(BPT) - Purchasing a new home is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience. Whether you're moving to a new town or looking to upgrade from your current space, finding a new home requires patience, expert guidance and a keen eye for detail.

As a home seeker, the first thing you'll evaluate is location, space and amenities such as fireplaces, granite countertops, a finished basement, deck or a swimming pool. The next thing to consider is cost, shopping for the right mortgage, making your down payment and negotiating other fees. Finally, you look at the various features inside and outside the home that make it safe, convenient and energy-efficient for you and your family.

To ease some of the stress of house hunting, here are a few top considerations to keep in mind throughout the process:

Always start with an impartial home inspection. Home inspections can help potential buyers uncover the structural issues of a home, while also examining if electrical wiring and devices are up to code, plumbing lines are performing correctly and HVAC systems are running efficiently. In order to locate and properly evaluate any concerns, it is crucial that you research the best impartial home inspector in the area, be present during the inspection itself and thoroughly read the inspection report on the property. Sometimes issues identified are quick fixes which you can address yourself, such as replacing older electrical switches and outlets. You can evaluate if you're able to make these quick updates safely yourself by viewing sample installations at www.youtube.com/leviton. However, other conditions may require more labor-intensive repairs and outside contracting, which should be included in your budget or negotiated with the seller before purchasing your new place.

Determine any value-add features you want that are already in the home. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a home buyer's expected tenure in a newly purchased home is approximately 14 years on average. While it's not uncommon to change things the longer you live there, it's equally important to note the features that certain properties already have during your initial home search to avoid costly replacements and construction projects down the line. As you're searching, keep the long-term in mind and consider what you may want in the future. Be sure to ask a lot of questions during each walk-through. For example, are there enough bathrooms to meet your family's needs? Will your family grow? Does the kitchen have a gas line for appliances? Is there a properly-installed and updated heating and cooling system? Does the master bedroom have a walk-in closet? What amenities will make you and your family feel safe, happy and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door and for years to come?

What measures have been taken to make the home safe? It's important to consider a home's safety features, especially if you're moving into a new residence with children or pets. So, what classifies as a safety amenity? Depending on the home and location, safety features should include alarm systems, working door and window locks, working carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Outlets. Especially when it comes to electrical outlets in areas like the living room and bedroom, products like Leviton's SmartlockPro AFCI Outlet should be installed. These AFCI outlets prevent electrical fires in the home and are tamper-resistant, providing added safety for all members of the family.

To see what other electrical safety and home products you should look for or look to install in your potential home, check out www.Leviton.com/HomeSafety.

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(BPT) - Looking for some easy ways to breathe new life into your home? Whether it's the air inside or the decor itself, freshening things up can make your home look and feel more welcoming at any time of year. You don't need a lot of time or money to reinvigorate your home; just a few simple and affordable, yet high-impact DIY projects will do the trick.

Here are a few projects you can easily accomplish in a single weekend:

* Paint an accent wall, trim or ceiling. Decorators often say painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to freshen your home's appearance. You don't have to redo an entire room in order to leverage the freshening power of paint. Simply painting a single accent wall for a pop of color, using paint to create graphic wall art, or repainting the trim or ceiling will create a whole new look. If you're looking for inspiration or simple solutions to help seamlessly transform your space, Dutch Boy Paint offers unique project ideas and easy-to-follow how-tos that will make the process a breeze.

Choosing the right paint for the job can also ensure the painting project is a breeze, from start to finish. Dutch Boy Refresh paint + primer with Arm & Hammer odor Eliminating Technology, eliminates the need for a separate primer. It saves time since you don't have to take that extra step of priming first. Plus, it's great for reducing common household odors. Refresh paint is a perfect choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms and even kids rooms. It gives you added assurance that your home will smell fresh and clean.

* Don't forget about your furry family members. You may love your pets, but the truth is they can contribute to a stuffy atmosphere in your home. Wash pet bedding, litter boxes and cloth toys regularly. Contain pet clutter by placing your pup's or kitty's toys in a pretty basket where he or she can reach them.

* Add some indoor greens. Plants not only make a room look bright and homey, their ability to filter carbon dioxide and other airborne pollutants can help make your home smell fresher, too.

* Give your kitchen some TLC. Like most, you probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. However, you don't need to do a complete makeover to give your kitchen a fresh look. Start by decluttering countertops and dropping some lemon rinds down the garbage disposal. Next, replace dated cabinet hardware with new handles, knobs and pulls. Adding in a faucet in a contemporary finish will go a long way too; as a focal point of the kitchen, it will help tie everything together in a subtle way.

* Upgrade your entryway. The front door is one of the first things visitors notice. If yours is old, worn and outdated, replacing it with a new one can be an easy, cost-effective way to improve the appearance of your home's exterior. Even if your door is in good shape, painting it a bright, appealing color can make your home's facade look fresher and more inviting. Be sure to use a paint formulated for doors, such as Dutch Boy Cabinet, Door & Trim paint. Add decorative lighting fixtures like sconces or a hanging light, dress up front steps with potted flowers and wash sidelights and windows around the entry.

* Some sources of stuffiness may surprise you. That old shower curtain not only makes your bathroom look shabby, it can detract from the air quality in the room as mildew builds up over time. Replace old shower curtains with something bright and appealing, and be sure to clean the grate on the bathroom vent fan. Stuffiness hides in the laundry room, too. Cleaning dryer vents and the washing machine regularly, and keeping laundry items and accessories organized can help make even a small laundry area feel fresh.

Freshening around the home doesn't have to be a seasonal project. With a few simple steps, you can create a new look and feel in and around your home at any time of year. For more on these products and inspiration for your next paint project, visit www.dutchboy.com

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(BPT) - The garage – it’s that space where you used to just store your car, lawn mower, power tools, bikes, bats and boxes of things you wore in the 90s. But to say a garage is only for storage is like saying a truck is only for hauling dressers and box springs.

From game room to workshop, man cave to hangout — your garage has the potential to be anything you want it to be. So if you’re thinking of redecorating or remodeling your house, don’t spend all your time picking out kitchen tile and arguing over what type of counter looks best — step into your garage and let yourself dream big.

With the right materials, some creativity and a little work, you can turn your garage into the star of the house. How? TV personality and award-winning interior designer Anitra Mecadon offers the following five ideas to get you excited about all the possibilities.

Toughen up your walls

No matter what you want to do with your garage, first make sure your walls can stand up to real life. There’s probably no space in the house more susceptible to scratches, scuffs and accidental holes than the garage — so pick your walls accordingly. Look for PURPLE Hi-Impact XP made by National Gypsum for extra wear and tear to resist everything from car doors opened too close to the wall to the hockey sticks swung a little too hard. This drywall is embedded with fiberglass mesh to make it impact and penetration resistant — and like all PURPLE drywall, it resists moisture, mold and mildew.

Make your garage your hideaway

Sometimes you need to get away from it all — especially from your “honey do” or project list — and the garage can be where you go, your hangout, an extension of yourself and a definite point of pride. Add a snack machine, fridge, swivel chair or two and big screen TV, and you and your friends will have it made.  

Lift it up

Most people have a lot of stuff to store in the garage in addition to cars, tools and bikes. And let’s face it, the more available space you have, the more likely you’ll find stuff to fill it. That means you’ll need to get creative with storage. In addition to shelves and cabinets attached to the walls, another way to store your stuff is to use a raised lift system which retracts up into the top levels of your garage and comes down with a push of a button when you need something.

Hang it up

There are some things that just don’t belong in your house but are perfect for the garage. Just like restaurants that have walls crowded with collectibles such as old soda signs, sea anchors and license plates — garages can follow this same design concept and personalize a space even more. Walls also can serve as anchors for storage systems that hold your tools, bikes, boxes and equipment. And you can rest assured that high-performing drywall, like PURPLE Hi-Impact XP, will stand up to the wear and tear of hanging up and taking down your tools, rakes, bikes and more, day after day. 

Do more with your floor

Today, garage floors can be anything you want — yellow, red, metallic, acid-washed or made out of heavy-duty vinyl or rubber. And whether you want the grey concrete vintage look of your childhood or something that reflects your more grown-up self, when it comes to garage floors, take a chance and get inventive, because your garage can be your personal and customized sanctuary.

There’s a lot you can do with a modern garage, and no matter how you decide to personalize it, the best garage remodel starts at the studs. The right drywall is as important as the right wrench in the toolbox. To learn more, visit www.askforpurple.com

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(BPT) - When asked what kind of upgrades homeowners would like to make in their home, most have a similar wish list that includes features like marble or granite counter tops, an open concept kitchen, a remodeled bathroom and a deck.

There are plenty of good reasons why people opt for these features. They're beautiful, create a certain atmosphere, and who doesn’t want to come home to a stylish kitchen and relax on their deck? But experienced homeowners will tell you, it’s not just these big showy upgrades that are important. Often, it’s the unseen upgrades you might not be immediately aware of that really make a difference and impact the quality of life in your home. It’s especially important to remind first-time homeowners of these five considerations to keep in mind when building or renovating.

Privacy is key. With televisions, computers, music and lively conversation, even a small family can make a lot of noise. Bring quiet to the home with the right kind of drywall. SilentFX QuickCut by CertainTeed Gypsum is a revolutionary type of drywall specifically designed to dampen noise and prevent sound from carrying from room to room.  

Upgrade the roof. It might cost more, but investing in a high quality roof has two main advantages. One being, it will last longer, so you won’t have to face the expense of re-roofing in another 15 or 20 years. The second is that if you go to sell, having a high quality roof that will last years — even decades — will equate to a better resale value.

Improve indoor air quality. Adding plants and opening windows are two of the easiest ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home. However, there are things you can do in the building process as well. One of these is to install a drywall, such as AirRenew, which is a specialty drywall product designed to actively clean formaldehyde and other volatile chemicals from the air.

Invest in a new furnace. If you find yourself taking too many days off work to meet the furnace repairman, it might be time to have a new furnace installed. Not only do the modern, energy efficient furnaces save as much as $200 a year, but they’re quieter, require less maintenance and, should you go to sell, are a huge perk to potential home buyers.

Fill the cavities between the walls. No matter what climate zone you live in, insulation is incredibly important. There are many types of insulation out there, so be sure to talk to your contractor or builder about what kind is best for the area where you live. The right kind and thickness will save you money on both heating and cooling bills.

These upgrades may not wow your guests or be the envy of your neighbors, but they will certainly make an enormous difference in your day-to-day living and contribute to the overall comfort of your house. For more information about what innovative drywall solutions are available today, visit certainteed.com/drywall/residential

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(BPT) - Even in the most safety-minded homes, the most serious hazards for children can be hiding in plain sight. Know which unexpected items can be risky, and what to do to prevent an accident.

Many parents feel they know the top child proofing items to check off to keep kids safe — cover electrical outlets, lock kitchen cabinets and secure baby gates on stairs. However, there are other potential serious child safety hazards in and outside the home that sometimes can be overlooked, including windows coverings.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top five hidden hazards in American homes, with infants and young children accidentally becoming entangled in window covering cords. CPSC, the window covering industry and consumer safety advocates all agree that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords should be used in homes with young children.

The Best for Kids certification program launched last year by the window covering industry makes it easy for parents and caregivers to easily identify which window covering products are best suited for homes with young children. 

The Window Covering Safety Council urges parents and caregivers to follow these six simple tips to help protect children from potentially hidden hazards around the home.

1. Install only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords in homes with young children. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies with products that are cordless or have inaccessible cords, such as those marked with the Best for Kids label certification which enables you to easily identify products best suited for young children.

2. Know your plants and which are dangerous if ingested. Make sure to keep these common plants off limits to kids: Rhododendron, Lily of the Valley, Hydrangea, Poinsettia, Purple Nightshade, Mountain Laurel, Mistletoe and Water Hemlock. If you suspect your child has ingested any type of garden plant/flower, seek medical attention right away.

3. Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach of children. According to WebMD, even on a day when it’s only 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70 percent of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes. Teach children that vehicles aren't safe places to play.

Prevent falling accidents from windows. As the summer heat begins to cool, it’s time to let fresh that air in the house. To prevent potential falling accidents, open windows from the top instead of from the bottom. Window guards and stoppers are strongly suggested for homes with children under the age of 11. Be sure all are firmly secured and installed properly

Anchor it! Furniture and TV tip-overs are also one of the top hidden hazards in the home, according to the CPSC, which has launched a new safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries from tipping furniture and TVs.

Check before you play. Playgrounds with slides, swings, and other play items of any material that sit in sunlight can cause burns for children — even when it’s not that hot outside. Always check the equipment first and don’t let children run around barefoot. If your child does experience a burn, seek medical help immediately.

For more information on window cord safety and the Best for Kids program, visit windowcoverings.org or follow WCSC on Facebook and Twitter.

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(BPT) - It takes just seven seconds to form a first impression after meeting someone new. The same psychology applies to the first impression people get when shopping for a new home. Within seconds of arrival, home buyers are forming positive and negative opinions about the property.

This is invaluable to home sellers. If you want to sell your home fast and for a premium price, you can't afford botching the first impression. Fortunately, revamping the facade doesn't have to cost a small fortune. In just one weekend you can boost your curb appeal with a few simple updates.

Enhance the garage door

A garage door accounts for up to 40 percent of a house's facade. Often ignored, a bland or ugly garage door is a turnoff to home buyers. However, there's no need to buy a costly new one. Instead, upgrade your current door with simulated window overlays and decorative handles and hinges from Coach House Accents for upscale appeal at a fraction of the cost.

Start by adding a fresh coat of paint to the garage door. Then to get a custom carriage house appearance, add the window panels made from lightweight, durable automotive-grade plastic resin. Finish with hinges and handles that mimic high-end forged metal. Coach House Accents can be purchased online at www.coachhouseaccents.com, www.amazon.com and at select Lowe's stores nationwide.

Update the entryway

The entryway is the focal point of the front of the home. Start by clearing clutter and cleaning stairways. A new coat of paint on the stairs and door is essential. You might also consider investing in a new door handle and other hardware to modernize the space.

In addition to keeping the area clean, add attractive elements to the entryway. A potted plant or two offers a welcoming touch that reflects seasonal style. Toss worn welcome mats for fresh, new options. If you have space, a comfortable chair paints an inviting picture for potential home buyers.

Liven up the landscape

Sprucing up the yard goes beyond pulling weeds. Start by trimming hedges and trees to create a tidy appearance. If you don't have much greenery, adding flowers and other plants can have a dramatic visual impact. Finally, a new layer of mulch will help your landscape features pop and makes any property look instantly fresh again.

In addition to clearing brush and updating plants, enhance outdoor spaces with thoughtful use of landscape lighting. Pathway lights on walkways, accent lights in planters, and garden lights around the porch make a space more stylish and useful. Plus, when home buyers view the property in the evening, beautiful lighting will impress them the moment they pull in the driveway.

Impressive curb appeal doesn't have to cost a small fortune. From garage door enhancements to landscape lighting, these quick fixes can capture the attention of buyers and hopefully even start a bidding war.

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(BPT) - The phrase, “they don’t build them like they used to,” has been applied to nearly everything from cars to footwear, but most often it seems people say it about houses. In fact, this sentiment has become so common, that many believe the homes today aren’t built to the standards they were 60 or 70 years ago.

People tend to believe this because there is an undeniable charm to older homes — yet, the ones they’re often thinking of were built for millionaires. It’s hardly fair to compare the mansions and manor homes owned by the 1 percent a century ago to today’s middle-class subdivisions. The truth is, there were plenty of poorly constructed houses built back then. We just don’t see them, because they’re no longer standing.  

Building materials, techniques and technologies have changed. Most often, these changes have translated into better, more affordable houses. Still skeptical? A quick look at a few examples will show that this urban myth is not too hard to dispel.

A variety of exterior choices

For a time, vinyl siding dominated neighborhoods. It was the choice for new construction and remodels alike. Sure it was maintenance free and far less of a headache than wood siding, and cheaper than stone or stucco, but few called it an inspired look.

A new generation of synthetic wood siding promises to add not only quality, but authenticity to home siding options. Available in a variety of styles and colors, Cedar Impressions Shakes mimic the texture and rustic beauty so many prize in cedar, without the maintenance issues that turn so many away from natural wood siding.

Another important advancement in materials is in roofing, where more homeowners are choosing synthetic slate shingles. Slate, which has decorated cathedrals and mansions around the world, is as beautiful as it is difficult to maintain and afford. Its synthetic counterpart, made from recycled rubber and plastic, creates the appearance of a stone roof, while being stronger, more flexible and easier to install. It also lasts much longer than asphalt shingles — up to 50 years.

Interior walls

Along with engineering advancements that have improved the structural integrity and resilience of new homes, interior walls have greatly improved as well. While many people have a nostalgia for plaster walls, the new drywall technology used in Habito by CertainTeed Gypsum brings the strength and durability of plaster into a modern drywall.

Incredibly strong, Habito drywall is not only able to stand up to extreme abuse, but it’s also able hold an incredible amount of weight, up to 30 pounds on a single wood screw. This new drywall eliminates the need to find a stud or install a wall anchor, and makes decorating and redecorating incredibly easy. It’s particularly handy for today’s modern lifestyle where televisions, speakers, pictures and shelves are mounted on the wall.

Of course, these more refined and stronger building technologies are only part of the story of why homes are now built better than ever. If you want to learn more and get inspired for your next construction or remodeling project, visit HanginWithHabito.com for more information on their revolutionary drywall product.

And the next time someone says “they just don’t build them like they used to,” you’ll say that’s a good thing.

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(BPT) - Many Americans feel working from home would be a dream job, and more than one-third are already living that dream; 37 percent of U.S. workers telecommute, according to Gallup. However, unless you’re a full-time telecommuter or an entrepreneur running a business from your home, it may be hard to justify dedicating an entire room in your house for home office space.

Today’s home offices must be able to multi-task as efficiently and effectively as the people who work in them — and that’s something you should keep in mind when making renovation plans.

“We see fewer and fewer buyers requiring a dedicated home office when setting their search criteria for buying a new home,” writes Gwen Daubenmeyer, a real estate professional who recently blogged about home offices on the Integrity Real Estate Team blog. Daubenmeyer notes that laptops, cloud storage and online filing services have made it possible to work from virtually any room in the house, so it’s no longer necessary to have a room dedicated solely as office space.

Instead of turning that spare bedroom into a space strictly used for work, why not consider improvements that will help the room multi-task?  With a few smart upgrades, spaces such as attics, basements, spare bedrooms and other smaller areas can serve as multi-functional spaces for work, play, working out and socializing.

Tips for multi-tasking offices

* Good lighting is essential for any home office, but if you want to avoid the institutional look of traditional office lights, consider increasing the amount of natural light that enters your multi-purpose office space. Adding Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, is a cost-effective way to bring natural light, as well as passive ventilation, into any home office space. Solar-powered blinds in designer colors and patterns enhance the blended decor of a multi-use room, while allowing you to control the amount of light entering the room with a programmable touchpad remote control. Plus, a 30 percent federal tax credit is available to homeowners on solar-powered skylights, blinds and installation costs. Roof windows, which are very similar to skylights but are in-reach and operated by hand, are another popular option, especially in attics. For home offices without direct roof access, a Sun Tunnel tubular skylight with an optional light kit can provide light 24/7. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

* Divide the room visually to define functional areas. You can do this in several ways, including using a folding screen to partition off the room’s work area, or hanging curtains to conceal lesser-used sections of the room when they’re not in use. You can also use the room’s layout to create a natural flow. For example, tuck a desk and shelving into an attic dormer area as office space.

* Many home offices need to double as a guest bedroom. If working beside an inviting bed all day makes it difficult to resist the temptation of a nap, consider alternative bed styles. A daybed can be dressed up with pillows to serve as a sofa where you can comfortably read reports. Or, completely hide the sleeping area by adding a Murphy bed to available wall space.

* Make it easy to rearrange furnishings in the room by putting your desk on coasters just like your office chair. Whenever you need the room to function as a workout space, home theater or social center, just roll the office furniture out of the way.

* If you’re turning a bedroom into a multi-purpose office, no one should need the closet for hanging clothes. Instead, convert the closet into a cozy spot for a workspace. You can place a small desk inside, or hang wide shelving that can function as a workspace for your laptop, printer and files. When you’re not working, simply close the closet doors!

* Whenever a room has to serve more than one purpose, organization is critical. If you don’t have the space for filing cabinets, or simply don’t like the way they look, bookcases and shelving can be a great alternative. Don’t overlook the possibilities presented by extra wall space; you can layer shelves to maximize storage space above your desk/work area.

Daubenmeyer says that following the housing bubble, homeowners are smarter and want more functional space. The multi-function home office is one solution that is gaining popularity.

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(BPT) - Beyond the flowers blooming, the sound of birds singing and the burst of warm weather, something happens in May. After a long winter, the rising temperatures make spring a prime time to move. College students are moving out of dorms, young families are transitioning to new homes after the school year and retirees are looking for an easier, more maintenance-free living situation. If you are among those about to start the next chapter in your life with a new home, here are some valuable tips that go beyond choosing the right size box or the appropriate padding.

Take inventory and mark your boxes. Most people think it's inevitable that things get lost or misplaced when moving, but it doesn't have to be that way. By taking the time to properly mark boxes and write out a detailed inventory of their contents, you'll know where everything is and avoid misplacing anything. With a little forethought and effort, you'll save a lot of time. All it takes to get organized is a clipboard, some paper and a permanent marker. Or, for the more technologically inclined, you can make use of your tablet or smartphone.

Remember to take care of yourself. Whether you're moving apartments or starting a new job, any life transition - no matter how exciting - can be stressful. During these times, it's important to decompress and unwind. One of the best ways to do that is to go out for a bike ride. Even if it's just for 15 minutes, the fresh air and exercise does wonders for your stress level. If you stop for a smoothie or cup of coffee, don't forget to use a Master Lock 8300D Bike Lock to secure your ride.

Stay up to date. Technology isn't only changing the way people communicate or listen to music, it's also changing the way people secure their items inside and around their homes. With Master Lock's Bluetooth Padlocks, you don't have to worry about losing a key or forgetting a combination. The award-winning product turns your phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device into a key. With models suitable for indoor and outdoor use, valuables you need to store while moving - and afterwards - will have superior protection.

Consider insurance. If you're hiring a moving company or have valuable items you're worried might be damaged during the move, you should consider purchasing moving insurance. Many recommend insuring anything that goes into a truck. Not only will insurance provide financial relief in case anything is mishandled, but it will give you peace of mind that can reduce the stress of moving.

Protect your valuable documents. Even after you move and are settling into your new residence, it's important to keep your valuables protected. For documents like a passport, birth certificate, social security card and more, the Sentry Safe H0100 Small Privacy Lock Chest will provide you with the security you need during and after the move into your new home.

No matter what season or what stage of life you're at, you should always have a reliable way to protect your most prized possessions. With an extensive line of security solutions, Master Lock can provide you with the peace of mind you need while moving and beyond.

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(BPT) - For many first-time buyers, saving for a down payment is the most difficult step in the home-buying process. However, it's a common misconception that you need 20 percent down to buy a home.

Actually, lenders across the country offer mortgage products with very affordable down payments - some as low as 3 percent.

Owning a home has always been a key component of the American Dream; in fact, many surveys show that 65 percent of Millennials agree that homeownership and the American Dream go hand-in-hand. Home ownership also comes with several benefits like building equity, receiving annual tax deductions and becoming more engaged with the local community. It serves as a stepping stone for long-term wealth creation, too. Historically, first-time buyers have represented 40 percent of all home purchasers, but today they make up about 30 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Down payment misconceptions could be to blame.

"It's safe to say that most first-time buyers aren't aware that there are reasonable loan options available that require less money down," says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. "Choosing an option with a smaller down payment can make it possible for potential buyers to enjoy the benefits of homeownership sooner."

Most popular low down payment options

* FHA Loans - Traditionally the mortgage of choice for first-time buyers, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), offers government-insured loans with as little as 3.5 percent down. The most popular FHA loan option, the 203(b), is widely available from lenders across the country. You may qualify with a credit score of just 500, although there may be limitations on some condo purchases.

* Home Possible from Freddie Mac - This program allows you to put between 3 and 5 percent down, as long as you intend to use the purchased house as your primary residence, and don't currently own or share ownership of another house. You'll also need to complete a required homeownership education program online.

* Conventional 97 from Fannie Mae - Just 3 percent down is enough to help you qualify for a Conventional 97, as long as you're applying for a fixed-rate mortgage on a single-family home that's less than $417,000. You'll also need to participate in a homeownership education program, and at least one of the purchasers applying for the loan must be a first-time buyer.

* HomeReady from Fannie Mae - Another option that requires as little as 3 percent down, HomeReady can offer below-market interest rates. This program also allows non-occupant borrowers to apply; for example, parents can secure this type of loan for a young adult, who's just starting to establish credit.

In addition to these mortgage options, there are also a variety of down payment assistance programs that may be available through your state or lender. Today, many loan programs allow for down-payment funds to come from third party sources, like cash gifts from relatives.

Buying a home with a smaller down payment has distinct advantages too. You're less likely to become "house poor," which can happen when you spend the majority of your total savings on home ownership, leaving little cash in reserve for unforeseen emergencies or desirable home improvements.

Something to keep in mind when considering your loan options: putting less than 20 percent down can also result in the additional monthly cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). However, if your home value is appreciating, PMI can be eliminated in a few years through refinancing.

"Homeownership isn't reserved just for people who can afford a large down payment. Mortgages that offer an option for less cash down are making it possible for many to enjoy the American Dream," Lewis says. "Mortgages are like any other product, you have to shop around to find the one that works best for you. Lenders and real estate agents can give you a good idea of what your choices are."

To get a head start on your home search or find an experienced agent in your neighborhood, visit remax.com.

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(BPT) - As home improvement projects take center stage, the search is on for products that will enhance, rather than jeopardize the health and well-being of our families and loved ones. Products made from American hardwoods have been the natural choice for healthy home and work environments for generations. Today is no different.

With so many options available in the current marketplace, Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, suggests a little more research, in order to separate product fact from fiction. "Health-conscious and environmentally responsible consumers are challenged to recognize products and materials that are both aesthetically appealing and safe," she says. "I encourage taking a closer look at U.S. products - especially flooring and cabinetry, furniture and moulding - made from American hardwoods. They're uniquely beautiful, safe and a friend to the environment. And they have the credentials to prove it!"

Treasured for generations, and forever fresh

Enhancing our surroundings with products made from American hardwoods is a wise choice and a sound investment. In the kitchen or the bath, over the fireplace or on the floor, the sheer beauty, durability and timeless appeal of the products make a lasting statement everywhere. So paint it; stain it; repair it; refinish it; walk on it; restore it; love it; refresh it! The possibilities are endless.

Made in the U.S.A.

There is much to consider before making a purchase in today's marketplace. What's the product's origin? Is it made of natural materials or is it a synthetic product steeped with chemicals and potential carcinogens? What health and/or environmental implications will its manufacturing process have?

In the U.S., quality standards and manufacturing practices are regulated and monitored by U.S. agencies and associations. Consumers can confidently choose products made from all natural American hardwoods knowing that the hardwood has been responsibly harvested and that manufacturing quality control standards have been met.

A friend to the environment

Flash back to seventh grade biology for a memory refresher about photosynthesis and long-term carbon sequestration.

* Growing trees remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, separate the carbon and oxygen atoms, then return the oxygen to the air.

* They use just the right amount of carbon to grow trunk, branches and leaves, and store or sequester the unused carbon for the life of the tree or the products made thereof.

That means using all natural American hardwoods for products like flooring and cabinetry, furniture and moulding contributes to the long-term sequestration of carbon.

Sustainability

For centuries, products made from American hardwoods have been providing lasting beauty, warmth and functional value to our homes and countless structures everywhere. Future generations can expect the same. The U.S. Forest Service reports that the volume of hardwoods in American forests today is 131 percent greater than it was in 1953 because more than twice as much hardwood grows each year as is harvested. That's sustainability in a nutshell. We are not running out of trees - hardwoods are an abundant, renewing and sustainable resource.

Step into the world of American Hardwoods, www.HardwoodInfo.com, and take a closer look at the myriad of products made from this natural and healthy, uniquely beautiful, responsibly harvested and more-abundant-than-ever resource!

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(BPT) - Homeowners are looking for value in every home improvement project they take on — whether they are upgrading for resale or their own pride of ownership. With new technologies and products on the market, it is easier than ever to add value to your home with projects that ultimately pay you back in numerous ways.

Luxurious looks that are affordable

Technology in home improvements has enabled homeowners to create a luxurious exterior that also saves money and recoups their investment. This includes contemporary trends of mixed materials, colors and textures, combining the look of rich, wood-stain shake or even stone in a variety of styles and patterns for foundation cladding or deck skirting. Polymers can actually be stained or finished to look like the real thing.  “We have come light years in achieving rich shake and stone looks for any home that won’t break the bank,” says Ralph Bruno, president of Novik Sales Corp. “There are solutions available that actually install as easy or easier than typical siding, with low-maintenance and high moisture resistance, so ground contact is no problem.” The payback: years of savings on maintenance and rich looks that increase home values.

Reducing labor, adding beauty to decks

The concept of the outdoor room tops many homeowners’ lists. One way to make any type of wood, composite or PVC deck project faster, easier and more beautiful, is to find a system that gives the impression of indoor flooring with a fastener-free look. This is also a safety issue, since raised fasteners can harm bare feet and get hot in the sun. There are several categories of concealed fasteners on the market, with some next-gen systems that save time and labor with more speed and stability. “Fastening deck boards on the edge with a series of proprietary fasteners, guides and drill bits represents the latest deck technology,” says Chip Manger, vice president at Camo Edge Fastening. “It saves up to 25 percent on installation time and up to 50 percent on costs compared to clips and is very simple to use.” The payback: big savings on deck installation costs, better aesthetics and years of longevity.

Guarding against weather and energy loss

Homeowners often have no idea how much damage can arise from moisture getting into the home or the inflated cost of utility bills through energy loss. A yearly audit of windows, doors and jambs, receptacles, roof/gutter lines and other vulnerable areas can protect your home from expensive future repairs. The simple act of sealing these areas with the right caulk can make a huge impact. “There are quality long-life sealants that adhere to a variety of surfaces with excellent adhesion and joint expansion to keep moisture out and prevent heating and cooling energy loss,” says Alan Crupper, vice president of marketing for Red Devil, Inc. “One example is Stormguard-920, a new 100 percent silicon sealant with a quick-forming permanent seal that can be exposed to the elements like rain after just 30 minutes.” The payback: weatherizing your home from the elements and energy loss.

Standing water threatens property and health

The possibility of water seeping into the home is usually enough to scare any homeowner into action, but these days the Zika virus and other insect-borne diseases are driving solutions for removing standing water. In anticipation, the Wall Street Journal reports insect repellent production is expected to triple this year.  Homeowners may think water transfer systems are cost prohibitive and difficult to operate, so they wait until it is too late. There are new affordable advancements that can remove water in tight spaces like window wells or wide open grassy areas where insects breed. “Look for water removal pumps with attachments on the top and side, so they fit anywhere,” says Jeremy Cantor, vice president of marketing for WAYNE Pumps. As an example he said, “We designed one such pump called the WWB WaterBUG to be versatile and portable enough to remove any standing water on the homeowner’s property quickly and efficiently.” The payback: protecting the home from seeping standing water and keeping homeowners safe.

Make the right choices on today’s advanced home improvement products and systems and you can have a huge payback on your investment and make a lasting impression.

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(BPT) - Once spring cleanup is done, you may feel ready to tackle some renovation projects this summer. If so, you're not alone: 62 percent of homeowners plan to undertake a home improvement project this year, according to a Harris poll. Homeowners will renovate to improve their home's appearance, livability and energy efficiency, the survey found.

It's possible to make renovations that are stylish and also reduce your energy bill. With temperatures heating up this summer, take on renovations that not only make your home more beautiful, but make it cool and comfortable as well.

Here are a handful of projects that can accomplish those goals:

Replacement windows

You're probably aware quality new windows can help your home retain heat in the winter, but did you know they can also keep your home cooler in the summer? By tightening your home's envelope and reflecting heat, energy-efficient windows can help maintain more even temperatures inside your home. What's more, because they're energy-efficient, new windows can help your heating-ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems operate more efficiently.

Air conditioning

If you live in an older home, you may not have the space you need to install a traditional central HVAC unit with ductwork. Adding ductwork can be costly and troublesome, yet you probably don't love the look of window air conditioners, either. Duct-free split systems like LG's Art Cool Line provide plenty of cooling power from wall-mounted units that can be subtle or splashy, depending on your design vision. An outdoor unit works in tandem with up to eight interior units for individual room-by-room temperature control. LG offers three interior Art Cool unit styles, including a customizable picture frame, a flat panel with a modern charcoal mirror finish and a traditional unit in sleek white. All feature a hand-held remote control operation, varying fan speeds, quiet operation and auto operation modes for the utmost in comfort this summer.

Window treatments

Limiting the amount of sunlight that enters and warms a room is an important way to supplement your home's cooling units. Summer décor cries out for light, airy window treatments, but you don't have to give up that bright look to better control sunlight. Window blinds or shades in a slightly darker hue can work well with a lighter looking window treatment while still allowing you to limit sun exposure when you draw them shut. What's more, cellular shades also have an insulating effect to enhance your windows' ability to reflect heat in the summer.

Cooler lighting and appliances

Electrical appliances and incandescent light bulbs all contribute to the amount of ambient heat in your home. As you're renovating, replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options that give off far less heat, such as LEDs or CFLs. Most light fixtures are now able to use these cooler bulbs, so replacing them is easy - and can also help reduce your electricity bill since they use about 80 percent less energy than incandescents, according to the Energy Star program. You can also reduce heat output from appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers by upgrading to more energy-efficient models.

Outdoor improvements

You can also make outdoor renovation choices that will enhance your home's beauty and help keep the interior cooler. Strategically plant shade trees to shield windows from the hot sun in summer time. Or, consider adding awnings that will shade windows and doors. For patios and decks, choose materials that reflect heat away from your home and outdoor spaces. Finally, paint siding in a lighter color to help minimize heat absorption.

Summer home renovation projects can be exciting, beautiful and energy efficient when you keep a cool head about your design choices.

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(BPT) - "All gave some. Some gave all." You likely hear that phrase around Memorial Day every year, but do you know its origin? Or what Memorial Day is supposed to mean to the veterans who gave some, the survivors of those who gave all, and the Americans who enjoy continued freedom because of those sacrifices?

Americans, it seems, do understand the importance of Memorial Day. A 2015 poll by Rasmussen Reports found 52 percent of those polled viewed Memorial Day as one of the nation's most important holidays, while 42 percent saw it as at least somewhat important.

When Americans first began observing the day in the late 1860s, they were pausing to remember the more than half a million Americans who had died in the then-recently ended Civil War. Today, Memorial Day observances not only remember the sacrifice of the deceased who gave all, but also the thousands of living veterans, many of whom are wounded in body, mind or both.

"Amid the celebrations marking the unofficial start of the summer season, it can be difficult to find meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day," says Jeff Roy, chairman of the board of the Purple Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, support and advocacy for Purple Heart recipients, and raises funds for programs that support veterans and their families. "But Americans truly do want to express their gratitude to veterans for their many sacrifices. Fortunately, there are many ways they can help make a difference for veterans."

Here are some meaningful ways you can show your support for veterans this Memorial Day:

* Help provide a service dog to a veteran with physical disabilities or PTSD. The National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) provides service dogs for free to qualifying veterans. You can help by making an online donation, sponsor a "doggie dorm" for service dogs in training, raise a puppy who will become a service dog, or become a volunteer. Visit the organization's website at www.neads.org to learn more.

* Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation's scholarship program, which provides financial support to Purple Heart recipients and their families for college-related expenses like tuition, books, and room and board.

* Instead of spending the day indulging in your own cookout, contact the local veterans' home or veterans' hospital and volunteer there for the day. Or, you can simply take an hour or two to visit with the residents there and thank them for their service.

* Visit the local cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of veterans. Contact the cemetery first for their visiting guidelines and to learn where the veterans section is located - many cemeteries have special sections set aside for veterans.

* Help ensure veterans make the most of the services available to them. Donate to the Purple Heart Foundation's National Service Officers Program, which helps pay to place service officers in Veterans Administration facilities across the country. These officers are specially trained to help veterans access the many benefits, programs and services available to them.

* If your community sponsors a Memorial Day parade, attending is a great way to show your appreciation and support for veterans - but you can do even more. Prior to the event, contact the parade organizers and find out what veterans groups will be marching in the parade. Offer to donate water, snacks or anything else the veterans may need to make their walk easier and more enjoyable.

* Pick up the phone and call the veterans in your life - almost everyone knows at least one person who has served in the military. Perhaps your grandfather served in World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam. You may know someone who has recently returned from serving in the Global War on Terror. Take some time to let those people know you're thinking of them, and appreciate their service.

* Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. Established by Congress, the one-minute observance is an chance for all Americans to pause in the middle of their summer celebrations to remember the sacrifices of the nation's veterans.

From simple and small to noble and industrious, it's possible to find many meaningful ways to honor all who gave some and the some who gave all. And as for that now-famous phrase - it was first uttered by Howard William Osterkamp of Dent, Ohio, a Korean War veteran and recipient of the Purple Heart.

(BPT) - As the weather gets warmer and school comes to a close, the real estate market also heats up. If you're planning on buying a home, you'll likely find more properties on the market during the summer months. However, increased competition could present challenges on the path to landing the home of your dreams.

To get an edge against other bidders and find a house that you'll love for many years to come, Sharon Steele, an award winning sales professional affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, lends her expertise for home buying in a hot market.

Get pre-approved financing

In a competitive real estate market, prepare yourself with pre-approved financing. Not only will your mortgage broker tell you what you can afford, if you are pre-approved, you will have better negotiating power when purchasing a property.

Furthermore, when you know exactly what you can afford, you are more apt to stick within your budget and not be carried away during bidding wars. Remember, it's important to understand the total monthly costs of home ownership. Beyond the mortgage premiums, factor in utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Being "house poor" is never a good idea.

Look for potential

If you're looking at purchasing a home that needs a little elbow grease, make sure you invest in a design that is going to withstand the test of time and be appealing for years to come. This rings true most of all when choosing the right appliances; stainless steel has been highly desirable for decades and continues to be a mainstay in a timeless kitchen design. For a modern twist on stainless, LG's Black Stainless Steel Series, which features a warm and sophisticated finish found in new refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers and microwaves, is sure to look just as stunning many years from now as it does today. The new finish seamlessly complements a range of infinite design styles and colors, elevating the look of any kitchen.

As long as the house has a good structure, the space you need, and meets your immediate must haves, you can add special elements over time to make it your dream home. When you do have the time and budget for a full remodel, you can envision how LG's black stainless steel appliances may look in various kitchen styles with the Virtual Kitchen Design Tool, helping you visualize your dream kitchen for a strategic remodel with more than 1 million possible layouts.

Consider long-term needs

Are you planning to grow your family in the near future? Then you may want to shop for a larger house in need of some work rather than that completely updated two-bed bungalow; it may not meet your needs in the next five years.

Are you looking to downsize? It might make sense to consider a ranch home before your knees start to hurt and you dread climbing stairs. Purchasing a home will be one of your largest investments; make sure your decision matches your future lifestyle expectations rather than just the needs of the present moment.

Do research in advance

Do you need easy access to the commuter rail and bus lines? Where will your children attend school? Is the area safe? Use websites like Realtor.com and ColdwellBankerHomes.com to hone in on neighborhoods that best suit you and your family.

These websites have area maps and direct links to information about school systems, crime rates, area amenities, and lists of local restaurants and shopping areas. View side-by-side community comparisons for easy evaluation. Put in your search parameters and sign-up to receive property alerts on new homes that enter the market or when prices change in your desired neighborhood.

A competitive market can make the home buying process more stressful, but these expert tips will keep you focused as you prepare to move into your new home.

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(BPT) - Smart investors know a diversified portfolio is the best way to weather any storm. Considering the volatility of the current stock market, the desire for better options has never been greater. Rather than gamble on the next buzzworthy stock or bond and hope it lives up to expectations, there's an alternative that's gaining traction: land ownership.

While stocks and funds depend highly on market swings, forestland requires only sun and rain to provide asset growth. However, the key to maximizing financial and recreational returns depends on proper management-and that requires more than just Mother Nature.

Knowing how to manage a large piece of land can be overwhelming to a new investor or a person who may have inherited land from family. It's important to consider the investment potential. Some common questions include:
* Should you harvest any timber? From what areas?
* When should you plant trees?
* How should you manage the vegetation and handle invasive species?
* How can you protect the wildlife?

Just as hiring a financial advisor is smart to manage an investment portfolio, hiring an expert to assist in answering questions and managing a land investment is also highly advisable. Independent consulting foresters are experts that offer scientific applications as well as business acumen to landowners. Foresters offer broad-based knowledge about the characteristics of forest land, relevant economics of private timberland management and sensitivity to the full scope of issues important to private forest landowners. In addition, an independent professional land management team comprised of not only consulting foresters, but also wildlife biologists is important. This expanded capacity of the consulting professional is essential for successful private forest management.

So how does the land management process work? According to one leading consulting forester firm that utilizes both forestry and biology expertise, Bird & Crawford Forestry, there are three basic steps to proper forestland management. Following these steps will help ensure the landowner is maximizing his or her investment long-term.

1. The first step is to gain knowledge of the existing and/or potential natural resources on the property. This includes knowing what resources are on the land, how they are located in relation to land features and what resources are worth preserving. Bird & Crawford Forestry is one group that utilizes wildlife biologists along with professional foresters to survey the land in person to map the property and determine resource assets from a financial as well as a recreational standpoint.

2. Once what actually exists on a property is determined, the next step is to establish goals for the property. Because every landowner/investor is unique, goals can vary greatly. For instance, if the land is inherited, the goal may be focused upon protecting family assets to confidently keep a family legacy intact for generations to come. Upon identifying goals, an overall management strategy can be developed.

3. Finally, professional foresters will develop the plan of forest and wildlife management activities required to achieve the owner's goals. This might include a planting and harvesting schedule, wildlife management and conservation efforts, and even hunting lease management.

Beyond the bottom line of profit potential, land ownership gives investors something that is tangible, a good alternative to traditional investments and another option to round out your portfolio. Owning land is also a wonderful way to conserve and enjoy nature while leaving a lasting legacy to family and future generations. Working with experts familiar with a breadth of land, from upland pine sites to bottomland ecosystems, provides peace of mind for maximizing the land's value. Learn more about forest and land management at www.birdandcrawford.com.

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(BPT) - With spring upon us and the emphasis on home energy efficiency continuing to grow, building industry experts say now is the best time for homeowners considering a home improvement project to look at how energy efficient their home truly is. Homeowners should ask themselves, "How much energy is being lost through inefficiencies in my home and how much is this energy loss costing me each month?"

The U.S. Department of Energy suggests there are several inexpensive and quick ways to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly energy bills. Installing a programmable thermostat can contribute to a 10 percent reduction on heating and cooling costs. Lowering your water heater's temperature by just a few degrees can make a noticeable impact on reducing your water heating bills.

The ways your home uses light can also make a noticeable impact. Using natural light to your advantage and relying less on artificial light can contribute to improving your home's energy efficiency. Also, installing ENERGY STAR-rated high efficiency windows can help reduce energy loss.

Working with an expert
Homeowners serious about optimizing their home's energy efficiency should consider working with a certified Home Energy Rater. These professionals conduct a series of tests to assess a home's energy efficiency to provide an overall efficiency rating in much the same way that appliances are rated. Equipped with this information, homeowners can make home improvement decisions that further boost their home's energy efficiency.

One way to optimize energy efficiency and minimize energy loss is to limit air leakage. Insulation experts say homeowners should survey their house from top to bottom, and assess any trouble spots such as drafty areas or cold zones which could be caused by air leakage. Air leakage can limit the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, and therefore your home's energy efficiency. According to InsulationSmart.com, floors, walls and ceilings can account for up to 31 percent of air leakage in a home.

Spray foam insulation, which can help reduce air leakage, is growing in popularity among homeowners since it is an energy-efficient material that delivers year-round benefits. When installed, spray foam insulation, like that from Icynene, expands within seconds of application to create an insulation and air seal that fills every nook and cranny to limit air loss. Spray foam insulation works well in all types of homes across the country, regardless of climate to limit air loss and maintain even temperatures throughout the home all year round.

Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment. More information on how spray foam insulation contributes to energy efficiency is available online at www.icynene.com.

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(BPT) - Spring is here! This season of new beginnings also marks the start of the year’s busiest real estate period. According to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the housing market in 2016 is set to be quite active with a 3 percent increase in total home sales compared to the previous year. If you’re planning to enter the housing market this year, buying or selling a home is a big decision and you can count on plenty of competition. To ensure you make the correct home buying or selling decisions, it’s important to do your research and arm yourself with valuable information.

“Selling or purchasing a home is one of the biggest and most important transactions many consumers will make in their lifetime,” says Tim Haynes, president of American Home Shield (AHS). “It’s important for everyone involved to make smart decisions that will help a home stand out in a competitive real estate market, and at the same time, protect against costly breakdowns.”

For both home buyers and sellers, AHS recommends preparing for what will happen vs. what might happen. A home warranty not only helps protect a home's systems while it’s on the market, but also helps provide buyers with additional confidence in their purchase. For an already financially stretched homebuyer, it’s important to know that a home warranty covers what homeowners insurance doesn’t – the repair/replacement of home system appliances.

To help you make the most of the spring home season American Home Shield offers these tips.

* Sellers: improve curb appeal. First impressions matter. Take your home’s exterior from drab to fab. Trim shrubs, mow the lawn and remove all dirt/debris from around the outside. Make sure the house numbers, mailbox and lighting fixtures near the front door look inviting. Add plants and comfy furniture to the porch for a welcoming touch.

* Sellers: optimize the space. Add the illusion of extra square footage by using the same paint in a lighter shade across rooms to create a seamless transition. Remove family photos and any customized decorations so the buyer can picture living in the home. Be sure to keep the master bedroom gender neutral. Lastly, have a professional cleaner shine the home, especially often-neglected areas like carpets, ceiling fans and baseboards to make a bigger impact.

* Buyers: do your homework. Narrow your home search to particular areas and neighborhoods that appeal to you with regard to housing prices, school districts and work commuting times. Determine your budget and stick to it. Familiarize yourself with the real estate market and your rights as a homebuyer. Know your credit score and take steps to improve it, if necessary.

* Buyers: ask the right questions. Don’t be afraid to directly ask the seller “what’s wrong with the house?” Ask to see disclosure forms around any issues with the house and check the age/condition of major home systems, like heating, plumbing, electrical and air conditioning — this can cut your costs in the long run. Additionally, an independent professional home inspection is highly recommended. This is an investment that can pay for itself many times over, especially if hidden defects are found.

American Home Shield is the nation’s largest home warranty company, servicing homes for over 45 years offers tips to arm and has a trustworthy network of over 3,000 contractors. For more information and helpful home buying and selling tips from American Home Shield, visit www.ahs.com or the Home Matters Blog and YouTube Channel, which have hundreds of maintenance tips, videos and content for homeowners to help protect homes from the inside out.

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(BPT) - Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your backyard and a busy street behind your home. Others are for your own enjoyment, like painting your rec room your favorite shade of neon pink.

The best home improvements, however, pay off in the long run whether you’re staying or selling. Here are a handful of projects that are worth the investment whether you’re hoping to please potential buyers or make your home more enjoyable for yourself:

Add skylights

Any real estate professional will agree: buyers love balanced natural light. You probably do as well! Adding Energy Star-qualified no leak skylights is a cost-effective improvement that enhances a home’s appeal to potential buyers, as well as its livability for the people currently occupying it. They’re particularly popular in bathrooms (where fresh air and privacy is a concern) and kitchens (where they also provide passive ventilation of cooking odors and excessive heat), but skylights can go in any room where you want more natural light, an open, airy feeling and a brightened appearance.

Solar powered fresh-air skylights, like those from VELUX America, can help improve indoor air quality while brightening things up and cutting down on the need for artificial light. Add solar powered blinds to boost the energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent and you’ll love your skylights even more. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are operated by a touchpad programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the cost of installation.

And skylight blinds can help you decorate while boosting energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of designer colors and patterns to coordinate with your décor while giving you complete control of the light that enters your rooms. The choices include light diffusing, light blocking, and light controlling Venetian blinds, all of which can be operated manually or by remote control.

To further differentiate home spaces such as hallways and closets, which never seem to have enough light, consider Sun Tunnel tubular skylights which are inexpensive and easily installed in a matter of hours. They also offer light kits for 24/7 functionality. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

Add or upgrade a deck

When the weather warms, your family will want to spend more time outdoors and a deck is the perfect platform for outdoor enjoyment. Potential buyers also perceive it as a benefit, and adding or upgrading a deck can boost your home’s value. In fact, a wooden deck will recoup 75 percent of its installation costs at time of resale, and a composite deck recoups 64 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.

Bigger is better right now in the world of deck building, with more homeowners looking to increase the size of their decks. Multi-level decks are also on trend, with many people dedicating different deck levels for different functions, such as an outdoor kitchen, spa area with hot tub, and entertainment seating.

Exterior paint

Repainting the exterior of your home is a big job, but one that’s well worth the investment, whether you’re trying to impress potential buyers with great curb appeal, or simply make your house a more enjoyable place to return to each day. Exterior paint greatly affects the overall look of a home, plus quality paint helps protect siding from the elements. Your color choice could also affect your utility bills; if you live in a hot environment, lighter colors will help reflect heat away from your home. If you’re selling, a fresh, attractive paint job could increase your home’s purchase price.

Kitchen cosmetics

Great kitchens sell homes, and the kitchen is also the room where many families spend the greatest amount of time, so anything you do to improve a kitchen is well worth the investment. Taking care of basic items like replacing old cabinet hardware, upgrading faucets and lighting, and investing in quality countertops can be cost-effective ways to elevate your home’s value and boost the usability of the kitchen.

Even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than 83 percent of its cost at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine.

