Investment Properties • July 25, 2022

All the LEGAL Vacation Rentals on Oahu

by Stephanie K. Chan

Here is a list of all the LEGAL vacation rentals on Oahu

Bamboo Waikiki
Ilikai apartments
Luana Waikiki
Pacific Monarch
Regency on Beachwalk
Aloha Surf Hotel
Hawaiian Monarch
Island Colony
Palms at Waikiki
Ala Moana Hotel
Executive Centre
Royal Garden
Waikiki Banyan
Waikiki Sunset
Ritz-Carlton Waikiki
Trump Tower Waikiki
Waikiki Beach Tower
Waikiki Grand Hotel
Waikiki Shore
Kuhio at Waikiki
Ilikai Marina
Cabana at Waikiki
Kalakauan
Kuhio Village
Marine Surf Waikiki
Niihau Apts
Royal Aloha
Seashore
Tradewinds Plaza
Royal Kuhio ( with NUC)
Waikiki Marina ( with NUC)
Four Paddle (with NUC)
444 Nahua ( with NUC)
Koolina Beach Villas
Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay

Cottages at Mauna’Olu

Homeowner Tips • July 21, 2022

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

by Stephanie K. Chan

With the laid-back lifestyle here in Hawaii…we tend to just go with the flow. We take things as they come…including hurricanes. Takes an emergency siren or a false missile alert to jolt some of us.

Should an unyielding storm rip through the islands tomorrow, will you be prepared? Preparedness is the key against storms and other natural disasters. When you aren’t prepared, compose yourself – you’ll be swarming in Black Friday crowds!

Solution

1. CREATE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Have an emergency supply kit ready in case of a crisis. Make a checklist of the supplies you will need for your household. Store enough non-perishable foods to last at least 3 days. You should have a gallon of water per person per day (drinking and sanitation).

Take into account any specific supplies a family member might need. Keep your emergency supply kit in a cool place and where family members can easily access it. Update your kit periodically and check dates on canned goods and bottled water.

2. MAKE AN ACTION PLAN

An emergency plan is an essential part of preparedness. Meet with family members to discuss what actions to take in the event of a storm or other natural disaster. Assign responsibilities to each family member, so everyone knows what to do. If you have pets, know how they will ride out the storm too.

Get phone numbers of family members, including those on the mainland. Each member in your household should have a list of those numbers. In case cell phones stop working, have a backup communication plan. Create a network of relatives, friends, and neighbors who can assist. Be aware of emergency shelters in your area, in case you need to evacuate.

3. SECURE YOUR HOME

Know how to safeguard your home and prevent dangerous conditions. High winds will turn loose objects into hazardous projectiles. Move objects that could hurl by high winds into the garage. Use rope to anchor items such as furniture and barbecue grills.

Windows are among the weakest parts of a house. Board up windows with plywood at least 1/2″ thick. Reinforce windows with masking tape to prevent breakage and injury from shattering glass. Secure roof rafters and posts with hurricane ties. It’s a good time to fasten other key structural points with steel construction ties. Tarps can be used temporarily to cover roof damage.

Trim tree branches if they pose a threat near windows. Ground anchor tall trees to avoid damage to the roof. (I recall, during Hurricane Iniki, seeing our papaya tree rock back and forth as though it was going to topple over any minute).

Mechanical garage doors pose a high risk of danger. Hurricane-strength winds can knock doors out of its opening. Your garage door should be structurally reinforced in advance.

4. SAFEGUARD YOUR VALUABLES

Heavy-duty trash bags serve as a waterproof “container” for irreplaceable items. Also, consider putting valuables in plastic storage bins with snap-down lids. Another option is to wrap them in Ziploc bags and set the bags in the washer or dryer. Protect furniture, appliances, and other large valuables with poly sheeting.

Buying • July 20, 2022

Looking To Buy A Home In A Competitive Market? Here’s How To Win

by Stephanie K. Chan

Now that interest rates and home values are increasing at a somewhat steady rate, you might think that market conditions would start favoring the buyer. Despite recent changes, the market remains highly competitive among buyers. When market conditions are favorable for buyers, you likely won’t encounter much competition while you search for a new home.

Winner On the other hand, a competitive buyer’s market typically leads to the seller receiving multiple bids and having more power during negotiations. Even though buying a home in a competitive market is more challenging, it’s certainly not impossible. Here are some tips on how to win when searching for a new home.

