—Information—

T he Best of the Best! Outstanding, uncommon, exceptional, memorable - words we use to describe a property, the house and lot, with impressive architectural design, with workable and truly livable floor plans. These things are basic to being the best, but it is the details that add character and charm and make your property really unique and special.

The finishing details, the last 10% sets one property apart from another. The Best of the Best is a category created based on that last 10% that goes into completing a home.

What makes up this last 10%? Let's start at the beginning. Start with a great piece of land. Trees, water, a golf course, mountains, the environs make the land special. Then, aesthetically place the house on the site. Whatever your design preference, European, Georgian, Traditional, Contemporary, Key West, Modern, Spanish, the house design must be balanced and visually stimulating. It must have character and be inviting. The house should answer the needs and desires of those who will live in it. The exterior sets the mood of the property and should reflect the personality of the owners. Use the following ideas to put the finishing touches on your property. These are some great additions that help elevate a house into a home and invites it to become one of the 'Best of the Best'.

Let's look at the entrance. This is the face of the house. This is what you see first when you come home. This is where you greet your guests. Keeping consistent with the overall theme of the house, you may add some decorative hardware to the door. Distinctive door plates, knockers, kick plates, and mail slots are some ways to add distinction and express yourself.

Light is an important element. Wall lanterns and lampposts should not only light the entrance, but should dramatize it. Lighting should enhance the entrance and add glimmer and sparkle to the overall effect. Another interesting way to use light is to light the front walkway with staggered, ground-hugging lights. This really increases the drama, and adds the benefit of safety. Of course, if you only want the drama, try putting spotlights in some of the surrounding trees. A good lighting specialist can do this for you.

Then there are the architectural details. Items such as window boxes, shutters, awnings, terracing, site walls, and arbor frames can be used to beautify your property. Window boxes are experiencing renewed popularity, and are a wonderful way to give your home personality. If you like the homey country look this is a good way to go. Fill the boxes with a seasonal favorite and enjoy.

The use of shutters or awnings can dress your home up or down. Shutters give windows and doors a more personal touch, and they add a finished, cohesive look to the house.

Landscaping will make or break the overall look of a piece of property. Well thought out, mapped, planned and executed landscaping makes a property. Simple or complex landscaping is an artform. There are many great ideas to borrow from and with the help of a landscaping artisan you are well on your way to a property that qualifies as The Best of the Best.

Terracing is both decorative and functional. Any slopes on the property can be terraced for a beautiful and well designed look. Site walls are simply walls with a decorative rather than a structural purpose. You may want to support a climbing rose, or accent a small stream. You can do these things with a site wall made of stone, rubble, brick or wood. Simple design or complex, its up to you. Arbor frames are another graceful touch. They provide support for climbers such as wisteria or jasmine or other preferred climbers.

A little love, creativity, planning and execution, combine and mix well for a property of distinction . . . The Best of the Best!

—REX- Real Estate Exchange, Inc.—
–Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker–
1337 Brandy Lake View Circle
Orlando, FL 34787
PHONE: 407.894.8291 FAX: 407.464.9199
EMAIL:   info@rexrealestateorlando.com

CONTACT: BarbaraMary Ann