Whether you plan to put your home on the market this spring or summer, or intend to stay put for years to come, it pays to invest in home improvements that enhance both resale value and your enjoyment of your home.

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(BPT) - If you're in the market for a new house this year, don't be fooled by the brisk chill in the air - the spring house-hunting season is actually closer than you think. That means now is the perfect time to start your planning. Space requirements such as bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage are essential, but a house is more than just shelter, it's your home, and the great ones not only have everything you need, but everything you want.

"Each family lives in their home differently," says Beazer Homes Senior Creative Manager Michael Phillips. "Some buyers prefer a private dining room, while others want an open-concept kitchen with a more casual eating area. Where one buyer might prefer an owner's suite on the main level, others may want all their bedrooms on the upper level."

Although every home buyer's needs are unique, the market is often dictated by common trends. To better understand your own buying preferences and to see if you're aligned with others in the real estate marketplace, take a look at these five home-buying trends.

1. Function over aesthetics. When you think kitchen trends, you probably think of design features like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. While both these options remain popular and are common in new construction, surveys by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that buyers were extremely interested in functional attributes like new appliances, eat-in layouts, walk-in pantries and double sinks.

2. Living rooms are no longer a must. Given today's diverse home-buying population, the formal living room is becoming less prevalent. "Many buyers would rather use traditional living room square footage in a new way," said Phillips. "We're seeing families using the living room as a home office or choosing to forgo the space altogether in exchange for extra square footage in other areas of the home."

3. New is number one. According to the NAHB, more than half of surveyed buyers want to purchase a new home. It can be a challenge for buyers to find everything they desire in a resale home, and because renovations are often costly and time consuming, it's hard to deny the appeal of purchasing a brand-new home that is move-in ready.

4. Let there be (energy-efficient) light. Home buyers have coveted homes that make good use of natural light for years and that trend is continuing in 2016. In addition to large windows, NAHB research shows homeowners are putting an increased emphasis on the energy savings that accompany the installation of high-performance windows.

5. Make it your own. Personalizing a new home is easier and more affordable than ever before, thanks to offerings like Beazer's Choice Plans, which are flexible floorplans that allow you to personalize the most lived-in spaces in your home at no additional cost. Whether you want a kitchen for entertaining or a breakfast nook for family dining, an office space instead of an extra bedroom, you choose ... and Beazer won't charge you for selecting the best layout for your lifestyle. You can learn more about your options and how to create your own dream home at www.beazer.com/choice-plans.

Start your preparation today

It's never too early to start preparing for shopping for a new home. The more work you do ahead of time, the more time you can spend exploring the market. So start your research now and you'll be moved into the home of your dreams before you know it.

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(BPT) - When you picture a retaining wall, do you imagine it holding back dirt? That's the most common use for retaining walls - to address elevation changes and prevent erosion. But concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are multi-purpose landscaping tools with many more uses.

Site planners, engineers, landscape architects, designers, developers and builders have long relied on SRWs to manage sloping properties, provide more usable space, or create stadium seating. Homeowners, too, have discovered retaining walls can be used to create functional outdoor features, says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minnesota.

"Because segmental retaining walls are both durable and beautiful, landscapers and homeowners can use them to create outdoor seating, raised patios and other features," says Arnold. "They are the perfect building block to create grill islands, outdoor kitchens and so much more."

Most SRWs are easy to install, which is an important consideration for both landscape professionals and do-it-yourselfers, Arnold said. With retaining wall systems, homeowners and landscapers can create freestanding walls, seat walls, columns, stairs, planters and other features without the need for special units.

Stunning seating

While commercial installers often use SRW units for amphitheater and stadium seating, retaining walls can also be used to create beautiful and durable outdoor seating on a smaller scale, from freestanding walls that double as seating, to two-tiered seat walls. VERSA-LOK SRWs can be used to easily create a curved "couch" seating area that works well as a solution around a patio and fire pit for fall evenings.

Ditch the deck

Raised patios built with retaining wall units are a low maintenance option to replace aging wooden decks that require continual maintenance. Villa Landscapes designed a raised deck replacement in Minnesota with SRWs from ground level to 42-inches tall to support a paving stone patio. Stairs also built with SRWs connect the patio to the home and yard.

The result was a beautiful, spacious and low-maintenance patio with the added advantage of a clear view of the backyard. Willow Creek Paving Stones pavers were used for the patio, surrounded with a contrasting course of river rock that serves as a visual and physical boundary as well as a space for potted plants.

Create curb appeal

Where the yard meets the driveway, retaining walls can be installed as a barrier to protect the lawn from damage caused by tire tracks, plowing or deicing. A tiered arrangement that addresses a slope in the yard adds space for plants and shrubs. Freestanding walls are often built along property lines on corner lots to prevent unwanted traffic from cutting across the yard.

Columns created using retaining wall units can be paired with any style home, from classic to contemporary, to add curb appeal. When the front entryway is freshened up with seat walls and other features, the space functions like an old-fashioned porch for visiting and other outdoor activities.

A place for plants

Tree rings and planters built with retaining wall units create a tidy solution around hard-to-maintain areas, such as shallow-rooted trees and other problem spots. Planters and tree rings can function as usable space for perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. SRWs such as VERSA-LOK can be used to create planter walls up to 4-feet tall without the need for geogrid reinforcement. VERSA-Green, a plantable wall system that mimics a hanging garden, provides a stunning living wall solution.

Build a backyard

A homeowner in Apple Valley, Minnesota, nicknamed her unmowable back yard "Billy Goat Hill" because there was no yard space and no safe way to access her garden and fire pit at the top. Plus, erosion was a continual problem.

Devine Design Landscapes of Rosemount, Minnesota, solved the problem by excavating for a small back yard and creating tiers of retaining walls with offset stairs, patio landings and seat walls. The result was a small, usable backyard space with safe access to the hilltop and ample planting space for perennials.

"With VERSA-LOK, I could use the same block to build the retaining walls, steps and seat walls," says Paul Devine, owner of Devine Design Landscapes. "The pinned system provides a high ratio of weight per square foot of wall face plus extreme flexibility in design. Back-locking lip walls are not as structurally sound as a pinned system, and hollow blocks do not provide the stability required for large tiered walls."

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(BPT) - In a relationship, you count on your significant other to be there with you through the good and the bad. They are your best friend, your confident and your closest ally. And you count on being able to have important conversations with them as well.

One of those important conversations every couple should have focuses on money and each person's respective financial goals, especially if you are planning to purchase a home. However, 33 percent of married or partnered adults have difficulty discussing money with their significant other, according to a Wells Fargo survey. "I think money is one of those topics most couples put off discussing because it can be sensitive," says Arlene Maloney, senior vice president, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "However, if you don't discuss money before entering into a major credit purchase, like homeownership, you open yourself up for potential problems down the road."

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments most people make in their lifetime. When two people decide to achieve the goal of homeownership together, it's important to understand not only your own finances and credit profile but your partner's finances and goals as well.

To help you broach this conversation with your partner, here are some things you should discuss before you move forward:

Where you will live and what you want to purchase. Do you want to live in the city or the suburbs? Are you set on a single-family home or a condo? Do you want to build your home or purchase an established property? Having answers to these questions will help you speak to a lender and learn more about how the type of home you choose may affect loan approval requirements or what options exist if you want to build your home. You'll also learn if any bond or down payment assistance programs may be offered in the municipalities you are considering.

Your partner's credit score. Lenders use customers' credit profiles to help determine your ability to repay a loan. When purchasing a home with someone else, both of your credit scores are considered. In most cases the lowest middle score between the two of you will be used. If you or your significant other has a very low score this may not only impact the loan amount you receive but also the interest rate. It may even prevent approval. If one of the credit scores is very low, as a couple you might discuss only one person applying for the mortgage loan.

Have an honest conversation about debt. An important factor that lenders evaluate is your debt-to-income ratio. This varies by mortgage program but a good rule of thumb is to ensure your debt level is at or below 36 percent of your gross monthly income. Having an overabundance of debt could impact the amount of the loan or whether you receive mortgage approval.

How much money can you put toward the purchase? It isn't necessary for you to put 20 percent down but most loan options require some sort of down payment. In many cases lower down payment options require mortgage insurance, which will increase your monthly payment.

Will one or both of you be on the note? If purchasing a home with someone else, each of you must qualify in order to be on the note, and both of you are responsible for the debt. If only one person is on the note, the other may not engage in any transactions regarding the loan, including refinancing, or application for modification. If one of you has less desirable credit, you may decide that only one of you will apply for the mortgage. You should also consult your state's attorney general's office to see if any community property laws exist in your state. Such laws could make a spouse legally responsible for any debt acquired by the other spouse after marriage. If such a law exists in your state, it's important you are aware of it.

Purchasing your first home is an exciting time and, for many people, a sign of success. But while you may want to rush out and start the shopping process now, take your time. Having a conversation with your significant other about the topics above beforehand will ensure you're both on the same page and set you up to make the most of your future and the home it includes. To find answers to your other questions about credit and homeownership, visit Wells Fargo's Smarter Credit Center or WellsFargo.com/mortgage.

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(BPT) - Unless you are the latest lottery winner or Queen of England (thank you for reading, your Majesty), you try to make your home improvements really count, and sometimes have to choose one upgrade over another. What if we told you there is a rather quick improvement that will take care of eight issues around the house, all at once?

Now sit back, read along and see how many of these common problems apply to you. If there are some you haven't considered before - rejoice - there is your bonus! We'll then reveal the one simple fix.

Your savings, or lack of thereof

With bright sun comes warmth, which can be very welcome during the cold winter months. But in the summer it can wreak havoc on your AC. Do you feel like you want to cry a little (or a lot) every time your energy bill comes? Surely you have better ideas for spending that money. This solution can help you lower those pesky bills and fill that piggy bank.

Your privacy

Unless your house is naturally private, say perched on a hill or with no neighbors for miles; you probably crave some privacy. This mystery improvement can help right away. Similarly, when you want to take in the view, it will quietly and quickly disappear.

Your Sunday football viewing

Who doesn't love big windows that bring in tons of light? This is until sun glare makes you miss the winning touchdown. Sunshine makes us happy - it is a scientific fact - but too much sun isn't good, neither for your skin nor your possessions. If you want to prevent the glare and the damaging UV rays from entering your home, there is one easy answer.

Your spooky shadows

Big, bare windows are wonderful during the day with light streaming in, but what about at night? Bid goodbye to big, black windows in the evening and don't be scared of who or what may be lurking in the darkness.

Your safety

Do you live in an area where the weather can be tricky? Or on a golf course, where the golf balls are flying dangerously? With this mystery improvement you can protect your home from the weather and your window glass from flying objects!

Have you guessed what improvement are we talking about yet? Either way keep reading, as it gets even better.

Your security

This improvement can not only hurricane-proof your home, but can also help make it burglar proof. Did you know 22 percent of all residential break-ins happen via back doors - The same beloved French patio doors you just had to have and enjoy every day? If you think we want to push "prison style" security bars, think twice. This solution is just as stylish as it is functional.

Your snooze time

If you are a daytime sleeper, light sleeper or just want to sleep in on a weekend, you know how annoying outside noise and light can be. You can create a perfect sleeping environment at the touch of a button.

By now you've surely have guessed what we are talking about. But before we reveal the solution, let us stun you with one more benefit.

By using our home improvement champion you can lower your homeowners insurance!

Finally, the answer

Did you guess that the one home improvement to take care of many of the dilemmas in your home is - ta da! - an automatic rolling shutter!

They are also known as European shutters, as they are widely popular in Europe. Somfy motorized rolling shutters can be integrated into walls and soffits in new construction, or can be easily attached to existing structures. They are easily controlled from the inside via switches, remotes, automatic sensors, timers or by the myLink app via your smartphone, whether you are home or away.

P.S. We do have one more benefit up our sleeve: bragging rights! Showing your new shutter smoothly roll up and down your doors or windows is truly a conversation piece.

We all know the saying "killing two birds with one stone." How about getting a whole bunch all at once?

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(BPT) - It's out there - that next bout of severe weather is on its way. No matter where you live in the United States, the potential for severe weather always exists and sometimes it comes without much warning.

"None of us really knows what the weather holds," says LT. General Russel L. Honore, U.S. Army (Ret). "That's why it's important to be prepared for any eventuality. You have to be able to be your own first responder if the situation calls for it."

There are few who understand the power of severe weather and natural disasters better than Honore. The commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, Honore is now a nationally recognized emergency preparedness expert. Each day he dedicates himself to helping Americans prepare for serve weather or natural disasters in order to create a "Culture of Preparedness," and help people be self-sufficient in instances of disaster.

Why you should be prepared

When Hurricane Katrina struck, 2.6 million people lost power, many for nearly a month. Today's hurricanes, as well as winter ice storms and blizzards can also cause extended outages that can leave the unprepared equally trapped and powerless in their home.

Honore says it's essential all families develop an emergency plan. This plan should include a safe place in your home where you can find shelter and a safe location if you are away from home or you are forced to evacuate. Each family member should also have a cell phone so they can communicate with each other and every home should contain an emergency kit. The kit should include a weather radio, flashlight(s), batteries, first aid kit, money, medications, heavy clothes and five days of non-perishable food and water.

The importance of power

"The number one issue you face in an emergency situation is access to reliable power," Honore says. "When you lose power, it sets our society back at least 100 years."

In today's world, many of the things people need to survive are tied to power. A loss of power cuts off communication, makes it difficult to attain food and water, creates sanitation issues and hinders temperature controls such as heating and air conditioning.

"Because power is so important, I recommend homeowners invest in a dependable standby generator," Honore says.

Unlike portable generators, a standby generator automatically turns on when power is lost. A standby generator, which is permanently connected to your house like a central air conditioning unit, has the ability to power everything in your home including your heat and air conditioning systems, refrigerator, lights, computers, television and other technologies. Each of these modern-day necessities are indispensable during an emergency. And best of all, because the standby generator connects to your home's existing fuel lines, you'll never need to worry about refueling it to keep the power up and running.

"I've personally been through this process," Honore says. "I have a Kohler standby generator connected to my home and I recommend everyone make having an automatic backup power supply part of their emergency preparedness plan."

Next steps

To learn more about automatic standby generators, visit KohlerGenerators.com. You'll have the chance to watch informative videos explaining standby power and how it works. Start your research today so when the next big storm arrives, you'll be ready.

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(BPT) - Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you can’t afford to make changes just for the sake of cosmetics. You want improvements that can enhance your enjoyment of a room and its functionality.

Here are five smart improvements to make in the rooms users of Ranker.com voted as the most popular ones in their homes: kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms.

1. Add natural light

Most rooms in the home look better and are more functional in natural light, and more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial light. What’s more, there’s no arguing the positive mental and physical health effects of natural light. Daylight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D and boosts brain levels of serotonin, which is thought to be associated with positive moods.

Adding skylights is a practical, cost-effective and attractive way to bring more natural light into virtually any room. Remote-controlled, solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux America provide not just natural light, but passive ventilation, a real plus in kitchens and baths. Adding solar powered blinds, in designer colors and patterns, increases energy efficiency while giving you total control over the amount of sunlight entering a room through the skylight.

In kitchens, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights increase natural light and ventilation without requiring any loss of wall space you could better use for cabinetry. In bathrooms, they provide the perfect combination of privacy and healthful natural light and ventilation.

If you already have older glass or plastic bubble skylights, you can upgrade to the latest solar powered models, plus solar blinds, and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products as well as installation costs. You can even bring more natural light into rooms or areas without direct roof access, like half-baths, closets and hallways, with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Add organization/storage

Clutter and chaos not only make a room function less efficiently, it can impact your mood as well. Adding organization and storage to rooms where clutter typically collects — such as bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms — is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the function of the room and how you feel about spending time in it.

In bedrooms, maximize closet space by installing organization units. A variety of manufacturers offer ready-made units you can install yourself. Or, for a bit more investment, you can have a professional closet organizer custom-make a unit to fit your space and needs. In living rooms and game rooms, built-in shelving and cabinetry is a functional and beautiful way to improve organization.

3. Improve ventilation

Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew, and creates a fresher, more healthful environment by exhausting stale indoor air.

Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans, and kitchen hoods should vent to the exterior of your home whenever possible. You can further improve ventilation by installing Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux. Because these skylights open, they provide passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and admit fresh air. A sensor operates a motor to close the skylights automatically in case of rain.

4. Replace older, inefficient fixtures and appliances

Fixtures and appliances are key elements of kitchens and bathrooms. Older ones not only look dated and shabby, they can cost you money because they use more electricity and water than newer, more efficient models.

Replacing old faucets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines with newer models that use less water can reduce your water bill and give kitchens and bathrooms a whole new look. Energy Star-qualified appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, refrigerators and washers also use less electricity than older appliances, so you can also lower your energy bills.

5. Freshen the foundations

Every room benefits from a good foundation, and that doesn’t just mean sturdy flooring. Wall color, flooring materials and trim are fundamental elements in any room. Simply repainting walls and woodwork can completely change the way any room looks. Or, if you like the colors you have, a fresh coat in the same color will make the room look brighter and newer. Replacing worn carpeting or dated tiles, or refinishing a hardwood floor are also great ways to improve the foundations of any room.

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(BPT) - During the winter months, it is common to see shopping centers and business owners out and about clearing snow and ice from pathways, parking spaces and entrances. But this is not just good business to help customers get in the door — it is also a liability issue should someone slip and fall and injure themselves. Homeowners, too, face similar, albeit more limited, liability if they fail to take adequate steps to remove such slippery hazards from their property.

Generally speaking, homeowners are responsible for limiting dangers on their property, but in some cases, this can also extend to public sidewalks abutting your home. In some localities, governments also require homeowners clear snow and ice or face fines. A regional survey of county and municipal agencies conducted by the Salt Institute found 83 percent have written policies directing property owners to remove accumulated snow and ice "within 24 hours of the end of the snowstorm." Penalties for property owners not complying can range from nominal tickets, to misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail, to fines of up to $500.

Shoveling snow is simple, but ice removal is another matter, and nothing works better to remove or prevent ice from forming than salt. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid and vice versa. The most effective way to use salt is to melt the snow or ice that is right at the pavement. If you can do this, then you will find it much easier to shovel the snow or ice from the sidewalk. This process, preventing water from freezing in the first place, is called anti-icing. It is best achieved by putting salt (or some other anti-icing material) down on the sidewalk when a freeze or a snowfall is expected. In contrast, melting water already frozen is called deicing and in this case salt is applied once ice appears. It still works, but is less efficient than anti-icing.

Commercially available anti-icing materials include salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate and calcium magnesium acetate. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but salt remains the best choice for use at temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9.4 degrees Celsius). For extremely low temperatures, look for a mixture using calcium or magnesium chloride instead.

Laws regarding snow and ice clearing vary by state and from locality to locality, but most mandate some action must be taken within a reasonable time period (often 24 hours) after it stops snowing. For example, the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act states that any owner who "removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts or omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton."

The dangers from slips and falls should not be taken lightly, especially for the elderly. Each year thousands are rushed to emergency rooms as a result of icy falls with injuries that could have easily been prevented. One enterprising hospital, St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis, Indiana even decided to give away road salt to local residents to try and prevent such injuries and the resulting emergency room visits. In the end, the person who is most likely to slip and fall is the homeowner themselves.

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(BPT) - Stop waiting - go ahead and put your home on the market. Even now, with temperatures dropping, airports bustling and retailers prepping Black Friday deals, it's a good time to sell.

In fact, Greg Jaeger, vice president at USAA Bank and former real estate agent, says waiting could decrease potential buyers, especially if mortgage rates increase soon and price some out of the market. Delaying a sale also could increase your competition and stress.

"Those who sell their homes in the winter can reap financial and emotional benefits since they are not waiting until everyone else is trying to sell," Jaeger says.

Less Competition

Your home has a greater chance of standing out from the crowd in the winter months, December through February. In the summer, you have to compete with other sellers looking to lure buyers expecting deals. To be sure, sales trends are different among colder and warmer states. And summer is often a more ideal time for families with young children to plan moves before school starts. However, you may be overlooking another group of buyers, Jaeger said.

"During the summer, buyers look like families. In the winter they look like investors," he said.

Sellers often are able to ask more for their homes in winter, Jaeger said. A study by online brokerage firm Redfin found average sellers earn above their asking price December through March than they do in the summer months. In addition, in winter months a home is on the market for an average of 26 days, compared to 33 days in non-winter seasons, according to Redfin's data.

Less Stress

There's a certain ecosystem to the home buying process, which includes realtors, home inspectors, appraisers, the title company and the bank processing the loan. That ecosystem is tense when activity is the busiest, Jaeger said. In peak buying season, there's overwhelming demand to process transactions, with potentially an overwhelmed system for processing them.

"You can help reduce the typical home buying and selling stress by selling your home during the winter ‘shoulder season' and working with experts who really understand your needs," he said.

Those needs often are more complex when the military is involved. While the military's Permanent Change of Station season typically prompts many military families to sell their homes during the busy summer months, duty can call in the winter too.

"Working with an experienced real estate agent, such as a USAA Real Estate Rewards Network agent who focuses on serving the military community, can help keep extra stress at bay," he said.

To learn more or to find a USAA Real Estate Rewards Network agent near you, visit usaa.com/findanagent.

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(BPT) - Moving into a new home is exciting - for the humans in the family. It can be less comfortable for pets who need time to adjust to a new environment, learn their way around and discover the best nap spots in their new home. As a loving pet parent, you want every member of your family to be as happy and comfortable as possible. Here are some tips to make your home more welcoming to your four-legged family members: 

Convenient dining 

Your furry friend will need his own space for meals - unless you don't mind him begging at the table when you eat! Make sure he has a bowl that is appropriate for his size and always clean it between meals.  

Vets recommend feeding pets only once or twice a day, so you'll want to stow away bowls when they're not in use. Many homes, including manufactured homes offered by Clayton, can be customized with a pet friendly feature - pet dish drawers that allow you to conceal feeding dishes when they're not needed, and slide the drawer open when it's meal time. It's a great way to keep your pet's dining area near yours but also out of the way. 

Hang-out space 

Dogs and cats spend a lot of their day napping and relaxing, so be sure to provide a variety of spaces for your pet to just hang out - with you or on his own. Clayton builds pet-friendly spots into many of their home models, including window seats and hideaway cubbies where pets can nap in peace.  

Sunrooms are also great for both pets and their humans to enjoy the feeling of al-fresco dining while remaining securely inside. Sun worshipping pets can also catch some rays while hanging out. 

Helpful grooming stations 

While many dogs enjoy a bath now and then, the process can be messy at home. Including a pet wash station with a hand-held hose in the mudroom ensures you'll be able to clean up your dirty pup before he drags dirt through the house. Make sure you outfit your wash station with an ample supply of soft, absorbent towels, dog shampoo and all the grooming tools you'll need to keep your pup looking great. 

Safe and happy outdoors 

Many pets enjoy a good romp outdoors, and you want your companion to be able to safely play in his outdoor environment. Start by adding a fence if you don't already have one. Choose one with vertical slats or rails close enough together that a pet can't slip through, and high enough that he or she can't jump over it. Next, be sure your pet has plenty of shady spots where he can hide, nap or just chill. Consider adding an outdoor pet fountain so pets always have access to fresh water, and a pet door to allow your dog or cat to easily come and go from your backyard. 

Cosmetic concerns 

Unless you have a rare hairless breed, you probably deal with pet hair daily. As you're decorating your new home, remember choosing carpeting close in color to your pet's coat will make shed hair less visible. You should also keep in mind the size of your dog as you're choosing hard flooring. Sturdy laminates will hold up better if you have large dogs in the house, while smaller dogs and cats may have trouble getting traction on vinyl or hardwood floors. 

"When you're buying a home, it's important that you consider every member of the family, and pets are a huge part of our families," says Clayton CEO Kevin Clayton. "Choosing to include pet-friendly features enhances not only a pet's home life, but creates a better functioning environment for the homeowners too."  

Visit www.claytonhomes.com to learn more about the pet features available or find a Home Center in your area. 

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(BPT) - Although you may prefer to forget, last winter's subfreezing temperatures may not be an isolated occurrence. Weather experts are already discussing if El Nino and arctic air from a polar vortex will cause colder than normal winter weather throughout the country. Is your home ready to withstand the chill?

Smart homeowners are taking time now to prepare their homes for the harsh weather. Winterizing not only helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside, but also helps lower your energy bill. Fortunately, some of the improvements that have the biggest impact are also easy to do and surprisingly affordable.

1. Seal gaps and cracks

The average midsize U.S. home has a half mile of gaps and cracks according to www.energystar.gov. Cold air infiltrates through those spaces causing your furnace to work overtime. An easy way to combat the problem is to use Great Stuff(TM) Gaps & Cracks to fill openings around electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, doors, dryer vents and more. Sealing your home takes just a few hours whether you do it yourself or work with a contractor. Visit dowgreatstuff.com/winterize to learn more.

2. Reverse fan blades

Your ceiling fans aren't just valuable during summer – they can help reduce energy costs by circulating warm air that rises to the top of rooms. To ensure your fan is circulating the air correctly, you need to reverse the blades. Most modern ceiling fans have a handy switch that controls the blade direction. During the winter, set the blades to spin clockwise to help warm rooms and set to counterclockwise during summer for cooling breezes.

3. Eliminate drafty windows

Have you ever felt a draft as you walked by your window? Gaps around windows are a major source of heat loss. Seal out those drafts with Great Stuff(TM) Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant. This specially formulated low-pressure sealant is easy to apply and insulates the window without bending the frame when properly applied. Another great tip is to open the curtains during the daylight hours on south-facing windows so the sun can help heat your home naturally. Close curtains when the sun sets to reduce the chill.

4. Install an adjustable thermostat

An adjustable thermostat is an effective tool for maintaining a comfortably warm home and cutting heating costs. If you have one but don't have it set, now is the time to learn how. By adjusting the temperature down while you're sleeping or away, you can save plenty of money. In fact, by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours, you can save 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill, according to energy.gov.

5. Tune up your furnace

If meteorologists' predictions are correct, your furnace will be working hard this winter. Make sure it is working effectively and efficiently by scheduling a tune-up now. A qualified technician will check the coils and clean and lubricate important mechanical parts. Some utility companies offer free checkups to customers, so be sure to ask about your options. In addition to a tune-up, remember to change your furnace filter once a month during the heating season to maintain proper air flow.

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(BPT) - Throughout the cold days of winter, homeowners are inclined to turn up the dial on their thermostat to maintain a warm, comfortable home. However, homeowners may not realize the presence of drafts and air leaks throughout the home can lead to temperature fluctuation and higher than normal heating bills.

Drafts and gaps in insulation coverage can be a major contributor to increased utility bills, as well as inefficient performance of HVAC equipment. Conditioned air continually escapes the home, leaving the HVAC equipment to work overtime to compensate in an effort to reach the thermostat's set temperature. Air leakage from walls, windows, ceilings and floors can account for up to 40 percent of the energy lost by your home, potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually. Plus, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests air leakage contributes to potential moisture problems that can affect occupant health and the home's durability.

Homeowners can reduce air leakage in several ways, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners take a comprehensive approach. First, detect where the air leaks are within your home. A certified HERS Rater will be able to help you identify such areas, as well as help assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.

Once all sources of air leaks have been identified, air sealing techniques and materials can be applied. Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the most popular and common techniques that can help address air leaks. However, building experts will suggest considering solutions that go further in terms of air-sealing by selecting a high-performance building material like spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation, such as Icynene, works well in all climates to seal the building and fill every gap to stop air leakage and help reduce the strain on HVAC equipment. As a solution that performs effectively year-round, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature while helping to control monthly heating and cooling expenses.

Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies once the snow melts and spring arrives. More information on how spray foam insulation can help homeowners minimize air leakage is available online at www.icynene.com.

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(BPT) - There are so many reasons to love fall. From the brisk breeze and color-changing leaves outdoors, to prepping for the holidays and watching football inside, there couldn't be a better time to make a few updates around your house. Consider these simple fall home updates to stylishly welcome the season.

Paint to please

Throughout the year, our walls can undergo stress from energetic kids, furniture moving and everyday traffic. If your home will be busy during the holidays, welcome guests with a newly painted entryway, or, freshen up your family room with a colorful accent wall. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a room, so embrace the season and try a fall-inspired hue that harmonizes with your existing space like deep emerald green, royal purple or burgundy. Deep, rich paint colors are a top design trend of 2015, so the bolder the better. To achieve the best results, use FrogTape brand painter's tape to attain sharp paint lines. FrogTape is treated with PaintBlock Technology, which seals the edges of the tape, preventing paint bleed. To help incorporate the color of the accent wall into the room, add décor and accessories in similar shades throughout the area, such as new pillows in your family room or a coordinating rug in your entryway.

Clever copper accents

Group together the season's leaves and branches to create a unique centerpiece, or place them throughout the house to bring life to your living areas. Crafting with fall foliage is a cinch - simply gather an assortment of thick leaves, either real or faux - and after they're rinsed and dried, spray each side of the leaf with copper paint and leave to dry for a few hours. Line these leaves up along a table runner, string them from your mantle or use them to dress up place settings. To extend the life of your metallic leaves, consider using them as place cards for holiday dinners. Easily allow guests to find their seats in shimmery style by placing printed nametags atop the leaves at each setting.

Freshen up the front door

Increase your home's curb appeal with a front door refresh just in time for the fall. For starters, give your door a new identity with a distinctive paint color - consider hunter green, colonial red or cognac. The color of your door introduces the world to those who live inside, so choose one that speaks to your family's style. After you've added personality to your door with paint, add a final touch with your family's monogram to the center of the door. If your door is metal, glue magnets to the back of the letters and it will easily adhere to it.

Proper party prep

During the fall, more time will be spent in the home's entertaining spaces to accommodate holiday soirees and family gatherings. Increase the functionality of this room - whether it's the den, family room, dining room or finished basement - and encourage guests to congregate comfortably by adding casual seating. Spice things up with a mixture of options; choose decorative stools and poufs, or upcycle vintage chairs with new, reupholstered seats. The style of your chairs can vary, but be sure to coordinate the colors and patterns. When you're not in party mode, stow away the extra seats.

Wow with a refreshed washroom

When decorating for fall, don't overlook the bathroom! A few simple changes can take this space to new heights. Start by swapping out your soap dishes and lotion pumps with new, coordinating options fitting for the season. If budget allows, replace your everyday towels with new, plush ones in fun fall colors that add a pop of color to the room. Next, add candles with autumn-inspired scents for an aromatic effect that brings the outdoor aura indoors. For subtle changes that go a long way, replace your bathroom hardware including the toilet handle, cabinet pulls or hinges and towel racks.

The fall season is a great time to revitalize elements of your home as you prepare for indoor holiday entertaining. As you choose updates, make sure they maximize your personal style. For more information on FrogTape products, visit frogtape.com.

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(BPT) - While the number of home fires occurring in the U.S. each year has fallen by more than 50 percent since 1977, the ratio of people who die in home fires has remained virtually unchanged, based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 1977, deaths occurred in .8 percent of home fires, and in 2013, that rate was .7 percent. One possible explanation for this discrepancy: home fires now burn hotter and faster than they did 40 years ago, meaning victims have less time to escape a burning house.

"In a series of experiments, UL demonstrated that the nature of residential fires has changed dramatically," says Eric Skare, a volunteer firefighter in Minnesota and product manager of fire safety systems for Uponor. "Flashover - the point when intense heat causes an entire room to become engulfed in flames - now occurs less than five minutes after a fire starts. It used to take 30 minutes or longer for flashover to occur. People now have less time to get out of a burning house, even if their smoke alarms have alerted them to the fire."

The UL study cites several factors as driving the changes in home residential fires, including:

* Modern home design is toward larger homes with more open floor plans, an arrangement that facilitates the spread of fire. Older homes were smaller overall and featured smaller room plans.

* Construction materials currently in use contribute to a faster burn time.

* Today's home furnishings are made from many synthetic materials that combust easily, meaning fires have more fuel.

* In UL testing, modern windows of all types failed faster than windows made from older - or "legacy" materials. In some cases, the time difference was significant. For example, legacy windows made of wood with a metal frame and nine single-glazed panes failed in about 12 to 16 minutes, while modern premium wooden frame windows with two panes of double-glazed glass failed in about four to six minutes. When windows fail, they admit more oxygen into a burning building to feed the fire.

Working smoke alarms in a home are proven to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. Virtually every construction code in the U.S. requires smoke alarms in new construction. Functioning smoke alarms reduce the risk of home fire fatalities by 50 percent, according to the NFPA. A residential sprinkler system slashes the risks even further - by 80 percent. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that all homes should be equipped with both smoke alarms and sprinklers. And the International Residential Code also requires fire sprinklers for new-home construction.

A typical system represents about 1 to 1.5 percent of the total cost of new-home construction. For example, a $200,000 new home would require an investment of about $2,000 to install sprinklers - far less than the cost of other, less safety-oriented upgrades, such as premium appliances or flooring.

Multipurpose systems like Uponor's, which use durable, flexible PEX piping, reduce costs even further. Because the home's cold-water plumbing fixtures are fed from the sprinkler loop, less piping is required for the installation. And recent approvals now allow Uponor's PEX piping to be left exposed in unfinished basement applications, which simplifies installation requirements even more.

"If you're building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, there's life-saving value in asking your builder to install a fire sprinkler system," says Skare. "It doesn't have to cost a bundle to buy yourself and your family more time in case of a fire, and it's well worth the investment."

To learn more about residential fire sprinkler systems visit www.uponor-usa.com. For more information about fire safety and building construction, visit www.nfpa.org or www.iccsafe.org.

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(BPT) - Calling all DIY enthusiasts: Those popcorn ceilings have to go. They don't get much love from homeowners or homebuyers, and they can really bring down the overall look and feel of an otherwise attractive room.

Popcorn ceilings haven't really represented stylish home design since disco was on the radio, though they've certainly lingered a little longer.

Whether you're interested in a fresh look for your own family or updating your home before putting it on the market, upgrading from a popcorn ceiling is a great investment. As the largest uninterrupted space in any room, the ceiling gives you a golden opportunity to add interest or infuse your personality.

Mark Clement, a general contractor and blogger on MyFixItUplife, regularly advises homeowners on the best ways to create the most value and appeal in their home. "Ceilings really do make a greater impact than people realize," he says. "The right choice can help a room soar - but you probably won't get that effect with a popcorn ceiling."

"New ceilings are a great update, and with today's options, they're incredibly easy to install yourself," Clement says. "Stylish ceiling details really turn heads, and a new ceiling can make a dark or uninviting room feel bigger and brighter."

But, before you grab your scraper, Clement has a few words of caution about tackling popcorn ceiling removal as a DIY project. "To remove a popcorn ceiling, you have to really be committed to the task. You can certainly do it yourself, but be forewarned that it can create a gigantic mess. You'll want to consider all of your options carefully, from removing to simply covering it up, based on your time and budget. Patience is also a factor!"

If you know you want to make a change, but you're not sure of the best way to move forward, here are a few key factors you need to consider when addressing your popcorn ceiling(s):

Stains: You can't put lipstick on a pig.

Water problems, cracks and other issues that leave blemishes on your ceiling can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have a popcorn ceiling that makes it difficult to simply paint over. Covering or removing that ceiling allows you to fix the noticeable, distracting blemishes overhead and clear the path for a stylish upgrade.

Scraping: Get ready to get messy.

Popcorn ceilings don't get enough credit for tenacity, really. Once applied, they're not easy to remove! At best, you'll be soaking your ceiling with water (and possibly your walls along the way) before scraping the resulting slop off with a drywall knife. At worst, the water won't get through all of your layers of paint, and you'll be breaking out the heavy machinery to sand or scrape through it all, kicking up dust. It's doable, but it's a lengthy process and not for the faint of heart.

Cover it up: The easy way to fix ugly.

Don't worry though - you can always cover up your popcorn ceiling by installing a new ceiling over the existing one. Manufacturers like Armstrong Ceilings have many options: wood planks, metal tiles or patterned panels. How-to videos show how easy it is to install a new ceiling in as little as a day.

To our modern eyes, popcorn ceilings definitely look a bit stale, but the good news is you're not stuck with them. There are a number of options to freshen up your look and turn your ceilings into the fun, festive spaces that match your true style.

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(BPT) - It's coming - the white, windy weather of winter. Are you ready? Is your home? Now is the time to protect your home and wallet with a quick window and door checkup to make needed repairs and reduce costs.

Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in window sills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace loose or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in, reducing energy efficiency.

Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. To help reduce potential drafts and leaks, reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight, creating breaks in caulk or sealant.

Install snap-in blinds or shades. Snap-in between-the-glass blinds or shades help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood on the roof or near the foundation is typically associated with water penetration and may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage.

Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter. Replace them now with energy-efficient, double- or triple-pane glass versions, such as those offered by Pella, and made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year round.

For more home tips, follow Pella on Pinterest and Houzz and visit Pella.com to connect with your local Pella representative.

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(BPT) - The home loan process can seem intimidating, especially for a first-time homebuyer. It is not a simple process, but it doesn&'t have to be too complicated. There are many resources available to help you prepare for your home buying journey, and your mortgage lender can answer the questions you have throughout the process.

"We're finding that many of our customers come into the home loan process with limited knowledge of how the home loan process works," says Eric Hamilton, President ofVanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "It's important to take the time to familiarize yourself with the process so you know what to expect.&"

Here are some of the key steps to the home loan process, as well as some tips to help you understand what you can expect:

1. Preparation and self-assessment

Before you dive head-first into buying a home, make sure that you know how much you can afford. The first step is to calculate your "debt-to-income ratio." You can do this by adding up your current monthly bills then subtracting your total current income. This will help you determine whether you can afford a mortgage payment, and if so, what amount might fit into your budget. Using an online mortgage calculator is a good way to help you determine what the estimated cost of your monthly mortgage payment will be. Doing these calculations first will help you assess your resources and determine your budget to purchase a home.

2. The loan application

Download a blank loan application ahead of time so you can look it over and familiarize yourself with it. This will give you an idea of the information you need when completing and submitting the application. The necessary documents may include: proof of income, proof of employment for the past two years, proof of identity, proof of residency and your social security card.

3. Origination and Underwriting

Origination - The loan officer will review your financing options, work with you to complete the credit application and create the loan account.

Underwriting - An underwriter will review the application and determine the level of credit risk you represent based on your credit score, income, existing debt and down payment. You may be asked to provide additional information about your finances during this step.

4. Satisfying loan conditions and full loan approval

In this step, you will receive a &"conditions to approval&" list from your lender, which outlines the tasks you must complete before the loan can be closed. For example, the lender may ask for additional documentation to verify income, savings or emergency funds or other proof that you can afford to repay the loan. At this point in the process the lender may offer a conditional loan approval and start the document verification process. If you accept the conditional loan approval offer, once all conditions have been met, the lender will issue a full loan approval.

5.&;Processing

Once you&'ve selected your dream home, you&'ll sign a purchase agreement with the seller. The purchase agreement tells the lender how much you have agreed to pay to purchase the home. The lender may then have the home appraised and will provide you with a copy of the appraisal.

6. Closing

In the final step of the process, the lender works with a title company to obtain and review a title report and then finalize your title on the home. The titling company receives a closing package, which contains the documents that need to be signed, recorded and become part of your mortgage loan file. At the closing, you will sign all closing documents and pay any closing costs. The lender then receives all of this signed paperwork to complete the process.

Once this process is complete, you&'re ready to move into your dream home. The home loan process may take some time, but these steps are well worth the wait. For more mortgage and loan resources, visit: www.vmfhomeloan.com.

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(BPT) - Once limited to simplistic, clean lines and cool color schemes, modern design has evolved to include sleek, minimalistic looks with gentle, warm, organic elements. The new “approachable modern” design schemes emphasize the grace of nature, respect the strength of simplicity and can be effortlessly incorporated into any home by choosing the right accents.

Incorporating metal

Metal accents often serve as the focal point of modern design. When incorporating metal into your space, start with the basics: hardware, faucets and fixtures. If you gravitate toward warm finishes like bronze tones, choose accents with clean, minimalistic silhouettes. Conversely, if you opt for modern finishes with cool blue undertones like chrome and stainless, look for hardware with organic shapes like the Delta Tesla bath faucet that boasts a gentle silhouette inspired by curves found in nature. The faucet also provides modern convenience, with optional Touch₂O.xt Technology that activates the flow of water with a simple touch or via hands-free proximity sensing.

Complementary accessories

To maintain a modern feel, simplicity is the key with accessories. Look for a few small items to work within modern and organic schemes. For instance, geometric shaped mirrors work well across from windows to enhance natural light and a touch of greenery can come to life in a minimal, white pot.

Balancing color

Choose a neutral, like grey, white or beige, as the primary color in your home to enhance a minimalistic, contemporary feel. To take a next step and elevate a home’s color palette, incorporate organic materials such as wood or slate in dark, rich tones to create warmth and texture.

Let there be light

Often overlooked, the right lighting is critical when creating a space that channels modern design and homeowners have a number of options to consider, such as recessed, wall mount, chandelier and pendant lighting. Remember quality of light and placement are key. If you wish to highlight certain room features, spot lighting can be incorporated, whereas skylights work well for added natural light.

For more information about the modern contemporary Delta Tesla Bath Collection, visit www.deltafaucet.com.

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(BPT) - Winter this year promises to be harsh across much of the U.S. The Farmers' Almanac predicts conditions will be "bitter cold," "unseasonably cold," "very chilly" and "frigid" for states east of the Mississippi River. In a word, brrrrrr!

Autumn is the perfect time to make sure your home stays warm and cozy, in preparation for when the bitter blasts of January and February come pounding. With some simple DIY insulation projects, you can keep the heat in and the cold out this winter, while also saving on your heating bill.

Check the basement

One of the first places to check for proper insulation is the basement.

"Up to 25 percent of a home's heat loss is through the basement," says Tom Savoy, technical director for Insulfoam.

Many homes in the U.S. were built with fiberglass batts between wood wall studs, which is notoriously leaky, providing a bridge for heat to pass through the wall, says Savoy. Such insulation can also trap moisture in the walls, causing a musty basement smell.

"Even if you don't spend time in the basement, it's crucial to insulate it right to help manage the heating throughout the rest of your home," says Savoy.

A simple solution is adding a layer of continuous insulation to the home's basement walls using rigid foam boards, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Available in home improvement stores, EPS insulation is easy to cut and install using standard tools around the house. Unlike many other insulations, rigid foam boards are thin and easy to handle, without messy fibers to clean-up.

"EPS is a professional grade insulation that even DIYers can install," says Savoy.

To get started insulating your basement, you will first need to figure out how much insulation you will need, based on its "R-value." R-value is the measure of an insulation's ability to resist heat flow, with higher numbers meaning better performance. A quick call to your city or county building department will let you know what R-value is appropriate, and if you'll need to take anything else into account with your insulation project.

Take a look in the attic

In addition to insulating the basement, another leaky area to check is attic hatches. As heat rises, these hatches often have gaps around them, allowing the warm air to escape. Properly sealing them with weather stripping and adding a layer of rigid foam to the hatch will help keep heat in your living area.

To get ready for the coming shivery weather, the Farmers' Almanac suggests stocking up on "sweaters, long johns, and plenty of firewood." Part of your preparation should also include an easy weekend or two of adding insulation to your home.

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(BPT) - Three percent of the U.S. population suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) every winter, according to Psychology Today. But you don't have to be diagnosed with an actual disorder to suffer a bad case of the winter blues - it can happen to anyone. Since climate and environment have a lot to do with causing winter doldrums, you might find engaging in some home improvement projects can make you feel happier and healthier this winter.

Freshening your space can feel good any time of year, but certain projects are perfectly aligned to give you a much-needed mood boost when it turns cold or wet weather sets in. Here are four projects that not only can brighten your outlook, they can also be good for your wallet:

1. Install skylights

Avoiding SAD is preferable to treatment and skylights can help you maximize the amount of natural light that enters your home this winter. More natural light is good for you on many levels.

Sunlight stimulates the body's production of Vitamin D and increases the levels of serotonin in your brain; lower serotonin levels are thought to be associated with depression, lack of energy, elevated appetite and excessive sleepiness. What's more, if you opt for Energy Star-qualified solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, you can also help improve indoor air quality. These skylights open, providing passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and fresh air to enter, and they close automatically in case of rain.

Skylights can also be good for your financial health. Solar powered skylights, along with solar powered blinds, as well as installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Also, more natural light in your home on a dark winter day can help decrease your need for artificial lighting. And sunshine can help warm the interior of your home and support the work your furnace does to keep the house comfortable.

Skylights can be installed in many areas of your home with kitchens and baths being among the most popular choices for more natural light, fresh air, and privacy. Even areas without direct roof access, like hallways and closets, can benefit from more natural light through tubular Sun Tunnel skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Replace your garage door

If you're like most people, you probably don't think much about your garage door or the impact it has on how your home looks and feels. Yet the garage door is a huge surface area that directly affects your home's curb appeal and its ability to retain heat in the winter.

A great deal of warm air can escape a home through an uninsulated garage door. What's more, when the garage gets cold, it can affect the comfort of rooms around and above it. Have a game room over the garage that's chilly in winter? The garage door could be to blame.

Replacing an old, uninsulated garage door with a new insulated model can improve heat retention. And a new garage door is a great way to update your home's facade.

3. Replace an old appliance (or as many as you can afford)

If you're already bummed by winter, having to live with old, beat-up, inefficient appliances will only add to your frustration. Plus, older appliances generally use more electricity and water than newer models.

Replacing an old refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer with Energy Star-qualified appliances can help reduce your energy and water consumption - and bills. It's also an improvement that you can feel good about because it's the perfect marriage of practicality (you really need appliances that function well) and enjoyment (all those bells and whistles just make the work more fun).

4. Declutter and add organizers

You may not think of cleanup as a legitimate home improvement, but decluttering and organizing your environment can definitely boost your mood. In American homes, the problem of clutter has reached staggering proportions. More than half of Americans (54 percent) say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in their homes, and 78 percent have no idea what to do with it, according to a recent survey by the National Association for Professional Organizers and Declualsottr.com.

Grab some trash bags and start cleaning house. Trash the things that are clearly junk, donate things that are still usable but not by you and set aside the things you want to keep. Invest in some closet, cabinet and drawer organizers. Add storage cubbies to a mud room or entryway and create storage space in your garage.

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(BPT) - Many homeowners with a passion for cooking desire a kitchen that mirrors those of renowned chefs. To achieve this, various design elements and simple upgrades can be incorporated to create the ideal kitchen that combines ultimate functionality with sophisticated style.

Faucet makeover

Culinary enthusiasts spend a lot of time at the sink. A faucet that simplifies tasks is a necessity and the Brizo Solna Articulating Kitchen Faucet is a culinary-driven innovation offering flexibility and control in the kitchen. Boasting crisp, contemporary lines, the articulating arm can be adjusted to position the two-function spray wand at various heights and angles — extend the arm up or outward to fill large pots or lower into the sink to reduce splash during clean-up. Beyond function, its Scandinavian inspiration brings a streamlined architecture to any kitchen.

Storage space

Just as great recipes call for top-quality ingredients, great kitchens need excellent tools. Maximizing storage is key for those with an impressive collection of kitchen tools and culinary essentials. Avoid overwhelming renovations and make the most of storage options by thinking “outside the cabinet” to fully accommodate needs.

For a crisp, modernized look, arrange pots and pans in a line on the wall with a linear rack. Take organization a step further by incorporating a magnet bar for sharp utensils, ensuring tools are close at hand without getting in the way. Store culinary tools and flatware in expandable drawer dividers to ensure all cabinet space is utilized and the counter remains clutter-free.

Inside garden

Bring the outside in with a miniature herb garden for fresh flavor enhancements when you need them. Spaces in front of a kitchen window with natural light are ideal for an indoor garden.

Various herbs in 3- or 4-inch pots can be grouped together in stylish trays to keep humidity high. For an extra splash of color, add edible flowering plants to the garden, such as lavender, lemongrass and violet. These homegrown herbs can be used as garnishes, to layer flavor into a dish or even in cocktails for at-home entertaining.

Designated task stations

Commercial restaurants work well with cooking stations for seamless preparation and execution. Designate specific areas for every facet of meal preparation to aid in overall organization and evoke the look and feel of a five-star kitchen in your home.

In most top-rated kitchens, food preparation is commonly performed between the sink and refrigerator to ensure all needs are met for retrieving, rinsing and chopping. Added elements like a deep sink and wide counter space make these tasks efficient and restaurant quality.

Transforming the kitchen into a chef-centered space is simple with clean, purposeful upgrades. For additional information on the Solna Articulating Faucet or to learn about other Brizo product offerings, visit www.brizo.com.

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(BPT) - Home chefs everywhere are taking a new approach when designing their dream kitchens. Beyond upscale tools and high end appliances, they also want features that are eco-friendly and environmentally smart. Here are the top trends in eco-friendly kitchen design.

Green countertops
When it comes to selecting eco-conscious kitchen countertops, home chefs are getting creative. The greenest countertops are made from recycled materials such as glass, cement, porcelain and even paper. These products aren't just environmentally friendly, they are absolutely stunning with complex colors and upscale designs that fit into any kitchen aesthetic.

Fireplace bake ovens

A fireplace/bake oven combo is a beautiful focal point that is as useful as it is stylish. Tulikivi soapstone fireplace ovens warm kitchens and provide home chefs an extremely useful way to bake. Their unique design allows wood to burn separately within the fireplace firebox or bake oven. The whole stove warms evenly from top to bottom so no heat goes to waste, plus the aroma produced by a wood-fired oven gives every meal a delicious finishing touch. Learn more about cooking with fireplace bake ovens by visiting Tulikivi on YouTube.

Eco-friendly cabinets
Appearance isn't the only thing home chefs are considering when shopping for cabinetry. Most pressed wood cabinets are made with a resin called urea-formaldehyde, which can be unhealthy. Buying cabinets made from solid wood helps avoid this concern. Additionally, cabinets made from sustainable materials are in high demand, like bamboo or wood that has been responsibly harvested. Finally, nontoxic paints and varnishes are a must.

