Archive for July, 2010

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

At Relocation.com, we are big believers in renovating your home or apartment for obvious reasons (like say, repairing a faulty toilet or fixing broken tiles) or to enhance the look and feel of your house. For homeowners, these projects may increase the value of a home, which can be rather helpful when you are seeking to sell. However, when you spend $50 million (yes, I  said $50 million dollars) for a home renovation, we have clearly entered into the mysterious and costly world of celebrity real estate. This exact transaction recently took place in NYC when the designer, Tommy Hilfiger forked over $50 million buckaroos to redesign his duplex. Pictures of the gorgeous home were taken by Harper’s Bazaar so we can all admire the “European-inspired” home from afar and truly see what you can do to your home when money is no object. This week you can also read more about Cameron Diaz who purchased Candice Bergen’s Beverly Hills home for $9.4 million. The homes of the late Jim Morrison and the late Ed McMahon are listed for sale, as well as Sasha Baron Cohen’s home that is listed on the market for $2.9 million. Let us know which home sounds interesting to you. Until next week…

•   Tommy Hilfiger Renovates Home for $50 Million
Clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger recently renovated his two-floor NYC duplex for the hefty price tag of $50 million. This home improvement project has been in the works for two years to create “an old-world atmosphere complementing the old-world Plaza,” as Hilfiger stated to Harper’s Bazaar. The project involved a complete gut renovation of Hilfiger’s 6,000-square-foot duplex to create a glamorous/vintage European-vibe. And that it certainly is. The newly redesigned duplex now includes a gorgeous Maison Jansen dining room table, crystal chandeliers, a nautical-themed kid’s room complete with a ship bed and a French Renaissance-style turret featuring an Eloise mural by Hilary Knight. There is also a 20-piece collection by Andy Warhol, paintings by Jean Michel Basquiat and an American flag painting by Jasper Johns that Hilfiger is reportedly interested in buying. The home also features a private domed terrace, which overlooks Central Park that was redesigned with checkered flooring, a black sitting table and custom cut plants.

Check out more photos of Tommy Hilfiger’s Plaza home as featured in Harper’s Bazaar.

•    Jim Morrison’s Laurel Canyon Home for Sale
The Laurel Canyon home of the late Jim Morrison has recently been listed on the market for $1,199,000. Previously sold for $535,000 in 2001, the rustic 2,300-square-foot home is reportedly where Morrison did a lot of his song writing and hung out  in the 1960s. The quaint home includes three bedrooms, open beamed ceilings, distressed wood floors, iron fixtures and a outdoor deck with a fire pit, gym and shower, as reported on Housing Watch. The new owner may also discover some of Morrison’s writings behind the wall of an indoor shower where he reportedly kept some of his poetry and songs – Strange Days, indeed.

•    Cameron Diaz Buys Candice Bergen’s Beverly Hills Home
According to the Real Estalker, Cameron Diaz recently purchased Candice Bergen’s Beverly Hills home for $9, 447,500. Originally listed for $10,250,000, the 5,000-square foot home features four bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a detached guest house that encompasses almost an acre of land includes another three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The sophisticated home also features hardwood and tiled flooring, high ceilings and an outdoor area with a pool, tennis court, gardens and a spa.

•   Sacha Baron Cohen Lists Los Angeles Home for $2.9 Million
Sacha Baron Cohen aka the man behind “Ali G” and “Borat” recently listed his 2,806-square-foot home on the market for $2.9 million. The single-story Los Angeles abode features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a detached guest room and a two-car garage. Other amenities in the house include hardwood flooring, a fireplace, French doors leading to the dining room, a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and white cabinets and an outdoor deck with a pool and spa.

•    Ed McMahon’s Beverly Hills Home on the Market for $4.6 Million
The home of the late Ed McMahon is on the market $4.6 million. Originally listed in 2008 for the same price, the Mediterranean-style is located in a gated community in Beverly Hills that overlooks canyons and a sprawling yard. The California estate includes six bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, fireplace and a swimming pool. The seller (who was also a friend of McMahon’s) made significant home improvements on the 7,013-square-foot estate that faced foreclosure in 2008.

