After a sluggish winter, housing starts have jumped a whopping 20.2 percent in April, restoring themselves to what some are calling “recovery highs,” levels similar to November 2007. Housing start landed at a 1.14 million annualized rates, up from a 944,000 pace in March, the highest it has been in 7 years, according to a… Continue Reading
Did you know a home break-in occurs every 15 seconds? Considering summertime is peak season for home burglaries, there’s no better time than the present to take a few steps to protect your home and your family. “Securing your home doesn’t necessarily require a costly alarm system,” says Brian Sweet, operations manger at D&D Technologies,… Continue Reading
Just as tasteful, well-chosen jewelry can turn an unexciting outfit into a stylish, eye-catching ensemble, carefully applied hardwood mouldings and trimwork can transform an interior into a more interesting, luxurious space. Here are a few basic categories to help you understand your choices when designing your custom home: Baseboards, which run at the foot of… Continue Reading
New homes increasingly offer the energy-efficient features today’s homebuyers are seeking, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Recent studies by the organization indicate that home builders are more likely to include features like low-E windows, Energy Star-rated appliances and windows and programmable thermostats in new homes this year. “Whether it’s improved insulation… Continue Reading
Severe drought and water restrictions may be making headlines and history, Texas is far from the only region in the U.S. facing a drier summer. With the Environmental Protection Agency reporting that 40 out of 50 state water managers predict shortages in their states within the next 10 years, conserving water is no longer just… Continue Reading
Nothing says summer like neighborhoods coming alive with the sounds of lawn mowers and the smell of fresh-cut grass. But getting the lawn mower out of the shed and running properly can be a struggle early in the season. You turn the key and the riding lawn mower roars to life. Then the engine promptly… Continue Reading
As identity theft claims continue to rise, consumers must take extra precautions to prevent tax fraud when preparing and filing their tax returns, warn the experts at CreditSesame.com. Consider the following tips when filing taxes this year: 1. File Early The best defense is to file early. The sooner you file your taxes, the less… Continue Reading
Smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, GPS device – are you drowning in digital clutter? If so, you’re not alone. Americans spend more than 43 hours per week on a variety of devices, and nearly half (47 percent) have one or more devices they no longer use at all, a survey by Intel discovered. Spring is a great time… Continue Reading
If you’re planning to list your home for sale, curb appeal is a must. The exterior of your home sends an important message about its value, and the first impression can set expectations for both buyers and appraisers. Boost your home’s curb appeal with these tips. 1. Evaluate the Landscape – Curb appeal is about the… Continue Reading
All three credit reporting bureaus – Equifax, TransUnion and Experian – will take part in a plan to minimize errors on credit reports, the Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) reports. The program, dubbed the National Consumer Assistance Plan, will enhance their ability to collect complete and accurate consumer information and will provide consumers more transparency… Continue Reading