Greenhouse garden windows
A garden window is a popular option for kitchens above the sink. Not only do these types of windows let natural light into the space to cut energy expenses, they also feature a recessed ledge ideal for potted plants. That means this eye-catching window also allows home chefs to grow their own herbs year round so there's no need to waste time and fuel running to the local grocery store. Healthy, fresh flavorings can be plucked at a moment's notice.

Energy efficient appliances
Appliances alone account for a whopping 13 percent of a household's energy costs. Refrigeration and cooking appliances are the biggest energy drains, so it's no surprise that green kitchens feature Energy Star approved appliances. Kitchen features that give more bang for the buck are in high demand also. Half of all the energy used in the home goes to heating, this is why smart homeowners are using Tulikivi ovens to bake and heat their homes. These bakeovens store heat in the thermal mass of the soapstone, a two-hour burn can radiate heat for up to 24 hours producing clean, comfortable, cost-saving warmth. 

Reclaimed materials
New doesn't always mean the best. In fact, more home chefs are seeking reclaimed materials not only for environmental reasons, but also because these materials give kitchen spaces one-of-a-kind personality. For example, vintage reclaimed tile is fantastic for creating a conversation-worthy backsplash that no other kitchen has. Another option is reclaimed wood from old barns or schoolhouses, which can be transformed into noteworthy flooring with a great backstory.

Smart faucets
Today's kitchen faucets have entered the smart age. More than just low-flow for water conservation, smart faucets offer additional ways to go green. Some have motion sensors so with a wave of the hand they turn on quickly and then turn off after a designated amount of time. Home chefs enjoy features like quick hot to cool temperature changes too, which make it easy to cook and also save H2O.

The green movement is here to stay and home chefs are embracing kitchen design that offers upscale elegance while being eco-friendly. Consider these trends when you build your dream kitchen. To learn more, visit Tulikivi.us or find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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(BPT) - If home improvement was only about increasing a home's resale value, perhaps more people would live in homes that had steel entry doors, manufactured stone veneer and/or vinyl siding and interior walls that were a uniform beige. But when you're calculating the potential return on investment of any home improvement project, you need to consider more than just the cost.

In addition to resale value, your ROI calculations should also take into account the emotional satisfaction of a project, how it will affect your enjoyment of your home, and its impact on the house's livability. Some projects definitely return more of their investment at the time of resale — like that steel front door. But not everyone will fall in love with how a steel door looks, and may find the richness of wood more aesthetically satisfying. Other projects may really boost your enjoyment of your home, but be problematic when you one day want to sell; inground pools come to mind.

While some improvements you do because you have too — such as replacing the roof — a few home improvements positively affect resale value, increase a home's livability and elevate your enjoyment. These are the projects that you also do because you want to. Here are a handful of home improvements that meet all the criteria for a great investment not only when you sell but while you're living in the home:

Skylights

In the realm of home improvements, adding skylights is one of least expensive upgrades you can choose for the functionality and appearance benefits they provide.  You get a healthy nudge in resale value plus significant emotional and aesthetic benefits.  Skylights, which are particularly popular in kitchens and baths, admit more natural light into a home — which is always appealing to buyers — so when you're selling, rooms with skylights will appear bigger, airy and more inviting. While you're still living in the home, you'll reap the psychological and health benefits of more natural light and ventilation.

Opt for Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, and you can use the skylight not only for natural light but to provide passive ventilation that improves indoor air quality. You'll enjoy the skylights even more since they come with programmable touch pad remote to operate not only the skylights but also energy-efficiency-boosting accessories like blinds in designer colors and patterns. What's more, solar powered skylights and blinds, along with installation costs, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To learn more visit www.whyskylights.com.

Kitchen remodel

A minor kitchen remodel of around $20,000 returns nearly 80 percent of your investment when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. Upgrading your kitchen can also be deeply satisfying emotionally, giving you a chance to express your creativity while achieving gains in usability at the same time.

In practical terms, new kitchen appliances tend to be more feature-rich, usable and energy-efficient than older models. The same is true of kitchen faucets, which can allow you to waste less water or even thwart the spread of germs. New cabinets and countertops expand storage and work space while redefining the entire look of the kitchen.

Bath remodel

Bathrooms help sell homes, and remodeling yours can recoup 70 percent of the investment cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine. Since bathrooms are far more important than their practical purpose, an improved bathroom can realign how you feel about your living space. A soaking tub, great shower experience, fresh finishes and even fresh paint can all deliver more positive feelings about your bathroom.

What's more, replacing older faucets and fixtures can actually give you the satisfaction of reducing your water bill. Newer toilets, showerheads and faucets use less water to deliver the same quality of experience as older, less efficient models. Curbing water waste can save you money — and that's something anyone can feel good about!

Consider adding fresh air skylights to both rooms – in the kitchen for light and to vent cooking odors and heat and in the bath for more light, ventilation and privacy. They are cost effective upgrades that deliver both functionality and resale value.

Just as you would never take a job based only on the salary, you should never undertake a home improvement solely on its monetary value. Instead, consider all the elements of ROI — from cash to emotion — before deciding how to spend your home improvement dollars.

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(BPT) - Who says you have to give up time on the deck you love just because summer is over? Whether you're just relaxing or tackling home improvement projects, time outdoors is a great way to recharge at the end of a hectic day or tiring week. A few simple do-it-yourself updates can help you enjoy your deck this fall – and throughout the rest of the year.

1. Add decorative touches like post caps and privacy lattice.

Just having a deck adds value to your home, but you can easily make yours more appealing and enjoyable by adding some decorative touches. Post caps are an easy-to-install way to dress up an ordinary deck railing. Deck product manufacturers like Deckorators offer extensive post cap options, including wood designs, metal and decorative caps that incorporate stained glass, metal accents and even solar lighting.

Lattice is another way to add interest to your deck, while creating privacy at the same time. Durable plastic lattice from Deckorators allows you to visually shield areas of your deck, or block off the space beneath your deck to keep animals from slipping under it.

Not sure how the decorative element of your choice will look on your deck? Deckorators' website provides a deck visualizer to help you understand how your design choices might look on your deck. Visit www.deckorators.com to learn more.

2. Light the way to longer hours of enjoyment.

As summer winds down, days grow shorter. Adding lighting to your deck can help you enjoy fall evenings outdoors. Low-voltage LED lighting can help illuminate steps, accent your deck railing and create areas of interest – all while using less electricity to save you money. Deckorators offers an LV light system that easily clips onto deck railings, making installation quick and easy for most DIYers.

3. Plant the seeds of great seasons to come.

Landscaping adds value and relaxation to a deck area. Wooden planters are a great way to enhance a deck's visual appeal. Building a planter is an easy weekend project, and provides you the perfect location to plant some fall veggies as well. Add a removable lid to the planting box and you can turn it into additional seating when then growing season is over. When spring comes, remove the lid and you're ready to plant spring vegetables or flowers.

4. Warm up the decor.

Fall is a great time to score deals on outdoor decor. Deck furniture, outdoor area rugs and decorative items all go on sale as summer ends – even though in many areas of the country there will be plenty of warm days and evenings left in which to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Simply replacing worn furniture and adding an area rug can make your deck feel warmer and more inviting.

5. Heat up your outdoor space.

Of course, your outdoor environment will eventually get chilly as fall settles in. Why not add an outdoor heater to extend your deck time even longer? Home improvement and lawn and garden stores sell a variety of patio heaters in a range of designs to fit every space, taste and need. A single, well-placed heater can provide enough warmth to keep your entire deck comfortable on a chilly fall evening. Need an additional source of warmth to supplement your patio heater? Fire up the grill and fill the fall air with the aroma of grilled treats!

Don't let fall drive you indoors too soon. A few simple updates can allow you to enjoy your deck throughout the autumn months.

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(BPT) - Imagine being able to heat your home with no more energy than used by a hair dryer turned on low, or even going off the grid altogether.

Thanks to smaller, carefully planned home designs, coupled with a superior insulation system, super energy-efficient small homes are growing in popularity.

Once perceived as the housing of commune-living hippies in the 1960s, today's small homes feature exceptional design and comfort. Although the average size of U.S. homes increased 57 percent in the past 40 years, more Americans are becoming interested in smaller homes designed to make the most of each square foot, rather than just building bigger. This trend is seen in the growing popularity of TV shows like "Tiny House Nation," and dozens of websites and blogs devoted to the small house movement.

Although there is no formal definition for these smaller abodes, The Tiny House Community website considers a home to be "small" if it is under 1,000 square feet, and "tiny" if less than 400 square feet. At the extreme, some "tiny houses" are less than 100 square feet - about the size of a camper.

The secret to living smaller is optimizing the available space, and creating areas that are cozy instead of cramped. One key is making use of otherwise wasted space, such as adding storage under beds or under staircases, and doing away with non-critical features like the great rooms that sit unused in many homes. Small home designers are able to create a sense of openness and light in the small footprint by including numerous windows or mirrors, as well as other design touches such as lofts and curved ceilings. In essence, in the smaller spaces there is clear purpose for every element in the home.

"Attention to the small gives character to the whole," says acclaimed architect and simple-living proponent, Sarah Susanka. Susanka is author of the book, "The Not So Big House."

For many small home enthusiasts, the appeal is not only a simpler life in a smaller, un-cluttered home, but also saving money and living green by consuming much less energy. All else being equal, it takes less energy to heat and cool a smaller home than a larger one, but many small homes also use an advanced building technique for high energy efficiency and quick construction - structural insulated panel (SIPs).

"SIP panel walls and roofs combine the insulation and structure in one unit," says Joe Pasma, technical manager for Premier SIPs, North America's largest SIP panel manufacturer. "The end result is much lower air leakage and continuous insulation, which helps reduce heating and cooling energy use up to 60 percent compared to other building methods - whether in a tiny house or a standard-sized one." As visually interesting home designs are important to many small home dwellers, Pasma notes that SIP panels can be used in virtually any architectural style.

An increasing number of builders in the U.S. specialize in tiny house designs, with many of them offering SIP panel homes. These range from do-it-yourself kit homes up to fully personalized homes. Getting started is simple explains Patrick Sughrue, president of Artisan Tiny House in Vancouver, Washington.

"We use a step-by-step process in which we take one of our templates that's close to what you want and customize it to make it yours."

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This fall promises to be particularly popular for home projects. Lower gas prices are boosting people's discretionary income and Metrostudy's latest Residential Remodeling Index points to a continued rise in activity.
Like many trends, there isn't one particular reason fall has emerged as a popular time for home improvement, several factors play a role.

Energy efficiency is top of mind

With colder weather on the horizon, homeowners shudder at the thought of higher heating costs. They upgrade windows, layer in more insulation, service or replace old furnaces and, in some cases, do all of the above.
The weather is nice

Home improvement projects can be hard and even grueling work, particularly for DIYers. Lower temperatures and humidity create a much more comfortable environment for getting things done (and rhetorically keeping your cool when obstacles inevitably arrive).
The holiday entertaining wow factor

Everyone wants their home to sparkle when they welcome family and friends during the holidays. Completing a home improvement project during the fall sets up a big reveal when the holidays roll around.
Falling prices

Fall is an excellent time to save money by finding great deals on home improvement supplies and service. Year-end sales begin and discounts can be steep. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, with their annual Yard Sale in October, often have discounts to clear inventory before the New Year. Also, contractors are busiest during the warmer months ? their business cools as the weather does.
Facing tight timelines and tighter budgets, homeowners often need to prioritize their projects. Installing hardwood floors often provides a high return on investment, both from a quantitative (home value) and qualitative (pride in ownership) standpoint.
No matter what a homeowner chooses to do during the fall home improvement season, it will help reduce cabin fever during the winter months.

(BPT) - Whether you've just moved into a home or you've lived there for years, it might be time for a design tune-up. While many may think tackling their home décor takes a bundle of time, money and expertise, it doesn't have to be so frightening. You don't need to spend a fortune or go to design school to breathe a little life into your home.

"It's all about simplicity," says Susan Yoder, interior design expert for Clayton Homes. "A little goes a long way when it comes to home décor and living spaces. Only a few simple changes can make a big difference and allow you to create a room you'll be itching to show off to friends and family."

Yoder offers a few of her design tips that will help any homeowner revamp their space:

Pops of color. "Nothing livens up a room like a bright pop of color," Yoder says. If you have neutral-toned furniture, try sprucing up the room with lamps, curtains and accessories in bold hues. If you're up for a painting challenge, an accent wall is a great way to incorporate color into a space. Choose your favorite color from a throw pillow or wall-art piece in the room to pull the look together. 

Varying textures. A room tends to get boring when it focuses on only one texture, so it's important to create a sense of balance. Try varying the fabric types on your sofa and curtains. Add in some metal or wooden accents to draw the eye around the room. You can even play with lighting to reflect off certain objects and create visual interest.

Antique feature. Choose an antique or unique piece of décor to be the inspiration for the room. This could be a rug, lamp, chair or even a chandelier - anything that gets you energized and motivated. Get creative and run with the theme it creates. Or if your style is more on the modern side, an antique object will stand out among your contemporary décor.

Symmetrical yet functional. The furniture collection in a room should form a restful, symmetrical layout. It's all about balance. There should be between three and 10 feet between each seat. Additionally, instead of pushing each piece up against the wall to create more space, give your furniture a bit of breathing room a few inches from the wall. This makes the room appear open and airy.

Clutter-free organization. Getting rid of clutter is a grand challenge for most homeowners. When you decide to take on the mess, drawers and cabinets are your best friends. Take some time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate or throw away. Store any leftover items that can cause clutter in an organized, out-of-sight area.

Use these tips to revitalize your space and you'll be ready to confidently host gatherings and enjoy your home instead of shying away from your living space.

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(BPT) - Everyone wants a great outdoor space, but backyard projects can be a lot of work - and in many cases, a lot of money. So it just makes sense to choose projects that will enhance your quality of living for summers to come as well as yield a great return on investment. Here, then, are five value-building outdoor projects that pay off in more ways than one.

1. Add a wood deck

Decks are great additions for multiple reasons. They expand your living space outside, creating a useful link between interior and exterior spaces. Wood decks also offer one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. In fact, a wood deck will recoup more than 80 percent of its construction cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. Composite decking, in comparison, comes up short in terms of ROI.

A deck constructed of Western Red Cedar benefits from the lumber's natural rot resistance, low maintenance requirements (you can stain it or let it weather naturally) and its inherent beauty. What's more, Real Cedar lumber comes from certified sustainable forests, so you can feel good about your deck's environmental impact. Visit www.realcedar.com to learn more.

2. Update your landscape lighting

Lighting outdoor areas once required lots of wiring and professional installation, but advances in solar lighting efficiency and brilliance have made landscape lighting easy. From uplights that illuminate trees and architectural features, to light strands that provide visual delineation of stairs and railings, a variety of solar lighting options are available. Installation is often as simple as putting a stake in the ground. Plus, it's cost-effective. True, you may need to make an initial investment in quality solar lights, but you'll save in the long run on electricity. Also, doesn't the idea of a warmly lit backyard space just seem more inviting?

3. Define your seating area

Creating an outdoor room that feels like an extension of your home is a win-win. It increases the square footage of your living space, which in turn, increases the value of your property. Of course, choosing the right material is paramount in terms of maximizing your investment. Whether you're designing a fully loaded, outdoor kitchen/dining area or simply installing a pergola with some built-in benches, you need beautiful high-performance products. With that in mind, your best bet is a strong versatile wood such as Western Red Cedar. It's pitch and resin-free, so it readily accepts and holds a variety of finishes. Or for an ultra-low maintenance option, you can let cedar weather naturally to a graceful silvery patina. 

4. Build a fire pit

Right now, fire pits are the "hottest" thing in landscaping (pun intended). Landscape architects also cite a fire pit as an outdoor improvement that's in high demand. That's because they're great for enhancing key areas and creating a sense of place, which in turn, adds value to your home. They can be both practical - warming an outdoor space on chilly fall evenings - and fun. Installing one is relatively easy, too. You can find plenty of design ideas, complete with building instructions, with a simple online search. Be sure to carefully consider where you locate your fire pit, keeping safety in mind.

5. Incorporate raised planters

Gardening is a popular outdoor pastime, and building raised planters or beds can make it easier to enjoy a variety of vegetables and flowers throughout the growing season. Planting in raised beds - instead of directly in the ground - affords you greater control over soil quality, moisture and pests. Plus, tending raised beds is easier on the back. For a longer-term investment, choose a durable, naturally rot-resistant material, such as Western Red Cedar. This will ensure your beds are in good shape from season to season. And according to many home renovation experts, it's little landscaping touches like this that can add substantial value to your home.

For more outdoor ideas, free building plans and information on Western Red Cedar, visit www.realcedar.com.

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(BPT) - Though summer is winding down, for many families, hectic moving schedules are still underway. Whether you are moving this season or planning for a move in the near future, consider some helpful guidelines on packing up, moving out and settling in without a hitch - plus, the latest technologies to turn your new house into a home.

Here are five tips to help you minimize moving stress and settle in quickly:

Make a list, measure it twice. After celebrating the signing of your new home (congratulations!), it's time to begin the moving process. Even before you start packing, it's important, if possible, to visit your new home with a tape measure. Carefully measure and take note of the square footage and dimensions of every room in your new home. Do the same with any existing appliances and furniture you plan on relocating to your new home to ensure that everything fits through the door and in the space. LG's moving guide (www.lg.com/us/moving) is designed to help and includes tips on measuring your current appliances to make sure they'll fit. If you're purchasing new large appliances or furniture, be sure to measure everything in the store or take note of each item's dimensions online to make sure it fits. Removing or replacing a refrigerator, for example, is a time-consuming and expensive task that can be avoided with careful planning. If you aren't able to visit before moving in, ask your broker or real estate agent for a copy of the floor plan.

Pack strategically, unpack easily. Pack and label items by category, such as dishes, winter clothes and books, or by appropriate area, such as bedroom, kitchen and living room. To limit damage, be sure to pack fragile and valuable items carefully with padded packaging, and communicate fragile items clearly with your movers. To save even more hassle, pack a couple of boxes of essential items, specifically for the first night in your new home, which would otherwise be hard to find. You'll thank yourself when items such as cleaning supplies, fresh linens and a coffeepot are right at your fingertips. Staying organized is key to avoid losing your belongings - resulting in saving time and unnecessary re-purchasing expenses in the process.

Find savings and convenience in new technology. Moving is a common time to buy new electronics - and there are some simple ways to make these new purchases more customizable than ever. For example, rather than choosing surround sound speakers that require lots of cumbersome wiring to install, select a wireless speaker and TV surround sound system like LG's Music Flow. It offers a range of speakers and soundbars that you can mix and match to create a customized and easy-to-use home audio system for your new living space. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and Google Cast built in, systems like this let you can stream your favorite online music services, including Spotify and Pandora, straight from your mobile device. There's no need for additional hardware or wires.

Share your new address. Take initiative and update your employer, bank, school, doctors, pharmacist and credit card company with your new address as early as possible. This can affect billing statements and formal records, which are a headache to change at a later date. Be sure to call your electric, cable and internet companies to swap your address, and inquire about any potential changes in your service. Sign up for USPS mail forwarding to ensure all of your mail reaches you in a timely manner. And don't forget to keep your friends and family in the loop! It's a busy and exiting time, so share your news!

Upgrade your appliances. If you're not planning to bring your current laundry appliances to your new home, look for a new ENERGY STAR washer and dryer with the latest cleaning technologies that help make clean-up a breeze and save on your electric bill, too. One such example is LG's top-load laundry pair with the dryer featuring an EasyLoad door, the first machine to open two ways. The unique door can be accessed from the top (hamper style) to easily toss in wet clothes from the washer and sideways to quickly unload clothes into the basket. This makes it easier than ever to drop in and unload laundry.

For additional tips on moving and settling into a new space, as well as a complete, eight-week timeline, check the helpful LG moving guide (www.lg.com/us/moving). It's impossible to anticipate every bump in the road, but having a thorough yet flexible plan will help minimize stress and ensure the moving process goes smoothly.

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(BPT) - Homeownership is a dream for many Americans, and maybe it's one of yours as well. Making this dream a reality requires hard work, dedication and the proper preparation. You must figure out where you want to live, what type of home you desire, what you can afford and also how your credit rating may impact your home-purchasing goals.

Your credit rating can play an important role in the home buying process, and your creditworthiness could also affect the amount that you can borrow, the interest rates you will qualify for and your ability to obtain a mortgage loan in the first place.

"A consumer's credit is one of the biggest factors that goes into the mortgage-application process," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. "Before applying for a loan, it is crucial to get your credit in the best shape you possibly can."

To help you build good credit and increase your ability to obtain better loan terms, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. offers these tips for improving your credit:

Pay your bills on time

Late or missed payments on any of your credit accounts, such as credit cards, mortgages and other loans, could cause a drop in your credit score. To prevent this, make your payments on time. Making additional payments whenever possible and paying extra toward the principal balance will also help to keep a good payment history and decrease the payoff timeline. Using an Extra Principal Payment Calculator tool can also help you calculate the savings that come with paying extra - generating additional motivation to do so.

Minimize any outstanding debt and keep existing debt manageable

Paying your statement balances in full instead of letting debt accumulate can improve your credit scores, which may result in better terms being offered from lenders. Lenders often check your credit report when you apply for a loan and measure the amount of debt you're carrying against the loan amount they've requested. Excessive debt is one of the factors that could cause a lender to decline your application.

Avoid applying for unnecessary credit

Credit applications can appear as inquiries on credit reports, which may suggest to lenders that an applicant is taking on additional debt. Be aware of advertising or sales promotions that offer purchase discounts if you apply for a credit card. Even these cards could show up as inquiries on your credit report. These inquiries remain on credit reports for two years. Instead of applying for additional credit, use your existing lines of credit to showcase your responsible credit management by paying bills on time and paying off the debt quickly.

"There are a lot of steps you can take to improve your credit, but it's important to remember that credit scores don't change overnight," says Hamilton. "It takes time to increase your credit rating, and while it may feel like a slow-moving effort, it is well worth the wait when you get to open the door to a home of your own for you and your family."

For more credit tips, you can check out the full Guide to Credit, and find other useful guides for homebuyers on vmfhomeloan.com.

NMLS Disclosure

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, ( http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, KS Licensed Mortgage Co. (SL.0000720), Licensed by the NH Banking Department, Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

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(BPT) - If you are renovating any area of your home, it may be time to try something new-such as bringing tile into main living areas in addition to your bathrooms and kitchen. New designs, styles and technologies are making tile the most versatile and accessible flooring material.

"Tile has always been durable and easy to maintain," says Kevin McDaniel, director of product development and design services for The Tile Shop, which sells tile and natural stone at more than 100 retail showrooms across the country, from Arizona to New York. "Tile has a long life span and classic good looks, making it a favorite flooring of choice wherever homeowners need a floor material that's both practical and beautiful. Even more design options are available now, making tile a smart floor surface in virtually any room of the home."

Homeowners, builders, designers and product developers are thinking outside the box when incorporating tile into renovations and new builds. From bringing tile flooring up the wall, to using the same tile flooring across multiple rooms, to using water jet technology, they're working with tile in non-traditional ways. Here are some top tile trends to consider for your interior design project:

1. The look of real wood with a rustic finish. Many of the larger-format faux wood tiles mimic the look of real hardwood floors. Less expensive and more durable than real wood, these tile floors are practical yet beautiful choices for active households with children and pets. Details evoke the character of real wood, right down to the nails. "Rustic faux wood is making a huge splash because of its warm, earthy coloring and unusual time-worn finishes such as aged paint, a finish hard to achieve with real wood. I foresee it continuing to be a very popular design trend," McDaniel says.

2. Those longer tile planks. While standard square tile sizes will always have their place in home décor, rectangular tiles - otherwise known as planks - are gaining popularity. New 12-by-24-inch tiles are a hot choice in bathrooms and 6-by-36-inch tiles or 8-inch by 8-feet planks (often in wood-grained looks) are a favorite for living areas.

"Using longer planks can help smaller spaces look larger, and create an appealing consistency across multiple rooms," says McDaniel. "While consumers may be familiar with traditional tile shapes such as square or hexagon, these longer tiles offer exciting new design flexibility."

3. That poured concrete look. While concrete is a trendy design material right now, it's not practical for every household or application. New tile styles create the look of poured or stained concrete at a fraction of the cost, and with all the durability, versatility and ease associated with tile. Tile options range from long rectangular 8-by-18-inch or 12-by-24-inch planks to 18-by-18-inch squares. Tiles are rectified-the edge is cut completely straight-and grout joints are very narrow to further create the look of seamless concrete.

4. The warmth of heated floors. While heated floors were once a luxury option for homeowners, they're becoming increasingly mainstream. Tile lends itself to radiant heat beneath the floor. The Tile Shop carries a full line of accessories, including thermostats, which can control the heat in any floor in your home. This includes both the shower floor and shower benches.

5. Unconventional grout and tile design ideas. Using a high-contrast grout color can make the floor pop, and it's a tactic that works well with mosaic designs. Choosing the right grout color is just as important as the tile you select. Also popular is the concept of mosaic designs that mimic an area rug within a larger section of tile flooring and create the look of custom art within the floor.

Shopping for tile designs and inspiration is easy when you visit one of The Tile Shop's local showrooms or visit www.tileshop.com.

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(BPT) - Most people probably think of windows and skylights only when they're buying or selling a house, when they get dirty, when they leak, or when the kid next door lobs a baseball through one. Yet the glass in your home is arguably among its most important features, directly impacting the structure's overall energy efficiency and livability.

Well-maintained, operational windows and skylights provide abundant natural light and passive ventilation, and models are available that maximize insulation values as well. If you've been overlooking the glass in your home even while you've been looking through it, take a moment to reflect on its condition, and whether it's helping you save energy or costing you money.

How windows work in your favor

The advantages glass brings to a home may seem obvious, but a deeper look reveals just how important it really is. Over time, homes have become much more energy efficient - which is good for the environment and your wallet - and better windows and skylights have a lot to do with that improvement.

The National Fenestration Rating Council rates windows based on a number of basic criteria, including the U-factor, which measures heat loss through the glass, and solar heat gain, which indicates how much heat enters a room through the glass. Understanding how those two measures work and what they mean can help you choose the type of window that's best for where you live. For example, if you live in a hot climate you may want to consider selecting windows that minimize solar heat gain.

Many new technologies in glass design have enhanced the efficiency of windows. For example, the insulating effect of double-pane windows gets an added boost with the addition of blinds. Electrostatic film allows homeowners to make window glass clear or opaque with the touch of a button. Another type of window coating admits natural light, but blocks out most of the infrared energy and ultraviolet rays that, along with artificial lighting and other factors, create heat and cause fading of materials inside the home.

In addition to the energy efficiency of the glass itself, the quality and maintenance of the structure surrounding the glass - the framework that makes it a window instead of just a pane of glass - also affect its efficiency. Whatever type of window you choose - vinyl, wood, fiberglass or metal - or the age of existing windows, properly sealing them helps ensure they'll do their job as efficiently as possible. You can learn more about energy performance ratings and energy-efficient windows at www.energy.gov.

The advantages of skylights

Skylights have always offered many functional and aesthetic advantages for homeowners. They admit natural light, which can help reduce dependence on artificial light sources. Fresh air skylights can also provide passive ventilation to remove humidity, fumes and excess heat from a home - all of which improves indoor air quality. Today, high-tech, energy-efficient glass in modern skylights also works hard to help your home function optimally.

Manufacturers like Velux America utilize glass in their no leak solar powered fresh air skylights that stays cleaner and clearer, reduces outside noise, and protects the contents of your home - such as carpet and furnishings - from the fading effects of the sun. Velux's "Clean, Quiet & Safe Glass" is laminated with a super-thin coating of titanium dioxide and silicone dioxide to help keep the glass cleaner, and reduce outside noise by up to 25 percent compared to a standard double-pane glass and 50 percent compared to a plastic skylight. The glass sheds water more effectively and has a U-value and UV protection superior to regular tempered glass.

Remote-controlled, solar-powered blinds in decorator styles and colors further improve a skylight's overall energy efficiency. And you may be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit on solar skylights, blinds and installation cost. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more.

Humans have been making glass and using it in windows for thousands of years. Today's windows and skylights draw on thousands of years of human innovation and some very recent modern technological advances to help keep homes comfortable, secure and efficient.

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(BPT) - If you're planning a home improvement project this year, you're in good company. The economy and housing market are recovering, home values and equity are rising, and many homeowners are beginning projects they had put off over the past few years. A recent report by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University predicts that the home improvement industry could post record-level spending in 2015.

Creating your dream home could involve major work, like remodeling a bathroom or finishing a basement, or smaller changes like landscaping or new flooring. As costs can range from $30 for a can of paint to six figures for big additions, a significant part of planning your project is financing. Numerous options may be available and it's important to seek information from an experienced financial professional.

"Many consumers aren't aware of all the financing options for home improvement, or they may not have thought of those options to pay for the work they want to do," says Kelly Kockos, senior vice president with Wells Fargo Home Equity. "Homeowners can start by defining a vision of what they want their finished project to look like, and talking with a banker or lender to explore how to pay for it."

As you prepare to make decisions about financing, ask yourself these questions to get started:

1. Size of project: How much do you want to spend, and will you need access to funds throughout your project or one lump sum? You may not know your total budget but it's important to have a good idea of what your project might cost.
2. DIY vs. contractor: Are you planning to do the work yourself or hire a contractor? If you are using a contractor, references and your own research can help you make an informed choice.
3. Repayment plan: Will you need long-term financing or is short-term financing sufficient? If you plan to borrow funds, consider the monthly payment that would fit your budget.

These are some common financing options to explore:

*Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A HELOC can provide ongoing access to funds using the equity in your home, which typically results in lower interest rates than unsecured credit. This type of credit may also provide you potential tax benefits. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Wells Fargo has a combination of industry-leading features to help you borrow responsibly - principal and interest payments that rebuild your equity, annual and lifetime rate caps, and the ability to lock and unlock your rate with a fixed rate advance.

*Mortgages with built-in renovation financing - These loans help homeowners complete renovations with a loan amount that is based on an appraiser's estimate of what the property value will be with completed improvements. This is also an option for aspiring homeowners who purchase properties that need repair. Whether a home purchase or a refinance, this option finances the renovations and mortgage in one loan. Wells Fargo is the nation's leading originator of renovation financing, with a dedicated team of home mortgage consultants specializing in renovation lending.

*Cash-out refinance mortgages - A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new and larger mortgage that pays off your current balance and allows you to use the equity in your home to provide additional funds for other purposes.

*Credit card - Credit cards can be used for large or small purchases and may earn rewards, which can add up to significant benefits when you're making big home improvement purchases. However, credit cards often have higher interest rates than other loan or credit options, which should be taken into consideration.

*Personal loans and lines of credit - These personal credit options typically offer quick credit decisions and access to funds in a day. Lines of credit provide ongoing access to funds.

*Savings - If you have a do-it-yourself project or a small renovation, accessing your savings might be an option. By paying cash, there is faster access to funds and nothing to repay.

Your bank may not be the best source for what color to paint your room or which walls to move, but it can help you identify your financial options. Each option has its associated benefits and considerations, and your bank can provide valuable information to help you make informed decisions about which options are right for you. More information and tips on home improvement financing are available online in the Wells Fargo Home Improvement Lending Center, including a financing option comparison tool.

With these tips and the help of a finance professional, you can go from imagining your modern kitchen or new deck to getting started on them.

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(BPT) - When the calendar flips to the summer months, all you can think about is getting outside and soaking up the sun. But when you look out the window into your yard, what do you see? Is it an inviting space that encourages you to get out and enjoy the fresh air? Or could it use a bit of sprucing up?

This is an opportunity to upgrade and get the most out of your outdoor space. With only a few features, you can create a leisurely outdoor space fit for relaxation and escape from everyday stressors. These backyard additions can bring both functionality and beauty to your home's exterior.

Pumped up curb appeal. Curb appeal can make or break the appearance of your home. Step out to the street and take a look at your home from a passerby's view. What stands out? Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your siding or a bright shade to your front door. Plant a few colorful flowers in window boxes or pots for some eye-catching detail.

Outdoor lighting. Another way to add curb appeal is to illuminate your home with outdoor lighting. Strategically place lights throughout your yard to add a welcoming theme to the look of your home. Outdoor lighting also provides a number of safety features. Not only does it deter burglars and vandals, but it makes your pathways and sidewalks easier to see so you can have added peace of mind.

Cozy fire pit. Whether it's built-in or portable, a fire pit can work wonders on a backyard's ambiance. Imagine warming up during those breezy summer nights around the fire with your family and friends. This simple addition instantly transforms your patio into an inviting gathering space and allows you to entertain long after the sun goes down. You can already taste the roasted marshmallows and hot dogs.

Updated gates. Fences and gates are great for keeping kids and pets out of places they shouldn't be like pools, gardens and other potentially dangerous areas. When updating your outdoor space this summer, a safer gate latch is a necessity. The Magna Latch Alert by D&D Technologies is the only gate latch in the world with an integrated alarm system, providing both audible and visual security features. Keep your gated areas safe with an alarm that sounds if someone is getting into an area they shouldn't. You can install a latch gate in minutes without the need for special tools, screws or wiring. It's essentially two projects in one: a reliable gate latch and alarm.

Outdoor kitchen. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy meals outside with your family and friends. Why not take the cooking outside too? This way, you'll be able to socialize with your guests while preparing a delicious barbecue meal for them. An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as complex as you'd like. Start with a grill and work your way into outdoor refrigerators, sinks and serving areas.

Summertime shouldn't be spent sitting indoors. Studies show that spending time in the sun increases your vitamin D levels, which helps fight certain conditions like depression, osteoporosis and heart attacks, according to Harvard Health Publications. Make your outdoor time more enjoyable this summer with these outdoor living additions.

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(BPT) - Moving brings exciting possibilities of a different neighborhood, fresh spaces to decorate and new family traditions to be made. But it also means leaving behind people and places you love. While some sentimental items can be taken to your new place, many memories just aren't transportable. That's why it's even more important to protect those goods that can make the move.

To help ensure your treasured belongings arrive safely to your new home, be prepared and arm yourself with tools that make safeguarding your possessions simple and less stressful.

Make room for new memories

Although you want to preserve your memories, taking everything with you isn't necessarily the best decision. Moving is the perfect opportunity to organize and purge items you don't need or won't use in your new residence. To lessen the load on moving day, hold a garage sale or donate unwanted items to a local charity. Plus, if you're trying to sell your current home, the less clutter the better.

Once you've determined which objects will make the move, decide where they'll go in your new place. While some of your belongings are currently in the den, will they be in the spare bedroom now? Make the unpacking process simpler by creating a plan for your new space in advance and pack according to where things will go, not by where they've been.

Organize, don't agonize

Starting the process early can help avoid nerve-wracking, last-minute packing, and give you time to be a bit nostalgic. Before you begin boxing things up, take videos and photos of each room to preserve your memories of that space. Don't forget to include outdoor areas like a backyard treehouse or handprints in the patio cement.

Then, make a checklist of everything you need to accomplish before moving - packing, cleaning, cancelling and restarting utilities, registering the kids for school - and set a timeline for completing each step. Once you're ready to start packing, do it methodically, working room by room to make the task seem more manageable. Start with decorative pieces that you can go without for a month or so, keeping items you need daily for last.

Protect delicate possessions

To ensure your belongings arrive safely, it's essential to pack possessions with extra care. Safeguard breakables with wrapping materials designed to protect fragile goods, such as Duck brand Bubble Wrap cushioning. It features a nylon barrier that prevents air loss, ensuring the bubbles remain filled for the best protection.

Next, pack items in clean, sturdy containers in a variety of sizes. Use large boxes for bulky, yet lighter furnishings, such as pillows and blankets, and place heavier objects in smaller boxes to avoid unnecessary strain. Seal boxes securely with a quality packaging tape, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape. Its Frustration Free special release technology means you never lose the tape end (a major frustration when packing numerous boxes), plus it won't split or tear.

Be sure to label boxes clearly, marking them on the sides of the boxes, not the top. This step makes it obvious what's inside, even if they're stacked. You also can use different colored or printed packaging tapes to color code each room - red for the bedroom, blue for the kitchen.

Have help on hand

Moving is hard work, so recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day. You'll love showing off your new place, and it'll help with the transition to see that loved ones aren't too far away to make the trip. Just be sure to promise plenty of food and drink as a reward for their hard work.

Put together an "open me first" box with the gear you'll need immediately, such as tools to assemble furniture, cleaning supplies and shelf liner for drawers, closets and kitchen cabinets. Be sure to include some festive treats, like a favorite dessert, so the family can relax and enjoy your new space.  

Moving should be more celebratory than stressful. With just a bit of planning, you can protect the memories you love most, and ensure a successul start to your life in your new home.

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(BPT) - Do dreams of lazy days soaking up the sun have you looking for a way to move the indoors out? Then a deck addition may be the solution. A new porch, patio or multi-level deck can serve as an extension of your home and create personalized spaces for summertime festivities, from easy afternoons spent poolside to late-night cookouts. And, the good news is that easy-to-install decking can mean that you don’t have to be a seasoned do-it-yourselfer to get started.

Advanced materials like wood-plastic composite decking make creating indoor-outdoor spaces a breeze. The deck boards are available in a wide-range of sizes and natural colors, and products with a realistic wood-embossed grain pattern are available to bring the beauty of wood to your deck without the work of sealing, staining or painting. Best of all, brands like ChoiceDek composite decking are easy to install and simple to maintain.

"Many homeowners are surprised to learn how hassle-free composite decking is to install," says Scott Spencer, national account manager for ChoiceDek composite decking. "Uncapped boards can be cut, drilled and screwed with standard tools, and boards with a quality wood-plastic blend throughout the board can even be bent into curves. Today’s homeowners are more than capable of using it to create a timeless extension of their home."

If you’re ready to put hammer to nail and get started, keep in mind these three simple ways to use composite decking to create a beautiful backyard retreat that will last for many summers to come.

1. Create a smooth surface underfoot

One of the keys to building a beautiful outdoor deck-escape is ensuring your deck will have a smooth, barefoot friendly surface. Even the most stunning deck designs can disappoint if nails and screws create unsightly dimples or later pop and create hazards for warm-weather fun. For families with pets or children, composite decking is a great choice since it will not rot or warp causing dangerous cracks and splinters. It’s a choice your feet and pets will appreciate.

2. Vary your design

With today’s high-performance composite deck boards, you don’t need to stick with a basic rectangle deck design. Whether you’re planning a small rooftop getaway or a multi-level deck, you can work the boards to maximize visual impact and enjoyment.

Simply altering the direction of boards can bring small decks to life and add a custom touch to your outdoor space. Variable board placement can also help zone decks into functional outdoor rooms. This is particularly helpful if you’re building a larger deck with designated areas for cooking, eating and relaxing. The secret is not to overdo it. Deck patterns should be well planned, and coordinate with your home’s architectural style.

Another way to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space is to incorporate angles and curves into your deck. Contemporary composite decking materials are much easier to shape into curves than traditional wood decking. With little extra effort, they can be bent for use in benches, stairs, trim and decks with rounded edges. Let your imagination roam, but be sure to check specific manufacturer guidelines since they can vary by brand.

If you need help visualizing your deck design, you can use deck design programs like the one on Lowes.com to explore different layouts and determine material quantities in advance of building.

3. Deck out your living space

Incorporating a few simple deck add-ons can transform your deck into a true outdoor living room. For example, arbors and pergolas can provide shade, while giving you a place to attach speakers, lights and hanging plants. Built-in seating can provide an ideal space for guests to lounge during late night cookouts and can double as storage. Installing lights on the deck’s surface, stairs or on the topside of railings can improve nighttime socializing and increase the safety of your deck.

Safety features like railings can also be transformed from a landscape eyesore into a landscape focal point. Look for composite decking brands that offer complementary posts, post caps, balusters, railing and trim for an easy way to give guests something attractive to lean on.

Paying attention to the small details can work wonders for your deck, and help you create an outdoor vacation space friends and family keep coming back to enjoy.

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(BPT) - Custom cabinetry, granite countertops, reclaimed wood flooring and accents, and top-of-the-line, high-tech appliances - what more do you need to make your kitchen renovation perfect? How about adding an island? Designers and builders across the country are pointing to the addition of an island as the must-have upgrade for kitchen renovations this year.

Homeowners are embracing the island, and what's not to love about it? Adding an island can dramatically alter a kitchen's appearance, provide additional storage space and work area, and create a fresh focal point for family meals. What's more, common challenges that have historically held homeowners back from adding islands - such as the difficulty and high costs associated with adding plumbing drainage in the center of the room - are easier to solve than ever.

Plumbing problem solved

While you could add an island without plumbing, having a sink in an island can improve the workflow in a kitchen and open up counter space elsewhere. Plumbing an island can be problematic, however, if your home is built on a slab or a crawl space. The cost of cutting through concrete and adding piping can be prohibitive.

Above-floor plumbing can solve the problem. Manufacturers like Saniflo make a variety of pumping systems that can eliminate the need to cut concrete and reduce the cost of installing plumbing in a new island. For example, the SANISWIFT gray water pumping system is about the size of a small wastebasket (so it fits easily in an island cabinet space), and comes out of the box fully assembled, reducing installation time and costs.

"Cutting through concrete to install plumbing can easily account for 50 percent of a renovation budget," says Chris Peterson of Saniflo. "Homeowners may decide to abandon the idea of an island altogether when they face that kind of cost. Above-floor plumbing allows them to add an island, hide a single drain pipe in a decorative column, and achieve the kitchen of their dreams at a fraction of the cost of traditional plumbing options."

Top island trends

Islands are increasingly becoming the focal point of kitchen renovations, serving both practical purposes and as design statements.

More homeowners are replacing traditional dining tables and breakfast nooks with spacious islands that feature seating. "Islands are replacing tables," said Audrey Macdonald of Creative Interiors By Audrey in Mississauga, Ontario, in the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2015 Kitchen & Bath Style Report.

In addition to seating, homeowners are incorporating restaurant-quality fittings into islands, adding charging stations for the family's personal digital devices. They're also choosing architectural and design touches such as decorative legs, and countertops and cabinetry that contrast with those around the perimeter of the kitchen.

Kitchen renovations continue to be among the most popular home improvement projects and can offer homeowners a high return on their investments. A major kitchen remodel costing about $56,000 can recoup nearly 68 percent of its cost when you sell your home, while a minor remodel in the range of $19,000 can yield a 79 percent ROI upon resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

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(BPT) - What makes a person or a family decide a home is the perfect for them? Is it all location, location, location? What about price, schools or the neighborhood? Or is it something else; a feeling they get when they walk in the door, a detail they notice or a scent in the air.

If you're selling your home your home, your location, neighborhood and school district are predetermined. Yet there is plenty you can do yourself to make sure your open house has that wow factor and captivates would-be buyers. Here are five tips to get you started so that next family will determine your home is the perfect home.

* Get clean. It sounds simple, but it's amazing how many homeowners don't clean their homes before an open house. This is one case where lived-in isn't going to cut it. The kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless, cracked tiles should be repaired and any plumbing issues should be addressed. Expect that people will try the sinks and flush the toilets. If you don't feel you can get your home ready on your own, hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you. The money you spend on the cleaners will be well worth it when your house sells quickly.

* Add a fresh sent to the air. Your home should be pleasing to the eye as well as pleasing to the nose. Realtors have recognized the benefits of great smells for years. You can keep your home smelling great throughout the showing – and without synthetic ingredients – by using pure essential oils from Aura Cacia. Try this simple recipe to create a warm, comforting atmosphere that can help put potential property buyers at ease with these recipes:

1 cup coarse-grained, chunky sea salt

1 teaspoon jojoba or grapeseed oil (just enough to make the salts glisten)

25 drops vanilla precious essential oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

10 drops sweet orange essential oil

Mix salt and oils, pour into a decorative dish or bowl and set out on a table. Placing the crystals in a warm sunny window or near a heat register will help diffuse the delicious aroma throughout the room. Stir in additional essential oils to boost the scent as needed.

More recipe ideas and open house tips can be found at www.auracacia.com.

* Time for a makeover. If your home needs a more substantial makeover before it can sell, focus your energy and your money on the most important rooms in the home. Kitchens and master bedrooms sell homes, meaning that a granite countertop, new appliance or fresh coat of bedroom paint will give you a better chance to sell your home than other projects may allow.

* Cut the clutter. Even the cleanest homes still feel messy if there's lots of clutter. Before your open house, adopt a minimalist approach and keep your home as clutter-free as possible. Remember, you want buyers to see the beauty of your home, not simply the items you keep in it.

* Start at the curb. Poor curb appeal can put buyers off to your home before they even step foot inside. Make sure your home's outside is every bit as beautiful as the inside. Paint the exterior if you need to, plant flowers in the flower bed and mow the lawn. Buyers should never walk up to your front door already thinking it's a fixer-upper.

An open house provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your home and help buyers fall in love with. And once they do, they're sure to make your current home their future home.

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(BPT) - As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It's news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your house. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it's important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

"Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations," says Susan Selle, chief marketing officer of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Industries.

Before spending a significant amount of time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

Five home improvements with the highest ROI

The 2015 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:

* Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)

* Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)

* Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)

* Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)

* Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)

The cost-value ratio compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you are likely to recoup when selling your home.

"Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it's important to select the best materials for the job upfront," says Jerry Blais, senior vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Industries. "For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal."

Budgeting for success

Once you've decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project's scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home's value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Websites like www.plygem.com offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:

* Contractor costs. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course, profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.

* DIY costs. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.

* Hidden costs. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.

* Site preparation costs. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.

* Interim housing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project's duration.

* Material cost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it home

If you're interested in near-term resale value, it's important to make sure that selling your home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you'll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you're also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

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(BPT) - In the typical American home, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70 percent of total energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Yet, much of that energy is wasted, leading to higher energy bills for homeowners.

The DOE notes that the leading causes of energy waste in most homes are inadequate insulation and air leakage. Wasted energy costs homeowners hundreds of dollars or more per year and takes a toll on the environment in the form of greater greenhouse gas emissions. But avoiding these wasteful practices is easy with some simple checks to your home and DIY insulation.

“A couple of areas in the home that are notorious for insulation problems are basements and crawlspaces,” says insulation expert, Ram Mayilvahanan of Insulfoam. “Many people discount insulation in their basements and crawl spaces because they are near the ground. However, the connections from crawl spaces, foundations, and ground footings to the actual house are areas that need to be properly insulated and sealed against air leaks. This can account for 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy loss for the average home.”

In crawlspaces and unfinished basements, areas to check for adequate insulation are on the foundation walls and the floor joists. “I was horrified when I first went into the crawlspace and saw the fiberglass insulation falling out of the floor,” says Troy Brown, a Seattle area homeowner. “It might as well not have even been there – and the home was only 20 years old.”

The DOE has developed a “Do-it-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star,” which offers tips for creating tighter, well-insulated basements, crawl spaces and even attic hatches using rigid insulation, caulk and cans of expanding spray foam, among other materials.

“An easy, do-it-yourself fix for crawlspace, basement or attic hatch insulation is EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam,” notes Insulfoam’s Mayilvahanan. “EPS rigid foam insulation panels are easy to cut to size and fit into tight spaces, they are lightweight to carry and help keep the home warm, without the mess of fiberglass or loose cellulose fibers.”

As Americans look back on one of the coldest winters on record and get ready for the hot summer months, now is an ideal time to prepare your home for demanding weather conditions. A well-insulated home not only saves you money and reduces pollution, it is more comfortable to live in year-around.

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(BPT) - From wall stains to washing machines, indoor stains and smells can be a challenge to tackle. Luckily, there are surprisingly simple methods to erase them for good. Here are a few tips to freshen up the most stubborn spots in your home.

Conceal wall stains with primer

Have your kids made artwork of your walls, or has your leaky roof caused a water-damaged mess? Tough wall stains like these can be hard to get rid of, but are easily sealed by applying a high-quality, stain-blocking primer. For example, KILZ Hide-All Primer Sealer covers problem areas on surfaces from drywall and woodwork to concrete and brick. It even masks over dark stains without allowing color to bleed through. With only a one-hour drying time before applying a topcoat, this is the perfect one-weekend project to cross off your list. KILZ primer can also seal off odors caused by pets or smoke.

Eliminate refrigerator odors

Refrigerators are subject to a variety of spills and odors. Making time for fridge maintenance can help prevent unusual odors and keep your food fresh longer. To cleanse and polish your fridge, begin by emptying the contents of your fridge and throwing out, recycling or composting any food that is expired or beginning to smell.

Next, pull out any removable drawers or shelving and place them in the sink. Using a damp, soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wipe down these pieces, the interior of your fridge and the door with a multi-purpose cleaner. Or, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of hot water for a natural soap alternative. Don't forget the seams of the shelves and rubber door seal.

If your fridge requires an extra-deep cleaning, unplug it while you work to avoid wasting energy. Before putting all of your food back into the fridge, wipe down the exterior of each jar or container with a damp cloth. Repeat this process every two or three months for the best results.

Make grout lines shine

Tile surfaces are prone to dirt and debris, especially in bathrooms or high-traffic areas. To keep tile looking fresh and new, grab an old toothbrush or electric toothbrush for a deeper scrub. Before you start, wash the surface with water then mix two parts baking soda with one part water. Scrub the resulting paste into the cracks and crevices, then douse with water again. If the grout lines are stained, spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the area and brush. After a final rinse, the grime will be gone.

Prevent a moldy washing machine

If you own a front-loading washing machine, you've probably noticed the unpleasant smell that can linger after completing a load of laundry. Despite being more energy-efficient, these machines have a tendency to hold odors and harbor mold. To clean and prevent grimy buildup, try this: instead of detergent, cycle two cups of vinegar and a quarter-cup of baking soda on a hot setting. When it's done, use a clean sponge to scrub down the inside. Finally, rinse with a plain-water cycle, and you'll see (and smell) the results.

Whether in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, tricky stains and odors in your home can be a tough job, but with these four tips you'll be able to eliminate a few messy tasks in no time.

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(BPT) - If your home is 10 years old or older, your garage door is probably a plain-Jane raised-panel steel door that adds little or nothing to the overall design of your house.

