DIY Backsplash Ideas

DIY Backsplash Ideas

Nothing is more challenging in the world of renovations than a kitchen make-over.  This is the same reason why in selling a house, kitchen improvements are the most profitable investment.  By refining your kitchen, you may generate a return of income of over 88%.

In 2015, a minor kitchen renovation would usually cost you more or less $20,000.  This would include new cabinet fronts and hardware, new oven and stovetop, even new countertops, customized flooring and paint.

Here’s the great news for you!  You do not need to spend that much anymore to vamp up your kitchen.   You can make a wonderful difference with just $200!  Yes!  What’s more?  You can customize everything as to your or your target market’s specifications since you will be in charge of the project.  If you love DIYs then this is a fitting activity for you.

Backsplash DIYs are totally creative and are also considered to be a fantastic way to express your personal preference.  You can choose from various designs and style inspirations.  The possibilities are endless!  However, before you begin splurging on your materials, here are some useful tips to consider in order to make your backsplash rust resistant, long lasting and of course, stunning.

TIPS:

MEASURE YOUR SPACE

Regardless of what style you would like to install, the very first thing you should know is how much material you are going to need.  Just decide on how much wall surface should be covered.  Usually, it’s between 25-100% of your countertop space, sometimes even including the ceiling and cabinets.  After you’ve already determined where your backsplash would begin and end, mark the areas and then measure.  In doing this, you would then be able to determine how much material to buy.  In addition, this would help you decide on which appropriate design would look good on the amount of space available.

CHOOSE THE DESIGN THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Channel your inner creativity but still add a splash of your character.  Remember, it’s your kitchen, so own it!  Unless you are planning to sell it, of course.  It’s so disconcerting to work daily in a kitchen which does not really match your style.  Likewise, make sure that your backsplash design is apt for your entire kitchen theme.

USEFULNESS VS BEAUTY

Since most homeowners consider backsplash as a utilitarian affair meant to keep the cooking splatter off the walls, they usually choose simple materials which are easier to clean.  However, if you are aiming for an eye-catching or a visually attractive backsplash, then feel free to explore your options.  Besides, stylish doesn’t necessarily mean impractical.  There are tons of backsplash designs that serve the purpose and still look fabulous.

DO NOT GO OVERBOARD

Another tip to keep in mind in choosing your design is to not go over the top.  Yes, you have endless beautiful design ideas to choose from but only pick one and stick to it.  Although it’s possible to mix two style ideas together and create an even more, striking effect, that does not usually work.  So if you are torn between two or three amazing designs and no way to incorporate them together, then ask opinions from friends and family.  Or you can even ask for some expert advice.

IF UNSURE, CHOOSE TEMPORARY BACKSPLASH

Okay.  Okay.  I understand.  It is so hard to settle for only one when you have lots of amazing options to choose from.  So here’s a compromise.  You can dive into these wonderful temporary backsplash ideas that you can easily change whenever you feel like it.

Research

This is a rule of thumb for all things DIY.  Always research. Isn’t it disappointing that after feeling so happy and accomplished with your project, you suddenly see a better backsplash style.  Nope.  Definitely a horrifying thing.  So research well.  Compare.  And try to picture your ideal backsplash.  You don’t want your hard work to go to waste do you?

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask For Help

The idea of doing a DIY is not necessarily to do it alone.  You can ask your husband/wife or your children for some help or input.  They might even come up with fantastic ideas that might make your DIY much better.  This can also be a great bonding moment for the family.  Not to mention productive.

Indeed.  DIYs are so frustrating at times, especially for first timers.  That is normal.  You don’t really get things right on the first try.  As the cliché goes, practice makes perfect.  But of course, you don’t want to make a mess in your kitchen either.  The idea is to improve it.  So again, research and include someone else in your project.  Most of all, have fun!  Greater results are achieved when you enjoy during the process.

Here are some of the most amazing DIYs to inspire you:

STAINLESS STEEL BACKSPLASH





This is usually seen in Bachelor’s pads.  They also look hygienic in restaurant kitchens.  But gone are the plain stainless steel backsplash since we now have seriously great stainless steel designs.

BRICK BACKSPLASH



Oh.  That homey feel.  Brick backsplash never fails to make our kitchens feel cozy and warm.

