Open Houses: October 23, 2011

15709 Fairwood Lane - Minnetonka
$419,000
5 bedroom/4 bath
Open  12:00 to 2:00

A private .52 acre lot is the perfect setting for this lovingly maintained Rambler featuring an updated kitchen with granite & stainless steel appliances, new hardwood & tile floors throughout. Relax in the spacious backyard and enjoy the screened porch and deck. This home features a vaulted family room with exposed beams, 2 fireplaces, home office & spacious lower level family room with fireplace and wet bar!

Click HERE for more information on Fairwood Lane.

1575 Cavaletti Court - Victoria
$599,000
4 bedroom/4 bath
Open 12:00 to 2:00

Looks like a page from Pottery Barn. This popular Wakefield model is on a private lot & is beautifully finished with all the amenities for today's buyers. Enjoy a gourmet Kitchen with granite, stainless steel GE Monogram appliances and stunning hardwood floors. 4 Bedrooms up including a private master suite with a fireplace.

Click HERE for more information on Cavaletti Court.

4645 Old Kent Road - Deephaven
$749,000
3 bedroom/5 bath
Open 12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a private lot in North Amesbury, this home offers gracious living! It is beautifully updated & designed with family and entertaining in mind. Enjoy Main Level Living with a lower level Guest Suite, Exercise Room & Custom Pub. The 5 Car Finished Garage is the perfect "Man Cave". This home is a must see! Contract for Deed financing now available. Please call 952.470.2575 for more information.

Click HERE for more information on Old Kent Road.

Master Bedroom Closet Must Haves

If you've been living in a home without enough closet space, then you know how important it is to have adequate, organized spaces to keep your things.  Master bedroom closets usually have to accomodate the clothes of two people and have become increasingly larger as master bedroom suites have increased in size.  But a closet the size of the Taj Mahal won't do you any good if it doesn't contain the elements that are important to you and make your life easier.  Read on for some practical ideas that should enhance any master closet, and some not so practical but very fun ideas as well.

Know Your Habits
Closets work best when they work for you.  Shorter people need useable shelving and spaces where they can reach them.  Do you hang all your shirts or do you like them stacked?  Do you have a large collection of ballcaps or sweatshirts?  Storage for each type can be very different.  If you bunch your socks you'll need more space than if you roll them. Think about what you wear and how you like to get dressed, and design the space to serve you: most-used items up around eye level, less-used below, and least-used high above. Most closets have too much hanging storage and far too little shelf or drawer storage.

Visibility
Some people like to see everything at a glance, others prefer a more organized look.  Either way, your options are endless.  Here a a few examples of more open and more closed designs.

Lighting
Most closets lack adequate lighting.  If you're looking to add some light to your closet keep a few things in mind.  Fluorescent lighting of the past reminds us of unflattering colors.  But flourescent lighting has come a long way and does not produce the heat that incandescent lights do, which could be a fire hazard in a small confined space.  Lighting should be placed between you and your clothes.  Lights that are behind you will create shadows and make it harder for you to see your choices.  Natural lights or skylights may seem like a great solution but sunlight has a fading effect on many clothes and accessories.  Consider carefully where sunlight will travel in your closet before installing any windows or skylights.

Smart Use of Space
Take advantage of all available space, up to the ceiling and down to the floor. Bins on high shelves, roll-out boxes that sit on the floor (available from many catalogues), even a third closet pole if your ceiling is over 9 feet high, are ideal for storing items you don't use all the time. Less accessible places work well for off-season storage; if you have enough room that you don't need to rotate clothes, use the space to get oddball shoes, hats, bags, or sentimental items out of damp basements and freezing/baking attics.

Little Luxuries
Who says a closet has to be completely utilitarian?  Chandelier in the closet...why not?  Washers and dryers are a handy luxury in your closet.  Comfortable seating, beautiful carpets, high-end cabinetry, vanities, refrigerators, full length mirrors, and televisions can all make a functional space a beautiful one as well.  Make the space work for you and enjoy EVERY room in your house!

