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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12
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 12, 2014

Results from a Federal Reserve survey of senior bank loan officers indicated that lenders have held the line on prime lending standards and have raised standards for sub-prime and non-traditional home loans. Survey respondents represented 74 U.S. banks and 23 foreign banks. Survey respondents also said that demand for mortgage loans was lower; this could be an unintentional result of tight credit standards for mortgage loans. Analysts said that tight credit requirements and less demand for home loans could mean more trouble for the housing industry. Home Prices Rise In March, But At Slower Rate The annual rate of increase…
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09
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

DIY Play House: Easy Play House Designs Your Kids Will Love All Year Long

When it comes to creating a play house for your kids, you are limited only by your time, imagination, and to some degree, your budget. Most play house designs are constructed out of affordable wood products, and the plans are generally box-like in appearance. If you have the appropriate tools on hand, the project can take only a couple of weekends to construct. Whether you choose a simple "look out" fort or a fully gable-roofed design, your kids will thank you for years to come. Of course, the benefit to you is that they will have something to do to…
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08
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Protect Your Home When You’re On Vacation With These Five Simple Tips

When making plans for a fun-filled vacation, you shouldn't forget implementing certain home security measures to ward off thieves. Nobody wants to return home only to find that intruders had ransacked the residence from top to bottom. If you're going away on vacation, make sure you protect your home against break-and-enters with these five tips. Alarm Intruders With Audible Deterrence Measures Installing a professional home security alarm is one of the most cost-effective ways for people to protect their homes when they are away. Buying and setting up the right system will ensure that the proper authorities will be notified…
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07
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Vegetable Garden 101: Get The Kids Started On A Veggie Patch Project Today

Thinking about ways to engage your children in gardening and educational opportunities outside of the classroom? Creating your very own veggie patch with them is a great way to help them develop interest in the wonderful hobby of gardening! Growing a vegetable garden links together many concepts your children are learning about in school while teaching them the art of discipline, responsibility and delayed gratification. Here are some great tips on how to nurture this project with your children. Choose Pick-And Eat-Vegetables The joy of being able to eat the fruits of their labors straight out of the garden will…
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06
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Maximize Your Backyard’s Privacy With These Unique Ideas

If you're a homeowner, your backyard is probably a space where you look forward to spending private, quality time watching your children play or entertaining dinner guests. The privacy you and your family treasure could suddenly be put at risk if your neighbors finish renovations allowing them to see into your backyard, or if a tree that once hid your backyard from view needs to be removed. If you're looking to reclaim the privacy you've lost in your yard, here are some options you will want to consider. Your Property Line Is A Natural Barrier That You Can Use To…
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05
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 5, 2014

Last week's economic news included several reports related to housing and mortgages. The NAR started the week on a positive note with its Pending Home Sales Index released Monday. Pending home sales in March were higher with an unexpected increase of 3.40 percent over February for an index reading of 97.40. This is encouraging news for home sales that were severely affected by a hard winter in many areas, and suggests that as warmer weather approaches, home sales will pick up. Analysts do not expect the rapid rate of price appreciation seen in 2013. The Fed's tapering of its "quantitative…
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02
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

Not Sure If It’s A Boy Or A Girl? Stunning Gender Neutral Nursery Design Themes For 2014

When it's just about time to welcome a new family member into the home, you want to ensure that you're as prepared as you can be. If you're becoming a parent for the first time, being prepared for your baby's arrival is especially important. Just because you want to be prepared, however, doesn't mean you have to reveal your baby's gender if that's something you wish to keep a surprise. Here are some stunning gender neutral nursery designs for 2014. Purity And Peace: Shades Of White A design for a neutral gender nursery that is becoming increasingly popular is one…
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01
May
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

FOMC Noted Retail Sales In March Reached Highest Level Since September Of 2012

The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30. FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing. FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases The FOMC statement reflected members' concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its…
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30
Apr
By Lori Blank
Uncategorized

4 Places Real Estate Agents Say, “Don’t Go Cheap!”

As most real estate agents will tell you, remodeling, decorating or repairing your home can go a long way towards getting it sold. For that matter, it can add value to your property in case you want to sell later - that is, if you don't choose the wrong places to buy cheap: Windows - Never buy a window based on which one is cheapest. You want windows that look good, and, as most real estate agents will recommend, you want energy-efficient windows. During 2009 and 2010, you may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency of…
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