Curious just how far your dollar goes in Miami?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring affordable apartments in Miami if you've got a budget of up to $1,400/month.

Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Photo: Zumper

Listed at $1,350/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo is located at 953 S.W. 10th St.

The condo has air conditioning and granite countertops. Animals are not welcome. Be prepared for a $75 application fee.

According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address is friendly for those on foot, is quite bikeable and offers many nearby public transportation options.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Photo: Zumper

Photo: Zumper

Next, there's this two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo over at 2727 N.W. 17th Terrace. It's also listed for $1,350/month.

The building boasts secured entry. In the unit, you can expect granite countertops, a balcony and stainless steel appliances. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: This spot doesn't allow cats or dogs.

Walk Score indicates that the surrounding area is moderately walkable, is fairly bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options.

(Take a gander at the complete listing here.)

Photo: Zumper

Photo: Zumper

Located at 2734 Bird Ave., here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo that's listed for $1,350/month.

The condo includes a walk-in closet and a balcony. The building features garage parking. Neither cats nor dogs are welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is quite walkable, is great for biking and has good transit options.

(See the complete listing here.)

Photo: Zumper

Photo: Zumper

Listed at $1,350/month, this 600-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 87 N.W. 36th Court.

In the apartment, you can anticipate central heating and a ceiling fan. Pets are not permitted. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental.

Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is quite walkable, is fairly bikeable and has good transit options.

(Take a look at the complete listing here.)

Photo: Zumper

Photo: Zumper

Lastly, here's a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 5537 N.W. Fifth Ave. that's going for $1,350/month.

Look for a ceiling fan and air conditioning in the unit. Pets are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is very walkable, is bikeable and has good transit options.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, if youre in the real estate business learn how to do local real estate advertising in your ZIP codes.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

Original post:
Apartments for rent in Miami: What will $1,400 get you? - WPLG Local 10

The coronavirus outbreak naturally has many real estate agents on edge. For most agents, face-to-face interaction -- often with customers from out of town or even out of the country -- are a regular part of day-to-day business.

It also poses a conundrum when considering one of the industry's most long-held real estate marketing practices: the open house.

While avoidance -- steering clear of open houses altogether -- is obviously the best way to ensure your safety and that of your sellers, it could dampen your prospects and delay the sale significantly, not to mention your commission.

If that doesn't sound too appealing, there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk if you do host an open house or in-person showing.

Agents Marianne Bornhoft and Kellie Parker both recommend taking a different approach to open houses. Instead of having open hours when buyers can come and go, spread potential buyers out in 15- or 30-minute increments. This gives you enough time to clean up and sanitize between visits, and it also keeps too many people from being on the property at once -- something the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cautions against.

Here are some other open-house precautions the agents recommend putting in place:

According to Bornhoft, it's becoming obvious that both agents and sellers are taking the threat of COVID-19 seriously. "Some people are waiting to list because they are elderly and have compromised immune systems," she said. "I have two sellers that will be moving out of their house, so it will be vacant."

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) encourages agents to be open and honest about the risks of an open house during this time. Recent guidelines released by the trade association ask that agents "Assess the risk based on your specific location, and direct your clients to local and state health authorities for specific information about the severity of the risk in your area."

NAR also recommends using alternative marketing tactics, like virtual and video tours. One brokerage -- Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) -- has already begun making virtual tours the norm for its agents. Consider asking your brokerage what alternative options and technologies you could use during this time. It could help both you and your community at large stay healthier in the long run.

Read more from the original source:
Open House Precautions to Take During the COVID-19 Outbreak - Motley Fool

Press release from the Blue Lake Rancheria:

The Blue Lake Rancheria values your business and is actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the matter very seriously. From the direction of tribal government, the tribe is choosing to close the Blue Lake Casino, Alices Restaurant, Sushi Blue, the Wave Lounge, and the Lily Pad Caf on Wednesday, March 18 th , starting at 2 a.m.

The Blue Lake Casinos doors will remain closed until the end of March, when the tribe will re- evaluate the situation. The tribe is choosing to act out of an abundance of caution and is honoring Governor Gavin Newsoms request as well as strictly following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, and other trusted sources of information.