Blood Drive At Minnetonka CBB Office

Think Dracula is the only one who likes to suck your blood?  The blood mobile will be making a stop at our office on Wednesday, October 26th between 1:30 and 4:30.  To make the process easier for you, Memorial Blood Centers has given us a web link to help our donors sign up for their preferred time slot. 

Please click on the link to choose from the available time slots: http://www.mbc.org/searchdrivesWe hope you'll join with us in making sure there is enough blodo for those who need it.

You will need to enter sponsor code 1242 and hit submit. You will then click on the October 26th, 2011 link on that page. You simply need to enter your email address and birth date and select a time slot. The process only takes a few minutes.


 
Best Regards,
Eric & Sharla

Weekly Market Update: October 17, 2011

It seems like every passing week brings not one but two new record declines: inventory levels and mortgage rates. The week ending October 8 was certainly no exception. The number of active listings on the market fell 21.0 percent to 22,434 units. Mortgage rates fell below 4.0 percent for the first time ever. The last time inventory was that low? February 2009.

It’s partly due to sellers not contributing many properties to the bin and partly due to buyers doing their part to absorb existing supply. New listings were down 13.0 percent to 1,262 for the week, and pending sales were up 48.3 percent to 851 purchase agreements signed.

The keen observers noticed that September’s preliminary monthly numbers came out last week. This round, those preliminary figures were revised slightly as new status changes filtered in. A few noteworthy observations:

• Prices posted the smallest year-over-year decline in eight months.
• Days on market posted its smallest increase in nine months.
• Sellers received more of their asking price for the second month in a row.
• Absorption rates posted their third consecutive month of improvements.

The Perfect Pantry

In recent years, the kitchen pantry has become a sought-after feature in many homes. With more homeowners buying groceries in bulk to save money and spending more recreational time on cooking, having plenty of storage adds instant value to your home.

CURRENT TRENDS

•Separate and stylish. A large walk-in pantry is standard for high-end homes with large kitchens. For the average home, a butler's pantry offers convenience and style. It can be tucked in an alcove off the kitchen or dining room or configured into a small hallway or under a staircase. It can feature architectural details, decorative shelves, display areas, plate racks and wine racks.

•Pantries that blend in. Rather than build a custom pantry, many homeowners are finding existing space in or near the kitchen that can be configured into a small pantry. A small unit can be created in a larger storage room off the kitchen or shelves or cabinetry can be added to an existing room.

•Organized for convenience. Whether you build custom cabinetry or buy a packaged system, look for value-adding features like roll-out shelves for canned goods and spice racks.

BIGGEST MISTAKE


Appraisal Institute president Leslie Sellers cautions homeowners against building a new pantry themselves.

"Amateur workmanship would have a detrimental effect on the value of the home," Sellers says. "When it comes to the kitchen, you need good materials. It's easy for a pantry to go from inexpensive to extremely expensive if you don't know what you're doing."

"Only bite off as much as you can chew," he adds.

EXPERT TIPS

•On a Budget: You don't need to build a fancy walk-in pantry to get extra storage space. Look for existing nooks in the kitchen or dining area that can serve as a small pantry. Install shelves for convenient organization.

•Mid-Range: Whatever your budget, make sure your pantry project is proportional to the rest of the house. "If you build a $7,500 elaborate custom storage area in a $100K house, you won't get the amount of cost you spent on it," Sellers advises. "It may only add $2,500 to the value if it's much more elaborate compared to the rest of house."

•High-End: A walk-in pantry that offers convenient access to items while keeping them out of sight is common for high-end homes. Know what's standard for your neighborhood.

Source:  HGTVs Front Door:  Maximum Value Projects

5 States With the Highest Home Ownership Rates

Where is home ownership the highest? Home ownership rates tended to be highest in states that are less populated and with low home prices, according to a review of recently released 2010 Census Data by 24/7 Wall St. On the other hand, states with the lowest home ownership rates tend to have more pricey homes and be in large cities.


The following are the states with the highest percentage of homes occupied by their owners.