Obtain Preapproval
The first thing you should do before you begin to search for a new home is to seek preapproval from your lender. The preapproval letter you receive tells you how much you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious about buying a new home. Some sellers will only offer tours to potential buyers who are able to produce preapproval letters.

Make a Strong Initial Offer
The most important thing to remember when you’re searching for a home in a competitive market is to make a strong initial offer. There’s a good chance that the seller of the home you’re interested in will receive multiple offers because of how competitive the market is. In this situation, you’ll likely need to make an offer that’s at or above the listing price. A few additional steps you can take to strengthen your offer include:

Waive most contingencies
Look at other offers the seller may have turned down
Add an escalation clause to your offer

The contingencies mentioned above are protections that allow you to back out of the contract you signed without any legal consequences. Because of how important these contingencies can be, this option should only be used as a last resort.

Don’t Rush into a Purchase
While you should act quickly once you’ve found your dream home, you shouldn’t rush through the initial search. If you find yourself competing with other buyers for a new home, don’t push yourself to outbid all other buyers. Even though a strong offer is needed, it shouldn’t be more than you can afford.

Buying a home in a competitive market is possible if you pay attention to the tips and guidelines mentioned above. If you receive a preapproval letter from your lender, you should be ready to start your search. Once you’ve found the home that you’d like to live in, don’t hesitate to make a strong offer. With the right approach and the right real estate professional by your side, you can be a new homeowner in no time.

Buying • July 19, 2022

Rising Mortgage Rates May Affect Asking Prices

by Stephanie K. Chan

If you’ve been paying any amount of attention to the real estate market, you may have noticed that mortgage rates have been steadily increasing throughout most of 2022. In fact, the average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage is over 5% as of early June.

When the Federal Reserve first lowered national interest rates at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers essentially flooded the market. Now that interest rates are increasing, some sellers are lowering their asking prices to make sure that buyer interest doesn’t begin to wane. If you’re searching for your dream home, you may be able to find it at a reasonable price.

Price Drop

Dropping Prices
There are several signs indicating that the market is adjusting to current economic conditions. Because of inflation and rising interest rates, many sellers fear their homes will remain on the market longer than intended, which could drive the price down and make the property unappealing to prospective buyers. Even though the buyer’s market is still highly competitive, sellers don’t want to risk a slow sale, so some have started lowering their asking prices.

In May 2021, 6.2% of homes reduced their listing prices. During May 2022, this number increased to 10.5% of homes. It may seem like a small adjustment, but it’s not the only indicator.

Increased Inventory
According to the May 2022 Monthly Housing Trends Report, the inventory of active listings in the U.S. increased by 8% over last year, which indicates that the competition is increasing among sellers. If a seller notices that there are many homes being placed on the market in their area, they may not want to be in a situation where their home is skipped in favor of the others.

The number of newly listed homes has increased by 6% over last year, which is another sign of possible price drops to come. The national median home price is still up compared to 2021 and 2020, but if more and more sellers start to reduce their asking prices, this points towards the real estate market shifting back to buyers. When market conditions are favorable to buyers, the negotiating power doesn’t remain solely with the seller. Even if a seller hasn’t dropped their asking price, they may be open to doing so during negotiations.

Even though interest rates are increasing, now is a great time to buy if you have good financials and access to enough funds for the down payment. Even a small decrease in asking prices and buyer competition should give you a better opportunity to buy a home at the right price.

Design • Garden • Home Improvement • July 17, 2022

5 Decorating Secrets to Make Your Outdoor Space Your Favorite Room

by Stephanie K. Chan

Beautiful outdoor living spaces—think outdoor dining set-ups and sun-soaked seating arrangements—can be some of the most relaxing areas of your home. Unfortunately, decorating and creating such a space can be anything but relaxing. Even experienced home decor aficionados can struggle to put together a cohesive, gorgeous outdoor space: Somehow, it seems like the rules of indoor decor don’t always apply outdoors.

CREDIT: WENDY LAU / @THEKWENDYHOME

But what if they did? We turned to Wendy Lau of @thekwendyhome, who just transformed her own patio into a lounge area worthy of a seaside resort, for her best tips for creating an outdoor retreat that feels like an extension of your home’s interior—and that you’ll love spending time in.

