Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Friday, February 26, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Every year when January rolls around, you vow to eat right,
save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you
set for your home? This year, get inspired to freshen up your interior design
and try a new trend.
“The New Year brings fresh perspective and it's the perfect
time to experiment with décor,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY
television personality. “In 2016, you'll be seeing a lot of personalized
spaces, textured surfaces and bright color palettes that will surely inspire
you to put a unique spin on your style.”
1. Presswork PaletteEasily personalize any space by incorporating text - think monograms, family names or inspirational quotes. Adding an uplifting quote or message to a room, whether on a small pillow or large piece of subway art, will create a positive atmosphere and generate conversation. Text can be placed anywhere throughout the home and will also help set the tone for your space.
“Have fun by playing around with various fonts and sizes to
create different moods throughout each room,” says Nayak. “Letters can be sharp
and defined to create a contemporary and stylish aesthetic, or soft and casual
to give life to a space so it feels elegant and timeless.”
2. Nature's Patterns
If you're looking to achieve a clean interior space with lots of detail, try using simple designs inspired by nature. These patterns are organic and include shapes such as honeycombs, florals and leaves. “When honing in on the details found in these elements, it's easy to see there are countless designs created,” explains Nayak. “Pair these with neutral colors that have warm or cool tones for a soothing atmosphere, or blow them up and paint them in a bright color for a bold statement.” You can also integrate natural patterns through accent pieces such as light fixtures that have reflective metals to mimic sparkling water or a textured jute rug to bring the outside elements inside.
If you're looking to achieve a clean interior space with lots of detail, try using simple designs inspired by nature. These patterns are organic and include shapes such as honeycombs, florals and leaves. “When honing in on the details found in these elements, it's easy to see there are countless designs created,” explains Nayak. “Pair these with neutral colors that have warm or cool tones for a soothing atmosphere, or blow them up and paint them in a bright color for a bold statement.” You can also integrate natural patterns through accent pieces such as light fixtures that have reflective metals to mimic sparkling water or a textured jute rug to bring the outside elements inside.
3. Digitally Defined
“Geometric shapes and angles have become associated with technology; this evokes creativity and innovative design because they're edgy and create movement,” said Nayak. One great way to incorporate this trend within a space is using geometric floor tiles in different colors. The edginess of the tile with the mix of color will keep your eye constantly moving. Geometric shapes alone, like in a light fixture with lots of edges, will also create a dramatic and stunning statement.
“Geometric shapes and angles have become associated with technology; this evokes creativity and innovative design because they're edgy and create movement,” said Nayak. One great way to incorporate this trend within a space is using geometric floor tiles in different colors. The edginess of the tile with the mix of color will keep your eye constantly moving. Geometric shapes alone, like in a light fixture with lots of edges, will also create a dramatic and stunning statement.
You can also incorporate this trend with pixelation for a
modern and clean look. Pixelated artwork made up of monochromatic cubes can be
simplistic and fit in a variety of spaces. To add an element of curiosity to a
room, try a piece of artwork that focuses on cubes and colors that are
irregularly spaced.
4. Fresh and Fab
Multiple bright colors mixed together create a crisp and fresh interior and elevate the mood in any space. “Fun saturated colors, such as yellow and blue, produce an energetic and happy feeling,” said Nayak. “Let your imagination run wild and paint a bold accent wall for an eye-catching statement. Or paint an antiqued piece of furniture a bright color for an unexpected combination of modern and traditional elements.”
Multiple bright colors mixed together create a crisp and fresh interior and elevate the mood in any space. “Fun saturated colors, such as yellow and blue, produce an energetic and happy feeling,” said Nayak. “Let your imagination run wild and paint a bold accent wall for an eye-catching statement. Or paint an antiqued piece of furniture a bright color for an unexpected combination of modern and traditional elements.”
