Posts from April 2015
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 16 Posts
- 2025 | 77 Posts
- 2024 | 85 Posts
- 2023 | 73 Posts
- 2022 | 72 Posts
- 2020 | 44 Posts
- 2019 | 27 Posts
- 2018 | 20 Posts
- 2017 | 29 Posts
- 2016 | 85 Posts
- 2015 | 85 Posts
- 2014 | 117 Posts
- 2013 | 50 Posts
- 2012 | 32 Posts
- 2011 | 35 Posts
- 2010 | 16 Posts
30
What to Expect During the Closing Process
- Read everything: Ask your lender and attorney for the documents prior to the closing. It's important to have the documents beforehand so you can make sure everything is correct. Not reading your documents before the closing can hurt you because there may be a typo or two, which can set back the entire process. Doub...
29
14 Trends in Kitchen and Bath Design
As the housing recovery continues, kitchens and bathrooms remain the most popular areas for investment by homeowners, according to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Kitchens, in particular, remain the center of operations within the home, with energy-efficiency, water conversation and healthy home materials topping the list of homeowner must-haves.
"The major point of emphasis in kitchen design nowadays revolves less around actual cooking activities," says Kermit Baker, AIA chief economist. "Rather, homeowners are looking for kitchens that are gathering spots for family and entertaining, as well as serving as a hub for electronic devices and recharging stations.
"Another important trend we see appearing more, not only in kitchens but the entire project, is specify...
27
7 Home Improvements Worth the Splurge
Homeowners must consider several factors when planning an exterior home remodel – and curb appeal tops the list, according to a recent CertainTeed survey. When asked which factor was most important to an exterior remodel, 39 percent of respondents cited curb appeal, followed by 26 percent naming return on investment and 21 percent indicating outdoor living and lifestyle considerations.
"In home design, there is an increased interest in individualization and creativity – true for both interior and exterior design," says Mike Loughery, CertainTeed. "We've found that homeowners want healthy, energy-efficient homes that offer complete comfort and curb appeal, but don't always know the best way to start."
Here, CertainTeed names the best home investments that can help meet curb appeal, return on investm...
24
Homebuyers: Identifying Costly Repairs
(BPT) - When you're about to buy a house, it's easy to get excited about its great location, spacious floor plan or beautifully decorated interior. Before signing on the dotted line, use this checklist to help avoid some potentially costly surprises and anticipate repairs or upgrades that may be needed.
Roof - Ask when the current roof was installed. Is it the original roof, or has it been replaced, repaired, or covered over with new shingles in certain spots? Are there known leaks, and if so, where are they? Have any of the leaks caused damage to the attic or interior? Also look at the chimney to see if it's properly sealed around the edges and whether the gutters need repair.
Windows and Doors – Next, take a look at the windows to see if there is any condensation...
21
What Every Homebuyer Should Know about Termites
(BPT) - It's a cruel coincidence that spring homebuying season corresponds with another far less pleasant one - termite swarming season. When eager homebuyers emerge from winter hibernation to look for their dream homes, termites emerge, too, say the experts at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
If you'll be buying or selling a home this spring, the NPMA offers some valuable termite information:
- The average homebuyer and homeowner might have difficulty spotting the evidence of a termite infestation. Termites chew through wood, flooring and other materials behind-the-scenes, so it can take years before the signs of an infestation are visible to the untrained eye. An inspection by a licensed pest professional is the best way to detect an infestation of wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) - es...