Owning a Home Is Still the
American Dream
 The housing market has been volatile in the past few years. Prices have tumbled, foreclosures and short sales are crowding the market, and mortgages are hard to come by. Would anyone still consider a home a good investment?
As it turns out, most Americans believe that owning a home is a great investment. In a recent survey commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)... Read More
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Should You Refinance Now?
 With interest rates plummeting to historic lows, the thought of refinancing can be tempting, but is it the best option? There's no blanket answer that fits everyone. Each homeowner needs to assess his own situation to determine whether refinancing makes sense.
Interest Rates Are at Historic Lows
Current data shows 30 year fixed rates hovering around 4.5% and 15 year fixed rates at about 3.5%. These rates won't likely last long... Read More
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Improve Your Landscape and Lower
Your Water Bills
Courtesy of ARA Content
 You turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth and installed low-flow toilets and showerheads – but your outdated irrigation system could be undermining your efforts to save water.
The average American household uses 30 percent or more of its water outdoors in landscaping. Bigger users might be closer to 70 percent in some cases, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection... Read More |
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5 Tips When Painting Your Home's Exterior to Add Value
 A fresh coat of paint can transform a shabby house into a warm, attractive home, increasing its curb appeal. If you're moving into a new home, a good exterior paint job lets you stamp your personality onto your residence. And when it comes time to sell, your fresh-looking home will immediately tempt prospective buyers. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of painting your home's exterior.
1. Use Professionals
Painting your home is not the time to indulge your DIY impulse, unless you're truly handy or have prior experience with exterior painting. An amateur paint job will be obvious to even the... Read More |
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Begin Early to Make Moving Into Your Next House Less Hectic
 Moving into your next house can be a fun start to a new chapter in your life, but if you're not careful, it can also be an organizational nightmare. Prudent planning and clear communication will help you mastermind a stress-free move. Here's how:
1. Declutter Early and Often
Don't wait until the week before you move house to start trashing junk and donating treasures. It's never too early to declutter. To avoid burn-out, sort through your items in short bursts. Even 15 minutes a day gets you closer to readiness. If you have the energy, you might make some spare change by selling items on eBay or Craigslist... Read More |
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