Your Must-Have Moving to England Guide

By Joann Pan

Having been to London, England a couple times during my college years, I got little tastes of British life during week-long trips over official breaks from school. Now thoughts of these trips have amounted to a desire not only to vacation, but to relocate to England. I imagine myself visiting Harrods for fresh seafood or some other awesome concoction in their renowned cafeteria or to spend my days visiting the cool (and free!) museums or simply taking a stroll thinking of all of the people I would meet. I now reminisce about the fields of green that I walked through, juxtaposing itself with the busyness of the City of London. This feeling of longing to move is one shared by many other Americans who have thought of ditching their hurried way of life—fueled by Starbucks—for something more abroad. There are 195 countries in the world today; why live in just one?

England is one of the top places for American expatriates simply for the fact of the common language. Communication is huge, but more of us are moving to England due to the areas stark commonalities to the U.S. such as its similar food, entertainment, technology and cultural amenities. We are also convinced to know England because we’ve seen all the movies based out of English cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Bradford, Nottingham and others. We want the UK-typical adventure being offered up in “Wuthering Heights” (1936) or the “Harry Potter” series. So, here’s the plan: trade in my 9-to-5 routine and daily treks through the concrete jungle for afternoon tea, run-ins with The Queen and   stopping every so often to sample the best fish and chips in the world.. My plans may be far-fetched, but what we need to get there isn’t. Stay a while and read Relocation.com’s guide to moving to beautiful England. Even better, Scotland is right above, Wales adjacent on the West and the English Channel to the South, along nearby Paris and Belgium. But before you go, check out some of the essentials you’ll need to traverse the sea as you make one of the most exciting moves of your life!

Number 1: Obtain a Work Visa

Now, you didn’t think the United States was going to make it easy for you, did you? The first hurdle of moving out of the country will be obtaining for visa, which will grant you permission to work in the U.K. You can’t show up with a Holiday Visa and expect to find work—you will be turned away at the airport, most likely. There is a variety of visas you can get. They seemingly are tailored to what you need abroad—whether you are a student, temporary employee or trying to start a business. Available visas include: a Work Permit that requires you to receive sponsorship from an employer in England, a Tier 1 Visa for Highly Skilled individuals or a Tier 1 Entrepreneurs Visa that allows someone to set up or take over a business in the UK. We recommend going to the Skillclear Website or the UK Border Agency’s official Website for more inquiries about the different visas you can obtain.

Number 2: A Bank Account

In order to obtain an bank account in England you will need your passport, a letter from your current employer in England and proof of residency. These documents may be hard to obtain, if you are in the middle of the move and haven’t found a job yet. If possible, you should check with your local bank to see if you can switch to a UK branch before departing America with your global bank such as Citigroup, HSBC, Deutsche Bank and others.

Number 3: Health Care

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free hospital care and medical consultations to those with UK Work Permits and their dependents. Anyone who is in an accident or emergency situation gets free medical attention and treatment, no matter what the status of their visa. Most people in the UK see a general practitioner. We recommend going to the NHS official website to find a general practitioner in your new English home: www.nhs.uk/England.

Number 4: A Car

You will probably need a car to get around most parts of England because of the great disparity in rural parts and suburban parts of town. You will notice people drive on the left side of the road. American drivers will have to get used to the narrowness of all the roads and the lack of billboards on the highways. This is an effective way to move around different cities and towns in England. But, before experiencing the open roads, you will need to get a driver’s license as well as other paperwork. Licenses issued in countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa may be traded in for a Great Britain driver’s license. More information about licenses may be found here at: www. Dvla.gov.uk. Once, you buy a vehicle, you will have to register it in the UK to be taxed. For more information: www.direct.gov.uk/.

Number 5: Moving professionals to help you move

Whether it’s storage or moving overseas with international movers, you will need professional, experienced help with such a big move you are planning. You will have to hire a company that can handle shipping all your furniture, clothes and other life necessities by ocean in a large metal container. To ensure you have chosen the best moving company with the best prices, compare prices early of licensed moving professionals [More on how to choose a mover].

Here, you have it. Just a condensed version of what you need to ensure you have the smoothest ride to your new life based in England. For those who are in the middle of a move or for those who have already moved, please leave your own ideas and tips for Americans hoping to move to England.

