Saturday, December 11, 2010

Protect Your Fence...Winterizing is Important

Why winterizing your fence is an important part of home maintenance


(ARA) - Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.



A well-maintained fence can protect your home and possessions, prevent young children and pets from venturing out of your yard without your knowledge, and keep unwelcome intruders out.



A fence that has been allowed to deteriorate, particularly if the gate no longer closes and latches securely, is a liability. It won't provide constant reminders that repairs are needed, like a leaking roof, but it still needs to be fixed. You could be subjected to a lawsuit if someone enters your property, even without your permission, and is injured. A well-maintained fence surrounding your property can reduce that liability.



Professional fencing contractors can be consulted for minor repairs, as well as new or replacement fencing, but there are many "do-it-yourself" steps homeowners can take to preserve the appearance as well as extend the useful life of their fences.



For wood fencing:

* Protect against dry rot. If it's already invaded the wood, pry or cut the damaged section out, scrub the remaining fence with mild detergent or diluted bleach and replace the section you removed with the same type of wood that was used in the original fence. Then, prime and paint or stain the entire fence.



For metal fencing:

* Powder-coated aluminum needs little maintenance, but if the coating has worn off in areas, it will need to be sealed and repainted before winter weather causes the metal to rust.



* Steel or wrought iron fencing needs to be repainted when it rusts. Use a stiff metal brush to remove rust, wash thoroughly, then prime and paint with a rust-proof paint.



Gates and gate hardware are the only moveable parts on a fence system, so they're subject to the most wear and tear. Rust and gate misalignment are the most common problems that prevent latches from engaging properly. If the gate does not latch each time it's closed, the entire fence is ineffective.



Selecting the right gate hardware can prevent most of these problems. An investment in quality when buying new, or when replacing defective or old hardware, can mean that little or no maintenance needs to be done to the gate. Gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies, made of strong engineering polymers and stainless steel that will not rust, are adjustable during and after installation to easily correct for gate alignment issues in seconds.



It takes just a few minutes to update your gates so they close automatically after opening (self-closing) and the gate latch engages without manual effort (self-latching), improving the security and overall look of your fence. Most D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassle and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company's hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver.





The gate is the only part of the fence that is used daily. Ensuring that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust is an essential part of maintaining your property.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Foreclosure Probing

WASHINGTON – Officials in 50 states and the District of Columbia have launched a joint investigation into allegations that mortgage companies mishandled documents and broke laws in foreclosing on hundreds of thousands of homeowners.

The states' attorneys general and bank regulators will examine whether mortgage company employees made false statements or prepared documents improperly.

Read full story at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101013/ap_on_bi_ge/us_foreclosures_states

Source:Associated Press

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fannie Mae Offers a Break to Service People

Fannie Mae says it will reduce or suspend mortgage payments for up to six months for military families if they are unable to pay because of the injury or death of a service member.

Military members or surviving spouses should contact their mortgage company or call this special military phone number: (877) MIL-4566.

Source: The Associate Press (09/27/2010)

Friday, September 24, 2010

Taking a Second Look

I think this is a good decision for the banks. What do you think?

Banks to Review Rejected Loans
Some banks are launching a “second look program” to review loans that have been denied in order to identify circumstances that might persuade underwriters to reverse their decisions.

The Financial Services Roundtable, a trade group of 100 financial companies, including Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and U.S. Bancorp. Bankers say these programs are starting to loosen the logjams that have made it so hard for both home buyers and small businesses to get loans.

"I don't think of it as being looser. I think of it as making good judgments," says Stephen D. Steinour, chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Inc.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Ruth Simon (09/23/2010)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Are you Still on the Fence about Buying a New Home?

10 Reasons to Buy a Home

Now is a great time to buy. And, what's more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn't changed.

1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.

2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.

3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.

4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?

5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.

6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.

7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.

8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.

9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.

10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Football!! Football!!! Football!!!

“Are you ready for some football?!!!”

