Archive for Uncategorized
Kitchen islands aren’t going away
Better Homes & Gardens The kitchen island is often the hub of the home, the place where family members and guests gather to eat and socialize. While the island’s function remains the same as it has been for years, its look and feel are changing. “Pare it down to the basics, and anything else is a great addition but not necessary,” says Samantha Emmerling, a senior editor at House Beautiful, as reported in the Chicago Tribune . She notes that since most homeowners want an area for prep, additional counter space, seating, and storage, the form of the actual island ought to follow its function.
Herb container gardening 101
Growing herbs does not require lots of space or raised beds. In fact, all you need is a container. Watch this Six Minute Style video with Susan Doherty, plant your own potted garden, and enjoy the fragrance and taste of herbs throughout the spring and summer months
What does a housing recovery look like?
Pundits and professionals give varying answers to the question of what a housing recovery looks like. According to the Housing Guru Blog , some see it as a return to the home values seen before the crash; others define it as the annual rate of over 8 million sales.
Happy Spring Cleaning
Household cleaning products may contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. A green household should have these natural products on hand — baking soda, borax, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, olive oil, vegetable-based liquid castille soap, and washing soda. Howdini.com demonstrates some uses of these ingredients and suggests natural substitutes for traditional cleaners. For those who don’t have the time or desire to become mixologists, environmentally friendly products are available for purchase
Will razing homes up property values?
The Obama Administration has its eye on Cleveland, where foreclosed and vacant homes are being razed to the ground. While bulldozing sounds like a radical idea, the premise behind it is to clear away the least-saleable homes in areas with a surplus of foreclosed inventory, thereby stabilizing property values. Some argue that there’s a market for rehabilitated land.
Stage the foyer
http://youtu.be/SAh1BEJOwXM
The road home
For some families, homeownership is part and parcel of the American dream. Is this true for you
Hats off to Thanksgiving chefs
http://youtu.be/UCyijVMynDY
Fixed rate loans dominate second quarter 2011
According to Freddie Mac’s Quarterly Product Transition Report , fixed-rate loans dominated 95 percent of all refinance loans in the second quarter of 2011. And more than one-third of borrowers who paid off a 30-year fixed rate loan opted for 15- or 20-year terms, marking the highest level since the third quarter of 2003. More than one-half of borrowers with a hybrid ARM also chose a fixed-rate loan
Use apps for your home search
When you’re looking for the perfect house, the smart phone is your personal assistant . Those who are new to the real estate market may need to get comfortable with the terminology. For quick reference, check out Dictionary of Real Estate Terms ($1.99 for the iPhone and iPad)
