Hardwood Flooring Trends

Hardwood Flooring Trends, a Touch of the Creative
(BPT)—The recovering U.S. housing market has led to increased demand for certain luxury items, including hardwood flooring. Exciting trends are influencing the marketplace and for today's consumers, there are more hardwood flooring options than ever before.
"Savvy consumers want variety and flexibility in their flooring choices," says Linda Jovanovich of the AMERICAN HARDWOOD ASSOCIATION "With American hardwood species running the gamut of color and because hardwood is a product that can adapt to many different decorating styles and decors, hardwood provides a degree of diversity, as well as long-term value, that cannot be matched by other flooring materials."
From the trend-watchers at independent market research firm, Market Insights Torcivia, and the National Wood Flooring Association, look at what's trending now.
A touch of the creative
* Using multiple wood species is very popular, typically using one species in the main field of the room, then introducing other contrasting species incorporated as a border or other subtle design elements in the room.
* Mixed media incorporates hardwood with other flooring options like stone, tile, carpet or even metal. This approach often helps to define different seating or functional areas within a large, open space.
* Installing wood floors, in a non-linear format, is increasingly popular as well. Custom parquet patterns can achieve this look but even traditional linear floors can accomplish the same goal by installing the linear pattern on a curve.
* Consumer preferences are gravitating toward darker species, like walnut, over the more traditional, medium-colored white and red oak. In many cases, however, existing oak floors are being refinished and stained to achieve this look without replacing the floor.
* Buyers are moving away from the traditional 2 1/4 inches strip floor to wider plank flooring, 3 inches and wider. Random width planks are also popular. This creates a very casual look, while utilizing more of the raw materials during the manufacturing process.
* Distressed flooring - hand-scraping the boards will achieve an antiqued look while, at the same time, hiding small imperfections that can appear in flooring over time, like small scratches or dents.-This distressed effect can also be achieved in the factory.
Stains and finishes
The National Wood Flooring Association also reports that flooring manufacturers are introducing new lines geared to satisfy the emerging trends toward gray stains and finishes - ranging from very subtle to very dark - and metallic finishes.>br> Metallic finishes incorporate softly shimmering metallic accents by embedding the metallic materials into the hardwood. The result is a pronounced grain that shimmers softly in contrast to the rest of the wood. It is difficult to predict if this trend will catch on long-term but it has become increasingly popular, particularly on the West Coast.
Get inspired
As the U.S. economy continues to recover, more and more consumers will enhance their living spaces with flooring, cabinetry and other luxury items made from American Hardwoods, the ultimate in value, versatility and style. Browse the photo gallery of the AMERICAN HARDWOOD ASSOCIATION for inspiration.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved

Being Prepared For A St Louis Mo Weather Emergency

PREPARING FOR A WEATHER EMERGENCY
“SNOW”
St. Louis, MO., has had some huge snow storms in the past. Currently St. Louis, Mo has an average of twelve inches on the ground with some areas reporting up to eighteen inches. Even if your area only gets minimal amounts of snow you should always be prepared. Here are a few suggestions that will increase your preparedness.
STOCK UP
Don't wait til the snow is hitting the ground, get to the grocery store and get plenty of food. Make sure you have the basics, Milk, Bread, Eggs, Coffee, Water, and any other food you may need for an extended snow holiday.
EQUIPMENT
You'll need to get your snow shovel out, check to make sure the handle isn't cracked or that the shovel part is not missing any bolts. If there are any concerns pick up a new one Find Snow Shovels Here. Rock Salt or Ice Melt should be another item if you don't have any on hand it can be picked up at most Grocery Stores, Home Improvement Centers or even Gas Stations. If you have concrete walks, steps or driveways, use only Ice Melt.
GEAR
Staying warm on cold snowy days is important. Hypothermia an Frostbite can only take minutes if your area is experiencing record cold temperatures like we are currently in St. Louis, MO. ABC News says unprotected skin can experience frostbite or hypothermia in minutes. You can read the ABC News Article Here You will need to wear a hat, gloves and boots at least. If you plan on being in the weather an extended amount of time invest in an insulated snow suit, snow boots and maybe even some long underwear. Layer your clothes to increase your level of insulation.
STAY UPDATED
Stayed tuned to a local TV or Radio station to keep updated on conditions. It is also suggested you have a crank style NOAA Radio in case of a power outage. The American Red Cross offers a hand crank radio that will provide AM/FM?NOAA and allows you to charge your cell phone with a USB cord
Being prepared in a weather emergency will insure you and your family peace of mind
The Helderle Team 2014 © All Rights Reserved

Buying A Home vs Renting A Home In St. Louis,MO.