As a valued subscriber to the City of Frisco News and Information service, the City of Frisco, Hunt Sports Group and the Southland Conference would like to offer you this exclusive presale opportunity! Purchase your tickets to the NCAA Division I Football Championship before tickets go on sale to the general public on September 13. This championship game will be held Friday, January 7 at 6 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park. To take advantage of the exclusive presale offer, please enter the link below in your brower.

http://tinyurl.com/D1FBchamp-Presale

Source:City of Frisco

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

They threw Fair Housing out Door

HUD Charges Couple With Fair Housing Violation

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has charged a Chicago couple and two real estate practitioners with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to sell a home listed for $1.799 million to an African American couple because of their race.

HUD alleges that owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia and real estate associate Jeffrey Lowe stalled negotiations then took the property off the market after receiving a $1.7 million offer from radio personality and comedian George Willborn and his wife Peytyn Willborn, a businesswoman.

The charge alleges that the Willborns submitted the highest offer the sellers had received in the two years the property was on the market, but the Sabbias failed to sign the sales contract. Real estate practitioner Jeffrey Lowe told HUD investigators that Daniel Sabbia expressed a preference not to sell his home to an African-American.

The charge also names the Lowe Group Chicago Inc. and Prudential Rubloff Properties.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (08/10/2010)

~The actions that still exist these days. In this economy these sellers wanted to be picky. When you sell something, you let it go....it doesn't belong to you anymore.~

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Five Surprising Reasons to Buy a Home Now + Bonus

I must say this is a great post from forsalebyowner.com, step #6 would be to hire an agent to represent you. (Seller or Buyer Agent).

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they can absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Home owners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. As these houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system, and they are being replaced by some very attractive properties.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, giving appraisers more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market.

5. Plenty of programs. Many programs that encourage middle-class families to buy homes continue to exist, despite market downturns. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.

Source: ForSaleByOwner.com (07/29/2010)

Friday, July 30, 2010

Are You Ready for Some Football??

What NFL team do you see playing in the superbowl at the new Cowboys stadium?

I'm happy as long as the Dallas Cowboys are playing.

Yes, I'm keeping it that simple.

Friday, July 23, 2010

HUD and VA to Prevent Homeless Vets

To prevent homelessness among veterans, especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs will jointly invest $15 million for housing assistance in five communities near military installations.

These installations will each receive $2 million: MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa; Camp Pendleton in San Diego; Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas; Fort Drum in Watertown, N.Y.; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Wash. In addition, VA medical centers in the following areas will each receive $1 million: Tampa, San Diego, Dallas, Syracuse, N.Y., and American Lake in Washington.

HUD will provide rental assistance, including security deposits, utility payments, and case management. The VA will offer healthcare.

Source: HUD and VA Offices of Public Affairs (07/22/2010)

Monday, July 19, 2010

Buyers Should Shop for the Best Rate

Anyone shopping for a new mortgage these days should shop around, says Cameron Findlay, chief economist for LendingTree.

Although mortgage rates look astoundingly low, the spread between what the bank receives and what it pays investors has actually increased, giving banks more room to negotiate.

Applicants with good credit scores should aggressively seek the best rates they can find by comparison shopping, starting with the bank they usually do business with.

Source: The New York Times, Jennifer Saranow Schultz (07/17/2010)

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Tips to Keep Cool and Save Energy

It's Cool to Save Energy


*Shades, curtains, trees. Keeping direct sunlight out of your house will keep temperatures down. Plant trees for shade, or use curtains or shades in the summer, especially on west- and south-facing windows. If you plant trees, make sure they're not evergreen: You want the leaves to fall off in the winter to help with heating.

*Filters. Check and change (if they're disposable) or clean (if they're permanent) your air-conditioning filters at least once a month. Also periodically clean the coils on both the outside and inside A/C units as well. These steps are simple, can reduce your power bill by 10%, and will prevent the No. 1 cause of service calls. And while you're cleaning coils, might as well pull the refrigerator out and vacuum those coils too.

