Color Can Change Your Home

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Using color in home design is about much more than trends. It’s about creating a mood, directing attention, expressing personality and bringing life to interiors. Colors, whether neutral or bold, can provide visual interest and reflect the homeowner’s personality.

To help frame the atmosphere of your home, choose a neutral color scheme. Too many “look-at-me” colors can make a space and the people in it anxious. Grays, creams and browns are easy to live with and will allow you the flexibility to change your look if and when you get tired of them. Plus, a neutral palette allows works of art involving bold colors to take center stage.

Use subtle textures in the same hues to create a luxurious room. The use of linen, raised patterns in rugs, curvy pillows and light fixtures provide visual interest and classic luxury. Layering patterns is pleasing to the eye and can add drama to the flow of the room.

Add detail by creating areas of interest with a well-placed light fixture and a few modern pieces. Curvy pieces keep modern spaces from feeling too boxy and will make the space feel more comfortable and welcoming. Choose your accessories to add your personality to a room and perhaps bring in the “it” color of the season. Jewel tones are the key to the coming season and will work beautifully with your neutral palettes. Choose colors like plum and red to add a little holiday flair. Repeat the chosen color or some version of it at least three times in one room.

Most importantly buy the things you love; it will help you pull it all together.

Heideh Fardi is the owner of Simitree Fine Home Furnishings in Geneva.

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

A Few Important Reminders About the First Time Buyer Tax Credit

First, remember that you must close on or before November 30. If you want to take advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, your days are numbered! There is talk about extending the program but, to date, the deadline remains November 30th. Typically you will need 45 days at a minimum to close the transaction, so that leaves you with less than 30 days now to find your property, negotiate and get a signed contract.

Also, some people I am talking to are not aware of the definition of “first time buyer” for this program. First time buyer is defined here as “anyone who has not been on a mortgage for the past three years”. So although you have been a homeowner in the past, you may still qualify for the tax credit.

For accurate information on how this program applies to you, talk with a reputable lender. Instead of general statements, your lender can talk with you about your specific needs and how this program will work with your home purchase.

Foreclosure Number Takes a Dive in May

The month of may saw a total of 71 homes in the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities enter into foreclosure according to data provided by Realtytrac.com, a foreclosure tracking website.

When compared to the previous month of April that number showed a decline of 51 percent when Realtytrac reported 145 homes moved through the foreclosure process.

The foreclosures in May 2009 represent a year-over-year decline of 26 percent compared to the 96 homes in May 2008.

The reduction in foreclosures is a good thing for homeowners that aren’t in foreclosure or short sale trying to sell their homes because foreclosures and short sales tend to pull down the value of surrounding homes.

This is good news for the area, however it doesn’t mean that we are out of the woods yet.

By the numbers:

Number of foreclosures, Tri-Cities and Elburn, South Elgin, North Aurora, Maple Park, and Sugar Grove.

May 2009:  71

April 2009:  145

May 2008:  96

To learn how you can avoid foreclosure by short selling your home, contact us and one of our local real estate experts will contact you…remember there are alternatives to foreclosures.

• Search all Geneva foreclosures for sale

Help for Homeowners

With home foreclosures in the Tri-Cities increasing rapidly, the Kane County Board has launched “Help for Homeowners” to assist area residents. The goal of this program is to ensure that residents are aware of the many services available to assist them during these difficult times.

Today’s touchy economic conditions are having an impact on many residents. Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay said, “Many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet, and some are even facing the prospect of home foreclosure. This reality is catastrophic not only for those individual homeowners but our entire community, and we all need to work together to stop the trend.”

The Help for Homeowners Website provides an overview of the many resources available to Kane County homeowners, from emergency repair assistance and property tax exemptions to property tax freeze options and foreclosure prevention counseling.

In the next few months, free homeowner clinics will be held around the county to offer more detailed information. A clinic is scheduled on September 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center. Call 630-906-9400 to reserve a spot or click here for more information.

This article first appeared in the August 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.