MARBLE BACKSPLASH



Another classic.  Marble will never go out of style as it always adds a touch of elegance.

WOOD BACKSPLASH



Another design that’s classic. Of course often chosen for that “cottage vibe”.

MIRROR BACKSPLASH



You can never go wrong with glass.  Aside from making your kitchen look classy, this backsplash is also very easy to clean.  Mirror backsplash is also great in small kitchens, as it gives out the illusion of a wider space.

TILE BACKSPLASH



Here comes your limitless choices.  The tile backsplash has it all.  Style, color, durability and an unending parade of drool-worthy designs.  Need I say more?

MOSAIC BACKSPLASH



For those artistic and patient DIY enthusiasts, this is for you.  The amount of beauty you can achieve with a mosaic backsplash is amazing.

VINYL BACKSPLASH



For those first timers, here is something easy enough for you.  It also takes less time to accomplish but still gives out that clean, tile-like design.

STONE BACKSPLASH



Stones are in too.  Depending on how you intend to distribute your material, you can easily make a great backsplash out of this as proven by the pictures below.

FABRIC BACKSPLASH



I know.  I know.  How can you make a backsplash out of fabric?  Wouldn’t that simply defeat the purpose?  Well, sort of.  But if you are one of those undecided as to what design would go well with their kitchen, this might work well for you.  Aside from having a lot of colorful designs, you can also change it as often as you want.  This would also be a good way to recycle your tablecloths, old dresses and unused extra fabrics that you have lying around.  Just fasten the fabric to a thin piece of plywood and coat it off with protective sealant to keep moisture off and allow easy cleaning.

GRANITE BACKSPLASH



The speckled beauty not only works well for counter tops and kitchen islands but are also beautiful as a kitchen backsplash.  You may not need to coordinate with your counter.  Mix and match is always a great idea in doing DIYs.

OTHER BACKSPLASH IDEAS

PAPER



I know what you’re thinking and the answer is yes.  Paper might not sound durable, nor splatter proof but it can still absolutely work.  Mount it on a thin piece of plywood and just make sure to cover your paper backsplash with a protective coat of shellac or varnish.  You can also make cutouts for a more creative effect or even add your photos for a more personal feel.

BROKEN DISHES



A wonderful effect could be achieved with this backsplash, not to mention eco-friendly since you are using recycled materials.

MASON JARS



Just like how the broken dish works, gather around your mason jars, broken or otherwise to have an amazing backsplash.

BLACKBOARD



Fond of leaving notes for your loved ones or prefers your trusty recipes readily available?  Or do you just want your favorite quotes easily seen when you are working in your kitchen?  Then this is a great idea for you.



Now, who said $20,000 is a must in making your kitchen looks fabulous?  With these incredible backsplash ideas, you can now make a statement in your kitchen without spending much!

Are you looking for homes with a beautiful kitchen having that cool, unique and fabulous backsplash?  Contact The Fejeran Group today!  Our team of realtors will be happy to show you beautiful homes.  Be sure to contact us to schedule a personal appointment at a time of your convenience.  You can reach The Fejeran Group at 972-948-0715, or contact Sheila via email at sheila.fejeran@gmail.com any time.  We look forward to finding the perfect home for you!

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**Texas law requires that all real estate licensees give the following information about brokerage services to prospective buyers, tenants, sellers, and landlords: http://www.trec.state.tx.us/pdf/contracts/OP-K.pdf

Best Christmas Lights Display in Collin County

 Best Christmas Lights Display in Collin County

Shining, shimmering, splendid, indeed!

Yes, the much awaited holiday atmosphere is now around us, bringing along those colorful and magnificent Christmas decorations and lights that never fail to cheer us up!  Here are the top Christmas light displays around Collin County that are surely worth a drive.

ALLEN

A dazzling 35-foot Christmas tree that features over 20,000 glittering lights will be lit on the 4^th of December.  Dancing Santa and his elves are also said to entertain the visitors.  This is going to be a merry night both for kids and kids at heart.