So why not make an improvement? In the last decade, the garage door industry has generated stunning new designs that can transform the curb appeal of your home from boring to exciting.

Large area = big impact

"When something consumes such a large part of the front of the house, it should not be generic; it should be special," says Michael Walsh, a syndicated home-improvement columnist. "It should improve the looks of the house, not detract from it."

A better-looking garage door can actually parlay into a more-valuable home. One nationwide study of real estate professionals by StrataMark revealed that an attractive new garage door can add as much as 4 percent to the home's selling price. That adds $10,000 to the value of a $250,000 home, which means that a new garage door can easily pay for itself.

Two new designs that dazzle

Chris Long, long-time editor of Door & Operator Industry, a garage door trade magazine, identifies two new garage door designs that are hot right now: woodgrain prints and carriage house styles.

A woodgrain print is a steel garage door that looks so much like wood, you need to thump on it to realize it's actually durable steel. This technological breakthrough by steel coating companies brings big benefits for garage door buyers.

"The rich wood-look of these doors is gorgeous," says Long. "Plus, since they're made of steel, they're incredibly durable and require almost no maintenance."

The other popular new design is the carriage house style. These attractive doors open just like your old door, but they look like the side-hinged, swing-out doors of the charming carriage houses of yesteryear.

Quick design tips

Since both of these new designs come in dozens of attractive styles, here are a few tips to select the one that integrates best with the personality of your home. Design experts advise you to select a door that matches with three exterior features of your home: colors, lines, and shapes.

"The color of your garage door should complement the overall house color as well as the window trim colors," says Gale Steves, former editor-in-chief of Home magazine.

Then look at the lines on your home exterior. Are they horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or curved? Today's garage door styles can provide excellent matches for any of these architectural features.

Finally, consider the shapes of elements on your home, particularly the window panes. Are they arched, square, or small rectangles? Matching the panes on the house with the garage is not that difficult, given the wide variety of garage door window designs now available.

Cool choosing tools

Thanks to new technology, you don't need to guess at the right door design. Most garage door manufacturers now offer door designer tools on their websites. Many door dealers also have similar software on a computer tablet they bring to your home. You just upload a photo of your own home and drop in any of hundreds of door designs to see exactly how it would look on your home.

A good starting place is GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial website that features dozens of garage door photos from many manufacturers. It also includes a find-a-dealer function that helps you find qualified dealers in your area.

Your new garage door is not only a perfect spring home improvement project, it's a smart investment. Celebrity designer Chayse Dacoda says, "You are investing in the single largest moving part on your home, which is going to affect its appearance for at least the next 20 years."

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(BPT) - The big move & it should be in all-caps and announced with a deep, authoritative voice. THE BIG MOVE. And it's coming to your family soon. It might be from one house to another across town, or it might involve crossing many state lines. No matter the distance, amount of belongings or number of people, your big move is going to be a big deal.

There are ways to plan for your move so the big event doesn't overwhelm you. Here are five moving tips from Penske Truck Rental, which has been helping customers complete their big moves for more than 40 years.

1. Less is better – The less you have to move, the easier your move will be on your body and your wallet. It will also be easier to fit everything into your new house. While packing, create three piles. The first is your "must-go" pile. The second is your "must-sell" pile, which includes anything you haven't used in the last year, anything you have multiples of and anything you just don't want any more. The third is the "must-throw" pile, and it contains anything that can't be sold at a garage sale or donated. Start creating these piles now, and it will make moving day much easier.

2. Stock up on supplies – Big boxes might seem like a great idea because they can hold so much stuff, but what happens when you try to lift one and carry it down a flight of steps? Stock up on boxes of multiple sizes, but keep in mind that smaller is much easier to carry. Also stock up on foam and bubble wrap to protect your fragile items, a good supply of packing tape and bold markers for labeling boxes. You’ll also want to have moving blankets and hand trucks to make it easier to transport your items.

3. Rent a truck – One trip makes the big move simple, even if you're just moving across town. Penske Truck Rental guarantees a truck for every reservation. Most movers find the 12- or 16-foot truck perfect for moving a few large items or the contents of a small condo or apartment. For guidance with larger moves or with your truck selection, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

4. Pack smart - Load the heaviest items on the truck first. When you've got a sturdy base of the heaviest items, you can start stacking on top. This is when it's handy to list a box’s contents on its side. If you have friends and family helping, they'll know not to set books on top of your china.

5. Safety and security - Trucks are taller, wider, heavier and require more stopping distance than the vehicle you are used to driving. Take extra precaution, especially when the truck is loaded. Watch out for low-hanging tree branches and building overhangs, and use extra caution when cornering. To protect your belongings, park in well-lit areas and padlock the rear door. To make sure you've got everything you need on moving day, create a travel bag for keeping important paperwork, credit cards, identification, a change of clothes, drinks and snacks close at hand. For a complete list of moving tips, visit www.PenskeTruckRental.com.

As you cross days off on the calendar and the big day approaches, these tips will help you sail through the event with few conflicts. Before you know it, you'll be settled in your new home.

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(BPT) - It's hard to believe, but the 2013-14 polar vortex wasn't all bad. Sure, it brought North America record cold and snow, in one of the worst winters ever. But the weather phenomenon's silver lining was in persuading many homeowners it was time to forever abandon their conventional roofs for something better. That "something" is the increasingly popular metal roof.

According to the St. Louis-based Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the residential metal roofing market has grown by double digits in the last five years. Residential roofing experts report metal roofing is winning converts based on its durability, fire-resistance, energy savings, value and natural good looks.

"People are getting tired of having to replace asphalt shingles every 10 to 12 years," says Brian Cosyns, president of Metal Roof Outlet in Courtland, Ont., which installs hundreds of metal roofing systems yearly. "People are becoming more and more educated on metal roofing, and are seeing the longevity of it ... after completing [a metal roofing] job, you've made a big difference in appearance, energy savings and the value of the home."

The MRA reports non-metal roofs last 17 years on average, but metal roofs can last a lifetime. Though higher in initial costs, they can boost homes' resale value. They can also cut homeowners' insurance premiums in some states by up to 35 percent.

Among factors underpinning the growth of metal roofs, few are more important than the roofing systems' fire-resistance, the alliance reports.

The product Cosyns' firm installs, Allmet Stone-Coated Metal Roofing, and another brand, Gerard Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Systems, both tout the benefits of their Class A Fire Ratings. This fire resistance adds to particularly high demand for these roofing systems in wildfire-prone areas of North America.

The extra durability that stone-coated metal roofing systems provide is identified as another factor in their increasing use. These systems don't rot, warp, crack or break. They are superior to conventional roofing systems in standing up to extreme weather with a 2.5 inch hailstone warranty, Class 4 impact rating, and 120 mile per hour wind warranty.

Metal roofs last two to three times longer than ordinary roofs, meaning they can last 40 to 60 years or longer, according to the MRA.

While conventional roofs in darker colors absorb the sun's rays, metal roofing actually reflects them. That decreases summertime cooling loads and also insulates against winter's cold, saving homeowners utility costs.

Metal roofing's aesthetics are realistic and mimic natural roofing products, experts say. Both Allmet and Gerard stone-coated metal roofing systems offer an array of styles, from natural clay tiles to wood shake, natural slate and asphalt-like shingles. "The shake resembles natural shake perfectly, and the tile resembles clay tile," Cosyns says of the Allmet roofs his firm installs throughout Ontario.

Cosyns reports homeowner customers like the functional benefits of stone-coated metal roofs, and really enjoy their curb appeal. "They love the appearance the roof provides the home," he says. For more information, visit: www.allmet.comor Gerardusa.com.

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(BPT) - As the U.S. housing industry continues to emerge from the Great Recession, signs are pointing toward positive recovery. In fact, a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University states that the home improvement industry could see record spending in 2015. It's news like this that may have you contemplating an update to your house. Even if you plan to stay in your home for years to come, it's important to consider which home remodeling projects offer the potential for a positive return on investment.

"Research shows that more homeowners intend to remain in their homes after remodeling, however, resale value is still a major factor when planning renovations," says Susan Selle, chief marketing officer of exterior building products manufacturer Ply Gem Industries.

Before spending a significant amount of time and money on your next home improvement project, consider these tips.

Five home improvements with the highest ROI

The 2015 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report identifies these top five mid-range exterior home renovations as beneficial investments that allow homeowners to recoup a substantial percentage of their investment when they resell their homes:

* Replacing the front door (steel 101.8 percent)

* Adding manufactured stone veneer (92.2 percent)

* Replacing the garage door (88.4 percent)

* Replacing the siding (vinyl 80.7 percent)

* Adding a deck (wood 80.5 percent)

The cost-value ratio compares resale value to construction cost. The higher the percentage, the more of the job costs you are likely to recoup when selling your home.

"Homeowners want lasting value from their exterior renovation projects, so it's important to select the best materials for the job upfront," says Jerry Blais, senior vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Industries. "For example, when choosing siding for the home, vinyl siding provides overall better performance than wood, engineered wood and fiber cement and requires less maintenance both in the short and long term, allowing homeowners to complete their renovation and enjoy it, hassle-free, for years. In addition, vinyl siding provides the styles, textures and stylish colors homeowners want to create beautiful curb appeal."

Budgeting for success

Once you've decided which replacement and remodeling projects will offer the best ROI, develop a schedule and a budget to ensure the home makeover remains financially sound. The budget defines the project's scope, estimates overall costs, and helps to establish priorities. Generally, renovation costs should not exceed 30 percent of your home's value and should be consistent with housing trends in your neighborhood.

What should the budget include? Websites like www.plygem.com offer comprehensive advice for creating a renovation budget and sticking to it. To start, consider these likely-to-occur expenses:

* Contractor costs. These include labor and may incorporate employee benefits, professional fees, permit and inspection charges and, of course, profit. Get at least three contractor estimates to ensure your contractor is cost-effective and reputable.

* DIY costs. Should you forgo a contractor? Keep in mind you will need to rent or buy power tools and equipment and potentially learn new skills.

* Hidden costs. For example, bringing outdated electrical or plumbing installations to code, or removing lead paint.

* Site preparation costs. For exterior renovations, this may include tree trimming, clearing land, and renting a haul-away container.

* Interim housing costs. If you plan to relocate, you will need living expenses for the project's duration.

* Material cost. These include large expenses and small ones (ex. nails, trim) and could account for as much as half to 75 percent of the total cost. Factor in an extra 6-to-10 percent for waste for materials that are cut and fitted.

Bringing it home

If you're interested in near-term resale value, it's important to make sure that selling your home will at least recoup the cost of any completed projects. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, however, you'll not only benefit from an improved resale value down the road, but you're also more likely to appreciate the improved comfort and curb appeal in the meantime.

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Improve your home's air quality with your spring-cleaning process

(BPT) - Spring is cleaning season. You've opened the curtains to let in the sunshine, and every cleaning product you have in the house is primed and ready for action.

The whole family has been enlisted to help. The youngest is in charge of wiping all the cobwebs off the floorboards. You have the older children giving the windows a good scrubbing, and your partner is assigned to hit all the hard-to-reach spots with a duster and vacuum hose. No room, piece of furniture or square inch of the house will be spared!

The idea behind spring cleaning is to make your home healthier. You're removing the dirt, dander and dust particles that have accumulated over the winter months, as well as organizing everything for a more efficient lifestyle. But it can be easy to forget that cleaning the air is just as important as the rest of the house. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. And did you know that many of the cleaning supplies that will make your floors, windows and furniture sparkle in the spring sunlight can actually pollute your indoor air?

Air quality is very important for homeowners. In fact, 34 percent of Americans are concerned about the air quality in their homes, according to a 2014 study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Additionally, some moms have to worry about health issues like asthma and allergies within the family. Clean indoor air is very important for helping to prevent exposure to triggers like irritants and allergens for children and adults who suffer from these conditions. For those families without these health concerns, clean indoor air should still be a part of the campaign to help your family live as healthily as possible. The study found that more than half of Americans put a least a moderate effort into improving the quality of their indoor air.

Yet many cleaning products are loaded with chemicals to help them sanitize or disinfect. These chemicals might be good for industrial cleaning, but unfortunately, they often aren't so great for indoor air quality at home.

AAFA reviews and certifies household cleaning products like vacuums and cleaning solutions that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies, as well as anyone wanting to promote healthy and clean indoor air in their home. For families with a loved one suffering from asthma or allergies, this is very important because poor indoor air can trigger asthma attacks or allergy flair-ups. The asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Mark is only awarded to cleaning products that meet AAFA’s tough Certification Standards.

New products are consistently certified and added to www.aafa.org/certified. So as you plan your household spring-cleaning campaign, be sure to consider Certified asthma & allergy friendly products that will clean your house, and help keep your indoor air clean as well.

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(BPT) - It's a cruel coincidence that the spring's real-estate buying season corresponds with another far less pleasant one - termite swarming season. When eager homebuyers emerge from winter hibernation to look for their dream homes, winged termites emerge, too, and swarms of them go in search of new places to establish their colonies.

"Termites cause about $5 billion in property damage every year - damage that typically isn't covered by homeowners' insurance policies," says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). "In spring, swarms emerge in every state except Alaska. Potential homebuyers need to be aware of the risks associated with termite damage, and of the importance of having any home they're considering inspected for termites and other wood-destroying organisms."

More than half of Americans (52 percent) have never had their homes inspected for termites, according to an NPMA survey. Yet 38 percent worry about discovering termites in their homes and 33 percent have had termite damage or know someone who has, the survey found.

If you'll be buying (or selling) a home this spring, the NPMA offers some valuable termite information:

* The average homebuyer and homeowner might have difficulty spotting the evidence of a termite infestation. Termites chew through wood, flooring and other materials behind-the-scenes, so it can take years before the signs of an infestation are visible to the untrained eye. An inspection by a licensed pest professional is the best way to detect an infestation of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) - especially if you live in a termite-prone area of the country.

* A WDO inspection is different from a simple structural inspection. Buyers may assume that the person who does the pre-purchase home inspection will look for termites while assessing the condition of the home's physical structure and systems. While some inspectors might spot signs of termite damage, others will not. Buyers should be sure to have their prospective home inspected by a licensed pest professional. The inspection will last about an hour, and the specialist will probe the home from top to bottom to look for telltale signs of termite damage. After the inspection is over, the specialist will report to the buyers what he or she has found, and an estimate of how much it might cost to remediate any termite damage he or she has discovered.

* Different states have varying laws about termite inspections. Some may require one before a home can be sold, while others do not. Check with your realtor about the laws in your state, and keep in mind that many lenders will require a pest inspection be done in addition to a structural inspection - especially if the home you are buying is in a termite-prone area.

* Termite detection, remediation and control are not do-it-yourself tasks. If an inspector finds signs of a termite infestation and damage, you'll need professionals to remedy the problem. Buyers who discover problems before the sale is final will be better able to negotiate with the seller to take care of the problem. In some states, the law may not allow the sale to be finalized until the damage is addressed, and lenders may refuse to finalize a mortgage for a home with unresolved termite issues.

If the termite inspection shows your new home is pest-free, congratulations! After the sale is finalized, be sure to take steps to protect your home from termites going forward, including having the home inspected for termites at least once every three years, and every year if you live in an area prone to termite infestations. To learn more about termite prevention or to find a licensed pest professional in your area, visit www.pestworld.org, the education website of the NPMA.

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(BPT) - The carriage house garage door is to your house what the little black dress and strand of pearls are to your wardrobe; classic style elements that never go out of fashion.

At the dawn of the automobile age, those who were affluent enough to own a car kept it in the carriage house, where the horses and buggy would have been stored. But this cohabitation became a little, well, smelly, and the need for separate storing structures was soon realized.

Enter, the garage. Built in the style of the original carriage house, the garage’s sole intent was to store the car away from the animals and elements. The word garage actually comes from the French word, garer, which means to shelter and protect. Naturally, the garage needed a door to offer protection to the automobile. The ensuing “carriage house door” was a hinged, double door that swung outwards, and can be considered the original garage door.

In the early 1920s, the kickout door was invented and progress continued from there, bringing homeowners the modern convenience of today’s overhead garage doors. Today’s carriage house sectional garage doors open overhead and continue to gain in popularity, constituting 35 percent of the volume in the garage door industry with projections to remain a huge trend.

When it comes to the style of garage door chosen, most homeowners want something classic, that won’t fade in popularity over the years and will also enhance curb appeal. This is especially true if home resale is a factor.

The carriage house door also offers a myriad of design elements. For example, the Classica Collection by Amarr offers a dual-directional wood grain design that provides the realistic look of wood with the practicality and low-maintenance upkeep of steel. With a three-section design and the option of larger windows, this door offers a more authentic carriage house look with the benefit of additional natural light flow into your garage. Two-tone looks are also available with many color combinations and panel designs, and hardware and window choices are plentiful. These different design options can be tailored specifically to your home’s façade and will further enhance curb appeal.

If you’re thinking of replacing a tired garage door in an effort to boost your home’s curb appeal, consider the classic carriage house door whose popularity has only continued to grow over the last century. With a timeless design that can be specifically tailored to your house, it’s a choice that both you – and future owners of your home – can happily live with for a long time.

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(BPT) - Springtime represents new beginnings and is the prime time to get the house in order. Whether you're looking to make a first-time purchase, refresh an existing home or simply leverage built-up equity for other reasons, it's important to figure out which path is right for you and understand the lending options available.

Fortunately, Regions Bank and many other financial institutions offer various free online tools and calculators to help consumers get a grip on their budgets and get the best financing for their needs.

First-time home buyers have an excellent opportunity to make their move now, as interest rates remain historically low.

First, buyers must start with determining what is affordable. In addition to the mortgage payment, housing costs will include property taxes, homeowners insurance and fees, such as homeowner association dues. Altogether, costs should be no more than 28 percent of monthly gross income and should leave room to continue servicing other debt, such as student loans, credit cards or auto loans.

When preparing to buy a home, work through credit pre-approval to be ready with a strong offer when the opportunity arises. In addition to reviewing credit history, a loan originator will consider the amount of the down payment. A down payment typically ranges from 3 to 20 percent, and one that is less than 20 percent may require you to purchase mortgage insurance. A mortgage originator, however, can provide a variety of lending options to optimize your investment, from 15- and 30-year mortgages to fixed and variable terms.

If the change in seasons is prompting an urge to make some improvements to a much-loved residence, consider financing the updates through a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Eligibility depends on how much equity has been built up in the home and the lender's loan-to-value ratio. A HELOC works much like a credit card and offers flexibility. A minimum amount is paid monthly, and interest applies to the amount borrowed.

Before embarking on a remodeling project, do some homework. Start with the lender to determine the value of the home and the loan amount available. Then, establish a budget, leaving room for unexpected expenses. Work with a reputable professional to define the project and its requirements, and shop around for bids and recommendations to confidently select a contractor. Some lenders offer checklists to help get the most from the investment.

Another option for financing a project through a home's equity is a home equity loan (HELOAN). As with a mortgage, the loan is granted as a lump sum and is paid back in installments over time, typically 10 to 15 years and at a fixed rate locked in at the time of securing the loan. A HELOAN works well for a one-time goal to improve the value of a home. Be mindful that either a HELOAN or a HELOC introduce some uncertainty, as monthly expenses will increase and must be maintained to avoid foreclosure risk.

Remember to consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation. Start with a lender who can help you identify financial options available to home buyers and owners today. With careful planning and budgeting, the financing you need may be well within reach.

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(BPT) - While humans prepare for cold weather, deer have something else in mind when temperatures drop. Cold weather signifies mating season for deer. Numerous insurance industry and government studies indicate that during this time, deer become more active, aggressive and a greater threat to humans, pets and suburban landscapes.

Collisions between cars and deer account for about 200 deaths per year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Nationally, most accidents with deer occur between October and December - mating season - and are most common between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m., the&North Carolina Department of Transportation reports. About 1.23 million accidents involving deer occurred in the U.S. between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, and caused more than $4 billion in vehicle damage, insurer State Farm says.

Eliminating deer from suburban settings won't be easy, since the easily accessible, nutritious food found in yards, along with a loss of predators, are sustaining urbanized deer. Your best defense is to learn more about deer, modify your behavior, and employ good tactics and remedies to repel deer.

As cold weather approaches, here are eight facts you should know about deer and how they can adversely affect your home and family:

* During mating season, deer are more active, forage intensely and seek mates. Bucks become particularly aggressive and can seriously injure - or even kill - pets and people.

* In cold weather, food is harder to find, and deer become much bolder, looking for food closer and closer to your backyard. Their foraging can cause significant damage to trees, shrubs and garden beds. Deer can eat 10 pounds of food a day - half a ton over their lifetime - according to Bobbex, a leading manufacturer of proven effective, natural deer repellants.

* Deer move freely through suburban landscapes when temperatures drop because they have no natural predators - other than humans - in suburbia. In the wild, predators serve as natural population control for deer, but such predators are rare or non-existent in suburban areas.

* In addition to the damage deer can cause to your yard and the dangers of encountering them on the road, deer also carry parasites that can harm people. The ticks that carry Lyme disease live on deer, and proximity to deer can increase your exposure to these ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness, and about 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

* While fences can be a sure way to keep deer out of your yard, you probably can't build one high enough. Deer can jump 8 feet, and many municipalities and homeowners associations limit suburban fence height to 5 or 6 feet.

* Deer have a better sense of smell than humans - nearly as good as your dog's. Canines have about 300 million olfactory receptors, whitetail deer have about 297 million and humans have just about 7 million. Their strong sense of smell helps deer find food and detect the presence of predators in their environment.

* When it comes to deterring deer, fencing, chemicals and devices don't always work. Natural deterrents, like Bobbex Deer Repellent, are more effective. A topical spray for foliage, Bobbex uses taste and scent-aversion ingredients to repel deer from ornamental plantings, shrubs and trees. It's safe for use on even the most sensitive plants, as well as around children and pets. Effective in any climate, it won't wash off after heavy rain or snow. In fact, the Connecticut Department of Forestry and Horticulture tested Bobbex's product against nine other top repellents and found it to be 93 percent effective in keeping deer away. It ranked number two; only a physical fence scored better. Visit&Bobbex to learn more.

* Deer are smarter than many people give them credit for. They quickly learn where to find easy food sources when the weather gets cold. "Unless deer are given a reason to change their browsing trail, they will continue to visit your yard," deer repellent expert, Nora Kwochka writes on the Bobbex blog.

As cold temperatures arrive and more deer activity occurs, it's important to protect your yard, home and family from foraging deer. Armed with knowledge and the right repellent, you'll be able to enjoy your backyard landscape without worrying about deer damage.

&

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(BPT) - It's rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even among those with an understanding of the overall process, the report found that many first time homebuyers still had significant knowledge gaps in important areas such as available mortgage rates, closing costs, down-payment requirements and income required to qualify for a loan.

"Not having all the information available could lead to consumers paying a higher interest rate or failing to secure an affordable mortgage for the home they want," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "While most first-time homebuyers understand the importance of their credit report score in securing a mortgage, it's important they arm themselves with comprehensive knowledge. Fortunately, there's plenty of useful information out there for borrowers who want to do their homework before diving into the loan process."

Vanderbilt Mortgage offers eight tips for first-time homebuyers:

1. Adjust your budget. A mortgage payment can increase your monthly housing expenses, so prepare by calculating what that amount will be and begin saving that same amount every month so you can get used to the budget change in advance. Use a free online payment calculator to help you predict your payment and understand your current debt-to-income ratio.

2. Plan for a down payment. Nearly all home loans will require you to put some money down as a down payment. Some home loans may require as much as 20 percent of the purchase cost as a down payment, although some Federal Housing Administration loans may require less. Decide on the amount you think you'll need and create a savings plan to help you reach that goal.

3. Consider the location and type of home you want to buy. Many factors influence the cost of a home, including its location, size, style and more. A larger home in a high-income area will generally cost more, and property taxes will be higher on a bigger, newer, well-located home. Many first-time homebuyers find manufactured or mobile homes are a good option. Knowing the estimated cost of the type of home you want to purchase can help you better manage your budget.

4. Stay on top of your credit. Lenders will consider your credit score and report history when determining your mortgage eligibility and the interest rate they may offer you. Make sure to review your credit report in advance. You can download a free credit report once a year from all three major bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com. If you're planning to apply for a mortgage, it's a good idea to review your report more frequently and to consider paying to obtain your credit score from at least one major bureau. If your report contains errors, work with the credit bureaus to have them corrected before you apply for a mortgage.

5. Keep current on monthly bills. While it's important to save toward a down payment, don't let monthly bills slide. Paying your bills on time every month can help increase your credit score, and a good payment history is something lenders look for when reviewing your credit report. Use online tools like email reminders and automatic payment options to help ensure you never miss or make a late payment.

6. Work on your debt. If you have delinquent balances, bring them up to date as quickly as possible. If you carry a lot of revolving credit card debt, you may want to work to reduce it by paying more than the monthly minimum payment. While it helps to have a report that shows no late payments, the most important thing is to not have any delinquent balances before you apply for a mortgage.

7. Plan for escrow. In addition to the amount you will need each month toward repaying your mortgage, you'll need escrow - an amount added to and collected with each monthly mortgage payment that is applied toward annual homeowners' insurance premiums and/or taxes. Estimating taxes and total insurance costs can help you better understand how much your escrow will be each month, and you'll be able to budget more accurately as you prepare for home ownership. Don't forget that this amount may adjust every twelve months if your insurance premium or taxes change for the next year.

8. Take advantage of educational resources. From lenders' websites to government agencies, it's easy to find plenty of information online. Check out resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration.

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(BPT) - When buying a first home, most people are making one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Without home buying experience, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.

“Buying a first home can be exciting and stressful for most young buyers, especially the financing process,” says Clete Thompson, vice president at imortgage, a division of loanDepot LLC. “There’s a lot of paperwork, many choices, and sometimes budgets don’t stretch very far. Our licensed loan officers specialize in helping first-time buyers navigate the home finance process, which can be stressful if you’re not working with a seasoned professional.”

To help first-time buyers, the experts at imortgage are uncovering prevalent myths about financing a home purchase:

Myth: It takes a 20 percent down payment to buy a home.

Reality: Required down payment amounts vary by type of loan and they are on average much smaller than people think. Last year, the median down payment for all first-time buyers was 6 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. One reason is that many first-time buyers use FHA loans, which require down payments as low as 3 to 3.5 percent. VA loans require nothing down for qualified veterans or active military personnel. If you want to take out a conventional loan, many lenders do require 20 percent down, but you can lower that percentage with private mortgage insurance. There are also hundreds of down payment assistance programs that eliminate or reduce down payment requirements for qualified borrowers.

Myth: If you owe a lot of student loan debt, there is no way you can get a mortgage.

Reality: Don’t assume that having a lot of student loan debt automatically disqualifies you from getting a mortgage. The key factor is not necessarily the size of your loan obligation, but the amount of your total monthly debt payments compared to your monthly income. This is called DTI. imortgage, for example, has approved thousands of loans to first-time buyers whose monthly student loan payments were as high as $300, and many more could qualify by increasing their monthly income.

Myth: If your credit score is low, you should not even try to get a mortgage.

Reality: Millions of potential buyers assume they will not be approved for a mortgage even though many could qualify, according to a national survey commissioned by loanDepot LLC. Today, median FICO scores for mortgages to buy a home are 683 for FHA loans and 754 for conventional loans. But hundreds of thousands of buyers with scores lower than those are getting mortgages if they have good income and low levels of debt.

Myth: Buying a home isn’t a good investment.

Reality: Real estate, like other assets, rises and falls based on supply and demand. Over the past two years, home values in most markets have been rising. While all real estate is local, if you bought a home in March 2012, by August 2014 the national median home price as measured by Case-Shiller had risen 29.6 percent.

Myth: The mortgage-interest tax deduction is going away.

Reality: Though the deduction has its critics, most observers believe it is unlikely that Congress will eliminate the mortgage interest deduction any time soon. Many states also allow homeowners to write off the interest they pay on their mortgages from their state income taxes. Check with your accountant or CPA on if you can qualify for this type of tax deduction.

Myth: I’m about to get married and the wedding is so expensive I won’t be able to buy a home.

Reality: According to TheKnot, the average wedding has 138 guests who typically give a gift valued at $100 each. That’s $13,800 in spatulas, baking pans and other things. If every guest contributed to a Down Payment Fund, you could have enough saved for a down payment on a $276,000 home in San Diego.

“These are just a few of the myths about home buying that surface frequently in our conversations with first-time buyers,” says Thompson. “I always advise potential buyers, especially first- time buyers, to get in touch with one of our local imortgage loan officers if they’re interested in straight answers to specific questions about financing a home. We are here to help.”

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(BPT) - Do your kitchen and bathrooms look a bit drab? If you don't have the time or budget for a full remodel, there are still many simple updates you can do to refresh these spaces and invigorate each with impressive style. From affordable faucet updates to pretty paints, each takes one day or less to complete, instantly providing a dramatic effect.

Freshen the faucet
Almost anyone who enters the bathroom or kitchen will use the faucet, which means it's a functional focal point of the space. Installing a new faucet is a simple way to redefine interior design and reflect your own personal style. The new line of Kohler faucets available at Home Depot offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. For example, set the ambience in your bathroom with the Georgeson line of faucets, inspired by the Gatsby era with chic detailing and unique shapes to provide a decorative, eclectic touch. For those who prefer traditional silhouettes, the Mistos kitchen faucet's soft lines and classic aesthetic provide a timeless, upscale look.

Update hardware and accessories
Cabinet hardware and other accessories do for a room what jewelry does for an outfit – they provide the finishing touches that really elevate the space. Fortunately, it's simple and economical to swap out dated hardware for new handles, knobs and pulls. Popular metal finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. For bathrooms, update accessories to match your new Kohler faucet – each line includes coordinating accessories like towel bars, showerheads and tub fillers.

Experiment with paint
Paint is one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change the look and energy of a space. If you have dated tile, research if tile paint is an option for your kitchen or bath. Don't be afraid to experiment with color – a rich or vivid color on a focal wall can add instant style, like on the wall behind the tub or stove. Don't forget the fifth wall: a fresh white ceiling instantly brightens the area and visually heightens the room, which can make the space feel larger and more modern.

Frame the mirror
Every bathroom has a mirror, and some kitchens and adjacent dining spaces feature mirrors as well. A mirror provides a focal point while reflecting light to make it appear brighter. But if you have a builder-grade mirror, you're probably longing for more style. Instead of investing in a costly new mirror, simply add a new frame around your current one. You can buy a prefabricated frame or create one yourself fairly easily from supplies at your local craft store. Your boring old mirror will be transformed immediately into an upscale alternative.

Swap light fixtures and bulbs
If your current bathroom and kitchen light fixtures evoke nostalgia from a lost era, it's time for a swap. Pick out a new overhead fixture to instantly dress up the room – modern chandeliers, track lighting and recessed lighting are popular options. For bathrooms, installing task lighting by the mirror can help streamline daily routines. Keep in mind, cool, bright white bulbs with a high color-rendering index (CRI) closely reflect natural light and therefore are a good option for bathrooms as well as cooking spaces.

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(BPT) - You've reached your breaking point. You've tripped over the same thing in the living room too many times. Now you've picked it up to finally put it away and you realize - you have nowhere to put it. You have too much clutter in your home. So what do you do? How do you decide where to start so you can reduce the clutter in your home and make your walkways safe once more?

Getting started is easier than you think. If you want to take control of clutter, get a few boxes - start with one for each room in your home and begin organizing one room at a time.

Begin this initiative by removing everything on top of your cabinets, tables and in bookcases, and then place it all in a box, says Keith McCleary, academic director of &Interior Design at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania. If there are other random accessories in the room, remove those, too. Keep just the basic furnishings. Now sit with the room in its simplest form for a short time.

"In room design, make good decisions about what you choose to put in the room and, often more importantly, in what you choose to leave out," McCleary says. "Simplicity and clean lines make a room feel livable, and that's what it's really all about: comfortable living." Think about the kind of focal point you're trying to create. How should you orchestrate this space and show off your special pieces in terms of size, scale, color and texture?

After a day or two has passed, go back to the box and look for items that define your personality, or will be noticed by guests visiting your home. "Ask yourself: when is enough, enough?" says McCleary. "Each piece of furniture in the room can function to complement. Accessories and works of art should contrast."

When you look at your well-designed room, you should see positive elements, as well as appreciate the possibility for negative space by removing unnecessary pieces that don't add to the design composition.

Interior design students at The Art Institute of York - Pennsylvania are taught to help their clients step back and ask themselves: Is it finished now? You can err when you go shopping and purchase nice pieces for your home, because before long you may have accumulated too many of those nice things. Take a hard look at some of those things you don't really want or need; it might be time to share that stuff with your local Goodwill.

Sometimes, you might think you have to keep memorabilia or outdated gifts from Aunt Ethel in your home all the time. "Not so," says McCleary. "It's perfectly acceptable to remove those items when you do your box exercise." If you get a call from Auntie when she plans her next visit, head to the attic and put those old Beanie Babies she gave you when you were a fanatical collector decades ago on a shelf in your den - temporarily. She'll be happy for the gesture. When she leaves, feel free to put them back in the box of memories until her next visit.

After you complete this exercise in each room in your home, you'll notice that the clutter has disappeared. Now you can recognize how attractive the remaining items are in that same space. This initiative takes determination and focus, but when you've completed the exercise, your focus can be on the lovely space you've recreated. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

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(BPT) - Whether committing to losing weight, improving your health or furthering your career, New Year's resolutions create stress and require time and hard work. This year, along with those admirable but difficult-to-keep resolutions, why not set a goal that's easy to achieve and will leave you with long-lasting satisfaction? Start the new year with a new bathroom, and you'll reap the rewards for years to come.

Creating an outstanding bathroom experience can be as easy as updating fixtures, freshening paint and adding some luxury touches. In fact, almost half of Americans (49 percent) who choose to remodel their bathrooms, do so in order to upgrade features and fixtures, according to a recent survey by Houzz. Focus your efforts on these key areas, and you can easily accomplish the uplifting resolution to improve your home this year.

Superior showering

Multiple surveys have shown that Americans view the shower as more than just a place to get clean. It's also where many go to de-stress and escape daily pressures. A shower can be soothing or stimulating, so you need a showerhead that's equally adept at creating both effects. And, since the Environmental Protection Agency says that nearly 17 percent of the water we use in our homes goes for showering, it's important to choose a showerhead that conserves water without sacrificing the quality of your showering experience.

Handshowers like the Aero Handshower Classic Series by TOTO combine the eco-friendly qualities of a low-flow showerhead with the convenience and luxury of a handshower. AeroJet+ technology dramatically increases the water's volume while decreasing consumption. Plus, the handshower allows you to aim the jet where it's needed most for cleanliness or to soothe sore muscles.

Finer fixtures

With the commode serving as both a practical item and a design element, upgrading the toilet is an easy, cost-effective addition to your bathroom remodeling plans.

Replace an older, dated and less efficient toilet with a modern low-flow option that conserves water without sacrificing flushing power. To elevate your new commode to a luxury experience, consider adding a personal cleansing unit. The Washlet B100 personal cleansing system installs on the toilet like any toilet seat and fits most elongated-bowl styles. An easy-to-read control panel allows users to set the temperature and pressure of the aerated water, and adjust the self-cleaning wand with dual-action spray. Additionally, a soft-seat closing feature ensures you'll never again hear a toilet lid slam.

Fulfilling faucets

Faucets are another key design element of any bathroom, and they not only influence the room's visual appeal, but its usability and environmental impact as well. Washing your hands can use about a gallon of water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Imagine how much more water gets wasted if your old faucet is leaky or difficult to maneuver.

Replacing older, outdated faucets can help change the look and feel of a bathroom, allow you to use less water and even satisfy the varying dexterity levels of different members of the household. Single-handed options like TOTO's Keane Single Handle Faucet marry sturdy, practical design with sleek looks and ease of use. Forged brass construction valves with ceramic disk cartridges ensure longevity and improved temperature and flow control. The single-handle design makes the faucet easy to use for children and for seniors who might have dexterity limitations.

For more information on fixtures and other bathroom upgrade products, visit www.totousa.com.

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(BPT) - One of the top trends driving today's housing market is the demand for energy-efficient homes that don't sacrifice comfort for quality. If you're looking to purchase a new home, green features can save money both now and in the future, with numerous earth-friendly benefits. Here's what is trending for 2015 and beyond.

Functional Spaces
Homebuyers are looking to get more functionality out of less space and often discover downsizing is a viable option for both young families and empty-nesters. Modular or manufactured homes, like those from Clayton Homes, are gaining popularity. Homebuyers enjoy thoughtful modern designs that maximize space and functionality, plus the waste from building an entire house in a controlled environment is minimal – typically fitting into just two 30-gallon drums or less.

ENERGY STAR
Many of those on the market for a home are seeking ENERGY STAR certification, meaning the home meets stringent requirements from the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR certified homes from Clayton Homes cost less to heat and cool, are quieter, more durable and have better indoor air quality. Learn more at www.claytonhomes.com/energy_star.cfm. Energy savings options available on Clayton Homes include low-e windows, additional insulation and advanced heating and cooling options.

Low-E windows
Windows are an investment that pays dividends for many years to come. Buyers are demanding at least double-paned options with low emissivity, also known as low-e, advanced window coatings that help retain heat during winter and keep it out during summer. This microscopic layer also blocks damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.

Effective insulation
Homebuyers are asking about extra insulation in homes, including the walls, roof and flooring. Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps better regulate a home's temperature so the furnace and air conditioner don't have to work harder than necessary. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.

Advanced heating and cooling features
According to a 2009 RECS Survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounts for 41.5 percent of the average household's energy consumption, which is why homebuyers seek atmosphere controlling features that can cut this number dramatically. More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems, such as a heat pump, use less energy, which makes the home much more energy efficient throughout.

Smart lighting alternatives
Homebuyers are demanding energy-efficient options to save money and energy. According to the EPA, CFL light bulbs use less energy than many other types, which makes them a smart option for an energy-efficient home.

Tight construction
It's not just what you can see that makes a house green, it's the process itself that can make a big difference. That's why tight construction and tight ducts are a must when building a home. Builders must pay close attention to detail by sealing all holes, cracks and seams in ducts and construction assemblies. This helps to eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests and pollen, plus boosts comfort while lowering maintenance costs.

With today's advanced technology, homebuyers can reduce their energy use and expenditure with an ENERGY STAR Clayton Home. A wide variety of energy efficient models and options are available and homes can be easily customized to suit a family's specific needs.

(BPT) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking and of course finding the nearest coffee shop. Making your new house feel like your home can help alleviate some of this stress and provide a safe-haven for some much needed relaxation.

“Everyone has a different sense of what home is,” says Elizabeth Lindmier of The Art Institute of Colorado. So while the same aesthetic won’t work for everyone, she offers her top five tips to start you in the right direction.

1. Texture and textiles – Instead of having a bunch of hard surfaces, cozy up your home with something soft or textured. This could be a blanket, curtains or area rugs. These items will also provide some acoustical value so noises aren’t echoing in an empty space.

2. Comfort – Have some place in your home where you can relax, recharge and feel at ease. “Make a space where you would like to spend time,” Lindmier says.

3. Color – A monochromatic scheme with pops of colors can bring you into a place where you feel comfortable and happy. “Do your research on color theory before painting any space,” says Lindmier. “Different colors can spark different moods, emotions and even behavior. Discover what you’d like a given space to accomplish, and use colors as a tool to create such environment.”

4. Lighting – There should be aesthetically pleasing lighting. Look at the difference between warm and cool lighting colors to decide what helps achieve the look you want. Also consider task, ambient and accent lighting for your space. “Lighting plays a key role in any home,” Lindmier says. “Through lighting design you can highlight design and architectural features, create lighting which is more useful to the human eye, and work with natural light while keeping energy use to a minimum.”

5. Clutter/stuff – “Less is more, but make it more meaningful,” says Lindmier. Get rid of your clutter. When sitting in your space, make sure you can look around and adore the things you see.

"Mies van der Rohe's old adage, 'less is more,' certainly holds true here," says Jackie Barry, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North. "Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don't need to have or show everything you have all in one room."

Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and well-being. "Bring the outside in; don't neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them," she says. "Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect."

For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu.

(BPT) - You know that moving into a new home can be one of life's biggest stressors - the packing, the paperwork, the unpacking and of course finding the nearest coffee shop. Making your new house feel like your home can help alleviate some of this stress and provide a safe-haven for some much needed relaxation.

“Everyone has a different sense of what home is,” says Elizabeth Lindmier of The Art Institute of Colorado. So while the same aesthetic won’t work for everyone, she offers her top five tips to start you in the right direction.

1. Texture and textiles – Instead of having a bunch of hard surfaces, cozy up your home with something soft or textured. This could be a blanket, curtains or area rugs. These items will also provide some acoustical value so noises aren’t echoing in an empty space.

2. Comfort – Have some place in your home where you can relax, recharge and feel at ease. “Make a space where you would like to spend time,” Lindmier says.

3. Color – A monochromatic scheme with pops of colors can bring you into a place where you feel comfortable and happy. “Do your research on color theory before painting any space,” says Lindmier. “Different colors can spark different moods, emotions and even behavior. Discover what you’d like a given space to accomplish, and use colors as a tool to create such environment.”

4. Lighting – There should be aesthetically pleasing lighting. Look at the difference between warm and cool lighting colors to decide what helps achieve the look you want. Also consider task, ambient and accent lighting for your space. “Lighting plays a key role in any home,” Lindmier says. “Through lighting design you can highlight design and architectural features, create lighting which is more useful to the human eye, and work with natural light while keeping energy use to a minimum.”

5. Clutter/stuff – “Less is more, but make it more meaningful,” says Lindmier. Get rid of your clutter. When sitting in your space, make sure you can look around and adore the things you see.

"Mies van der Rohe's old adage, 'less is more,' certainly holds true here," says Jackie Barry, Interior Design instructor at The Art Institute of Houston - North. "Select significant pieces of furniture and art to move. You don't need to have or show everything you have all in one room."

Barry also advises incorporating a concept called biophilic design, which recognizes the inherent need of humans to interact and affiliate with nature to achieve and maintain optimum health and well-being. "Bring the outside in; don't neglect good views to the outside, accentuate them," she says. "Let your garden and landscaping work for you on the inside. Connecting with nature can also have a calming and a comforting effect."

For more information about The Art Institutes, visit artinstitutes.edu.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(BPT) - Kitchens are the heart of the home. It's where you prepare meals, help your kids with homework and entertain guests. It's the room in the house where everyone gathers, where memories are made, and, with solid investment, can single-handedly increase the value of your home and help you build more of a nest egg. Even if you're considering selling your home, all eyes of prospective buyers will inevitably be on the kitchen.

When making investments in your home, the kitchen is unanimously the best place to start,says Nate Berkus, renowned decorator, designer and artistic advisor for LG Studio appliances. For me, a great kitchen is one that feels timeless. To accomplish that, reach for what feels classic for the space like subway tiles and stainless steel, and allow the elements that tell your story to come through in the non-permanent fixtures like the furniture, fabrics and details.

Here are Berkus & five tips for designing a forever kitchen that will sustain its value, whether you're looking to put your house on the market or simply updating it for your family's enjoyment:

1. A timeless look: When it comes to making big design decisions in your kitchen, put aside trends and go with timeless and elegant. Reach for what feels classic like white subway tiles, brass and stainless steel appliances - things that will look as good 10 years from now as they do today. The entire LG Studio line of premium, built-in appliances, for example, was designed with a signature look, feel and style that will easily transition with you through the years.

2. Paint: I don't know why people always grimace when I say to paint wood. It isn't a cardinal sin, especially in the kitchen. Tearing out cabinets isn't always an option, but painting, while a bit of work, is one of my favorite things to do. Reach for black. It sets off all the appliances and makes for a dramatic change.

3. Brighten with lights: I tell my clients this all the time - lighting is one of the most important decisions you can make in any room, including the kitchen. I love vintage pendant lights over an island or table. Since lighting can often add to a dated vibe of the space, swapping it out for something more timeless immediately makes the space appear more modernized & perfect for illuminating any potential buyers.

4. The long haul: Making over a kitchen is no small feat. It's expensive and time consuming. Trust me when I say I get it. So, your best asset is information. Start building that Pinterest board to identify what you like. Once you have that, you can start to attach costs. Mine always starts with what's permanent like the cabinets, appliances and tiles. These, along with the appropriate team to help you make and install all of it, are your best investments. From there, consider ways that you can have what you want at a price you can live with. I’ve seen the most amazing islands fashioned from unique things like a farm table, or hutches that are free standing on a wall as opposed to extending your cabinets. These can all be ways to get a big look without the big price tag.

5. Consider technology: The home of the future is actually here today. It's one that is wired for sound, TV and Wi-Fi. Simply put, our kitchen island is command central for more than meal prep. For many of us it's also the office. So, to add value to this space, don't undervalue what will make life easier, like outlets that have USB ports in the wall and island, charging docks and TVs. We do so much more in this space than cook. So, to add value, add ways for you be connected ... just not at the dinner table.

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(BPT) - When you’re about to buy a house, it’s easy to get excited about its great location, spacious floor plan or beautifully decorated interior. Yet the old saying, “beauty’s only skin deep” can apply to any home, especially if you’re considering an older, previously owned property. Before signing on the dotted line, use this checklist to help avoid some potentially costly surprises and anticipate repairs or upgrades that may be needed.      

Start at the top: the roof

Ask when the current roof was installed. Is it the original roof, or has it been replaced, repaired, or covered over with new shingles in certain spots? Are there known leaks, and if so, where are they? Have any of the leaks caused damage to the attic or interior? Also look at the chimney to see if it’s properly sealed around the edges and whether the gutters need repair.

Windows and doors

Next, take a look at the windows to see if there is any condensation between the glass panes. If so, it could mean window replacements are in order. Once you get inside the house and close the front door, see if any light is coming through between the edge of the door opening and the wall. This gap is an indicator that the door may need to be replaced since air can escape through it and cause higher energy bills.  

Lighting and electrical

Throughout the interior rooms, many homes are “staged” to appeal to buyers with attractive lighting that shows off the space to its best advantage. You may love the way the lamps look in the bedroom, office or kitchen, but more importantly, check out how many electrical outlets there are and whether they are in convenient locations. Also, make sure you check to see if the lamps are masking the fact that there are no ceiling fixtures in each room. Will you need to rig up extension cords or invest in electrical work in order to support all the lamps, ceiling fixtures, appliances and electronics you wish to use?

Get to the bottom of furnace efficiency

At the basement level, be sure to check out the heating system. If the current furnace is more than 10 years old, it may be operating at a much lower level of efficiency than the latest manufacturing standards require, resulting in higher energy costs. Newer models, such as Trane’s XC95m gas furnace, for example, can operate at nearly 20 percent higher efficiency than the government minimum standard, for the ultimate in energy efficiency. A qualified Trane dealer can advise you on the best solution for any home.

Know what you can’t see: indoor air quality

One thing you can’t see is the quality of the home’s indoor air. Nearly 72 trillion particles enter a home every day, making the air inside up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Adding a Trane CleanEffects Air Cleaner to the heating and cooling system can remove 99.98 percent of airborne particles including dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria from the filtered air – so everyone in your new home can breathe easier.

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(BPT) - The fun chaos of the holidays is right around the corner. Family gatherings to plan, delicious meals to prepare, gifts to find and purchase, and a house to decorate ... the list goes on!

With entertaining season approaching at warp speed, it’s time to get your home spruced up and looking like new. Your time is precious around the holiday season, so to help make the most of your days – and budget – try these easy solutions to prepare for the holidays while keeping your sanity.

* A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to give your home a new look at an affordable price. Consider starting with the rooms most frequently used, but don’t forget the guest bedrooms and bathrooms. To make the most of your effort, use a paint that has the durability and color-lasting qualities you need. Valspar Reserve, available at Lowe’s, resists stains and fading and allows you to easily wipe away marks without taking off paint, even if your guests accidentally scuff walls with their suitcases.

* A simple way to decorate for the holidays year after year is with an artificial tree. Lowe’s offers four trees pre-lit with color-changing LED lights, meaning you can change the look – and color – of the tree with just a push of the pedal making your decorating process much easier. For a formal dinner event, glowing white light sets a perfect ambiance. Switch to the multi-color option to delight the kids.

* Use holiday decorations in unexpected ways to add festive cheer in every room of your home with minimal effort. Try hanging ornaments to decorate live plants, light fixtures, doorway overhangs, stairwells, mirrors and even the mantel. For this project, don’t use expensive or family heirloom ornaments – just purchase coordinating ones that work with the color pattern you already have in the room.

* Guests in the house mean more foot traffic and chance for a mess, but you don’t have to worry about those inevitable spills or stains. STAINMASTER carpets available at Lowe’s are 30 percent more resistant to stains than other brands, and with new carpets on the floor, you’ll have a fresh new look in your home that won’t cause you stress when everyone arrives for the holiday parties.

* Potted evergreen plants decorated with lights bring plenty of festive feelings into a room. The best news is that when spring arrives, you can plant them outside in your backyard, or donate them to a community project that needs evergreen trees. Using live plants infuses the room with light and good, clean oxygen, and it’s the subtle touches your guests will appreciate and remember.

With these timely tips, you – and your home – will be ready for a holiday season of celebrations.

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(BPT) - A remodeling project is one of the most invigorating lifestyle changes a homeowner can make. However, trusting a contractor with both your home and your money can feel overwhelming. Spare your time, money and sanity by following these steps for choosing the best remodeling contractor:

1. Decide what you want out of your newly remodeled home. Start thinking about goals, amenities and a rough timeline, making sure you can clearly articulate your ideas to a contractor. Idea centers, such as Houzz or the James Hardie Photo Showcase, can serve as inspiration for kick-starting your remodeling project. This phase is also ideal for researching sustainable building products. By using green products, homeowners save money on heating and cooling costs, and builders can decrease construction’s carbon footprint.

2. Ask for advice. You’re not the first person to remodel your home, so don’t go through the process alone. Talk to friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers about their remodeling experiences. In addition to collecting referrals, ask targeted questions about how those contractors communicated throughout the process and mitigated any setbacks. If you know a building inspector, ask which contractors regularly meet code requirements.