“When it comes to painting an accent wall or furniture, one
of the most important tools you need is a premium painter's tape, like FrogTape® brand
painter's tape,” added Nayak. “Treated with PaintBlock® Technology, FrogTape brand
Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface tapes can be used on a variety of surfaces
and deliver sharp paint lines, making your handiwork look like that of a
professional.” Incorporating flowers and fruit is a great way to enhance a
space with color and aromas, instantly making a room feel fresh.
5. Textured Terrain
Forget smooth finishes - rough edges and raw materials are in for 2016. From transformed wood pallets to worn leather or tin ceilings, raw materials that are aged offer a great deal of texture and help give a space dimension.
Forget smooth finishes - rough edges and raw materials are in for 2016. From transformed wood pallets to worn leather or tin ceilings, raw materials that are aged offer a great deal of texture and help give a space dimension.
“A great way to make a raw material feel beautiful is by
incorporating it into an application you would not typically think to use the
material,” explains Nayak. “For example, utilizing concrete on a wall instead
of the floor will create a clean and raw space that will reflect simplicity and
unity.” For smaller scale projects, home décor items such as furniture can
easily be made to look aged by adding paint and other finishes for a distressed
look.
6. Well-Traveled Global Style
Create a space that is warm and friendly by incorporating global influences. This trend includes vibrant colors, patterns and exotic textiles that can be brought in through painting, wall décor or accessories. A parade of patterns from different cultures can feel modern and fresh when used together.
Create a space that is warm and friendly by incorporating global influences. This trend includes vibrant colors, patterns and exotic textiles that can be brought in through painting, wall décor or accessories. A parade of patterns from different cultures can feel modern and fresh when used together.
“Don't be afraid to mix multiple prints within a space;
having a variety of patterned pillows, rugs and wall décor is a great idea,”
says Nayak. “Make sure to tie these patterns together by carrying a similar
color throughout each element in the room.”
“When trying a new trend, make sure it accurately represents
your style - and remember you don’t have to go all out,” adds Nayak. “Any of
these trends can be incorporated into your home as little or as much as you'd
like through pillows, accents, rugs and paint.” The New Year is a great time to
update your home and accomplish your resolution in style.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your backyard and a busy street behind your home. Others are for your own enjoyment, like painting your rec room your favorite shade of neon pink. The best home improvements, however, pay off in the long run whether you're staying or selling. Here are a handful of projects that are worth the investment whether you're hoping to please potential buyers or make your home more enjoyable for yourself: Add skylights Any real estate professional will agree: buyers love balanced natural light. You probably do as well! Adding Energy Star-qualified no leak skylights is a cost-effective improvement that enhances a home's appeal to potential buyers, as well as its livability for the people currently occupying it. They're particularly popular in bathrooms (where fresh air and privacy is a concern) and kitchens (where they also provide passive ventilation of cooking odors and excessive heat), but skylights can go in any room where you want more natural light, an open, airy feeling and a brightened appearance. Solar powered fresh-air skylights, like those from VELUX America, can help improve indoor air quality while brightening things up and cutting down on the need for artificial light. Add solar powered blinds to boost the energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent and you'll love your skylights even more. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are operated by a touchpad programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the cost of installation. And skylight blinds can help you decorate while boosting energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of designer colors and patterns to coordinate with your décor while giving you complete control of the light that enters your rooms. The choices include light diffusing, light blocking, and light controlling Venetian blinds, all of which can be operated manually or by remote control. To further differentiate home spaces such as hallways and closets, which never seem to have enough light, consider Sun Tunnel tubular skylights which are inexpensive and easily installed in a matter of hours. They also offer light kits for 24/7 functionality. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. Add or upgrade a deck When the weather warms, your family will want to spend more time outdoors and a deck is the perfect platform for outdoor enjoyment. Potential buyers also perceive it as a benefit, and adding or upgrading a deck can boost your home's value. In fact, a wooden deck will recoup 75 percent of its installation costs at time of resale, and a composite deck recoups 64 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Bigger is better right now in the world of deck building, with more homeowners looking to increase the size of their decks. Multi-level decks are also on trend, with many people dedicating different deck levels for different functions, such as an outdoor kitchen, spa area with hot tub, and entertainment seating. Exterior paint Repainting the exterior of your home is a big job, but one that's well worth the investment, whether you're trying to impress potential buyers with great curb appeal, or simply make your house a more enjoyable place to return to each day. Exterior paint greatly affects the overall look of a home, plus quality paint helps protect siding from the elements. Your color choice could also affect your utility bills; if you live in a hot environment, lighter colors will help reflect heat away from your home. If you're selling, a fresh, attractive paint job could increase your home's purchase price. Kitchen cosmetics Great kitchens sell homes, and the kitchen is also the room where many families spend the greatest amount of time, so anything you do to improve a kitchen is well worth the investment. Taking care of basic items like replacing old cabinet hardware, upgrading faucets and lighting, and investing in quality countertops can be cost-effective ways to elevate your home's value and boost the usability of the kitchen. Even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than 83 percent of its cost at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine. Whether you plan to put your home on the market this spring or summer, or intend to stay put for years to come, it pays to invest in home improvements that enhance both resale value and your enjoyment of your home.
Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your backyard and a busy street behind your home. Others are for your own enjoyment, like painting your rec room your favorite shade of neon pink.
The best home improvements, however, pay off in the long run whether you're staying or selling. Here are a handful of projects that are worth the investment whether you're hoping to please potential buyers or make your home more enjoyable for yourself:
Add skylights
Any real estate professional will agree: buyers love balanced natural light. You probably do as well! Adding Energy Star-qualified no leak skylights is a cost-effective improvement that enhances a home's appeal to potential buyers, as well as its livability for the people currently occupying it. They're particularly popular in bathrooms (where fresh air and privacy is a concern) and kitchens (where they also provide passive ventilation of cooking odors and excessive heat), but skylights can go in any room where you want more natural light, an open, airy feeling and a brightened appearance.
Solar powered fresh-air skylights, like those from VELUX America, can help improve indoor air quality while brightening things up and cutting down on the need for artificial light. Add solar powered blinds to boost the energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent and you'll love your skylights even more. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are operated by a touchpad programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the cost of installation.
And skylight blinds can help you decorate while boosting energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of designer colors and patterns to coordinate with your décor while giving you complete control of the light that enters your rooms. The choices include light diffusing, light blocking, and light controlling Venetian blinds, all of which can be operated manually or by remote control.
To further differentiate home spaces such as hallways and closets, which never seem to have enough light, consider Sun Tunnel tubular skylights which are inexpensive and easily installed in a matter of hours. They also offer light kits for 24/7 functionality. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.
Add or upgrade a deck
When the weather warms, your family will want to spend more time outdoors and a deck is the perfect platform for outdoor enjoyment. Potential buyers also perceive it as a benefit, and adding or upgrading a deck can boost your home's value. In fact, a wooden deck will recoup 75 percent of its installation costs at time of resale, and a composite deck recoups 64 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.
Bigger is better right now in the world of deck building, with more homeowners looking to increase the size of their decks. Multi-level decks are also on trend, with many people dedicating different deck levels for different functions, such as an outdoor kitchen, spa area with hot tub, and entertainment seating.
Exterior paint
Repainting the exterior of your home is a big job, but one that's well worth the investment, whether you're trying to impress potential buyers with great curb appeal, or simply make your house a more enjoyable place to return to each day. Exterior paint greatly affects the overall look of a home, plus quality paint helps protect siding from the elements. Your color choice could also affect your utility bills; if you live in a hot environment, lighter colors will help reflect heat away from your home. If you're selling, a fresh, attractive paint job could increase your home's purchase price.
Kitchen cosmetics
Great kitchens sell homes, and the kitchen is also the room where many families spend the greatest amount of time, so anything you do to improve a kitchen is well worth the investment. Taking care of basic items like replacing old cabinet hardware, upgrading faucets and lighting, and investing in quality countertops can be cost-effective ways to elevate your home's value and boost the usability of the kitchen.
Even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than 83 percent of its cost at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine.
