http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php Copyright 2008, National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080526-233335 That's because they have so many outstanding features. They have height, mass and they also provide screening. And let's not forget about spring and fall color.

There are basically three types of landscape trees.

Shade Trees
Ornamental Trees
Evergreen Trees

Shade Trees

Shade trees are typically very large and their canopies offer much needed shade in hot and sunny areas. There are many different shapes form columnar to those with wide canopies. Those with wide canopies will provide the most shade. Picture the stately Elm trees on estates in our American landscapes from years ago.

Andrew Jackson Downing used these in his designs. Many old black and white photos portray these graceful trees out in large open lawn areas.

Due to their size, however, they must be used with care in areas that they have room to grow. Large open areas are perfect.

The Red Maple is one of my favorites. It has dazzling red color. October Glory and Red Sunset have flaming red and orange foliage in the fall. Red Maples are also a native tree and very hardy.

Ornamental Trees

These trees are usually smaller in size, although some can get quite large. They have outstanding features, such as leaf color, flowers, outstanding bark or interesting shapes and branching structures. Ornamental trees can be used at house corners, near a front door, or out in the open lawn. They also look nice if you have a privacy screening of evergreens. They can be placed in front of the evergreen trees so their features really stand out.

One of my favorite ornamental trees is the Flowering Dogwood Tree. It is a true all season plant. In the Spring, it produces lovely white or pink flowers. It has a lovely shape. Although not a true multi stemmed tree, its branching structure is wide. The leaf has a nice shape too. In the fall it gets red berries which creates not only fall color but also an attraction for the birds.

Evergreen Trees

As their name implies, they are evergreen and retain their leaves all year lawn. Evergreen trees may be have needle type leaves or broadleaf ones. Needle type varieties are such trees as Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir, or Hemlock. Broadleaf evergreen trees are such as the Southern Magnolia with it's large leaves.

Evergreen trees often have a specific purpose for being used. They are used as a screen to block unwanted views or create privacy from an adjacent neighbor or road. Because of their form and mass, they at times can look nice at house corners, as long as enough room is left for their mature size.They can get quite large. There are however, varieties that stay smaller, such as Hybrids of the American Holly. Foster Holly is one that comes to mind and can easily be used in the landscape.

Consider adding trees to your landscape. They add a sense of scale and beauty that no other plant type can. Just be sure to select the right tree for the right place. Size, texture, and sun/shade conditions should all play a part in your decisions.

By: Susan Schlenger
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Please visit Landscape Trees to learn more about trees in your landscape. You might also enjoy visiting Evergreen Trees for some suggestions.]]> Landscaping http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080526-233335 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Tue, 27 May 2008 04:33:35 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080526-233335 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080520-210821
It seemed a complete kitchen makeover was in order, but maybe, just maybe, there was another-a better-option available. Getting right down to the nitty gritty, the reader wanted to know: "My cousin suggested that refacing them (her kitchen cabinets) would be a lot less expensive than buying new cabinets.... I also haven't been very impressed with the looks of the refaced (kitchen) cabinets advertised in fliers I've seen. Could (kitchen cabinet) refacing give us something different than the standard look of oak, maple or cherry?

The Sacramento Bee's kitchen remodeling experts weren't shy in offering a resounding YES to refacing the homeowner's kitchen cabinets as a solution to her dilemma. The article explained and lauded kitchen cabinet refacing in this way: "The process, which applies new wood or laminate veneer over existing cabinetry and adds custom doors and drawer fronts to match, enables you to keep your existing countertops, if you choose. It also helps save the environment by not throwing perfectly good wood cabinets into a landfill."

It went on to point out that the process of refacinng kitchen cabinets "begins by removing and discarding the old doors, drawer fronts, hinges and trim. Next, 1/4-inch wood or laminate veneers are bonded to all exterior surfaces of the cabinets. Finally, new doors, drawer fronts, semi- concealed hinges and new trim, as necessary, are installed."

So, for the homeowner who is considering kitchen cabinet refacing, it makes sense to look for a manufacturer of kitchen cabinets whose invetory includes a selection of wood door styles, finishes and decorative cabinet hardware.

The best kitchen cabinet refacing manufacturers will give you the natural beauty and durability of a natural wood species base like maple, hickory, oak, cherry and birch. But they'll also provide you with a variety of colorful wood finishes to brighten the kitchen and add a pop of decorator color to the room. And for those who want to add a real designer touch to their kitchen, a reputable kitchen cabinet refacing manufaturer will also have a vaiety of door styles and shapes from which to choose.