Additional tips for your next move:
•   Don’t make these five overseas moving mistakes
•   Tips on Moving Internationally
•   Before an Overseas Move, Check on Customs Regulations

Joann Pan is a freelance writer and photographer based in New York City. She has interned and contributed to Buffalo Spree Magazine and Racked NY.

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

A few politicos made “the Celebrity Beat” this week. The “Lion of the Senate” aka the late Ted Kennedy’s Washington, DC home was recently placed on the market for $7,995,000. This massive Colonial-style estate includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a wine cellar and a personal gym designed by “the Terminator” or Governor Schwarzenegger, as he is referred to these days. On the right side of the political spectrum, Rush Limbaugh’s Upper East Side penthouse was sold for $11.5 million to an undisclosed buyer. Limbaugh has been stating he has wanted out of New York due to the city’s high property taxes — but if you have an $11 million dollar home, we are thinking you have sufficient funds to pay good-old Uncle Sam. To light things up a  bit, comedians Cheryl Hines and Adam Carrolla are both selling their California homes. Hines’ home is situated in Brentwood overlooking the mountains; while Carrolla’s home overlooks downtown Los Angeles that was also personally designed and renovated by Carrolla.

•    Ted Kennedy’s Home on the Market for $7,995,000
The Washington, DC home of the late Ted Kennedy (Kennedy passed in 2009 after a long bout with brain cancer) is on the market for $7.95 million. Purchased in 1998 for 2.7 million, the 8,900-square-foot home includes five bedrooms, six full-sized bathrooms and two half baths, a wine cellar, an indoor and outdoor pool, a secret hideaway from the library and an indoor gym designed by no other than the movie star-turned-gobernador Arnold Schwarzenegger! Described as a “Colonial-style home” whose decor features long white columns, French doors, high ceilings, an outdoor terrace, gardens and a massive dining room that is customized to fit 50 people. Listed by Vicki Kennedy (Kennedys’ widow), who is seeking a smaller home in Washington, DC. According to the Wall Street Journal, the home is “quietly being shopped around” with no current buyer.

•   Cheryl Hines Lists Brentwood Home for $4,249,000
Comedian and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines recently listed her walled and gated Mandeville Canyon-area estate for $4,249,000.The 4,908-square-foot home sits on an acre of land that features stunning views of the nearby California mountains and new furnishings and renovations throughout the properties open-floor plan. If that isn’t enough, perhaps the homes six bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a guest house and an outdoor pool with massive trees throughout the property may entice you to buy?

•    Joe Torre’s Home Listed for Auction at $1,175,000
Joe Torre, former coach of the New York Yankees and current coach of the Los Angeles Dodgers has recently placed is New Rochelle, New York to be sold via a public auction. Located 30 minutes from Manhattan, the 6,500-square-foot home is listed at $1,175,000 that is expected to exceed the asking price. Some notable features about the two-level property includes six bedrooms, five bathrooms, an indoor pool and a three-car garage all of which is situated on 1.01 acres of land. The first level features a family room, a fireplace, and a large kitchen; while the second level has a master suite, guest rooms and a laundry room. Owners of the property will also become stockholders of the estate property company. For more information on the auction, visit BidOnTheCity.com.

•    Rush Limbaugh Finds Buyer for NYC Penthouse
On another side of the political spectrum, conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh has found a buyer for his Upper East Side NYC penthouse. Originally listed for $13.95 million, the undisclosed buyer will pay $11.5 million for the condo, according to the Wall St. Journal. The full-floor penthouse overlooks Central Park and features 10 rooms, four terraces, a 30-foot-wide living room and a private elevator. The new buyer will also enjoy personal decorating touches of the conservative talk-show host such as ornate wall designs and a mural of clouds and birds in the master bedroom, along with various ceiling murals throughout the penthouse featuring palm trees and the beach. Limbaugh is relocating from New York due to the high property taxes, which he announced in February on his radio-show entitled “El Rushbo to New York: Drop Dead.”

