• Energy inefficiency is probably the number-one issue with older homes. Most older homes were constructed with single-pane windows; if these windows are still there, they likely don’t fit very well. Replacement windows can be very expensive, but will contribute immensely to reduced energy use and heating and cooling costs. Most replacement windows are available in several styles, so finding one that suits the look of your older home is easier than ever.

• Like single-pane windows, poor (or no) insulation will also result in wasted energy and money. The most important and easiest area of the home to insulate is the attic, but walls and floors above ventilated crawlspaces should be insulated as well if possible. The attic may already have insulation but it may be inadequate by current standards.

• If your home has older water pipes, have them checked to identify the material and determine if they need to be replaced. Some older materials such as galvanized steel, iron, and even lead are subject to deterioration and are still in use today even though new construction does not allow them. Replacement options include copper and CPVC piping.

• Outdated electrical systems can still sometimes be found in older homes and may not only be dangerous, they can make the house uninsurable. Even if no danger is present, we use so much more electricity in our homes now that the capacity of your older system may be inadequate. Only a qualified electrician should attempt any repairs or updates to your home’s electrical system.

Reprinted with permission: Doug MacDonald, Registered and Certified Home Inspector
Proudly Serving Red Deer, Airdrie and Surrounding Areas. For more information, please contact your local Pillar To Post home inspector.

________________________________________

Comment by Calgary REALTORS® Elke and Michelle: We often get requests to show homes which were built before 1930. There are most definitely insurance concerns for many of the older homes in inner city Communities or in satellite towns like Nanton so it’s best to be prepared for the questions you need to ask your insurance company before even thinking about looking at the cute doll-houses you have seen on the MLS®. Call us for a free consult (403-278-7653), a referral to a local home inspector for Calgary or visit our website for more info about Selling Calgary Group.

According to figures released Oct 3rd by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continued to gain momentum in Calgary this year, totaling 14,832 after the first three quarters, a seven per cent per cent rise over last year.

“Despite recent turmoil in the global economy, Calgarians are showing confidence in the long term prospects for the city and are taking advantage of affordable and stable home prices,” says Bob Jablonski, president-elect of CREB®.

“Undoubtedly, there are a lot of unknowns in the world’s current financial situation, but Calgary and Alberta may be relatively safe havens amidst this uncertainty.   Granted, gains in the housing market have been very gradual—but we are seeing signs of improvement. Our province’s growth is expected to outperform the national average, and this will help buoy consumer confidence in Calgary and Alberta.”

Single family home sales totaled 1,036 for the month of September, 2011, an eight per cent increase over last September. Year-to-date sales totaled 10,518 units a 10 per cent increase over last year. Monthly gains in listings brings inventory to 4,753 units, a level still lower than the previous year.

“Clearly there is a market for well priced listings. In particular, we are seeing strength in detached single family home sales. Relative affordability in this market has meant these homes are selling faster than condominiums and townhouses,” says Jablonski.

“And single family homes are selling closer to asking price—suggesting that homes will move in this market, when priced right,” added Jablonski.

The average price of single family homes for the month of September, 2011 was $466,167, while the median price was $400,000. Jablonski indicated that while prices have marginally improved compared to September 2010 figures, on a year-to-date bases both the average price and median price have remained relatively stable.

After the first three quarters of this year, condominium sales totaled 4,314, a two per cent rise over the same period last year. “While the increase is modest, it is a move in the right direction,” noted Jablonski, adding that a boost in condominium sales, along with a lower number of listings is helping to tighten this market. At the end of September, 2011, condominium inventories totaled 2,008 units compared to 2,204 units recorded in September 2010.

Average condominium prices reached $299,508 in September, 2011, appearing to record a significant increase. However, the increase in price is not caused by a general price rise, but has been pushed up by a $4 million plus sale. In fact, both the median price of $260,000 and the year-to-date figures continue to trend lower than figures recorded last year.

“The recent news of financial turmoil may be a shot across the bow for the world economy, but Calgary and Alberta are relatively safe harbours in the storm,” concludes Jablonski.

“Calgary continues to add full-time jobs to the economy, and migration is moving in the right direction. These are positive factors that will give momentum to our housing market and give wind to the sails of Calgary’s economy.”

