Real Estate Insights

Hot off the pressess is a list of the top 10 most innovative and exciting new home products from the unofficial "what's new guru" of improvement Don Logay. He has compiled his list from this year's round of trade shows and trade publications to highlight only the most intriguing new concepts and gadgets that are affordable yet make life a little bit easier.

10. INVISILED Low Profile Accent Lighting Tapes

Create dramatic indirect lighting effects almost anywhere with strips of miniature LED lights. INVISILED by WAC Lighting offers five basic colors (white, amber, red, blue, and green). One- and 5-foot peel-and-stick or screw-mounted sections can be cut at every inch. New Palette system offers continuous red-green-blue changing colors with control for speed and brilliance. Cost ranges $75 to $90 per foot. Plug-in drivers cost $60 to $120. Maximum spans from 25 feet to 40 feet. For information and retailers visit www.waclighting.com or call 1-800-526-2588.

9. One2Flush Dual Flush Conversion Kit

Saving water is as “easy as 1, 2…” with the brand new award-winning One2Flush toilet conversion kit. In about 20-minutes, you can quickly and easily turn a standard water-guzzling tank-type toilet into an eco-friendly, high-efficiency, water-saving dual flush model. University tests prove One2Flush — with it’s “half flush for liquids and full flush for solids” — reduces water use by more than 38 percent and can save an average family over 10 percent on monthly water bills. Fits all standard two-piece toilets, 1.6-gallon flush and up. Available nationwide at most hardware stores (Ace, True Value, Do-It-Best). For more information visit www.one2flush.com

8. Telezapper / Blocks Telemarketer Calls

Get rid of annoying telemarketer calls once and for all. This nifty little device plugs into your phone cord and only intercepts computer-generated calls — indicating this number is disconnected — which automatically takes you off their list. Other incoming calls are not affected. When first introduced, millions were sold. Ever since, this product has been “flying under the radar.” Additional info at www.telezapper.com.

7. Liquid Stainless Steel Brush-on Paint Kit

Want to give your dingy, old kitchen appliances a gleaming stainless steel finish? Award-winning Liquid Stainless Steel is the world’s first brush-on/roll-on “real stainless steel” finish designed to give older stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers a new lease on life. Complete kits are easy to use and update an average size refrigerator for $49 or a range and dishwasher combo for only $19.95. Available at paint and hardware stores nationwide. Order online at www.liquidstainlesssteel.com or call 1-800-650-5699.

6. Dead Bolt Secure Entry Lock Protection

Burglars with “bump keys” can open virtually any standard lock (deadbolt or otherwise) with ease. Until now, the only defense was expensive high-end, pick-proof locks. The new award-winning Dead Bolt Secure offers a low-cost, ingenious solution that makes standard deadbolt locks (with a lever or twist-type inside handle) virtually bump-key and pick-proof. It even blocks entry for anyone with a legitimate key. How? A simple spring-loaded device that installs in minutes, flips down to prevent a dead bolt’s handle from turning — no matter how it is being unlocked. The best part? It only costs $9.95. Order online at www.arclink.net.

5. Schlage Keyless Entry Locks and Wireless LiNK Option

Tired of fumbling with keys? Schlage electronic keypad entry locks and deadbolts — using four-digit access codes — are now both practical and affordable, offered in the $120 to $150 range. Company also offers Schlage LiNK, the first and only DIY wireless system allowing 24/7 remote control for keypad locks and other home management functions via the Internet. Lock or unlock doors from anywhere, add/remove access codes and control lights. Available at Lowe’s, Radio Shack, and www.amazon.com, or visit www.consumer.schlage.com for retailers.

4. Aspect Peel and Stick Metal Wall Tile

Create a designer kitchen “look” quickly, easily and affordably with new Aspect peel-and-stick 3-inch by 6-inch metal tiles. Offered in three popular brushed finishes (stainless, copper, and bronze) for dramatic and dazzling accents, whether a gleaming over-the-counter backsplash or an entire luxurious floor-to-ceiling wall. Aspect tiles adhere to any sub-surface (drywall, plaster, paneling, and old tiles) and are offered with horizontal or vertical graining. Gives kitchens and baths a fresh, new look. Box of eight tiles covers 1-square-foot and costs about $20. The only limitation is your imagination. Available at some Lowe’s stores or order online at www.aspectideas.com.

3. Easy Crown Molding by EZ-A-PEEL

Budget-minded? Not up for hammering and sawing? Renting? Add elegance to almost any room with “peel-and-stick” Easy Crown Molding. Kits offer quick and easy installation and an inexpensive alternative to fancy millwork. Installs in about one hour and can be left white or painted to match décor. Offered in three popular crown molding profiles for various sized rooms with 16 inside and four outside corners included. Kits start at under $50. To order call 1-888-EZAPEEL (1-800-392-7335) or visit www.easycrownmolding.com.

2. Evoba Modular Wood Ceiling System

Turn any room into a stunning showplace with the architectural impact of a rich “coffered” wood ceiling. Prefabricated Evoba system (that’s “Above” spelled backwards), offers the warmth and beauty of real wood without the cost of custom millwork. Available as a suspension or surface mount system, in a variety of wood species and finishes, at $12 to $30 per square foot. It’s affordable-chic that rivals the elegance of any Euro-mansion or lavish boardroom. Available at www.acpideas.com.

1. Giani Granite Countertop Paint

Got a kitchen countertop that’s seen better days? Laminate chipped and discolored? Solid surface counter stained and scratched? Giani is the world’s first granite paint kit for countertop makeovers. Get the premium “look” of granite at a fraction of the cost — with lots of extra benefits too. Water-based paint kits come in five realistic-looking color combinations and include everything needed to go “granite” in three easy steps in 24-hours or less. One $39.95 kit covers 35 square feet (16 running feet of 24-inch wide counter). Available at paint and hardware stores nationwide. Visit www.GianiGranite.com or call 1-800-650-5699.

For more information on Don Logay please visit his website at: http://donlogay.com/