Whether you plan to put your home on the market this spring or summer, or intend to stay put for years to come, it pays to invest in home improvements that enhance both resale value and your enjoyment of your home.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Top Trends for Upgrading Your Outdoor Space
No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is hot. As spring approaches, here are six of the top trends that will influence the look, feel and function of outdoor spaces in 2016.
Outdoor rooms: Thanks to advances in all-weather materials, furnishings and accessories, you can outfit an outdoor living space in much the same way that you would any room in the home. As a result, expect to see decks with features such as integrated benches with upholstered cushions, privacy walls and ornamental post caps and railings with decorative balusters similar to those found inside the home.
Railings that rule: Another outdoor element that's being influenced by indoor styling is deck railings. When it comes to selecting the best railing for your outdoor space, design experts recommend using one of the "Three C's" – coordinate, contrast or customize. To make the selection process even easier, Trex, the world's largest manufacturer of high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing, recently introduced a set of curated railings that pair beautifully with the brand's most popular decking colors.
Cooking with class: Americans have taken backyard cooking and dining to a whole new level. Heading into the outdoor living season, expect this trend to continue with increasingly functional outdoor kitchens complete with cooking islands, pizza ovens, refrigerators and all-weather cabinetry and storage features.
Warming features: One of the hottest trends – literally – for 2016 is the incorporation of warming features into outdoor spaces. From candles and tiki torches to fireplaces and lighting, products that lend physical and ambient warmth will be in high demand. Look for increased use of LED lights integrated into deck railings, stairs and yards as homeowners seek to enhance the ambiance and safety of their outdoor space and extend the time they can spend enjoying it.
High-tech decks: Home automation is hugely popular right now, so it's only natural that the tech trend should migrate outdoors. From lighting and music controlled from a smart phone to motorized rear-projection screens synced to outdoor LED televisions, homeowners are now able to bring their entire entertainment system outdoors.
Leisure without the labor: For those that want to spend more time enjoying, rather than maintaining, their outdoor space, high-performance composite decking, such as Trex Transcend, is an ideal choice – delivering all the beauty and aesthetics of wood without the time-consuming upkeep. Unlike wood, composite decking, resists fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won't rot, warp, crack or splinter.
For more outdoor living tips and ideas, visit trex.com.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Friday, February 19, 2016
Use your tax refund wisely
TopHat John Windle and Rita Lewis of Sunbelt Lending talk about using your tax refund wisely. Lewis is the Windle Group's HomeSweetHome.House preferred lender.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Adopt-a-Pet.com Launch Second Year of the Homes for Dogs Project
Dogs make every day awesome. This theme will continue as Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the original Silicon Valley real estate startup founded in 1906, extends the successful "Homes for Dogs Project" into 2016, which last year found homes for more than 20,000 dogs. The continuation of the campaign will provide more opportunities for Coldwell Banker® affiliated offices to join forces with local shelters and rescue groups through their association with Adopt-a-Pet.com.
"There is no doubt that pets play a critical role in the emotional connection we have with the places we call home," said Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Last year's 'Homes for Dogs' campaign was a truly integrated program, bringing together our national and local Coldwell Banker offices and more than 650 animal shelters nationwide. It was inspiring to see our brokers and agents come together with the shelter communities to find a home for home's best friend."
Driving over 8.5 million views online in 2015, the "Home's Best Friend" commercial was rated the highest performing advertisement in the real estate category by AceMetrix, a leader in advertising measurement and analytics. The Coldwell Banker brand will launch another canine-centric commercial as part of a new television and online video campaign being released in March. Both ads will close by driving awareness of the Homes for Dogs Project. The brands will also host another National Pet Adoption Weekend in the fall.
"We continue to be motivated by the commitment Coldwell Banker has shown to help every animal have a loving family and a warm, snuggly place to call home," said Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. "With our combined efforts, we can bring together communities across the United States for one single mission - to find homes for loving pets who need to be adopted."