At this point, the Blue Lake Hotel will remain open. Before check-in, guests are being asked if they have been in close contact with a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID- 19. The information is then being reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If necessary, the tribe is prepared to close the hotel if the situation begins to look unsafe. The Blue Lake Rancheria will keep Play Station 777 Gas Station and Convenience Store open for people to get fuel and supplies. If the coronavirus worsens, the tribe plans to limit access to the convenience store, and will ask customers to pay outside by credit card at the pump all pumps will be routinely cleaned and sanitized.

The Blue Lake Rancherias government offices and business enterprises are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g. workstations, countertops, and doorknobs), as well as requiring employees to practice regular handwashing and to stay home if sick. Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the property in public spaces and employee-only areas for people to readily use. To educate our employees and guests about COVID-19, we have posted CDC bulletins and posters about measures that we all need to take to prevent the spread of this virus.

At this time, we expect no disruption of tribal government programs. Programs such as home meal deliveries will continue as usual. We will notify stakeholders with as much advance notice as possible if any changes are expected.The Blue Lake Rancheria is always looking ahead at issues that could impact the region and takes great pride in community preparedness, keeping our tribal members, valued guests and dedicated employees safe. The tribes top priority right now is to reduce the risks of coronavirus and keep our community healthy. We are reviewing local, state, and federal recommendations daily and making necessary changes.

The Blue Lake Rancheria has declared a state of an emergency and is mobilizing appropriate resources.

Read the rest here:
Blue Lake Casino Announces Full Closure Effective Wednesday; Hotel, Gas Station to Remain Open For Now - Lost Coast Outpost

Kitchen designers say that mixing the colors of cabinetry and farmhouse sinks is trending this year.

Quartzite is a popular countertop option, as shown on this island that is covered in a waterfall style from Cutting Edge Countertops.

Photo provided by Keith Sadowski

METRO DETROIT Dark is out and bright is in, according to experts in kitchen design.

We still see quite a bit of white. Its a trend thats really never going to go away. Its a stable force, (and) its something thats a good backdrop to everything else, said Christine Ramaekers, vice president and certified kitchen designer at MainStreet Design Build in Birmingham.

Painted finishes in a variety of colors for cabinets are a growing trend, said Andrea Yeip, owner of Cabinetry by Better Bilt in Mount Clemens.

White has always been pretty timeless, and yes, its a very big trend right now, but also grays and navy blues are big, said Yeip.

She said she noticed a change in tastes about two years ago, when her customers stopped buying cabinets in darker colors, such as maple or cherry stains, and started asking for painted cabinets.

It opens it up and brightens it, she said of the look. A lot of the homes in our area are smaller, so it makes it look larger. It really brightens the area up and makes it look bigger.

Ramaekers said that clients are looking to go just a shade off of white with their painted cabinets now, either a shade to gray or a shade to taupe.

In addition, she said, Blues and greens are back, and wood tones are back.

Youre seeing kitchens with a lot more diversity than just a plain white kitchen from a few years ago, she said. You might have your bases one color and your upper cabinets another color.

Depending on the size of the kitchen, Ramaekers said, a third color might even be brought in for the kitchen island.

More traditional kitchens are opting for painted tones, while more contemporary, transitional homes are using more light walnut or rift cut oak with white liming or white glazes.

The style of cabinet door is also trending to a sleeker, more modern look.

We havent done a raised panel kitchen in almost a decade, Ramaekers said. Your more contemporary kitchens are just a sleek door.

Yeip agreed.

Shaker-style cabinets, with clean, simple lines and no raised panels, have been popular for the past few years, Yeip said.

If I only had Shaker here, I would do just fine, she said. The last two years have been all Shaker.

Mixed metals and soft golds are en vogue for lighting, hardware and plumbing fixtures, she said.

For probably the last five to eight years, we were predominantly doing white kitchens with a little bit of color here and there, Yeip said. Over the past year and a half, however, customers have been wanting to add a little color here and there so (the kitchen is) not so sterile.