The Grove at The Village also proudly features their Holiday Tree Show complete with 100,000 interactive sparkling, dancing LED lights with Holiday music.  This was primarily opened last November 21 and it will last until January 3, 2016.  Just pass by 190 E. Stacy Road to see its magnificence.  They are open from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Another towering 30 foot Christmas tree with over 145,000 twinkling lights plus 20 other trees, Santa’s sleigh with the reindeers may also be seen in Allen.  The lights are synchronized to holiday music which would surely bring out a more festive cheer.  This daily celebration of lights is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday until New Year’s Day.  They also have free carriage rides!  Just visit 970 Garden Park Dr. Allen at Walter’s Creek.

Allen would also not miss this opportunity to boast their Light show of 36, 680 shimmering lights which uses 144 channels pre-programmed to great upbeat holiday music.  It’s open daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the weekdays and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. during the weekends.  Though viewing is free, visitors are encouraged to donate to Send-Hope.  Drive over and experience the Light Show before it closes on January 2.

ANNA

Anna will not certainly miss out this Christmas season to show off their “Deck the Falls Lights” with their own 20 foot tall Christmas tree with 15 thousand lights synchronized to a 20 minute show with great holiday music and 1.5 miles of extension cords also used in the creation of this light display.  What’s more?  A Christmas gift tower and bigger brighter singing Santa!  This event opens daily since its grand reveal last November 27.  It’s free for all ages just visit them at the 2109 Athabasca Falls Drive.  However, it is very much encouraged for visitors to give donations to Anna’s House.


FRISCO



Christmas Light Displays are always a hit in Frisco as the sparkling magic of Christmas in the Square returns for its 11^th year.  Brought by the Frisco Square Property Owners Association, this year is surely wonderful with what is considered to be the largest choreographed holiday lights and music show in North Texas.  Along with the established favorite entertainment, spectators should also expect new surprises.

With an annual visitor count of 665, 000, Christmas in the Square is already a tradition in its own right.  It draws over hundreds of families, friends and holiday guests from all over the area with its truly spectacular show of sparkling lights, festive music and of course, one of the favorites, the Winter Wonderland snow flurries!  With over 175,000 lights and 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords, no wonder Frisco always dominates the Christmas Light Display.  It’s unlike anything you have ever seen.  Visitors can either drive or take a carriage ride to fully enjoy the holiday displays.  Hurry and feel the magic happen!  You can find Frisco’s pride at Main Street at Coleman Boulevard.

While in Frisco, you can also drive over to some nearby attractions courtesy of some private homeowners.  One of the stand out displays includes the private home of Jeff Trykoski who has been bringing Christmas joy to fellow residents since 1998.  Jeff Trykoski of 4015 Bryson Drive, offers one of the original and largest residential computerized light displays in North Texas that is definitely worth the extra drive.  Though viewing is free, Jeff encourages visitors to donate canned goods for Frisco Family Services Food Bank.

MCKINNEY



Enjoy your McKinney Holiday Light Display and satisfy your Christmas spirit by paying McKinney Historic Square a visit!  McKinney is also proud to present the Christmas Light Display at Eldorado which has historically been one of the few neighborhoods to decorate for the holiday.  Eldorado also holds their lighting contest in min-December.  The great thing about it?  Viewing is absolutely free!

A Light Contest is also being held annually in Tucker Hill.  For that quintessential small town feeling of years past, a drive through the neighborhood never fails.  Though, McKinney does not hold any public events, visitors are always welcome!



PLANO



The Plano neighborhood display is said to be one of Collin County’s biggest, especially with their merry little penguins, glittering gift boxes and over a dozen various Santa's!  Usually, lights are on from 7:00 until 11:00 pm.  However, it is much appreciated if visitors would observe proper conduct during their drive and viewing.  Signs are posted all over the neighborhood for the spectators.  You can also make a reservation for their fun carriage ride through the neighborhood, just go to dfwcarriages.com.  For this year, Plano adds a huge reindeer around the clubhouse and a 14 foot Christmas tree.  The decorating started as a small light display contest which was held annually.  Eventually, the tradition stuck and said to be the hands-down, uncontested best neighborhood Christmas display in Collin County.  Aside from carriage rides, you can also avail of their Limo and Segway tours.  Reservations are highly recommended.  In addition, families are encouraged to vote and text their favorites.

