Outdoor Appliance Guide: Gas Grills With models priced from $29 to $5,000 and up, outdoor gas grills offer convenience and ease-of-use to fit any budget. Grills priced between $350 and $600 will be large enough to handle food for 15 to 18 people. Image: Weber-Stephen Products Co.   There may be no home cooking appliance with a wider price range than the outdoor gas grill. With models starting as low as $29 and climbing to $5,000 and higher, it is an understatement to say there's is a model for every budget. When shopping for a gas grill, the motto "You get what you pay for" is especially fitting, explains Dan Marguerite, owner of Backyard Barbecue Store in Wilmette, Ill. Basement models, he says, offer poor performance, are cheaply constructed, and often fail to survive two summers.   C... 05/21/2010

Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Realtors® Help Counsel Distressed Sellers Through Short Sale Process.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Despite guidelines from the federal government to streamline short sales and improved fraud prevention, home sellers experiencing financial distress continue to be discouraged with the often confusing short sale process. Realtors® at today's "Short Sale Seller Advisory: Professional Development Forum" at the Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo today learned how to better educate and advise ... 05/19/2010

Is an Active Greywater System for You?  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Active greywater systems cut household water use, but cost and health codes are obstacles for prospective users. This toilet uses an active greywater system--after each flush, fresh water is sent through the faucet for hand washing, then drains into the tank to be used for the next flush. Image: Caroma Is an Active Greywater System for You?  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.  Every day, the average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water for things like washing dishes and clothes, bathing, brushing their teeth, an... 05/18/2010

Feng Shui Staging Tips for Selling Your Home in Burnt Hills NY Sell Your Home in Burnt Hills NY     Feng Shui has thrived in China for decades, however the philosophy has only recently made its debut in the real estate field.   Feng Shui literally translates to "wind water."  This promotes wellbeing by rearranging how chi or energy flows through your home.   The concept has flourished in the United States with frustrated sellers. Today there is no doubt that is is a sellers market.  Selling your home can be a challenge in this market.  However by using simple staging tips learn how to sell your home in a sellers market.  These tips can help make your home more appealing towards buyers.   7 Feng Shui Staging Tips For Selling Your Home   1.  Improve your home's energy.  Energy begins at y... 05/18/2010

Is the Cost of Flood Insurance Worth It?  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Flooding risks, as well as the value of your home and your possessions, help determine whether the cost of flood insurance is worth it. Homeowners may be required to carry flood insurance if their homes are in high-risk areas, called Special Flood Hazard Areas. Image: Alloy Photography/Veer  Is the Cost of Flood Insurance Worth It?  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Damage caused by driving rain is usually covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Once the precipitation hits the ground, however, all bets may be off.... 05/17/2010

Top 10 Things First Time Home Buyers Should Know Before Buying A Home In Burnt Hills NY Mistakes to Avoid to Make a Smart Purchase Search For Homes For Sale In Burnt Hills NY   As a first time home buyer you may feel overwhelmed by the process.  Owning a home is a large investment that one can make throughout one's lifetime.  Make sure you are prepared before starting the process.     Top Ten List of Things First Time Home Buyers Should Know Before Buying A Home   1.  Before fulfilling the dream of owning a home evaluate your life and finances.  It is true right now is a great time to buy with mortgage rates being at all time low.  However are you ready to make the move.  As a first time home buyer you don't want to face being stuck with a home you are not ready for.  Ask yourself the f... 05/17/2010

8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House .  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks-about $350-you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Learn which materials are best for sealing various-size air leaks around windows, according to home improvement expert Joe Truini. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com. 8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House .  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.  A typical fam... 05/16/2010

Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. Beefing up inadequate insulation is one of the quickest energy-payback projects you can do, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills and increased comfort. Home improvement expert Joe Truini demonstrates the best way to install craft-paper insulation in your attic. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com. Save Money With an Insulation Upgrade.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction.  Even if you live in an older home, there's no ... 05/16/2010

Cleaning and Caring for Siding.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. The annual cleaning and repair of your home's siding will pay off in a long life and increased value. Power washing a house is tricky. If done incorrectly, the water can strip paint, gouge wood, and cause other damage. Image: iStockphoto/Briss  Cleaning and Caring for Siding.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart is a Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY with Stewart Construction. If you'd like to prevent costly home repairs and add to the value of your house, clean your siding. With proper care and a little regular maintenance, your home's exterior could be trouble-free for 50 years and more.... 05/16/2010

It's funny I just did a blog on the importance of having a radon test done and a few days later The Office has a clip on it.   So I thought I would share this.       05/16/2010

Mortgage Rates At All Time Low Buy a Home Now in Burnt Hills NY Search Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills NY   Mortgage Rates have fallen to an all time low in 2010, this is a great incentive to buy a home now in Burnt Hills NY.  According to Bank Rate, national survey of lenders, the benchmark 30 year fixed-rate mortgage rate fell 5 basis points last week. This is an all time low for 2010. Now is the perfect time to buy a home.   Shop For a Mortgage Rate  Current Low Mortgage Rates 30 year fixed 5.07% dropped .05 from last week 15 year fixed 4.45% dropped .04 from last week 5 year ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) 4.27 dropped .04 from last week Now is the time to Buy a Home in Burnt Hills NY     After the stock market plunged nearly 1,000 points on May 6, 2010 mortgage rates also dropped.  30... 05/16/2010

