Just about everyone has heard of a timeshare, which essentially involves using points to stay at different resort properties for a week or two out of each year. It’s a great alternative for people who are interested in buying a vacation home but either can’t afford the type of property they want or wouldn’t be using the vacation property often enough to warrant spending the money on it.

It’s not uncommon for the term “shared ownership” to be used to describe a timeshare. It’s also not uncommon for the term to refer to fractional ownership as well. The problem is, fractional ownership and timeshare are two different things.

What is a Timeshare?

A timeshare gives multiple purchasers the opportunity to buy the rights to use a vacation home for a certain time period – usually one or two weeks period each year. However the title remains with the owner, and the purchaser only reserves the right to use the property. The main advantage of owning a timeshare is the ability to use a vacation home for the same week or two every year without having to deal with the nuisance of making reservations.

The traditional way to buy into a timeshare is to have a fixed week at the same location. Another type of structure involves using points that can be used at a number of different resorts across the globe. Some programs even let the points to be rolled over to the next year.

In addition to a one-time purchase price, purchasers must also pay maintenance fees, either monthly, quarterly or annually. These fees are shared by all owners to be put towards property maintenance, management, taxes, and insurance.

What is Fractional Ownership?

Fractional ownership allows each owner to hold part of the title on a vacation home which is divided into a number of different pieces that gives each individual owner part of the deed. This is the main difference between timeshares and fractional ownership.

It lets purchasers have their stake in a real valuable asset without having to pay in full for the whole property themselves.

Here are some distinctive differences between the two.

Number of Owners Per Unit

Aside from the share of the title as with fractional ownership which timeshares do not involve, there are other major differences between these two structures, including the number of owners per unit. With a timeshare, there can be as many as 50 owners per unit. In stark contrast, fractional ownership typically has as little as four owners to no more than 15 or 20.

Amount of Owner Use

Since there are fewer owners involved with fractional ownership, this structure gives owners many more weeks per year to use their property. While timeshares and fractional ownership both involve the right of the purchaser to use the property for a certain time period, fractional ownership typically comes with more weeks in the year to use the property than with timeshares.

Usually, one week per year (and sometimes two) is typical with a timeshare. On the other hand, fractional ownership allows anywhere between three to as many as 13 weeks per year to use the property. With fewer owners, fractional ownership properties are subject to less physical wear and tear.

Ability to Re-Sell

Timeshares have traditionally been hard to resell. Investors are typically not interested in purchasing a timeshare because of the loss in value from its original value at resale.

Fractional ownership in a property is easier to resell because it is seen as actual “real estate” and can be marketed as such, and can therefore be resold through traditional real estate brokers just like any other type of housing.

How Equity is Distributed

With fractional ownership, the purchaser actually owns partial equity in the vacation home. That means each purchaser will be able to take advantage of any increase in value over time. Since ownership is not distributed with a timeshare, this distinct advantage is not available to purchasers. The owner is only buying a week or two per year to dwell in a property, with no change in value of the actual property to benefit from.

The Bottom Line

Before you decide to take part ownership in a vacation home, be sure to distinguish between a timeshare and fractional ownership so you know precisely what you’re getting out of it, and what you’re not. Ask yourself what your ultimate goals are. The experiences that each can bring you are certainly different.

If you’re looking to change or update the look of your kitchen on a budget, simply changing the face of your cabinets can work wonders. Not only is this a cost-effective option, it can completely alter the look and feel of your kitchen. 

Two ways to make a change to your kitchen cabinets is to either paint or stain them. The question is, which option should you choose?

Painting Your Cabinets

If you’ve been paying attention to the world of interior design, you probably noticed that painted cabinets are on-trend lately. Whether they’re steel blue, mustard yellow, emerald green, or classic white, painted cabinets are all the rage.

The exact type of paint that you choose for your cabinets will affect how they look, how well they can withstand wear and tear, and how resistant they are to water. Aside from the color, there are many paint options, including oil-based, water-based, or even varnishes. You will want to discuss each option and their effects (such as lifespan, off-gassing, and so forth) with a paint professional before you make your choice.

Another factor to consider is how the paint will be applied to the cabinets: either sprayed on or brushed on. Spraying the paint typically provides the most even, smooth finish; however, if you ever need to touch it up in the future, it could be a challenge to get a blemish-free finish. On the other hand, brushed-on paint might not have as consistent a finish as a spray-on version, but it will be a lot easier to touch it up as the need arises.

The type of wood also matters if you’re leaning towards paint over stain. In order to achieve a smooth finish, the wood needs to have a completely flat surface and be void of knots and heavy grains.

Paint offers certain benefits that stain simply can’t deliver:

It’s modern. If it’s an updated, contemporary look that you’re after, then paint is the way to go. If you’ve got old-fashioned wood cabinets – such as oak, which has fallen out of style – paint can disguise any grains in the wood that you’re no longer a fan of.

It provides a ton of options. Considering the seemingly endless variety of paint colors to choose from, the options are vast when it comes to creating a truly unique look to your kitchen.