1. Pick a Purpose

“I think, for outdoor spaces traditionally, there are two things that people want to do: They either want it to do al fresco dining, or they want to do a lounging area,” Lau says.

Acknowledging that most people likely won’t have room to do both, Lau recommends going all in on your desired use of the space.

“You need to figure out what will suit your family and friends more,” she says. “Are you going to be the type of family that hosts and eats outdoors? Then a dining set would be something that you should look into first.”

For her own patio, Lau knew she wanted a lounging area—and that she only had room for that. So, in her words, she went big: She invested in oversized sofas and plush cushions so she and her guests would have plenty of space to stretch out and relax. The final arrangement fills up the entire space in a way that feels intentional. By not trying to squeeze in sofas and a dining table, Lau made sure that her space is completely dedicated to her preferred function.

Decide how you want to use your outdoor space and then fill it with furniture and decor with that function in mind.

2. Bring the Indoors Out

Let go of that belief that your outdoor space is completely separate from the rest of your home. An exterior wall may separate your deck and your living room, but that doesn’t mean these spaces have to look completely unrelated.

“Treat [your outdoor space] as an extension of your indoor space, and you can bring some of the elements out,” Lau says.

dave and jenny marrs outdoor pillows from walmart

CREDIT: AARON MENKEN, HATCH & MAAS COLLECTIVE

Better Homes & Gardens Throw Pillows ($30, Walmart)

By taking some indoor elements outdoors (like patterned throw pillows), you create a clear visual connection between the interior of your home and your outdoor space. You could use the same pattern on your patio umbrella and your living room curtains, for example, or match the metal of your dining table to the metal finishes in your kitchen. This extension ensures that stepping outside simply feels like moving into another area of your home, rather than walking into a completely different space.

Lau’s patio sits outside her dining room, where she has two hanging basket lights. Picking two Better Homes & Gardens rattan lanterns (from $20, Walmart) for her patio, then, felt like a natural application of a material she already knew and loved on the inside of her home.

“I was already drawn to rattan lanterns, so that’s why I picked up two,” she says. “I knew that was echoing the indoor space outdoors, so it doesn’t feel just tacked on. You’re bringing elements that you already have in your home, that I’m sure you love already, outside.”

Lau recommends identifying materials, colors, or textures that you already have in your home and looking for items that echo those characteristics for your outdoor space. If you can’t find the right pieces, just bring some indoor items outdoors. Lau incorporates indoor pillows and layered rugs into her outdoor space to help it feel much more like part of her home.

3. Plan for the Effects of Weather

Rain, wind, sun, and more will fade wood and discolor fabrics over time, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to purchasing new outdoor furniture every two years. The trick is to pick the items you put outside intentionally.

“When you are purchasing for outdoors, think about whether you can protect [the item] or not,” Lau says. “If you can’t, are you OK with letting it patina?”

Lau stocked one part of her outdoor space with a wooden potting bench, accepting that its appearance will change over time. Acknowledging and planning for that weathering, she chose colors and materials that will age in ways she will like, so she’ll like the look of her bench for years to come. She recommends checking that the materials that make up the items you plan to put outside will age in ways you like: If you don’t like the look of aged copper, for example, don’t incorporate copper elements into your space.

If you absolutely must have a material that won’t stand up to rain and wind well, take the necessary steps to protect it. Consider those items an investment in your enjoyment of your outdoor space and do what you have to in order to protect them. Accepting that you may need to cover some items gives you more flexibility in what you can put outside.

In Lau’s case, she knew she wanted teak and fabric sofas outside—so she budgeted for a durable covering that she can pull over those items when the weather’s stormy. “To me, it’s worth it,” she says. “Sometimes it means that you have to cover it up.”

4. Create a Mood Board

If you truly want to create a space that you’ll love for years to come, you may need to take a step back and accept that decorating your space could be a long process—but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a patchwork collection of furniture gathered over time. Instead, you can create a mood board that will guide your furniture and decor curation.

“Not everyone has the budget to buy a whole [furniture] set, so having a mood board really helps,” Lau says. “Knowing your own style inside and letting that guide you for the outdoors is going to be super helpful, because you are going to pick out things that you naturally will use at home that you can bring outside.”

