January 2017

By: Jennifer Lyons 

Buying new construction seems simple, right? Just pick out the floor plan you want, choose the perfect lot, and watch it go up. No sellers to deal with, no unexpected repairs that come up during inspection, no drawn-out negotiations. Right?

Not so fast. In any real estate transaction, it’s important to have a professional on your side, even if the process seems straightforward.

“Having your own agent provides a sense of security,” says Seattle-area homeowner Kristy Weaver, who has bought two new construction homes from two different builders. “It gives you some peace of mind, knowing that someone is looking out for your best interest.”

Peace of mind is just one benefit of having an experienced agent along for the ride.

You don’t need a lot of square footage to fit a bar into your plans. Take a little inspiration from these small bars for space-savvy ideas for incorporating a cocktail station into your home.

Family Friendly- Nestled in the corner of a large kitchen designed for a large family, this small wet bar was planned to serve the needs of the entire clan. It is ready to hold all the fixings for adult beverages, but instead of wine storage they incorporated a fridge space for water, kid’s drinks and beverages.

Shelf Life- Just because space is tight doesn’t mean you have to forgo the bar area. This convenient bar space, tucked into spare shelves beneath a staircase, is a perfect example. Get creative with your space, save a little bit of room on an

Find inspiration with small designer bathrooms that combine DIY fixes, bold paint colors and pretty decorating details.

Kick Up the Color- As this small space demonstrates, sometimes bold color is all you need to make a big statement. Although this space receives no natural light, the bold kelly green walls give it fresh personality. The ultra-white floor counterbalances the green’s intensity.

Make Built-In Storage Part of the Design- Maximize the storage space in your small bathroom with a custom floor-to-ceiling built-in storing bath-time necessities! 

Give an Illusion with Glass- Glass shower enclosures give the illusion of space in small bathroom by allowing you to see from one end of the room to the other. 

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