DOWNLOAD: Calgary Real Estate Market Values for September and housing stats 3rd quarter of 2011.

As of Wednesday August 31, there were 948 single family sales over $700,000 recorded this year, compared to 779 reported for the same period in 2010.

At the same time, sales for condos priced below $200,000 also received a boost, pointing to a growing number of first-time homebuyers taking advantage of affordability and low mortgage rates. There were 834 condo sales below $200,000 this year compared with 596 for the same period in 2010.

“We are seeing a lift in sales at both ends of the market,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “Improving economic conditions coupled with affordability and price stability has given Calgary a boost in buyers for upper-end homes and entry level condos.”

According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), the year to date average price for single family resale homes reached $468,051, a one per cent rise over last year [see comment by Elke Babiuk below]. Condominium prices continue to remain one per cent lower than last year’s figures with an average price of $288,167 after the first eight months. The 2011 year to date median price of single family and condominium homes were a respective $410,000 and $263,000. 

“When looking at Canada’s major cities, Calgary is one of the most affordable regions for homeownership in the country,” says Stante. “Buyers are benefiting from improved selection at all price ranges in the market. In fact, nearly half of all single family homes sold year to date were priced below $400,000. Well priced properties seem to be moving in this market.”

The single family market recorded 1,106 sales in the month of August 2011. This is an increase of 28 per cent when compared to August 2010 sales, which were the lowest levels of August sales since 1994. Year to date sales of 9,485 are 10 per cent higher than last year’s figures. 

Single family inventory levels reached 4,573 in August, a nine per cent decline over last year’s levels. The recent rise in listings was counteracted by robust sales, keeping absorption levels at four months compared to the six months recorded in August 2010.

As in the single family market, condominium inventories of 1,997 were lower than last year’s levels. The market conditions have changed significantly as inventory levels continue to decline. Recent improvement in sales, combined with lower listings, has resulted in a year over year decline in the months of supply.

Condominium sales amounted to 468 units in August 2011, with a year to date total of 3,885 similar to levels recorded in the first eight months of 2010. 

Stante states “With Calgary’s energy sector slated to grow, it is expected to lift the city’s employment, income and in-migration, and in turn help contribute to growth in the resale market. We expect price growth to improve as we approach the end of 2011 and move into 2012.”

COMMENT by Elke Babiuk:  The Real Estate Board used the Year-to-Date figures when comparing the increase in Average price of homes from this year to last year.  In fact, the Average price of Single Family homes has declined slignthly from last month, and the month before, and the month before that. The average sale price of homes has declined from a high of $488,735 in May to $453,969 in August or by $34,766. Our Average home price ($453,969) in August is almost exactly what it was in January of 2011 ($453,845). In other words, despite the fact that the number of sales per month are slightly higher than January of this year, prices are not up.

To see the Board News Release, Market Values for Single Family Homes in specific MLS Zones and Communities, Rural and satellite towns, and Condominium Sales, please see our Scribd Documents.

July MLS Values

Residential sales continue to trend towards recovery in July of 2011 according to the figures released by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board) in August. After the first seven months of the year, single family and condominium sales totaled 11,798, a 5% increase over the previous year. While the improvements signal market recovery, overall sales levels remain 17% below the 10-year average for this period.

“The recent rise in average days on market, especially in the single family sector, shows that while properly priced homes are selling quickly, over-priced listings remain on the market for a longer period of time. Improving market conditions may have signaled some sellers to be overly optimistic regarding pricing, resulting in a disconnect between seller and buyer expectations,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.

Single family sales for July 2011 were 1,153, with a total of 8,380 sales for the first seven months of 2011, an 8% increase over the same period last year. Meanwhile, year-to-date listings continue to remain lower than last year, resulting in inventories trending lower than last year as well. Overall months of supply remain around four months within a balanced range.

“A good selection of housing inventory, combined with positive economic fundamentals, is encouraging buyers into the market,” says Stante. “Buyers are still quite value conscious, and in the current market are able to take advantage of the range of selection in a stable price environment.”

Condominium sales continued to bounce back this month. July 2011 condominium sales total 453, a 14% rise over last year, while year-to-date sales remain 3% lower than the same period in 2010.