CREDIT: TRIA GIOVAN

A mood board can keep you on track while you’re choosing decor large and small. This visual guide will remind you of your final vision or goal for the space, so every purchase you make contributes to that eventual look. With this decorating roadmap, you can pick up furniture over time without worrying that it will all look disjointed when arranged together.

5. Consider the Lighting

“I think, for a lot of us regular homeowners, lighting is a challenge, and it’s almost like a second thought, but it’s definitely something that we should think about when we’re lighting our outdoor space for evenings,” Lau says.

dave and jenny marrs walmart collection woven lanterns

CREDIT: AARON MENKEN, HATCH & MAAS COLLECTIVE

You probably try paint color swatches at home to see how the color shifts throughout the day: Apply that same care to setting up your outdoor lighting. If you need to hang string lights or pick up Better Homes & Gardens battery-operated lanterns (from $20, Walmart), plan for that before you furnish the space so you can incorporate the necessary lighting elements into your deck or patio organically. Whatever you do, don’t forget lighting altogether, or you may not be able to see your guests clearly once the sun sets.

Check how the light outdoors shifts throughout the day, too. Does direct sun hit the deck in early morning, exactly when you like to sit outside and sip your coffee? Place the umbrella so it blocks the sun from that angle, or arrange the furniture so you can sit with the sun at your back. If your patio gets no shade all day long, plan to invest in a large umbrella (try this 9-foot version from Better Homes & Gardens, $45, Walmart) early on, so you can truly enjoy your space.

Paying attention to light and shadow—or the lack thereof—is just another way that you can plan your outdoor space intentionally. By compensating for anything outside your control that may impede your enjoyment of the space, you can truly make your outdoor room a place you want to sit every day.

Travel • July 15, 2022

Summer 2022 Travel Trend: Safari off the Beaten Path

by Stephanie K. Chan

Bucket list trips. Immersion in nature. Exclusivity. Sustainability. They’re among the most prevalent luxury travel trends today. At andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, you can experience them all at once.

Unlike the central area of the Serengeti, where most luxury lodges are concentrated, this camp is ensconced in a remote western expanse; this area of the Serengeti is known for the Great Migration, where, between May and July, “an estimated three million antelope—mostly wildebeest—migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve,” says Markus Schroeder, lodge manager of Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. But the camp’s setting on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River gives guests ample opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the year—and the only crowds they’re likely to see are bathing hippos, roaming lions, and other native African animals.

“In this part of the park, with far fewer crowds and vehicles, wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts can largely enjoy their own private Serengeti,” says Schroeder. “Twice-daily game drives from the lodge often encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena, big herds of resident plains game as well as the special black-and-white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti. This part of the Serengeti is known for its big lion prides consisting of between 20 to 60 lions. Not only are the opportunities for seeing lions in the western Serengeti excellent, but you will, more often than not, find yourself alone at a sighting.”

If you prefer your safari by air instead of land, lift off in a hot air balloon tour, gliding above the park. You can also spend some time in the camp’s main guest area, enjoying one of the spacious decks overlooking the river or in the rim-flow swimming pool that looks onto the seasonal hippo pods below. Or, retreat to your suite’s shaded private veranda; with stunning vistas stretching over the river frontage, you’re all but guaranteed to spot a few—or a few dozen—beautiful creatures.

Newly redesigned with an emphasis on sustainability including a solar system that allows the camp to run on 80% renewable energy, extensive water conservation, and a substantial reduction in its carbon footprint, Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge also promotes energy-efficiency in its materials. Guest tents are formed by lightweight steel, clad in canvas and sustainably sourced local hardwood, and embraced by abundant natural light.

Just 10 total accommodations are offered at the lodge, adding to the exclusive nature of the experience. The spacious tented suites exude a quiet luxury with underlying comfort, taking the traditional safari tent feel and adding a layer of contemporary chic. Each suite is outfitted with a plush bed, indoor/outdoor shower, and private plunge pool, all oriented to the spectacular view.

In addition to the nine traditional guest suites, the camp boasts an expansive family suite, affording a unique opportunity to travel en masse. The family suite features a large guest suite with a passageway to an additional bedroom and full bath. Special, age-appropriate game drives are also offered at the camp.