1. West Virginia
Home ownership rate: 73.4%
Median home value: $94,500

2. Minnesota
Home ownership rate: 73%
Median home value: $200,400

3. Michigan
Home ownership rate: 72.1%
Median home value: $132,200

4. Iowa
Home ownership rate: 72.1%
Median home value: $122,000

5. Delaware
Home ownership rate: 72.1%
Median home value: $294,400

The state with the lowest home ownership rate? New York, which has a home ownership rate of 53.3 percent.



Source: U.S. Census Bureau and “States With the Highest (and Lowest) Homeownership,”

Open Houses: October 16, 2011

7284 Bent Bow Trail - Chanhassen
$500,000
4 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a private, wooded lot, this beautiful home features Pottery Barn finishes throughout. Enjoy features such as a Main floor Office, a freshly remodeled Gourmet Kitchen with professional grade appliances, new furniture island and stunning cabinetry. Built with family and entertaining in mind, spaces such as the Screen Porch & Paver Patio are perfect for any gathering. With the winding streets, private parks and walking paths, you’ll enjoy the location of this neighborhood nestled between the City of Chanhassen and the Village of Excelsior. Experience all that Lake Minnetonka has to offer and all the conveniences of Chanhassen. Longacres is a unique neighborhood that has a welcoming feeling of community; many social events take place throughout the year including an Annual Picnic, Bunko, Book Clubs and numerous parties. Made up of 225 Lundgren built residences, Longacres is a neighborhood people aspire to live in. Chanhassen is desirable to families and businesses alike due to the many recreational opportunities, fine public & private schools and residential options. The many festivals and events receive tremendous support from the local businesses; it is these celebrations of community that keep the small town feel alive in Chanhassen.

Click HERE for more information on Bent Bow Trail.


7705 Ridgeview Way - Chanhassen
$535,500
4 bedroom/4 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a .43 acre lot, this home shows like new construction! With a Great Room floor plan, Office & Gourmet Kitchen, Private Master Suite & Bonus Room. Relax in the private backyard or take a dip in the neighborhood pool.

Click HERE for more information on Ridgeview Way.


2350 Hunter Drive - Chanhassen
$550,000
4 bedroom/3 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

The unique & desirable Lismore Model from Lundgren is now available! Nestled on a quiet, private drive with pond views, a private yard and mature trees this is the perfect tranquil setting. This home boasts a wonderful array of features including new stainless steel appliances in a Gourmet Kitchen, an executive Office, a private Master Suite with a Sitting Room & a great Play Space in the lower level just waiting for you! This is a must see in demand Longacres!

Click HERE for more information on Hunter Drive.


2219 Longacres Drive - Chanhassen
$599,900
5 bedroom/5 bath
Open:  12:00 to 2:00

Nestled on a private lot across from neighborhood park, this well appointed and beautifully finished Kenton floor plan features a Gourmet Kitchen, Great Room, 2 Offices, finished lower level, spacious deck & stunning screen porch. This home will not disappoint!

Click HERE for more information on Longacres Drive.


22310 Brackets Road - Shorewood
$585,000
5 bedroom/5 bath
Open:  2:30 to 4:00

This beautifully finished center-stair Colonial home is sited on over 130 feet of shoreline on Galpin Lake in the heart of Shorewood. Well appointed, this home offers designer finishes throughout including 3 wood-burning fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, stunning lake views and a true chef's kitchen. Enjoy all that historic downtown Excelsior has to offer from the shores of Lake Minnetonka to the charming shops of Lake Street.

Click HERE for more information on Bracketts Road.

Weekend Happenings: Fire Department Open Houses

Fall is the time for Fire Department Open Houses!  There are several happening this weekend and one happening tonight (Wednesday) if you just can't wait.  Check them out below for tons of family fun!

Carver Fire & Rescue Open House
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
County Road 11 and 6th Street

Meet the local firefighters, take a ride on a fire truck, and watch them in action during safety demonstations. Free food & beverages provided.  Play in the Dalmation Jumper.  Enter the Kid’s Coloring Contest!