*A/C ducts. Do you close the vents in rooms that you're not using? Well, don't. Closing more than 10% of your vents can create an air pressure imbalance that will reduce your air conditioner's efficiency. So if you've got central air, let it flow.

*Light bulbs. Unless you've been living in a cave, you already know that CFLs use less electricity and last much longer than conventional bulbs. They also produce a lot less heat. And now you can get them in virtually any shade and configuration. If you haven't seen them lately, look again. Read more about it at the Energy Star website.

*Ceiling fans. A fan will allow you to set your thermostat at 78 degrees and make it feel like 72 degrees. They're cheap at the local home-improvement warehouse, and can be easily installed by those with moderate skills. Energy Star-certified ceiling fans do even better, moving air up to 20% more efficiently than conventional models. And if you get a light kit, get one with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce 70% less heat. Note: Ceiling fans make the air feel cooler on your skin, but they don't actually lower the temperature. Which means that if you're not in the room, it's not doing anything. Turn it off.

*Experiment with your thermostat. Try raising your setting a degree or two and see if you notice. If you don't have a programmable thermostat, check them out, especially if you're the type to forget to dial up the temp when you leave for work. And when you're home.

*When it's hottest, be cool. When it's the hottest part of the summer day, don't run appliances that create heat. The hot part of the day is the time for iced tea and TV.

*Turn it off. According to the EPA, TVs that aren't even turned on cost the average American household $5 a year. Plug your TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, video games, etc., into a power strip and use the power strip as an on/off switch.


Yes, these seem like a no brainer to most people. There are some that don't even think about the simple things of changing your AC filter.

Let's Cool off people.

Courtesy of Smart Spending

Thursday, July 1, 2010

3 Things Condo Buyers Should Know

Now could be a great time for home buyers to find a great deal on a condominium.

Here are three things that potential buyers of condos should consider:

1. Is this condo likely to fall further in price? Part of the answer is in falling or rising local inventory – even if sales have picked up recently.

2. Is this a fair price? Condo prices are more volatile than single-family homes. One big consideration is whether buyers in this particular complex are likely to be able to qualify for a mortgage. If the complex has too many renters, for instance, the Federal Housing Administration won’t approve loans to buy units.

3. Is the condo association in good fiscal shape? Are they maintaining the grounds and the amenities as well as staying on top of needed structural improvements?

Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (06/29/2010)

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Tax Credit Extension Passes; Senate OKs Flood Bill

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Tax Credit Extension Passes; Senate OKs Flood Bill

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home

cAffordable ways to make your new house feel like home


(ARA) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking, finding the nearest coffee shop ...  even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later, according to interior design faculty at The Art Institutes.



"Incorporating items with personal meaning, such as memorabilia or a special collection, can make your new place feel less like a stranger's house and more like your home," says Annette Lawrence, academic director of the Interior Design program at The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati. Lawrence describes the concept of "adaptive re-use," an easy, inexpensive way to create a "sense of place" - in other words, making your new house the place in which you feel most comfortable - home.



Adaptive re-use involves bringing items from your previous residence to your new home, but with the twist of adapting them for a different or new use. Adaptive re-use is affordable, ecologically responsible and helps ease the psychological stresses that come with moving into a new, unfamiliar space. Adaptive re-use also involves using items from local design consignment shops. Such establishments can now be found in most towns and carry items ranging from furniture to window treatments and accessories.



Some examples of adaptive re-use:



* Same item, same use - The entry rug from your old house goes in the entryway of the new house.



* Same item, different location - Your living room furniture from your old home becomes your family room furniture in your new place.



* Same item, new use - You use the fabric from a window treatment to upholster your dining room chairs.



"Mies van der Rohe's old adage, 'less is more,' certainly holds true here," says Jackie Barry, interior design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston. "Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don't need to have or show everything you have all in one room."



Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and well-being. "Bring the outside in; don't neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them," she says. "Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect."



If all of this still feels too overwhelming to you, consider hiring a professional interior designer to help you out. Lawrence suggests using personal contacts and references to find a designer who is right for you.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Affordable housing and you

Real estate in Texas
The term affordable housing can mean many things. In Austin, for example, it could mean any single-family home that sells for under $200,000. In other areas of Texas, affordable housing might mean a $75,000 home.

Statewide, Texas REALTORS® help countless fellow Texans experience the benefits of homeownership, regardless of where you live or how much money you make. In addition, many Texas REALTORS® participate in specialized training to better equip themselves for helping first-time homebuyers.

Options abound for Texans who want to own their own home, but who might be strapped for cash or have yet to establish their credit. One is the Texas First Time Home Buyer Program, sponsored by the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA). It offers below-market mortgage interest rates for first-time buyers.

The Texas Veterans Land Board has a variety of attractive home-purchase programs for Texas military veterans and their spouses.

Source:TexasRealEstate.com

Monday, May 10, 2010

Creating an outdoor living room



(ARA) - For leisurely entertaining this summer, take full advantage of the great outdoors and extend your living space by creating an outdoor room. Why not have an outdoor living room with comfortable seating for all or your friends, or a space where you could fire up the grill and dine out under the stars?  Adding a level, low maintenance surface, like a patio, will give you not only the pleasure of living in your outdoor space, but of loving it too.



A great way to create this space is by installing pavers, bricks, or stone to create beautiful patios and paths. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it can be as easy as installing a winding path to connect your home to your garden or creating a space for a cozy bench to watch the birds splashing in the bird bath.



Pavers come in many different shapes, sizes and colors, offering you ways to customize your ideas to match your house and landscaping. Once you have your patio or walkways installed, you can make your backyard inviting and appealing all summer long. Here are a couple of fun, easy tips:



*Find sturdy, comfortable seating that will withstand the elements for years to come.  Try wrought iron, wood, or even resin (often made from post-consumer bottle waste such as milk containers) for low-maintenance options. These are readily available in your local garden or specialty stores.



*Seating is even more comfortable with the quick addition of colorful cushions and throw pillows.  Swap these out for a change of scenery and store pillows in a clean, dry space (like a garage or storage bench) when not in use to extend their lives.



*Plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in containers to add a pop of color to your outdoor living spaces.  Keep these lush and lively all summer by planting seedlings in a good quality potting mix like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix with Moisture Control.



*Keep unwanted grass and weeds from popping up between the pavers by using Ortho GroundClear. This weed control can be used early in the season between the pavers to kill the weeds you see popping up, and will keep new weeds from growing for up to one year. What a great way to spend less time working and more time enjoying your yard!



* Use an edger to trim the grass around the walkways and the edge of your patio for a more finished appearance.



*String some twinkle lights for a festive party atmosphere and use inexpensive, solar powered yard lights to illuminate your outdoor spaces.  These usually require little or no installation; just stake in the ground along paths or in pots for added interest.



With the addition of patios or paths and a trimmed, designer look in your backyard, you'll be able to enjoy spending time in your outdoor living space, and not have to worry about a lot of maintenance to keep it looking beautiful.  Start living in the outdoors and loving it.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Friday, February 26, 2010

Foreclosure Bargains Getting Harder to Find

Home buyers hoping to snag a really good deal on a foreclosed home are finding it increasingly difficult because supply is shrinking.

The number of foreclosures that are available for sale nationwide fell to 617,000 in December, down from 845,000 in November 2008, reports Barclays Capital.

Not only have attractive homes in popular neighborhoods already been snapped up, but also government help for distressed buyers is delaying more foreclosures.

Demand is driving up prices. Investors say typical prices have climbed from 75 percent of appraised value to 85 percent or higher when there are bidding wars.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, James R. Hagerty (02/23/2010)

Are you ready to snag your next property?

