27
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 27, 2014

Last week's economic news was dominated by speeches given by Federal Reserve presidents, the minutes from April's FOMC meeting and commencement address given by Fed Chair Janet Yellen. The latest readings for new and existing home sales were also released. Federal Reserve Speeches Suggest Concerns Over Monetary Policy Dependence, Low Inflation Here are highlights of comments made by each of the Fed presidents' speeches. Richard Fisher, president of the Dallas Fed, and John Williams, President of the San Francisco Fed, spoke at a conference held at the Bush Institute. Mr. Fisher said that 98 percent of jobs lost during the…
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23
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

3 DIY Kitchen Upgrades That Will Boost Your Home Selling Price With Just A Few Hours Work

Homeowners who want to increase the appeal of their residence before putting it up for sale can, within a few hours and with a little elbow grease, perform some do-it-yourself (DIY) kitchen upgrades that are sure to pique the interest of would-be buyers. Many people either have or are in the process of listing their home, so it makes sense to do as much as possible to attract the interest of prospective purchasers. It need not cost a proverbial arm and a leg to boost the selling price of a home. Here are three DIY kitchen upgrades that will help…
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22
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

What’s In A Color? Six Paint Colors That Will Affect Your Mood

Believe it or not, paint colors can affect your mood. When remodeling your home, the color you use on the walls can end up being just as critical to the thematic consistency of your home as the furniture you use to decorate it. Before you slap any old color on the walls, take some time to consider what mood you'd like each room to inspire. Red, Yellow And Orange: The Colors Of Excitement, Hunger And Happiness Ever wonder why the dining rooms, kitchens and entertainment rooms you see in magazines always seem come in every shade of red? It's because…
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21
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

3 Surprising Spots in Your Home That Might Be Aggravating Your Allergies

Environmental allergens affect the way many people live their lives and clean their homes. Allergens make their way into our houses, and can settle in some unexpected places – but knowing where these irritants can hide can help you eliminate problematic allergens from your home. If your house has you sneezing and wheezing in every room, here are three allergy-triggering places where you wouldn't expect to find allergens in the home. 1. Allergens Lurking In Your Living Room Visitors to your home brings allergens with them. Allergens are easily transferred from your visitors onto your carpets and couches. Even if…
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20
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Four Signs You Have Mold In Your Attic, And What You Can Do About It, Now!

Signs of mold in your attic can be indicative of a bigger problem in your house, which is why it is a good idea to nip this situation in the bud as soon as you see it developing. The signs of this type of fungus can be quite diverse and sometimes unexpected, so it pays to understand exactly what to look for if you suspect you have mold in your attic. Here are the four signs that you have mold in your attic, as well as what you can do about it right now. Sign #1: You Spot Condensation In…
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19
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 19, 2014

Last week's economic news was relatively flat, but highlights include the NAHB Housing Market Index for May, which posted its lowest reading since May 2013. Although analysts expected a May reading of 48, the May 2014 index reading was 45 as compared to April's reading of 46. The NAHB reported that rising home prices and unpredictable job markets were factors in builders' loss of confidence. Although the economy is growing stronger, many would-be homebuyers remain skeptical of economic conditions and remain on the sidelines. NAHB: Stronger Builder Confidence Expected in Coming Months Builder confidence in market conditions for single family…
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16
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Which Type Of Pool Is Right For You? We Look At The Best Designs For Your Backyard

The decision to install a pool is generally one that is applauded by at least certain members of the family. Whether you have children or not, however, having a pool at home is certainly something you can enjoy for yourself. But what if you don't think your yard is particularly suited to a pool? Don't rule out the idea just yet; instead, consider some of these different pool designs to suit different sizes and styles of backyards. Make The Most Of Your Small Backyard For a relatively small backyard, you should always choose the right pool design that will ensure…
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15
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Creative Window Treatments That Will Totally Reinvent Your Home

There are a number of ways that you can improve the look and style of a room without having to spend an arm and a leg. Of course, painting and stenciling are the most affordable ways to bring new life and unique detail to an old room. But if you're intent on taking it to the next level, look no further than your windows. Your options are nearly unlimited when it comes to sprucing up your windows - and the great news is that with a little creativity, you can use many products that are relatively inexpensive to buy. Creativity…
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14
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Five Elegant Lighting Ideas That Will Transform Your Living Room

When it comes to selling your home, there are many measures you can take as a homeowner to increase its value and appeal. You can often accomplish this through something as simple as updating your home's light fixtures. Here are some easy lighting solutions you can bring into your home that will transform your living room, and make the space much more appealing to your prospective home buyers. Add A Chandelier For A Shimmery Focal Point Here’s how you can lend your living room an air of class that can't be paralleled: install a beautiful crystal chandelier. As something that…
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13
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Stop The Rot: The Easy Guide To Preventing Dry Rot In Your Home

Did you know that dry rot is ironically created from having too much moisture come in contact with wood? The fact is many homeowners are unaware that dry rot is even setting in, so the first step toward prevention is being able to diagnose possible areas of exposure before dry rot becomes a major renovation expense. Remember that dry rot to your foundation can be an extremely costly repair and will definitely figure prominently into the total value of your property when a house inspection is completed prior to a sale. As well, fungus and mold spores can affect the…
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