Archive for the ‘Homes’ Category

Happiness is a Home You Love

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

They are our biggest asset, and our sanctuary from the world. If we’re lucky, we love them. I’m talking about our homes. In his book, The Architecture of Happiness, writer Alain de Botton explores how our homes can affect our moods, making us happy or depressed. The idea that our physical surroundings can actually have a great impact on our well being should come as no surprise. After all, I’m sure we’ve all experienced elation at seeing a wonderful home, something that just made you feel happy. Whether we are able to live there or not is another matter, but there is no denying that some homes make us feel good, and some just do not appeal to us at all. And each person’s tastes differ.

What impacts each of our taste in homes is also diverse. For some, childhood memories may influence the styles of homes, colors and other features they love in a home. For others it isn’t as clear why they like what they like. Some people want an open feeling, and are most at home (so to speak) in a place with lots of windows, high ceilings, and even on the upper floors of an apartment with expansive views. But to others this would be completely unpleasant. Some prefer a cozy space, with low hanging lights and lots of little nooks for curling up to read. Some people love the quite of rural areas, or a large yard to work and play in. Others can’t stand solitude and want the busyness of the city and people around them. Some hate yard work, and would never use a lawn. We each are truly our own people, and if we are lucky, our homes reflect that and are pleasant, if not elating, spaces for us to live and grow.

What it seems to come down to is beauty, suggests de Botton. If we find a place beautiful it makes us happy. What we find beautiful depends on a multitude of things, but it boils down to something that’s personality we just like, if inanimate things can be said to have personality. And of course, we all want to be happy. This is probably why most people put so much effort and money into decorating their homes. It’s what every seller hopes for when their home is being viewed, that the buyer will love it and see themselves living there. But no matter how you dress it up, some people will love it and some will hate it. There’s no accounting for taste.

But there is plenty to influence taste. Beyond the factors I mentioned above, like childhood experiences and unexplainable, ingrained personality preferences, trends can also influence us. In our society there’s a certain pressure to always have the newest of whatever is out there, and it can leave some people feeling like they’re always chasing after their dreams. But trends come and go, and while they can be inspiring, what we need in a home is something that makes us feel good all the time. If you are considering buying a home, it’s important to consider what your tastes really are. Owning a home is an opportunity, really, to express your true self, to surround yourself with whatever it is that you find beautiful and that makes you happy. Trends come and go, so if you go with your heart when choosing a home and all its furnishings, you are far more likely to enjoy it for years to come than if you follow whatever the latest trends are.

Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You’ll find local realty info, including how to get in contact with the most qualified Naples Realtors.

The Beautiful New Tampa Real Estate Market

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

The masterfully planned and laid out area of New Tampa real estate contains acres upon acres of striking award-winning homes set among a dramatic natural environment. A search of the New Tampa homes for sale will quickly reveal a range of home sites from lakefront property to wetland and tree lined natural environments. All these sites take advantage of the serene and peaceful mood provided compliments of Mother Nature.

The rapid growth of the New Tampa real estate area can readily be attributed to the nearby location of the University. The University of South Florida is a not only a cultural and educational enticement to many but also draws vast encouragement from the medical community. These features tend to make this an especially sought-after location in which to reside for families with either older or younger offspring. The close proximity of the various office parks appeals to many individuals that are employed within the telecommunications, financial and insurance industries.

The lifestyle exhibited within New Tampa is compatible with that of the surrounding area. It readily offers a pleasant measure of various sports, an abundance of recreational activities, nature parks and trails, first-rate golf courses, recently established tennis courts and several swimming facilities.

It is fairly easy to gain access to New Tampa as it connects to highway I -75 and the Bruce Downs Boulevard junction. You can not miss the turn off location.

The New Tampa area affords you as a resident a great day of shopping in the many petite quaint shops which line the streets. Should you require a needed break you can readily rest and enjoy a good inexpensive meal or partake of a refreshing drink at one of the many dining facilities.

