How Much Insurance - This is What You Need - 04/28/12 04:27 PM
You want the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home and its contents are covered by your insurance policy, but it can be difficult to determine how much coverage you need. A recent study found that 70 percent of all homes in America are underinsured and most of those are underinsured by at least 30 percent. If yours is one of those homes, you may be faced with substantial out-of-pocket expenses if disaster ever strikes. To be safe, you should meet with your insurance agent to discuss your policy's coverage limits.
Be aware of all your options when updating … (2 comments)

"A Few Recommendations for Mother's Day wines" I hope someone brings me one! www.AdrienneFrancis.com - 04/23/12 03:46 PM

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Not all moms enjoy a glass of wine, but those who do will appreciate our selection of top 10 Mother's Day wines. We've chosen sparklers, reds, whites and rosés, as well as a few bottles on the sweeter side, including one made with chocolate and one with peach. Bring a bottle as a gift for mom to enjoy later or to share during a meal together.
Gloria Ferrer 2004 Royal Cuvee
SPARKLING
 
Gloria Ferrer 2004 Royal Cuvée Carneros, California
Make your mother feel like a queen with this sparkling wine, whose first vintage was served to … (1 comments)

Home Prices To Rise in 2013 - 04/20/12 12:49 PM
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The relentless decline in home prices is nearing an end and prices should rise for the first time in seven years in 2013, but a possible new wave of foreclosures could threaten the recovery, according a Reuters poll of economists.
The median forecast of 24 economists polled by Reuters was for the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index to end the year unchanged. That was the same finding back in January for this house price gauge, which covers 20 cities.
"We are expecting a gradual improvement, but if we get a big wave of new foreclosures coming to … (1 comments)

Moving Made Simple: Tips to Help You Relocate - 04/16/12 02:18 PM
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It's the least favorite thing for many sellers, packing up their homes and relocating to a new home or even a new state.
Most people associate moving with stress but it doesn't have to take the thrill of moving into a new home away. Preparation and careful planning can not only ward off the stress but also save you money.
Here are some quick tips to help you move out of your old home and into your new one with ease and comfort.
Get organized. Moves are often a chaotic mess. Very often the sale goes through and sellers scramble … (1 comments)

Want to know the square footage of your home? Here is how to do it. - 04/13/12 12:35 PM
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Q: I'm thinking of putting my home on the market and need to know its square footage. How do I calculate my home's square footage?
A: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) offers these suggestions for measuring your home's square footage:
Always start by measuring the outside of the house. Begin measuring from any corner and work your way around the house. Move counter-clockwise so the numbers on your tape will be right-side-up. Measure from the exterior face of the walls. Include any features that are on the same level as the floor, such as chimneys and bay windows. … (0 comments)

Spring home maintenance checklist - 04/09/12 02:53 PM

Illustration by Bryon Thompson SOURCE
1.) Hazardous deck
Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, call a pro to investigate.
Rid your deck of moss and mold. Pressure washers are effective. Remember, if you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking.
CR recommends an electric pressure washer. It’s quieter and easier to store and transport than a gas-powered model (Ratings … (0 comments)

Amazing how Seniors and Young Adults will influence the Housing market. Don't miss this! - 04/06/12 08:12 AM
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Aging baby boomers and their echo boomer children will significantly impact trends in the nation’s housing market over the next 20 years. In a new report released by the Bipartisan Policy Center, “Demographic Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Housing Markets,” researchers at the National Association of Realtors®, The Urban Institute, and the University of Southern California analyze key demographic trends and their likely influence on housing and homeownership in the U.S.
Over the next two decades, the aging baby boomer generation will swell the nation’s senior population by 30 million. That demographic shift will likely help increase the supply of … (0 comments)

Should You Buy That Fixer-Upper? - 04/02/12 02:08 PM

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For people who love old houses — and love to work on them — the notion of buying a fixer-upper can be irresistible. Just think: You can snag a rundown place in a good neighborhood for way below market price, invest some time and money renovating it, and end up with a like-new house that's worth at least twice what you paid for it. Sounds good, right? Often, it is. But buying a fixer-upper can be fraught with peril. So before you take the plunge, make sure you have a realistic idea of what you're getting into.
"If people … (0 comments)