HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

With the extra time many Americans have spent at home over the past few months, there have been plenty of opportunities to think about how that living space could be improved.

While this may not be the ideal time to tackle a full gut and renovate project, it may still be possible to do some smaller scale remodeling projects that update and improve your home. For example, simple cosmetic repairs like painting and replacing vanities can make a noticeable difference with minimal work or investment. Or if you’re hesitant about bringing contractors into the house, outdoor projects like replacing fencing, adding paver stones or constructing outdoor living spaces may be a benefit for your family.

Before you take on a project, consider these tips from Robi Kirsic, MCKBR, UDCP, chairman of the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and co-CEO of TimeLine Renovation & Design.

1Define the Purpose

The first consideration whether you’re making changes for yourself or for future resale is the purpose of your project. This determines everything from the budget to the materials you select. Remember projects in the kitchen and bathroom typically bring the greatest return on investment.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you’ll use the renovated area. When possible, incorporate elements of universal design that don’t change how the space looks but will change how it works. For example, in the bathroom, install a curbless shower, taller toilet and block in walls to allow future installation of grab bars.

2Stick to a Budget

Another early decision is your budget. It’s fruitless to spend time looking at materials and making design decisions based on products that exceed your budget or, conversely, fall below the quality level you prefer. Having a professional involved can help keep you from overspending and identify areas you may want to splurge or pull back.

3Select a Remodeler

Friends and family can be great resources when it comes to choosing a remodeling contractor since they’re likely to give detailed and candid opinions about their experiences. When you begin interviewing companies yourself, verify they’re licensed and insured, and ask what they offer above those minimum requirements. Are they certified or accredited? Do they specialize in the type of work you’re considering? Also be sure to request and check references and search online for reviews.

4Conduct Virtual Meetings

While some projects may require an in-person assessment, many planning sessions can be conducted virtually. You can even shop products to be used in your project virtually since online catalogs typically show a variety of colors and finishes along with prices. For items you need to see or feel to choose, like flooring, request samples to test in your home. To make your virtual meetings most productive, prepare by providing a detailed scope of work and be ready to provide measurements and show the space cleared of clutter.

5Keep it Safe

For some families, sticking to outdoor projects may be more comfortable in the short term. For those who are ready to bring contractors inside, there are numerous steps you can take to create a safer working environment. Examples include asking everyone involved to wear face masks and gloves and using plastic at doorways to keep the work area separate from the living area. Regular disinfecting and a thorough cleaning at the end of the project are also important preventive steps.

Find more remodeling resources, including certified contractors in your community, at RemodelingDoneRight. com.

Source: Family Features.

Call us today: 281. 232.0622 www.moralesbrothers.net Facebook: @moralesbrothers.tx 1116 Radio Ln. Ste 207 • Rosenberg, TX 77471

Kitchens Bathrooms Cabinetry

Experience Country Living at the New Tejas Trails

If you are looking to experience country living at its finest, K. Hovnanian Homes delivers in its newest community in Needville, Texas.

Tejas Trails is a beautiful, tranquil community that offers oversized homesites that give you the privacy of country living with easy access to the bustling city. The community is close to the 5,000 acre Brazos Bend State Park for outdoor adventures, as well as easy access to major thoroughfares and Brazos Town Center for all your shopping needs. K. Hovnanian Homes is excited to announce that children in Tejas Trails attend the acclaimed Needville ISD.

K. Hovnanian Homes offers ten unique home designs priced from the $310s and range from 2,241 to 3,346 square feet. All available home designs in Tejas Trails feature 1- and 2-story homes, gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, open floorplans perfect for entertaining and spacious owner’s suites with attached luxury owner’s baths, ideal for unwinding after a long day. Unique detached garage options including up to a four-car detached garage are perfect for all your extra storage needs.

Choose your own lot and floorplan or K. Hovnanian Homes also offers inventory homes in various stages of construction for those who are looking for a quick move in option.

For more information, call 713.590.4500 or visit khov.com/TejasTrails.

COVID and The Market

In March, April and May, many of us sat around and watched the Yellowstone series, tackled projects, purged and organized, listened to a lot of new music, dreamed of getting back out in nature and truly enjoyed the down time.

Then...BOOM! The crazy COVID market hit! We have been experiencing an interesting surge in the market ever since.

The Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) reported a 15.7 percent jump in home sales in June, a strong rebound from a few months of decline. HAR also stated sales of all property types was up 18.3 percent Continued on next page.

Kristin Lytle is

TEXAS PROUD!

• Proud to be a Native Texan. • Proud to be part of Fort Bend community for 35 years! • Proud Texans & Astros Fan!

Client Comments: • “Kristin has proven to be the best of the best” • “Kristin is Top Notch” • “Kristin went above and beyond to make sure we understood the home buying process” • “The best service and excellent communication throughout the process” • HAR Platinum Agent

Broker. • Celebrating almost 20 years with more than $100 million in total listing and sales volume. • 10 Year recipient of

Five Star Professional

Award • HAR Client Experience rating of 4.99/5.0.

See ratings & reviews at www.har.com/kristinlytle

Kristin Lytle, Broker Associate

Email to KristinKLytle@gmail.com • 281-414-3059

in comparison to June 2019. The single family home median price increased 3.6 percent. Many investors are stocking up on inventory as they see a future market for returns and renters.

What about low interest rates? Most buyers are snagging loans under 3%. The housing market paints a rosy picture; however, we still have many who are hurting and many who are unemployed. We all need to continue to help folks who are struggling in any way we can as we get our country back on track.

The past couple of months have seen multiple offer situations, cash offers in days and buyers thrilled with low interest rates. It has been a crazy time! HAR’s stats certainly back it up. If you are considering buying or selling or just want to discuss possible future trends, contact Kristin Lytle at 281.414.3059.

Morales Brothers Construction

For the last 20 years, Morales Brothers Construction has been providing residential remodeling services in the Greater Houston area with punctuality, respect, integrity, cleanliness and excellence as their core values. Ronnie and Vincent Morales are experts in kitchen and bathroom remodeling with an in-house cabinet shop that specializes in custom cabinetry. With 20 years in the industry, Morales Brothers have ingrained trust and integrity as the two major factors in the brothers being able to grow their business amidst two recessions. They enjoy turning homeowners’ dreams into realities with their custom, unique and functional designs.

Ronnie and Vincent Morales credit their success to their mother’s hard work ethic, as well as her entrepreneurial drive, which motivated them to place their livelihoods in their own hands. Both brothers have artistic talents with Ronnie leading up the design process. Ronnie takes great pride and is passionate in helping his clients turn their homes into functional, beautiful spaces. As the production manager, Vincent uses his eagle eye for detail to ensure seamless completion of projects. Together these two brothers have created a dynamic team that has served thousands of clients with many becoming repeat clients to do other improvement projects.

Morales Brothers Construction has always understood the importance of not only meeting, but exceeding, their client’s needs and expectations. The brothers take pride in improving their client’s homes with not only value and functionality, but also extending the longevity of their homes. Call them today to make your dreams into a reality!

For more information, call 281.232.0622 or visit www.moralesbrothers.net.

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