3. Research and contact businesses. Start gathering information on your referrals and local prospects by visiting their websites or making phone calls. Make sure these remodeling contractors have the required licenses, liability insurance and ability to obtain local permits for your project. Most will also tell you if they belong to a professional association such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry or National Association of Homebuilders. For exterior remodeling, the James Hardie Building Products website includes a contractor locator tool homeowners can use to search for reputable contractors. The Better Business Bureau also issues warnings about those that might not be trustworthy. Through your research, select three to five potential contractors.

4. Set up meetings with contractors. After identifying your top candidates, schedule face-to-face meetings with each to discuss your project. Ask questions and make sure communication is fluid and straight-forward. How many projects does the contractor handle at one time? Are his or her past projects similar in scope to yours? More of these questions can be found at the James Hardie Hire a Pro resource center. If you find a particular meeting goes especially well, ask for references and a bid on your project.

5. Compare bids and references. Think of this step as putting the finishing touches on your selection process. When contacting references, ask them to rate their satisfaction with the project. Did the contractor meet time and budget requirements? As soon as the bids come in, look at the cost breakdown of labor and building materials. The best contractor is not always the cheapest. Now’s the time to find out if a contractor uses the best quality products that meet your budget. For instance, does he or she install fiber cement siding on home exteriors, or, opt for the cheaper, less durable vinyl siding? Make sure contractors are choosing long-lasting products that will stand the test of time.

6. Choose your contractor and sign a contract. With all of your research on hand, select the best contractor for your project. After confirming with the contractor, draw up a contract that includes a description of the work, products to be used, cost and completion dates and let the project begin.

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(BPT) - Owning a home is part of the American Dream, yet standards on income, credit and debt are making it tougher to buy a home than it was 10 years ago. Even though requirements are relaxing, only three out of five borrowers get approved.

While stricter standards make it tougher for young families to qualify for a mortgage, millennials said they understand why these standards exist and think the tougher requirements won’t stand in their way of buying a home, according to a new survey commissioned by loanDepot.

In fact, millennials today are serious about doing what’s required to get a mortgage. The research surveyed 1,000 millennials who don’t own a home and found 35 percent plan to buy within five years. What’s more, millenials are taking steps now to turn their dreams into a reality by getting their credit in order, paying down debt and saving for a down payment.

“Income is a key to opening the doors of homeownership for millennials, and they’re more than committed to it; they’re actively planning for it,” says Anthony Hsieh, chairman and chief executive officer, loanDepot LLC. “Our improving economy is making it practical for millennials who want to own their own homes in a few short years to get ready now. Their strong desire to become homeowners, coupled with the commitment of getting their finances in order, suggests a renewal in first-time buyer demand may be possible if we sustain necessary economic and market conditions.”

With their prospects improving as the economy picks up, millennials are forming households faster and making more money compared to a few years ago. One in three millennials said an increase of 15 percent or less in income will be enough to turn them into homebuyers, a significant proposition for the economy.

Because mortgage lenders use debt-to-income to evaluate a borrowers’ ability to repay a loan, student debt is a growing burden on millennials interested in financing a home. Unlike medical debt, student debt carries an equal weight to credit card debt. Nearly half of those surveyed said it’s unfair to weigh both types of debt equally.

As for the tougher requirements to getting a mortgage, millennials do think the tougher standards guard against risky loans and will help prevent another mortgage crisis. More than half say making it easier to get a mortgage will result in more foreclosures.

If you have student debt and want to buy your first home, here are a few ideas and tips to help you prepare:

* Lower your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). DTI is your total monthly income as compared to your total monthly debt payments. Most lenders will only lend to you if your DTI is at or below 43 percent. So to lower it, try to increase your income by pursuing a promotion or raise, finding a higher-paying job or taking on part-time work. Decrease your required monthly debt payments by refinancing or consolidating student loans and paying down any credit card balances.

* Get your credit score in order. Analyze your credit report before you start the home buying process. Dispute incorrect derogatory information and ensure all three credit-reporting bureaus list all of your positive information. Pay all your bills on time, reduce credit card balances to 30 percent of the credit limit or lower, and don’t open new credit cards if you already have a few.

* Save for a down payment. Make a budget for each month before it starts, with a plan for spending and saving, and stick to it. Stash away extra money from bonuses, overtime or financial gifts on your birthday or holidays. Find a roommate to help pay your rent or move into a less-expensive rental. Do freelance or contract work on the side. Sell unneeded stuff on Craigslist.

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(BPT) - Americans are renovating again, and instead of letting resale value alone drive their renovation choices, in 2014 homeowners are weighing many more factors. They are seeking renovations that are beautiful, luxurious and eco-friendly, and that both enhance resale value and their ability to age in place should they choose not to sell down the road.

In a recent survey by real estate website Houzz, 41 percent of American homeowners said they were more likely to remodel than move over the next two years. The renovation motivators included the desire to improve the look and feel of their spaces (78 percent), improve functionality (54 percent), boost home value (52 percent) and improve overall energy efficiency.

A Dwell Insights Group survey confirms the importance today’s homeowners place on good design. The survey found that respondents were cost and value conscious, environmentally aware and at the forefront of trends. What’s more, 44 percent said they planned a major home renovation over the next 12 months.

Across all demographic groups, bathroom renovations continue to be among the most popular projects, affording one of the highest returns on investment at the time of resale, Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report indicates. The value of a bathroom remodel increased 10 percent in 2014, the magazine reports, and a mid-range project recoups nearly 73 percent of the investment; an upscale bathroom remodel returns nearly 64 percent of its cost.

Bathrooms have long been a focal point where function, luxury and enjoyment converge in American houses. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Conservation meets style

The green movement continues to gain momentum across virtually every aspect of American life, and home improvement is certainly no exception. Yet, environmentally aware homeowners are unwilling to sacrifice quality and beauty to go green – and they don’t have to, either.

High-efficiency, eco-friendly, water-saving designs can be found in every key bathroom fixture from faucets and showers to commodes and bathtubs. Manufacturers like TOTO are creating smartly designed products that offer clean, comfortable refreshment in timeless designs meshed perfectly with leading-edge technology.

Inspired by the beautiful lines of the Art Deco era, TOTO’s Connelly Widespread Lavatory Faucet exemplifies the marriage of timeless design and good water sense. Available in a variety of popular finishes including polished chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel, the high-efficiency faucet consumes just 1.5 gallons of water per minute – qualifying it for the WaterSense label – without sacrificing performance.

Technology, good looks and conservation also characterize the NEOREST 550H dual-flush toilets. Auto-open/close, auto-flush and an integrated warm-water cleansing system and warm air dryer make these products luxurious and intelligent choices; as more Americans seek to age in place, such enhancements can make personal care easier and more comfortable now—and  as homeowners grow older and their abilities change.

Forward-looking luxury

Fifty-four percent of homeowners say they will renovate to make their homes more functional, and 20 percent to accommodate changing lifestyle needs, according to the Houzz survey. Americans embrace the idea of remaining independent in their own homes for as long as they can; 90 percent of people 65 and older say they want to stay in their homes as long as possible, according to AARP.

Additionally, many homeowners don’t wish to sacrifice beauty, efficiency and luxury in order to accommodate the mobility and ability changes associated with growing older. Bathroom renovations afford them the opportunity to create a space that is both appealing and secure.

When renovating a bathroom with an eye toward luxury and aging in place, homeowners are incorporating features that can adapt to their changing needs. Lighting, flooring and fixtures can all influence how welcoming a bathroom is now and how practical it will be as its users age. Products like TOTO’s Aimes Ceiling-Mount Showerhead with LED Lighting blend classic style with luxury and practicality. The ceiling-mounted design ensures a relaxing rainfall experience, and the Ecopower LED lighting system provides gentle, soothing illumination.

While resale value will always be a consideration when renovating, greater availability of energy-efficient, beautiful products is making it easier for homeowners to also meet their other renovation goals – including creating a beautiful space that will age gracefully.

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(BPT) - Can the look and condition of your roof affect the resale value and curb appeal of your home? What about your window frames, entry door or shutters? The answer is absolutely.

This year building product companies are urging homeowners to focus on improving their home's exterior. Investing in key products now can make your home more marketable in the future.

Sixty-one percent of homeowners say that when house hunting or designing their home, the most attention-grabbing exterior feature was the style of the home, according to the 2011 DaVinci Roofscapes’ Homeowners Exterior Preferences Study conducted by Harris Interactive. This was followed by how the house looked on the property (43 percent).

And, when it comes to adding curb appeal to a home, color counts. Fifty-nine percent of homeowners place a lot of emphasis on the role that color plays when they think about replacing major exterior home features.

"To enhance curb appeal it's all about creating 'top down' color by working from the roof down through the different elements of the exterior such as siding, windows, trim and doors," says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. "For example, a colonial style home with a warm Autumn Blend polymer shake roof could be ideally matched with a home exterior in a neutral stone color.

"Then, add pops of color for curb appeal, such as chocolate brown vinyl window frames, like those available from Simonton Windows. Shutters and trim around the home could use the same deep brown color. A stand-out color like pine green or marine blue would then be added to the entry door to add personality to the exterior."

Smith, who has authored the free online FRESH Home Exterior Colors and FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior guides, spends a good deal of her time advising homeowners, remodelers and builders on selecting the perfect colors for the exterior of the home.

"It's important to remember that it all starts on the roof," says Smith. "When you're working top down with unlimited color options from a company like DaVinci Roofscapes, a homeowner has an open palette for designing the perfect home exterior."

Smith recommends that other key factors to enhance curb appeal can be found by selecting products for the home that are easily painted and maintained. "For me, it's all about adding color to easy-care products," says Smith. "That's one reason why I like Fypon decorative millwork pieces so much. These smooth polyurethane pieces come primed and ready to paint. We're talking about shutters, louvers, door and window trim, balustrade systems and even brackets and mouldings to increase the exterior appeal of a home.

"And, of course, nothing pops with color like the front door. I recommend homeowners consider stylish and paintable fiberglass entry doors from Therma-Tru. This company invented fiberglass doors and they offer many options for adding warmth, color and elegance to the home exterior."

Replacing worn out exterior home features is a smart investment for homeowners. In fact, many products added to the home have a high return-on-investment at the time of a home sale, according to the 2014 Cost Versus Value Study conducted by Remodeling magazine. Adding energy-efficient vinyl windows as a mid-range project to a home can have a cost recoup value of 78.7 percent, while the addition of vinyl siding can have 78.2 percent recoup rate.

The same study reports that the replacement of an entry door with a fiberglass door can result in 70.8 percent of the cost recouped, while a new roof on the home has a 67.6 percent cost recoup. The study What Today's Home Buyers Really Want from the National Association of Home Builders reports that the three-most wanted outdoor features consumers desire for their home exteriors are lighting, a patio and a front porch.

The free comprehensive and colorful online guides created by Smith are available for downloading at www.sensationalcolor.com/colorforyourhome.

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(BPT) - How much do you spend on utilities? Are you looking for ways to save? A typical American household spends about $2,100 on energy bills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most of that expense comes from a home’s energy use during the winter heating season. But a quick home checkup can help you can reduce these costs, prepare for winter and enjoy energy savings.

Properly installed and maintained windows and doors can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. Save on heating costs by preparing your windows and doors for winter with these tips:

* Clear sills and moving parts of dirt and debris. Debris like sand, dirt or leaves can get caught in windowsills and moving parts of windows or doors. Clean these areas with a dry paintbrush to create a tighter seal and enhance window and door performance.

* Check weather stripping. Re-attach or replace missing or worn weather stripping around windows and doors. Loose weather stripping can let cold air in during the winter and out in the summer, reducing energy efficiency.

* Reapply caulk or sealant around windows and doors. Reseal areas around windows and doors that may have been exposed to heavy weather or extreme sunlight - creating breaks in caulk or sealant - to help reduce potential drafts and leaks.

* Installing snap-in blinds or shades. Install snap-in blinds or shades to help insulate your home from cold outdoor temperatures. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors feature convenient between-the-glass options to add energy efficiency and privacy.

* Repair or replace damaged exterior surfaces. Cracked or deteriorated wood associated with water penetration may allow moisture or cold air to leak into your home. Look closely for signs of moisture leakage and replace damaged wood. Consult a professional to help correct any roof or drainage problems around your home.

* Install storm doors. Storm doors add an extra layer of protection and help reduce air and moisture leakage. Adding a Pella storm door to your exterior doors can reduce energy loss through the entryway by up to 45 percent.

* Replace old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones. If you have single-pane glass, clear glass, or older windows or doors, you may be paying more to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer. Replace old windows with energy-efficient, double or triple-pane glass versions made with insulating argon, or install new durable fiberglass doors to help save money and energy year-round.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest for design inspiration and Pella.com/news to connect with a Pella representative for tips on caring for your windows and doors, or choosing new replacements.

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(BPT) - For many pests, including rodents, spiders and cockroaches, the change in season indicates the need to find shelter from the colder temperatures ahead. In some cases, this shelter is the same place that keeps your family warm and dry.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that fall pest-proofing is important to prevent pests from making their home in yours.

Unwanted pests are more than a just nuisance in the home. They pose serious health and property threats as well. Rodents can gnaw through wires causing structural damage, putting homes at risk for fire. Rodents also can carry diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus. Rodents can also cause secondary infestations by bringing fleas, mites or ticks into homes.

Other pests like cockroaches are known to trigger allergies and asthma symptoms - especially in young children - and some species of spiders, if disturbed, will bite in defense. 

“Pest prevention is a year-round process, and in anticipation of cooler weather, it's time for a change in the ways you protect your home from unwanted intruders,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA.  “Besides being a nuisance, pests can also pose health and property threats. Homeowners must take proactive measures to prevent pests from coming indoors." 

The NPMA recommends these fall pest-proofing tips for homeowners:

* Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys and any other areas where homes may be open to the outdoors.

* Keep basements, attics and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. Pests are attracted to areas of moisture, something they need to survive. Using dehumidifiers in basements and garages will help keep these areas dry.

* Seal cracks and crevices. Don’t forget about the outside of the home. Use caulk and steel wool to seal any potential entryways for pests. Pay close attention to where utility pipes enter the structure. Mice can fit through holes as small as the circumference of a dime.

* Replace loose mortar and weather stripping around the home. These are easy ways to keep out not only pests, but also cold air.

* Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and keep shrubbery in the yard trimmed back. Eliminating areas where pests can hide near your home can reduce the chance of them finding a way inside.

* Have a proper outdoor drainage system. Installing gutters or repairing an existing system will help draw water and moisture away from your home, preventing any leaks or build up that might attract pests.

* Work with a pest professional. The best way to protect against a pest infestation in your home is early prevention by following these pest-proofing tips. However, if you suspect an infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to treat the problem.

Learn which pests are common in your area. For information about common pests and how to prevent them, visit www.pestworld.org.

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(BPT) - Going green is good for the environment, but it can also be good for a homeowner’s wallet – and that’s the aspect of eco-friendly improvements that seems most appealing to homebuyers. More than 80 percent of buyers said they would pay more for home features that saved energy and trimmed utility bills, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders.

That piece of information can be valuable to home sellers looking to get the best price for their homes this summer. Home improvements that also reduce utility bills – such as skylights and energy-efficient heating, ventilation and cooling systems – may be the investments that ensure a seller’s home will get top dollar and multiple offers.

If you’re interested in making energy-efficient, cost-cutting improvements a selling point for your home this summer, you can achieve the benefit with basic, moderate or impressive improvements. What you choose to do will depend on your budget, time-frame and perceived benefit in terms of a speedy sale. Here are a handful of improvements, from basic to beautiful:

Seal and insulate – Ideally, you’ve kept up on your home’s insulation and sealing all the time you’ve lived there. If not, potential buyers may be attracted by recent refurbishments to the caulking and sealing around windows, entry doors, garage doors and ductwork. In most instances, homeowners can easily improve sealing and insulation on their own, without hiring a professional. While the improvement may seem minor, its impact can be significant; EnergyStar.gov says sealing and insulating ducts can boost an HVAC’s efficiency as much as 20 percent, and sealing air leaks and adding insulation can trim annual energy bills as much as 10 percent.

Replace old incandescent bulbs – When it comes to cost savings, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-sipping CFLs or LEDs is a cost-effective way to trim electricity bills. Both types of bulbs use at least 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescents, and last 10 to 25 times longer, according to Energy.gov. While these bulbs cost more than regular bulbs, potential home buyers are likely to embrace the cost savings they’ll reap over the lengthy life of the bulbs. In terms of energy upgrades, it’s a relatively low-cost, high-impact improvement for a seller to make.

Install a wireless, programmable thermostat – Connectivity is all the rage. When it comes to reducing heating and cooling costs by smarter thermostat use, wireless thermostats are the next big thing. Programmable thermostats have been available for years, and help reduce heating and cooling costs by automating settings to use energy wisely. Wireless thermostats enhance that functionality by allowing users to access their home’s temperature controls remotely from any Internet-enabled device. So if you’re in the office and realize you forgot to program the settings on your thermostat, you can communicate with the thermostat from your office desktop or your smartphone.

Sellers can realize savings too

Upgrading or installing a skylight – While many energy-efficient home improvements do their jobs behind the scenes, an Energy Star-qualified skylight is front-and-center, saving energy and beautifying a home. A skylight appeals to homebuyers’ aesthetic senses and love of savings and they are especially well received in kitchens and baths where they provide not only natural light but fresh air and privacy. A no leak solar powered fresh-air skylight, like those made by Velux America, can help reduce electricity costs by providing passive ventilation and natural light.

Solar-powered Velux blinds can improve a skylight’s energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent while making a strong design statement. Solar-powered skylights and blinds, plus installation costs, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. And for 10 weeks during the summer there’s also a $200 cash rebate from Velux on solar skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. 

Real-estate industry watchers predict buyers and sellers will both be active this summer. Making the cost-saving improvements buyers crave could help sellers move their homes faster and for the best possible price.

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(BPT) - Move over kitchens and bathrooms, homeowners are focusing on a new part of the home: the garage. No longer just a place to park the car and lawn equipment, today’s garages are getting bigger and better. Here are a few quick and easy projects to create a useful and organized garage.

Make a grand entrance. While your garage may be a mess inside, begin your update with a good exterior impression. Adding a coat of paint to the main garage doors can make a dramatic update. And don’t stop there. Jazz up metal side-entrance doors with a more vibrant shade. Rust Protector spray paint from Krylon is an excellent choice to provide superior metal protection – and it dries in just eight minutes or less so you can move on to the rest of your projects.

Empty and organize. Now that your garage islooking great from the outside, it’s time to tackle the inside. Start by pulling everything out into the driveway, organizing the contents into groups: lawn and garden; tools and hardware; toys, games and bikes; and, for items you no longer want or need, garage sale. While the space is empty, give it a good cleaning from top to bottom.

Create a work station. No matter what your hobbies or interests, you’ll likely need a space to work. Assess how much room you can allocate and then create a station to accomplish tasks easily. Old metal tool cabinets are an excellent way to create an inexpensive DIY workbench. First, thoroughly clean the surfaces and then spray paint with KrylonRust Protector in your favorite color to not only make it look great but keep the metal surface protected from rust. Next, mount a work surface to the top. Now you’ll have a designated work area – with all your necessary tools within arm’s reach. Add a few bar stools and it can double as an entertainment station as well.

Keep hardware handy. While tool cabinets keep tools neatly stored away, there are some readily used tools that you want to keep in plain sight.For these items, hang a pegboard on the wall above your new work station and equip it with a variety of hooks and bins. To take your organization a step further, spray paint outlines of each tool to show where they go.

Let there be light. If your garage is like most, it has a single incandescent bulb hanging from the ceiling. That’s not enough light to do any work. Luckily, lighting up your space can be simple and inexpensive with a fluorescent light fixture. Available in a variety of lengths, these fixtures can easily be installed by hanging from chains mounted to the ceiling and simply plugging into a power source – no need for electrical wiring.

Create smart shelving. When your work area is complete, it’s time to find a place for the other items. Shelving is always a great option – but it can be expensive. A more affordable option is to recycle cabinets or shelves that you already have in your home. Have an old microwave cart, plastic shelves or even old kitchen cabinets left from a remodel? They are the perfect home for garden equipment or kids toys. Clean the surfaces and then paint them to achieve a finished look. Think you can’t paint plastic? Think again. Krylon’s new Dual SuperbondPaint + Primerspray paint features a proprietary formula that offers a high-adhesion, specialty primer that ensures top performance even on hard-to-paint surfaces such as plastics, laminates and melamine, as well as other commonly painted surfaces.

With a bit of organization and effort, you can transform your garage from cluttered to classy in no time at all. For more information on Krylon products or for more project ideas, visit www.krylon.com.

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(BPT) - Buying a new house is an exciting time in your life. Because it is one of the most important investments you’ll make for yourself and your family, there are many important factors to consider. Before making a purchase, take these four questions into account. Having the answers will allow you to enjoy your new home now and in the years ahead.

1. What exterior color palette speaks to you? Your home is a reflection of your personality and can be an extension of your lifestyle. When buying or designing a new house, contemplate its curb appeal. First impressions matter, so it’s important to consider architectural style, exterior color and details like trim and landscaping. Coordinate the trim, soffits and doors with the primary siding color for a polished look. To help, look to popular and complementary color combinations developed by the color professionals at James Hardie: www.jameshardie.com/pdf/colorplus-color-combinations.pdf.

2. Is your home protected from environmental elements? With today’s ever-changing climate, extreme weather is a reality in all corners of the country. From hurricanes and blizzards to wind and wildfires, select siding and trim products that help protect your home. Consider your options carefully. Vinyl siding can melt and wood is susceptible to rot. James Hardie siding products are engineered specifically for climate zones, so whether you live in a cold, wet, hot or dry part of the country, you can choose the siding that will stand up to weather conditions in your area.

3. Is your new home built using sustainable products? Green building is popular these days, in part because an energy-efficient home can save a homeowner money on heating and cooling bills. By choosing a home clad in 100 percent sustainable and efficient material, you're consuming less energy and reducing your environmental footprint.

4. What maintenance will your new home require? Selecting or buying a home made with low-maintenance building materials can lower the chances of large ticket home repairs, or prevent them altogether. Wood siding and trim requires frequent repainting or replacement, and vinyl may warp, melt or fade. Considering durable and longer-lasting fiber cement siding can minimize the need for repairs. Additionally, purchasing a product with a strong warranty is a great way to maximize and protect your investment.

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(BPT) - Americans are on the move. More than 35 million Americans moved last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. While relocating to a new place is exciting, it also brings its own set of worries, with packing and unpacking topping the list of stressors. With careful planning and organizing, your move can be more celebratory than stressful – just follow these tips.

Select super supplies

It’s no secret that high-caliber products produce the best results, so be sure to select good quality supplies to save you hassle, time and money during the moving process. When it comes to your valuables and your memories, don’t take risks – start with new, clean and sturdy boxes rather than relying on old, reused boxes. Make sure you have a variety of sizes on-hand.

When sealing boxes, something as simple – and frustrating – as losing the tape end on your packaging tape can waste time and cause unneeded stress. Choose a quality packaging tape, like Duck brand EZ Start packaging tape, which offers Frustration Free technology. This makes it easy to start with every use and ensures you never lose the tape end. EZ Start packaging tape is available in clear, as well as a variety of fun prints, meaning it’s also great for organizing. Use it to color-code your boxes, assigning a different print to each room.

Organize, don’t agonize

Packing isn’t just about putting your belongings in boxes and heading on your way. Getting organized at both ends of your move will save you, and anyone helping you, time and hassle once everything arrives to its new destination. 

Before you pack, think about the must-have items you need to function on a daily basis to ensure you have them within reach. And, create a survival kit of items you’ll need for your first night – this way, you won’t be forced to unpack everything at once.

On top of your physical belongings, don’t forget to organize the things that make your home and life function. Fill out change of address forms early, and keep track of any important bills or paperwork that can’t be lost. Know who to contact to turn off utilities at your old location and how to turn them on when you move into your new place.

If you already know how you’d like furniture arranged at your new place, create diagrams and written instructions for those helping you unpack. Foresight here will help get your home looking “homey” much faster and prevent helpers from guessing where each item should go.

Have help on hand

While relocating is exciting, it also means a lot of heavy lifting. There’s no need to go it alone. Recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day – often the promise of pizza and snacks is the only reward necessary for a hard day’s work. If you want professional assistance, hire a reputable moving company.

Make it easier on helpers by packing boxes smartly. Large boxes with heavy items are difficult to move and have a much greater chance of being dropped, damaging the valuables inside. Instead of cramming many items into one box, pack heavier items, like books, CDs and dishes, in small boxes; light items, like pillows, drapes, clothes and linens, in bigger ones. For extra protection for easy-to-break belongings, have some Bubble Wrap cushioning nearby. Bubble Wrap comes in an array of sizes and formats to help safeguard delicate items. Wrap items bubble-side in for best results.

Finally, for ease of organization, clearly label boxes so you know where they go when you arrive. And, consider keeping a detailed list of contents to help keep track of your belongings.

While no move will ever be completely stress-free, organization, some assistance and the right tools can help alleviate many common moving frustrations. For more moving tips or for information about Duck brand’s line of packaging, mailing and moving supplies, visit DuckBrand.com.

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(BPT) - When it comes to caring for your yard, maintenance is crucial – especially during the fall when it needs to recover from the wear and tear of summer and prepare for winter’s harsh conditions. Knowing what your lawn and garden needs from season to season not only makes it easier for you to stay organized with your list of backyard to-do’s, but it also allows you to identify and treat any problems before they become bigger issues down the road.

Get your lawn and garden back in shape and ready for the coming season by completing these fall backyard projects.

1. Patch and seed – Extreme summer weather conditions like heat, excess rainfall and drought can lead to diseased or dead patches of grass throughout your yard. If you notice an affected area while inspecting your lawn, treat the problem area immediately and then reseed it. This will nourish grass, plus help it establish strong roots needed for growth in the spring.

2. Plant bulbs – Give your spring garden a head start by planting bulbs 5 to 8 inches deep, depending on the size, with the pointy end up. You can also plant bulbs in clusters. However, since bulbs can be hard to tell apart, be sure to keep the labels intact until they are planted. 

3. Remove leaves and small debris – Leaves, small twigs and light dirt can quickly accumulate in your yard during the fall and if not removed, can cause soil compaction and make your yard look messy. For a quick cleanup solution, use a leaf blower to easily move debris from your lawn, driveway or patio. Opt for a blower like Troy-Bilt’s new Jet leaf blower that achieves a perfect balance of speed and volume with its mixed-flow fan design, helping you clear your yard efficiently and effectively. Jet also has an optimal weight balance, so the blower is stable and easy to control. When removing leaves, make sure they are dry and wind is at a bare minimum to ensure an easy removal process.

4. Compost – Fall isn’t too late to start a compost pile as it takes six months to one year to develop into rich soil you can use in your garden. Keep in mind, compost decomposition slows down during the cooler months, which is why it is important to retain heat needed for decomposition by refraining from turning your compost pile.

5. Prune – Pruning is considered the best preventive maintenance for your trees and shrubs, particularly in the fall and late dormant season. Look to prune diseased or dying branches, but be sure not to remove unreasonably large branches. This leaves exposed stubs that can potentially cause health problems. 

6. Weed – Though a year-round yard task, it’s extremely important to pull as many weeds as possible in the fall. As cooler temperatures set in, weeds start to store food in their roots for the winter. Prevent weed regrowth by pulling or digging weeds out of the ground with a weeding blade or use a homemade weed control solution, such as a combination of vinegar, water and dish soap.

For more lawn and garden tips, backyard project ideas and information about the Jet leaf blower, visit troybilt.com.

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(BPT) - The change of season creates a need for many adjustments around your home, from switching over wardrobes to warmer clothes, to completing necessary yard work and home repairs. You can also make adjustments to ensure you get the most out of your heating and cooling dollars as temperatures change.

When you consider that space heating is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home - accounting for 45 percent of energy bills, according to energy.gov - it makes sense to take steps to improve heating efficiency. Tackle this change-of-season checklist to help lower home energy costs now, before the long, cold winter sets in.

Program your thermostat

An easy first step is to turn down the temperature on your thermostat, particularly while you’re away from home. You can save roughly 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours, according to energy.gov. And, since fall temperatures can fluctuate quickly, from warm and balmy during one part of the day to cold and blustery during another, consider a programmable thermostat that you can adjust remotely as weather conditions change. 

For example, the Trane XL824 Smart Control Wi-Fi thermostat lets you program seven days of temperatures, with up to six schedules per day, as well as monitor temperatures and make adjustments remotely from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Compatible with Nexia Home Intelligence, the control enables you to receive temperature alerts via text and email. You can even view system-generated charts to determine how much energy you’re using, so you can immediately make adjustments to save money.

Change your furnace filter

When your HVAC system circulates and filters the air in your home, dust and dirt particles build up on the filter. Excessive accumulation can block the airflow, forcing the system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. And the harder the system works, the more energy it uses. Your system will have to work less, use less energy and last longer if you clean or replace your filter monthly, or at least every three months.  

Take steps to keep cold air out 

Small cracks and holes throughout your home can be a source of heat loss. To help keep cold air out and warm air in, add weather-stripping around windows and doors. Consider adding insulation to your attic or crawl space. Even closing your drapes at night can help keep heat inside.   

Protect outdoor HVAC equipment

Take some time to care for your outdoor HVAC unit, too. Clean off any fallen and decaying leaves from the fan grill so they won’t affect its operating efficiency.

Schedule annual HVAC servicing

Now is an ideal time to schedule an annual servicing checkup for your heating and cooling system. A qualified dealer can inspect your system and recommend any adjustments to ensure it is working properly and make any necessary repairs. To find an expert Trane Comfort Specialist near you, visit www.trane.com.          

These steps will better prepare your home for the season change, and also keep your family more comfortable, no matter what the weather brings. So check off all the items on your list and watch those lower energy bills come in.

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(BPT) - How often do you use the front door? Not often, right? When Americans come home from work or school, the front door now takes a back seat to the garage door.

“The garage door is used more often, it commands more curb appeal, and price-wise, it’s a great bargain,” says Jim Lett of ABE Doors & Windows in Allentown, Pennsylvania. A past president of the International Door Association, Lett sells both garage doors and entry doors.

Lett says this major paradigm shift means more homeowners are investing in impressive garage doors with substantial curb appeal instead of front entry doors, which are used less and often shrouded in shadows.

The primary entrance

A national survey by Harris Interactive reveals that the garage door is indeed the door used most often to enter U.S. homes. Forty-five percent of homeowners with garages say the garage door is the primary point of entry into their home. The front door came in a distant second at 35 percent.

The front entry door is used so little, many homeowners no longer even carry a key to that door. The new house key to today’s home is the remote control to the garage door.

The battle for the front

“For decades, garage door guys were jealous of the attention given to the front entry door,” says Gordon McGraw, owner of Overhead Door of Eugene-Springfield, Oregon. “But that’s changed.”

Real estate agents used to tell people that the front door is the most important element to spruce up, because it’s the first thing visitors see, he says. “But that’s not true. A front-facing garage door is clearly much more dominant.”

Best door bargain in the house

While the garage door is significantly larger, research shows it’s also more affordable. The average installed garage door sale is only about $1,500, while a much-smaller fiberglass entry door runs about $2,800, according to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com). In that same report, the cost of an upscale garage door was only $2,800 compared to $7,300 for an upscale front entrance.

“It’s crazy, but the garage door delivers five times the curb appeal, yet it costs less than a comparable front door,” says Lett. “I always encourage garage door customers to go for the upscale models. It’s well worth every dollar. You shouldn’t settle for a plain-Jane garage door.”

Unprecedented choices

The last 10 years have seen manufacturers introduce an unprecedented variety of dynamic new garage door styles. It’s now common for garage door dealers to offer dozens, if not hundreds of carriage house designs, the hottest new look. Visit www.garagewownow.com to see a wide variety of new designs from many manufacturers.

Today’s garage doors are widely available in durable low-maintenance steel, and some new steel doors have a paint finish that looks exactly like real wood. Besides steel, the industry also offers innovative designs in aluminum and fiberglass. Gorgeous custom wood garage doors are also available as a premium choice.

Welcome home

Today, when America comes home, it’s not through the front door. In terms of use, convenience, and visual appeal, the garage door is the new front door of the American home.

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(BPT) - Giving your home a stylish update can sometimes seem like a daunting and expensive task. But, it's actually easier than ever with the right mindset and design inspiration. Everyday items can easily be up-cycled while a couple of inexpensive projects can be completed for a quick style revamp of your space on almost any budget. Follow these tips to freshen up your home from the outside in and you'll be amazed at the impact.

Plant some pizzazz

The first thing people notice about your house is the landscaping and overall curb appeal. Try installing flowerboxes or even planting shrubs and trees around your home. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting a tree can increase your home’s value, cut energy costs and be beneficial to your family’s health. Buying a new tree is a small investment and takes just a few hours to plant. For added color, consider planting some perennial flowers, such as day lilies, tulips and roses – which bloom every year. Painting or stenciling inexpensive planter boxes can give them a higher-end look and just the right touches of color to your space.

Enhance your entrance

Adding some colorful accents to your home's exterior is a simple way to make a style statement and enhance your home's curb appeal. Many DIY experts agree that you don't need to repaint your entire home's exterior –  just a few selective color additions can make an enormous impact. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can go a long way. A can of black, oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel spray paint can be used to update metal house numbers, railings and light fixtures quickly, and for a very low investment. If your front porch is rather dim, consider shopping at a flea market or resale shop for a new light fixture to brighten up the space. LED bulbs can be used for adding more light and energy savings. New and old pieces can all be painted to match or left as is for a more rustic and eclectic feel.

Step into style

The key to creating a great first impression as guests enter your house is the flooring. Hardwood and tile are common and classic looks for entryways and foyers but aren't always within budget. Flooring companies now have options that look and feel just like the real thing but cost much less– and don’t require professional installation or complicated maintenance routines. For instance, Tarkett Flooring offers a wide selection of colors, patterns and quality levels in laminate and luxury tiles and planks that are easy to install, look just like the real thing and are affordable. All Tarkett flooring options feature low VOC emissions and are part of the iSelect system, a personalized shopping experience that makes finding the perfect flooring for your home a breeze using six easy-to-shop color palettes.

Wow your walls

Painting is the easiest way to make a dramatic, fairly inexpensive and instant impact on any room. Consider areas of your home that’ll get the most notice, like your dining room, kitchen, guest bath, foyer and even guest bedrooms. An even quicker project is just painting one wall as an accent wall. This will create a new focal point for the room that can be easily achieved by going a shade darker, brighter or complementing the existing wall color.

Easy, last minute tricks

If you're looking to refresh your kitchen, consider giving the cabinets some new hardware. Is storage space tight and cabinets are out of your budget? Mount some open shelving. New runners add interest to a long hallway while fun, hanging art keeps the space trendy. Other trendy accessories include wall sconces, throw pillows and photo frame wall galleries.

Remember, small projects pay off – you'll be enjoying your new, low cost but big impact look for years to come without having to fret about paying any large project costs.

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(BPT) - When it’s time to retire, do baby boomers just sit back and watch life pass them by? Not anymore. Boomers are known for getting involved in their communities, enjoying the outdoors and starting new - or restarting older - hobbies. They also love spending time with family.

This active lifestyle means boomers don’t want to take care of the large homes they lived in for years while raising children. In fact, they’re ready to downsize, and want to design their homes to be exactly what they need for their retirement years.

Downsizing into a new home - one that can adapt to boomers’ changing needs as well as accommodate their occasional desire to entertain guests - is a great way to enjoy retirement in comfort and style. And with the customizable features available through Clayton Homes, they won’t regret downsizing at all. Boomers can choose these features in The Holland home model by Clayton Homes, specifically designed for the active boomer, and continue entertaining in these prime years.

Consider the following customizable features available in these homes:

* Bragging wall - Every parent and grandparent loves to show off photos of their children and grandchildren. A wall designed specifically for hanging photos, awards and other proud mementoes gives parents and grandparents the perfect opportunity to share stories with visitors.

* Handy but hidden entertainment - When friends and family come over, consider how efficient it is to have a built-in cabinet that flips open to serve as a beverage station. When visitors are not around, tucking the beverage station away into a designated place makes the home more open. Another customizable feature is a support column that acts as a wine storage cubby with a built-in bench beside it.

* Accessible laundry - Placing laundry facilities close to the bedroom is great for baby boomers. The space doesn’t need to be large, but sometimes when a small space is designed for laundry, you lose out on those wonderful additional features, such as drying racks. Clayton Homes has alleviated this issue by installing pull-out hanging racks or built-in storage above the machines and off the floor.

* Bedroom luxury - Enjoy a home that segregates the master bedroom and bath from the entertaining areas of the home. One way to make this private space perfect is to install a beauty bar. It’s a vanity station in the bedroom with a large mirror and chair so one can comfortably prep for the day without constantly standing.

* Fun space - Many retirees finally have the time to enjoy their hobbies to their full potential, and they’ll need to designate a space in their new home to accommodate the activity. Maybe they’re interested in physical fitness and need a place for equipment. Sometimes a craft room is required so the grandkids can come over and put their creativity to good use. Entertaining is an option, too, and having a separate room near the kitchen just for those planned gatherings might be exactly what is needed.

By efficiently utilizing living space that is specifically designed for their use, boomers can enjoy their retirement years in a home that is built to suit their new active lifestyles.

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(BPT) - Whether it’s the neighbor’s lawnmower, low-flying aircraft, heavy traffic or loud music, noise pollution can hinder you from truly enjoying your home. Nowadays, a quiet place to relax and chill out can be increasingly difficult to find. Yet, a smart investment in the right materials can let you achieve both solace and silence in your home.

Noise pollution can noticeably contribute to issues such as cognitive impairment, language development problems, learning disabilities, mood disorders as well as social and behavioral issues, according to online medical resource, MedScape, While these conditions are more likely to occur in children, there is a chance that older residents can suffer due to noise pollution. Eliminating noise pollution can have a significant impact on motivation, education and overall mood.

The wrong kinds of noise pollution upgrades can often mean homeowners spend a lot more than necessary and get a lot less in return. Building experts note homeowners are more likely to invest in soundproofing materials for their theatre or media rooms rather than tackle the issue of noise pollution holistically.

Investing in heavy soundproofing drapes and double-glazed windows are a good start to minimizing external, airborne noises. But what about flanking noises? That is, those noises rumbling from piping and the water system within your home. One versatile option that addresses both airborne and flanking noise pollution is spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation, like that available from Icynene, is ideal for targeting noise pollution while providing a range of other benefits. Conforming to any space when applied, spray foam insulation forms a thick, sponge-like barrier that blocks the chaos of the outside world and dampens the flanking noises from your home’s pipes improving the quality of life and health of you and your family.

Installed by professionals, high performance spray foam insulation goes beyond just noise dampening. It fills every gap within the home’s walls and ceiling to stop air escaping as well as reduces the strain on your heating and cooling equipment. Spray foam insulation both insulates and air seals the entire building envelope letting homeowners cut their monthly heating and cooling bills by as much as 50 percent in some cases.

As a long-term solution, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature year-round while helping to control noise pollution. The buzzing of a lawnmower and the late night house party can be a thing of the past thanks to a well-insulated home. More information on how spray foam insulation can help you effectively minimize noise pollution is available at www.icynene.com.

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(BPT) - With Americans working longer hours than ever before, most homeowners yearn for a luxurious place to relax and unwind at the end of a hectic day. This is likely why the bathroom is the most requested home renovation project, according to the National Association of Homebuilders.

However, between work, family and other household tasks, homeowners may have difficulty finding the time (or the budget) for home improvement projects. Luckily, you can dramatically improve the look and functionality of your bathroom – all without breaking the bank or calling a contractor.

Here are five fast fixes for a fabulous bath all less than $100.

Extra elbow room in the shower

Have you ever wondered why a hotel shower seems so spacious? Chances are it had a curved shower rod. Now, you can bring that luxury into your own bath. Moen offers several versions, including the new Tension Curved Shower Rod that adds up to 5.5 inches of extra elbow room – without using elbow grease. It’s affordable and installs in three easy steps without any tools, drilling or assembly. Just expand the rod to your desired length, add tension, and snap on the decorative covers and you’re done. You’ll be amazed at the difference changing out a shower rod will make to the space. Plus, the Tension Curved Shower Rod is available in three popular finishes – chrome, brushed nickel and old world bronze - to perfectly coordinate with any decor.

Sensational showerheads

Now that you have more room to relax in the shower, is your current showerhead offering a sensational experience?  If not, don’t settle for a subpar spray – upgrading your showerhead is simple. Just unscrew your current showerhead; wrap some plumber’s tape around the arm; and screw on the new showerhead. A rainshower is an excellent choice to provide quality coverage – and many options are available at affordable prices.

Stylish, safe and savvy

If the bathroom is the room to retreat for relaxation, you want it to be safe. Unfortunately, water creates slick, wet surfaces and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that roughly 234,000 injuries occur annually in the bathroom. Luckily, adding peace of mind can be simple, and brands such as Moen Home Care continue to expand their bath safety selections to ensure that a safe bath is also a beautiful bath. The Banbury collection of grab bars and hand grips not only provides a sturdy grip when getting into or out of the bath or shower, but also the style and finish to perfectly match the rest of the bath. Worried about installing a grab bar? No need, with Moen’s SecureMount System, you are able to mount grab bars securely both with and without studs.

Admirable accessories

In addition to being a relaxing retreat, the bathroom is host to many activities - which means it also needs to store a lot of stuff. Adding simple storage solutions, such as hooks, towel bars, towel rings and shelves can add some sanity and style to your bath. Luckily many of these solutions are extremely inexpensive.

“For less than $100 and an hour’s time, you can refresh your bath with new accessories,” says Tim Bitterman, director of marketing, Moen Accessories. “And, today’s accessories add a bit of function with their flair – from pivoting paper holders that make changing the roll simple and quick, to decorative glass shelves to keep toiletries off the counter.”

Pamper yourself

Adding luxury to your bath doesn’t always have to involve the home improvement store. New, plush cotton towels and memory foam bath mats can give your room a spa-like feel. The towels will envelop you in comfort while your feet sink into the plush bath mats on the floor. Don’t forget to engage all your senses – not just sight – with soothing new lotions and soaps. There are hundreds to choose from and they can easily transport you to a vacation state of mind.

With a few inexpensive, simple projects you too can have a fabulous and relaxing bathroom. For more information on Moen accessories or products, visit www.moen.com or call 800-BUY-MOEN.

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(BPT) - Moving up – vacating your current, smallish home for a larger, roomier abode – was the American way before the Great Recession. Now that the economy is humming again, at least some of the people who stayed put during those lean years will be looking to move into larger, nicer homes this summer. High demand and low inventory, however, may leave many with nowhere to go. Some will rediscover a time-honored space-gaining technique: attic conversion.

As home improvements go, converting an attic into usable living space has a high return on investment – about 84 percent at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. That’s if you use your unfinished attic to create a 15-by-15-foot bedroom and a modest 5-by-7-foot bathroom with shower. Create a larger, more luxurious and more elaborate space and the ROI could be even greater. If your family is bursting at the seams, the value of added space will be measured in comfort, convenience and peace of mind, rather than resale dollars.

As with any renovation project, achieving an attic conversion requires you to balance numerous factors, from budget and objective to space and architectural limitations. Some of your most-desired features – such as ample natural light or a full bathroom – may seem out of reach. They don’t have to be, though, if you rely on some time-tested techniques to maximize the space.

Lighting the natural way

Typically, attics aren’t built with a lot of windows, and adding them may be difficult if the ceiling is sloped. Yet natural light is a highly prized feature in virtually any room, especially if you’re converting your attic into a bedroom, family room or other public area. Traditional solutions include adding dormers, which can be costly and time-consuming. What’s more, windows and dormers can eat up wall space, which is often at a premium in attics.

Skylights or roof windows can be a better option in an attic space. They require less time and cost to install than dormers and can easily live on slanted ceilings. Choose Energy Star-qualified no-leak, solar-powered fresh-air skylights like those from VELUX America utilized in the O’More College of Design Alumni House, add solar-powered blinds, and you can achieve a light-filled attic room that is both beautiful and energy efficient. The cost of the products, including installation, are eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit. And from now until August 15, there’s also a $200 cash rebate from VELUX on solar powered skylights. To learn more, visit www.whyskylights.com.

Roof windows, which are less expensive than dormers, are another cost-effective attic conversion option. VELUX offers both a top-hinged model and a double-sash balcony model that open at the top and bottom to create a roof balcony that admits much more light than a dormer while offering access to the outdoors.  Roof windows offer maximum ventilation plus the added advantage of meeting building code requirements as points of emergency escape and egress.

Heating and cooling 

Attics are often the hottest or coldest room in the house, depending on the time of year and the quality of your home’s insulation. Creating a comfortable atmosphere in a converted attic requires expert planning.

You may need to increase insulation. Because insulation has such a significant impact on a home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency, it makes sense to invest in the best you can afford. Spray foam is often a good option for converted attics because it can go easily between existing joists and create a tight air barrier without losing the inches of space required for thick fiberglass batt insulation.

You’ll also need to consider how you will heat and cool the space. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system expert can help you determine the best approach.

Skylights and roof windows can also play an important role in your heating and cooling conversion plan due to the chimney effect they utilize to exhaust rising hot air from an attic space while providing abundant daylight and fresh air.

Plumbing made easier

Adding a bathroom anywhere in a home is usually a good investment. Bathroom additions return about 60 percent of your investment at the time of resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Creating an attic bathroom can be simple – if pipes are already present – or challenging if no plumbing exists in the space.

One alternative to traditional plumbing is up-flush, which allows you to install sinks, toilets, showers and even bath tubs without engaging in major construction to accommodate traditional plumbing pipes. Up-flush plumbing cost less than traditional plumbing methods and is easier to fit into tight spaces – like the odd nooks that often occur in attics.

With planning and the right materials, it’s possible to convert an attic into a living space that makes your home even more livable for your family while you’re staying in place. Plus, it will enhance your home’s value down the road when you’re ready to move up.

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(Family Features) You've found the perfect neighborhood and the ideal new house for your family. But before you can settle in and begin making your new surroundings feel like home, you have to cross one more dreaded hurdle: moving day.

"Finding a new home is a wonderful and exciting experience, but moving can be overwhelming -- juggling packing, moving essential belongings and transforming your new house into a home," said Wendy Froehlich, vice president of marketing at Homes.com. "Homes.com believes in providing the best tools and tips for consumers to make their lives easier.  We're proud to share best practices to make the moving process less stressful and more organized - ensuring a smooth move."

One mistake many movers make is attempting to transport items that should actually just be replaced. A commonly overlooked example is mattresses, which can prove cumbersome and difficult to keep clean during a move.

"Many people find that moving is the ideal time to replace a mattress, especially if it has reached or surpassed the eight-year mark," said Steve Stagner, chief executive officer of Mattress Firm, Inc. "Our hassle-free delivery for your new mattress and pick up for your old one means you have one less thing to worry about as you begin life in your new home."

To help movers avoid unnecessary stress and reduce property damage, the experts at Mattress Firm and Homes.com have partnered to provide these tips:

Plan ahead: The key to executing a move that is both efficient and stress-free is to plan your move weeks before the actual day. A moving file and calendar are great ways to keep all of your moving information, such as your lease or mortgage contract, utility hook up, power documents and other important information in one place.

Get organized: Organize boxes for their corresponding room in your new home, sealing them with colored duct tape to color code.

Don't crack under pressure: Keep your plates in one piece by stacking plastic foam plates in between each one, and protect glasses by putting them inside pairs of clean socks.

Vacuum seal out-of-season clothing: Don't waste time fumbling through out-of-season clothing. Not only will it take up less space and be a breeze to pack, but it can go directly into storage in the new place.

Think of the little things: Keep sandwich bags handy to hold any small items you have to take apart, such as the screws for a mounted flat-screen television or your bed frame, and tape them to the backside. Label the bags accordingly to make unpacking and reassembling furniture a breeze.

Sweet dreams: Check the mattress tag; if a mattress is more than eight years old, it has accumulated dust, dust mites and sweat that can make it practically double in weight. Avoid the hassle of moving it and arrange to get a new one delivered to your new home. If the mattress is still in its prime, use a mattress protector to transport it safely to the new home.

Green thumb: Transport plants delicately by using a Christmas tree bag to keep all of the appendages safe and prevent snapping.

Survival kit: Make life easier when arriving at the new home by packing an easily accessible overnight bag with clothes and necessary toiletries. Don't forget to include first day essentials, such as a box cutter, paper towels, trash bags and power strips.

For additional tips to make your moving day run smoothly, visit www.mattressfirm.com or www.homes.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (movers)

SOURCE:
Mattress Firm, Inc.

Four real estate tips to help buyers and sellers both win this summer

(BPT) - The real estate market heats up when the weather does, and spring and summer are traditionally the most active seasons for home sales. This year, industry experts predict that home prices will continue to rise and, with mortgage rates remaining low, the spring and summer real estate season will be competitive for both buyers and sellers.

Buying the right house, especially under pressure, isn’t always a sure thing. A quarter of American homeowners who bought the home they’re currently in said they would not buy their home again, according to a nationwide survey from Redfin, the customer-first real estate brokerage, and conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 2,000 American adults.

Everyone wants to win in the real estate market, but not all do. Fortunately, some simple steps can help ensure both buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcomes.

1. Don’t go it alone.

In the past 10 years, 89 percent of Americans who bought or sold a home used a real estate agent, according to the Redfin survey. Real estate agents bring value to both sides of a home sale, ensuring that sellers get top dollar and spend less time waiting for their homes to sell, and that buyers get the best home at the best price. To find a good agent, interview several, read online reviews, get recommendations from family and friends and take your time. Look for an agent who makes you feel comfortable. An agent should never pressure buyers to bid on any house, and sellers should never feel pressured to list their home for a price they’re not comfortable with.