It hides dust easily. Compared to stained wood, painted cabinets hide dust much better, especially lighter colors.

However, there are some downsides to painted cabinets as well:

It’s expensive. Generally speaking, it costs more to paint cabinets than to  stain them because it entails a lot more time and elbow grease. If you are having your cabinets painted by a professional, you’re looking at paying anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the size of the kitchen, how complex the job is, and where you live.

It can crack over time. Painted cabinets are more susceptible to cracking as time passes which can make the cabinets look worn and dated.

Staining Your Cabinets

If you love the grain of a certain type of wood, then staining your cabinets is a fantastic option. While stained cabinets are more traditional-looking than painted cabinets, they still provide a classic, timeless look.

Stained cabinets let the natural features and grains of the wood show through. You can choose from a variety of stains, from clear to a very dark mahogany or chocolate brown that adds a dramatic touch while still letting the wood’s grain and texture show through. You also have the freedom to choose the type of finish you’d like, including glossy, semigloss, and matte. Some stains even have UV protection.

Stained wood cabinets come with their own set of advantages over paint:

They’re classic. While old oak cabinets are somewhat dated, many other types of stained woods are timeless. As such, stained wood cabinets are still rather popular among homeowners simply because they are less prone to going out of style and are not dependent on the latest trends in kitchen design.

They’re good for resale value. Because of their classic and timeless look, stained cabinets are often better for resale value than painted cabinets.

They’re more affordable. Since staining cabinets doesn’t take as long as painting them, staining is the cheaper way to go.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to stain:

The wood needs to be attractive. Stain is meant to show the grain of the wood, so if you are not a fan of the type of wood your cabinets are made of, stain is likely not the best option.

There aren’t as many design options. You can’t get nearly as much variety with your stain as you can with paint colors.

The Bottom Line

When it comes time to make a decision about the finished surface of your kitchen cabinets, make sure you test each option with your actual cabinet material so you can have an actual visual of what the finished product will look like. In addition, have samples of your countertops and backsplashes readily available to match up with the cabinets so you can verify how everything goes together before making your final decision.

When people think of the Golden State, their thoughts likely head to popular centers, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. While these are certainly amazing places to dwell, there’s something quite special about the smaller cities in California that offer residents a fantastic lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty, be it the mountains or the coastline.

In fact, most of the state is made up of smaller towns that combine both the beauty of the outdoors with plenty of amenities that make it easy to live, work, and play all in one glorious place.

Here is a list of some of the best small cities in California to call home, in no particular order.

1. Grover Beach

Located in the hub of California’s Central Coast is Grover Beach, the perfect spot if you’re looking for then best of both worlds in terms of the beach and the mountains. The climate is somewhat like that of the Mediterranean: mild year-round with limited precipitation.

Housing is moderately affordable here, unlike any larger cities throughout the state, with the average median price for a home sitting at $444,100. Plenty of employment opportunities are available in Grover Beach’s healthy agricultural district, so there’s a great opportunity to live and work in the same locale.

Gorgeous landmarks can be enjoyed here, including the Arroyo Grande Valley wine region, as well as the famous beach boardwalk. Residents can also participate in the annual Stone Soup Ethnic Music Faire at Romona Garden Park, where you’ll also find an amphitheater and gazebo.

2. Sonoma

Not far from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco is Sonoma, an old valley in the center of California’s multi-billion-dollar wine industry. This trade alone offers plenty of job opportunities for those interested in working virtually in their own backyards. 

The beauty of Sonoma’s natural landscapes can’t be ignored: its rolling hills decorated with picturesque vines that are glistened by the incessant sunshine makes for some of the most spectacular settings anyone can dream of.

In addition to the area’s obvious wineries, residents can also enjoy the area’s thriving agriculture and excellent fine dining options that range from local dishes to Mediterranean cuisine. Rich in culture and history, Sonoma is among the greatest small cities in California to call home.

3. Avalon

Avalon is situated on the eastern part of Catalina Island, and is only accessible by ferry or helicopter. Despite its somewhat confined mobility, the town is certainly worth the small sacrifice, given its surrounding waters, Mediterranean and tropical feel, and incredible climate. The land is so highly coveted that it can be tough to find real estate here based on limited housing options available.

Aquatic opporuntities abound in Avalon, including snorkeling, diving, boating, and even frolicking in the waters. Residents can also enjoy golfing and hiking year-round.

Almost one million visitors make their way to Avalon each year, lending to the area’s healthy tourist industry. That’s a large number, considering the island’s population is a lot less than that. Once tourists leave following peak travel times, the town is as serene as can be.

4. Nevada City

This is where old-world charm in California is at. The name “Nevada City” might seem synonymous with the bright lights and loud casinos of Vegas, but this particular town’s version of gambling came in the form of gold panning back  that started in the mid-1800s.

In fact, gold panning is still participated in today in Nevada City. Quaint bed-and-breakfasts, vintage saloons, antique shops, and classic theaters keep the town tied to its historic roots. The town’s National Hotel is still in operation, and has been since the 1850s!