Monday, February 22, 2010

Be Ready to Buy

If you find what you’re looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly. Even if homes are staying on the market a little longer in your neck of the woods, it only takes one other interested buyer to snatch the home or create a bidding war.

You can help the offer process by being ready. In addition to being pre-approved for a loan before you begin looking at properties, it’s wise to be honest with yourself. You know exactly what you want in a home and how much you can actually afford. Make sure to take into account utilities and other monthly expenses associated with homeownership.

Be advised, though, that a quick offer doesn’t necessarily mean a quick end to the transaction. There are myriad potential postponements in a real estate transaction. There may be contingencies, repairs, lender delays, or any number of other issues.

Purchasing real estate can be a tricky and detailed business, but a Texas REALTOR® can help prepare you for the process. He knows the value of properties in your local market and how to navigate the entire process to a smooth conclusion. He’ll use this information to help you submit an excellent offer.

When you have the information you need to make a good decision, your chances of making a successful offer on a property improve. Use a REALTOR® to increase your advantage.

Source:Texas Association of Realtors®

www.amsstarrealty.com

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Fast fixes for foreclosed homes



(ARA) - The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home's appeal and value.



"Many people are finding huge opportunities in fixing up foreclosures," says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the nation's largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. "Most of these houses can be completely transformed with just a few improvements. Often, the fixes are easy enough to be do-it-yourself projects."



Here are some popular cost-effective options for breathing new life into a home in need.



Add new countertops.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any home, since it is a space where people spend a lot of time - from cooking dinner to entertaining friends. One of the most dramatic changes that can be made to a kitchen is adding new countertops. It alters the appearance of the space by changing the color scheme, depth and texture of the whole room.



Countertops range in price depending on room size, type of material and mode of installation. In an average kitchen, a new laminate countertop starts at around $1,000, with granite or quartz ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. Butcher-block countertops are another attractive, yet cost-effective option. Williamsburg Butcher Block Company offers options in both maple and American cherry starting around $310.



Replace the bathtub.

Foreclosed houses frequently come with water stains left by standing water in sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Updating a bathroom by installing a new bathtub not only removes the problem, but, because the tub is a core item, it creates a more pleasant feeling in the room. Bathtubs are available in many different styles and sizes, so there is likely to be one that suits any taste, from traditional to contemporary. Bathtubs start at around $300, depending on the size and style.



Trade carpeting for new wood flooring.

Foreclosed houses are frequently abandoned with soiled carpet that continues to gather buildup over time. Mold is also common in homes that have been left bare for extended periods. To get rid of hidden odors, allergens, irritants and mold, replace carpet with wood, particularly in high-traffic areas such as living rooms and great rooms.



In addition to reviving these common areas, swapping carpet for wood adds style and creates a more spacious feel. The choice of wood can also make a big difference. Light wood colors can make a room appear larger, medium-toned woods can make a room appear more traditional and dark flooring can make a room appear warmer.



"The introduction of so many new species, colors and types of wood flooring in recent years gives homeowners a lot of options when renovating a room at different price points," says Sullivan.



Laminate flooring can deliver the appearance of solid hardwoods, but costs less than $1 per square foot at places like Lumber Liquidators. This allows budget do-it-yourselfers the ability to transform a 400-square-foot area for as little as $750.



In addition to making a foreclosed home look new again, completing these easy and affordable updates can go a long way in restoring the value of the property when it comes time to sell.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Friday, February 5, 2010

Color trends for 2010

2010 color decor and design trends: influenced by life's richness



(ARA) - Indicators are implying that the U.S. economy is finally showing some signs of improvement. The markets are rising, and overall consumer confidence goes up every day. To the relief of people across the country, one area that is at last seeing some light at the end of the tunnel is the housing market.



As the economy stabilizes, homeowners are expected to begin investing more money into their homes, particularly the aesthetics of their homes. But the recession did have a profound impact on the manner in which people approach design and decor.