Kitchen cabinet refacing offers the best of all worlds. According to The Sacramento Bee, not only is it "the quickest, most economical and efficient way to completely transform your cabinets," but "many colors and door styles in laminates and natural oak, maple, alder or cherry wood in a variety of stains are available."

When you're getting the kitchen of your dreams while saving scads of money in the process, it's easy to put on a happy face ... both on your kitchen and yourself. That's why kitchen cabinet refacing can be the cost-conscious homeowner's best redecorating friend.

By: Carmen Fontana
Visit KraftMaid.com for help and tips on planning your kitchen remodeling project.]]> Kitchen http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080520-210821 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Wed, 21 May 2008 02:08:21 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080520-210821 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080520-205104
• Upgrade the commode. Water-saving toilets were introduced about 1994. Homes built before this time were constructed with commodes that used as much as seven gallons of water. In comparison, the most recently designed models use less than a gallon of water with each flush. By saving between two and four gallons of water with each flush, you soon will be regaining the purchase price of your commode – by saving on your water bill!

• Composting toilets are becoming more popular. These commodes do not use water for flushing, and also require less power. Furthermore, they are more environmentally friendly than standard commodes, which make them especially desirable to those interested in making “green” choices while remodeling or renovating their homes.

• Install new plumbing. It’s very likely that the bathroom pipes and faucets were installed when the house was built, or with the last renovation. If your commode is older than 1994, chances are your plumbing will be older as well. Changing old, worn pipes can help you to save as much as ten percent of your water bill each month. Furthermore, if your house is more than 50 years old, lead pipes may have been used in the original plumbing. The dangers of lead poisoning have been well documented, especially in children.

• Purchase low-flow showerheads. These were introduced in 1992, and are mandated in all new homes or bathroom remodeling projects. These reduce water usage to 2.5 gallons per minute, and save an estimated 15,000 Liters of water each year. This translates into about a $30 decrease in the average household water bill. Recently, even more eco-friendly showerheads have been designed. These “green” options offer cost-conscious homeowners even more savings than their predecessors.

• Opt for tankless water heaters. These require very little space – less than 2 feet by 2 feet. In addition, they use up to 70 percent less energy than standard electric water heaters. Although they cost more upfront – approximately $1,000 more, the significant savings over time is more than worth the investment. Imagine saving 20 percent of the energy costs for your home with this environmentally friendly decision!

• If you cannot afford the extra outlay to purchase a new water heater, consider dialing down the heat on your older model. Older water heaters are set to heat at 180 degrees, which is much higher than any person’s tolerance for hot water. Newer models can still be dialed as high as 150 degrees, and this is still excessively hot for most people. Turning the water heater down to 120 degrees will save energy expenses – and also decreases the risk of a burn injury to someone in your household!

By: Joseph
Author and Content Expert
516 395 2080
This article provided by the unique wall clocks designed and manufactured by PebbleArt Inc.]]> Bathroom http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080520-205104 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Wed, 21 May 2008 01:51:04 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080520-205104 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080509-204319
Many of us look for a mate with a logical list of our personal criteria. But when the chemistry and emotional connection are right, who remembers logic? We follow our hearts. If you've ever been house hunting, you can see the similarities. Your agent will take you to six or more houses in a single afternoon. Within minutes, you'll reject most choosing possibly one or two properties to go back to for a second look.

Home Staging or real estate staging is all about creating the best first impression - paving the way for potential buyers to fall in love. Creating just the right atmosphere is accomplished in the overall look of your home, but it's also very much in the details. Potential buyers start to form an opinion of your house before they even walk in your front door. It's important to maximize curb appeal, but then you must also carry that same attention to detail right through the rest of the house. Your goal is to romance potential buyers... you want them to lose their hearts and say, "This is home. We have to have this house!"

Expensive furnishings don't necessarily help sell your home. But, an organized and calm interior can put buyers at ease and help them imagine their own furnishings in the space. The furnishings should also suit the target market of the home. If you're selling a high end home, it shouldn't look like students are tenants in all your rooms. Rent more appropriate furniture if necessary to project the right image.

Many of my clients have the right 'stuff', there's just too much of it and many items can be better used in different rooms. My role is to bring an objective eye to the project and look at every room in a new way. Often my clients are surprised by how much better their home works for them after I've been through it. Three families even decided not to move once I was done!

