032808 (Page 1) - Crossroads Welcome Home

Page 2, Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010
Whether it is finding ways to utilize space or adding a little luxury to your loo, this week’s
Crossroads Welcome Home will focus on simple changes to get the most out of your bathroom.
Bathrooms are thought of as a sanctuary, where you can unwind after a long day or where you may
begin your day with a wake-up shower, so it is safe to say that a bathroom should be a place that
relaxes you, not a source for more stress from inadequate space or frustration from faulty fixtures.
Find ways to fix your personal space in Crossroads Welcome Home!
HOME
IMPROVEMENT..........Page 3
Today’s Smaller Bathrooms....................Page 5
A Getaway For Everyday...................Page 7- 8
Classifieds..............................................Page 10
Crossroads Welcome Home is a supplemental section published weekly by the Victoria Advocate advertising department on Sundays. Press
releases of local interest to the real estate community, homeowners, buyers and sellers will be considered for publication. Information may
include advancements, hiring awards, classes and seminars, etc. Photographs submitted with press releases are welcome but people pictured
must be identified. Press releases need to be typed and either e-mailed or submitted to the real estate department before Monday by noon for
consideration for publication in the following weeks edition. Please direct news for this section to Vicki Steven’s attention by mail at P.O.
Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77902. Display advertising deadline is 4 p.m. Tuesday prior to the next Sunday publication.
All advertising published in the Victoria Advocate Crossroads Welcome Home is believed to be truthful and accurate. The Victoria Advocate
will not willingly accept nor publish information that it deems untruthful or inaccurate. However, the publisher nor the Victoria Advocate
guarantees the accuracy of any of the property listings appearing in their publication and assumes no responsibility for typographic, photographic
or other errors or omissions. Prices, terms and availability of properties are subject to change without notice.
Equal Housing Statement
All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act that makes it illegal to indicate any preference, limitation or
discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference,
limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. All persons are
hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis. If you believe that you may have been discriminated
against in connection with the sale or rental or financing of housing, call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) at 1-800-767-4483.
Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010, Page 3
When it comes to home
improvement, small projects pay off
Current economic conditions have forced many families
to re-evaluate their spending habits and cut back in certain areas
that are no longer deemed necessities. Dining out, family vacations and the purchase of that new TV are all being postponed until the economy makes it out of the red - but some things, like
home improvement projects, can't be pushed off quite as easily.
And while you may not be ready to invest in a whole new set of
tools to begin your home improvement project, a trip to your local rental store provides a cost-effective solution to help you
tackle those jobs that just can't wait.
Protect your largest investment
Your home is your largest investment and no matter
what the economic conditions, you don't want to cut corners on
projects around the house. Taking the time to do these projects
right the first time will not only ensure the safety and well being
of your family, but it will also ensure your financial security for
years to come. Investing some energy and money into fixing little
problems, like a crack in your home's foundation, will prevent
larger repairs down the road. Even something as unassuming as a
clogged drain or leaky faucet can lead to much more costly problems if not addressed properly, and can negatively impact the
overall value of your home.
Simple "refresher" projects, like a fresh coat of paint or
a little landscaping work, will not only make your home feel
more warm and inviting, but will also yield a large return on investment when it comes time to put your house on the market.
Other projects, like adding a skylight or fireplace, can make your
home more energy efficient and help reduce bills in the long run and with most family budgets still in survival mode, projects that
can produce long-term savings are a smart investment.
Stocked with pressure washers to clean off your siding or deck, jackhammers to tear out that uneven front walk and
concrete polishers to give your garage floor a distinctive new finish, your nearby rental store is like the ultimate
workshop - filled with professional grade tools. Your local rental professionals will make sure you get the right tools
for your job, and they will teach you how to properly use the equipment you will need. And no need to worry about
storing the tools once you are done with your project; just return them to the rental store and let them handle the storage and maintenance.
