Lifestyle & Trends - Real Estate

Affordable ways to make your new house feel like home

Even though numbers are down, 35.2 million Americans changed residences in 2008, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are many ways to make your new house feel like home sooner than later. Read More

Luxury vinyl tile provides everyday design with durability

Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable. <br/>So imagine transforming your aging flooring with the look of rich travertine, limestone, concrete, slate or ceramic tiles, but without the cost or frailty of these lavish coverings. Read More

Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green

When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment. Read More

Lead-safe renovation - what homeowners need to know

Because some common remodeling practices can stir up lead paint and prove dangerous to a family's health, it's important for you to learn about a contractor's lead-safe practices before delving into such projects. <br/> Read More

Maximize rental profits by balancing corporate and vacation tenants

Landlords don't have to choose between marketing their property as a vacation or corporate rental. Rather, landlords of furnished properties can service both markets and capitalize on seasonal and economic trends. Read More

Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades

Living on a budget is the norm, rather than the exception, in the current economy. Whether you're trying to entice potential homebuyers or just want to give your living space a quick spruce up, here are a few tips for making a big impact in the look of your home without breaking the bank. Read More

Ten ways to improve your home's curb appeal

If you think having great curb appeal is only important if you're trying to sell your home, think again. Your house is one of your biggest investments and making a great first impression will leave everyone - not just potential buyers - wanting to see what's inside. With 10 simple improvements, you can easily transform your home into the best looking house on the block. Read More

The new ways thieves are getting into homes: What you should know now

The idea of someone breaking into your home and stealing your possessions, or worse, threatening your family, is a terrifying notion. Unfortunately, over the years, criminals expand their repertoires of techniques to get inside homes. The good news is you can make your home more secure. Thieves are clever, but, armed with the right knowledge; you can be smarter than they are. Read More

Technology makes house-hunting easier than ever

It's no secret that recent economic troubles have caused something of a "buyer's market" when it comes to real estate in the U.S. With more than 27,000,000 homes for sale as of May 2010, house hunting can be an overwhelming proposition. Read More

Weighing the costs of walking away from an upside-down mortgage

Owing more on your mortgage than your house is worth may seem like a bad investment. But the alternative - choosing to default on your mortgage even if you can afford the monthly payments - will take a significant toll on your credit rating. Read More