Despite what some people claim, you need to be aware that there are no official credentials to become a Home Stager. This is a completely unregulated field. When you hire a Home Stager, you trust this person with the "merchandising" of your single biggest financial asset and how well they decorate your home to sell can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Ask your real estate agent or other individuals who have worked with a professional Home Stager to recommend one. And be sure to ask lots of questions about any portfolio photos the stager shows you. Unfortunately, it has become all too common for training programs to provide before and after photos to their students. This enables stagers to pass off a ready-made portfolio as their own work. Be sure you are hiring someone with the experience needed to do the best job staging your home quickly and effectively.

By: Debra Gould
Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould is president of Six Elements and creator of The Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program with 700+ Graduates worldwide. Debra offers a Directory of Home Stagers to help homeowners and real estate agents locate home stagers to decorate homes to sell quickly and for top dollar. Free Report "How to Get Buyers to Fall In Love With Your Home Even In A Slow Real Estate Market" at http://www.stagingdiva.com/romancebuyers]]> Selling http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080509-204319 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Sat, 10 May 2008 01:43:19 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=05&entry=entry080509-204319 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080429-194846
When you begin to make purchases for your bathroom vanity there are some important things to be considered. Look for these vanities in stores which have variety so that you can find whatever it is you require. One can find bathroom vanities made of wood, like walnut, oak, maple and cherry and has a glossy lacquer finish which enhances the natural wooden finish. Choose the wood according to your bathroom's suitability, whether its contemporary look that you want or traditional.

You can find four different types of bathroom vanity varieties. The first one is wall mounted, like a medicine cabinet. The second is the open shelf kind with either corner shelving or a surface mounted one. If you are looking for extra space then you can have the over the toilet type of vanity. Lastly, there are the closet type of vanities that can be used like a linen closet, the freestanding ones which stand next to the sink reach upto the ceiling, the built in ones and the tower type with baskets.

There are two different styles that come in vanities. The first kind is the vanity cabinets which are traditional to look at and give a formal look to your bathroom. There is a panel that frames the cabinet box and the hinges are either hidden from view or made very simple. The other style is the frameless vanity cabinet also called European style. To achieve a more contemporary look you can go for these styles suitable for modern type of bathrooms. The hinges on these vanities are completely hidden from view.

No matter whether you are just adding to an already existing decor or going for a complete remodel, it is a wise investment to have theses bathroom vanities. If you decide to sell your house these modern looking and attractive bathrooms will fetch you a good price too. You have to select them carefully to get the right look that blends well with your settings whether its a modern look or traditional.

By: Adam Peters
Adam Peters writes for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com Keep reading about bathroom makeup vanities and bathroom art at his web.]]> Bathroom http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080429-194846 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:48:46 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080429-194846 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080426-231512
The majority of public open houses are held on the weekend, in the afternoon. This is when potential buyers often have more time to drive through neighborhoods. Your Real Estate Agent will most likely suggest that you and your family leave the home for the duration of the open house. Prospective buyers may feel uncomfortable viewing your home and may rush their visit to avoid disturbing you. You want to make sure that potential buyers feel relaxed and welcome and take their time to really visit your property.

Here are some general tips to help you prepare for your open house:

Address potential hazards such as exposed wires, slippery stairs, fragile items, etc.

Lock away money, jewelry, cameras and other valuables.

Avoid cooking strong smelling foods just before the open house.

You can also use this check list to address what needs to be cleaned, repaired of changed before potential buyers walk through your door.

Kitchen and bathrooms
Make sure all surfaces are clean, including the floor.
Organize and de-clutter countertops.
Ensure all sinks and faucets are in good working order.

Other rooms
Vacuum and dust.
Remove all clutter, including excess furniture that may make your room look smaller.
Put away books, toys and clothes.
Clean mirrors.
Open drapes to let the light in.

Windows
Ensure they open easily and do not squeak.
Clean.

Doors
Fix squeaks and any weather stripping damage.
Make sure handles work properly.
Address any stains.

Floor coverings
Try to remove all dirt and stains.
Address any damaged areas.

Walls, ceilings, baseboards
Clean away fingerprints or stains.
Repair holes, cracks, water damage.
If possible, repaint in fresh neutral colors.
Lighting
Verify that there is sufficient light and no burnt bulbs.
Fix any broken switches or exposed wires.

Pet areas
Make sure they are clean and odor free. You should also try to remove your pet from your home for the duration of the open house.