“Excess supply and lower demand have negatively impacted the condominium market over the past year,” says Stante. “Nevertheless, the recent pickup in sales, combined with fewer new listings, has gradually reduced inventory levels of condominiums, lowering the month’s supply of inventory from over six months last year to just
above four months in July 2011.”

The average price of single family homes in July 2011 was $455,849 and the median price $409,000, similar to levels recorded in July of last year. Condominium prices also remained at levels similar to the previous year.
“Interest rates will likely remain low for the remainder of the year. This factor, combined with relatively stable housing prices and wage growth, will help support affordability levels and promote a healthy housing market in Calgary,” Stante concludes.

June MLS Values

Residential sales surged in the month of June 2011 and indicated a third more sales than June 2010. This is the first year-over-year increase in monthly condominium sales since April 2010 according to figures released in July by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®). However, the year-to-date increase proved a moderate 2%.  The CREB® release stated that “Strong monthly increases does not imply a housing boom, as it is important to put into perspective that sales activity remains below long term averages. While the single family market has shown signs of improvement throughout the first half of this year, this is the first time since April 2010 that condominium sales have recorded a year-over-year increase.”

“Improved housing demand is being fueled by a younger demographic and, with the affordability of homes in Calgary, we are continuing to see young Calgarians pursue ownership over rentals,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.

“Historically, Calgary’s average family income has been higher than the national average and a younger more mobile demographic has been attracted to good paying professional jobs in Calgary. As the economy continues to build momentum, we expect this same trend will support a balanced and healthy housing market in the second half of 2011 and into 2012.”

With 581 sales for the month of June 2011, the condominium market improved by 31% over June of 2010, however year-to-date figures show a 5% decrease over the same period last year.

“Condo sales bounced back this month, and we now have less than four months of supply on the market. Stronger condo sales, combined with a decline in inventory, will lend more balance to this market in the months to come,” says Stante.

After the first half of the year, average prices of condominiums are still slightly lower than levels recorded last year, as more buyers bought condominiums under $200,000 in 2011 compared to 2010 for the same period.

“Buyers in this market expect value and many are taking advantage of some affordable buys in both the single family and condo markets. It highlights using a skilled REALTOR® to properly price your home for your unique market area,” says Stante.

The single family market recorded 1,398 sales in the month of June 2011. This is an increase of 32% when compared to June 2010 when 1,059 single family homes sold in the city of Calgary. With a total of 7,231 sales after the first half of the year, year-to-date single family sales are 6% higher than last year.

“While new listings are still lower than levels recorded last year, the rate of decline has eased. With the market shifting to more balanced conditions in recent months, sellers are feeling more confident to list their home. Overall our absorption rate has remained relatively stable, staving off any significant rise in prices,” says Stante.

Year-to-date average price of a single family home in Calgary is $472,330, while the median price is $410,000, virtually unchanged over levels recorded in the previous year. The distribution of sales by price range has not shown any significant shift compared to last year, pointing to continued stability in the market.

“After the first half of the year, it appears the recovery in the housing market is starting to find its footing. This gradual leveling has been fueled by growth in employment, and in particular growth in full time jobs. Improved job prospects, combined with an increase in the number of people moving to Calgary, will give lift to our housing market for the remainder of this year and into the next,” says Stante.

Historical Look at Mortage Rates

There is a compelling case to be made for not locking in a long-term fixed mortgage rates. Brokers often tout their 5-year rate, but it can honestly be a disservice to their clients and can hinder potential home re-sales with large penalty payout fees. A simple calculation of interest paid year-by-year will mostly likely show a substantial savings by going short-term mortgage rates rather than long-term.  A 5-year fixed mortgage rate can be a good strategy, but it is not the only strategy. 

When buying a home, it’s always a good idea to seek a second opinion about mortgages before choosing one option over the other. If you are with a bank, speak to a mortgage broker and if with a broker, talk to your bank. In any case, your Calgary CIR Realtors® may also be able to help so don’t hesitate to call Elke or Michelle at 403-278-7653!

The latest Calgary Real Estate Market Stats can be found on our blog or visit our Website for Real Estate News on Calgary Market Trends.

May MLS® Market Values

Buyers find value in inner city communities according to figures released by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) on June 1, 2011.

