Archives for February 2012

Folding coffee table both fashionable and functional

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If you miss the days when your furniture consisted of two folding chairs and a card table, if for nothing other than the convenience come moving time, thanks to designer Robert van Embricqs, you could get back the flexibility without sacrificing a fashionable look.

A conscious choice for functionality in design doesn’t necessarily mean one has to be burdened by conformity, let alone predictability. The Rising Table ignores the clichéd notion that a table is little more than a flat surface that is held up by four separate legs. The result is a surprising mixture of fluid design that blends the multifaceted tabletop with the latticework of wooden beams that function as the center of the construct. From there, the table sprouts four wooden beams that hold up the entire construct.

Not only does this design approach rid itself of every single predictable feature when one imagines a table, it also emphasizes that the Rising Table is indeed made from a single piece of wood.

It also takes up almost zero space in a moving van, as well as being a snap to hide away once it’s time to whip out the impromptu dance floor after taking out the huge plate of dippable goodies that could be placed in the middle. This is nothing if not a party waiting to happen.

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Full story at Robert van Embricqs

Finding the Positives in Economic and Housing Conditions in 2012

While 2011 was clearly a challenging year, there is a lot to be positive about looking ahead. Economically, while buffeted by natural disasters and fiscal policy indecisiveness at home and a European sovereign debt crisis abroad, the U.S. economy was able to stave off economic stagnation in 2011 and is likely to continue to do so in 2012.

Housing statistics and the duration of the housing downturn to date indicate that 2012 may be the year we begin to turn the corner. In the summer of 2011, economic concerns peaked as the economy appeared to be on the brink of stagnation. Since the recession officially ended, this was a nadir for the economy as consumer confidence Data as of November 2011 plummeted, concern about a double-dip recession resurfaced, and fiscal policy indecisiveness reached its zenith. In the second half of the year, and heading into 2012, most major economic statistics are exhibiting an encouraging level of stability and positive, but weak, trends. Though the pace of growth is slow, it is to be expected in an economic recovery caused by a financial crisis.

Households are paying off their debts and at the same time accessing credit more easily. Surprisingly, households also added Home Equity Lines of Credit in the third quarter for the first time since the financial crisis began, which is a positive sign of access to liquidity that softens the impact of income shocks. A quarterly survey by the New York Federal Reserve Bank1 shows that total household debt continues to decline, but at a slowing pace. During 2012, households will need to find their equilibrium between household debt levels and consumption.

Consumer sentiment rebounded strongly in the latter part of 2011, posting a six-month high in December. While still low compared to pre-recession levels, this figure indicates an improving belief in the strength of the economy in 2012.

The labor market seems to be ever so slowly clawing its way toward recovery. In December, jobless claims were at their lowest level since 2008. The unemployment rate is proving stubbornly persistent and gains are often due to declines in the number of people participating in the labor force. The consensus is that unemployment will remain high in 2012 and that it will take a number of years to reduce the level significantly. Nonetheless, there has been consistent private sector job creation in the latter half of 2011. We can expect the persistence of unemployment to be a particularly contentious issue in the 2012 election year.

Housing is an industry with long business cycles. Typical regional housing recessions have taken anywhere from three to five years to find their bottom. The national housing recession has behaved similarly in that it has bounced along a bottom for the past two years. While prices are declining again to new lows, affordability is rising dramatically due to a combination of house price deflation along with rock-bottom mortgage interest rates. Adjusting for inflation, this has been a “lost decade for housing as prices are the same as at the beginning of the millennium.

The time is right in 2012 for prices to begin growing again and housing affordability will put a floor under any further significant declines in 2012. The spring and summer buying season in 2012 will be watched very closely for positive signs of demand.

Most housing statistics basically moved sideways in the latter part of 2011. Builder sentiment is improving ever so slowly, but remains at very low levels. Housing starts are also increasing, driven mostly by multifamily starts. Even single-family housing starts began increasing at the end of 2011. Both single family starts and permits rose at an annualized pace of 15 percent over the six months ending in November 2011. Existing home sales also started to trend upward at the end of 2011, and were 12 percent higher in November 2011 compared to January 2011.

Putting all of these statistics together indicates there is a very long way to go and that the housing market is likely to sustain these trends in 2012. While we cannot say with a high degree of certainty what 2012 has in store for us, indications based on the latter part of 2011 are that both the broad economy and the housing market are moving toward positive growth in 2012. However, some impediments do exist including slower global economic growth, a recession in Europe, and fiscal and political uncertainty in the U.S. Taking these facts and trends together, we are bullish on the prospect of improving economic performance in 2012 from 2011.

