Roselind Hejl

Seven Ways to Modernize Your Home

Modern design, with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors, will be the leading housing trend for the next few years. In response to a more complex world, homebuyers respond to spaces that are simple, light, and soothing. They watch home make... Read >

Seven Reasons to Remodel

Sometimes, when folks are getting ready to put their home on the market for sale, they ask if it would be a good idea to remodel. Generally, the answer is, "No, this is not the time to undertake a remodel project." This is because they are likely to rec... Read >

A 1970 Vintage Home Remodel

Jennifer and Tony Latto, and their two girls, have a 1970's vintage home in a very nice neighborhood of Austin. Jennifer, who is a registered architect and interior designer, has made some interesting updates to their home. Roselind: Jennifer, firs... Read >

Remodeling for Better Value: Improving Living Areas

The main living area is the central core space in your home. It is both public and private - a space that you share with family members and with guests. From the main living room, one should be able to connect easily with dining areas, kitchen, and hall... Read >

Remodeling Choices: Historic Connection Adds Value

Are you planning a remodel? Give some thought to the original style and finishes in your home before you begin. An appreciation for its stylistic roots will help you create a home that has an enduring style, and will be more valuable to buyers if you de... Read >

Remodeling Decisions that Add Value to Your Home: Historic Connection

Are you planning a remodel? Give some thought to the original style and finishes in your home before you begin. An appreciation for its stylistic roots will help you create a home that has an enduring style, and will be more valuable to buyers if you de... Read >

String Lights for Everyday Use

We are all familiar with festoon lighting - strings of lights used around the holidays. They illuminate open air venues, like circuses, and restaurant patios and gatherings under tents. They are low cost, and practical. Strings of lights came to mi... Read >

Gotta Go Green in Austin, Texas

In the city of Austin a new energy ordinance will require that homeowners have an energy efficiency audit done prior to selling their home. The audit report must be disclosed to the buyer of their home. Energy audit and disclosure will become a part of ... Read >

Screened Porches - A Greener Way to Live

Screened porches bring you in touch with the natural world. They are outdoor rooms, yet, they are sheltered and safe from the elements. If you are planning a green home, screened porches will fit in perfectly. In our building project shown here ( ... Read >

A Greener Front Walk

We recently built a contemporary farmhouse style home. There was no lawn sod or sprinkler system for extra water. Deer are rampant in the neighborhood, so the landscaping choices are limited. We have dry periods too. Lady Bird Johnson once said - I li... Read >

Seven Ways to Help Sell Your Home

In a slower real estate market, sellers cannot afford to ignore any part of the marketing process. Price, preparation, and presentation must be excellent in order to attract a buyer. The price must be set realistically. Preparation should include fresh... Read >

7 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Duplex Condo

Condominium is a form of ownership of real estate. In this type of ownership the owner has individual title to the air space inside the unit, plus an undivided interest in the buildings and land. Condominium ownership is guided by a set of declarati... Read >

Drywall Texture: A Long Term Investment

Drywall texture is a compound that is rolled, sprayed, or troweled onto the sheetrock after the taping and floating of joints is complete. It is the same material as the joint compound, but thinned down with water and applied to the wall surface. There ... Read >

Kitchen Countertops - A Value Added Upgrade

The material that covers your kitchen counters is one of the most visible and memorable features in your home. It helps to establish the design, color theme, and level of finish out. Today there are new choices in countertops, and old ones are making a co... Read >

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

About five years ago we worked with some clients coming to Austin, Texas, from California. I was a little shocked by their choice of mortgage - a 100%, interest-only loan. At the risk of sounding a little backwater, I asked them, "Why would you not want... Read >