More information about the "Homes for Dogs Project" can be found at http://www.coldwellbanker.com/dogs.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Tips on How the Home Energy Upgrades You Made Last Year Could Make a Big Difference in Your 2015 Tax Return
Tax Day right around the corner, Homeselfe is raising awareness about large tax credits available for those who made energy efficiency upgrades to their homes in the 2015 tax year. Homeselfe wants to ensure American families receive the maximum refund they are eligible for in their tax returns by keeping up-to-speed on the latest federal energy tax credits.
"If you upgraded your home in 2015 by adding insulation, one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make, you already know you are saving on your utility bills every month plus you may be eligible for a tax credit on that investment," said Ameeta Jain, co-founder and spokesperson of Homeselfe. "Not taking advantage of that is throwing away your hard-earned cash. We want to empower families to receive the maximum refund allowed on their tax returns by providing them insight into the energy credits that are available."
Homeowners should also keep up-to-date on tax credits available for smaller upgrades in their homes, which can be eligible for tax credits up to $500 on their return. These small upgrades include:
- Biomass stoves
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Advanced main air-circulating fans (tax credit amount of $50)
- Insulation (10% of the cost, up to $500)
- Roofs (metal and asphalt)
- Water heaters (non-solar earns a tax credit amount of $300)
- Windows, doors and skylights (tax credit amount is 10 percent of the cost excluding labor)
Plan ahead for your tax returns in 2016 by taking a Homeselfe and identifying areas in your home that need improvement and qualify you for tax credits on next year's return. For more information on energy tax credits or how to save on your monthly utility bill, visitwww.homeselfe.com.
To schedule a time for an interview with Co-Founder Ameeta Jain, please contact media@homeselfe.com or 951-719-1040. She will be available to discuss Homeselfe's commitment to improving financial and energy efficiency in households throughout the United States.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Survey Finds Singles Aren't Dreading Valentine's Day
According to a survey conducted by OpenTable, the world's leading provider of online restaurant reservations and part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), many singles (42%) across the country are looking forward to dining out in celebration of Valentine's Day this year.
"Contrary to popular belief and defying misconceptions about their Valentine's Day habits, singles are getting comfortable with dining out on Valentine's Day regardless of relationship status," said Caroline Potter, Chief Dining Officer at OpenTable.
The survey also revealed that almost half of the singles (46%) who plan to dine out for Valentine's Day plan to share their experiences on social media with one in five (21%) planning to share dish photos.
Singles may help restaurants fill their larger tables on Valentine's Day this year as one in three singles (35%) plan to dine with multiple platonic friends or family members.
More than half (59%) of the singles surveyed are fine with couples' PDA at the table, saying it is okay to feed your date a bite of food, à la Lady and the Tramp. However, singles are less enthusiastic about the concept of Valentine's Day marriage proposals with one in three (36%) indicating that any day of the year would be better, whereas only one in four (25%) of married respondents shared this sentiment.
For diners still searching for the right restaurant, OpenTable recently released its list of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2016. OpenTable also released a list of the Most Romantic Cities in America for 2016. Diners can also find more tips and trends regarding Valentine's Day on the OpenTable Blog as well as details about our #savorthelove Valentine's Daygiveaway.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Candy continues to be an important part of Valentine's Day traditions
Sharing a sweet treat with a friend or loved one is the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day, according to a recent national survey by the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Some 94 percent of Americans say they would like to receive a gift of candy or chocolate this Valentine's Day.
On February 14, 70 percent of Americans will give chocolate or candy to one to three friends or family members. And those sharing a sweet treat are embracing moderation as it relates to enjoying chocolate, candy, gum and mints, according to NCA's survey. More than 80 percent of percent of Americans believe that candy is treat, and its one that makes holidays even more special. Most people in the U.S. enjoy candy about twice per week, averaging less than 50 calories per day from confectionery items.
NCA projects that retail sales of Valentine's Day candy in 2016 will be $1.1 billion (up 1.6 percent from 2015), a boost to the U.S. economy that helps support 55,000 manufacturing jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs in related industries.