In economically prosperous times, design and color trends tend to be heavily influenced by tangible, worldly items that are created or manufactured by people and businesses. These items represent the more affluent lifestyles we enjoy during those times.



Correspondingly, during more difficult time periods, design influence returns to holistic, spiritual and simplistic elements that represent the richness of life that abounds in nature, relationships and spirituality.



This year's color trends are rooted in that richness, says Dutch Boy Color Marketing and Design Manager Donna Schroeder.



"Colors that provide hope and affirmation that the greater economic market will continue to improve are at the forefront of decor for 2010," Schroeder says. "People are much more introspective about color this year and will be painting in a way that not only is aesthetically pleasing, but also 'saturates the senses' and is reflective of a society eager to reconnect with education, nature, spirituality and world culture."



According to Schroeder, Dutch Boy's 2010 design trends have been categorized into four different "personalities." These "personality" palettes are composed of colors that embody a homeowner's personal style and taste. Each of the trend personalities, along with images of the paint colors, can be found at www.DutchBoy.com.



Purist

This trend reflects the elements of nature: colors of branches, grasses and dark earth underneath the feet. It's a soothing relief. A retreat from the hectic. It's terra firma ... brought indoors. Purists are concerned about their impact on the world and care deeply about finding balance. Purist colors are natural shades of herbal teas, the stones in the river as the water rushes over them, and the yellow-green of buds as they push up through the springtime earth.



Colors in the Purist palette include: Urban Nature, Naturalist Stone, Lemon Balm, Gingered Root, Catalyst Steel, Natural Canvas, Repurposed and Budding Fern.



Seeker

Seeker goes beyond the ordinary to showcase shades brought forth by history and architecture. Rich, complex hues give this color personality rooms that have a carefully curated, beautifully symbolic touch. What matters to a Seeker is creating meaning, spirituality and beauty in life. Colorful objects made of precise, hexagonal tiles to stylized, architectural furniture are quintessential to the Seeker.



Colors in the Seeker palette include: Antique Rosewood, Medieval Cloverleaf, Olde Stone, Soul-Quenching, Alabaster Frame, Kimono Red, Crossing Midnight and Cathedral Gray.



Muse

Muse is a palette that's all about feeling and experiencing. These are colors that swaddle and soothe the soul. It's a color style that reflects the need for sanctuary. Attention to design detail and just the right sensory colors bring Muse to life. This palette is infused with, and inspires, rich details, fine fabrics and soft twilight shades of blush pinks, rosy peach and lilac.



Colors in the Muse palette include: Quiet Drizzle, Aroma Garden, Melodious Peach, Silken Raspberry, Blossomed Lilac, Composed Bloom, Nightingale's Song and Meadow Pear.



Storyteller

The Storyteller collection shows off color that reflects a life well-lived through traveling and varied interests. Furniture and colors from afar add a vibrant touch to the home and bring life to tales from foreign lands. Everything a Storyteller sees in her travels inspires her home design and color choices. The Storyteller is an experiential explorer.



Colors in the Storyteller palette include: Grecian Sea, Edge of Time, Narrative Cream, Clementine Tart, Journey's End, Treaded Grapes, Wide Open Sky and Spanish Door.



Though these four trend personalities will certainly be prolific this year, many people will combine the four palettes and blend them all into distinctive personalities. Recognizing this, Dutch Boy has collected a "Blend" palette.  What colors are in this palette? All of them.



Blend is exciting, eclectic and adventurous. Blend is, appropriately, a blending combination of two or more of the previous four trends. A person with a Blend personality has a home that is a reflection of the owner's many moods and styles. An airy, light-filled room might be held to earth by chunky furniture or given flight with watercolor prints. Blend personalities could have a Muse kitchen, Storyteller family room, and a combined Purist and Seeker dining room. Coexistence is at the heart of the Blend personality.







Courtesy of ARAcontent