Even though the lines might be clean, it might be a little more fun. Sometimes a little bit of whimsy, sometimes its just really adding somebodys favorite colors or pieces in (to make it) a little more personal, she said.

To top the look, quartz is the current king of countertops. The man-made stone countertops are popular, especially in designs that look like marble, Yeip said.

Customers are installing gray cabinets with white countertops and white on white, she said, with backsplashes in white subway tile.

They just want the simple, sleek look, she explained.

Quartz countertops are more consistent than granite because they are man-made, and they have a sealer built into http://cectops.comthem, said Keith Sadowski, regional sales manager for Cutting Edge Countertops in Troy.

The lighter colors are still very popular.

More people (are) gravitating toward cabinets that are gray, and then these blue islands, Sadowski said. Weve brought in quartz and granite that have accents of blue in it, and gray in it, to (complement) those cabinets that are going in.

The blue and gray cabinets really pop, he said.

When you walk into a kitchen, its stunning, he said.

He said that clients can choose to have a chip minimizer upgrade that will put a 1/4-inch bullnose on the countertop surrounding the sink, where the stone is most likely to chip because its the busiest area of the kitchen. Sadowski said that his company also offers the option for a 15-year sealer to keep stains off the countertop, as well.

Quartzite is another popular countertop, Ramaekers said. The natural stone is much denser than quartz and marble, so it is heat resistant and doesnt chip easily, but it costs more because it comes from much deeper in the earth.

A good countertop can bring an entire kitchen design together, said Sadowski.

The cabinet is like the pants, the wall covering is a good shirt, and the jacket that brings everything together is the countertop, he said. Its usually the countertop that, boom, people go to they put their hands on it immediately.

For more information, call (248) 644-6330 for MainStreet Design Build in Birmingham or visit mainstreetdesignbuild.com; call (586) 469-0080 for Cabinetry by Better Bilt in Mount Clemens or visit http://www.cabinetsbbb.com; or call (248) 509-4838 for Cutting Edge Countertops in Troy or visit cectops.com.

Continue reading here:
Clean, simple and on trend - C&G Newspapers

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

Looking to renovate or remodel your kitchen, but on a limited budget? Good news by opting to do a kitchen refresh versus a full kitchen remodel, homeowners can drastically change the appearance of their kitchen, making it look aesthetically more pleasing, modern, brighter, and inviting. It also can help increase property value, a bonus for those getting ready to put their home on the market.

The kitchen countertop covers a lot of space in one room and can be a focal point. Changing it out for a new one can create an updated look and instantly improve the most popular room in your home.

The most economical option when doing a kitchen update is to opt for a laminate countertop. Laminates have textured finishes, allowing them to stand up to surface scratches. There are many different edge profiles to choose from and colour selections are unlimited.

Every budget and style can be accommodated when replacing kitchen countertops. Aside from laminate, homeowners can choose from a variety of other materials including Corian, granite, quartz and even solid wood. When selected high-end countertops, homeowners should do their homework its always important to check warranties that suppliers carry. With Corian, for example, there is a 10- year transferable warranty, whereas quartz suppliers range anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on the supplier that you are dealing with.

No countertop is warrantied against heat damage, and regardless of what material homeowners choose, heat can damage any countertop surface. The benefit of Corian is that its renewable the damaged area can be serviced and brought back to its original state. It is seamless, easy to take care of and there are no seams in the countertops with this product. Soap and water to clean.

Corian and quartz are the only countertop surfaces that are non-porous and require only soap and water to clean. Granite is porous so regular chemical sealing is required to maintain the countertop. If granite countertops are not sealed property, they tend to stain.

Homeowners needing assistance with colour and style selection should find a company that has experienced design staff on site that can make recommendations based on customers personal taste and colour palate. The family owned and operated, Countertop Depot, has been in business in Guelph since 1999 and pride themselves on hands-on design service in addition to offering quality products. Owners Alan and Melissa Kirkpatrick recommend homeowners bring in samples of flooring, wall tiles, cabinet stain and wall colour so their staff can make the best recommendations based on customers personal taste and colour palette.