For more information, visit www.corelogic.com

House and household size trends [Infographic]

Square footage

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Rising rental costs may drive home sales up

Homes-For-RentHome sales could turn out sunnier than expected this spring based on data coming out of the rental market, according to economists at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Jay Brinkmann, the trade group’s chief economist, said Thursday that apartment owners have raised their rates, in particular large investment trust Equity Residential ($58.05 0.45%). That’s coupled with fewer people, roughly 60%, who intend to renew a lease, according to a study by Kingsley Associates.

"This means we might see a spring season better than the numbers are predicting," Brinkmann said at the MBA’s mortgage servicing conference in Orlando, Fla. The trade group forecasts 4.39 million single-family homes sold in the second quarter, already an increase from the seasonally adjusted 4.17 million a year earlier.

Many Americans ran to rentals during the worst of the housing crisis, pushing homeownership to a 14-year low, and more tenants elected to stay put.

"The question is not how did (homeownership) fall, but how it got so high in the first place," Brinkmann said.

The MBA adjusted its forecast for mortgage originations in 2012 to just more than $1 trillion with more refinances than initially expected, according to Mike Fratantoni, vice president of economics and research. That’s still below 2011 levels and would be the lowest since 1997.

Fratantoni expects home sales to grow 10% in 2013, though he predicted refinances will drop off considerably as MBA projects interest rates to slowly move off the lowest levels in 40 years.

Positive employment news, including a continued decline in jobless claims, could impact housing soon, but Brinkmann said uncertainty over business taxes in an election year and European debt could keep growth at bay.

"Everything is going to be based overall where the economy goes," Brinkmann said. "This is going to be a slow year. There are a number of headwinds we’re facing in terms of economic growth."

Source: “MBA: Rising Rental Costs May Drive Home Sales Up,” HousingWire (Feb. 23, 2012)

It may be the time for you to consider buying an investment property. Give me a call or email me.

Boys room decorating ideas

Decorating boys room can be a little tricky affair. Their interests, favorite colors, sports teams, groups, inspirations etc. are certain things on which you can model the design and decor. In addition, boys room also need to have brightness and light to keep them active throughout the day. Moreover, the theme and design of the room should also match the personality and likings of the boy in order to keep his interest alive for the room.

Boys room decorating ideas

Firefighting obsession

Placing a wooden fire truck bed can easily attract the mind and interest of your young boy. When you decide to put a fire-fighting crisp red bed in his bedroom, remember to use light color paint on the walls to cool down the warm effect of red bed. In addition, you can also create firefighter pattern on the walls to complete the look of the room.

Sporty look

If your boy adores sport, you can put little fanciful sports stick art or wall murals on display. Don’t go in deep by providing a full-fledged sports theme to the room. Create a grown-up space and decorate it with fancy sports items. Moreover, sporty wall murals also deck up the look beautifully. Furthermore, these can also be replaced effortlessly as a boy’s preference change.

The magic of blue

From centuries, we have been linking shades of blue with boys. Decorating boys bedroom in various hues of blue offers a striking look and feel to the bedroom. You can create blue patterns on the wall or ceilings. Throwing down a simple blue rug or carpet can also do the look. Moreover, blue spreadsheets or curtains can also help you in completing this interesting blue theme for your boy’s bedroom.

The Rugby look

If your teen boy is Rugby freak, then why not give his room a brilliant Rugby-inspired look. To create this look, paint the walls in solid colors along with lots of interesting textures in furnishings. In addition, you can add various Rugby materials and accessories to enliven the room with the effect of this cool sport. Drape the pillows with a Rugby-shirt stripes inspired covers to finish the look.

The Jungle theme

Jungle or Safari look always fascinates young boys. To keep their fascination growing, decorate the room in a highly interesting Jungle theme. Start with covering the walls with colorful animal wallpapers. If you are not comfortable in using the wallpapers, you can paint the room in bright colors and can use stick-ons to accessorize the walls. Furthermore, pillows and spreadsheets in leopard or zebra prints will offer a more realistic jungle feel to the room. To finish the look, accessorize the room with various safari hats, nets or binoculars.

