NHS When living in a small space such as a college dorm room or apartment, making the area comfortable and functional can be challenging. Here are some inexpensive yet effective ways for maximizing your small space. • Storage is the primary issue in a small space. You’ll need to be as efficient as possible, so take … Read more
Summertime means being outdoors, and being outdoors means one thing: dealing with mosquitoes. Wherever you live in the country, you face these summertime pests to one degree or another, and everyone knows how their presence can ruin a family’s summertime fun. While completely eradicating mosquitoes may be just a dream, there are some things you … Read more
It’s May 2011. Do you know where your safety standards are? That’s right, it’s Building Safety Month again, the annual fete of codes, safety and awareness sponsored by the International Code Council Foundation, or ICCF. Whether you’re a builder, a real estate agent, a homeowner, or a renter, this month-long safety focus provides the perfect … Read more
While married couples continue to make up nearly 60 percent of home buyers, over the last decade the number of single women buying homes has increased by 50 percent, accounting for 22 percent of all home sales. Single women households include those women who never married, as well as those who are divorced, single moms, … Read more
If you find it a little more difficult, for economic reasons, to take a vacation this summer you may be looking to spend time with friends and family at home. A nice evening with those you love in the backyard is a nice alternative provided your patio is updated with this summer’s trends. Some on … Read more
The current trend in home features is smaller, more intimate homes, as well as the disappearance of some of the home’s most traditional rooms. With lingering uncertainty about the economy, among other things, creating a shift in buyer priorities, homebuyers are refocusing on “green” homes (built as such from the start), as well as affordable … Read more
An important step during the home buying process is determining if you qualify for homeownership and how much home you can afford. Figuring out how much mortgage you can comfortably afford is somewhat difficult because different lenders use different criteria, but you can get a fairly good idea by looking at a few different factors: … Read more
Interest rates are on the rise. For those new home buyers and investors sitting on the fence, now might be the best chance to purchase or refinance while the rates are still low. The week ending November 18th posted the highest 30-year fixed interest rate in three months. According to the weekly survey from the … Read more
Greening your home and following simple energy-saving tips can save you up to 50 percent on your utility bills. Most items purchased to “green” your home are inexpensive and easy to install, and many of the following tips can be implemented in no time. Money & Energy Saving Purchases If you plan to make a … Read more
If you’re looking for a new way to add some beauty to your landscaping, you might want to think about a rock garden. A small rock garden can add a touch of something special, while a large one can be a defining part of your yard. Either way, there are a few steps you will … Read more