You listed your house, you got a contract, the financing is in place - the only thing that remains is the dreaded home inspection. Bill Richardson, president of the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) says, " . . . we're not the bad guys. We're there to just report it like it is and co
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02/23/2010
Last week we talked about getting bank for the buck on your home addition. Today we are going to look at the numbers and see if you are getting bang for the buck on your home remodeling. Our numbers are taken from this month's issue of Remodeling Magazine and their annual "Cost vs. Value" report
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02/23/2010
What are the 10 must have features in new homes? AVID Ratings, acompany that provides surveys and employee training to builders aroundthe country, conducts an annual survey of home buyer preferences. Thecompany found the following 10 features were must have features in new homes: Large kitchens
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02/23/2010
The world of home improvement is vast - covering everything from paint to landscaping to a new light fixture. But how to keep up with all the new products? Unfortunately weekly, if not daily, trips to the local hardware store or even the big box stores is just a dream. 1) I get lost in the maz
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02/23/2010
Although professional home staging is becoming more mainstream, my experience lately is that it is still greatly misunderstood. There seems to be a trend towards what I will call "faux staging via manipulated photos." This week I received a call from a seller asking if I could "Photoshop" a p
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02/23/2010
Home Staging is not just for sellers. Many homeowners are choosing Redesign (home staging for people who aren't selling, but want a new look) to refresh and update their homes. Home stagers transform and update using existing furnishings or they can advise on the purchase of new items. I recent
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02/23/2010
Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundre
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02/23/2010
Caramel Popcorn Recipe Here is a super easy way to make some great caramel popcorn. Pop your favorite popcorn and be sure to pick out any un-popped kernels. In a microwave safe bowl or a small sauce pan-2 quart Melt 1/4 cup butter add 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 T. white corn syrup cook for 1 minute Ad
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02/23/2010
Wondering how to save money in your new home? Tips on What's Worth Upgrading - From a Custom Home Builder Smart home building tips for the Kitchen This questionnaire will help you determine where to spend your money in the kitchen as you build - and what you can do differently, later. 1. Where d
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02/23/2010
Without the proper documentation your IRS 1st Time Buyer tax credit will be delayed. Below are tips on what you need to gather before you make your claim. It is important that you provide the appropriate for your transaction: Settlement Statement: Your closing agent will send you a certified co
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02/23/2010