Eden Prairie Fire Dept Open House
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
14800 Scenic Heights Road


Entertainment - Tours - Refreshments - Demonstrations - Fun - Information

Chaska Fire Dept Open House
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
285 Engler Blvd

Fire Truck Rides - Medic Helicopter - Fire Demonstration - Safety Trailer - Free Food

Chanhassen Fire Dept Open House
Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
7610 Laredo Drive



Come meet the members of your Fire Department and shake hands with Sparky the fire dog! There will be lots to see and do including fire truck rides and demonstrations of extrication and the proper use of fire extinguishers. You'll also be able to spray water at the house of fire. The Carver County Sheriff's Department, the Mounted Posse, City of Chanhassen Community Service Officers and Crime Prevention Specialist, and CenterPoint Energy will also have demonstrations and exhibits. Food and refreshments will be available. So kids, grab your parents and come to the Fire Station for this big event! Don't forget your camera because Sparky loves to have his picture taken!   Find us on Facebook!

For Sale: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Minnetonka, MN, $419,000

Presenting a Delightful Home from Stafford Family Realtors

15709 Fairwood Lane ~ Minnetonka, MN

$419,000

A lovingly maintained Rambler featuring an updated kitchen w/granite counter tops, SS appliances, new hardwood & tile flooring.  This home offers a fully finished LL with wet bar, family room and an office.  This home also features a screened porch, deck and a private .52 acre lot.

For more information please visit http://www.staffordfamilyrealtors.com/or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Minnetonka, MN, $419,000

For Sale: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Excelsior, MN, $585,000

Presenting Another Stunning Home from Stafford Family Realtors

22310 Bracketts Road ~ Shorewood, MN

$585,000

Beautiful Center-stair Colonial w/lovely views of Gaphin Lake.  Fully updated Kitchen, Laundry, Baths, Floors & Lighting.  Fantastic fully finished Walkout Lower Level.

For more information please visit http://www.staffordfamilyreators.com/or for a private showing please call 952.470.2575

For Sale: 5BR/2+1BA Single Family House in Excelsior, MN, $585,000

Weekly Market Update: October 10, 2011

With the final week of the third quarter in the books, buyers posted solid gains over last year's activity levels while sellers listed fewer properties on the market. As is typical for this time of year, expect some seasonal changes to start taking hold. Market activity may slow from one month to the next but should still show favorable year-over-year progress. The lending climate improved even more last week as interest rates dipped below 4.0 percent for the first time ever.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 1:

• New Listings decreased 21.0% to 1,219
• Pending Sales increased 32.7% to 926
• Inventory decreased 22.8% to 23,177

For the month of September:

• Median Sales Price decreased 6.0% to $156,000
• Days on Market increased 4.6% to 137
• Percent of Original List Price Received increase 0.5% to 91.2%

Source:  Minneapolis Area Association Of Realtors

Man Caves

Man Cave Definition:  A room, space, corner or area of a dwelling that is specifically reserved for a male person to be in a solitary condition, away from the rest of the household in order to work, play, involve himself in certain hobbies, activities without interuption. This area is usually decorated by the male that uses it without interferance from any female influence.

Have a little extra space in your house and wondering what to do with it?  Why not create a Man Cave for the man in the house.  Below we give you some ideas by featuring some great Man Caves.
 
Corvette Cave
 

 
Tailgate Cave
 

 
Rock Cave
 

 
Fireman Cave
 

 
Gangster Cave
 

 
Golf Cave
 

 
Motorcycle Cave
 

 
MLB Cave
 

 
Poker Cave
 

Source:  DIY Network

9 Unexpected Energy (And Money) Savers

Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.

Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.

Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.

Add motion sensors: You might be diligent about shutting off unnecessary lights, but your kids? Not so much. Adding motion sensors to playrooms and bedrooms cost only $15 to $50 per light, and ensures you don’t pay for energy that you’re not using.

Spin laundry faster: The faster your washing machine can spin excess water out of your laundry, the less you’ll need to use your dryer. Many newer washers spin clothes so effectively, they cut drying time and energy consumption in half—which results in an equal drop in your dryer’s energy bill.

Use an ice tray: Stop using your automatic icemaker. It increases your fridge’s energy consumption by 14% to 20%. Ice trays, on the other hand, don’t increase your energy costs one iota.

