Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Use color to create a mood!

Color may be a personal thing, but every color also sends universal signals. Know what your walls are saying.

Red:
Intense and high energy. Represents passion with a touch of danger and aggression. Said to stimulate both appetite and conversation. It's a dining room favorite.

Yellow:
Sunny and vibrant. This is the brightest of the colors. It stimulates creativity, makes people happy, and increases attentiveness. A natural choice for kitchen.

Blue:
Tranquil and calming. It's cool feeling sets a relaxing tone ideal for bedrooms and baths. Pale or soft gray-blues are easiest to use on walls, while brighter blues work well as accents.

Green:
Represents nature and renewal. Its balance of warm and cool makes it versatile and easy to live with.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Cheapest 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom in Las Salinas



Very well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Tile floors, private balcony, windows have storm shutters, private storage space downstairs. Many upgrades, newer kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops, A/C, washer and dryer. Complex has a great pool, convenience store and deli nearby, and is in walking distance to Smather's Beach. Located just minutes to shopping centers, schools, and the Key West Airport. Take advantage of this opportunity!



Friday, September 16, 2011

Cool rooms with a mini AC!

We can't count the number of times we've heard that the "only problem" with a great old house is that it doesn't have central air. The solution which saves you from wrestling with window units or tearing things up to install ductwork, is a ductless air conditioner. Also this system is far more energy efficient than window units.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

For remodeling done right hire a Pro!

While you're new house may be just the right size and in just the right neigborhood, chances are you're already putting together a list of DIY projects.

But if your considering a full scale kitchen and bath remodels, calling in an expirienced pro is generally the most cost-efficient and stress free plan. A pro will guide you through the entire process making sure that your needs and expextations will be meet.

Monday, September 12, 2011

507 Frances St in Key West

Prime location and great investment opportunity! Frances St is one of the most desirable Streets in Old Town Key West.




This is a 3 Unit building. Each unit has a separate water and electric meter. Total gross income $49,800. This property could be converted to a beautiful single family home. History shows that it served as one of the early school houses in Key West followed by a church. Just steps from world famous Duval St and the Seaport. Excellent for an owner occupant or as an investment. Many possibilities!
Call Monika today for a showing, 305-776-2025.

Parks and beaches in the Florida Keys

Some of our parks and beaches in the Florida Keys.
Despite being one of the country's hottest tourist spots, the Keys has mostly retained its wonderfully uncivilized soul.

Key West

Fort Zachery Taylor Historic State Park.
End of Southard St and Truman Annex, Key West, 305-292-6713.
Locals call it the best beach in Key West. Picnic, swim or fish here.

Dry Tortugas National Park.
70 miles west of Key West,305-242-7700 FL lies this North America's most inaccessible National Park. It is dominated by its central feature, the majestic Fort Jefferson. Step back in time and explore the history. Sunbathe on a beautiful white sand beach or snorkel the living reef in the warm crystal clear waters.

Lower Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
MM 37, 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, 305-873-2353.
Beautiful sandy beach, great for swimming and snorkeling, plenty of trees and picnic areas. Rentals of snorkel equipment and boats available.

Marathon

Curry Hammock State Park
MM 56.2, 305-743-5559
Bicycling and hiking, Picnic tables, grills, playground and showers and restrooms.

Islamorada Area

Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key Tours
MM 77.5 Oceanside, Islamorada, 305-664-9814.
Accessible by boat, kayak or canoe. Small uninhabited island that offers a dock, pavilion and observation tower.

Key Largo Area

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
MM 102,5 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, 305-451-6300.
Most famous for its stunning offshore coral reef. Visitor center, picnic areas, campsites, beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat rental.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Be the best on your block!

The seven essentials to boost curb appeal. A handsome facade ranks right up there in importance and appealing details will make your home a welcome sight.

1. Highlight the paint. Set off architectural details and textures by painting them in separate colors. Moving away from a monotone palette brings definition, and choosing historically appropriate colors enhances character.

2. Spruce up the siding, See that clapboards, or masonry sheathing are in top condition. They add color, texture, and polish to your home's exterior.

3. Perk up windows. Trim windows in contrasting color or shutters to highlight them. Breaking up the facade in this way creates interest.

4. Liven up the landscaping. Plant layers of greenery and bright blooms along the walk, in hanging pots or in window boxes. Nothing offers such a cherry "hello" from the sidewalk.

5. Roll out the red carpet. Create a welcoming walk to your front door with brick or stone pavers flanked by plantings, and the stroll to your entrance becomes an event.

6. Play up the porch. Replace metal poles with period appropriate columns or posts, repaint railings and lay wood over a concrete slab to warm up a porch or portico. Don't have one? Start collecting ideas and add on when the budget allows.

7. Tend to the roof. Keep tabs on the state of your wood shakes, asphalt shingles, or tiles to make sure they're in good repair. Not only does the roof protect all the other architectural details, it's very visible.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Welcome home. First day checklist!

- Change dead bolts on exterior doors. You can watch a how-to video on installing one at thisoldhouse.com/newhome/bonus.

- Locate the water shutoff valve. You'll be happy to know where it is in a emergancy

- Test circuit breakers. To avoid overloading circuits, plug in lamps or radios and switch off one circuit at a time so that you know which outlets are connected to the same circuit. Label each breaker-box switch accordingly.

- Install new (or test existing) smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. For tips on how to choose and strategically place them, go to thisoldhouse.com/newhome/bonus.

- If you hired professional movers, unpack TVs, computers, and other electronics to check for damage. You may have a time limit for filling insurance claimes.

- Plug in night-lights around the stairs and in bathrooms to avoid stumbling around unfamiliar spaces in the dark.