Buying A Home vs Renting A Home
When it comes to the debate of owning or renting, certainly some pros and cons can be argued for each. Some people rent because they do not think that they can afford a home, but they have never really tried. Owning a home can be more affordable than people think. Our experienced Realtors can help you find homes in all price ranges. That house that you thought you could not afford, let us help you find it for you. Visit us at www.realestatetrio.com for more information about how we can help you. We love our clients and we love St. Louis, give us a visit so that we can help you today!
Is it better to rent or to own your home? For many, owning their own home is the way to go. There are many reason why owning a home has more advantages over renting a home. People often think that cost is the only issue. Cost is an issue, but it is not the only issue. Keep reading for our list of reasons why it is better to own your home vs. simply renting your home.
It is Cheaper to Own a House rather than Rent a House Owing a home can be scary, you end up paying a lot upfront, as opposed to renting, but when you own a home, it can be cheaper than renting a home. Many people are surprised to find that out, but it is true.
According to the Winter 2013 Rent vs. Buy report by Trulia, homeowners who buy their house save 44% over people who rent. You might think that these numbers were from less than desirable cities but in fact, the report found that that statistic was true for the top 100 metro areas in the United States.
Part of this is due to increasing rents, while mortgage rates are falling. Yes, with houses, you have your mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance, but if you are planning on living in the house for a long time, in the long run, you will be saving money by owning that house instead of renting.
Buying a House Builds Equityrental,
When you rent a house, you pay rent and in the end, you have nothing to show for it. Owning a house allows you to build up equity. Initially, your mortgage payments will often be applied mostly towards the interest. After some time, a bigger portion of your mortgage payments will go to your principal, which is your mortgage balance, as opposed to your interest. With each payment, you are building up equity, which is your share of the home that you have paid for. Equity is money in the bank, it increases your wealth and as your continue to pay the mortgage payments, your equity builds.
Freedom from Lease Restrictions and the Ability to Decorate When you rent, you are often restricted by a lease, which means that you have to follow the rules to continue to rent. Rental leases commonly have restrictions on guests, pets, and even children. When you own your own home, you have the freedom that comes with not having to follow a set of rules as mandated by a lease. Additionally, you are free to decorate and make changes to the house and/or the property as a homeowner. As a renter, what you see is what you get and any changes must be approved by the landlord. When you own your home, you can remodel, redecorate, and landscape however you want to. You have absolute freedom to customize your home when you own it. Renting give you no such freedom.
Owning a Home is a Tax Advantage
Owning a home is a significant tax advantage because you can deduct property taxes and mortgage interest from your federal income taxes. Some states allow you to deduct these as well. A large portion of your payments from the first few years of your mortgage typically goes to your mortgage interest. This means that you get a bigger tax advantage during the first few years of your mortgage since so much of your payment is for the interest only.
Your Credit Rating Improves
Rental payments do not affect your credit. When you have a mortgage and you make your monthly payments on a regular basis and on time, your credit score will improve. Owning a house will help your credit improve.
Pride in your Community
When you own your home, you have a vested interest in the neighborhood. You want to be involved in the community to ensure that your neighborhood is safe. It is easier to care about the safety and well-being of your community when you own a house because you know that you are a member of the community and not just a temporary member. Owning a house gives you a sense of community.
Stable Place to Live
Owning a house means that you will own that house until you decide to sell it, providing that you make the payments, of course. You do not have the stress that comes with finding out that your lease is suddenly up and will not be renewed, forcing you to move on short notice.
Owning a home means that you have a stable place for your family.
You know what your mortgage payments are and you do not have to deal with continued rent increases like many home renters have to contend with. Your family does not just have a house; they have a home when you buy vs. rent. You are giving your family security and peace of mind that they will have a roof over their heads for years and years to come. Owning a home has far more advantages than renting a home.
Not only is there a financial advantage, but there are other advantages as well. In today’s market, owning a home is hugely advantageous. To discuss these reasons more in depth, contact a member of the Helderle team today! Our job is to make your journey towards buying a home as easy as possible. From finding the best schools, to finding that perfect backyard, we can help. Visit us as www.realestatetrio.com today.
The Helderle Team 2013 © All Rights Reserved