Upgrade your house without upgrading your bills
Find your local rental store
Although many home improvement projects appear to
be simple, they often require tools that most weekend warriors
don't have just lying around. This is when it makes sense to enlist
the help of your local rental store. And since you will most likely
only need the tools or equipment once, renting is a much more
cost-effective solution than buying new or hiring a handyman.
Plus, you get the added satisfaction of knowing that you had a
hand in sprucing up your home and increasing its value.
Don't go running all over town to find the tools you need - save your time and energy and make one stop at
your local rental store. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association
(ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world's largest and most comprehensive rental store locator. Here, people planning
a home upgrade can find the rental store nearest them, read how-to tips and get ideas and inspiration for their project.
Don't let your biggest investment become your biggest burden - maximize your investment while cutting your costs
with rental. (ARA)
Page 4, Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010
Vist our website www.Woolson.com
EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNIT Y
2715 Houston Hwy
Victoria, TX 77901
Nancy Garner
Broker/Owner
277-9987
Jeanette Hernandez
Realtor, GRI
648-0325
Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010, Page 5
HOW TO MAKE
today's smaller
bathrooms live
larger and work better
This is the decade of right-sizing. The economic reset triggered by the excesses of the
last decade is forcing our society to rethink its definition of "enough." One area under enormous scrutiny is housing. How much space does it really take to house the average American
family of 2.61 people?
Our definition of "enough space" is changing, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
The year 2008 saw the first annual decrease in average new-home size since 1994. During the
intervening 15 years, the average rose by 21 percent - from 2,050 square feet in 1994 to a peak
of 2,507 square feet in 2007 - before slipping to 2,392 square feet in 2008. The 2008 decrease
in home size was also the largest annual drop since 1980.
Similarly, remodelers report a falloff in the number of consumers asking for bigger
kitchens and more opulent baths. Not surprisingly, the aftermarket is also witnessing more
homeowners seeking to create more efficient spaces with more storage, less waste and more
flexibility.
Style still in demand
As builders downsize the American dream home, consumers are saying that compromises on space do not automatically mean giving up conveniences. Currently, 60 percent of
new homes have three or more bathrooms, and while the size of each may not be as expansive
as in years past, that is no reason to compromise on style.
In fact, the trends shaping society today - smaller, smarter living spaces, value and efficiency over conspicuous consumption and the need for a greener lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint - are having a profound impact on bath-product manufacturers. These
trends are also making the job of creating more stylish statements in a smaller bathroom easier
than ever.
"Our emphasis is on products scaled to the new space reality," says Gray Uhl, director
of design for American Standard Brands. "We look very carefully at bathroom fixture scale to
design collections that fit the footprint of today's homes."
Maximum efficiency has become a critical driver, according to Uhl. "A good example
is creating more counter deck space on pedestal lavatories, or more storage space in vanities
even with a smaller footprint, such as our Brook Console Table with side drawers that open up.
While this trend to efficiency cuts across all styles, it tends to require fixtures, faucets and furniture that take simpler forms and shapes."
Try a little planning
Whether your preference is traditional, contemporary or the in-between transitional,
creating stylish smaller bathrooms that work is simple, with a little planning. Here are two important areas to consider in your planning:
• Storage: Vanities that offer ample storage space within a smaller footprint can hide
hair dryers, towels, bath products and cleaning supplies, creating an uncluttered look
to make a space seem larger. Vessel sinks that sit atop a vanity add a dramatic touch to
a bath, while maximizing cabinet space and creating deck storage space. If a pedestal
lavatory fits your floor plan better, look for models with generous deck space. Don't
forget a toilet with a flat tank top: The top of the toilet tank is valuable bathroom real estate.
• Lifestyle: As we try to do more in the same number of hours, bathroom rituals nec
essarily change. Shifting from a bathtub to a shower fits our lifestyle and integrates
better into the smaller overall footprint of today's bath. Multiple showerheads and
body sprays provide the same relaxation as soaking in a tub, but in far less time and
with significantly less cleanup. Most modern showers also use substantially less
water, which appeals to growing ecological awareness.