•    Adam Carolla Lists Home for $1.3 Million
Comedian, Adam Carolla recently put his Beachwood Canyon home on the market. Carolla – who also owns two other properties in the Los Angeles-area – personally did all of the renovations on this three-bedroom as stated on the Luxist, “the home was totally rebuilt, piece by piece, like a restoration of an old car with modern equipment.” With a contractor background, Carolla spent at least $350,000 in home improvements on his 2,281-square-feet French-style home. The “ultimate bachelor pad,” that was “overbuilt,” as stated by Carolla, includes some interesting features such as an office, an indoor and outdoor bar, an updated kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances and a soundproof basement. The exterior of the house is also pretty impressive, which resembles a castle and overlooks downtown Los Angeles and views of the Hollywood sign.

Part I: The Devastating Impact of the BP Oil Spill on the Real Estate Industry

By Serena Norr and Joann Pan

The numbers are startling: 60,000 plus barrels of oil a day [The NY Times], thousands of fishermen without work [CNN] and an expected 30 percent decline in home values [Housing Watch]. By now, we have all heard about the devastating events that took place on April 20, 2010 – an oil rig exploded off of the Gulf of Mexico spreading crude oil and toxins [including the poisonous Corexit [The NY Times] along the shoreline. Deemed, the “worst oil spill in U.S. history” [National Geographic], the consequences of this unfortunate event have caused an environmental upheaval – affecting our water, marshes, animals and some believe, our health.

Being in the moving industry, we are also greatly concerned with how the spill is affecting the real estate industry – specifically commercial and residential properties, new developments and vacation homes. Some of the affects of the oil spill are already apparent: restaurant owners fear not having fresh fish will put them out of business [McClathchy], hotels are fighting to stay open [The NY Times] and once thriving tourist areas have become ghost towns [CBS News]. A survey conducted by Greater New Orleans, Inc, entitled “Potential Economic Impact of BP Oil Spill” indicated that “50 percent of businesses said they are expected to be hurt by the spill – citing direct interruption of their business due to the spill or false perceptions of the oil spill; while 53 percent of businesses stated they will need outside assistance to regain their losses.” Part of this assistance will come from an independent compensation fund established by the U.S. government — who will toll out $20 billion to compensate those who were greatly affected [CNN]. Although, this is a sizeable amount, there has been no indication as to whether this will cover personal property loss.

Not only an issue for the present, we wonder how the spill will affect the real estate industry in a few years. Will people be excited to build and vacation in the Gulf? Will commercial properties thrive again? Will BP award sufficient money to cover these devastating losses – ranging from fishing, tourism, ecological preservation to real estate? As we follow the headlines, we can only think of the worst in order to prepare best as we learn more about this awful spill in our two-part BP real estate series.

How the BP Oil Spill is Affecting the Coastal State of Florida

We are quickly approaching the two-month mark of the Transocean Ltd. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill where (at press time), we learned that BP engineers have been able to stop oil gushing from the well [LA Times Blog]. Although, a welcome relief from the disparaging news we have heard since April; there is still a lot of work to be done.  More than 93.5 million to 184.3 million gallons of oil have escaped the bruised well into the Gulf of Mexico [LA Times Blog] making its way down to the coastlines of our southern-most states.

So far, the oil has made its way to the coastlines of our southern-most states —  estimated to be 130 miles long and 70 miles wide. Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist has already declared a state of emergency as the oil reaches the Panhandle. The oil slick covers 69 miles of Florida, 328 miles in Louisiana, 108 in Mississippi and 67 in Alabama, according to The Governor of Florida’s Website. Tar balls have been recovered on Pensacola Beach and the Perdido Key.

The BP Oil Spill will definitely bring long-term effects to Florida that at this time unforeseeable. The Palm Beach Post of Florida estimates that Florida will have a loss of 195,000 jobs and nearly $11 billion in revenue losses. These numbers were estimated by a University of Central Florida economist who believes the southern state will suffer from lack of jobs — especially Pensacola fishermen — and from decreased tourism to the nearby Orlando theme parks and the Palm Beach luxury hotels. [The Palm Beach Post] However, the local media outlet does expect reimbursements from BP itself for the canceled reservations over this current summer season, the loss of fishing, clean-up fees, and for other local effects from the nearby explosion of the rig.

The St. Joe Company (NYSE: JOE) is one of the biggest landowners in Florida and has also had one of the toughest times in the midst of the oil spill. With approximately 580,000 acres of land, mostly in Northwest Florida, St. Joe has made a great business based on tourism and owning eight luxury resorts near the Panhandle. According to
realestatechannel.com, St. Joe has refunded money for approximately 151 coastal homes and for a 60-room inn because of the oil. Many local companies are giving out refunds because of people afraid of the effects of the oil spill. St. Joe and other organizations are tackling the BP Oil Spill by asking for reimbursements of business lost and interrupted.

Another case of loss in the situation in Florida is that of Naples beachfront homeowner Cynthia Joannou, who is suing BP for causing environment issues for homeowners who own property along the coast and who will deal with long-term issues, according to m.naplesnews.com. Joannou claims that homebuyers are shying away from moving to Florida strictly because of the cumbersome oil spill. These losses will amount up to $4.3 billion along the entire 600-mile coast line from Louisiana’s bayous to Clearwater, Florida in property estimates, according to Bloomberg. A local realtor in the same article said that this environmental travesty is “the knockout punch the Great Recession didn’t deliver.”

Loss of Jobs, Homes and What is to Come in Louisiana

More than 65 miles of Louisiana’s shoreline—including its beaches and wetlands—are now covered in oil, according to Louisiana’s Governor Bobby Jindal, as stated on The Boston Globe. What once was a vibrant fishing community, thriving vacation spot and an area beginning whose real estate market was revitalizing is once again back in the national spotlight – only five years since Hurricane Katrina.

As a result of the BP Oil Spill, it is expected that Louisiana’s real estate market will drop from five percent to 15 percent in the next 12 months. Home builders – who are still rebuilding – from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina have delayed or stalled numerous projects along the Gulf. According to real estate agent Carolyn Angelette, 100 of her clients have canceled their vacation rentals in Grand Isle, Louisiana, as stated on the blog, The Coming Depression. Other reports in Bay County have indicated that housing developments have simply stopped. Tom Ledman, president of the Home Builder’s Association of Panama City-Bay County stated there are no signs as to when construction will start up again [News Herald].

Louisiana’s job market is also estimated to be affected by the oil spill. Based on the “Economic Impact of the Moratorium and Oil Spill” study, it is estimated that 22,000 people will loss their jobs as a result of the oil spill with an overall loss of $8 to $15 million dollars per month – indicated by the surveys worst case scenario model. Jobs such as the fishing industry are also believed to take the biggest hit – bringing $500 million dollars in revenue to Louisiana, followed by processors and then the tourism industry, according to the survey conducted by the Greater New Orleans, Inc. The survey states that encouraging eco tourism, a positive vibe and not selling your home are critical during this disparaging time.

The issue at hand within the property market has plummeted across the southern coast of the United States. Hotels and home owners are having trouble keeping up with mortgage payments. Many media outlets have reported a total exposure of $136.4 billion to commercial real-estate owners and developers in affected states Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Follow us in a few weeks, as we weigh-in on how the oil spill has affected the real estate market in Alabama and Mississippi.

Sources and Additional Reading:

• CBS News
• CNN
• Greater New Orleans, Inc.
• Gulf Live
• Housing Watch
• The Los Angeles Times- Blog
• National Geographic
• The New York Times
• The Palm Beach Post

All photos are from Deepwater Horizon’s flickr page- http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepwaterhorizonresponse/

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

This weeks “Celebrity Beat” is packed with exciting real estate reports from New York to California. Starting in New York, Bill and Hillary Clinton have reportedly been eying a home in Bedford Hills (a mere eight miles from their Chappaqua estate). The Bedford Hills home will be quiet the upgrade for Bill and Hillary with 20 acres of land, 7,000-square-foot of living space and more importantly will provide the couple with “privacy and security.” In California, Dr.Phil (of the “Dr. Phil” show and “Oprah”) recently listed his Mediterranean villa for sale at $16.5 million for a larger casa in the Hollywood Hills. It was also reported that Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martins’ home was “stripped down” and recreated by the New York City design team, Roman and Williams — resulting in a space filled with shimmery textures and pastels. Lady Gaga also made this weeks Beat for reportedly leasing a Bel-Air home for $25,000 a month — an amount many of us would pay for a years worth of rent.

•    Lady Gaga Renting Bel Air Home
The ever provocative pop star, Stefani Germanotta – better known as Lady Gaga – recently leased a Bel Air home for $25,000 a month. This rock star-style pad is situated on an acre of land that is both walled and gated and fully furnished, featuring a number of Marilyn Monroe pictures that don the walls. According to Zillow.com, the home is owned by real estate developer, “Lorne Leibel who purchased the home in 2004 for $3,150,031 that was later listed for $4,750,000 in 2009.” The 6,143-square-foot pad also features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, marble flooring, fireplaces and an outdoor and raised pool next to a spacious deck. There is also an office, a library and a modern kitchen with a separate breakfast nook. There has been much speculation whether Gaga would be buying in New York, but it seems she is testing out a few places before she decides where she will relocate.

•    Dr. Phil Lists Beverly Hills Home for $16.5 Million
TV Psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife, Robin, have recently listed their gated Beverly Hills, California home for $16.5 million. This massive Mediterranean-style villa – covering a little over 11,000 square feet – includes eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a screening room, a pool room, a music room, a library, staff quarters, a beauty salon, fitness center and guest quarters with two bedrooms. The landscaped pool and massive backyard aren’t too shabby either. According to the Real Estalker, property records indicate that Dr. Phil “purchased the property in 2002 for $7,500,000…in cash.” Reports indicate that the home is for sale because the couple purchased another California property that they have “been admiring for years,” according to the Chicago Tribune.

•    Gwyneth Paltrows’ $5.1 Million Dollar Home Redesigned
Hot designers, Roman and Williams, recently redesigned Gwyneth Paltrow’s and Chris Martin’s 4,400-square-foot TriBeCa penthouse. Purchased in 2007 for $5.1 million, the designing duo revamped the home by completing a “total strip down to stud and redesign” of the interior space to create a space filled with “light, moldings, glassy paint and fuzzy nap zones,” according to the designers blog. They also used shimmering silvers, whites and pastels throughout the space to create a romantic and elegant home for the actress, hubby musician and two kids. The space features three bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a terrace and an impressive modern kitchen.

•    Bill and Hillary Clinton Looking to Buy in Bedford Hills, New York
Bill and Hillary Clinton are looking to move from their Chappaqua, New York home a mere eight miles north to Bedford Hills. According to the New York Post, the Clinton’s have been seeking more space, along with a home that has “privacy and security,” which has been lacking in their Chappaqua, New York abode. This prospective Bedford Hills home nicknamed “Clover Hill” is described as an English country cottage with five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, numerous fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, horse stables, a heated pool, massive gardens and two guest houses all of which are situated on a lake. The Clinton’s will reportedly pay $10.9 million for this space – that also features an impressive 20 acres of land and 7,000-square-foot of living space.

Home Improvement Ideas: Simple Fixes to Change Your New Home

By Kathy Woodard

Now that moving is over and you’re finally in your new home, it’s time to make it your own and add some of your style and personality. There are some simple home improvement fixes to change your new home that anyone can do. With one weekend and a little elbow grease, you can have your place in tip top shape in no time!

Paint:
Ok, I know this is an obvious one. The reason you hear painting as the number one DIY project for new homeowners so often is because it’s effective. And cheap. And easy. What more could you want? Make sure you plan out your color scheme for each room or the whole house before you ever visit a paint store. Many a new homeowner has ended up with what in the store appeared to be a bold, trendy color, only to discover that their new home was pink — really pink. Consider not just walls, but kitchen and bathroom cabinets, trim and doors as well. Plan, prepare and try out sample paints before you take a whole project on, but do paint!

Paint more…
Yea, I know, back to the paint thing. But did you know you can paint more than walls? By using a good primer and some polyurethane for protection, just about anything can be painted. Some ideas?

•    Ugly bathroom countertops? If you can’t afford replacement counters, no worries. Prime, paint with a faux stone finish, then seal with polyurethane. Instant style update, without the remodeling price!

•    Does your new kitchen come complete with avocado green appliances? You can spray paint them with auto spray paint to camouflage the 1970s look. If you paint a stove, make sure you use stove paint to protect the finish from the heat. Most home improvement stores carry a good brand.

•    Yucky pink tile in the bathroom? Again, prime with a good primer, then paint. There are specialty paints for just this purpose, or you can use regular house paint and seal well with polyurethane.

•    Even vinyl flooring can be painted. Keep in mind however, the higher the amount of traffic the floor receives, the more coats of polyurethane you will want to use for protection.

Add curb appeal:
You can increase the curb appeal of your new home in a day with some simple fixes. Replace your house numbers with something more in line with your personal style. Add a new mailbox, and update the light fixtures on your porch. Consider adding a window box or two. Use ornamental grasses in your box to give your home a contemporary feel different from the other houses on the block. Finally, paint the front door. Making these easy changes will brand your house as yours from all the way down the street!

Add storage:
Most homes never have enough storage, so think about making that one of your first home improvement projects. Closet and pantry systems are available at most home improvement centers and are easily installed by a beginning DIYer. Don’t forget the garage! Even adding simple shelves, hooks and hangars for tools and other items can double your storage space.

Quick changes:
There are also some simple projects you can do in less than an hour. Change out the cabinet hardware in the kitchen and bath. Choose new glass shades for all your ceiling mount light fixtures. Replace mismatched window treatments with inexpensive blinds. Add curtain sheers. Clean your windows inside and out to add sparkle to every room!

There you have it, simple fixes to change your new home, without needing a class in engineering or the bank account of a celebrity!

Want free home and garden ideas? Kathy Woodard is an author, columnist and home decorating expert. Visit her websites: TheBudgetDecorator.com and DecoratingYourSmallSpace.com.

More articles for your home improvement plans:

• Budgeting for Home Improvement Projects
• Small-Space Design: Create More Storage Space
• You’ve Moved: Five Quick Home Improvement Ideas

The Celebrity Beat: Relocation.com's Celebrity Real Estate Report

By Serena Norr

Whoa, baby it is sure hot over here in NYC (recent temps have hit the 101 mark), but even the scorching weather hasn’t slowed down the celebrity real estate market. One example: Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft) who recently purchased a $25 million Malibu, California. Not only is this contemporary mansion covered in glass and white stucco, but the home is located along the über luxurious Carbon beach aka “Billionaire’s Beach” — where music mogul David Geffen, Courtney Cox-Arquette and Jennifer Aniston also have homes.

If buying is out of your range, you can always rent like Tracy Morgan recently did. Or you can stay in Malibu — on a temporary basis — in Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s home. Then again, the $40,000 a month rental fee is a little out of our range. Stay cool and we’ll see you next week.

•    Tracy Morgan On the Move…To Midtown
“Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” star, Tracy Morgan has recently relocated to a luxury condo in the West 50s. Morgan made the move after his previous Trump Place apartment went on fire (a fish tank lamp was to blame). His new $14,900 a month rental comes complete with “four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, private parking and a 1,000-square-foot terrace with views of the city” according to NYMag.com.

•    Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne’s Home for Rent
The market for rentals is surging and this can also be said for celebrity homes. Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne recently listed their 4,500-square-foot Malibu home for rent for $40,000 a month for the rest of the summer. For approximately two months, you can reside in the rock star’s cottage complete with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and views of the ocean. The home also features a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, flat screen TVs, a fireplace and French doors leading to an outside area with a terrace and to-die-for views of the beach.

•    Pierce Bronsan Puts His Malibu Home on the Market for $3.9 Million
Actor Pierce Brosnan of “James Bond” movies recently listed his Malibu mansion for sale for $3.9 million. His gated beachfront home “designed as an artist’s retreat,” according to the LATimes.com includes an office, a media room, a library, five fireplaces, three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The Mediterranean-style home also features several balconies facing the ocean and nearby mountains. There are no reports as to why Bronsan is selling his luxurious property.

•    Michael Imperioli Lists NYC Townhouse for $6.995 Million
According to the NYPost, “Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli has recently listed his TriBeCa townhouse for sale for $6.995 million. Imperioli’s four-story, 4,720-square-foot home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, high ceilings and a roof top-deck. On top of all of that, the cast-iron building is described as a “movie set” with draped curtains, gothic décor and an interesting color scheme of deep reds and purples.

•    Paul Allen Purchases Malibu Home for Approximately $25 Million
Paul Allen (co-founder of Microsoft) recently purchased an oceanfront home in Malibu for $25 million. This modern home features a clean interior finish with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and white stucco. Located on a strip of the beach dubbed “Billionaire’s Beach,” the 5,800-square-foot home features five bedrooms, a deck with a pool, a gym and a screening room, according to the WSJ.com. Allen also owns numerous properties in Seattle.