5. Montague

Another California town rich in history is Montague, with its old-fashioned feel and historical landmarks, like Railroad Park, which depicts life in the old gold mining days. Despite the town being established more than a century-and-a-half ago, it’s not nearly as settled as many other towns across the state with only 1,443 residents calling Montague home. However, plenty of tourists flock to the town every year thanks to its gorgeous scenery, clear skies, and pleasant climate.

Montague is home to an annual Balloon Fair in the Shasta Valley’s mountainside desert. Hot air balloon fanatics enjoy taking to the blue skies with their colorful globes. 

6. Sausalito

The small town of Sausalito is the perfect haven for artists and entertainers thanks to its rich history of famous artists who once called it home, such as musician Otis Redding, and literary legend Isabel Allende. Downtown Sausalito features a plethora of art galleries, bookshops, and cafés that provide a clear sense of the art scene in California. The European settlers who planted roots in Sausalito over a century ago have had a huge influence on the town, which is still notable today.

The housing in Sausalito is also unique and incredibly diverse. From the classic Victorian homes to the contemporary glass houses, Sausalito’s real estate is certainly an eclectic one.

7. Ojai

The gentle hills, rustic ranches, and picturesque vineyards of Ojai make it an attractive option for Californians to dwell. So important and celebrated is the wine industry here that the annual Ojai Wine Festival has been taking place every June for nearly three decades along the shores of Lake Casitas.

Thanks to the area’s fertile grounds and ideal climate, Ojai is abundant in agriculture, including fresh fruit. The myriad of natural resources provides the town with a welcomed break from the concrete jungle of the big city. Less than two hours away from L.A., it’s not uncommon to see Hollywood types venture to Ojai looking for a quick getaway.

From coastal towns to mountainous villages, some of the most breathtaking places in California are not necessarily in the more populated centers, but rather in the smallest cities. There’s no denying the lure of breathtaking scenery and natural beauty set amidst old-world charm mixed with modern luxuries. These seven small cities mark some of the best spots in the Golden State to live in.

One of the fastest growing trends in kitchen designs is hardwood on the floors. Although tile has long been the most popular choice for practicality purposes, more and more homeowners are opting for hardwood instead.

Homeowners love the elegant and sophisticated look of hardwood. It’s warm, smooth, inviting, and doesn’t get dated as quickly as other types of flooring materials. In fact, hardwood never truly goes out of style.

But is installing hardwood flooring in the kitchen a bad idea? With all the spills and dropping of heavy utensils, is all the commotion that happens in the kitchen too much for hardwood to handle before it quickly gets worn out and ruined?

The truth is, hardwood is highly durable, it can withstand years and years of heavy use, it’s low-maintenance, and it’s even moisture-resistant if you go with a pre-finished option. If you’ve got an open floor plan, hardwood can allow you to have a more seamless flow without chopping the space up with different types of flooring in different areas of the space.

Considerations to Make Before Choosing Your Kitchen’s Hardwood Floor

It’s not hard to find a hardwood that you’ll find attractive. However, certain types of hardwood are better left for other areas of the home aside from the kitchen. Here are some things to consider before choosing hardwood flooring for your kitchen.

Species. The species of the wood determines its graining, color, and hardness. Common species include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. For kitchens, a grainier species is ideal as it won’t show as many knicks or scratches that would be more common in the kitchen.

Texture. Aged hardwood will come with more notches, holes, grooves, and edge marks. This look can be mimicked with new wood planks through a variety of techniques, like hand-scraping, chattering, and wire-brushing. Much like wood species that are more grainy in appearance, wood that is much more textured makes an ideal choice for a kitchen, as opposed to a smooth finish.

Sheen. From matte to high-gloss, you can choose the level of sheen for your kitchen’s hardwood. Keep in mind that the glossier you go, the more easily dust, spills, and scratches will show.

Color. Hardwood comes in all sorts of colors and shades. You can go as light as blond to as dark as black. Darker shades tend to have the same effect as high-gloss finishes when it comes to showing blemishes, so take that into consideration when choosing the color for your kitchen’s hardwood.

Type of installation. Floating “click” hardwood floor planks are simple to install. Damaged boards can be easily replaced, which is ideal in a room that places a lot of stress on the floors.

Engineered Hardwood – An Ideal Choice For Kitchen Spaces

Hardwood flooring basically comes in two forms: solid wood and engineered wood. Solid wood tends to be more vulnerable to humidity and moisture, and shouldn’t be installed in damp areas, which is something you consider for your kitchen flooring.

Instead, engineered flooring is a better option for the kitchen, since it is better able to handle moisture. It’s also more durable than solid wood because of its bonded layers of hardwood in a cross-grain fashion, and can be placed on top of concrete subfloors.

The Bottom Line

Hardwood flooring can absolutely be a gorgeous addition to your kitchen. Depending on the type you select, your hardwood can be just as durable as any other type of material. While hardwood is resistant to being dated in a short period of time, you can easily give it a fresh look at some point by refinishing and staining it if you so choose. If you go with the right type of hardwood in terms of texture, color, and grain, you’ll be completely satisfied with the final outcome.