There are several smaller communities which comprise the New Tampa real estate vicinity. I would like to briefly introduce you to one of them known as Arbor Greene.

Arbor Greene

Arbor Greene is a very popular New Tampa community that features many modern updated amenities. It is huddle peacefully away from the busy city noises. If you are seeking an old Florida style home site location, this is the place for you. This tranquil community is situated upon 596 acres of environmentally friendly land and well suited for the complete family. Here you can discover a family fitness center, several wholesome and clean swimming pools plus a community center which employs a full-time director. You and your family can enjoy an exciting tennis game at the community tennis complex or if you happen to be into golf there is the nearby Hunter’s Green community country club.

New Tampa is an area of over 90 full acres of fun filled scenic lakes, eleven recreational parks, and an abundance of nature trails plus over 100 acres reserved as a conservation area. Should you require a few hours of city life you merely need to step beyond your staffed security gate and experience the best dining, shopping and banking facilities around. The immediate area also boosts of a new modern YMCA and a vast regional library.

Lance Mohr is a full time licensed broker associate with Keller Williams Realty. He has over 10 years of experience helping families buy and sell real estate, as well is being a real estate investor. If you have any questions about the New Tampa homes for sale or the New Tampa real estate market please visit my website

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Mohr

Why Modern Housing Is On The Rise

Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Many modern homes and condos are going up left and right in Austin, with local design and build companies behind the new residences. It is hard to pinpoint exactly why modern design is becoming so popular, but several factors possibly play a role.

One of the reasons Austin draws so many people to town is because at its heart, it is “different”. It is very different from big cities like Dallas or Houston, and also different from a standard cookie cutter town found all over the state. New modern homes are also different from traditional homes in both their exterior curb appeal, with large walls of glass, concrete and wood, as well as their modern and minimalist interiors. Those moving to Austin looking for a change could find themselves hunting for a home that reflects their personality. It’s also the same reason that most of the new modern housing is located in and around central Austin, where the vibe of the city is felt the most.

Though many builders are currently trying to take on green standards in their building practices, the local companies building these modern homes thrive on doing so, which appeases the home buyer who is also environmentally conscious. Modern homes often use renewable resources such as bamboo or cork flooring, and double paned windows, rain cisterns and tankless water heaters to conserve resources, and low VOC paint, which is less toxic than traditional oil and latex based paints. Even the majority of modern homes are xeriscaped, using landscaping plants that are friendly to the often harsh Texas environment, and cutting down on excessive watering.

Many new Austin transplants have come from large cities on the east or west coast, or possibly artsy cities like Portland or Seattle, and have a wide and eclectic taste. Others went to the university, and moved away, but are coming back to settle in central Austin. Those looking for a modern home are more into architecture and would prefer a home that makes more of an artistic statement than a traditional home. Also the growing popularity of magazines like Dwell, and house and home decor websites and blogs like Apartment Therapy, cultivate interest in unique modern homes and modern Austin condos.

In general, large home builders are sticking to traditional housing, since the demand for such homes hasn’t gone away, and much of the population would consider modern homes ugly, uninviting, or resembling a dentist’s office. Also building tract homes is easy and fast, since there are limited floor plans, and building sites are already plotted out.

Luckily, Austin has several small and medium sized firms who are willing to create more unique homes, and is another possible reason many modern dwellings are on the rise. Also, since many of the firms design and build their houses, the home buyer can have input on its design from the beginning, and feel assured that there won’t be anything lost in translation when their house is under construction. These firms also take the land and the surroundings into account, and “bring the outside in” with touches such as exterior brick walls forming interior walls, and well placed windows to capture site specific views. For those Austinites that can’t seem to find that perfect modern dwelling, a word into a local design/build firm can get the ball rolling.

Escapeso real estate operates in Austin. They have a site about Austin real estate where they provide a free mortgage calculator and a Austin MLS search.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray