Month: February 2017

Here are some new 2017 window designs.  This year is the year of wall windows and picture windows. It’s time to let the sun in with bi-fold window doors as top designers and architects showcase just how magnificent a house can be transformed simply by changing your window designs.

And why not take in the beautiful panorama and vistas of picture perfect Florida with its breathtaking sunsets and inspiring and magnificent coastline? However, one of the primary concerns of home owners in Florida is protecting their homes from damage in case of storms or hurricanes. For this reason, storm windows have come a long way from their original basic form and can now be incorporated into almost any window frame and design imaginable.

Some of the window designs that began to appear in 2016, and is expected to frontline window designs this 2017, include the following:

Wall Windows

These are large windows or glass walls. It almost encompasses the entire wall of one side of a room whether it is a bedroom or living room. This kind of picture window is an amazing manner of blending old and new designs while improving the dramatic architectural ambience of a room. During the day, you can allow the light to shine through which should help lower your electricity consumption. At night, drapes or blinds can provide privacy, if desired.

Colored Window Glass

No, not stained windows but colored glass that can compliment your interior. There are also decorative or textured film that can be used on the glass window which offer an alternative choice to drapes or blinds. When using color or texture on glass windows, the best way to handle this trend is by keeping it sleek and simple. Too much color or design will be distracting and too busy to be appealing. Plus, if you decide to use color or texture, do not complicate the window by adding blinds or drapes.

Adding Small Windows as Accent for High Ceilinged Rooms

Rooms that have high ceiling can sometimes give the impression of emptiness. You can change this by adding small windows on top of your main window or door. This design will add that surprising pizzazz to your room and transform it with a modern touch.

Accessorize!

Finally, from the window locks to cranks, frames, and handles you can give your windows a great re-do. However, before you decide to just change these accessories, make sure that the window system has been inspected and changed, if necessary. It’s also the best time to check the strength of the glass panes and upgrade them to hurricane quality which will improve the value of your house exponentially.

During the last quarter of 2016, the housing market in Florida began to slow down, although realistically, this area has always had a history of boom and bust because of the waves of retirees and investors. Starting in 2017 and onwards, the market is expected to change considerably in a positive way which will improve the value of houses in Florida.

So what’s happening in 2017?

According to Forbes, the Baby Boomer generation are entering their pre-retirement years and by 2020, the country will have an estimated 71 million citizens aged 55 or over. More importantly, a 2016 survey reaffirms Florida as the number one location for retirees because of the fair weather, reasonable cost of living, home prices, vibrant economy, favorable tax climate, security, and accessibility to medical care. In addition, the luxury housing market is taking a hit with luxury condominiums not selling as briskly as developers were expecting. In fact, some developers dropped their prices last 2016 several times in the hopes of being able to unload some properties but there is a glut in the market for luxury condominiums.

Taking into consideration these facts, one of the best ways to protect your investment and property in Florida is to do minor renovations so your property does not get “left behind” by the market. Look around!  Are there new houses or condominiums being built in your area? Newer structures with better amenities and addresses can affect the value of your property if it is not modernized in some way.

A good way to increase the value of your house is by changing the window and door frames from traditional shutters to storm-ready. You can also do some landscaping, painting, and upgrading your fixtures.

If you want to have extra income, you can renovate your home to accept a renter or two. In Miami, a little under half of the properties are being rented out. The renting population is expected to increase in the years to come. Naturally, renters are looking for presentable homes with practical amenities and accessibility to services, parks, or other outdoor activities.

One word of caution though: if you plan on major renovations, it is best to avoid construction loans. Rely instead on doing the renovation in stages so you don’t expose yourself to any danger with creditors because the mortgage and loan to value mortgage is still risky. Fortunately, with a growing population of at least 10%, the investment climate coupled with the number of retirees willing to rent even part of a house is improving.