You would also want to ensure that all exterior areas are clean and tidy and that gates open easily. The lawn should be mowed, leaves removed and in winter, snow removed from driveway and walkway.

An open house can be a very powerful marketing tool in selling your home. It allows you access to potential buyers who may not be working with a Real Estate Agent. It also offer you the advantage of having a number of prospective buyers visit your home in a short period of time. Often times, an offer will be presented shortly after the open house.

By: Leslie Field
Lesley Field is a sales representative for ReMax Cambridge Ontario specializing in residential real estate. Feel free to contact Lesley with any questions regarding the Guelph real estate market or to search for available properties.]]> Selling http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080426-231512 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:15:12 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080426-231512 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080421-213243
Garden or backyard water features had long been recognized by landscaping experts to have its own distinctive force that is able to augment the aesthetical value of any outdoor garden. Since the ancient times, many cultures all around the world had harness the power of these amazing features to be incorporated into their garden design. The sound of flowing water not only can eliminate other evident and abrasive noises, but it also can bring the sense of tranquility and calmness to the mind and soul, transforming your garden into a soothing and relaxing outdoor haven.

It is crucial to take several factors into thorough consideration before making your decision to set up the most ideal water feature for your yard. It is best to do a little research on what are available in the current market. Try to browse through the numerous landscaping and gardening supplies websites for fantastic new ideas. You might also want to set up a few criteria that will allow you to narrow down your choices and act as a guideline to help you in making your decision.

Perhaps you can start by choosing a theme for your water feature. Among the most popular themes are Japanese Koi ponds, Balinese water garden, English garden fountains, Riviera and Mediterranean water gardens, and the list goes on. Should your existing garden already has its theme, make sure that your new water feature and the other elements surrounding it blend together with or carry elements that reflects the theme. Next, decide on the size and design of your water feature, while taking into account the amount of space available and the perfect placement so that it can be enjoyed from both indoor and outdoor. Size and complexity will determine how much you will be spending for the project and also the cost of maintaining it. At this point, you can decide whether you want to employ the service of professional landscapers which are often costly, or you can do the project by yourself, giving you the chance you to cut down some of the cost.

Garden water features such as fountains and waterfalls come in myriads different forms, designs and also the materials they are made of. Garden and backyard fountains can come in the form of multi-tiered fountains, barrel fountains, pond fountains and wall fountains. Pond fountains acquire larger space. They are often mechanically programmed so that the water is sprayed in several different patterns. Wall fountains on the other hand produce lower water sprays and perfect for small spaces such as a balcony of an apartment or condo. Stone, cast iron, copper and concrete fountains are some of the popular ones.

If you already have an existing pond in your garden, you may want to build a waterfall to complete the whole ensemble. Garden and backyard waterfalls often carry a more dramatic look and effect to your yard. Cascading waterfall is perhaps a definite favorite as this design features water falling from stone to stone at several different levels before falling into the catchment pond. The new waterfall can be constructed at a pre-existing slope or if none is available, you may have to create an artificial slope for your waterfall. You may also want to create a mini stream by digging a trough into the slope to make way for the water flow. Modern artificial fiberglass waterfalls have the appearance of natural stone. They are light thus making setting up easier and more economical. Cast stone waterfalls are much heavier but have a much more realistic look of carved, natural stone.

By: Kyle Y Widner
Kyle Widner is an internet entrepreneur whose business's interests span from travel to wind chimes. Get more information regarding backyard fountain.]]> Gardening http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080421-213243 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:32:43 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=04&entry=entry080421-213243 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080223-192526
The idea of using trees and shrubs as enclosures or to mark off space is not a new one. Hedges were used in 16th century Italian gardens to make avenues for travel within the garden, and hedgerows, which are simply lines of bushes or trees of the same species planted close enough for their limbs to intertwine, have been in use in England for more than seven hundred years.

Hedges used as an alternative to fencing fulfill many more purposes than simply serving as a property line. They can keep wind and erosion to a minimum, cut out noise from traffic, and helps keep the neighborhood kids from running through your newly laid grass. Hedges also help to restore native plant life, which may have been dwindling because of construction and development. Also, as a natural habitat for all manner of insects, you will hear more songbirds early in the morning as they catch breakfast. Financially speaking, a hedge fence is usually less expensive than chain-link, won't rust and break, and rarely needs replacing.

