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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More