To learn more about products that will help create a stylish, smaller bath that doesn't
compromise on performance, visit www.americanstandard-us.com. (ARA)
Page 6, Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010
OVERLOOKS LAKE
REDUCED
GORGEOUS HOME
LAKEVIEW
COUNTRY CLUB AREA
ESTATES OF BELLTOWER
Gorgeous view. Custom built features
3BR/2.5BA,2 great living areas,
gourmet kitchen, huge dining &
sunroom! An oversized 2-car garage
plus a 1500 sq. ft custom built shop.
Incredible- $484,000
Judy Vanzant
550-0581
Fabulous Kitchen-Granite Island, custom built 3BR/2.5BA open spacious
floorplan & great master suite. A real
showplace nestled in beautiful landscaping. $279,900
Judy Vanzant
550-0581
Enjoy the 2 large living areas,
4BR/2.5BA & space galore! Gourmet
kitchen with tiled countertops and
island, breakfast room and formal dining. A wonderful backyard that includes
a 20x30 shop. $239,900.
Judy Vanzant
550-0581
Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010, Page 7
A getaway for
every day
Simple changes to transform your bathroom into a luxurious escape
Who doesn't need a break from the hectic day-to-day routine once in awhile? A recent study by the American Psychological Association
found that we are more stressed than ever, with nearly 75 percent of Americans experiencing moderate to high stress levels. With time and
money as major obstacles, it's difficult for many people to take regular vacations to escape their busy, everyday lives. But with a little
time, budget and creativity, an ordinary bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious, relaxing escape for an everyday getaway.
Spacious showers
The central feature of any bathroom is the shower or bath. Enlarging a cramped shower space does not have to entail an expensive overhaul. By installing a curved shower rod, you will add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room to your space and feel like you have an oversized,
lavish shower without adding any square footage. Moen offers both fixed- and adjustable-length curved shower rods with pivoting flange
to make installation a breeze.
Make the most of a mirror
Almost every bathroom has at least one, but a simple addition to your mirror can take the room from ordinary to extraordinary. Framing a
mirror is a quick and easy way to draw attention and give any room a luxurious, hotel-like feel. Moen offers a variety of frame styles with
its easy-to-install Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames line, allowing any DIYer to customize and create a new look. With Mirrorscapes' unique installation system, even the most inexperienced homeowner can recreate a room in less than 30 minutes.
Storing in style
Storage space might not seem like the most glamorous part of a room, but choosing unique organization accessories can make all the difference in your bathroom's makeover. The Banbury bathroom collection (available at The Home Depot) offers functional accessories such
as bathrobe hooks, soap dispensers, towel bars and rings, and paper holders in a wide variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with the
other items in your bath. Decorative Hotel Shelves, also from Moen, are another option available in today's popular finishes and unique
designs to add a hint of luxury to the bathroom while providing maximum storage for linens and towels. These small details are a quick
and easy way to give your bath a high-end look while maintaining functionality.
continued on page 8
Page 8, Victoria Advocate, Crossroads Welcome Home, March 21, 2010
continued from page 7
Soothe your senses
It's the little things that make the biggest difference, and there are many ways to enjoy the indulgent atmosphere of a hotel spa at a fraction of the cost. Pamper all of your senses with
bathroom extras such as scented shower gels and lotions, oversized cotton towels and
aromatherapy candles. Even a simple coat of paint in a relaxing shade like
"Soul-Quenching" by Dutch Boy can make a dramatic difference and help create a calming,
stress-relieving ambience. Pop a soothing CD into your Sony ICF-CD73V Shower CD
Player/Clock Radio and your haven of relaxation is complete.
Everyone deserves time away from the stress of today's world, and with a few simple
changes you can transform your everyday bathroom into an organized, relaxing daily escape.
For more information on how Moen bath accessories can help you create your own room of
relaxation, visit www.csi.moen.com. (ARA)
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