Year-to-date residential sales in the inner city grew nearly 4%, outperforming the city wide average. City of Calgary residential sales totaled 1,816 in May 2011, a 2% increase from May 2010. However, slower early spring sales resulted in the overall year-to-date sales being 3% lower than the 2010 spring market.

As the city grows, improvements in the inner city communities are consistent with changing preferences in lifestyle options. “Consumers are looking for shorter commute times to work and easy access to a wider range of services provided by these inner city communities,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “Many of these communities are surrounded by abundant amenities such as parks, mature trees, diverse shopping and transit which appeals to a wide range of consumers; furthermore, inner city homes can be considered a stable real estate investment, as there is significant value in land located
near the city’s core.”

The average price for single family homes in May 2011 was $489,482 and the median price $423,000, comparable to levels recorded last year. Single family home sales were 1,313 in May 2011, a 5% increase over last year, while 2,552 listings came to market, a 14% decline over the same period last year.

The decline in listings has caused inventory levels to come down to 4,616 units, an 18% decline from last year. Moderate sales and a reduction in inventory have resulted in a decline in months of supply compared to May 2010.

To date, the single family market has fared better than the condominium market, as prices have come down from peak levels recorded in 2007 providing individuals more options with regard to home ownership, noted Stante. After the first five months of the year, single family home sales were 5,835 units, consistent with sales levels during the same time frame last year.

“With just under four months supply, we expect single family home prices to remain stable in the coming months,” says Stante. “Provided that interest rates remain moderated, we are positive about the near term stability and recovery in the Calgary real estate market.”

“While condominiums continue to experience some decline in sales and prices, the rate of decline seems to be easing, indicating signs of improvement in this market” adds Stante. The inventory of condominiums continues to remain higher than average, but has declined by 21% from levels recorded in May 2010. Condominium sales were 503 for May 2011, 3% lower than last year’s figures. Year-to-date condominium sales are 11% lower than last year’s levels, however, listings have declined by 19% as well over the same time frame, placing downward pressure on
inventories.

“Full time employment growth has been sluggish in Calgary, with only notable improvements occurring in April,” says Stante. “All indications point to the trend that as full-time employment growth takes hold in the later portion of the year, so too will improvements in migration, ultimately translating into improvements in the housing market.”

April Market - Total MLS®

According to figures released by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board) on May 2, 2011 for the Month of April, Calgary Housing Market is Set for Gradual Spring Thaw!

Calgary Metro year-to-date sales declined by 4% compared to the first four months of 2010. The decline was offset by a 14% drop in listings recorded over the same period, resulting in lower inventory levels, and a moderate growth in average prices.

In April 2011, single family home sales were 1,217, while 2,299 listings came to market, a decline of 10% over April 2010 and 25%, respectively. Inventory levels rose slightly over March 2011, but remained well below inventories recorded in April 2010, and close to the long term average, indicating the market continues to show balanced conditions.

“While our spring market has been a little slow to get started, we are seeing our inventory levels return to healthy levels,” says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. “This trend, combined with an improving job market, will help warm up Calgary’s housing market in the coming months.”

Along with a decline in inventory, homes in the higher-end of the market are selling faster, with average days on market trending down, and below the 5-year average. “We are seeing improvements in the sale of homes in the higher price points.” says Stante.

The average price of single family homes in the City of Calgary in April 2011 was $479,575, a 4% increase from April 2010. Meanwhile, the median price of $420,000 rose by 1% over April 2010. The price differential comes as a result of high end home sales. In April 2011, two single family homes were sold in the price range of $3 million to $4 million, skewing up the monthly average price.

“Condominium listings declined 27% in April, helping to offset a 16% decrease in year-over-year sales. The decline in listings is significant and has helped place downward pressure on inventory levels. This will improve stability in condominiums and begin to move it towards a more balanced market,” says Stante.

Year-to-date condo sales were 1,883, a 13% decline compared to the first four months of 2010. The condominium average price for the month of April 2011 was $289,158, similar to the previous year when condominiums sold for an average of $289,588. The median price for condominiums in the month of April 2011 was $260,000, down 3% compared to the same time last year. “All in all, the positive investments we are seeing in the energy sector and our economy will begin to translate into improved job prospects and growth for Calgary. This will help contribute
to a stronger demand for housing and a stable real estate market,” adds Stante.