Historically, real estate agent-client relationships have involved commissions – a scenario that may make some buyers and sellers uncomfortable. Now, there are many other options for people to consider. For instance, Redfin agents earn a base salary and benefits, and receive no commission on home sales. Instead, they receive bonuses based on customer satisfaction.  

The Redfin survey indicates there is room for improvement in the agent-client relationship. While 52 percent of homeowners ages 35 to 44 said they loved working with their agent, only 31 percent of poll respondents ages 18 to 34 felt the same way. By contrast, 97 percent of customers who have worked with a Redfin agent said they would recommend the agent and company to others.

2. Know what’s going on in your market.

It’s a hot market right now. In March, 63 percent of offers written by Redfin agents were competing in multiple offer situations. In order to maximize their chance of success, both buyers and sellers should thoroughly research home prices in their area. Knowing what other homes are selling for will help sellers competitively price their homes, and buyers who do their research will be less likely to overpay. Buyers may also be able to avoid unproductive bidding wars if they’re armed with price information and know ahead of time how much they are willing to stretch their budget for any given home.

Most agents, including Redfin agents, will be happy to provide buyers and sellers with a comparative market analysis of home values and prices in their area.

3. Be creative.

Sellers don’t want to set prices too low and buyers don’t want to pay too much. Creativity can help close the deal for both groups.

Rather than listing a home for a lower price, sellers can enhance their listing’s attractiveness in a number of ways, such as offering to help buyers with closing costs or including a home warranty in the sale. Buyers – especially those in multiple offer situations – can make their offers more attractive by getting mortgage pre-approval, waiving contingencies or offering to rent the home back to sellers for a short period of time to help them with their transition.

4. Know when to walk away.

Sometimes a deal just isn’t right. Perhaps the other party’s agent makes you uncomfortable, a buyer is adamant about a lowball offer or a seller refuses to make necessary repairs. Flash sales, bidding wars, price jumps and inventory crunches can also make you feel uncomfortable.

When a bad scenario occurs, the best course of action may just be to walk away. With 25 percent of current homeowners feeling buyer’s remorse over the home they’re currently in, it pays to do everything you can to make sure the deal you’re considering is right for you.

To learn more about buying and selling homes, or to find a Redfin agent in your area, visit www.redfin.com.

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Tips on how to give your home an annual checkup

(BPT) - There’s no better time than now to give your home the attention it deserves. Give it an annual checkup before cold weather arrives to help add comfort, save energy and cut home maintenance in the long-run.

When inspecting your home’s windows and doors, here’s what to check:

Inspect interior and exterior finishes: Over time, paint and stain can weather away. Flaking or peeling may mean that it’s time to refinish or replace the unit. When replacing windows or doors, consider factory prefinished wood or fiberglass options from Pella, or vinyl options that don’t need painting or staining, to save time and money.

Look for damaged exterior surfaces or signs of leaks: Check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s watering your lawn and landscape, not soaking your windows or doors. Cracked or deteriorated wood may be a sign of water penetration. Leaks can linger and affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, so look closely for discoloration or other moisture signs.

If you spot a problem, track its trail. For example, discolored trim around a window might actually be caused by moisture entering a ways away. With a leaky roof, water may run down inside the wall and appear at the window. Contact a professional for help in making home repairs.

Clear windowsills and tracks of dirt and debris: Sand, leaves, insects or pine needles stuck in weather-stripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open the windows and clean the opening with a soft brush, like a dry paint brush or vacuum attachment. Do the same for sliding patio doors.

Try opening and closing: Open your windows and doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.

Inspect weather-stripping: Re-attach loose weather-stripping around windows or doors, and replace material that’s ripped or torn.

Replace or repair broken locks: If locks feel loose or don’t work smoothly, replace them. Keep windows and doors locked when not in use. Locks help hold doors and windows tightly, to lock out rain, wind, snow and insects.

Inspect weep and breather holes: Weep holes in the exterior of windows, allow excess moisture to escape, while breather holes allow air exchange within certain components. Clear blocked holes of dirt or debris with a wire or toothpick.

Check exterior sealants and caulk on and around windows and doors. Pay attention to areas susceptible to rain, water and extreme sunlight. Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.

In coastal locations, rinse exterior metal like exterior aluminum trim or cladding: Rinsing exterior metal parts three or four times a year can help extend the life of your windows and doors by minimizing corrosion from salt spray or fog.

Feel for signs of air leakage around the window or door: Improperly installed windows or doors can be drafty, decrease energy efficiency, and allow unwanted moisture into your home. To help save on utility bills and keep your home more comfortable year-round, replace drafty old, leaky windows with new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Pella windows installed properly.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest for design inspiration or Pella.com/news to connect with a Pella representative for tips on caring for your windows and doors, or choosing new replacements.

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Check the big move off the moving to-do list with ease

(BPT) - When you’re planning the big move, you’ve probably created a lengthy to-do list of everything that needs to be packed, planned and previewed. While you’re likely excited about your move, stress can create a bit of an emotional upheaval as well.

By staying organized and adopting a schedule that has served professional movers very well, you can check your big move off your to-do list with ease. If you follow this simple timeline and valuable advice, any move can be quick, easy and organized:

Three to four weeks prior to move day

1. Estimate how large a rental truck you'll need. In general, allow 150 cubic feet of truck space for each fully furnished room. For example, a 12-foot truck offers 450 cubic feet while a 26-foot truck offers 1,400 cubic feet for your items.

2. Round up all the packing supplies you’ll need. Save time by ordering your moving supplies like boxes, labels, bubble wrap and packing tape online now. Sometimes you can collect boxes at work or ask your local grocery store if they have any you may take.

3. Start packing. Begin with out-of-season and non-essential items. Remember to label boxes clearly. This is also a good time to lighten your load. If you haven't worn or used it in a year, donate it to charity or hold a garage sale to garner a little extra spending cash.

4. Utilize technology. Did you know you can use your smartphone to quickly and easily rent a moving truck with Penske's new mobile rental option? Simply access PenskeTruckRental.com from your smartphone and the site automatically becomes an easy-to-use mobile version. A few clicks and you'll reserve the perfect moving truck for your moving day, saving you time and headaches.

Two weeks prior to move day

1. Change your address with the post office. Remember to update your address with other important contacts such as banks, credit card companies, magazines and professional associations.

2. Call service providers and utilities to discontinue cable TV, trash collection, water, gas and electricity. Consider scheduling cut-off for a day or two after you move, just in case there is a delay and you still need those services.

3. Ask for help. Get a crew of family and friends to save the date to help on moving day. You'll need some strong folks to help move boxes and appliances, and some others who are willing to watch children and pets so they don't get in the way.

One day prior to move day

1. Finish any remaining packing. Pack all your essentials into a suitcase as if you were traveling. This will be the last item you pack and likely the first one you open at your new destination. Include items like checkbooks, credit cards, IDs, glasses, prescription drugs, house keys and other necessities.

2. Pick up your truck rental the day or evening before the move to save time on moving day. Penske professionals will get you familiarized with your vehicle and help you verify the best driving directions to your new home. They'll even check the upcoming weather and give you any necessary driving advice.

Move day

1. Pack the truck. Put the heaviest items on the truck first. When loading and unloading, be sure to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Work diligently, but be sure to take breaks and stay hydrated.

2. Leave early in the morning. You'll run into less traffic and you'll leave yourself extra time to unload at your destination. Take turns driving and take breaks once every two to three hours.

3. Get help unpacking. After a long drive you'll appreciate assistance unloading the moving truck. If possible, have friends or relatives ready to help at your destination.

By using this schedule, you'll have an easy and smooth move without headaches so you can enjoy your new home and look forward to the future.

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Driveways to mailboxes: Oft-overlooked items that drive curb appeal

(BPT) - Selling or staying, it makes no difference – everyone wants a home that looks great from the curb. Curb appeal comes together when all the elements of a home’s facade are in good shape and working together. Driveways that are cracked or pitted with potholes, dingy front doors and other seemingly minor complaints like a shabby, scuffed mailbox, can all significantly detract from a home’s overall curb appeal.

Here is a handful of projects – many of them quick fixes – that can greatly enhance a home’s appearance.

* Repair or resurface your driveway.

For many homes, the driveway is one of the largest visual elements of the home’s overall curb appeal, ranking right up there with siding, the roof and the lawn. If winter was rough on your driveway, it’s time to think of making repairs. Concrete can crack and crumble, and asphalt develops potholes. Both can be repaired quickly and easily.

For any driveway repair, make sure the area to be repaired has been cleaned of debris and loose materials.  Cleaning with a hose or pressuring washing can improve the entire surface. For asphalt driveways, Sakrete U.S. Cold Patch is a ready-to-use recycled asphalt product that permanently patches potholes, cracks and other defects without the oily mess or bad smell of a conventional blacktop patch. Simply pour the product into the pothole and tamp it down. It is not oily or sticky, so you can even use your car to do the job – just drive tires over the patch to compress it.

Concrete driveways can develop different types of cracks:  very small and shallow resembling a dry river bed; cracks between 1/8 and 1/4 inch wide; and cracks wider and deeper than 1/4 inch. Your choice of repair method will depend on how you want the finished product to look and how much time you have to make the repair.   

Portland cement-based Sakete Top n Bond can be used to repair all three types of cracks, and will provide a finished look that most closely resembles the existing concrete driveway. For tiny cracks, simple coat the entire area with a thin layer of the patching material. Top n Bond easily fills cracks wider an deeper than 1/4 inch. You can also use it to repair areas where one slab of the driveway has sunk lower than the slab next to it. If appearance is less important, an even easier option for repairing cracks 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide is to use a tube product, like Sakrete Concrete & Mortar Repair, and apply it with a caulk gun.

Repairing damaged asphalt or concrete driveways not only improves its appearance, it can help extend its life, too.

* Put the shine on your mailbox

It sits at the end of your driveway and often plays a key role in helping guests find your house. But do you give your mailbox the attention – and the credit – it’s due? Little things can mean a lot when it comes to creating curb appeal. While a mailbox that looks good might not get much attention, one that’s ugly or shabby is sure to draw the kind of attention you don’t want.

If you live in a community that restricts what type of mailbox you can have, simply give your rusted, stained mailbox and the post it sits on a fresh coat of paint in its original color. If your community has no standards for mailboxes, you can swap out an ordinary looking box with something that compliments your exterior design. Does your home have a brick facade? Consider a mailbox set in or on a brick pillar. If your house features fieldstone accents, consider carrying that over to the mailbox with a small, stone-trimmed planting bed at its base.

* Lavish your front door with some TLC

The door is the point where your exterior design meets your interior décor. It’s also an element that significantly impacts how visitors view your home. Give yours a fresh coat of paint or stain, and don’t forget the trim around the door.

Next, consider lighting. Is the area around the door well lit? Good lighting is key not only for safety at night but also to enhance the appeal of the area. Consider sconces beside the door or an attractive overhead fixture if your door has an awning, porch or overhang. Ground lights can accent the effect, either illuminating the pathway that leads to the door or lighting up the door itself.

Finally, take a look at the door hardware. Is the handle or knob looking rusted and shabby? Replacing worn or dated door hardware is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the overall look of your entryway.

Anyone hoping to sell their home during warmer months can greatly enhance curb appeal by investing in these seemingly minor design elements. If you plan to stay in your house, boosting the curb appeal will make you feel even better about coming home every day to a fresh, appealing house.

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Tips to remove big stress from your big move

(BPT) - Moving brings great opportunities in the form of careers, social connections and new beginnings. However, the act of moving can create unnecessary stress and tension, which makes the process less than desirable. About 35 percent of Americans move every five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which results in many people who are looking to simplify the process and turn their new house into a home.

Celebrity design expert and ADT spokesperson Sabrina Soto has the expert moving advice to make your house a home:

* Review everything being packed: If you have items you won’t use or haven’t used in six months, put them aside. They are good candidates for selling at a garage sale, listing in online classified ads, donating to charity, or as a last-case scenario, throwing away.

Also, look for ways to reduce your load. Canned goods may still have shelf life, but evaluate whether it makes sense to move or donate – it’s likely the latter. The same goes for other items you can easily and inexpensively purchase at a discount store when you arrive at your destination. As you approach moving day, be sure to think twice before loading up at grocery or convenience stores.

As you take inventory of everything in your home, be sure to clean, organize and sort the remaining items so they can be packed quickly and then easily found when you arrive at your new home.

* Get secured before you move: Feeling secure and in control is an important part of transforming a new house into a home. An ADT Pulse home security and automation system gives homeowners the ability to not only monitor their home’s security, but also control functions such as adjusting lights, unlocking doors and controlling thermostats – all with the touch of an app. Plus, it can start working for new homeowners on day one, whether using it to grant access to trusted contractors and technicians or receiving alerts when deliveries arrive at the front door. In a new neighborhood and a new house, it will be a sigh of relief to know you’re in control both at home and while away.

* Keep organized on moving day: Walk through the old home with your movers to identify how you’d like your items organized and packed. Let them know you want the house packed room by room, which will make it easier to unpack and place everything into your new house. If you have anything fragile, be sure to note how you’d like those items to be handled, saving you plenty of time and headaches in the long run.

If you’re planning to move yourself, it’s important to take precautions and protect your belongings while the truck is being loaded and unloaded. Have a team of trusted friends or family help you – the more sets of eyes, the easier it will be to keep track of your belongings. If you need to keep the truck parked overnight, back the vehicle up to a wall or garage door, which will make it difficult for someone to break in.

* Make yourself a happy place: Choose one room in your new home to be the room you completely unpack and organize on the first day. This gives you a restful sanctuary where you can retreat, even if the rest of your items are still in boxes scattered among the other rooms for several days to come.

* Document and share the transformation: Use your smartphone or camera to document the change of your new home as your items are unpacked and placed. This allows you to see how your hard work has paid off. 

With these tips, you can streamline your move and make it less stressful for you and your family.

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The do's and don'ts, how to prime your credit score before you house hunt

(BPT) - Spring is traditionally the busiest home-buying season of the year. And this year, with the housing market and economy finally starting to show signs of resurgence, many consumers are looking to buy. But although location, school district and the size of the home are important, many people overlook one of the most important factors of the home buying process – their credit scores.

In fact, many people still don’t realize that lenders review credit scores when making decisions about the availability and pricing of credit, this according to a 2013 survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and VantageScore Solutions, a credit score model developer.

If you are hoping to get into the real estate market this spring, follow these tips to help you improve your credit score the right way:

* Reduce your credit card balances. If you’re looking to improve your credit scores quickly and legitimately, reducing your existing credit card debt is a great first step. According to VantageScore Solutions, its best to keep credit card balances at less than 30 percent of the maximum amount of credit allowed.

* Check that the info that appears in your credit files is accurate and up-to-date. You don’t want to miss out on a great loan because of an error in your credit reports. Be sure you check your reports at all three national credit reporting companies, which are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, because most mortgage lenders will pull all three of your credit reports and credit scores. Consumers are entitled by Federal law to receive a copy of each of their credit reports once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com.

* Understand the reasons why your scores aren’t higher. When you receive your credit score disclosure notice, reason codes appear along with your credit scores, and they detail why your credit score isn’t higher. You can learn more about these reason codes and how to improve your credit score at the new consumer education website ReasonCode.org.

While these are good strategies for score improvement, make sure to also avoid these pitfalls:

* Taking on any new debt just before or during the underwriting period. Keep in mind that lenders may pull a credit report and score more than once during the mortgage approval process including just before closing on the loan. Buying a new boat or car during this time could impact the total amount of debt you owe. Credit score models factor the amount of debt you owe into your credit score. Additionally, owing more debt on new loans will impact your debt-to-income ratio. While your debt-to-income ratio is not a part of your credit score, it will be considered by your mortgage lender. If you are planning to apply for a mortgage or refinance, hold off on that new car or boat until after you have closed your home loan.

* Soliciting credit repair services. You’ll find numerous services on the Internet that say they can help you “repair” your credit quickly. These should be avoided. They often over-promise and under-deliver. Federal laws prohibit credit repair companies from charging fees upfront, and consumer advocates agree that you should think twice before paying these companies to do what you can do on your own and at no cost.

Remember, improving your credit score, like many other things in life, requires hard work, dedication and discipline but if you stick to the plan you’ll see the benefits in the end.

To get a true picture of your credit status, it’s best to review your credit reports and credit scores from multiple sources. Test your knowledge about credit scores at http://www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, which was created by VantageScore Solutions along with its partner, Consumer Federation of America. Both the online quiz and a corresponding brochure are available in Spanish at www.creditscorequiz.org/Espanol.

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Selling this summer? 6 upgrades to secure a speedy sale

(BPT) - When the weather warms up, so does the real estate market. Spring and summer are traditionally the seasons when both home buyers and sellers are most active across the country. If you’ll be putting your home on the market this year, simple, cost-effective upgrades can help ensure a speedy sale at a good price.

“In the world of real estate, it’s often necessary for sellers to spend a little on upgrades in order to achieve a satisfying home sale,” says Bethany Richmond, communications director for the Carpet & Rug Institute. “Fortunately, some of the most impressive upgrades, such as new carpeting, are also affordable. Such upgrades ensure that you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a better selling price.”

Here are six easy-to-do upgrades that are both cost-effective and high-impact:

1. Replace carpet

It’s easy to see the impact of worn or dated carpeting. “If you don’t like looking at it, buyers won’t either,” Richmond says. “Replacing old or damaged carpet delivers impressive appeal for a modest investment.”

New carpet is one upgrade that has a high ratio of value to cost. It substantially increases perceived value for homebuyers without requiring home sellers to spend a bundle. “Even less expensive carpet styles will freshen the look of a room and prepare it for sale,” Richmond notes. “You can get a lot more quality for just a little more money, she says, “and if you take advantage of spring carpet sales, installing new carpeting can cost even less.”

2. Clean flooring

If your carpet is still in great shape, then simply having it professionally cleaned can make it look even better. A deep professional cleaning helps lift tough soils and provides a cleaner, fresher look to rooms. You can find an expert in your area by visiting www.carpet-rug.org. CRI experts can even provide insight into how to remove difficult stains.

Not only is carpet a good value, it’s healthy, too. People with allergies or other sensitivities are installing carpet to improve indoor air quality. Recent studies support previous findings that carpet, when effectively cleaned, traps allergens and other particles, resulting in less dust, dander and airborne contaminants escaping into the air. To learn more about selecting and maintaining carpet, as well as how carpet is a good choice for people with allergies, visit the home page of the Carpet & Rug Institute at www.carpet-rug.org .

Don’t forget to clean all other flooring, including hardwood, laminates and tile. Buyers will appreciate a sparkling clean appearance throughout the house.

3. Repaint in neutral shades

Fresh paint is another smart and cost-effective upgrade for sellers. Buyers expect it, yet many sellers hesitate to repaint. Perhaps they like the existing colors or balk at the cost of professional painting services. Yet repainting in neutral colors makes a room look fresher and brighter, and gives buyers a visual “blank slate” against which to imagine their own decor.  Do the work yourself and you can reduce the cost of repainting even further.

4. Update or upgrade lighting

You may find that disco-ball style globe light charming in your kitchen, but the average buyer doesn’t want dated or unusual lighting. Replacing dated or worn fixtures, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, is a cost-effective way to give a room a more up-to-date, contemporary look. If you already have newer fixtures, consider replacing incandescent bulbs with high-efficiency options such as CFLs or LEDs. Although they’re a bit more expensive to purchase, these bulbs last years longer – a selling point for buyers who will reap the value of not having to replace bulbs any time in the near future.

5. Install new faucets

A high-end faucet can completely change the look and usability of a kitchen or bathroom. In terms of cost versus value, an upgraded faucet, such as pull-out or even touch-free styles, can dramatically increase perceived value for a relatively modest investment. An upgraded faucet is a thoughtful touch that will set your home apart in buyers’ minds.

6. Replace hardware throughout the home

You may have already thought of upgrading kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls, but have you also upgraded hardware in your bathroom or on the front door? These seemingly small items have a major impact on the overall visual effect of a home. In desirable rooms such as kitchens and baths, designer hardware can elevate the entire look of the room. And upgraded door hardware will ensure buyers have a positive first impression from the moment they enter your home.

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Why a wood deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make

Want remodeling ROI? Why a wood deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make

(BPT) - As the seasons turn, more homeowners look for projects that not only make their homes more livable, but also offer great return on investment. With demand high across the country for outdoor spaces that bring the comforts of the indoors outside, there’s no surprise that decks are one of the top remodeling projects for 2014.

In fact, a residential wood deck addition has a recouped cost of 87.4 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost vs. Value Report, the second highest ROI midrange project only behind an entry door replacement. That means adding a deck to your property will increase your livable space so you can enjoy the outdoors more, and you can rest easy knowing you’re boosting the value of your home investment.

If you think you’d like to add a wood deck to your home, you might wonder about the different material options. “Although composite and PVC decking have gained popularity in recent years, pressure-treated wood decking still carries the lion’s share of the market because it’s inexpensive, easy to work with and can be found at any lumberyard,” says Chris Fox, product manager at Universal Forest Products, a leading supplier of lumber and decking materials.

Today’s pressure-treated lumber comes with advancements that weren’t available to homeowners just a few years ago. For example, with more homeowners seeking eco-friendly building materials, wood suppliers are exploring environmentally preferred treatment methods. For example, ProWood’s micronized copper azole (MCA) treated lumber decking is eco-friendly, cost effective and easy to install.

MCA is a method for treating the wood (typically pine) using an EPA-registered waterborne wood preservative system to protect against termite attack and rot. MCA-treated lumber provides a light, natural look, unlike other pressurized wood treatments that result in the greenish hue with which most people are familiar.

You can leave MCA treated lumber in its natural state for a more organic appearance in your outdoor spaces, or you can choose ProWood Dura Color decking that is color-infused with pigment driven deep into the wood fibers. This process creates beautiful treated wood grain that will stand up to the elements for many years, with no need for staining.

“People like the natural look of redwood and cedar, but they don’t want the drawbacks that come with them, such as the high price and the fact that they quickly fade to gray,” says Fox. “ProWood Dura Color lumber not only looks like natural cedar or redwood, but the color lasts much longer and is backed by a two-year color assurance warranty”

When researching treated wood materials for outdoor home improvement projects, such as a deck addition, Fox suggests discussing the project with the local lumber dealer and to be sure to understand and check the end tag for:

1. The description of use (above ground or ground contact)
2. Warranty statement
3. The quality standards it meets
4. Third-party quality inspection (which assures product has passed retention and penetration tests).

To learn more about the MCA process and get ideas about outdoor home improvement projects, visit www.prowoodlumber.com. Research proves a wood deck is a sound investment, and now with new eco-friendly decking materials, homeowners have more options than ever when it comes to improving their home’s exterior spaces.

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Home Staging is not a new phenomenon, but has become a recognized and proven essential tool for marketing homes for sale. In other words, home staging services which will maximize the value of your property. There are many articles available that one should explore as a way of discovering new home staging strategies to help you prepare your home for a quick and profitable sale without spending more more money than is necessary.

Utilizing a little design psychology, you can profile the prospective buyers and make changes to the property to attract a specific market. Buyers can be quickly deterred by spaces that are empty and without life or rooms that are cluttered. By changing wall colors, making repairs, removing the clutter, re-arranging furniture, art and accessories, home staging could be the answer you need as it will transform your house into a home which will sell itself and which prospective buyers will be unable to resist.

Interior redesign is the instant transformation of a room by artfully rearranging the furniture, the artwork and possibly any personal accessories. The redesigning of a home is good for clients wanting to update their humble abode for their own enjoyment rather than for selling. If you plan to redesign your home, you will need to reinterpret the living spaces and your existing furnishings in your home in order to take advantage of what you already have in front of you. It requires a deep introspection into your individual needs.

Decorating is accomplished mainly from repositioning the existing furniture, revamping certain pieces, rearranging the decor, replacing or adding art and maybe incorporating other more personal accessories. Again there are many articles and good books available to inspire you and offer you advice on how to develop your home decorating ideas and if you feel the need, to restyle every room of your home.

The redesign phase of a home may include painting a few rooms and installing new carpeting. When you are ready to start with the redesign you may need to find goods or services to help you create your perfect interior. You may find that professional home decorating services typically charge less than interior designers, although some home staging professionals may also be trained interior designers.

There are many new businesses springing up for redesign and home staging. The job of professionals who specialize in home staging may be simply to assist sellers reorganize the existing furnishings. They may need to encourage them to pack those extra personal ?things?, and add a few carefully selected props that suggest pleasant activities, happiness
, peace and security in the home.

Sometimes all a place needs are suggestions from a professional third party. They see little things that the home owner cannot see. Nowadays there are accredited home staging specialist courses available and there are professionals who specialize in interior redesign and home staging in cities throughout the world.

Choosing a Real Estate Agent

The ideal agent is not always the one with the most sales under his or her belt, or the most years on the job. The ideal agent is one who listens to you, is easy to get along with, and has the tools and skills to address your unique situation.

Every home buyer is different. Some have credit issues. Some are buying from out of state. Some need help selling their current home in addition to buying a new one. Just as buyers have different needs, real estate agents have different skills and specialties.

Here?s how to find the agent who?s right for you:

1. Ask friends and family for agent referrals.
Nobody knows you as well as your friends and family do. So they?re often in the best position to recommend an agent who is well-suited for your needs. You can also trust a referral from friends or family more than one that comes from a stranger.

2. Talk to multiple agents.
I once saw a statistic that 84% of home buyers choose the first real estate agent they contact. This means one of two things. Either most people are choosing wisely the first time, or they?re just rushing into things without shopping around. Probably a little of both.

You don?t have to exhaust yourself interviewing agent after agent, but at least talk with two or three to see who you?re most comfortable with (which leads to the next point).

3. Consider the vibe factor.
Professional expertise is an important criterion when choosing a real estate agent. But interpersonal skills are equally important. After all, you?ll be working with this person anywhere from 2 to 12 months, so it helps to get along with them. We all have unique personalities, and that?s the way it should be. But when working with someone professionally, if helps if their personality ?meshes? well with your own.

4. Ask how they hunt.
When deciding on a real estate agent, ask how they search for homes. Some agents have their own preferred listings that they favor. But you want what?s best for you, not what?s best for your agent. You?re paying them, right? So make sure the agent is willing to search high and low to find the best home for you. That includes using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as well as their own personal network.

5. Read paperwork carefully.
This advice is heavily used for a reason. It?s critical that you examine all documents during the home buying process, and that includes your agent agreement. At some point during the relationship, your agent will probably ask you to sign an agent agreement. Basically, it just means that if the agent shows you a particular property, your purchase of the property should be credited to that agent. In most cases it?s a simple, standard document just be sure to read it carefully and ask questions.

Top Ten Tips For Home Buyers

More than seven million American homes are sold every year. If you want to become a homeowner, there are 10 tips you should know:

About You

1. Pay your bills on time. This makes you a lower credit risk and, therefore, a better candidate for a mortgage at the lowest possible rate. Paying your bills now can make it easier for you to get a mortgage later.

2. Check and update your credit report before starting to look for a home. Credit reports are used by lenders to determine whether you will qualify for the mortgage you seek and for the interest rate you pay, so make sure your report is accurate.

3. Determine what monthly mortgage payment you realistically can afford. Calculators to determine this can be found at The Home Loan Learning Center, which is part of the Mortgage Bankers Association?s web site.

4. Take time to learn important terms and understand their meaning. Become familiar with words used in the home-buying process.

About Your Loan

5. See your lender first. Find out what you can afford before you look at houses.

6. Shop around. Compare the different types of mortgages and the interest rates offered by different lenders. Have the lender validate your calculations and agree that you are qualified for a home loan and monthly payments of that size. Get prequalified.

7. Understand the deal. Ask about closing costs and other fees before you sign the documents. Ask if you will incur costs if you refinance or prepay your mortgage.

8. Work interactively with a mortgage lender. Your lender will likely need to talk with you from time to time and may need additional information. Make sure you get back to your lender quickly so the process can be completed as soon as possible.

About Your Home

9. Avoid emotional buying. Before you look at any house, determine what features you really need in a home and then try to stick to the list you made.

10. Visit as many homes as possible.

Compare Mortgage Rates For Refinancing ? Choosing The Best Refinance Mortgage Option

When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several options. There are numerous reasons for refinancing an existing mortgage. The past five years have witnessed low mortgage rates. However, low rates will not remain forever.

Before interest rates begin to climb, homeowners should take advantage of their refinancing option.

Which Home Mortgage Lender to Choose?

Many financial lending institutions offer mortgage refinancing. If hoping to secure a good refi loan, it may be practical to use a refinancing specialist. Mortgage specialists are able to address all your concerns. Moreover, they can offer expert advice on which type of mortgage refinancing to choose.

Homeowners who are satisfied with their existing mortgage lender may consider obtaining a new mortgage with the same lender. However, using the same lender is not required. In fact, even if your mortgage lenders offer a good refi loan rate, it helps to obtain additional quotes and compare the different offers.

What are Your Refi Loan Options?

When refinancing a mortgage loan, homeowners have several loan options. Usually, homeowners refinance to lock in a low fixed rate. This way, mortgage payments remain predictable. Many select adjustable rate mortgages below of their low introductory rate. If homeowners choose a mortgage loan with an adjustable rate (ARM), they should anticipate changing rates. If rates falls, ARM?s pose little threat. However, if rates increase, so does the mortgage payment.

Homeowners should also select an ideal term when refinancing a mortgage loan. For example, will they extend the loan term by refinancing for another 30 years, or choose a shorter term and refinance for 15 years.

Cash-out Refinancing Loan Options

Because the average consumer debt is approximately $8,000, excluding auto loans and student loans, many homeowners choose refinancing as a method of reducing their debts. Cash-out refinancing, which entails borrowing from your home?s equity, is perfect for consolidating debts and financing other large expenses such as home improvements.

Before applying for a refinancing, homeowners should do their research and familiarize themselves with the refi process. For example, refinancing involves paying closing fees. Thus, homeowners ought to have a cash reserve or select a mortgage loan that includes the option of wrapping the closing fees into the principle balance.

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Selling Your Home is Easier if You Prepare First

Selling a house is a complicated thing to do. It involves a lot of paperwork, a lot of meeting with people and most of all, a lot of time. That being the case, it helps to prepare ahead of time. There are a few things that anyone who wishes to sell a house should do prior to putting the ?for sale? sign in the front yard. The sooner these things are done, the easier the job of selling the house will be.

Here are a few suggestions for things that you should do prior to putting your house up for sale:

Do you plan to hire a realtor?

If so, you should probably do some research to find one. You want to find someone with whom you are comfortable and who has experience selling homes. You don?t want to be dealing with a realtor who is still ?learning the ropes. If you want to sell it yourself, you should probably pick up a book on the topic or do some Internet research. Try looking up ?FSBO?, which is short for ?For Sale By Owner.?

Get your house ready to sell

Is it in tip-top shape? Does it need paint? Roof repair? Yard maintenance? These are things you want to have ready ahead of time. First impressions make a lot of difference; you want you house to look great when it?s time to sell. That applies to the inside of the house, as well. Before you show it, you need to make sure that it?s clean and tidy.

Get pre-approved for a loan.

If you are going to need to buy another house after you sell this one, you should get pre-approved for a loan now. That will make it much easier for you to shop for your new home. An even better idea would be to apply now for a home equity line of credit on your existing property. That will insure that you have an adequate down payment for your next home should you find that one before your current house is sold.

Consider having the house appraised

While realtors have a good idea of how much a home should sell for, you may not if you are selling it yourself.
It wouldn?t hurt to have an appraisal that is independent of the realtor or lender.

Selling a home isn?t particularly complicated; millions of them are sold every year. But the more prepared you are to sell yours, the easier it will be.

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How Much Mortgage Can I Afford?

Shopping for a home can be an exciting time in one?s life. There are so many things to consider; how many rooms, how many bathrooms, the neighborhood and the school district. However, perhaps the most important consideration is how much house one can afford. The general rule of thumb is that most homeowners can afford a mortgage loan that is 2-2.5 times their gross income. This means a family with a household income of $100,000 could probably afford a $200,000-$250,000 home. Of course this is generalization. There are other factors to take into consideration.

When lenders are considering potential buyers they look at more than just their gross income. They also look very closely at the buyer?s front-end and back-end ratios, as well as the amount of the down payment they can afford. We will take a closer look at what these factors are and why they are important.

1. Front-end ratio: The front-end ratio is the percentage of one?s gross income that will go towards the monthly mortgage payment. The mortgage consists of principle, interest, taxes and insurance. Most lenders don?t want to see the front-end ratio higher than 28%. This means that the mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of one?s monthly income.

2. Back-end ratio: The back-end ratio is the percentage of one?s gross income that is required to cover debts. This includes the mortgage, credit card payments, child support and the like. Most mortgage companies would like to see this ratio stay below 36% of one?s gross income.

3. Down payment: Lenders would like to see a down payment of at least 20%. A down payment of this amount will allow the buyer to skip out on paying expensive mortgage insurance.

Purchasing a home can be a very satisfying experience. It is a life-long dream for many and a great accomplishment. However, it can also be expensive, so one?s total financial situation must be taken into consideration. One must not only consider ones income, but also expenses, debt, lifestyle and personality. Only after these things are carefully and completely considered is one ready to purchase a home.

Make The First Impression a Great One

First impressions are critical. Just like the view from the curb may prevent a buyer from getting out of the car, the view inside the house determines whether they make an offer. Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, or perhaps more to the point, they need to envision your home as theirs. You can accomplish this by staging your home.

Home staging is the process of preparing your home for sale to make its best impression on prospective buyers. It can be as simple as cleaning the house and putting out fresh flowers or as complicated as hiring a consultant to determine what furnishings and decorations best suit your home while it?s on the market. Big budget or small, how you present your home to potential buyers can affect how quickly it sells.

Cleaning and decluttering are essential. The whole house should sparkle ? especially kitchens and bathrooms. Clear off counters and organize cabinets and closets. Too much ?stuff? is distracting and makes spaces feel cramped and small ? definitely not a good impression. Remove furniture that blocks the natural traffic flow, being sure there is a clear walkway to all windows and that the windows and screens are clean.

Visual cues help buyers process your home?s features. Keeping room décor simple makes it easy to ascertain a room?s purpose. A bed and a dresser in a room with a closet are all it takes to show that a room can be used as a bedroom. A table with chairs identify a dining area, formal or otherwise. Staging rooms for their traditional purpose helps buyers understand your home. Whether the final buyer decides to use rooms the way you show them doesn?t matter.

There is a lot you can do yourself to get your home looking its best. Consult with your real estate professional before you start any projects to be sure that the payoff is worth the investment. Remember, once you decide to sell your home, it?s a good idea to behave as if it isn?t your ?home,? anymore. Cutting the emotional ties makes it easier to get your ?house? sold fast.

Home Equity Loan vs. Refinancing

Confused whether to get home equity loan or go for cash-out refinancing? You are not alone! Know more about these two loan schemes through this article.

Home equity loan and refinancing are two excellent ways that can help you manage your finances. However, it may prove difficult to choose one from the other and should depend on what your financial goals are. You can opt for the lower payment schemes of cash-out refinancing, or you can choose the great tax benefits offered by a home equity loan. The choice, however, does not prove to be as simple as this. Here is a comparison of these two types of loans to help you see which one is right for you.

Cash-Out Refinance Loan

Cash-out refinance simply means that you are refinancing your existing mortgage in order to lower your monthly payment and/or your current interest rate, and get some additional cash for other pressing reasons such as for home improvement, renovation, and the likes. If you are lucky to choose the right timing, you may be able to get all these with cash-out refinancing. Say, your home is valued at $300,000 and your existing mortgage balance is $200,000, your home equity remains at $100,000. You are free to borrow the remaining equity as you deem necessary.

Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans are usually provided in two kinds: the home equity line of credit and the home equity installment loan. A home equity line of credit line means that you are borrowing against the value of your home; your home is your collateral to the credit. Home equity plans are usually set at a fixed time; say 10 years but with variable loan rates. Your interest rate and the annual percentage rate of your mortgage can move up and down depending on the market trends. During the specified time, you are free to obtain the cash when you need it, and pay only for what you happen to spend. Some mortgages are offered with payment of full outstanding balance, while others allow repayment over a fixed time.

On the other hand, an installment loan is a loan that has a fixed rate that stays the same all throughout the rest of your home equity loan terms. Also called the closed end home equity loan, you amortize your loan for periods lasting up to about 15 years. In this kind of home equity loan, you usually receive a lump sum at closing depending on your home value, and you can not borrow further afterwards.

Which is better?

Remember that interest rates do not usually behave normally, much as you want them to. When this happens, home equity loans may actually prove cheaper than refinancing, although they are potentially riskier. Choosing what is better between the two should depend on individual circumstances. For example, if you plan to pay off your mortgage and do not need as much money, you can go for a home equity loan to get lower rates and shorter terms. On the other side of the fence, with cash-out refinancing, you can get all your money up front and simply pay off interest and principal on a lowered monthly basis as agreed upon, with no frills. Weigh carefully based on what your financial objectives are and choose one which you think will give you a fairer deal.

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Sizzling Summer Success: Outdoor Home Staging Tips for the Hottest Season!

(VMS Source) Too hot for you to get out there and do some summer gardening? Well, if you?re selling your home you?d best be prepared to get out there and liven up your landscaping. In summer?s hot and competitive market, buyers are expecting yards to be parading their ?best in bloom? colors, and showing off all their assets. So, slap on that sunscreen and get in gear to optimize your homes final sale price. Here are some quick and easy tips, to get you revved up for potential buyers:

Stage Your Garden and Yard

It?s very important to create some usable, practical entertaining spaces out of your existing yard and garden. This need not be too elaborate of an addition. It can be as simple as setting up a table and a set of comfortable chairs in the corner of your back yard. Stage the table with a nice linen or cotton table cloth: something airy and summery. Set up some colorful potted plants or flowers around the table to add some appealing color.

Another idea might be to buy, or build a bench that takes advantage of a particular view or a nice spot amongst your garden.

Water features are enticing elements and if you can ?spring? for a well-placed fountain on your deck or in your garden, you?d be wise to do so. The sound of water generally evokes a calming emotion and can serve to drain out any unwanted neighborhood sounds.

Be sure to keep your lawn and foliage amply watered. You?ll want all green things to look as green as possible. Also, the wetness will bring down the air temperature for a cooling effect.

Flower Power

Plant bright colored red and yellow flowers to catch a buyer?s attention. Use them as punctuation to accent around other more mono-chrome or green areas of your yard. Likewise, if you live in a very warm climate white flowers can be nice and add a refreshing cooling effect.

Green is Gold

Adding lush green foliage is a great way to spruce up empty space that is currently unused. An easy way to add beautiful green, tropical flair to your landscaping is to add hanging ferns

Prep the Deck

A deck is a great outdoor feature and should be highlighted. Again, with the trend for outdoor ?rooms? you should make sure your deck is as appealing and comfortable as the inside of your home. Watch for cracks on structural timbers. Check the deck?s surface and remove any old nail heads or screws that are sticking out- replace them with galvanized decking screws. Once your deck is structurally sound- give it a power wash or re-stain it if it?s thirsty! Next, you can create some staged space out there- maybe a canvas gazebo to provide some shade, and some potted tree and colored flowers for visual flair and appeal. Be creative and have fun.

Leave No Stone Un-turned

A general rule of thumb, is to make sure all of your outdoor space has been attended to in some way. Oftentimes an area can come to life and be much improved with a simple organizing or clean-up job.

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Advantages of a Fixed Rate Mortgage

(VMS Source) This is the most popular type of mortgage as the monthly payment for interest and principal remains fixed through out the mortgage term, Property Insurance and taxes may increase but the monthly repayment of the amount will be stable.

Fixed rate mortgages are available for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years and 30 years period of time, there are also fixed rate mortgages available ?Biweekly? this helps to shorten up the loan by making the payment every two weeks.

Fixed rate mortgages have 2 distinct features, first one is that the interest rate would remain the same through out the term of your mortgage, second feature is that payment of the loan remains level for the life and are structured for the repayment of the loan at the end of the mortgage term.

The most popular fixed rate loans are 30 years mortgage and 15 years mortgage. During early payment period, a large amount is being taken for the interest and the rest goes off to the balance principal amount, for instance a 30 years of fixed rate mortgage will take 22.5 yrs of the level payment of the loan for the payment of the half of the mortgage amount. Under 30 years of mortgage, month after the month you can choose to pay only interest or you can pay off principal with interest as it is a great option available for those who have tough time for money at times, with this option of lowering the payment you can increase the cash flow for paying off interest bills, remodeling your house, financing schools or college needs or increase your retirement savings.

With Fixed rate mortgage your loan rate is fixed for the mortgage term, you can pay interest only for 10 years and pay the balance interest plus principal for the next 20 years, this helps you to refinance the loan with out any pre payment penalty.

The advantages of 30 years mortgage is, when it is compared with 15 years mortgage the monthly payments are lesser, interest rate remains the same even if the interest rate goes up, monthly payment does not increases as it remains the same for the entire 30 years, compared to 15 years mortgage you would be paying higher rate of interest and the interest rate remains the same even if the interest rate gets decreased.

If you have planned for a long-term loan and does not like to take up the risk you may opt for fixed rate mortgage.

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Make Your Home the Best it can be by Staging

(VMS Source) With the housing market groaning under its own weight these days, potential home sellers need every advantage they can get. One way that a family can help move their home faster is with a practice called home staging. The logic behind home staging is simple: try to make your home look as special as possible when people view it and you will have an increased chance of selling it.

Some tips on how to stage your home properly include simple things like picking up after yourself and taking out the garbage. But there are hundreds of other things that you can do to make your house more memorable.

Try baking a batch of cookies about 30 minutes before you show your home. The inviting and pleasant smell can make people remember your home over others they might have seen.

If you have pets, try to either board them at a shelter or groomer, or at the very least, have a neighbor watch them for an hour to have the home pet-free. You never know when you?ll show the house to someone who might be allergic or someone who simply doesn?t like pets.

The same can be said for a baby or kids. While you can?t board your children (unfortunately), see if a friend can watch them while you?re showing your house. You don?t need little Johnny creating a mess or baby Sue crying at the top of her lungs when you?re trying to show your place.

Vacuum everywhere. There probably isn?t a bigger turn off when viewing a home than dirt. Although logic would suggest that the first thing you do when you move into a new home is clean every last inch, the sight of a dirty floor or carpet can lower people?s opinions of your home.

If you have rooms that are barren, spend a few dollars on basic decorations or plants to give a room a warm, inviting look. The same goes for other rooms in your house. Stay away from clutter and dark, cool colors. Try to focus on warmth. You don?t want the people viewing your property to ever want to leave.

As you can see, the idea of staging your home for viewing makes perfect sense. Take away these added touches and the home becomes just a lifeless house. But integrate these basic steps into your house-showing routine, and you can expect to sell sooner rather than later.

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4 Easy Tips to Sell Your Home

By Dave Ramsey

If you want to sell your home, make sure your house looks its best during these next few months. Since I have a background in real estate, I thought I would share some important tips that are easy to carry out but are often overlooked. Here are 4 tips to help your home sell:

1. Fix your front yard. Are the bushes out front bigger than your house? If so, they definitely need a trim or need to be removed all together. No one wants to buy your house if they can't see it. Landscaping can be the most important detail to sell your home. Why? Your front yard is the first impression of your home. Make it a good first impression. That means you should mow your lawn, paint your front door, and clean up any dirty spots. Once the cleanup is done, ask yourself: "If I didn't live here, would I want to go knock on the front door?"
2. Clean up pet smells. No one wants to buy a house that smells like a cat or any other animal. If you own a pet - a dog, cat, or house pig (yes, some people have pigs as pets) - be sure to really clean your house. Get rid of any hair and smells that your beloved pet leaves behind. Be sure to give old carpet a good cleaning since it can trap in bad smells.
3. Clear out the clutter. Be sure to pick up personal items and your kid's toys. Having stuff lying around your house distracts buyers and makes your house look messy. Put your stuff in plastic bins and store them in your garage or shed. You want to keep your closets clean. Buyers love lots of storage space so your closets can be a big selling point.
4. Get a great real estate agent. This is the best advice I can give to sellers. A great agent will give you even more tips that can sell your house faster.

If you follow these 4 tips, you can bet an offer on you home won't be far behind!

Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, an extremely popular national radio personality and best-selling author of The Total Money Makeover [http://www.daveramsey.com/shop/The_Total_Money_Makeover_P123C48.cfm]. Dave is changing the face of America by helping people get out of debt [http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/index.cfm?intContentID=2926] and build wealth. Ramsey exemplifies his life's work of teaching others how to be financially responsible, so they can acquire enough wealth to take care of loved ones, live prosperously into old age, and give generously to others. Find out more of what Dave says about real estate agents [http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/10_things_to_ask_7059.htmlc].

(Source: http://EzineArticles.com/540724)

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Radon - What Every Homeowner Needs To Know
By Bob Aldi
As a NYS Licensed Home Inspector, I am routinely asked "What is Radon gas and why should I test for it" The following will give you an overview of what Radon is and why homeowners need to be aware of it's presence. For more information, you can log onto the Environmental Protection Agency website and search for "A Citizens Guide to Radon"
What is Radon?

Radon gas is a tasteless, odorless by-product of the breakdown of uranium deposits in the earth. It is present at various levels throughout the state and naturally seeps into basements, crawlspaces.
Typical Radon gas entry points into the home include cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service pipes, cavities inside walls and the water supply. Radon can also be found in private well water, or public water supply systems which use ground water.
Why is Radon a Problem?

The EPA estimates that about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are Radon-related. Exposure to Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
The EPA recommends "Radon mitigation where tested Radon levels reach 4 pCi/L or higher. There is no known safe level of exposure to radon." Exposure occurs especially in rooms that are below grade (e.g., basements), rooms that are in contact with the ground and those rooms immediately above them.
Do I Need to Test for Radon?
The short answer is yes, especially before you purchase your home. It is important to identify the level of Radon gas concentrations in the home AND who is going to pay for the Radon reduction and mitigation costs should they be needed.
You should have your own Radon Test performed even when the home had a previous Radon Gas test and the levels were acceptable. You test to ensure the Radon levels ARE PRESENTLY at EPA acceptable levels.
Over time a home settles and cracks may appear in the foundation or floor which are entry points for Radon. Previously sealed joints or caulking around pipes passing through the foundation may also be disturbed or deteriorate which can allow increased levels of Radon to enter your home.
Renovations and modifications to the structure or various systems within the home such as Heating and Ventilation systems, plumbing, etc., can cause Radon levels to change. New additions to the home where the basement has been extended or crawl spaces have been installed should also be tested.
A basement remodel job or installation of a bathroom in the basement could effect the Radon levels of a previously tested home.
Doing Home Renovations?
If you decide to renovate or alter an area of the home, a Radon test should be taken before and after the project. Generally, it is less expensive to install a radon reduction system as part of the renovation project, rather than after you have completed your renovations.
How Do I Reduce Radon Gas Concentrations?
There are several methods to reduce Radon in your home, but the one primarily used is a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls Radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside. This system, known as a soil suction radon reduction system, does not require major changes to your home. Sealing foundation cracks and other openings makes this kind of system more effective and cost-efficient. Similar systems can also be installed in houses with crawl spaces. A qualified Radon contractor should be contacted to determine the best mitigation solution for the home.

Author Bob Aldi, owner of Aldi Home Inspections Inc., is a NYS Licensed Homes Inspector - #16000062761. His specializes in Home Inspections, Radon Gas testing, Septic Dye testing and Well Water Flow. He can be reached at 315-749-3452, at <a href="http://aldihomeinspectionsinc.com">http://aldihomeinspectionsinc.com</a> or by email at info@aldihomeinspectionsinc.com .

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Tips For Enjoyable Warm Weather Entertaining

(NAPSI)- Outdoor living, barbecues and the promise of spending more time outside with friends and family are some of the many perks of spring and summer.

However, there can be a downside to warm weather that can ruin even the most perfect get-together: biting insects.

Mar Jennings, home and garden expert and best-selling author of "Life on Mar's: A Four Season Garden" and "Life on Mar's: Creating Casual Luxury," has partnered with Dynatrap® to bring you the hottest tips and trends for summer 2014 entertaining.

- It's Never Too Early to Prepare: Mosquito populations start hatching when temperatures reach 45 degrees, so start early when it comes to ridding your yard of these pests.

- Make it Magical with Outdoor Lighting: The right lighting can help keep bugs away. Try a fire pit; it provides the perfect amount of light and the smoke naturally repels mosquitoes. Another tip is to change your outdoor bulbs from white to yellow. Yellow bulbs are less visible to most bugs.

- With Color, Lighter Is Better: For key outdoor pieces such as seat cushions, lighter is better. Not only will they stay crisp looking longer, mosquitoes are less attracted to light colors. Jennings likes the Pantone color of the year, bold Radiant Orchid, to use as a featured or accent color this summer.

- Beautify Your Yard: Tidying up the yard before a party will not only impress guests, but cutting the grass and draining sources of stagnant water will also decrease the likelihood of bugs. Include plants like marigolds in your garden as they not only beautify your space, but also help repel mosquitoes.

- Match Your Trap to Your Décor: The Dynatrap® line of insect-trapping products is designed to reduce biting insects without the use of chemicals. They're available in bronze- exclusively at Frontgate- and black. You can pick the finish most suited for your style.

- Consider the Time of Day: Mosquitoes are most active at dusk. During the prime mosquito months, plan outdoor get-togethers early in the day to avoid the most popular times for mosquitoes to be out and about. If you're entertaining at night, it's best to combine multiple bug prevention methods to keep your guests comfortable.

- Feed Your Guests Without Making Them the Meal: For party guests and bugs alike, the food table is usually the most popular spot to gather. Instead of serving buffet-style food, impress your guests with bite-sized treats that will be eaten quickly.

To learn more, visit www.dynatrap.com.

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10 Tips To Home Organization

If you are looking for the perfect home organization plan, consider starting small and working your way up to the larger projects. A few simple tips will get you on the way to home organization at its finest.

Tip 1:
Use a flatware tray for utensils and place it neatly in a kitchen drawer. This will keep every utensil separate and will make it easy to find the one you want in a matter of seconds.