To complete the look, homeowners can choose to change out their sinks and faucet. Selecting a company that can supply both countertop and sink and faucet is ideal, as dealing with a one-stop-shop situation makes it easier for all involved.

For information and advice on how to make your kitchen refresh project a success, contact the Countertop Depot at 1-888-526-4333.

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

Read the rest here:
Spotlight: Updating countertops for your kitchen refresh project where to start - GuelphToday

Dear Heloise: In a response to a reader in a recent column, while it is wise to cover and refrigerate, it is not wise for all foods. Homemade refried beans do not refrigerate well while covered. I kept covering my refried beans and they kept growing mold. As a Hispanic man, beans are a staple in my home, as I'm sure many of your Hispanic readers across the country can attest. My mother educated me to refrigerate in an open container. I've kept them uncovered up to about 10 days with no mold. They will dry out a bit, but just add a little water to moisten when warming. Elijah in California

Dear Heloise: Before I freeze an item that is at room temperature, I put it in the refrigerator and chill it thoroughly before it goes in the freezer. Freezing an item at room temperature warms the items around it in the freezer and takes more time to freeze. Mary H., via email

Dear Heloise: My cakes used to be dry until my daughter told me to use milk instead of the water that is called for. I use two percent milk, and it works great! Sue, Ft. Wayne, Indiana

Sue, when you substitute milk for water you get a much richer flavor because of the added fat, which also keeps the cake moist. And, as a bonus, you're adding nutrients. You also can increase the moisture in a cake by adding a box of instant pudding or four egg yolks instead of three whole eggs. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My aluminum pots and pans are dull. How can I get them back to their shiny appearance? Mattie D, Norton, Ohio

Mattie, fill your aluminum pots and pans with water and add two tablespoons of cream of tartar, then bring to a boil. The shine comes back in a few minutes. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My once lovely laminated countertop has gotten so dull. Am I using the wrong cleaner? Carmen in Colorado

Carmen, first, never use an abrasive cleaner on laminated countertops. They're certain to scratch and eventually remove the finish. A solution of warm water and a mild dishwashing soap with a soft cloth should be enough to clean the surface. Try polishing your countertop with a plastic laminate cleaner, which will give you a soft, low luster. Heloise

Dear Heloise: How can I remove burned-on grease from my glass cookware? JoAnn W., Butte, Montana

JoAnn, the best way to remove burned-on grease from glass is with ammonia and a soft nylon scrubber. Heloise

Send a great hint to:Heloise, P.O. Box 795001 San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001, or fax: 210-HELOISE, email: Heloise@Heloise.com.

See the original post here:
Hints from Heloise: Don't cover up these beans - Circleville Herald

Curious just how far your dollar goes in Worcester?

We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to hunting down affordable apartments in Worcester if you've got a budget of up to $1,400/month.

Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.)

Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.

Listed at $1,325/month, this studio loft is located at 88 Winter St.

The loft offers stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, granite countertops, in-unit laundry and central heating. Animals are not welcome.

(See the complete listing here.)

Here's a 500-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom spot at 507 Main St. that's going for $1,375/month.

In the residence, expect to see granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, central heating and a walk-in closet. Good news for pet lovers: The property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Next, check out this 650-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom abode that's located at 285 Plantation St. It's listed for $1,389/month.

The building offers a gym and a swimming pool. The unit also has a dishwasher and a walk-in closet. Good news for pet lovers: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

Also listed at $1,400/month, this 1,100-square-foot three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 423 Park Ave.

Amenities offered in the building include additional storage space. In the unit, you can anticipate central heating. Animals are not allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee.

(Check out the complete listing here.)

This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, get free local real estate marketing ideas and tools for agents, brokers and more.

Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.