“Over many years, we’ve welcomed everyone from honeymooners and couples on romantic getaways to families spanning multiple generations to retirees and groups,” says Schroeder. “The common denominator is visitors to the Serengeti who want to escape the crowds and retreat to a quieter, private vantage point.”

Design • July 14, 2022

What Is Coastal Grandmother? The Waterfront Design Trend Making Waves

by Stephanie K. Chan

Chances are you’ve heard the internet buzz about the coastal grandmother look by now—if you haven’t, picture the tastefully-casual heroines of Nancy Meyers movies, like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give or Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated, in all their neutral-cotton-sweater-and-linen-pants-clad glory. But did you know this pop culture revival moment is also related to a rising look in the world of home decorating? Coastal grandmother-style is a state of mind, a lifestyle vibe, and a decor trend all rolled into one.

Is coastal style all that new? Not really. Beachy, shore-inspired style has always been popular, but this current take is more modern and pared-down than in the past, and completely clear of theme-y kitsch-like shells, anchors, and whales. It’s less “Ahoy, Matey” nautical prep, and more about cultivating an airy, effortless chic that’s informal but polished.

breakfast nook with built-in banquette and white table

CREDIT: JOYELLE WEST

Here we break down the essentials of this trend, so you can catch the coastal grandma wave and introduce elements of the style into your own home, however land-locked it may be.

Mood and Inspiration

To put yourself in the right mindset, envision the clear and cool natural light you encounter on an early morning walk on the beach. Coastal grandma-style has a duality: It’s relaxed yet refined, casual but elevated. It conveys a laid-back luxury that’s warm and inviting without being overtly cozy. The lines are clean, and the designs are unembellished and minimal.

Palette and Pattern

Coastal color is a range of subtle simplicity. Start with 50 shades of white, ivory, and cream, all mixed together. Then layer in neutral tones borrowed from nature—stone, sand, sea, and sky. Tan and beige, taupe and greige, and pale, watery blues. Introduce accent colors like deeper blues and shell pink with a very light hand. Use little to no pattern, and keep it simple and abstract if you do.

Materials and Texture

For fabrics, natural fibers like cotton and linen are the go-to choice, from light, gauzy sheers to heavier twills and canvas. For accents, think touchable—chunky knits, nubby bouclés, maybe even some tailored fringe. Varied weaves of natural fibers like rattan, jute, sisal, raffia, and seagrass come into play for accessories, furniture, and rugs. Try adding seagrass baskets (like this set of two Better Homes & Gardens baskets, $32, Walmart) to hold throw blankets or pillows. Woods take their cue from driftwood—light, bleached and whitewashed. Hardware in metals like brushed nickel keep the feeling soft and sophisticated.

white living room with natural and blue coastal accents

CREDIT: JOYELLE WEST

Make it Your Own

Whether you are ready to commit to coastal grandmother-style with a full room redo or simply wish to join in on the trend by adding a few elements to your existing decor, here’s a cheat sheet to getting the look.

CREDIT: CARSON DOWNING

Scent

For a low-lift-yet-uplifting interpretation of coastal grandma style, fill the air with a fragrance that follows the feeling. Candles poured in colorful beachy blue glass with scents like White Waves and Salted Sands hit the mark in more ways than one. Fragrance oils in scents like linen and sea spray release slowly over time via a diffuser; you can get a similar effect with scented wax cubes like Better Homes & Gardens Line-Dried Linen ($2, Walmart) melted in a wax warmer.

CREDIT: ADAM ALBRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.

Paint

A quick color change conveys a coastal mood without a lot of expense (a gallon of paint is
under $30)—paint a whole room or tackle a smaller project like the inside a linen closet or a single accent wall. Or try transforming a piece of furniture with a new color to fit in with the trend.

white living room with wood floors and fireplace

CREDIT: BRIE WILLIAMS

Indoor Decor

Gauzy window coverings and rugs in real jute or faux natural fibers are a good way to ground the room with breezy color. A few carefully chosen coastal-inspired accessories can easily fit right into your home. Lush flowers, real or faux, always feel right. Arrange mounds of hydrangeas in a vase or bowl or peonies in a pitcher (all in white porcelain, of course). Treat a tabletop or sideboard to family photos in frames with rope or rattan details and pillar candles in clear glass hurricane holders. Toss a throw in a luxe knit like chenille (this Better Homes & Gardens blanket is just $23) and some new tactile pillows on a couch or chair—look for neat cotton fringe or substantial knits in a chunky or sweater style. Around the room, you could add a mirror in rustic wood or wicker, or weathered wood lamps with linen shades on end tables, or seagrass baskets for on-trend storage.