Tip 2:
Organize your favorite recipes in alphabetical order for quick reference. This can be done using note cards and a note card box or a binder with alphabetical separators.

Tip 3:
If you have a large number of VHS or DVD movies, consider a media unit to neatly store your collection. If feasible, select a wooden unit for strength and a pleasant appearance as opposed to inexpensive, plastic units.

Tip 4:
When storing away your seasonal clothes, don?t just hang them in the closet until next year. Instead, purchase a large plastic lidded storage tub and place your seasonal clothes neatly inside. Rather than folding, try rolling your clothes as this will reduce wrinkles and fold lines. In addition, it will save a lot of space. Place the storage tub in the floor of your closet and label the tub according to the clothing inside.

Tip 5:
Are you always losing pens and/or pencils? If so, consider using a coffee mug for neat and easy storage of your pens and/or pencils. Everyone has a coffee mug and this is a much more whimsy way of storing your writing utensils rather than a typical pen/pencil holder.

Tip 6:
Be sure to throw out any old magazines and/or newspapers. The best way to store them is a handled basket next to the sofa. However, this unit needs to be cleaned regularly in order to avoid any unsightly clutter.

Tip 7:
It is a good idea to keep all important papers, including deeds, titles and tax papers in a fireproof protective box. This box should also feature a lock & key and can be placed anywhere in the house. Most individuals place this underneath their bed.

Tip 8:
If you have any items that you no longer want, consider donating them to a local non-profit agency. This will save space and you will be doing a good deed.

Tip 9:
In order to avoid clutter, it may be necessary to throw away certain types of mail. This may include credit card offers, but don?t just throw them out without first shredding the letters. Identity theft is a huge problem and using a paper shredder on any bills or credit card offers will prevent anyone from ever gaining access to your private financial information.

Tip 10:
Make sure that your kitchen is neatly organized with all appliances close to an electrical outlet. You don?t want to have power cords running across the countertop and you will find that the microwave, toaster and coffee maker all in one location will be very convenient.

Renting Versus Buying A Home

Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current hot real estate market.

Renting ? Advantages

Renting can have a few advantages depending on the part of the country you live in. The primary advantage is your monthly rent payment may be less than an equivalent mortgage. A secondary advantage is the fact that maintenance and improvements to the property are the responsibility of the landlord. Still, these advantages pale in comparison to the disadvantages of renting.

Renting ? Disadvantages

The disadvantages of renting are significant. If you have any opportunity to purchase a home or condominium, it almost always makes sense to do so.

The biggest disadvantage of renting is the loss of value. Assume you rent a residence for $1,000 a month and you live in the residence for two years. You will have paid a total of $24,000 in rent, a pure expenditure. The $24,000 is simply gone and you will have nothing to show for it other than the time you spent in the home. Compare this to what your landlord has gained.

Rent payments are closely aligned with a landlord?s mortgage payment. Using the above example, lets assume your $1,000 rent exactly equals the mortgage payment. For two years, you have indirectly paid the landlord?s mortgage, helping them build equity in the house by paying down the loan. In addition, the landlord has benefited from the appreciation of the property.

By appreciation, I simply mean the amount of increase in the value of the house. If the rental appreciated $20,000 in two years, the landlord has received a windfall. They may have seen a gain of $24,000 in appreciation and payments lowering the mortgage. As a renter, you have made this all possible. The landlord no doubt would like to thank you.

Now, what would have happened if you had purchased a similar home with similar financial figures? You would have seen an increase in YOUR wealth of $24,000, not the landlord?s wealth. If you renting, these figures should make your teeth grind.

If you are renting, you should be out shopping for your own property. After all, isn?t it time to make your money work for you, not a landlord?

5 Tips To Create Style And Elegance In Your Home

(VMS Source) Creating the perfect home requires a lot of time and energy. There are so many things you need to take into account, especially if you are new at it. There are some very basic things to get you started.

1) The first thing to look at is the personalities that are in the house. If you are single then you only need to look at your own personality. For couples, the personalities are very often opposites. One may be outgoing and the other conservative. Be prepared to compromise when making decisions on design and color.

2) Browse through magazines and design books to get an idea of what you really like and what makes you comfortable. This really gives you the visual you need to think with when it will come to designing your own rooms. If you?ve never designed a room before, it can be intimidating staring at those blank white walls trying to figure out what you are going to do in there. Magazines can really help a great deal there by helping you choose an inspiration room as a guide.

3) The color of the walls will set the tone for the room so really take your time on that one. First start with the colors you like. If you already have furniture or have some in mind, look carefully at the colors in them. You can draw upon some of the colors in fabrics you will use in the room. If you are having trouble deciding, then go back to the magazines or books and see how the walls are painted and look for the color accents in the furniture and how they all relate. If you are using a picture of a room as your inspiration then it can be a lot easier to get the color right.

4) When you put your furniture pieces in the room, keep in mind the flow of the space you are in. You don?t want to make a room too small or choppy looking. Usually you know if it is not quite right. Rearrange until it is right.

5) Accent pieces go a long way in finishing up the look of a room. Plants and fresh cut flowers are great to put into any room. They have life in them that gives a comfortable feeling to any space. A crystal vase or candles can also soften a room. Framed posters or print and paintings on the walls are an age old custom of design. It is a staple that will never go out of style.

Design doesn?t have to be hard. You just have to find out what your style is and what makes you want to be there and then have fun putting it all together.

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A Concrete Way To Raise Your Home?s Profile

(VMS Source) Increasingly, homeowners looking for an inexpensive way to make their home more livable and increase curb appeal with an eye toward resale are embracing the nationwide trend of creating outdoor living spaces.

These areas usually feature spaces for entertaining friends and family while grilling, dining, eating and relaxing. That often means room for a patio, a grill, a sink or a fireplace. Some think of it as adding a family room without the roof.

For many, the building technique of choice when creating these spaces calls for using segmental concrete paving. This technique employs interlocking units-called concrete pavers-that are strong, durable and are growing in popularity worldwide. In Germany, for instance, there are 15 square feet of pavers installed per person annually. In the Netherlands, most of the streets and sidewalks are made of pavers.

Often used in walkways, patios, plazas and historic restoration projects, pavers are manufactured in a variety of shapes, textures and colors and can be easily removed and reinstalled.

One kind of home-improvement project where pavers are increasingly being used is a raised patio. These patios are known for their durability and can create a new sense of space in a yard, particularly when extended to meet an existing deck. Such spaces can be used as an outdoor entertainment area, complete with hot tub or barbecue pit.

There are a number of reasons why pavers have become popular in projects such as these:

- Their uniform size and quality allow them to fit tightly together for a strong, interlocking surface.

- Paver joints allow for a small amount of movement without cracking. That means they won?t crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete.

- Their design makes them easy to install and repair

- They?re available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures.

- And they can be installed by either a professional or a skilled do-it-yourselfer.

One of the newest styles offers the high-end look of stone for a more modest price. Called ?tumbled? or ?antiqued? pavers, they can be used to add a stately look to a walkway, patio or driveway.

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10 Quick And Inexpensive Ways To Brighten Your Home For Spring!

(VMS)Spring is a sign of renewal in many areas of our lives, and our homes are no different!

There is something energizing and refreshing about bringing that bright, airy feeling of

Spring into your home. Here are the 10 best ways to spruce up and revitalize your rooms,

on a dime!



1.Add white! White with your present color scheme will both cool and brighten, adding the

freshness that only white can! If your room colors tend toward the warm side, such as

yellows, browns, or reds then choose creamier white such as ecru or ivory. If you have

cooler colors in your room, such as greens and blues, go with the brighter, cleaner whites.



2.Try painting your focal wall, (that is, the one most seen) in a sunnier, brighter, or lighter

shade of your current wall color. It will add lightness to the room without drastically

changing the whole scheme. Don?t worry, you can always go back to that rich red in the

fall, but how about a little petal pink, or sky blue? Remember, its only paint, its cheap!



3.Add a floral print fabric to your room. Using the primary colors already in your room, visit

your fabric store and pick out a floral fabric you love with at least one of those primary

colors in it. (The more, the better, but don?t feel you must have every color in the room

also in the fabric!) Use that floral fabric to make table scarves, placemats, pillow covers,

and simple seat cushion covers. Pair it with a solid fabric color already in the room, and

you have a custom coordinated look, for just a few dollars and some simple straight

sewing!



4.Pick up some pretty colored glassware from the dollar shop, and display it where the

sun will light it up! You could even use clear glassware, and fill it with colored water to

coordinate with the room. Use your glassware as vases, pencil holders, or candy dishes,

but make sure it is seen! Glass sparkles and adds a bit of sunshine to a room.



5.Take down your curtains, and just leave your mini blinds underneath. Don?t leave it

bare, though, we don?t want boring! Swag some dried or silk flowers over the top of the

blinds, or use some muslin to twist around a curtain rod for an informal but airy valance.

(No sew!)



6.Keep your windows sparkling clean. Dirty windows cut down on a surprising amount of

light, and make a room look dull. As a bonus, clean windows mean more sparkling glass,

and that makes room feel larger and brighter!



7.Pot up some pansies from the garden center and use them indoors as houseplants.

They are cheap, easy, and add flowers to a room without the cost of replacing floral

arrangements every week! You can even coordinate the flower color to the color scheme

of the room. Don?t match the colors, just pick something complementary.



8.Clear most of the artwork and accessories out of your room, and just keep a few larger,

simpler pieces. It declutters the room, and helps to put the focus on the freshness of a

room. Consider picking up a white lattice from the garden center, and hang it on the wall

as a focal point. Place a potted plant in front of it, or hang small framed garden catalog

prints from it. Let it be a reminder of the outdoors all season long!



9.Use a stencil or a stamp to add floral and nature motifs to your room for very little

money. Stencil vines around windows and doors, hand paint seasonal sayings over

doorways with a paint pen, or stamp a floral bouquet on the front of cupboard doors. You

can always paint over those small areas with touch up paint in the fall. (Or you might love

them so much, they stay year round!)



10.Finally, don?t forget your entry area when you are creating that spring glow all around

your home. Remember, your entries are a visitors first impression of your home! Add a

pot of pansies on the porch, paint your entry a fresh spring color, and hang a handmade

wreath or a basket of flowers on the front door.



All these ideas take very little time, little or no money, and do wonders for your spirit and

the spirit of those who you love. Take a little time to brighten your lives!

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10 Ways to Jazz Up Your Outdoor Living Space

(VMS)1. The easiest way to jazz up your outdoor deck or patio is by using splashes of color.

Sometimes it only means investing in a few accent pieces that make a bold statement

and your outdoor living space perks right up. You don?t always have to buy new ñ with a

little elbow grease and some creativity you can make second hand items look brand new.

Here are some ideas to help get you started.



2. Before you begin, clear everything off of your deck or patio and give it a good pressure

wash. If it needs staining, all the new furniture in the world won?t help ñ bite the bullet and

give it a new coat of stain or paint. This is actually a great place to get started with colorful

accents. Try painting your fence posts a bright, coordinating color such as teal. Or paint a

pattern or border around the edge of your deck.



3. Decks are for socializing, so show that you are ready for company. The addition of

metal furniture is inexpensive and comes in lots of great colors. Place a colorful bar cart in

the corner and load it up with bright acrylic glassware.



4. Give your old wicker furniture a facelift by painting it in bright sunny colors, or if you?re

feeling adventuress, use a stencil and add flowers or other patterns. Just use acrylic

paint, but seal it with varnish to protect your paint job.



5. Get a hold of a galvanized bucket or oblong container, paint it bright blue or orange and

add a vine pattern on the outside. Voila, now you have a fancy ice­bucket for all your

coolers. Remember, unless you?re using a food­safe paint, the surface should not come in

direct contact with food.



6. Use themes such as the seashore, by incorporating fishes, sea shells and beach balls

in your accents or stencils. A citrus theme works well by using pale greens, oranges and

yellow as colors for chairs or bistro tables. Try painting a slatted table top with two or

three different corresponding shades.



7. Who says garden sheds have to be brown and boring. Add colorful window boxes,

gingerbread trim and some wild stripes on the walls.



8. Funky lighting goes a long way to perking up a patio area. Colorful lanterns or strings of

lights can be hung from overhanging trees or beams providing a fun, economical source

of lighting.



9. What to do with the white vinyl furniture that?s still in great shape, but you hate to get rid

of? Not to worry. With paint specially formulated for vinyl furniture, and some new

cushions, you can make your old chairs look brand new.



10. Use color wisely by tying everything together with your accessories. Take four chairs

each painted in a different primary color and add a cushion in a common color such as

red or green, and place them around a neutral table top.

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Simple Ways To Protect Your Home Against Burglary

(NAPSI)-Protecting your home against break-ins may be easier than you fear. Here are a few hints that can help:

- Install lighting: Motion-sensing lights can be a great way to increase security without having to leave your outside lights on all night. Use them in any shadowy area where an intruder may linger.

- Maintain your landscaping: Don?t let overgrown shrubs give a criminal a place to hide. Keep trees and shrubs near the house neatly trimmed and be on the lookout for footprints near windows or trampled planting beds.

- Keep valuables out of sight: Put away electronics or other valuables whenever practical. Consider mounting large items such as TVs or artwork where there is no direct sightline to a window or keep drapes or blinds drawn.

- Your house never goes on vacation: A vacation can make your home an easy target. Never post on social media sites that you are going away. To deter trouble, invest in some inexpensive timers, which can be set up with staggered timing on multiple lamps and in multiple rooms to mimic a realistic lighting pattern. Visit the post office or fill out a form online to have your mail held while you?re away. Talk to your neighbors to let them know you?ll be gone, and if your trip overlaps with trash day, ask if they can move your bins out for pickup and take them in afterward.

- Upgrade door locks: Add dead bolts to any doors that don?t have them, including the garage and shed. Dead bolts are significantly harder to force open than the more common spring bolts found in many doorknobs.

- Fortify windows: Glass windows are one of the most vulnerable areas of any home and intruders often target windows if doors are locked and secured. Whenever you?re away or asleep, close them and install locks on any windows that don?t have them. You can also get security window film. One manufacturer, 3M, offers security films designed to hold broken glass together. The films prevent shattered glass from flying into the house, reducing potential injury. Tests have shown that windows protected with security window film can deter intruders for as long as two minutes-giving police additional response time. Security window films also reject up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, reducing the effects of fading on your furnishings, and block IR rays, keeping heat out of your house.

For more information on security window film, visitwww.3m.com/windowfilmsecurity.

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Five Easy Steps to Owning Your Own Home

Buying your own home is one of the largest purchases you will ever make. What should you do to get ready?

The key to a successful home purchase is making your choice through your finances, not your emotions. This takes research and patience. Here are five steps that can help you make a good decision.

1. Decide how much you can afford.

You should look at your finances in order to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. Look at your income, assets and current debt level. You aren?t looking at what percentage the lender says you can afford, you are looking at what your finances dictate. If your lender says you can spend $1,200 a month, but you know you are struggling with a rental of $1,000 a month, you probably know that you don?t need any more than you already have.

You should also consider the down payment and closing costs. Lenders are usually looking for a 5% to 20% down payment.

Don?t overlook other expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. Your total interest, principal, taxes and insurance payment should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income according to lenders. Your total monthly debt, including your mortgage, autos, student loans and credit cards should be under 36% of your gross income.

You don?t have to have a house in mind before you apply for a mortgage. It is a good idea to be pre-approved when you are looking for a home It will give you the security of knowing that you have funding and the buyer will know you mean business.

2. Look for what you want.

Spend the time to find the home you want. Find a professional realtor that can help guide you through the home search. Start by checking out neighborhoods and then narrow it down to a house. You should consider the schools, parks, commuting times and availability of public transportation.

When choosing between homes, look at the size, number of bedrooms and baths, design and amenities. Decide what your ?must haves? are and what the ?nice to haves? are. For example, you might be willing to trade a large kitchen for a swimming pool.

3. Negotiate for the right price.

Once you have the funding in place and have found a nice home, make an offer. Your realtor will help you in submitting your purchase contract. This will include the offer price and any contingencies, such as home inspection and appraisal.

The seller will either accept your offer, reject it or make a counter-offer. Negotiations can go back and forth until both parties are satisfied. Don?t get caught up in having to get the home and loose sight of how much you can afford. You don?t want to pay more for the home than it is worth.

4. Pick out of mortgage.

There are many types of mortgages to choose from. The basic two are fixed rate and adjustable rate. Fixed-rate mortgages have interest and monthly payments that remain the same throughout the life of the mortgage, which is usually 30 years or less.

Adjustable-rate mortgages are also called ARMs. They come with a lower initial rate than fixed rate mortgages, but the rate and payment amount can move up and down with the financial index. This can happen as often as twice a year.

5. Close on your home.

The closing, or settlement, is the point at which you finalize the transaction. You walk in with a check and out with your keys and the property?s title. You can expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price towards closing costs. These costs include fees, services and points paid.

After closing, you can settle in to your home and enjoy all of your hard work. Five simple steps and the house you dreamed of is yours.

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Home Staging: Making Your Home Sellable

You?ve listed your home and the agent wants to start showing it to prospective buyers. Here?s a few tips to help it look its best.

You may have already read the importance of clearing out clutter. Well, that?s because it can?t be stressed enough. It is one of the most important aspects of making your home appealing to buyers, for two reasons. First, not just papers and dishes, clutter includes decorations and furniture too. Too much of it can block a persons view of the house itself. If everywhere they look they see stuff, a buyer doesn?t see your home. It is imperative that they have a clear view, or they won?t want to buy. Second, all that clutter screams personality. Your personality. And this is not what a buyer wants to see. When someone is looking over a home, what they need to do in order to be motivated to buy is to imagine themselves living in that home. If the house is so full of the current owner, a potential buyer can?t get past that and make the mental leap to visualizing themselves in the home.

Because of this, some sellers choose to box up a lot of their personal goods and put them in professional storage. This gets it right out of the house, so even the boxes aren?t clogging up the spare rooms and closets, which are also important selling features.

It is also important to fix things around the home. Keep in mind how well the doors around your home work, as buyers will almost always open closets and cupboards. If the doors are sticky or squeak, that gives a bad first impression. Obviously, your front door is the first candidate for a good hinge-oiling.

While you certainly don?t want to enter into major renovations, a new coat of paint can really brighten up a home and make it more appealing. Consider both the outside and inside of your home. And as tempting as it is to choose trendy colors or things you are personally attracted to, neutral tones are best. White or off-white are your safest bets as they will help a home appear bright, and give a new owner a good base if they wish to paint the home more uniquely.

Speaking of a bright home, be sure to leave all the lights on when your home is being shown. Open all the curtains, too, so that viewers feel that your home is bright and welcoming, and they can see clearly. Dusting every surface also helps your home look brighter.

Consider smell, an important sense that impacts our first impression. Do a good deep cleaning, especially if you have pets or smoke indoors. Air the home out a bit. You may wish to install some air fresheners, but be sure not to choose anything too overwhelming, as more and more people have sensitivities to scents these days.

Good luck with showing your home!

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(VMS Source)30 year fixed rate mortgages are the ?classic? mortgage in America (though they are not quite the original mortgage, in fact the concept originated during FDR?s presidency over 60 years ago). Fixed rate mortgages have been exceptionally popular for three generations in America, and there is good reason:

- Fixed Rate Mortgages are predictable, reliable and widely available.
- What fixed rate mortgages are not is flexible, nor are they perceived as affordable.

That?s beginning to change, as rates rise in the broader mortgage markets, adjustable rate mortgages, or ARM loans, are providing fewer and fewer advantages over fixed rate mortgages, except for the fact that most of the popular Option ARM or Cash Flow Option loans available in the market are in fact adjustable rate ARM mortgages. But in the past several months, new programs have been introduced which provide the payment flexibility of the adjustable rate mortgage and the security of the fixed rate mortgage.

Now, it is possible to obtain 30 year fixed rate mortgages with a fully amortized, principal and interest payment as low as, and sometimes lower than, a competing ARM or adjustable rate mortgage. 30 Year Fixed Mortgages are also available with Interest Only options for the first 10, 15 and in some cases 20 years. And to round out the offerings, even minimum payments, once exclusively the province of Adjustable Rate Mortgages, are now available to borrowers who want to know that their rate is fixed for 30 years.

So why refinance into an ARM in today?s market? Depending on your credit score and other qualifying criteria such as the amount of equity in your home, a 30 year fixed rate mortgage may or may not be available to you personally at better terms than an Adjustable Rate Mortgage. In such circumstances, it may be advisable to select a Hybrid ARM mortgage, which allows for a fixed rate period of anywhere from 6 months to 10 years. Called hybrids because they combine the ARM mortgage with a fixed introductory rate (often called a ?teaser? or ?start? rate), the most popular loans in this category are fixed for 3 or 5 years. So is a Hybrid ARM a fixed rate mortgage? The answer is Yes and No. It is a fixed rate mortgage for the first few years, but it is important to realize that you will probably wish to refinance this loan at some point prior to the end of the fixed introductory period.

By contrast, the newly introduced 30 Year Fixed Cash Flow is a true 30 year fixed rate mortgage, with a fixed principal and interest rate, a low interest only rate, and an even lower Cash Flow option which allows the borrower to defer interest in exchange for equity. Once available exclusively to high net worth private clients of banks, these new fixed rate mortgages are incredibly flexible when it comes to payments even while their rates are dependably fixed for the life of the loan. For many borrowers, the 30 year fixed rate mortgage has never been more affordable, more flexible, or more accessible.

Before making any decisions about refinancing your mortgage, it?s important to discuss your goals and your total financial situation with a seasoned expert who specializes in these programs. As always, our phones and our emails are open to your questions. Until next time, Live Smart. 

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5 Tips to Maximize Your Home Value When You Sell


1) First, do your homework. Find out the local market conditions for your neighborhood. Depending on your area, there may be better/worse times to sell. Once you?ve decided to sell, there are three different levels of service that you may want to consider:

- Sell the home yourself (FSBO)
- List your with a Discount / Flat fee broker
- Utilize a full service real estate agent/brokerage

If you are inclined to sell the home yourself, note that you will bear the responsibility for marketing your property, along with full legal disclosures, inspections, appraisals and the like. You should be very comfortable with real estate related documents, and comfortable with the legal implications resulting from the transaction.

You can also choose to use a discount or flat fee broker, who will assist you to sell your property. Depending on the broker you select, you may be able to get some assistance with marketing, open houses, disclosures, title/escrow, etc. Make sure that you understand exactly what services you are willing to pay. Make sure you understand what services are covered under each pricing plan. Find out if your listing will be posted on the website, what signage will be available to you; find out if you are posting the home to the respective MLS (multiple listings service) in your area. Each broker is different, so make sure to get references from former clients.

If you want to market your property to the largest pool of possible buyers, list your property with a full-service real estate broker/firm. Now, before you pick up the phonebook or check that postcard you received in the mail, make sure to take the time to interview more than one agent/agency.

Find out if they are a REALTOR® -- a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, a trade organization of nearly 1 million members nationwide. Members of NAR subscribe to a stringent code of ethics to guarantee the highest level of service and integrity. You may also want to know if they have any special REALTOR® designations, such as GRI and CRS, which require that real estate professionals take additional specialized real estate training. In addition to qualifications, you should check references of the agent. Make sure to speak with former clients to see if the agent is responsive and is available to keep you up-to-date with progress. You need to have direct contact with your agent, so you will need to be as comfortable as possible. The agent that handles your listing should:

? Detailed marketing plan for your house, including online and offline marketing
? Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of properties in your area that have sold, as well as properties currently listed
? Help you determine the best selling price for your house
? Advice on suggested home improvements

During the time that your house is on the market, potential buyers will make appointments to view your home, along with the planned open-houses that you or your agent may schedule. Try to evaluate the house as if you are seeing it for the first time. Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home, so take care to present the property in its best light. Put yourself in the position of a potential buyer and view the property starting at the front, itemizing the most cost-effective enhancements to make.

2) Clean up as much as possible. You may want to paint walls (neutral colors are best) or spruce up wallpaper. Replace old flooring and worn carpets. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. If possible, hire a cleaning service. Display your best linens, towels, and shower curtains. Make up beds, and put fresh flower arrangements on the table. Make sure that there are no offensive odors in the house. Odor is the first thing buyers notice, and often a permanent turnoff.

3) Make your house their new home. Put away or pack small appliances and other items that might be sitting on countertops or tables throughout the house. You want buyers to visualize the space in each room, so it is best to remove as many smaller items as possible. Remove personal items, pictures and items to present clear shelves, book cases and walls. Move excess furniture to make rooms more spacious. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Clean and organize the closets. If you must, store boxes in an out of the way location. You may also want to rent a temporary storage unit, to allow you to de-clutter every part of the house.

4) Don?t forget the outside! The right landscaping can enhance the curb appeal of a home. Eliminate weeds, patch bare spots, fertilize and water. Take a good look at the shrubbery. Bushes that have grown to cover windows should be pruned to let sun and light into the home. Fill in bare spots with small shrubs and colorful, fast growing annuals, such as impatiens and petunias. A few well-placed flower pots by the front door can be very inviting. Today?s buyers want low maintenance. Your goal should be a beautifully maintained yard that looks easy to care for.

5) Allow your agent/representative to show your home. Buyers don?t want to offend current owners, so they may be more hesitant to consider your home if you are present for open-house events. Be flexible about showings. It?s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you?ll find a seller. 

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Commercial real estate: The big profits

(VMS Source)Real estate is often termed as the safest investment avenue. In fact, real estate investments done with proper evaluation of the property (and its true value), can lead to good profits. This is one reason why some people pursue real estate investment as their full time job. The talks of real estate are generally focused towards residential real estate; commercial real estate seems to take a back seat. However, commercial real estate too is a good option for investing in real estate.

Commercial real estate includes a lot of different kinds of properties. Most people relate commercial real estate with only office complexes or factories/ industrial units. However, that is not all of commercial real estate. There is more to commercial real estate. Health care centers, retail structures and warehouse are all good examples of commercial real estate. Even residential properties like apartments (or any property that consists of more than four residential units) are considered commercial real estate. In fact, such commercial real estate is much in demand.

So, is commercial real estate really profitable? Well, if it were not profitable I would not have been writing about commercial real estate at all. So, commercial real estate is profitable for sure. The only thing with commercial real estate is that recognizing the opportunity is a bit difficult as compared to residential real estate. But commercial real estate profits can be real big (in fact, much bigger than you would expect from residential real estate of the same proportion). You could take up commercial real estate for either reselling after appreciation or for renting out to, say, retailers. The commercial real estate development is in fact treated as the first sign for growth of residential real estate. Once you know of the possibility of significant commercial growth in the region (either due to tax breaks or whatever), you should start evaluating the potential for appreciation in the prices of commercial real estate and then go for it quickly (as soon as you find a good deal). And you must really work towards getting a good deal. If you find that commercial real estate, e.g. land, is available in big chunks which are too expensive for you to buy, you could look at forming a small investor group (with your friends) and buy it together (and split the profits later). In some cases e.g. when a retail boom is expected in a region, you might find it profitable to buy a property that you can convert into a warehouse for the purpose of renting to small businesses.

So commercial real estate presents a whole plethora of investing opportunities, you just need to grab it.

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What Size Mortgage Can I Afford?

(VMS Source) When shopping for a house, it can be easy to fall in love with the home of your dreams. Be careful, however, that you are aware of how much house you can afford so your dream home isn?t crushed at the lender?s office.

Lenders often talk about qualifying ratios or debt ratios. These numbers can seem a bit mysterious, but a few simple formulas will give you an idea of what size loan you may be able to afford. Although this is helpful to determine a house budget, never rely on these numbers alone when planning a purchase. Consider visiting a lender to get pre-approved for a loan so you know the exact amount you have to work with.

Grab a piece of paper and follow these steps to determine how much you can afford:

1) Determine your monthly gross income (before taxes).

2) Multiply this amount by 0.28. This is your maximum monthly housing expense. (Lenders allow 28% of monthly gross income for housing expenses. This is also known as the front end ratio.)

3) Now multiply your monthly gross income by 0.36. This is the allowance for your long-term monthly expenses. (Many lenders allow 36% of monthly income to go toward long term debt that can?t be paid off in 10 months.)

4) Add up your monthly long-term obligations including child support, auto loans, credit cards, and other payments that can?t be paid off in 10 months.

5) Subtract the total of those obligations from your long-term monthly expenses in step 3. This is your monthly housing expense. (This number is used for the back end ratio, or debt to income ratio, to make sure your total debt does not exceed 36% of your monthly income.)

6) Compare the maximum monthly housing expense from step 2 and your monthly housing expense from step 5 and take the smaller of the two. This is the amount you can afford each month for payment of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance ? also called PITI.

The length of the mortgage and interest rates will affect the total dollar amount of the loan, so talking with a lender will give a big picture view of what you can afford. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will take the guesswork out of deciding a price range for a potential house and reduce stress in the home-buying process.

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(VMS Source) Buying a home is a stressful and emotional affair. You can avoid the home buying blues by keeping your cool at closing.

I?ve just come from a settlement table at which a friend bought a new condo. It?s beautiful, convenient and just what she wanted. However, at the settlement table she and a relative whom she clearly loves got into a tiff with each other. What should have been a happy occasion was almost spoiled. Thank heavens they got themselves together and the situation was saved, but arguments and hurt feelings are frequent at settlement tables and on moving day. It doesn?t have to be that way.

The Trauma of Change

Changing one?s home is right up there with the big changes in life - birth, death, divorce, and retirement. Most of us recognize the trauma of the first three. Many of us recognize the need to prepare mentally and emotionally for retirement. Few of us realize how badly buying and moving into a new home frays our nerves and shortens our tempers. It can have serious consequences. I?ve seen deals blow up, and almost blow up, because of it. (Sometimes the protagonists are the buyer and seller.)

Mitigating Moves

There are a number of things you can do to ensure that the day you buy or sell your home is calm, sane and happy. Let?s consider some of them. Some are easy. Some harder. You?re apt to think of some which will be unique to you and your family.

First of all, simply realizing that these are flash points and discussing it with family members is a good starting point. There are many decisions to be made and much work to be done. Life is about to change for everyone who is a party to the process. It helps to just acknowledge that you?ll need to work together so that it?s a good experience for everyone in the end. Remember the expression, ?I need to take a deep breath and get my equilibrium back.? Clue in family members when you feel the tension rise.

Get a good night?s sleep the night before the settlement. Have a good, unrushed breakfast. Have someone you know well look after small children and pets until after settlement; you don?t need distractions during a large financial transaction.

At settlement, ask questions about anything you don?t understand. Use a quiet, neutral voice. Don?t sound like you are accusing someone of something. Simply ask for information and clarity. Don?t feel rushed. Take the time to understand. Many of the arguments I?ve seen at the settlement table happened because someone assumed something and didn?t ask about it. They just pitched into an irritated tirade. Not a good idea.

What if your questions turn up an unexpected and unacceptable answer? Let it be known that you expected it to be handled another way and why. Listen to any explanation calmly. Evaluate it. Does the other person have a valid point? How much difference does it make to you? Remember, it isn?t necessary to have everything exactly as you?d like in order to have the transaction go well for you. Keep the big picture in mind. You don?t have to be right about everything, nor do you have to win every point in order to be pleased with the final outcome.

Whether you call it settlement or closing, the final meeting will be stressful even if absolutely everything goes perfectly. Make sure you get through it by minimizing the stress.

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If you?re a homeowner, chances are that you?ve been deluged with offers from finance companies to lend you money based on the equity you have invested in your home. A home equity loan is a loan extended to you that is secured by your home. The amount of the loan is based on how much ?equity? you have invested in your home. The basic explanation of ?equity? is ?the difference between your home?s value and how much you still owe on the mortgage?.

In other words, if you bought your home for $125,000 and put $20,000 down on it, financing $105,000, then your equity in your home on the day that you close the deal is $20,000. Now imagine several years pass. You?ve paid off $15,000 toward your mortgage - but at the same time, the value of your house has increased to $175,000. Your equity in your home is now $85,000: $175,000 (your home?s current value) - $90,000 (the amount you still owe on your home) = $85,000.

A home equity loan allows you to turn the equity you have in your home into cash by borrowing money and using your home as collateral to insure that you?ll repay it. If you default on the loan, the bank or housing agency can force the sale of your home to recover its money.

There are many reasons that people apply for home equity loans, though most fall into a few broad categories. The reason for taking out a home equity loan will often determine what kind of loan you apply for.

Debt Consolidation

By far one of the biggest reasons that homeowners apply for a home equity loan is to consolidate their debts. If you have outstanding debt to several different creditors at several different interest rates, it?s often to your benefit to consolidate all those loans. To do that, you can take out a home equity loan for the amount that you owe on all your debts together - or more - then use that money to pay off all your outstanding debts in full. By doing that, you trade writing several checks each month for writing one check, which is often less than the amount that you?ve been paying on all of the debts combined. This is because you?re also trading in the higher interest rates on your credit cards and loans for a lower interest rate on one loan. Chances are that you?ve also set a fixed time to pay back that loan, most often 15 years, though it could be as little as five or as much as thirty.

Home Improvements

If you want to make improvements or repairs to your home, it only makes sense to get the money OUT of your home to do it. Home improvements are one of the top five reasons that homeowners give for taking out home equity loans. If the reason for making improvements is to increase the home?s value or prepare it for a sale, then you should definitely take a look at the home improvements that return the most on your investment. In many cases, when the reason for taking out a home equity loan is to pay for home improvements, the homeowner applies for a home equity line of credit rather than a flat out loan.

Weddings, Vacations and College

Special events like weddings and vacations are the third most popular reason for taking out a home equity loan. For a wedding or other special event, where there will be multiple payments made to different merchants, a home equity line of credit is often a better choice than a lump sum home equity loan.

Life is a Stage - So is Your Home!

(VMS Source) What is a home staging?

Home staging prepares a home for sale, and for the dozens of enquiring eyes that will be scouring the property looking for flaws. It creates an image of the perfectly decorated home, in move-in condition. This should be the next step after decluttering, cleaning and repairing your home. The changes may be as small as rearranging furniture to give the illusion of more space, or repainting with more neutral and soothing colors. Home stagers will offer great ideas for perking up a room with accessories and creating a new stylish look for your home

Why stage your home?

In this day and age, having to deal with a sluggish market, staging is a must. It can give you the edge that may result in a faster sale or a higher sales price.

First impressions can make or break the sale of the house, and a home that is properly staged helps to maximize your chances of a positive first impression.

Your home will have an advantage over other unstaged homes.

A staged home shows well in web site marketing and video tours, and since the majority of homes are chosen over the internet, this is a vital form of advertising.

Tips for staging your home.

As you go from room to room, there should be a flow to your home. Avoid overly bright or bold colored walls. This may mean repainting some or all of your rooms with more calming, neutral tones. Some people cannot understand that that bright purple wall can be removed with a coat of paint, and these distractions may result in no sales.

Clean the carpets

Furniture: The most common trick used by stagers is to rearrange furniture to create a more stylish look. During my house sale, my stager suggested I move my dining room table into the living room, creating a living/dining room. This freed up space for my crammed kitchen table and voila, I had a brand new and improved living space.

Rearranging may also mean reducing the amount of furniture so that a room looks more open. This includes emptying out closets, even if it means putting some things in storage. Consider renting a few pieces of stylish furniture or pieces of art.

Tidy up your bookcases so that they look pleasing to the eye. This may mean packing away many of your books and keeping out the ones that display well.

Brighten the house up by cleaning windows, and go with higher wattage light bulbs (just until the home sells). Make sure that the lights are left on before an open house, so the prospective buyers are walk into well-lit rooms and hallways.

Creative use of fabrics as accent pieces for additional texture and color are very common.

Remove family pictures, hockey trophies, any traces of everyday family life. You don?t want the buyer feeling that they are in someone else?s space; they need to imagine their family living in this house.

Use plug in room fresheners, especially to mask pet and smoking odors. If you can?t get rid of a smell, overpower it by providing a distraction such as baking chocolate chip cookies and leaving the tray in the oven.

Sweep out the furnace room and clean the cobwebs off the furnace. If the furnace looks cleaner, it appears newer.

Make a list of general repairs, and if you can?t complete them, hire a handyman to polish them off.

Add fresh or silk flowers to many of the rooms.

Kitchen:

Display bowls of colorful fruit.

Apply oil to cabinets to revive their finish.

Modernize your cabinet handles.

Clear everything off the counters, finding homes for small appliances - you?ll love the look.

Remove fridge magnets and small area rugs.

Have a table set for use, complete with place mats, place setting and napkins.

Bathroom:

Have a set of thick and luxurious towels reserved only for open houses.

Fill baskets with scented soaps and lotions.

Use a scented plug in air freshener.

Remove the collection of shampoo bottles from the tub, or toothbrushes lying on the counter.

Bedroom:

Clear off your night tables, maybe leaving out an interest looking book.

Outdoors:

Place containers of flowers on the patios, decks and entranceways.

Set the table with colorful picnic plates

Power wash the outside of the house, patios and walkways.

Freshen up the paint on all porches and doors

Weed the gardens and apply mulch; it makes them look like new.

In order to make your home staging a positive experience make sure you use either a realtor who is skilled at home staging, or a professional home stager. The latter is a trained designer and they understand how to create a mood or illusion for the buyer.

It can be difficult listening to strangers telling you how your home needs to look. You really need to be open minded and trust their expertise. Many people are surprised at how hard it is to separate from their homes; just keep telling yourself, ?It?s not my home anymore?. You?ll probably enjoy many of the changes you?ve made and may reflect these in your new house as well. There is just something about living in a stylish, clean, clutter-free environment.

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Mortgage Brokers & The Nuts and Bolts

(VMS Source) Using a mortgage broker to shop for home loans can make the borrowing process a lot less stressful than doing it yourself. Here are the nuts and bolts on getting a good broker.

Competent Mortgage Brokers

There are a couple of obvious situations where going with a mortgage broker makes perfect sense. If you have less than perfect credit, a mortgage broker is going to be able to open your eyes to numerous loan options a traditional bank would never tell you about. If the idea of handling the mass of paperwork involved in the loan application scares you, a mortgage broker is definitely going to be a savior since they will take on that burden. Still, how do you know if you are talking to a competent broker?

The first issue to address when considering whether to use a mortgage broker is scope. Scope refers to the number of different lenders the mortgage broker works with in home financing. Generally speaking, the more lenders the broker works with, the better mortgage options you will get and, ultimately, the better financing. A good mortgage broker should have at least eight different lenders they work with and be able to go find others should your particular situation call for a special financing package. If the broker identifies only two or three lenders, you need to move on to the next broker.

The second biggest issue is the mortgage broker?s knowledge of the lending industry. By knowledge of the industry, the broker should be able to identify multiple lending programs and the various lenders and options for each. For instance, you might ask the broker who he works with and the loan options available for a person with a 580 [poor] credit score. Further, ask the broker if he has arranged funding for such loans before and the specifics of the loans used. If the broker shows a depth of knowledge and starts rattling on about options, you?ve found the correct broker. If they don?t, you haven?t.

Broker Fees

Mortgage brokers are paid upon performance. If they don?t get you a loan, they don?t get paid. The positive aspect of this is you can be the mortgage broker is going to bust their tail coming up with a solution for your problem. The negative aspect is you need to make a determination as to whether the options give to you are good loans for your situation. The commission of a mortgage broker is typically paid out of the loan proceeds, but costs such as appraisals are your responsibility. The broker should have no problem telling you their commission rate on the loan.

If you don?t trust banks to give you the best deal or have been turned down by a lender, mortgage brokers are a great way to find good deals. Understand the nuts and bolts of what they do and you are on your way to getting a loan.

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Quick sell tips

(VMS Source) Often wonder why some houses can have a number of showings after its first week on the market, and similar ones seems to be left with no attention? A quick sell of a house is common enough to be expected by home sellers, but rare enough to remain a phenomenon in the market. It?s really a question of readiness ? the houses being sold quickly are more well prepared to accept a new resident. Surely price and location is the major reason a house can appeal to home buyers, but there?s also more than meets the buyer?s eye. Here are some quick sell tips to make sure your house reaches that contract as soon as possible.

(a) Get a top-quality, state-of-the-art real estate agent. Sounds obvious, but the better qualified your agent is, the more experienced they are and the more guarantee that your house can be a quick sell

(b) Play the role of a buyer. Observe your house in the eye of a potential customer. Is there anything you see that makes you think ?This is good, but it looks like they?re still working on that...?? Ask your friends or neighbors to do the same if necessary.

(c) There?s one sure-fire tip to get your house quickly noticed, and that?s putting out the heaviest advertising campaign you can manage. So many houses are being sold daily, how do you make sure the buyers would even see your home? Quick selling houses are results of excellent marketing skills.

(d) Offer incentives. When it?s time to take any means necessary, start negotiating extra perks to your buyers to lure them even more. A closing-cost help, for example, would motivate the buyers to speed up the decision to buying your house.

(e) When all else fails, and you?re starting to get really desperate, you might want to try renting your house. Afraid of never getting it off your back? Discuss with the renters that your initial need is to sell the house. A rented house with an option to buy is also a good idea.

Some would tell you that quick sells are by means of luck. Though this is inevitably true, waiting for luck will do nothing to speed up the process. Preparation, preparation, and preparation are the three things you most need to ensure a quick sell.

Home Selling Contract

When it?s time to finally seal the deal on your home selling, it?s time to take out the contract. Since it?s the document that will supposedly ends the process, it?s very important for home owners to understand the components of a real estate contract (even more if you?re selling the house on your own). Remember that even the contents in a contract is negotiable, so getting to know home selling contracts would put you in a better position for further discussion. You would also have less risk of being scammed by random contracts offered.

Although not all home selling contracts follow the same standard, most of them should answer the following questions:

• What?s being sold? A description of the property on hand
  
• How much is it?
  
• How is the contingency of mortgage? An amount or a mortgage rate is needed.
  
• How much will the deposit be and whom will it be given to?
  
• When and where is the closing?
  
• What is the exact scope of the selling? A home selling contract, in its essence, should give a firm limit of what?s being sold and what?s not.
  
• Will the seller be able to do further home inspections?
  
• What kind of inspections (wellness, hygiene, termite inspection) will be done?
  
• Is there any insurance covering the house?
  

Once again, remember that familiarizing yourself with these points will prove useful for those suspicious clauses. Pay extra attention to the contingencies, as this is usually the most essential part of a home selling contract. The home buyers would want to make sure that if something occurs in the house before closing, they would have a way to back out without penalty. Make sure that you as the seller is equally unharmed by this.

The tough job is, even after you understand the main elements of a home selling contracts, you might experience difficulty in designing one for your transaction. Once again, it?s good to let your agent deal on these things, but if you?re selling your home on your own, do some research. Some websites could give you a format of a contract that you could use for self-selling that will not lead to detrimental effects. It?s very important to hire an attorney to help you get through the legal terms in contracts, especially when you chose not to hire a real estate agent.

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Adjustable Rate Mortgages vs. Fixed Rate Mortgages

Buying a home can be an exciting and stressful time for anyone. While you may be excited at the prospect of owning your own home, especially if it is your first home purchase, the idea of choosing between all of the many different types of mortgages may leave you feeling confused and apprehensive.

Two of the most common choices you?ll find in the mortgage market are adjustable rate mortgages and fixed rate mortgages. Fixed rate mortgages are the most traditional type of home mortgage, offering a fixed interest rate that does not change throughout the life of your loan. There are a number of important advantages associated with this type of mortgage. First, if you are budget conscious, this type of mortgage will give you the peace of mind in knowing that your monthly mortgage amount will not change. You can budget the remainder of your financial obligations without worrying about a changing mortgage payment to throw things off.

An adjustable rate mortgage works differently. With this type of mortgage you may be able to obtain a lower interest rate than would normally be available with a fixed rate mortgage; however, the interest rate is not fixed. This means that your monthly mortgage rate may change as interest rates change. With such a mortgage you may not be able to regularly plan your budget due to such fluctuations. While there is usually a cap that will keep the interest rate from fluctuating too much, even a little fluctuation can be too much for some homeowners. Of course, there is also the possibility that interest rates will drop and if that is the case, because your mortgage is adjustable, your monthly payments will drop right along with the interest rate.

When deciding whether a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage is your best choice, you need to give thought to several factors. Ask yourself whether it is more important to be able to plan your monthly budget without wondering whether your mortgage will fluctuate or whether you would prefer to receive a lower interest rate in the beginning of your mortgage.

Remember that if you decide you would like to obtain the advantages of both you do have other options available to you. For example, if you feel the interest rate offered to you on a fixed rate mortgage is too high but you want the security of not having to worry about a fluctuating interest rate you can always buy down your interest rate by purchasing points. This will mean more up front costs for your mortgage; however, it may be worth it to decrease the interest rate, especially if interest rates are currently high.

If you do elect to go with an adjustable rate mortgage make sure you understand exactly how high the rates may go as well as ensure you have enough ?wiggle? room in your monthly budget to cushion increases if they occur. This may help to keep you out of a tight spot and possibly losing your home due to rising interest rates. 

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Mortgage Borrowing Tip - Length of Loan


When borrowing money for a mortgage, homebuyers are primarily concerned with simply qualifying. Still, paying attention to the length of the loan is a borrowing tip that can save you a ton of money.

Home Loans

In the mortgage industry, the length of your loan used to be the only major issue you had to deal with. How times have changed! In the current market, the variety of loans that exist are simply stunning. Of course, the massive increase in loan options has inevitably led to massive confusion.

Borrowing Tip

Regardless of the type of loan you go with, you should always try to keep your loan term as short as possible. The shorter the loan period, the less you will pay in interest. Here an example using 15 and 30 year loans.

Assume our first homebuyer gets a $100,000 loan at 8 percent interest. He length of the loan is 30 years with a monthly payment of $733.76. For this mortgage, our homebuyer is going to pay $164,155.25 in interest over the life of the loan.

Now, take the same scenario, but reduce the term of the loan to 15 years. Our homebuyer is going to see the monthly payment bumped to $955.65 per month. Over the length of the loan, our homebuyer is going to pay $90,000 less in interest payments over the life of the loan. On top of this, the house will be paid off in half the time.

When borrowing money for a home purchase, you have to carefully budget your finances. If you can afford increased monthly payments, however, a shorter loan length is going to save you a lot of money over time.

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It is usually a good idea to try to disassociate yourself from your home. This may be a difficult thing to do but remember, your favorite aspects may not appeal to all buyers. Try to see your home as something that simply needs to be sold, much like any other product. Removing your precious photos and curios can help viewers to place themselves in your home. It is important that the prospective buyer can see themselves living in your home. Your home should be as warm and welcoming as possible. It should make people want to live there.

Now take a quick look through your home, is there a fair amount of unused things lying around? This is a great point to clean up any outstanding clutter and junk. During a showing your home should be clean and simple. A minimalist approach is good for it will allow viewers to visualize their own possessions in your home. Another good thing to remember is that buyers are likely going to open all closets and cupboards. Its a good idea to ensure that these areas are clear and organized. This will also speak highly of you as a homeowner.

Small repairs can make a world of difference. Cosmetic fixes can also raise the value of a home and increase your bargaining power. However do not rely on a cosmetic fix for a problem that requires a more permanent solution! Make sure that drawers and closets open and close smoothly and without a hitch. Ensure that faucets do not drip and that there are no water stains in the sinks and tubs. The more time you spend cleaning and detailing your home, the better it will show.

Do not forget the exterior of the home either. There are a variety of things that you can easily do to improve the curb appeal of your home. Ensuring that the yard is neat and tidy with mown lawns and clear walkways makes the home more inviting and more likely to grab a viewer's attention.

It is a good idea to remove any decorative items such as drapes or fixtures that you will be taking with you. This can save a lot of time and heartache when closing time comes and the buyer wants certain items that were seen during the viewing, but were not for sale.

Now it is simply a matter of your home showing to interested buyers. This is where your choice of Realtor really makes a difference. Hopefully this list will help your home to show to its full potential!

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Basics Of Home Buying

The most important investment you will ever make is probably the purchase of a home. Finding the right home for you can be a long and arduous process, but there is no getting around that.

Know Your Wants And Needs

Before embarking on your journey of house hunting, you must know what you really want to find. Sit down with pen and paper and list all the features you care most about, such as:

- Location (in a particular city, school district or neighborhood)

- Size -- how many bedrooms and bathrooms

- Parking -- a 1-car garage or 2?

- Style -- 2-story house or ranch style home?

- Heating -- central heating and/or air conditioning?

Equally important, on a new sheet of paper list all the features you absolutely do not want in a house. For example:

- high-traffic area.

- high noise area (airport, train station or highway in close proximity)

- maintenance -- major repairs needed

As you look at houses, keep both lists in mind. Your lists may change over time as you do more looking. You?ll want to add or remove features, or perhaps you?ll become willing to make compromises. Realize that you most likely will not find the ?perfect? home. Experienced homebuyers will tell you, perfect homes are not found, they are made perfect through hard work.

Get Your Credit Report In Order

Prior to looking at properties, you must get your finances in order. This is the time to review your credit report and clean it up, if need be, to maximize your credit score. Many people do not realize how important it is to check your credit report periodically to make sure it is accurate. You should pay off any past due amounts, or negotiate a settlement price to close the debt. Get such agreements in writing, before paying any settlement. Keep all receipts for any settled items from your credit report since it may take months to get the debt actually removed.

Research Your Home-Buying Options

Decide what kind of property you are interested in. Do you want a HUD property, a foreclosure, real estate, or property for sale by owner?

A number of web sites list homes according to city, state, or price range. Visit these sites to see pictures of homes, many with virtual tours, and review the listing features.

Get Pre-Approved For A Loan

You?re ready now to find a lender and get yourself pre-approved for the loan. Being pre-approved offers a number of advantages. It will clarify the price range you can afford. Also, once you find the home you want, you can place an immediate offer. If you have to wait for pre-approval, someone could buy the house right out from under you.

Several special programs are often available from lenders, such as the FHA , that can save you money in the closing. Ask the lender about any special programs before you decide on a loan.

Find A Good Real Estate Agent

It is wise for the first time homebuyer to work closely with a real estate agent, no matter what type of property you?re looking for. A knowledgeable real estate agent will make your house-hunting much easier. A good real estate agent is usually a good negotiator, and will be able to help you with the complicated paperwork involved in placing an offer on a house or in closing a deal.

