Real Estate
Create 'curb appeal' with easy home projects
(ARA) - Whether you're selling your home and want the best price, or you just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, creating "curb appeal" can be very rewarding. And you're confident you know what constitutes great curb appeal - siding, windows, doors and a lawn that are all in good shape. But is that all you have to think about when it comes to curb appeal?
Four simple projects to help sell your home fast
(ARA) - You may have noticed an increase in the number of "for sale" signs around your neighborhood, and for good reason: Studies show that home listings increase this time of year, as homeowners want to get their families settled before the next school year begins. If you are thinking of selling your home in today's tough market, the experts recommend completing a few projects that will help your home look its best and stand out from the crowd.
How a garage door can improve the appearance of your home's exterior
(ARA) - With warm weather months here, it's the perfect season for the annual ritual of performing a spruce up around your home. Planting gardens, improving the look of your lawn and maybe applying a fresh coat of paint to the window trims are on your to-do list. An appealing exterior offers an invaluable first impression to neighbors, friends, and - if you're trying to sell, which many do prior to the beginning of school in the fall - perspective buyers.
Boosting home energy efficiency: Improvements that feel good and save money
(ARA) - When it comes to making your home more energy efficient, you may have to spend a little to save a lot. And, like most good investments, energy-efficient home improvements may require you to be in it for the long haul in order to see the maximum return on your investment.
Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home
(ARA) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking, finding the nearest coffee shop ... even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later, according to interior design faculty at The Art Institutes.
Five keys to smooth sales and bargain buys in a slow housing market
(ARA) - Not everyone who relocates has the luxury of doing it when school is out and the yard looks beautiful. If you're forced to sell your house and/or buy a new one outside peak season, you might have to work a little harder and think creatively.
Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades
(ARA) -- Living on a budget is the norm, rather than the exception, in the current economy. Whether you're trying to entice potential homebuyers or just want to give your living space a quick spruce up, here are a few tips for making a big impact in the look of your home without breaking the bank:
Ten ways to improve your home's curb appeal
(ARA) - If you think having great curb appeal is only important if you're trying to sell your home, think again. Your house is one of your biggest investments and making a great first impression will leave everyone - not just potential buyers - wanting to see what's inside. With 10 simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best looking house on the block.
Today's laminate floors - a 'real' wood alternative
(ARA) - You love the look of natural wood flooring but are afraid to install hardwood because you know the floor will take a beating from the kids, dogs and the heavy day-to-day traffic all too common in modern family life.
Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days
(ARA) - With long days and plenty of sunshine, you're ready for your home decor to fully embrace the light, upbeat spirit of warm weather. You've decided to discard the darker hues in your home and brighten things up a bit.
Lead-safe renovation - what homeowners need to know
(ARA) - Renovating your home can be daunting. The last thing you want to worry about is the possible lead-related health risk of some common renovation tasks. Sanding, demolition and siding and window replacement can all disturb lead-based paint, placing you and your family at risk of lead poisoning.
Creative tips for selling your house in a down market
The housing market in the U.S. has done a 180. What was once one of the most booming sectors of the economy has become one of the most depressed. And while there have been glimmers of a revitalizing housing market, homeowners still need to be more creative than ever in selling their homes.
Maximize rental profits by balancing corporate and vacation tenants
(ARA) - Real estate agent Diana Schenker of Scottsdale, Ariz., owns two furnished properties that she offers as both corporate and vacation rentals, depending on the time of the year.
Bathroom design: It's all in the details
(ARA) - It's most likely one of the top reasons you've been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel -- you're not sure where to begin. What color theme will you use? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any green faucets or fixtures? And, with all the decisions to make, will it all look good together and still perform well?
Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage
(ARA) - Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating.
Luxury vinyl tile provides everyday design with durability
(ARA) - Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable.
Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green
(ARA) - When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment.
The new ways thieves are getting into homes: What you should know now
(ARA) - The idea of someone breaking into your home and stealing your possessions, or worse, threatening your family, is a terrifying notion. Unfortunately, over the years, criminals expand their repertoires of techniques to get inside homes. The good news is you can make your home more secure. Thieves are clever, but, armed with the right knowledge you can be smarter than they are.
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