coastal dining table sisal rope vase candles

CREDIT: NICOLAS GOURGUECHON

Tabletop

Coastal meals are easy and fuss-free, served up on a mix-and-match selection of white
porcelain platters and bowls, and with white porcelain dishes set at each place. Coastal
grandma would approve of a nice California chardonnay or a Long Island rosé savored from simple wine glasses.

seafoam, white, and silver elegant bathroom

CREDIT: JOHN BESSLER

Bed and Bath

For the breeziest bedroom and bath, two words here: White. Cotton. The utter simplicity of coastal style calls for luxury of materials and texture. For towels, choose the plushest cotton you can find and while you’re at it, swap out your shower curtain with a tone-on-tone white design. For sheets, go with a high thread count, like Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Sheets ($45, Walmart). To finish the look, update your bedframe with an upholstered linen headboard and add a cotton waffle blanket to the foot of the bed.

Home Improvement • July 13, 2022

How to Install Epoxy Flooring in a Garage

by Stephanie K. Chan

Epoxy floor coating is a two-part mixture of resins and hardeners that enlivens, protects, and updates concrete floors in garages, basements, sunrooms, and patios. Rolled on in multiple layers, epoxy coatings create seamless stretches of flooring that withstands grease, scuffing, moisture, and chemicals. Epoxy coatings firmly adhere to concrete and are unlikely to chip or peel like regular garage floor paints.

Their durability and non-flammable nature make epoxy-coated floors a good choice for garages and basement workspaces. They are strong enough to withstand dropped power tools, carry the weight of rolling and parked cars, and stand up to spills of all kinds. In fact, when properly applied, epoxy floor finishes can endure for as long as 20 years.

CREDIT: ADAM ALBRIGHT

How to Choose the Right Epoxy

Epoxy floor paints are tough, resin-based paints that come in two separate parts mixed together before applying. There are three different types of epoxy paint: solid, solvent-base, and water-base.

Solid epoxy: Epoxy that is solid is the purest form. It doesn’t contain solvents that evaporate. These products are expensive, and difficult to handle, because they harden very rapidly. This finish should be applied by a professional.

Solvent-base epoxy: Solvent-base epoxies contain 40-60% solids. They penetrate the concrete surface and adhere well. They are available in a wide range of colors. Because the solvents are powerful and potentially hazardous, you must wear a respirator when applying the finish. You’ll also need to ventilate the garage and keep people and pets away from the area.

Water-base epoxy: Like solvent-base epoxies, water-base epoxies also contain 40-60% solids. The benefit of this type of epoxy is having no hazardous solvent fumes. These epoxy finishes are sold at most home centers and hardware stores and are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to solvent-based finishes.

Pre-tinted and metallic epoxy floor coatings are other options that create stylish flooring inside and outside living areas. Some epoxy floor coating systems provide colored flakes, which are scattered as the second layer of coating is applied, creating speckled patterns in the surface.

Tips for Applying Epoxy Floor Coatings

Applying epoxy floor coatings is almost as simple as rolling paint on a wall or across a porch floor. But before you begin, you need to thoroughly clean and patch the floor to be coated. You should also carefully calculate how much mixture is required to cover the area you wish to coat. Many floor epoxy kits supply only enough for one coat, and you’ll need a minimum of two. Measure the square footage of the area to be coated, and compare that with the coverage supplied by your preferred floor epoxy kit.

Time is of the essence once the epoxy paint and the hardener components are mixed—the epoxy mixture is only workable for about 2 hours. Consider this time frame as you determine how you will paint yourself out of a garage, patio, or room.

Potential Drawbacks

Although the benefits are many, epoxy coatings require a good deal of surface cleaning and preparation upfront, as well as multiple applications with curing times of at least 12 hours for each coat. For optimum curing, concrete surfaces should be bone dry and at least 55°F, and air temperatures should be between 60-90°F. Plan on at least a day of prep time (more if you have to fill holes and patch cracks in the concrete) and at least two days of painting time to complete a garage floor.

