Natural Elements by Ashley

As a local business we take pride in supporting other local businesses so we will be featuring them here so that you can learn about and support them and find unique items and services you won't find anywhere else!

We're excited to bring you our first feature from a dear real estate client of ours, Ashley Callen who just launched Natural Elements by Ashley. (We really do have the coolest most interesting and awesome clients around!)

Natural Elements by Ashley is a source for naturally shed decorative antlers.  Each room needs a natural element, whether it's a seagrass rug, a plant, or antlers! 

You can see her work and pieces for sale at www.etsy.com/shop/naturalelementsbyash

Ashley also has a blog that covers more than just antlers including people, things to acquire and places to visit in Washington, D.C. metro area.  Check it out at www.naturalelementsbyashley.com

Rental Market Pros and Cons

In a new ranking, Arlington ranked as one of the top 10 cities with steepest rent increases last year. This is not so good for renters but pretty darn good news for investors.  The rental market is booming in our area.  Rent is up an average of 2.3% this year and more in some areas.  Not everyone wants to be a homeowner, but renters are facing a squeeze. With mortgage rates historically low and home values slow to recover, in many cities, the cost-benefit analysis is shifting toward buying. Jobs are plentiful and people continue to relocate to the area.  With less supply of rental housing available in the near term, rental rates will continue to remain strong in the years ahead.  Trulia rated the DC metro area in the 'better to buy than rent category'. The index calculates the price-to-rent ratio using the median list price for two-bedroom properties compared with the median rent for two-bedroom apartments, condos and townhomes. So what does all this mean for you? If you are a renter, you should strongly consider buying while rates are low.  If you are an investor, consider buying as rates are incredibly low and the rental market will continue to remain strong in this area.    (We've helped our clients do both this year!)

Latest Kitchen Design Trends

It's the busiest room of the house, where families eat, entertain, and play. This is why today's kitchen is getting a facelift. The kitchen is the center of activity for families.  With the popularity of open floor plan designs the kitchen - more than ever before - has evolved into the most important part of the family's communal space. In the past, home design was driven by practicality, but now homeowners want function and design to meet - and it starts in the kitchen. Latest trends: Islands: These multi-functional spaces are perfect for informal meals, working on homework, and even family craft and art projects. In order to keep these spaces looking their best, for both personal enjoyment and resale, it's important to keep them clutter free. Color & Appliances: Kitchen design has gone two-tone! The newest emerging trend is for two-tone and contrasting colors on cabinets, counters, and even appliances. PulteGroup is rolling out new Black Ice and White Ice appliances offered by national partner Whirlpool. The new appliance designs are the outcome of extensive consumer research showing kitchens are trending toward more timeless, contemporary styling. Storage: Can you ever have enough storage? For most families the answer is no. That's why its important to maximize the use of all storage areas. Adding larger, deeper drawers, pop-up cabinets for heavier kitchen appliances (e.g. mixers), vertical pull-out drawers for large trays, and even shallow storage compartments in previously wasted areas under the sink or stovetop are great suggestions. Finishes: Every few years, it seems, finish trends change in homes and kitchens across the nation. What was once in is now passe. Just consider the avocado appliances or country blue counters of yesterday! Emerging trends are: Tile with natural-looking materials and larger formatted designs Glazed cream colored cabinets Painted cabinetry in grey tones Contrasting wood floors Larger islands that serve as nook spaces Contemporary cabinet hardware Quartz solid surface manufactured surfaces - "they are becoming favored as much as granite and are expected to continue to gain popularity" If you're interested in contractors to help you achieve a renovated kitchen with the latest design trends we've got their contact information to pass along.  Give us a ring!