Orson Klender's (oklender) Blog

Make your next bathroom even more comfortable and functional with a few of these features and design tips. Bathrooms were originally designed to be no-frills, functional, hardworking rooms. But today's endless design layouts and fixture choices provide us with the opportunity to create a space t...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "If you don't understand the details of your business, you are going to fail." --Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... It was certainly important to understand the details of last week's Existing Home Sales report. The headline numbers s...

Real estate experts with Trulia, CoreLogic, Altos Research, realtor.com and RealtyTrac tell Forbes’ Morgan Brennan where they think markets are headed in the second half of 2013. Expect continued strength in home prices, they say, but be ready for increased inventory and higher mortgage rates to ...

Bunk up and get the s'mores supplies ready for some old-school lake camp weekending! I like lake houses that remind me of summer camp – just replace the trumpet wake-up call with the smell of bacon frying, substitute a TempurPedic mattress for the cot and swap in some sangria in lieu of the bug j...

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way. Remodeling or building a new home is a big financial and emotional investment. It can also be a big investment of your time if you want to be closely involved in the decision-making. ...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "If you fell down yesterday, stand up today." --H.G. Wells, British author INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... There was a bit of falling down in the home building market last week, as June Housing Starts and Building Permits registered disappointing declines. Housing Starts d...

By Karen Blumenthal | The Wall Street Journal.com – Thu, Jul 18, 2013 3:36 PM EDT The housing market is getting hot—and that is changing the game for both home buyers and sellers. In many cities, including those hard hit by the downturn, bidding wars are breaking out and winning offers often exc...

Whether you love an inspiring backyard retreat or just need a spot to stow a hoe, these great outdoor sheds have some ideas for you! As we reach the height of summer gardening season, you may be craving a better space for your tools and pots than that cluttered corner in the garage. Or perhaps y...

From the banal to the downright bizarre, these uncovered artifacts may get you wondering what may be hidden in your own home. Old liquor bottles, a crazy clown head, racy photographs, classic baseball cards and, yes, even human skeletons. Houzz homeowners have found all sorts of kooky — and valua...

Insulation offers one of the best paybacks on your investment in your house. Here are some types to discuss with your contractor. Thanks to rising energy costs, insulation has become a critical component of all new construction and remodeling projects. In the past, insulation could be poorly inst...