Epoxy floor coating finishes are naturally shiny, which makes them easy to clean but slick when wet (anti-skid additives can be added to give surfaces more traction). There are some concrete surfaces, such as ones that suffer from dampness, or that are already sealed, that are unsuited for epoxy floor coatings. New concrete must have cured for at least 30 days before epoxy coatings can be applied.

If you want to hire out the work, data from HomeAdvisor shows that having a professional lay down an epoxy floor will cost you between $3 to $12 per square foot, with an average two-car garage floor costing anywhere from $1,200 to $6,000 to complete. Before you hire a contractor, ask how they plan to prep the floor, what type of epoxy they will be using, and how many coats they will be applying. It is recommended that professionals should apply three layers of 100% epoxy with low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Get multiple quotes, and check the contractors’ references.

How to Apply Epoxy Floor Coatings

If you prefer to tackle it yourself, read the epoxy manufacturer’s instructions before you start, and use these step-by-step instructions as your guide.

What You’ll Need

Two-part epoxy paint
Flat-edge shovel or scraper
Shop vacuum
Garden hose
Power scrubber with brush attachment or long-handled acid brush
Stiff-bristle brush
Rubber squeegee
Plastic sprinkler can
Drill with stirring bit
Paintbrushes
9-inch medium-nap roller and roller pole
Duct tape
Plastic bag
Cleaning/degreasing solution
Rubber gloves
Respirator
32% muriatic acid

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 1: Clean the Concrete Surfaces

If necessary, use a flat-edged shovel or scraper to remove hardened debris. Then, vacuum the garage floor. Prepare a cleaning/degreasing solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff-bristle brush and the solution to scrub off any grease or oil stains.

using power scrubber on concrete floor no text

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 2: Wet Flooring

Use a hose to wet the entire floor with water. Working in 5-foot-square sections, use a power scrubber with a brush attachment and the degreaser to clean the entire floor. Use the stiff-bristle brush to scrub the corners and along the walls where the machine can’t reach. After the floor is clean, use a rubber squeegee to pull soapy water into a central area. Remove the solution with a wet-dry vac. Check with your county’s environmental office to see if you are allowed to dispose of the solution by flushing it down the toilet.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 3: Prepare the Acid-Etching Mixture

Pour a gallon of water into a plastic sprinkler can. Wearing a vapor respirator, pour 12 ounces of 32% muriatic acid into 15 cups of water (for smaller or larger amounts, use 1 part acid to 10 parts water) in the sprinkler can. Mix the solution for a few seconds with a paint stirrer. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over a 10×10-foot area.

using long-handled acid brush on floor no text

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 4: Scrub and Etch

Power-scrub the 10×10-foot area for 10 minutes, or use a long-handled acid brush (to save on equipment rental). Repeat the sprinkling/scrubbing process until the entire floor is acid etched. Rinse three times to flush acid residue. Let the floor dry overnight.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 5: Mix Epoxy Coating

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, use a drill and stirring bit to mix together the two epoxy solutions. To ensure complete blending, pour the mixture into a second bucket and power-mix the paint again.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 6: Apply Along the Perimeter

Start applying the epoxy coating around the perimeter of the garage. Using duct tape, tape the area directly beneath the garage door. Brush a 4-inch strip of epoxy against the tape and along the garage walls.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 7: Roll on Epoxy

Use a 9-inch-wide roller with a medium nap to paint the floor. Attach the roller to a pole. Then, dip the roller into the bucket of epoxy so only the bottom half of the roller is covered. (This loads the roller with the right amount of epoxy.) Working in a 4-foot-square area, apply epoxy to the garage floor in a large “W” pattern. Backroll to fill in the pattern and remove any roller marks. Make sure edges remain wet as you move from section to section to prevent noticeable seams from forming. Let the first coat dry per the manufacturer’s instructions.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 8: Apply a Second Coat

If you don’t want a glossy floor (as they’re slippery when wet), add a non-skid floor coating into the epoxy for the second coat. Stir with the drill and stirring bit. Repeat Step 7. If you want to add color flakes, scatter them lightly while the area is still wet—add more flakes until you create your desired pattern.

CREDIT: CHIP NADEAU

Step 9: Finish Your Epoxy Floors

Mask off and paint the bottom 4 inches of the garage or basement wall with the epoxy mix used on the floor. This border creates a cohesive look that also acts as a protective baseboard.