If you've made the decision to use hedges as an alternative to traditional fencing, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go in search of shrubs to plant. First, confirm in your mind that you will have the time to work with the hedges after work or on the weekends. Newly planted flowers or shrubs of any kind need a lot of initial attention so that they can spread their roots and settle into their new homes. You may have to water them more often and perform a lot of "routine maintenance," such as weeding out invading species and pruning those plants that aren't growing well. Just remember that the time you put into your hedge fence initially will come back to you in the way of a healthy and attractive landscape down the road.

Once you're sure that you can provide the time and energy needed to establish your hedge fence, you will have to do a bit of research to determine what your native plants and shrubs are. You certainly don't' want to plant any kind of shrub that won't survive the local climate. Native plants, those that are found growing wild in your area, are best to use as a foundation to your hedge fence because they have already proven themselves, they're sturdy and well-suited to the soil. Check with your local nursery to find an appropriate foundation species if you are unsure of the native plants in your area.

Finally, the time has come to plant your hedges for your fence. It is at this time that you will want to remember the advantages of the fencing you have chosen rather than the work you will have to do to put the fence together. A little bit of planning now can save a headache later. Consider the final, mature size of the shrub or hedge that you are planting, not how close you can get them right now, and plant "extra" shrubs or flowers along the front or in between the row of foundation hedges, not in place of them. Replacing a section of a hedge fence because of disease is one thing; having to buy a hedge to replace a plant that didn't belong in the fence to begin with is quite another. More than likely you'll never have to deal with replanting or replacing once the fence is established and growing well.

Hedges serve as a wonderful alternative to traditional metal or wood fencing, because they increase the aesthetic value of your home in addition to inviting natural beauty into your neighborhood. As the world begins to slow down and realize the importance of preserving nature, hedge fences will overrun all of those old, rusty remnants of the industrial age and reveal the gentle potential of the future.

By: Scotie Keithlow
To find more articles about gardening fencing or garden hedges visit http://complete-gardening.com.]]> Gardening http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080223-192526 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:25:26 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080223-192526 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080221-231412
This week PMI published their national 'risk list', which ranks cities of America by the relative riskiness of owning a property in those main realty markets. The company needs this kind of information - albeit guesswork and projected analysis - before they decide whether or not to underwrite a home loan.

However, for real estate investors, and those wondering if they should buy and where, it is another little tidbit to throw into the formula of where might be a good place to buy realty. The table starts with a one per cent reckoning that an area will not de-value in the next two years and moves all the way up to as high as a ninety-four per cent chance that it will!

If you are an active investor, one who likes to keep a close eye on the financial situations and 'pounce' when the chips are at their lowest, you will probably want to earmark the cities who are on the falling list. This way, when prices are rock bottom, you can clean up. Sounds heartless - but it is also good business.

In these falling areas, sellers may be already motivated as some of them took a beating in the 2007 drop, but the forecast projects that within the next two years, they will be even more 'motivated'.

Of course, often the places near the bottom were the ones that had inflationary prices in the mini-boom, and they now have to drop down again. The top ten riskiest markets were all high flyers during the crazy boom - some cities in California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida.

The riskiest place in the nation right now, according to PMI is in California. Riverside-Bernadino is given a 94% chance of suffering declining prices. Las Vegas is a surprising close second on the table, with an 89% chance of declining prices. Los Angeles has a 79% ranking and Fort Lauderdale is at 78%.

Moving over slightly Arizona is next up, with Phoenix and Mesa coming in at 83%; as both these areas are prime retirement spots, there could be a bargain to pick up there soon.

These are the nation's top possibilities for decline in house prices in the opinion of PMI. It is probably not too surprising to anyone that the Lone Star state is carrying a lot of the success stories on the real estate chart. If you are a more conservative investor, and you look for steady markets with solid employment and cash-flow backgrounds, you may be interested in PMI's 'safe' investment areas.

Five of the Texan towns are in the top ten. Reasons for so many may be partly because Texas's economy is growing and it has maintained moderate residential prices, but also it never did get caught up in the crazy boom of the last few years.

Among good steady investment towns are Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio. However, Texas does not hold the only top honors; the east coast also gets a good rating. Other cities with a less than one percent chance of realty price decline are listed as: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charlotte, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri.

Well, that's the scoop, it's up to you what you do with it!

By: Bob Nachman
Bob is consistently ranked as one of the top agents in the Phoenix Arizona real estate area. To find the Gilbert AZ home right for you, visit Bob at MoveToArizonaHomes.com]]> Investing http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080221-231412 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:14:12 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080221-231412 http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080219-150050
"I'm not sure," Smith answered, "I think it's a Colonial."

