Your real estate professional must make you aware of this new law and advise you of your options.

The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, sleepiness and confusion. By the time people realize there is a problem, they are often too sick or too disoriented to get out of the house and get help.

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, states that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

If you don't already have one, please get yourself a carbon monoxide detector, it could save the lives of you and your family.

Summer Bucket List

Quick... with 2 weeks left (unofficially) to the summer, what would you like to do that you haven't done all summer? Something you have been meaning to do, but haven't had the time? Something you want to do, but haven't had the motivation to plan? Let's here your Summer Bucket List...

Mine, is of course to spend more time with my family, but I managed to get a few adventures in... Do tell.

30 and 15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Continue to Inch Downward

Freddie Mac this week released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey , and for yet another week, the fixed-rate mortgages reached another low, while the 5-year adjustable rate remained tied at its low for this survey. 

30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.42 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 19, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.44 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.12 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged a record low of 3.90 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.92 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.56 percent.
This week marks the ninth straight week in the Primary Mortgage Market Survey that 30-year-fixed mortgage rates have met or set a new record low.

The Consumer Price Index indicates that current inflation is very low.  The last time price growth was this low was the year ending January 1966.  But this is also a sign that the economy is trying to right itself.

And what this all means to you… it’s a great time to buy a home.