A Green Move: Where to Dispose of Your Old Stuff When You Move

By Joann Pan

Let’s face it; moving your belongings from one place to another is harder than simply hiring a moving company to do it all for you. First — on the long list of things to do before moving — is organizing and packing up your old space. Unfortunately, most people are pack rats by nature; especially, when we have had a place to call our own for an extended period of time. This stuff (over time) grows and grows until we are left with a whole lot of junk to sort out come moving day.

Take a look at your home and you will be astounded by how many mugs, books and electronics that you have accumulated, but have barely touched in recent months years. Don’t we all wish someone would condense our belongings and pack up the reusable moving crates for us? But, in the end, we know what to keep and what to throw away, give away or recycle to make our moving load lighter – not to mention cut costs on our moving expenses.

Since moving is what we are concerned with 24/7, Relocation.com has compiled a list to help you save space on your journey to your new home while treading lightly on the Earth. And this couldn’t come sooner — most people in the 20th century are guilty of tossing away old computers, CD players and TVs for the latest and greatest new electronic wonder, never thinking of where their old belongings will end up. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection, the amount of computers in the U.S — ranging from 30 to 40 million — will end up in the trash in a few years. On top of all of that waste, this years switchover from analog televisions to digital ones meant that 25 million television sets found a new home in landfills. Many of these electronics contain lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, beryllium and other chemicals—which are as toxic as they sound—were not disposed of properly. They ended up in national landfills as well as those overseas as a result of illegal smuggling of e-waste to disassembly centers abroad. There, scavengers pick out plastic, valuable metal pieces and microchips that they can sell at a profit, leaving the scraps to be washed off to sea.

Now that you know where your old items go, it’s easy to see why disposing of them properly is not only easy but essential for the preservation of the earth. Here’s how to do your part on moving day — this will not only save you money and clear up some space, but will result in less environmental consequences. Now that’s moving in the right direction.

1.    From old fire extinguishers, fungicides, household cleaners and hazardous materials such as compact fluorescent light bulbs to mercury thermostats, the eco-conscious resource, Earth 911.com has all the bases covered. Just enter what you are looking to throw away and by zip code the website will tell you how far, where, when and what various drop-off sites accept.

2.    Don’t need your old mattress anymore? Usually local home-furnishing stores and mattress outlets will take your discarded bed parts because cotton, cloth, springs and foam can all be recycled and given new life. The wooden frame can even be turned into wood chips. Before lugging your cumbersome mattress to any old store, call or check MattressDonation.com to find the most convenient place to drop your old bed.

3.    Do you have piles and piles of clothes that are discolored, too small or those that you are simply not interested in (clothes with tags are a good indication of this)? Well, there are plenty of places that will take your bags of shirts and pants, which in the long-run will prevent them from filling up landfills. According to organicgardens.com, you can use your cotton, wool and old leather gloves as compost. But, that’s only a last minute resort when there is a plethora of Good Will facilities, Salvation Army locales and organizations like Housing Works NY that will take your old clothes and make money for those who need help such as for AIDS research. Or, as another option, if you have friends your size have a swap party where you  exchange shirts you are tired of for new fashions—as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Recycle, reuse and renew the Earth in style.

4.    For all the miscellaneous junk—from old picture frames, CDs, bulky furniture to gifts you’ve never opened—there are online resources such as Craigslist, Ebay or Amazon where people are looking for deals daily. On the “Free” neighborhood sections we have seen everything from chairs, tables, bed frames, pool tables, camera equipment, grills to pet cats! Most people are moving or making room for new stuff, so you can decidedly let willing people take your junk away for free. On Ebay or Amazon, you can “sell” your stuff for a few cents or dollars and someone will gladly pay shipping to take your old junk away from you. These options make for a win-win situation for you and the environment.

If you need additional help, there are resources such as the official EPA website, theDailyGreen.com and company websites of Apple, Dell, HP, Gateway and Best Buy— all of which tell you what to do with products after you’re done with them.

More Green Resources for your Move:
More Green Home Ideas [Relocation.com]
High-Tech Trash [National Geographic]