A rustic look

Offering a rustic look to a boy’s bedroom can refresh the mood and interest of your teen boy. Why not use the scenic beauty of nature on display in his room to offer a brilliant rustic look to the bedroom. Use playful and colorful nature-inspired wallpapers in his room along with artworks that show mountains, sun, bears and birds. Use natural accessories, such as pine cones, sticks, leaves and flowers to glamorize the room.

The bug’s effect

If bugs, bees, ants or reptiles capture your boy’s attention, then doing his room in bug’s style can be really fascinating for him. You can place a table or chair inspired by the bugs and reptiles. Even placing a lamp besides his bed, which looks like a frog or bug, can also be a good idea. Bed linens and pillow covers in the bright, colorful bug prints will complete the look.

Camouflage it

If your teen boy is an avid fan of the Army, Navy or Air Force, then salute his fondness by decorating his room in a military way. Camouflage theme can be really intriguing for your boy as it would catalyze his fondness towards military. Drench the walls in desert colors and throw down a rug in nude color. Complete the look by spreading bed linens in camouflage prints. You can also deck up the room with flags and patriotic sayings or posters.

Do it American Airplane style

Anything which is related with speed is always loved by growing boys. So, decking up their room in American airplane style is not a bad idea. Bring the magic of airplane alive with the striking palette of reds, blues and creams- a color scheme perfect for creating something really adventurous. Hang on various miniature airplanes and choppers in a corner of the room to offer a super interesting look. Various stickers and stencils of airplanes will also make the room come alive with the magic of American airplanes.

Wilderness theme

Start with plaid flannel bedding along with coordinating window treatments. In the next step, accessorize the room with fishing rods and paddles to bring in the beauty of wilderness. Posters or stencils of moose, fish, mountains or a flowing river will complete the look in a beautiful way.

The bold look

If you want to keep the décor of your boy’s room simple and elegant but striking at the same time, then going for bold look can be your perfect choice. Put down a prominent bed sheet on his bed or throw down an exquisite rug in a solid vivacious color. If you are using bold colors in room accessories then try to keep the wall colors light and soothing, otherwise it will muddle up the entire look.

Shelves and furniture

Shelves and furniture are as important as the décor of a boy’s room. Shelves are a great way to pile up the belonging of your growing boy in a complete neat way. Try to use thick and durable shelves to store his collectibles and mementos. The furniture for boy’s room should be strong, durable and exciting. Furthermore, they should also match the décor and theme of your growing boy’s room.

Federal Government & Attorneys General reach landmark settlement with major banks

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Roughly $25 billion in relief for distressed borrowers, states and federal government.

After many months of negotiation, 49 state attorneys general and the federal government have reached agreement on a historic joint state-federal settlement with the country’s five largest loan servicers:

The settlement will provide as much as $25 billion in relief to distressed borrowers and direct payments to states and the federal government. It’s the largest multistate settlement since the Tobacco Settlement in 1998.

The agreement settles state and federal investigations finding that the country’s five largest loan servicers routinely signed foreclosure related documents outside the presence of a notary public and without really knowing whether the facts they contained were correct.  Both of these practices violate the law.  The settlement provides benefits to borrowers whose loans are owned by the settling banks as well as to many of the borrowers whose loans they service.

About the Settlement: Learn about the settlement, who is affected and what claims may still be pursued against the banks. Find links to your state Attorney General’s Office to find state-specific information and contacts.

Help for Borrowers: Learn how to find out if your loan is affected by this settlement, the timeline for relief, how you will know if you are eligible. Find links to your state Attorney General’s Office to find state-specific information and contacts.

News: Read the national news release and find links to your state Attorney General’s Web site for state-specific news.

Whitney Houston: A Life In Music

WHITNEY

SURFSIDE RESIDENCE | AMAZING USE OF GLASS

SURFSIDE RESIDENCE | BY STEVEN HARRIS ARCHITECTS | Image

The Surfside Residence, designed by Steven Harris Architects is a contemporary residence in Montauk Point, at the Hamptons. With views of dawn’s first light at Montauk Point to the setting sun over Shadmoor covered bluffs and the surf below, this ocean front modern masterpiece dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior. The house features stairs that lead down to a private beach with some of the county’s best surfing and fishing. This stunning property is on sale now listed at $9,950,00 via Sothebys.

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Thought of the Day

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From my favourite (intentional spelling) Canadian poet. Learn more bout Margaret.