Most American homes contain some elements of Architectural style; some are "pure" examples of style, but most have bits and pieces of different styles. The job of identifying a home's style is a little easier if you know a bit of history and look at a few key features including massing, roof shape, window size and placement, and detailing.

Colonial Homes

Most American Colonists were English, so most Colonial homes are derived from English styles. The earliest were based on old medieval homes, easily identified by simple massing, a few small windows, and massive chimneys. The New England saltbox with its lower back roofline is a common adaptation of the medieval style; Dutch Colonials have similar massing but are distinguished by their distinctive gambrel roof style.

Interest in English Colonial architecture grew tremendously with the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in the early 20th century. A great many suburban homes of the 1930s and 1940s are based on the Colonial Williamsburg model and that influence continues today.

Georgian Colonial style is very common and has many variations. The best-known Georgian homes are of red brick, although wood siding is also common. Georgian homes are simply massed; usually have a centered front door; double-hung windows; and a gabled or hipped roof. Georgians range in decoration from the very plain to the very elaborate.

Revival and Eclectic Styles

Home designers and builders have been influenced by styles from earlier times throughout American history. In the 19th Century, many homes were based on classical models.

Greek Revival homes have very simple forms, often just a single rectangular block. Taking cues from Greek temples, builders added a front porch with massive columns, and a very heavy cornice line at the roof.

Italianate styled homes emphasize the vertical and are almost always very elaborately decorated. The cornice line at the roof of an Italianate is notable for wide overhangs and large scrollwork brackets, and the windows are often crowned with ornately carved headers.

Colonial Revivals aren't copies of original Colonials; rather they're liberal interpretations of all shapes and sizes, using Colonial details and elements for inspiration. The Colonial Revival style was extremely popular during the early 20th Century and almost always has a front porch, a detailed cornice line, double hung windows, and symmetrical massing. Many new homes that don't fit into other stylistic categories might be best classified as Colonial Revivals.

Tudor is a very free-form style. Typically they're very asymmetrical with very steeply pitched roofs. A wide variety of material is seen on the outside, although the best-known examples include some "half-timbering" - areas of stucco or brick broken up with wood timbers. The entry of a Tudor home is often modest but heavy, and windows are broken up with many small panes. Tudor style was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s and is seeing a comeback today.

Victorian Homes

"Victorian" refers to a group of styles popular in America during the late 19th century that was made possible in part by the invention of new framing techniques.

Queen Anne is the most common Victorian style and is characterized by an irregular shape, a steeply pitched roof, elaborately carved details, and large porch. Queen Annes are known for their multi-hued color schemes and complex siding and trim details.

Shingle style is uniquely American in origin, and was one of the first styles to be embraced by society Architects of the late 1800s. Shingle style homes are often similar in massing to the Queen Anne style, but as the name suggests, used wood shingle siding as exterior cladding. Shingle style homes make a point of avoiding elaborate exterior detailing and trim.

Early 20th Century

In the first half of the 20th century American Architects began developing new home styles instead of relying on classical and European models for inspiration.

Among the more notable American styles is Prairie, popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright but practiced in various forms throughout the country. Prairie homes are typically long and low with deep roof overhangs; windows are often grouped together. Porches are common and usually supported by massive columns. The Prairie style wasn't in fashion long but strongly influenced hundreds of thousand of "ranch" homes across the country.

Craftsman style began in California and quickly became the preferred style for small homes across the country until about 1930. Small Craftsman homes are usually called Bungalows and are characterized by low-pitched gabled roofs with wide overhangs. Details such as beams and brackets are very common. A Craftsman home has a "hand-crafted" look that continues throughout the interior.

Late 20th Century

After a period of little interest in "styled" homes, good design is making a comeback. Some older styles are popular again including Georgian Colonial and Craftsman, and a few new styles have been developed that are fashionable in many parts of the country.

Classifying a late 20th Century home can be difficult as they're often a mix of elements from different styles. But most homes have at least one strong feature that puts closer to one style than another. Find that dominant feature and you'll be on the right track to naming the style.

By: Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio that specializes in custom and luxury home design, and remodeling and room addition projects of all sizes. Residential Architect | Luxury Home House Plans | Custom Home Architect]]> General http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/index.php?entry=entry080219-150050 National Realtors Directory info@nationalrealtorsdirectory.com Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:00:50 GMT http://information.nationalrealtorsdirectory.com/comments.php?y=08&m=02&entry=entry080219-150050