Use the dishwasher: If you think doing your dishes by hand is greener than powering up the dishwasher, you’re wrong. Dishwashers use about 1/3 as much hot water and relieve that much strain from your energy-taxing water heater. Added bonus: you don’t have to wash any dishes.

HouseLogic

Tree Falls Over Property Line: Who Pays?

When a neighbor’s tree falls over your property line, yell TIMBER, then call your insurance company. Home owners policies cover tree damage caused by perils like wind and winter storms. Most policies cover hauling away tree debris if the mess is associated with house damage; some will cover cleanup even if no structures were harmed.

When a tree falls
Your neighbor is responsible when a tree falls over your shared property line only if you can prove he was aware that his tree was a hazard and refused to remedy the problem. Regardless, your insurance company restores your property first, and later decides whether or not to pursue reimbursement from the neighbor or his insurer if the neighbor was negligent in maintaining the tree.


Before a tree falls
Write a letter to your neighbor before his dead, diseased or listing tree falls through your roof or over your property line.

The letter should include:

• Description of the problem
• Photographs
• Request for action
• Attorney letterhead—not necessary but indicates you mean business
• Trim their trees

If the limbs of a tree hang over your property line, you may trim the branches up to the property line, but not cut down the entire tree. If a tree dies after your little pruning, the neighbor can pursue a claim against you in civil or small claims court. Depending on the laws of your state, your neighbor may have to prove the damage was deliberate or caused by negligence, but may also be able to recover up to three times the value of the tree.

Before you cut, tell your neighbors what you intend to do to protect your property. They may offer to trim the whole tree instead of risking your half-oaked job.

Your tree falls
 It’s always a good idea to take care of your big and beautiful trees, and keep receipts for trimmings and other care.

But if your tree falls over a neighbor’s property line, do nothing until their insurance company contacts you. You may not be liable unless you knew or should have known the tree was in a dangerous condition. If you pruned a tree or shored up trunks to prevent problems, gather your receipts to prove your diligence.


HouseLogic  Ann Cochran has written about home improvement and design trends for Washingtonian, Home Improvement, and Bethesda Magazine.

Weekend Happenings: Apple Picking!

For Minnesotans, the first few weeks of October bring not only a glorious riot of color, but they also herald the prime apple picking season.  Here in Minnesota we are blessed with some of the best apples grown in the world.  The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (right here in our own back yard) has a long and successful history in fruit breeding.  And we are the lucky recipients of all their hard work.  Below are some of the local apple orchards and a little of what you can expect so that you can plan your next apple picking outing.

Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards
Where: 5 miles West of MN Landscape Arboretum
8350 Parley Lake Rd
Waconia, MN 55387-9607
Hours:  Tuesday-Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed Mondays)
Cost: No admission cost and free parking

On our farm, we grow 13 varieties of apples on 4000 trees and 5 varieties of wine grapes, on over 3000 individual vines. Some of the apples and all of the grapes are used in winemaking at Parley Lake Winery. Our rustic barn was built in 1888. In the barn, we sell crafts, mums, kitchen ware, books, honey, jam, cider, pumpkins and much much more. And of course, you can't forget all the fresh apples!


We have tractor pulled wagon rides on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, free parking, and no admission fee. We have kid's wagons, farm animals, kid's haystack, and many many photo ops. It's a beautiful place!

Minnesota Harvest
Where:  8251 Old Highway 169 Blvd at Apple Lover's Land
Jordan, MN 55352-9799
Hours:  Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed Mondays)
Cost:  Free Admission

Minnesota Harvest is located just outside Jordan, Minnesota on the bluffs above the beautiful Minnesota River valley. A family tradition since 1970, Minnesota Harvest offers generations of apple lovers that perfect fall experience. Join us for a tractor-pulled wagon ride through our 300 acre orchard. Pick your own apples from one of our 30,000 trees, including some varieties found only at Minnesota Harvest. Enjoy lunch in our picnic area, or take a hike on our nature trail. Listen to live music. Or find an incredible piece of art by our artists in residence.


At Minnesota Harvest, you come out and pick your fun!


