Jennifer Kinzle, Realtor, E-Pro

You know you're addicted to Twitter when you're checking it before you check your email. Yes, that would be me, a social media addict sitting here in Elgin, IL. I'm not sure if it is getting chunks of news that is so attractive to my short attention span or that when I post a link, I get 16 hits on it so I know people not only follow me, they like my links too! This is far more rewarding that a simple blog. I never really know if people are reading the blog unless they post a comment.

I've got 11 different Twitter apps now bookmarked and have found myself thinking up more as I go along. I also admit to breaking down and purchasing a book on Twitter because I was completely overwhelmed by it when I started in late March 2009. There is Twitter Analytics, Tweet my Rank, TweetFriends, Search by location, but I really enjoy Cligs, because when I post a link, I like to track how many people are reading the same stuff I find interesting. I now have over 800 followers in 8 weeks and have tripled my website traffic, so these are astounding numbers for me. I even figured out how to post my Twitter rank on my website, and if I can do it, anyone can!

So far, my biggest weakness is following up on the direct messages from Twitter. I get so busy posting links that I forget to respond to tweets from people! And setting up a search to automatically find references to my ID really saved my sanity. I like to personally thank my clients and trying to personally thank each of my 800+ followers proved tricky until I properly set up my autoresponder. I can also unfollow anyone who unfollows me, pretty fair! But, once you get involved in it, you really can get sucked in fast. I am following a guy who posts 30+ tweets per day at least and he's the top Twitter out there. Amazing how he manages to work and text at the same time!

Follow me @jkinzle
Online at www.ElginFoxValley.com

Here is a great article from ServiceMagic,
Towanda! Making a Green Kitchen a Reality

Go Green in Your Kitchen!

Air quality

According to David Linzer a Certified Kitchen Designer and green advocate, "There needs to be a constant reminder that toxic indoor air quality contributes to asthma, allergies, attention deficit disorders, cancer and many other illnesses, " he writes, "There is little discussion about sick air syndrome. Building, designing and living in a healthy home should be high on the priority lists for going green."

What Can you do for Green?

Refrigerators use nearly 5% of the total household annual electricity consumption. But, there are several appliances that can help save energy. These include the induction cooktops, a dishwasher can reduce energy consumption by 41% and certain microwave ovens use 80% less energy than a conventional oven.

Healthier Homes

On the health front, things get a little more complicated. Green remodeling guru David Johnston recommends in his book "Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time," that homeowners choose formaldehyde-free cabinet and countertop materials, low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and stains, and water-based adhesives rather than those that use petroleum-based solvents. He also stresses the importance of good ventilation in the form of range hoods and lots of windows, just to be safe. In short, don't let reducing energy consumption dominate your green kitchen goals. Taking steps in a positive direction when it comes to creating a healthy kitchen are equally important.

The Cost of a Green Kitchen

So, what does a green kitchen cost these days? In all honesty, it's hard to say. So much of it depends on whether your kitchen is a few hundred square feet, or a couple thousand, that it's nearly impossible to quote reliable ballpark estimates. Nevertheless, in her Washington Post article "Eco-Friendly in the Kitchen", Lila Guterman found that the estimates she got from contractors to build a "green" kitchen were consistently 20 to 30 percent more than a traditional kitchen remodel. That might sound like a hefty price tag, but when you figure in a healthier home, reduced energy costs, and eco-peace-of-mind, it makes sense why more and more homeowners are deciding that the extra 20 to 30 percent is well worth the money spent.

No Need to Shoot for the Moon

Finally, what if that 20 to 30 percent is more than you're willing, or able, to spend? Never fear. Going green doesn't have to mean spending thousands, or tens of thousands, of dollars on a major kitchen remodel. Making green decisions on a smaller level in the kitchen does make a difference. Choosing long lasting pots and pans (stainless steel and cast iron), using reusable storage containers rather than disposable ones, and repainting or refinishing old cabinets rather than sending your existing set to the landfill are all smart steps in a green direction.

Home Design Trends in 2009 in Illinois

Looking for more bang for your remodeling buck? According to a recent report on
the latest trends in home remodeling from ServiceMagic, laminate flooring may double in demand
from the demand of for wood flooring during the next 10 years. Could laminate flooring
replace hardwood flooring?

The average installation for wood flooring is $5,106, while new laminate flooring averages $3,899.
Hardwood floors are generally more desirable, but relative to installation costs, hardwood may not generate the return of value that it claims. Non-residential developments have already made the change to laminate flooring because it is cost effective, easier to clean and hypoallergenic. But what about your home?

ServiceMagic notes that the both laminate and wood flooring share a versatility
and availability of design options. They both offer low maintenance and high
durability, although a well cared for wood floor can outlast laminate by many decades.
Neither are entirely eco-friendly depending on your source and retailer, better choices like
renewable bamboo or cork floors are available instead.

Market trends show that hardwood flooring is still in wide use, but it's popularity is declining.
Laminate may not outpace hardwood completely, but it has it's place among top choices in flooring
options.

So maybe when you first moved into the Fox Valley area or Elgin, the house was in the right location, on the right block, surrounded by the right schools, with the right everything except that out-dated, what were they thinking, 1960's pea green appliances, help me fix this eye sore of a kitchen. Or maybe it just doesn't flow well. Ok, you're looking to remodel a kitchen and survive with your sanity intact, right? Here are a few tips to get you pointed in the right direction.

Ask any Realtor and the first thing they'll tell you is that kitchens and baths sell houses! Kitchen remodels are notorious for hassles, but are the most likely to return your best value dollar for dollar. The average cost of a kitchen remodel runs just under $20,000 or $19,214, according to ServiceMagic, including minor and partial remodels. A full scale kitchen remodel can run over $50,000.

Here are some sanity saving tips to save money on your project:

Get multiple contractors to bid on your project. Also, ask for a break down of pricing and ask if you get your own supplies if they will put them in for you.

Determine your budget before you visit the stores to make your selections for counters, appliances, cabinetry, etc.

Decide what are needs vs. wants. High end stone tile can run $40 per sq. foot while low end vinyl is
as little as $1.00 per sq. foot. A compromise might be a mid range ceramic tile priced around $10.00 sq. ft instead.

Tweak your savings where it makes sense. Basic stock cabinetry may be a deal and save you $10,000 to $20,000 on the total cost of your remodel. But if you salvage your old cabinets and go for a fresh paint job, you could clean up a whole lot more cash.

Upon completion on the job, be sure to get your contractor and all subcontractors to sign off on a waiver of lien. That way no contractor will be able to place a mechanic's lien against your home.

Visit me at www.ElginFoxValley.com for more consumer tips and information. Or follow me on Twitter @jkinzle.

I met with a client yesterday in Elgin who is looking to sell his rental property. The long time tenants are in the process of moving out, and their moving boxes and stuff are everywhere, the place was a mess when we stopped by. This is a great time to get your Realtor involved, in the pre-listing phase, because they can be your advocate to your tenants. I was able to point out ways to help the tenants get better organized, clear the walkways, and stress the importance of keeping the place clean for showings in key areas, all while the owner didn't have to say a word! Not only did I get a good look at the condition of the property, with the renters and owner present to answer my questions, I was able to get a clear picture of any issues that may crop up later. I was also able to enforce the basic rules of having a good showing for the property later on. Want to get more information on what a Realtor does in a Pre-Listing appointment? Email me for more information at Jennifer@ElginFoxValley.com