First, buyers should understand the 1% rule. This rule postulates that normal maintenance on a home is about 1% of the value of the home per year. For example, a $250,000 home would require $2,500 per year to maintain. This would be enough to replace the roof covering…and then, a few years later, to replace a failed hot water tank…and then a few years more until a new central air system is required.

Then there is the 3% rule. Some experts say that home buyers should plan on spending 3% of the value of the home in the first year of ownership. This is because new homeowners will most likely have to buy drapes, blinds, a washer and dryer, a stove, maybe even a new roof covering. Also, new homeowners often customize the environment to their taste, so they need to budget for repairs, replacements and maintenance.

In addition, most home components have fairly predictable life cycles. For example, the typical life cycle of a high-efficiency furnace is 15 to 20 years. What this means is that most high-efficiency furnaces last between 15 and 20 years.

One way to know the extent of the maintenance needed and the costs to repair and/or replace items is to have a home inspection conducted. Home inspectors are required to let the buyer know if a component is significantly deficient or if it is near the end of its life cycle (service life), and a reputable home inspection company may offer up-to-date repair-cost guides to help clients with their planning.

Home inspectors work with REALTORS® and buyers to help them understand the issues that are found in the home, regardless of age, offering the right perspective and objective information. Home buyers need to understand that it’s normal for items in a home to wear out. This should be regarded as normal “wear and tear” and not necessarily a defect.

A good home inspection determines the current condition of the house, offering a report of all the systems and components in need of maintenance, service, repair or replacement.

For example, consider a home inspection that uncovers that the heating system is old and requires replacement. A home buyer may see this as a huge problem. However, this problem may be the only item in the home that requires attention. If a buyer were to look at this situation in perspective, this home could be well above average-a home merely requiring a new furnace.

A good home inspection provides objective information to help the buyer make an informed decision. Knowing what items need to be budgeted for repair or replacement will help home buyers plan or negotiate better and not be stuck with unexpected costs of hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in the long run. Also, fixing these items will make a marked improvement on the performance of a home and minimize issues that could affect its future integrity…and value.

Reprinted with permission: Doug MacDonald, Registered and Certified Home Inspector
Proudly Serving Red Deer, Airdrie and Surrounding Areas.
For more information, please contact your local Pillar To Post home inspector.

________________________________________

Comment by Calgary REALTORS® Elke and Michelle: Understanding how much to budget for home maintenance when buying new or resale homes will help you protect your real estate investment. For more information about Calgary Real Estate, please visit our website.

They are also a key place for you and your family’s health, which is closely connected to wealth. Having good health is paramount if we are to be able to successfully go out into the world and make a living.

This is one of the more active or yang areas of the home (see Erica Sofrina’s Yin-Yang article), so bring in brighter colors, active, happy and inspiring artwork and brighter lighting.

Get Organized

Kitchens are magnets for everything to land, so you want to head it off at the pass and create places for everything to land. Vowing we are going to turn over a new leaf and keep counters clutter-free is often self-defeating.

Give the Small Stuff a Place to Land

Install a key rack/holder on the wall near the main entry door and train yourself to always hang them there when you come in. A small table next to the door with a basket on top is another option for organizing keys and spare change. Give them a place to land and discipline yourself to always put them in their designated place when you come in. After one week it will become a habit.

Mail and papers can be dealt with in many ways depending upon how you receive them. I get mine from the post office, which is great because I de-clutter all junk mail and shed all unnecessary envelopes into their recycle bins before leaving the premises. If you have to walk to get your mail, try passing by your recycle containers on the way back and do the same. Always try to deal with junk mail the instant you get it and bring into your home just what is necessary.

Have an attractive basket on the kitchen counter where everything seems to be deposited. It should have a lid and be large enough to handle a week’s worth of mail and papers. Commit to emptying it and sorting everything out at least weekly. If the papers haven’t been read – recycle them. For unread magazines, give yourself a place to store them and limit it to five issues. As you bring in new ones, either recycle them or deliver them to places that would welcome them such as senior centers, beauty salons or non-profits that can use them. Remember the three R’s – Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.