"People understand that candy is a transparent and fun treat, and they are choosing to enjoy it in moderation this Valentine's Day and all year long," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. "Chocolate and other sweets have long been associated with celebrations. Even a small taste of your favorite candy can transport you to another place, and conjure up happy memories. Because of this, candy plays a wonderful and unique role in a happy, balanced life."
According to NCA's research, 94 percent of Americans say they would like to receive candy or chocolate for Valentine's Day this year, compared to 89 percent who would like to receive a card and 87 percent who would like to receive a handmade gift. Perhaps indicating that Americans are still focused on affordable luxuries, 71 percent said they would like to receive flowers and only 67 percent would like jewelry.
Not having a special someone to celebrate with on February 14 will not stop Americans from enjoying the day. 43 percent of Americans say they will buy their own box of chocolate this year, and nearly half of all consumers say they plan to bake or decorate with chocolate or candy for Valentine's Day. Women (47 percent) are more likely than men (42 percent) to treat themselves, and millennials under age 30 (55 percent) are the most likely of any age group to shop for themselves.
Regardless of whether the chocolate was purchased as a gift, chocolate lovers can rejoice in this fact: scientific evidence indicates that the nutrients in cocoa and chocolate may be associated with heart health. These effects have been attributed to flavanols, which are natural compounds that occur in a wide range of fruits and vegetables and have been extensively studied in cocoa. Over the past decade, studies examining the eating patterns of adults and their overall health over the course of several years suggest that those who regularly included cocoa products and chocolate in their diets maintained better cardiovascular health. Other studies have shown that chocolate and cocoa are associated with improved well-being and happiness.
That's no surprise to the 55,000 people in the United States directed employed by the manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood, as well. For every job that is created by the confectionery industry, seven more are supported in related industries, which means that candy drives a multiplier effect of 1:7 or an impact of 700 percent. The industry is comprised of hundreds of small and medium-size, family-owned businesses as well as the multi-national companies with global brands that operate more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states.
For more sweet information on the companies that make chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and how these treats fit into family and holiday traditions, visit CandyUSA.com and follow NCA on Twitter (@CandyUSA), Instagram (@CandyUSA), Snapchat (CandyNCA), and Facebook (NationalConfectionersAssociation).
On February 14, 70 percent of Americans will give chocolate or candy to one to three friends or family members. And those sharing a sweet treat are embracing moderation as it relates to enjoying chocolate, candy, gum and mints, according to NCA's survey. More than 80 percent of percent of Americans believe that candy is treat, and its one that makes holidays even more special. Most people in the U.S. enjoy candy about twice per week, averaging less than 50 calories per day from confectionery items.
NCA projects that retail sales of Valentine's Day candy in 2016 will be $1.1 billion (up 1.6 percent from 2015), a boost to the U.S. economy that helps support 55,000 manufacturing jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs in related industries.
"People understand that candy is a transparent and fun treat, and they are choosing to enjoy it in moderation this Valentine's Day and all year long," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. "Chocolate and other sweets have long been associated with celebrations. Even a small taste of your favorite candy can transport you to another place, and conjure up happy memories. Because of this, candy plays a wonderful and unique role in a happy, balanced life."
According to NCA's research, 94 percent of Americans say they would like to receive candy or chocolate for Valentine's Day this year, compared to 89 percent who would like to receive a card and 87 percent who would like to receive a handmade gift. Perhaps indicating that Americans are still focused on affordable luxuries, 71 percent said they would like to receive flowers and only 67 percent would like jewelry.
Not having a special someone to celebrate with on February 14 will not stop Americans from enjoying the day. 43 percent of Americans say they will buy their own box of chocolate this year, and nearly half of all consumers say they plan to bake or decorate with chocolate or candy for Valentine's Day. Women (47 percent) are more likely than men (42 percent) to treat themselves, and millennials under age 30 (55 percent) are the most likely of any age group to shop for themselves.