Minnetonka Orchards
Where:  6530 County Road 26
Minnetrista, MN 55364

Hours:  Open daily 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Cost:  Weekend admimssion $5/person (3 and under free)

Family owned and operated for more than 30 years.  Attractions at this popular orchard include:  Pick-your-own apples, hay rides, hay mountain, play train, barn shopping, corn maze, walking trails, corn crib slide, Owen's barnyard and lots and lots of food.  This Saturday join them in welcoming Pillsbury and the Minnesota State Champion Apple Pie maker for "Love the Pie!" as they demonstrate pie making using their Pillsbury Pie Crust, 12-4pm. You won't believe how easy it is.


Also featured is the annual, "windfall apple picking weekend" where they will be promoting U-pick apple's off the ground for pie and apple sauce making.

Special Guest:
Saturday: The Blues Drifters - Quartet
Sunday: Matt Muller

The Vikings at home against Arizona will be playing at the Orchard at noon.

AppleHouse
Where:  located 1.5 miles west of the Arboretum entrance in Chanhassen on State Highway 5 and Rolling Acres Road
Hours:  Open daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost:  Free Admission and parking

If all that apple picking sounds like it's just too much work, come to the AppleHouse where they've done all the picking for you by the experts at the Arboretum.  Purchase apples from a changing inventory of 50 varieties throughout the season - from long-time favorites to recent University of Minnesota introductions, including Minnesota's new State Fruit, the Honeycrisp! Select from a variety of specialty food items and merchandise in the AppleHouse Gift Shop. Proceeds benefit the University of Minnesota's apple research program.

Weekly Market Update: October 3, 2011

New Listings: Sellers posted their smallest decline in newly listed homes in three months. The 1,320 new properties were 4.8 percent fewer than the same week last year. What's causing the shift? New listings dropped at this time last year while current levels held fairly even with last week.

Active Supply: The 22.6 percent year-over-year drop in inventory levels broke last week's all-time record. Those shopping for homes will choose from 23,351 properties as opposed to the 30,178 properties at this time last year.

Buyer Demand: The 2010 and 2011 sales trendlines continue to mimic one another, with one important exception. This year's trendline is, on average, 260 sales greater than last year's levels over the past few months.

The Verdict: Falling supply and relatively strong sales volumes should theoretically bolster prices. Again, there's a notable exception: economic uncertainty and squeezed household budgets are all the motivation many buyers need to hunt for bargains – including lower-priced traditional properties as well as great opportunities in the lender-mediated housing segment.

Prepare A Basement For A Home Theater

Step 1: Make Sure the Space is Acoustically Friendly
If any walls or the floor are concrete, that is not acoustically friendly. The concrete is tough on the low-bass frequencies, so do what is necessary to get some base absorption. It may be necessary to raise the floor, do some acoustic treatments to the floor, and then on the block walls do some drywall construction techniques and maybe some insulation techniques to help soften them up.

The solution to taming the concrete is to create bass absorption, acoustically treatments to the floor and special wall treatments, which includes hanging two layers of drywall using a different thickness for each layer. "Floating floors" are a great way to absorb the bass as well.

Step 2: Create a Layout
With the plan for the concrete under control, a layout for the home theater must be created, and one of the first decisions to make is where to place the big screen. One thing to consider is the entrance to the room. Consider a rear entrance to the home theater because there will be less interference with the projected images, and it creates a grand entrance to the room. For the room in this example: Pocket doors will be installed at the back at the main entrance. The electronics will be housed in a smaller room (marked "A/V Storage" on the graphic) just outside the pocket doors. Another smaller door, which leads to the garage, is at the back of the room.

The big screen will take center stage at the front of the room. Media storage, with lots of shelves, will be built at the back of the room.

Step 3: Make Sure the Space is the Right Size
When building a home theater, it's important to make sure the room is the right size because room dimensions affect room resonance, which can cause certain frequencies to sound too loud or too soft. Room resonance can be minimized by building room dimensions that are not divisible of each other. Avoid even-room or same-room dimensions. For example, for a room that has 10' x 10' dimensions, the best thing to do is move a wall in at least 6 inches to break up the dimensions. This helps the bass frequencies from resonating in the room and creating a booming sound.

Source:  www.DIYNetwork.com