Organizers for Larger Objects

Pottery Barn and IKEA have an inexpensive piece of furniture that is great for organizing some of the larger things that land in the kitchen. It has hooks to hold book bags and coats with drawers, cabinets or cubbies below to hold multiple articles. Shoes for a shoeless home can be stored there, as well as books and homework that needs to be addressed later. If you enter the kitchen from the garage, train family members to unload these objects here.

Refrigerator Clutter

Refrigerator doors are great places to celebrate achievements and display pictures of friends and loved ones. Use this prime real estate for affirmations, vision boards and celebrations. The problem is that the few pictures displayed tend to have offspring and now you have a cluttered hodgepodge. If this has happened, take them all down, store in a shoebox and rotate five or six pictures each week giving everything and everyone a place of honor.

Clutter Clear Drawers and Cupboards

Kitchens are great places to do some quick purging of clutter and the junk drawer is a great place to start. If you haven’t used it in six months, deep six it. You will become inspired and will want to continue. Next tackle the pan cupboard and utensils drawers. You may be surprised at how many of those objects that were supposed to save you time just takes up space. Pack them up and donate to a charity that can use it for the benefit of others.

Clear Counter Tops

Discipline yourself to keep objects off the counters that you do not use on a daily basis such as toasters, blenders, mixers and Cuisinarts. Store them in your newly cleared cupboards and replace with a few lovely vases and/or objects that inspire you. Juxtaposing functional cooking objects with whimsical or uplifting ones will greatly enhance the cooking experience and bring a higher vibrational energy into the food you are preparing.

Safety is Paramount

Safety is always of utmost importance in Feng Shui. We not only look at the things that are obviously dangerous, but the subtle things. Anything that looks like a weapon will keep us on ‘alert’ in the space. Kitchen knives should be put out of sight in knife blocks or drawers designed for them. Remove all heavy pans, hooks or objects hanging off walls, ceilings and up high on cabinets. Store up high only lighter things such as baskets that will not injure if they fall. Remove all flammable objects from close proximity to the stove. You will be amazed how much more you enjoy being in the space when the pans hanging on unfriendly hooks are removed.

The Importance of the Stove

The stove is considered extremely important and is connected to our health and wealth. Stoves and burners should always be clean and in working order and ideally be in the empowered position, where the cook can see the action. If they have their back to the door while cooking, put a mirror or a reflective metal piece behind the stove so they can see what is going on behind. If you are remodeling your kitchen anyway, the happiest place for the stove is on a cooking island where the important chef will always feel like a vital part of the family while preparing meals.

Have an Attractive place to Share Meals without Televisions

Sharing a meal with family and loved ones should be an intimate and nurturing experience. It is an important time to share our day, calm down and replenish our bodies. You need a good place to eat everyday, a place for people to connect and communicate. It is important to have comfortable chairs and an inspiring piece of artwork on the wall. Television shows are fine to watch as a family but are not conducive to good conversation or good digestion during a meal. Discipline yourself to always keep them off during meals.

If you live alone, make a ritual of eating. Turn off the television, light a candle, put on inspiring music and treat yourself as if you are the important person coming to dinner.

Bring in the Earth Element

Balancing the Five Elements in each room is an important part of Feng Shui for the home. Kitchens should have a good amount of the earth element represented by earth tones, squares and rectangles and things made from earth such as tiles, adobe and stucco. The earth element encourages us to be in our bodies which is important in kitchens where we are working with potentially dangerous things like fire and knives.

If you were planning on remodeling your kitchen, a good choice for the counter tops would be earthy granites or tiles in earth tones. There are beautiful tiles made of recycled glass that look spectacular on counter tops and will support our commitment to  green building. Avoid darker tone in counter-top materials such as black, dark green or dark blues.  These represent the water element and encourage us to be out of our bodies, which is counterproductive to the activities we need to perform in kitchens.  If you already have a lot of black and metal you can add still add the earth element by bringing these colors onto the walls, adding terracotta or earth- tone pottery, table mats and table cloths.

Bring in Nature

We are all deeply connected to the natural world and biologically programmed to feel a sense of belonging and connection when we encounter it. Bringing in vibrant plants along with  pictures and objects made from natural elements will energize your kitchen and make every one feel truly ‘at home’ here.

Creating a nurturing, happy, organized and inspiring kitchen will support the needs of the family while uplifting their souls, making your hearth truly the heart of your home!