Regardless of whether the chocolate was purchased as a gift, chocolate lovers can rejoice in this fact: scientific evidence indicates that the nutrients in cocoa and chocolate may be associated with heart health. These effects have been attributed to flavanols, which are natural compounds that occur in a wide range of fruits and vegetables and have been extensively studied in cocoa. Over the past decade, studies examining the eating patterns of adults and their overall health over the course of several years suggest that those who regularly included cocoa products and chocolate in their diets maintained better cardiovascular health. Other studies have shown that chocolate and cocoa are associated with improved well-being and happiness.
That's no surprise to the 55,000 people in the United States directed employed by the manufacturers of chocolate, candy, gum and mints. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood, as well. For every job that is created by the confectionery industry, seven more are supported in related industries, which means that candy drives a multiplier effect of 1:7 or an impact of 700 percent. The industry is comprised of hundreds of small and medium-size, family-owned businesses as well as the multi-national companies with global brands that operate more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities in all 50 states.
For more sweet information on the companies that make chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and how these treats fit into family and holiday traditions, visit CandyUSA.com and follow NCA on Twitter (@CandyUSA), Instagram (@CandyUSA), Snapchat (CandyNCA), and Facebook (NationalConfectionersAssociation).
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Monday, February 8, 2016
Saturday, February 6, 2016
As Trends Shift, Urban Home Values Outpace Those in the Suburbs
City living is hot, and its popularity has been boosting home values in urban areas over the past several years.
- The average urban home is now worth two percent more than the average suburban home--a recent phenomenon. In 2013, the average urban home was worth 1.2 percent less than the average home in the suburbs.
- The trend is particularly prevalent in top-tier cities with young populations, such as Boston, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
- The average urban home is now worth two percent more than the average suburban home--a recent phenomenon. In 2013, the average urban home was worth 1.2 percent less than the average home in the suburbs.
- The trend is particularly prevalent in top-tier cities with young populations, such as Boston, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
- The new data reflects shifting preferences and changing demographics within cities, and the higher cost of building in big cities.
Urban home values are outpacing the value of homes in the suburbs in most top-tier metros, as city life gains popularity and high-end condos fill the sky in Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and other cities with fast-changing downtowns.
Homes in the suburbs – a longstanding symbol of the American Dream – have typically been worth more, on average, than homes in urban areas. That's still true in much of the country. Suburban homes in Nashville, Tenn., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginiahave a higher price tag than the average home in the city.
But in Boston, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, the meani value of urban homes has recently surpassed the mean value of homes in suburban areas. And urban homes are gaining ground in Denver, Phoenix, and Chicago.
The shift reflects demographic trends of millennials delaying family life and choosing condos, and shifting preferences, as people seek walkable neighborhoods with urban amenities.
It has vast implications for low-income people who have traditionally lived in cities to be near services and employment. Zillow recently found that, in San Francisco and Seattle, high-income people are making shorter commutes to downtown, while low-income people are traveling much further to get to work in the urban coreii.
Zillow based its analysis of urban and suburban home values on a surveyiii of how people define their own neighborhoods – as either urban, rural, or suburban – and then used characteristics of those places to extrapolate the results and define ZIP codes all over the country. By looking at home values within those areas, Zillow could see how home values have fared in each type of place over the years.
"This trend, in part, reflects home buyers' changing preferences, as they seek amenity-rich, dense and walkable areas that are often closer to their workplace," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell. "In the future, this lifestyle trend will change some suburbs as we know them, and they'll start to feel more urban as buyers move further from city centers in search of affordable housing in communities that still feel urban."
Nationally, suburban home values grew 5.9 percent in 2015, while urban homes gained 7.5 percent in value. In 1997, urban home values grew at 3.8 percent -- slower than suburban values, which grew 4.1 percent that year.
On a per-square-foot basis, home values for urban areas are way up, indicating that people are willing to pay more for less space to live in the city. In Washington, D.C., for example, urban homes in 1996 cost 6 percent more per square foot than suburban homes. Today, they cost 41 percent more per square foot.
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