How to Maintain Epoxy Floors

To maintain and protect your epoxy floors, vacuum or sweep up debris, immediately wipe away spills with a soft cloth, and deep-clean soiled floors by mopping with a mixture of ½ cup ammonia to a gallon of water. Lift rust stains by gently scrubbing with a kitchen scrubbing pad and hot water; never use an abrasive cleaner, acids, or chemicals on epoxy-coated floors. The easiest way to clean epoxy floors is to hose them down and dry them with a squeegee on a pole.

Market Trends • Technology • July 12, 2022

Virtual Real Estate

by Stephanie K. Chan

The blockchain is no longer simply the foundation for cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), but the disruptive technology is now very much a part of the real estate industry, whether in the real world or on the frontiers of the “metaverse.” Of all potential applications for the blockchain, the most exciting opportunities lie in property — real or otherwise.

2021 was the breakout year for virtual real estate. The Mars House, a stunning rendered piece of pixelated real estate by artist Krista Kim, was purchased for 288 Ethers (cryptocurrency equivalent to more than $500,000 at the time). Leveraging the hype around NFTs, some real estate agents offer one-ofa- kind digital images of properties to promote their brick-and-mortar listings.

Mars House | Courtesy of Krista Kim

Entering 2022, the buzziest theme in financial markets and popular culture is the metaverse. Facebook has changed its name to Meta Platforms, committed to a strategy of building out the multidimensional successor to the Internet. SuperWorld and Decentraland are marketplaces — these platforms are pioneering the metaverse — where participants can buy and sell digital real estate while immersing themselves in virtual worlds. Recent transactions include the equivalent of $2.43 million of property on Decentraland and $4.3 million for land in The Sandbox, another burgeoning metaverse site.

Because every property is a distinct NFT purchased with cryptocurrencies, ownership and authenticity are recorded and verified on the blockchain. Janine Yorio, managing director at Republic, a marketplace showcasing crypto and metaverse startups, insists digital property values will appreciate as real-world companies begin participating in the virtual real estate ecosystem. Metaverse Group is not only a platform for investing in individual virtual properties, but is launching a real estate investment trust (REIT) based on metaverse land assets.

Recognizing the “smart contract” capabilities of crypto, many experts believe it is simply a matter of time before real-world real estate transactions are conducted on the blockchain. Propy is a Silicon Valley “proptech” firm that automates real estate transactions by deploying smart contracts and recording all documents on the blockchain.

For real-world evidence of the confluence of real estate and the blockchain, an actual penthouse in one of Miami Beach’s trendiest towers sold last summer for the equivalent of $22.5 million, believed to be the largest cryptocurrency real estate transaction on record.

Homeowner Tips • July 11, 2022

What To Pack For Your First Night In Your New House

by Stephanie K. Chan

Moving day is approaching and your to-do list just keeps growing! But, there is one more to-do to add to your list. This to-do gets you ready for a peaceful first night in your new home. You’ll thank me later. Actually, you’ll be too tired to thank me, but that’s okay. Your first night will be great and that’s all the thanks I need.

The last thing anyone wants to do after a long moving day, is to open box after box in search of your pjs, toothbrush, pillow and your kid’s night light. No one wants to go on a treasure hunt at the end of moving day!

Here’s how to have a restful first night:

Pack a suitcase for each family member (two and four legged) for their first night. Bring those suitcases with you, so you’ll know right where they are.

Each suitcase should be packed with these essentials:

Linens and pillows
Clean pjs
A fresh change of clothes
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, toilet paper and towels
Medications, eyeglasses or contact lenses & solutions
Your kids favorite teddy bear, bedtime story and night light
Phone, computer and chargers
A bag for each pet with food, food bowls, toys leash and bed

Keep your family happy & fed:

Pack a family box with food and healthy treats for moving day and for breakfast the next day. Include a few dishes, silverware, paper towels, snacks and food.

Take precautions:

Remember to personally move your credit cards, wallet and jewelry. Keep them safely tucked away.

If you’re moving long distance:

Bring clothing and essentials for at least a week while you’re waiting for the moving truck to arrive. No one wants to have to start their new job or school in their pjs!

Enjoy your first night!