PROSPER



Prosper is oozing with glittering fun as they boast their 100,000 LED light display which is set to music using 128 separate channels, synchronized to 30 songs!  Indeed, it is worth driving to as Prosper never disappoints.  Just look for 891 Bridgeport Drive and enjoy the sparkling view.

NEARBY COLLIN COUNTY

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY



For other fantastic light displays within the area, you can also make the extra drive to the Texas Motor Speedway as they offer you their Gift of Lights.  2015 is considered to be a bigger and better year as they add several hundred new displays as well as an all new Santa’s Village with lots of fun festivities.  Gift of Lights is oozing with fun and excitement plus you and your kids are given a chance to donate unwrapped toys for those children in need.  Nothing beats that wonderful feeling of sharing.

FARMERS BRANCH


500,000 twinkling lights can be viewed from Valley View Lane all the way to Farmers Branch Historical Park this Holiday season.  Just follow their candy-cane signs for a glittering adventure complete with a light show with the presence of Santa Claus, of course.  The lights started their sparkle last November 27 and will continue until December 30.

GRAPEVINE



As Grapevine calls itself the “Christmas Capital of Texas”, it is only fitting that they have tons of exhibits, displays and activities for all ages!  A nightly Magic of Christmas Light Show choreographed to a charming Christmas tune, North Pole Express train ride for kids, tractor-drawn wagon rides, Ice Exhibits and an incredible tour in their Christmas Around the World Exhibit and Santa’s Wild Workshop which allows you to snow tube downhill!  This is truly a magical experience which you should never miss out on.

DALLAS

If you are willing to make the extra drive for the best holiday light displays then Dallas area might be great for you.  Some amazing holiday twinkles are all over the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.


Galleria Dallas is the home to America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree with half a million lights and over 10,000 shiny ornaments.  The tree’s daily illumination celebration light shows are set to music.  Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center also features the skating Santa Missile Toes who will shoot sparks from his skates and do some back-flips in free ice shows.

FAIRVIEW

Of course, Fairview is also proud to present their own Holiday Tree Show with 100,000 interactive sparkling dancing LED lights and Holiday Music which is absolutely free for all ages.  You can find their tree show by the Macy’s Fountain Entrance at the Village.  They open nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Are You Looking for a Home during the holidays?  

Many people think it is wise to look for a home during the holiday season.  Why?  You will face less competition among potential buyers.  Most people spend their time preparing for the holidays and celebrating.  When you look for a home during the holidays, there is no doubt that you will be shopping among fewer buyers than you would if you were looking in the spring or summer.

The Fejeran Group will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect home for you this holiday season.  Call us at 972-490715 or you may also fill out the form below:

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Appraisals vs Comps

Appraisals vs Comps

In every Real Estate business, knowing the property’s real market value is definitely one of the most crucial stages.  This is where an appraisal comes in.  Most commonly termed as an “Opinion of Value”, it works by producing an evaluation or estimate which is derived through making use of the three main “Common Approaches to Value.”  The application of these three common approaches is actually considered to be a formal process which is a very typical way to assess a certain home or property.

The first of the three methods is called the Cost Approach.  Cost Approach would normally cover the expenses that would be necessary to improve the property so as to make it more attractive to the buyers. Evaluation in consideration of the property’s physical deterioration or damages would still be under this approach.  Furthermore, the land value must also be kept in mind.

As some real estate professional would advise, you can surely improve the home you are selling for it to be easily snatched up by buyers.  However, you must also maximize your property’s potential and really make sure that the changes you will make will make the market value higher and not otherwise.  How can you add a particular amenity that will really increase your chances of a good deal?  First of all, you must know your local market.  Considering the climate in your area is also a good start.

Currently, the best return of income from renovations may be generated from refining your kitchen.  A recent study revealed that investing $20,000 into a kitchen remodel would increase the market value of the home by about $17,500.  That means 88% Return On Investment (ROI).  Also, bathrooms would be second to the list with 85% of ROI.   Additional bedrooms and baths don’t really hurt, but you must make sure that the changes are not overwhelming and it doesn’t become overbuilt for your neighborhood.  Some buyers are still particular to their homes’ size.