How to Participate in City Planning, County Planning Efforts.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Have a positive impact on your community by getting involved in city and county meetings that affect your area's future development. If you attend a hearing, be as specific as possible about your concerns and how the project might affect you. Image: Eric Audras/Getty Images How to Participate in City Planning, County Planning Efforts.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.  The decisions your local planning commission and zoning board of appeals make have a tremendous impact on the look and feel of your communi... 05/14/2010

Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction  Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.  Check local zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, and covenants before adding a workshop or studio to your property. Your separate structure will likely fall under residential zoning laws, not business, if it's meant for just you, a computer, and the occasional client dropping by. Image: www.DecoratedShed.com  Property Zoning Laws for a Workshop or Studio.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction  Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.  It's not much fun being stuck in a windowless basement or garage to pursue your project passions. Wouldn't it be sweet to have... 05/12/2010

Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Tood Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Specialty appliances for outdoor kitchens are hot items, but be prepared to spend thousands of dollars for the added convenience. Outdoor pizza ovens, which are gaining in popularity, typically cost between $700 and $6,000. Image: Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet  Outdoor Appliance Buying Guide: Specialty Items.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Tood Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. "There is a trend away from simple barbecue islands and to elaborate outdoor kitchens," explains Mitch Slater, president of Danver, a manufacturer of outdoor kitchen cabinetry. "Homeo... 05/12/2010

Fruitwood Acres Homes - Family Friendly Subdivision in Burnt Hills, NY Fruitwood Acres Homes is a quiet and convenient family friendly subdivision in Burnt Hills, NY.  This family friendly subdivision is Located minutes to Route 50 and the Bus Line.     Homes in Fruitwood Acres a Family Friendly Subdivision  Fruitwood Acres homes have a mix of architecture styles which include raised ranches, colonials, and split level homes.  This family friendly subdivision was built in the 1960's.  The lots range from a 1/2 acre.  It is perfect for a first time home buyer.   Because Fruitwood Acres is an older family friendly subdivision, it is a great place to find homes either recently remodeled and are move in ready.  You may also find a home that is affordable to customize.     Search For Homes i... 05/11/2010

Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. It doesn't take much effort to reduce standby power consumption; and you could save the equivalent of a few tanks of gas a year. You might save the equivalent of three or four tanks of gas each year by reducing your home's standby election consumption. Image: Joseph Devenney/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY.  You're already paying a bundle every month to your cable and Internet providers. Why fork over even more money to th... 05/10/2010

Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Qualifying for the $1,500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors depends on two measurements, U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. The National Fenestration Rating Council and Energy Star can tell you how energy efficient windows and doors are. Image: Andersen Understanding Energy Ratings for Windows and Doors.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Just because windows or doors are Energy Star-labeled doesn't mean they're eligible for the maximum $1,500 federal tax credit. And with costs running about $500-$1... 05/10/2010

Home Buyers Guide to Radon for Burnt Hills, NY Home Buyers Radon Levels in NYS  Search Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills    Home Buyers Guide to Radon   One concern a home buyer may have, when buying a home is Radon.  Radon is a radio active gas, in which causes cancer.  You can not physically see it, smell, or taste it.  However as a home buyer you should be concerned.  Any home can have a problem.  This includes new and old homes, well sealed homes, and homes with or without a basement.  The greatest amount of exposure is found in homes. Concerns For A Home Buyer: The Surgeon General recommends home buyers get a radon test in all homes that reside below a third floor.  As radio active gas comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water, then the gas releases into the ... 05/10/2010

Claim Your Residential Energy Tax Credits.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Earn a residential energy tax credit and lower your utility bills at the same time when you improve the energy efficiency of your home. Do you qualify? - You may qualify for a tax credit if: You make an eligible energy upgrade in 2009 or 2010. The project meets IRS energy-efficiency standards. Your credits won't exceed your total tax liability. Energy-efficient improvements to your home, such as adding insulation, can make you eligible for a $1,500 tax credit. Image: Gary Ombler/Getty Images Claim Your Residential Energy Tax Credits.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY. Todd Stewart of Stewart Constructi... 05/09/2010

Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. From energy tax credits to vacation home deductions, check out these tax tips for homeowners looking ahead to 2010 returns. If you believe your real estate assessment is too high, you can always appeal it and possibly save on your property tax bill. Image: Tetra Images/Getty Images  Tax Tips for Homeowners Looking Ahead to 2010 Returns.  New Construction Homes for Sale in Burnt Hills NY.  Todd Stewart of Stewart Construction Custom Home Builder in Burnt Hills NY. Tax planning for homeowners should start well in advance of the April 15 filing deadline each year. If you delay until the last minute, it might ... 05/09/2010