Follow this link:
Apartments for rent in Worcester: What will $1400 get you? - Hoodline

Wow! Home is situated on double lot overlooking golf course & pond in desirable Aberdeen neighborhood in the gated section. 6-beds, 5-baths and has a 3.5 car garage w/ extra loft storage in garage. Covered porch w/ outdoor kitchen, screened in porch w/ wood burning fireplace, walk-out lower level leads to fire pit w/stream. Walk through the door & you will be in awe of the open-concept great room w/steel/stone fireplace, cathedral ceiling w/beams, wet-bar, & wood floors throughout that opens to the dining & kitchen features wood ceiling, professional appliances, island, granite, walk-in pantry, stone, & barrel brick ceiling. Main level also has finished laundry room, office, main guest/bath. Master suite feat. sitting area, huge walk in closet, en suite bath w/ sauna, whirlpool tub, & walk-in shower. Walk out basement w/12-14ft ceilings, great rm, game rm, grand bar, exercise rm, wine cellar. 3 bedrooms upstairs. Home equipped w/ sprinklers, smart tech, and much more!

View Listing

Read the original:
24 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Northwest Indiana - Kenosha News

A Wyomissing contractor has been arrested on home improvement charges stemming from a dispute with a Muhlenberg Township homeowner who hired him to replace kitchen countertops.

Michael J. Faust, 51, of the 1700 block of Dauphin Avenue was free on his own recognizance after arraignment Tuesday night before Senior District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz Sr. in Reading Central Court.

Court records indicate Faust was charged on Jan. 27 with home improvement fraud, a felony. Arrest details were not immediately available.

According to police:

On Nov. 20, the homeowner, a 66-year-old woman, contacted Muhlenberg police to file a complaint.

She told investigators that she entered into a contract with Faust, of Granite Zone Kitchen & Bath Design LLC, West Lawn, on Jan. 8, 2019, to replace her countertops.

She made a down payment of $1,800 by check for the work, and the money was deposited later that day in an account at Riverfront Federal Credit Union.

The woman said she decided to cancel the project two days later and contacted Faust by text, indicating she would like the check returned. Faust reportedly replied, Okay.

Faust further acknowledged her request to have the check returned, saying in a text on Jan. 11, 2019, that he would have the shop issue a check to the homeowner.

Police said charges were filed after repeated attempts by the homeowners attorney, the state attorney generals office and Muhlenberg police to have Faust refund the money were unsuccessful.

See the original post:
Wyomissing contractor charged with refusing to refund $1800 to customer - Reading Eagle

Every builder nowadays is familiar with the HGTV buzzwords populating clients' inspiration boards and wishlists: modern farmhouse, waterfall countertops, curbless showers, and more. But these features are not just the pretty faces of the design world. Although the details themselves do not necessarily sell a buyer on a home, an analysis of listings by Zillow shows that they tend to pop up again and again in homes that sell fast or for more than expectedor both. Find out the top attention-grabbing design details that can help your next project fly off the shelf.

Many rustic-chic home design elements of the kind often featured on popular home improvement TV shows also frequently pop up in the online listing descriptions of homes that end up selling for more money than otherwise expected.

The apex of the trend? Over the past two years, homes described as modern farmhouse-style sold for about 10% more than expected, according to a Zillow analysis of listing language and the sales performance of thousands of homes nationwide in 2018 and 2019. Other features that could help boost proceeds for sellers include waterfall countertops (listings mentioning this feature sell for 9.4% more than would otherwise be expected), Moroccan tile (7.3%), Craftsman-style homes (6%) and exposed brick (6%).

And just like there are features and descriptors associated with higher sale prices than wed otherwise expect, there are also elements and phrases associated with lower-than-expected sale prices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, sellers that fess up to or otherwise describe their homes as maybe needing a little work should probably expect to fetch less for their home. Homes described as fixer-uppers yield a price discount of 27.8%; those needing some TLC end up selling at a 17.4% discount; and ones that mention investment potential go for about 10% less than expected. Bike racks, perhaps due to their frequency in small spaces or as a substitute for car parking, are associated with a 2.9% discount. And listings that mention a water slide could end up soaking sellers, netting about 1.6% below their expected sale prices.

Read More

Original post:
Top 15 Features in Homes That Sell the FastestAnd for the Most - Professional Builder