The Sales Comparison Approach is said to be the most commonly utilized among the three.  As the key word 'Comparison' suggests, this approach figures the likely sales price of the house by comparing it to the houses or properties within the area.  In general, the Sales Comparison Approach is the most accurate indicator of a property’s market value.

Finally, we have the Income Approach.  This generally determines the market value of income-producing properties as to what an investor would most likely pay based on how much profit would be reaped from the property.

Since we already covered what an appraisal really is, here comes the next question: Who does the appraisal?  Well, we formally call the people that do the evaluations 'Appraisers'.  They are licensed, certified professionals, who have made careers out of valuing properties or homes.  It is definitely not easy to become a licensed appraiser.  You have to go through an intensive training or arduous studying.  Not only that, you would also be required to satisfy various on the job experience requirements.  You think that’s simple?  Well, in addition to those mentioned, appraisers must also obey a meticulous industry code of ethics and observe national standards of practice for real estate appraisal.  Also, to make sure that the appraisal reports are trustworthy, all results are guaranteed by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice or USPAP.

Obtaining appraisals are not only limited to knowing how much your property would sell for.  There are a lot of reasons why a knowledgeable appraiser is needed.  Aside from real estate and mortgage transactions, appraisers are also being sought for their expertise in order to secure an appraisal report for reasons that include but are not limited to the following:

• If a client is applying for a loan
• Wanted to reduce their tax burden
• Trying to challenge improperly assessed property taxes
• To handle an estate
• To gain a negotiating tool when purchasing a home
• To ensure parties are provided just compensation in eminent domain cases
• If government agencies, like Internal Revenue Service (IRS) require it
• In possibility of a lawsuit involvement, especially since appraisals are defensible and may stand up in legal court

It is still important to understand that appraisers are not home inspectors.  They will not conduct a full home inspection.  A different inspector, which must be a third party, would be responsible for scrutinizing every available structure, including of course both the electrical and mechanical systems, from the roof to the foundation.  In general, the result of the home inspection would be written as a report which would include the condition of every amenity such as the heating system, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, the structural capacity of the home, the foundation and other visible structures.

Is it really necessary for you to refer to an appraiser at all times?

Here’s an honest answer.  No.

Aside from appraisers, real estate agents may also assess or evaluate a certain home or property.  However, they are no longer referred to as appraisals but as Cost Market Analysis (CMA) or Comparable Analysis.  CMA is said to be the best method available to sellers for them to learn their home’s current value so that they would be able to select the best selling price possible.  It works similar to the appraiser’s most accurate method, the Sales Comparative Approach.  By going through recently sold properties that are similar to the subject property within the area, the real estate professionals may then compare in order to come up with a reasonably accurate estimate.  They may also adjust in consideration to the feature differences and go over currently listed similar properties near the location.  This would allow an assessment of the current competition and might lead to an increase or decrease in the estimate based on the sold properties.

So unless you require an appraisal for legal reasons, then you may just ask your reliable real estate professionals for help.  The Fejeran Group, being one of the most sought after and trusted real estate teams in North Dallas, Texas, is readily available to help you.

The Fejeran Group can assist you in formulating a fair and credible assessment of a property’s market value, in the support of real estate transactions.  Lead by Sheila Fejeran, one of the top real estate agents in DFW, The Fejeran Group ensures every client that their expert analysis would always provide an accurate market value.

If you want to sell your home, it’s not so easy and it’s certainly not that simple.  The real value of your home is so much more difficult to predict since some of the readily available tools to home sellers can be trustworthy or not as precise.  Indeed, online home valuation sites are really fun to play with, but they are based on past sales, not current market factors.  Newspaper listings may also give you some idea, but most properties are so different that it’s difficult to compare.

Rest assured, The Fejeran Group strives to give you the best selling price and not only that, they would also help you strike a sweet deal.  The team guarantees client satisfaction by conducting an in-depth analysis of a home’s worth in the current market.  So if you are thinking of letting go of your property, make sure you won’t be selling it for the wrong price.  Setting the price too low means you’ll be entitled to less than your property’s worth.  While setting it too high might not get you a buyer at all.  The Fejeran Group will want to complete a CMA on your home before helping you sell it.  Avoid getting less than what you deserve, contact The Fejeran Group now.