It?s essential that you have a real estate agent working for you as the buyer, rather than relying on the seller?s agent for the house you want to buy. The latter can involve a conflict of interest, which usually works to your disadvantage.

To select a real estate agent, you should check with your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Find an agent you feel comfortable with and who is knowledgeable about the area you hope to buy in.

These are just the basics of home buying. You will find many details you need to master as you move through the buying process, but having these basics under your belt will give you a head start.

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First Time Buyers Mortgage Application Checklist

If you have a dream about owning your own home and applying for a mortgage then you may be a bit nervous at the present moment. While having your own home is the American dream the high prices involved can be overwhelming. In addition to this, many lenders will be more concerned with earning a profit than with helping you find a home that matches your income. Below are some steps you can take to properly apply for your first mortgage.

Applying for a mortgage used to be simple. People would compare the prices and rates on houses they wanted, and once the found a lender they were comfortable with, they would make a large down payment and then move in. Today things have changed, and going through the number of options available can be very stressful. One thing you should do before shopping for a house is to educate yourself.

First Mortgage Application Steps

The first thing you will want to do is look at your current income. How much do you make per year? How secure is your job? Remember, if you go about getting a mortgage the traditional way, it could take 15 to 30 years to pay it off, and if you get behind on your payments, you could lose your home and have your credit ruined. If you can?t afford a home, it is best not to move into one until you can. This will keep you from taking on debt you can?t afford.

How Much Can You Afford?

If you feel that you can afford a mortgage the next thing you should decide is how much you can afford. Lenders have a tendency to offer you mortgages which are more than you can afford, and this is important to remember. In addition to the cost of the mortgage itself, you will have to pay taxes, insurance and other expenses as well. These costs should be included in your monthly expenses.

Apply Directly Or Via A Broker?

When you begin looking for a mortgage you will encounter two types of lenders; mortgage brokers and direct lenders. The direct lenders are the people who have the money to lend you. They are ultimately the individuals who decide if you will be approved for a home. The mortgage broker acts as a middleman, going out and finding direct lenders who can give you the best deal.

While the lenders may have a limited number of loans available, a mortgage broker will often have access to multiple lenders simultaneously. If you are looking for a specific type of mortgage, a mortgage broker may be better to use than a direct lender. However, a mortgage broker will charge you for their services, and this could be a certain percentage of the mortgage loan you end up with. With the rise of the internet, online mortgage brokers can help you save money.

Get The Paper Work In Order

Once you have found a loan through a direct lender or mortgage broker the next step is to fill out an application. There are a number of things you will need to fill out on the application and it will help if you have some supporting documents. You will need to provide information about your income, length of employment, and your assets. They will also want to know what other loans or credit cards you have.

Once this information has been provided, the lender will look at your credit report. In addition to this, they will want to see your bank statements and check stubs from your job. You may also need to show them tax information and data about your insurance. If your credit is good, an appraiser will be hired to make sure the house is valued at the loan amount that will be given to you.

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Home Staging: Making Your Home Sellable

You?ve listed your home and the agent wants to start showing it to prospective buyers. Here?s a few tips to help it look its best.

You may have already read the importance of clearing out clutter. Well, that?s because it can?t be stressed enough. It is one of the most important aspects of making your home appealing to buyers, for two reasons. First, not just papers and dishes, clutter includes decorations and furniture too. Too much of it can block a persons view of the house itself. If everywhere they look they see stuff, a buyer doesn?t see your home. It is imperative that they have a clear view, or they won?t want to buy. Second, all that clutter screams personality. Your personality. And this is not what a buyer wants to see. When someone is looking over a home, what they need to do in order to be motivated to buy is to imagine themselves living in that home. If the house is so full of the current owner, a potential buyer can?t get past that and make the mental leap to visualizing themselves in the home.

Because of this, some sellers choose to box up a lot of their personal goods and put them in professional storage. This gets it right out of the house, so even the boxes aren?t clogging up the spare rooms and closets, which are also important selling features.

It is also important to fix things around the home. Keep in mind how well the doors around your home work, as buyers will almost always open closets and cupboards. If the doors are sticky or squeak, that gives a bad first impression. Obviously, your front door is the first candidate for a good hinge-oiling.

While you certainly don?t want to enter into major renovations, a new coat of paint can really brighten up a home and make it more appealing. Consider both the outside and inside of your home. And as tempting as it is to choose trendy colors or things you are personally attracted to, neutral tones are best. White or off-white are your safest bets as they will help a home appear bright, and give a new owner a good base if they wish to paint the home more uniquely.

Speaking of a bright home, be sure to leave all the lights on when your home is being shown. Open all the curtains, too, so that viewers feel that your home is bright and welcoming, and they can see clearly. Dusting every surface also helps your home look brighter.

Consider smell, an important sense that impacts our first impression. Do a good deep cleaning, especially if you have pets or smoke indoors. Air the home out a bit. You may wish to install some air fresheners, but be sure not to choose anything too overwhelming, as more and more people have sensitivities to scents these days.

Good luck with showing your home!

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There are many different types of mortgages with a plethora of features and fees. Choosing the right kind of mortgage based on your life style could not only make it easier for you to repay the loan but also save you thousands of dollars.

First, make an honest assessment of your financial position. Do you have a stable job? If you are in business, does it yield you a regular profit? Calculate your gross income. If you have a very low income that deters you from saving anything then you would do well to opt for a low down or no down payment mortgage. If your income is good enough to have allowed saving for the down payment its better that you make 20% or more down payment. The less you owe the better.

Are you sure that you can repay your loan after a sudden loss of employment? On the other hand, if you as a couple are repaying together, what if your spouse loses their job, can you still manage it? A longer amortization period (30years) would mean that you pay a smaller amount monthly that would be lighter on your monthly budget. Also, remember that you pay a higher interest and a larger amount overall incase of mortgages that are spread over longer periods. A shorter (15years) amortization period would mean that you pay a larger monthly installment, but a lower interest rate and hence a smaller price for the house.

A job that pays you bonuses, or retirement benefits where a lump sum amount is expected can be helpful in making large down payments or clearing balloon mortgages.

Choosing between a fixed rate loan and one with an adjustable rate is always a gamble. If the fixed rates are low now, it’s better to go for that option. The choice between ARM and FRM is based on the wider economic outlook, whereas the choice of mortgage is more dependent on your financial situation.

Mobility is another factor that has to be actively considered when deciding about mortgage. Will your job require you to move away from your current place of residence to another? Do you see yourself out of a house in 4-5 years? Alternatively, you do not intend to move out of the town/city where you live, for the rest of your life. A short stay may not work in favor of buying a house altogether, unless rent prices in the area where you live is higher and real estate prices are appreciating faster. If you plan to sell the house in 5 years and move out then opt for mortgages where the interest rate is lower in the first few years of the mortgage. Better still go for interest only mortgage where you pay only the interest for the five years you stay in the house. ARM mortgage loans are also suitable for short home owning periods. The rate in ARMs is very low during the first few years. Definitely, the interest/interest+principal paid will be less than the rent you would have paid. People who want to move to a bigger house after a few years can also consider these mortgages.

It will be assumed here that you have thought well about the kind of property you have decided to buy. Just make sure that you are entering into a debt with complete understanding of all the pros and cons.

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Seven Steps to De-Clutter Your Home for Sale

(VMS Source) Your home may be in good condition and well built, yet simple clutter will create a perception of chaos, confusion, and disorder. The purchase decision is an emotional and intellectual response, based on a level of trust in your home. When buyers see clutter, they assume that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This perception undermines your home's market value.

De-cluttering is an essential part of your preparation, and is virtually cost free. This activity is goes hand in hand with moving. Before you put your home on the market, have a garage sale, throw some things out, and box stuff up. Your move will be easier, and you will create an open, spacious, simplified look that buyers love. If you need support, a local home staging service can work with your furniture and create a whole new look. When it comes to selling your home, less is truly more.

1) Front Yard

De-cluttering starts with your front yard. Make sure the yard is mowed and edged, and remove toys, junk piles, empty flower pots, etc.

An evenly cut yard is pleasing to the eye. Fertilize the grass a month or two ahead.

Overgrown, woody shrubs give an old, tired look. Trim or remove them.

Do not allow shrubs to cover windows. They block light on the interior, and give an appearance of crowding on the exterior.

Coil hoses and place any tools inside the garage.

Find a place to store extra cars or boats - other than the front of your house.

De-clutter flower beds. Mulch is inexpensive (about $2.00 per bag), and does wonders to simplify garden beds, especially in winter when plants are thin. Add flowers on the porch or in beds if weather permits.

Too many flowerpots are distracting - use a few large pots with healthy plants.

Never have empty pots or dead plants sitting around.

Dried wreaths may be used on doors in winter, for a simple focal point.

2) Entry

The buyers' first impression is critical, and shapes their attitude throughout the showing.

Invest in a brand new welcome mat.

Stains, scratches and dirty spots create distractions to the eye, and are a form of clutter. Clean, paint, and eliminate as many of these as possible.

Pay close attention to your front door. Is it dirty, darkened by mildew, or in need of re-finishing?

Fresh paint or stain will make a huge difference.

Consider having your whole house power washed to remove stains, spider webs and other clutter.

The foyer should be clear of shoes, coats, or excess items on the walls.

Create a single focal point in the entry with an attractive table or painting.

3) Living Areas

Rooms should be sparsely furnished to appear larger and lighter.

The garage or an off-site storage room can be used to hold extra pieces of furniture.

Move large pieces of equipment - drums, telescopes, exercise equipment, etc. - to the garage or off-site.

Do not allow furniture to block windows, doorways, or traffic patterns through rooms.

Do not allow wires to cross traffic patterns.

Choose one or two elements as the main points of interest in a room - wood floors, a view, a table or piece of furniture, a nicely made bed, etc.

Too many personal collections and photographs are distracting for buyers.

Buyers must be able to imagine their own family in the home.

A few decorative items or photographs on tables are fine, but reduce these to just a few nice pieces.

Remove hunting trophies. They can be overwhelming in a small room, and may bother some buyers.

Large plants often take up too much space. Allow only a few healthy plants in the house.

Bookshelves add a warm touch to a room, but be sure that they are not overloaded.

Place books so that the backs are even. Lay some books horizontally, and leave open space for art objects.

Open window blinds and leave on a few lamps for pleasant lighting.

4) Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and plays an important part in attracting the heart of a buyer. This is an active area that usually needs special attention.

Clean, evenly finished cabinetry is a must. Add new paint or stain, if necessary.

Benjamin Moore Paints has a product called "Howard's Restore-a-finish" that works wonders on scratched or worn cabinets.

New cabinet pulls are an inexpensive item that can help tie the room together in terms of colors and finishes.

Remove purely functional items - such as baking pans, small appliances, vitamins, phone books, plastic bags, etc.

Do not have notes or photos on the refrigerator.

Clear the counters completely, then add back a few decorator items.

Choose decorative pieces that contribute to a warm, elegant, organized look.

Some suggestions: Flowers, fruit, cookbooks, wine, bowls, antiques, new dish towels, small designer appliances, etc.

Often the area under the sink needs organizing and cleaning.

Never leave trash containers out in the kitchen.

5) Bathrooms

It is important to de-clutter bathrooms to give them a touch of elegance or romance.

Keep in mind that you will give up some privacy during the marketing period.

Start by removing everything from the counters.

Remove any toilet brushes or cleaners that are visible.

Put items that you use daily - toothbrushes, soaps, razors - in a container, and place the container inside in a cabinet.

Decorate with fresh soaps, flowers, bowls, photos, or designer bath items.

Invest in new towels and fold them carefully.

Never leave medicines, money, x rated magazines, jewelry, guns, or personal possessions of this type on display.

6) Bedrooms

Bedrooms should appear restful and serene. Sparsely furnished is best.

Use your best covers, or invest in new ones if yours are worn.

Clear off bedside tables, and add back just a few books or nice items.

Bedside lamps add a warm ambience for showings.

Remove excess paintings or photos from the walls.

In some cases, old curtains do more harm than good. Take them down and clean the windows for a fresh look.

Children's bedrooms usually need to be simplified. Take down posters and box up toys. Avoid an overcrowded look.

7) Closets

Organize your pantry with everything facing forward. Remove excess food and containers.

Relieve your closets if they are stuffed. Pack items that are not needed.

The laundry room often functions as a spill over room with junk on the shelves. Clear everything out, and have just a few soap boxes visible.

Often sellers have organized their homes to express themselves - their travels, collections, interests, favorite colors and unique tastes. However, when selling a home, the goal is just the opposite. It is to create a clean, simple background that many different buyers would like to move into. Excess items and clutter confuses and distracts buyers during showings. They should not be required to “look past” your possessions. They are there to see if your house fits them, and their emotional level response is a strong factor in their decision. Warm, clean, simple, spacious, well lighted, neutral - and uncluttered - these are the keys to getting the best price for your home.

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Why Use a Realtor?

Realtors provide services that are not only designed to ease your home sale but services that are designed to specifically protect your investment. One of the most valuable things that a real estate agent can provide is marketing. Unlike selling by yourself, a Realtor has access to a huge variety of advertising mediums. Typically the front lines of which is an already established web presence. In addition to listing your home on the local MLS, an agent will have a personal site that is designed to showcase their listings. This is where most homes for sale are first viewed by prospective buyers. Additional marketing is usually done through newspapers and other print media as well as a variety of flyers and info sheets that are available 24/7.

Another aspect of home marketing where a Realtors comes in handy is in the relationships they retain with other real estate professionals. A Realtor will put much effort into marketing a home to other local Realtors in order to best reach the buying market. Home selling is really all about positive exposure for the home in question and only a Realtor can provide that degree of exposure.

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Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans - Understanding The Basics

(VMS Source) Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM), developed when mortgage interest rates were high, can help you finance the purchase of a home with low interest rates. An ideal choice for those who expect their income to rise or move in a couple of years, an ARM also increases your risk for higher payments. Fortunately, lenders also offer safeguards to limit some of your risk to excessively high interest rates.

ARM Features

An ARM starts with a low interest rate, up to 3% lower than a fixed rate mortgage. With lower rates, you usually qualify to borrow more than with a fixed rate home loan.

ARMs usually start with a fixed rate period and end with fluctuating yearly interest rates, increasing or decreasing your monthly payment. So a 3/1 ARM means 3 years of fixed rates with interest rates changing every year after that. Interest rates are based on an index, usually the rate on the T-bill or LIBOR, and the margin the lender adds to the index.

ARM Safeguards

In order to protect borrowers from sky-rocketing monthly payments, mortgage lenders put in place safeguards. For example, a point cap limits how much interest rates can rise monthly and over the life of the loan. There are also ceiling limits on how low rates can go, protecting the lender.

Another safeguard is a dollar cap on monthly payments. However, if interest rates rise higher than the dollar cap allows, you may end up with a longer loan. Many financing companies also allow you to convert your ARM to a fixed rate mortgage after a predetermined period.

ARM Considerations

While an ARM has many benefits, there are other considerations to look at. For instance, interest rates can rise 4% or more over the course of your home loan. If you plan to stay in your home for several years, a fixed rate may offer lower interest costs in the long term. ARMs are also unpredictable, which makes planning long term financing goals difficult.

Before you apply for an ARM, make sure you are comfortable with the level of risk involve. However, if you expect your income to rise in the future or to move, then you may be saving yourself a lot of money in interest payments with an ARM.

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Different Ways To Repay Your Mortgage

(VMS Source) When you are searching for a mortgage, no matter if it is a first, second, or refinance, you have different options on repaying it which some people don't realize. So, before you just take whatever is on the paperwork, you should consider the following options:

Capital and Interest Payments
This is the most common way to repay your mortgage, since you make your payments each month on the capital, or principle, of the loan. In the U.S., this is called amortization and in the U.K., this is called a repayment mortgage. These types of loans are set anywhere from 10 to 50 years, depending on the lender and where you live. The payments that you give to the mortgage company each month take a percentage and place it toward the interest and the rest goes toward the capital of the loan. Earlier in the loan, most of the payment goes toward the interest and toward the end most of the payment goes to the capital.

Interest only repayment.
While this type of mortgage is not widely used in the United States, it is in the UK. Basically, in this type of mortgage, the capital isn't repaid through the term of the loan, instead, you make regular 'payments' to an investment account or plan that helps you to build up a large lump sum that will in turn repay the mortgage completely at the end of the loan. This is usually referred to as an investment-backed mortgage or as any of these types of mortgages: ìPersonal Equity Plan Mortgage, ìIndividual Savings Account Mortgage, or a pension mortgage. So, when you hear any of these terms, you will know what the mortgage broker is talking about. These types of mortgages offer some great tax advantages, so just ask your mortgage broker about them.

No interest or capital payments.
If you are an older person, this might be the way for you to go. Some mortgage companies offer a mortgage that is usually referred to as a reverse mortgage, lifetime mortgage or an equity release mortgage, it just depends on where you live and where the mortgage company is located. Basically this type of mortgage is just compounded each year, with the interest rolled up into the capital. The only problem is that the debt increases each year that the mortgage is open. One of the reasons that these loans are meant for older people is that they are not usually repaid until the borrowers pass away.

There are also several other, less common, ways of repaying your mortgage you will just need to check with your lender to see what types of payment plans and options they offer before you sign your mortgage paperwork. You might be able to get a better payment plan by going with a less conventional way of repayment.

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Snow Sells Houses - Winter home-staging

(VMS Source) As our favorite flowers get buried under the snow and the shrubs shed their greenery, it is all too easy for your house and front yard to blend in with all the other white places in your area. But when your house is on the market it is advantageous to have it defined and noticeable, looking like the pick of the bunch.

This is not so difficult to achieve, selling your home in the winter does have some seasonal advantages that can help your home appeal to a prospective buyer. By spending only a few dollars, you can transform your home into a Christmas card scene!

As your buyer turns into your street, he/she will already be assessing your home strictly from the outside view. For this reason, you will want the exterior of your home to look uncluttered. Remove all kid's bikes, hockey nets, etc. Be sure that you park your family vehicles in the neighbor's driveway, (ask first!) or around the corner. This will ensure that the buyer's first impression of your home will also include your garage doors and driveway. A spacious front yard gives a feeling of more privacy, so strive for this.

Be sure to remove all garbage cans and recycle bins from sight. This is critical if you have steps to negotiate when they are put out. Try to minimize any shortfalls that your property may have.

Another first impression for night viewings will be the light streaming out of your windows, making the home look welcoming - or not. A bright white light and a full view of the interior would not be desirable.

You do not want them assessing the interior when they should be admiring the exterior. From the outside you want to evoke a warm welcome into the home and a suggestion of coziness can easily be achieved.

However, first things first, make sure the windows are sparkling clean; this will be especially beneficial for day-time viewings when you want all the natural light to flood in.

For the evening viewings, place an amber or pink light bulb in at least one of your lamps, to give a warm ambience to your room. Keep the lighting low at first; once the bell rings you can add more lighting.

Another spot for lighting is the front door and this can also be a tinted bulb for a warmer welcome. Make sure that the front door bell works and that the door does not stick! Once something does not work, the buyer wonders what else is wrong with the house.

As most of the blooms in your yard are gone, it may look a little austere. Do you have any decorative pathways that can be swept to reveal their pattern? Of course the walkways will be shoveled free of snow, but if you actually sweep them with a yard broom, it will reveal the patterning and colors that you may have.

As you are trying to show your home to its best advantage, you may think about removing the shoveled snow to the back yard. If you want the Christmas card view, you can't have heaps of dirty snow piled up! Do be ultra sure that there are no slippery spots.

Discuss with your realtor whether or not to add accessories. For instance, would a few large pots of berry bushes look good grouped on the front lawn? Would the front door benefit from a three foot fir tree in a pot on each side of it?

Your walkways will be further enhanced by lamps placed along it, these are very reasonable and push into the ground in seconds. The snow will reflect the lamp glow and add to the curb appeal of your home.

Once you have gone to all this trouble, just hope that a blizzard does not arrive with the buyers!

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Allergies And Clean Air

(VMS Source) Allergies are caused by exposure to pollution of either a particulate form such as pollen or a chemical form such as polyvinylchloride. The results of exposure to a pollutant to which the body is allergic vary dramatically. Hayfever with a few sneezes in the morning is a mild reaction while Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can completely debilitate a sufferer. So, what can be done to reduce the symptoms from these allergies? The answer is a lot.

While this article addresses the use of portable air purifiers, the first layer in a plan to reduce allergic symptoms must be to eliminate the source of the pollution. An air purifier is typically not able to keep up with an active source. So, for instance, while a good home air purifier can reduce the smell and particulates from a cigar, it will not be effective while a cigar is being smoked. Secondly, surfaces and materials that might harbor the pollutant such as rugs, walls, light bulbs, drapery, and upholstery must be cleaned or eliminated from the environment. All of these items will continue to return the pollutant to the environment. Thirdly, if there is a forced air system in the home or office the filter must be changed regularly and duct cleaning should be considered in older homes and offices. Often these first steps remove the pollutant and the allergy sufferer finds relief without the use of an air purifier.

All of the effective air purifier technologies are simple. There is a box with a fan and some system, either electronic or mechanical, that removes pollutants from the airflow that is passing though the box. The real key to understanding how to use an air purifier is to remember that only the air that goes though the box gets cleaned. So, if you have a very long room you may be better with two small air purifiers at either end rather than one large unit in the middle. Think logically and remember how these devices work.

The technology that you should employ is determined by what type of pollutant you are trying to remove. Adsorption media such as activated carbon or zeolite will remove chemical pollutants, HEPA and electronic technologies will remove particulates, and UV technology will disable microorganisms. Typically these technologies are used in combination.

Pollen is a particulate pollutant and is best addressed with either a HEPA system or an electronic system. HEPA is highly effective but the filters must be changes on an interval that varies from 6-months to 5-years depending on the manufacturer. Electronic filter elements do not need to be changed but must be washed regularly to remain effective. Both of these technologies are usually combined with an activated carbon filter. These vary from pounds of media to a then mat. Since pollen is a particulate we do not need to worry about the activated carbon but do not expect much from the activated carbon mats. They do not offer enough exposure time to be effective at removing chemicals or odors.

Microorganisms are often a concern for those that have weak or damaged immune systems including the very young and elderly. The most effective way to address the spread of microorganisms is the use of UV light in the air purifier. This light affects the DNA of the organism and at least keeps it from reproducing but more often kills it. UV light is typically employed in conjunction with HEPA technology so that the air is clean of particulates that would shade the microorganisms from the UV radiation.

Chemicals are removed from the air via a process known as adsorption. A media is used such as activated carbon that has tremendous surface area. As the chemicals encounter the media they adhere to the media and coat it, thus removing the chemicals from the air. While activated carbon is a good general purpose media, there are other mixtures that have been created by the air purifier companies that address specific compounds. Therefore, if you know which compounds you are targeting for removal it is best to communicate this with the firm to get the proper mixture to address your issue. Much like UV, HEPA is usually used in combination with the adsorbing media. This assures that the media does not become clogged with particulate pollution and made less effective.

In summary, the first defense against airborne allergens to remove the source of the allergen and anything that will retain the allergen. Secondly, pick a technology that is effective with the specific allergen that is the issue. Thirdly apply air purifiers in such a way as to maximize the air that is going though the unit.

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Aerobic Benefits and History

(VMS Source) Aerobic Benefit: The word ‘aerobic’ means “with oxygen”. Researchers consistently recommend that regular physical activity with healthy eating habits is the most efficient way to keep yourself fit and control your body weight. Aerobic activity helps you to control or reduce your weight by using excess calories that otherwise would be stored as fat. Everything you do uses the calories including sleeping, digesting food and breathing. Any physical activity to what you normally do will use extra calories. So doing regular aerobic exercise gives you a sense of positive attitude that helps to counteract stress. Aerobic activity increases the body’s production of endorphins.

Benefits of aerobics: * The heart works more efficient and becomes more stronger. * It helps to control your weight. * Reduces the risk in developing diabetes, obesity and any heart disease. * There is an increase in good cholesterol and decrease in bad cholesterol. * It increases endorphins. * Increases the body’s ability to take in oxygen and makes you breathe faster. * It helps to reduce and control the body fat. * Improves the body muscle strength and flexibility. * Improves the quality of sleep that freshens you early next morning. * Helps to avoid chronic diseases like heart disease and hypertension. * Aerobics increases the resistance fatigue and gives you more energy. * Improves your mood and reduces depression, stress and anxiety. * It avoids overheating. * Aerobics pumps the blood faster and more forcefully. * Helps in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. * Builds the muscular strength and makes your body more flexible. * Helps to reduce blood pressure. * Prevents from certain types of cancer also. In short aerobics burns your fat. Aerobics makes you live longer and live healthier and happier. It builds up a positive attitude in you and changes your perception of looking towards life.

Regular aerobic exercises will force the heart to gradually enlarge and it is important to always target your heart rate.

Here safety is first: Vigorous aerobic routine can cause sprains and injuries. So never neglect the pain and immediately consult your doctor. If you have any medical concerns the consult your doctor and then start the routine. If a problem like dizziness, vomiting, back pain or any other arises consult your doctor and then continue the aerobic activity. Aerobic history: “Origin of the way ending in a fit and healthy world”

Aerobics is nothing but a system of exercises to help prevent coronary artery diseases which was first put forwarded by a physician called Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper in San Antonio air force hospital in Texas. Shortly after the publishing of cooper’s book about the exercise system, Aerobics in 1968, a person known as Jackie Sorenson developed a series of dance routines known as the aerobic dance to considerably improve the cardiovascular fitness. In this way aerobic dance and other form of exercises gain existence and made its way cautiously among the masses all over United States and many other counties and that too in a very short span of around two decades. The number of aerobics participant in the US alone raises from an estimated 6 million in 1978 to 19 million in 1987. Thus from the above lines one can easily see the tremendous popularity of aerobics among the people around the world.

Something about sport aerobics

Howard and Karen Schwartz are the two persons who developed a very new and competitive sport known as sportaerobics in the year 1983. Their group organization called the sport fitness international holds the credit of organizing the first national aerobic championship in the year 1984. Sportaerobics at the beginning, started featuring competition in four categories namely individual male and female, mixed pairs and trio which have the facility to include any of the three athletes. In the year 2002 the competition was upgraded to a group of six athletes. The judgment of the competitors is done on a one minute, forty-five seconds routine done to music. Judges choose two criteria namely the artistic merit and the technical merit with an overall 10 pints each. In 1996 sportaerobics is formally adopted as a Gymnastique discipline.

Growth of aerobics since the early years

Aerobics since the day of its introduction is growing at a tedious pace. All sorts of people are finding aerobics to be convenient and helpful in maintaining a fit and healthy body structure. Today the present scenario is such that every person in between a heavy work schedule makes out atleast half an hour to work out either in the gym or in the home. Every one today stress on the need to stay healthy and hence aerobics and all its form of exercises are rapidly gaining popularity.

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Safe Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking

(VMS Source) With countless individuals hooked to cigarette smoking, it's no wonder many are overwhelmed with products and programs that would supposedly help smokers quit their addiction. It's no surprise that many smokers who want to kick the habit are also trying alternative methods to help them achieve their goal. Acupuncture and aromatherapy are some of some forms of alternative medicine that are used by many individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking. Understanding these methods are essential in a smoker's goal to quit the habit.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which is commonly used to beat addictions which may include smoking. It is said that acupuncturists use thin needles to activate the body's “qi” or health energy. Nourishing the “qi” which supposedly flows through the body through defined pathways called meridians is the main focus of acupuncture. According to Chinese medicine, addiction like smoking may hamper the flow of the “qi” and lead to illness. Recent medical studies suggest that this form of ancient treatment may indeed help an individual quit smoking. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins or endogenous morphins are the body's natural pain killer which may also soothe nicotine cravings. Many medical experts recommend this method for individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking.

Aromatherapy is also an ancient form of medicine that originated from Egyptian and Roman cultures. In those times, plant oils as well as flowers were used for medicinal as well as fragrant purposes. It is said that the scent of essential oils may enable the lymphatic system, nervous system, and circulatory system to work properly. When this is achieved, the mind and the body may function at optimum levels and relieve stress in the process. According to many studies, many individuals smoke to relieve feelings of stress. Relieving stress through alternative means such as aromatherapy may aid individuals who want to cut the habit.

The said benefits of alternative medicine in terms of quitting cigarette smoking are not conclusive and need more studies to be verified. Individuals who want to engage in alternative methods to quit smoking should seek the approval of doctors before taking them. Some so-called alternatives have not been properly tested for safety and effectiveness. Some essential oils used in aromatherapy may cause bleeding in the uterus and cause miscarriage.

Alternative medication cannot do all the work for individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking. The best and effective way to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Engaging in alternative methods can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes.

If this form of medication does not work, smokers may also use scientifically proven over-the-counter products and prescription drugs that are designed to quit smoking. Quit smoking products are available in pills, patches, gums, and many more. These products, however, should be used with extreme caution because of the side effects that they may bring. The approval of doctors should be sought before taking quit smoking products. With the right tools and attitude, quitting cigarette smoking can be achieved permanently.

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(VMS Source) When selling your home, you have to get the word out to buyers in the area. The Internet is a great method for doing that, but traditional methods are really the way to go.

Getting The Word Out About Your Open House

Part of the selling process for a home is conducting open houses. Many sellers cringe at the idea, but having an open house viewing is vital. Sooner or later, you have to let buyers actually walk though the house. Consider it a necessary evil, but it is the single best way to find a buyer. Indeed, the process is so important that many sellers now employee home staging professionals to whip their houses into shape before the showing.

Part and parcel to an open house are those signs you see all over the neighborhood each weekend. Are they tacky? Yes. Do you really need to put them up all over the neighborhood? Yes. Do they work? Yes! These signs are simply critical when it comes to getting buyers to your home.

Once you have committed to conducting an open house for potential buyers, you need to get the word out. While there are lots of interesting strategies to do this, tradition carries the day in this area. So, where do you get signage and where do you post them.

You can purchase signs at most hardware stores including Home Depot, Lowes or your favorite place to buy supplies for weekend projects. Do not buy one. You want to canvas your area with multiple signs, so plan how many you need before going to the store.

The number and placement of signs is entirely dependent on your neighborhood. Obviously, you want to place them on the corners on both ends of your street. Make sure to ask neighbors if this okay to avoid any nasty comments.

In addition to your street, you want to place signs on the corners of any major intersections around your neighborhood. If you just place signs on your street, you are limiting your exposure. You want to sell the home, which means you need to get the signs out where lots of people will see them. This means major intersections as far as five or six blocks away.

Marketing homes for sale has been revolutionized over the last few years. Planting signs around your neighborhood, however, is still the best way to get word out in your neighborhood.

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(VMS Source) When house hunting, many buyers make the mistake of waiting to contact a lender until after they have located their dream home. As a buyer, you will be in a much stronger position with a seller if you are pre-approved.

Pre-Approval Letter

To effectively house hunt, you must know the amount you can borrow from a lender. There is nothing worse than find your dream home, but failing to qualify for the amount you need for a loan. Avoid this by asking your lender to pull your credit information and to let you know what needs to be done to get a pre-approval letter. If you are going to have problems with getting a loan, it is better to know about it as early as possible.

Sometimes buyers resist contacting lenders because it?s not the enjoyable part of home buying and they?re afraid an extra credit check will reduce their credit score. This resistance is penny wise and pound foolish. Buyers who get their loan arrangements lined up at the beginning of the house buying process are really doing themselves a favor.

Much of the country is experiencing a hot, sellers? market. It is not unusual for a seller to get more than one offer on the same day. If that happens to you, your pre-approved status can give you an edge over the competition. In fact, it can make a seller choose you over another bidder.

Presenting Your Letter to a Seller

When you tell the seller you want to buy their property, give them a copy of your pre-approval letter. They will probably recognize the value of the letter, but don?t depend on this assumption. Make sure the seller realizes the loan is already approved.

As you give the seller the letter, explain to them that you are serious about making the transaction go smoothly and, for that reason, you have already been through most of the loan application process. Point out that the lender has pulled your credit info and you?ve provided copies of W-2s, pay stubs, and all the other things the lender needed to decide that you do qualify for a loan. Tell the seller that the only remaining thing to do is to give the lender a copy of the contract that you and the seller sign, and the property needs to appraise for an appropriate amount.

Taking this approach puts you in a very strong position. The seller knows you are not just wishing; you are capable of buying his property. One of a seller?s worst nightmares is signing a contract with someone, taking his property off the market, wasting time and then finding out that the would-be buyer cannot get a loan. On the other hand, you and your pre-approval letter are dreams come true.

Put on your shining armor and get pre-approved by a lender. Once you have the letter in hand, get out there and find your dream home.

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(VMS Source) In today's real estate market there is a lot of uncertainty. The sub-prime mortgage crisis is the buzz word phrase that has a lot of people talking. One lesson that can be learned from this situation, is that it is so important for prospective homeowners to know what they are getting themselves into. Buying a home can be stressful, and overwhelming, but knowing what you are signing on for is paramount to securing an investment that will serve you well. A little education can go a long way. Below is a glossary of key terms associated with all things real estate. If you are a "newbie", familiarize yourself with these as you begin your real estate search:

We'll begin in the middle of the alphabet with "M" words, as "mortgages" seem to be the hot topic these days.

Mortgage: is a lien on the property that secures the Promise to repay a loan. A loan to finance the purchase of real estate, usually with specified payment periods and interest rates.

Mortgage broker: Is a professional who works for a firm that originates and processes loans for a number of lenders.

Mortgage banker: Is a company that originates loans and resells them to secondary mortgage lenders such as:Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac."Who????", you ask. Just, read on.

Fannie Mae: Is a sort of acronym which stands for Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA); a federally-chartered enterprise owned by private stockholder. This enterprise purchases residential mortgages and converts them into securities for sale to investors;by purchasing mortgages, Fannie Mae supplies funds that lenders may loan to potential home buyers.

Freddie Mac: Is another acronym of sorts is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLM); a federally-chartered corporation that purchases residential mortgages, coverts them into securities,and sells them to investors, providing lenders with funds for new home buyers.

Mortgage insurance: Is a policy that protects lenders against some or most of the losses that can occur when a borrower defaults on a mortgage loan. Mortgage insurance is required primarily for borrowers with a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price.

ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage is a mortgage loan subject to changes in interest rates. When rates adjust, ARM monthly payments increase or decrease at intervals determined by the lender. The change in monthly -payment amount, however, is usually subject to a Cap. "What is Cap in this case?", you ponder. Again, just read on...

Cap: Is a limit, such as that placed on an adjustable rate mortgage, on how much a monthly payment or interest rate can increase or decrease.

Assumable mortgage: Is a mortgage that can be transferred from a seller to a buyer; once the loan is assumed by the buyer the seller is no longer responsible for repaying it; there may be a fee and/or a credit package involved in the transfer of an assumable mortgage.

Amortization: Is the repayment of a mortgage loan through monthly installments of principal and interest. The monthly payment amount is based on a schedule that will allow you to own your home at the end of a specific time period.

Appraisal: Is a document that gives an estimate of a property's fair market value; an appraisal is generally required by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property.

Balloon Mortgage: Is a mortgage that typically offers low rates for an initial period of time, after the said time period elapses, the balance is due or is refinanced by the borrower.

Bankruptcy: Is a federal law whereby a person's assets are turned over to a trustee and used to pay off outstanding debts. This typically occurs when someone owes more than they have the ability to repay.

Building code: Is based on a set of agreed upon safety standards within a specific area. A building code is a regulation that determines the design,construction, and materials used in building.

Credit bureau score: a number representing the likelihood a borrower may default. This number is based upon credit history and is used to determine ability to qualify for a mortgage loan.

Debt-to-income ratio: a comparison of gross income to housing and non-housing expenses. With the FHA, the-monthly mortgage payment should be no more than 29% of monthly gross income (before taxes) and the mortgage payment combined with non-housing debts should not exceed 41% of income.

EEM: Is short for an Energy Efficient Mortgage. This is an FHA program that helps home buyers save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy efficiency features to a new or existing home as part of the home purchase

Fair Housing Act: Is a law that prohibits discrimination in all facets of the home buying process on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Home Inspection: Is an examination of the structure and mechanical systems to determine a home's safety; makes the potential home buyer aware of any repairs that may be needed.

Interest rate: Is the amount of interest charged on a monthly loan payment. This is usually expressed as a percentage.

Lease purchase: This exits to assist low- to moderate-income home buyers in purchasing a home. It allows them to lease a home with an option to buy. The rent payment is made up of the monthly rental payment plus an additional amount that is credited to an account for use as a down payment.

Lien: Is a legal claim against property that must be satisfied When the property is sold

PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. These are the four elements of a monthly mortgage payment. The payments of principal and interest go directly towards repaying the loan while the portion that covers taxes and insurance goes into an escrow account to cover the fees when they are due.

Pre-qualify: This is when a lender informally determines the maximum amount an individual is eligible to borrow.

Pre-payment: This is a payment of the mortgage loan before the scheduled due date; maybe Subject to a prepayment penalty.

Principal: The amount borrowed from a lender. The principal doesn't include interest or additional fees.

Real estate agent: Is an individual who is licensed to negotiate and arrange real estate sales; works for a real estate broker.

REALTOR ®: Is a real estate agent or broker who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, and its local and state associations.

Refinancing: Means paying off one loan by obtaining another. refinancing is generally done to secure better loan terms such as a lower interest rate on a loan.

Rehabilitation mortgage: Is a mortgage that covers the costs of rehabilitating (repairing or Improving) a property. Some rehabilitation mortgages, allow a borrower to roll the costs of rehabilitation and home purchase into one mortgage loan.

Sweat equity: Using your own labor to build or improve a property as part of the down payment

Title insurance: This is insurance that protects the lender against any claims that arise from arguments about ownership of the property;also available for home buyers.

Title search: Is a check of public records to be sure that the seller is the recognized owner of the real estate and that there are no unsettled liens or other claims against the property.

Of course, there are many more terms and different types of mortgage situations to explore and educate yourself on. But, the above definitions are a good start toward becoming acquainted with the language, lingo and important concepts in real estate.

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(VMS Source) If you?ve been thinking of selling your investment house or your home, you should make sure that you take full advantage of home staging trends. There are several advantages to home staging trends, which we will take a look at below.

One of the best things about staged homes is that they sell in less time. This is great news for sellers, as these types of homes will sell really fast. In most cases, you won?t have to worry about your home staying on the market for a long period of time. Research has shown that staged homes sell nearly 40% faster than other homes on the market.

Staged homes also sell for more money. Homes that have sat on the market for a long period of time will normally get lower offers due to the fact that home buyers will begin to think there is something wrong with the home. Staged homes on the other hand, don?t sit on the market for long at all. Once they are listed, they pretty much draw attention to themselves - resulting in a fast sale.

A staged exterior will also draw viewers. When home buyers first arrive at a home that is up for sale, they instantly make up their mind whether they should get out and look around, or drive off. If the yard is staged with flowers and the yard is manicured and properly taken care of, chances are that buyers will want to see more. If you entice your buyers by showing them how nice the home is outside, they will surely want to know what the home is like on the inside as well.

Once a buyer has stepped inside of the home, he will know within a matter of seconds whether or not he likes the home. To get the buyer?s attention, you?ll need to stage your home to the buyer?s liking. You don?t want the buyer to feel rushed or get the wrong impression, which is why you should always set the stage and entice the buyer to take his time and get a good look at the home.

Staging the living rooms and kitchens will also help to sell the home. Buyers love living rooms, which is why you should always make sure that the living room is the center piece of your home, and decorate it accordingly. Kitchens on the other hand, is where you should really go all out, decorating with fruit and such. You should always make sure that everything is in place as well. Buyers love to see homes that are ready to move into - and not ready to be worked on.

Staged homes will also attract more real estate agents and get more advertising as well. If a real estate agent loves your home, he will want to show it off. If you stage your home, chances are that real estate agents will eat it up. When they do, they will advertise your home more than others, just to get you some deserved attention. This way, you can benefit from a lot of exposure at absolutely no extra cost.

There?s no other way to look at it, other than staged homes sell. They attract more buyers, more real estate agents, and they give people the feeling of home. When you go out of your way to make the buyer feel that your home is his dream home, he will know it. Homes that aren?t staged may sell, although staged homes sell much faster and for more money. If you?ve been looking to sell your home, you should look into staging it and get the ball rolling in the right direction.

Other new trends to watch for in the marketplace include mortgages that can be automatically converted into reverse mortgages and longer fixed-rate term mortgages.

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(VMS Source) You?re ready to put your home or land (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, farm, ranch, finished lot, raw land, etc.) on the market as a FSBO (for sale by owner). You?ve priced your property appropriately and gotten it ready to show. How are you going to market it so that it gets exposure to enough potential buyers to actually sell?

Signs

In some parts of the county, the real estate market is so hot that you need do little more than buy a ?for sale by owner? sign at the nearest hardware store. Simply put it in a prominent position on the front of your house and stand back.

In other areas, a great deal more marketing is needed, but a ?for sale by owner? sign is a good place to start. Directional signs (?home for sale? with an arrow) at intersections leading the way to your property are useful, too, if your location lends itself to that.

Classified Ads

A classified ad in your local newspaper is a good idea and is generally not expensive. A short ad repeated a number of times is apt to be more effective than a long ad run once, or only a few, times.

Bulletin Boards/Posters

Are there bulletin boards where you work? In neighborhood shops and restaurants? At your church? Any place you, or members of your family, frequent that has something like a bulletin board is a good place to post notices of your property?s availability. If you have the use of a digital camera and a computer, you might want to do a one-page poster with several photos of your house, a description and contact information. Consider having tear-off strips at the bottom with your phone number repeated on each strip.

Magazines & Community Publications

You may want to check the cost of putting an ad in ?For Sale By Owner? type magazines. Most communities have such magazines and you don?t have to be a realtor to buy an ad.

Brochures

Brochures or one-page flyers can also be a useful method for marketing your home. You can use the same one you made for bulletin boards or you can expand on it a bit. Use more photos, have captions under them identifying the rooms, garden areas, tennis court, community club, pool and other benefits to buying your home.

There are several things you can do to get your brochures in front of the public. You can buy a brochure holder (typically, a plastic box with a hinged lid on a stick which gets ?planted? in the ground near the curb in front of your home) from the hardware store. Plant it in a prominent place in front of your home and keep it stocked with brochures.

Don?t get annoyed when ?noisy neighbors? pick up your brochures. Your neighbors can afford homes priced similarly to yours. They probably have family and friends whom they?d enjoy as neighbors who can afford this price range, too. Smile when you see a neighbor picking up a brochure; another marketing ambassador is on its way.

Also keep a supply of brochures in your home to give to prospective buyers who come to look at it. People looking for a new home usually look at a more than one property, and can get overwhelmed with too many properties. ?Is this the one with the built-in book cases or was it the one across town?? The house whose best features go with them via a brochure with color photos and salient information is memorable. Buyers tend to write contract offers on properties they remember and can visualize.

Consider taking your brochures to your peers at work. After all, you find it convenient to live in your home and work there; might your associates know someone who?d find it a similarly pleasant arrangement? Ask them.

Internet

There are several Internet sites on which FSBOs may list their properties for sale. Some of these permit sellers to include photos, information about ?Open Houses? they?re holding, etc. Prices for this service varies. Try fsboamerica.org or go to your favorite search engine and check out a few.

Open Houses

That brings up the notion of ?Open Houses.? In many areas, sales frequently take place because of an Open House attended by potential buyers. If you are in a location with good traffic, an open house can be an excellent tool. You can promote your Open House in any, or all, of the venues we?ve discussed above. It?s also often effective to install an Open House sign with helium balloons tied on with bright ribbons on the day of the Open House.

Whether you use a realtor or sell your home on your own, marketing it is going to be the key to getting a quick sale. It takes some time and access to a few tools, but most sellers can put together a successful marketing program.

Other new trends to watch for in the marketplace include mortgages that can be automatically converted into reverse mortgages and longer fixed-rate term mortgages.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(VMS Source) Gathering the funds is one of the first steps of getting ready to buy a house. Few of us have sufficient ready cash to help us purchase real estate. Thus, we have to study the various options that mortgage dealers have on offer. These days, people have access to a number of great options.

However, the best and most popular of these has to be the mortgage. It is not too difficult to get hold of a mortgage in the fast expanding mortgage markets. You could be looking to purchase a house or you could be interested in refinancing or in clearing an existing debt. Whatever your need, you should be able to find a mortgage that will be perfect for. Some of the steps that should be followed while choosing the right mortgage are given below:

1. Gather Information:

Obtain as much information as possible from the various lenders. You need to know what their terms and conditions are. Also check about the rates of interest that are applicable on the mortgage. Ask about how you can repay the loan. Some lenders might offer mortgages at a low rate of interest with a long repayment period. This will be suitable if you require time to repay the loan. If you are unfamiliar with the jargon that is usually thrown around, employ the services of a mortgage broker to hold your hand through the entire thing.

If you are taking the help of newspaper advertisements, read all the terms and conditions. Some details pertaining to charges like redemption penalties might just miss your eye. If you are taking the help of a broker, make sure that you find out what his fees are at the very outset. Also, ensure that you get information on the various penalties that mortgage seekers should be aware of.

2. Advance and Down Payments:

Most lenders insist on a down payment of anywhere between 10 and 20 percent of the cost of the property. The remainder of the cost shall be provided by the loan, and can be repaid in installments over a period of several years. You could ask the lender about any flexible payment options they may have. One could also look at the option of paying the down payment itself in smaller installments.

3. Compare and Study:

Before deciding on which mortgage company you are going to deal with, make sure you study the various companies in the market. By doing this, you will be able to find out who is offering the best deal. This will also help you to sift out the genuine lenders from the frauds. This will become especially important if you are dealing with a relatively obscure lender. You would not want to get into any legal messes. Do business with a well-known lender.

4. Get It in Writing:

When entering into any kind of agreement, insist on putting down all the terms and conditions writing. The written document will be your proof should the situation arise where the lender goes back on his word.

Other new trends to watch for in the marketplace include mortgages that can be automatically converted into reverse mortgages and longer fixed-rate term mortgages.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(VMS Source) The home selling and buying process can be confusing. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It?s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts through what stays in the house or condo when it?s sold.

Attachments ? Literally!

In most states, the term ?attached? takes on a unique meaning in real estate. Essentially, it boils down to this, ?If it?s attached to the real estate, it?s no longer personal property.? Practically speaking, anything attached to the home stays with it when ownership is transferred. Applying this concept, it?s easy to see why chandeliers, doorknobs and kitchen cabinets stay.

To determine whether something stays or goes, focus on the attachment issue. Plants can often be a confusing item. Generally, it they are planted in the ground, they stay. If they are in planters, they go. With other items, just look to see if they are attached to the property.

I Am Seller ? Hear Me Roar!

If you?re a seller, you?ve probably spent a good bit of time and effort on the property. What if you want to take a few attached items with you? Can you legally keep it? What if you?re thinking, ?That fixture hanging over the breakfast table has a real Tiffany shade? It was a wedding present from Aunt Elizabeth. I?m keeping it!?

Keep your shirt on. There are a couple of ways that typically work when you want to keep an item or two of this sort. The first is to simply state in your offering ?blah, blah, and blah do not convey.? (If it really matters, call an attorney to get the language right) This approach has one drawback. Human nature being acquisitive as it is, your buyer will probably immediately want at least two and the items will become a bone of contention.

There is a better way to deal with this situation. Before putting you home on the market, remove all items that have become attached to the real estate. Buy another hanging lamp, hang it and pack your Tiffany lamp. Do that for all items of this sort. Be sure to replace each with something attractive and do it well enough that it?s not obvious that a change has been made. When prospective buyers look at your home, everything they see will stay with the home. You are happy, they are happy, everyone is happy! Life is good.

Analyze your home for attachments before you put it on the market. You wouldn?t want to make Aunt Elizabeth angry by losing the wedding present she gave you.

(Sign up for your FREE monthly e-issue of the LifeandHomes Magazine. There is No-cost, No-obligation. Each monthly issue features informational articles, local real estate listings and our exclusive "Ask the Expert" business directory where you can find local resources to answer your how-to questions. Just Click on the FREE Magazine Tab at the top of this page)

(VMS Source) Welcome to the home buying market! This is an exciting time to be purchasing a home, with an array of new homes coming onto the market these is some excellent value to be found. All it takes is a little time and effort in looking and you can find your dream home for a dream price. But you should always be a smart buyer. There are those out there that will take advantage of someone who is eager to buy so, if you do your homework; the deals will follow.

The first thing you should do is get your finances in order. This involves finding out your credit score, fixing any outstanding issues affecting your credit, ensuring that these are properly released from your report, and finally securing your mortgage before you start looking. When I say secure your finances I do mean being pre-approved fully, this is different from a pre-qualification in that a pre-qualification does not "secure" you any amount of money, it is simply a judgment of whether or not you qualify to receive a mortgage.

Next, start working with a realtor that knows the area you are looking to buy in. This is a huge step so be prepared to move from merely wanting a home, to actively looking for one. Sit down with your realtor and make a list of things you require in a home. This is a list of those things that you can absolutely not be without. Once this is compiled, then list the things that you would like. With these lists ready, its time to start looking at homes. Your realtor should be able to provide you with a complete list of homes that fit your criteria, and some that come close. Also, they will be able to guide you to properties that fit your pre-approved mortgage amount.

After finding a home or homes that suit you make sure to have a certified inspector take a thorough look through the home. Have them check all questionable areas of the home. Don't forget to have the inspector check for mold as this is something that is often overlooked. If the home passes the inspection than carry on with the offer if you are so inclined. If it doesn't then either continue shopping, or utilize the necessary repairs as a bargaining point. Usually you should be able to have the cost of these repairs deducted from the cost of the home. Its a good idea to bring in your own contractor or expert to get these estimates. By doing this you know that everything is above board.

Buying a home is a huge process and one that you must be careful to handle with all due care and attention. Such an important investment can benefit you financially for years to come as well as providing safety and financial security. Don't sell yourself short on what you buy as your home. After all, your family deserves the best don't they?